Introducing...

Kezia Trianna Hamilton!

For those wondering about the name...

Kezia is a bible name - one of the 3 daughters Job was blessed with after he went through his trials. The bible says "And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job." (Job 42:15). (as a sidenote, we were undecided between Eden and Kezia. We took a family vote - Jason's side was more for Kezia. Heidi's was more for Eden. Then we flipped a penny, and Kezia it is!) We'll call her Kezi for short.

Trianna - a combination of our mother's names - PaTRIcia and DeeANN. McKinley & Ireland are also both named after grandmothers. It is also a street (and town) in the Canary Islands, where Jason served his mission.

Here are the short stats:

-Born October 26th at 9:34pm
-8 lbs 4 oz
-20.5 inches long (just like her sisters!)
-Born at home

Now, for those of you wanting the nitty-gritty details - and for her journal, here is the rest of the story (as I remember it):
Her due date was Thursday, Oct 22, and even though I know I always go late, I was pretty miserable, so my midwife, Sherri, came on Oct 21 & did the primrose oil and stripped my membranes. I went for a good hour walk & the contractions were coming pretty good. I got my hopes up, but was disappointed when the contractions fizzled that night & were gone the next day. My mom was cute & took me out to breakfast at Kneaders the next day & my sweet neighbor, Kristina, took me some fresh-baked bread as a sympathy offering. It was hard to wait, but wait we did.
Monday, October 26th, Sherri got to our home at around 1pm. She again did the primrose oil & stripped my membranes. We were both surprised & glad that I was dialated to a 4 by that time (I was a 2 the Wednesday before) Then she had me do some lunges & squats & off we went in her tiny neon green Volkswagen Bug to Walmart. The contractions were coming, but I had had so many in the past, I was kind of in a "I'll believe it when I see it" mode. However, my shopping experience at Walmart was not an especially pleasant one. I was really having to start to stop and focus and they were getting painful. After checking out, we had planned to go to Dave's Health & Nutrition, but I really wasn't sure that was a good idea because they were really coming stronger. So we headed back to the house & she checked me. This was about 4:30pm. I was a 6! Hooray! That really meant that I was progressing & we could have a baby that night!
Sherri starting calling her attendants and I started calling my sisters & mom (for the record, my sister Cindy was the only one that answered even though I called the others multiple times). I also called my dad & he came to get the girls and take them to his house (thanks dad!). Sherri had Jason running around getting things ready and I was just trying to focus. At about 5pm, I got in my jetted tub and that seemed to really help ease the pain.

workin' it in the tub

Cindy got here at around 5:15 or so. Mom & Trisha got here around 6pm - and the other attendants did as well - Molly and Denise. She checked me again around that time & I was about a 7. By that time, I decided to get out & try the ball & see if that would get things moving faster. I went in the baby's room and everyone was really great to help push on my legs and my back & help get me through the contractions. Sherri had me do the stairs and lunges and I was walking around and they were getting pretty painful. I was getting kind of cold, so I got back in the tub, but when they checked the baby's heartbeat, it seemed really really fast. Sherri came & checked and was worried as well. Jason gave me a blessing and we waited & they tried a different Doppler fetal monitor. It seemed to have slowed down. We were so thankful because we would have ended up going to the hospital if her heart rate would have stayed elevated. Sherri checked again around 8 and I was "almost an 8."

We decided that we should probably break my water soon to get the baby to come since that was what it took to get Ireland here. They set up the birth stool in the baby's room and I got situated with everyone around to support me - physically and emotionally. Not too long after getting situated on the birthing stool, the contractions changed. I could tell they were the REAL DEAL. Funny how you forget all the pain from a previous birth, but it all just comes back it all reality and I was going oh YEAH - this HURTS! I was glad the girls weren't there. I was "vocalizing" quite a bit by the end :)
After I was about a 9, Sherri "teased" the bag and I got some good pushes in, our sweet baby girl was there about 10 minutes later - 9:34pm. I was soooooo thankful she was here! I could not contain my tears! She had finally made her way into the world & I was able to hold my sweet girl in my arms. They put her on my chest and I just chrerished the moment of this fresh-from-heaven treasure.

