The Morgans: 2010

This post is long overdue! Since my last post, we sold our beloved house on Flamingo Dr., moved into my brother's house temporarily, then finally moved into our new house after 6 weeks of remodeling. This was all while I was pregnant with our 5th child--not fun!

Three and a half months after we moved in, she arrived! This was after thinking I was in labor the day before my birthday. What I thought were consistent, intense contractions turned out to be the effects of dehydration and the stomach flu. After a good week of recovery, I went to the doctor on Tuesday, May 11th. Dr. Holmes gave into my pleas and helped me progress a little more, since I was already 4 cm dilated and 85% effaced. By the time I got to the hospital, I was dilated to a 5 and Holland Nicole Morgan was born about 6 hours later at 7pm on the dot, weighing in at 7lbs, 10 oz with lots of dark hair.

Holland's name came to me about 5 months ago when we found out we were having a girl. She is named after an apostle in our church, Jeffrey R. Holland. He has an amazing testimony of Jesus Christ and of the power of the Book of Mormon. Here is one of my favorite talks that he's given (click here for quick YouTube excerpt). Another reason we chose the name Holland is because Cody proposed to me in a castle in The Netherlands. It is such a beautiful country and is a sentimental place for both of us, since Cody spent about nine months there while we were engaged. Hollie's middle name is after my niece, Nicole Brian. Nicole and I are only 2 years apart. She is a beautiful woman--so generous and kind. I hope that Holland will look up to her and will have a good relationship with the little girl that Nicole is expecting in the next few months.

Labor the fourth time around was fairly easy, but recovery on the other hand is a different story. They don't tell you that it takes longer to bounce back with age and with each pregnancy! Even dealing with the physical pain and worry of healing and making sure my newborn is growing and healthy, I am still so happy to be in the recovery phase after labor, rather than 9 months pregnant and uncomfortable 24/7!! It's already easier to get around without the extra baby weight!

My little family suddenly doesn't seem little any more. When I looked at the picture of all of my older kids peeking at their baby sister I had this overwhelming feeling of responsibility! All of these children are mine! How did this happen? I certainly didn't set out to have a big family. Though I know it's going to be tough raising them, I can't imagine my life without each of these beautiful little spirits and I certainly wouldn't want to miss out on the opportunity to be their mom! They are amazing!

When Talmage saw Holland for the first time his reaction was priceless. He kept saying (and still says when he sees her "Oh, cute baby!" Yesterday, at lunch, he pushed his plate away from him and said, "I'm ready to hold my baby!" He laughs at the little sounds she makes and wants to give her loud kisses all over. He also thinks that I feed Talmage from my belly button! He is such a sweet boy and brings so much joy to the whole family!

Hunter, Grant and Savannah are in awe over their tiny sister. Hunter and Grant just sit by her car seat and watch her, giving me a play by play of what she's doing. Savannah just wants to hold her and puts up a good (play) fight when I try to take her away! Savvy's been such a great helper. Cody took the boys on the Fathers and Sons outing the day after I got home and Savannah helped take care of her mom by bringing me breakfast and lunch in bed. I'm so lucky to have such a great daughter!

I feel very blessed as I move into this new phase of my life. I have all that I could ask for and feel very undeserving of the blessings that have been poured out upon us. Our family feels more complete now that Holland is with us. It's amazing how much love you can feel for such a tiny person! I love all my little Morgan munchkins and my wonderful, loving and supportive husband!