Behind his Name

~Rafe Alexander~

Pronounced - Rayf. It is also used as a short form or alternative pronunciation to Ralph. And according to the Census it is "not a popular first name". It was ranked in the top 1000 names back in the 1880's. It's an old name. As of 2011 54 babies out of 1 million will have this name. Unique ay?

Here is our Rafe 2 weeks ago when he was 1 month old.

Here's how we came to name him Rafe. Back when we couldn't decide on a name for Bodie my mom emailed me some names for ideas. I had a good laugh at most of them. I would never use them, or so I thought. I even remember calling her and asking her about some, Rafe was one I'd never heard before.

Fast forward to the next baby and I searched my email looking for that list from my mom again, for fun and I was desperate. Then I was mentioning some names to a friend and brought up my moms list and tried to remember some of them. When I told her of Rafe, she said she liked it and it was the name of Ben Affleck's character in the movie Pearl Harbor. I certainly didn't realize that, but ok. So it's a real name I thought, if Hollywood used it. And then someone told me that it is also a current character name on Days of Our Lives. I also would read the TV guide on the soap opera to read the name Rafe and see how I liked it. I even tried watching to hear his name be said to see how I felt about it, same with watching Pearl Harbor again. Greg kinda liked it, well he was ready to use it.

But I was fighting using it because it was so different and unusual. I felt I just couldn't. So we moved on to still try and come up with a 4th boy name. Weeks went by and it just kept coming back to me. I didn't want to admit it, but I wondered why I couldn't get past this name.

I couldn't find a name to use, I had a few I liked but wasn't sure. We thought of using Alexander, then we could call him Alex, or Xander, I liked those but I didn't want to use a big name like Alexander.

Days away from going into labor and talking with Greg, which I tried for months to get him to work on finding a name, I told him how I just kept coming back to Rafe and maybe we should just do it? I have told a few people about it and they all seemed to like it. So we decided to name him Rafe. And I felt good about it and was relieved to have it done.

Then onto the middle name. I wanted to maybe use Lee, that's my dads name and part of Greg's mom's name LeeAnn. They'd get a kick out of that. But when said, Greg didn't like the sound to be like Rafely Lorenzon. So now in the hospital after Rafe was born Greg kept pushing for Alexander that we liked. But I told him I liked parts of the name, not the whole thing. And didn't want to have our kids middle name to have 4 syllables! I wanted to just call him Rafe Alex then. But Greg put up a good fight and wouldn't let it drop.

Then while he was out getting lunch the hospital worker came by for the 2nd time to get the yellow info sheet to turn in for his social security card n'stuff. It was ready to go except the middle name was still blank. So I quickly filled in Alexander, and thought I'd surprise Greg.

When it came almost time to check out and go home, Greg mentioned to the nurse that we still needed to get the middle name filled in but couldn't find the yellow sheet of paper. So they are all looking and calling around to see what happened. I was cringing, but then I had to come clean. ha ha. I told him that I just did it and went with Greg's selection of Alexander. All the staff knew we were torn on deciding so we all had a good laugh.

And Greg's idea, after we got home, he did his thinking and came up with all the names that Alexander can be a part of. The "AL" for Albert - Greg's dad's middle name, the LE for my dad Lee and Greg's mom LeeAnn, the AN for his mom LeeAnn and my middle name of Ann. So there you have it. Lot's of meaning, silly or not!?

And here is the much talked about puzzling name Rafe last week. He is losing all the hair on top of his head, so he's looking like an old man. But what a cute little old man ;) He's one in a million!

I picked him

Dear boys,

I picked your daddy for me...

I loved---

his fun, humor, the values he held, his strong hand holding mine. (we used to hold hands in the car all the time.)
I love---

his devotion, motivation in life, and laughter.

Have you seen---
the way he works hard on something until it is complete or fixed?

the mornings he rises early to serve?

or the evenings... he gathers my feet and massages them... Oh wait - he doesn't do that! haha

I love him... I picked him for me... but knew he would be perfect for you. And he is.

I saw something done similar and tweaked it to make it mine.

Happy Birthday to my Greg!