I wish I could say that was the end of the story. I won't go into too much detail here, but the postpartum story involved an irregular placenta, hemorrhaging (with blood clots), a blessing, a "manual D&C", throwing up, an IV bag, and barely a wink of sleep the night after she was born. Needless to say, I am still pretty weak and tired while my body builds back all the blood I lost. I am SO blessed, though. There were at least 3 instances throughout this time that I was close to going to the hospital, but I truly feel that we were watched over and protected. I cannot say enough how thankful I am to my AMAZING husband. His priesthood blessings were critical and his support was unwavering. He was truly inspired the entire time. I am so thankful for Sherri. Watching her work is amazing. She has so much knowledge and experience which she incorporates, but I'm most comforted by her ability to work by the spirit and by inspiration. I am also SO, SO thankful for my sisters and mom for being there for me - supporting me every step of the way and being such a blessing to me. I am thankful to the attendants - Molly & Denise. So awesome. I felt SO loved and taken care of the entire time. I could NOT have asked for a better support team in bringing this sweet, amazing, beautiful girl into this world and into our home.

Meeting their new sister. They are SO, SO, SO excited to have her here!


Mommy & her precious Kezi

I can either laugh or cry...

...and I've already cried, so I'm now trying to find the humor in the situation.

I'm actually already overdue. I put my ticker a week later than my actual due date since I know I always go late. I really think my babies are just like that kid in the comic- they're just settled and happy in there & don't want to come out! I'm praying super-hard for patience & an eternal vision.

Potts Girls, Bows, Balloons, Party, and Baby Prep

Nice title, huh? I thought I'd be descriptive this time.

It's been a busy past couple days! It started on Thursday - my mom came over & I helped her with her book on CD and she watched the girls while Jason & I went to a prenatal appt.

On Friday, Trisha came over & we had German pancakes & then went to the temple. Afterwards, we had pizza and got a bit of memory stuff done (I was working on transferring VHS to DVD).

Saturday we had the bow-making party from 10-12. I am SO excited to have so many beautiful, cute bows for my girls!


Afterwards, we went to honor and remember the sweet Matthews twins - a year ago they lived their short, perfect lives and we let go of white balloons to remember them.








That evening, we headed up beautiful Provo Canyon to Heber for the Park City ward friends Halloween Party. I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted to, but here are some cute ones. Thanks again Shannan & Ryan for putting it together! We had a great time visiting, eating yummy food, watching the kids play & carving pumpkins. Missed ya Molly & Vic!


Ireland & Maren

Carving Pumpkins

John reading to his cute kids

McKinley & Elle

Hangin' out


Today (Sunday), we stayed home from regional conference. I know, I know... let's just say the spirit was willing but the flesh is, well, stretched. And I am soooo tired today.
McKinley was so cute today, though. She has been pretending more that she is pregnant. Today was the first time she really asked specifically how the baby comes out of the mom. I really wasn't going to get into it, so I told her that the mom pushes really hard & the baby comes out. So - here are her "birthing pictures". She is SO excited for this baby to get here!









No more excited than me, though! Here's a recent picture of my ginormous belly. Let's all hope & pray she comes this week!

Pregnancy, Estrogen, and Women

My mom just sent this to me. SO perfect.

PREGNANCY Q & A

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q : I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q : What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q : My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q : Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?A: Not unless the word 'alimony' means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q : Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

"ESTROGEN ISSUES"
10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE "ESTROGEN ISSUES"

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says:'How's my driving-call 1- 800-'.
6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from outer space.
9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND
10. Cats' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.
5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.
4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3. Eyelash curlers.
2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.
AND,the Number One thing only women understand:
1. OTHER WOMEN

The Love Dare

This morning, I am so thankful for my spouse & sweetheart. I am thankful for The Love Dare. If you remember my Fireproof post, you will remember that I really loved the movie, and the movie used The Love Dare as the foundation for changing their marriage.

I decided that I would try it! I think Jason & I have a really good marriage, but I realize that it can always be better. After 9 years and 2 kids (plus one almost here), it sometimes lacks the consideration, kindness, passion, love and putting each other first that it should have to really thrive.

I would recommend this book to anyone & everyone - people who's marriages are on the brink of divorce and people who think their marriage can't get any better.

The premise of this book is leading your heart, instead of following it - "The world says to follow your heart, but if you are not leading it, then someone or something else is. The bible says that 'the heart is more deceitful than all else' (Jeremiah 17:9), and it will always pursue that which feels right at the moment."

Each day I read about a quality of love. Do you think you know love? I thought I had a pretty good handle on it, but after reading 80 pages of this book, I'm realizing that I have so much to learn, un-learn, and re-learn about TRUE love. After the love quality, it gives you a dare. I am on day 16 and my dares have ranged from buying something for my spouse to say I was thinking of him (I got him a balloon and a candy bar), to giving him a selfless service, to truly listening to him, to just praying for specific things for him.

