Day 1 - Tatem has had multiple visitors - She is so popular!

Uncle Bill Southwick

Cousin Karl Southwick
Aunt Marci SouthwickTracy SavageAlicia Larsen

Uncle Miles
Aunt Wendi
Aunt Angie


. . . and finally - her Second Cousins (from Ian's mom side of the family) the DC twins.

Daddy doting on his daughter!

Her first sneeze was at 5:11 p.m. Her first hiccups 5:53 p.m. Her first baby-bath 5:30 p.m.

First "movement" 3:30 p.m. - Second evacuation - 5:32 p.m. (Note bath time above).

TATEM JANE SERVICE

5 Pounds 12 Ounces - Born at 1:56 p.m. - 19 inches long - 10th April 2008




Daddy's first kiss . . .Snuggling with Mommy . . .



Meeting Uncle Miles.

The Ian N. Service family - Ian, Natalie, and introducing Tatem Jane!!

Going to C Section now!!!

I will update asap. . . Natalie and Tatem are FINE, but Tatem didn't like the contractions

Epidural Success!

11:oo a.m.

Natalie is now about 5 cm. The Epidural was a success. Natalie went from shaking with pain to a short nap - Perfect timing by the doctors!

The Dr put the epidural in shortly after she was around 2 cm. Within a few hours the nurses had to slow the PIT down because she is cruising along - too fast!!

The nurses placed a scalp-bleed device on Tatem's little head to better monitor her heart-rate. She has been reacting to the contractions a bit too much.

Tatem is not "impressing" the nurses too much with her little heart rate - we hope having the PIT slowed down some she will be more comfortable.

Miles is feeding Natalie ice-chips, what a brother!

Birth update

Natalie's water broke at 7:45 am. She is 100% e-faced and at a 2cm.

Got to run . . . she needs me! ;o)

We have checked-in !! HERE WE GO

We did a last photo-op the night before - here is a sample.




Room and gown . . .

Great fit . . .This IV hurts . . .

This morning at about 6am the nurse started Natalie on a "PIT" drip. Natalie started REAL contractions a few hours before - on her own - before the PIT drip.

I got to go for now - she needs me. The next post will probably be with our baby girl!!

TODAY IS THE DAY! Place your bets . . .

It's official!!

Today we are checking into the hospital at 4:35 p.m. to start the induction process.

We expect our baby girl to arrive sometime tomorrow - April 10th (give or take a day).

Place your bets in the comment section for the following:

1. Weight - Pounds and ounces

2. Length - inches

3. And which of us she will look most like - Mommy or Daddy?

Polls close the moment of birth.


Below are some "genealogical" pictures to help you decide on question #3.

Her Mommy . . .



her Daddy . . .



What a beautiful couple!
P.S. Ian's bar results are due tomorrow at 9 am as well. It's a big week for the Services.

INTRODUCING -

POCO LOPEZ!

Newest card holder to the Twin Falls Public Library!
As a card holder, he is welcome to use the computers for ONE HOUR. Let's hope Poco can manage his time and avoid a probation status to his new library card!!

Let's be honest, I love a photo shoot oppor...I mean...er...Poco loves a good photo shoot opportunity so here ya go - more of Poco, proud library card holder!



We went to Chubbuck/Pocatello Idaho last weekend for my nephews baptism. We were also able to stop and see Lance, Bettie, and Calista. Ian has said from the beginning that Calista is a prime example of why he wants a baby girl! Not only is she wrapped around Lances' fingers, she's got Ian's as well!

My brother, ADAM, and his oldest son BRENNAN

I have to give a shout out to those with talents!


left: Ian's Aunt Judy quilted this amazing ballerina quilt. What a wonderful surprise to receive such a beautiful gift from her. She's got mad quilting skills!

middle: We all know one of Ian's passions is Soccer. Ian's observant co-worker, Wendi, was kind enough to have this adorable pink soccer quilt made (by her mother) for our little athlete to be.

right: Amy Christiansen sent us these two receiving blankets with hand-made lace around the edges. Now, I'm not sure that Amy did this herself, but it's what I want to believe so just let me believe it. What a talent!! They are beautiful - and what makes them even more special is that the women in Ian's mission (Micronesian Islands) made him some handkerchiefs with the same kind of lace edging.

We absolutely love these blankies and appreciate the love that has gone into them!

Things I Didn't Expect To Expect While I Was Expecting:
Or in other words, stuff that surprised me!

