Introducing: SETH DAVID DUNAWAY

Seth David Dunaway

Born: Wednesday, December 15th at 8:42am

Stats: 7 lbs. 6 oz. and 21 inches long

We are thrilled to have another little boy in our house. He is so sweet. I love to sit and hold him or lay on the bed next to him and watch him look around. Having a newborn always brings a peaceful sweet spirit to our home and Seth made this Christmas extra special and meaningful.

Labor started weeks before and at each doctor's appointment I was a centimeter further along. I ran at the gym on December 14th and when I got home, I could tell that I just wasn't feeling myself. Luckily, I had a doctor's appointment later that day. At the appointment I was at 4 centimeters, but the doctor still thought I probably had a few days or even a week because I wasn't having steady or even painful contractions.

That night around 11:30, the contractions were 7 minutes apart. I laid down to see if they would stop, but by 1:00am they were 5 minutes apart. Denying that I was in labor and not wanting to inconvenience anyone in the middle of the night, I rationalized that I could make it until morning. At 2:00am, I finally woke Dave to tell him that contractions were 3 minutes apart and I was leaking amniotic fluid. He called our dear, sweet friend to come stay with the boys and we left for the hospital. The normally 30 minute drive to the hospital took us an hour because of the snow and the roads that had yet to be plowed. This was the most excruciating drive of my life. Contractions were now 2 minutes apart and in my back. I feared that I might have to deliver on the side of the road.

We did finally make it and entered through the Emergency Room. Shockingly, no one was there and Dave had to poke around until he found someone to help us. I finally got the long awaited epidural at around 4:00am and then both Dave and I were able to relax. It was important to me that my water break on it's own and that I not be given any pitocin, but rather just let nature take it's course. I snoozed a bit and munched on ice chips and suckers. At around 8:00am I was on the phone with another amazing friend, arranging a ride to Preschool for Porter, when I could tell that I needed to push. 40 minutes later our little Seth said "hello" by screaming his lungs out. He is a beautiful, healthy little baby.

Temple Square

We have a little advent elf with pockets on his suit. I put a paper with an activity written on it in each pocket for the 25 days until Christmas. The boys absolutely love this and the first thing they say in the morning is usually, "Can we see what's in the elf?" All these activities sound like a great idea when I'm planning them in November, but some days I fudge a little when I read the note (the advantages of having kids that can't read yet). Anyway, Thursday's note was to go see the lights on Temple Square and it was Dave's day off, so we headed down. Riding Trax, the new miniature temple in the South Visitor Center and the fire pits at the Gateway were the highlights for the boys. I love all the lights and energy.

A Rarely Documented Moment.

I hate getting my picture taken while I'm pregnant. Honestly, who does? But yesterday, I got a few comments from random strangers:

"When is that little blessing coming?"

"Any day now, huh?"

"Wow, my bag turntable (Walmart cashier) keeps getting stuck on your belly."

So, I decided it was probably time to at least take a few shots.

Gift Giving According to a 3 Year Old

Me: "Caleb, what do you want to give Daddy for Christmas?"

Caleb: "A Batman Castle!"

Me: "Hmmm, I think YOU would like a Batman Castle, but I don't know if Daddy would."

Caleb: "No, I think Daddy would REALLY like a Batman Castle and I don't think he wants to wait until Christmas, so let's give him one today!"

Baby Update

Friday will be my 37 week mark. Yesterday I was at a 3 and 60%. I'm hoping he'll wait at least another week because he's under 5 lbs., but these contractions are getting serious...

Like Father, Like Son

A short time after putting the boys to bed last night, I could hear Caleb yelling at Porter. I went to check on them and the closer I got the angrier Caleb was becoming. As I neared their door, I heard Caleb yell, "STOP MAKING THAT NOISE!" I walked in and Porter was sound asleep. I asked Caleb what was wrong and he sat up in bed and said, "Porter won't stop making that noise!". I realized quickly that Porter was snoring, but I had to ask anyway. "What noise?" Then followed Caleb's hilarious imitation, which consisted of a lot of nose blowing and snorting. After muffling my giggles, I shifted Porter's position and explained to Caleb that if the noise started again to call me.

Our Helpful Elf

Porter made this hilarious elf hat in preschool. He said he needs to wear it when he is helping. So he wore it around the house last night doing little jobs. Here he is grating cheese for dinner. I just laugh when I see this picture because he already has so many impish qualities and characteristics.

A Sweet Surprise!

Last night I made Chicken Cacciatore for dinner and then barely ate any of it. Meat is tasting strange to me these days (see below duck entry). After dinner, Dave and I were relaxing on the couch and he asked, "So, what have you been craving?" I responded, "Nothing really, except a McDonald's Egg McMuffin and with exercising and preschool I can't seem to make it there before they stop serving breakfast." Oh well....

