The Time Has Come

Today I tried to add some new pictures to our blog, and I found out that I have finally reached our limit.  So the time has come to start a new family blog.  I suppose now with the new addition it will be nice to have a clean start.  

If you are still interested in following our family blog (Does anyone even still read blogs now that there is facebook and twitter?) our new address is:

http://simpledaysmemoriesmade.blogspot.com/

That's simple days ~ memories made / no spaces.

Feel free to come visit, and leave a comment even. :)

Abigail Grace's Birth Story

It's hard to believe that our little girl is already a week old today.  We have had so much fun getting to know her and just loving on her.  She is a pretty spectacular and sweet little girl.  

I figure I better write down her birth story before I forget all the details.  

Last Thursday I went to my weekly OB appointment at 10:40.  They had been telling me that I was dilated and effaced for several weeks, so I just figured that it would be a regular appointment and they would send me on my way.  I still had six days left before my due date.  

Logan was at school and I had dropped off Bella and Lincoln at my friend Krista's house.  The last thing I said to Krista as I was walking out her front door was, "This shouldn't take long.  It's just a quick check."  

When I showed up to my appointment the doctor checked me, and I was 6 cm dilated and 80% effaced.  She told me that I better head upstairs to the hospital, because there was a good chance I was going to have this baby today or tomorrow.

(I snapped this picture in the doctor's office before I headed up to the hospital.  During this pregnancy I gained 18 pounds.  I remember gaining more weight with Lincoln, but the doctors kept reassuring me that the baby was growing on track.)

I was a little bit in shock, because I hadn't brought anything with me.  The bag that I had packed weeks ago was still laying on the floor in our bedroom, my camera, the list of names we had talked about naming our little girl, EVERYTHING was left at home.  I called Jeff and told him what was happening.  I still didn't have a good idea as to when the baby might be coming, so he decided to stay at work until I had gotten myself checked in to the hospital, and seen the on-call doctor.  I thought it was rather humorous, because just the day before Jeff had decided to work from home.  Had Abigail decided to come a day early things would have run a little smoother, but in the end everything turned out just perfect.

Once I saw the doctor he told me that they could break my water, and he was pretty sure that she would come fairly quickly after that.  Jeff was still not at the hospital at that point, so I told them I would like to wait an hour or two and see if I dilated any more on my own.  I also wanted to allow Jeff some time to get to the hospital.  I knew it was going to take him at least an hour to get there.  By 12:30 my contractions were coming every two to three minutes.  They still weren't too painful, so I decided to wait for an epidural until Jeff showed up.  Jeff drove from Saint Joseph to Liberty Missouri, a 50 mile trip in 38 minutes.  Thankfully he didn't run into any police on the way to the hospital.  He finally made it to the hospital around 1:30.  

Now that he was there I felt much better about getting things started.  I had an epidural around 2:00, they broke my water around 3:00, and then we just waited.  I was 8 cm dilated when they checked me around 4:00 and then all of a sudden I jumped to a 10 and was ready to push.  I gave three or four good sets of pushes and about twenty minutes later we were meeting our little Abigail Grace.  She was born at 5:05 pm on Thursday, October 18th.  She weighed 7 pounds 14 oz (When we left the hospital on Saturday she weighed 7 pounds 4 oz and when they checked her on Wednesday of this week she was already back up to 7 pounds 7 ounces.) and was 20 inches long.   She is absolutely perfect.

Jeff had always had his heart set on the name Abigail, but I had been going back and forth for months on her name (some other ideas I had: Charlotte, Alexandra, and Adeline).  But during the labor process I just kept thinking about the name Abigail, and as soon as I saw her I just knew that was the name for her.  The meaning of her name is 'Joy of the Father' and 'Father Rejoiced'.  I'm sure her Father in Heaven as well as her father here on earth are rejoicing in the wonderful blessing that she is to all that know her.  And she has already brought so much joy and happiness into our lives.

I can't express how grateful I am to have the opportunity to experience this process.  For so many years I cried and wondered about what I was missing in not being able to get pregnant.  I honestly thought I would never have the chance to feel what it was like to bare a child.  My heart breaks for those women that have an honest desire to become a mother, and for one reason or another don't get the chance in this life to experience the desires of their hearts.  It has made every moment that I have had during my pregnancies and labors moments that I cherish and appreciate all the more.  The small amount of pain and discomfort is well worth it, when compared to the years of tears and heartache that went into achieving the family we now are blessed with.

Here are a few pictures of the kids meeting their new sister for the first time.

My precious girls.

My parents flew into town the day after Abigail was born.

Everyone getting a good look at the new addition.

