BECK EZRA SMITH

June 22nd we welcomed little Beck into the world and into our family. He is beautiful. We feel so lucky. On more than one occasion we were told that life would turn upside down once he arrived and it has, but in the best way possible.

Labor and delivery went smooth. I started having contractions around 2:30am but they were still fairly far apart so I decided to wait to wake Justin until they were closer together. Around 4:30 am the contractions became closer coming every 5-7 minutes. I decided to wake Justin and get ready to head out. We finished packing up our bags, Got dressed and straightened up (I even made our bed) and waited for the contractions to come less than five minutes apart and then headed to the hospital. We checked in around 7:30am feeling excited and a little anxious. I was dilated to a 4 1/2 so they told me I was staying! Because I had already been in five weeks earlier with bad contractions I was a little nervous but felt as ready as I could possibly be. Justin was so cute after the nurse left looking at me, holding my hand, smiling and said, "we're having a baby today".

I thought the experience would be intense but it went incredibly smooth. Shortly after my doctor arrived, he broke my water and I got the epidural. I felt good. My family came in around lunch time and with lunch not knowing I was only allowed ice chips... torture! I was nervous it would drive me nuts having so many people in the room but it was actually very nice. My dad kept playing songs on his phone and the girls would sing and dance around making me laugh and keeping me awake and distracted. I'm seriously so glad they were there. Even Justin who is still getting used to the crazy Clark clan said it was fun having them there.

Finally around 3pm I got the clear to start pushing. Justin was so encouraging and sweet through the whole thing. My sisters took turns fanning my face and keeping me laughing in between contractions and my sweet dad (who wasn't going to stay but did after I told him I was cool with it) stood at my shoulders so as not to see anything embarrassing and video taped from an appropriate angle which I'm so glad I have. After almost two hours, at 4:52, Beck finally arrived with his arms stretched out and crying. I can't describe the feeling I had seeing him for the first time. I couldn't believe this baby boy is what what growing inside me for nine months! I couldn't stop crying. It was so amazing looking at this new little face for the first time as they handed him to me. He seemed so perfect. He is:)



We loved having family and friends visit us in the hospital and at home. Thanks to those who brought us food and have helped me as I've adjusted to life as a new mom. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. Thanks to my mom for staying with me for three whole weeks after Beck was born! I don't know if I would have survived alone after Justin went back to work!

I'm so grateful for this new little blessing and for my incredible husband. Justin was so wonderful through my pregnancy and was my rock through the birth. I love you!

Grandpa Clark

Only a couple of weeks ago my grandpa was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and on June 8th he passed away. Today is his funeral in St. George, UT but because I'm 9 months pregnant, my doctor (who is actually my grandpa's brother) advised me not to make the trip. He will however be buried in Salt Lake City tomorrow so Justin and I will be able to at least be there for that.

I don't have the kind of memories I'm sure most people have of their grandpas but mine are special in their own way. My grandpa wasn't the type to hide candy in his pockets or smother with hugs and kisses but was a true example, always teaching something. He was a do-er. Always moving. Even when visiting my home growing up he was the first one awake every morning and usually outside as the sun was coming up, pruning trees or pulling weeds. instead of telling jokes at the dinner table he would quiz us on capitols of the world or tell us where our names originated from. He was very interested in our accomplishments and would often send us articles from the ensign or a newspaper about something important that reminded him of one of us or an article to "hint" at a way to better ourselves. He sometimes "red penned" letters we sent him to correct grammatical errors or misspelled words. Although it sounds annoying I think we all appreciated the time he took to teach us. My grandpa was a doctor, a neurosurgeon, and spent quite a bit of time over seas after his retirement helping to organize hospitals and perform surgeries. My sisters Oakley and Summer were able to accompany him on one trip to Ethiopia and see him in action. My grandpa was extremely healthy his whole life. I can remember hiking Mount Timpanogos, a two day hike, with him and some cousins when I was younger. He loved being outside. He started running marathons in his sixties! He only outlived his dad by barely a year which was a shock to us all. His dad lived just shy of his 109th birthday. The saddest part of grandpa's death was that I think he thought he had years left and the cancer took him incredibly fast. I wasn't with him through the last days of his life but from what I understand, he was happy and even though in pain, an incredibly good sport. We will all miss him deeply.

Grandpa we love you and can't wait to see you again someday.

