Abe's first growth charts

Big Sister Love!

Halle is quite the little helper around the house today

and she really LOVES to help with Abel.

Whenever mom is done feeding Abe... Halle is right there to help with burping and then wants to hold him.

She has been quite cute with him.

and she is sure loving a binkie now.  

This picture is deceiving... but Halle really likes to put the binkie in her own mouth instead of Abe's.

Abel.... Your sister loves you!

 Thank you Abe for coming in to our family.  I am excited to be your mom.  You have already taught me perseverance and patience and unconditional love. I am excited to teach you, love you, and learn from you.  

Big Sis come to visit

Halle came to visit Abel this morning.  She was not keen on the situation at first.  I was still hooked up to different things, so she was not interested at all to see mommy.  But she eventually wanted to see the "baby." She looked at him a little bit and then just wanted to play.

Here is Halle playing hide and seek in the room... She was quite entertained doing this.  Halle left with Grammie and Grandpa and we all decided that maybe she would warm up after her nap.  She came back with a whole different attitude towards Abe.

Here she is... Lovin up on her little brother!

And here we are our first official family of four photo...

Halle's face is priceless. 

 Here is our growing little family.  So grateful to be a mom to these two cute kiddos!

Abel's Birth Story

As told in previous entries... It all started on Christmas Eve night.  During dinner I was having contractions that were 5-7 minutes apart.  These continued throughout the rest of the evening and all through the night.  They never got any closer.  Always 5-7 minutes.  I called the birth center a couple different times and they said to come in and be checked.  Alan and I did just that.  We went in at around 5:00am to be checked.  I had progressed from the last time that I was checked.  I was at a 4-5 and 80% effaced.  They told me to start walking and see if anything else happens.  After two hours there was no change.  We were sent home.  Once we got home I was having contractions that were ranging from 7-13 minutes apart.  These continued to happen the rest of the day.  They were still quite intense and painful.  I took a couple different showers, bounced on the exercise ball, watched movies and tried to relax.  The contractions continued the entire day.  Some hours the contractions would be 4-5 minutes apart and then they would go back to 7-13 minutes apart.  It was quite frustrating.  I decided to sleep on the couch because I was not at all comfortable lying down.  I sat on the couch watching "How the Grinch stole Christmas" and my contractions grew to some real unbearable pain.  They were starting to be one after another.  I decided to wake Alan up, call my parents over, and head to the hospital.  When we got here they checked and I was at 6-7 with 90% effacement.  They admitted me.  When they starting tracking my contractions they were happening every 1-2 minutes and I was in A LOT OF PAIN and could not get any relief.  They finally were able to call in the anesthesiologist and he came about 45 minutes later... I was quite HAPPY to see him.  I was able to get relief and "rest."  I never really ever fell asleep but was able to relax and watch some great late night TV.  Alan slept the whole entire time.  We did have a couple scary parts of the labor process.  Little Abe's heart rate dropped a couple different times through out the process.  Once I was able to get on oxygen things seemed to get better for him, but I personally know that it was because of the prayers that I was offering during this time.  The other time was when my blood pressure dropped real low.  All the sudden I was not feeling good, got real nauseated, starting not being able to hear, and everything was quite blurry.  The nurse was trying to talk to me and I was yelling at Alan to wake up.  Alan woke up and said "who keeps texting us???" (note to everyone... if you want great one liners wake Alan up from deep sleep and you are bound to get a great laugh).  Alan woke up and came over to try to talk to me to keep me awake.  They gave me meds and my pressure was able to come back up... but then poor little Abe got quite affected from it.  After about 15 more mins Abe was checking out good as well as myself.  They finally broke my water because I had been at an 8 for 2 hours and then 25 minutes later I was ready to push.  At this point I was able to feel the pressure and I think that really helped with pushing.  I started to push around 7:00am and sweet Abel was born into this world at 7:30am.  It was a long road... but totally worth it when you see that sweet, innocent baby.

He is here and we are beyond happy to have him here in our eternal family.  This sweet baby is the best Christmas present that I could have asked for this year...  Thank you Heavenly Father for the safe arrival of one of your blessed children.  We will do anything and everything we can to raise him to stay on the straight and narrow path to return and live with you once again.  Thank you again... WE LOVE HIM!!!

Halle is smitten by him too!!!

Happy Birthday Abel!

Abel Edwin Blake

Born on Wednesday, December 26th, 2012

at 7:30am

weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces

height of 20 1/2 inches long

He is perfect... and we love him!

2012 Christmas

Which of the following plans did the Blake's end up doing this Christmas???

Christmas Plans #1:  The day was supposed to be spent over in Austin with Alan's family.  We were going to enjoy appetizers, dirty bingo, and fun times with the family.  The whole family was going to be around and it was going to be too much fun to be with everyone.

Christmas Plans #2: Spend the day at the hospital and get ourselves a new baby.

Christmas Plans #3: Spend the day at home... in a lot of pain... Send Halle and Alan over to Austin to actually enjoy the holiday.

