Haven Carolann Smith’s Birth Story

 Born on May 24, 2014 at 7:19am,  7 lbs 12 oz and perfect in everyway. 

So her story begins the day before. Spencer, Finley and I all drove down to the Lake House because we wanted a fun get away and family would be coming the next day.  We got there and jumped in the lake because it was 99 degrees outside and the water was the perfect temperature. Finley is like a fish and didn’t want to get out and had fun swimming with dad. After we swam we went inside for dinner and watched started to watch the jungle book with Finley. But in the middle of watching it Spencer spots a huge alligator swimming in the same area we were just swimming. This was a huge shock because no one has seen an alligator in this lake and it was probably watching us swim. Not sure if I will be jumping in by the dock anymore.

After that exciting find we made s'mores with Finley for the first time and they were yummy! Then we put Finley down for bed and Spencer and I stayed up and watched a movie and snuggled. I started to have contractions that felt different than the contractions I was having before because they were lower and more crampy. Well after the movie Spencer and I went outside and looked at all the beautiful stars and then settled into bed. Of course I had this burst of energy because I knew I would get to meet our little girl soon but I tried to sleep anyways.

Around 3:00 am the contractions were getting stronger and waking me up but I could sleep between them and I thought we would probably wait until morning to head to the birth center because Finley’s labor was long. Well they were getting closer together and a little stronger but completely manageable. Around 4:30 I asked Spencer if he could get me a glass of water and help time contractions. I sat up and they came quicker so I asked Spencer to call the midwives and ask if we should come in.  They said of course you can. So I told Spencer I think we should go because we were about an hour and half away from the birth center and we weren’t timing contractions but they were pretty close but not that long so I thought I wasn’t too far along in labor.

Spencer got Fin in the car and we were off to the birth center at 5:30 am. The car ride was pretty darn uncomfortable, I asked Spencer to pull over so I could ride in the back but then decided I just wanted him to drive and make it to the birth center. We called my dear mom and our wonderful Doula Christi and told them to come up. At one point I felt like I wasn’t breathing right and was hyperventilating and then Spencer started to rub my forehead so I could relax and I could breath again. Spencer did an awesome job at driving, keeping Finley happy and helping me through contractions. He is amazing.

We pulled into the birth center around 6:30 am and they had the bath going for me and it was so so so nice to jump out of the car!!!! It was even nicer to get into the water. It was like all discomfort melted away. Side note: there was another mother that had just given birth to an adorable daughter in the other room. Spencer brought in Finley and he curled up with a blanket in a chair and then Spencer came to help me threw contractions. Our midwife, Hope, came in to greet us and then checked me and I was at 9 cm with a bulging bag. Hearing that was awesome, I just felt like "wow! I can do this, she is almost here"!  Spencer also got to feel the bulging bag of water. Then Christi, our doula, came and she gave sweet words during the contractions and it was a huge help!

the wall clock was broken

After this I felt like I had to pee and the next contraction my water broke-more like exploded, and it felt amazing. After that I had the urge to push and bring her down. I had about three contractions and I just felt like I was tensing up and not letting my body do what it needed to. I kept thinking about how this was the hard part for me last time and was nervous. Then I looked at Spencer and asked him to come into the tub with me.

This was exactly what I needed!!!! I needed Spencer to hold me close so my body could relax. I love him so much and feel so lucky to be sealed to him for all eternity. Well then a contraction came and she came down and started to crown and then everyone said slow, slow breathe her down. This was incredibly helpful because with Finley’s I felt him crowning and pushed as hard as I could.  Then the next contraction her head came out, then the next contraction her body came out. She was so so perfect, so calm, beautiful in everyway. Everyone was crying and Finley was just watching with excitement.

Then my mom came in and got to see her and finley wanted to touch her and kept saying awww baby and looking at every part. Love at first sight. After I got out of the tub holding our new baby girl; I delivered the placenta and that was easy peasy. I had no tearing, hurray!

