Ben's Here!

Surprise! Our sweet little man made his entrance EARLY! Benjamin Jason Miner arrived at 1:49pm on December 2, 2013. He weighed 7 pounds and 5 ounces and 21 inches long.

Contractions:
Madison felt "pressure" that she describes as similar to feeling a bowel movement coming on at 3:10am the morning of December 2nd. By 4:00am, a contraction counter app was purchased for her iPhone to confirm what she already was certain of: that it's time to wake up the hubby. The contractions were on average 6-8 minutes apart and lasted about 30-50 seconds. We grabbed the recommended bags and chargers and got the car ready to go. Our amazing neighbors, Jennifer and Holly, lovingly received our pup, Penny, and we headed to the hospital.

Arrival at hospital:
We arrived around 7:00am, checked in, and Madison was hooked up to the monitors. One monitor clocked her contraction frequency, intervals, and intensity while the other followed Ben's heart rate. Madison received her requested epidural around 9:30 or 10:00am. By noon Madison was only 5 cm's and the delivery room was flowing with the love of Grammie Fran and Grandpa Bill, Aunt Alicia, Aunt Melissa, Aunt Allison, and Natalie. And the rest of our family and friends were told to take their time in coming since a first-time-mom usually doesn't deliver quickly. When the group left for lunch, Aunt Alicia stayed to entertain Madison when the atmosphere quickly changed. Here's Madison's view around 9:00 AM:

 Mom, Dad, & Jason

Go-Time:
After 30 minutes of shorter intervals of heavy contractions, the nurse came back in and our delivery doctor, Dr. Linzey, was called in to check dilation again. Jason and the rest of our gang came back in time to hear Dr. Linzey announce to our nurse and long-time friend, Debbie Bolton, that it was time to push!
Delivery:
Jason coached Madison through the entire delivery while Aunt Alicia photographed all the amazing moments, and Aunt Allison and Grammie Fran cheered, ooed, and held feet for pushing. Grandpa Bill sat  anxiously in the corner where his view was safe and Natalie, Aunt Melissa, Grandpa Robert, Grandma Arlene, Uncle Buddy and Great Aunt Jane waited anxiously with their ears pressed to the delivery room door. After about 17 contractions with 3 breath holds and pushes per contraction, Dr. Linzey returned, assumed his "catching position", and instructed Madison on where to aim her pushes. Grandma Jody and Grandpa Michael were called on Skype to watch live from Florida and Madison only had 3 more contractions or 9 more pushes left. In just over 10 hours of labor and 30 minutes of pushing, little Ben arrived kicking and screaming.

Here are some more fun shots of Ben's stay in the hospital:

Four generations of "Miner" men. (Bob, Jason, Benjamin, and Robert)

Post delivery after Jason's first diaper change.

I get to go home! Yay!

Thank you for your prayers so far and for the ones throughout Ben's life. Our two days were filled with outpourings of love and guests. Our two nights in the hospital were long and wearisome, especially for Madison, whom fed Ben all night long with only short rests inbetween feedings. Please pray our transition at home is swift, productive, and positive.

Patience...an attribute I do not claim - 39 weeks

Ok, sweet Benjamin, we are ready to meet you in person! 

Here we are still waiting for our son to make his grand entrance. Penny is very happy, though, as she was made a new dog bed thanks to Jennifer (our friend and next door neighbor) teaching Madison how to use her sewing machine. The second it was stuffed with its memory foam, Penny was a happy girl. We put it in Ben's room since Penny has been found resting in there on numerous occasions. Here she is:

Oh, and I'm sure you see our rocking chair that will be getting a lot of use in the near future. We've also hung up the rad homemade boxes Grandpa Robert and Grandma Arlene made. They now hold our diapers, wipes, and baby bottom necessities. They go perfectly with the room's decor! And a shelf was hung to hold the vintage roadsters, money banks, and Orange "B".

Madison has been beyond blessed with her position at Bright Star speech not only with having a job, but also with her coworkers. They surprised her on her last day at Bright Star before maternity leave with this amazing display, loads of diapers, and a Winnie the Pooh stuffy:

This has been such an amazing time for the both of us to experience one of God's greatest gifts growing inside of Madison. Miracles do exist, people! Please pray for us as our time is nearly up! Only 2 weeks until we get to meet Ben!

