Emmy's newborn pictures

We decided to get newborn pictures taken of Emmy and I'm so glad we did they turned out amazing.  These copyrighted images are from L.Michelle Photography. 

She's here - Emmalynn Grace Preston

It's still so weird to think that we have a little girl in our family.  I was so ready for her to come and starting 37 weeks I was trying anything and everything to get her to come but we were failing.  About 38 3 days I had given up and realized that I was just going to have to just wait for our scheduled c section at  39 weeks.  But 38 weeks 4 days Wednesday August 17th everything changed. I hadn't had any contractions for a couple days. Then all of the sudden at about 10 o clock at night my water broke. Now it didn't break with a huge gush, instead it was this little trickle and I honestly thought that I had just peed my pants. It took me and Corey a few minutes to realize what was happened and then it hit me, I'm probably going to have this baby tonight.   So we hurriedly got a few things put together and called our neighbors the Houstons and they sent their teenage daughters over.  Soon we were on our way to the hospital. With everything that had happened during this pregnancy this drive felt very familiar.  I could hardly believe that my baby was actually going to come today. On our Way over to the hospital because Corey's mom Carol and told her she was probably coming tonight so if she wanted Mabey to prepare to come a little earlier than she had planned to might want to pack a bag and prepare to leave in the morning.

When we got to the hospital around 11 they checked me and they couldn't tell for sure if my water had actually broke but I was already at a five so as the nurse put it she wasn't letting me go home tonight. But of course we were still waiting for the final call from the doctor. Next thing I knew an anesthesiologist was coming in and asking about my tolerance for a spinal block. This was going to be my second and my third cesarean section.  By this Point the contractions have started pretty intense and I was hoping the doctor was going to come sooner than later as I really didn't want to have to endure labor for very long and then have surgery on top of that.  The doctor initially wanted to wait a little longer because I had just eaten dinner just a couple hours earlier but the nurse convinced him that we needed to do it now because my contractions were coming strong and quickly.  Surgery was scheduled for 1 AM and at 1:09 am Thursday August 18, 2016 Emmalynn Grace Preston entered this world. She was 9lbs 11oz 20 inches long.  This C-section was by far the easiest C-section and easiest recovery and they asked me how I was doing and I said I was doing well but we'll see what happens after everything starts I didn't know that the baby was seconds from coming out.  I had an amazing anesthesiologist that reminded me to stay calm and everything would be just fine because it doesn't matter how many times you do this it's still nerve-racking.  I had lots of firsts with this little girl first time I ever got to have skin to skin contact right after the baby was born first time I got to be a part of her first baby bath on the first time that I got to see her so quickly.  The boys always had breathing problems and had to be rushed away but she was perfect no problems whatsoever and Corey as soon as she was wrapped up Brad or Wright to me later right next to my head and I saw my little girl for the very first time.  As soon as they were about to wheel me back to my room they help me have skin to skin contact with her it was such a neat special experience I've never had this before something I always wanted but didn't think I could ever have because I had a C-section things are different with a different hospital and this was something that was special to me.  

The next couple of hours after she was born seems like such a whirlwind we hurried and she was able to latch on and nurse and she nursed really well. They transferred me to a mother and baby room I got the last one in the hospital and they brought in the doctor and people nurse to bathe her and did it all in my room.  It was neat I have never been a part of that experience Corey always was because he was in the nursery with the baby while I was getting stitched up I never got it it was wonderful to at least watch it and see.  By the time everything will settle down and relax and that was about 5 AM we went to sleep and Corey soon had to wake up to go relieve the babysitter so they could get ready for school projects and you get the kids ready for the day and take it over to my moms to be babysat.

While Corey was gone we received our first visitor my dad came bringing beautiful flowers and seeing his little baby Emmy.  You see this baby is named after his mom, and well there is a special bond between these two.  Grandma Emmy died in 1998, she will be blessed in a dress that was worn by his dad Hod, my dad Mark, myself and now her.  She has a special place in her papa's heart.  

Corey brought the boys back to visit and see their new little sister I was exhausted but it was sure fun to see their reaction to her. Jake is really kind of out of whack and it wasn't until the very end of the visit that even won a dollar you could tell he was noticing that everything was different. Derek was so excited he could hardly stand it couldn't quit smiling the whole time and loved holding his little sister.

We had amazing doctors and nurses the whole time food wasn't too bad. Corey actually had paid time off this time and it felt so less stressful instead of worrying about whether or not or how we were going to pay bills while he was missing work.  This has definitely been our best delivery ever. A good way to end.

I could hardly believe that all the sudden I had three kids I was about to take another one home. This special little girl with all of her chubby cheeks has stolen our hearts and we are so excited for her to be part of our family.

Her going home outfit.  Loving all the bows and frills that go with her. 

My hardest pregnancy

I hate being pregnant and knowing this was my last pregnancy thrilled me.  I know I'm suppose to enjoy it and embrace all the changes to my body, but since I'm already overweight and then I give birth to really big babies I become the size of a house. I'm always so sick and really good uncomfortable.  But this pregnancy there were even more complications.  Emmalynn wasn't that nice.  During week 32 I started having lots of contractions and pain like I had never experienced before.  I initially chalked it up to Braxton Hicks but soon I couldn't deny it something was really wrong.  It was a Tuesday morning and I was suppose to go with all the youth to take them down to Manti for youth conference and baptisms for the dead, but that didn't happen.  Instead, Corey and I went to the hospital.  After some painful tests, an ultrasound, 3 IV bags, and being monitored for 6 hours they told me I probably was passing a kidney stone and was dehydrated.  I accepted this diagnosis, but it didn't sound right to me.  Five days later I left church early because the pain was back but this time it was so much worse.  I talked to my doctor and he thought it might have been hydronephrosis.  Which is basically the baby is pushing on my ureter (which is th tube that goes from my kidney to my bladder) at this point little Emmy was still in a breach position.  This time they were able to confirm that diagnosis and it felt much better to me.  She didn't want to move this time though and kept causing my body to have major contractions. They were remaining at about 2 minutes apart and I was getting nervous that this baby was going to be delivered to early.  They gave me a pain killer which relaxed my body enough to slow the contractions down.  Emmy remained on my ureter but would move randomly which was nice.  About 35 weeks she finally flipped to a head down position, and all that pain and fear went away but it was a stressful couple of weeks.  Somehow I knew something was going to be different though.  Starting at about 28 weeks I felt like I should get my bags packed and everything in order.  I'm glad that she didn't come to early but more about that later.  

