30

Luder took me to Morton's with my parents and some friends. That was wonderful, then after he surprised me with a private chartered canal cruise. It was a beatiful. As we cruised through the city on the night of my birthday, my loved ones took turns sharing memories and making toasts to me and my life. There were lots of laughs and some tears. I am so grateful for my friends and family.

I turned 30 this weekend. There is something weird that happens as you turn 30. You think more about where you are in life, where you have been and where you are going. Some take it harder than others. I was somewhat distracted with my new baby but I want to share my greatest accomplishments of these, my 30 years.
Not necessarily in order of importance, so please no emails about that.

Great Accomplishments

A Happy Marriage in the temple to someone that I can't live without
Three beautiful children, all who Luder and I have put first in life since the day they were born
Having my family all be my best friends
A college degree
A healthy physical body, emotional state and a testimony of Jesus Christ
Buying our first home and decorating it frugally
Learning to cook (so what if it's not gourmet)
Wonderful friends who I truly enjoy and love
The ability and desire to express my feelings to those I love without reservation
Learning how to maintain a home-interior and exterior-including the landscape
Becoming organized
Snow skiing, water skiing and pilates
Appreciation for nature-I need to be outside like a drug
Traveling Internationally
Great negotiating skills (especially with car salesmen and Luder :)
Realizing and maintaining perspective
Giving most people at most times the benefit of the doubt

There are more but what matters most to me are the relationships I have with the people that I love, my husband, children, mom, dad, brother, family and friends. Sometimes I think of life from the end looking toward today. My greatest wish would be that everyone who I loved would know it and they would know how much I wanted them to be happy.

Declan at 7 Weeks

Trials and Triumphs

Scott about to go into the MTC in Provo, Utah to prepare for his two year full-time mission.

After Scott's farewell sacrament meeting at Mom's house.

My boys, always with their "triumphant" little spirits.

Declan at one month old.

I never knew that one could have so many extreme emotions until recently. Sure, I knew that postpartum women were crazy and that life is full of ups and downs, trials and triumphs. I feel like this past month has been the craziest month of my life. I don't even know where to start. We had the wonderful birth of our third son. Triumph. Delivery was easy, everyone was happy and taken care of, all was well. We get home from the hospital and throughout the first 16 days of Declan's life, I feel like I am in the fight of my life. Declan had a hard time learning to eat, so he wouldn't latch to breastfeed. I worked with him day and night, had lactation specialists helping. I took him into the doctor, all the while he was losing weight. About a week after he was born, I knew something was wrong. Luder had returned to work and I was alone with the baby. The boys were at Patti's. I took Declan in to see the nurses and get help. I left the lactation office (a part of the hospital) in tears but with a plan. I was in tears because they said that I had to start pumping and supplementing with breastmilk and formula. I was in tears because they said that my baby was "the kind of baby that would go home and silently starve to death" if I wasn't careful. All this was out of love and concern but it was hard to hear. I cried because I didn't know how I would do the hour and a half ordeal that they wanted me to do every 3 hours. How was I going to take care of our other children when I couldn't even find the time to sleep, eat or pee? I knew that the only way that this would work out was if there was a miracle. I got a blessing, Declan got a blessing, we got a few actually. I cried and prayed and cried and prayed more. I learned that there is more than believing when it comes to faith.
I was blessed to have so many loved ones, helping with the boys. I had great sisters from church bringing me meals, calling and showing love. My husband helped so much. I don't know what I would have done without Luder, Mom and Patti.
So, while all of this is going on, my little brother is scheduled to go on a mission. We have a big party planned, a special sacrament meeting at church and a farewell at the airport at 6 am on Tuesday August 18th. Triumph. My brother is the first person to serve a mission on either side of my family. I am so proud of him. I wasn't expecting some of the emotions that came with seeing him walk away for two years. Trial.
This same week our air conditioning goes out and our van goes in the shop. Trial. Somehow, we made it through. Triumph.
This all was a couple of weeks ago. Now the baby is eating, Scott is sending us the most remarkable letters ever and I am staring kindergarten in the face. I will send my first baby to kindergarten tomorrow. I don't know if I have even had the time to realize what that means. Maybe that is a blessing. All these things are triumphs.
I feel like life is moving at a much more rapid pace than the usual exhaustingly rapid one. Things are piling up and it's ok. Triumph. I know what is important and what isn't important "will still be there when I am dead and gone" as Nan used to always say. I now know that she meant that all these unimportant things will be here for us but those important moments won't always.

Birth Day ~ Announcing: Declan McCoy Milton

August 6, 2009

It's 6:00am and we are about to check into Labor and Delivery for the induction.

Getting settled into the delivery room, they were taking all of my information and getting me prepped.


Supportive Dad, Luder has been amazing. He has been there for me in every way imaginable.

