Samuel's First Two Weeks

 Kylie playing with Samuel and testing his weak little legs.

 

 Halloween night. My dad stepped in as an M&M and he and my mom took the kids around the neighborhood trick-or-treating. Nathan and I enjoyed staying home, reading together and answering the door.

 

 Samuel's first Halloween at 3 days old. I was sure he would come after Halloween so I didn't even get him a costume. It was a really warm night and we did take him trick-or-treating with the other kids to a few neighbors before going back home to rest.

 Samuel's first Sunday and blessing day. November 3, 2013

 

 Spencer and his little buddy.

 

 Our three boys!

 

 I love Kaitlyn's smile. I have a picture of me holding my little sister with a very similar smile.

 

 I couldn't resist trying him out in this doll carseat when it was left in the spot I normally sit on the couch. He fit pretty well.

 November 6 my parents took the 6 older children (that's all that will fit in our van--we need a bigger vehicle) to a science museum about 40 minutes away. They had a great time and I was so grateful for a quiet, relaxing day at home. It was so wonderful that it made me wish they lived here so that they could take them once a week! How would that be?! Unfortunately they live in California so it will be awhile before we get to see them again.

 

We're all wrong! Introducing the newest Holladay

Not that very many people voted (not that many people probably read my blog anymore), but of those who did, we're all wrong! I was sure the baby would be late. Well, guess what? He was right on time!  Even after I went into labor I was convinced it was false and that he was still coming next week. When I finally acknowledged maybe Heavenly Father wanted him to come now and things would work out even though I wasn't ready and my parents weren't here yet, labor progressed really quickly. We left the kids in the middle of the FHE activity at 7:15 and raced to the hospital, arriving at 7:30. We quickly checked in and walked down the hall to my room. I was greeted by cheerful nurses who told me to go in the bathroom and put on a gown. I took my pants off and, attempting to give a urine sample, pushed his head out instead. I yelled, "The head's out!" and the nurses yelled, "Get on the bed!" So I held his head and went over to the bed where my midwife delivered his shoulders at 7:38. It was awesome. Everyone was laughing and joking after that and I felt great. I was so happy that this pregnancy was over. It's been harder physically and emotionally on me but some of it was just other things that were going on. The last few months since Nathan quit his job were great.

Anyway, even though I had plans this week, I'm so glad he's here! I had the best hospital stay ever, the recovery has been great, and I just love this little guy. He's so beautiful.

 Not a great smile, but here's the last pregnant photo of me. I was going to get another one next week--haha.

 

 Welcome to the world!!

 

 Samuel Brent Holladay

7lbs. 8 oz

19" long

7:38pm

Monday, October 28, 2013

 

 Getting the hearing test.

 

 I loved having everything done in my room and getting to watch--the bath, hearing test, pulse-ox, pku, etc. I had a wonderful stay.

 

 

 Getting ready to go home 24 hours after birth.

 

 A night discharge was fun.

 

Madalyn, Thomas, and Alexis had made signs for us and were outside to welcome us home. Kaitlyn was already in bed. Spencer and Kylie pulled up behind us with a friend who had given them a ride home from scouts and YW. It was a great homecoming and really sweet.

The sign says, "Welcome Home, Samuel And Mommy!"