tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8591364376824814442024-03-13T10:13:38.727-06:00Tales of a House WifeWife, Mommy, Pop-culture expert, Lover of all things sweet, Dreamer, Poet, Etiquette critic, MystiqueAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-84979259507960031072014-08-06T15:03:00.000-06:002014-08-06T15:03:08.656-06:00Oliver's Birthday Bonanza, Part Two<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part Two took place on his actual birthday. Ollie had a normal morning, but after his mid morning nap we packed up and went to the zoo!! I think Rivers had more fun than Oliver, but we were all happy so it was a success for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We did have a lot of fun, we rode the train and the merry-go-round. We packed a lunch and saw all the animals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After we came home and rested we went to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Shepherd, we had a gift card and kids eat for free so it was way great. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After dinner we came home and opened gifts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Then ate cupcakes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can not even begin to express the love I have for my little Oliver. My heart needed him so much! From the moment he was born he was just this wonderful part of our family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We tried for another baby for a year before I got pregnant with Oliver, we were exploring IVF and adoption, seeing how much the cost would be and what would be involved. I'm grateful to my OBGYN who helped me research and prepare my body. I feel like I got so lucky to have Rivers, and even more lucky to have Oliver. I prayed and prayed for him for so many months. The moment I held that sweet little boy in my arms I knew I was home. After he was born, around 2 weeks were became aware of his skull issues. Then began our long road of CT scans, cranial scans, helmets, doctors, ultrasounds, stress and sleepless nights. I had to fight with doctors, and insurance all for something that wasn't even guaranteed to work. His skull is still ONE degree off, but he is thriving. Oliver is a bit physically delayed, which is common for helmet therapy, but was a risk I was willing to take. After all was said and done I wouldn't change a thing. Stupid comments and pity stares, all worth it to have this amazing little man in perfect health and with me forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love you Oliver Eugene and I am so so so so so glad you were born.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-13525390521719289562014-07-31T16:57:00.000-06:002014-07-31T16:57:05.533-06:00Oliver's Birthday Bonanza. Part One<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rather than have one big party for Oliver's first birthday I decided to stretch it out over a week. It was awesome and I'll probably always do it that way, for both boys. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part one was on July 13, the Sunday before his birthday, at my parents house</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We invited my brothers, grandparents and parents. It was great to get everyone together and to celebrate my amazing little man.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had spent the weekend up and Scott's parents cabin, and left early so we could get all the part stuff done, including OLIVER cupcakes, balloons, food, and decorations. Everything turned out so cute and I loved it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The party theme was "One-derful" see what I did there, turning one, I'm awesome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second "R" got swiped before the photo, I think calling him Oliver Olive is cool though, like a rapper name or something</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ollie Loved his cupcake, but really loved the ice cream. After he smashed the cake he started licking up the ice cream off the spoon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All he wanted to do was crawl into the toy room and play with the toys, and showed no interest in opening gifts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I loved all the love and hugs my little Ollie got from my parents and grandparents, it's so nice to feel your child is loved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also love a reason to throw a party. I had a blast making decorations, ordering balloons and cupcakes, and putting it all together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want my kids to know that their birth is a big deal to me, and I'm glad they were born. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My heart needed Oliver so much, as I've reflected upon his birth I can't believe how calm and wonderful it was. Oliver was such an easy newborn and I've loved watching what a great big brother Rivers has become.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of Rivers, he was so great during all the attention Oliver was getting. I tried to talk to him beforehand to make sure he knew that he was just as special and that his birthday was coming up. He has wanted to play with all of Oliver's toys, but he's been really good at sharing and he has been so kind about everything. I wish Rivers was my big brother.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3!!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-6553670019121631002014-07-17T08:10:00.000-06:002014-07-17T08:10:00.365-06:00Fourth of July 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the Fourth of July, I mean really love the Fourth of July. I spend many nights making decorations, and for a whole week I dressed the boys in only Red, White, and Blue clothing. I love fireworks, and BBQ's and families. It's pretty much the best thing about summer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is hipster Ollie in his newborn hat stretched over his head in one of his patriotic outfits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cousin Tyler</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sparklers</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Flag blankets for firework watching</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ollie slept for the fireworks, look at his long skinny leggies!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Morning after. I loved the boys in their matching shirts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a BBQ at my parents house since my mom had the Fourth off this year. we had tons of yummy food, and I didn't mind keeping the boys up late. Well Rivers anyway, Ollie crashed at his normal time. We had a lot of fun. Both boys slept in a bit and took turns snuggling in mom and dad's bed. I'm proud to be an American!!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-39786577505235295682014-07-16T10:55:00.000-06:002014-07-16T10:55:40.387-06:00Big things for Ollie at 11 months<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">June 17 my sweet, youngest boy turned 11 months old.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This day was a very big deal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was the day he got his helmet off</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is probably one of the best days of my life (after getting married, having Rivers and having Oliver of course.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look at that perfectly round head! I learned a lot during his whole helmet process. I learn how much love I really have for my kids, I also learned how to handle this with Rivers as well. For the first few months I would get sitters for Rivers, but I noticed his behavior towards Oliver wasn't pleasant during that time. I don't think his little 3 year old brain understood what was going on. After I started involving him, taking him, teaching him and having him help he understood that this wasn't a punishment for Oliver or himself, but that it was something we had to do with out choosing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oliver celebrated with a cupcake from <a href="http://www.thesweettoothfairy.com/Default.aspx">Sweet Tooth Fairy</a> and he loved it!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11 month old Oliver was a hoot! Crawling all over the house, making messes, stealing toys, eating crap off the floor. He has been the greatest blessing. </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-13312650667637318232014-07-08T09:25:00.000-06:002014-07-08T09:25:00.480-06:00Binge Blogging<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Get ready for some binge blogging!! I know you're on the edge of your seat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since Mother's day Oliver turned 10 months old</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhOBdSKyDOo/U7wJoFLIOnI/AAAAAAAACOI/fUHtDxaMyVY/s1600/51614+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhOBdSKyDOo/U7wJoFLIOnI/AAAAAAAACOI/fUHtDxaMyVY/s1600/51614+018.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And is still cute as ever!! He's a small guy, but that's okay. I'm not planning on having another baby for at least another year so I don't mind enjoying my small fry Ollie Wallie.</span><br />
