David and Rockwell

Towards the end of my pregnancy David was the child that would ask me daily if the baby was coming that day. He, for one, has discovered how nice it is to hold a new born baby. Rockwell seems to enjoy being held just as much as David likes to hold him. 

fresh out of the oven

(Insert from Zach's family letter)

Wahoo! Rockwell Peter Hutchins made his way into mortality at 12:27 MST on Friday, May 18,
2018. Score one more for the plan of salvation; this was, in sports terms, one more point for
God’s side, in running up the score from the war in heaven. For those in my readership who are
NBA fans, he’s an even better human victory cigar than Darko Milicic.
Alana spent most of the past week trying to work her way into labor; she saw a chiropractor, a
masseuse, and on Thursday at her OBGYN appointment, she asked the doctor to “strip her
membranes.” She attended a Relief Society spa night on Thursday, and when she came home, I
persuaded her to go with me for a short jog. We went to bed without any real progress, but one
hour later—at 11:15 PM, she woke up with contractions. I’m claiming the credit for the jogging,
but there were a lot of women who showed up at the hospital that night, and the nurses were
talking up a change in barometric pressure as the reason. Hey, at least it’s literary: “It was a
dark and stormy night . . .”
Alana endured seven hours of labor before asking for an epidural around 6AM. About five, just
before she climbed into a tub for pain relief, she said, “My decision making tree sucks!”
Essentially, she was frustrated that no epidural meant a quicker end to labor but continued
pain; pain relief would come with a prolonged labor, because she’s learned from past
experience that she doesn’t progress very quickly once an epidural comes. Since Rockwell (like
Lincoln before him) was sideways, Alana just couldn’t push him out, despite 90 minutes of
valiant effort. Dr. Grove pulled out the vacuum (really just a small suction cup) to give her a
little help, and out he flew. He’s wonderful to hold, and our children are still lining up, four days
later, clamoring for a chance to hold him.
The Relief Society President, Natalie Cook, came over early Friday morning, and she stayed with
the kids until I made it home from the hospital, about 3PM. I brought everyone to the hospital
Saturday morning, then returned Saturday night for a fancy dinner that the hospital offers to
new parents, while a wonderful couple from the ward (he has been our home teacher; she’s in
the RSPncy with Alana) stayed with the kids.

Matthew 16:18(KJV)

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Not quite as cheeky as Mac when he was born, but close. Mac gets to keep the title of "cheeks". 

 His first book, and not even 24 hours old.

This is my happy place

Spring Hail Storm 2018

If you are in or near Fort Collins, there was no way you missed this. If not, here is a little preview of the weather we seem to get at least once every spring AFTER I have put in our garden. This second-coming type of killing hail totally demolished our fruit trees in addition to the plants in the garden, flowers, and berry bushes. SAD!  It was very exciting to watch and listen to, but also disheartening knowing what it was doing. People who have lived here for a while are wise to the weather's ways and have sturdy hail coverings for anything they care about, but since we plan to move next spring, Zach and I are hesitant to expend the effort for just this one season. For sure we will be building them in our next abode though. After putting in the garden for a second time, I'm just crossing my fingers that it doesn't happen again this year.

Two little blossoms

 Ruth likes to match Alara whenever possible, especially when they gets ready for church on Sundays. This was two weeks ago when the trees were in full blossom-before the epic annual hail storm hit and knocked all the leaves and blossoms off the trees. Don't they make a cute pair?

Alara and Travis

             Lincoln had the privilege of taking home Travis the Turtle from preschool and watching him over the weekend. Travis is a stuffed turtle who came with his own sleeping bag, removable shell, pajamas, and blanket. He also came with a notebook that you could record your adventures with Travis in. My three youngest children all enjoyed Travis and at times had a hard time sharing him- especially Alara. She loved to march around with Travis in his backpack pretending she was just like the older children who carry backpacks. It made me smile to see her with a bag on her back that I'm sure she could have climbed right into if she had the mind to do it. Soon enough you will be marching off with a real backpack my love, don't be in too much of a hurry. 

I know that the youngest tends to get a disproportionate amount of blog time, but that's just how it is. Alara will probably step aside soon for lots of new born baby pictures, but for the next few days, she still has the spotlight. There is just something about smallness that is very endearing.)

Gabe Turns 12

Gabe is officially official. An official 12 year old, an official deacon at church, part of the youth program, and an official babysitter. He is also officially taller than I am now too! When I stand near him he doesn't seem taller, but that is because he slouches most of the time. I come in at 5'4 3/4" and Gabe is an even 5'5". I always said he would catch up with me by 12. He was interviewed by the bishop during the week and ordained to the Aaronic priesthood after church on Sunday. I'm so glad we have a very involved and caring leader for the scouts at church because we know Gabe is in good hands. He is such a good kid. Zach caught him reading up on the Doctrine and Covenants sections he suggested in the blessing and asking questions about it today. He is still our bookworm which I don't think is likely to change anytime soon, but also enjoys running his dog and playing fiddle tunes for any willing audience. He is away on a 3 day, 2 night Eco-week adventure with the sixth grade from school this week and I already miss him. Thanks for letting us become parents 12 years ago, our little Cinco de Mayo baby.

This maroon valore jacket he inherited from Kylan is a favorite. He wears it almost every week to church. This picture was taken his last week of wearing colored shirts to church before becoming a deacon. Now he wears only white so he can pass the sacrament. 

Butterfly kisses Dance

Ruth wanted to wear her butterfly dress to the butterfly kisses dance even though it was a chilly evening. This is the 4th time her and Zach have attended and it is becoming a regular Daddy-daughter tradition. Next year she may have competition for her dance partner however if Alara gets to tag along.