Our Newest Addition: Amelia Catherine Christensen

We are excited to announce the arrival of the newest addition to our family, Amelia! She was born yesterday at 1:36pm weighing 8 lbs. 10 oz. and is 21 inches long. She is beautiful and we are so excited she finally ended her holdout and joined our family (10 days overdue!). Everything went as smoothly as we could have ever hoped for and both Amelia and mom are doing great.Here's Elizabeth and Amelia shortly after delivery. Both girls looking great!

Elizabeth and I enjoying a peaceful moment with Amelia shortly after delivery.

Andrew, Tanner, and Reid have looked forward to Amelia's arrival as much as anybody and couldn't wait to come up to see their new little "sissy". I think Tanner was trying to figure out exactly who this little baby in his lap was...he soon warmed up to his new little sister!

As you can see, the boys adore Amelia. We have had to take turns as we pass little "sissy" from one boy to the next. So far, Amelia has been a trooper getting passed around.

Reid meeting Amelia for the first time.

A lot has changed in the last four years. We are suddenly a family of six that doesn't quite fit on mom's hospital bed!

As enamored as the boys are with Amelia, she didn't compete with Elizabeth's hospital lunch that got delivered while they were there. Have you ever seen anybody more excited to see hospital food! These boys are hilarious!

The boys and their new little sister. They are proud older brothers!

The whole family in the hospital...all six of us!

Still Pregnant

Yes, I'm still pregnant and roughly the size of a house! I realize I've compared myself to a house on numerous occasions, but it's truly how I feel! The thought of bending over to pick something up makes me cringe. If you had told me that I would go eight days overdue with this baby, I would have laughed in your face! All my boys have come 3-4 weeks early, so I already feel 4-5 weeks overdue!

Although I am ready to be done with this pregnancy, I'm now hoping to hold out for a few more days until our boys get feeling better. We've had a nasty cold bug that's had everybody hacking around here. We got the boys into the doctor today and hopefully they should be feeling better soon. Unfortunately, they passed their illness to the big pregnant lady too. Nothing like being sick and 41 weeks pregnant!

On a different note, the other day I came into my bedroom to find my glasses completely broken and mangled on the floor! Reid was the culprit and I was so incredibly frustrated and ready to sell him to the circus! There isn't a time I wear my glasses more than when I have a baby. You're up in the night, you don't get dressed until mid-morning, you know what I mean? I called Mike almost in tears--the tears were probably more the result of being 41 weeks pregnant, but I was devastated!

Anyway, the next day I started calling around to find someone who could hopefully repair my glasses. I found a very nice optical office that carried my line of glasses and rushed over before they closed last Saturday. I think the lady behind the counter could sense my desperation (or maybe she saw me slip in the snow and totally bite it while walking into their offices), but was also very realistic about how badly they were destroyed. She worked on them for almost an hour and then brought me my glasses looking like new! I jumped out of my chair and hugged her! She was so sweet and was genuinely happy to help. She even sent me on my way without charging me for her service! So kind! It made me so happy!

Sorry to those of you who have called wondering about a baby. I know I haven't returned phone calls, it's just kind of hard explaining over and over that we haven't had a baby yet. Also, with everyone being sick, I haven't really had time. We'll be sure to post news, email, or text once she finally arrives. Until then, happy thoughts that she'll arrive on her own!

Random Thoughts

This morning Mom C. came down to take the boys for the day...what a lifesaver!! They love spending anytime they can with her. Here they are waiting patiently for grandma to come get them. They were cracking me up this morning. I love when T&R read together. They usually take turns reading a book, handing it back and forth to each other.

This kid looks so big to me! I love his happy personality! He crawled in bed with me at 7 a.m. and was so proud of himself for sleeping in (usually he's up between 5:30-6 a.m.). I was so proud of him too!

