Brynn's home birth

Incredible birth photos taken by the very talented Lindsey Kliewer!

(The expanded birth story)
When I got pregnant with Brynn I knew that I wanted to have her at home. Laekin was born in a hospital and Micah was born at a birth center, both very good experiences and both were delivered by my amazing midwife BJ Snell. But now I was ready and felt confident to experience birth in the comfort of our home. Throughout my pregnancy with Brynn I thought, imagined, dreamed, and prayed for this birth experience. I looked so forward to this birth experience (not the pain...but), the process, wondering what my story would be.

My "due date" of December 2nd came and went, not to my surprise since Laekin and Micah both came after too. That weekend I wanted things to get going but tried to remain patient. Thus we went on a 3 mile walk on Saturday which gave me many contractions, I mopped the floors, and on Sunday I went for a 1 mile walk. I continued to have contractions on and off throughout the day, but no labor yet. On Monday evening things seemed to be picking up a little bit more, but I did not want to get my hopes up. That night before bed, Laekin asked me "Mommy when is your baby going to come?" After the kids were in bed, Jeremy and I had spent a little more time picking/cleaning up the house. By about 10pm I was ready for bed.

Around 1:30am a nice contraction woke me up. I decided to go back to bed and was woken up by another contraction at 2:00am. I got up and knew I was in labor now. I woke Jeremy up and I started shaking uncontrollably, which also happened with my labors with Laekin and Micah. That moment where you know labor is starting and there is no turning back...a sense of anxiety, excitement, and nervousness. Jeremy sat with me on the bed and helped me breath and regain control. I called my midwife BJ and told her that it might be early in my labor but I needed her now! Thankfully she is just minutes from my house and came over right away. I also texted my sister in Haiti and let her know that my labor had started. She had just gotten up as it was 5:30am in Haiti. It was comforting knowing that she knew I was in labor and was praying for me. BJ arrived and checked me and I was already 5cm which was very encouraging. During this time our birth assistant, Birgitte, and birth photographer, Lindsey Kliewer showed up as well. Their calming presence was such a great support to me.

Throughout the next few hours I just tried to stay as relaxed and comfortable as I could. I moved around and changed postitions more in this birth than my other 2. I sat on the birth ball, stood, swayed, and used the tub during this time. I was aware around 5am that this birth was going to be slower than Micah's 3.5 hour labor. I was grateful for this as it felt more manageable and I had more breaks in between contractions. Jeremy remained by my side with each contraction, supporting me, encouraging me, and praying for me. He is quite the pro now!

My contractions continued to increase in intensity. Around 6:30am BJ checked me and I was 9 cm! Again I was so relieved but so nervous too... knowing that this was going to be the final stretch and most intense and hardest part for me. I layed down on my bed with Jeremy behind me, and BJ and Birgitte surrounding me. I think God knew I needed these next 30 minutes to build up my confidence for the finish! My contractions were a tad less intense and they spaced out to 5-6 minutes apart. I tried to relax and let my body do the work it needed to do. I could really feel Brynn beginning to move and position down into my pelvis... the most intense feeling ever! During these 30 minutes I had to have someones hand at all times. Between Jeremy, BJ, and Birgitte, I squeezed the heck out of their hands during each contraction. This really helped me as I could do something while trying to relax the rest of my body. Then a little after 7am I knew I needed to get up, maybe the doula/birth assistant in me knowing that I needed to change positions. I had to pee so bad but I knew I would probably have a bunch of contractions on the way to the bathroom. I got up and the intensity continued to increase. I used the bathroom, slammed my hand on the wall a few times, and used a few choice words. As I came out of the bathroom BJ was standing right there to give me the continued support I needed as I gave her "the look" (as I have several times in labor). The look of utter desperation, help me, rescue me, i can't do this, when will it end....She offered to break my water so I could have this baby to which I agreed! I walked back to my bed and stood and within minutes my water broke on its own....at 7:30am. Brynn was coming... I gave a couple wimpy pushes trying to avoid the pressure to which quickly I reminded myself that the pressure will not go away until this baby girl is out. I regained my confidence and really pushed and baby Brynn was born at 7:38am. I got in bed and my little precious slimy naked baby girl was placed on my chest. There is nothing like those moments after birth... It is the best feeling on earth. Sweet relief, complete joy, the MIRACLE of birth. What an amazing birth, surrounded by God's grace, my family, and my incredible supportive birth team. I am so humbled and grateful to God to have the opportunity to experience this process a 3rd time.

Mother's Day Tea at Preschool

Laekin's preschool continues to amaze me and go WAY beyond my expectations! We are so grateful for her unique school experience and look forward to another year!