Below I've included his obituary;

John Russell Clark of St. George, Utah, passed away on June 8, 2010, of pancreatic cancer. An avid marathon runner since the age of 61, John was known to many as a very health-conscious physician. When his own father passed away nine months ago at nearly 109 years of age, many agreed that John would be another centenarian and possibly even outlive Russell B. Clark. "Clarks don't get cancer," he had told his family in recent years, having conducted a study of his genealogy in 1981 which revealed that his progenitors had mostly died of old age, strokes, and bicycle or car accidents.

John was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 19, 1933, to Russell B. and Ruby Dorius Clark. John learned the meaning of "work" at an early age, spending his summers on the family farm in Georgetown, Idaho. His early interest in medicine was encouraged while working alongside his father, a well-established physician in Chicago. The family moved to southern California during John's high school years. He later attended Stanford University where he met his wife, Antoinette Evans. They were married April 18, 1957 in the Salt Lake Temple, then moved to Philadelphia so he could complete his studies at Hahnemann Medical School in 1959. Their six children were born in Philadelphia, Hawaii, Salt Lake City, and Long Beach before John set up his neurosurgical practice in Chico, California, in 1969. The family remained in Chico for 25 years, where John's professional and community service included the Boy Scouts of America, the Butte-Glenn County Medical Society, and the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, among others. Politically active in the community, John spear-headed numerous fundraisers and campaigns from their vibrant home, and an open-door policy brought in many foster children over the years.

John had obtained his pilot's license and enjoyed flying with his family, as well as water-skiing, snow-skiing, and mountain-climbing. More than reaching the top himself, John's greatest thrill was to tow others using a rope tied around his waist. He often told his grandchildren, "Someday you will do the same for me."

In 1991, John was called into active military duty during Desert Storm, and his service in Dubai and Kuwait meant leaving his thriving medical practice in Chico. Upon his return, John and Antoinette began their transition to Utah, but retirement brought no slowing of his pace. At age 61, he began running two marathons each year, totaling 24 marathons by his final age of 76.

John was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of his life, serving in various capacities. Favorite callings included scoutmaster and bishop. He loved to meet new people, always showing his interest in others. He often championed the underdog, quietly doing good and building the lives of others. After retirement, John regularly traveled to Ethiopia as a volunteer humanitarian doctor, treating patients and training medical students at the University of Addis Ababa and the Black Lion Hospital. He has also served medical missions in Guatemala, Singapore, Tanzania, China and Bulgaria.

He is survived by his wife, Antoinette Evans Clark, and his children: April Clark Clive (Cliff); John Evans Clark (Kathleen); David Dorius Clark (Dodie); Sara Clark Madsen (Steve); Wendy Clark Ludlow (Brian); and Colleen Niau Clark Fear (Paul). He is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Two sisters include Beverly Clark Johnson (Dale) and Barbara Clark Boies (Bob), and two brothers, Robert Brent Clark (Anne) and Stephen Craig Clark (Lindi).

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 18, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the Bloomington Third Ward chapel at 3519 Manzanita Road, St George, Utah. A viewing will be held beginning at 1:00 p.m. that afternoon. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, located at 200 N Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.

fun

Justin is the sweetest thing. He has been spending lots of time after work and on the weekends working on building the crib for the baby. This past weekend while he was there at the shop he made me a necklace. A wooden heart with a gold chain. I love it.


I've been trying to get my house organized and ready to have this baby. I could really go at any time now being in the middle of my 36th week. Time is flying and I feel like I have so much to do still! My mom keeps telling me not to do to much because she doesn't want me going into labor before she gets here. Here are some of the things for baby:)


Here are some of the earlier pictures I took of Justin in the wood shop. He has done quite a bit more since. I can't wait for the crib to be finished and home.



A few weeks ago my friend Natalie and her friend Blair did a maternity shoot for me. The pictures turned out darling. We almost didn't do it because we thought it was going to rain. Last second we decided we would give it a shot so I threw on an outfit and we ran over to this little park not to far away. The shoot was super fun! I had a hard time choosing pictures to post.






I made Justin meet us there so he could jump in a few pictures. I'm glad he did. I just wish I had planned outfits better but that's okay.

baby drama

So I'm about five weeks away from my due date and have been feeling anxious to say the least. At least I was anxious until a couple of days ago...

On Wednesday my sister Oakley met me at my house to run some errands and help get our other sister Summer ready for a two week trip to Africa. Oaks hubby was out of town so we thought we would help Summer pack after she got off work and then do dinner or something fun. After that Oak would spend the night and we would take Sum to the airport the next day. Well plans changed...