In addition to taking the boys, Mom C. also brought me her "leftovers." The biggest smile crossed my face when she asked if I would eat these. Would I? We purchased these same peppermint truffles from Costco this Christmas and I single-handedly devoured the entire container! My brother, Bil, might have had five, Mike maybe had three, but I ate the rest. These truffles probably contribute to at least five pounds of my "baby weight." Anyway, it was the perfect gift for the lady who has had all her babies at least three weeks early and just hit her due date for the first time and is going a little crazy!! Thank you Mom C.!

I went for a walk today in hopes of helping this little girl along and I think I'm perfect birth control for all these single students at BYU! I'm roughly the size of a house and I've recently started some swelling. I walked by a window on campus and got a glimpse of myself and had to laugh... a little.

Lastly, on Sunday our pew at church was a little rowdy. I think most pews with children are active, but it's seemed like the last two weeks have been exceptional. Two weeks ago the boys were yelling, "Echo, echo, echo" as we were walking through the parking lot into the building. They always think this is fun to do at grandma and grandpa's because of the mountains, and sometimes it works in town because we're up against the mountains. Well, in the middle of Sacrament Meeting, Andrew decides to try it out in the chapel! I genuinely don't think he was trying to misbehave, he was just curious.

On Sunday night I asked Mike how we're going to manage with one more little one on the pew, let alone how Mike will manage by himself after I have the baby. He said it'll be payback for his time on the High Council while in NE. For some reason it makes me giggle thinking of him with all three boys at church by himself. It's something I've done a lot of, but it will be a new experience for him. I'm sure Mike will make it look like a piece of cake, that's his super-daddy style.

Happy 30th to Me!!

I had a great 30th birthday, thanks to my dear sweet husband! He's so good to me! The day before my birthday, Mike's parents invited us up for dinner. Mom C. made a delicious birthday dinner, and then Mike made me one of my favorite cakes- banana cake with lemon cream cheese frosting and fresh raspberries, yum! The boys really wanted party hats, so mom C. was kind enough to pull out her New Year's getup just for them. We had a great evening eating and playing Go Fish with the boys, grandma and grandpa, and Uncle Adam. Mike cracked me up with this picture! This guy was up to 1 a.m. finishing birthday preparations and he was sure to document his work. Too funny!

On the morning of my birthday, Mike let me sleep in while he and the boys made me breakfast. It then rained balloons on our birthday table and the boys were in heaven!
Mike had the day off school, so we spent the day together as a family. We ran some errands, I had a dr. appointment, we had FHE, and root beer floats. It was a low key day. We really thought we'd have a baby by now, so we didn't have much planned, but it was just nice to spend time together.

Thank you to all of you who sent such kind notes. It was the perfect gift for a nine month pregnant 30 year old and it meant so much to me! I loved hearing from so many friends and family, I only wish it could have happened in person.

As for being 30, bring it on! I think it's only appropriate that I'm 30 seeing has how I drive a minivan that will shortly have four children in it! My 20's were great, and I'm looking forward to my 30's with high expectations!

Sisters

Many of you may be familiar with the song Sisters from White Christmas (the Christmas movie that isn't about Christmas, according to Glenn!). I love this song and find myself singing it before and after Girls' Weekend, around my birthday, or on any given day when I am missing and loving my sisters. Here's a portion of the lyrics.

Sisters Sisters

There were never such devoted sisters

Never had to have a chaperone "No, sir"

I'm there to keep my eye on her

Caring Sharing

Every little thing that we are wearing

When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome

She wore the dress and I stayed home

All kinds of weather

We stick together

The same in the rain or sun

Two diff'rent faces

But in tight places

We think and we act as one...

And so it goes on, but you get the idea. I've been singing this song frequently as of late and I'll tell you why. I feel so bless with all the sisters and sisters-in-law that I have in my life! This pregnancy has seemed long and hard! I found out I was very surprisingly pregnant only two days before moving. Mike and I had a couple days to wrap our minds around a fourth child (in grad school none-the-less) and then he headed back to NE and I spent the summer with great in-laws, but without my sweetheart. Mike finally joined us, but then school started and he was pretty much gone and I was home, sick, with three boys (two of which are independence-seeking two year olds!). My sisters have been wonderful! They call to check up on me, send notes, reassure me of my abilities, and just love me!