36 Weeks and Ready to Pop

Well my dear blog followers, we are so close to meeting our little guy! His due date is still set at December 5th, but we are all hoping he comes with full health a little sooner (myself especially). Otherwise, we have at most 5 weeks left until he makes his debut. So much has happened the last few weeks, so I will do my best to include all the details. We got to attend Jason's work picnic and Penny was reunited with her best friend, Roxy. Here's a picture of them sharing a stick:

My nesting has reached an all out crazy. I painted the kitchen ceiling a glossy white and the walls a grey/blue hew. Now our kitchen doesn't look plain orange. And I helped Jason build a shelf for our entryway as well as a burlap wreath and some fancy hangers.

Our friends, the Wilson's, bought their first home in Orange, so we get to see them tons more.

Rachell and Travis delivered Ben's best friend, Wyatt on 10/24/13 and the gents posed here for a picture (Jason on the left, Trav on the right, Wyatt is the little peanut in the middle):

The Sloan family will be joining the baby brigade (once again, since they already have an almost 2-year old) May 31st of next year. 

So please include all of them in your prayers as well as Ben and us. Pray the Wilson's move is smooth and enjoyable, the Vasquez' enjoy their time with their new baby and for Rachell's healing from delivery, and for the Sloan's to have an easy, enjoyable, and healthy pregnancy.

We were blessed once again with a beautiful baby shower themed "Travel and Transportation". Madison got to spend time with friends and family while she was beyond blessed with love and gifts. Her shower was hosted by Ben's aunts, Melissa, Allison, and Alicia:

There was custom decor including maps, books, clothing, cars, planes, and other transportation items. The food and drinks were homemade and beyond delicious, and the desserts were incredibly tasty, sweet, and thoughtful. Grandma Arlene and Grandpa Robert made flower boxes and decorated inside with fresh baby's breath flowers that added the perfect touch to the decor. We were gifted clothing, an infant car seat, swaddling cloths toys, an adorable elephant tote, books, play stations, baby monitor, homemade Noah's Ark by Great Grandpa Bob, food puree-maker, gift cards, a Bugaboo stroller with all the goodies by Grammie Fran, Grandpa Bill, and Great Grandma Flo, handmade pillows, bath toys, baby cleaning products, diapers, wipes, and so much more. (If I left yours out I promise it wasn't intentional!)

To end our already baby-filled weekend, our amazingly talented sister, Alicia, and her beau, Kody, did our maternity shot at Santiago Oaks Park in Orange. It happens to be the place Jason asked me to be his wife back in 2009, so it holds a special place in our hearts. We didn't have a dull moment since we brought our pup, Penny, with us. She decided she didn't want to be leashed up anymore, so ate through her harness in protest. However, we were able to get our shoot done and here are some shots from our afternoon:

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers and support throughout our pregnancy. We will be having weekly checkups until he comes, and we know with Dr. Linzey we are in great hands. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue this process. We cannot wait to meet our little guy!

32 Weeks! Home stretch

God is so good. Jason and I have an incredible support system around us including family, friends and coworker/friends. We have made it 8 months or 32 weeks with a baby on the way and I think we can both say this has been an awesome experience. There has been some pain and discomfort the last couple weeks (Madison's spine apparently isn't use to supporting a belly the size of a watermelon), but overall nothing too big for us to handle. Recent happenings that is helping with discomfort: two massages from the fabulous Amanda Roberts (951-236-4820) that my mom gifted me with and a pedicure that my amazing neighbor, Holly, gifted me. Here's a picture of Madison at 32 weeks:

Jason has continued to enjoy working on his project car (Datsun 280 Z) that Robert and Arlene have graciously allowed him their garage to do so. Madison has continued to start projects (oh...nesting) that Jason lovingly fixes or finishes the right way. We recently began painting and cleaning Ben's playroom next to the family room. It's a 9x12' room that needed a full makeover. The ceiling and three of the walls were painted and the fourth wall is covered in magnetic primer and finished with a coat of chalkboard paint on the bottom half. The top half will be cork board and then we have the flooring (probably kid-proof laminate) and some toy organizing cubbies for it to be complete. Here's the paint progress as of now:

Madison was blessed with a baby shower hosted by Amanda, Becky, Natalie, and Shanel this past weekend. The theme was "Growing Garden" (since Madison loves gardening and Ben is growing) and there were tasty snacks, fun desserts like mudpie, carrot-shaped cookies, sweet beverages, hilarious games, generous gifts, and great company. We were and continue to be blessed by our church family. Here are some photos of the event:

(L-R) Becky, Amanda, Madison, Shanel, & Natalie

And for your entertainment...Here's our friend, Jeremy, and Isaiah (hanging upside down) who coordinated their matching outfits at church.

