FHE at Alki Beach

For one of our first family home evenings with Levi, we went for a drive into West Seattle to hang out at the beach. I had been going a little stir-crazy being stuck at home so much, so we packed up buckets and kids to spend the evening at the beach. It was a little overcast, so we were the only ones there, and it was a fun time of throwing rocks, collecting shells, and enjoying the beautiful water views. Levi seemed to enjoy being outside at the beach for the first time. He was awake for quite a bit of the time.

Ward Campout...

Since we had just had a baby, we weren't able to make is up to the Ward campout at Ensign Ranch--obviously--no way I was camping with a baby, and Shane wasn't up for taking the kids alone either. So, Shane got up early on Saturday morning and took the kids up to play for a little while with everyone and have breakfast. The kids loved playing with their friends in the dirt for a while. On the way home, Shane stopped at Lake Kacheese (sp?--I just spell it like cheese :)!) and let the kids run around and eat their picnic lunch. It looked like a beautiful day and the kids loved getting out of the house. I enjoyed some quiet naptime at home with Mr. Levi.

More Levi!

Welcome to the family Levi!

On Sunday 9/4, we had spent the evening at my parents house for our monthly potluck. We went home, put kids to bed, and then tried to go to sleep. Like usual, I was not able to fall asleep quickly. At about 1:30, I felt a little weird, and then I had a couple of strong contractions over the next 1/2 hour. I finally rolled over and realized that my water had broke. I woke Shane up, and after calling the doctor, we got the kids up and packed our bags (I still hadn't done that yet), and we drove over to my parents to drop them off for the night. We dropped them off around 2:30, and were at the hospital by about 3:00.



The hospital was busy, like every other time I've had a baby, and we were sent to the shared room for a while until a room opened up. I was having contractions, but nothing really painful. A woman came in behind the other curtain and was having severe pain, I felt so bad for her. She was only 24 weeks, and sounded very scared. They moved her after just a few minutes.



At about 5:30, they moved us into our delivery room, and we went walking around the hospital for about an hour until the contractions got really strong. When we made it back to the room, the epidural couldn't come fast enough, as the contractions were the strongest I've ever felt with any pregnancy. I had the epidural at about 8:00 and then was able to rest for a while until I was ready to push. When it was time, Dr. Brown, the on-call doctor came in and I pushed through just one contraction to get Levi here. Another easy delivery. He was born at 9:27, weighing 8 lbs 10 oz, and was 21 inches long. By far, he was my fastest and easiest delivery. Its nice to not have to be induced, and to just go into labor. I also felt like I had a faster recovery, other than my back being a little achy, I felt great over the next few days.

Emma has been great with him, and always wants to hold him and kiss him, and actually Henry has been the exact same. He climbs up on the bed and points at the baby, and sticks his arms out, wanting to hold him. I hold Levi up to his face and he puts his cheek on Levi's and smiles and gives kisses. Its really sweet. Shane, as always, is the worlds greatest daddy!



I feel very grateful to have such easy deliveries, but more so, to have such a sweet family. I feel like we are so blessed to have each other, and while we may not have a lot of worldly wealth, I am so grateful for our little happy family, and I'm thankful everyday for our temple marriage and the blessings we share. Shane had lots of sick leave built up this time, and was able to spend 3 weeks at home with us getting to know Levi. Its been so nice to have Shane home all the time. It'll be hard when he goes back to work after next week.

Grandma & Grandpa Folkman visiting with new baby Levi.

Lots of shots from day 2 in the hospital before we went home.

Daddy getting some good snuggle time in with Levi.

Big sister Emma holding her favorite new baby.

Little cousin Maren meeting Levi for the first time.

Uncle Luke, Aunt Lindsay, Maren & Levi.

Uncle Pete, Aunt Becca and little Zoey meeting Levi. Pete and Becca had just run a 1/2 marathon that morning, and stopped by on their way home to say hi. I would have been so tired. I really appreciated them coming to visit.

Grandma & Grandpa Reckling came by for a little visit also. This was the first time Grandma Reckling was able to come to the hospital to visit one of the babies, it was fun for them to be there.

Here he is, just a few minutes old! He looks so much like Emma and Henry did as babies.

Levi Vaughn Reckling

8 lbs 10 ounces, 21 inches long

Levi is a family name from my mom's side of the family. Vaughn was my Grandpa Bob's middle name, and I found out, that he went by Vaughn for a large part of his life. My Grandpa Bob was one of the sweetest men I've ever known, he loved and cared for my grandmother so much, with great love and tenderness through her many illnesses. Its so weird to me sometimes that Shane was never able to meet him or some of my other grandparents. They were such a big part of my life...I guess it'll be a joyful reunion and meeting when we see them again.

Levi is named after a great legacy of amazing men. :)

FHE at the Train Park

We decided to have FHE at the park, so Emma could ride her bike around. Henry loved cruisin and chasing after Emma, while she practiced riding up and down the ramps. It was a beautiful evening. I was uber-pregnant, and just enjoyed sitting in one spot watching everyone else enjoy the night.

At the Noble's Pool

Thanks to the late hot weather that showed up this summer, we swam and played lots at the Nobles pool. It was fun to relax in the shade and let the kids run around for a while and cool off.

First Day of School

Emma finally got to start Kindergarten this year and she was so excited. She really couldn't wait for school to start this year. She loves her class and her teacher, Mrs. Duke, so far. She's made some good friends. Her best friend (she says) is Jordin. Her only disappointment is that she is the tallest in the class. We've had lots of discussions about the fact that she'll probably always be one of the tallest, but eventually the boys will catch up.

I think the "you fit right in" below, seems a little bit funny. Emma's face tells me she does too... :)