They brought 5 Guys with them for dinner.  It was much better than the hospital food I had been eating.  Although I did have to admit that staying in the hospital those few days was like a mini-vacation for me.  No cleaning, no cooking, no laundry, no one needing my attention every two minutes.  Someone told Jeff that's why mormon moms have so many kids ~ so they can go to the hospital and have a break.  Ha, ha.

Our little miracle and blessing from God. 

Bella's Recent Health Issues

Bella has always given us some fun medical scares, and recently has been no exception.  When Bella was one we had to take her to the children's hospital in Maryland, where they ran several different tests on her.  You can read about those here and here.

Back in September while my brother was visiting us, she started complaning that her stomach hurt and she had an incredibly high fever.  Jeff took her in to urgent care on Sunday, September 16th.  They told Jeff that she probably had a urinary tract infection.  They prescribed some atibiotics and sent them on their way.  

After having three doses of the antibiotics I still did not see any improvement in her symptoms.  She was still running a fever over 105, not eating or drinking, getting sick to her stomach.  It was horrible to see her like that.  Monday afternoon I called the pediatricians office and they suggested that we take her back to urgent care.

After having one of the worst experiences we have ever had with a nurse, we finally got to speak with the doctor, and he had a lot more answers for us.  It turned out that she had a kidney infection.  She was currently on the wrong type of medication (which is why the current medication was doing nothing for her symptoms).  They decided they wanted to put an IV in and give her a much stronger dose of the correct antibiotics to kind of jumpstart her immune system back to health.  They also felt like they needed to do a blood draw to make sure the infection had not entered her blood stream.  

The same incompetent nurse came back to try and put in the IV's.  They got one good line for the blood draw in Bella's arm, but when they tried to put one in her hand they ruptured her vein.  They attempted the same procedure in her other hand with the same result.  At that point we were done.  They said they could give her two shots in her legs to administer the antibiotics.

Following her visit she had a few up-and-down days.  The day right after her last urgent care visit she was doing much better.  We later found out that was because her body was responding positively to the high dose of antibiotics.  Once they wore off, and before the new prescription could kick in she had a few more low days.  We finally saw some improvement about a week after her first sysmptoms showed up.  

It was great to have my brother around to help with Lincoln during the day.  Unfortunately, we had to put him back on the airplane on Wednesday of that week.  Jeff also left that same Wednesday for a business trip to Iowa.  It was a crazy time, but we sure were blessed to have some fantastic people volunteer to bring dinners and goodies in.  It's amazing how simple acts of service can change your perspective and get you through some very difficult trials.  

Bella seems to be doing much better now, and hasn't had any side effects from her infection.  We are incredibly grateful for good health.  We will enjoy this time of having healthy kids, at least until the next time they try and scare us again.

Jeff's Surprise Party

Jeff's birthday was on a Monday this year.  Everyone knows your birthday is probably going to suck if it's at the begining of a work week.  I think I was also sick on his actual birthday / our anniversary.  Luck for him, I had big plans in the works for later that week.

Jeff is a pretty simple guy.  He doesn't like a lot of attention on himself, and birthdays are one of his least favorite holidays.  But I knew I was not going to let something as big as his 30th birthday go by without some kind of celebration.  

I decided to plan a surprise birhtday party with some of Jeff's favorite people at one of Jeff's favorite BBQ places.  Jack Stack on the Plaza.  Click HERE for a link to their Plaza location.  Or you can even have some famouse Kansas City BBQ shipped directly to your house, click HERE.  Who knew?!?!

Anyway getting back to the party.  The day of the party I used the excuse that we should take my brother down to the Plaza and take him for some BBQ, even though my brother is a vegetarian.  I thought for sure Jeff would catch on to that.  Well I was super stressed trying to get all three of us to the restuarant on time.  Of course Jeff was taking his time while I was trying to rush us out the door.  He couldn't find his wallet, then he wanted to stop for gas, and then we went to the wrong location (even though I asked him five times if we were going to the right place).  I'm pretty sure Jeff thought my pregnancy hormones were on overload, when I kept trying to get us to the Plaza as quickly as possible.  Surprise parties sure can be stressful.

Once we got to the restuarant it was all worth it, because Jeff was so surprised and so happy to see all his friends there to celebrate him.  It was perfect! 

 After enjoying a nice relaxing, quiet meal, we headed back to our place for some birthday cake for Jeff.  I made one of his favorite desserts.  It's a dense chocolate cake, topped with a peanut butter mouse. topped with a chocolate ganache.  It's a rather time consuming recipe so I usually only make it on special occasions, but it is always well worth it.

 

 Bella wanted to help Daddy blow out the candles.

