2015!

So one of my best friends messaged me and said Heidi I have been checking your blog for updates and haven't seen ANYTHING in FOREVER.  So for that I apologize. I left everyone hanging here!  Sorry!  

I have just decided my life is SO busy and crazy with 4 kids and I really just need to be present for these sweet (wild, crazy, exhausting) kids.  

So I have been posting pictures on INSTAGRAM (so follow me!) and those posts go to FB as well. So that's my updates.  I haven't decided yet if I am going to stop blogging completely but I know I am not going to be on here so much.  I don't know that anyone really follows here except a few people and since I do the kids update on Insta and so forth I will go there.

With all that being said the last time I blogged was when the kids ended school last YEAR.  Here they already are in a new home, new school, new grade and a new year! 

Ella is a beautiful lil gal, full of spunk, attitude and drama.  She is doing well in school. Is in dance, gymnastics (yes again), and soccer.  She loves to read and just finished the first Harry Potter book in about a week.  She is in 3rd grade and loves socializing with her friends.

Asher is still the comic relief of our family.  He is getting more temperamental in his old age (6 ha ha) but still makes us laugh a lot. He just started art classes with my dad (Boppy) and loves it!  He played soccer as well but didn't love it. I am hoping that may change as he gets bigger.

Tate is still the most gentle of my children (even with Emmett in the mix).  He is typically (not always) very sweet and loving. He loves being a big boy. So he loves going to nursery now at church. He loves playing with his little buddies (other 2, 3 and 4 year olds).  He loves to talk and everyone is amazing at how well he talks for a 2 year old!  He carries full conversations with adults and expects answers.  We keep talking about potty training but we have helped him with his "corkys" yet??

Emmett is the sweetest big head chunky baby EVER!  He seriously is so lovey and cuddles like crazy. It is SO SO sweet.  He is the best little baby although he is super duper wild already. He is determined and stubborn and ALWAYS gets into trouble (more than any of my kids).  Climbing stairs, pulling open drawers, eating baby wipes, toilet paper.... he is a rascal.  He head is the 99% but he is still is a cute, cute guy. People stop me everywhere to tell me how darn cute and happy he is!  

 So amongst our daily little trials and challenges we are SO happy and blessed. We love our new home, area, school and ward.  We are just enjoying life and learning as we go.

Time keeps on slippin'

How does this happen EVERY TIME!  Where does the time go SO quickly.  Schools out...

Summers upon us and moving swiftly along...

Our new little (or big) babies are growing...

REALLY fast...

We are squeezing in fun family events.

Daddy/Daughter Dates

 Like hiking THIS with 2 kids and no husband at Zion National Park...yep full panic mode! 

(do you see us??)

My kids drive me BONKERS!  Pretty much daily...

Each DAY is full of new adventures, bad and GOOD!

Horseback riding fun...although I'm pretty sure they loved the little goat even more than the riding.

And I just fall in love with my children all over again as they grow and love each other (most days)...

And I mean REALLY...

it's amazing how in 4 months you can fall madly and deeply in love all over again!

Moving On...new adventures

So I have been BEYOND busy I haven't had time to do much of anything (or at least that's what it feels like).  But I thought I better come on here to official announce:

WE ARE MOVING!

It has been a super interesting road getting here but we feel like we are going to where we are meant to be. And we have always felt like we were meant to be where we are now as well.

But as Ned got a new job (right when Emmett was born) we felt like things were up in the air regarding his job, possibility of moving, etc.  So we hung tight.  When he got offered another job (the one we orginally wanted in the first place, hoped and prayed for) we thought that was our path.  It was a interesting story and I wont go into all the little details here (they really arent that exciting, just interesting).  But we for sure felt like it was the answer to our prayers we were searching for, just not in the way we planned or expected. We felt like we were being told NO this isnt the path for your family, and that we were meant to move locations and keep the current job.  We found this video and it REALLY hit home for us and made an impact on our thoughts and feelings.

So despite mixed feelings and emotions about leaving, we DO feel like it is what is meant to be for our family.



I cant begin to even explain how much we will miss the little things that have taken place in our lives over the last 5 years of living here in Perris.  And making this house our home...

The friends we have made, who have help us, supported us, laughed with us, and cried with us (ok with me).

