Gracie 2 months

This baby is a dream! She brings such love into our home. The transition to 5 has been an easy one. Just like the other girls I feel like she has always been part of our family. She nurses great and smiles all the time. Your probably thinking, sounds perfect, but she is and as a mom to 5 now I'm allowed to brag! Gracie loves all of us, but I would have to say Ashelyn and her seem to really connect and of course she loves her mama! We call her Miss Miss or Missy. She couldn't be a Larsen without a nickname(; Being born right after school starts we have a lot of colds come through, and she has gotten sick, but nothing terrible and she's been a trooper. She sleeps through the night most nights starting at about 2 1/2 months and loves be anywhere we are. She weighs about 15 pounds and wears size 6-12 months! I love my sweet chunky girl!

Gracelyns Birth

 

After 41 weeks of anticipation my sweet little Gracie was born peacefully in my arms. I went to bed around 10pm on Tuesday September 18th listening to "Come Out Baby" Hypnobabies track. I woke up at 1:38 am feeling a few pressure waves, but nothing strong. They were continuing to come even while laying down, so I thought I would get up and go to the bathroom. While I was in there I noticed a little fluid come out. I didnt take it too seriously, but I did put a pad on just in case. I woke Jake up to go downstairs to get me water. We both went back to sleep thinking it was just another false alarm. I put on Hypnobabies peaceful sleep track hoping to sleep through my "practice pressure waves". After only about 10 minutes I woke up at 2:01am feeling pressure, so I woke Jake up to time them. Within 1 minute I got another one, but this time I heard and felt POP! My water broke and the pressure wave became VERY strong! I knew it was time. I immediately told Jake call Sheridan, call Lindsay. I knew the baby was coming quick. I went to the bathroom and started transformation. I had Jake bring me my iphone so I could turn on Hypnobabies. My birthing time was intense but completely comfortable as I stayed in hypnosis. I listened to my birthing day affirmations while I sat on the toilet and waited for the birth tub to be filled. Sheridan arrived, said a quick hello and went to help Jake. Inside I was thinking, hey Im the one that needs you, but I knew I couldn't come out of hypnosis at this point. When I saw Sheridan again I asked to get in the tub. She said, its hot and half filled. I got up and got in. The water felt fabulous and I was in the zone. I was with my eyes closed and head leaning on the side of the birth tub. The next thing I knew I felt the babies head moving FAST down my birth canal. Like a bowling ball being returned down the lane. I started feeling pushy, so I quietly started gently pushing and praying. Sheridan and Jake didn't know I was so far along. Jake even offered to go down stairs to get Sheridan some water. When I heard this, I came out of hypnosis and said, "no don't go, the baby is coming!" So he picked up the video camera. As I pushed I knew the babies head was big, so I started gently moving my perineum out of the way so she could fit. I gently pushed a few more times and her head was born and then less than a 1 minute later her body followed. I picked her up out of the water and was instantly in love! She was born 40 minutes after my water broke at 2:40, 1 hour from being awaken from what I thought were practice waves! My midwife Lindsay and her assistant Courtney (both journey school moms) walked in right when Gracie cried her first cry. I felt amazing afterwards. I got up with my babe, after birthing my humongous placenta and got into my bed and nursed her. I then took a shower and then cuddled up  with my hubby and our 10 pound 1ounce baby. After some quiet time with just the three of us, Gracies sisters woke up and came in to meet their new sister. They were more than thrilled to find out that mommy's baby was another GIRL!

 This was my perfect birth. All my preparation, birth education and patience paid off. This birth was one of the most spiritual moments of my life!

First days of school

Maddie 2nd and Brookelyn 1st grade
Ashelyn and Irelyn- joy preschool

This is Irelyns first time going to school and she loved it. She kept saying, today is my first time going to school! And I kept on saying, this is my first time with no kids home!!

Idyllwild

Jake planned a little get a way for us in Idyllwild. Idyllwild is a small little mountain town just an hour and a half away. He booked a bed a breakfast, arranged for my sister to come stay with the kids, and even scheduled me a pre-natal massage. He went above and beyond for our anniversary/my birthday present. Being 8 months pregnant, I welcomed the slow pace, peace and relaxation. We really needed this time just us before we welcome baby #5!

Here I am nice and round in front of a famous rock climbing spot. Devils landslide I think the name is.

We had cider and cute robes and a huge jacuzzi tub, that I forgot to get a picture of.  I loved the bed and breakfast feel. It was quaint and very charming.

We walk around Lake Fullmer and the stopped at some tables and had real adult conversation!

We stopped at some look outs. When I look at this picture Im reminded how much I adore this man.

Here we are in front of the Lodge, where we stayed. We played scrabbled, fed the squirrels and birds and sat on the patio at night and looked at the beautiful sky full of stars. We both enjoyed all the huge shooting stars.

On our last day.

In front of the Idyllwild monument.

We had a  great time and really enjoyed the food, nature, and time together.  I love my sweet husband. Vacations like this remind me how full my heart is to have such a great husband. Im truly blessed to spend forever with him! Happy 9 year anniversary and Happy Birthday to me!  

Pioneer day

Our stake had pioneer day last Saturday. The kids enjoyed the trek around the park, water balloon toss, live music, three legged race and lots of food. It was fun to have Jess and Christian with us also. Brookee summed it by saying, " I can't wait to next years Pioneer day!". I am so grateful for all those brave pioneers who sacrificed so much so that we can enjoy the blessings of the gospel. I feel truly blessed to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Yes it's true...

