Perspective

Big...Bigger....Biggest

Father Knows Best

The boys after being fixed up by daddy.

Yesterday morning Ryker showed signs of a clogged tear duct. It was a little goopy at first, but as the day progressed so did the goop and then the swelling. The poor kid couldn't even open his eye! As always, I consulted the medical mind in the family to know what to do for it. When Brian got home he worked his magic to get the goop out of his eye.

It was a typical night at our house. Brian and I had finished dinner and Jaxon was still sitting at the table thinking about which bite to take next. I was in the recliner with Ryker and Brian was dozing on the couch when we heard Jaxon crash to the floor. Immediately we were both on our feet. Jaxon was under the table crying. Brian ran to him and picked him up off the floor. Jaxon is extremely afraid of blood so whenever he falls he asks "Is it bleeding or just red?" This was the first thing he said through the tears. Of course Brian responded "It's just red, bud" only to find blood on his hand when he touched the back of Jaxon's head. I would have panicked had I been alone. Brian quickly put Jaxon on the counter and started cleaning the wound telling him that he had dirt in his hair from the park. I held Ryker in one arm and Jaxon in the other as Brian stitched Jaxon's head. I couldn't believe how tough Jaxon was! He thought the red stuff was just ketchup....because that's what we told him.

Later that night Jaxon said to Brian "Dad, tell me if we're going to wrestle tonight?" (he meant ask instead of tell). So Brian said, "Do you want to wrestle tonight?" Jaxon replied, "I have a hurt on my head. Maybe next time."

I feel so lucky to have someone around that can fix clogged tear ducts and put stitches in our toddlers head....all in the same night.

P.S. If you see Jaxon in the near future, please don't tell him that he cut his head open. In a few weeks I am sure it will be fine that he knows the truth. Until then, mums the word!!

Ryker's Story

On Monday, April 21st, we went in for our 37 week appointment. When the doctor checked me he said I was dialated to a 4 and almost completely effaced. He could feel Ryker's feet. The doctor was worried that Ryker would give one big kick and break the bags of water. There could be major complications if this happened and we weren't near the hospital. The doctor said that he would rather do the c-section sooner than later. Neither Brian or I were thinking that the sooner was in a few hours and the later was the next morning. We had time to come home and pack a few bags (for mom, dad, and Jaxon), call Grandma Anderson to watch Jaxon, call Grandma and Grandpa Vincent and let them know what was going on, do one load of laundry, and get back to the hospital by 4:30.

Brian was really concerned about having a premature baby. I was pretty much just freaking out inside my head (and outside as well for that matter). Prior to leaving for the hospital, Brian gave me a blessing. It was a wonderful blessing and the spirit immediately brought peace and comfort that everything was going to be okay.

After the nurses prepped me for surgery, we walked down the little hall to the operating room. The anesthesiologist's first job was to give me something to calm my nerves.(I suppose it was quite apparent how nervous I was!)I absolutely hate having the epidural administered....but I sure LOVE the epidural. While the anesthesiologist was giving me the epidural, all the emotions I had been trying to suppress in the name of bravery came trickling out. I was scared. I was given a little bit more of the "something to calm my nerves" and then the doctors started the surgery. Brian was right there holding my hand the entire time. I couldn't have done it without him. Even though he really wanted to be there assisting the doctors in Ryker's delivery, I was so glad that he was there assisting me...and watching Ryker's delivery.

The first incision was made at 5:43 and Ryker came out screaming at 5:58. They weighed and measured him and Brian was able to take a few pictures. Then Brian went with Ryker to be cleaned up and I stayed put while they sewed me back up. This process took about 35 minutes. While they worked the doctors (my doc and his wife who is also an OB), and the anesthesiologist talked about American Idol, an opera singer coming to Weber State soon (the actor in Princess Bride who is out to avenge his father's death...looking for the 6 fingered man....remember him? Yea, apparently he sings and he's quite good), and what they would be having for dinner. It was quite a relaxing conversation.

I then went into post-op for recovery and was able to hold my new little boy for the first time. For all moms out there, you know the feeling. It's absolute joy! So many emotions, so much gratitude, so much instant love it's almost hard to contain it! It is an absolute miracle....and I got to be a part of it.

Ryker came out screaming (a very good sound...Jaxon didn't cry and scared us all to death!) but has been very calm since. So far, he only cries when he's hungry, wet, or needs a good burping.

First photo with mom and dad.
Having his hair washed

Love at first sight.

(Sorry for the red-eye....no time to edit!)

Jaxon L-O-V-E-S loves his little brother!!

Anyone that came to the hospital was instructed by Jaxon to wash with the special soap (hand sanitizer) and to sit down to hold the baby.

