Growing Kids!

Oh my little Eve! She is not a perfect baby, but that little smile just melts my heart like nothing else! She is growing so fast, already in 6/9 month clothes. I have been tougher on her than the other kids. At two months she is already falling asleep/crying herself to sleep alone in her crib. No coddling for baby number 3!
I am beginning to think that I don't know how to diaper a baby. Eve has a blow out every single day. I thought I would solve the problem by going up a diaper size from 2 to 3. Now, instead of pooing up the back, she poos out the legs. They jury is out on which of these is preferable. And I'm not skimping on brands either. Huggies have never let me down in the past!

This may not seem like a note worthy photo but little Isaac grows up so effortlessly it practically breaks my heart. We introduced the big boy bed and he didn't even skip a beat. He has never cried for his crib (which is still set up in his room), never had trouble falling asleep, never even tried to get out of bed! I feel like he has been walking out the door since the day he was born. So independent, and in such a matter of fact way. He takes care of business, no fuss.
Eli is such a sweet little man. Here is is cuddling little Eve and holding in her pacifier. The expression on his face is priceless. He is saying something like, "It's OK baby girl, I'm right here,"

Had to include this photo. Dillon has been working so hard these last few weeks. Here he is grabbing some quality time with the kids watching a movie and having popcorn, except he couldn't keep his eyes open.

Grandma's Jammies

My Mom makes Christmas Pajamas for all thirty something of her Grandkids every year. They get better every time.

Baby Gavin

My sister, Heather, delivered her 5th baby on January 2nd. Gavin is a big boy and adorable. I've heard him described as a sleepy puppy. So cute! This photo was taken when I visited them at the hospital. I think I will always treasure this photo of us with our new babies. With seven years between us, who knew we would have new ones at the same time?

A visit to the job site

We recently had a family day in Seattle. We visited Dillon's job site and went to the zoo. I think Eli preferred the construction machinery and the man-lift (elevator) to the animals. It was COLD but a lot of fun. (Eve is in the office taking a nap on one of the guys Dillon works with - so cute to see that pink bundle in the arms of the tough guys)

Dillon's building is nearly complete!

Dillon has been working day and night lately, as his project is approaching completion. He has been heading up the removal of the huge tower crane in the center of the building. In order to accomplish this they had to set up another giant crane in the street. I think they lifted out the last piece today. What a process! You can see the two cranes in this photo. Isn't his buildng beautiful?

Christmas Traditions and Snow!

On Saturday we went out to the Christmas tree farm, a tradition carried down from my childhood, with most of my side of the family and searched for the perfect tree. Didn't find it but the one we chose was very pretty. And there is my attempt at blogging humor.

Eli and I cut down the tree together.

Eve was bundled up snugly with Dillon.

Eli and Isaac insisted on pulling the wagon themselves. They are a lot stronger then I thought! Later we rode the Santa Train at Point Defiance. A new tradition but one of the best. I've never met a more jolly Santa. Not like those grumpy mall guys! We decorated the tree later that evening and have played Christmas music all weekend. We decorated and ate sugar cookies and sat around a lot too, another great holiday activity.

And today it snowed! Even though we only got a quarter inch, we rushed out to play in it because this could be all we ever get!

Today I asked Eli if he wanted to make a snow angel. He said, "sure," laid down and swept his arms and legs through the icy snow into a perfect angel. I was shocked! How did he know how to do that? I didn't teach him, he doesn't go to school yet, it wasn't in any book I had read. Must be the power of television. Was it the Backyardigans? Wubzy? a commercial? I guess I'll never know. Though I do feel a little robbed of sharing that magical discovery of angelic body prints, I am grateful that I didn't actually have to lay down in the snow myself. At some point in adulthood, it just becomes more fun to watch. Adult sized snow angels just don't hold the same wonder. And of course, I served hot chocolate after we came in. A tradition I couldn't avoid if I wanted too. I drink it as often as possible anyway.

Eve meets her brothers!

