Grandma came to town!

My mom was able to come for a week or so to help out with the babies. She took the boys on a lot of outings which was exactly what I wanted. They had so much fun and I think it helped them feel less neglected through this transition period. She got plenty of cuddle time with Vivi, too.

the boys at the park

one of the hundreds of pictures she took of Viv:)

Henry with a black eye

Pumpkin Patch!

Saddest Picture of my Life

This was taken on Henry's first day of Pre-school. It was really hard not to cry. If I had been alone I know I would have been weeping, but Sam was there and some other friends who had a kid in the class so I held it together, but this is one of the things about Motherhood that is really hard for me...the first day of school. His teacher said 5 minutes later he was playing with everyone and happy as can be. He loves pre-school now and is always excited every Tuesday and Thursday, but still, this is a harsh picture.

In the Hospital

My sweet friend Nicole took pictures in the Hospital for us. Here are some of my favorites. They make me so happy!

Vivi's Corner

I've never had an actual nursury because we've never had the space, but my nesting urge was so strong this pregnancy I was determined to give Viv her own corner at least. Here is what I came up with. The dresser I got from a little old lady antique shop for a steal, I love all the little drawers, perfect for tiny baby things. I got the frame at a thrift store for a few dollars and then made it into a chalk board. I got the basket with a target gift card and made some burp cloths (this is a big deal since I don't sew). The shoes Darci found at a thrift store, they are antique and precious. I love how it turned out. Sorry if this is boring to you, but I find a lot of joy in making things simple and pretty.

and a few of Viv...I'm in love.

Another Love of my Life

Vivienne Darci Hirt was born on October 22nd ... 8 lbs 3oz...21 inches. I will give a detailed birth story, but for now, this is a Blog post my mom asked me to write for her Blog called Circle Mothers. Here is the post...


Where Heaven and Earth Meet
How often are we able to capture the ultimate essence of "new" . . . this rare and sacred chance was made possible two days ago . . . with the birth of my granddaughter

I asked my daughter to allow us to look into her window . . .


Where Heaven and Earth Meet

A New Mother’s Thoughts…

Holding my new baby girl fresh from Heaven two days ago and crying. So overwhelmed in every way. Overwhelmed that she is mine…that I am so blessed to be the one who gets to be Vivienne’s Mom. Overwhelmed at my responsibility… taking care of this gift from Heaven, making sure her every need is met emotionally, physically, intellectually, spiritually. Overwhelmed by the feelings of love I have received from friends, family, strangers, and my Father in Heaven. Overwhelmed at her perfection…you can feel Heaven in the room when you look at her, everything is peaceful and bright.

When my Husband Sam and I were in the delivery room I felt this overwhelming desire to keep this space sacred. It wasn’t something I consciously decided, but I kept the TV off and didn’t get distracted by things that didn’t matter, it was just Sam and I receiving this new life into the world. The room was mostly filled with laughter while I was laboring, until the epidural wore off:) Then it was filled with breathing and pain, and holding my partner's beautiful, strong, careful hand. I had never experienced those really horrible labor pains before since I am one of those women who admit proudly to loving epidurals, they are Disneyland! It was amazing though to see what comfort just the hand of a loving partner could do to ease my burden. Just when I thought it wasn’t possible to endure any more pain here comes my princess Vivienne out of my womb and onto my belly. So beautiful in every way. Sam and I took turns warming her skin to skin. So connected.

The next few days were filled with snuggling, cramping, laughter, visitors, crying, nursing, shuffling kids from one generous friend to the next, changing diapers, figuring out this whole business again… but, throughout it all, there was always Peace. Even though the life of a Mother is a hard path, and maybe some might look at my life with 3 boys (and now a girl), juggling our busy schedules, wading through the tornado that usually is our house, the poop, the throw up, the general high volume of children playing/fighting, and think it is too much…but, at the end of the day there is peace, peace in knowing who those children really are and that what you are doing reaches much farther than the walls around you.

Written by Kim Nelson Hirt (my daughter)

cheeks!!!

I know I have been a terrible blogger. I am determined to do better. Here is a picture my Mom took this morning. It's just for cheek lovers everywhere. More Birth Stories and pictures to come...