Beckett Cole Petersen

On November 21, 2012, our lives for forever changed for the better. We welcomed our third child into our world. Beckett Cole Petersen was born at Northwest Medical Center, in Bentonville, AR. He weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 21 inches long. My labor was long (close to 12 hours after I was induced), but when he was ready to come, the pushing was very quick (1 push!)

I wound up staying in the hospital for 2 nights, so that they could keep an eye on Beckett after his "little boy" procedure. While I don't care for staying in the hospital, it was nice to have 2 days where all I absolutley had to do was lay in bed and snuggle my sweet new baby.

Brody and Peyton were instantly in love with their new brother. They love him so much, and spend a lot of time cuddling him, and kissing on him.

Thanksgiving, Day 8

Today, I am thankful for my wonderful sister in law Tashya! I could not ask for a better sister in law! She is always willing to drop anything to help Nick and I with the kids, and she is very actively involved in their lives. I am grateful for the joy that she brings to our lives, and grateful that we have the opportunity to live close enough that she can be a big part of our lives and the kids' lives. So, thank you Tashya for being so wonderful! We love you!

Thanksgiving, Day 7

Today, I am thankful for my "extended family" that I have gained this year. So grateful for Angie, Russell, and their girls for taking us in and accepting us as family. Thankful to have Angie as a best friend, and a "sister" that I can call (or text) anytime day or night. Someone I can share my fatty treats with, drink frozen cocoas with, watch movies with, and just hang out when we are both husbandless. I'm thankful for all that Angie did for me when I was at my lowest after my miscarriage, and for supporting me every step of the way with this pregnancy (and dealing with me when I was hormonal and crazy). I am thankful that they are willing to offer their home as shelter from bad weather when it comes around. I am thankful for Angie keeping me on the right track when I need it most. I'm thankful for their sweet girls, Katie and Emily and how they are so good to my kids. I am thankful for Amanda, who from afar, has become like a little sister to me. So, thank you, Chase's, for being so great to us! Love you guys!

Thanksgiving, Day 6

Today, I am thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have been a baptized member of the church for 6 and a half years now, and am so grateful for the happiness the Church has brought into my life. I don't know what I would do without the truth and knowledge that I have gained over the last 6 years. I'm grateful to be worthy to attend the temple, and to be sealed to my sweet husband and kids for time and all eternity. I'm grateful to be able to attend sacrament meeting each week and renew my baptisimal covenants. I'm thankful to serve in the Young Women, with amazing leaders, and fantastic girls. I can't express enough how grateful I am to have the Gospel in my life.

To learn more about my church and what I believe, go to www.mormon.org

Thanksgiving, Day 5

Today, I am thankful for my extended family that is close by. My Nana, Uncle Bill, Aunt Emily and Uncle Ben. Like my parents, they are all willing to help with the kids, and anything else we need at the drop of a hat. The kids love going to their houses and playing! We have so much fun at the lake with Nana and Uncle Bill, and love going to Em and Ben's and eating yummy food and sitting down and talking. Nick and I are so blessed to have such a great extended family close by.

Thanksgiving, Day 4

Today, I am thankful for my parents. All of them. I am grateful to have a supportive mother, who I talk to every day. I am thankful for Facetime, so I can see her more frequently and the kids can talk to her and Steve. They are great grandparents to the kids.

I'm also thankful my dad and June. We had such a fun visit with them this year. It was so nice to catch up and get to visit with them in September. We are hoping to fly to North Carolina this year to see their new house and show the kids the East coast.

I am thankful for my inlaws who help us so much. They never hesitate to drop everything and watch the kids, or pick the kids up from wherever they are at at the moment. It is so nice to have family close by.

So, thank you, parents! Love you all!

Thanksgiving, Day 3

Today, I am thankful for my children...all 4 of them!

I say 4, because I believe that families are forever, and that I will someday get the opportunity to raise the sweet little baby that we lost last October, in Heaven.

The 2 children I have in my life right now are amazing blessings to me, each day. Brody is the smartest, funniest, sweetest little mama's boy I've ever met. He is my best little buddy. Peyton is hilarious, spunky, and a great cuddle bug.

We are thrilled about welcoming Beckett to our family in the next 2 weeks. I look forward to getting to know him, and finding out what he will bring to our family.

We are so grateful to have these children. They keep me grounded, and focused on the important things in life. There is never a dull moment in our house with Brody and Peyton around. Nick and I are either pulling our hair out from their craziness, or laughing our heads off from their silliness.

Love you, kiddos!