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.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gq6uXqy5T-A/U7wKSfO37uI/AAAAAAAACOQ/lvi-ZhMNHKg/s1600/53014+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gq6uXqy5T-A/U7wKSfO37uI/AAAAAAAACOQ/lvi-ZhMNHKg/s1600/53014+002.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We consulted with a pediatric physical therapist in our ward about some therapies for Oliver. What they don't tell you about helmet therapy is that there is a high rate of babies being physically delayed. He's only behind by maybe a month, so it's not too bad, but by 10 months old he still wasn't crawling and showed no interest. After learning a few techniques we started to see progress. As I type this he is now almost one, and crawling all over the house, making messes, getting stuck, and bugging his brother.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oliver loves to eat! He is happy to try new foods and prefers "adult" foods over baby foods. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgeEJsP0KXs/U7wLk9rmmyI/AAAAAAAACOc/8nTMXT65fK0/s1600/53014+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgeEJsP0KXs/U7wLk9rmmyI/AAAAAAAACOc/8nTMXT65fK0/s1600/53014+009.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here he is eating pancakes, best day of his life! Having a kid that eats is awesome! I can pretty much put any food in his bowl, or on his tray and he will eat it and enjoy it. Such a change from my oldest who eats the same 9 things all the time, everyday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all I have time for now, because the boys are needing some attention and I really don't like to be on the computer while they are awake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More binge blogging later :)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-68945310367244697872014-05-16T21:14:00.000-06:002014-05-16T21:14:11.154-06:00Mothers Day 2014<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm a few days late on this Mother's Day post, but oh well. Scott gave me a great day, I was however battling a cold and the boys ganged up on me and woke up a ton that night between Saturday to Sunday. All the same it was still pretty great. I slept in, which for me is until 8:00 AM, had some crepes, and checked out me gift. Which was a new car, well a new used car.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CBRsV8EmpW8/U3bMDXKgn0I/AAAAAAAACNQ/ueC0Wobdeuc/s1600/51614+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CBRsV8EmpW8/U3bMDXKgn0I/AAAAAAAACNQ/ueC0Wobdeuc/s1600/51614+014.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLkbwDuG5l4/U3bMFQkmcbI/AAAAAAAACNY/SgU1UnAgy_I/s1600/51614+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLkbwDuG5l4/U3bMFQkmcbI/AAAAAAAACNY/SgU1UnAgy_I/s1600/51614+015.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also got a new candle, which is awesome. Back to the car. 2011 Altima. it has a handy smart key, super dark windows, and is super nice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been in the market for a new car for a while. Oliver's new convertible car seat is huge, and in our now older car the passenger seat had to be pushed up all the way just to make it fit. We looked into an SUV, but this car actually had the most space. We still want to get a bigger car in the distant future but we will cross that bridge when we get there. I have so many requirements for vehicles now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to Mother's Day. Rivers sang again in sacrament meeting. He did so great! He is such a little performer! The primary sang two songs and between songs I looked over at Scott and Rivers called out "Mommy I'm up here!" It was hilarious. Ollie fell asleep nursing during Sunday school and I got to do my favorite thing, hold my sleeping baby and rest with him and snuggle. We left early to head over to the Shepherds to make dinner for Meg. I was also battling a cold, I think I might be allergic to rain or something because this happened a few weeks ago during a few days of rain, hence to allergic idea. Maybe it's mold or something. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, I feel so blessed to be these boys mom. I was talking to Scott the other day, reminiscing abut when I brought little Oliver home from the hospital. With Rivers I was scared and nervous, everything was new and I was unsure. With Oliver I was amazed they let me take him home! I was so overjoyed just being with him! He was mine. Rivers is so sweet, and happy, and smart, and funny, and handsome. He has the best laugh, loves to snuggle (now, wasn't always the case) and is the best big brother. He often comes up to Oliver, gives him a hug and states "I love this guy!" How adorable is that! He loves to make Oliver laugh, and is fairly helpful. Rivers will also make statements like "I'm so proud of you" and "Can I ask you a few questions?" He wants to help with everything. Oliver is also pretty great. He is always so excited to see me in the mornings. He loves to snuggle, seriously loves to snuggle. Oliver loves to sleep in my arms, lay in my bed with Scott and I, sit on my lap, be held in my arms. He loves to clap his hands and sign 'more'. He loves to eat whatever we are eating. Such a change from Rivers. I still can't believe he's mine, that I get to keep him. Both boys. I love being a mom, I feel so blessed to have them both. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-91890700334900511492014-04-22T15:50:00.000-06:002014-04-22T15:51:30.370-06:00Easter 2014<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I begin to type this I can hear Oliver yelling from the other room, reminding me that he is there, awake, and that for him nap time is over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sigh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I set this aside to rescue him I thought I would post about Easter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Easter is one of my favorite holidays, well I guess that all holidays are pretty much my favorite, since there isn't a ton. I mean if you look at it there are only a few good ones through out the calendar year. Easter has the best candy, and it's an excuse for me to dress my children up in pretty clothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like clothing, maybe I'll add that to my header.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, we had our traditional Easter. Baskets Easter morning, egg hunt with the Bradbury's, church activity in the evening. Okay, so we don't have church activity every Easter, we did this year. Sunday is church in our new clothes, thoughts of our Resurrected Savior, dinner and fun with family. I'm so blessed with wonderful in-laws. Here are some Easter Photos. I didn't take as many as I thought, but the ones I get are good for memory sake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOG-1awT4uM/U1bivQuGv0I/AAAAAAAACL8/glE_9zAMlqU/s1600/42214+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOG-1awT4uM/U1bivQuGv0I/AAAAAAAACL8/glE_9zAMlqU/s1600/42214+003.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Some grumpy bunnies</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6atK3kL5auI/U1bizQENsxI/AAAAAAAACME/ZVkeEnMn_vI/s1600/42214+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6atK3kL5auI/U1bizQENsxI/AAAAAAAACME/ZVkeEnMn_vI/s1600/42214+042.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> baskets</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Obligatory Easter suit photo</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bBpPkvGptA/U1bi6msQg9I/AAAAAAAACMU/bxkVsejkCcs/s1600/42214+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bBpPkvGptA/U1bi6msQg9I/AAAAAAAACMU/bxkVsejkCcs/s1600/42214+044.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Checking out his goodies</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SyRVAQy2BzQ/U1bi9OhKwsI/AAAAAAAACMc/3ZlSgSux_jc/s1600/42214+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SyRVAQy2BzQ/U1bi9OhKwsI/AAAAAAAACMc/3ZlSgSux_jc/s1600/42214+046.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Respectful observance </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRBAQ481pk8/U1bi_j311qI/AAAAAAAACMk/12ZkksQHnkI/s1600/42214+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRBAQ481pk8/U1bi_j311qI/AAAAAAAACMk/12ZkksQHnkI/s1600/42214+047.