Samantha & Magdalena

Sam has been spending the night at our house every Saturday night since mid 2007. This was hardly ever missed till I went on bed rest a few months ago. Needless to say this little girl has been having a hard time with this. Well tonight we were able to start it going again. We had some yummy take-out and watched some TV. We are major couch potatoes, but it's raining, so we couldn't do much else anyway. LOL!

When it came time to head off to bed, Sam said for the millionth time how excited she was that Maggie was here. For months she's been saying how she can't wait till she's born. She's a very sweet girl!!! Tonight I had to get some stuff ready for church tomorrow, so I asked her to check on Maggie. Just a second later, instead of hearing Maggie crying, I heard Sammy singing to her. She sang that little baby to sleep. What a LOVE! I headed upstairs and listened as she told me all about it and then said that she just wanted to cry. I asked her if she wanted to cry because she was happy or sad. She said Happy! So I told her to go right ahead. She takes my breath away. I can't believe this little girl is going to be 12 this week. She's growing up too fast.

I love our Sammy girl!!!

Magdalena is finally here!!!

Maggie is finally here!!! We headed to the hospital around 4:30am on Friday morning because contractions were 5 minutes apart and I was progressing pretty fast. I honestly don't know if this girl could make up her mind. On minute she's trying to join us early and then when we ask her to come she decides not to and then when she finally decides it's time she hurries. UHG!!! I LOVE my midwife. I was totally calm through the whole thing. The med's help a lot of course, but I have to say, I had a great experience. Well, ok... I didn't like the part were the med's wore off early. Her head poked through and I could feel everything. I said a little prayer and heavenly father got me through it. They gave my a little more to help, but the med's didn't kick in till she was out on my chest. But, they did help me get some much needed rest. We checked in at 4:50am and she was born at 7:41am. She cried till she was placed on my chest. I love being her comfort zone. She's a very easy going little girl and sleeps a lot. I'm planning on taking a bunch of pictures of her soon. But so far this is what I've got...Wes is totally going to teach this little girl to stick her tongue up her nose. I know it.

Sweet Grandma cut the cord on Maggie. She also did Max's last year. I loved being able to have my Mom there. I don't think I snapped at her this time. At least from what I can remember. LOL! I can get mean when I'm in pain.

Cori hurried to the hospital to see Maggie and to help welcome her into the world, but Maggie hurried out too fast for Cori to make it the little stinker. LOL!

Daddy's wrapped around her finger!

I was so excited to see Dad. Sammy took this picture for us. She's getting good! I think Grandma got a picture of Sammy holding Maggie, but I forgot to. Dang it!
Aunt Di came to visit Friday night.
Aunt Net came a couple minutes later. We had fun talking and adoring Maggie.Later Wendy, Adam and they're little family came to hang out. As you can see we had fun!

The hospital didn't have very comfortable beds for the fathers, so I sent Wes home to sleep. This is the picture Maggie and I sent him to say goodnight.I knew she was going to be ridiculous, but COME ON!!! WOW!!!

I LOVE our sweet baby girl!!!

Magdalena Isabella Donkin

Born 10/01/10 @ 7:41 am

7 lbs, 11 0z - 19 in

Too much adventure for me today!!!

My favorite sweet dog in the world Magnus decided to go out of our unlocked gate for an adventure without his collar today. I'm not sure why the gate was unlocked. His collar was off because he wakes Max up when he's wearing it. I just hadn't had the chance to put it back on him. On top of that, most people don't like him because he looks like a mean dog. UHG!!!

Anyway... I waddled after him barefoot as he ran farther and farther away from me. One of my neighbors who I hadn't met till today asked me if I needed help. I explained how far along I was, that Mag will just keep running and that he wasn't wearing his collar as I bawled. She couldn't understand most of what I was telling her I'm sure. She got her 2 dogs and kids and loaded them in her mini van so she could search for him. I went to get my car, but before I could even pull away from the house, she was parked behind me with him sitting in her passenger seat. I know for a fact that I would have never seen him again if she hadn't helped me. There's no doubt. I'm of course still crying because I'm an emotional wreck, but I don't think a plate of cookies will express my appreciation enough. Some people just don't know the impact they have on others. She's my angel and Magnus is in BIG trouble. I'm looking into obedience school for him now. I'm sure happy to have a happy ending thanks to my sweet neighbor.

Not too long ago...

It was just last year that this picture was taken. Sixteen months and five days actually. My brother took it the day Max was born. Since then there have been thousands of pictures of my boy and I playing. Lately I haven't been able to spend as much one on one time with my boy as I'm used to. I've missed him so much. Good things have come of this. He's spent lots of time with Grandma and Grandpa Hatch and the rest of the family little by little. He gets so excited to see them. When he sees Grandma's van pull up he knows it's time to go to her house and play. He watches me while they drive away and I blow him kisses. He thinks that's pretty funny. The other obvious good thing that has come out of this is that we've made it to 36 weeks without Maggie joining us. Now I don't have to take all those preterm labor preventative med's. I could go full term and that would totally stink in my opinion because my body is already exhausted, but I do feel very blessed to make it this far. My husband, family, friends and ward members have truly been the reason. I was well tended, fed and 'put-up-with' (that's for my grumpy attitude). I know I am loved!