Even though I am only halfway through, I have noticed such a change - not just in our marriage or in Jason, but in myself. I am realizing how often I let pride take over instead of letting love and humility lead the way. I have such a long way to go, but I am so thankful for this journey and the change of heart that it's brought.

Accepting this dare has made my appreciation for my sweetheart increase ten-fold. He is such an amazing, good, handsome, wonderful man. I marvel that I was somehow able to capture his heart so long ago and that he has stuck with me - flaws and all.

If you are thinking of taking on this dare, I would suggest buying the book as opposed to getting it from the library. I got mine from the library to start with, but ended up buying a cheap one off Amazon. It's not effective unless you can underline and write in the journal spaces provided.

Just so you know...it is NOT EASY. Worth it, though? Absolutely.

Here's to 24 more days of life-changing, heart-changing love dares!

September Slideshow & Kids

Happy October! Below is the slideshow and kids' stuff from Sept. Enjoy!


McKINLEY: Here are some things our brand-new 4-year-old has been up to:
-We were talking about Horton Hears a Who and how he’s an elephant. Mom pointed out that Dumbo is an elephant, too. McKinley got really excited & said “MOM! Maybe Horton & Dumbo are FRIENDS!!”
-McKinley said one day “Mom, I like everyone!...even my family!”
-We were driving by the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, and McKinley said “I wish we could live in the temple! Mom – why can’t we live in the temple?”
-For our monthly dinner/bday celebration, Nate came (my mom’s cousin’s son). McKinley asked if he was related to us & I said yes. Then she asked if he was related to Tundra & Sydney (our dogs).
-Another trip in the car produced more interesting, thought-provoking ideas: “Mom – dad can shoot at bad men, but not deer, OK? Because deer are nice.” (We both weren’t sure how to respond to that since Jason got a tag this year for hunting.)
-McKinley woke up one morning at 2am, crying. Mom went into her room, prepared with the usual question “Did you have a bad dream?” She was crying “No! I had a GOOD dream & I didn’t want it to end!”
-One starry night, McKinley looked up and (mom helped her with the rhyme) “Star Light, Star Bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight…. I wish…I knew my baby’s name!!”
-We were having a discussions about unicorns one day & McKinley asked if unicorns went to the bathroom on the ground or if they used the potty.
-McKinley continues to love preschool and her Sunbeam class and talks about her friends a LOT.
-McKinley went on her first field trip this year to Hee Haw Farms. She had a lot of fun holding her friends’ hands as they walked through the corn maze, seeing the bunnies, pigs, and goats, going on a hay ride, and picking a pumpkin!
-McKinley & Ireland both love to talk to the baby in mommy’s tummy, but their favorite thing is to poke at her belly button!”

IRELAND: This girl is AMAZING in her abilities to get into things and make messes! Here’s some things she has been doing this month:
-Mom was in another room and came out to find that Ireland had taken a purple crayon & colored ALL OVER 3 different walls. NOT FUN cleaning it off!
-Ireland has been CONSTANTLY into mom’s eyeliner and mascara. It was kind of cute & funny the first time or 2, but after that, it was seriously frustrating! What am I going to do with a 2-year-old that is OBSESSED with shoes and make-up already?
-Whenever mom flashes an “I love you” sign at Ireland, she will make her come and make her hand do the same thing. She’s working at doing it herself, but she won’t stop until you help her make the sign.
-Ireland has become quite the picky dresser. She has a couple certain nightgowns that she WILL NOT wear to bed. She has certain shoes that she will & will not wear and she will tell you if she doesn’t like the outfit you picked out for her.
-So, after a good many “NO- NO’s!” about putting mom’s make-up on, it was no wonder when she saw a picture in Parent’s magazine with kids in costumes and their faces painted that Ireland shook her finger & pointed at them, saying “NO, NO, NO!”
-Ireland is doing better with saying please & thank you, but she usually needs at least 1 reminder. One morning she said “Mom – chocolate milk!” then she waited & said “Say Please! Chocolate Milk!”
-Ireland definitely learns a lot from her sister. She has started to copy her at night with “Moooom. I neeed you! Mooom – I need a book! But MOoooom!”
-If there was a messy-eater award, I think Ireland would win at almost every meal. She still is such a messy, messy eater. At the end of her meal, if we don’t catch her first, she will dip both of her hands in and rub them together and say “Mom – I’m washing hands!”
-Ireland was trying to do something & McKinley was getting frustrated. Mom told McKinley to be more patient with Ireland. Ireland then started saying “Gotta be patient, Kinley!” Gotta be patient!”
-McKinley & Ireland both love to talk to the baby in mommy’s tummy, but their favorite thing is to poke at her belly button!”