FIRST E.R. TRIP (AND HOPEFULLY HIS LAST!)

Up until today, we had only ever been to the ER once with our boys, which is pretty good, considering that we have four, wild boys. We took Sterling Henry in over a year ago thinking that he had a broken arm. It took three hours, and luckily it was fine.

Today, we were playing outside and Gouverneur was crawling around on the grass. Somehow he chewed on a stick, choked, and threw up blood. It wasn't a ton of blood, but it was enough to make me nervous. After talking with our pediatrician, I decided that we needed to take him to the E.R. I called Sterling and told him to head home. Our cute neighbor Val came over and sat with the big boys so that I could take Israel to the E.R.

We got there, and he was happy and fine. I almost turned around and left, but decided that I better get him checked out just in case. They did x-rays and lots of check-ups and found nothing. We hung around there for a good three and hours. The whole process was long, but I'm so happy that he is alright. He was in good spirits the whole time.

He puts everything in his mouth and this was a good reminder to be more diligent in cleaning up and not leaving any small toys out. And not putting him down on the grass yet.

We sure love this boy and love that he is so happy and healthy. He is growing up way too fast!

ISRAEL AT 8 MONTHS

Israel has grown up so much in these last two months. It's fun to watch him grow up, but it always make me sad that he is growing up so fast. He is such a darling boy.

He now has 6 teeth. 4 of them have popped up in the last 6 weeks. It has been pretty rough on everybody. 

He can sort of wave, although I'm not sure if he know that he's waving. It's cute either way.

He is sitting up really well now and loves to sit and play with toys. He also sat up in the front of the shopping cart for the first time. Gouv loved having him next to him, despite the look on his face. 

His brothers love him so much. They all want to help feed him and give him small bites of whatever their eating. He gets millions of hugs and kisses. He is very loved.

He is eating like a champ these days. He is our chubby-bubby. He is my only baby that I've been able to nurse this long. He is also eating all sorts of table food and seems to love everything but avocados. The one time he did eat them, he threw up after.

He has not been sleeping very well. He has been waking up more times at night then he did as a newborn. We had him cry in out a bit for the last two night and he's back on track. We're all happy about it!

He is very alert. He loved to make eye contact and smile. I love walking into the room and seeing this sweet face looking up at me.

By this time I have already been pregnant after each baby I've had. Sort of crazy to thing about since he still seems so little to me. (I'm not making any announcements by the way.)

We sure love you, Israel. Thanks for bringing so much happiness and joy into our family!

6 MONTHS OLD BABY ISRAEL

Someone is six months old. Not sure how that happened so fast. It seems like the more babies I have, the faster they all grow up. I wish I could just push pause and or at least slow motion. Being as I can't, I will just sit and soak up every second on their lives.

6 Month Stats

Weight: 18 lbs. 9 oz. (75%)

Height: 28 1/2 inches (Off the charts!)

Head: 17 1/2 inches (90%)

Israel started solids right before he turned six month and he loves them now. At first he wasn't so sure what to think. 

 As you can see here.

The boys love that he is eating food. They are always asking what I'm feeding him and Gouverneur likes to try a bite or two or whatever the baby is having. I love watching the boys with baby Israel. 

Israel is now sitting in a highchair some. This was on his actual six month birthday. (taken with my phone.)

Israel is at such a fun stage. He is laughing and giggling all the time. He loves the exersaucer. He make us all so happy. He loves watching his brothers. He has gone back to sleeping 8-12 hours at night. He loves to roll over on his stomach but can't get back onto his back. He grabs everything in site. He is such an angel baby and we just love him.

5 Months Already???

 Baby Israel is growing up way too fast. He is 5 months old today! He is such a darling baby boy. He is happy and sweet and so intrigued with life.

Israel cut his fist two teeth today. He has been a bit off and I could see that they were coming soon. I looked last night and they weren't through. Then first thing this morning, one was through and the other one followed a few hours later. He is the second earliest teether in our family. (Sterling Henry holds the record of getting his first two teeth at 4 months.)  Israel has been a pretty good teether so far.

He is still sleeping like a champ. He goes 10+ hours a night and take 3-4 good naps during the day.

He has had lots of visitors over the last month including 2 grandmas, 1 grandpa, 2 aunts, and a cousin. He's quite a popular guy. The held and kissed him like crazy.

He finally fits into his dads old outfit. Grandma Fillmore made this for dad when he was a baby, but never finished it. She sent it out to me after I had Dellin.  Here's Israel in it. 

I had to include this picture of Dellin in the same outfit. Dellin was 8 months in the picture. They both have red hair, so it's only fitting to have them both wear the cute red outfit.

He is so into watching his brothers play. I can tell he is just dying to be one of the rowdy boys. They adore him too and try to involve him in things. They are always sharing they snugglies with him. Gouverneur has shared his binky on many occasions. Sort of gross, but really thoughtful and sweet.