Recovery

Am I crazy for having surgery with a 4 week old? This last Friday I had my Umbilical Hernia repaired. I figured, well I'm still recovering from having a baby, I can't work out or get my body back in shape until the hernia is fixed, might as well recover from both and get it done while the baby is still small. So that's what I did. It's been painful and I am getting better everyday. I supposedly can't lift anything over 10 lbs. so I am taking it easy. The baby is the easy part, it's these 3 in the picture that are a handful. Well maybe just the happy boy in the red hat named Bodie that's a challenge. :) Greg took the day off work, my parents were coming to watch the kids. And less than an hour before we were supposed to leave Greg, who never rests, decides to quickly fix a valve on the sprinkling system. And 2 minutes later comes into the house with blood gushing everywhere saying he'd sliced his finger on the pipe cutters blade. As soon as I saw it I knew he'd need stitches. So he drove himself down to insta-care to get stitches as fast as he could as his wife is going in for surgery in a half an hour! Luckily the Dr's there let him butt in front of others and gave him 7 stitches. And my dad took me to the hospital and I was practically ready to be wheeled away to the operating room when Greg showed up. It all worked out. Phew.

And a side note, the surgeon that did it was the drummer in Greg's band. That wasn't weird or anything. ;)

On Saturday, my husband who will never rest, is busy doing stuff outside and Jax sliced his finger with a rock and we thought for sure we'd have to take him in for stitches, but after washing it and pondering we decided he didn't need them. Although, he about passed out at the sink. He said he felt funny, he couldn't hear and he was as pale as a ghost so we layed him down. He was in a panic, the blood scared him. But now he is fine too.
All is well at our house, for now.

Car Hole

Here's a little story...

Over 7 1/2 years ago when we moved into our home, there was not an automatic garage door opener. So within the first month of being settled we were ready to finally get one installed. A month or two without a garage door opener was torture you know.

After we realized a problem we called a professional door guy. And he also informed us that our garage couldn't have a motor installed. Unless we "redid" our framing trusses, there was zero clearance for one and it wouldn't work.

What?!?! How many years were we planning on living here? Without an automatic opener?? Are you kidding me?! Totally bummed and upset.

Fast forward years later and having to get out of our car in all types of weather and open and close the door ourselves. When I was pregnant, 4 times, I couldn't lift it and had to have Greg or someone do it for me :), we were like cavemen.

And then for some reason a few weeks ago Greg decided to call someone and see what they could or couldn't do. And as it turns out, they sure could do something, and have one installed the next week! What the!??! Are you kidding me?!
So now, we no longer have to use manual labor to open the heavy door. (haha) We get to be lazy and push a button with our finger!! Years I've dreamed about this.
And now my life is easier. I feel like Christmas came! It is wonderful. It was a serious downer for us for so long. And now, I just smile every time I go to the garage or come home.

Now I know that many many of you out there don't even have a garage or maybe not even a carport and will probably roll your eyes at this story. But imagine having a garage and then not being able to have an opener? I hate to even think about why this didn't happen sooner. Years and years we could have had an opener. We are kicking ourselves. But really, I get mad when I think about it. So I'll just think of how lovely it is to have an automatic opener for our garage, or as Greg calls it, a car hole.

*Spring Break* Down South

After all the worry and stress of the hospital visits we came home from an appointment last Thursday and last minute up and decided to take a little vacay. So we quickly packed up and headed down to St. George for the rest of the weekend. We stayed at a nice condo, thanks mom, and had a great time. We swam, well the boys all did. I sat with the baby pool side. Then we headed to Las Vegas. We first went to Circus Circus Adventure Dome. The boys had fun riding some rides, then we hit a buffet. We were able to show the boys the Bellagio Fountain show and the Mirage's Volcano erupt. They thought both were spectacular. They loved driving the strip and seeing all the lights. As we were leaving to head back to St. George, Jax said "Las Vegas is weird". Very well put. But it was fun. Now if we ever do it again, the boys will be old enough to walk on their own and feed them selves. :) - I'm just referring to the youngest children. I'm sure we looked out of place pushing around 2 strollers. And with 2 other boys in tow. But it really was kinda fun. Back to the agenda... eating out, climbing the red rock, playing at parks, flying kites, watching movies, and taking naps.
We dyed Easter Eggs. With Creed being a cheese ball.And had an enjoyable Easter morning eating cold cereal and candy before packing and heading home. They boys took a lot longer than I'd expect finding their Easter baskets. We had to keep reminding Creed to stay on task and find his, and any hidden eggs. Bodie held 2 pieces of candy all morning and he was happy as can be. Below are the boys finding their baskets. And we did throw in a quick reminder lesson on the Savior and what Easter is and why we celebrate it.