 The thing that I noticed most throughout the day was how happy Jeff was.  He was full of smiles, and laughter.  Even though it was his birthday, it was the best gift I could have ever gotten.  I love it that he felt so loved and special.  Who know's maybe I will convert him into being a birthday lover after all.

Uncle Patch Comes For a Visit

I figured I better get on the ball about updating the blog since our newest addition might be arriving sooner than I thought.  I had a doctor's appointment last Friday and they told me that I was already 3 centimeters dilated, 80% effaced, she was at a  -1 station, and the doctor could feel her head.  We are now been playing the fun game of 'Hurry Up and Wait'.  

In September my brother was able to plan a quick trip out to visit us.  We started the first part of his trip with loads of outings and fun activities.  Unfortunately by the end of his trip we were pretty much house bound and consumed with Bella's health issues, but that is another post.

My kids absolutely adore their Uncle Patch.  When we picked Patch up from the airport Logan immediately ran right into his arms.  The other two were a little more apprehensive at first (it had been over a year since they had last seen him), but they quickly warmed up to him.

* I wanted to make sure I wrote down this story, so I wouldn't forget it... While we were at the airport I had put our parking ticket into my pocket.  Somewhere between getting my brother from baggage claim and walking back to the car, I had lost the ticket.  I was so mad at myself because I knew if we didn't find it we would end up having to pay close to $30.00 when our actual fee was only $1.00.  My brother volunteered to go back into the airport and look for the ticket.  While he was gone Logan and Bella both said a prayer that Uncle Patch would find our lost ticket.  Low and behold Patch came back holding our 'golden ticket'.  It was such a neat experience for the kids to learn the power of prayer.

One of the first outings we planned was to visit Logan at school, and eat lunch with him.  It was super cute to see how excited Logan was to see us all there.  I was also reminded about how awful school lunches can be.  I think Patch and I decided that next time we visit we will be packing our lunches.

 After lunch Bella insisted on taking her Uncle to the swimming pool.  She was so happy to finally have someone home during the day that could take her.

The kids had a fantastic time spending time with Patch.  There were many stories read, games played, and hugs and kisses given.

These two became quick buddies.  Because Bella was not feeling well Lincoln and Patch had most mornings to hang out together.  They went on lots of walks, visited playgrounds, and even ate out at some restaurants.  I think Lincoln missed his buddy when Patch had to head home.

One day I asked Logan if he wanted to stay home and go to the zoo with us, or if he wanted to go to school.  He decided he wanted to go to school.  He definitely does not get that from me. :)  Anyway Patch decided to take Logan on a walk when he got home from school.  While they were out they passed a guy wearing this hat.  Logan turned to the man and said, "Nice hat!"  I guess the guy took the hat off his head and told Logan that he could have it.  It's amazing how people are drawn to this little boy and his smile.

Thanks so much Patch for the great visit.  Come back and see us again, and we promise we will all try and be healthy. :)

Bella's First Day of Preschool ~ Second Year

Today Bella FINALLY got to start preschool again.  She has been super excited for this day, and been talking about it for months.  She picked out her new dress for the first day of school.  Of course it had to have unicorns on it.

As we were walking out of the house she said, "Mom you better give me a big hug, because you are going to miss me while I'm gone."  She couldn't have been more right.  

 She is so full of energy and life.  She has a love of adventure, and finding out how to overcome new obstacles.  I often feel like I blink my eyes, and I don't know how we have gotten to this point.  I still see her as my little miracle baby, and probably always will.

 Once we got to the school she was a little apprehensive, but once they broke out the dress up clothes she was quite content.  I didn't even get a hug or kiss good-bye.  But that's okay because I know she is growing into the beautiful little girl that her daddy and I love.

 Lincoln on the other hand was not as happy about the good-bye.  He did not want to let Bella have so much fun without him.

 Although I think I made it up to him after I bought him an ice cream cone.  Apparently it's not too bad hanging out with mom.

Bella did great at her first day of school, and came home with all kinds of wonderful stories.  I guess I have to admit that my little baby girl is starting to grow up.

* FYI ~ I'm super behind on blogging, so I'm hoping to catch up in the next few days.*

His Next Thirty Years

Today this handsome man is turning the big 30!

I sure feel very blessed to have him in my life.  He has so many wonderful qualities about him.  He has accomplished numerous achievements in his thirty years, but I think the greatest thing that he has done is building the foundation for a strong family.

There are many things you can try to achieve in life, but without the support and love of others it would mean nothing.  

My next thirty years will be the best years of my life
Raise a little family and hang out with my wife
Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear
Make up for lost time here, in my next thirty years

Lyrics from My Next Thirty Years

We sure love you Jeff and can't imagine our lives without you.  Thanks for bringing joy and happiness into the lives of those around you.