Oakley and I ran over to her in-laws house to pick up some stuff Summer needed for her trip and while we were there I started feeling some pain in my back and abdomen. I thought it might have been due to all the walking around or the million cake bites Oak brought me that I scarfed down but the pain was getting worse and I started getting worried. I tried not to make a big deal about it thinking we wouldn't be there long but after about fifteen minutes it was getting unbearable. I told Oak I needed to go but because I wasn't screaming in pain she didn't seem to realize the urgency. Finally I demanded we go and she knew something was wrong. I got in the car and told her I thought I needed to go to the hospital. I wasn't thinking I was in labor because the pain didn't come and go like I've been told contractions do. It was continuous and seemed to be getting worse with every minute. The pain got so bad that the cake bites she had brought me earlier came back up along with my lunch in Oaks back seat. My brain was so focused on how I was feeling that the thought of rolling down the window didn't even cross my mind. I just leaned over and puked three times mumbling sorry in between. Oak was so worried and flustered trying to get to the hospital and trying to tell Justin on the phone where we were going that she took a wrong turn and ended up at a dead end in some neighborhood. I thought I was going to die... seriously. I think I even told her to let me out on a corner so I could lie down on someones grass and she could call an ambulance. I'm glad she didn't do that!

Finally we arrived at the hospital. Oak wheeled me up to the fifth floor to check in. I was told in the birthing class Jus and I are taking to pre-register four weeks before the due date so of course I hadn't yet. So sitting there feeling like I might pass out I had to answer what seemed like a bunch of questions and sign something (I think just admitting me in??) and finally got to a room. Justin was still driving back from Salt Lake and I was dying for him to get there. Thank goodness I was with Oakley and she was able to get me where I needed to be. I don't know what I would have done if I was out and about by myself.

I cant remember exactly what happened in what order the next six hours but it was no fun. I'm very sensitive to needles and hospitals and people wearing scrubs for that matter. No joke. I fainted when I got my ears pierced, passed out during my wisdom teeth consultation and I throw up when getting shots sometimes. During the times I've had to get blood drawn or shots during this pregnancy I've had to lay down with Justin holding my hand and blowing on my face. The nurses know how freaked I get and always bring in juice for me to drink after I get pricked. I know it's all in my head but I cant shake it. Hopefully this experience will toughen me up.

Anyways, Justin finally arrived and we found out I was was actually having preterm contractions, about 2-3 minutes apart. I was only dilated to a one but was effaced at 60%. They gave me three shots of a drug to help slow down the contractions but it made my heart rate go up which eventually made the baby's heart rate go up as well. The shots were spread out and I wanted to cry every time they came in to give me one. They told me I was a little dehydrated so I needed an IV. The nurse tried putting it in my right hand but the vein rolled on her and they had to put it in the other. I think that was more painful then the contractions! I was so freaked out my blood pressure dropped and I felt faint. My hands tingle thinking about it. Oak patted my face with cold clothes and Justin held my hand and talked me through it. Summer showed up as well just before that so I had a lot of support, however I think she was upset thinking she would either miss the birth of my baby or have to cancel her trip to Africa. Luckily the contractions finally stopped and she didn't miss anything. Summer left after a few hours to start packing and Oakley left to go help not long after that. I felt so bad that Oak had to leave in her barf-covered car:( She was such a good sport about it.

After the contractions stopped, we still had to wait for the baby's heart rate to go down which took a couple of hours. His heart rate is supposed to be in the 150's-160's but was in the 190's due to the medicine they gave me. I also had to get a shot in my hip for the baby's lungs (in case he did decide to come early) and had to have some antibiotics through the IV.

Finally around 12:30 we were able to check out and head home. It was a long day. Part of me wanted them to just get the baby out so I don't have to do that all again in a month! I've been so anxious for this baby to come and now that I've had a taste of what it's going to be like, I'm scared as heck!

The next day I had to go in and see my doctor. Justin took the day off work so he could take me. The drugs they gave me at the hospital made my legs shake all night so I got very little sleep and was not looking forward to a doctor visit. My doctor had me do a blood test and get another shot of antibiotics. My white blood cell count was a little high so I guess there is concern I may have a little infection. I was so sick of needles and so tired I had to fight back tears.Thank goodness I had Justin with me. We then were sent back over to the hospital for another shot to help the baby's lungs. It was the second dose of the one I had the night before and it stung like heck. As soon as I was able to stand up, we headed downstairs for our birthing class where we watched actual birthing videos... As soon as we walked out of class I burst into tears. Justin was so sweet and encouraging. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful husband.

