Melanies first photo session.

We have such an amazing, talented, giving Woman in our Ward that has been our photagrapher for Brian and now Melanie. She offered to do Melanies pictures and I could not turn her down. She is so great . This is Melanie at 6 days old. I think we did these pictures the day after she got out of the hospital.

Halloween at the Bang house was very calm this year.We do not have a picture of Brian yet. We will dress him up tomorrow and take a picture. Megan and Ashley had a blast putting together there costumes. Megan made Her and Lexi tutus and I made Madisons skirt for her Witches costume. Melanie and I hung out at the house .For the first time since Kerry and I got married we gave candy out all night at our house. We usually would go to my parents house and then we started to taking our kids trick or treating.
We always start the evening at my parents with the traditional meal of chili and homeade sugar cookies.Now that they live next door we were able to stay in our own neighborhood to trick or treat. This picture of all the kids is a bunch of the cousins at my parents house. This is a picture of Melanie on her first halloween. The blanket on her was a gift from her wonderful Aunt Lil. Yes I know I did not dress her up but please forgive me.

She is home

Words could not describe how happy I was to go to the hospital at 4 am yesterday morning. I had planned on going at 5 but I was so excited that she would be almost for sure coming home. All the nurses commented on how early I was. When I walked in the Nursery Nurse Julie told me to go and get her out, That she was waiting for me. I took her out with her Bili blanket (it is a bili light that is like a pad that you can wrap inside her blanket.) I just held her until the flobatimist (SP?) came and took her blood at 6 am. She then ran our tests down to the lab even though she had lots of other babies to do. (They all liked me and Melanie) The next hour was the hardest. Megan and Ashley started to text me at 6:30 "has the test come back yet" "are you coming home today" Shift change also changed at 6 so I lost my favorite nurse Julie.( I will tell you that story later) We had new nurses and a new RN so I left the nursery in search of this nurse. When I met her I informed her that she was to call Dr. Twiggs the minute the results came in and then to let me know. After one more gentle reminder ( when I saw the results on Melanies chart) She called the Dr. and we were now offically being checked out.. Melanie decided that she needed to eat at that point and had never had to rush feeding before ( feeding was the one time I could hold her. And I dragged the 30 minute alloted time out as much as I could). I rushed her as much as a 5 day old little baby could be rushed. The nurses packed her cart up and we finally got out the door. When I finally started my van I started to cry. I was on my way home with my beautiful baby.
When I opened the garage door all the girls came running out. I did not have to do a thing . They got all her stuff and took her in. Life has never been better. She slept all day and did really good last night.It is amazing to me that Mothers have had to leave babies at the hospital longer then I did and some never get to bring them home. And they all survived. The Lord new what I could handle and he was with me every step of the way. I am greatful for such wonderful family especially my Husband. He is such a great dad. He took the kids to get pumpkins and carved them, While I was back and forth from the hospital with Melanie.He never complained when I went to the hospital every morning around 5 am and then came back home to sleep. Or when I came home and cried because I missed her so much. My Mother , Jessican and Lori kept the kids and the house clean. What would I have done without them. Watch out all who helped I will return the favor

Not tonight.

She passed all her tests but one. The one she did not pass was one that said she is not fighting it on her own fast enough. One more night.

Home Sweet Home ?

I think Melanie is coming home tonight. WOO HOO. If you want to see the best simple description of what Melanie has read Kandace comment on the last post.

ABO

So Melanie is a ABO baby. Which in a quick description is that she has not passed the coombs test and has really high jaundice in a baby this young. She will be staying at the hospital under bili lights and I will check out. I have a really hard time doing it. I have always stayed with my babies but Kerry and I have decided that I am going to be needed more at home by myChildren then at the hospital with Melanie.The nurses will feed her and I will try to come in as much as possible. I may try to pump but shall see. I have definatly cried alot about this decision but I feel really good about it. She is already coming down in her numbers quickly so she may not have to stay to long. I will not come home if she is not done with bili lights. The nurses do such a good job here. I am constantly tempted to take her out and then the baby ends up staying under them longer.Keep us in your prayers

