I was so excited when Cameron was born to see that we got another one with a head full of hair. :) James and I had both been excited to see what our boy would look like and what similarities he would have with Kennedy. Here's a picture of both just shortly after being born....they look pretty similar.....both adorable and hairy. :)


Kennedy has been such a fabulous big sister. From the very beginning she has been nothing but sweet and gentle with her little brother. She asks, "Cameron, hold it?" when she wants to hold him. She loves pushing him in his swing, giving him hugs & kisses and sharing her toys with him. The transition to two children has been fairly smooth thanks to her sweet nature. Here's video from the first time they met.

I must make a correction to our previous birth announcement. Apparently my babes are extra wiggly OR I seem to have a knack for getting delivery nurses who are 'measuring tape challenged' because we're 2 for 2 on incorrect birth lengths. When Kennedy was born our nurse told us she was 19 1/2 inches, but at her two week appointment I watched the nurse measure her twice - both accurate and both 21 inches. Possible that a newborn can grow an inch and a half in two weeks? I think not. So we like to say she was 20 1/2 inches at birth. This time around when the nurse measured Cameron and told me 19 inches I asked her to humor me and measure again. :) She did and said, "Well, maybe 19 1/2." Too bad, I thought. Looks like our boy's going to be a shortie compared to his gigantically tall sister (who has been above the 95 percentile for height since birth). Then just a few days later in the NICU, James and I watched as a nurse took down all his vitals and logistics. We watched her measure, again twice and again both accurate and guess what? He was just a hair shy of 21 inches. Go figure. :)

We're done, officially officially. Cameron brought his score down from yesterday to today without any light treatment so the good docs say we are done for ever. Hallelujah! Other fabulous news: Kennedy asked Nana to use the potty today and actually performed! WOW! She had peed in the potty for the first time two nights ago but that was after much prodding from the parentals. Today she ASKED! I praised her up and down and up and down and then some more. Hopefully she keeps this trend going. What a beautiful day at the Evans home. Hope yours is filled with such joy this Thanksgiving Holiday. We love you all tremendously.

Well, I suppose I haven't learned enough patience throughout this whole experience......cause it aint over. Just when I thought we were done, Cameron's score jumped up again and he had to go back under the lights this afternoon. I won't lie. I'm heartbroken, disappointed, frustrated, discouraged. Why has this been such a long ordeal you may ask? Don't lots of infants suffer from jaundice? The answer is yes, many newborns suffer from mild to moderate jaundice. The difference with Cameron is that his jaundice is merely a symptom of a bigger 'disease'. He has a form of hemolytic disease, referred to as ABO incompatibility or Coombs positive by all his doctors and nurses. To put it simply, I have O+ blood type and Cameron has A+. When our blood came in contact during pregnancy my blood started making antibodies against his blood. These antibodies attack his red blood cells and 'kill' them. Once he was born and my liver was no longer disposing of his broken down red blood cells, he was left with an excessive amount of expired red blood cells to dispose of himself. With an underdeveloped liver it is too much for his little body to handle. Bilirubin is the yellow breakdown product of the expired red blood cells. When your body is unable to dispose of the broken down cells, the bilirubin piles up and stores in the fatty tissues, causing the yellowish color in jaundice. The concern is when the bili level gets so high that the possibility of it entering the brain and causing permanent damage (kernicterus) is high. That is why they acted so fast with Cameron in the hospital. Many nurses told me his was the highest score they had ever seen. (Thankfully this was days after he was admitted to the NICU, after his scores had come down, so I could respond rationally.) When I initially asked the doctors how long he would need to be under the lights they told me that it all depended on how long my antibodies lasted. Apparently they're still running rampant in his body, attacking his red blood cells. My poor little boy. Wish I could just tell those stupid antibodies of mine to die off already. When that will be no one knows. Thanksgiving would sure be nice.

Today the doctor said Cameron would no longer need phototherapy treatment. Hallelujah! I can hold my child whenever I want. At 11 days old, our precious boy is finally free. And it feels so good. Thank you thank you for being there for us on this journey.