Over all, everything is great. I'm feeling better and trying to get lots of rest. I'm so grateful to live in a time and place where these things can be taken care of so easily even though it's no fun. As silly as it sounds, I'm grateful for the discomforts of the last weeks of pregnancy knowing that feeling like crap is going to be what helps me prepare for this baby to come.

We are almost ready for his arrival as far as everything we need, although we are still debating names. I guess it's good he didn't come Wednesday! The baby's room isn't set up yet but is somewhat organized. We are trying to get rid of our futon to make room for the crib so if anyone needs one, let me know! Justin decided a few weeks ago to make the crib himself. We have a friend who's parents have a wood shop they are letting Justin work in on the weekends. I think building a crib is a bigger project than Justin thought it would be but he is loving it and doing a great job! Since I'm supposed to be taking it easy and staying home, I've started watching the first season of "LOST" and am hooked even though it makes no sense half the time. I feel like such a bum sitting at home but that's okay I guess. I haven't been good about posting pictures but I'll have some fun ones up soon. My girl friend Natalie is a photographer and took some cute ones a couple of weeks ago. Ill post some as soon as I get them.

This isn't the greatest picture... I think I'm about 30 weeks here.

what we've been up to...

We've had a crazy couple of months. I have pictures to post but I'll have to add them later because my computer isn't uploading them for some reason. Darn:)

We have been so blessed lately. Justin got a new job and loves it! He works for a company in Salt Lake called CompHealth where he helps doctors find hospitals to work in and hospitals find doctors they need. He is learning lots about the medical field and although he is still training (the training program lasts three months) he is already bringing in new clients and doing incredibly well. We thought about moving up north so his commute wasn't as far but since our baby is due in two months we are going to wait until later this year or possibly early next.

A couple of weeks ago my mom and sisters threw me a baby shower. It was so much fun! My mom and Natalie made lots of yummy food and the girls did a great job decorating and planning games. My dad helped with the set up as well before rushing out with the boys! Thanks to all of you that came to celebrate with me and for the thoughtful gifts! I know it was both Easter and conference weekend so I really appreciate everyone that came! Thanks to the girls and to Nat for doing so much to make the shower so much fun! I love you all!

My mom was great during her visit helping me to get organized and get the things needed for the baby's arrival. This is going to be one spoiled baby! The baby's room is piled with gifts and things needed that Justin and I have collected. I cant wait to get everything put away! My belly is getting big! I love it but it makes getting things done a little harder. Justin and I love to sit and watch my stomach move. We see kicks and punches pretty often now and it's crazy to watch. Justin had his head on my tummy a few weeks ago while watching tv and the baby kicked him in the face. Its so much fun but I'm starting to feel anxious for this little guy to come. Although I've had a pretty mild pregnancy compared to most it's still no picnic. My ribs and back hurt like crazy, I don't sleep well and I have acid reflex galore. I also cant take one sip of water without having to pee and commercials make me cry. If you're wondering about the name we have chosen, we haven't. Justin and I are having the hardest time agreeing on anything! We may get to the hospital and have to draw a name out of a hat.

A couple weekends ago (right after my family left) Justin and I took a little vacation with some awesome friends that live in our complex. We had a blast. Lindsey and Jordan live a few doors down but are originally from Vegas and invited us and some other friends from our complex to go stay with them in Lindseys parents house while her parents were out of town. Her parents have a huge house with an awesome backyard to play in. We swam, went boating and walked around the strip and enjoyed relaxing. So much fun and so needed. We returned to decent weather in Provo but of course the cold is back. The last few days have been cold and wet. We thought the cold was over earlier this week when we had a few warm nights playing in the courtyard with all the neighbors. Justin and I drove out to Utah lake last Sunday and it was beautiful outside. Justin brought his fishing bow (of course) and even tried to catch a fish. He ended up loosing an arrow and had to walk out thigh high into the water to try and find it. It was funny until he got in the car and smelled like the nasty lake... Pretty to look at but not to swim in.

Well we are excited for this summer! I can't wait to spend the last of my pregnant days in a pool! We are so excited to have the baby and start a new chapter in our lives. We are so grateful for our wonderful families and our wonderful friends! Grateful that Justin has a job he likes and that baby and I are healthy.

Valentines Day

I was one spoiled girl this year! Justin really went all out in making Valentines day perfect. I wasn't thinking we were going to do anything because he had bought us the ultimate gift a few days early... a new bed! Our old one was in bad shape and with me having a terrible back and being pregnant it was time to upgrade. We are now happy owners of an Inteligel king size bed. It is wonderful.