As you can see from the post below, April has been a gem and has been so kind to my family. Not only did she throw me a beautiful shower, but she keeps sending me home with freezer meals when ever I'm up at her home, which is often! We go up at least once a week for the kids to play (and spread out since we live in a tiny town home) and it's such a treat to be in her home! I was thrilled when they moved here this summer, what a blessing for us!

Rachael wanted to be at the shower so badly, but she lives hundreds of miles away, so she sent four dozen pink roses so she could be a part of things! How beautiful and how sweet!

Sarah sent me one of her most trusted babysitters so Mike and I could actually go on a date! How wonderful was that?! And, she had another friend bring us dinner!

Both KT and Whit gave very thoughtful gifts and helped out with the shower. KT lives in town and has been great to watch the boys on occasion when I've been in a lurch.

Camie has been the ultimate sounding board! There are times I hang up the phone with her and realize that I've done 90% of the talking, especially when Mike was interviewing for internships. She was just as excited as I was when the interviews and offers rolled in, yet so understanding when we passed on an offer that would have made all our dreams come true by putting twin families in the twin cities together!

These are just a few of the ways that a few of my sisters have rallied around me. I love these women! I am so grateful for the way they love and support me and my craziness! Thank you sisters, for everything!

All for the baby girl!

Months ago my sister, April, asked if she could throw me a shower. I had a hard time saying yes- this is my fourth child! Finally I gave in when she made a good case that I am having my first little girl, and I need pink! So, last weekend she threw the most beautiful, perfect shower! When I walked in her house, it was picture perfect! Pink and white everywhere, beautiful, delicious, and amazing food, and four dozen pink roses!As I opened each gift, it just seemed surreal that all of these delicate, sweet, pink things were for our little girl! It was so fun!One thing that was so fun about this shower was seeing so many old friends. There were many people from different times of my life and it was such a walk down memory lane to see everyone. Above are my high school girlfriends! Ann Dee, Torrey, and Brooke. The high school girls wanted to claim that they had known me the longest; however, Jonna showed them up! Jonna is a dear family friend, a neighbor from my childhood and my mother's supposed sister. Ada is a college roommate who impressed everyone with this adorable quilt she made! I was so touched that she would take the time to make it. Of course Mother Teresa came and was so sweet to buy our little girl this beautiful blessing dress. I was so touched when she called and said she wanted to do this as a gift. It's beautiful!

This is the evolution of the belly, and proof that every woman carries differently! We're each due about four weeks apart. Whit and I are both having our fourth, and Catie is having her first.

Unfortunately, I pulled my camera out after a bunch of people had left. It was also fun to have aunts, cousins, MBA friends, and other college roommates join us for the party! Lastly, here's the creator of such a beautiful and perfect shower! April is one of the most loving, kind, giving, and creative people I know. She really outdid herself with this shower. She planned the whole thing around a cherry fudge brownie torte that we're both in love with! That may sound silly, but so appropriate for who we are. Thank you, April! You are the best!

Four-year-old in the house!

Can you believe we have a big four-year-old in the house? We are having our fourth child, so I suppose it's only appropriate, but it's somewhat surreal that my baby is so big!

Andrew had a great birthday! His morning started with a surprise balloon delivery from dad! We were so happy and proud when moments after receiving his balloons, Andrew offered to share a balloon with each of his brothers. It's amazing how much entertainment can come from a few balloons.We told Andrew he could pick a friend to go with him to do a special painting project. He chose his dear friend, Hunter, and Hunter's mom was kind enough to watch T&R while I took the boys to Color Me Mine. These boys were so cute about their projects! Each was so excited to pick their own colors and create in their own way. At one point Andrew said, "Mom, this is so much fun! How come more people aren't here?"That night we had pizza, at Andrew's request ("chicken meat pizza" to be specific), and opened gifts. Andrew has been pining for a yo yo that his preschool teacher had as a prize student's could win for going above and beyond the mark. He was so excited when he finally got enough dots to choose from the box, only to realize the yo yo was gone! He was so happy when he opened a yo yo from mom and dad for his birthday! Last of all, we had a penguin cake, also at Andrew's request. This kid was so excited when he woke up in the morning and I showed him the cake I had made. He could hardly wait until after dinner to blow out his candle and dig in! And as you can tell, he enjoyed every bite!

