Merry Christmas

We had a very Merry Christmas at our house this year!! I feel extremely blessed and thankful at this time of year, especially for my family and new baby boy. Since we weren't expecting to have Myles here for Christmas, we didn't have anything for him. But, thanks to my mother-in-law and mom, Myles was able to get a few Christmas presents as well!

The kids had a GREAT Christmas. We were so lucky to be able to leave the hospital after 24 hours so we could be home Christmas morning with the kids. It was so much fun watching how excited they were seeing their Santa gifts and opening presents. They didn't exactly enjoy opening any of the clothes, but other than that things were good:)

In the afternoon Dusty took the kids to his mom and dads house for lunch and to talk to Uncle Chade who is on a mission in Iowa. That night, after everyone was gone, we went back to see Grandma and Grandpa Miller with the baby. We also went and had dinner with my folks - our traditional Danish Christmas dinner (I don't know how to spell the dish we eat, so we'll just call it that...).

I want to thank everyone who has been there to support Dusty and I and the kids this past week! We couldn't have gotten through it all without you. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.

Surprise Christmas Present

We were all surprised to welcome Myles John Miller into the world on December 23rd! I guess he was ready to come. My doctor was going to induce me on the 31st, so we still figured we had a good week left. But, Myles was born on Tuesday weighing 6 lbs 4 oz and 18.5 inches long. He was born at 8:52pm.

It was a pretty stressful day for us. Dusty and I went to my last scheduled doctors appointment at 1:30 that afternoon. Everything was good, but when the doctor listened to the baby's heart rate, he didn't like what he heard. He told us it was just a little low and asked if we had time to go to the hospital for a non-stress test. Well, of course we did! I was a little nervous because during Jack's delivery, his heart rate dropped so low that they had to get him out fast. So this was weighing in the back of my mind. Anyways, we got the hospital and went to labor and delivery for the test. The nurse hooked me up and we started listening to the baby. After a good 20 minutes, everything looked fine. His heart rate was a little under 120, which is okay (they like babies to be between 120 and 150). But, she wasn't worried. She did give the baby a little shock to wake him up though. Then about 5 minutes later, his heart rate dropped to 60 and she told us we would probably be having a baby that day because the doctor most likely wouldn't be letting me go home.

Well, that did it and I began having a little break down. I was so scared something was wrong. The doctor did want me admitted immediately and the nurse said I might have to have a C-Section. At this point I couldn't believe what was happening. We still had 7 days left... What was going on?

Well, they got me in a room and all ready and hooked up. They baby was doing pretty good at that point, so they started me with potusum (a very small amount in case I needed the c-section). Well, everything turned out just fine. The baby didn't have any more problems. His heart rate did drop a little, but nothing too drastic! So, after 5 hours he came. It was a really smooth delivery, which I am very thankful for. I am so happy to have him here!! Even if we weren't all ready for him:)

My mom and mother-in-law have been such a help to us. The both went running around the next day to get us everything we need for the baby. Pam even got the baby christmas presents so he could be part of the festivities! We are very thankful to them for helping our kids have a great Christmas!

We had a hard time picking a name for the little guy - he wasn't officially named until about 20 hours after he was born. We had names up on the white board at the hospital (Asher, Jonathan, Maddix, Nicolas, Gavin, Myles, Leo), but we have always leaned more towards Myles. Well, I kindof dragged my feet forever - I think I wanted to make sure it was the right name for him. And, it is!! It fits him so well and I love the name.

We were able to go home Christmas Eve night so we could be with our kids - another blessing. We had an amazing Christmas morning (I will post pictures later) and I am just so blessed to have an amazing family and a beautiful new baby boy. He is adorable and I couldn't be happier.

Baby Myles

Myles' Amazing Grandma's

Proud Grandpa's

The doctor (not our doctor, but she was great)

Big Brother Jack, Grandpa & Myles

Uncle Luke, Ryker, Myles and Aunt Mal

Aunt Kami

Bree (she LOVES to hold Myles)

This is Jordyn and Lindsay. They watched Jack & Bree while we were at the hospital and the came to see the baby. Thanks for all your help!!!

Kids Pictures

Our good friend Mike Warner took the kids pictures again this year - and they turned out great!! Here are a few of our favorites.

Jack & Bree did good too, even in the freezing cold...

