Evie Jane

I just have to write about our new little princess, Evie Jane. If you are having difficulties pronouncing it, think of 'rhymes with' EVY or LEVY...that should help. As we were contemplating over what to name her in the hospital, we got many reviews from nurses (near and far) "who know" what people are naming their children. That was challenging--but a few weeks ago I was sitting on a park bench watching Tate and Eden play reading the "what to name your baby book" and came across Evie--meaning variation of EVE and EVE means "Life". Jane, I just liked and looked up the meaning "acceptance with Jehovah". The combo together was beautiful and regal too me. So as Scott and I crossed off names on our list at the hospital, I asked him again about Evie Jane and told him what it meant. He blurted out in a evangelistic voice
"I got life in Jesus! Amen Alleluia!" I laughed and laughed--he replied "Evie Jane it is then!" She is beautiful in every way. She, so far, is a peaceful little delight that only cries while getting a diaper change, whimpers for food and wales when her nose is being sucked out! (She got my cold--) She enjoys the bath and allows me to get at least 6 hours of consecutive sleep each night. We really love our sweet sweet dolly princess~ Evie Jane!

MOM's are Great!

It was really nice to have my mother come and visit us for a week. My house was tidy, blinds cleaned, meals were served to me, children content (for the most part), fresh smelling laundry organized into piles and put away. Who could ask for anything more? Love the MOM. Scott has been a super help too--I have to throw that in or I'd get the "don't I help?" question. He does...a lot. But since this is about mom I'll keep that running theme going and talk about my Scott later. Mom just flew out yesterday to Boise to visit cousin baby Danielle born 2 weeks before Evie Jane and then is flying back to Utah to be with my sister Tressa in which should be having a baby sometime before May 2. Fun and busy. Earlier this year she visited Amanda for 2 weeks in Colorado as she had her baby boy Luke. Mom enjoys it and loves to be with the other grandchildren that can walk and talk~not just the babies! Thank you for the fun, helpful and relaxing time! We loved the visit and welcome all to come our way to Oregon~ with or without a formal invitation
...doors always opened!

Netherlands

We took Michelle's mom to the outskirts of Woodburn to the Tulip Festival while she was here this last week. We were amazed at the 30 acres of Tulips there were, how many people were there, and how many Tulips Tate could pick before we got in trouble.

There was plenty of old equipment for the kids to play and get dirty on, but the kids seemed to like the John Deere in the field the best. We would have eaten lunch there too, but it would have cost $12 dollars for curly fries, corn dog, and elephant ears per person. The kids were upset, but will thank us later for not feeding them spoonfuls of grease.

Tsunami Preparedness

Everyone knows that you should wear a floating swimsuit and shoes on the opposite feet when you bike ride in Oregon. She will be ready to ride to higher ground in case of a tsunami. I love her style.

Miracle of Birth

Evie Jane DeVries was Born on April 8, 2008. She was born at 1:16 p.m. She weighed 7lbs. 6 ounces and was 19 inches long. We are officially a family of six. We had Evie as a scheduled C-Section because Michelle is considered high risk with having prior sections. Yesterday morning while talking with Eden I said, "did you know that mommy is having a baby today?" and she responded by taking her hand and making a swiping motion with sound effects across her belly. She had been well prepared.

The hospital in Oregon City is smaller than the one in Twin Falls and the Doctor and staff let me have free reign in the OR with the camera. Dr. Carlton said that I needed to take more pictures or I was going to be fired as a photographer. They were very accommodating and let me stand and move around during the procedure. I am very grateful for modern medicine and the competence of those we entrusted Michelle to. The surgery was quick and the baby is healthy and beautiful. It is amazing how much trauma the body can take and how quickly it heals itself (I use this term quick loosely because I'm not the one with an incision across my lower abdomen with seven layers of stitches.) Whether children are born by c-section or natural this truly speaks of a higher power. I am grateful to know that we have a loving Father in Heaven who trusts us with his spirit children here in mortality.

