Lucy Grace

Lucy is 10 days old today! So far, she is a dream baby.
She sleeps and eats very well. I am grateful for such a great baby!

Fun things we have noticed about Lucy.
Her hair has grown a lot, and seems to be even darker in the past week and a half.
She loves to have her face tickled, but hates anyone to touch her feet.
She loves her hair combed and her head rubbed.
She loves us to rub her little cheeks.
She is easy to soothe, and calms down very easily.
She loves to keep her hands by her face.
She has a perfect little round head, like a little ball!
She responds to being held.
She curls her feet into a little heart shape! It is amazing to watch!
She can sleep anywhere!

My favorite thing to do with Lucy: I love to lay her on her tummy, on my chest and cuddle. I love to read, nap, or just cuddle her that way. She still curls up her little legs so tight, like a little ball.

Another favorite routine we have fallen into: Every morning, the girls come looking for Lucy. Often times she will be in our bed. They search and search until they find her. We usually end up with all 6 of us in our bed each morning. Lucy is VERY loved! Each of her sisters adore her and want to be wherever she is!

A huge thank you to so many friends, neighbors and extended family who have helped us so much the past few weeks! Because of so much help, we have been able to really enjoy our new baby and this special time. Thank you for helping our family in so many ways!!! We appreciate all of the love and support so much, and we are so grateful for you!!!

Lucy Love

One of the cutest trademarks about Lucy:

Lucy locks her little feet together, making two little L's, a J and an L, or one perfect little heart (depending on how you look at it). We have given her the nickname Lucy Love after her cute little feet and the way she fits them so tight together into a HEART!
We love you Lucy Love!

So Sweet

Lucy Love

Lucy's First Bath

Lucy's First Bath

Abby was able to watch Lucy's first bath.
I love the pictures of Abby's sweet face looking through the glass at her new baby sister!

Baby Lucy

Lucy Grace Derrick
February 16, 2011
2:45 pm
8 lbs 2 oz

20 1/2 inches

Happy Birthday James

33 never looked so GOOD!!

The girls were so excited to open presents.

James and Dan

Lucy was born the day before James' Birthday. We are so glad that each get to have their own day! We spent J's Brithday at the hospital, enjoying our beautiful baby. Thank you for all of the Birthday treats and wishes for J at the hopsital! It made it an extra special day!

Uncle B and Aunt Amanda

We got home from the hospital on Friday night,
and had another chance to celebrate J's B-day as a family.
Happy Birthday Babe!!!

Lucy's Labor

The Last Pregnancy Pictures

(The night before Lucy was born)
For weeks leading up to Lucy's birth, I had dreams about labor.
I dreamt my water broke (several times). I had nightmares I had to have a c-section last minute. I even had a dream that she came so fast that no one was there to catch her, and she dropped on the floor! All of these dreams made me quite fearful of the actual birth!

I had my last doctor's appointment on Tuesday, February 15. That very morning, 8 hours earlier, Dr Macy had a patient deliver a baby in her car right outside the ER room at LDS Hospital. Her story was similar to my birth experience with Ella, only I made it into the hospital with just 8 minutes to spare. The patient had been to the hospital Monday night (Valentine's Day), and the hospital turned her away because she was "too early" compared to her due date, (again the same experience we had with Ella's birth). Thank you to this poor woman, who gave birth in her car, Dr Macy was determined to admit me to the hospital the next morning, so that I could avoid a similar emergency. Thank you Dr. Macy!!!

(The morning Lucy was born.)
One last hug before we headed to the hospital.

We woke up really early Wednesday, February 16. We got to the hospital around 7:30 am. I had never been induced, so I wasn't sure what to expect. By 8:00, I had an IV, and a potossin
drip. At about 8:30, we heard a lot of distressed screaming in the room next to us. Yet another woman, almost delivered in the car. She was there only 6 minutes when she gave birth. This distressed screaming brought back so many memories of Ella's birth. At that moment....I had no doubt I was in the right place, making the right decision to be induced!

By 9:45 I had my epidural. Actually two epidurals. The first try, the anesthesiologist completed the procedure, only to find out that he had hit a vein (he said it happens 1 out of 100 times). Lucky me! So, they had to repeat the procedure a second time!
At 10:45, Dr Macy came to break my water. With Abby and with Ella my water broke on its own. With Kate, a very inexperienced resident broke my water! It was terrible, and was the worse part of my whole labor. This time I made sure I had my epidural BEFORE
Dr. Macy broke my water. No pain at all!

At 1:30 I started to get really uncomfortable! They tell you that you can press the epidural button, 2 times in an hour for more medicine. 15 minutes later I had used up my two additional medicine doses. I called for the nurse. She was helping to deliver a baby in another room, and took 30 minutes to come to my rescue. At 2:00, I was in even more pain. I was dilated to a 5, but could feel too much! The anesthesiologist came in 3 more times over the next half hour, giving me more medicine every time (I still can't figure out why I needed so much medicine, however after Ella's birth, I knew I wanted whatever medicine it took to numb me up).
By 2:20, I was dialated to an 8. Dr. Macy arrived at 2:35 and I was at a 10 and ready to push!
3 contractions and pushes, and she was born at 2:45 pm.
Very Happy Mom!
(Dr Macy and nurse Toni.)

Being held by Dad, for the first time!
Proud Dad!

Lucy was the 8th baby born on February 16, out of 12 total. A very busy day (full moon and the day a storm was coming in), so we got to stay in the delivery room until 5:00. We didn't call anyone, it was just the 3 of us. Lucy and I were skin to skin! Immediate love!
Very sweet and tender moments!

We are so grateful for baby Lucy! She has such a calm and peaceful influence!
We are so grateful and excited to add her to our family!
We love you Lucy Love!

