A Few More Details

It has been five days now since the arrival of precious Carter, but it feels like it has been weeks. He is a wonderful eater and sleeper and has really been no trouble at all. Ashlyn loves him and calls him "mine brother." She likes to hold him as often as possible and give him kisses. My mom has been here helping and she is a life saver! Her and Brad are just wonderful at making sure I get time to rest and shower and eat . . . 

I thought that I would share a few details of the birth for those that are interested. Many of you may know that since the birth of Ashlyn I have wanted to deliver my next baby at home. During this pregnancy I saw a midwife who has delivered hundreds of babies in homes (even breech and twins). A month before my due date, she gave me a box of supplies and a pool to set up at home for the delivery.

On Sunday, September 21 Brad's parents were visiting at our house and I started feeling pains in my back, but I was unsure as to whether they were contractions or not. After about an hour of sporadic back pains, I decided that I was probably in early labor (I think it started at 8pm). I didn't want to call the midwife too soon, especially at night time, so I tried to time my contractions. Unfortunately, they never got very consistent, so when they were getting pretty rough, I decided I should make the call. 

We called the midwife at 11 and she arrived at 11:30. She measured me immediately and said that I was at an 8 or a 9. I was honestly afraid that I was only a 4, so it was such a relief! So, I jumped in the pool that Brad set up, had several very intense contractions, pushed for 12 minutes, and Carter was born in the water at 12:01am!

He was born in the amniotic sac (my midwife said that about 1 in 100 babies are born that way) and I got to hold him immediately. Ashlyn woke up just after he was born and we got to enjoy some time all together while the midwife and her assistant cleaned up. 

It was definitely everything I hoped it would be and probably even better. I think what we loved the most was just being at home afterwards (and not having to sleep in a hospital bed and a fold-out chair). Most of all, we are thankful that there weren't any complications and that Carter is so healthy and happy!

He's here. . .

No Night Night

After two failed attempts to put Ashlyn down for a nap in her bed, I found her asleep on my bedroom floor.

I think this is her way of telling me she'll sleep when she wants to sleep! 

Michael is in the MTC

This morning we took Michael to the MTC! On the way there, we stopped by Grandma Buttle's house, so we could all visit and he could say goodbye. 

The last time we dropped a missionary off at the MTC was over 3 years ago when Bryon was leaving. He left in May and I remember it being much more busy. I guess they don't send as many missionaries out in September.

Introducing . . . Cheney Elder. This was inside, just after he picked up his nametag. 

We love you Michael and we wish you the best these next two years!

Post Wedding

After the wedding, the luncheon was at the Wildings house. It was wonderful being able to sit under the shady trees, but it was also incredibly windy.




We drove back home after packing up and arrived well before midnight. The guys even stayed up to watch a rerun of the BYU football game that had happened earlier that day. I don't think Brad would miss a Cougar game for anything other than a sibling wedding!

Monday morning the boys went over to the church across the street to shoot hoops. I'm glad Brad had some people to play with.


Later that day we went Bowling at BYU. My mom has some pictures from that (and others from the wedding) on her blog. It was wonderful having all the family together and we sure missed them when they took off. I think the trip was a little too short! The next time we will all be together may be when Juston gets home from his mission four years from now!

At the Temple

Here is a good shot of some of the handsome men outside the temple waiting for the bride and groom.


Mason's family


Lorie's family - the sun was in our eyes!


Mason and Lorie wanted a picture with the niece and nephews, but little Henry was asleep. Ashlyn had just been bawling, but Grant was all smiles. He kept on saying "cheese" over and over.


Lorie's beautiful bridesmaids

Pre-wedding Festivities

The night before the wedding, we had a picnic dinner with Mason's immediate family. It was hosted and prepared by the Wildings, who were celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary! Thank you!

Ashlyn and Mason's nephew, Grant, had a table all of their own.


It was fun visiting with Kari and Bryon.


Ashlyn enjoys eating corn.


Ashlyn spent a lot of time on this rocking horse.


After dinner, we gathered in the Wilding basement to share some stories about Lorie and Mason.

Having Family in Town

Last week my family came into town for Lorie and Mason's wedding. Part of them arrived Wednesday night and the rest came on Thursday. Ashlyn was in heaven with all the company (I think she really likes people), and I was enjoying it too.

Here we are just hanging around Thursday morning.

Grandma thought this was a funny picture, because Ashlyn is only a little taller than the chip bag.

Lorie and Mason getting ready to drive to Rexburg with a very full car!

Seeing Lorie and Mason off. I don't know where Ashlyn's pants went.

On Thursday night we had dinner at Kari's parents' house. The food was wonderful and the company was even better!