`Fabulous Four

Grace had a birthday on March 19. She is now a BIG four year old. She and Hailey were more than happy to pose with little brother. (Dallin somehow managed to escape the camera on this day.)

Luke gets smooched on all day. Mostly by me but as you can see I'm not the only that can't keep their hands off him. The kids still come home from school each day anxious to see him, and everyday they go on and on about how adorable he is, and how glad they are that he is in our family.

The little man

Grace is such a big helper. She is so patient with her tired momma and never has any complaints about the time I spend with Luke (or napping). She is so in love with him. She likes to help change diapers, help dress and undress him, fetch binkies, blankets, burp cloths, you name it, anything baby related she's on it.

Her birthday bike, which by the way is "super fast, probably the fastest bike in the world".

I guess when all you have to compare it to is a trike and the flinstone style car you see in the background, it would seem like the fastest bike in the world.

This is another birthday cake by Ben. This has become a tradition that goes back to Dallin's first birthday. I don't know that it was his original intention but the kids think its awesome to get a cake from their dad so he has kept it up.

Grace's cake is made entirely out of cup cakes and there is a block of ice cream in the middle. He decided to make it into a castle after he had baked the cupcakes, not bad for designing it on a whim.

I have to mention that he missed the first half of the BYU game to work on this, now that's love!

Happy happy birthday to our sweetest little Gracie! You bring so much joy to everyone around you. You are such a happy little girl, the way you dance and sing all the time puts a smile on all our faces. You adapt easily to every situation, you play so well independantly but you are also a very kind friend and get along with others. It's difficult for us to let go of your infant and toddler years because they have been so wonderful. We just haven't wanted to let you grow up, you've been our baby for so long. But now you are a big sister, and and acting so grown up. As much as I miss the past, I look forward to your beautiful future. Stay as sweet as can be my little sugar. We love you so so much!

We're Back + One

He's here! Luke Pollard Cardon was born on Feb 15, 2011

He weighed in at a hefty 8lb 10oz and 21 inches long.

 Let me just say this labor was twice as long as any of my others. I was induced, but little did I know that my doctor was going to wait all day to break my water. He kept telling us the baby's head was up to high (that is because it was resting on a huge amount of fluid in the sack). Anyway, being only on pit I just stayed at like a 6-7 most of the day. Finally at 6 pm (after his office was closed, probably by design) he broke my water and I immediately progressed and delivered at 7:27.  A littlle side note- at 7:00 I was complete, but my doctor was delivering another baby. So for about 30 mins I was at a 10 and could not push, I was shaking so bad    - good times- thankgoodness for epidurals. All of my labors have been about the same, schedule induction, have my water broke, 4-5 hours later deliver. This time it took about nine hours. You can probably tell I was just a little bugged. Ok, I can be done griping, I guess I just like to plan a bit too much, and let's be serious, this is labor, how much can you really plan? But it had worked for the other three! The most important thing is that our little guy got here safe and we are both doing great.

                                                                      My mom and Luke

                                                                        My dad and Luke

                                                        A very happy daddy with his baby boy

                  The five six of us.

I think the lack of sleep is taking a toll on me. (Thanks Uncle Dick for making me aware that I apparently don't know how many people are in our family) 

The waiting room-Dallin, my Grandpa, Ralph Pollard Holding, who Luke is named after, and my Uncle Dick