A Good Day

Sheesh, it's been a while since I've really updated what we've been up to lately. I thought I'd catch up a bit.

The 4th of July was a lot of fun. We had a BBQ with the Webbs and had a great time. My dad has been working on this train for about 6 months. He built it from scratch and he did a great job. It's three cars (Kevin will be detailing them later with Thomas, Princess and Bob the Builder stuff on them) that are pulled by the four wheeler. The grandkids and my dad were so excited to take them out on their maiden voyage...or whatever it is you call a train's first run. Here are some cute pics (I stole these from Nicki and Jamie, I left my camera there):

All Aboard! My Dad even had a train whistle on his quad.
Everyone is loving it!
It was like a carnival ride. Cade still talks about it. It was a great 4th of July.

Things around the house are slowly getting back to normal. It has been a rough 5 weeks. My c-section incision is finally on the mend. Several spots opened up on the incision after I got home from the hospital. Just a couple of days ago another hole opened up. I've been seeing the doctor every week, cleaning it at least twice a day, have been on antibiotics to prevent infection and have been trying to take it really easy (hard to do with 3 kids!). Luckily there has been no infection. Kevin and my sister Nicki have been wonderful helping with Cade and Myla. All I have to say is anyone who thinks having a c-section is the easy way to have a baby...well, think again. There is no easy way to have a baby. There are pros and cons to having a baby both ways, and there is always potential for complications. Having a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby and a healthy recovery really are miracles and ones that I will never take for granted again. Here is our little perfect Gavin:

Cade and Myla just adore Gavin. Every time Gavin cries they both announce it at the top of their lungs and if I don't drop what I'm doing right that second and run to pick up Gavin then they are there to "make him feel better." Usually this involves trying to shove the pacifier in his mouth or rocking the bassinet so hard I'm afraid he'll fly out. But it's sweet to see them so concerned about him.
I told my doctor last week that the only time I am able to leave the house is to see him, and although I adore my doctor, I need a little bit more of a life. He told me to start getting back into my routine. So even though I am not healed completely yet, I have the go-ahead to start doing stuff again! Yay! This morning Cade, Myla and I dragged out the little pool and slide and played outside until it got too hot.
Cade going down the slide.
Myla saying, "Hi Mommy!" in her really high, squeaky voice that I love. Gavin wanting to join in on the fun. Okay, really he just wants me to hold him. He is such a cuddle-bug and loves to be held. My favorite thing he does right now is when I hold him on my shoulder he always finds a way to scoot his little head underneath my chin. He loves to be held like that. Such a sweetie.
Splashing each other is so much fun...until it's not and then we cry. Okay, we're friends again.

For Family Home Evening we took the kids to see Wall-E. Really, I wasn't too excited about seeing it. Another robot movie? C'mon. But everyone I talk to who has seen it raves about it. And Cade has been walking around saying "Wall-e" in that robot voice, so we went. And it was so cute! The kids enjoyed it and Gavin slept through the whole movie.

It's been a good day.

Daddy's Little Girl

Myla is happiest when in the arms of her daddy.

In Loving Memory...

Yesterday the memorial service for my grandfather, Richard Cochenour, was held. Grandpa had a stroke last week and passed away on Wednesday. My grandma died about 11 years ago, so I can only imagine how happy that reunion must have been when grandpa passed.

My grandpa was an amazing man. He overcame so many obstacles throughout his long life. He was a very strong man who loved his family very much. He was always so happy and positive. He was so generous with all he had. My dad, brother, sister and I married into the Cochenour family when I was eight years old. I remember the first time I met them I asked them what we should call them. Grandma replied, "Well, Grandma and Grandpa, of course!" They were so welcoming and accepting of us. They never made us feel any different than any of the other grandkids. We were their grandkids too and that was that. I know that meant a lot to the three of us...and still means a lot to me today. Grandpa had the unique ability to make everyone he came in contact with feel special. That is something I will always remember; everytime I saw Grandpa he would tell me how special I was and to not forget it.

Grandma and Grandpa Cochenour had 8 kids, 35 grandkids and 55 great grandkids. I have very fond memories growing up with many cousins my age--all of whom unconditionally accepted us just like Grandma and Grandpa did. My favorite memories are of the yearly family campouts we had and the times when we just hung out at our grandparent's house--sleepovers on the trampoline, having water fights, playing Rook, making up extra verses to songs, or just talking. I am blessed to have such great cousins.

Mason, me, Cory, Larkin

These were the cousins that were my age (only Mandi is missing). We had a lot of fun growing up together. I am glad I get to see them and their families every now and then.

These are the older cousins that were at the funeral. It's been a long time since we've all been together. A lot of them came in from out of state. It was really great seeing everyone.

Goodbye Grandpa. Thank you for your loving and humble example. I am most definitely a better person from knowing you. I love you!

Budding Artist

Cade has started drawing people. And they are adorable! I especially love the arms, fingers and legs. It's so fun to hang his drawings on the fridge. He's so proud of what he does. He knows how to write his name and this week started writing Myla and Dad.