This morning when I rolled myself out of bed, I found a McDonald's bag on the kitchen table with you guessed it inside. How sweet is that? Especially because Dave leaves for work at 5:00am. I'm definitely spoiled, I love that man!

Vacation Dave

Dave had a week off and amongst other things decided to go duck hunting with some friends. He brought home about a dozen birds. Luckily, he breasted them out before I got home because I am not a fan of eating anything that I have seen with the fur, feathers, skin or scales still attached. He marinated them for a few days and then cooked up this dinner for us. The boys loved the meat and ate a breast each, which was shocking. Dave ate a couple breasts. I tried a bite, but unfortunately found myself running to the bathroom. I blame this reaction on my over active gag reflex during pregnancy and less on the duck. However, I don't think I'll be trying it again for a while.

A Darling Surprise!

When I came home from running errands yesterday, I found this darling, handmade baby quilt and note on my doorstep. I love anonymous gifts, but I wish I knew who to thank for their thoughtfulness and time. So, if it was you THANK YOU and if it was someone you know pass this along. It is a beautiful gift and it brightened my day.

Do You Think?

Last night at dinner...

Porter: "What do beavers eat?"

Dave: "I think, wood and leaves and fish"

Porter: "You think or you're right?"

We laughed so hard and then Dave went and looked it up on the Internet.

So Sweet!

Caleb made this little gift for me and left it on my nightstand. Ahhhhhh... my little 3 year old melts my heart!

Plastic Surgery?!?!

I had a random conversation with a friend today about aging and plastic surgery. I thought about it on and off the rest of the day. So, would I do it? I've always believed in aging gracefully, but...

These are a few key points that I kept mulling over.

1. I am an avid runner and have been since the age of 16. I run for many reasons; healthy body, fresh air, good conversation, emotional sanity and to fit into my jeans. I am grateful for every day that I can run and I hope to continue the rest of my life. So it's likely that one day my face is going to look older than the rest of me or at least I will feel younger than my face looks.

2. My husband, who I love DEARLY was blessed with great aging genes. He is often mistaken for someone in their early twenties or sometimes even younger (i.e. Saturday, he took the youth to the temple for baptisms and was asked umpteen times if he was a Melchizedek priesthood holder) . At some point I am probably going to look like his mother. This is not to insult my mother-in-law, a beautiful woman who passed the anti-aging gene to her children. So to clarify, someday I will look old enough to be Dave's mother and possibly at some point like I could be my mother-in-law's mother.

3. I have several friends who have already gone under the knife for breast augmentation or reduction surgery. There is definitely an allure to having everything put back into it's proper place after I'm done having children.

4. I hate having surgery.

So, I guess if money was no issue I would possibly consider a little eye, neck or breast work in the future. Not sure if this is vain or not? I realize that ultimately it doesn't matter what we look like and this is a shallow entry. But, come on ladies I know you've probably thought about it too. Would you do it?!?!

Ahhhhhh!!!

Nothing like putting the boys to bed at 7:30 and then enjoying a nice bath with good reading material. Dave was at Bishopric meeting, but cleaned the kitchen before he left. I'm grateful for a wonderful husband, fantastic kids and little pleasures.

Halloween 2010

Ninja Face-off

Trunk-or-Treat

Because of the rain, I think the boys spent more time in the trunk than out getting treats.

This was Porter's first costume. He was a Vampire Fireman in disguise. We have several costumes in the dress-up box and he came up with this one on his own. Caleb was originally the Ninja Turtle. We had several parties during the week and their costumes changed daily.

We love going to the annual Pumpkin Walk in Logan. They have fun scenes of carved and painted pumpkins. They also have these silly cut-outs that the boys love. I thought this one was quite illustrative of our boys' very animated personalities.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love the fall and candy, kids and costumes. I love the ages my boys are right now. They still get excited over little things and give me lots of hugs and kisses, but they are independent enough that it is easy to take them places and enjoy lots of activities together.

Crazy Hair!

I just love Caleb's crazy curly hair. I constantly have people stopping me in public to comment on the curls or the almost white color. We were at Dave's parents last weekend and I walked out back to find Caleb playing in the hammock with this great new hairdo. So crazy cute, that I couldn't help but share.

Hugging Frogs?

We let the boys each get an African Dwarf Frog at the fair a few months ago. A few weeks ago, I walked into the kitchen and this is what I found. The boys thought it was hilarious and kept checking on them. This "hugging" actually went on for several days. After some short Internet research, my suspicions were confirmed, the frogs were not just hugging. So we waited to see eggs hatch. But they must have been too small to see or they were eaten by their parents before we could rescue them. Unfortunately, we do not have any tadpoles, but we did learn a lot.