He did get in on his first dog pile the other night. Good thing I had a good grip on his ankle, because he almost flew right over the top.

We sure love you Israel. Thank for being such an easy-peasy baby!

ISRAEL TURNS 4 MONTHS

I cannot believe for even one second that this little tub of love is already 4 months old. He is an absolute dream baby.
He is happy and sweet and has started laughing.
He loves to look and and smile at me while he's nursing, and it melts my heart every time.
He is the sleeping champ. He sleeps 8-12 hours at night and take lots of naps still.
He is my best nurser.
He is still in a pack-n-play in our room. He's so quiet, that we just might keep him there forever.
He is wearing 6-9 month clothing. 

4 MONTH STATS

Weight: 15 lbs. 14 oz. (70%)

Height: 26 1/4 inches (95%)

Head: 16 1/2 inches (50%)

He is adored by his older brothers. They all love him and love on him often. They all love to hold him. Dellin asks the most, but they all love it.  He is one lucky little brother to have these three to look up to.

We sure love you Israel!

Sweet Little Israel

I can't take it, he's just too cute.

This little dream machine has been sleeping through the night for 3 weeks now. We sure love this little guy!

Two Months

Israel has been an absolute dream baby in every way. He is so happy and sweet. In the last 2 weeks he has started smiling, laughing and cooing. Best sounds ever. He is really starting to get chunky rolls all over. He is sleeping 6+ hours at night and taking good naps during the day. He is by far, my best nurser. He is adored by three older brothers who are always wanting to hold/kiss/hug him. These last two months have been heavenly.
It's hard for us to decide which one of the boys he looks the most like. What do you think?

My mother-in-law gave me this darling out that was Sterling's when he was a baby. I have been quite anxious to put him in it and document. Super cute.

2 Month Stats

Height: 24 inches (95%)

Weight: 13 lbs. 9 oz. (75%)

Head: 16 inches (90%)

We have a serious baby addiction over here and this boy is just feeding that addiction in a good way. We love you Israel. Thanks for bringing so much joy and happiness in to our family!

Santa Baby 2012

 We had our ward Christmas party on Saturday and I couldn't help but pull out the Santa suit. I was worried that it was going to be big, but it turned out pretty cute. Gouverneur wore this same one to our party last year.

Israel turned on the smiles with this outfit on. I was in heaven. Still am. Look how cute he is.

Trying to get all the boys to look at the camera and smile is nearly impossible these days. They turned out pretty cute and really show their little personalities. Plus, Dellin is ALWAYS putting something in his pockets. It's fun to have it documented.

These boys really love their baby.

The party was really fun and we lasted 45 minutes. The boys made some cute ornaments and filled their bellies with cookies and hot cocoa. We drove around and looked at Christmas lights on the way home. The whole night was a success.

Israel's Baby Blessing/ One Month

 Israel's one month birthday fell on Thanksgiving. It also happened to be the day of his baby blessing. We were thrilled to have so much family take part in his baby blessing. Sterling gave Israel a beautiful baby blessing.

Here are the men who participated in the blessing.

 Uncle Jake, Scott Erickson, Dad, Grandpa Hawkins, Uncle Josh

Three Davids. Sterling David, Israel David, and Grandpa David.

Our little family of six.

 It was a bit complicated trying to get a picture of all the cousins. I really love how this one turned out.

 

 This one is pretty darn cute.

 Cousin Leah and Israel.

Israel is such a cute little baby. He looked just darling in his little blessing outfit. I made his little booties.

 

We really love this little guy. He has been such a huge blessing in our family over this last month. He is such a happy, calm baby. He has just started smiling. He is a fabulous eater and a good sleeper too.  Here are his one month stats.

Weight: 11 lbs. 10 oz. (90%)

Height: 23 inches (95%)

Head: 15 1/4 inches (75%)

He is our second biggest baby at one month. Sterling was the biggest and Dellin and Gouverneur were a lot smaller at this stage. It's fun to compare their stats and watch these cute boys grow.

Best Big Brother Ever

Watching the youngest become a big brother is one of my favorite parts about having a baby. Gouverneur might be the cutest big brother of all times. He is very interested in Israel and loves to give him hugs and kisses.

This boy melts my heart. He is so happy and sweet.

 He still loves to stand and look at the baby in his crib. He did this non-stop for the first few days that Israel was home. 

 

  It wasn't long until we found him in the crib with Israel. He was trying to give the baby his binky. Darling big brother.

I can't wait to watch these two grow up together. I get the feeling that they are going to be great friends!

3 WEEKS OLD

Our sweet little Israel is officially three weeks old today. I'm always amazed at just how fast the first few weeks go by. Too fast if you ask me. We have not done much but sit and around and kiss on this baby.

Grandma Hawkins has been such a huge help. She has kept this house running while I sit and nurse the day away. We try and make sure she gets lots of holding time in. When shes not cleaning, cooking, or holding this sweet baby, she is reading and making up fun games with the big boys. We don't know what we'd be doing without her here. 

