Oh my goodness I couldn't help but share the experience Eric and I had last week. About a month ago we received a text from our friends asking for help. They wanted to go hunting together and they wanted to know if we would be willing to watch their kids for them while they went. It was potentially going to be for 10 days, but could be less depending on their luck. Eric and I didn't even hesitate when we got the text and agreed to it.
The days leading up to it I will admit I was nervous. I am not very good at keeping my house clean, or cooking... how was I suppose to go from a family of 3 to a family of 7 and still keep things tidy. But we gave it our best shot. Eric's work scheduled him perfectly that I could still go to work in the mornings.
Every day I felt like I was needed for something more than just food. Aria was spoiled rotten. At one point the sweet 12 year old sat aria on his lap while he played Halo (this happened more than once) and it melted my heart. Multiple times I would find the other kids playing with Aria, she had so much attention it was amazing!
Eric and I worked great as a team, we made sure the sink was empty, the dishwasher was either loaded and running or empty. Each night before I went to bed I made sure the toys were cleaned up and the house was cleaned up.
I was able to drive their minivan for the week while they were gone, and I've officially decided that will be our next car! Getting Aria in and out of her seat was so much easier!
Since we've been home I've implemented a few things.
1. I took the time to tidy up my kitchen/ house. Each night after putting Aria to bed I clean up, I feel so much better coming into my house and not having it be a mess! Maintaining the cleaning is a lot easier than deep cleaning all the time.
2. Making dinner - I could cook for all of us...Yet when I have to cook for just 3 I don't. Even if its chicken nuggets or a corn dog it is still better than eating out.
3. Enjoy the messes - It means we've had fun!
4. Enjoy Aria more - Aria is only this small once and sometimes I think I forget that. Some days are hard when all she wants to do is scream and pull my hair. But no matte what I can make her smile.
5. When you think you've got life figured out the Lord has a different idea.
I am so thankful for the opportunity we had to learn this. However; I am looking forward to growing into a bigger family vs going from 1 kid to 5. Now excuse me while I go catch up on my sleep!
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Aria's Birth Story
Pregnancy for me was amazing. I think because I know what its like to loose a baby I tried to love every minute of my pregnancy! Once I started getting my belly I loved to hold it, and when Aria started moving I loved it! Now I am sitting here looking at my beautiful 4 month old baby as I finally write her birth story!
December 12th started out like any other day! Eric and I made a list of things we wanted to accomplish. We wanted to get the house clean, go grocery shopping, decorate the Christmas tree, and pack the hospital bag. Little did we know we wouldn't get that chance. At 3:45 we went in for a doctors appointment. I hadn't felt any contractions so I didn't think there would be any progression. So imagine my shock when Dr. Isbell turned to Eric and I and said "we are having a baby today!" I was dilated to a 3 and my blood pressure was high so we were going to induce labor. This was only 1 week early from going the full 40 weeks. I knew Aria would be okay but we still had things to do. I asked Dr. Isbell if we could go home and pack the hospital bag, he informed me that we needed to head to the hospital to get things started.
Eric and I stopped at motherhood maternity on our way to the hospital to get a nursing bra. It was starting to sink in that we were about to meet our little girl. As we made our phone calls to family to let them know what was going on our excitement was building.
We went to the hospital and got checked in. Eric left and went to pack and bring the hospital bag. They started the Pitocin at 5. I had always imagined going into labor without assistance and being able to walk around the hospital, but instead I was hooked up to machines and got to listen to my baby's heartbeat all night.
The anesthesiologist came in around 6:30 and let me know that as soon as I dilated to a 3 I could get my epidural. Although I could have had it right then I wasn't feeling any contractions yet and wasn't ready. Eric and I sat in the room and watched TV while the excitement was building. At 10 my back was starting to hurt so I decided it was time for my epidural.
Eric was such a great support holding me as I prepared for the epidural. The lidocaine was the worst part. They tried to put the epidural between the L4 and L5 disc's in my spine, but back slightly curves to the right and they couldn't get it in without it being to much to the right. So he had to go to in between the L3 and L4. As I was laying back down I started feeling sick and ended up throwing up, the pressure of throwing up also made me pee. Eric and the nurse changed my padding on the bed and prepared to do the catheter. Once again I got sick and peed. Finally everything was in and I was ready for bed. I didn't want any flavored ice chips at that point, I just wanted plain but I was able to keep them down.