We were lucky to have Justin's Brother Brandon with his wife Jamie and baby Easton stay with us Valentines day weekend while they were here for Jamie's bothers wedding.We had so much fun with them and loved seeing Easton again! He's the cutest. Unfortunately little E got sick while visiting and we just found out he went home with a cold that turned into RSV. Poor little boy. We don't get to see them very often so having them here was super fun! Hopefully Easton will be healthy again soon:(

Because we had a busy weekend and already had our v-day gift I thought that was it for valentines day. However, Justin came home from work on Monday with flowers, chocolate, a cleaned out car and took me out to a yummy dinner at Chefs Table. Am I lucky or what?! I was totally surprised he went all out! I feel bad I didn't do a dang thing for him... I love that boy:)

As for my creative side... I finally finished a baby blanket I've been working on. It turned out pretty cute (as long as you don't look to closely). I'm not a great seamstress and this project took a lot of patience but I thought it would be fun to make my baby's first blanket. Thanks for guiding me through it Candice! It was a fun project.

Baby Boy...

This morning we had our official 20 week ultrasound. Our baby is for sure a boy and growing healthy and strong. It was so fun to watch him move around. He kept putting his arms up by his face so it took a while to get a good face shot. The ultrasound tech teased that the baby is going to be a boxer since he keeps his little fists in a blocking position. The baby measures 10" from head to bottom and is only 3 1/2 cm beneath my skin! I thought that was interesting. I know some people think that these pictures are kinda creepy but I love having them! It's so fun to have pictures! I'm posting especially for my parents and sister Madeleine so they can see what the little guy looks like.

Here is one of the few face shots we got. I think it sorta looks like he's smiling.

In this one you can see his little hand in front of his face.

He kept tucking his legs under his bottom but this picture confirms the gender...

Here is his profile. His left fist is up by his forehead.

It was an exciting visit and we are so happy everything is going so well. We cant wait for the little guy come!

Holiday and Baby Update

Well the holidays are over and we are back home and back into our daily routine. Christmas was great! We had so much fun with our families although getting to California was quite an adventure. We had to wait until Justin got off work to hit the road so it was already late and we were anxious to get going. We figured we had enough gas to get to Wendover, however our digital gas reading was wrong... we ran out. Luckily our friends Jordan and Kristine were driving to Cali as well and right behind us! How lucky for us!!! They saw us stopped and came to our rescue. Kristine had a Triple A card and let us use it (thanks Kristine). We had to wait an hour for someone to get to us which set us even more behind but it could have been worse. Plus with me being pregnant we had double the potty stops and snack stops so we didn't roll into Sonora until a little after 4am. Poor Justin drove the whole way and was so tired. When we walked into the house my sister-in-law was up feeding her new baby so were got to meet little Easton for the first time in the middle of the night. He is the cutest thing ever! We spent four days in Sonora and four days (including actual Christmas) in Elk Grove with my family. We ate tons of food, watched some fun movies (including home videos of Justin, I loved it), played outside, went bowling and visited with neighbors and friends. We love going home. Christmas was perfect.

New years was also fun. We did a "fondue" dinner and made yummy desserts. Natalie and I had fun preparing everything. We watched the ball drop at midnight and popped poppers. Happy 2010!!!

Justin and I are so excited to be having our first baby this year! We just found out we are having a little BOY!!! During the ultrasound the baby was moving all over so it was hard to get a view of the private zone but after walking around for a half hour, doing handstands in the hall and drinking lots of water we were finally able to get him high enough to position him correctly. Its still pretty early and he is still small enough to fit in my hand so there is lots of room for him swim around. My aunt Dodie is a nurse and was there during the ultrasound. She is very good at explaining whats going on inside! I'm learning so much. I'm so so grateful that I've had a wonderful experience so far in my pregnancy. For the most part I have been feeling great! The hardest parts are the doctor visits. Those of you who know me know I don't do well in hospitals. I had to have blood taken for the second time last week and I get so nervous it's embarrassing. I had Justin and two nurses talking me though it and holding my hands... It's weird I know. I haven't been so good about taking tummy pictures but here is one at 16 weeks. I'm now 17 1/2.

16 weeks. Not the greatest picture but better than nothing!

To tell my family we were having a boy, we sent them each a picture text of my belly with the words "It's a BOY" written in eyeliner on it. That's as creative as I could get being so far away. I'm almost halfway through. June seems so far away but I'm actually enjoying being pregnant.