Where in the world???

Is anyone still out there???  No, we have not fallen off the face of the earth even though it feels like we have.  Today I ran into a girl that I knew in high school, the conversation was polite yet awkward all at the same time.  She was a girl that was very popular all the guys wanted to date her and all the girls wanted to be her. As we attempted to play 'catch up' she proceeded to tell me that I live a charmed life.  "WHAT THE?"  I thought, the last 6 months have been the most challenging of my life.  So to hear her say that was crazy!  Then she told me that I needed to update my blog, that she was right about.  But it got me thinking...I haven't blogged because we have had some huge changes lately that were so overwhelming.  I felt that if I blogged it would just lead to complaining and let's be honest, no one likes a Debbie Downer!  But hopefully we are settled now and a little more stable. In a nut shell-Andy has been so busy with his MBA school, I've basically been a single mom.  Working full-time and taking care of these precious kids has left me just short of insane some days.  We rented out our house and moved into a condo that was for sale.  After being there 3 months it sold and we had 10 days to move out.  Which wouldn't have been so horrible had it not been 1 week before Christmas.  We had so much help from our families they were the ONLY thing that got us through. We have felt like we are moving backwards a little instead of forwards, which is a tough pill to swallow at times.  But hey that's life!  Andy turned the big 30 in January, that was quite a milestone!  Andy finally quit construction and was able to get a job that he LOVES working at IHC.  It's so amazing to have a husband that comes home happy after work!  We have had very healthy kids so that's been a blessing.  Even through all the ups and downs, I can honestly say that we have seen the Lord's hand in everything.  So looking back I guess she was right, I have lived a charmed life.  We have so much to be grateful for.  Here are some pictures to catch you up.

We've had a lot of play dates!  I love this kid!

A lot of sweet beautiful moments!

Logan has a new best friend Shawn.  (My little sister's boyfriend)

It's probably because Shawn is so sweet to play with him ALL the time.

We attempted to take 'Valentine' day pictures...what a nightmare!  These two together are pure trouble!

You can see them conspiring right now can't you?  Just see the pictures below...

I got A LOT of pictures like this...

and like this...can read their minds...
"Seriously mom?"

We've been able to spend a few great moments with Dad though!

 And EVERY morning I wake up to this guy: 

It's really only scary when it's like 4:30 in the morning.

Life is full of unexpected pleasures, I am forever grateful for my little family!

WeLcH HaLlOwEeN!!!

The annual Welch Halloween, like every year was not a disappointment!  We partied and played and danced our little hearts out!  What a great time!!!  Let's see who showed up...

The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and a beautiful Butterfly

Thing 2 and her lovely Butterfly

Thing 2 and Thing 1

You should be thinking the song "Grease Lightening" in your head right now, because it's Sandy and Danny

Caveman and his woman.  Also, our wonderful party hosts.

Princess Leia and Darth Vader
Da da da da dadadada (that's the spooky Darth Vader music that's stuck in my head!)

LoLo:  The Queen of Hearts

Where's Waldo, and Wanda...
Will the real Where's Waldo please stand up???

Her first Halloween party...she was a little unsure most of the night.  She'll learn to just give into the craziness.

The Williams Family always comes dressed to impress!

Aunt Tiff and Whitney

Torah and I

My stomach still hurts from all the yummy treats there were.  Probably should have had just one, but honestly everything was so good...how could you have just one?

This picture wins "BEST PHOTO OF THE NIGHT!"  By far my favorite picture taken!  Logan and Sadie.  Love these two!

What a party, no wonder we didn't get to bed till almost 11:00...can you ever have too much fun??!!??

NOT IN THIS FAMILY!  We party till the cows come home!

Fall Favorites

A few weeks ago we went on a drive up Butterfield canyon.  One of my most favorite things to do here in Utah.  Look at all the amazing colors, and changing leaves.  Smelling the crisp cool air, I love it!

Logan had so much fun, he crashed out while looking for Reindeer.  Reindeer searching is hard work!!!

I love this man!

This was my favorite picture of the day.  I love how the red leaves stood out against all the green ones.  So beautiful!

Good Morning Beautiful

My favorite thing in the morning, is the second that Logan hears Whitney 'squeak' he runs in her room with lightening speed.  Runs straight to her swing, gets up in her face and says "Good morning booo-ful, how you sleep?"  Then he kisses her head.

It is the sweetest things in life that make it all worth it.

WhItNeY's bLeSsInG

Whitney was blessed October 9th.  It was such a special day for us, we are so grateful to have this little angel in our lives.  She makes me smile on a daily basis, there is never enough time in the day to hold and cuddle with her as much as I would like.  She has the sweetest spirit, and disposition.  I pray that she will keep her sense of happiness all throughout her life.

Whitney Joi
Blessed October 9th, 2011

We had so many family and friends come and celebrate with us, we felt so loved and so special. 

 Andy did an amazing job, she was a perfect angel.  The day was absolutely wonderful!

Too much of a good thing...time for a nap!

LOVE my baby girl!