1. I didn't get morning sickness. I know - LUCKY!
2. I love my maternity clothes!
3. I giggle when my baby kicks and moves.
4. I didn't know constipation could be a 9 month ordeal!
5. Sometimes I forget I'm pregnant - even now at 40 weeks.
6. I thought I could refrain from walking like I was pregnant - no such luck - I'm a waddler!
7. 20 tums a day does not take care of my heartburn.
8. Ian gives good foot rubs.
9. Maybe I get those foot rubs because I craved STEAK and that is his way of saying Thank You for the 5 nights a week at a great steak house!
10. That the day I'd actually have to give birth would really come.

I'M STILL IN DENIAL!!

Is it gonna hurt?

DUE DATE

Today is my official due date and I'm afraid we are going to see it come and go. Nothing is happening. However, I still think it would such a great date to have as a birthday.

04 - 06 - 08

Oh well!

Bragging about my Family!

My brother MILES works for Crate and Barrel. For two years in a row, he has been the MILLION DOLLAR TOP SELLER of the entire store. Last year he was the only one. This year, he shared the title with two other people. http://tomandmiles.blogspot.com/ I guess the early morning of each and every summer out in the beet fields really did teach you something about hard work!

My brother ADAM works for the Chubbuck Idaho Police Department. He has worked his way up from 911 dispatch to SWAT Team to Detective. The Idaho State Journal wrote a very nice article about him in the "Neighborhood Hero's" section of the paper. Nice work! I'm trying to post a link to the article but apparently the City of Pocatello and their Newspaper have put a viewing tax on the Idaho State Journal link. You can't read the paper online unless you pay for it.

My sister MARCI is my local neighborhood hero! Not only is she remodeling her own home and tending to the comings and goings of her 4 active kids, she made time for me. She has helped me make my nursery curtains. Seriously, if it were not for her, I'd still have material all folded up shoved in a closet somewhere. Instead, I have nursery curtains - cute - and complete! Now I just gotta get going on the bumper and crib skirt. Seriously, did I really think I could sew? Thank goodness for Marci!

Getting Ready

I went to Boise with my sister MARCI to pick up our baby furniture. Space wise, she asked if we should take the truck or the mini van. I suggested the mini van. If only I would have had the camera with me! The crib and dresser barely fit, but we managed! We probably should have taken the truck!

Ian anxiously put it together. We really like it! Well, now! There's a good reason why it barely fit in the back of a mini van! They included boxes that have NOTHING INSIDE! Funny!

We painted the babies room (without asking the Landlord...oops) and just for the record - Ian is by far the worst painter ever. I can say it publicly because he knows it and will admit to it. "Social Butterfly" looks great for a babies room. It's a very very light yellow. Notice the huge paint mark on my huge hip from my huge rear hitting the wall!
Now all we need is a baby!

I saw the Doctor this morning (actually, he saw me) and it has been determined we can wait another week with no increased chances of risk to the baby. Baby Girl Service seems to be getting enough oxygen and has a great heart rate when she moves, thus qualifying her for a few extra nights in her watery resort.

I don't mind! I like her where she is!

She's...quiet. Inexpensive. Handsfree.

Lately, and mostly in a panic, I've been trying to politely tell Ian the appropriate things to do and say to comfort me while I'm in labor. I've also tried to explain there is a LARGE list of inappropriate things to do and say while I'm in labor, some of which he (and I) may not be aware of until that very moment. One night, we read a chapter out of a book about what the "coach" should expect to do and what to be prepared for. The book was clear and straight forward about some of the unexpected things that might annoy the woman in labor. I was hoping Ian was listening and taking mental notes - because goodness knows I am not the most patient person even when I'm not in pain.

After reading, I asked Ian what he thought was the most important thing he got out of the 7 pages of "coaching". His reply: "The coach should remember to pack some snacks for himself as labor can take a long time."

Wanted: A new birthing coach. Must be available in the next 1 to 7 days. Requirements: Must believe that the suffering, emotional, and screaming woman on the narrow cold bed is more important than snacks!

Today I took Ian back to work after lunch so I could have the car to run a few errands. Before he got out of the car, he leaned over and kissed me. Our noses touched and SHOCKED just a little tiny shock. Ian, looked at me and said in a very whinny voice, "ooouuch!"
I just looked right back and said, "You gotta toughen up!"
He took a long glance down at my bulging baby belly, then looked right back up at me and said, "I'll have to remember that one!"

Oh my gosh! If he even thinks about using that one on me in the delivery room this baby will only know her father from pictures!!!

WARNINGS!

WARNING #1
I had a doctors appointment today to check if I am dialated at all. We are going out of town to my nephews baptism and just wanted to make sure we were in the clear to "travel".