Things were starting to get rough. The baby's heartbeat would slow with contractions and the pain was mounting. I got an epidural and waited. The labor was roughly two hours long. It was the quickest and easiest delivery yet. I couldn't believe it. Right before he was delivered, people started moving quickly to get into position. It helped that I had warned them all that I thought things would go fast.

One of the best moments of my life, captured here on film. I was so relieved when he was born and we were both healthy and together at last. He was born at 12:12pm.



After I recovered for a while, Grammoma, Gramps and Aunt Dale brought the boys to the hospital to meet their new brother. I cannot adequately describe the excitement that they had been feeling for months. It increased as we got close to the exciting day. Cason picked out special matching shirts that they both got from their Aunt Anita that say, "Big Brothers Rock." They had cards for me and presents for Declan. Luder had gotten them special presents from Declan and wrapped them up. It was a moment I will never forget.

Big Brother Cason. He was so happy.

Proud Grandparents, Luder's parents. Grammoma and Gramps.

Grammoma and Aunt Dale. Dale came all the way from Charleston to be with us and help us out. Thanks Aunt Dale!




Proud Grandparents, my parents, Grammy and Bop.

Uncle Scott holding Declan. I can't believe Scott will be leaving next week for his mission for two years!

Heading out of the hospital to take our baby home.

Cason got Declan a small little bear that he put into his crib months ago and it has been waiting on him since. When Declan came home, Cas gave him the bear and he actually held it tight several times.

Reflections of a Pregnant Woman

So, I went to the doctor yesterday. The babe is preparing to make an exit as my body is starting to show signs that he and I are gradually getting ready. I have two more weeks until he comes. I am trying to sleep, eat and get as ready as much as possible for him in the meantime. The boys are so excited, they can hardly wait. They are taking a sibling class on Saturday. I am interested to see how that turns out.
As the time draws near, I can't help but think about how my life will change. I think about how it has changed with every person that we have added to this little family. I think about the work that is involved in raising a child but more than that, I think of the great blessing it is to have this little baby boy come to me. I am so grateful to be a mother, although it can be difficult at times, there is nothing I would rather do than take care of these sweet boys.
For some reason birth always makes me reflect on life. Thinking of life makes me reflect on my family, what is important and the people I love. It makes me think of those who are around but also those who aren't. This child is my first child that I will not be able to take to see his Nan (my grandmother). I have thought of her so much lately. I believe that we come from a loving home with God when we are born and we return to the same place when we die. I can't help but wonder if this little man that is about to come to us has been with his great-grandparents and loved ones that have passed on.
Life is something that happens so quickly to us. What perspective do we have? I am thinking a lot about birth, life and even death at this point. It is one eternal round.

Temple Time

One of my favorite places on earth is the Washington D.C. Temple. Luder and I were married there and lots more special memories have taken place at this gorgeous site. The temple is special because we believe that it is Heavenly Father's house here on earth. We believe that the ceremonies that take place inside these sacred walls last through this life and through eternity.





Scott went through the temple for the first time in June and it was such a special day for our family. I am so glad that I was a part of it and that he has decided that the temple is important.



A few weeks ago, Mom, Scott and I got to go to the temple together for some special family work. It was one of the best days ever in the temple for me. I am so grateful to have this glorious place.

Girl's Beach Trip

I randomly made Carol go on this with me. I forget what it is called but someone rides a bikes while pulling you through the park. It was fun.

Carol, this picture is for you. Ask her about it.

When we can, Carol and I head to the beach for a short trip. We have decided that the only bad thing about our trip is that it is too short. So, husbands prepare yourselves for a longer version in the future.
We sat on the beach, with no one bothering us. Well, maybe with the exception of the lifeguard training that we thought were real people drowning at first. After we got over that heart attack and realized that it was just a training, we relaxed and enjoyed the beach. We talked our heads off on the balcony, ate dinner outside, shopped until we dropped and fell asleep looking at gossip magazines. What more could we want?
We also got some cat calls, which I thought was interesting and funny since I was 8 mons pregnant. I think Carol was embarrassed! Can't wait to go back!

Congratulations Luder

This is one fine looking young man. Luder was nominated and named a "Rising Star" in the Super Lawyers Magazine.

"In selecting attorneys for Super Lawyers, Law & Politics employs a rigorous, multiphase process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.
The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource to assist attorneys and consumers in the search for legal counsel."
-Super Lawyers

Congratulations on a huge accomplishment!
www.superlawyers.com

8 Months

I can't believe that I am 8 months pregnant. Time is definitely flying. Each pregnancy seems to go faster. The nursery is coming along. I still need to put the final touches on it. It seems like I have to do this project on the side because of all the other things (good things) going on in our family.
I went to the OB and the baby is growing and healthy. Until this point I have been pretty calm, I am noticing a little anxiety start to creep in. I think that I am worried because I am not worried. It's almost as if I am afraid of being blindsided somehow. Today I washed the baby's clothes and put them into the drawers. It made things so real. Everyday we do something to prepare for the baby.
Left to do:
put up swing and bouncy seats
decorate the walls of the nursery
wash the bedding and put it up
register at Babies R Us and Target
and whatever else.....
The boys are so excited. They got a "new" room last week. We put Cason and Abram in the same room with bunk beds. Abram calls them "punk" beds. They jumped up and down and screamed happily at the sight of their new beds. They love to be together. Initially I didn't want to put them together but after Luder and I saw that they had been sharing a room while traveling for 3 weeks and they were great, we decided to give it a try. So far, so good. I am still waiting for the storm. They have three big adjustments this summer; a room change, kindergarten and a new baby. We spread out the events so they will come gradually. Wish us luck.

