Emma is 7!

Loving Sister

Creative Artist

Beautiful Singer

Pretty Princess

Toothless Boo

Big Dreamer

Silly Munchkin

We have loved these last 7 years with you, Emma. You bring such light & joy to our family.

Happy Birthday, Angel!!!!

Emma's Concert

Emma was sad that only Daddy & Frank could go to her Christmas concert, and wanted to show everybody else what they missed.

I was really bummed that I couldn't go, but I have a fantastic husband that learned to use the video feature on the camera just so that I wouldn't miss out. He even called me on his cell & held it up so that I could listen live. Yes, I cried a little. But hey, I had a 3 day old baby- I blame the hormones.

Here's a clip of her dance "solo" for the grandparents (and anybody else that might care).

I like how she almost falls down & gets out of place because she's so busy flipping her hair.

Love that princess!

Being a Baby Rocks

By: James

I like being a baby. It's constant fun & excitement.

I enjoy conversing with my brothers. They have lots of wisdom to impart.

Sleeping with Daddy is my #1 favorite pastime. Being this cute is exhausting.

I do have to take some time out of each day to sunbathe a little.

It helps with my jaundice. Being yellow is not cool.

I'm so cool that Emma asked Daddy to swaddle her so that she could be awesome like me.

She can try, but you can only be truly cool if you're a baby.

I rock.

James, Jacob, or Beans?

Once upon a time while I was still pregnant, we considered naming the baby Jacob. Jacob also happens to be the name of one of my best friends' baby. Jack LOVES that baby. He cries to hold him & asks to go visit Jacob constantly.

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Fast forward a little & we decided to name our baby James.

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Apparently Jack didn't get the memo.

So while we were trying to convince Jack that this baby's name is JAMES, he decided that No, in fact this child's name is Beans.

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Say what?

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Jack still occasionally calls the baby Jacob, but if we try to correct him or ask "What's the baby's name?", he says "Baby Beans!" I've been wanting to get him together with Jacob & James at the same time so that he could see the difference. Wouldn't you know that he was sleeping when Jacob came to visit today.

As soon as he got up, he called our baby Jacob, again.

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So much for specifically choosing a name that can't be made into a nickname!

Baby Beans it is.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!!

To the best daddy ever, my best friend & the love of my life.

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Happy Birthday Andrew!

The Long Version

Since I've received so many e-mails & calls wondering why I was absent from the blog for over a month, I thought I'd let you all in on my story. Sorry I haven't responded earlier, but I haven't been able to sit at the computer!

Basically, this list will sum it up--
***Starting at 34 1/2 weeks, overwhelming, persistent lightheadedness that leads to nausea & falls
***Complete inability to sit or stand up for more than about 90 seconds
***Flat in bed for 4 1/2 weeks watching dumb TV or sleeping because I can't even read
***Dozens of blood tests & exams- no diagnosis
***1 hours-long admit to OB triage
***1 2-day inpatient admit to consult with a neurologist, ENT, & perinatologist
***2 infections needing antibiotics
***1 amniocentesis at 37 1/2 weeks- results: baby not mature
***Boys living in Thatcher with grandparents for 2 1/2 weeks
***Shipping Emma off twice at a moment's notice because Mommy was in the hospital
***All told, 8 days spent at the hospital in the last 5 weeks
***1 depressed Mommy
***1 very helpful, yet tired Daddy
***FINALLY, at 39 weeks, an admit to induce labor & get this kiddo here!

It's been quite the roller coaster. I actually answered the phone one night & spoke with a member of the ward who told me that I needed a "better excuse" for missing church. Say what? I'm still not sure if he was kidding or not.

But, it's all over & this is my reward. I felt 1,000 times better just the morning after he was born. Now that I am better, I want to go run a marathon, but probably shouldn't. So I'll settle for just snuggling on the couch with my little prince.

At home Thursday night on the way to the hospital for induction.

(I think that might've been my first real smile in weeks.)

Oh, and did I mention that Andy actually DELIVERED this kiddo! The Dr just told him what to do & he did it all by himself! It was amazing to watch my husband hand me my son for the first time.

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So, that's the story. I'm finally better & am having to restrain myself from running to the store & going to mutual. Now that I feel great, I have to remind myself that the baby is here & HE'S the one that has to stay home now. So just a little more house arrest & then I'll be back in the land of the living for real.

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At least now I can read a book instead of rotting my brain watching TV!

We're Home!!!!

James David Merriman

7 pounds, 11 ounces

Born at 12:34

on Friday, 12/03/10