Clara boo is 5!!!

new bedding, ballet bunny, dance stuff and go nuts for donuts!

My favorite food is:  pineapple cookies 

My favorite sport is:  gymnastics

The best show on TV/movie is:  Tinkerbelle, Sonic in Real Life, Alma the Younger, Abinadi (likes Max & Ruby, but really changes around a lot)

The coolest person in the world is:  daddy (hands down!)

My best subject in school is: 2 recesses

I’m really awesome at:  splits    

If I could change my name, it would be:   Jane

My favorite color is:  silver and gold  (pink & purple)

When I grow up I want to be: a ballerina and gymnastics girl

My parents are too strict about:  be nice

My favorite song is:  Descendants songs

My favorite book is:  Ballerina books, princess books

When we stop for a treat, I get this:  snowcone

4 words that describe me are:   ballerina, friendly, 

When I was little, I used to:  I did a lot of funny things.  

My favorite scripture story is:  Alma the Younger the cartoon

My favorite primary/church song is:  Popcorn Popping, Book of Mormon

My favorite game is:  Go nuts for Donuts!

My favorite season is: Halloween

The best snack ever is:  shakes

My favorite superhero is:  Storm.  Favorite Princess:  Belle

The food that makes me want to barf is: moldy bread

The car I would love to drive when I turn 16 is:  pink sparkly convertible like the one I drive now

My best friends are: Wyatt, Joss, Lindee, Finley, Clara and London, Kate, Addy 

The cutest girl/boy I know is: Davis (Rabe) and Cooper my cousin

The most memorable day this year was:  my mom read a lot of books to me

If I had one wish it would be:   daddy doesn't die

The best thing that has happened to me this year is:  my birthday!

One thing I want to learn to do this year is:  gymnastics

The thing that scares me the most is:  monsters and alligators

One thing I need to work on is:  be kind

If I could go anywhere it would be:  Disneyland

The most important lesson I’ve learned this year is:  

If I could meet one person from history:  A really good gymnastics girl, 

2. What is your favorite toy? My stuffed animals!  Snowflake my polar bear

4. What do you like to do with your family?  play games - like Go Nuts for Donuts, 
5. What is your favorite outfit?  Pj's (she changes into PJ's asap)
7. What is your favorite snack or fruit? peaches
8. What is your favorite animal? dolphin
9. What is your favorite song? Book of Mormon stories
12. What makes you happy? my birthday, presents at Christmas
13. What makes you sad? when daddy goes to work
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside?  ride bikes and my Barbie car
15. What is your favorite drink? root beer
16. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween because I like all the candy!
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  Olivia the stuffed polar bear
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?   pancakes
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?  ramen noodles 


BONUS:
1. What is your happiest memory?  both of cruises
2. Why do you like being a kid? because you get your way well!
4. What advice would you give your parents? go on dates!
5. If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?  a cat because you get to jump high and always land on your feet
6. What is your favorite thing to do with your friends?  play hide and go seek
7. What was the nicest thing you did for someone?  gave some of my candy to Cole
8. What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now?   going to high school, learn lots of math, read books, recess
9. What would be the ideal allowance? Tell me how you would use it.   $100.  I would buy cotton candy and a large princess lego set that is small but the same as a house
10.  What are your talents?  ballet, splits, twirling, forward splits, playing with my friends
11.  Who is your scripture hero?   Alma
12.  What do you like to do with dad?  play games - Spot it and Garbage, watching shows, watch him play the computer
13.  What do you like to do with mom? play games, watch shows, go on a walk, get haircuts, bake cookies

Addie, Clara, Finley, Wyatt, Joss

After school, I picked up the girls and we headed to Clara's favorite restaurant (McDonald's) and the Treehouse Museum.  This age is so imaginative - great fun!  For sure the favorite activity was playing animals in the forest.