We Heart Rafe!

We Rafe!
A week ago we took our newborn for his 2 week check up. And the pediatrician recommended we take Rafe to a cardiologist as he heard a louder heart murmur. I suppose lots of babies have murmurs but he felt his was louder than he's used to.

So back to Primary Children's we go. The Dr. there did lots of listening and then they did an echocardiogram. To discover that Rafe does have a murmur, in fact he has 3!

1- Is a PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale) Is just a small pinhole, which 30% of the population has this because when the baby is born, and the blood pressure transfers to the lungs it closes up between the left and right Atrium and sometimes leaves a tiny hole.

2- Is a Doming Pulmonary Valve, the valve is making a "clicking" noise because it doesn't lay flat against the artery wall when it pumps open, it curves (like a dome) and makes the noise as the blood pushes by.

3- Is some turbulence between the arteries going to the lungs.

So for now, all is good and safe. No immediate action or surgery. Phew! But we have to have him checked every 3 months the first year or two of his life to make sure they all continue to work and don't change for the worse.

Greg and I are so relieved, first with Creed last week and then Rafe as well. I was so worried it might be something more serious. Hopefully it never develops that way.

It has been a stressful worrisome week for a parent. And Bodie and Greg have been sick, we have a new baby, and aren't getting enough rest, due to all the the above mentioned.
I am so grateful for modern technology and medicine. We feel so blessed to be home at the end of the day and have 4 healthy strong children.

Rafe is my little cutie boy. That's what I call him. He is a good eater and gaining weight and is one healthy little guy.

Transient

Spring Break was no break. Last Monday Creed would periodically complain that his leg hurt. By early Tuesday morning Creed was in bed crying that his leg hurt. And he couldn't and wouldn't move it. He would point up near his hip. I know 2 little boys that have had knee/hip infections, required hospitalization and surgery and months of recovery. Ugh! So I called our pediatrician. But realized he'll probably need an x-ray. So instead took him down to insta-care. I had my dad come and go with me to help carry the baby while I carried Creed. The Dr. there didn't do a thing but say to take him to Primary Children's Hospital, let them diagnose it.

So off we go to Primary's. Again, luckily my dad came with me to help carry and watch Creed or the baby as Creed couldn't walk.. The Dr. wanted to get an x-ray and run some tests. They wanted to draw blood and put in an IV. Greg realized it might be serious, so my dad left, and Greg came, my parents watched all the other boys at home - thanks for that!

Poor Creed, they had to try 3 times to get the picc line in. He cried and cried. His x-ray showed nothing. I would post a picture of that, it's a neat one. But good grief. It would be our 3rd x-ray I've put on the blog. Really boys?!

So luckily they ruled out an infection, no fever, no swelling or any topical signs. All the blood tests showed normal everything, so no problems there.

Hours later, a starving whining Creed, they decide he has Transient synovitis. They say it's usually males ages 3-8 that get it. It's basically a pain/swelling of the hip joint. And can be treated with an anti-inflammatory. They thought of admitting him to watch him and make sure it's not anything more serious that might be developing, because only time will tell if it's really TS. After numerous doses and days of Motrin, he is doing so much better. Moving and playing. Just a little limp that's getting better every day. By the end of this last week, he was a happy boy during spring break as you see below.

Phew! What a relief. And what an odd sickness. But it was a worry some week. Because we were worried about a loud murmur the pediatrician heard on the Monday at Rafe's 2 week check up, more on that later.

Got Hitched

My older sister Amy tied the knot! I knew her day would come and we are so happy for the couple! It was a nice day at the Jordan River Temple. There were some nice photos, good job Laura (Greg's sister, the photographer) - she could go into business.

Amy and Karl with a popcorn tree ;) I love the blue sky on this one. Well the clouds and mountains too. Gosh we live in a pretty place.
With her princess dress, this looks like they could be on top of a wedding cake.

She opted to not have a reception, but did have quite a wedding luncheon. Food, lots of yummy cakes, pretty decor. Some entertainment was the photo booth.
Greg wanted us to have new baby Rafe join us in the booth, good thing we didn't. We probably would have dropped him. The rest of us crammed in and tried to get some fun pictures. It was crazy funny! I think my head made it in one shot. Good laughs!

