Dear Family,

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! and here is our Lucy Kathleen Duncan!! (named after 2 of our great-grandmothers).  We are SO thrilled to have her here, and she was so convenient to come at the onset of a long weekend.  I don't know why I bothered to get out her bouncy seat or swing now, since there are never enough turns to hold her for everyone--she is so welcomed home!

  

-and this is just a smattering of how many arms she's been in :).

I am feeling SO good, and am thrilled beyond belief that she got her when she did, and withOUT an epidural! Part of my willingness to wait past her due date was so that I could have a better try at going w/o drugs, to see how that helped my recovery/etc. So wait we did, and though the Dr.'s office called that DAY to schedule a stress test and induction for next week, she made it before we had to worry about it.  At my appt. Thursday, I had NOT progressed that full week, and was still at 3.5-4 cm/70% effaced, and I tried not to get discouraged, but when stripping my membranes just made me really uncomfortable for that day and the next, I wasn't overly hopeful.  I could barely move at aerobics Friday morning, and had to do a lot of stopping and starting all day, but after having a fun dinner w/ Nate and Stacey's at the newly opened Zupa's (so nice to have my last meal be a good one!), I was uncomfortable enough that Brian started asking if it was labor.  I still wasn't sure, so we ran some errands, walking through Kohl's and Sam's--found a steal of a wool dress coat for Brian he's been looking for, and as we checked out, I nearly told the cashier at Kohl's, "You're the first to know, I'm about to go have a baby!" (but she was preoccupied, and I didn't).  We came home, and in my determination to get to the hospital as late as possible, I finished rearranging the basement bookshelves I had started that day, folded the rest of the laundry, packed my hospital bag, and sat in the jacuzzi, while Brian gave the children instructions, watched some Olympic Opening Ceremonies, and tried sleeping.  Finally, at 1:30 AM, he asked if we shouldn't be going, and since it had been about 6 hours, I agreed.  It took a little while for me to get dressed and to the car, AND we had the classic moment of being pulled over on the way (not even for speeding!--we never did find out--left turning into the outside lane?--he quickly let us go), but finally got to the hospital at 2:30.  Everyone was plenty nervous w/ my 2 minute apart hard contractions, and this being my 6th--they skipped most of the prelim stuff, but I tried telling them I was slow, and not to worry.  There were 3 nurses on duty, w/ nothing to do--no full moons, and inductions aren't scheduled at those times, so they were all so thrilled to have me to attend to! :)  They were very cute, and I was only sorry that they saw such a sorry side to me--as I had little small talk left, and only told them to stop touching me or pushing on the monitors during contractions.  They were so helpful though, and let me go w/o an I-V, AND let me switch to the room w/ a huge tub (I was picturing in the bathroom, but it was like a swimming pool right in the room! They checked me right when I got there, and after telling Brian on the way I'd better at least be to a 7 after all that waiting, or the epidural might be really necessary, I was only a 5!!! She was at a +1, meaning she was dropping, which was positive, but I told the nurses w/ little hope that I had been trying to go natural.  They encouraged me through the breathing, got me to the tub (I walked to the room, and that helped a little, so I thought I'd circle around the halls, but only made it to the next room, before I realized I couldn't move anymore), and after I'd been in the water for 5 minutes, they said the on-call Dr. was here, and did I want him to break my water.  Again, w/ little hope, I said yes, so out of the tub, and as he checked me, I was already a 7! He broke the water, and after that, I can only really remember one big contraction that never eased, and the "urge to push" that I thought would be so relieving was more the feeling that my body was being ripped inside out, and there would never be relief again.  Once I told them I was pushing, the nurses took a minute to realize I wasn't just telling them to not push me, but then got the Dr. to begin setting up.  By this time, I was screaming for my life, while they put Oxygen on me to probably keep me from hyperventilating, and all I could think was that setting up the right towels, equip., etc. could never have taken longer or been a bigger waste of time--as was any advice like hold up your knees, chin to your chest, etc.  but everyone else stayed much calmer, and bless Brian for at least telling me she was almost here, the head was out, and there she was (which was my only hope at that point), and come she did--quickly too, thank goodness, born @ 3:31 AM. 