So one of the first things I did when I stopped taking my med's today was to hold my boy. He was sitting on Wes's lap watching TV and drinking his bottle. He dropped everything to climb into my arms. He sang softly to me while we danced and I kissed his face. Sometimes we take a mental picture of precious moments, but this time it was a mental video. It lasted a long time and I absorbed all of it. Babies are amazing!!! I love being a Mom. It's really hard sometimes, but mostly it's just awesome! I'm excited to have another member of our family join us soon and watch my little man and daughter get to know each other. If it's anything like my childhood with my siblings, it'll be a fun adventure. I love my family!

Fun Time With Grandma

I have been having a hard time with this pregnancy for the past few weeks. My doctor put me on bed rest and gave me meds for preterm labor. I made it to 34 weeks on Saturday and need to make it at least 2 more weeks. My Mom has been our daily sitter and Wesley has been our night sitter. We've had some great friends show such love and support for our little family. I feel very blessed.

I needed to share these pictures that my Mom has taken during the last few weeks. My sweet Max who was primarily taken care of me when I was able, is having all kinds of fun without me. I'm really happy he has such a fun and safe place to go everyday. It absolutely helps me rest, but I miss him so much. What would I do without a Mom determined to document my missed moments with him. I know you'll enjoy the pictures too. Here you go...

Cleaning Grandma & Grandpa's kitchen floor.

Bathing in their kitchen sink.

Passing out for a nap on Grandma while she's updating me on how Max is doing. (Wes took this one.)

Playing in the dolphin swing in Grandma & Grandpa's backyard.

Watching cousin Tyler's TV on their living room floor.

Sitting next to Maggie and me on the couch talking to Daddy at our house. My belly is huge!

Playing basketball in Grandma & Grandpa's backyard.

Grandpa feeding Max ice cream. YUM!!!

There are probably more pictures that I've missed and I'm sure there will be more to come in the next few weeks. I just needed to share with you how much I love and appreciate my Mom for all she does. All my life she's just given and given to all of her children and what we call her adopted children. She'll assure us that she's fine when we know she's in pain or sick. You just can't stop her. I'm so frustrated that my body won't let me do my everyday tasks. I don't like asking anyone for help, but I wouldn't give up this time with my Mom for anything!!! I love you Mom!

Relay for Life 2010 - Team: Families Are Forever

Our family has been attending Relay For Life for the past few years and loved it. This year was our first year to have our own team. It was a lot of work and I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I hadn't been so pregnant. LOL!

I had my niece Lauryn take a few pictures while they were out having fun. It was really hot, but I think everyone had a good time.

Sam on the climbing wall.

Good job Sam. Aunt Cori's in the background on her way to take more pics I'm sure. I'd love to see those. Hint, hint!

Second climb for Sam. Good job sweetie!

Lauryn showing her skills on the wall.

What a great idea for an activity. These kids are so brave!

Cute John!

Cousins having fun.

Pucker up Dude!

Muwah!!!

John's turn.

Awesome!

Nice tat's.

Getting a little crazy. I had fun with these guys. It wouldn't have been the same without them.

These are our kid sales team. They were out on the track selling our oreo's and rice crispy treats to everyone. John was our MVP. You should see this guy in action. Absolutely AWESOME!!!

John, Brandon, Chloe, Sam and Hailey.

It was so windy during the day that it was difficult to keep our area looking nice. We had decorations planned and couldn't put them up. On the bright side, it was about 95 out and the wind really helped! You can see Hod and Wes in the back. Wes made yummy slush to sell all day. It was very much needed and loved by all.

When the sun went down Cori, Errinne and Betty duded the kids up with neon bracelets and stuff. They made me into Saturn. Wes and I couldn't figure out how to make the flash turn off so this is the best one we got. I can't believe I'm even bigger now. It's only been 2 weeks. LOL!

Grandma took care of our Max at home till the sun went down. He immediately got his clothes wet and so we put his relay shirt on him. As you can see it's way too big and way too cute!!! He's also tired in this picture.

I just love the faces he makes. Even when he's mad.

The luminary ceremony was beautiful. Errinne was able to get pictures of all 9 bags.

My Mother in law, Cecelia Donkin's.

Wes's Uncle Don Clark's.

My Dad's brother, Uncle Keith's.

Mom's. Dorothy Lee.

Betty's Mother in law, Jody.

Wes's Mom, Marge Donkin.

Dad's Mom, Grandma Hatch.

Cori's Father in law, Dale Powers.

Back view of Dale's.

Mom's Mom, Grandma 'T'.

This is such a wonderful tradition that I'm grateful to be a part of. I'm thankful for the family members that invited us into it. I would love for everyone to have the opportunity to experience at least the Luminary ceremony next year with us. I have to warn you though, you'll get hooked and probably get inspired to join. If this happens you're welcome to join our family team, because we're definitely doing it again next year.

Thank you to everyone for your support on our 2010 Relay for Life.