We sure love this girl!  Not gonna lie, she rules the house.  I gave my mom lots of "youngest child" grief, but now I get it.  ;)  When they are your baby and you are doing things for the last time, its easy to give in.  Clara is a great little ballerina - she loves it and is naturally good.  Kinda fun to see how all our kids come with different loves and talents.  She isn't afraid to stand up for things and is very thoughtful.  Her little friend was over for lunch and I served lunch meat ham rolls.  The little girl said, "I don't eat ham because its mean to animals."  Clara thoughtfully paused and said, "Wellll.... this one is already dead...so...."  And then bit off a big chunk.  hahahaha!  I laughed at that one for a while!  She's a good little snuggler, but prefers stuffed animals to dollies.   She's really good at puzzles and has a great memory (Memory Matching and Bold are two memory games she loves!) Since she's the youngest, she plays games above her years and can hold her own.  Cover your Assets is a favorite for sure.   Clara is a daddy's girl through and through!  He is wrapped around her finger and whenever she is hurt or scared, she runs right to daddy! Happy Birthday to our little sweetheart!

Clara insisted on typing.

clarababmomevbcb c   dgfyeghdyfygefreygdyfehdf gvdghechcfdfrteydeyyrydtdfgchdvfskefydyfyfrhghxdjrtefuuzurhur hgfgjfn vgfur                 jcfdgufufghduugtryt65r58455yytuheredfgeyrerwshbvhb vv cfvxdc   cfefdfer ftrfvr dfgr fghrrrrrrfsirfdbvvvsssssssssssssssscfehrydvchrvdfhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh4urhfderfvxchbdsfeurfvvfd7547vtw83

Clara's birth story

As each child is different, so is their birth story.  Here is Clara's...

Clara was due to arrive March 6.  My original due date was March 13, so I was really hoping for a pi day baby originally.  After the ultrasound, they moved the date up a week and then I started hoping for an end-of-February baby (because George's birthday is March 7). :) George had a long week of call the 3rd week of February and I was teaching preschool so I was hoping she'd come after that.  However, I started getting sick during that week.  And then sicker.  I taught my Relief Society lesson on Feb 22 and went home and crashed in bed.  George to the child care rescue... again.  I really felt crummy and debated going to the hospital.  Dr. Sumsion had been monitoring me pretty close.  I'd had these nasty headaches so we wanted to make sure everyone was still healthy.  On Monday, my protein count was high.  They ran blood tests that came back normal.

All along, we'd been watching things and talking about the birth plan.  When we were discussing Erik's birth plan with the Air Force doctors, three different doctors encouraged a VBAC.  (Cole was an emergency c-section).  Dr. Sumsion definitely encouraged the c-section.  He felt the VBAC was too risky.  We talked about it all the way through, but after much thought and prayer, George and I decided we'd go with a VBAC if I delivered on my own.  A c-section was scheduled for March 2 if I went that far (39 1/2 weeks).  I felt good about that plan.  However, as each day of Feb passed on, I felt worse.  I had a nasty cough, but the headaches, fever, chills, etc. came with it.  I was in bed a lot.  My cousin Whitney delivered her baby on the 22nd and had a real tough time.  She caught infection in her blood and on Tuesday, the medical folks weren't giving good prognosis.  Her siblings were called in to say goodbye before they life-flighted her to the U.  She pulled through (miracle - we were all so grateful to the Lord) but to save her life they had to do a hysterectomy.  That whole traumatic experience got me wondering if we were making the right choice.

as we were leaving for the hospital

ANYWAY... on Thursday I took Erik to my appointment.  Normally I go in the afternoon and George tends the kids, but I was worried.  And sick.  So we went in early.  Again, protein in the urine.  Dr. Sumsion did a long ultrasound of the baby, checking fluid levels. (Erik screamed and bawled during most of it).  He said, "I know you'd like to have a VBAC and I'm doing my best to go with that plan, but I really think we ought to have a baby today.  The baby looks healthy.  You are getting less healthy.  This seems like the best day to do it."  So we called George, talked it over with him and we all agreed.  He told me to go right over to the hospital, but I wasn't about to have a baby without a camera :) so I went home to MG, got things situated w the little boys, Liz came up and took over.  She was wonderful to change her plans and come right up!  Side note:  My poor mom wanted to come help too but she was in the ER that morning for kidney stones!!!  Her surgery was scheduled for Fri morning.

ready to go into the OR!

