I did it: 12 12ths for 2012

12 on the 12th [12.12.12]

12..12.12 was a special day for our family. It’s a day that will be remembered and recalled forever after. It was an ending point and a starting point all in the same. It’s a day that deeply changed so many of us – especially my little sister and her husband. On 12.12.12 at 7:44 pm sweet baby Maycie Laine joned our family.  Because of the day’s sacredness, I’ve had some reservation about posting my December 12 on the 12^th. Mainly because my little photo journal of the day seems so trivial and will not even began to tell the beautiful story that came to be on 12.12.12. But at the same time, Maycie’s story is one that needs told and remembered and posting my 12 on the 12^th is a tiny way for me to help document that day. So in baby Maycie’s honor, my 12 on the 12 from December 12, 2012:

 

01.   The Countdown. The day started out just like the day before, and the day before that, and the day before that: counting down ‘till Christmas. 13 days to go…

02.  From Spencer. Well I’ll be … a 12 on the 12^th blogging idea from the Mr.

03.  His Countdown. Building Santa’s beard one day + one cotton ball at a time.

04.  Big News at 11:41. I got the text as I was headed into town to grab a few groceries. Instead I headed to Kate and Jake’s house to help them pack + get more details + take their milk and bread so it wouldn’t go bad {and so my family would have a few groceries while I was away (win/win)}.

05.  Packing. At the time we were still being told that Kate would be life flighted to SLC, so we knew time was of the essence if we were to make it to the hospital in time to be with Katie. I’ve never packed so fast {and so randomly} in my life. Still, even with my quick packing, Mom and Dad beat Marlee and me to our decided meet up spot. Probably because I took time to stop and take a picture. Ha.

06.  The don’t forget list. Scribbled out for Mr. Mom.

07.  While driving. University of Utah bound.

08.  The belly. A self portrait of a pregnant Katie taken in the U of U hospital bathroom.

09.  Waiting Room. Katie ended up not having to be life flighted and we made it to Salt Lake City with time to spare. And so we waited. Waiting became the name of the game for dad, mom and I. And since we didn’t have cell phone service in the labor and delivery waiting room {which sidenote: what in the world did people do before cell phones. Seriously. The cell phone was a constant. We would hear any bit of information and would start the chain of calls to the rest of the family that were at home waiting and praying.} Anyway, we didn’t get cell phone service on the labor and delivery floor, so we would wait in the main lobby three floors down. By the end of our short stay I think I walked the route from Katie’s floor to the front lobby…I don’t know…at least 5 billion times.

10.   The proud parents. Maycie was born at 7:44pm and weighed 3 lbs 3 oz and was 16 inches long.

11.    Meeting Maycie. We got to briefly meet baby Maycie before she was transported to Primary Childrens. Maycie was absolutely, beyond words, beautiful. The body that housed her little spirit was weak and imperfect. But her spirit was unlike anything I have ever witnessed before. Even with everything going on around Maycie – the machines, the beeping, the lights, the testing - she seemed so peaceful and comforted. Again, her beauty was beyond words. Indescribable.

12.   Miracles. I took this photo while my mom and I walked around Primary Childrens in the late evening hours trying to find Jake something to eat. All the cafeterias had closed for the night, and we wandered for at least an hour in search of a sandwich. At this time we didn’t know Maycie’s fate, but this Christmas tree told what all of us were hoping and praying for. A Miracle. Looking back, a miracle is exactly what we got. Maycie short life was, and is, and will forever be, a miracle!

6am on 12.14.12, about 36 hours after her arrival little Maycie Laine returned home to Heavenly Fathers welcoming arms.

12 on the 12th [11.12.12]

01.   Veterans Day. A flag in the snow.

02.   Storytime. Jace tells the story. Marlee listens. And on occasion, eats the books.

03.  Doctors appointment. Honestly, November 12^th was so long ago I can’t remember who the appointment was for or what it was regarding. But nonetheless, the picture exists. So on November 12^th somebody in our household went to the doctor.

04. Naptime. A swaddled babe.

05.  100%. On a spelling test.

06. The Superman. For the longest time this was Marlee’s favorite move. We nicknamed it the Superman. Now that she’s crawling she’s doesn’t do it near as much, but it will always be one of my favorites.