Christmas plans #3 was the winner!!!! I was totally hoping that #1 was going to be the way we celebrated the holiday... but that did not happen.  I actually went in to the hospital Christmas morning with contractions happening every 5 minutes.  I totally thought that we were going to have a Christmas baby... but that was not in the cards.  We were sent home.  Once we got home I went and "took" a nap and continued to have good contractions all day long.  I decided to send Alan and Halle over to Austin to enjoy the day with his family.  My contractions were not moving closer together and if I needed him to get home he was only 45 minutes away.  And Halle was acting weird towards me because of the pain that I was in.  So I thought it would be better on everyone to just be at home and send Alan and Halle away.  These are some of the pictures that Alan took while over in Austin.  Halle was able to play with her cousins, open presents, and enjoy her time with family.  Alan was able to enjoy yummy appetizers, dirty bingo, and time with his family.  They made it back to Rochester around dinner time.

I spent the majority of the day in a lot of pain, hanging out with my parents, and watching movies.  Once Alan and Halle got home we had some dinner, chicken and broccoli soup, and enjoyed the last night as a family of 3.  It was a memorable Christmas.

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve with my parents this year.  Halle had a great time opening up her presents from Grammie and Grandpa.  Some things that she got were: little people toys, an outfit, PJs, a baby stroller, books, and gummies.  She had a great time playing with her new toys and Buzz.  We were able to enjoy just together time, dinner time, and a great dessert.  My mom spoiled us with a cheesecake that I found on pinterest.  I told her what is was and then she came up with a great recipe that was TO DIE FOR!!!! favorite Christmas dessert EVER!!!

It was a great Christmas Eve... Thank you mom and dad for making it memorable!
and then after we got home... I starting having some great contractions!!! Abel was on his way... but who thought that it would take him another full day to get here... Not this mom.

19 months old

Sweet Halle is 19 months old. 

Here are some things that she has been up to this past month.

Follows directions better
Has had a cold FOREVER!!!! I am starting to hate boogers!

trying more and more table food

running around

loves play time with dad

loves elmo's world still

starting to like more movies

still HATES riding in the car

saying more things... kind of

still loves bath time

loves jumping

loves rocking on all the different couches

loves climbing up on things

takes one nap a day

has been loving stuffed animals

LOVES dum dum suckers
Loves reading books
really enjoys animals... and the elephant is her favorite

Halle... you continue to amaze us each and everyday.

stocking fun!

Alan and I decided to exchange stockings this year for Christmas.  We dropped off Halle at my parents and then went to on a little lunch date followed by a shopping experience at Target.  We had a great time picking out stuff for each other.  Here are the only pictures that I got of us opening up the presents.

This is what Alan did while I put out his presents in front of him.

Some of the items in Alan's stocking was: peach rings, chocolate kisses, beef jerkey, socks, thermal underwear, VOTE FOR PEDRO t-shirt and shaving cream.

Alan did not follow the rules when buying for Christmas and got me an HD nook tablet.  But then we found out that my parents had bought us a kindle fire HD.  So we ended up taking back the nook and are now awaiting the arrival of the kindle!

Blake Family all together!

Something that does not happen all the time... The whole Blake family was together and we needed to make sure to have family pictures.  I think they turned out great!  It was so nice to be able to be together as a family over the holiday break.  So grateful that we have family close and that we have a close relationship with our families.  It is the best blessing in the whole entire world.

Halle has been loving her the fact that Daddy put her swing in the basement.  Halle can be entertained for a while in this beauty!  Yeah for swing time!!!!

With Abel's due date fast approaching many things have racing through my head.

Will I be able to endure labor?
Will I be able to endure delivery?
Will I be able to nurse?
Will I be able to handle two children?
Will I be able to handle two children and also a full time job and also being a wife?
Will I be able to hug Halle before we go and be okay with knowing that she will no longer be our only child?
Will I be able to endure these last two weeks (hopefully only a couple days) of feeling tired, sick, and ready to have him?

The above is just a short list of the things that I am feeling a little anxious about... but most of all I am most anxious to meet Abel.  I am most anxious to know that he is okay.  I am most anxious to see his sweet little features.  I am most anxious to see what he looks like.  I am most anxious to hold him and cuddle with him.

And even though I have all these different thoughts and anxieties... I do know that it will be okay.  The reason I know this is because Heavenly Father has given me a very clear answer many different times when I have conversed with him about my thoughts and anxieties.  He knows me, and he knows what I can handle.  He has assured me that.. yes it will be hard... but yes I can do it.  I am grateful to know that I do have a Heavenly Father who knows all and who can comfort me when I am scared, anxious, and my mind is racing.  I appreciate my relationship with him.

A Letter to Abel

Dear Abel Edwin...