Dad and Israel.

 Israel is a dream baby in every way. He is darling as can be and really sweet. He is a fabulous nurser and a great sleeper.

 

This is how I can be found most days.

 Loving every minute of it!

FIRST BATH

There are few things that I enjoy more than bathing my sweet babies. The first few are a bit awkward with that ambilical cord, but totally worth it for the finished product.
Israel liked his first bath at home. He actually screamed through the whole thing but settled right down when I bundled him up after. All the pictures during the bath were pretty sad so I'm only posting this darling one of the finished clean babe.

We sure love this little cub and love having him around!

Israel David Fillmore

It's taken a bit of work to get this post up. For some reason, we've been really crazy busy around here. It might have something to do with preparing for Sandy/Frankenstorm and then our internet and power being out. Now it's on and here is the story of our little Israel.

My original due date was October 29th. I have never gone into labor with the other boys so I definitely didn't plan on it this time. I have been induced each time and had an induction set for the morning of the 29th. 

On Sunday, the 21st, we went to bed as usual. I had a crazy feeling that maybe I was going to go into labor. Not because I was having contractions, but I just sort of felt it. Sure enough, I woke up just before 3am to my water breaking. I wasn't quite sure if that is what was happening but after a call to my doctor and me waking up a bit more, we decided to head over to the hospital. My neighbor came over to sit with the boys and off we went. 

We luckily snapped this picture as we were walking out the door. I have steered clear of the camera for months so this is the real deal. 39 weeks pregnant.  Check out that belly! I think I look pretty calm for going into to labor for the first time.

We got to the hospital and checked in and sure enough, things had started. I was at a 2 which is sort of a big deal for me. Sterling and I both couldn't believe that it was really happening.

After my epidural not working with Gouverneur that was my next priority.  After I got my epidural I was able to relax. At 8am my doctor came in and hooked me up to some petocin to get the baby moving. By 11am, I was only at a 5 but I could tell my body was ready to have this baby. The contractions got pretty intense after that and I was super nauseous. At about noon, I told the nurse that I was ready to push. She went and called the doctor and after what seemed like forever, my doctor walked in casually eating an apple. I told her that this baby was ready to come and I needed to push. She ditched the apple and got ready to deliver this baby. After three very short pushes, our darling little boy popped out.

I'm always amazed at how fast things can happen. One minute, I was going to bed, and 12 hours later, my baby was born.

Israel David Fillmore

8 lbs. 12 oz.

21 1/2 inches 

Born at: 12:38pm

He screamed from the minute he was born. We've never had a baby cry so much. He is our biggest baby, outweighing Sterling Henry by two ounces.

 He settled down a bit when they wrapped him up. 

This staff was an all female team and it was a lot of fun. The anesthesiologist was a woman, my two doctors on call were women, and all the nurses of course were women. Dr. Lashgari, on the left,  was the one that delivered me.

Sterling left pretty soon after to go check up on the boys. My bff Sarah was watching the boys for us. (Thanks Sarah!)  Sterling got the boys and brought them in later that night to meet Israel.  These pictures are just darling. The boys really have been very excited to meet the "new" baby for quite sometime. Even Gouverneur seemed to like him.

Our new not so little family of six. I feel like one lucky momma to be surrounded by so many darling boys.

Sterling is such a proud, cute, daddy.

Here is the sweet little lamb right after his first bath in the hospital. He was super alert and calm for the first time that day.

 

Sterling spent the next day with the boys while I got to spend a lot of time by myself with Israel. I love the quiet one-on-one time that you get in the hospital. I'm usually quite anxious to get out of there, but this time it was very enjoyable. I just sat and snuggled this cherub all day long.

Sterling brought the boys in on Wednesday to bring me and the baby home. I was so happy to see my boys. I missed them so much! They were excited to see me and to bring the new baby home.

Sterling always dresses the new baby to take him home. This time I hadn't bought a coming home outfit so Sterling took the boys to the store and they picked one out.  He did a great job.

I am in love with these pictures of the boys watching dad change the new baby.

Israel is so lucky to have three big brothers to look up to.

Here we are in the car already to go home. We moved Gouverneur over and put the baby's seat in. I love this view of my two babies.

We always take a picture of Sterling with the new baby in front of our house. This daddy brings home the bacon and the babies.

The boys were happy to have him home as well. I still can't believe we have four boys. What a dream!

Grandma Hawkins flew in later that day to come take care of us. She will be here for a month and something tells me that we are going to need her.

All in all I would say that Israel's delivery was perfect. It was really fun to have my water break and go into labor. It was fun that it happened in the middle of the night. I love that my epidural worked perfectly. And most importantly, he arrived safely.

We spend all our time at home with grandma, snuggling our darling new baby. I'm not sure when we'll leave the house again, but that's fine with me.  We love you Israel and are so happy that you are in our family!