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> These boys are just too cute!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so in love with these seersucker suits I found for them online at Target. they were on a good deal, and free shipping! I was asked if I made them, I didn't, but thought about saying I did. They got so many compliments and looked so adorable! We had a good Easter and Oliver get me a gift of sleeping through the night, twice! (Knock on wood)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-45257753354867540112014-03-26T15:32:00.000-06:002014-03-26T15:32:00.124-06:0012 weeks in a helmet.... 12 more to go...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So back on February 18 we had our big helmet appointment with the helmet doctor and the pediatric plastic surgeon (PPS). The surgeon is the one who makes the final decision about the helmet. After the scan with the helmet doc we headed over to the PPS. I love both of these doctors, they make everything feel so normal. Dr. Siddiqi (PPS) is located in Primary Children's hospital. We love going there! All the nurses and doctors are so sweet, nice and caring. I can not say enough about the care given there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, about Oliver's head. It looked good, but not where the doctors want it. I could show you the notes and scans and numbers, but really that's all boring unless you understand it, and I'm still not 100% in all that even after all these months. With out his helmet I think he looks pretty good. with his helmet I think he looks good too. I'm bias.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Any who. Here's a few photos</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDSs7y2SFPQ/UzCfgTEXkMI/AAAAAAAACLY/ujq_rYCwO-8/s1600/121713+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDSs7y2SFPQ/UzCfgTEXkMI/AAAAAAAACLY/ujq_rYCwO-8/s1600/121713+057.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 weeks into helmet wear</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EL0A51qlDk8/UzCf4cQs1RI/AAAAAAAACLg/z-GqmNCXW-M/s1600/11714+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EL0A51qlDk8/UzCf4cQs1RI/AAAAAAAACLg/z-GqmNCXW-M/s1600/11714+019.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8 weeks into helmet. Looks really good honestly.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zldCmlLmUw0/UzCf-o23DVI/AAAAAAAACLo/MdRXZJoGdQo/s1600/2714+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zldCmlLmUw0/UzCf-o23DVI/AAAAAAAACLo/MdRXZJoGdQo/s1600/2714+017.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11 weeks into helmet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The front is just a little small, but all the correct plates are open (not fused). If you notice in the top right photo of the last one here that small red sore above his ear is a pressure sore. He also got a pretty bad one on the very back of his head. This was caused by his helmet being too small. So Oliver got to go a whole 2 weeks helmet free while we waited (again) for insurance coverage, and making the new helmet. It was pretty awesome. The goal now is to enlarge the front, near the temples, and to keep his head from reverting back to the old Scaphocephaly shape. Helmets work people, no matter how annoying they are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm also getting used to the stares and pointing and rude questions from young children who's parents haven't taught them it's rude to point and stare. I'm sorry I said I wasn't going to do that, but really it bothers me. He is a baby and has no idea what's going on. I'm just being sensitive. I feel like his new helmet is HUGE on his tiny little head. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wither way he's cute and I love him and we're already a week into the new helmet and will be done in June. 12 weeks isn't really that long right?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-87492989197790575192014-03-25T14:54:00.000-06:002014-03-25T14:54:00.146-06:00Oliver at 7 Months<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not much changed from 6 to 7 months, well Oliver learned to sit up, didn't get sick, and still isn't sleeping through the night. By seven months he was only waking up once a night, which is totally do-able.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w_6gfo6Kee8/UzCaIChxZJI/AAAAAAAACLI/9Sg-dNtA6BU/s1600/22314+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w_6gfo6Kee8/UzCaIChxZJI/AAAAAAAACLI/9Sg-dNtA6BU/s1600/22314+021.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oliver still wasn't a fan of solids by 7 months, and only tolerated 2 or 3 bites a day, but was always super interested in whatever Scott, Rivers or I were eating. So we just pretty much give Oliver small bites of whatever it is we are having. This is worked out really well. We have had a few choking problems, the bites are small enough that he shouldn't be choking, but he still manages to do so. It turns out Oliver LOVES food. everything but veggies, go figure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is such a snuggle bug! He loves being held, watching his big brother, watching mama cook or do the dishes, hates to be alone, flaps his arms and kicks his legs when happy or excited, loves going outside, hates his car seat, and is a total mama's boy! I love my Oliver Eugene!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-1645080965050499322014-03-24T14:43:00.001-06:002014-03-24T14:43:57.999-06:00Valentines Day 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We kept Valentines day pretty low key this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since being a waitress I've been totally turned off to whole whole romantic dinner, gift, blah blah blah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite thing is to celebrate those I love most.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got the boys with teeth (sorry Ollie)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">some Chocolate, and made a fun breakfast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The boys and I made cookies and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">watched a movie and ate pizza and drank red soda.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The boys had a blast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel so lucky and loved to have these wonderful guys in my life!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-21806798472357191272014-03-12T10:00:00.000-06:002014-03-13T21:10:13.790-06:00Oliver at 6 months<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was shocked when I realized my little Oliver was 6 months old! I'm so in love with him even if he does wake up at 6:00 every morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZCzxTmoxZE/Ux-HvDVjwII/AAAAAAAACKY/JojP_jQ4LPw/s1600/12714+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZCzxTmoxZE/Ux-HvDVjwII/AAAAAAAACKY/JojP_jQ4LPw/s1600/12714+006.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> He's pretty great! I can't believe how many challenges I have had to over come with this little guy. I swear we have doctors appointments every week. I still wouldn't change a thing, even though we have to see a handful of doctors to just deal with his crazy head shape, which doesn't include his regular pediatrician and well kid visits, and the fact that he's had to have CT scans, ultra sounds, and cranial scans, he has also been really sick. But that all seems to be behind us now! No more sickies!! </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhuHobxE6vU/Ux-JB_SpqnI/AAAAAAAACKk/zRWgyiw11ac/s1600/12714+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhuHobxE6vU/Ux-JB_SpqnI/AAAAAAAACKk/zRWgyiw11ac/s1600/12714+015.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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But he looks so cute taking his breathing treatments! Watching your child suffer is the hardest thing ever. I know there are other children out there with much worse conditions and problems than his, and I know that his set backs are only temporary. I also just enjoy him so much. He is the sweetest little boy and had just been a joy to have. </span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-74302835183980716272014-03-11T15:58:00.000-06:002014-03-11T15:58:04.600-06:00California 2013/14<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were so blessed to get to go to San Diego with Scott's parents and siblings, spouses, and kids. Surprisingly we all fit into 3 cars. 18 of us in all. It was awesome. We left the day after Christmas and had a blast!! Rivers is still terribly upset to be home, and even now, being home for 2 months, Rivers still tells me he's only happy in California. We had a great time going to the beach, playing in the pool and hot tub, going to the zoo, sea world, and safari park, and spending much needed time as a family. Here are some pics, because I'm not wanting to post a travel log.