Embrace the Mom Jeans

Do you want the fullness of Angelina's lips, without the huss and fuss of needles and collagen? Well female friends, the answer is simple: canker sores. One or two of those puppies on your lower lip will help them fill out nicely. And the great news is, they're free!

For some odd reason I seem to get oodles of cankers after I have a baby. I even got one on my tongue this time. Unfortunately the fullness is only on one side of my lip, so instead of looking like miss Jolie, I instead look like Bill Murray's character on Caddy Shack. Not that full lips matter much. I look in the mirror and I see a different body staring back at me. I have passed the "cute young mom" stage and have moved on to the woman with love handles wearing mom jeans. It's all about "suck it in and button it above your navel" now. But that's okay, because you know what world?! I will rock these mom jeans! I will be struttin down the aisles at the grocery store in pants with enormous back pockets. You will pass me and say, "that lady is rockin those mom jeans!" And I will smile back with my crooked lip and frizzy hair and nod my head in approval.

Joshua
"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth."

Josh got the part of “Grouch the tree” in his upcoming “Wonderful Witches of Oz” play. Yes, he's one of the grumpy trees that Dorothy picks apples off of. He's memorized his lines and is ready to perform next month, in May. He told me the other night that the reason he wanted to join this play was because he likes singing so much. I hope he keeps it up. He really has a nice voice.

I came downstairs the other morning to discover Dax and Josh had built a "dinosaur land" in our family room. Josh even tied some string on the Pterodactyl and taped it to the entertainment center. I love that these two are good friends.

Josh had a great time rock climbing with his dad and Dax last month in Ibex. Campfires, tents, dirt, rocks: a boys domain. His favorite is bouldering (climbing big rocks without a harness.) I think that's because he gets pretty scared when he gets too high on the rock with his harness on.

Daxton Dax and Ella found their fold-up camping chairs in the garage and wanted to bring them inside and have hot chocolate.

Ella had her friend Ally over the other day. She was showing Ally her room and said, “That is my bed, and that is a picture of Jesus. He's my brother.” Too which Dax responded, “Jesus is not your brother, Jesus is the Man.”

We were eating lunch the other day and Dax's eyes grew wide, he smiled at me and said, “Mom, look! You're big tummy is back!” Sigh. Oh well, guess that's what 4 kids will do to ya.

And finally, last night Josh told Dax that he wanted to be called “Brooklyn” from now on (a Newsies kick) to which Dax replies, “How 'bout I call you poopy pants instead.”

Dax camping with Dad. No, that's not a mexi-stash. It's dirt.

Isn't the picture below awesome? Dax is running on the far right, Josh the second to the left. These boys are in their element-wide open spaces!
Ella

I really don't know where she gets her mannerisms. Most days she walks around like Draselle from Enchanted. She seems to prance instead of walk, and skip instead of run. However, she is quick to jump atop the Dax and Josh dog pile, and add to the chaos.

No doubt, this girl is a little spitfire (okay, a big spitfire.) Right now I am enjoying the spunk, but I will eat those words once the teenage years hit. I guess I just enjoy the fact that she holds her own, even though she's so little. I was so shy when I was younger, but Ella has no fear and will run up to her sunbeam teacher to give her a giant hug, or unfortunately, push someone aside who's in her way.

Ella participated with 4 other girls in a dance for our stake's talent show. It was the "kangaroo hop" and can be viewed here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/greganddayna/March2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCLPcoubG04vdjAE&feat=email#

She LOVED every second of it and I think I will sign her up for dance this fall.

Amelie

Cameron gave Amelie a blessing on March 28th. She wore the same dress I did when my dad blessed me. We were so lucky to have so much family join us for the occasion! I am very aware what a blessing it is to have a husband who worthily holds the priesthood. It's power is real, I have felt its effects many times in my life. Cam blessed Amelie with many things, and I am so excited to be a part of her life and take part in all that she can become.

She is getting cuter each day, and the dimples have remained. She has started smiling and cooing and she responds to you and the attention you give her. I love it! She's doing pretty good at night, eating about every 3 hours. Her brothers and sister still adore her, and always help her if she fusses, or if I need a diaper. Great kids!

Cameron

Cam had a fun month. He went skiing with his brother and brother in law at Brighton, took the boys to Wolf Mountain, and also went camping and climbing with the boys. I'm trying to milk info out of him right now “Cam, what did you do last month?”
“I spent time with you and the baby.”
“You have to give me more than that.”
“That's all there is, I'm a boring guy, Cindy.”
“Well, I have to write something. What should I write about you?”
“You don't have to write anything about me.”