Thank you for your continued prayers and love! We appreciate it greatly!

Love,
Jason & Madison

Side Fence Project & Baby Shower

I couldn't resist sharing pictures of our new fence Jason built with help from his dad, Robert, and wall repair with my dad, Bill. Here's the progress:

I was also very blessed by my Santa Ana work friends on Sunday and wanted to share some fun pictures with you. I have been so fortunate to know these ladies and gent and I am so glad Benjamin will have them in his life as well:

The lovely hostesses Usha & Betty

28 Weeks

We have experienced some fun new moments with Benjamin these past few weeks! Not only is Jason getting to feel him kicking, but at week 27.5, we both SAW him move! What an incredible thing to see. He's been getting hiccups a lot and wakes me up throughout the night, but it's fun hanging out with the little guy (like I have a choice, haha). We've been setting up Ben's room some more thanks to some amazing gifts (Grandma Jody got us our dresser/changing table), we got all the clothing Ben's been blessed with hung up by size in his newly organized closet (thanks, Jason!) and folder into drawers. My sweet friend, Amanda, gave me a brilliant idea for bookshelves, so I'll post pictures of that soon. I'm also dabbing into my artistic skills and painting race cars onto canvas to go above his crib. I may not be posting pictures of that. Just depends on how well they turn out. Here's my 28 week progress picture...only 12 weeks left:

Ben is currently weighing in at 2 1/4 pounds (about the size of an eggplant) and measures just under 15 inches long from head to heel. He can now blink his eyes and may be able to see light through my stomach. Such a cool miracle growing inside of me.

Thank you for your prayers for our little family. Please pray for Jason with more on his shoulders with Ben coming and increased workload at the office; for Madison with back, hip, and overall aches as well as acid reflux that is keeping me from sleeping; and for Benjamin to continue developing with great health.

Lastly, we want to know your guesses!! Ben's expected due date is December 5th, 2013. When do you think he will be born (date & time)? What will he measure in at? (length in inches & weight) Post below if you'd like to join!

24 Week Update

I hope my tardy blogging isn't showing how diligent I will be once Benjamin is born. Here is my large belly at 24 weeks:

This was taken with Grammy and Grandpa Klovstad at Lake Mojave. Jason and I were blessed to spend our last "real" vacation before baby comes in December. It was a short, but fun weekend spent in the sun.

I'm feeling LARGER every day and sleep is intermittent or nonexistent, but I know it's so worth it. Jason got to feel Ben kick for the first time at week 23! He thought it was me flexing my muscles (funny considering I have a small watermelon covering where I hope I still have muscles), but Ben made sure daddy knew it was his boy. Now we get to enjoy kicks every evening after dinner. 

According to Babycenter, we have a a 13 1/2 inch long pound and a half rutabaga, so he's growing like crazy! Here is a picture of Penny enjoying Grandma Jody and Grandpa Michael's gift to Ben. It's a soft lamb that sings "Jesus Loves Me" that Grandma Jody recorded. Penny thinks it's for her.

And here's my first attempt at making Ben a beanie. I crocheted it and I will be adding some trim, but otherwise the frame is done! It's an aviator style!

Thank you for your prayers for Ben! 

Love,

Jason and Madison

Baby Miner is a......

BOY!!!

Jason and I would have been happy either way, but we are so thrilled to meet our little guy! He is healthy and strong (we got to see the length of his femurs, humeri, and cerebellum.) and we continue to pray for our boy's health and normal development. We are at this time planning on naming him Benjamin. We love the strength in the name and also the story of Benjamin in the bible. We were so blessed to share our happy news with Grandma Arlene, Grandpa Robert, Grammie and Grampa Klovstad, Aunt Ally, Aunt Melissa, and Aunt Alicia as well as cousins Grady and Gavin. Everyone we asked seemed to be guessing "girl", so we found it only fair to let the only "boy" guesser announce it to the troops present. Our three year old nephew, Grady, was beaming when Uncle Jason told him he was right. Grady said he is going to teach Benjamin how to play baseball. We then got to share our news via Skype with Great Grandma Diane and Great Grandpa Ron as well as Grandma Jody and Grandpa Michael in Florida. Aunt Sarah was our next video chat since she is in Florida as well. Benjamin is going to be so blessed by his family! I'm excited for him to develop and then make his appearance in November or December! We were able to let the rest of our family know and then posted to the world our news. Thank you all so much for the flurry of comments, encouragement, and prayers! Please continue praying for our growing baby boy! Here are some pictures from yesterday:

Aunt Melissa wore the wrong color, but Grandpa Robert got it right!

