Announcing Bennett Steel Johnson!

After a long pregnancy, that seemed to have lasted longer than nine months. I finally went to labor a day after my due date, and contractions began exactly at midnight of September 30th. I didn't have a game plan of who would take the kids when I started going to labor, but luckily sweet Marianne hurried over and took care of my boys. After much pushing and pain (that was with an epidural!), Bennett arrived at 7:25 am and weighed 9 lbs, 12 ounces. That will be my one claim to fame, delivering a big big baby, I knew my belly had to be that big for a reason. And now I know why!

Bennett had enhaled the meconium and was not breathing well. So he was rushed up to the Nicu. He ended up staying in the nicu for 9 days. I have decided that the doctors do not release you from the Nicu, until you have Olympian health. There was a time that I thought he would never be released and that they just wanted to keep him! Every day he improved, to the point that for the last five days he didn't have any oxygen or ivs hooked up to him. He was just chillin in the nicu, barely fitting in the bed, and keeping the nurses busy, because apparently he has a cry that can wake up the whole nicu.







Looking at these pictures brings back so many memories. After Bennett was born, I was aware what was going on and knew that he was in trouble. But from the beginning I felt this peace that sustained me through those nine days and since then. It was hard not be able to hold my sweet baby for a couple of days, and wonder when he would come home. But I was grateful for the many prayers that were sent our way, for the incredible care and concern that was taken to make sure that Bennett would be all right. My mom was able to come and help me, and ended up staying a total of 13 days, to help us out! I was grateful for Timmy for his constant support and love, and understanding what the doctors were saying. It took me nine days to know how to say meconium! And then my sweet little boys at home Zach and Grant. When they came to the hospital to visit me, I just started crying, because I was needing to hold someone, and there they were to fill that void. The reason why Zach is in his undies, is because he spilled chocolate milk on his clothes.







When Bennett came home, we were excited and couldn't believe our good fortune. He is a wonderful baby and so sturdy and huge. He is a calm child and has the biggest cheeks and eyes. He looks a lot like Zach to me and we are trying to find Grant in him. He changes everyday and it is fun to see how Zach and Grant love their brother. Whenever I have a challenging time during the day or night, I often think, "At least Bennett is not in the nicu, and least I am able to hold him whenever I want!"







We love our happy angel!

Note to self, no more summer babies!!!

I am dying of heat today and it only went to 85 degrees today. The only thing that went through my mind is...you are still in second trimester! Oh my. I am used to having babies in the summer Zach's birthday is August 28th, Grant July 20th and other little baby boy due hopefully August 29th. The only question is why? Why do I do this to myself? It's easy, I completely forgot how uncomfortable heat and pregnancy are, but it is quickly coming back to my remembrance. Note to self, don't do this again! As for names of boys, Timmy and I are not on the same page. I like the names Theodore and Bennett, and Timmy likes the name William and James. As you can see we are on totally different pages. Luckily we have a lot of time to think it over, but we know for sure the middle name is Steel, after my dad and my grandpa. I have found out when talking to people that the ladies tend to like the name Bennett and the men like James. As for Zach he likes the name James because it is a train name from Thomas the train episodes. Boy names are hard to figure out, but in the end he will have to be named that is a requirement to leaving the hospital!

As for life with two sweet little wild boys, it is a lot of fun and very demanding. I think that is just parenthood, it is hard. But it has been by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done or will ever do. I had lost my phone for four days last week and had no idea where it was. I finally found it in the little potty of Grants! The only reason it was found was because Grant wanted to try going potty and I happened to be right there! Miracle? I think so! Timmy is gone to New Orleans for four days and I am trying to be brave. The boys ask every night where he is and we all miss him.

Another funny thing about expecting another boy are peoples reactions. When the boys and I go to the grocery store, we create quite a scene. The kind people around me ask, "Are you having a little girl?" And I say "no, another boy." I can see the pity and sadness on their faces. They then say "It will be all right!" Yes it will be all right! We just want this cute little boy named "Bennett" (hint, hint) to be well and healthy, we can't wait for our little addition. In fact he can come before his due date, if he so chooses.

Here am I with my amazing belly! Yes I am feeling really brave at the moment!

What are we having, a Boy or Girl?

I had twenty weeks of pretending that I was having a little girl that I was going to call Clara, only to be shown that it is yet another boy. And not just any boy, but a little wild in my belly, the ultrasound lady had to chase him around my spacious belly. He almost didn't show me that he was a boy, until he realized that I needed twenty weeks to cope with the idea of another little angel boy to make the three amigos complete. After one day of mourning and watching Tangled, I have now come to realization that it is okay to have another boy, and that it will be fun! This little boy will help calm down Zach and help him be an older brother, and give Grant a run for his money, because Grant thinks he owns the whole household, and needs to be humbled a little bit. Timmy couldn't be prouder, his dreams of wanting to become Tim the toolman Taylor is now complete with his three boys. And as for me I am still the Princess of the family!