Michelle's sister Tressa, couldn't come since she and her family live in Utah, so she sent her mother and sister in law (Stephanie and Brittney.) The children were so excited to come to the hospital last night to see their baby sister for the first time. Each one had to hold her multiple times. I love to see the sparkle in their eyes and the love they have for each other. We returned home around 9:30 and the kids sacked out quickly, while I cleaned and did laundry until 1:30 in the morning. This mom stuff does take a lot of time.

Trailblazers

Michelle and I went to a Portland Trailblazers game last week for our final date night before the new baby. We were given tickets from a good friends with season seats. I thought they were the run of the mill regular seats, but after seeing the tickets and finding out where they were I was star struck. We sat four rows behind the Trailblazers bench and had better seats than Brandon Roy's family sitting behind us a few rows. It was as if Coach McMillan wanted my help in directing the team. I felt like I was in the action, except for the minor fact that I am small in comparison, can't run fast, or shoot three pointers, but other than that I was part of the team.
It was a good game even though they continue their losing streak. Much thanks goes to Tracy McGrady who had 26 of 35 points in the second half. It was a fun time and we met a few people who really get into their game.
I must say though that the Rose Garden is extremly quiet in comparison to the however you say it now arena in Salt Lake with the Jazz. Must be all those loud and crazy Cougar and Ute fans coming together for once on common ground/court to let it all out.

Motherhood

This is a post for my Beautiful wife. Michelle is an amazing person. The things she does and friends she makes blow me away. She had everything planned before going to the hospital yesterday. She has life planned out in her little blue book. All I have to do is ask who, where, or what time and there is always an answer (from who has the kids, to what time I need to pick them up, and when I need to be home for this or that while she is at the hospital.) She even called me this morning to remind me that the window company is coming out early to replace a pane the workers broke a few weeks back while repairing our siding.

I love my wife and am very grateful for the love she extends to all. She is a dear friend and wonderful spouse. And yes I listened to Elder Ballards talk during the Sunday session of conference. I did laundry yesterday, made beds, and cleaned the kitchen, but this isn't about me. I love and cherish my wife and am grateful for the good hearted individual that she is. She cares and is always interested in others, she's kind, funny, a crowd pleaser, great with kids, and beautiful. Hope you get some rest in the Hospital.

Snow In March?

I took the family to the beach during spring break two weeks ago. It was really our last opportunity to fit into the company car as a family before the baby came. The kids love to go to the beach to so they can swim in the pool at the hotel, feed the pesky seagulls, eat yummy seafood, play in the sand, and this last trip watch the snow come down in late March.

I tried to head north to another small town on the snowy roads, but was turned around shortly before the small mountain pass due to downed trees and an accident. I tried to tell the road worker that I moved from Idaho, but he still made me turn around. Come to find out both routes out of Lincoln City were closed due to accidents from the weather. The hotel let us stay a few hours longer so the kids could enjoy the pool.

Time Keeps On Ticking

Uhuh,
I can't believe how fast time flies. It seems like posting a blog is so hard for me to do. So, no pictures today--just life ....and it is fun. The weather was beautiful and sunny today. Gotta love it. I had a couple of Dr. appt's today, which got me excited for next Tuesday's delivery. The hospital is nice and small-- Ok not like Doc. Hollywood or anything--but very personal. They went through step by step in great detail of what would be taking place as far as the C-section goes. It was very helpful.
Let's see...we still don't have a name picked out, diaper bag or bottles...but my friends are planning a great shower for Friday and they're putting together several meals that can be frozen for my family. My other friend hooked us up with her bassinet, car seat, washing tub, clothes--so nice... so the meals will be a great gift for us. Just a little FYI about why I'm supposedly re-accumulating baby items..because I'd given them all away thinking we didn't need them anymore (never do that until you're postmenopausal). But, we are excited for the new little no- named princess and can't wait to see her sweet little face! So, maybe I'll shock myself and write again before next week...or not. (That's with a little smiley face behind it)