Oregon or BUST!

Josh's parents (a.k.a. Nana & Papa) left today with Audrey, Ellie, and Liv for a week long trip to Oregon. I'm sure I've told you all before how awesome Nana & Papa are. Their destination is Grants Pass, OR where they will attend a family reunion this weekend. The first stop is Sacramento. The girls were beyond excited about this trip. I'm so excited they get to go somewhere and have some fun making summertime memories. Josh's grandparents did vacations with him like this when he was a kid, he has some hilarious stories about the trips they took and things that happened on the way.

The girls have all been amazing troopers the last couple weeks with getting used to having a new baby around. I think I will miss all of Audrey's help, but it might be good for me to realize how much she helps me around here. It will be a little strange only having Grace and Joel around. So if you think about it pray for Nana and Papa, I'm sure they'd appreciate it.

Father's Day

Wilkinson boys: Josh's dad, Josh's grandpa, Joel, and Josh

My dad, Joel, and me

Josh, Joel, and Josh's dad

Josh and the kids.

Ellie lost her second tooth today.

My Father's Day present to Josh.

Swimming in the pool at Grandma and Grandpa's hotel.

More swimming.

We had a nice relaxing Father's Day. My mom and dad were in town, and Josh's parents came to visit so we both got to spend the day with our dads. Here are some pictures of the highlights...

A couple of my fav hospital pictures...

Baby Boys = Laundry

I'm thrilled to be a mommy to a boy. It's so fun and different to put all those blue clothes on him, but geeeezzzzz he pees on every outfit each time I change him, doesn't he know I'm on laundry overload already? By the end of the day, there are about 8-10 dirty onesies, ahhhhhh! I couldn't keep up with the laundry before Joel, so I'm pretty sure things won't be changing. My dreams of being on top of all the washing, folding, and putting away are quickly fading, but then again who really cares if the the laundry is done....as long as everybody has underwear to wear right? As little boys get bigger do they pee less when you change them? I'd love to hear your thoughts.....better get back to the laundry room.

He decided to get cranky

Joel woke up last night around 2 a.m. and spent the next 3 hours crying off and on. I hope tonight is better. Some things I pondered during the wee hours of the morning were, how the heck Michelle Dugger (18 kids and counting) does this, do Mylicon gas drops work, and should I be swaddling my newborn? Do you have some great advice for me?

First Night, First Day at Home

We are adjusting to our life with 5 children. We arrived home from the hospital yesterday afternoon and Joel is settling in. Our first night was relatively painless with a few diaper changes, a couple feedings, and almost no crying. Addie and Ellie can't get enough of him, constantly asking for the next turn at holding him. I'm feeling good, Josh has been a huge help, he, Addie, and Ellie brought me eggs, toast, and coffee in bed this morning, so sweet! Life with a new baby is so sweet, I hope I remember this when Joel decides to get cranky. The overwhelming love and support from so many friends and our family has reminded me of God's great love for us. Thank you to everyone who has called, prayed, texted, e-mailed, sent goodies, brought us food, offered to babysit, etc. We are so grateful to be surrounded and supported by you!

He's Here!

A family photo (minus Grace, she was already in bed).

Proudly holding brother.

The big girls checking in on Joel.

Sorry I didn't update sooner, Josh brought me his laptop this a.m. so I can tell my blogger friends about our new baby.

Joel Robert was born Tuesday, June 9th at 7:40 p.m. He weighs 7 lbs, 0 oz. and is 20 inches long. He is doing well, and we plan to go home today. I will tell you my labor and delivery details soon (when I have the energy).

The day before

Today has been a busy day, the endless loose ends to tie up before going to the hospital in the a.m. Today I have:

• Made cinnamon rolls for breakfast (not homemade, but still required turning on the oven).
• Prayed that I would have a wonderful nurse tomorrow.
• Dropped Josh's shirts at the cleaners.
• Took the girls to school and walked them in, in case I can't do this again before Thursday, their last day of school.
• Made a house key for Josh's grandpa so he can be here when the girls get dropped off from school tomorrow.
• Called my mom to make sure she was on her way, she's coming this afternoon, and staying til Friday.
• Called my mother-in-law and asked if I could borrow a robe for the hospital.
• Wondered why I'm not more anxious and nervous (must be all the prayers).
• Went to the fruit stand, so there's something healthy to snack on while I'm away.
• Went to Costco to buy a few odds and ends.
• Prayed for a wonderful nurse again.
• Made peanut butter and jelly for lunch with a big glass of milk.
• Took the trash cans out
• Balanced the checkbook
• Paid a couple bills
• Checked my e-mail and blogged this post

Well I feel like I've accomplished a lot (it's not even 2 o'clock yet), but I still need to take my car to get washed. My mom should be here soon, and possibly I can run that errand all by myself. I will be sure to take a nap and try to savor one more day as a mom to 4, and no screaming newborn keeping me up all hours. Going to chick-fil-a for dinner, no cooking for me.

I'll keep you posted...my induction is scheduled at 6:30 a.m. I think my doctor will break my water about 7 a.m. and we'll see what happens, I'm sure pitocin and an epidural are in the lineup. I'm hoping we have a baby by afternoon, Josh thinks it'll be evening, we'll see...

His Room

Changing table

More road signs to come, my dad is sending them up with my mom.

Josh's dresser from when he was a baby, and some of his old toys (the hook and ladder firetruck, and other trucks on the shelf), can't believe we still had these in a box in the shed, an awesome find!

Baby's crib (thanks Jolinda for passing on the bedding to me).

And an entire closet filled with 0-9 months clothing, thanks Peggy, Jolinda, and everybody that has spoiled us! I haven't bought one item of clothing!

Loving this weather

Fresno in June is usually nothing exciting, it's hot and miserable. But the last few days have been incredible, today was in the 70's, breezy, and last night we had another amazing thunder/lightning storm. I just want everybody to know how grateful I am for the break in hot weather, my very pregnant body is so happy. I've lived in Fresno for 14 years (wow!), and I do think I have acclimated to the warm weather, but some days I just long for those cool Santa Ana breezes and cool evenings I grew up with in Hacienda Heights. Here's to hopefully another week of mild temperatures and a happy pregnant lady (4 more days!).

One week to go...

Well I have a week til baby #5 makes his arrival. I still need to buy a car seat, wash his clothes, and get some things put away in his room, but I think I'm almost ready. Not really feeling too anxious (that might still happen) about the labor and delivery....it seems like with each baby I got a little more anxious about the pain and what was to come, but today I feel pretty relaxed. I'm looking forward to being able to walk upstairs without feeling completely winded, my bladder holding more than an ounce, and having a "normal" body. I've gained more than I'd like to admit with this pregnancy ( could have been the in-n-out, cupcakes, its its, or red vines), so I have lots of hard work ahead of me to get back into shape and rehab my diet. I'm enjoying feeling the baby move, he kicks and punches, and even had the hiccups the other night. The girls are out of school next Thursday, so along with having a newborn, we will be adjusting to summer life. I don't have too many expectations as I think most of the time those lead to disappointment, I just want to enjoy the season I'm in, chaos and all.