New Gun

Before Symantha was born I ordered a new manual pump that I can take with me everywhere. I was unpacking it when it arrived and Ben was watching intently. Finally he asked me.

Ben: Mommy, I want to shoot your gun.

Me: Um . . . NO! This is not a gun. And it's not a toy to play with. Please leave it alone!

A few days later I found him standing by the window with my "Gun" shooting the birds. At least he's an innocent boy!

BURP. . . . what!?

Ben is such a good helper. He loves to help pat Symi's back to burp her after I have fed her. This is the conversation that went down.

Ben: Come on Symi burp.

Symi: (Well she farted really loud)

Ben: Mom, was that a fart!?

Me: Yes. She farted Ben.

Ben: Symi that's the wrong end!

What do you find after lunch time?

After I had cleaned up lunch I ventured upstairs to see why everyone else was so quiet. This is what I found! They are all so cute, I just love them all so much.







I guess it's hard work having a baby!

Family

Sleepy girl.


Ben wants to hold her every morning! He's so cute because he'll also ask for us to take a picture of him holding his "Symi Lynn".


Just relaxing.


Oh Hi Mom!


Daddy just loves his baby girl!

Welcome to our World!

Welcome to Symantha Lynn Hepworth! Born on July 28, 2009 at 12:54 pm. Weighing in at 7lbs 7oz and 20 inches long. She came out crying and full of life, but quickly calmed down once she heard her Daddy's voice. I'm only posting a few pictures for now. I will tell the "Labor Story" next time. We are both doing well and are happy to be home and getting into a groove. So far she is a great eater and sleeper! She is such a joy! Ben is always watching over her, talking to her, and sharing EVERYTHING he has with her. (example: toys, food, sippy cup, blankies, "mee-mee's") He loves talking to her and holding her hands. Ben is also constantly complimenting her on her cute clothes, pretty eyes, and saying how cute or beautiful she is. We hope you enjoy the pictures! There will be more coming soon.

Getting Started!






Proud, excited, and giddy Daddy!






Brand New!







To: Big Brother Ben
From: Your Symi Lynn
I love you and just wanted to show you with some new toys!



Ben wanted to tell her "Thank You" for the toys right away.


Holding his sister for the first time!


Absolutely adoring his sister!
Ben: "Ohhhh! Mommy she's so cute!"


Mommy and Symi


Mommy, Symi, & Daddy


Freshly washed hair & it's going curly!


Ben & I share the same swirl in our hairline on our foreheads.


Kisses


Sweet baby Symi!

Symantha Lynn Hepworth

I'm sorry that these are all tiny. But these are from Dane's parent's camera. So I thought I'd share them too.


Ben and Grandpa Cook pulling faces.


Daddy's Girl


Kisses


Baby Girl!

Contractions

Having some lately.
Think they are the real thing.
We'll keep you posted!

Baby Update II

Today I was at the Dr's office. He told me that the baby's head is down and engaged. He also commented that he could feel her head down in my pelvic bone. (No wonder my hips ache and feel like they are "out".) He also said that my cervix was stuck a little and that he couldn't quite reach it to see how far along I had progressed. From what he could tell was I am still a 3, but he told me that's not for sure. He also couldn't reach it enough to tell how effaced my cervix was.

So we are waiting patiently to see when she will arrive. Anyone care to make a guess?

1. Date
2. Time
3. Weight
4. Length
5. Length of Labor
(I'm hoping that #5 will be less than 40 hours in labor.)

Baby Update

I had a Dr's appointment yesterday. I was a little surprised at how far along I am and so was the Dr.