Our service and those who have served us in our local Ward and Stake that we have grown to love greatly!  We will miss them immensly and felt the most guilty about leaving our "little" ward but know the Lord has other plans for us and them.

We will miss Avalon, our little school.  The kids have loved their elementary school and are SO sad to be leaving, especially Ella. We had the best kinder teacher for both Ella and Asher and I will forever be indebted to her for starting out my childrens education in such a positive manner. We love you Mrs. Padilla!

Our carpool crew.

Walking to the Perris dam and along our community bike paths.

2 babies were born here.
Teeth lost.
Bunk beds and broken arms.
Happy moments had and tougher times too!

Although our kids wont remember much (much like our first HOME our apartment) I know Ned and I will always look back on our Perris house with fondness and laughter and memories that will fill our hearts with happiness.


With that being said our NEW adventure now begins in Fontana, CA.  We are up in the foothills of Fontana (near Rancho/Etiwanda area).  Above the 210 fwy and off the 15 fwy (those familiar with California freeways).  This will cut Ned's current commute to AppleValley significantly, it also puts our children in great schools, and in a beautiful home with an awesome large backyard (thrilled for mom's sanity) that the kids can play in all day.  We have heard our new ward has lots of young kids which we are excited for your kids to have lots of friends from church in their school classes and community.  (Ella is most nervous about meeting new friends).  The boys dont seem to care much at all.

So wish us luck or say a prayer...because here we come to make this house our new HOME.

Bobble Head Baby the Third

Since my chunky boy IS 3 months today I thought I better jump on a 2 months update.  We just went to the doctor this week and our chunky guy is 13 lbs and average for height and weight, however we do have another bobble head baby on our hands (the usual) his head is in the 95%.

Spring Has Sprung

We are always so busy having fun that I have had a hard time taking pictures and keeping up as often as I'd like. I post a lot to my instgram account.  But here's a few of my favorites with little Emmett getting in on some bow tie action for the Easter holiday.

Tate (2), Emmett (2 months), Asher (5), Ella (almost 8)

We had a lot of fun celebrating at various parties, but also spent time (no pictures) preparing spiritual!

Asher LOVING being a big brother...

Aleman cousins together at church for the last time (they are ditching us-moving)

announcing EMMETT GRIFFITH BROBERG

Baby boy is here!

Emmett Griffith Broberg

2-6-2014

8lbs 2ozs

21 1/4"

And actually ALREADY a month old by the time I am finally getting around to posting.  I will still post newborn photos, but thought I better at least get something down before it never happens, because anyone who has had a newborn knows that is just flies by.  And cuddles, feeding, burping are much more important right now.

The birth story: Well as most of you know I had a c-section (so its pretty routine and standard, as far as a c-section goes) but even though this was my 4th it was different from the others.

We checked in (long story short) the nurse hit a valve trying to get my IV in, it hurt.  The anesthesiologist was running late, so we waited forever (I was already feeling anxious and ready to get the show on the road), so all of these things made it worse. I sat watching my contractions on the monitor (yes I was having some, not painful at all)...Finally they pulled us back.

Ned wasn't allowed to stay with me while they prepped me and gave me my epidural (which I HATE).  I got all prepped in there, I loved my anesthesiologist but hated getting it.  For the first time ever I looked at the needles (sitting next to me on the table) knowing it would be my last time. And then got more nervous seeing those bad boys. I did it.

Then as quick as can be it all happened. They were announcing what they were doing (cutting into 2nd layer, or something disgusting) and I felt overwhelmed, I was trying to calm myself down, I couldn't talk to Ned, and I said a silent prayer for comfort. Right after I don't remember anything else except them pulling him out and saying "He has a cute BIG round head" the first thing they have said with all 3 of my boys!  He's still a boy and healthy... I remember them saying how much he weighed but I couldn't remember how much at t his point and then apparently I fell asleep.  So we don't know if it was an answer to my prayers or if the anesthesiologist saw my numbers (stress) and hooked me up with something "good", but regardless it was a nice answer to my prayers.  I woke up to Ned holding baby next to me and telling me that baby and I both fell asleep right after delivery.  I asked him how much he weighed remembering it was more than our other kids, but not remembering the number.  This was shocking to us because all our other babies were 7lbs and 19" long, so he was a big boy.  And I then remember saying to Ned "see I told you he was big in there"...lol He did great in the hospital, and was healthy and just slept and loved to be held, which I loved too.