After my epidural I was dilated to a 4. The nurse checked with my doctor who told her to let me sleep all night and let my body do what it knows what to do. It was a fitful sleep but I did my best. The epidural didn't completely numb my legs, instead I had a tingly sensation and was able to move myself around to try to get comfortable.
At 5:30am on Tuesday December 13th the nurse came in to check me. I was still dilated to a 4. Dr. Isbell said he would be in at 6:30 to break my water. He came in at 6. as he broke my water, more came out than expected and went all over the floor. He said I was Dilated to a 5. at 9:30 the nurse came in to check me and I was dilated to a 6. Labor was slow and I was anxious to meet Aria!
The nurse brought in a peanut ball and I put one leg up on it the other off, she said this has always made her mom's dilate. Sure enough at 10 I was dilated to a 10 and it was time to start pushing.
I was so thirsty at this point and ready to go! My second push in the sets of 3 was always the best and I kept telling myself I needed to push that strong for all my pushes. Eric was so good at having the water ready after my 3rd push. I was getting exhausted. At 10:30 the nurse told me to stop pushing until the doctor was here. Dr. Isbell came in and watched my next round of pushes and started getting everything draped in blue. I couldn't believe this moment was happening. My daughter was going to be born. I kept pushing and at 10:47am Aria was brought into the world! Eric says she looked like a blue goblin, all I could think was my daughter is finally here! It was love at first sight. Aria had a hard time breathing at first. But I finally heard that scream and realized my life was complete. I sent Eric to be with Aria and when I finally got to hold her my life felt complete. I couldn't believe she was here. She was 7lbs 12 oz and 20 inches long! Our first couple of hours together were perfect. Eric cuddled Aria while I took a nap.
Aria has been our pride and joy, and we've enjoyed every moment of watching her grow up. We still can't believe God has trusted us to be her parents but we love her and we are trying to be the best parents to her.
Aria you are our whole life and world. We want everything the world could offer for you! You have competed our family and spending everyday with you is the best! You are so loved by not only your dad and I but by your grandparents, your great grandparents, your aunts and uncles, and cousins. Our world now revolves around you, thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives!
December 12th started out like any other day! Eric and I made a list of things we wanted to accomplish. We wanted to get the house clean, go grocery shopping, decorate the Christmas tree, and pack the hospital bag. Little did we know we wouldn't get that chance. At 3:45 we went in for a doctors appointment. I hadn't felt any contractions so I didn't think there would be any progression. So imagine my shock when Dr. Isbell turned to Eric and I and said "we are having a baby today!" I was dilated to a 3 and my blood pressure was high so we were going to induce labor. This was only 1 week early from going the full 40 weeks. I knew Aria would be okay but we still had things to do. I asked Dr. Isbell if we could go home and pack the hospital bag, he informed me that we needed to head to the hospital to get things started.
Eric and I stopped at motherhood maternity on our way to the hospital to get a nursing bra. It was starting to sink in that we were about to meet our little girl. As we made our phone calls to family to let them know what was going on our excitement was building.
We went to the hospital and got checked in. Eric left and went to pack and bring the hospital bag. They started the Pitocin at 5. I had always imagined going into labor without assistance and being able to walk around the hospital, but instead I was hooked up to machines and got to listen to my baby's heartbeat all night.
The anesthesiologist came in around 6:30 and let me know that as soon as I dilated to a 3 I could get my epidural. Although I could have had it right then I wasn't feeling any contractions yet and wasn't ready. Eric and I sat in the room and watched TV while the excitement was building. At 10 my back was starting to hurt so I decided it was time for my epidural.
Eric was such a great support holding me as I prepared for the epidural. The lidocaine was the worst part. They tried to put the epidural between the L4 and L5 disc's in my spine, but back slightly curves to the right and they couldn't get it in without it being to much to the right. So he had to go to in between the L3 and L4. As I was laying back down I started feeling sick and ended up throwing up, the pressure of throwing up also made me pee. Eric and the nurse changed my padding on the bed and prepared to do the catheter. Once again I got sick and peed. Finally everything was in and I was ready for bed. I didn't want any flavored ice chips at that point, I just wanted plain but I was able to keep them down.
After my epidural I was dilated to a 4. The nurse checked with my doctor who told her to let me sleep all night and let my body do what it knows what to do. It was a fitful sleep but I did my best. The epidural didn't completely numb my legs, instead I had a tingly sensation and was able to move myself around to try to get comfortable.
At 5:30am on Tuesday December 13th the nurse came in to check me. I was still dilated to a 4. Dr. Isbell said he would be in at 6:30 to break my water. He came in at 6. as he broke my water, more came out than expected and went all over the floor. He said I was Dilated to a 5. at 9:30 the nurse came in to check me and I was dilated to a 6. Labor was slow and I was anxious to meet Aria!