Jack's Christmas Concert

Jack had his Christmas Sing on Wednesday. He did SO good this year, he sang both songs. I was very proud of him. I will try to post a song later, it just takes forever to post a video...

Anyways, WAY TO GO JACK! You did great.

Surprise Baby Shower...

When I showed up for early morning color guard practice last Monday, my friend Darilyn and all my girls surprised me with a baby shower. It was very sweet. They said that if they told me, I wouldn't have let them do it - which is very true!!!
It was so cute of them, and the baby got some very cute outfits and much needed things. We haven't really prepared for this one as much as the other kids - but, hopefully everything will be fine:)
Anyways, THANKS SO MUCH!! I loved it.

Rough Week

It has been a rough week, especially for my poor mom!! On the 4th of December, her brother passed away unexpectedly. He was 2 years older than her, and it hit her pretty hard. Well, Saturday morning her oldest sister passed away. This was more expected, but considering what happened with Mert, it has been quite devastating for her.
I just want her to know that we love her and are here for her. I guess it's hard to understand why things happen the way they do - we just have to have faith knowing it's for a reason. I know that they can be together now with their parents and are having a joyous reunion!!

Happy Anniversary (and stuff...)

Well, Thursday was our 5th anniversary and I'm a little behind. We didn't get to see much of each other on Thursday which was sad, but he made up for it with flowers and the entire I Love Lucy DVD's (all seasons). It was great.

I am very thankful for Dusty and his unconditional love - who else would put up with me for eternity?

We also went to Park City Friday and Saturday, which is now an anniversary tradition. We go spend time together and finish Christmas shopping. It was very relaxing and nice to get away.

I love you Dusty!!!

Thankful...

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I know this seems a little late, but I thought I'd list a few things I am thankful for:
1. My husband
2. My children
3. My parents & in-laws
4. My friends
5. My home
6. My Saviour
7. The Gospel
I have felt very selfish lately with all the complaining I've been doing about being so sick and pregnant that I just felt I should express my gratitude to my family and friends for all their support lately! Thank you so much.

Bree's Birthday

Bree turned 4 yesterday and I can't believe how fast the time has gone since she was born. She had a fun night at Grandma & Grandpa Miller's (where she was spoiled) and we celebrated her birthday with presents and cake and ice cream. And, tomorrow she gets to go to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate as well.
We sure love you Bree and are thankful you are part of our family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Uncle Chade

Wednesday we took Dusty's brother Chade to the MTC. We are so proud of him and his decision to serve a mission - even though he'll be missed. Jack is really close to his Uncle Chade and had a really hard time when it was time to see him leave. He kept saying he didn't want to wait until he is 8 to see him again... But, we are happy for him and know he'll touch the people of Iowa by teaching them the gospel.

Miller Family

Last Monday we had our "Thanksgiving Dinner" with the Millers because Chade left on his mission Wednesday. It was great getting together one last time. We then had family pictures (which this was the best one I could find!), but I can't post one of our little family because it didn't turn out:( .

But, the bottom picture is Dusty's mom & dad and his siblings.

Grand Nationals

Dusty and I went with the marching band to Grand Nationals in Indianapolis this weekend. It was a crazy trip, but great. By crazy I mean NO SLEEP and on the go the entire time. But, the band did great and I couldn't have been prouder of my girls. They performed wonderfully! They took 12th place in prelims, but came in 14th at semi-finals which wasn't good enough to make it into finals (they only take the top 12). But, we weren't disappointed at all - they had an amazing performance, and being 14th in the nation isn't too bad... :)

Halloween

Halloween this year was fun and tiring, at least for me:)

The kids had a great time! We first went to Jack's school for his Halloween Parade (which we waited for an hour past the time it was supposed to start...). Then we went to Dusty's work and the kids sure loaded up on candy there. After that we met up with our friends and went trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Bree's feet were killing her by the end because she didn't really have the best shoes on (those princess shoes can be rough). We then went to Grandma Miller's house and then home for soup with Grandma and Grandpa Rupp. We watched "The Haunted Mansion" (of course I fell asleep...), and then time for bed! It was a fun filled day...

Jack at his Halloween Parade

Getting ready for Trick-or-Treating

Bree & Raegan

Jack & Cole

Bree, Grandma Miller, Jack

Grandma Rupp, Bree, Grandpa Rupp, Jack