George and I got back to the hospital around 3.  I couldn't be induced (higher risk of uterine rupture) so c-section was the best option.  They ran a bunch of tests, hooked me up to monitors, and I read and took a short nap.  (I found out from an earlier visit that this hospital had LAME-O tv stations, so I brought books and all sorts of stuff to do.)  Around 5:30, the nurses said we were ready to get ready.  Anethesia did a spinal block (first time for me) and one nurse said my water broke.  In came the doctor.  I was super nauseous.   George stood up and watched the whole thing (the nurse asked me if I wanted a mirror - heck no!).  I couldn't feel anything, but a ton of pressure...like someone kneeling on my chest.

Dr. Sumsion:  "This is really different.  Most people know the gender beforehand.  Ok... here goes... look there is hair! And I think it might be red! (I think it was blood).  Perfect ears.  Perfect little face.  IT'S A......"

George:  "GIRL!!!"

So fun!  I cry as I type the whole thing.   George brought her to my head.  They look pretty nasty right coming out but I was still in love with my baby.  I loved hearing that little newborn cry. I was also pretty dazed.  George said he was going to go with the baby and watch all the tests and measures, etc.  It took them about 45 minutes to stitch and staple me up.  Not my favorite part.  It seemed like an eternity.

getting all cleaned up

What joy when they brought my little bundle in and I got to look at her for the first time!  She was beautiful and I was so grateful that both of us were healthy.  Recovery wise, c-section isn't my favorite.  But it definitely has some benefits too.  Those c-section babies come out looking quite perfect.  The anesthesia worked the whole time.  I didn't have to wonder if this was the "real deal" or if they were going to send me home.  With me being pretty sick beforehand, it ended up being the best option for us.

happy parents and baby girl!

Happy BIRTH day, Clara!

Announcing Clara Jane Tripp!

Introducing...

CLARA JANE TRIPP

Thursday, February 26, 2015, 6:00pm

7lbs 1 oz, 19" long

Head circumference:  35cm

Delivered by Kevin S. Sumsion, MD

How we love our angel baby girl!  As newlyweds and after Lucy was born, we struggled with adding more little blessings to our family.  With each child born, I wondered if this would be the last God would send us.  I tried to get Elise's name to be Clara and George said at that time that if we had another girl, I could use that name.  We didn't know whether Clara was a boy or girl, but both George and I felt it was a "she" and were thrilled when that turned out to be the case!

I've wanted to use the name Clara for a long time, so that should have made the decision easy.  But of course, I had to make it hard.  :)  George really liked the name Ruth.  And I love my friend Ruth.  So we considered that for a while.  The next day, I said "What about Hazel?" So we considered that too.  I wrote the different combinations on the white board and stared at them from my hospital bed for a couple days. But when George picked me up on Monday, we both felt she was a Clara.  Clara Lucinda was my grandma Marjie's mother's name.

On Saturday morning, we looked through both of our family trees (and had some good laughs too) and thought Jane might be a great option for a middle name.  Plus it went well with both Clara and Hazel, so that helped.  Both sides of our families have pioneer triple great grandmas with a middle name "Jane".  On my side:  Mary Jane Carter, Mary Jane Ewer and Jane Brown. George's side:  Catherine Jane Allen, Mary Jane Cutcliffe, and Keziah Jane Jones.  

I got lots of input.  Since our little cutie was born on grandpa Ed's birthday, we joked and tossed around out a bunch of "Ed" girl names w/ my family - Edwina, Edna (and both Lacey and Benji texted back "Mode" {designer from Incredibles} at the same time).  When Greg came to visit, he said, "Why pick?  Just combine!  How about 'Clazel'?" ha!  The kids (who actually cared) voted 2-1 for Hazel.  But I love the name we finally decided.

We sure love our sweet baby Clara and are so happy the Lord sent her to be a part of our family!   

Update on child #6... a week to go!

Tripp baby #6 is due to arrive any day!  The actual due date is March 6.  However, the expected date is March 2.  My OB (Dr. Sumsion) felt like it was a good idea to schedule a c-section on that date.  At that point, I'll be abt 39 1/2 weeks.  Cole was an emergency c-section delivery and Erik was a VBAC.  The Air Force doctors were definitely pushing the VBAC last time and Dr. Sumsion is definitely in favor of the c-section.  George and I gave the matter a lot of thought and prayer and felt good about going with a VBAC if I go into labor naturally before March 2.  I'm always a bit nervous about delivery, but hopefully we've made a good choice.  Both of us feel at peace about it.