I am measuring a week ahead. I'm 50% effaced, and I'm dilated to a 3. After all of these measurements the Dr sat down and started discussing who is on call to deliver. I was quite shocked because I still thought we had 4 more weeks! He wanted me to know that since my last appointment my body had progressed quite a bit and that he wanted me to be prepared if this baby decided to come soon. He told me that if she comes this week she'll be tiny and may need some assistance. And possibly be in the NICU for a while if she's struggling. I was ok with all of that because I know she's early, but out of the extreme danger zone. The Dr also said that every week she stays in there she gains more weight and becomes healthier. So we are hoping to have her stay in there for a little while longer. But if she does come early we'll still love her and give her the best we can!

Just thought I'd give everyone and update! I'm doing much better with my heart. The Dr said it might be my Acid Reflux or GERD that is causing my esophagus to spasm near my heart and cause my heart to stress. So we purchased a large wedge pillow to prop me up at nights. So far it's really done the trick and I am no longer having any sort of symptom or chest pains. Which is soo wonderful!

We'll keep you posted as the weeks go by!

Short & Sweet 2

Ben finally came up to me and let me hold him. He quietly sat and studied me while I sat there. The finally he said this.

"Oh there you are Mommy!"

After touching my hair, a tender grin spread across his face and this is what he said.

"You are beautiful."

Well that's all it takes to melt a Mother's heart. I honestly have never felt so beautiful in my entire life. Thank you Ben you mean the world to me.

Short & Sweet

So summer comes and things tend to get shorter. Well I've been wanting to cut my hair short for a while now and couldn't be more pleased! Mindy did a great job and I am so happy with the results!




















I was so excited when she told me that if I was willing to cut it shorter that I could donate it to "Locks of Love". That made me so excited! I've always had long hair but never donated it yet.

I came home and Dane was very quiet. He wouldn't look at me for a long time. And finally he commented,"It's really short." Ben didn't recognize me and still won't come to me. He keeps glaring at me and clinging onto Daddy. It makes me sad because he doesn't even know who I am right now. But I'm sure with time it will change and he will warm up again. I do have to say I will miss when Ben asks me to touch my hair. He'll come up to me and softly run his hand through my hair and tell me how beautiful I am. I still hope he thinks Mommy's beautiful even without the longer hair.

Heavenly Father Loves Me

It was just after 7 this morning. Ben came into my room to wake me up and heard something outside. He crawled up onto a chair and this is what he told me.

"Mommy, Look! Heavenly Father loves me cause he turned on the Sprinklers."

"Let go wash our feet and play!"

So whenever I see sprinklers I will be reminded that I am loved by my Heavenly Father.

Where have you been?

Dane graduating with his Bachlor's Degree in Biology


"Belly Bump" at around 25 weeks along.


Another "Belly Bump" soaking up the sun!


Dane graduating from the CES program from Institute. Ben wasn't very happy.


Another of Dane.


This is how we pack boxes at our house!


Ben was excited to have "tunnels" all over to climb through and entertain himself while I packed.


Ben in his Easter outfit. That he's almost grown out of!


In case of emergency . . . .


. . . . wrap shoe lace around to hold up your backside! It works great!

Bedtime Rules

This was Ben's question as I was putting him to bed tonight.

Ben: Mommy, are you going to let Daddy sleep in your bed tonight?

Me: Yes, if he's good!

B: Well . . . . I think he's been a good Daddy today.

B: That would be just fine.

Me:*Giggles* Ok, I'll let him sleep with me.

We'll be back . . . .

So for the last few days, I've been in bed. Due to my heart. Dane has been patient and taken really good care of Ben. Thanks to a wonderful husband! I wouldn't be able to rest without you!

Now the tables are turned. I'm finally feeling really good today and Ben is struggling with slight fevers and an upset stomach. So far everything has stayed down and he doesn't have the runs. Very warm, very cuddly, and many tears!

But until then. . . . well in short we'll be back in a few days or even a week or two.

Cuttin'

Ben: Mommy, hold still why I cut your arm. (With a tongue depressor that we got in the ER)

Ben: It's ok I kiss it better when I'm done.

(Almost like that justifies the whole cutting of my arm! At least it won't hurt.)