Eli and Isaac got to meet their baby sister the day after she was born. They visited us at The Birthing Inn with Dillon's parents and it was sweet to see them warm up so quickly. Eli especially wanted to cuddle and hold her right away. In fact it was quite awhile before he would let his grandparents have a turn. Isaac seemed determined to point out her cute little nose. He kept touching the tip of it and saying "nose," as well as the occasional eye jab and "eye." Gotta encourage his ever expanding vacabulary.

Just thought this little photo was darling. It shows off her cute little face and how different she looks from her brothers while at the same sharing basic features, if thats possible.

Eve Arabella Rose Eugenio

Our cute little turkey was born on Thanksgiving at 9:00pm on the dot. She weighs 9lbs 2 ozs, (and I thought she was going to be tiny), is 21 inches long, and was hungry the minute she was born. I am holding her now and she is looking around peacefully at her new world. She is very awake and aware and I think she looks just about perfect.

We have named her Eve for the mother of all living, probably the best example there is of a person who chose the harder path because she knew it was the better path. Arabella means "answer to a prayer" or "proud lion." It comes from the family tree on my Grandma Hallmeyer's side. She was born to a prominent family, the Dawsons, in Ireland in about 1694. Her family was the steward of a city that was later named after them: Castledawson, Ireland. We will have to make a trip over there someday and see what has happened to the ruins of their castle. And finally, Rose is for Dillon's Grandma who lives in Hawaii. A lighthearted storyteller who draws a crowd with the twinkle in her eye. We hope that Eve will come to understand the origins of her names and be inspired by them as she lives her life.

Amazingly, I labored all day without any intense pain. I wanted my water to break on its own and let things progress naturally. However, even though I was dilated to a nine for hours and took a caster oil shake and tried every other natural method of progressing labor, I couldn't get any strong contractions to bring baby down. When I finally worked up the courage, around 8:30, I had the midwife break my water. Things progressed even more quickly then I thought they would. I was ready to push within seconds. I quickly got into the giant tub at the birthing center and Eve was born a few minutes later under water and face up (which is one of the hardest ways to birth a baby, I am told). I caught her myself, lifted her up and held her. She looked wonderful and gave a good cry right away. It was beautiful.

Dillon's only complaint was that he had remembered everything I needed and brought nothing for himself. No food, no clothes, no toothbrush, no nothing. He had a pepperoni stick and dintymoore stew from the gas station for his Thanksgiving dinner. Really, though, he loved the experience, and can't stop talking about how amazing it all was. I'll let him post the next one and tell you about his perspective.

A Heart for Mia

My brother John and his wonderful wife Mimi have just received the most wonderful news. After four months of waiting, a wonderful couple has made the choice the give in their time of grief. Mia has a heart on the way and will be in surgery early this morning. I am so excited I don't know if I can sleep. Mia has a long struggle yet ahead of her as she recovers from surgery and her body works to grow healthy and strong. There is still a great need for the family whose insurance will come nowhere near covering all of the costs that are a part of her condition and treatment. Please visit the link the the help baby Mia website on the left, learn all about her incerdible journey and donate to her cause. Just a dollar or two would make a difference! Keep her in your prayers tonight and in the coming weeks! You can also see my brother's blog at mcdonaldfam.blogspot.com.

Three weeks to go!

I decided to get a few pregnancy shots this time around and I definitely don't regret it. I was a bit surprised at how my tummy resembles a perfectly round, white beach ball but who can deny what a miracle pregnancy is? I can hardly believe my body is capable of it all! I am looking forward to meeting my little girl and the entire experience of giving birth. I have transferred my care from OB/GYN to midwife and have felt a sense if peace ever since. It is an entirely different experience. I actually have a relationship with my midwife! I know this topic can be controversial and I know that midwives aren't for everyone but I encourage all expecting moms to look into the option. Maybe even watch the documentary The Business of Being Born. Dillon was really aprehensive at first and watching that film answered a lot of questions for him.
Anyway, baby girl looks like she might not be as big as her brothers were at birth, which I am happy about. she moves around A LOT. I'm talking complete turns and flips. I'll feel her little back in one spot and then a moment later its little knees and feet. I am feeling good, only extrememly tired, as has been my most prevenant symptom this entire pregnancy. A little heartburn and some practice contractions are pretty easy to deal with when the end is in sight.
Eli has packed baby girls bag for when I go to deliver her at the Birthing Center in Tacoma. In fact, I had to hide it because he kept unpacking and repacking it enthusiastically. I currently have about twelve baby hats, seven pairs of socks, five blankets, several matchbox cars, and diapers of several sizes all in a jumbled heap. I'm just glad he is excited and wanting to help. Isaac doesn't have a clue that he is about to get bumped for his baby status and hopefully it will go well with him. I do, however, call eveyone in the family "baby," including Dillon, so maybe it won't be such a big deal at all.