07.  Snow. Plus Jace Buddy.

08. Snow. Plus Brynlee.

09. Teamwork. My favorite part of this picture is Jace’s sword tucked into the back of his coat, He-Man style.

10.   Teamwork, take two. Homework.

11.    Relaxing. Webkinz, I’m guessing?

12.   The Highchair Game. It’s a game that Spence started playing with Brynlee when she first became an eater. Then it was Jace’s turn. And now Spence and Marlee play. Goes like this: Spencer sticks his finger underneath the highchair tray and pops out the removable stopper. It flies. The highchair bound baby giggles and giggles. Spence picks it up and puts it back in. And the game starts over again.

recently

It is so dang cold. On a Sunday evening car ride last night our van thermometer read -16 degrees. It is so bitter out there that the thought of sending the kids out to school and their other activities overwhelms me.

Luckily, school was cancelled on Friday. Brynlee cried! She had a “ride the bus to somebody else’s house” playdate planned and was devastated at the possibility of it too being cancelled. Well that, and she was supposed to get a grab in the treasure box for having earned a certain number of accelerated reader points. Plus, {get this} Friday’s the day they take spelling tests and now they weren’t going to be able to take the test! {I’m not kidding}. There was ‘it’s not fair’ and ‘this is the worst thing that ever happened to me’ comments. Ohhhh my … the dramatics.

All ended well, though. She and Jace kept themselves busy all morning long – some detailed game of make-believe that lasted hours on end. And then the scheduled afternoon playdate turned into a rest of the day, snow day, affair. By the end of the day she was crossing fingers that Monday would be another school closure. No cigar, though.

On Friday night the Severe Family came over for pizza + barnyard rummy. Spence and I tried to finish up the evening with a game of Mao – however, both of us were miserable Mao Masters. Come over Jake, we need more practice.

Saturday was the 12^th. I opted not to take 12 on the 12^th pictures though. I think I’m suffering a burnout. Although, I am hoping to brainstorm a similar 2013 project that gets me motivated again, but for now I’m just trying to find the drive to get the photo’s I took on November 12^th + December 12^th on the blog. Maybe tonight, we shall see.

Exciting news! Jace can write his name. You wouldn’t be able to recognize his “e” if you weren’t his mom or dad, but the “J” “a” and “c” are adorably perfect. For his “homework” we have been working a little every day in helping him recognize his letters and sounds. He is always so compliant and I can see our work paying off. I love that kid.

Speaking of Jace, the other day at Brynlee’s gymnastics one of the gymnasts landed a tumbling routine wrong - a bad sprang, I’m assuming. It broke Jace’s heart. Hours later he was still reminding me how sad it made him that a girl got hurt at gymnastics. That kid has the sweetest heart and is my constant personal reminder to be kinder to others. I’m always trying to be more like him. These kids of mine, they teach me so much.

Anyway, the kids have friends over and the girls are requesting manicures and pedicures, so until later my friends.

12 on the 12th [10.12.12]

1.       Drop off lane. It’s usually Spencer hanging out in the AM drop off lane at Brynlee’s elementary school, but since he had an early morning work date {5am, yuck} I was on drop off duty.  

A Note to Beth: I snapped this picture right when Chad walked by. He gave me the half wave with a quick what in the heck look. Ha! I’m sure I looked half crazed snapping early morning elementary school pictures from my car window. I was the tiniest bit embarrassed, but not embarrassed enough to pass on a second photo when my first one turned out fuzzy. Also, I hope you kicked Goldilocks booty. Can’t wait to hear all about it.

2.      Blog. Spent the morning creating a blog for our PTA. My hope is that it aids in keeping fellow elementary school parents informed while also gathering a larger volunteer pool for the PTA.

3.      Full. And then we ate lunch, ran errands and filled the gas tank.

4.     A tie. We raced the clock home from our afternoon errands hoping to beat the school bus to our neighborhood. The bus won, but luckily Brynlee decided to multitask and read her book while she walked which slowed her down a bit. We met up at the front door.

5.      Measuring up. All three of my babies had their scheduled well child check-ups + flu shots for the older two and immunizations for Marlee bug. Brynlee opted for the flu shot over the flu mist {which surprised me}. She took the shot like a champ, hardly even flinching. Brynlee was in the 38% for weight and 21% for height.