Your birthday is fast approaching... crazy to think that you have been growing in my belly for 9 months.  We are excited to have you come in to our family.  We are excited to have a son.  We are excited to have the opportunity to raise you to be the best man ever.  You have great role models already in your life.  Your great grandpas: who you are named after.  They are strong men in the Gospel.  They have endured a lot throughout their life, but they have stayed faithful and strong in their beliefs and testimonies.  Take their examples and learn from them.  Endure well and Heavenly Father will bless you.  You also have grandpas that you can look up to.  They are also both strong in the Gospel and have unmovable testimonies.  Trust in them, go to them, talk with them, have fun with them.  They are both humble and meek.  They are both hard working individuals.  Remember to always honor and respect them.  Lastly, you have your own father to look up to.  He is an amazing individual, Abel.  He honors the women in his life and specifically your mom.  He loves and cherishes me.  He treats me like a queen.  Follow this example.  Your father loves being a father.  He loves you and Halle to pieces.  He would give his own life for you.  Your father also honors his Priesthood.  He has a testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Look up to him always.  Cherish your relationship with him.  Go to him for advice and he will listen and help you.  Abel... you are coming in to this world soon.  You will be greeted by a big sister.  She is still quite little, but she does love you.  I can already tell.  The whole time that you have been in my belly she loved giving my belly hugs and kisses.  Please always remember to love her and look up to her.  Be friends throughout life.  Be patient.  Be nice to each other and cherish your relationship with each other.  I just want you to know Abel, that I am excited to be your mom.  I am excited to learn from you.  I am excited to teach you.  I am excited to love you.  I want you to know that you are meant to be in our eternal family.  You are meant to come to earth at this time.  Be strong.  Love your family.  Love the Gospel and always be faithful.

I love you more than you know... and can not wait to meet you soon!

Love,
Your mom!

first "real" haircut

Well I took the plunge and took Halle to go and get her hair did.

She was not keen of the situation at all.

She sat on my lap the entire time which equals hair all over me!!! I enjoyed it!

She cried for a good 10 minutes and then got over it.

Then she sat and somewhat enjoyed herself while eating dum dum suckers.

So this is the before....

And this is the after...

She looks stinkin cute!!!!

Such a big girl!

Cousin love!!!

These two were dancing with each other and having a GREAT time!

I told myself all fall long that I was not going to decorate for Christmas.... and when the time came I totally caved.  Growing up my mom always decorated it and it just brought a different and fun spirit for the season.  So Alan helped me get the decorations down and then I took two days and decorated the house before thanksgiving.  It feels so nice to have the glitter of Christmas lights around the house.  Halle loves all the different decorations too.  Her favorite thing is taking off the ornaments and then putting them back on the tree... and I really do not mind just as long as the ornaments get back on the tree.  I am so looking forward to this Christmas and really hope that Christmas day I will be holding a sweet little baby in my arms instead of holding a sweet little baby in my belly.
Time will tell, but for now I am going to start bouncing on a exercise ball throughout the day... I am thinking that it can hurt!

Halle's favorite place lately is up on the island.... I think that she might be a risk taker.

She could spend a good 45 minutes at the phone and playing with all the other stuff on the counter.

I still continue to think that she is going to be trouble.

Our tradition

This is our November Tradition.. I am so looking forward to having the kiddos take part in it.  For now it is still just Al and Me.  It is a great thing to think about something each and every day that you are thankful for.  There is so much to be thankful for and I love hearing the little things that we each put down and then remember by that little thing was something that I was thankful for during the month.  Here are the lists that we found in the box as we went through them for FHE tonight.
Brittney's 2012 list:  Being pregnant, having the ability to be loved and having the ability to love, having a job, sunshine, hot water, days spent together as a family, the Gospel, family that lives close, a Heavenly Father, Strong and healthy bodies, Halle's smile, Halle's giggle, the ability to have patience, a comfy and warm bed, food, Halle, funny moments, sleep, Alan, eternal families, sleep, elmo's world, no school days, service opportunities, my Savior, the ability to provide for ourselves, Target, home, opportunities to serve, being able to stay at home with Halle, the temple and all that is done there, advice from others, the opportunity to vote and the freedoms we enjoy living in the USA, being a mom, friends that I can always count on, and my eternal companion!
Alan's 2012 list: warm/cool/mechanically sound home, American Freedoms, guns, our Savior, safety, employment, forever family, freedom to vote, a good cook, 10 commandments, day time work, cars, a little womby and soon to arrive...wombus, knowledge of the Gospel, cookies, MN, the Book of Mormon, sleep, good neighbors, day time employment, working toilets, American freedoms, creativity, nugget loves, the Atonement,vacation, wife's willingness and desire to be a mom and wife, our children, our testimonies, warm/cool home,meat, wife's ability to sew/craft, family that is close by, friggin good spaghetti, our sweet babies and my wife, guns, toilets, D.M.D (as needed), Eternal companion, close family, and the cabin.

I love tradition and look forward to doing it each year!  We have been greatly blessed and we have our Heavenly Father to thank for all the blessing in our life.  I truly grateful we have the knowledge that Heavenly Father is real and that he knows us and will provide for us.

new trick

Halle loves climbing up on the kitchen chair and then up on the kitchen table and then opening up the computer and watching Elmo's World.  What a gal?!?!  I think that we might be in trouble.

started nursery

Our sweet baby started nursery today.  She is growing up way to quick... Alan had to drop her off because I am pretty sure that I would have been too emotional.  Halle made it for the first hour and then had enough.  Little by little and I am sure that she will love it!