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last sunset of 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a great trip, and only a few rude comments about Ollie's helmet. I won't get into that now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rivers loved playing with his cousin Emily! Everyday all he wanted to do was play at the play ground with his cousin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was nice to soak up some sun and play with my babies and hubby!!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-25600508476404440922014-01-27T21:11:00.000-07:002014-01-27T21:11:31.906-07:00Christmas 2013<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had such a fun Christmas this year. Rivers was so cute! I love that he finally "gets" it. We did lots of fun things this year before Christmas that really helped me get in the holiday spirit. Here are a few photos highlights of our adventures.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LeJ-ApBBfQ/UucoOvCRpTI/AAAAAAAACHY/sFG5hCtXcNw/s1600/122313+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LeJ-ApBBfQ/UucoOvCRpTI/AAAAAAAACHY/sFG5hCtXcNw/s1600/122313+013.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dinner with Santa, Rivers loved this. Our friends the Flynn's set this up. It was pretty cool.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2NwN55xrPU/UucofxNIs6I/AAAAAAAACHg/MV7Ng52Ez7U/s1600/122313+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2NwN55xrPU/UucofxNIs6I/AAAAAAAACHg/MV7Ng52Ez7U/s1600/122313+016.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lights on temple square, a yearly tradition. We went the day of heavy snowfall and it was so beautiful. Going this night it was surprisingly warm and way less crowded. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8x1Kj2gGXRQ/UucogKnokrI/AAAAAAAACHk/WxoxF_fZbgU/s1600/122313+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8x1Kj2gGXRQ/UucogKnokrI/AAAAAAAACHk/WxoxF_fZbgU/s1600/122313+015.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rivers and Scott built an awesome snow fort, that later became a tunnel. Hours of fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christmas morning, Rivers was so cute. He woke up and came in our room and quietly asked "Do you think Santa came?" We left Santa a note with our cookies and he left us a reply about how good Rivers had been and how he left us some treats in the fridge (makings for a yummy breakfast).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oliver just wanted to play with the wrapping paper. Christmas could have cost me next to nothing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We spent the Sunday before Christmas with my Papa Gene (Ollie's namesake) and Grandma Connie, Grandma Jo, my Parents and brother Sean and my cousin Kristen. It was a great time with lots of love and laughs. Christmas eve morning was spent at my Grandparents Hulse's house with my cousins, aunts and uncles. That evening we went to Scott's parents house and opened gifts with them and syked with Scott's brother Kyle who is serving a mission in Russia. We spent Christmas morning at home and after a yummy breakfast we went to my parents house and spent the day with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we came home and packed for our trip to San Diego. More on that later. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-72213091018040552442013-12-17T15:29:00.000-07:002013-12-17T15:29:10.619-07:00Oliver is 5 Months Old!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel like I have been terrible about posting month to month about my sweet little boy. I also feel like this 5 months has gone by so fast! Oliver has such sweet spirit, and I can't imagine our lives before him and he is such a good fit in our family. Here are some Ollie facts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At 5 months Oliver:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hates tummy time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is a terrible sleeper, seriously he wakes up every 3-4 hours a night if not more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Has a stinky head from his helmet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Has the best laugh and smile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Loves his mommy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hates solids, well he's only had a taste of rice cereal once I'm not in any hurry to start solids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Loves to play with toys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hates his car seat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can almost sit up on his own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Has successfully rolled from tummy to back and really wants to roll from back to tummy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Loves to play peek-a-boo.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only has two more months with his helmet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZKLyaeURD8/UrDPZyG9ZuI/AAAAAAAACHA/rUKZWCkGCRI/s1600/121713+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZKLyaeURD8/UrDPZyG9ZuI/AAAAAAAACHA/rUKZWCkGCRI/s320/121713+073.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I sure love my little Oliver Eugene!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-25196551261480592062013-11-22T21:25:00.001-07:002013-11-22T21:25:11.199-07:00Ollie's Helmet<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, this post is four months in the making.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Oliver was born, both Scott and I noticed that his head had an odd shape. No one said anything to us about it while we were in the hospital, and the pediatrician on call didn't seem to show any concern, so when we brought him home we just figured it would be one of those things that would fix it's self.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At his 2 week appointment, Dr. Fox, Our pediatrician, was concerned about the shape of his head. He asked us to follow up with him in 2 weeks, and again in 4 weeks to see if it was getting better. It was, but not at the rate he would like to see. So he sent us to a pediatric plastic surgeon. The concern was that the plates (fontanels) in Oliver's head had fused closed early. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oliver never had a soft spot when he was born. After meeting with Dr. Siddiqi at Primary Children Hospital he ordered a CT Scan. By now Oliver was 2 months old, and the scan revealed good news, that his skull was still open. He asked us to come back in 2 months to see the shape and how it was growing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At that appointment Dr. Siddiqi decided Oliver would need a helmet, which is a relief, the other option was surgery where they would go in and break his skull and place it correctly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next, we met with Dr. Beavers to get fitted for a helmet. This also involved a scan, and teaching me the formal name for Oliver's condition, Scaphocephaly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then it became a waiting game to see if insurance was going to cover the cost of the helmet. Once that came through the helmet was ordered and shaped and is now being worn by my sweet little boy, who hates it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's some pictures.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8EGk_Q2P3Q/UpApe1EC5qI/AAAAAAAACFo/iBgoD_c3x7s/s1600/8813+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8EGk_Q2P3Q/UpApe1EC5qI/AAAAAAAACFo/iBgoD_c3x7s/s320/8813+080.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">tummy time at just few days old</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">few weeks old</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgVC-UC6Gso/UpApzAca5zI/AAAAAAAACF4/5k46dykhrnk/s1600/92013+126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgVC-UC6Gso/UpApzAca5zI/AAAAAAAACF4/5k46dykhrnk/s320/92013+126.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CT scan, this was pretty scary for me. My little baby being strapped down and x-rayed through this huge machine. Mommy didn't like this.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaXsMwHG-aM/UpAp89ybzrI/AAAAAAAACGA/UZo4bx4VAxU/s1600/101513+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaXsMwHG-aM/UpAp89ybzrI/AAAAAAAACGA/UZo4bx4VAxU/s320/101513+034.