6.      Weighing in. Jace was in the 49% for weight and the 39% for height and said his favorite part of the appointment was when the doctor gagged him with the Popsicle stick. Your guess is as good as mine.

7.      My littlest little. At four months Marlee weighs 12 lbs (30%) and is 25 inches (78%). I’m curious if her current height is a fluke or if she will be taller than my other two. Also, that chick is so loved. Brynlee and Jace take such good care of her, especially after she has to get immunizations.

8.      Rewarded. Farrs ice-cream to celebrate doc appointment success.

9.      Four Months. Today makes four months. She rolls, she coos and squeaks and babbles, she hold toys and can make her rattle work, she loves the swing and evening snuggles and she laughs, and smiles effortlessly. We love her more than words can explain.

10.   Chopped, at last. I’ve had a dead tree decorating my front yard for quite some time now. Today Spence and the chain saw made firewood.

11.    Bengals. Brynlee, Marlee and I caught the ISU vs. Portland State Volleyball game. We won, go Bengals. I’m not sure if Bryn enjoyed watching the volleyball game, or the cheerleaders, or Benny the Bengal the most. She had such a great time and was completely thrilled to find that her {male} gymnastics coach is also an ISU cheerleader. Her comments, “I didn’t know boys could be cheerleaders. That’s cool.”

12.   At bedtime. And then it was toothbrushes & pajamas, scriptures & prayers, and stories in bed. A stack of newly picked out library books for the boys and Junie B. Jones for the girls.

12 on the 12th [09.12.12]

01.   7:52 am. Spence and Brynlee all kissed goodbye and headed off to school and work.

02.  Meds. And so it begins, I guess. Jace woke up with a bug: sore throat, watery eyes and boogers … so, so many boogers. I am not one bit ready for sick-y weather! And I’m assuming, with it being Jace’s first year of preschool, we are in for a doozie this winter. Bleh.

03.  Phone call. Jace has learned how to call Spence all by himself. And 78% of the time he gets it right. If you receive a prank call or two from my number rest assured that Jace is just trying to get a hold of his daddy.  

04. Baby Thor in training. Jace is constantly playing with Marlee. The two of them sword fight, play superheroes and build lego castles together. Most the time Marlee cat naps through their adventures; it doesn’t even seem to bother Jace. Today he was teaching a sleeping Marlee how to hold his new {birthday} Thor hammer.  

05. Dose of Vitamin D. We spent most the afternoon outside riding bikes, hoping the sun’s rays {in all their glory} would {magically} zap away the boogers. No cigar.

06. 20 minutes a day. Today’s books of choice for reading homework time. Brynlee breezed through the Skippyjon Jones book like an old reading pro-ito. It was the perfect boost of confidence for my little reader.

07.  A girl, a balloon, and a slide.  The leftover birthday balloons from Jace’s party have been recycled for endless hours of entertainment.   

08. Praying Mantis. Found this little guy while watering Brynlee’s pumpkin plant. Actually, there wasn’t anything little about him – that thing was huge!

09.  Rainbow. Brynlee kept asking a million question of what this color mixed with that color makes. I let her discover for herself.

10.  6:00 pm. Jace feel asleep while we were in process of making dinner. I did the late naptime debate {you’ve had that debate, haven’t you} and decided to chance it. I carried him up to his bed and, as it turns out, I made the right choice. Minus a midnight potty break he slept until 6:50 the next morning.  

11.   Get Well Card. Later in the evening, when I went to check on Jace, I found a love note from Brynlee on his nightstand.  {I love you. I hope you git bedr soon!

12.  Dinner help. My two girlies helping prepare homemade pizza for dinner.

12 on the 12th [08.12.12]

01.   In route.  It’s off to church for us, and on time to boot.

02.   On the program. Spencer and I gave the opening and closing prayers in Sacrament meeting.

03.  My happy girl. We’ve got ourselves a full blown smiler!

04.  Handmade. My sister-in-law, Rachel, made this blanket for Marlee bug. It’s a new fav.

05.  Buddy. Nothing sweeter than a rowdy little boy clad in shirt and tie.

06.  Rock art. Marlee and I were up partying {ha} for most of Saturday night so I called dibs on a Sunday nap. It’s always fun to wake up from a nap and discover what Spence came up with for Sunday afternoon entertainment. Today it was rock painting. Brynlee crafted this one.

