Welcome Gabriel Joseph Zau-Ming Solverson

Gab was delivered via c-section on Aug. 29th at 10:09am weighing in at 7 lbs and 9 ounces. 20 1.2 inches. He is by far the smallest of all my babies,but taller than Jed. The c-section was an ordeal itself. When I checked in that morning, I was hoping for a nice uncomplicated delivery, but when the attending doctor came in and was told about my previous c-sections and history of scar tissues, he basically asked me if I wanted to get my tubes tied and warned me that the delivery can be very complicated going in to the same area and cutting through old scar tissues. They even took precaution of placing a second IV fearing of needing to intubate me. I'm not your typical freak out girl, it takes a lot to get me nervous. I was nervous. I hated the idea of being under and have no control and with every epidural that I've had I had a hard time with breathing because of the sedation to your lungs and diaphram. I even asked for some nerve pill but due to potential side effects on the baby, they said I couldn't have any until after the baby was born. I was given both a spinal and epidural in case the surgery took longer than expected. Dan came in while Maureen waiting outside.

During the surgery, I couldn't even talk to Dan because I had to make sure I don't freak out when I am feeling short of breath, I kept asking my CRNA my oxygen saturation and tell myself, I am OKAY. I asked Dan to refrain from talking to me so that I can focus on praying and singing "Jesus loves me" so I don't get anxious. Throughout the surgery, I can hear the attending saying "well, I guess we'll just have to work out way through all these scar tissue" It took them about 2 hours to complete the surgery. Once the baby was out, I felt my anxiety lifted and was finally able to talk to Dan and calm down. But, the surgery was far from over, they had some concern about my abd muscles being too spread apart and concern for future herniation. They had to consult general surgery for possible repair. Surgery was at another call so couldn't come, so here I am lying on the table hearing my third baby cry and couldn't even hold him or nurse him. Dan had to take him out of the OR and get him a bottle he was so hungry! Finally, the doctors were able to get everything "back" in place. I was really out of it the rest of the day. I felt so bad that I barely had enough strength to even hold my new born. That was when I just broke down. But, by the grace of God I was slowly getting better ( not as fast as I would like).

I am about 10 days out...my belly actually swelled up a bit after delivery, but things are finally calming down and I actually feel like I am better. Gab is a wonderful baby waking up about twice a night...really no complaints their. Our two older boys are loving being the older brothers...

in the midst of all, we are also packing for Germany in two weeks. The movers has been here for two days now, and the reality of moving overseas is beginning to come true for me. I am so excited for the new adventure!

Where did the summer go?

This is probably the longest and hardest summer for us. As we are about to embark on our journey to Germany, between Dan's officer training course to my work, the baby, and the kids we are literally all in three different states. Dan and I made a decision to send the kids home to Chicago for the summer. Aside from our schedules, we know that this summer maybe a while before they'll get to see their extended family. Its been almost 4 weeks since they have been there on their own. I miss them so much and can't wait till they get home soon! Isaac is becoming the big brother and Jed is becoming more talkative and even started talking in 2-3 word sentences. They are having fun with both sides of the family and the best is that they are getting to know their aunts, uncles, and baby Joshua.

Dan is doing officer basic training down in San Antonio. I just visited him with my last weekend of being able to fly. We were able to hang out even went to a water park and relived our good old days. I can't believe that we've been married for 6 years now and I still can't sleep without him. When I got there, I slept over 10 hours the first night, the first since he left.

As for me, I am on my final stretch. I have my c-section in 4 weeks. This baby is a squirmer. I'm at the point where I feel constant pelvic pressure and i know I am showing a lot lower than my other two because I'm not as short of breath as i am with the other two. Work was great, I had a great time working for the military as a contractor. I love my job, but all in all i'm ready for this summer to be over with and my family coming home and finally get our move to Germany going.

If you ever think of us...pray

for safe travel as the kids, Steve, and Dan travels home
safe delivery of baby Gabe
smooth transition of our move to Germany
that our condo can be rented out
God would prepare a fellowship for us there

Life....

Life has been busy but definitely fun with the kids these days..Jed is finally talking up a storm and voicing his likes and dislikes..and Isaac is finally embracing the joy of being an older brother. He suddenly grew up and such a great help in helping me get stuff for Jed or just playing with Jed. He is very good about sharing and always considerate of his brother. As for number 3, I am on my 29th week..I am feeling good other than tired by the end of the day. I still try to swim as much as I can. The baby is starting to kick quite a bit and I think I'm feeling more uncomfortable earlier than my other two. Sometimes, I can't believe we are on our third child, but like Isaac said "we are a happy family." Dan is great about helping out and being there for all of us...so, in the words of my friend, "I am spoiled":)

The following are some photos of my parents visiting and Heather and Mike in Seattle. It was great visiting and seeing familiar faces.

Graduations

Wow, its been awhile since we posted...life here is crazy busy! We celebrated Big Isaac's high school graduation and in four days celebrated Dan's residency graduation.I can't believe how fast time has passed. When we first got to Tacoma, Isaac was just graduating 8th grade and now 4 years later..we are having three kids and moving on to another chapter of our lives. I don't know if I felt the relief that he is now a staff or an attending, I'm just glad the "schooling: part of residency is over! Now, its going to be a busy summer with officer training, baby #3, and moving to Germany all within the next three months. We are excited for the move and want people to come visit!

Disneyland!