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this is to show the ridge along his forehead</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-68XvUmBps/UpAqCq4aNPI/AAAAAAAACGI/H-NwLm566Gk/s1600/112213+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-68XvUmBps/UpAqCq4aNPI/AAAAAAAACGI/H-NwLm566Gk/s320/112213+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bump in the back</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvxbAQ0-nJc/UpAqFGFIwlI/AAAAAAAACGQ/7Jqup19IiSQ/s1600/112213+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvxbAQ0-nJc/UpAqFGFIwlI/AAAAAAAACGQ/7Jqup19IiSQ/s320/112213+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First night in the helmet, he hates it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q5dV1wJw6bM/UpAqHzv47hI/AAAAAAAACGY/hi74oVheNRs/s1600/112213+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q5dV1wJw6bM/UpAqHzv47hI/AAAAAAAACGY/hi74oVheNRs/s320/112213+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the idea of the helmet is to control the growth so it grows out from the ears, instead of front to back, if that makes sense. He still hates it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--goKD4jpZ1U/UpAqKTYMUqI/AAAAAAAACGg/-cx16F07hG0/s1600/112213+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--goKD4jpZ1U/UpAqKTYMUqI/AAAAAAAACGg/-cx16F07hG0/s320/112213+031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And it has put a huge damper on our snuggles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This has defiantly been a learning and growing process for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know that there are other babies that have bigger and more serious problems than my little Oliver has, but it still hasn't been easy. I've had to change the way I hold and snuggle and comfort my baby. He's so mad at me. I know that this is only for a short time, and he will get used to it and we will both go on our merry way, but for now, for this moment in time it really blows. He's been a real trooper really. I'm just grateful that we can fix this with out surgery. Nothing is more scary than having your doctor going over concerns and possible complications related to surgery at such a young age. The information and facts and things gets so overwhelming. Plus the constant meeting with doctors and going to clinics and hospitals, it's not fun one bit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plus side we get to keep the helmet, so I'm going to find fun ways to decorate it. I need to show off his personality which is pretty awesome!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-30203006513898583422013-11-17T11:25:00.000-07:002013-11-17T11:25:00.875-07:00November 17<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This date is important to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">last year on November 17 I found out I was pregnant with my sweet little Oliver</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SCc_-zvCGs/UoUTbhTaJcI/AAAAAAAACFQ/tRkzLiYdP7w/s1600/1713+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SCc_-zvCGs/UoUTbhTaJcI/AAAAAAAACFQ/tRkzLiYdP7w/s320/1713+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On November 17 that sweet little boy will also be 4 months old (How?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yr26fTYegk8/UoUT0w7imMI/AAAAAAAACFY/fRHzd4E-CDE/s1600/111413+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yr26fTYegk8/UoUT0w7imMI/AAAAAAAACFY/fRHzd4E-CDE/s320/111413+023.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and finally on November 17, 2004 I entered the MTC. I couldn't find any pictures of me from the MTC to post, because they are all actual photos, but I did serve a mission, which I loved. NYUM forever!! All the good things in my life came from my decision to serve a mission. I still have dreams every so often about getting a call from my mission president informing me that I'm needed to go back out and serve. I pack up the kids and Scott and we head out into the field. The details are often a little fuzzy as to why I'm being called with my whole family, but I go and we all love it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy November 17!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-36268316885515891822013-11-16T11:13:00.000-07:002013-11-16T11:13:00.197-07:00Creepy Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While doing my hair the other day Rivers carefully snuck up on me and said "Hello Mommy" while covered in our brown throw blanket.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was actually pretty scary...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EytSRzYbPJo/UoUSbyRa_vI/AAAAAAAACFI/bLSdauhUrAo/s1600/111413+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EytSRzYbPJo/UoUSbyRa_vI/AAAAAAAACFI/bLSdauhUrAo/s320/111413+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-82470696918636215572013-11-15T11:08:00.000-07:002013-11-15T11:08:00.680-07:00Halloween 2013<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is my favorite Holiday! I love stretching it out for a few weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earlier this year we planned to be a family of pirates for Halloween, but I asked Rivers one day what he wanted to be, and he looked at me and said "A tater tot". I thought, he's just being a silly little boy and brushed it off. Then others asked, and I asked again, and Scott asked and the answer was always the same "A tater tot", I was now faced with the challenge of making a tater tot costume. I searched the web, and most of what I found was pictures of small children dressed at potatoes, hence, tater Tot. This wasn't what I had in mind. A friend of mine found a blog with a tutorial for her older daughter that also wanted to be a tater tot, I'll have to find it and post it, but it was just perfect! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtGiMKqKNz8/UoUMLn-TbHI/AAAAAAAACD4/Ca3e0yRFBnY/s1600/11713+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtGiMKqKNz8/UoUMLn-TbHI/AAAAAAAACD4/Ca3e0yRFBnY/s320/11713+019.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A tan pillow case, quilt batting, spray paint and a glue gun later, this is what I ended up with. At our ward trunk or treat people thought he was cereal, but when I got it all finished I think he turned out pretty awesome. I did have to tell people what he was, but that didn't matter, he loved that mom made him a tater tot costume. To go with that, Oliver was corn on the cob.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-myTVCIDUy78/UoUM7-2U0sI/AAAAAAAACEA/_nDKo9NKRGQ/s1600/11713+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-myTVCIDUy78/UoUM7-2U0sI/AAAAAAAACEA/_nDKo9NKRGQ/s320/11713+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My dear friend Merrilee gave this too me, it was perfect!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also carved pumpkins, and went to the pumpkin patch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVCazQskiqo/UoUNcVnJgKI/AAAAAAAACEI/XGquFu6h2mM/s1600/11713+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVCazQskiqo/UoUNcVnJgKI/AAAAAAAACEI/XGquFu6h2mM/s320/11713+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dB5B9f7XFHQ/UoUNfspOj0I/AAAAAAAACEQ/Qv3iuSJ3Sa4/s1600/11713+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dB5B9f7XFHQ/UoUNfspOj0I/AAAAAAAACEQ/Qv3iuSJ3Sa4/s320/11713+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rILAs5kRHfA/UoUNhcG55LI/AAAAAAAACEY/Y_0wFrtC1V0/s1600/11713+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rILAs5kRHfA/UoUNhcG55LI/AAAAAAAACEY/Y_0wFrtC1V0/s320/11713+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VISjwR2ht-I/UoUNt6-j6uI/AAAAAAAACEo/Z7fD5xTKFT8/s1600/102613+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VISjwR2ht-I/UoUNt6-j6uI/AAAAAAAACEo/Z7fD5xTKFT8/s320/102613+050.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9KsFAaX-xI/UoUNx9aD5GI/AAAAAAAACEw/igUt9lRtdsA/s1600/102613+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9KsFAaX-xI/UoUNx9aD5GI/AAAAAAAACEw/igUt9lRtdsA/s320/102613+034.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmQ6UPRUiio/UoUN0JuzCjI/AAAAAAAACE4/JpITZY57-PI/s1600/102613+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmQ6UPRUiio/UoUN0JuzCjI/AAAAAAAACE4/JpITZY57-PI/s320/102613+052.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMJrqD4Wheo/UoUN69sL2gI/AAAAAAAACFA/CPw204rBXEY/s1600/11713+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMJrqD4Wheo/UoUN69sL2gI/AAAAAAAACFA/CPw204rBXEY/s320/11713+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a lot of fun. On Halloween night we planned on going trick or treating around our neighborhood, but due to my lack of cooking skills we ended up going down to Scott's folks house and went around their neighborhood. Rivers had a blast! By the second house he realized they had candy and suddenly it was a rush to get to the next house. He also saw a group of older kids running across the street and told grandpa "Those boys are naughty, we don't run in the street." Such is the life of a city kid. I love this time of year, and it has been such a fun experience this year with my boys</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-49387855228662734412013-11-14T10:39:00.001-07:002013-11-14T10:39:41.129-07:00Rivers turned 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am still in amazement that my little boy is 3!