The Arrival of Landon Bradley Roper

We are pleased to announce the birth of our son

Landon Bradley Roper

Born on Friday, July 30th, 2010

@ 5:25 am

Weight: 8 lbs

Height: 21 inches

He is the sweetest little boy and he has already brought so much joy into our lives.

Just after birth

After the doctor confirmed that my water was leaking and that I had excessive amniotic fluid.

Shortly after being induced on Wednesday, the 28th, around noon. Still smiling:) Don't worry, I did shed a few tears during my 42 hours of labor. Before I was induced I wasn't dilated or effaced at all, so we knew it would be a long labor. When it finally came time to start pushing after midnight Friday morning, I was really excited. Until my epidural ran out and I had to push for a few hours without it. The nurse had suggested not refilling it because she didn't think it would take that long to push Landon out since his head was so far down (it didn't end up being fast because he was face up). At least I got to have an epidural for about 6 hours of my labor to give me a rest. Plus I got to see what labor is like with or without an epidural. Of course without hurt worse, but I kind of liked being able to try different positions for pushing since my legs weren't numb. (I say that now, but I probably thought differently at the time when the nurse told me it was too late because my epidural had gotten tangled so she took it off). Well it turned out that Landon was face up and not budging. After having me try every position the nurses could think of for pushing, and the doctor trying a couple of different vacuums, and me pushing for over 4 hours, the doctor decided it was time to do a c-section. Of course right after he decided that I began having the most intense contractions of my whole labor and I was just screaming in excruciating pain. I was so so so relieved to get the spinal whatever they give to you for a c-section. When Landon was finally delivered Friday morning at 5:25, and I heard his sweet little cry, I just started bawling with relief that he was okay and that he was finally here. This was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but also the most worthwhile. We feel so blessed that he is healthy and well and so so sweet!

Brad all ready for the c-section. He was so great all through the labor. He encouraged me the whole time and hardly ever left my side. I'm sure it was the most intense thing he's ever been through as well. Thanks for your help honey!

The proud and exhausted daddy holding our sweet little Landon shortly after birth

Resting up in the hospital

Chillin' with Daddy.

Brad's been super busy with the opening of the Jamba Juice store last Saturday. So far the store has been doing really well and Brad has enjoyed this new experience. But we haven't seen much of him. We're glad that the store is busy though!

Sweet face
Mad face!

Just hanging out

Bath time! He cries a little during the bath, but he is super relaxed when it's over.

We didn't have internet at our house until Landon was a week old and since then I've just been trying to find a chance to sit down and post. This little guy has been keeping me busy! Plus I've been taking care of some loose ends from moving and what not. But I've finally found the time and hopefully I'll be able to post more frequently once we get on an even keel. My sweet mom has been here helping me so I could have some time to rest and recover as well. She's been such good help! She was also great help during the labor. I've really needed her since Brad's been so busy with the store. She's leaving tomorrow morning and I hope I can keep up with things on my own. One day at a time, right!

Landon had his 10 day checkup on Monday and his jaundice was pretty much gone. He weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz. so he's already surpassed his birth weight. I'm glad he's getting enough to eat! We love Landon and we are so grateful to have this precious little boy in our home.

We're Moving!!

We've taken a different direction than we had planned, but we are excited for this new adventure. Brad has accepted a job as general manager of the new Jamba Juice store in Twin Falls, ID. This is the second addition to my brother-in-law, Ryan's, growing empire of Jamba Juices:). The Twin Falls store is not yet open so Brad has been in Idaho Falls the last few weeks getting trained. It has been going really well so far. We are so grateful that Brad has a good job, especially with the baby on the way. I do miss him, though. I'm excited for him to be home for a week next week!

Here is a picture of the house that we will be renting. We haven't seen the inside, but my dad was able to check it out for us and he said that it is great. It's in a really good neighborhood and it sounds just like what we were hoping for. It's less than 4 years old and it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a laundry room, a two car garage...I think we will be loving all that space after living in apartments. We'll be able to move our stuff into it in about a month. That should be interesting moving when I'm so very pregnant. Hopefully I'll take it easy so I don't go into early labor.

We're excited to try out a new city and see where this new adventure takes us. We're hoping for smooth sailing through this transitional time in our lives.

Pregnancy Pictures

So here are my 32 week pics. I've been asked a few times if I'm having twins, or if I'm due any day now. Well, I'm not. I don't get offended, I just feel a little self-conscious and defensive. I have been measuring right on the whole time, so I'm not worried. I'm just short with a short torso, so of course I'm going to shoot straight out. I was expecting it. I just can't figure out why people don't realize that everyone carries differently, depending on their body shape. Like I said, I'm not offended, just a little annoyed. But I'm perfectly okay with where I'm at and I'm okay with getting bigger. (preferably just through the middle:) I don't really like my cankles due to all the swelling, but my belly can get just as big as it needs to be. Where else is the little guy supposed to go? Anyway, here are my pics for documenting purposes.

32 weeks

Hey, wipe that shocked look off your face. I'm not that big:)

Baby Shower!!

