Two Weeks Later...

Well, actually three weeks after the last post, but two weeks after the arrival of Ellis Daniel Ficklin.

Last time I wrote, I was still hopeful for a flip from this baby and a natural birth. Well, when I went in for some tests(they give standard tests for week overdue mamas!), one was normal(Ellis was not in distress) but the other wasn't(he only had about half of the fluid he was supposed to). So, right there at my appointment with the midwife, we were told we would be having a baby that day.

My mom and sister were in town and it was kind of a relief to know that they would be here for Ellis' birth. I was worried they would have to leave the next Tuesday without even meeting him.

So, we did what we do and shopped for an hour before meeting Reuben and heading to the hospital. Then, after waiting for about two hours for the anesthesiologist, Ellis was born at 6:23 Friday, August 9th.

After a three night stay in the hospital, we headed home. Then I really didn't know what to do next? So, I just held him and starred.

The past two weeks have been magical. That little boy had my heart and is such a peaceful little soul, except when you change his diaper or clothes, then he screams. Oh and that scream is so cute because the more mad he gets, then he snorts. It's way cute.

I have been learning so much. The main thing is that I am not I control. From his birth to the outfit I had picked out for him to go home in, he had other plans.

I can't wait to get to know Ellis even more as he grows and becomes a man. What a blessing it is to be a mother and it all has been quite a ride. I'll be sure to keep bookface updated with photos but here are a few. I know a few people who need a daily Ellis.



My favorite.


Another smile.


Already ignoring mom!


Sleeping angel



With Papa


With cousin Chloe.


Snug in the Moby.

"Zero Hour"

Today is Baby Ficklin's due date. This pretty much means absolutely nothing. Just thought you should know. People are starting to ask every time they see me: "still no baby, eh?" I think that is kinda obvious too. Just sayin'. You will all know as soon as he's here. Give or take a few hours. Until then, you can check out this link whenever you are tempted to ask: "Have you had that baby yet?": Answer

In celebration of the due date, here are ten things you should know about Baby Ficklin:
1. His name has been picked out and is secret until his arrival(I did let Reuben know. Lol. He helped!!!)
2. The Ficklin Clan call him RP3(Reuben Perry the third). This is not his name.
3. The Koehne Clan(mainly Mom and Seester) call him Abner Erich. This was my Cabbage Patch Kid's name and also not Baby Ficklin's name.
4. He is a hipster. He doesn't want to follow the crowd, therefore, head down is just too trendy. He is currently breech but I'm am faithful he will join the majority soon!!
5. I sometimes call him Honey Badger or HB. Mainly, due to the popular YouTube video entitled "The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger." Now, with that name you may think I am being mean to my unborn child but the Honey Badger, according to this video, just does what it wants. It doesn't care. Just like #4, Baby Ficklin does what he wants too. P.S. I do not recommend this video to anyone who is offended by language. It does swear lots and includes the F-word twice, but secretly it makes me laugh so hard that I cry. Don't judge.
6. He is a Ninja. He stretches and kicks lots. These days it kinda takes me by surprise and often stops me in my tracks. It tickles too.
7. He likes Miranda Lambert. Or he hates her. It's hard to tell when you play babies music in vitro because they could be enjoying the music and rocking out or they could be knocking on the walls going "stop that crap!" He also feels this way about Kelly Clarkson and all music really.
8. He likes Reuben's calm voice when we practice Hypnobirthing. He moves around, gets comfy and then sleeps/relaxes.
9. He doesn't like ice on his head. Again, this relates to #4. Some people have claimed that if you put something cold on baby's head they will flip. Baby Ficklin flinches a little, sinks an inch and then is like: "Yeah right mom, that isn't going to trick me out of my special comfy spot.
10. He has already captured my heart. I cannot wait to see his little face, fingers and toes. I often wonder who he will look like and what his personality will be like. It is a miracle to be a part of this process of bringing a little person to this world and I feel so blessed to be a part of God's work, for he is truly is one of God's sons. What a great responsibility and one never feels ready or competent enough to face the challenge of raising a child, but I think of how important it is to raise a child right and teach them the way in a quite confusing world. I have every confidence that this kid is going to be a hero and change the world for the better. What a great journey Reuben and I are starting soon as parents. We will need all the help we can get and you all are a part of this too and I am thankful I have such a great support group of people who have charted these
waters before and even if you haven't, you bring so much talent and skills to help him too!!! We are all in this together, right?

Well, as Reuben says, it is the "Zero Hour now," because the due date is here. Now, you all can guess what day he will appear. Also, guess a name. I'll buy you a treat, if you guess right!!!

Cheers.



He waves with his toes.

July flies by!

Hi all. Still hanging in over here. The dog days of summer make me want to just sit on my couch and enjoy the cool created by my new air conditioner. Maybe part of this laziness is tied to being pretty ripe and pregnant. That's probably it.
Reno doesn't like when I take him for walks in the hot. It's truly dog days if summer because he just plops down and refuses to go any further. This even happens when about 100 yards from home:




Silly mutt!!!
The highlight of the past few weeks is having Liz, Reuben's sister, and her son, Cade visiting from Arizona.
We do a whole lot of fishing and have been again impressed by Liz's amazing catching abilities. We have ventured to Strawberry Reservoir near Heber, Utah and have tried our luck on the Provo River.




Reuben had some luck at Strawberry after Liz lead the way. Two tasty Rainbow Trouts were enjoyed at dinner.




Cade was kept busy by being the Crayfish King. He caught enough for Reub to make some tasty étouffée.




There is uncle and nephew at the Reservoir.




And the étouffée.




Liz caught an amazing catfish on the Provo and Reub helped land it.