Great Grandma Hazel Cattell

On July 16th  This sweet amazing woman passed away.  Corey's Grandma Hazel was an amazing woman who had a huge impact on so many lives.  When I was a missionary in Tifton, you couldn't get away with not giving her a hug and a kiss.  She had a way of making everyone feel special.  The last several years she has struggled with Alzheimer's.  This disease is such an evil disease and it was so hard on everyone to watch her struggle.  Hazel was special and now I'm so happy for her.  She has full function and I know she is enjoying her reunion with so many family members that has gone before.  We miss you Grandma and know one day we will have a wonderful reunion.  We know that you are holding and loving on Baby Emmy as she is waiting for her turn to come to earth.

This was taken on her wedding Day

Another wedding picture

This was the day that Carol and Joe were sealed in the Mount Timpanogas Temple and the same weekend we blessed Derek.  

Hazel McGhee Cattell, 81, of Tifton passed away Saturday, July 16, 2016, at her residence. A graveside funeral service will be held for Mrs. Cattell at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at Tift Memorial Gardens, where she will be laid to rest. Bishop Derron Spikes will officiate. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 26, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. 
Travis Volle, David Seaman, Matthew Seaman, Evan Sumner, Ryan Vicars and James Sauls will serve as pallbearers. 
Born August 15, 1934 in Berrien County, Mrs. Cattell was the daughter of the late Dewey McGhee and Beulah Goddard McGhee. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Grady McGhee; and two sisters, Grace Hale and Rachel Hale. She was a homemaker and was self-employed as owner of Hazel’s Cakes. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Tifton. 
Mrs. Cattell is survived by her husband of 65 years, James Edward Cattell of Tifton; a son, James Glen Cattell of Tifton; three daughters and a son-in-law, Nancy and Donald Seaman and Susan Tucker, all of Tifton and Carol Weaver of Casper, Wyoming; a brother, Harce McGhee of Brookfield; two sisters, Alice Padgett of Brookfield and Ruth Carrin of Jacksonville, Florida; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many friends. 
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Associate, SW GA Chapter, 225 Second Street East, Tifton, GA 31794. 

Stadium of Fire

This year we went with all the Hatch Family to Stadium of Fire!  Tim McGraw was the headliner and the best part was that Derek knew most of the words to most of the songs!  We are big country fans in this house, and Tim McGraw is by far one of my personal favorites.  We sang and sang and of course the fireworks were amazing.  Jake stayed awake for the entire thing and was amazed at the fireworks. I however was very pregnant and the walk back to the car about wore me out.

Lagoon Day

Every year Corey's company sponsors a Lagoon Day where we get to go for free.  Well this year I couldn't ride any of the rides because I'm pregnant so I just got to watch while the kids and Corey rode all the rides.  This was the first year that we took Jake and well he loved it.  He was so fearless and went on anything.  

The Boys riding the Puff Rollercoaster

Corey riding the kiddie swings

The Helicopters were definitely a favorite of Jake's I think he rode it 5 or 6 times.  

Derek was a little bummed that he was to big to ride the boats.  

And this was the aftermath of what they looked like on their way home.  

Fishing class

This year we signed up Derek for a new class that they were offering through the city, a Fishing Class.  He had so much fun they learned about different kinds of bait and fished once a week for 6 weeks.  He had so much fun, and this was one of his biggest catch.

Jakes 3rd Birthday

It's so hard to believe that this kid is already 3 years old.  We had lots of fun celebrating at Grandma and Grandpa Hatch's house.

He was so proud of his bubbles that he got for his birthday!  Of course the first time he opened them he spilled the entire bottle.  

He got a new toy helicopter and sidewalk chalk and of course a new scooter.  He was so excited to be big just like the big kids.  

Viva Las Vegas

We decided that we should take a mini family vacation before the baby came. We had all these plans of hanging out at the pool and just spending time in warm weather but unfortunately it rained and was cold the majority of our trip.  The very first night we had a blast going and seeing the fountains and the volcano on the strip.  That was the extent of our trip to the strip but the boys were in awe of the fountain and honestly it can leave anybody in awe.  

The boys loved that the Condo we rented made it possible for them to have their very own big bed.  They thought they were big shots.  

The next day we went to Hoover Damn and even though I've been here before I'm still amazed at the enormity of the damn and what the people were able to construct so many years ago.  

 We did some shopping at the outlet mall and of course Corey couldn't resist taking a picture with the Porsche.

 On one of the nights after dinner we went to see the Las Vegas Temple and oh the peace that you can feel just on the grounds of that Sacred Place.  There is such a different feeling than compared from the strip.  Even Derek noticed the difference and I absolutely loved it.  

 

 On our last day we went to the the Nevada Natural History Museum.  Of course the boys loved it, there are dinosaurs, animals, and all sorts of activities for the kids to do.  

 We came home on a Sunday and so we decided to stop by the St. George Visitors center and Temple.  The boys couldn't believe how white it was.