SPECIAL DELIVERY

One of the very best days of my life is when little Kenneth Robert Swenson entered the world on February 20, 2011 weighing 9.3 pounds at 22 inches long, making me a first time grandmother! But, let's back up a bit. . . .

Jessica was not one to be idle. . . she kept herself busy right up till the day before Kenny made his entrance.

We woke up on February 20, 2011 before the birds got up! Check-in was for 5 AM, and we were ready to go.

First, they got Jessica all comfy and cozy.

Then they hooked her up to all sorts of monitors.

All was well until the Doctor started the petosin. From what I hear, labor is hard enough without inducing it. Jessica was a real trooper. She handled her labor pains so sweetly. She never yelled, screamed, or cussed (don't laugh, I have heard that many women do!). When the pain became extreme, she just cried a little. My heart was so deeply touched by her tenderness and sweetness. Finally, when the pain was just too much (and the doctor informed her that there could be 12 or more hours to go) she gave in and got the epidural. Ahhhhh. . . sweet relief!

The labor room was all set up for Daddy to be as comfortable as possible. It was fully equipped with a couch and rocking chair.

Thanks to the epidural, Jessica was able to sleep a little bit before things got really moving. Mick was just wonderful. He watched over her and offered comfort and tummy rubs as needed.

Finally, at about 4:20 in the after noon, little Kenny made his debut! It was a beautiful moment for Mom, Dad, and both grandmas.

Haha! Kenny looks like he is smiling in this next picture, but I think he was actually crying. Can't say I blame him, he hadn't been in his Mommie's arms yet. The funny thing is, I really didn't see him cry much after this picture. This sweet boy smiles (and laughs) all the time!

Is it even legal to look so beautiful right after giving birth?

Mick is so proud and happy to hold his son for the first time! What a good Daddy!

Of course, Mommy was pretty dang pleased too!

Grandma Swenson absolutely LOVES her grandbabies. They love her too.

I love seeing the love.

Now, if this isn't prescious, what is?

I love this picture!

Getting ready to go home!

Three generations!

Chaz finally gets to meet Kenny!

Mick was so helpful. He really is a wonderful man, and I am soooo thankful that he married my daughter. Here he is--doing what he called a relaxing activity. Cooking! He did that quite a lot that first week. What a great husband and father!

Not long after Kenny's birthday, Jessica celebrated her 23rd birthday. Wow!

We got Kenny this outfit. Jessica had to dress him in it quick before he grew out of it. That didn't take long!

Welcome to our family Kenny! We REALLY love you!

Time on our hands

Sometimes, we have a little extra time on our hands. What do we do with it? Arrange pizza rolls into neat little rows? Well, I did, but Marissa was more ambitious. She got ahold of my bucket of crayons and really went to town! Now I can find any color I want!!! :)

Rob has extra fun peeling potatoes. . . .

Nichole just kicks back for a few minutes. (What a normal thing to do!)

Jamie

Jamie has been really enjoying school this year. It is no surprise that her favorite subject is in performing arts. . . specifically choir. So far, the school has had two public performances. The first one was done on Veteran's Day. She even had a solo speaking part. Since it was during the day, Marissa, Nichole, Selena, and I were the only ones able to attend it. Happily, the second performance was a Winter Holiday Concert performed in the evening. As it was rather late for the littler girls, Rob attended this one with Rachelle and Marissa. The choir even repeated many of their Veteran's Day songs, so Rob was able to hear what I heard. Jamie also participates in our Church choir. Not surprisingly, we often hear her singing here at home--in her room, at the dinner table, in the shower, while reading a book, when taking a walk--pretty much all the time!

Eshter

Our little Eshter is really growing up fast. I keep trying to get the kids to slow down that growing down stuff a bit, but do they ever listen? No! In fact, I think they grow just a little faster just for spite! Eshter really is a wonderful little girl with many interests. She enjoys running around and making noise with whatever might be handy. She will spend a great amount of quiet time coloring a picture or two. She can regale us with clever stories for hours. . . yes literally hours! She also likes to help out with the chores. Her favorite chore is vacuuming. Surprisingly, she is strong enough to do the entire family room. She does a great job too!

Until recently, Eshter went to a different school from her sister, Cerena. Eshter loved her teachers and friends. But, Esther is so bright and helpful, it was decided that the time had come to go to the school closest to our house. Good byes can be very difficult. . . especially when the teachers are so very wonderful! We all really loved Ms. Amundson. She is an amazing woman who does much for the children of our community. Anyone is lucky to be taught by her!

Another wonderful teacher is Miss Tanya! She is just full of energy and life. Esther enjoyed working with her as well.

Miss Danielle is one of the sweetest women we could ever know. Her calm and tender nature will be missed greatly. She even helped the students communicate in sign language!

I wasn't able to catch all the heart-felt and tearful good byes but this one was repeated several times.

Esther actually went to two classes at her previous school. This was the little class that she visited for just a few hours each day. The other class was still busy getting ready for the Winter break when we were there, so I didn't get any pictures of them.

Change can be a scary thing, and this change is no exception. But we are very excited to have Esther and Cerena at the same school! Mom and Dad will be able to participate in so many fun things with both of them now!