So, there ya go. That's Cam for the month of March

Cindy

I turned 30 this past month. It was a great birthday. I had a 2 week old baby!! (does it get much better than that?) We went out to eat at Granny Annie's with my side of the family. So much fun! (gotta love the open faced turkey sandwich. Delish) Cam took the kids shopping and they each picked out some fun things, including a snuggie, some sandals, and an exercising game for the wii (let's get those love handles under control...)

It seems that everywhere I go people continue to tell me to enjoy my little ones "they won't be little for long." SO I am doing just that. I really try to hug them a lot, tell them I love them, and let them know how important they are to me. Being a mom is the greatest, even if it makes your insides fall out and your abs turn to mush. Totally worth every age spot and stretch mark!

Workin Overtime

Day of Love

Our Happy V-day Breakfast

Dax wasn't too interested in the crepes and opted for mom's secret stash of Cocoa Puffs

Josh's Crepe with syrup

Ella shares her mom's love for Nutella

It's my firm belief that the term "beauty sleep" is severely underrated. Generally you hear it spoken by that gorgeous blond on that so called sitcom who uses it so carelessly, "I'm sorry I can't help you out tonight, I need my beauty sleep."

I don't care how drop-dead good looking you are, if you don't get enough sleep you are immediately transported to the ugly realm. The wrinkles deepen and you can't seem to wash off the gray underneath your bloodshot eyes. Such is my life as of late. Truth be told, little Amelie has done fantastically well at night, oftentime going 5-6 hours at a time between feedings (as I awake ready to explode.) However, my body needs sleep, craves it, and I am used to my full 10 hours before being woken by the morning rays. I'm deprived, and thusly apologize for my less than attractive appearance.

In my last post it seems I was a bit overly dramatic (Imagine! Me? dramatic? Nah!) I received more than enough responses that I had convinced some women to re-think their thoughts on more children. So to keep myself from burning, I thought I should be a bit more upbeat.

Parenthood is by far the greatest thing to experience in this lifetime. We have had our little slice of heaven for 2 weeks now, and it has been bliss. Seriously! I'm not just hammin' it up! It amazes me how much I love her already. I love thoses little dimples, love the way she squirms after being fed and arches her little back, pushing her bum out. I love the way she smacks her lips after she eats, and stretches her little arms above her head. I love the grunts and coos she makes when she begins to wake up, and love the way she looks back at you with those big dark eyes. The kids always say the same things whenever they see or hold her:

Josh: "Oh, she's just so cute!"

Dax: "I really like this baby."

Ella: "I love my baby sista."

Being a mom is awesome!

Joshua

Cam and I have compared Josh's piano playing to a crack addict. He really can't get enough. Everytime he walks by the piano he has to crank out a tune or two. Even when we ask him to "stop playing and come eat dinner," his body begins inching away from the piano, but his fingers won't allow him to stop playing until the song is finished (or until we begin yelling.) It's fun to hear him progress each week.

Joshua didn't want to sign up for baseball this year, and instead is asking for enrollment in gymnastics. Hmmmm. Dad is frantically doing his best to talk him into karate, but to no avail. We'll see what happens.

Daxton

I think Dax has taken to the baby more than anyone else. When he holds her, he just gives you this look, like he's saying with his eyes, "I love you baby girl and I won't let anyone hurt you." It really is the sweetest thing.

Dax continues to be our little sweet-heart. After offering my mom half his cookie at lunch yesterday, my mom said he needs to be cloned.

Dax has had a round of pink-eye this week, and after each drop of medicine in his eye he always says "thanks mom." Just a good boy all around.

Ella

So far, so good. No major outbreaks or tantrums since baby-girl has arrived. I think those will be saved for the time when Amelie is mobile and breaking into Ella's polly-pockets. Ella is always offering to help, "I can burp her," "I can change her diaper all by myself." It's nice to have kids big enough to go and grab whatever I, or the baby, is in need of.

I was feeding the bay in the living room today and Ella came into the room. She promptly lifted up her own dress, sat down beside me, and started "feeding" her bunny doll. At least she's observant, right?

Amelie (Aw-muh-lee)

It's a French name (and the title of a really good French movie). I kinda feel bad that she will have to tell everyone for the rest of her life how to pronounce it, but not bad enough to make me want to change it. The name just suits her. Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.

So far Amelie is a pretty mellow kid. Like most babies, she has her fussy times, but nothing a little boob can't fix. She fits so well into our little family and now I feel we are complete. It makes me sad to think that she's our last, that this is the last time I will have a tiny little child, but makes me savor each moment all the more.

Cameron

The boys visiting at the hospital. Little Cam with those Sexy hospital undies. Hopefully he can share those with someone special.