Shes here

She came a day earlier then planned. I went in Yesterday because the pain killer was no longer working. And guess what I was in labor anyway. I was dilated to a 4 and was having contractions 5-7 minutes apart.So they kept me. 4 hours later we had little Melanie Bang. I will tell you the whole story later. We are just hoping to get out of the hospital.I will have a better picture too. 7 lb 8 oz and she is beautiful

Here is the most updated picture. This picture was taken Saturday . I was having some really painful back pain accompanied by some cramps in the front. They were getting really bad so we went into the hospital were it was discovered that I have a kidney stone. How much better can it get. I went in for my weekly check up on Monday were I was 3 weeks from my due date. The baby is not overly big 7 lb 1oz and so the doctor decided to induce me on Saturday the 23. 2 weeks and 2 days early.

I am now up this tuesday evening fighting kidney stone pains and contractions. Hopefully I can get some sleep tonight.

Megan and Ashley have been busy planning a unbirthday party for Ashley on Friday. Ashleys birthday is in July and she never gets to invite friends from school because it is summer. Megan has pushed to do the party this week. Hope it turns out well.

Heres to hoping the baby comes tonight. But dont hold your breath.

Baby news

SOooo.... I went to the Dr. today. The baby is 6 lb 14 oz and I am measuring at 38 weeks even though I still have 4 weeks left. I am still on bed rest but it has a little more freedom. I can now do things as long as I feel good. ( which is about a 10 minute time frame at the most) He will start me on the 25th Unless the baby is 8lb next week. I lost 5 pounds since my last appointment on wedensday. I so wanted to have this baby the first of next week but it looks like it will be the first of the next next week. Thanks again everyone for your help.

update

I know that I have beem really terrible about posting but here is an update.I am 36 weeks pregnant and last week the Dr. put me on bed rest. I had went in on wedensday to have the Dr. check this pain that I have been having that seemed to be getting worse. The funny thing was I had called the nurse and she informed that there were no Dr.s in and I would have to go into labor and delivery. I told her I did not want to do that but if there was no choice I guess I would. I was slowley getting ready because I was dreading going in. As I was just about to go the phone rang and it was the nurse. She informed me that the Dr. was in the office for  a few minutes and he would wait for me to run in. I was psyched I speed the whole way there. When I got there they did the standard check and then had me go into the exam room to be checked by the Dr. I was relieved when he told me I had torn a groin muscle. I fugured no big deal and the next thing I know he is telling me He is putting me on Bed rest for two weeks and then they would take the baby. He continued telling me that i only had restroom privelidges. I was in complete shock. He gave me a prescription for Loritab(which I did not fill) and sent me on my way.
I cried the whole way home. How was I going to take care of my 5 wonderful kids and husband.Amazingly I think I forgot how wonderful my family is. My Mother came over and started cleaning my house and doing my laundry. My great sister in law Lori went and got dinner from papa murphys for us and got the relief society set up.The next day my mother spent the whole day cleaning my house and taking care of the kids. Kerrys Mom and sister brought us broccoli soup and homeade bread for dinner. (it was heavenly) On friday My MIL took the kids all morning and my little sister Jessica, Lori and her dear mother Sharee Webb came and continued cleaning my house. I am amazed at all the help we have had. My house is now clean and the kids are at church with my parents.
 I am so close to having everything ready for the baby. I only had to finish a car seat cover and diaper bag that I had started. I have a very giving friend Shelly Schwendiman that offered to finish the diaper bag. I am so greatful to her.
I know that the Lord is very watchful over us at this time. Next week is all covered for babysitting, and I have meals coming tuesday wedensday and Thursday. Who could ask for anything more.
 I remember thinking in the past how I would love to be on bed rest but now that I am, I dislike it with a passion. I am greatful for all the help but I do not like sitting in my bed making someone else take over my responsibilites. I get so restless in my bed and if you see me in my van, Just remember I am still sitting and I probably just had to get out or I would scream.:)  And yes I am sitting in my bed right now. Kerry brought his laptop home so I could have something else to do. So to everyone that has helped our family or who is going to be helping Thank you a million times over. 

