McCord Family: January 2011

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Port Nordmark McCord

Port’s Birth Story:

I went to bed Sunday evening after feeling a few contractions that were a bit stronger than usual. I awoke at 3 am with mild contractions that were slightly painful but not regular. After waking up Kjell and then telling him to go back to sleep, the contractions continued until I decided we should indeed head to the hospital. My previous labors have all been rather quick – 2 hours or less – so as soon as I feel like I’m in true labor, I am anxious to get going. Still, even after I woke up Kjell again, I was waffling about whether to stay or go. Hence, Kjell took the time to shower and I gathered a few extra things for my hospital bag. We woke up Jordyn to tell her we were off and to listen for the boys in the morning and I called Dr. Glenn as we left for the hospital, arriving around 4am.

Upon arrival I was dilated to 6 cm and almost totally effaced. Dr. Glenn broke my water and told me it wouldn’t be long before Port was born. I had previously decided against an epidural, so this was welcome news. Unexpectedly, Port’s heart rate began to drop. I was immediately given oxygen and told to get on my hands and knees – which of course was no problem since I could feel my legs! Port’s heart rate improved but my contractions became less painful and farther apart. Around 5am they started to increase in duration and pain, which felt unbearable at the time, but true to form Port Nordmark McCord was born at 5:35am.

Weighing in at 9 pounds 2 ounces, my hearty boy still had a hard time breathing and low blood sugar. Fortunately, an hour on the CPAP machine and some food resolved his short-lived issues and he has tested well in those areas since. Still, our old friend jaundice is back – tomorrow we’ll learn if he’ll need to be under the lights.

I enjoyed my restful time in the hospital where I had hours to hold and bond with my beautiful towheaded baby (not to mention read and do crossword puzzles while being served huge meals in bed). “Back to Reality” begins tomorrow as I embark on a new chapter in my life as the mother of 4 boys ages 5, 3, 1 and 2 days. As I struggle with the implications of this awesome responsibility I can’t help but know I am being watched over and blessed with the strength and energy I’ll need in the weeks, months, and years to come. As for now, day by day is my policy. I’m being well taken care of by friends and greatly look forward to my mom’s arrival next week.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Christmas 2010

Kjell and I were pleased to host the Love family for Christmas this year. My parents live in Connecticut and my brother J.P., Gina, and new baby Kaya live in Maui, so we were the midway point.

Here are some highlights of our time together:

J.P. as a dad! Mom and I laugh when we remember how gingerly J.P. held Marcus when he was a baby. Now he’s a pro with his own daughter. J.P. was very participatory in the birthing process, even catching Kaya when she came out. It was also a pleasure for Kjell and I to meet Gina, who is an attentive, caring mommy and especially loved the beautiful snow-covered mountains of Utah.

We had a family photo session at Riverwoods mall the day my parents arrived (see previous post). Afterward we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Bombay House and drove by some beautifully decorated homes (and the tooting Santa).

Christmas Eve was a day of last-minute shopping for the women (and Wether) while the men and boys went to Bridal Veil Falls and up to Sundance. We had a night before Christmas fondue dinner and dessert. Fortunately, between J.P., Dad, and Kjell, they were able to assemble the toys fairly quickly that evening.

Christmas morning began with Dad and I waiting for the kids to awaken (isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?) Marcus finally arose and Holden immediately began yelling “I don’t want presents. I don’t want to get out of bed.” His mood improved greatly as he opened his many gifts. After a breakfast of Swedish pancakes, Joshua, Shawn and Kjell took Marcus and Holden to a movie. Mom, J.P., and I skyped Uncle Greg, Aunt Molly, and Hallie in Florida. Later that afternoon we headed to the park to play with toys followed by a ham dinner and games.

J.P. and Gina left for California the day after Christmas. We certainly miss them. Holden insisted on calling J.P. “Uncle Kaya” and still asks about him or gets excited when he sees someone that looks like J.P., exclaiming “Look! There’s Uncle Kaya!”

Mom, Dad, and I took the boys to the Museum of Ancient History (aka the “Dinosaur Museum”). The 3D IMAX was a little scary for Holden, but the boys behaved well and loved visiting the kid-friendly exhibits. We ate lunch on BYU campus.

Sledding in very wet snow, constant Light Saber fights, Trivial Pursuit squabbles, nonstop Star Wars movies (much to Marcus' delight), rocking and soothing Kaya, and playing with Kjell’s remote control helicopter are other highlights.

Dad spent a day walking around BYU campus and time with Kjell going through affairs and giving lawyerly advice. Mom and I went to Deseret Industries, Costco, a kid thrift store, and looked through pictures together. They departed on a snowy day for a wedding in Cabo San Lucas but Mom will be back soon for the birth of the baby. If only we knew when that would be….

Marcus was very anxious to hold his cousin Kaya. He kept saying "the baby is a boy because Kaya is a boy's name."

Good practice. Kaya and her cousin will be only 2 months apart.

Pam made the boys and Kjell adorable pajama bottoms. She also sewed me a gorgeous table runner.

Marcus helping Daddy get wood. We had a fire almost nightly.

J.P. and Kaya

Kjell was able to make Kaya smile. I wasn't quick enough with the camera but you can tell how interested she is in whatever face and/or noises he is making.