For Mother's Day the kids went all out (with the help of their teacher). For a week or more they were preparing for this special tea. They would make "surprises" during school that they would give to their moms at the tea. Laekin was so excited for this day at school and couldn't wait to get dressed up. When I arrived at school she had a vase with hand picked flowers for me. The tables were prepared with place settings, a lace tablecloth, and a handmade place mat with a picture of something they enjoy doing with their mom. The kids had spent the morning (before all the moms arrived) making a cake and salad for us. As we sat down, our child served us tea, salad, and later cake. Whatever we needed, they were ready to serve. So sweet. After lunch, the kids had all prepared and practiced 4 or 5 songs that they sang all together. After the songs, Laekin gave me a beautiful plate that she made and a keychain. She was so excited about giving me the gifts she made. We ended the class with dancing!

This was definitely a celebration that I will remember and cherish. Laekin made it so special and my heart was overflowing with love and joy!


Laekin making a cake!


All the moms had special tea hats to wear.... made by our children.


Waiting to give me her gifts.

San Diego Botanical Gardens

My friend and I took our kids to the San Diego Botanical Gardens on the 1st Tuesday of the month (which is free). It was a beautiful day and we all had a great time. We saw lots of pretty flowers and trees, played in a tree house, played in the little stream, had lunch, and ended the day on the grass with an ice cream treat!

My boy

This little guy has stolen my heart lately. The word that comes to my mind lately when I think of Micah is "intuition" defined as "understanding without apparent effort". These last couple of months have brought great highs and lows as I experienced pregnancy and miscarriage. Six days before I even took a pregnancy test Micah at the breakfast table looked at me and said "You have a baby in your tummy." Regardless if it was going to be true or not I just received it as God's little gift in sending me peace. Micah told me this 3 times before we even told them that I was pregnant! The day that I miscarried I sat quietly on the couch as tears streamed down my face. Micah grabbed his blanket, crawled up on the couch, layed his head in my lap and just sat with me. His intuition lately has amazed me and has bonded us. He can be such a love and he never gives up a chance to cuddle with his mama.

Almost there...

I am a proud sister! My brother is less than 2 weeks away from graduating from the LAPD Academy. We went to LA last week to see him get his badge. He has been in the Academy for the past 6 months. He has been through so much these past months and I am so excited for him and his upcoming graduation! We love you Nick!

These two

I remind myself daily to continue to take it all in-to let these memories sink deep. I love watching these two. They share their best and worst moments with each other. They know how to make each other really happy and they know how to make each other really mad.

Lately one of the best things is to listen and watch their interaction with each other when I am in the kitchen preparing meals. Their imaginations are at work and they are always coming up with something new. Their latest ones have been reading together, pushing their strollers to "Disneyland", being construction workers and going around the house fixing things, dance parties, playing catch, and being Native Americans and playing their instruments.

They continue to love sharing a room and know nothing different. I love overhearing them and their little conversations from their beds at night after we close their door. I pray that they would grow in their love for each other and continue to be best buds and playmates!

Playing at Papa's firestation with the hoses.

Catching up.... finally!

My mom has been waiting and waiting until Laekin was "old enough" to take her to The American Girl Place. This year I finally gave in. She got to pick out a doll and we all had lunch together. Laekin was pretty excited that her new doll "Lisa" (whom she named) could actually sit at the table with us and have lunch! She also loved having mini cinnamon rolls as our first course!

Laekin & Great Nana Rose

As a family we celebrated Laekin's 4th birthday by taking her to lunch at Disneyland with the princesses! She loved getting dressed up and having mama do her hair like Belle! She enjoyed hugging every princess and taking pictures with all of them.

The Princess & her daddy

Along with turning 4, Laekin started preschool. She looks pretty unsure here... but she actually loves it.

Two of our favorite girls came to visit us from Haiti! My sis and adorable niece Eden. Laekin loved feeding Eden whenever she had the chance.

We had a joint birthday party for Laekin and Micah while my sister was in town.

The Hungry Caterpillar surrounded by yummy dirt cups.

I love these two!

Cousins!

Of course we had to have another cake on Micah's actual birthday! Our big 2 year old.

Baking with 4 kiddos. They had a blast together making a mess.

Laekin's first preschool field trip to Tanaka Farms.

Laekin & Matthew- these two have been buddies since they were babies and now they look so grown up here.

We attended a family wedding on Halloween Eve. Here are the ladies.

Baking cookies on Halloween with Grammie and Mama.

Tool man & Belle

The kids had a blast trick or treating. Micah thought it was all about ding dong ditch- he would knock on the door and turn around and leave then he would turn around and realize there was candy!

We are trying to get in many more trips to Disneyland before our passes run out!

Micah loves the characters!

Hugs for Tigger