Nurse to Natalie: You know you shouldn't travel past 36 weeks.
Natalie to Nurse: Uuuu...we are only going an hour and a half away.
Nurse with pursed lips and furrowed eyebrows: But you know you shouldn't travel!
Natalie with smug inflections: It's like walking around the grocery store for an hour and a half.

Then I realized that didn't really make sense but I still pretended like I one-uped her.

WARNING #2
After my doctors appointment I decided to go to *The*Public*Library* (say it with a big freaky booming voice with shaking in the back ground and you'll get a better idea of what it's like for me to go there!)
I handed over my library card and asked for a computer. Keep in mind, I've been a very good girl about keeping the "one hour" rule for at least 5 times in a row. I've even left 3 to 5 minutes early as to ensure I don't go over. Don't you understand how much you can get done in 3 to 5 minutes of stalking time?

Librarian to Natalie: I need you to watch the clock. It looks like you've gone over your hour multiple times.
Natalie to Librarian, leaning in to make really good eye contact: I KNOW. I've been warned multiple times.
Librarian to Natalie: Well then, you know you are on probation and if it happens again you will lose your privileges.
Natalie to Librarian: Well, if it happens again, I will just come back in a disguise and apply for a new card under a new name.

I didn't really say that, but I wanted to. It was a great suggestion from my brother Miles. He told me to draw on a mustache and slick my hair. I'm sure they wouldn't recognize me...even though I would still be sporting a huge pregnant belly!!!! Funny! (We think we're really funny...and most times - WE ARE!)
He also suggested I start heavy breathing and fake labor if they tap me on the shoulder again. Seriously, I'm gonna try that one!

So, the day is still long. I'm going to see what other kinds of WARNINGS I can pick up today!

Making his mark where ever he goes!

Ian decided to take down his blog. He hadn't updated for over a year. He informed me my blog should be turned into the "family blog". Hmmm, that will be weird. Sharing the attention with someone else? Please! I was expecting our baby to get her own blog as well!
I guess I can make a few selfish sacrifices and do my best to report on everyone in my family.

For starters:
Ian has lived in Twin Falls for only 3 months and he's already in the paper!!!http://www.magicvalley.com/articles/2008/03/23/news/local_state/133389.txt
Makes me laugh.

He loves his job and has already found a golfing buddy. I think he thinks that what "work" is for. To find your next golfing partner. He went golfing on Saturday which was an absolutely beautiful spring day here in Idaho.

And today...it's snowing! What the...do we still live in Lansing?

Happy Easter!

We had the Easter Bunny visit our house this year! I think that's a first...and bound to be the first of many from now on! My sisters kids, Kayla, Alecia, Alex, and Karl, found their chocolaty loot in our back yard on Saturday. And we even had Easter Dinner at our house on Sunday.
I have two weeks left until my due date, but was telling everyone I was sure I would go another three weeks because she measures so small. WELL, I had a doctors appointment on Monday. The good Doctor informed me because she is so small...they will take her sooner. Thus, according to the doctor, I will be having our baby next week.

"Three weeks" didn't sound so scary.

"Next week" sounds VERY scary!

38 weeks pregnant

LOL!

My brother Miles' post is funny!

Check it out!

http://www.tomandmiles.blogspot.com/

Exception to the rule...

I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again: It's hard not having the Internet at home. We've discovered it to be a luxury and not a necessity at home. It's wise for the budget but in all reality, I think it's crap! So, to use the Internet, I have to go to the Twin Falls Public Library where there are 20 computers for public use. Because I live in the Twin Falls city limits, it's free. Sweet!

Happily I signed up for my very own Library Card so I could have access to a computer. I immediately asked to "check out" a computer. The attendant took my card, scanned it, gave me a computer #3, and told me I had an hour. At the end of my hour, they would give me back my library card.

"AN HOUR??? " I asked in dismay.

"Yes, an hour. You are limited to one hour of computer time a day."

"ONE HOUR, PER DAY??" That's weird. Honestly, I wasn't so sure I could honor this absurd rule. Besides, there are 20 computers and only about 3 of them were currently being used.

A day later, I told Ian about this "hour" rule. Then I joked, "What are they going to do, tap me on my shoulder when my hour is up and kick me off?" We laughed because, seriously, would they do that?

YES, THEY WOULD DO THAT!!

The next day, I went to the library, "checked out" a computer, handed over my card, they scanned it, and gave me computer #11. Yes, I was watching the clock, but I was sure this crazy "hour" rule didn't apply to me today since there were only 5 other people in the entire library. I think I was the only one even using the computers!