Tagged!

I was tagged by a friend recently and since I have not posted in ages I thought I would participate. For those of you reading this, you are now tagged as well. What you have to do is go to your "My Pictures" file and select the fourth folder and post the fourth picture in that folder.

This picture if from the 07 Conway McDonald camp out. We performed a family play, Robin Hood. This is Maid Marian and Clucky (from the cartoon) played by my sisters in law Mimi and Shanna.

Thanks to all of you who voted on the names, we are still very undecided. I'll have to put some new ones on there soon. And thanks to everyone who came to my shower Friday!

A Daughter After All!

That's right folks, it's a beautiful little girl. This photo is terrible because its a picture of a picture but she has a cute little pointy nose and chin. Some of you may know that this pregnancy has been a lot more stressful for me than my others but seeing that little baby on the ultrasound has me filled with love and reminds me that it is all so worth it. What work is there that brings such a huge reward?

So despite a few predictions from friends and family that we would have all boys, we get to have a daughter to raise. I already feel protective. I can't wait to meet my little one! I have five more months to go!

Fourth of July!

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I love the good weather, BBQs, America, and all of the things that mean the fourth. But mostly I love fireworks. I feel like a kid again when I get a punk in my hand and a little stack of fireworks to burn. It doesn't matter if they are artillery shells, snakes, or smoke bombs. I love it all.

We spent the actual Fourth at my Dad's house and when it was dark we went out on his boat on Lake Steilacom to watch all the rich people burn their money away. Seriously, some of those people must have spent ten thousand dollars or more on fireworks but it was beautiful, and free to us. With fireworks on every side refelctng on the water it was breathtaking. The best firework show I have ever seen.

The next day we went to my Mom's for the traditional melee that I love. Its a firework free for all. We have a few rules but for the most part its just people running around holding punks in the haze of smoke listening for the regular shouts of "watch out" "back up" or "run away." Even little Eli lit a firework all by himself. Unfortunately the parachute inside ended up on the roof but he was ok with that. Amazingly, Isaac went to sleep at around seven and slept through it all. Here's a shot of him holding a sparkler (maybe next year we will actually light it for him).

Point Defiance

We recently spent the day at Owen Beach in Point Defiance. Grandma Conway came along with my niece Lela in our carpool and my sister in law Shila and her kids Alisha and Asher joined us. We had a picnic on the beach and then just relaxed and watched the kids play for a few hours. It was truly an ideal Saturday. I love being at a beautiful place with people love, and no schedule to keep. The only thing on the agenda was... nothing. The rocks alone were enough to keep the kids entertained. Eli throwing them in the water and Isaac trying to eat them. Isn't that picture of Isaac and Grandma cute! He can be so cuddly. Plus, he loved her sun umbrella.

Send Your Prayers

My sister-in-law Mimi (John's wife) will be induced tomorrow to give birth to Mia, who will need a heart transplant shortly after. Please pray, and if you feel you want to, fast for them.

Also, my step-dad Dean is starting chemotherapy this week for cancer they found in his colon. keep him in your prayers as well.

Elijah turned 3 on May 17th

Eli blowing out his candles was one of the cutest things you'll ever see. He would blow and blow and blow with all his might, nearly hyperventilating but get almost nowhere because the air was going up towards his nose instead of down towards the cake. He loved his birthday party(s) and opening all of his presents. His uncle Derrick got him a nice set of little golf clubs just his size. We'll see what we can do to make him a little golf buddy out of Eli.