  

I had also been so worried about how gargantuan she was feeling to me, esp. as each day went past.  Every time she moved, I felt like it was a contraction--thinking she was already too big for my uterus, I was sure she must be nearly 12 lbs, but she was just 7lb 11oz (and 21")!!--as small as our smallest baby!!--and perfect--much calmer and quieter than her Mom was to get her here, and just as cuddly and precious as a newborn can be.  Definitely one of the family, and same amount of the same hair as her siblings (just enough and dark blonde).  She is really calm, loves to look around and make those funny faces, and we are LOVING her! 

The real bonus after all that suffering, is that I have felt GREAT since the moment she got here! I was ready to walk to the recovery room (though they still brought a wheelchair), haven't needed one ice pack (I usually go through about 10/day for 2 days), and aside from missing my sleep that night (and many more to come), I feel blissfully NORMAL!! I was more than ready to come home this morning--the hospital room and bed seemed like they'd bore me to tears for one more day, and thanks to Brian's parents being here until Mom comes in on Tuesday, I can be home and a part of things w/o too much stress.  I had better go to sleep now though--everyone is at church, but our runny-nose Anne and Baby Lucy, who are both sleeping, but we are doing GREAT, and I am again, so thrilled and thankful things went as well as they did--who would've thought recovery from the 6th would be the best so far?! What a blessing to have had those 3 nurses like I did, and all the arrangements that fit into place just right.  What a great weekend! Love, the Duncan's

  

 

on the way to the hospital!

Feb.12, 2010
Well, we're zeroing in on a birthday for our this baby!! After barely being able to work out this morning, and having to stop and start every time I walk today, I can finally call the pain contractions, and measure the time b/t them, so after dinner out w/ Brian, Nate & Stacey, and walking through a couple of stores, we're gearing up for the hospital--pictures and details to come in the next few days! Love, Charlotte

P.S.

2-8-2010
One of the worst afflictions of this stage of pregnancy, I've decided is trying to combat a complete self-absorption as you feel like a ticking timebomb that you need to notice all the signals for!
Anyway, I woke up remember everything the REST of my family's done the last while, and couldn't leave it all out!

 

First, the children all had their parent-teacher conferences (called SEP out here-student evaluation plan...I'm guessing?) last week, and they're all doing marvelously.  Krispy Kreme gives out a free half-dozen donuts for your report card, so w/ 4 in school now, it makes for a great FHE treat every term (we do tax 2 donuts/child to feed pre-schoolers and parents).  It's rewarding as a Mom, after sending your little ones out like that, to hear someone else's report that they are surviving, and to hear a fresh perspective on their strengths and abilities.  It is a HUGE blessing to have them all take to school so well.  Maddie could improve on organizational skills (esp. as Jr High looms nearer), and sweet Spencer in his eversolaidback attitude should focus a little more attention on his sight words and reading (as I think, but he's SO adorable, and his easy going nature is part of what keeps him eversoHAPPY and fun to be around...at least he loves math and people, and the reading is coming, just at its own Spencer-pace!); Emily has done better at not having to have perfect handwriting on every sample of work, and Brent could always transfer some of his apparently perfect performance skills to home and his sibling treatment, but even with things to work on, I am well aware that we're spoiled not to have more serious issues at this point.  There are a lot of crazy moments, but every once in a while, like sitting at Tyler Olsen's Eagle Court of Honor this weekend, as Anne's cuddled on my lap, and Spencer sidled up under my arm, and all the rest sitting quietly for something I know they're barely understanding, my little heart just swells up like I have all the riches of the world in good children surrounding me--and it really does enlarge the soul!