Honestly, we were a bit afraid taking a long vacation by ourselves without, but it turned out great and very relaxing. Disneyland was so fun watching the kids enjoy the "happiest place on earth" haha. I think Dan and I have more fun watching Isaac and Jeds expression than anything else and to be able to sharing that excitement with them was priceless!

School photos

Are my boys growing up?

So, 24 hours after we find out we are having another baby boy...and we shared with our two boys, Isaac was some-what excited, but said, "but we already have a Jed." and Jed didn't even listen. Today, it seemed like they suddenly grew up overnight.

This morning Dan was gone early taking his boards..and I had the fun with taking both boys to swim class. Isaac's was at 9 and Jed was at 11 therefore, I was at the Y all day long!

At breakfast, Jed, the I-want-to-do-everything-myself, fed himself his cereal with milk and then proceeded with apple sauce while I cleaned up the kitchen a bit. This is one of the few times that Jed is using a spoon and really feeding himself. I was so excited I walked over to find him with applesauce all over his head telling me he is all done. I literally had to rinse him off in the bathtub and then took him to the Y with bits of applesauce in his hair, but through it all, he was very proud of himself...

Isaac is my big boy now..After his swim class usually we go home and Dan would take Jed, but since I'm on my own today, I gave him the option of watching Jed swim or go to the nursery. He decided he wanted to watch Jed swim and understood that he'll have to sit by the pool and watch Jed and I in the pool. And for those 30 min, Isaac really behaved, he didn't cry, didn't whine, he just sat there waved at us and waited. While I was showering and get Jed cleaned up, he got me the soap and towel and was the biggest helper. He even knew to go to the drying machine to dry our swim suites. I couldn't believe it. He is going to be a great help with # 3!

Easter

We spend Easter morning going through Easter basket and reading the book about Easter and Jesus' resurrection. After church we headed over to the Weissman's house for brunch. Last year, Joy and I celebrated as solo parents with Steve as Chris was deployed and Dan was gone on conference. I had a baby and Isaac, and she had Hannah. This year, we have everyone there and an new addition, Grace. It was great seeing them. The kids had an indoor egg hunt as the northwest was blessed with rain showers!

#3 BOY!

This is the twenty weeks ultrasound everyone (including me) has been waiting for. I am proud to say that I will be a mother of 3 boys. Baby is measuring right on target about 10 oz. Honestly, part of me was hoping for a girl, even on my way to my ultrasound, I kept thinking to myself what could it be. As I disappointed? Honestly, No. I thought I was going to be, but I am not. I talked my friend Selin right before the ultrasound, the truth is, kids are God's miracle and I'll take all the blessing He is bestowing on us. It was neat to see the baby and hear the heart beat. You would think after two kids these thing would get boring, but each time I hear them or see them on ultrasound, I get so excited and can't wait to hold those tiny hands and body and cuddle. Now the hard part is to think of boys names...

I am posting some ultrasound pictures..one with him having his hand on his chin, the other is with him proclaiming himself and letting everyone know he is a boy, and lastly is his profile and I think he looks like Jed! Then there is me at 20 weeks. I actually feel pretty good other than the occasional heartburn.

19 weeks and counting

I am at 19 weeks and finally feeling great. The nausea and vomiting has finally subsided, although I still get occasional vomiting session where Isaac would stand by my side "helping me" while I puke. I'm starting to feel the baby a little bit more...I can wait till I can feel those kicks and hiccups. This time around I am finding myself having a harder time sleeping and heart burn. I am already waking up twice a night to go pee and can't find a position comfortable enough to sleep in. As for heart burn, anything I eat I pay for it...it doesn't matter what kind it is. I wish I had a craving so I can eat and feel that satisfaction..oh, do I love food! I started exercising again, which really helps me feel so much better! I wish I could run, but every time I do, I get so winded, I guess we'll just put that off till after the baby comes...

I will need to get some preggo pictures, but with #3 coming along, I've been dying to cut my hair and I love it! I am more comfortable with two kids and definitely looking forward to three. I know people are asking, do you want a girl? honestly? I don't know. I can't imagine having a girl because I have two boys. And even if I do have three boys, I would imagine I would just yell louder than before:) We'll find out soon...

We for us its looking like we may be going to Germany, but no official word yet. I'm thankful for the experiences to come. I had a hard time for awhile of not knowing and honestly we still don't know where we are going yet, but I'm excited for what's to come. The cool thing about it all is that I have my family to share with as cheesy as it sounds. Being away from home has really made our family stronger..anyways, before I cheese myself out...laters

Isaac and Jed

Isaac and Jed are growing up so fast, I can't catch up sometimes. Isaac is really talking and reasoning with us more and more. Isaac really loves animals and reading. oh, and singing in the car is a must no matter where we go. Jed just started talking probably about a month ago. When Isaac was his age, he was already singing. Jed is more developed at this age with his motor skills. He is quite but deadly. Whenever we turn around, we find him either climbed up on our dining room table or hiding on the second shelf of the toy chest. He loves dancing to music, but more importantly run after Isaac and copying whatever he is doing. This kid also have a love for sweets, where Isaac prefers salty foods. Its amazing watching them two learning to play together and learning to love one another.

Wedding

Our most recent wedding in awhile. It's kinda nice to be dressed up and go out on a night of fun and catching up with friends. Tram came in from DC and Nimae came in with her pregnant belly. Isaac and Jed dominated the dance floor all night long. Jed danced so hard he had one of the little girls ended up with a bloody nose. Isaac danced so hard, he riped his pants with all of his crouch showing. It was a great time!