Spencer got to hold her and then Finley and then I got to nurse her and she latched. She did great, Christi helped me tons and it was so wonderful. After she nursed on both sides I took a much needed shower and I was feeling so good. Not dizzy or anything.  Then came back and weighed Haven and checked her vitals and she was all healthy J. Then we got our stuff and at 9:30 am we headed home. The car ride with no contractions was much better and it was exciting to talk to Spencer and be heading home with our little Family. After it was all done I couldn’t help but think of Our Savior and Heavenly Father and grateful I am to have an eternal family. And how I am so lucky to be given the opportunity to be trusted to care of this little girl and bring her into this world in a peaceful calm way. I love the knowledge that I have and the testimony I have of this Gospel.

Trip to Reno

We were able to drive to Reno for the Fourth of July :)

We went to the Coleville Ranch House and had fun riding on the ATVs, floating on the river, playing games, shooting guns, watching football and riding on our neighbors horses bareback.

Dad and Coulton playing the in irrigation ditch

Cooling off in the Walker River

Finley got to see Fireworks for the first time, they were a little loud for him. It was so nice to see everyone and are exciting to spend more time with the family at the Ranch House.

Trials help us see miracles

This week has been exciting in more ways than I can remember. It started Sunday night when we came home from grandma and grandpa Smiths after eating the most delicious meal we've had since last month when we ate with them. Spencer parked the car in the driveway and turned off the key and pulled it out but something wasn't right. The car didn't turn off! This was the start of our unfortunate adventures. Spencer drove to a repair shop and then pulled the fuse under the hood for the fuel pump which turned off the car. The next day he went back to get an estimate and was charged $80 for them to tell us they are pretty sure its either one of two pieces deep in the steering column that are broken. To fix it would be $430. We decided to shop around.

After watching some helpful youtube videos on how to fix the problem, Spencer was able to start the car without the key and drive it home. It's still in our driveway and we are thinking it might have been worth the ridiculous fee. But Alisa and Tanner saved us by letting us borrow their car which wasn't being used. Learning to drive stick-shift is an adventure by itself.

Thursday was Spencer's last day of finals for the Spring term, so we decided to celebrate by going to the temple. Our friends the Rawlins were wonderful enough to watch Finley. We arrived at 8:30pm and the guy at the front desk asked us "Are you here to pick up something?" We were too late, so we went went downstairs to watch the baptisms.

The next night we planned on going to a movie while Sam and Ariel took care of Finley. After eating dinner we were on our way to the theatre when the car we were borrowing shut off. I tried starting it but didn't get a hint of life. The battery was completely dead. The guy in the car behind us got out and helped us push it into a parking spot. A few minutes later another guy stopped and asked us if we need a jump. After that failed we ran across the parking lot to buy a new battery from Costco. They let us in after they had closed and helped us get what we needed. When we were walking back to the car someone stopped and offered to give us a ride. When we were struggling to replace the battery in the dark someone else drove over and parked in front of us with their headlights providing light so we could see what we were doing.

Among all the chaos it is hard not to remember the kindness of people. Six different people at different times asked if they could help. The goodness of our fellow man amazes me. I don't know if we were more in-tune with the positive, because we were so aware of the negative, but the miracles and tender mercies we have enjoyed this week warm my heart. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by close friends who offer to babysit, or let us borrow a car, and by complete strangers who make their top priority for a moment to help in anyway they can. I imagine what the world would be like if everyone was treated with this much love and kindness as we were this week. I have been inspired to offer more help to my neighbors.

Finley's 1st Birthday

June 15 - I cannot believe that our baby boy is already a year old! I feel like just yesterday we were taking him home from the hospital. Learning how to change his diaper, how to feed him, and how our heart could grow 10 times bigger. We feel so blessed to have this special little boy in our life and couldn't ask for a better baby.

For his birthday we invited a few friends over to celebrate

 Had pizza on the grill (which was really easy and yummy) and a dragon birthday cake!

He even wore his birthday suit :)

Happy Birthday Finley!!

Change of Heart

I have been thinking about starting a blog for awhile and at first I was opposed. I didn't think I would have time and didn't think anyone would look at our blog but after looking at family and friends blogs I have had a change of heart.

So welcome to the adventures of Spencer, Finley and Zoe` :)

If any one has any suggestions for me I would love to hear them.