Our sweet baby boy is home! I am still so humbled that so many of you have been praying for little Cameron. I have always had a testimony of the power in fasting, but today I gained a deeper appreciation. There is power in prayer; in fasting; and there is great power in numbers when people unite for a common cause. Humbly I express my deep gratitude that we were the focus of such prayers yesterday. Prior to the fast Cameron's numbers were still in the 'High Risk Zone'. This morning his number was in the 'Low Risk Zone'. This may not mean much to you without seeing the chart but there are two zones in the middle which he managed to blaze through to reach his low number this morning. I almost had to pinch myself when the doctor told me he could come home. His progress was nothing short of a miracle......and I have so many of you to thank for it. He is still on light therapy, but he's home and we couldn't be happier. Thank you for the very important role you have played in bringing about this tender mercy from the Lord. We love you.

I'm not sure if James was purposefully trying to keep this a secret from me or not but I was just informed of the fast that he organized for Cameron tomorrow that many of you are taking part in. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I cannot express in words how much it means to me that you would make that sacrifice and exercise your faith on behalf of my son. I wish I could give each and every one of you a big thank you hug. I feel so honored to be surrounded by such wonderful and giving people. Thank you Thank you.

Our little man sure is fighting hard. His bilirubin levels have been gradually coming down the past two days. It's slow and steady, but the numbers are moving in the right direction so we are thrilled. They have lowered enough that he is no longer in the 'critical' zone but now in the 'high risk' zone. He remains in the NICU with his IV and constant monitoring although they are now letting me hold him while he eats......Hallelujah! The last doctor said he thought Cameron would be here another 5-7 days. I'm still hopeful that it won't need to be that long. Gratefully the days seem to be passing quickly for me. The nurses and staff here have been phenomenal. Everyone down to the janitors have been so wonderfully friendly and helpful. It has helped a lot since I am here most of the day alone. Cameron has had the same fabulous nurse during the day for the past 3 days. It's been nice to develop a relationship with her. It's no fun having a brand new nurse to get to know every 12 hours. I'm sorry if you've emailed or called and I haven't responded. If I'm not pumping or trying to catch up on sleep, I'm in with Cameron. Please know that we really appreciate your concern, thoughts and prayers.

Early this morning Cameron was admitted to the NICU with critically high levels of Bilirubin. There was talk of a possible blood transfusion. He was put under phototherapy lights and hooked up with lots of wires to monitor his vital signs. He was given an IV to pump fluids into his body to help flush out his system. And there he has remained.

I am grateful. I am grateful that I had all of yesterday to hold, cuddle, love and nurse him since we are not allowed to do so now. I am grateful that his initial bilirubin level came down just enough late this morning that there is no more talk of a blood transfusion. I am grateful for wonderful doctors and nurses attending to my son's needs. I am grateful to live in this land and at this time where we have the knowledge and resources to treat this and other medical conditions. I am grateful that otherwise my baby boy is strong and healthy. I am grateful for the invention of breast pumps enabling me to continue feeding my baby my 'own product' and to keep my body producing. I am grateful for the option available to 'board in' at the hospital so I can be close to my son. I am grateful for a wonderful mother who is taking care of my high energy little Kennedy. I am grateful for a supportive, righteous husband who exercises his priesthood to bless our family. I am so grateful.

I tell you this not so you'll worry. It's not a matter of IF he'll be okay, but rather WHEN. I just want to make sure we're keeping those closest to us informed. Wish I could upload more pictures of our little man. This prehistoric laptop can only handle so much. He's already making lasting impressions with all the nurses here. It's cause he looks like his handsome daddy. :)

Little Cameron arrived today! He was born at 7:31pm weighing 7 lbs 12 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. We are all doing just perfectly - Life couldn't be better. :)

We woke up to snow on Wednesday. Guess what the high was for the day? 38 degrees!! Boo hoo. I am reluctantly trying to accept the fact that our 5 months of dreadful winter weather has begun. Also a little disappointed that both malls have 'temporarily' removed their play areas for kids.......anyone know of some indoor playgrounds? I fear Kennedy and I will both be ready to pull our hair out by January. Either that or we'll have the entire Living Scriptures library memorized. :) The sight of snow didn't stop Kennedy's enthusiasm, who immediately asked to go to the park upon finishing breakfast. I replied, "I don't know honey, it's really cold outside." She then ran to her room and came back wearing her solution to the problem. Poor girl has no idea what's in store for us.
James, feel free to sweep me off my feet to a warmer climate at any time.