Andrew is such a sweet boy and we feel so blessed to have him in our family. He is a great big brother and loves to help T&R say their prayers, or feed them breakfast in the morning when mom hasn't made it downstairs as quickly as she should. Last week I came down just as he was dolling out bowls of chocolate chips for breakfast!

Andrew loves learning and is very into letters and words. He made my grocery shopping list the other day and I couldn't bring myself to throw it away, so this purple sticky note is still on my fridge with his adorable crooked letters .

Andrew still loves his animals and often tells us, and anyone else, that he is an, "animal guy." The other day after watching a special on panda bears he was saying prayers and said, "Bless baby Jesus that he was born, just like the baby panda bears that are weeny teeny."

He cracks us up and is such a delight! Happy Birthday big boy!

Sledding, Football, and house cleaning!

New Years Day was busy and fun! We went up to Mike's parent's house, where Dad C. was a great host, making us the classic Christensen New Year's breakfast. I think it's 4,000 calories on a plate, but oh so yummy!

Mom C. left two days after Christmas to help Alisa with cute baby Owen, who arrived Christmas Eve! We had 25 people in their house for Christmas, so there was lots of house cleaning and laundry to do. I have to say that with Mom C. gone, Dad C. stepped up to the plate and was a man on a mission! Look at this guy in his apron, with his slippers on, and folding laundry while watching football. What a guy! Glenn and April joined us for the day, and after a couple hours of watching football, Mike and Glenn took the kids sledding. They had a great time! At one point I looked out the window and saw Mike coming down by himself with his lap full of snowballs, pegging everyone as he flew by! I think both dads had just as much fun as the kiddos!

While others played in the snow, April and I baked and baked! We made delicious treats for our Celestial Confections blog. Lots of chocolate, butter, and sugar, it was a great day!

Christmas 2009

Mike and I have found that the older our boys get and the more they understand about Christmas, the better it is. This year was no exception! We've had a month full of excitement, Santa talk, tree worshiping, Mr. Kruger's Christmas, Christmas candy, and the telling and retelling of baby Jesus being born, Rudolph helping Santa, and Frosty coming to life. These years are golden!

I guess I was just to big and slow to get my camera out much over the holiday. We spent five days at Mike's parent's home and I only have pictures from Christmas eve and Christmas day. They are, however, pictures that melt my heart!

Christmas Eve we had a small talent show. Andrew decided he and his brothers would sing, "I Love to See the Temple." I should really upload the video. They sang so sweetly and did a great job.
Of course we reenacted the nativity in classic Christensen fashion. Andrew was a sweet inn keeper who told Joesph and Mary there was a manger out back they could use. Tanner was a short-lived angel-- he didn't enjoy his costume. And Reid, a very proud wise man, trading his traditional hat from Israel for Andrew's BYU hat! Opening new jammies from grandma and grandpa is such a treat, especially when you get to hug them in person! Here's the crowd, ready to check out the goods! The rest of the pictures are a classic Christmas morning. Chocolate before 8 a.m., ripping open gifts, playing with trains, getting your very own BYU hat, and watching the magic of little people being thrilled with anything they open. I love it!

Pictures not included from our time with family:

• women knitting/crocheting (still not sure what the difference is) flowers and hats
• Mike skiing with his siblings
• Andrew playing for hours on end with cousins and seeming so grown up
• Tanner and Reid up all night our first night there, ugh!
• late night conversations about Adam's love life
• laughing so hard while playing games I thought I was going to go into labor
• great conversations about parenting, marriage, and life
• more food than we should have eaten