A few more pictures of Micah in hospital

Great Grampa Neufeld and Micah

Spencer's Carmel Valley Ranch

The day after I delivered Micah, I was still in the hospital and Albert took the other kids out to the Spencer's Ranch in Carmel Valley. It's the cutest big red barn with white fences and ponies and horses and tractors that cute Brother Spencer gives the kids rides on. They have such a good time when they go out there. Here is one picture of Gavin on the pony.

First Few Pics of Micah Beckham

Micah Beckham Zuniga

Gavin, Micah and I

Grama and Micah

Jacen and Micah

Linnea and Micah

Gavin and Micah

Our newest family picture.

Briefly, I will update you a little on the info of Micah's birth. As you know I was induced and so I got to Monterey Community Hospital at about 7:20 a.m. Things were slow to get started because of some paper work and procedures. Hydration fluids were started and then Pitocin. Real labor took a while to start. The doctor came after lunch and broke my water and that is when my labor really started (about 1 p.m.). I had chosen not to have an epidural and chose instead a couple of light pain medications (I was told it was safe to have two doses through the course of labor). I had one dose when I was dialated to a 4 and then another dose when I was dialated to about a 6. At a dialation of a 7 I decided maybe I was wrong in choosing not to have an epidural. I asked for the anaesthesiologist. He arrived and the nurse decided to check me once more and the baby was coming! I had dialated from a 7 to a full dialation in less than 15 minutes. They hurried and called the doctor and I felt like I was torn between wanting to wait for the doctor and wanting to get the baby out. I pushed three times and then the doctor ran in, washed his hands and ran over during the fourth push to catch the baby. Micah was born at 4:48 p.m. and weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. and 20 inches long and healthy and perfect! He's so sweet and we're all so happy about welcoming him into our home.

It's a Sock Hop!!

In our ward, I am the activity girls leader and we recently had a daddy-daughter sock hop/dinner. It was so much fun to plan and carry out. An artist in our ward painted this amazing car for the girls to take pictures with their dads and we had a dinner of hamburgers, fries, veggies, and root beer floats while listening to 50's music. We had a hoola hoop contest and the girls totally ruled at that! But some of the dad's held their own--actually Albert won it for the dad's category. Linnea did amazingly well. She's such a good hoola hooper! We had a cupcake walk and just a great time. I love this calling! Here are some pictures, including one of our great Bishop, Bishop Husein who came in for a few minutes to join the party and have a bite.

Happy Preschool Graduation Gavin!

Gavin in his cute cap and gown. We're proud of you BIG BOY!

Linnea and Gavin after the ceremony.

The room was decorated with posters made by each graduating child. Here is Gavin's poster.

The theme was "swinging into kindergarten" and the decorations were so cute!

Gavin officially graduated from preschool. During the ceremony he was very nervous and walked like a cute little statue up to the front of the room. He and his graduating classmates sang several songs and he received his diploma before having a potluck dinner afterward. He has had a great year, with wonderful teachers, going to school every Tuesday and Thursday. Now he is excited to begin a new phase of his life and move on to kindergarten where he is happy to be at the same school as Linnea.

Baby Update!!

Pray for me on May 28th! Yes, that is the day. I remember when I was in the hospital having Linnea that I was thinking of everyone just going about their usual day when I was in this excruciating pain! So, you can think of me the morning of the 28th and send me some of your positive thinking vibes! (: Unless I go into labor beforehand, the doctor will induce me that day. It is 2 weeks early but we are trying to keep from having a ten pound baby. I'm desperately hoping for eight pounds. So I have about eleven days to prepare. Gavin and Linnea helped me clean up the swing and bouncy seat and we tried it out with their stuffed animals and listened to the rain forest sounds and lullabies and rain showers. We're getting ready! Now I just need to get up the crib, finish my visiting teaching, make tons of freezer meals, get through a band concert and open house and preschool graduation and kindergarten orientation, get all my activity girls business in order through the end of June, get the house cleaned and well, relax so that I'm not too tired to push out a baby. It is nice to have a day to plan for.

Stillwater Cove

Our weekend weather has been amazingly warm. We took advantage of it at Stillwater Cove in Pebble Beach Saturday. Gavin found this cool crab and we had a lot of fun with our friends, the Laflan family. Thanks for calling us up and spending the day with us there!

Isn't this cute?

The last time we were at my parents I woke up in the middle of the night (to use the restroom--pregnancy woes!!) and saw the dog and cat curled up together so I grabbed my camera. It was so cute!

Freezer/Crock Pot Cooking--HELP!

Okay, I am wanting to make meals before having my baby in which to use later on. I'm begging you for your great recipes that freeze well and easily! Also, I would love some of your favorite crock pot recipes too! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Happy Mothers Day to Me!

Gavin and I at our special brunch celebration.

The kids helped make cupcakes for me and, as you can see, are enjoying them as well.

I had a really nice mothers day. My celebrations actually started with a special brunch I got to share with Gavin at his preschool. It was a nice time for just the two of us. He presented me with a handmade tote bag with his picture in it. Sunday was wonderful. I love that Mothers Day is always on a Sunday so I can attend church on that day. Jacen presented me with a beautiful red rose and then we had our annual ward Mothers Day Brunch during the third hour. I always look forward to that special pampering time. It is so good of our Bishopric and priesthood leaders. Linnea and Gavin made me lots of sweet hand drawn cards and coupons. After a great and much needed nap, the kids and I went for a long walk into Monterey and the weather was perfect. I love being a mother.