Today is your extremely 'arbitrary' due date. I shouldn't be surprised that you've delayed your arrival. After all, your big sister had to be 'forced' out two weeks past her due date. However I feel inclined to tell you that you're free to come out now -- actually, as soon as possible would be wonderful. :) My clothes haven't fit for a few weeks now. There's definitely no more room for you to grow inside this belly of mine. As of today I'm going on strike from mopping one more inch of my floor, bending over the tub to wash Kennedy one more time, dusting another square inch of my house, etc. while pregnant. So please, come join us soon. We are very anxious to meet you. Are you a little timid because you're afraid of this little girl?

This little monkey has ants in her pants just like her mother as a child. Here she is reading to herself. She is getting better and better at self-entertaining, especially when it involves reading books to herself or her baby. Yet I still barely manage to get anything done because I just love watching this little creature. :)

Today we pulled into the Walmart parking lot and as soon as Kennedy saw where we were she yelled out "No!". My sentiments exactly dear. (Which is a discussion for another time.) :)

She seems to have a new favorite food every few weeks recently. And when I say favorite food, I mean it's a passionate obsession with her. But once she's had enough, there's no luke warm feelings to speak of....she goes completely cold turkey. A few past obsessions that she refuses to even touch now include string cheese, grapes and pears. Recently she decided she's not a lover of crust. She eats her sandwiches from the inside out and carefully piles all the crust in her designated "discard pile".

Tonight when I was putting Kennedy down we read "I'm a Big Sister" which has become a frequent around here as we try to explain the whole baby brother idea. When we finished the book she looked at me, said "bebe Jeses", and lifted up my shirt to see my tummy. Could she finally be understanding? She rubbed my oversized belly for a minute and then said "all done" and pulled my shirt back down. Progress! Now we just need to work on tweaking her notion that it's 'bebe Jeses.' :)

So since I'm a. Lazy, b. Boring, and c. Still hoping to be recovering with our new little addition by next Friday, we probably won't be doing anything spectacular for Halloween. Taping three dots to my prego belly and tying a ribbon around James' neck just takes too much effort to reproduce. :) Here we are at our Ward Halloween Party last night. We're all about no cost, no effort costumes at our house (as you may recall from last year). :) Incase you can't tell, we're a bowling ball and pin. Pretty clever right? Props to Markie for the idea.

To potty train my child?!? :) This afternoon's conversation pretty much sums up our progress perfectly:

Kennedy red in the face and making obvious grunting noises.
Mommy: Kennedy do you need to go poopoo?
No response.....
Mommy: Kennedy are you going poopoo?
Kennedy: No!
Mommy: I think you are...
Kennedy: (defiantly) Stop!
As she then stomps off.

If I could just transfer her enthusiasm from the box to the actual potty. :)

Mommy: Kennedy what's the name of the baby in Mommy's tummy?
Kennedy: Jeses, bebe Jeses

We had a fabulous time today at Thanksgiving Point's "Barnyard Boo". This 'carnival like' attraction is catered towards little tykes. They have all sorts of activities from pony rides to digging for bones. Not only did we love the quality time with daddy, we also enjoyed the company of our friends the Wernli's. Kennedy was in heaven looking at all the animals and running from activity to activity. Best part is, she was so tuckered out afterward that she took the longest nap she's taken in probably a month. Yeah for me! Wish we could experience this much excitement every day before nap time. :)

Kennedy is starting to show definite desires to dress herself. Hopefully her taste begins to evolve & mature or she may end up looking like a homeless child on a daily basis. :) Here's a couple of her latest documented fashion preferences:

Yeah for the beautiful weather we've been experiencing recently. It sure makes for more fun with little ones. We've enjoyed going to the park...

I was so excited to get Kennedy from her crib this morning. I was feeling re-energized after my entirely childless day yesterday celebrating our anniversary. Well, my excitement came to a screeching halt when upon opening her door I find her sitting in a pile of her crap, literally. Handful by handful she had pulled everything out of her diaper and it was now strewn all over her crib, pajamas and a few choice toys. 'That's not what I think it is' as I turn on the bright overhead light. Yup, it is. Why Kennedy, why?? And so my fun morning begins. :) After a long sanitizing session in the tub, she is finally clean, fed and presently glued to Sesame Street. So, if you will now please excuse me to my daughter's quarantined room. I have an 'exciting' hour ahead of me. Hope you all have a splendid, less eventful morning. :)