Impel Clothing!

Impel clothing is back! Yeah for the return of modesty! Hurry and pot something...you may get a free cami!

Evie's Blessing

The Sunday after Clyde's Baptism, we blessed Evie. We figured...since all the family was there...why not?! It was a unbelievably hot in the chapel (the chapel A/C broke)... but she got blessed and it was a beautiful day!

Clyde's Baptism

Clyde, my fabulous step-father, FINALLY got baptized! Clyde was introduced to the church before I was born...and slowly amd methodically grew a testimony of his own. He surprised us all, even my mom. One Sunday evening he called me and asked if I had a minute to talk. I was actually thinking that he was calling about a business deal that we were working on. Kind of exhausted with talking about the business, I reluctantly agreed to talk. He said: "Erika, I would like you to think of a time that we can meet...pause, pause....so you can come to my baptism. Seriously, it took me literally seconds to understand what he was really saying and then to actually speak. WHAT?! I started to cry. I never thought this day would come on earth. My mom did. If you know her, I am sure she mentioned it to you a couple thousand times. ;) But she was right.

Well, my parents flew out all of my siblings and their families to witness this amazing event. Over 40 people came (and stayed in my parents house...yes all of us...no really, I am serious, all 40+ of us). It was really special. The grandchildren sang, my nephew baptized him, and my bother confirmed him. Pretty cool. Well, this all happened Memorial Day Weekend. But this past weekend, he received the Melchesidek (sp?) Priesthood. Next Memorial Day, we will all gather to see my parents temple wedding. Good stuff, right?! And now for the pictures.

Clyde and my nephew Tim All the people who came...have you ever seen so many?!Family Spectators
Grandkids Choir Kaden with his BFF Phelan

All the family who came and saw him receive the Aaronic Priesthood.

Family Festivities @ my parents house.

Mike and Evie

Kaden, Sydney, and Mia (they found and captured and suffocated many mini frogs)

Kaden displays the cutlery

Jenn and Kaden

Grandma and Grandpa talking to Evie

Kaden, Phelan, and Andy

Sydney and Mia

Kaden and Nick

Sisters...Deanna and Erika

Birthday Twins...Uncle Clair and Erika

We Moved!

Nick went to Interview for a New Mexico State Assistant District Attorney job on June 5th. By June 9th, Nick accepted the job offer, we put a bid on a house, and we started packing. Nick's job started 2.5 weeks later.

Panic set in.

Nick was leaving in 2 weeks. We packed like crazy while he was home. But after he left...I had 4 kids to take care of, a 5 BR house to pack up, and drive out to meet him.

Anxiety galore!

The kids and I (along with myfabulous sister and niece) rolled into Alamogordo, NM on July 13th. We did it. I still say that this summer was one of the toughest times of my life...but I did survive it! Gracefully?! Nope. But I survived. I should say...We all survived!

Evie-- 6 Weeks

Evie is 6 weeks and all dressed up!

They say it's your birthday...

...it's Kaden's Birthday too, Yeah!

(ok, so it doesn't work...don't judge.)

Kaden is 4!

Things I LOVE about Kaden:

• He says the funniest things!
• He loves his "Bunny Hop"
• He has the cutest smile
• He is so polite...I rarely have to remind him
• He is loving and shows it
• He is easily entertained
• He laughs every time he burps or "toots"
• He is happy and joyful
• He makes my life easier!

More Pictures of the Cutie Girl...

The Flash Eyes

Pretty Girl with her paci

Pretty much DONE with the photo shoot!

Glassy Eyes

Bless You!

Lovin' with Onyx

Linds and Evie

Sweet and Relaxed

Evie Berlin

Evie Berlin Layland

March 26, 2010

4:50 pm

8 lbs. 4 oz.

20 inches

Caution: Birth story is at the end of this post.

Beware: A Super-Long Birthing Story-- May be too much information for some (as in long/drawn out and too personal). Read at your own risk....

Nick, my mom, and I arrive at the hospital at 7:30 am. We are taken back to my own birthing suite. Ironically, it is the same suite that my great friend, Stephanie, had 9 months before. (Side note: They remodeled it, just for me!) Dr. Lines came in a short time later. She told me that I was a little more than 3 cm, 75% effaced, and 0 station. Then she broke my water. It was so fast and painless, I was surprised to feel the warm gush. I was instructed to take a long walk and we'll see how things progress. During my stroll through the fourth floor hallway, I started to get regular contractions... but these were not the serious labor contractions. After my walk, I decided to go sit in a whirlpool tub. It was a new experience for me...almost fancy! I enjoyed it. I did get contractions quite regularly, and they were starting to get quite painful. My fingers turned to raisins and the jets were starting to irritate my legs, so I decided it was time to get out. As I was getting out, I noticed that my contractions were being masked by the warm and relaxing water. Sure enough, once I stepped out...I was starting labor...at least I thought so. The nurse checked me around 2:30 and I was only a 4...after about 6 hours. Arghh. It seems, just like my last 3 pregnancies, I can't really get through labor without a little help. So it was time to give me a little pitocin--bummer. Before we started pitocin, I was introduced to a fabulous man...the happy-drug man! I warned him that the last 2 epidurals I received only worked on my right side. He assured me that he would make it work...and sure enough he did! After about 15 minutes, my labored breathing and intense pain subsided. Phew! I love the drug man. After the successful epidural, I was started on a super slow drip of pitocin (something like a teaspoon and hour--or something). Around 4 pm, Dr. Lines came in and checked in on me. After about 45 minutes on pitocin, I was finally a 7, 100%, and a -2. Woohoo. She then had me lay on my side (apparently a change in position can really help things move along), and then said she would come back after seeing her last 3 patients in her office. Well after about 30 minutes, I decided to call the nurse--I was getting the urge. Yep, it was time! The nurse checked me and sure enough her head was crowning. She ran to call the doctor and the nursery. Everyone kept telling me-- Don't push. Just wait. Just don't push! Can I just say, it wasn't easy to resist pushing. But I did. Once the Dr was ready, she had me push. I think I pushed for about 5 seconds before she said, "ok, stop!" I pushed again for about 3 seconds before she said to stop. Her head was out, but the cord was wrapped around her neck twice. Once that was detangled, I pushed again for just a moment and she told me to pull her out. That was the coolest thing. I usually get to watch, but it happened so quickly that we didn't even get to set it up. Bummer. But I at least got to pull her out and hold my girl! She is perfect! Apgar-- 9/9. This pregnancy was by far my worst, but this delivery was by far the best! I had a quick recovery (only 1 stitch). She began nursing right away, with a fabulous latch. And she is very well behaved! I think Heavenly Father knew that I could only handle so much! He sent me and sweet angel!

Sorry--I told you it was LONG!