Is that all I have to do.

So Bree do I just need to throw a fit and stomp my feet and you will send me pictures of your baby too. My camera is dead and Kerry took the charger. So there, I cannot post pictures.

I know I needed to update a long time ago but with 2 hernias I just dont feel like it. The kids have all started school, and Madison is loving going all day. Megan is a teacher aide and enjoys that. Ashley got the homeroom teacher that she wanted so bad. Mrs Fife seems to be a great teacher. Lexi is starting preschool next week with miss Amy she can hardly wait to go to school with Mason.
Megan worked hard all summer selling bows and made $250 or more. She is a real entrepreneur. I am so proud of her.Every saturday you would find her at the farmers market selling aprons and bows. She then went to the school and sold uniform colors and did very well. Way to go Megan.
Kerrys buisness has been really slow and we look forward to the day that it picks up again.It has been really tough to see him work hard and see no income.We have been truly blessed and know the Lord is watching out for us. We have learned alot during this tough time. He still loves his calling and really enjoys the people he works with.
I have been busy laying in bed and being a Mother. Only 9 more weeks until we see this sweet little spirit that is coming into our home. We are trying to decide between the names Melanie, Hailey, and Katie. I think I have already ruled the name Katie out. My wallet was stolen last month , What a pain. Two of the girls social security cards were in there.
Well until next time see ya.

Grandpa Goodwin

Well I am sorry to say but I officially have no more Grandparents living on this earth. Grandpa Goodwin passed away last week.I thought that I had mourned his passing before he even passed away, but when I got the call Tuesday night that he probably wouldnt make it through the night I got off of the phone and bawled.

I really got to know Grandpa this last 3 years. He was funny and kind and caring. He really liked Kerry and his big trucks. He could not believe he was related to him. Kerry really liked him too. He was always making sure Grandpa could come see him on the job. Or that he could come to the Shop to see his new water jet machine. Grandpa in turn would invite Kerry to come and see "his " cabinet shop. Kerry made him a key chain that was really cool. I am not sure how all of my Aunts and Uncles felt about the key chain because they had to see it 10 or more times in a day because Grandpa was so proud of it and would forget that he had shown it to them already.

After My Grandma died 3 years ago, my Mom and her siblings took care of Grandpa 24/7. I know this was hard for them but they really loved the time they spent with him. I have such love and respect for all of them toughing it out and being such amazing people. The hospice that came in for the last 2 weeks of his life told them as they were taking my Grandpa to the Mortuary, that they had never worked with such an organized loving family. Even when it came time to dividing my grandparents posessions they were so giving to each other.

Grandpa I love you and I am going to miss you lots.

Drumroll please.

For those of you that have not heard we finally found out what our last and final baby is.I had a good feeling we would end our little family with a boy but alas it is a GIRL. Names, what do  we name a 5th girl. Any ideas would be great. I am going to have to go shopping all our girl stuff is getting really worn.

Megans Blog

It does not have much but Megan has her own Blog. Check it out. It is called EMMA BS and it is in my blog roll.

Madison teaches the Grass plates

Tonight during scripture study Kerry asked the girls if they new why Nephi and his brothers went back to Jerusalam. Madison did a wonderful job at telling us a story that sounded somewhat like this.
"Nephi and his brotheres went to Jerusalam and got all of there gold and took the gold to the bad man and asked him to trade it for the Grass plates. "
Kerry interjected here and said "you mean the Brass plates"
Madison quickly comes back and says very boldly "no the grass plates"
Almost as if Dad was so silly to think that it could be the Brass plates.

Needless to say we learned what brass plates are tonight.

Ashley on Sick Sunday

As all the kids were home sick Yesterday Ashley couldn't find a bed that was as comfortable as Brians. Even though I was sick too I couldn't help but grab the camera and take a picture. She took a 2 hour nap in here. When I took the picture she was snoring. She will probably laugh when she sees this cause she had no clue I took it.