Abab Turns 3!!!

Our not so little Caleb turned three! We often call him Abab, which is what he started calling himself when he learned to talk. We are so happy to have him in our family. He is always so happy. He loves to smile and laugh. When we found out that Caleb was a boy, we were thrilled. We wanted Porter to have a playmate and they are virtually inseparable now. They love to play Star Wars, store and ride their bikes.

We celebrated his birthday with all things Batman. He is definitely our little super hero and loves to play dress up. It was so fun to have all 4 grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins come up for the party. Caleb loved being the center of attention.

WE LOVE YOU CALEB!!!

Porter's 1st Rodeo

I came across this picture in my files. It is one of my favorites. I'm sure with a little time and photo shop it would look really cool. I love the sharp horizontal lines of the fence with the mountains rising in the back. The mountains almost look painted in. I forget how breathtaking our beautiful Utah mountains are. We were at Baby Animal Days in Logan and they had a small rodeo. Porter had never seen anything like it before and he was fascinated. It would be cool if he had boots and a hat on for the picture, but then that wouldn't really be him.

So I like it the way it is.

Golf Course Field Trip

Today was Porter's first field trip. Caleb and I went along too. The kids learned all about the golf course. They washed balls, putted and took a ride around all 18 holes. Our host, Mr. Chris, was so fun and made sure to lead us, in our carts, over all the big hills and past all the duck ponds on our tour. The weather was absolutely perfect at around 80 degrees with a slight breeze. The boys and moms all had a great time!

First Day of School!

Porter started school today. He was eager with excitement and anticipation. He choose his own outfit (which is usually something he couldn't care less about) and was ready 45 minuted early. He was excited to ride his two-wheeler and Caleb and I followed in the stroller. He is extremely social and I know he will love school. Sometimes I wish we didn't have these little milestones to remind us how fast our little ones are growing *SIGH*.

He posed for this one on his own. What a ham!

Random Friendship Thought...

I was thinking today about friendships and how sometimes when you meet someone, you just click. It's as if you were separated at birth; long lost sisters. Others it takes a little more work, but eventually the friendship takes hold. While others, it seems that no matter how you work at it you just never seem to click. Sure you learn to love everyone, but sometimes after having a conversation with a "non-clicker" I feel a little empty, misunderstood and even lonely... The strange thing is that one of your "non-clickers" could be someone else's long lost sister. Anyway, I don't know if I've articulated my thoughts quite right, but I am so grateful for my many FANTASTIC friends. I am so blessed!

Summer Boating!

We didn't get out on the boat much this summer, with the pregnancy and all. So the boys were super excited on Saturday to go out with my dad. My sister and her husband and brother-in-law also came. We had a fantastic time. Porter LOVES the tube and riding in the very front of the boat when we go fast. He puts both arms up and yells, "I'm the King of the World". Caleb was a little unsure about the tube, but loved going fast in the boat, eating cookies and playing with his uncle and adopted uncle.

An Educational County Fair!

This week we took the boys to the County Fair. We were walking by the pigs and there was this huge sow lying on her side. Porter looked at her and exclaimed, "Mom, look how many penises that pig has!" Dave and I and anyone within earshot started busting up. Of course we then explained that these were her nipples and their purpose in feeding piglets. We then had the same conversation when we saw the goats, sheep and especially the cows.

Mystery Night!!!

This picture was taken before I dumped my Frenchman. Being 6 months pregnant was not written into the script, but we rolled with it.

This is Dave's French smug look. He definitely deserved the award for best and most consistent accent of the evening.

Dave and I went to our first Mystery Dinner. It was great fun. Thanks to our fantastic friends for planning it and including us. I was the Italian daughter of the deceased and also ran a small extortion ring and Dave was my French fiancée, who managed my uncle's vineyard. To add to the fun, Dave also ended up being the murderer. I should have known...

Little Fishes:)

The boys are finishing up their second round of swimming lessons this week. They both LOVE the water! It's crazy to watch Porter because he seems so little, but then he jumps in and swims across the pool. They're growing up so fast. Porter's favorite stroke is the backstroke, so I'll have to try to get a picture of that. Caleb loves playing with whatever water toy he can find, going down the slide and blowing bubbles.

Movie Night!

Every once in a while we have "Movie Night". This consists of pulling blankets, sleeping bags and pillows into the family room, then we pop a few bowls up popcorn and snuggle up with a movie. The boys love this and it has become a fun family tradition.

Family Pictures!

Porter with Alaina, Dave's youngest sister.

Dave with his parents and sisters. A GREAT personality shot!

The Thanksgiving Point gardens are absolutely spectacular!

During our reunion with Dave's family, we had pictures taken. With 7 small children and a crazy, hormonal pregnant woman, this was no small feet. We had already spent three days "reunioning" and were all a little tired of each other, but the pics turned out great. These are a few candids I snapped while the photographer was doing her thing.