Busy boy. Each month we make goals as a family. Cam's goal last month was to "complete all the tasks he needs to." This boy has a pretty full platter and I feel he does an amazing job at accomplishing all the things he is asked to do.

It was so nice to have him home more when the baby arrived. I would be in my room "recooperating" and hear them all downstairs wrestling, playing, and having a great time together. Cam is a great dad and it was so nice to see the kids enjoying the extra time they had with him. He is taking the boys next weekend for a rock-climbing excursion near Delta. Finally, some fun outdoors!

Cindy

Me and my crew of 4-FOUR!!

I am amazed at how quickly the human body is able to heal itself. It's only been two weeks and though my stomach is still a mush-pot, I already feel good enough to build a snowman with the kids! Dax named him Mr. Frosty.

Dax was yelling in the background: "Ella don't eat Mr. Frosty! If you eat him you will make him dead."

Yes, it may hurt a little bit to look at me, but I am hoping that issue will mend itself in a few months. Wish me luck!

Look who came back to visit-my ankles! (hopefully a permanent stay)

Baby Amelie

Ten little fingers,
Ten tiny toes,
Two deep cheek-dimples,
And one button nose.
Dark hair atop,
Long feet below,
Amelie has arrived,
How we love her so!

Our beautiful baby girl was born at 2:22 pm on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010. Amelie Lenora Eggertz. 8 lbs, 3 oz, 21” long. She is so beautiful! I am very happy to see this little girl and to add her to our growing family. Words can’t describe those feelings you have when your baby is delivered, and takes her first breath of air in her new little body. Amazing.

Let’s talk about pain, shall we?

Here’s a scenario for you: If for some reason your doctor approached you saying you had to have your big toe amputated, would you ever think to yourself, ‘Hmm, should I have anesthetics, or not? Maybe I could deal with the pain of having a sharp knife shard off my toe.” Of course not! It’s all about “Put me under and give me some strong pain-meds afterward.” So why is it that for some reason some of us have the crazy notion of having a human being pushed through a 10cm opening in our bodies without any kind of pain medication?! I’m sure for some, it is so they can say “I did it.” For others, maybe they want to experience that sensation and perhaps have a greater sense of empathy for those women who have been doing it for centuries before with nothing but a pan of hot water. For me, I’m just stupid.

I was planning on having an epidural all along, but little did I know that I would have a super, I mean SUPER PRO-NATURAL-BIRTH nurse named Jenni. As soon as I said that going natural had entered my mind, she pulled out the “labor ball” and showed me all kinds of positions to deal with the pain. And you know what? They worked! Sitting on that ball, through the contractions while Cam pushed on my hips, it really made a difference! But soon I reached an 8 and was hurting pretty bad, and asked “Is it too late for an epidural?” To which she winks at Cam and replies, “Yes, it’s too late.” Witch.

Yes, I know it was ultimately my decision, and at least it’s all over now; but wow, it was horrible. I went natural with Daxton, and it went pretty well. However, with Amelie I was started on Potosin at 11 (dilated to a 3), water broke at noon, and she was delivered at 2:22. Witchy nurse checked me about 5 minutes before the baby was born. I was at a 9, and she said the baby still needed to drop a little, so she recommended I get back in bed and curl up in the fetal position. I curled my legs up to my chest, and BOOM!!! The baby dropped and my body kicked into gear and started pushing her out!

All I remember is calling out profanities, and telling Cam “I can’t do this, I can’t do this,” while nurses are frantically pouring into the room and my nurse is screaming for the doctor to get to room 4609, stat. So there I lay, with the baby’s head crowning, waiting for the doctor to get his butt into the room. 3 pushes later, she was here!

Moral of the story, don’t be stupid. Get the epidural. Enjoy your birth instead of crying in pain and scaring your husband out of his wits.

To end on a happy note, it’s a day later and I feel really good. I did tear and had to be stitched up, but the baby is here safe and sound and she’s nursing great. The kids were so excited to meet her (so heartwarming!) and my joy is bottomless. I feel such great honor to have the opportunity to experience being a mom with 4 beautiful little children. The human body is such an amazing thing, and I am again reminded of God’s love as he entrusts me to raise his daughter. We love you Amelie!

Hangin' Tough

I asked Daxton to take a picture of me and my belly, and after SEVERAL attempts, this was as good as it got.

Some people have bad hair days. Me? Bad ankle days. Today was a doozy. I know that when I wake up, and my foot and ankle are already 3 times their normal size, that it is going to be another kankle day. In fact, I even busted the top band on the only pair of shoes that still fit me. I guess the elastic had been stretched far enough and decided to call it quits. I would sew it back together, but it won't reach around my massive, swollen, elephantitis extremity. Yes, all this is just a singular ankle, my left one. I can still somewhat see the ankle bone on my right, but my left one looks like I was stung by a bee and am severely allergic.