Brian also had a big week, with his FIRST JURY CRIMINAL DEFENSE trial!--ever!! I had no idea--he's been in court a lot less since leaving prosecution, but I never realized he hadn't tried a jury case for so long--he often appears before judges, but the full-blown trials are more rare.  And before you feel awful about him not being on the side of what everyone thinks of as real justice, putting criminals in jail, his client was a woman w/ epilepsy, who suffered a seizure while driving, but was being charged w/ a DUI.  Brian's good to understand the need for both sides of the justice system for ALL clients, but to have a case be so squeaky clean does help.  To add to the stress, it turns out this woman is the mother of a sister I visit teach, and was good friends w/ his partner Miles on his mission (they are England locals, originally).  He had two days of trial, after a LOT of prep time, but she was found "not guilty" on all charges! She was taking only her Dr.'s approved dose; she exhibited classic signs for having gone through a seizure (causing the accident she was arrested for), but the prosecution, being more used to drug abuse than medical conditions, wouldn't back down that she had somehow OD'ed.  She was fairly emotional by the end, and Brian said there wasn't much better than sharing her relief and utter gratitude at the end.  She won't drive anymore, and had just recently begun driving again anyway (after working to regulate the right levels of medication), but it was pretty sad how much trauma she had to go through in an already rough situation (she ran into a semi-truck, and then a telephone pole, and MIRACULOUSLY, no one was hurt seriously!!).  Of course, we're even more sympathetic to seizures after our little Anne too, but Brian was just really glad to have things go well, esp. after such a long break from trying a case.  His partners, who both saw him, were also duly impressed w/ his closing arguments and organization, etc.  He's SUCH a great strategist--it's so hard as a spouse to see his best strengths not being better utilized all the time, but so nice when he can do what he enjoys.  It was pretty stressful too though--he barely ate those 2 days, and sleeping, of course, was touchy.  It was Spencer's turn for a date this past Friday though, and as we shared a hotdog at Sam's, we called Brian's his "Matlock meal" after such a good outcome!

We also had a high priest social Brian's Temple and Family History committee was in charge of.  I could barely control my giggles as we got to the church and saw 8 round tables w/ 8 square white plastic tablecloths (actually, 4 rectangles, cut in half) that didn't even cover the circles, topped w/ white plasticware, and the most color coming from the pepper in the pepper shakers.  I was so proud for Brian putting everything together so well, even making a dessert to take over, and throwing together a little matching game of what everyone's last names meant. His committee all helped the turkey & potatoes meal, and setting up, and naturally, he wasn't too stressed over it (like I would've been).  Still, as we walked in though, I thought, "Oh, wives ARE allowed to help, and I probably should've offered more!" but instead, I said, "Well, it looks very nice and celestial in here--perfect for the Temple committee!" and, of course, it was a lot of fun, regardless of what it looked like, and the food plus potluck sides was delicious!

So, we are all doing well--not JUST me.  It's good nothing more happened last night after all--not only did I not miss the last installment of BBC's newest version of Emma, but Brian had a rough tummy last night, which wouldn't have made for a nice hospital trip! Brian also got the games Blockus and Carcassone for his birthday/Christmas recently, and we've all had fun playing those lately! So again, have a good week, and I'll try not to be so self-obsessed! Love, Charlotte

 