The nurse brought in a peanut ball and I put one leg up on it the other off, she said this has always made her mom's dilate. Sure enough at 10 I was dilated to a 10 and it was time to start pushing.
I was so thirsty at this point and ready to go! My second push in the sets of 3 was always the best and I kept telling myself I needed to push that strong for all my pushes. Eric was so good at having the water ready after my 3rd push. I was getting exhausted. At 10:30 the nurse told me to stop pushing until the doctor was here. Dr. Isbell came in and watched my next round of pushes and started getting everything draped in blue. I couldn't believe this moment was happening. My daughter was going to be born. I kept pushing and at 10:47am Aria was brought into the world! Eric says she looked like a blue goblin, all I could think was my daughter is finally here! It was love at first sight. Aria had a hard time breathing at first. But I finally heard that scream and realized my life was complete. I sent Eric to be with Aria and when I finally got to hold her my life felt complete. I couldn't believe she was here. She was 7lbs 12 oz and 20 inches long! Our first couple of hours together were perfect. Eric cuddled Aria while I took a nap.
Aria has been our pride and joy, and we've enjoyed every moment of watching her grow up. We still can't believe God has trusted us to be her parents but we love her and we are trying to be the best parents to her.
Aria you are our whole life and world. We want everything the world could offer for you! You have competed our family and spending everyday with you is the best! You are so loved by not only your dad and I but by your grandparents, your great grandparents, your aunts and uncles, and cousins. Our world now revolves around you, thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives!
Friday, February 3, 2017
Pregnancy
I'm sitting here writing this 8 weeks after giving birth so we will see how much I remember.
As I sit back and think about the last 9 months... I can't believe the miracles we had. We had been trying to get pregnant for over a year from when we miscarried. It was so hard to keep getting a negative each month. People would tell me that we needed to stop trying, if we would relax and realize it would happen when it was meant to happen then it would happen. Honestly it was the month i stopped tracking my temp, and just relaxed that we got pregnant.
The first 10 weeks were the scariest for me. I did have some morning sickness but after we passed the point i miscarried i calmed down and my morning sickness was gone. Eric was a great support, but at the same time he had started working and was gone all the time.
Timing was on our side and Eric was able to be there for our first appointment when we got to see the baby. (8 weeks) the baby was the right size and things seemed to be in our favor.
Our 11 weeks appointment was next. I had heard of people that went in at 8 weeks and everything was fine and never heard a heartbeat at 11 so i was nervous. My friend drove down from Ashton and came to the appointment with me since Eric was driving and was gone. Hearing our baby's heart beat for the first time was incredible! The only thing that would have been better was if Eric was there.
I was kinda crabby the first trimester, i got annoyed easily. Also once i got annoyed i tried to put myself in a position where i wouldn't get annoyed again. I struggled with depression, i had a hard time getting myself out of bed. We started working on Christmas presents for our family members, we embroidered names & life events on dish clothes for them. That became a life savor for me! I was still at home by myself but i was doing something and i felt so much better!
We decided to find out the gender at the ultrasound, although a gender reveal party would have been fun, i was too anxious. Aria was not cooperative during the ultrasound, she kept her legs together, but we eventually got her to show that she was a girl, We never got to see our baby look like a baby with our first pregnancy, this was such a great time. Everything about her was perfect and we were so happy! My parents came up and we silly stringed them with pink silly string to let them know we were having a girl!
We had a baby shower here in Idaho Falls, It was great to see how many people were there to support us in this time, and how many would be there for us when we had her. My sister Morgan drove up and came to the shower, it was great to be there. My favorite part was the book "are you my mother" that those who were able to make it signed and wrote a message to Aria. Its been great.
We got to do a 3D ultrasound of Aria, our office does them for no charge. The first attempt she didn't want to cooperate she was head down face down and didn't feel like moving we did everything we could think of to get her to move and she didn't. So we tried again 3 weeks later at the next appointment. And got a great face shot of her. Seeing her beautiful face made me even more excited for her to join our family
It was so nice when Eric stopped driving and we got to have him home. We got him home for a short time before he left and went to Brazil. Being as pregnant as i was, there was no way i could go. I was so glad that Eric could go. By this point Aria was super active! I loved feeling her move, at time she enjoyed my rib cage more than i wanted her too. Driving / Riding were becoming difficult at this point, so i took Eric to the airport for Brazil and had my last trip to salt lake before Aria got here. This is also when we did my baby shower in salt lake. I was so grateful to my family for hosting it!