WiTcHeS*Night*OuT

**Witches night out at Gardner Village plus the Witch-A-palooza...what a blast.  By far worth waiting a year for.  This year I was lucky to round up this spooky bunch and talk them into going with me...

Grams, Jac, and mom

The whole 'witchy bunch'



My bestie, Crazy Candice. Love this gal she makes me laugh all the time.  Like gut wrenching, just might wet my pants, laugh!



My Aunt Kris, Grams, Mom, Aunt Dolly, Cousin Kinzi, Me, and Jac
Everyone looked fabulous!

My Aunt Dolly looked so good, that when I first saw her, I thought it was a stranger talking to my mom. 

Waiting for the show to start, Jac and Candice.

Chandell and Dolly

Aunt Kris and Kinzi

People had to watch out for these three witches...they were pretty scary...as you can tell from their faces!

Chandell and I

 Such a fun tradition, I am so going next year, and the year after that, and after that....so if you want to party with us let me know.  This groups does not disappoint!!!

Whitney Joi

Well it's been 3 weeks today and finally I would like to introduce to you, our little angel:

Whitney Joi Welch

Born July 25, 2011 at 3:19 AM

6 lbs. 14 oz

19 inches long

This is by far one of my most favorite pictures, she already has her daddy wrapped around her little finger.

 I absolutely love her little mouth, so sweet!

Whitney-you truly are our little angel, we love you so much and are so grateful that you are here.  You bring so much happiness to our family, and Logan absolutely adores you.  Here are a few of my favorite things:

1)  I love when you first wake up and you look around the room to see if anyone is there

2) I love that every morning the first thing Logan says is, "Where's my baby Whitney?  Wanna hold her!!!"

3) I love how you wrinkle your forehead every time your Dad walks into the room and calls your name.  

4) I love that even your newborn outfits are still baggy and saggy,.

5) I love when you wake up from your naps and give a half smile when I kiss your cheeks.

6) I love how you snort when you get mad.

So for those who want to hear the 'birth story' here you go:

I was scheduled to be induced July 26th, but was sad about that because my dad was going to be out of town and he would miss her if she came that day.  Also, my brother and his family were heading back to Arizona so chances were that they were going to miss her too.  Sunday July 24th I had just felt strange, couldn't quite put my finger on it.  Got up went to church, but left before Relief Society because I had a horrible headache.  So I came home to take a nap.We had a good-bye dinner for my brother and his family at my parents that nigh, but left early because (once again felt strange and just wanted to lay down.)  At 7:00 I was having these pains in my back, (didn't think too much about it because I had never felt anything like that with Logan.) At 11:00 pm, I was pretty sure that I was having contractions, but a little in denial about it.  As ready as I was, I was so afraid of all the changes that would come with it, and most of all giving up my Logan time and destroying his life.  By 11:45 Andy packed us up and we dropped Logan off at Tenille's house (Andy's oldest sister who lives just up the street from us.)  I was so nervous, more nervous this time than when I had Logan, mostly because I knew what was coming.  But when we pulled up Travis and Tenille were outside on their front porch waiting for us, and after seeing them I was completely at ease.  Once we got checked in and in our room, I was already a 5 but still able to manage my pain.  By about 2:15 AM I wanted an epidural, and after 8 attempts finally was able to get it in.  (Don't recommend that to anyone!!!) 

15 minutes later I felt my water break, and at 2:40 I felt this horrible pop sensation then this twinge of pain.  I told Andy that something was wrong and he needed to get the nurse.  So he dashed out of the room, almost knocked over the delivery tray.  He came back with the nurse, and she checked to see what was going on.  Baby girl had a bowel movement and I was suddenly a 10.  At 2:50am she told me my doctor wasn't quite there yet and whatever I did, DO NOT PUSH!  I was shocked, because it was 18 hours of work to get Logan here, and I couldn't believe that she was ready so soon.  I hadn't even called anyone yet to let them know what was going on.  It was killing me not to push, every time I had to talk to myself and tell myself don't push just breath just breath just breath.  Luckily a few minutes later I heard a familiar voice, my doctor was there.  By 3:05 I gave my first push but just like Logan she wasn't going anywhere.  So out came the vacuum, a few more pushes we realized that she was coming out with both fists up underneath her chin and the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck, wrapped around her stomach, thigh, and twice around her ankle.  By 3:19 she was here, completely blue, and scary looking, but here.  A few seconds later she was crying and lying on my chest.  It was such a sweet experience, so much better than Logan's and I felt still human afterwards which was  a huge bonus, but still had 40 stitches.  It was the most amazing experience, my sweet baby girl!  It took us a whole day to name her, but finally settled on Whitney Joi. The first time Logan came to see her, he walked over to my bed and said, "Okay my turn!"  And held out his arms to hold her.  It melted my heart.  She is the sweetest baby, cries when she is really tired, and screams when she is hungry.  But so far that is it, we are still working on getting her to fall asleep at night, but at least she is not up screaming and crying, just wide awake and wants to be held and loved.  She is such a blessing to our family!  Logan absolutely adores her, I constantly see him giving her sweet kisses and calls her Sweetheart.  I couldn't ask for better kids.  Love them both to pieces!!!