My Handsome Boys

Whenever I tell Cade he is cute he always corrects me, "No Mom, I'm handsome." So true.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

I would be so ungrateful if I didn't publicly thank all the wonderful friends and family who have done so much for us the past couple of weeks. We've had awesome friends bring us meals and treats and diapers. My sisters are wonderful and helped watch Cade and Myla during our hospital stay. My sister Nicki actually has Cade and Myla right now so I can get some sleep and get things done. My Mom K. stayed with Cade and Myla the whole time I was in the hospital and my Mom W. stayed with me all last week and took care of the kids and me. Kevin's dad and stepmom were here this weekend doing our dishes and cleaning up Myla's pukey messes. Thank you! Also, thank you to our out-of-state friends and family who have sent gift cards and flowers and well-wishes. We are so lucky to have you. Mostly I have to thank Kevin, the most wonderful husband and father anyone could ask for. He's pretty much had to do everything the past couple of weeks and he doesn't complain at all. He's been the dad AND the mom AND my personal nurse. I've had problems with my c-section incision opening up and Kevin helps clean and dress it every day. He is so compassionate and has dealt with my post-partum crying spells with such love. He's up with me and Gavin at night and goes to work all day long. I just love Kevin so much! (Don't worry, that concludes my mushiness.)

Sweet Siblings

Cade and Myla are as close as siblings can be. They can't do anything without each other. Recently we found these two taking a nap together. Now all Myla wants to do is sleep in "NaNa's" bed (that's what she calls Cade--we have no idea where she got NaNa from).

Cade and Myla adore their baby brother. They always want to hold him and are constantly giving him kissies and lovies. This past weekend they both had the flu and it was very difficult keeping them away from Gavin. I love watching my kids together.

Twinners

Cade and Gavin are almost identical as babies. It will be interesting to see how Gavin looks as he grows up. He is a little bigger than Cade was...but their features are so similar. Those McMillan male genes are pretty strong! I didn't think I'd have twins 4 years apart. :)

Cade at 1 weekGavin at 1 week.

Some Gavin Lovin'

It's a BOY!

On June 4th at 4:00 PM our family was blessed with the addition of a healthy baby boy. He weighed 8lbs and was 19 inches long. Both he and Mommy are doing well, and the older kids are excited to have a new baby brother. We've decided to name him Gavin Webb McMillan.

Thanks for all the thoughts and well-wishes you've been sending our way! Here's some pics of the little guy!

Build-a-Bear Birthday

Myla's 2nd birthday isn't until June, but since there will be a lot going on then we wanted to celebrate her birthday a little early. We went to Build-a-Bear. We took Cade there on his second birthday too, so I suppose it's becoming a family tradition. We had a lot of fun!

Myla chose a white and pink bear and loved it right away.
After the bear was stuffed, (complete with a heart kissed by Myla) Daddy, Cade and Myla gave the bears a bath.
Then we picked out a cute dress to put on the bear.
Daddy and Myla registered the bear and got it's birth certificate. What did we name her? Zoey. Myla says her name so cute. "Ozey."
Zoey got her own little house and Myla was able to carry her home. Myla loves her already and is asleep in her crib with her arm around Zoey. Happy early Birthday baby girl!!

6 Days and Counting

After 9 months of waiting I can hardly believe we are down to SIX days until baby #3 makes his/her grand entrance into the world! June 4th at 3:00pm is the magic time. We've put off a lot of things that I probably would have had done at month 6 with the other two kids...like choosing a name, packing for the hospital, preparing the bassinet. Only in the past couple of days have we really gotten to work on these (although no official names have been chosen).

This morning sweet Annie from my ward came over and played with the kids for two hours while I got a ton of cleaning done. She was heaven-sent, for sure! It was so nice to clean without having to take away cleansers, share the vaccuum and broom (the kids love to help vaccuum and sweep, which is great; it just takes three times as long), and pick up the toy I had just put away 3 seconds ago. Annie took them outside to play and they loved her! Thank you!
And then I was also able to pack for the hospital (for the baby, anyway). This picture makes me giggle a little. I love that I have to pack both pink and blue for the hospital!

Memorial Weekend Fun

This past weekend was full of busyness and fun. On Saturday my Mom came to babysit the kids because Kevin had a meeting at the same time I was teaching my last English class at IQ Abacus for this semester. The kids always love having grandma babysit. And then, because I've been craving Mexican food like crazy lately...

she took us to eat at Garcias. Yummy!
On Monday we had a BBQ/water park fun at the Webb's house. Is this the coolest set-up ever?! The kids love it. They spent all afternoon playing in the water and going down the slides. Kevin couldn't resist joining in on the fun either.
Myla and Emma. See any family resemblance? Bradley shooting the water gun.
Myla and DaddyMy littlest brother Jacob showing off his muscles.
Cade going down the slide.

The kids beating up on Uncle Kevin.Con-Con enjoying the fun.Jared and Breck playing.

Thanks James and Jamie for hosting us. We had a great time!