Alright Already

Here it is nearly five days after the big event and already I don't know where the time has gone. Violet Jan Swiss was born at 3:22 am on October 23. We chose "Violet" long ago (not wanting to relive the Malcom dilemma) and Jan is after my mother, whose birthday she would have been born on had she waited 20 more hours to come - aww nuts.

I had my membranes stripped at my doctors appointment Wednesday morning and as luck would have it, went into labor just before midnight that night (a mere 20 minutes after laying down to go to sleep). After about forty minutes of contractions coming every 10 minutes, I woke Kevin. We called Chiara to come over, and got some of our things together and the next thing I know contractions were five minutes apart and painful. We arrived at the hospital just before 1:45am after having to stop for gas (curses!). Kinsey met us there, and the woman at the front desk didn't seem to believe I actually needed to be admitted pronto. After getting in my gown, they checked me and I was at an 8. They got the doctor, my water broke, and then I was at a 9 1/2 in just minutes. Things were going swell - nice and fast, just how we like it. Then the doctor tells me the baby is posterior. Even though I have a rim of cervix left, she says I'm welcome to push. Needless to say I was not liking this delay. It hurt much worse than I recalled and because I was so exhausted I began feeling lightheaded. Finally, after what felt like forever (about 50 minutes real time) she was out. With only her head visible, Cambry and Kinsey were announcing that she looked exactly like Malcom. She did. She was a big gal too, so when I was told she weighed 7 lbs 10 oz I was a bit surprised-- looked more like 9 lbs to me. With her squished face, she was like a little Sharpe puppy. What a love.

And just like that she's here. Practically perfect in every way, a teeny human being is the best thing I can think of. I always get a little sad to see the hospital come and go. The newborn phase passes so quickly and I'm never ready for it. I can't believe I have 3 kids. I can't believe I have a daughter (who I call "he" at least twice a day). I love my new baby.

More Fall Fun

FALL PICNIC

I'm just realizing that I've been blogging for a whole year now. Not only because our Swiss Family picture is way too outdated, but because I am experiencing some repeat posts. For instance, I recall blogging about the pumpkin patch last year and now our fall picnic. Man, does time fly. However, I must say I'm pleased to see we're establishing traditions.

Thursday, we headed to Salt Lake for a picnic at the gully. Last year we missed the leaves by a couple of weeks. This year we were probably a week early. No matter-- fun as usual. (As you can see, Kevin had some fun with a few photos - he can't help always wanting to "fix" any pictures I take).










DUCKS DUCKS BO BUCKS

Last week we visited the lake to feed ducks. It was hilarious. Obviously the local birds have gotten used to the idea that humans=food because they came running as soon as we stepped out of the car.

At first, the swarming ducks seemed funny to Asher.....


...but eventually, it became too much to handle.



Malcom on the other hand, fed his entire bagel to the first duck that approached, and proceeded to the water to throw rocks.



Admittedly, the rock throwing was a far bigger hit.

Pumpkin Patch Time

Yesterday we made our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. For three years now, we have visited the local pumpkin patch with the Johns' to enjoy some Halloweeen fun. It was a little cold this time, and I was a little fat this time, and Malcom was a little stink this time....so my mood may have been a bit off. Nonetheless, I think it was a successful outing-- after all, we did get our pumpkins:)

Weekend Fun

Aside from a rousing weekend of conference, we had a couple of fun get togethers that took place as well. Friday night was our neighborhood block party which was ever so fabulous with games, mingling, face-painting, and all sorts of tastey food. Here's a glimpse of our good time...









And secondly, Cambry was kind enough to host a little gathering with a few cousins in honor of my having a baby. Here I am with little Violet...aren't Cambry's cake-making skills phenomenal? Thanks ladies!