Update 1 of 4 : Baby Gage

April 4, 2009 - Gage Michial Hartley - 10 lbs 12 oz

My parents, Alicia, and Ellia came to Utah Friday (3rd). My sister-in-law, Melissa was to be induced that day. Which didn't happen until Saturday morning, but after a very quick delivery (20 min!) Gage was born!! Our first nephew!

He didn't have a name until Sunday morning actually. There were names thrown around here and there. But if you asked Olivia (Gage's 2 1/2 yr old sister and only sibling) she would reply, "Umm... his name is Gage". We all thought this was pretty amazing... we thought perhaps her dad convinced her that was 'baby brother's' name. But he claims to have no responsibility over Olivia's decided name for her brother.

If you know Olivia, you'll know that her world was shattered the moment that boy entered the world! She didn't even know it... Ben and Melissa did a fabulous job trying to help her with this transition and understand. Baby Brother even bought her a present - her first Barbie doll!! What a nice baby brother, she was definitely more into the doll than the baby. She still has yet to give him a kiss (She always says "no mommy, you do it")... and when she agrees to hold him (has happened just a few times) she quickly returns him to mom, "He's too big". (And he is VERY big!)

Olivia and her princess gift from Baby Brother - poor girl was sick with a fever that day.

On a different note... Some of you may know, I had a "bad" pregnancy last summer. An ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed the very beginning of August, I was treated for that. 3 weeks later, towards the end of August, I had abnormal bleeding and after a number of ultrasounds confirming I had an actual uterine pregnancy on top of the ectopic - I miscarried. Still no answers to many questions and no official diagnoses - just a very rare/abnormal pregnancy. But acording to my cycle dates - My due date would have been April 5, 2009. Which coincidentally was Gage's due date as well.

For the last 8 months, it's been quite a roller coaster. I was dreading/prepping myself for the big day of Gage's birth. But keeping my mind away from the "coulda/shoulda's" (only possible with support of other's) - I survived the event/weekend with flying colors. It's especially discouraging and frustrating that we are not expecting again yet. But I know our time is soon... we've been working with a fantastic doctor and doing some good treatment stuff, etc. Getting through April 5th - was a milestone achievement for me. (and Seth, for enduring me still through it all!!) We're hoping for a successful pregnancy soon.

Until then - I will be enjoying my VERY cute nephew, he even has light eyes!! I hope they stay that way. And we'll be welcoming two other nephews - brought my sister and other sister-in-law (yes, all of my married sisters are having (and had) babies this year - yikes) this summer.

I sent uncle Garrett this photo of Gage, 15 minutes later I got this drawing from Garrett - He Rocks.