Last week I was spoiled with a lovely baby shower given by my coworkers, Betsy, Heather, and Meegan, as well as my neighbor Stephanie. It was so much fun! They did a great job with the refreshments, decorations, invites, etc. And we had a great turnout. I can't believe how generous everyone was. Thanks to everyone who came and made this such a fun evening for me!! I appreciate your support and can't wait to use all the great gifts when our little guy gets here. Here's a whole bunch of pictures from the party.

By the cute and tasty refreshments

Mmmmmm....these cupcakes were sooo good!

Stephanie, the lovely hostess, and her little guy, Noah. I hope my baby is as good and sweet as him!

My neighbors, Marenda, Erin, and Stephanie. And can't forget cute little Nyah and Noah:)

Elise and Meegan...previous coworkers:). I'm going to miss them!

My neighbors Lisa, Tamera, and Ashley

The cute little bathtub that my coworkers gave to me. I love it and can't wait to use it!!

Couldn't resist another picture of Meegan and Elise because they are so dang cute! And that's Marenda's baby, Nyah. What a mellow, sweet girl!

The proud mother to be with the sweet shower throwers, Stephanie, Betsy, and Heather. Thanks for a great time, ladies!!

Who's bigger? Hey no fair Betsy's at an angle! :) Betsy sits right next to me at work and she is due about a week before me. It's been so fun having someone to talk about pregnancy and baby stuff with me everyday.

Pregnancy Pictures

Here are my pregnancy pictures that I meant to post a week ago:). I was 28 weeks. I'm doing pretty well. Other than dealing with sleep issues, swollen feet, and indigestion, I can't complain. I'm just happy things are going so smoothly and our babe seems to be doing fine. I'm getting so excited for this little guy to join us in about 11 weeks!

28 weeks

The Sunshine State

Hello fellow bloggers and others. This is Brad. Shanna has asked that I blog about our trip to my mission in Louisiana and Florida. We'll start in Louisiana. I served in the Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission from 2003-2005. Shanna and I have been trying to see her Brother Brian and his family in Florida since they moved there 3 years ago. As we were searching for tickets we discovered that it was cheaper to fly into Baton Rouge, rent a car, and drive to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. So on Tuesday April 27th we arrived in Baton Rouge. Our first stop was the state capital. I have included a few pictures from the capital grounds and from the top of the 30 story high capital building over looking the Mississippi River.

We then went to dinner at Boutin's, a local Cajun restaurant. Shanna had cat fish and crawfish etouffee and I had crawfish etouffee and fried crawfish tails. I missed the crawfish taste and it was fun to introduce this unique food to Shanna.

The next day we started our drive to Florida. I spent about half of my mission in the city of New Orleans so we took a small detour through the city. I wont bore you with all of the details of the things we saw. Although we did go to the French Market which is a small out door market place with all sorts of different vendors located right outside the French Quarters. We walked through and saw dresses, purses, scarfs, pens, fresh food, t-shirts, and much much more. We also went to Jackson Square which is where the first Catholic church in America was built. It was a lot of fun to be back in the city and see how well the city has recovered from Katrina.

After visiting New Orleans we drove to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. We were really excited to be in the sunshine state and to see Brian and Natalie and their kids Kennedy and Nathan. Although we were very disappointed by the lack of sunshine. It was nice the first full day we were there so we did make it to the beach that day but the other 4 days were rainy and overcast. We would ask for a refund from the state of Florida but we had so much fun with Brian and Natalie that it made up the difference :) we love you guys! Thanks for the party!!!!

We went shopping at their local outlet mall, we went to the AF Base airplane museum, we went out to eat, to a movie, mini golfing, and we went on a nice walk and saw lots of local vegetation (as seen in the following photos). It was so fun to spend time with Brian and Natalie, we will miss them so much as they begin their own family journey to Japan for a few years.

Brad's Graduation

Brad graduated a couple weeks ago and I'm finally getting around to posting about it:) He graduated from BYU with his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. We are both really happy that he's done with school for a little while (he may return for a Masters Degree in a couple of years). I am so proud of him for hanging in there and pushing through some really tough courses. It wasn't easy but we know his hard work will pay off. I just have to give a shout out to my Bradley and say great job!! I'm so proud of you and can't wait to see where our future takes us!

We enjoyed spending time with family that had come to celebrate this special occasion with us. Here are some pics of the event:

Brad the Grad and his best cheerleader (aka his encouraging wife)

Brad, me, and my parents after Commencement on Thursday. It was so fun to have them here!

After the Convocation ceremony on Friday...it was raining outside, hence the indoor pictures.

with my parents

Brad's brother Colin, Grandma Roper, and Mom and Dad Roper with us

with Mom and Dad Roper


We appreciate everyone's generosity and support as we finish up this chapter of our lives. It will be exciting to see where Brad gets a job and where life takes us. The waiting game is not too fun, but we're hopeful that the right job will come along. And soon please:)

A few days after graduation, we took a nice little vacation to Louisianna (where Brad served his mission) and Florida (to visit my brother Brian and his family). We had a great time! We will post more about this fun trip shortly.