An hour and 20 minutes into my computer time, sure enough, I got a tap on my shoulder.

"You need to finish up. Your hour is long gone."

Taken by surprise, I looked at the attendant with a half grin, thinking he was only doing his job, but that he would let me finish my blog stalking, which perhaps would take at least another hour. He stood there...waiting for me to log off. Hmmm, I guess this rule does applies to me today. I'll have to try again tomorrow, I thought

A few days later, I went to the library, handed over my card, they scanned it, and gave me computer #9. I made a conscious mental note to count how many computers were being used. I counted 3 others. So, as another conscious mental note, I told myself the "hour" rule definitely did NOT apply to me today!

1 hour and 30 minutes later - TAP! TAP! TAP! What the...

"Please finish up. Your hour is over."

"Hello - do you see a line of people needing to use this particular computer or any of the other available 16 computers? I'm a freaking city tax payer, I can use this computer as long as I want!" Don't worry, I only thought that, I actually didn't say it.

I took another 10 minutes to "finish up" and log off. I went up to the front desk to retrieve my card and was informed,

"Your card is currently put on "probation status" because of your lack of observance to the "hour" rule. If you go over one more time, your computer privileges will be taken away."

You know me, laughter comes easily. I almost laughed in her face. Well, actually, if you KNOW me, I almost cackled in her face. But luckily, I was able to refrain. I nodded politely, put my card in my purse and walked away. Seriously! Cant they see I'm a 33 year old, 9 month pregnant women! THE RULES DON'T APPLY TO ME!!!

I guess I'll just have to see if this "probation status" really effects me. I'm going to see if I can get up to an hour and 45 minutes tomorrow!

VACATION TIME

I'm just throwing this out there...
Ian and I have a TIMESHARE that will allow you to go just about anywhere in the world. We want to SHARE it with all of you. Lansing winter has been brutal this year and April's break is coming soon! (Good luck on finals, everyone!).

You could be spending your April break in Florida...or anywhere else for that matter? Or just when you are planning your next vacation, contact us and we will see what is available for you to use. You can use our timeshare.

Example: 7 days in Florida at the end of April for 4 people is $325 total. That's only about $82 per person to stay in a 5 star resort for 7 days. All 7 days!

Ian's parents visited us for a week and we stayed in a five star resort in Belaire Michigan for 3 days. We took a day trips to Mackinac Island, Traverse City, and enjoyed the Northern beauty of Michigan. (Personal opinion: Michigan is beautiful, Lansing is not.)

There are a few ways to use our timeshare. You can use "last minute vacations" and buy your vacation outright. Or you can use the "points" that are allocated under mine and Ian's account. (Points are associated with a dollar amount that is calculated based on your destination of choice.)

If you're interested, feel free to email me and I will help you search for your vacation. natalie.service@gmail.com

Or check out some destinations at RCI.com, and click on the RESORT DIRECTORY across the top.

I've been dreaming of the beach in Mexico lately...but I might be mistaken as a beached whale in my current condition!

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!!

THREE WEEKS AND COUNTING!!
For those of you who were otherwise offended or grossed out by my previously posted "bare belly" picture, I have this completely covered picture of my 37 week belly.

And for those of you who didn't mind...

I think I'm so funny!

TOP 6 REASONS I MISS HAVING THE INTERNET AT HOME:
1. Blog-stalking
2. Blog-stalking
3. Blog-stalking
4. Chatting
5. Checking the 10 day forecast
6. Blog-stalking

BACK TO LIFE, BACK TO REALITY!!

Ian finished the bar on Wednesday!!! He came back to the hotel room and said, "My brain hurts! I think I need a band-aid!" I'm not sure where he would put it but, like a good wife, I pretended to look for one any way.

Now that we are "back to life" I have reintroduced myself to him and filled him in on the fact that we are pregnant. (I think he had a hunch). But I think he was surprised to know we only have 5 weeks left until SHE arrives! "Back to reality!"
If any of you have seen Ian's baby pictures you will agree that our little girl is going to look JUST LIKE HER DADDY!! Look at those heavy, chubby cheeks!! Yup! That's Ian Jr. in there!

A Monday you don't look forward to!

What's wrong with Monday? Tuesday and Wednesday?

IAN TAKES THE IDAHO STATE BAR!!!!

Just a simple three day test that his life depends on.

That's all!

POOOOOOR IAN!!

We are not afraid to ask for all the well wishes, slaps on the rear, prayers, and cheers, you can offer this way. We will take anything we can get from anyone! Jasmine can even bark for Ian and I won't even try to kick her!