February 7, 2010

Dear Family,

Well, here we are at a Sunday afternoon (sorry, I didn't get the lens completely cleaned yet!).  I didn't have any new pic's to post, so we took a few today just to stay in touch.  The last few weeks have been fairly productive for me, as I have organized the pantry, washed every rug, rag and clothing at least once--even the doll clothes!, fixed the van door, dealt w/ the GA tags office in getting a title replacement so we can sell our van, hanging a couple of shelves in the pantry and bedrooms, and putting together baby swing, carseat, and bassinet.  As of Friday, the Dr. said I was dilated to 4 cm, and 70% effaced, so that's great progress for me! She stripped my membranes, and most of Saturday, I felt like things were moving along, and could happen at any time.  When I fell asleep so peacefully though, I wasn't so sure anymore.  This morning I woke up pretty much back to normal (normal pregnant, that is), and thought it may still be a few days.  Making dinner had me completely out of breath though, (as did cutting the boys' hair last night--while sitting down!), so I thought again, that maybe things were happening.  Oh, but the fun mysteries of labor! This could go on for days!!, but as Aunt Loralee told me during Maddie's pregnancy, as hard as it was (and is!) to believe, "This too, will come to pass!"It is impossible to be pregnant forever, so one day we'll have new news.  For now, the kids are having fun practicing w/ Anne, and she LOVES to be their model!

  

  

She lays there like a limp rag while they wrap her up and feed her doll bottles--I hope she doesn't love the part too well!!! She also loves her babies still, and is constantly carrying one around--our bassinet and baby seat are always occupied, so our little Lucy won't have any cold seats (except that I'm not sure of the warming capacities of a plastic figure!).

No, we're all excited here, and making guesses about her birthday, and comparing all the stories from everyone else's births.  It is a fun (if not sometimes crazy) time.  I also have enough to look forward to this next week to make waiting quite endurable.  We have a crepe-eating Valentine's Social for RS Tuesday night, a stake dinner/dance Sat. night, painting and sewing to do in the basement, and of course, keeping up w/ the laundry and shopping, that are already and always piling up.  

Here's a DI bulletin board we decorated and finally hung in Maddie's room Sat.

And here's Maddie's room thus far--I realized we never really got any pic's w/ the finished basment, as we've been piecing it together

and here's a glimpse of the boys' room that we've never photograped before either.  I was waiting until I had the curtains and pillows done--maybe I should've at least hoped for made beds and clothes off the floor!

another angle--just to see all those "Y"s I stenciled on--we'll get some better pictures in a year or so, when the rest of the plans are complete

and, just for those who are curious, here's what we still call, "Uncle Nick's Room", but may need to be dubbed "Spare Oom" now that he's married.  Soon, we'll have pictures of the bathroom too!

And here I am in a final pregnancy pose--okay, maybe my only one this pregnancy, and I'd love to say it's the day before I went into labor, but we'll have to be satisfied w/ the day before my due date for now.  I'm glad to be doing well at this point, and feeling as good as I do--we're terribly blessed and happy.  Hope you all have a wonderful week! Love, The Duncan's

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNE!!

Anne turned 2 yesterday! No matter how many times we count, she will only say "Twee!!", and even holds up 3 fingers, so at least she'll be very ready for next year.  She's just finished off another batch of stronger antibiotic, and this time her ears AND runny nose all seemed to clear up, so we've been enjoying our much happier toddler the last week or so, and all of her increased attempts to talk and mimic what we say.  Instead of whining, she can now ask for a bowl, water, spoon, apple, orange, cheese, milk, or treat! She loves to say "Li-Li" for Emily, and "See Ya!"

We opened presents Saturday morning (before brushing hair, of course!), and before we all went over to the church to practice our family musical # for Ward Conference today.  (we were asked to sing "Love is Spoken Here"--I was wishing for 10 children today to put b/t me and the microphone, but thanks to lots of practicing and great sports, the children did great, and got us through it!)

Here is Anne w/ all of her gifts--her new outfit from G&G M (she couldn't tear hear pj's of fast enough!-she LOVES getting "JESSED!", a new baby set from us (w/ a stroller, carseat, etc.), and books and a cool glitter ball from G&G D.  (I thought it was such a good idea to ask Emily and Spencer to take some pictures of her while I got the birthday dinner ready--and while they did an excellent job, all of the pictures have a distinct smudge on the left side--to match the lens, I now notice--you still get the idea!).  Oh, and you'll notice the "new" ottoman she's sitting on--a $40 find from KSL.com that we picked up yesterday in SL.  The apt. where we had to go also happened to be a couple of blocks past Siegfried's--our favorite German Deli, so we picked up some meat, cheese, and bread for some DELICIOUS sandwiches on the way home.  Anne gobbled down 3!!

