Nana and Papa

We had a great time in July with Nana and Papa. We went to the zoo, the science center and even made it down to Nauvoo. We saw the Joseph Pageant and Aaron and I got to go to the temple. It was great. The kids finally got to ride the wagon. We seem to just miss it everytime, but we made it this time. And it's a good thing, too. We promised them the whole way there that they could ride it. So we we were glad we made it. We also got to celebrate Papa's birthday! We were so lucky to have them here with us and appreciate all of their help!

Happy Anniversary!

Well, I am a little late, but Happy 5th Anniversary to us! Our anniversary was July 25 and we were in the middle of a little stress, but we still managed to celebrate. We went to the Funny Bone to a comedy show and had a great time. We aren't really much for the "night life", so we felt a little out of our element, but we had a great time. We laughed our heads off! Aaron is a "Back to the Future" lover and the comedian playing that night was Biff from Back to the Future. Aaron made sure that the show was going to be clean and surprised me with tickets. It was really fun! It felt good to go and laugh that hard (it didn't feel great on all of my stitches, but it was good for my soul!) The opening act was hilarious. His name is Jeff Tate. I am nervous to recommend anyone, because you never know if they are going to keep it clean, but he was really clean and funny that night. Anyway, the last 5 years have been amazing and I feel so lucky to be married to Aaron. He is such a great man and a wonderful husband and father. It was love at first sight for me and I feel so blessed to be his wife. Happy Anniversary Honey!

Update

What a crazy month we have had! Between Hallie's surgery, a new baby and now my surgery, we have been a little out of it! Hallie has recovered completely (except for a slight change in her voice that I am still praying goes away!) and Lainey is doing well. I am feeling much better and getting closer to "normal" everyday! I ended up getting my gallbladder taken out and having a "severe umbilical hernia" repaired. I must admit, I was down and out for a couple of days, but I am feeling better everyday. The recovery was harder than I expected, thanks to the hernia, but I am so glad that I had it done. After I had Lainey, I knew that something was wrong because I just wasn't getting back to normal like I expected. I had way too much pain for everything to be ok. So I am glad that we had it checked out and had it fixed before Aaron went back to school and while his mom and dad could be here to take care of us. My mom was here for Lainey's birth and all of the time that I felt so crummy afterwards and Aaron's mom and dad were her just after the surgery, so we have been in good hands. Anyway, I wanted to post some recent pictures of Lainey. She is already changing so much!

Lainey Shae Allred

She finally has a name! We descided on Lainey Shae and we love it! It feels good to call her something, instead of "little baby". She is such an angel and we feel like she is just meant to be in our family. I am sorry to keep posting so many pictures, but for our families far away, this is the only way to share her! Thanks for being excited for us.

Our beautiful little Lainey Shae

Lainey with Grandma Strong. We are so lucky that she is here!

We had a PJ/Movie party at the hospital. It was really fun!

The girls brought Lainey some toys to "play" with. You've gotta love the Barbie!

Even sweet little angels get a little upset sometimes!

Taking her home!

Pictures of our little lady

Here are a few pictures of our little sweetie! We are getting closer to a name, but still haven't decided. We love her so much and we are sooooo happy she's here.

She's Here!

Our sweet little baby girl was born yesterday, 7-7-08, at 12:43 PM. She weighed 8 lbs 10 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. She has tons of black hair! If I hadn't seen her be born, I might not believe that she is mine! She is darling and kind of has her own look. Every now and then, I catch a glimpse that looks like Hallie or Maggie, but not an overwhelming resemblance. We still haven't decided on a name. Hopefully we can do that today. Also, we are working on getting the pictures up. Labor and delivery went well. It was quick and the poor little thing got pretty bruised up. Hallie and Maggie love her. They were so excited to meet her and even sang Happy Birthday to her yesterday. We are a happy little family of 5! I can't believe it. We'll post some pictures later today.

Quick Update

Well, it looks like I am NEVER having this baby! I seriously feel like I have been in labor for a month. I have tried several "make you go into labor" remedies, but to no avail. She is just cooking in there- and getting huge, I am sure! Anyway, the end is in sight. If I haven't had her by Monday, then I will be induced Monday morning. I really don't want pitocin, so if anyone has any great self induction ideas, please share! Also, if you have any suggestions for a middle name that goes with Laynie- we are taking ideas! Have a Happy 4th of July and let's all hope for a baby before Monday!