Christmas 2006 and Ruby

Here are a couple of Ruby pictures from this weekend.

She's looking more and more like her brothers and her Dad.

Every year, we take a picture of our family at Christmas and then we display it the following years. Today we finally took our 2006 picture.

If you look closely at the mantle you can see a couple of pictures from previous years.

Ruby's Birth Story

Ruby was due December 10th. On the morning of the 15th, I decided to do a little Christmas shopping - to help pass the time because I was going nuts waiting for the baby's birth. When I got home, there was a message from my Doctor. She had been thinking about me all week, and wanted to make sure the baby was okay by doing a non-stress test. I also wanted to make sure the baby was okay, but I was worried about incorrect readings leading to an induction (which I REALLY wanted to avoid). When I called my Doctor back, I asked if we could wait to do the non-stress test and first try stripping my membranes to see if that would speed things along. My Doctor said we could wait another day for the non-stress test, and that I could come right in to her office - so I did. At about 1pm she stripped my membranes (sorry if this is too graphic, but I don't know how to tell the story without this part) . Afterwards, I came home, ate lunch, and put Jonah down for a nap.

John had a 2:00 meeting at work, and I was split between thinking that labor would start and progress very quickly, or not at all. I didn't want to do anything to help labor along until I was sure I could reach John, so I quietly sat and wrapped presents until 3:30. Then I loaded Bentley and his bike into the car and drove to the park where he rode and I walked for 30-40 minutes. My contractions (had been happening all week, but ) were stronger since my visit to the doctor, and while walking they were about 5 minutes apart and painful, but not getting more so. Bentley and I went home, and then I went with my Dad and my brother, Greg, to buy John's Christmas presents (the desk and chair). We ran a few other errands (in 5:00 Friday night traffic) while I watched the clock and wondered if I'd have my baby in the car before we got home. I didn't want to tell my family that I thought I might be in labor until I KNEW that I was, so I kept quiet.

I was glad to be home from running errands, and even happier when John got home at 6pm. After he arrived, I went to our room and timed contractions while I read and wrote a few last Christmas cards. The contractions were 3-4 minutes apart by then, but not terribly uncomfortable, so I didn't think we should go to the hospital yet. John wasn't so sure, but agreed to wait until 7 to leave. (I had worried about what to do with the boys when we went to the hospital, but my Mom, Dad, Greg, and sister-in-law Brianna were all there, so the boys were well taken care of. At 7:15 we were in the car on the way to the hospital, with the contractions still 3-4 minutes apart, and me still not sure that we should be going yet. When we got there, the nurses weren't sure either, because I didn't look like I was in enough pain.

They checked me anyway, and found out that I was about 5 cm dilated so they let us stay. Because I wanted to have a natural birth, they let us have the labor and delivery room with the big tub. (I was pretty happy about that - they only have one, and I had really wanted it.) The nurse hooked me up to the monitors for the 20 minute test strip, and started asking us all of the normal questions. Eventually I had to stop listening during contractions to relax, but the contractions were still managable. (I was afraid we'd be there all night waiting for the baby's birth.) The nurse drew blood, and called my Doctor, who came right over (at about 8:30) and had the nurses set the room up for the delivery. She said I could walk around, or sit in the tub, or whatever, and then she went down the hall to wait. I paced in the room for a little while, then rocked in the rocking chair, and finally decided to try out the tub. The nurse came in and filled up the tub (which took a while), and I got in.

After two or three contractions in the tub I was feeling A LOT of pressure and told John that I thought I should get out. That process took a couple more contractions, because they were really intense, but I did make it to the bed, and John went to get the nurse. That was at about 9:10-9:15 pm. She came in, checked me, and announced that I was complete with a bulging bag of waters. My Doctor was sent for, and another nurse came in to finish preparations for the baby. My Doctor said I could push if I felt the urge, and I did (barely) so I decided to push (because I was hurting and wanted it to be OVER). I pushed a couple of times, and my bag of water broke (exploded is more like it - it hit the wall on the opposite side of the room, as well as the nurse who had come in to help). A few more pushes and the baby's head was crowning, and then we had a baby! (9:23pm)

Ruby Jeanette 8 lbs 4 oz 20 inches

My Doctor placed the baby on my tummy, and we all saw that the baby was a GIRL! John and I were very surpised and maybe a little confused. We are so used to having boys and a girl was not expected. She had no problem screaming, and after a minute the nurse took her aside to evalute and weigh her. About that time, the rest of the nurses came in to help with the delivery - but it was over. :) Hurray! I had been so worried, but everything went perfectly. Both John and my Doctor were there, we made it to the hospital in time and not too early, I got the great room with the tub (although I didn't get to use it for very long), the labor progressed quickly, I managed to relax and didn't freak out during contractions, and we were blessed with a healthy baby girl!

After the nurses finished their work and my doctor had gone home, John and I decided to call our baby Ruby Jeanette. We had another name in mind, but I kept forgetting we hadn't named her, and kept thinking of her as "Ruby." John liked the name and we decided that she would be "Ruby." (she was nameless for less than an hour - something else that I had worried about was choosing a name, but that turned out to be easy)

John's Christmas

For Christmas, John got a new computer desk and a new chair. (he did have to assemble them, poor guy - not much of a gift) We had been using a wooden kitchen chair, and a small youth desk we'd bought early on in our marriage. Now he can save the world, and be comfortable while he's doing it!