Liz hates having her pic taken so she always makes Cade display her goods!!! It makes me smile.
Last night I spent some fun time with a few of the Bills girls (Erin/Sarah) and Kari. Sarah was the only brave enough one of us to participate in karaoke. It was nice to spend time with them all!!




In other news, the past few weeks have been a little stressful. Baby Ficklin has decided that head down position is much too trendy for him and is transverse breech(he's laying sideways). He is as stubborn as his mother and even with some fun positions and chiropractic attempts, still remains sideways. It has been an emotional roller coaster for me because I am stubborn and have always dreamed of having a natural birth. I find myself tough and also think this is the best for me and the baby. Anyway, you really can't do this with a sideways baby so if he still hasn't flipped into position before my appointment with the midwife on Monday morning, we will probably schedule a C-Section. It isn't my ideal but as I have pondered and prayed, I realize getting this baby here safely is the most important thing. The comfort that has come from those prayers is truly a tender mercy. I am very blessed to be comforted by my Heavenly Father in all aspects of my life.
Life truly is good!!!
I'll keep ya posted on the arrival of Baby Ficklin, who does have a real name now but it will remain secret until the big day!!! All of you can make guesses in the comments. You can also predict the birth day, if you want too. Maybe if you are the winner, you can name him a different name if you don't like it(just kidding) or at least get a chance to change his diaper or hold him!!! ;)

Who knew I Would Be A Bad Blogger This Summer

Time flies and I often wonder what the heck has kept me so busy that i can't even blog lately. I think a lot of it has to do with my laziness. I would much rather sit around reading than doing much of anything else these days. Crazy, no? I will blame this, along with everything else, on my pregnant state. It makes one lazy and crazy.

Life has been fun lately. From 4th of July celebrations to family weddings, we have been kept busy. Reuben has been to Scout camp and will go again at the end of this week. He also went fishing Saturday with a friend from church. I like the he is getting a little more social these days. The weird thing is that I never thought I would be lonely when he leaves. See, I was alone a lot when I was single and it never bothered me. I was perfectly content being all by myself. Now, when he leaves, I do get a little lonely. What is up with that? P.S. I would never tell him that! I want him to go and do. It is good for him and then I can go and do sometimes too!!!

Here are some pictures because I don't have a whole lot of words today:



This is at a ward breakfast on the 4th for Reuben's parent' ward. We bought Dad this shirt for Father's Day and he had saved it for this occasion. He really is funny and awesome!



Speaking of cool t-shirts here is me in my "Hands off the Baby Bump" shirt. I am getting pretty large, aren't I? We are in the last month before Baby Ficklin arrives. That is crazy.


Here's another t-shirt favorite. The "Professional Watermellon Smuggler" shirt.



Here are a few pics from the Stadium of Fire that Reub and I went to on the 4th. It is said to be one of the biggest stadium shows for the 4th. Kelly Clarkson was the headliner, so it was a given that I would want to go. She sure does so good live. I had a blast.


Cool dancer number


Kelly is somewhere in the blur of the stage. One day I will be up close to the stage, but binoculars did a good trick!


The fireworks were awesome. Hopefully, they didn't do too much emotional damage to Baby Ficklin. I tried to cover his ears, I just didn't know where they were!





Reuben and I attended his cousin's wedding in Ogden last Friday. We had to take advantage of being so close to the amazing breadsticks that our friend's, Morgan and Derek, introduced us to long ago. They are so yummy. Note to self: Always order two orders.


Try this place, if ever in Layton, Utah.


Reuben brought home Crayfish from his fishing expedition. It is weird to meet your food before you eat it, at least that is what I think.



I enjoyed the corn and potatoes. I couldn't get myself to try to crayfish. I will for the next crayfish boil for sure!!

Well, that is all I have this Monday morning. What has happened to all my commenters? What are you all up to this wonderful July week? What fun patriotic things did you do for the 4th. I need some social outlet here peeps!!! No pressure though and have a great day. Cheers.

Happy, Happy, Happy!

Well, it is officially summer, what do you think of that? Summer is a fantastic time. I am pretty sure most people feel pretty dang happy when this time of year comes around.

Being a school teacher, makes summer extra special for this gal and I have been very much enjoying my time so far. The funny thing about it is sometimes I am already thinking: "How can I be bored already?" and "Man, this summer is going to go fast!" Two of the scary thoughts that you have during summer.

Lately, I have been keeping busy by daily walks, lots of fishing with Reuben, laying on the couch and lots of reading.

Here are some pictorial highlights of the past few weeks because really, a picture is worth a thousand words and I really don't have the energy for a whole lots of words these days. Especially today because I was up at 4:30. What the heck...it's summer, the season to sleep?




I created my dream patio. Well, it is close to the patio of my dreams, at least. It is a happy place.






Reno has made friends with the horses and cows along the river trail, even though they make him a bit nervous at first.







Walking with friend, Kari everyday is a highlight. She's a good egg!



Yea for anniversary flowers! We made it past the hardest part, right? I really have chosen my husband wisely. Reuben takes care of me(he even tied my shoes in public down in Manti this weekend because I can't reach), is a great cook, is hilarious and even loves me in a t-shirt, jeans, hat and no make-up. What a catch! We spent our anniversary at the family cabin down in Fairview. It is a gorgeous place!












We also went fishing before meeting up with friends and then going to The Manti Miracle Pageant. It was a great anniversary!!!












And today, the new air conditioning is getting installed. It was an ordeal but really, this pregnant girl living in hot summer Utah needs it!






Well...here is to a happy, happy, happy summer and to another wonderful year of marital bliss!

Cheers!