I then came home and after 4 days of cuddles, calmness and relaxing in the hospital forgot how loud my other kids were...ha ha ha  It was an adjustment for me that first day with the noise and chaos...but now baby and I are accustom to the chaos...I think!

**Funny side note.. We went to a follow up Dr's appointment about a week later and laughed because it was our first time out as a family of 6!!  Sounded crazy, but we also realized that the chik-fil-a didn't have seating for a family of 6. So we had to send our 2 oldest to sit on their own...we had a good laughed over that crazy little fact.

One WEEK to go (39 weeks) and my Must have Registry Items....

One WEEK to go...

My Sister in-law Sarah and I comparing our baby bumps at the Grove

How far along: 39 Weeks (thought this day would never come)

Gender: Boy

Weight gain: Actually haven't gained anything the last month, but I'm still not saying...lol

Maternity clothes: I live in the same maternity jeans DAILY.  And my sister informed me I am allowed to wear yoga pants to get the kids at school, but NOT sweatpants. Apparently there is a significant different!

Stretch marks: Still NO, so yeah about that. I think I am good from here on out. I did get my scar gel ready for c-section though.

Belly button in or out: Out

Sleep: Very VERY fleeting. I am reminded that I don't sleep now, so I can appreciate the lack of sleep when baby comes.

Best moment this week: My friends Tasha and Brenna giving me their boys old clothing. Since we thought we were done, we gave away all our NB-12 months clothes. So it was SUCH a blessing and I am So grateful.

Worst moment this week: Sleep, sleep, and again the LACK of sleep.

Miss anything: Walking the kids to school without feeling utter pain everywhere.

Movement:  Lots of contractions which cause some serious tummy distortions which are funny.

Cravings: Candy, pizza, hamburgers, girls scout cookies, bread, pasta, steak...wait did I just say that aloud...

Queasy or sick:  Good, just uncomfortable from baby being in position for some time now.

Looking forward to: Baby boy just getting here and being done with this pregnancy and enjoying a little newborn in my arms.

My Must HAVE Registry items:

Mederma Scar Gel- Because I have c-sections (this will be my 4th) I have tried my hardest to minimize the scar and tissue. I have found and heard that this is one of the best out there.  So even if you don't have a c-section but have stretch marks, I'd recommend using this EVERYDAY (its hard to remember) but it will make a difference.

Boppy Pillow - Great for a million reasons, but most importantly for great positioning for breastfeeding from the very beginning. Then they transition to tummy time & a comfy little prop for baby later on. There are tons of cute covers now too.

Medela Pump in Style Advanced - This is the breast pump that I used (my sister in-law who is a nurse, and everyone I know recommends this one) & I can't say enough good things about it. Although I have a very difficult time breastfeeding and pumping...dread creeping in... the pump itself is fantastic. 

Lansinoh PRODUCTS (Lanolin, Soothing Pads, Nursing Pads) - Leaks, relief, and cracks...oh my!  This will HELP! 

Avent Bottles & Dr. Brown Bottles -  All of my kids have had issues with digestion, gas, milk, etc. NOT fun. So we found (after TONS of trials) that while in infancy (through about 6 months) that Dr. Brown's bottles are the BEST!  After they start on solids we use Avent just because they are convenient to clean, the babies can begin to hold them on their own easily.

Boon Lawn Drying Rack - I don't have it yet. I KNOW right?  But I want this and will be getting it soon.

Playtext Diaper Genie Elite- I know some people think this is disgusting. But really I HATE walking out to the outside trash can (it is an ordeal with a newborn and 3 other kids) so that means the poppy diaper is left by the door, in the garage, or elsewhere where it stinks or looks even more disgusting, so why not. We LOVE this one.  Especially for infants. Once they are older like my 2 year old you DO need to empty more often (smellier and larger) but still does it's job.

Ingenuity Cozy Coo Sway Seat (Coco Cafe)-  We just got this one for this baby. ALL of babies have been movers and shakers (need constant motion). So we have killed numerous swings, gliders through them all.  So this is one of the few things we decided to invest in for this baby.  It's not only like a swing but gives a gentle rocking motion.  It has 3 different positions to adjust to and plays nature sounds or gentle music as well. So here's to hoping this is the winner. Tate loved the glider like this when he was an infant and it was nice to take along on little vacations as well.