December rolled around and I became anxious! It was this month that our baby girl was joining our family! I went to my first appointment on December 2nd...and was put on bed rest! my blood pressure was higher and they wanted to make sure that i avoided problems. Eric went down to salt lake for a comedian. So i just sat and watched netflix. The next appointment my blood pressure was better, but still high so we did an ultrasound, Aria was measuring spot on, then they sent me to the hospital for a nonstress test. It was the most boring thing, but she was fine. I was then put on light duty and told to come back in 4 days.
That takes us to December 12th. We had a list of things we were doing that day, we call it our nesting list. We cleaned the house, we were going to pack our bag for the hospital, do grocery shopping. That all came to a halt when the doctor said "we are having a baby today!"
Check back later to see how labor was for me!
As I sit back and think about the last 9 months... I can't believe the miracles we had. We had been trying to get pregnant for over a year from when we miscarried. It was so hard to keep getting a negative each month. People would tell me that we needed to stop trying, if we would relax and realize it would happen when it was meant to happen then it would happen. Honestly it was the month i stopped tracking my temp, and just relaxed that we got pregnant.
The first 10 weeks were the scariest for me. I did have some morning sickness but after we passed the point i miscarried i calmed down and my morning sickness was gone. Eric was a great support, but at the same time he had started working and was gone all the time.
Timing was on our side and Eric was able to be there for our first appointment when we got to see the baby. (8 weeks) the baby was the right size and things seemed to be in our favor.
Our 11 weeks appointment was next. I had heard of people that went in at 8 weeks and everything was fine and never heard a heartbeat at 11 so i was nervous. My friend drove down from Ashton and came to the appointment with me since Eric was driving and was gone. Hearing our baby's heart beat for the first time was incredible! The only thing that would have been better was if Eric was there.
I was kinda crabby the first trimester, i got annoyed easily. Also once i got annoyed i tried to put myself in a position where i wouldn't get annoyed again. I struggled with depression, i had a hard time getting myself out of bed. We started working on Christmas presents for our family members, we embroidered names & life events on dish clothes for them. That became a life savor for me! I was still at home by myself but i was doing something and i felt so much better!
We decided to find out the gender at the ultrasound, although a gender reveal party would have been fun, i was too anxious. Aria was not cooperative during the ultrasound, she kept her legs together, but we eventually got her to show that she was a girl, We never got to see our baby look like a baby with our first pregnancy, this was such a great time. Everything about her was perfect and we were so happy! My parents came up and we silly stringed them with pink silly string to let them know we were having a girl!
We had a baby shower here in Idaho Falls, It was great to see how many people were there to support us in this time, and how many would be there for us when we had her. My sister Morgan drove up and came to the shower, it was great to be there. My favorite part was the book "are you my mother" that those who were able to make it signed and wrote a message to Aria. Its been great.
We got to do a 3D ultrasound of Aria, our office does them for no charge. The first attempt she didn't want to cooperate she was head down face down and didn't feel like moving we did everything we could think of to get her to move and she didn't. So we tried again 3 weeks later at the next appointment. And got a great face shot of her. Seeing her beautiful face made me even more excited for her to join our family
It was so nice when Eric stopped driving and we got to have him home. We got him home for a short time before he left and went to Brazil. Being as pregnant as i was, there was no way i could go. I was so glad that Eric could go. By this point Aria was super active! I loved feeling her move, at time she enjoyed my rib cage more than i wanted her too. Driving / Riding were becoming difficult at this point, so i took Eric to the airport for Brazil and had my last trip to salt lake before Aria got here. This is also when we did my baby shower in salt lake. I was so grateful to my family for hosting it!
December rolled around and I became anxious! It was this month that our baby girl was joining our family! I went to my first appointment on December 2nd...and was put on bed rest! my blood pressure was higher and they wanted to make sure that i avoided problems. Eric went down to salt lake for a comedian. So i just sat and watched netflix. The next appointment my blood pressure was better, but still high so we did an ultrasound, Aria was measuring spot on, then they sent me to the hospital for a nonstress test. It was the most boring thing, but she was fine. I was then put on light duty and told to come back in 4 days.
That takes us to December 12th. We had a list of things we were doing that day, we call it our nesting list. We cleaned the house, we were going to pack our bag for the hospital, do grocery shopping. That all came to a halt when the doctor said "we are having a baby today!"
Check back later to see how labor was for me!
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