Ruby's Hair

Just in case anyone was wondering whether or not she has hair. There is a little in the back.
:)

The Day After Christmas

Bentley, Maxwell, Jonah, and their Dad built this marble run from the kit Grandma Riggs sent for Christmas. It stayed up for a minute after this picture was taken, then Jonah knocked it down.
Maxwell tries out Dad's new computer chair.
Maxwell and Jonah eat a mid-morning snack of rainbow goldfish crackers.

And here's our sweet Ruby - wearing pink (again).

It's so strange to see pink in our house. :)

Jonah was quite proud of the tower he built.
Poor Bentley has croup. It doesn't stop him from having fun during the day, but it makes sleeping at night difficult for him and his Dad. (We're hoping the other kids don't get it.)

Christmas Day

Santa brought the boys (and Ruby) a castle. Bentley, Maxwell, and Jonah had a great time playing in it today. The spears in the front of the castle come off, and the boys used them to defend the castle from invaders. The castle also came with a bunch of little balls that they had fun playing in and throwing.
Bentley was excited when he saw the present Grandma Riggs sent (a slingshot). He quickly shot the balls into the fireplace and behind the piano - but he didn't hit any people. (Bentley woke up at 10:30 last night - ready to open presents. He was very disappointed when we told him it was still Sunday.)
Jonah is a big fan (understatement) of CARS and after opening Luigi and Lightning, he was finished opening presents. He was happy to play with his toy cars.
Maxwell was excited by all of his presents - even the toothbrush he found in his stocking. One of his favorite gifts was a wallet from Grandpa and Grandma Haws. When he found five dollars in it, he said, "now I can buy food for my family!"
Ruby shows off the shirt Aunt Mindy gave her ("Auntie Makes Me Happy"). She wasn't terribly impressed with the presents, but I think she had a good day anyway. :)

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care. . .

. . . in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
(I hope Bentley can sleep tonight - he's pretty excited!)

A Brother's Love

Bentley, Maxwell, and Jonah love their baby sister, Ruby.

Today, as I was thinking about our boys and their new sister, I was also thinking of Christmas and the birth or our Savior. He loves each of us. He came to earth, lived a perfect life, and then gave his life for each of us. I'm so grateful for a Brother who loves us.

Merry Christmas!

Four Kids - 1st Attempt

(Jonah and Bentley are trying, Ruby and Maxwell are crying.)

sigh

maybe next time

Friday Photos

Merry Christmas!

More Pink

Ruby Jeanette - 6 days old

I haven't forgotten about the boys - hopefully I'll get some pictures of them to post in the next few days. My goal is to take one picture that has all four of our kids in it.

(first of all, we have FOUR children - that sounds so weird. second - I realize that I may have chosen a goal that is next to impossible to realize, but I really want to try anyway- wish me luck!)

Pink!

Ruby models her first real "girl" clothes!

Sleeping Beauty

Here's what Ruby looks like today. :)
She has a rash on her cheeks and chin so they look really rosy.

(when it's easier for me to form complete sentences I'll write about her birth story - so you can expect that a year from now when she's sleeping through the night) jk
:)

Monday Pictures of Ruby

This is what Ruby looks like today!

Isn't she cute?

Ruby's Hospital Photo

Click here to see it!

Welcome Home Ruby!

Ruby is about to find out what life with little boys is like. :)

Ruby

Ruby Jeanette Riggs - 12/15/2006

Bentley's Sports Show Day

Bentley's Show Day was this evening. He is in the Cracker Jacks Sports Skills class at The Little Gym.

The boys marched in to applause, and then took turns on the Sports obstacle course. They showed off their skills in football, basketball, and soccer. Bentley was first and did an awesome job! (my vimeo is full for this week, but check back Sunday for a cool video of Bentley on the obstacle course! In the meantime, here's a link to a downloadable video of the obstacle course.)

Bentley showed me some of his best moves during free time. The top picture is a pizza hang.

You can watch his beam routine here.

Here he is with his class after the award ceremony. Congratulations Bentley!

Bentley and Santa

We went to the mall this morning (still no baby!) and Bentley was able to see Santa. He's been wanting to talk to the big man for a while. Bentley reported that he had been good (mostly) and asked Santa to surprise him because he didn't have any ideas for presents.
Jonah sat next to Santa for a minute, then ran off. Maxwell stayed safely outside the gates with his Grandma.

Maxwell's First Show Day!

Maxwell's first Show Day was today! He's a Funny Bug at The Little Gym, and he loves it!

The class marched in with their teacher, while all of the parents, family, and friends applauded.

Then the Funny Bugs took turns doing their routines. Here's a picture of Max on the bar. Click here to see his floor routine. You can watch his beam routine by clicking here. Maxwell's amazing bar routine is here.

Each Funny Bug got a ribbon at the end of their Show Day, along with lots of cheers from the audience.

In between routines, we had free time on the equipment. Jonah was thrilled!

Bentley shows off his bar skills. What great balance!