And I could just kick myself. I really wanted to get a new picture of our family with Rafe at the wedding festivities, but forgot. Although maybe that's a good thing because after just having a baby my body and complexion aren't exactly how I want to be seen.

How nice for me, that our cute little Rafe slept the afternoon away.

Rafe has arrived!

Meet our new little baby, Rafe Alexander. He was born at 1:20pm . His delivery was nice and quick. He is healthy and strong. He's my biggest baby at 8 lbs. 14 oz. Might as well say 9 pounds right?

He's a sucker. He loves the binki, and loves his fist.

Are there 4 boys in this picture?!?! Holy cow! 4 kids! How did that happen? We had to all go somewhere on Saturday. And we piled the whole fam in the car. 6 people. We were full. I wanted to get a picture. It's just so weird having a family of 6. The boys were so happy to meet their new baby. Jax was concerned that I was ok and if it hurt to have the baby. And Creed was telling me that the baby came out of the "male" potty part. So innocent. And Bodie can be found always trying to get to the baby, or give the baby his things, like the binki, blanket, or bottle.

Rafe certainly doesn't look like any of this brothers, or parents, we can't figure out who he looks like? Where did he come from?

His hair is thinner and lighter than any of my other children. It'll be interesting to see how he changes over the next little while.Here's brief run down of the labor. I was scheduled to be induced. I am picky about it. I wanted to go into the hospital in the morning, have the baby before noon and have it all happen the way I want. The night before it wasn't looking like I'd get in early like I wanted. So I went to bed discouraged. Then at 2:30am I woke up with a painful "Braxton Hicks", at least that's what I thought it was. At 6am I had called the hospital to bug them about when I can come in. Then I figured I'd shower and see if that starts or stops the contractions. They certainly didn't stop. Greg pointed out that I must be in labor and we should get to the hospital. I was kinda hesitant because I didn't want to be the impatient woman who was supposed to be called to come in for induction and then just shows up. I kept telling Greg I didn't think I was in labor. And I've had false labor one time in a different pregnancy. But what do I know, I've never gone into labor on my own. All of my pregnancies I have been induced, that's just the way I roll.

I had to finish getting ready and do my hair, all while having painful contractions.

So at 9am we are there at the hospital and the nurse checks me and I had dilated from a 3 on Monday and was now at a 6. My Dr. showed up at noon or so and broke my water, then at 1pm they briefly put me on Pitosin to move me along. I knew my Dr. was going back to his office after his lunch break at 1:30. So he came in at 1pm and sat and chatted with Greg and I. Then at 1:15 he checked me and said ok, let's do this. And one push/contraction, well I guess it was like 3 pushes because I had to take 2 breaths, out he came.

Everyone says how funny that I went into labor the morning I was supposed to be induced. Which is ironic, but I just figure, hey I wasn't getting my way by being able to go into the hospital in the morning like I wanted, but things worked out so I could do it my way after all.

And now, that baby is here safe and sound and yeah - I'm not pregnant anymore!

Kick'n Creed

Creed has been doing indoor soccer this spring - again we're trying to get sports out of the way before the baby comes. He loves it. He is all over chasing the ball, kicking, and even scoring. Huge difference from last year as a 3 year old who we had to constantly remind to stay on the field and bribe with the treat. He is so proud of himself when he gets the ball. I have a picture of him jumping up in joy after he kicked the ball in the goal. And it doesn't matter that 2 of his 3 goals were for the other team, right?!

And little Bodie sure loves to play around the gym during the games. And I love that it's inside and contained so that Bodie can explore. Jax has a good time yelling and cheering Creed on. It's kinda funny, the things he says. We have to teach him sportsmanship and to not say bad things about the other team.

Are we ready to have a baby or what?!?! What, baby? When? Huh? That's the way I feel. So not mentally ready for this. No fool'n. Less than a week and baby boy Lorenzon #4 will be here. Aahhhh! I just washed all the newborn clothes. And as I was folding them, the thought came that I am so sick of these same clothes, looking at them. 6 1/2 years, and now 4 babies will all have worn the same onesies. I'm not about to buy new clothes for one last baby. So oh well. At least he won't be naked.