A BABY!!

We announce the birth of Ms. Merkley!! We are fairly certain on a name, but are just trying it out for a day or two. She was born at 00:05 (12:05 AM) on Monday morning. She weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces, is 21 inches long, and was speaking in complete sentences by the time I cut the cord. Lauren is doing well, but is very tired after starting contractions some 20 hours before the main event. She already has a double chin like her daddy!

And we're still waiting

I haven't felt much like posting any pictures lately - or taking them for that matter - because no matter what I do I feel huge. However, I am comforted by Erik who says that I don't look pregnant from behind. This picture was taken two weeks ago, so just visualize the bump a bit bigger and lower.

Last week at the OB I was 80% thinned, dilated to a 1, and "in launch position." She stripped my membranes, which caused discomfort but no labor. Basically, I could go any minute, which is killing me. I think I'd rather be told, "Sorry, this baby isn't coming for at least another two weeks. Get over it." Then at least I wouldn't wake up every morning disappointed that I didn't go into labor, and would stop interpreting every twinge and pain as the beginning of the end. I have another appointment today, so maybe if I'm lucky she'll say "You're dilated to a 4! Let's get this baby out." Probably not realistic, but I'm so done with this pregnancy thing. We are so anxious to see her and hold her. Here's how Erik's holding up:

He's better than I at this waiting game. He prays that everything will go well with the delivery and that she will come when she's healthy and ready. I pray morning and night that she will come NOW. Even so, we're down to 13 days...

The Hall of Fame

Lauren might not think this is news-worthy, but today John Stockton is going to be inducted into the basketball hall of fame. She might not understand that Stockton is a testament to the fact that though you might be undersized and not have as much athletic ability, hard work and determination can make up for that lack of athleticism. One interesting thing I found out about him this week is that he never hired an agent to negotiate his contracts. That is totally unheard of. He wanted to talk business with the Jazz one-on-one. He sat out less then 30 games in his career. Carlos Boozer sat out more then 30 games last year. Stockton was a hero of my youth and I am glad that he is getting this recognition. Enjoy the video!

Just to clarify...

From Erik's perspective, baby and I are cohabitating well. That's because we have no other option. She and I are already fighting, which does not bode well for her teenage years. She thinks my bladder is a nuisance and a waste of space and encourages it to remain in the completely flat position. In her mind, sleeping is for sissies, and she's trying to make sure that I don't get any. At the last doctor's visit, she measured 3 cm. larger than her recommended size, and this time she was still 1 cm. over. Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled that she's healthy and still excited to be pregnant, but I think I'm getting ready for her to be on the outside of me instead.

Last Hoorah

Why did summer seem to last so much longer as a child? Here are some highlights from the last few weeks.

We went up to the Huber family reunion near Heber City in the beginning of August. We were treated to an incredible breakfast. Here is Uncle Rob showing what pancakes should like like.

Here we are posing for a great photo next to the campground restrooms. Romantic.


The week before my classes started again we headed to Bear Lake with the Merkleys. My dad has purchased a new play-toy for his boat. We have named it "The Waterboard." He claims the CIA gave it to him.

Don't be fooled by it's looks and smooth rides...

Because with the wrong driver...


It can be dangerous.

That is my cousin Connor atop the pyramid.

This is my cousin Taylor's little daughter Eliza.

Great Grandpa Merkley singing with our niece JJ.

Lauren and baby are coexisting fairly well (except for the occasional boxing match) and Lauren's OB says everything is going normally. She has started working again at the elementary school and I am up to my neck in school work. I guess that means back to normal!

Quick Inquiry

To all of you who do not have much funding at this moment: how do you afford furniture? With a baby on the way, we have a whole new set of furniture needs, and yet, just the thought of providing baby's day to day needs is daunting. I'm amazed at how well some of you furnish and decorate your houses/apartments on a tight budget, and it makes me feel like I'm missing something. Is there a great thrift shop you all shop at, or do you make your own stuff, or were your parents just remodeling? Please enlighten me.

Dear Baby

This last week we took our first mommy/daughter trip together to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Arizona. You weren't very well behaved. It was bad enough having to drive for 14 hours straight without you getting bored and practicing punting in my abdomen. During one of these sessions, I pushed down on you and felt your foot for the first time. I'm afraid you think this is a new game - push really hard until you feel Mommy pushing back. We visited many scenic bathrooms on our way there and back - be grateful that you can only see a dark womb. The family was all pretty thrilled to see you. Grandma has been hard at work crocheting and sewing baby blankets. She even crocheted lacy edges onto burp cloths. I can't wait to see what you do to those... Grandpa has been doing a lot of family history work, and we all went to the temple to do some family baptisms. This was your first time, and I was a little afraid that you weren't going to make it under the water. Thanks for sucking in. Then you got your usual craving for fries, so we had to stop at In N Out Burgers on the way home. I didn't really mind too much. The fries must have set you off, because you kicked like a champion the whole way home. Aunt Becky and Aunt Lindsay kept taking turns feeling you kick as I drove - they were very impressed. We did a lot of swimming in Arizona, because you + me = a very hot experience. Once I realized that you didn't kick at all when I was in the pool, I developed a very strong interest in swimming. Right before we started the drive home, we got to listen to Uncle Ben give his mission homecoming talk in church. I could tell that you really liked his message, as evidenced by my bruised uterus. Dad was really glad to see his girls again, and I'm glad to be back in a state that cools down at night. We had a great time, but it's always nice to be home. Next time, lets work on the kicking thing, ok?

Love Mom

PS. After lugging the camera all the way down and back, we didn't take a single picture. I think it has something to do with the fact that I'm enormous.