I am a cat lover! I have never owned a cat before. I always thought they were hairy, stinky, unfriendly pets, but not my Bella. She is the best! She cuddles, doesn't stink, she's patient with the kids, and loves to play fetch with her feather stick. What more can you ask for?? Oh and she is so easy to take of. By far the easiest pet I have ever owned! Who would of thought this dog lover would have ever had a change of heart? Not me!

Summer!

This has been an exciting summer week!
Monday: swimming
Tuesday: dollar movie and big play date after at Shaylyns
Wednesday: Capo beach for Wendy's birthday
Thursday: beach club with Heidi and her four cute boys
And Friday- dance class and relax!

I also taught my first private Hypnobabies class! Then tomorrow Jess and Christian come to watch the girls while Jake and I head to a bed and breakfast in the mountains for a few days. I am sure taking full advantage of the baby still being inside of me, because once he/she is out, it's baby time!

My tan girls

These two have had good times and hard times, but have since become really sweet sisters. They even want to sleep in the same bed and dress a like sometimes. Being the middle child is not easy unless you do it together!

July

 Boopy loves to hug the baby. She says things like, "I hope the baby likes meat, because meat is yum-my!" Yes she calls the baby a she. She wants a baby sister so bad. Only a few more weeks to see if her wish is granted. I love those big brown eyes and bathing suit tan lines!

Not the best picture, but I wanted to get some belly photos in before the baby is out. This is me reluctantly buying a maternity bathing suit with only a few weeks left. We have been living at the pool, beach and beach club this summer, so I had to get something that would fit me.

As I am in the third trimester I am starting to feel the aches, exhaustion again and having to go to the bathroom all night, but luckily I have a super supportive husband that helps relieve me whenever he can. He got up early this morning cleaned downstairs, made breakfast and DINNER! He made veggie enchiladas and put them in the fridge for me to warm up come time. The girls and I are so incredibly blessed to have him. Here he is looking for crabs for the girls at Salt Creek beach.

Here are my tree climbing monkeys enjoying our incredible beaches and weather. Doesn't get much better than this.

We Love America!

Fourth of July was spent at our ward water party, swimming, BBQing and fireworks with friends. The next morning we didn't wake up until 9:45am! When I woke up I found Maddie quietly building the American flag with legos. Fun day!

Nails

The girls have been begging for fake nails like Kimmy, so they did some extra chores to earn them. Maddie and Brookelyn immediately started acting older and pretending their rooms were their apartments. The little girls were pretending to be animals with claws. I Love these girls!

30 weeks pregnant

This pregnancy has been a great experience for all of us. The girls are older and can really understand the process. Maddie rubs my sore feet while Ashelyn asks questions about Hypnobabies. Brookelyn sings to the baby while Boopy constantly says," I love you, I hope your a girl". Although I spent a lot of days sick and exhausted, I wouldn't change it for a second. I can't wait to welcome another spirit into this family. Boy, girl, it really doesn't matter. I know that this sweet baby is suppose to come to our family and that's all that matters!

Cousins!

We had Lexie and Kole with us for 3 days and boy did they party! We went to the park, pool, beach for a bonfire and to the beach club! It was a water filled few days! I am exhausted today but it was worth it. The kids love being together! Kole got a little burnt out being with all girls, so yesterday Sheridan brought Bryson to the beach club with her so Kole could have a boy to play with. They all played for 5 hours straight in the water! My girls loved having Lexie around, she's like a big sister to them. Wish they were closer!

1st Day of Summer

I woke up The first day of summer vacation overwhelmed with joy. The joy of no schedule, no school, no carpool and being able to be with my kids all day long! I was so overjoyed I started shouting across the house, "it's summer vacation!!" The girls soon followed in the shouting. Then we packed up and headed for baby beach in Dana Point. We met Wendy and her kids there and bathed in the sunshine and cooled in the ocean water.

My little dancers

These two love dance class! They learned a dance to "Good ship Lollypop" and retained it really well. Living Social really paid off this time! I got a deal from them $20 for 30 classes! Oh how I love little girls in dance. It melts my heart!

The Best Dad EVER

Jake really is the greatest man I have ever known. I know, powerful praise, but in my eyes he is. He not only sacrifices, loves, and teaches his children, he lives what he speaks. He rather be with his family then with anyone else and he is 100 percent committed to the Gospel and to us. No, he's not perfect, but to us he's pretty close. We love and adore him. With school being out, the girls are so bummed that dad doesn't get a summer vacation too! They miss him all day! He is one lucky guy to have so many adoring girls(: Happy Fathers Day to my handsome husband!

End of the year whipped cream fight

The Kanes in our ward started this last day of school tradition and boy has it grew! There were close to 30
kids that participated. My girls think it's the coolest thing ever! We then jumped in the pool and swam for hours. Ashelyn was a little nervous to dive into the fight, but I did find her picking up bottles of whipped cream and squeezing it into her mouth! Irelyn felt safer watching from the playground. So fun!

Irelyns 1st hair cut

Boopy really needed a professional cut since Ashelyn chopped it to the scalp last year. So we gave her a little a-line. It turned out sooo cute! We love it! She's so funny about too. If I roll down the windows in the car she will yell, roll up the windows my haircut is blowing away! Man she cracks me up! Oh I can't help but mention that turning three matured her too much! No binky, no diapers at all, swimming with her floaties all over the pool, and coloring like a big girl are just the latest.

End of the year performance

Maddie performed at the reverse rose ceremony a pretty song for the graduating 8th graders. She was super shy giving her rose to the cute 8th grade boy. She is definitely growing up!

Fathers day

Brookelyn did a fathers day performance at school today that melted ours hearts. The joys of parenthood are such a blessing.