On Eli's actual birthday we went to a U-Fish and had a ton of fun with the playing around outside on what was probably the only nice day in May. The U-Fish is on what used to be my Grandma's property growing up. It looks a lot different but there are little hints here and there that we played there as kids. On old grate we used as a bridge, a tattered rope hanging high up in a tree that we used to be a favorite swing. It was fun to be there again.

Spring Fair (Another April event)

We went to the spring fair this year. It was pouring rain and very cold but I just laughed and bundled up the kids. "I am a Washingtonian at heart after all," I said. Little did I know that the rain would continue until the end of June! I realized then just how much I missed Utah and its beautiful springs.

In any case, the spring fair was fun and the kids loved it. The are young enough that all of the free things are a lot of fun. In this picture Isaac is holding a little drum stick that he was using to pound away of an interactive sculpture full of chimes, bells, and other metal instrument like pipes and springs. Isaac loved watching the little newly hatched chicks in the barn and Eli, of course, loved the rides. Oh and the fair treats too of course. Or maybe that was me.... I think I did end up eating that entire elephant ear myself...

Isaac's First Birthday (Way back in April)

Isaac had his first birthday on April 17th and we threw a big bash for him, hawaiian/filipino style, a few days later. We had a great time and appreciate all the friends and family who came to celebrate with us. Isaac loved opening his presents and took time to play with each one for a minute before big brother Eli snatched it away. I gave him his own baseball shaped cake but he hardly touched it. Didn't even make a picture worthy mess of himself!

Life is Good

I’m not a blogger but since I’m in a reflective/ cathartic mood I thought would share a quick list of some of my favorite things. Here’s a top ten list in no particular order:

10. Coming home from work and hearing Eli say, “Daddy!” and Isaac tugging at my pant leg to be picked up and seeing Anne cook.

9. Waking up at 4:00am to go to work and finding that Eli somehow crawled into bed with us at some ungodly hour without me noticing.

8. Sitting on the couch after the kids have been tucked in for the night and talking to Anne about our sundry list of the day’s stresses.

7. Sleeping on the Sounder train to and from work knowing that I would otherwise be driving.

6. Saturdays when nothing is planned.

5. Although I’m a horrible friend and don’t keep up with high school friends, I love visiting MySpace and seeing people that have meant so much to me having grown to be happy parents and people finding their way in life.

4. Holding Isaac upside down by his feet and tickling his tummy (he has a deep guttural chuckle).

3. Getting older day by day with Anne and better understanding what life is truly about.

2. Eating dinner with my family at the table every night.

1. Those moments when I look at Anne and I see how different we are from when we first met and how similar we’ve become through the years. This happens more often than one would suspect…

Things won’t ever be perfect but there’s no doubt about it - life is good.

*The picture was taken our senior year of high school. We conned school the photographer into taking our picture free-of-charge for helping him with the junior and sophomore class pictures for the yearbook. Little did he know we were simply looking for a way out of class to spend some time together. I don’t think that I look any different now then in high school – maybe that’s why I still get carded at the movies…

Future Family of Five!

Dillon and I got quite the surprise about a week and a half ago. After feeling more tired than usual and having a persistent upset stomach and a revulsion for food, I decided to take a pregnancy test. It was positive! We think the due date will be sometime at the beginning of December or the end of November but we have no way of being sure. I need to go see a doctor but haven't found one I like yet. We have broken the news to most of our family now and done so a little early. Finding out you are pregnant when you have a baby that isn't even one year old yet is pretty stressful. Sharing the news with supportive friends and family has helped turn shock and worry into the joyful feelings that a new baby should always mean. Although I know it is going to be tough while my little ones are young, I feel blessed that the Lord is sending me children to raise. A big family has always been something Dillon and I hoped and planned for. Looks like we will be seeing our goals through a little more quickly than at first imagined but why should we complain. I can't wait to meet the little boy or girl that is waiting to join our family.