I don't know why this picture uploaded with my feet and ankles looking like they are covered in some kind of rash, but it did. I even said "Oh my...." when I first saw it. It's okay, I'm not ashamed.

Since this baby is my last, and I have 2 weeks to go, I decided to do some documentation. Let me introduce you to some prego-wonders:

The Support belt

I started off with just the singular strip of elastic/velcro back in October. It worked pretty well, until I began to gain weight exponentially. So I upgraded, and this little beauty is what I have been wearing each and every day for 3 months. It's so fantastic! Really, it does wonders. It's amazing to me that I rely on a few strips of elastic and some velcro fasteners to hold in my bladder. Huh. (No, I don't wear the get-up outside of my clothing, though that may work if I were a super-hero. Did you really want to see it otherwise?! That shot would be worse than that feet picture above.)

The Support Hosiery

Are these black socks the epitome of sexy, or what? But they really work! They help with the blood flow, and make me more comfortable. I love 'em!

B is for Belly

No, I didn't need a wide angle lens. Watch it.

I am so very excited for this baby to arrive! My brother and his wife Meghan had their baby boy on Sunday. Christopher ("Topher") Scott Thredgold. He is so beautiful! Just seeing his little hands and tiny toes, and hearing those baby coos has put me over the top with excitement to hold my little girl! Hooray!

Joshua

"Mom! I look like the girl from 'Up'."

Lost another one (top right tooth). This boy is growing too quickly. Last Sunday we noticed that his church pants are already high-water, and he also made me aware that his big toe hits the end of his school shoes. Holy smokes boy! I just can't believe how fast the time flies.

Josh's love for American History continues to grow. He loves National Treasure 1 & 2, and loves hearing about the American Revolution. We've agreed to let him watch parts of the John Adams series, because he's so enthralled by it all. Yes, definitely gets it from his dad. Those "Founding Father" books on our shelves are not mine. Roahld Dahl, that's more my style.

They celebrated Josh's "1/2 Birthday" in school (since his birthday takes place in the summer). Here is the poster he created. In case you can't make out the writing, his favorite animal is the wild cat, favorite color is blue, and favorite food is candy. There is a picture of him, then his family. His favorite place is Belgium, and when he grows up he wants to be a "game seller." (way to shoot for the stars little buddy.) His favorite thing to do is to ski, and if he could wish for anything it would be a DSI and a TV.

Daxton

Self-portrait.

"Mom, when the baby is born, and she's coming out of your throat, I will catch her."

Which led to a very stimulating conversation at the dinner table.

"Umm, that's very nice of you to offer Dax, but she won't come out of my throat."

"Oh, your tummy?"

"Not quite. She comes out between my legs."

"She will come out of your legs?"

"No, out between my legs through special parts that girls have...."

To which Josh replied "That's gross," and Cameron decided it was time to end that conversation.

He took that one of himself.

Ella

Dax and Ella with their cousin, Audrey.

Ella insists on brushing her own hair now, and while she does so, she has to sing a song. It's always a song about getting married to her cousin Jack.

"I love him, and we will be married. To Jack-a-moe." (only kick it up about 5 octaves to envision her super-high girly voice.)

The crib is set up, and we are go for launch. Ella has climbed in it on several occasions, so we'll see how it all pans out. I even went up the other day, after Ella had been quiet in her room for a bit too long. She was sound asleep in the crib, complete with blanket and her doll. Hmmmm.

Cameron

Cam has been out of town this week in Denver, Colorado for a ski expo. Go ZAG. Kick some ZAG. He says it has been a success and he's made quite a few contacts. One store even wants to carry the line. Exciting news! I feel so fortunate to have such a kick-ass husband. Motivated, sexy, smart, ambitious, hard-working, athletic. He has a testimony and he cares about our little family just as much as I do. I love this boy. I'm lucky to have you, Cam, even if you are throwing that snowball at the head of our young child.

Cindy

My good friend Brenda made me this hat, is it not the cutest?!

It amazes me that something so small can cause tortuous amounts of pain.

Though I am ginormous, I am feeling really good! Those kidney stones gave me a completely new outlook on life. Sure my leg is not my own, and it goes numb all the time, and my sciatic nerve is going nuts, and the acid reflux isn't helping.....but at least it's not kidney stones! I am just happy to soon be delivering my little bundle. I'm actually looking forward to the pain because I know what awaits at the end of it all! I just had my doc apt. today and I will be induced on the 16th (2 more weeks.) My next post will feature our little one. Hooray!