07.  Rock art, take two. And Jace’s was a bit more, um, black?

08. Splash o’pink. Marlee hung out in her brother’s room while I hung the kid’s new school clothes {in the very, very back of their closets so they wouldn’t be worn before it was time}. Jace thought Marlee looked so cute on his bean bag, and he told her over and over again.

09.  A dedication. I started working on putting together my blog books. Back in 2009 Spencer turned the first six months of my blog into a book for an anniversary gift. I pulled it out for a reference and smiled when I re-read his little love note on the first page of the book.

10.   Thristy. A big gulp of water for my flowers.

11.    On target. While I watered flowers it was Spence vs. Brynlee and Jace is a game of trampoline dodge ball.

12. Orange & Black. Due to the high amount of wild fires in our area + the lack of rain or wind to help clear things up the sky has been hazy with trapped smoke. The haze causes the reflection of the sun to paint the sky varying shades of orange during the day, and during the evening hours the sun appears blood red in color.

12 on the 12th [06.12.12]

I have exactly 25 minutes before I am supposed to go help my sister paint ceilings in her new house. In that time I am going to get my June 12 on the 12^th posted. Because it is now July 18^th and Marlee is five weeks old.

Anyway, ready, GO…

01.   Awoken. A 4:00am contraction wake-up call confirmed it was baby day.

02.   Refresher. As not to make my hospital arrival during the transition stage again {like I had done with Jace} I googled a refresher on how to time contraction.

03.  Monitoring. 6:30 am we arrived at the hospital. I love the repetitive sound of a tiny beating heart.

04.  Good Luck Charm. I proudly wore the handcrafted good luck bracelet that Brynlee had made for me.

05.  Safe Arrival. Our sweet baby Marlee arrived at 10:08 am, safe and sound. And screaming.

06.  Exhaustion. Hot dang. I look like a rockstar. A swollen, exhausted, just returned from a miserable trip to Hades kinda rockstar. Oh, and my hair…Spence did it for me. Not bad, huh.

07.  Perfection. Spence went to the nursery and gave Marlee her first bath. When they returned we unwrapped the swaddled little darling and examined her miniature-ness. Toes, hands, ears, little bum…everything is so much cuter when it’s pint size.

08. Visitors. And then big sister, Brynlee, and big brother, Jace, arrived. Along with cousins Brooke and Zayne and Aunt Jami and Katie. Thanks girls for watching my kiddos – aren’t sisters the best. {I just realized that I cut Brookie out of that picture, but I don’t have time to fix it {25 minutes, remember}. Just image she is standing by Brynlee in all her Brookie glory with a paper constructed nurse’s hat and a pink bow attached to her head.} {Also take note of Brynlee’s shirt. Brynlee and Brooke were a tad bit worried about getting their matchy matchy cheer camp shirts mixed up so they wrote their names across the front of their shirts with ORANGE SHARPIE MARKER. Awesome.}

09.  Bearing Gifts. The gang brought some pink balloons for our new little princess and a pink and white orchid for me.  

10.   Meeting Marlee. I was so excited to finally have Marlee here because, well, pregnancy sucks. Duh! But also because I couldn’t wait for Brynlee and Jace to meet her - to make everything we had been talking about and preparing for a reality. The whole experience hasn’t disappointed at all. Without hesitation they both accepted her into our little family. They are such proud siblings.

11.    Big Brother. Jace walked into my hospital room with arms extended ready to hold his new sister. Kinda like, hand over the baby, big brother’s here. I still smile just thinking about it. So.Dang.Cute!

12.   Our Sweet Angel.  How could something so tiny make a group of people so happy? And to think we didn’t even know we were missing her before she arrived. Funny how that works, isn’t it.

And that pretty much wrapped up my hospital stay. We arrived at the hospital at 6:30 am, Marlee was born at 10:00 am and exactly 24 hours later at 10:00 am our new little family of five was homeward bound. And for the last five weeks we have invested the majority of our time staring at her itty bitty perfection. I truly could sit and smell her all day long. That smell! It’s the aroma of heaven, I suppose. So refreshing, so intoxicating. I’m so glad she joined our family.

Well, for now. Ask me again in two years.

{Kidding. I hope!}