Aunt Alicia, Aunt Ally, and Aunt Melissa after we told them we're having a boy. (Missing Aunt Sarah)

Post ultrasound with our pictures and blue balloon from Aunt Melissa

20 Week picture with baby Benjamin making me look large!

 We just received Ben's crib (thank you Grandma Jody and Grandpa Michael!) and I'm waiting anxiously for Jason to get done with work so we can add our first "baby" furniture to our nursery. Progress pictures to follow!

16 Weeks - Feeling Plump

Happy 16 weeks to our quickly growing baby! Here's an updated baby bump photo:

Baby Miner is about 4 1/2 inches long or the size of a large avocado and over 3 1/2 ounces. He or she is getting their toe nails, their face is completing formation, and their heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day. We took this photo and the previous details are technically from last thursday...blogging isn't as easy when I'm on the go.

It's summer time! I am enjoying my short break before summer school begins next week and I will be working at an elementary school with my co-workers, Usha and Rosy. Rosy is due almost the exact same day as we are so it's fun comparing progress and our bumps. Yesterday I finally gave in and bought maternity apparel. I was hoping I'd maintain the cute little bod my sister-in-law did until the day she delivered, but...nope. My sweet neighbor, Jen, assisted me as I choked back shock at the sizes (keeping this G-rated) of particular items (ladies, you know...). I got some B Bands for the pant to belly separation so I may still wear my regular shorts or jeans but without the luxury of buttoning any longer. I got some other cute items and I'm hoping these will keep me covered until our sweet babe comes in December.

We are planning on putting in our side fence in the next month or so, so I'll post photos once that is finished. In the meantime, here is a picture of Grandpa and Grammies' new grandkid pony, Dixie:

And here's a video of our nephew, Grady, seeing her for the first time:

Thank you for your prayers and continued encouragement for us and especially Baby Miner. Please keep 'em coming!

Love,

Jason and Madison

14 Weeks and our 3rd Wedding Anniversary

We met in 2007, started dating in 2008, were engaged in 2009, married in 2010...I became a speech therapist assistant in 2011 and began working for the Santa Ana Unified School District...We bought our first home in 2012 and Jason moved to his current job at Eaton Aerospace...and 2013...

Our first baby.

Six amazing years together and God continues to bless us. We have certainly had our struggles, but I am truly more in love with Jason than the day we became "us". I have never met anyone who is so driven to be a better person and who expands his knowledge constantly. He's an engineer, life group and discipleship leader, mechanic, volunteer, contractor, electrician, plumber, mason, pool cleaner, landscaper, loyal friend to human and dog, musician, cook, baker, etc... But most importantly in my book: my best friend, love of my life, and an incredible spiritual leader. He's going to be an amazing daddy. I am so excited that I am able to give him a child that he can teach about spark plugs, radiators, and fuel hoses (partly because I have no clue what he's talking about). 

We had our monthly checkup with Dr. Linzey yesterday (June 5th) and got to hear our baby's heartbeat coming in at 160! Supposedly that's normal, but at the higher end of rates. Jason and I are still adjusting to losing our modesty with this baby coming. It's still so awkward for both of us at the doctor's office, but I am so glad we are experiencing even this stage together! I'm sure this is nothing compared to the delivery room, but I have had my giggle moments when looking at the stress ball shaped as a sperm and the open discussion of my cervix. Sorry, maybe too  much information, but I had to put that out there.

Moving on...

We are both nesting for our baby that is growing in my tummy (3.5 inches and the size of a lemon today!), but I think Jason is taking the cake this trimester! We had a wall that was tipping toward the sidewalk about a foot. We had it repaired by Dad Klov's Sunset Pools and Spas company, but Jason and Dad decided to tackle the grouting and brick-laying together. Jason and I then took out the bushes and are planning on building a fence to protect our side yard and keep our baby and us safer.

Here's the first half of our side wall progress:

Not too shabby!? It was comedy and hard work laying that wall, but I think all three of us enjoyed spending time together and Jason and I learned so much from Dad Klov! I don't think he'll hire us though. We apparently aren't suppose to use our fingers and hands to fix our mistakes.

Please continue to pray for Baby Miner!