Brigham City Temple

We are super excited to be getting a temple in Brigham City! It's actually only 1/2 block from our old house, but we will have to drive a whole five minutes to get there from our new house:) We went to the ground breaking last Saturday. My favorite talk was from Elder Packer's wife, who actually grew up in this area. We love our little city and all the wonderful people here. We are very grateful for this wonderful blessing.

The highlight of the event was when Porter fell head first into the irrigation ditch that runs around the tabernacle. He was soaked head to toe in church clothes. He was upset at first and wanted me to take him home. When I told him we probably wouldn't make it back in time for the ceremony, he was disappointed. He said, "Well, I guess I just went for a little swim." So we wrapped him up in a blanket and sat back down.

Here is an after picture. The temple is supposed to be completed by the fall of 2012!

A cutism!

When Porter is laying in bed going to sleep he hums to himself. It's always fun to hear what song he chooses. Often they are primary songs. "I Am A Builder", was his favorite last year and "I Belong To The Church of Jesus Christ" is this year's favorite. Although lately, he has been humming the Star Wars theme.

Porter's 1st Race!

We have a family tradition that every 4th of July, at least one of us runs a race. This year Porter and Dave ran together. Porter finished the 1 mile in 13 minutes!!! Not bad for a 5 year old. He even beat some of the adults. We are so proud that he is always willing to try new things, even when they seem a little intimidating at first.

Finally Summer!!!

It finally warmed up! My run this morning was so stinkin' hot. I swear it was 110 degrees and being 4 months pregnant probably didn't help. But, I gratefully logged my 5 miles with my trusty running partners and came home to collapse on the floor underneath the air conditioner. I'm glad summer is finally here so we can hit the pool and I'm thankful for air conditioners.

Just a thought...

Today, I was thinking about little things I've done or said that I regret. All of which I wish I could somehow take back, repay or erase. Nothing huge, just a comment that slid by the internal filter, that certainly wasn't necessary and probably hurt someone's feelings. Or some little action that was better left undone. Then I started thinking of little things that have been said or done to me. So today, I am forgiving myself for small stupidities and forgiving others for theirs. Life is so much better when we assume that everyone has the best intentions and forgive ourselves and others for our imperfections.

Me with All My Handsome Men!

This is our most recent family photo from late October 2009. We're in our backyard. I love all my boys. My two little ones are growing way too fast. I love watching them play and they are so good to each other. Dave is my best friend and my sweetheart. He is an AMAZING husband and father and I feel blessed every day that we get to share this life and eternity.

Weather...blah, blah

We didn't make any big plans for the weekend, since I wasn't sure how I would be feeling and leave it to crazy Utah weather to foil any last minute ideas. Yesterday, the boys and I packed a picnic and within 15 minutes, the weather went from a sunny 75 to a very chilly 50 degrees with rain and wind. So our picnic ended up being a trip to the Old Grist Mill deli, YUM!!! Today we made a family trip to Costco. Costco and free sample Saturday is second to Disneyland for my boys. We had a ball and of course it was raining again by the time we were done shopping, so the park was out again. Hopefully Monday will warm-up.

Also, I have the most amazing husband in the world. He stayed up three nights last week and washed and folded ALL of our laundry. This was definitely a household task that I let fall by the way during my weeks of headaches and nausea. I am embarrassed to admit how many loads there actually were, but this was no small feat. I have a wonderful sweetheart!

May 27, 2010

It's crazy because other than being tired, I've felt fantastic the last few days. Hallelujah!!! Maybe I had to get over the 8 week hump or something. Either way, I'm counting my blessings. I have started packing away my "skinny" clothes. No tears, but certainly a sense of loss. Does every woman have five different sizes in her closet? I figured if the "skinny" items were out of sight, then it wouldn't be as depressing to look in my closet and see all the things I can't wear. I hung up a few cute new maternity tops I bought, so I could look forward to getting bigger instead. In theory this sounds great, so we'll see how it goes.

Pregnancy...

I sat on the bathroom floor for an hour and a half yesterday overcome with waves of nausea, unable to move and unable to will myself to vomit. My head was so heavy and achy. Porter was an absolute sweetheart and started a movie for Caleb. He came in and checked on me every few minutes, brought me crackers and soda, sat by me and rubbed my head and arm and wrote me a little note, "I love you Mom". Only 4 more weeks until I start the second trimester. Hopefully I will feel better. It's interesting what one thinks about while sitting in a dark bathroom for such a long time...

Today was much better. The Tylenol actually provided relief and the butterflies in my stomach stayed at a manageable level. It felt great to be able to play outside with the boys and do an art project together.

Surprise!!!