3 weeks to go! BABY countdown is on.

The countdown is ON. To say the least!  The tears are coming more frequently, the exhaustion is setting in, sleepless nights are HERE (to stay for a while too) and this baby cannot come soon enough...

Because I have had c-sections with all of my babies I know my date already, 3 weeks from TODAY, February 6th at 7:30am, IF I don't go into labor earlier (I feel like I just might, I was over 2 weeks early with Ella).

At this point I honestly would almost rather go into labor, I am not one of those that wants that bun in the oven for as long as possible and enjoys it. I kinda feel like an alien lives in me and sucks the life from every ounce of energy from my body (ha ha totally just thought of Twilight) but really how I feel sometimes. SUPER bad analogy but you get the point (yes I read those darn books a few years after all the hype, I had to know).

You would also think that with this being baby and c-section number 4 that it wouldn't be a big deal for me anymore, but oh contraire.  I am scared, nervous, anxious, and ALWAYS dread that darn needle down my spine and feeling the liquid shoot up my neck and down my spine (it's just not normal).

But this time around I think I am most anxious for what's around the corner AFTER baby comes. Having 4 little ones under 7 is a daunting thought.  2 in diapers.  1 not sleeping through the night (2 others that still wake up periodically from nightmares or what have you). Breastfeeding (not an easy task for moi).  Baby blues and not leaving the house.  And then my hubbie starting a new job just 2 weeks after a c-section surgery and all that madness above...YIKES!  I'm shuddering now just thinking about it all. I am a worrier, I know it, I hate it, but it is life.  So I am just trying to prepare and stay busy.  I have planned lots the next few weeks with girlfriends, family, and things to do in order to keep my mind off things and to be ready, but that is killing me with exhaustion at this point too!

So with all that said I am ready.  I am excited and I KNOW he will bring great joy to our home.  I am ready for this little MAN to join our family. I want him to get here and just get the show (crazy little show as it may be) on the road.

So let this countdown begin.

Still no belly picture, but I am in a picture (not by choice) with the family from last weekend...

THE UPDATE:

How far along: 37 weeks

Gender: still a little man

Weight gain: I cant go there, I don't feel like I can expand any more, and this is the highest I have gotten with any of my pregnancies (weight watchers here I come)

Maternity clothes: The same pair of Old Navy maternity pants everyday (the only thing that fits comfortably) and as minimal as possible everywhere else.

Stretch marks: Still no thank goodness

Belly button in or out: Out without a doubt

Sleep: Not so good.  A few bad days throws me off completely and bathroom breaks at LEAST every 3 hours.

Best moment this week: Getting some of the baby stuff washed and setting up his bassinet.  Feeling more real.

Worst moment this week: Emotions and hormones are on a rage this week. It's been one for the record books.  Trying to stay busy.

Miss anything: If I am being honest, just standing up (from a sitting position) without effort. Painting my own toenails.

Movement: Not as much rolling, more sharp kicks.

Cravings: Anything edible, but really!

Queasy or sick: Not bad. Think nauseous from the lack of sleep.

Looking forward to: Getting through to next week. Ned will be off work (before his new job).  Getting baby stuff done.  Starting my pre-op appointments, then having this baby BOY!

more Christmas shenanigans

Christmas performances

Naps in the car

seeing my favorite people together more often

Celebrations with family and cousins (Todd's Christmas Eve, Broberg's Christmas Day)

Silly faces, waiting to open presents.

Messes EVERYWHERE

Santa gifts (puppet show performances)

Grumpy faces when costumes arrive WAY to late to be worn for parties

Super suprized faces when girly girls get girly things (high heels)

Seasonal germs calling for lazy pj days

Celebrating Christmas presents...out to eat with super silly kids

enjoying performances like STOMP down in LA...pre-show looking thrilled, right?!

How my shopping trips ALWAYS end up when I bring these rascals along.  The looks I get....

Knott's Berry Farm FUN with Broberg/Woolley families and my parents the day after Christmas. FUN tradition

Just for humor, Todd kid flashback to the Ontario days. Can you tell (by our faces) who probably orchestrated and was loving this scene...yes that would be me with April's orangy.