Ian's typical schedule:

5:55am - wake up cuz his bladder is full (that's what he told me)

7:00am - go to work to study.

9:00am - attend court to put the criminals back on the street (he's a public defender).

3:00pm - client meetings.

5:00 - 10:00pm - study for the bar.

Natalie's perspective: Studying for the BAR is easy!

Truthfully, I haven't been around much to really know.

Ian's perspective: Pregnancy is easy!

Truthfully, he hasn't been around much to really know. It's not his fault lest you point the finger and feel inclined to call him a dead beat gestational dad.

I think we figured out that Ian was definitely there for the beginning of our pregnancy...the very beginning. And after that, we've been together a total of about 9 weeks. And now he only has two more days before he takes the bar. See! EASY! And I only have 6 more weeks of being prego! SEE! EASY!!! Perspectives are a funny thing!

After Wednesday, our life together will start anew. I will reintroduce myself to him...I may even start brushing my teeth again for him.

WISH HIM WELL!!!!

SURPRISE BABY SHOWER and GRADUATION PARTY!!!

My AMAZING family put together a surprise 

BABY SHOWER and GRADUATION PARTY 

for us while we were in Arizona for the weekend! 

We were able to celebrate IAN and all of his hard work for the past seven years of school. Three of which are classified as "satisfyingly painful"!!! Now he just has the simple task of studing for the bar!!! Believe me, it's never too soon to start praying for success on the bar!

THANKS FOR THE PARTY!!!! 

We had a great time and appreciate (more than you'll know) all we recieved!!!

Only 10 more weeks to go!

She's a kicker...and I love it!

It makes me happy to think...

...of the reunion President Hinckley is having with his sweet Marjorie.
...of the people he gets to shake hands with, throw his arms around, and meet face to face.
...of the legacy he left for all of us to remember - and act upon.

I have always had a special place in my heart for President Hinckley. 

He is the one who performed the marriage sealing of my Mom and Dad 

in the Salt Lake Temple in 1968.

He is the one who signed my missionary card in 1995.

He personally called my Grandmother after my Grandfather McAllister died in 1997.

And when he publicly announced his love for his wife Marjorie in conference in 2004 just days before her death, my husband grabbed my hand and looked at me with tears in his eyes. And at that moment I FELT the love my husband has for me. 

I will never forget!

Feeling Thankful!

I set one New Years Resolution this year.   It went something like this: Become a better friend by nourishing the friendships I already have.

It's still January and I feel I've been taught a great lesson from those of you I gratefully and gladly call my friends.  Your examples have taught me how to be a better friend, a real friend.  It was me who wanted to do the nourishing, but in turn, it was you who nourished me.

Brittni S. has a quote on her blog that says, "Tell me your friends and I'll tell you who you are".  I have to say THANK YOU to my friends who have helped me become a better person, to my friends who have shown expressions of kindness not only to me but my family members.   Your words, your actions, your spirits have helped lift mine and my families, and for that I feel so blessed.  

My NEW New Years Resolution now goes something like this: Become the friend that my friends are to me.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXAMPLES!

HANG'N with HANNAH

UNCLE IAN AND HANNAH just haning out, watching the game. Hannah is a way better sport than I am. She will actually watch Sports Center with her Dad and Ian.

AUNT NAT AND HANNAH getting ready for her "big day" in front of the adoption judge. Hannah loves to find my fingers to help her stand up. But even more that that, she loves to use my fingers to WALK. She loves to walk and knows exactly where she wants to go - anywhere the Mattie and Monty, the dogs, run to.

And... I got a hair cut. I really hate to brag about myself but let's be honest, I am one hot sexy momma!
(come one, every pregnant woman needs a pick-me-up every once in a while - even if the complement comes from herself)

Baby Bellys

I am due the first part in April with a little baby girl.

My sister, Lindsay, is due the end of April with a little baby boy!

Christmas in Arizona with Keith and Lindsay

I'll be honest, I love a 60 degree Christmas!!!

So....

We are having a.........

6 months preggy

I'm spending the Holidays in Arizona with my sister's famliy, Lindsay, Keith, and Hannah. 

Hannah can't stop staring at my growing belly in hopes for a little GIRL cousin...

or a little BOY cousin.

Who knows!

That appointment is on Thursday. 

STAY TUNED!

As of 5:00 today

IAN N. SERVICE

will be a

LAW SCHOOL GRADUATE!

Ring out wild bells!

Let us sing praises!

God Bless America!

Yippie-Ki-A!

Sweet Sassy Molassy!

Holy Crap!

HE DID IT!!