8 months along...
and seconds away from getting hit
by a paper airplane

I thought it might be a good idea to write down a few thoughts about this pregnancy before the little guy or girl arrives.  I usually gain about 25 lbs. and this has been the same.  I was able to wear my regular jeans til about 7 months but that was only the low hip riders.  :)  I always get a good sized belly, but I'm good with that.  I'm  grateful to be pregnant.  I love feeling the little kicks of life.  Even the rib kickers.  :)  That said, this one has probably been my hardest so far.  I know lots of ladies who really have a rough time so this is nothing compared to that, but for me, it's been different and a little tougher.  I think it really boils down to the fact that I'm an old lady!  Pregnancy at 37 has been a great deal more tiring than 35.  I am exhausted most days.  It's been nice to get some sympathy from some of my cousins who have had babies at this age (or older).  I've had more headaches this time too (boo!!!).  It's a bit concerning to have headaches at the last stages of pregnancy, but I think most of them are sinus related combined with a migraine, etc.  I had to go into the hospital once just to make sure things are on track.  I was out shopping with my mom and the girls, so the girls came along and thought the pellet ice and drink machine was fantastic!  For the past month I go into the doctor's office twice a week.  They do an ultrasound on the baby to check fluid levels and do a little blood work on me.  It's a bit of a pain, but I do like to be reassured that everything checks out well.  I am low in iron (possibly another reason for headaches and tiredness) but other than that, I'm doing well.  I just feel kinda wimpy.  Right now I have a nasty cold and can't seem to shake it or to get any rest.  I know immune system is down during pregnancy, but wow!  I cough my head off and have heartburn (what seems like) continually.  However, I've had a lot of great help too!  Family has pitched in (particularly with tending kids) and, especially lately, our friends here in MG have really lent a hand.  Twice someone has come in and swept my whole floor. Another lady volunteered to wash all my baby laundry.  Today, a lady took the boys for a few hours so I could grocery shop by myself.  And boy did I fill that cart to the brim!  When I got home from the dr visit, another lady had dinner in my oven, did my dishes, and brought by some flowers.  WoW!  What service!  I certainly have been grateful!

We had the "baby FHE" on Wednesday and it was quite funny.  George brings up the baby doll that weighs 7lbs and kinda acts like a real baby (droopy head and arms, etc).  It was my grandma Barbara's doll.  We talk about some rules and they hold the "baby " and wrap it up in a blanket.  We laugh at old stories of when they were babies.  He talks to them about how I won't be able to help them as much, etc.  It's really one of my favorite FHE's.  They talk about what they think the baby will do and what life will be like.  Cole would pipe into the conversation with, "I have a question.... we don't drop the baby."  and "I have a question... we don't put a pillow on the baby's face."  Stuff like that.  It's great.  George also gives me a blessing afterwards and I really appreciate that.

Here are the kid's guesses on the baby gender and their favorite names.  We have a name list on the cupboard.  It grows each day.  I always like the spellings.  :)

Ok baby... we're ready to welcome you to our home!

Six-Tripp's!!!

Announcing Baby #6!!!

 YAY!!!  We passed out six-lets to our family mid-August to share the good news.  My family was joined together at the Covey Cabin and we just left the box with the note on the community treat table.  Benji, Maddy, and Aubyn caught on, but I think it was another hour before Lucy yelled out, "What?!?  Does this mean there is a baby coming???"  It was pretty cute.  These pics are taken after and obviously staged, but I really got a kick out of their "excited faces!"

I either get blurry or bad lighting... boo!

The first few months of pregnancy have been a bit rougher than others have been.  I had that lame-o root canal and couldn't get on top of that pain.  My migraines were still going strong (and I couldn't take anything decent to help).  And I couldn't get on top of a sinus infection.  Poor George... I was pretty grumpy!  But by about month 3-4ish, things got better and I've felt great since!  I'm just dead tired all the time.  I'm feeling like an old lady!  I go to bed early (like 9ish) but then wake up around 2 or 3 and can't get back to sleep for a couple hours.  It's kind of lame.

We went in for our big ultrasound on October 23.  We decide not to find out the gender (this makes three gender reveals and three surprises).  It looks like a healthy baby and we are thrilled!  Due date is March 6, 2015!  We can't wait to meet our newest addition!