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last year, Rivers friend Jane had a birthday party, ever since then Rivers has wanted a birthday party of his own, and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">after Oliver was born, he kept asking "to party with Jane and Lucas". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scott and I talked about it and since having a new brother has been hard on him, we felt we could thrown Rivers a small party for his friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first person he wanted to invite was his cousin Emily.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was so cute walking around the neighborhood delivering</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the invites.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvcBXk48HkQ/UoUHkAAivEI/AAAAAAAACDg/EeTmXOPaHGQ/s1600/102613+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvcBXk48HkQ/UoUHkAAivEI/AAAAAAAACDg/EeTmXOPaHGQ/s320/102613+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We kept the party pretty simple. I did a semi Monsters Inc. party, we decorated cookies to look like monsters, played pin the eye on Mike and ate PB&J and monster ice cream.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids had the most fun playing with balloons and toys, and of course eating the candy and frosting for the cookies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rivers wanted muffins instead cupcakes.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoryMKc_a0Q/UoUHmqlV0dI/AAAAAAAACDo/avpTofl4Sus/s1600/102613+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoryMKc_a0Q/UoUHmqlV0dI/AAAAAAAACDo/avpTofl4Sus/s320/102613+027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look at that guy!! crazy hair and all! I hope he knows how much he means to me, my world would be so sad without him.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wuBkwlqiTEw/UoUHsHOha6I/AAAAAAAACDw/CDcVXAv3To4/s1600/11713+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wuBkwlqiTEw/UoUHsHOha6I/AAAAAAAACDw/CDcVXAv3To4/s320/11713+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I plan to take a picture like this every year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Happy Birthday Rivers McKean! I love your huge head, crazy hair, fun personality, energy, imagination, skinny body, adventurous spirit, sensitivity, and big heart.</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-8016384435055028652013-10-16T00:30:00.000-06:002013-10-16T00:30:02.211-06:005 years<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5 years ago I married my best friend Scott Shepherd</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He makes me laugh harder than anyone I know.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He cares for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He takes care of me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has the best smile, and the brightest eyes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He loves the Lord, and honors his covenants.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is the most amazing father.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is kind and patient.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is the most amazing person I've ever met.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scott puts up with my craziness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scott loves me when I'm not easy to love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I love him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's to eternity...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5 years, 4 callings, 3 moves, 2 kids, 1 love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for every thing, every day, every moment. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-9995487681024370862013-09-11T22:31:00.001-06:002013-09-11T22:31:22.149-06:00C-section vs. Vaginal delivery<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I'm waiting online currently for a chat person to help answer some questions and the wait time is 17 minutes. I decided to take this time and quickly post about <i>my</i> experience with these two different forms of delivery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rivers was a typical vaginal delivery, and Oliver was a planned c-section due to being breech.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rivers: Due date:October 25, 2010</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Arrival: October 24, 2010. Vaginal</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oliver: Due date: July 23, 2013</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Arrival: July 17,2013. Cesarean section</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both boys were early, Oliver by about a week, this is because he was breech and my doctor wouldn't schedule c-sections before 39 weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rivers: started labor 5:00 am on the 23, delivered 5:36 the following day. Labored at home for 12 hours until my water broke, only dilated 1 cm when arrived at hospital, pushed from 2:00 AM until he came out at 5:36. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oliver: checked in at 6:00 AM on the 17, surgery scheduled for 7:30. Born at 8:05.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pain control:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Rivers I had an epidural, with Oliver it was a spinal. I hated the epidural, it hurt getting and made me shaky. I was in so much pain for so long by this point I wanted as much pain relief as I could get as fast as I could get. I think I took too much because I was numb in my right leg for about a day after Rivers was born, and it made it more difficult to push. Plus getting the epidural hurt and left a huge bruise on my back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Oliver it was surgery so I had the spinal which felt like a tiny bee sting, it was higher on my back, and felt quite pleasant. It worked fast and wore off quickly after the surgery. I loved the spinal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recovery:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The biggest challenge I had recovering with Rivers was going poop after. TMI I know, but I thought I was going to die! I was super tired after having Rivers, but a lot of that had to do with the fact that I pushed for nearly 4 hours. I was up walking a few hours after his birth, and was given typical pain killers. By 6 weeks I had no bleeding, and felt largely normal, maybe a little fat and my boobs were sore from nursing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Oliver I was given 2 types of painkillers and they kept them on a pretty good schedule so I never got uncomfortable. It took longer to get up and walk, and I nearly passed out the first time and had to get wheeled back to my room. Getting in and out of bed and going to the bathroom was the worst! I bled until 5 weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was surprised by how much bleeding I had after the c-section. since the baby didn't come out the traditional way i didn't think there would be any. I still had the same no swimming for 6 weeks rule, as well as all the other things you can't do before 6 weeks, like exercising and such. Every now and then my incision will hurt, and often my stomach muscles are sore. It's all very manageable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Rivers I got really bad PPD. No one really talks about it, but there were days when all I could do was feed him, dress him and change his bum, and I did all this so people wouldn't think I was a bad mother. Rivers had colic and cried a lot. Some days I couldn't stand to look at him and I cried a lot. I hate those memories, some of my darkest days. By 12 weeks postpartum I felt better and was able to be the mother I wanted to be, but it was a long dark road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Ollie I haven't had any of those feelings. I have felt like singing on the top of a mountain. I love everything he does, he eats so well, sleeps so well, loves to snuggle and is generally a good baby. He would eat all day if I let him. He doesn't like to be around a lot of people and gets overwhelmed easy. I feel really good. Maybe it was because I was prepared for the worse after having a rough first baby, but my attitude is generally more upbeat this go around. I feel very blessed about that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, which would I chose as a form of having babies? Neither. Both kinda suck, I could only imagine how miserable having a baby would be if you went into labor, labored for a while, then had a Cesarean. I also was never induced so I have no comparison for that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really doubt I'm going to have anymore babies. I have 2 great little boys and I have the challenge of raising strong worthy future priesthood holders and I think that's enough of a challenge for me to face in this lifetime. Many people have asked about trying to have a girl, and I'm sure I would love a daughter, but I think I'll be okay if I didn't have girl. I honestly don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. I might be changing my tune in a few years, but I don't think Scott could handle another pregnancy, and I don't know if I could handle another delivery. I hate feeling helpless, and incapable. Plus, the morning sickness, and the kidney stones, and the back pain, and the lack of sleep. No thank you, I'll just sit back and enjoy my family of four. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing I never want again in a breech baby. My poor little Ollie has had so many problems due to being breech for so long. I am not in a place to talk about it much right now, it's nothing life threatening, and he is currently developing mentally and physically normal so don't worry about that, but if any readers out there could keep him in your prayers I would appreciate that. I need some good vibes over here :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-68573799984573523072013-08-20T15:17:00.001-06:002013-08-20T15:17:46.343-06:00Oliver's Birth<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've wanted to post about my sweet Ollie's birth, mainly so I won't forget it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Oliver, unlike Rivers, it wasn't some sort of waiting game like most deliveries, we had a set date and time that he would be born. As I mentioned in the previous post I was ready to be done with this pregnancy. I was also completely worried about Rivers care while I was having the baby. Rivers is a particular child with a set routine, and I'm always certain that no one can take care of my children as well as I can. This was causing me a lot of anxiety. I feel that my Heavenly Father really knows me and he knew that unless I was forced to have a c-section I wouldn't do it, and also knowing what a planner I am He found a way for me to plan Oliver's birth and Rivers care. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having the c-section really wasn't that bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the morning of July 17, 2013 Scott and I woke up at an unearthly hour that has now become familiar. My Operation time was 7:30 AM and I had to check into the hospital at 6:00 AM. I had a grumpy pre-op nurse who kept complaining about how early she had to be there. She missed the vein and hit a valve while putting in my IV giving me a lovely bruise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was after being home for about 2 weeks. This bruise is gone now, but it stuck around for a nice long time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before surgery I tried to relax by watching some TV, but I was a nervous wreck, and felt like throwing up. I was scared, I'd never had any type of surgery before. I talked with my Doctor and signed all the paper work and they walked me in to the operating room. By this point I was crying. I remember this nice nurse trying to introduce herself to me as the nurse who would be taking care of and cleaning up my baby when he was born, but I was crying so bad I don't remember much of what she said.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After that I got the spinal, which compared to the epidural was amazing. Small little poke on my mid back and everything went warm. My anesthesiologist was really great, and was the same on my doctor had when she had her c-section for a breech baby a year before, another reason I loved my OB/GYN.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They poked me to see if I was numb and then got started. Oliver came out pretty quickly and they rushed him to the clean up room and began putting me back together. To the right of me was a window where I could watch what was going on and I sent Scott in to get pictures. After that I began to drift off. I was warm and numb and the doctors were talking amongst themselves. a few minutes later Scott walked in (crying) holding our sweet little boy who was wrapped up so tight, looking around. Then I cried. After I was all stitched, glued, and stapled up I was moved of the operating table into a hospital bed and I went on my way to postpartum. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spent 3 days in the hospital, which was like a vacation. I didn't have to cook or clean, I got to pick what I wanted to watch on TV, they brought me food when I asked, I got to sleep when I could. It was pretty nice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My view, sleeping baby, sleeping hubby, watching the news. They kept my pain pretty controlled. My nurses were great, and the hardest part was getting in and out of bed. I was able to eat that night, and go to the bathroom on my own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing I want to make sure I remember is that while still in the recovery room they left me try to nurse. Oliver latched on right away and we had no problems. He ate well from day one and by 2 days old my milk came in and we've had no problem, well except that he eats all the time! I'm aware he is growing a lot right now, but Rivers never ate like this. He is rather gassy like his brother, and I'm sure that is my fault. I can't figure out what I'm eating that is giving/gave my boys gas, but I have become an expert on getting the gas bubbles out so I'm not too stressed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shortly after we came home Scott had to get back to work at the fireworks tent he ran for the summer. River spent 3 days with his grandparents and I spent those days with my sweet new man. I loved those days. Ollie and I just ate, slept and snuggled all day. I'm always been kind of selfish with my babies, and I will treasure those days that it was just the 2 of us. I loved sleeping with my baby on my chest. We watched late night TV, and enjoyed wonderful food from the people in our ward. Oliver's birth has really been wonderful, and he's also quite wonderful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we're pretty smitten with each other.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-46059658000714581152013-08-08T14:30:00.000-06:002013-08-08T14:30:45.473-06:00Oliver Eugene!!!<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We welcomed our second little man on July 17, 2013</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stats:</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Born: 8:05 AM</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weight: 6 pounds 10 ounces</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Height: 21 inches</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We got us another long skinny baby! He is just a perfect slice of heaven, and I am enjoying him a little too much!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oliver was born breech, via a planned c-section. We discovered he was breech around 35 weeks and I tried everything to get the little stinker to turn, but he's stubborn and after the horrible pregnancy I had to endure, having a set date and time came as a relief. I'll post another post about the whole c-section vs. vaginal birth later, for now enjoy some pictures of my sweet boy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">T minus 10 hours until hospital check in. 39 weeks, with a total weight gain of 13 pounds. It was a rough pregnancy...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ollie came out bum first, and peed everywhere!! BTW they rounded his weight up to 10 ounces.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look at that angel face! He's so yummy!!</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meeting his big brother. They get along well enough, some days certainly are better than others. I feel like Rivers is louder now somehow.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This kid has some seriously long fingers!! We need to invest in a piano for sure</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oliver really is a dream baby, he eats well and latched on while I was still in recovery. My milk came in within 2 days and when Ollie is done eating he sleeps. He only cries when hungry or uncomfortable. I never knew babies could be this way!! Rivers struggles to latch, and had colic and was a poor eater, and still is. I try not to compare my kids, but it's hard since they really are so different. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel like Oliver is my reward for a terrible pregnancy, a colicky first born and the need for a c-section. He really is just this perfect little man sent to me from heaven. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is a perfect fit into our family and I'm so so so grateful to have him. We are still adjusting, but he is just a dream!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-340076617632736092013-06-22T15:26:00.000-06:002013-06-22T15:26:15.315-06:00This Pregnancy<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Has been terrible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I know that there are plenty of women who have it worse, and I should just continue keeping my mouth shut, but we all know I can't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scott and I decided to try for a second child about 6 months before I became pregnant. Those were dark months for me. Every month I wasn't pregnant I was sad and angry. The logical side of me understood that getting pregnant quickly doesn't happen often, even though it did with Rivers. I found out I was pregnant 3 weeks after getting called to be the Young Women's President. Scott and I just laughed and considered it a blessing to finally be pregnant after getting called into such an overwhelming calling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About a week later the morning sickness started.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was sick through Thanksgiving, Scott's birthday, Christmas, New Years, Valentines day, and St. Patrick's day. Around 17 weeks I wasn't getting sick as much, and by 20 weeks I was finally past the sickness phase. Those were celebrated days, with walks and zoo visits and fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At 23 weeks I got kidney stones, not just once, but at least 3 times. I spent the month of April in misery and discomfort while being drugged up and Scott was preparing and taking finals. I spent hours crying and praying for comfort. Finally, they passed and my doctors and I had decided to overhaul my lifestyle to figure out why I was having the problems I was having. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through out all of this the baby has been fine. I was pre-diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. No sugary drinks, low fiber high protein diet, no dairy, no eggs, no "trigger" foods that may hurt my tummy. This is often easier to talk about than do. After all this my OB did some blood work and found out I was anemic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have had to take a ton of pills and vitamins. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finally feel better, and I've been able to be the mom and wife and YW's president I wanted to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While at the doctors last week my doctor felt around and is pretty sure the baby is breech. I have to get him to turn!! On July 1 I'll have an Ultrasound and we will get a better picture of the baby. If he hasn't turned by 38 weeks I will likely have to have a c-section. Not thrilled. I have felt so discouraged. I feel like it is just one thing after another with this pregnancy. I have had just set back after set back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have wanted this baby for so long, and I feel like this was the absolute worse time to get pregnant. I feel bad for all the hardship I've put my husband and son through. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prayers are welcomed at this time as it never hurts to have more prayers on my side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also welcome any tips for turning him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm ready for this all to be over....</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859136437682481444.post-42564882541794600592013-05-21T16:10:00.000-06:002013-05-21T16:10:37.430-06:00Feelings<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel I have a pretty good life. Nothing that people make movies about or write books about, but good, content.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yet I notice lately that I feel numb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I'm 7 months pregnant, with a two year old, so these feelings could all just be hormone driven, but I have found myself lacking in emotions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't get excited about anything, happy, sad or angry. Most days I just feel like I'm going through the motions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think it might be taking it's toll on my family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mean I have concern for their well being, but for the most part I feel everyday is just a day, leading to the next, with its accompanying tasks. I don't get angry anymore when my child misbehaves, happy when my husband comes home from school, excited to go to bed. All things that I did before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I talked to my doctor about depression, but my lack of sadness, and still getting things done is no cause for alarm. I still care about things like my appearance and my home and what's for dinner, but my lust for life is gone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently Scott's young 22 year old cousin died. This was a sad and shocking event, but I had a hard time mustering up the emotions. I felt sad for her parents and sisters, and sad for the things in life she was going to miss out on, marriage, kids and family, and I really was blown away by the suddenness of her passing, but I guess because I know the plan of salvation so well I was also relieved that she wouldn't have to go through the same strife we do here on earth any more. For that I was happy, but it wasn't even a joyous happy, more just a "good for her" happy. The worse part is I don't feel there really anyone I can talk to about all this. Do I even need to talk to anyone at all?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plus I have a baby coming, and with Rivers and all of my nieces and nephews I was really excited for them to get here and join my family, but most days being pregnant is just a pain, a necessary evil, to fulfill the measure of my creation. Times are tough, and for that reason I feel so blessed to be having another boy. I already have lots of great boy things, and the idea of two cute little guys running around brings my heart joy, but the true happiness I get from having a life inside of me that I got with Rivers just is gone. I had it when I first got pregnant, but after morning sickness hit the joy left. I have had a rough pregnancy with lots of doctors and hospital visits, so I guess maybe that's why I'm not super excited. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe I just need a break, a chance to miss my life. Just some time to remember who I am with out the title of wife, mother, Young Women's president, pregnant lady. I was hoping with Scott out of school now that I might get that, but he's busy doing this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2OdxfLUgK8/UZvsu1fRSBI/AAAAAAAACAQ/S28f-aQz2NM/s1600/52113+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2OdxfLUgK8/UZvsu1fRSBI/AAAAAAAACAQ/S28f-aQz2NM/s320/52113+072.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Which I'm glad he's doing something that he loves, but I just seems like another way for him to distract himself from us. He is always telling me to let him know and we can plan a time for me to do the things I want to do, but I get confused as to why I have to plan the things I want to do, and he gets to just do the things he wants to do, I by no means think less of him or want to stop him, but I'd love to just declare I needed to go to the store and leave with out packing up a 2 year old and going. Maybe I just miss the freedoms I once had. I'd let him watch Rivers while he's outside all day, but often Scott is unable to pay attention to him and we live on a busy street so I'm afraid something might happen, and often Scott is busy and doesn't want him out there. Which if this was a "normal" job Rivers wouldn't be able to be with him anyhow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blah I'm just being a whiner, and I need to stop looking for someone to comfort me. This is the life I signed on for and I'm content to do it, I just wish I could see the joy and anger and emotions in it. I'm hoping it's all just my hormones and soon enough I'll be back to my old crazy self.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523285566030312949noreply@blogger.com1