We had our Duncan cousins over for BBQ drumsticks and eclair cake (we missed Masina & Nate, who were at a volleyball tournament)

And while the picture turned out great--she actually coughed these candles out :).  We do love our Anne, though! As a newborn, she was blessed to learn from others around her, and she is definitely quick at picking out everything we're doing and copying it.  She LOVES going bye-bye, playing w/ her babies, finding socks and shoes,  reading stories, taking baths, being "pretty," playing "doggy" and singing her sweet songs--she went to bed singing her own version of "Happy Birthday" and had 3 pieces of cake before that!

40th bday & ER

seaworld and tidepools

Dec 30-31, 2009

For Christmas this year, Santa brought everyone a ticket to SeaWorld, so the morning after the wedding, we loaded up (w/ Scott & Rebekah’s family—all in our limitless van!) for SeaWorld!! Since Grandma & Grandpa were there last year w/ TJ&Kristen (Orlando style), they highly recommended making time for the shows.  We got through the gates w/ our maps and schedules, and realized we were just in time for the first Shamoo show of the day, so found seats as quick as we could.  Brian and Scott sat with the kids in the splash zone, while Becka and I kept the babies dry.  Now, we had watched the online pictures of Shamoo plenty of times in preparation for this trip, but WOW!!!—Nothing compares with being there in person!! Those huge springing whales are spectacular! They rival the views at Yellowstone in grandeur!! My breath was just taken away again and again!! And though I was pretty bummed at not being able to ride ANY of the ride in my “delicate” condition, I was glad the next day, to be able to take Anne and Margot to see the show again while everyone above 48” (and w/o any condition) rode Shipwreck Rapids. 

After doing a huge project on sharks last year, Brent was thrilled at the Shark tanks you got to walk through and under.  Anne could’ve waved at the manatees all day, the penguins had an environment that made you feel like you were IN Antarctica, and the seals, and pets shows were hilariously amazing! Though I again missed the helicopter flight simulation ride (which made all of the Duncan boys sick), the Polar exhibits, where we saw 3 huge polar bears very close up, the ENORMOUS walruses being fed, and gorgeous, almost glowing beluga whales were exhilarating.  I had been so concerned about 2 days being too much there—with only a few rides, and not enough detail in the maps to tell me otherwise, I was just hoping everyone would enjoy it.  I now think I could’ve taken a week to enjoy it all! Especially for my motion-sensitive family (Scott and Rebekah had to take Maddie & Em on the real roller coaster), the rides were just right, and the exhibits and aquariums are all premium quality, with the shows being just the right topper! There was still a lot we didn’t even get to—w/ ice skating always available, a 3D movie, and the kids ALL loved the giant Sesame Street playland w/ a few kid-friendly rides (I STILL wasn’t allowed on), and the biggest playground we’d ever seen.  It wore us all out, but we were so glad we took the chance to go! It was really fun to have cousins to go with too!

The second day, we did only spend half at Seaworld, so we could meet up with a lot of the other family at Point Loma to eat lunch, and see all the tide pools, while it was still low tide.  Those tide pools are like an aquarium to themselves.  Brent got out far enough to see lobsters w/ Grandpa, and Anne and I had fun watching all the sea urchins contract when you poked them.  Quite an amazing terrain!—and another beautifully exhausting day!

And since I'm having issues with labeling my photos again, here's the amazing whales, visiting the shark tank, everyone but me and the babes on Shipwreck Rapids (MUCH wetter than the splash zone!)--where my amazing timing allowed me to not only watch Shamu first, but come back and end up where I could grab a quick picture of them on the ride!; Then, more aquariums, and lots of fun shots at the tide pools.