My Valentine

Our Little Valentine's

To celebrate Valentine's...
We ordered take out and celebrated at home with the girls!
J surprised all of us with the delivery of a fruit bouquet
and chocolate covered strawberries.

The girls loved their Valentine's!!!

For Valentine's, J and I gave each other two new Nikon cameras. One, a professional camera, the other a point and shoot. We decided it was the perfect gift to capture our little Valentine's, and our new addition soon to come! It was a day full of love and fun!!!

Be My Valentine

The girls have had so much fun making Valentine's!
We bought and created cute little Valentines Scrapbooks!

The kids have spent hours cutting, gluing, stamping and loving their books!
Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Counting our Blessings

Abby and cousin John
(1 week earlier at our house)

On Saturday night we had a Jimmer pizza party and
watched the BYU vs U, basketball game.

Nathan and Emily, took their kids to the game in Provo.
Around 8:00 we got a phone call that John, had fallen on some ice after the game. They took him to Orem Hospital, and then by Ambulance to PCMC. We prayed all night, not knowing the outcome of his terrible Fall. He cracked his skull in 2 places, has a concussion, and burst his right ear drum! It was an emotional and humbling weekend. Life is such a blessing and can change course so fast! We love you John and are praying for your full recovery!!!

Nesting

It happens with every pregnancy....a burst of nesting energy.
Today I found myself with endless cleaning energy.

- Cleaned all 6 bathrooms
- Cleaned interior and exterior of my car
- Swept/mopped all tile and hardwood
- Vacuumed, main level and upstairs
- Washed, folded, and put away 7 loads of laundry
- Organized mud room
- Cleaned out the fridge and freezer
- Cleaned out the pantry
- Made Valentines with the girls

By the end of the day, I was hoping I would go into labor, but took a bath and slept very well instead!!! If only the house could stay clean, now that it is spotless!

Spectrum Exam

Today Abby took the Spectrum program exam! It is a long test, nearly 3 hours long!

We are so proud of our Abby, her mind, and her love of learning! We are so glad that she is apart of our family! Way to go Abbers!

Daddy's Girls

James is such a great Dad.

Everyone loves, "Daddy Shakes."
I love this picture of the girls.
None of them can take their mouths off of the straws.
Daddy Shakes are THAT good!
Ella has always been a Daddy's girl! If Daddy is around,
she is right there next to him.

Our little butterfly

Our little butterfly!

Kate was so excited to go to her friend's Birthday party.
They had a wild animal theme, and even had their faces painted.
Kate cried and cried when we had to wash it off!
We definitely need to buy some face paint!

Bed rest is working too well

I had my 37 week appointment yesterday. Apparently, bed rest is working too well! Actually, I am so grateful we have been able to keep the baby in for the past 2 weeks!!! We can thank so many friends and family members for all of the help. However, now that I am past 37 weeks pregnant, we are ready when the baby is ready!

We decided for me not to be induced tomorrow. I still have 19 days until my due date. Dr Macy gave me the choice, but said it would a long labor. I have never been induced, and would really rather my body and the baby slip into labor on their own. So, no more medicine, lots of walking, shopping, a pedicure and manicure, and outings with the girls. I have a feeling this little girl will want to come soon! Why not let her choose her own Birthday, and enjoy getting out a bit before she decides to debut.

37 Weeks

Yea for 37 weeks!
At the end of each pregnancy it is fun to think about the last 9 months!

What do I enjoy when I am pregnant...
Feeling the baby move.
Wondering what she will look like.
Jacuzzi baths in the middle of the day.
Cold popsicles, ice to suck on, and cold ice packs on my back.
Sleeping so well.
Having the kids kiss my tummy, and give my tummy hugs.
Hearing them pray for the baby and put in special requests,
"Bless the baby to have brown hair, or blue eyes, just like me!"

What will I NOT miss about being pregnant...
Heartburn...muscle aches....headaches.

Baby Shower

Every baby deserves a shower!

I have such a wonderful Mom, and 2 wonderful sisters.

February 1, is Sister's Day in our family. We spent time together, exchange gifts, and celebrate being Sister's! This year, my family was kind enough to throw us a shower for Sister's Day. The kids LOVED being apart of it. Kate and Will spent hours planning it, making invitations, and getting the food all ready. It was a fun day! Thank you!!! This baby is so loved!!!

36 Weeks

We made it another week! Yea!!!

Even with the medicine I am taking to stop contractions, I started contracting again on Sunday. They were painfully and consistent, every 10-15 minutes. I called the Dr on call and she said to come in if they got to be 7-8 minutes apart. We packed our bags, just in case. Then I took a bath, went to bed, and slept great! A perfect nights sleep was just what I needed.

Yesterday I had my 36 week checkup. All week long I have been laying or sitting and been on bed rest. Yesterday morning getting to the Dr turned out to be too much. By the time we got Abby to school, Kate and Ella to Grammy's, I was having contractions 7-8 minutes apart. We were headed to the Dr, but thought we should be headed to the hospital. We called the Dr and they sent us to the hospital. We spent the morning there. They did an ultrasound, and monitored me for a few hours. I was still only dilated to a 1, but contracting consistently again. The Dr told me to double my medicine, stay on bed rest, and continue to limit all activity. Her hope is for the baby to stay put until February 10. At that point the baby will be 18 days early.
(Kate was 17 days, and was just fine!)

We are so appreciative of everyone who has helped our family. All of the phone calls, meals, carpooling, and child watching, have been overwhelming. Yesterday Kate said, "I just feel so LOVED. Everyone is so nice to us!" Kate said it perfectly!!! We have so many wonderful neighbors, friends, and family members!!! Thank you!

Stay in a little longer baby!!!