Winter Fun

Let me begin with my birthday. I officially extended my birthday to a month, and it was awesome. I began my celebration in Utah and ended it whenever I felt like it. Also when Timmy had had enough. I oftentimes forget how old I am and have to ask Timmy because luckily we are the same age, he is two months older than me, so right now I am 27. Another side note is I do not want to be in first trimester next time I have a birthday because I didn't want to do much and nothing sounded good. That is probably why I extended my birthday.

Zach loves snow, he could play in it for hours. Grant is not so much in love with snow and as soon as some form of his skin touches the snow he is ready to go in. I am not a fan of snow and try to keep them indoors as much as possible. When Timmy gets home is the time they go outside. I know that I am lame, but my better half makes up for it! Zach is in love with Snowmen, he continually asks to make one, and finally Timmy made the ultimate snowman for him. Zach was in seventh heaven and was devestated when it started to melt!






For Valentines day the boys and I went out to pick out Valentines. Zach was excited at first but lost the fire very quickly. Grant was the one who stuck with it to the end. He was so cute drawing on each card and putting it in his box to hand out to people. It was also fun to see him pass out the Valentines, he took it very serious and wanted to make sure that I was close by to help him hold his Valentines he received. I was so impressed with how much he wanted to be a part of it.

It's been awhile yet again!

I know I am not a good blogger. I also am trying to blame it on something, maybe it's
because I am expecting another baby again? However I have been out of first trimester for a while now and will find out on April 12th if it is a boy or girl. I am thinking that it is a girl. Anyway. Let me begin the post with Christmas. To say it was magical would be only the beginning.

Beginning with a sweet nativity scene. Grant was the baby Jesus for a second. Zach was Joseph and did a wonderful job taking over Mary's job by riding the donkey and holding Baby Jesus.

Opening presents was a lot of fun, Zach helped pass out the presents and then was able to open all of his wonderful presents from his generous Aunts, Uncle and Grandparents. Grant was very neat and orderly unwrapping his presents and would tear off a piece then put it in the trash. Zach was your standard present opener, fast and furious.



We had lots of dancing parties at my parents house. It got to the point where the boys were able to dance on top of the ping pong table. I was impressed with their sweet moves. I have since tried to get the boys to dance like that at home, but alas. I am not able to provide a ping pong table, cool rocky music and 10 screaming fans.


Here is Zach with our cat that my kind parents our keeping until we have a house and a job. He is a huge cat, and very nice to let Zach wrestle him, I am sure that Link our kitty wants us to take all the time we need to get our schooling done!


I have a precious Grandmother Soffe who just shines and is an angel of earth. I try to get as many picture shots with her and the boys as I can.


The reason why I add this picture is because every single family picture shot we have, I am always wearing this shirt. I don't know what draws me to it, but I stick out like a sore thumb and i am pretty sure this shirt has made a couple of Christmas card photo appearances!


We were able to visit the Oversons, aka Zach's love Lauren in Cedar City. It was a wonderful time to catch up with our wonderful friends. Zach did not forget his betrothed and even now Zach talks about marrying Lauren. We are not brainwashing our boy, he is coming up with it on his own. We really miss the Oversons and were so lucky to see them!







We had a wonderful three weeks in Utah and I loved being with my family as well as see Timmy's family. But all good things must come to an end. It truly was a magical time and reminded me yet again the importance of family and friends and how precious they are!

It's the Holiday Season!

I am sorry I haven't posted for a long time. I have several good reasons. Here they are:

Timmy's birthday, I made him a soil cake and we went to Home Depot that day. I am so grateful for Timmy he is the best husband and dad anyone could ask for. I want to be just like him when I grow up!


Having Thanksgiving with the Johnson family in Missouri. We loved every minute of it. The boys were running around loving to be with the cousins. It was fun to see the Adams, Pauls and Daniels. Timmy was in heaven being with the brothers, and I love being with his family. I really lucked out in the in-laws department! Thank you for letting us come and giving us the time of our lives.



Potty training, I am now debating what is harder, sleep training or potty training...Zach as of this week has only had two accidents. During the Thanksgiving break he was wearing diapers, and loved it. During the Christmas break he was in his undies and didn't have any accidents. So overall I would say we are close to getting him potty trained. I don't dare say it, because last time I thought that he had accident after accident. So I am thinking positive thoughts!


Setting up Christmas, and I guess at this point, putting down Christmas. Both times, Zach loved it, and Grant loved eating the candy canes and playing with the ceramic figurines.


My next posting will be about the three week vacation of what I would like to refer as "A little piece of heaven!" I would actually have already posted about it but I haven't downloaded the pictures yet! Until next time! Adios