Milton Family Tradition 2009

We have started a tradition of going to the beach on Memorial Day week every summer. We have enjoyed it so much. The boys talk about it all year. They spend their days in the wading pools, catching hermit crabs and minnows. This year we had Grandma Mary with us (my Grandmother) my Dad's little sister-Leslie, her three boys, my Great Aunt Pat and Uncle Bud and my Aunt Janet and Uncle Dickie and of course my parents and brother. I think we all had a great time. We spent the days on the beach, we ate dinner together and had a fire in the evenings. We visited and laughed all week. It was great. Luder and I were able to have a lot of good conversations and it was one of the best vacations I have had with my little family.

Scott, Justin, Ethan and Ashton.

Men at work.

Look at that hottie.


Our little growing family. Me at 7.5 months pregnant.

I get this look a lot.

This is a kid that threw up a couple of hours before. He is a trooper.

Uncle Scott took them on a walk. He is a great Uncle. Scott just got his mission call to California Riverside Mission where he will be a full time missionary for our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) for two years. I am proud of him!

Cason

Cason graduated from preschool in May. I can't believe that the baby I held in my arms a few years ago will be in kindergarten this year. I have heard about the mixed emotions and I always thought that I would be different. I am not, I am sad to let him go. The days of having him with me everyday to be at home, help me run errands and be carefree are gone. Once I pushed past the sadness which is only selfishness on my part, I am happy and excited for him to spread his wings and fly. I can't promise that I won't cry on that first day, especially since I will have just given birth and my emotions will be spilling over.
Kindergarten seems like the first step that leads to a path that goes away from me. I know that it won't be long until we have to have talks about bullies, mean teachers, rules and later those life lessons that dictate a perspective for a lifetime.

Lake Anna

So, Luder and I decided to take the boys back to "the beach" right after we got home from Florida. We went to Lake Anna. They have a beach at the state park. We had a great time and it brought back so many memories for me. My parents took me there for many summers as a child. We had a boat and would water ski, picnic and fish with our extended family. Some of my favorite childhood memories were made on the lake.
The weather was perfect. Good idea Luder!

Two weeks in Paradise

My Mom, my brother Scott, Cason, Abram and I all went on a great vacation recently. We went on a seven day cruise to the Eastern Carribean and to Disney for about three days on the way home. We drove to Florida and we were able to visit with my Dad's brother, sister and Mom on the trip. The boys were really well behaved and I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the trip went with the boys.
On Sunday April 12, we boarded the ship. The boys were excited and couldn't believe the size of the ship. They had a set sail party on the deck where we sat by the pool with music and food and watched Florida dissappear.




If you know the Pat and Frederick Milton family well, you know that they have passed a genetic addiction to ice cream to their children. The gene has been passed to my children. They had a 24/7 free ice cream bar that my boys rank up there with being one of the best things about taking a cruise.

The First Stop: Grand Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI






We literally walked off the ship to a paradise tropical beach with free lawn chairs and all the fun you could want. We had a little issue, Cason had gotten croup as we were leaving the States. He had a flare up on the beach. Scott and I were even worried, it goes without saying for Grammy. Scott was the hero that whisked Cason away to the ship and got him the breathing treatment he needed in almost no time.

Next Stop: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Mom rented a day room at a sweet resort so that we could have a place to go when we docked. There was a beach, an awesome pool with a swim up bar and food. The highlight of the boys' day was a water slide that Uncle Scott helped them enjoy. I wasn't sure who was having more fun.









I had to archive this part of the trip because we spent some of the trip dealing with Cason's croup. He got better though and is back to normal.

Next Stop: Phillipsburg, St. Maarten

We took a water taxi to the beach. Abram's sunglasses broke so he had to wear my spare pair.



This was the beach where we landed and played for a few hours. It was beautiful.

There was another stop in the Bahamas. Lots of sun, fun and food at sea. They had a children's program that was wonderful. I could drop the kids off to learn about what pirates do and go eat sushi and rest in the sun. Pretty good for a pregnant lady.

Last Stop: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
We woke up to breakfast being delivered to our room. I let the boys eat on our deck and watch the boats and airplanes go by. Abram is pointing out the boat passing by with his piece of sausage. It was a great trip and I am so grateful we were able to go.


More pics later. My camera died just in time for Disney. I have to get them from Mom and Scott.