So many changes...

Does anyone else think it is time for me to post again? Warning: This post is long and more for journaling purposes, so I am not promising entertainment, read at your own risk. I have heard many times the statement, The only constant in life is change and I think that pretty much sums up the last 6 months of our lives. There have been so many changes, some have been anticipated, others were sprung upon us, and the rest have come about based on the previous 2 kinds.

Change #1, Ashtyn is born
The first major change in our lives is the arrival of Ashtyn Scarlett. She was born on August 6th, which happens to be our 10th Anniversary. That in itself is crazy, I can hardly believe we have been married for 10 years, the best years and I wouldn't trade them for anything, Tyler is my best friend, an amazing dad, and the best husband around. I am excited for what the next 10 years will bring.

Me and Ashtyn

Tyler and Ashtyn

Cute little, pudgy swollen baby

Ok, back to Ashtyn, her delivery was really good, I went in to the doctor on Tuesday, Aug. 4th for a check-up, and learned I was already dilated to a 5, I think the doctor was quite surprised, but that has been pretty much par for the course with me. I was not in labor, so I came home to continue the waiting game. Thursday morning contractions started at 9:00 and by 9:30 they were about 2-3 minutes apart, but not really very intense. Knowing I was already at a 5, I figured we might as well go in, so we did. We checked in at 10:30, I was at a 7-8 cm, but again, not very strong contractions, so the doc broke my water, I got an intrathecal, (a one time pain shot) and Ashtyn was born at 1:51 that afternoon. She weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces, our biggest baby. She was 20.5 inches long and came out with a vengeance. Much like Elise, Ashtyn came out with a whole lot to say, she cried and cried for quite some time. I loved it. It means she's healthy, right? I felt really good after delivery and we were very excited to add daughter #3 to the family.

Ya, this bed was a little crowded this time.

All of the kids were thrilled to come and meet her, and despite my concerns about Reagan not getting a brother, he has absolutely fallen in love with her and couldn't be cuter with her.

Reagan and Ashtyn

Ironically, she was our biggest baby, but when we took her in at 4 days old for a routine check, she had dropped almost a pound, that was a little scary, but she is back up and doing great.

Her name is not a family name, we just really like the name Ashtyn and her middle name comes from my favorite book, Gone with the Wind.

She is still so curled up, it makes me laugh, she tucks those legs in as tight as she can.

What are you staring at Ashtyn?

Elise thought this was pretty cool the way she laced her fingers together.

Here she is with her eyes open again. Look how little she looks in my hand.

OK, change #2. Tyler is back in school.
Tyler was accepted into the CSI Surgery Tech program and begins on Monday. He will finish that up next summer and then we have about 2 or so years of getting some pre-requisites done, and then he will apply for PA school (Physician's Assistant), which is a 2 year Master's program. We are not completely sure where, but ISU is the most likely locale. I have had a lot of people give me sympathy on this, but truth be told, I am thrilled. Tyler's BS degree is in Human Resource, which has been great, but at this point, and with the economy where it has been, he felt like he needed a more specific degree. He took 15 credits this summer, and did awesome in them, and really enjoyed the introduction he got into the medical field. Best part of all, he is really excited for this career change. I am so proud of him and excited for what the next few years will bring.

Elise, Reagan, Ashtyn and Mollie, I love my kids!

Change #3, We are moving.
As mentioned above, Tyler is going back to school, full time. I am still working for IDLA, but this requires a little adjustment in our living arrangements. So, we are moving into my parents' basement. They have a basement apartment, that is awesome, and we will actually have more space there than we have been living in for the last 4 years here at our house, so I am really excited. My mom and I are best friends and so living there is really easy and fun. If all goes as planned, (knock on wood) we will be there about a year and then we will find a place to rent until after PA school.


Change #4 Elise goes to Kindergarten

My Elise

This one is a tough one, and just like Reagan, every time I think about it, I get very sad. Elise has been my helper and sidekick for the last few years and I am so sad to not have her around all day. She makes me laugh, she helps me with cooking and cleaning, and best of all, she is a great big sister. She is excited, but I can tell a little nervous. Reagan has been the best help of all to her, getting her really excited and talking it up. He loves school and will be a 2nd grader this year. They start on Monday and I miss them already.

Mollie Girl, I just had to throw this picture in.

So, there you have it in a nutshell, big changes, so forgive me, for having not been blogging, my mind has been mush for a while.