Lexis Quotes of the Day

We were having family night the other night and Kerry asked the kids where the tithing goes too. Lexi quickly responded. "to the bank"
With Kerry being in the Bishopbric she sometimes gets to go with him when he takes the tithing to the bank. So she thinks thats were it ends.
We had a fun time teaching our kids about tithing.


Yesterday all the kids were home sick and Lexi laying in my bed says
" I don't feel good, can I get my ears peirced"
I dont know how those two things go together but I just laughed at her.

We sure do love Lexi

side walks too

we finally finished the last of the concrete on our street today, we finally have a street and curb and our driveway goes all the way to the street now, we are excited

we finally got our street paved today, after lots of mud bogging, everybody is excited the kids have been playing on it all day

sidewalks are next.

this is a picture of when the curb got done

What is 5 + 1

5 + 1 = 6
You tell me. :)

Family Night

It was Kerry's turn to give the lesson tonight. He taught about making right choices. It was so cute he had two bowls on the counter one with dirty water and one with clean water. He asked the girls what the Holy Ghost is. Madison quickly answers, drinking dirty water and clean water. We all thought it was cute. Good thing he taught us what it really was. Lexi led us in a very inspiring version of choose the right. Ashley chose our wonderful treat of root beer floats. They were so yummy. We are doing really good at family night. Especially with the Liahona that Kerry made.Here is Maddie enjoying her float.

We all Love this little cutie. He was clicking his tounge for all of us. Kerry was also sharing his ice cream with him.

Presidents Day

For Presidents day we had the whole family over for a barbeque. It was a lot  of fun. Stacie and her kids are here from California for a few days. ( they delivered our girl scout cookies. Aren't they great!)We just grilled hamburgers and steaks. Megan took everyone on a ride in the tractor. We got a fun picture of 2 of the pregnant girls in the family. Dont they look cute. Also there should be a big warning sign in front of our house that says                    "watch out our Mom is grumpy"

Kerry snapped this picture. it should tell the whole story. I just got out of the shower before everyone came. And I never did my hair.

Valentines

What a wonderful Valentines Surprise. Kerry made us all heart pancakes for breakfast. He also got to go to meetings at 8 am instead of 7:30. He then surprised us when he walked in 1 1/2 hours before church. He helped get the kids ready and then took the younger kids early to get us a seat at church. I actually got ready with the house being really quiet.Now if we can get the house clean before he gets home from church. We are making fondue for dinner. It is his favorite. Happy Valentines everyone.

Street Work

We are getting sidewalks and a new street in. We are so excited to get it done.The kids found the dirt while the workers were working on the street. We played outside all day. It was so much fun. Don't they look like they are having a blast. Brian figured out how to go in and out of Loris front door. I swear he opened and shut that door 20 times. I think he liked the freedom that came with it.

The next day we had a power outage and while the men were working on the street we decided to have a dutch oven Barbeque. We all pulled together and made potatoes and chicken. Tyson hooked up there generator and Lori made Texas sheet cake in her oven. We had so much fun. Greg and Lynette Thompson, Tyson and Lori, and Brian and all of there kids came we had so much fun. The missionaries stopped in to visit around the fire in our back yard. I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was to hang out outside. One of the pictures shows baby Brian drinking his bottle in the princess chair. He really is the king of our house.

Piano

The girls are taking Piano at there school. I have a love hate relationship with it. I love that they are taking piano and will someday play for our family . I hate that I am the one responsible that they  practice. They are taking Suziki style which requires a parent at there side most of the time. With three children taking piano with a practice time of 30 min each that means that I should be sitting down for 1 1/2 hours each day. That has not been happening so I am the one embarrased at the lessons. But I do have to admit they are all getting better despite my flaws. Way to go girls I am proud of you.

Temper Tantrums

Brian is really starting to figure out how to throw a temper tantrum. This is his tantrum when I set him down to make a bottle for him. He wanted to be outside and was mad at me for bringing him in. He took a 3 1/2 hour nap after this tantrum. He is really happy now