Ryker Brian Vincent

More pictures and posts to come...

No Time Like The Present

Change of plans folks. We are on our way to the hospital to have our baby. The c-section will take place between 5:30 and 6:00 tonight. Yes, tonight. Hopefully the next post contains lots of good news and photos.

If you feel like praying, now would be a good time.

World's Biggest Worrywart

I think I've mentioned before that I'm not a very brave person....especially when it comes to doing something I've never done before. I am one that likes to know absolutely everything about an event prior to taking part in it, just so I know that there won't be any surprises. Even if I know that the second time around won't be exactly like the first experience it's just not quite as scary or worrisome once I've done something remotely similar before.



Case in point. Prior to going in to have the baby turned, I had read absolutely everything I could about it. I knew everything that was going to happen...procedure wise. Still, the morning of I was so subconsciously nervous that I lost my breakfast shortly after eating it. I didn't think I was scared. After all, I knew all there was to know about it. However, reading about it and experiencing it were two totally different things. Hearing/reading that it's going to hurt doesn't quite prepare you for the actuality of just how badly it is really going to hurt.....for days!



I know handfuls of women that have delivered their babies c-section. My sister, friends, neighbors, aunt. It's so common in fact, some women (crazy as they may be) would actually prefer a c-section even if they don't have to have one. I'm not one of those women.



I know deep down that everything is going to be okay. Way deep down. I know the facts about a c-section. I know everything they can possibly do (I think) and all the possible complications (I think). Knowing all that I know, I still have no idea.



The unknown is so absolutely terrifying to me. It is robbing me of sleep and peace of mind. For the past 3 nights my dreams have been down right twisted and altogether frightening. If I let my mind think about it in the day (or night for that matter) I start to cry. Yes, cry. I am a 29 year old baby that is very scared to have this baby.



Approximately 13 more days and all the fears of having a c-section will be gone....or just slightly altered.

STOMP

Friday, June 6, 2008

8:00 PM

Capitol Theatre

"STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. As USA Today says, STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places. STOMP. See what all the noise is about."

I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

No Luck

I went in today for the inversion (not aversion, like I previously thought). After 3 excruciating attempts (from 3 different angles) to turn the baby it was decided that he is not going to budge. When I go in on Monday the doctor will probably schedule a time in the next couple of weeks to do a c-section. I'm not too thrilled with that idea. The doctor said that if I wanted to we could try to turn him again in a few days. I was still shaking in pain when he said that and the answer was a thundering "No way in HECK!" I had no idea how painful this procedure would be. I would chalk it up to being the absolute worst physical pain I have ever been in. Luckily it only lasted about 8 minutes.

Right now I am going to change into my pajamas, insert DVD #1 for Jaxon, and lie on the couch for the remainder of the night. I will only get up to change DVD's, go potty, or eat. Better yet, he may just have to watch the same show a few times over. Good thing Jaxon has a stool and knows how to access anything and everything he could possibly want.

Bigger Than Life

36 Weeks 4 long, uncomfortable, sleepless, anticipation filled weeks to go

Update

I am now dilated to a 3 and 75% effaced. The little stinker is still breach. I am scheduled to go in and have an aversion (that's the fancy shmancy technical term for flipped) on Friday. From what has been explained to me this is how it will go down:

I will check into labor and delivery at 11:30 Friday morning. They will put an IV in me to administer some drug (I would have to consult Brian for the actual name..my brain is failing me....but give me some credit, I did remember aversion) to make my uterus relax. The IV is also "just in case they have to do an emergency c-section". I will be hooked up to the fetal monitors to watch the baby's stress levels and they will also do ultrasounds to watch the baby's position. The doctor will then manuever the baby by pushing on my abdomen. After the aversion, which Brian says could last anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, I will be monitored for about 2 hours to make sure everything is still okay. Sounds fairly simple, right?

Another happy note: During Brian's OB rotation the doc he worked with said he has never had anyone go into labor during or immediately following an aversion. That makes me feel better. I don't think I am ready to bring a baby home this weekend. A week or two more would be nice.

I still think I'll take my hospital bag with me and leave it in the car. Just in case. You can never be too ready!

General Conference

Can I just say that I absolutely love General Conference? I always walk away feeling like I have a little more spring in my step...a desire to be a little better...total rejuvenation.

I don't remember the last solemn assembly that was held. Brian had to work Saturday morning so it was just Jaxon and I at home. The feelings that came over me as I watched my little boy raise his arm in sustaining our new prophet are indescribable. It was one of those mom moments that make me cry and smile at the same time. It was joy in every sense of the word.

One More Angel To Watch Over Me

In life you can't choose how you leave, but you can choose how you live.

My grandpa passed away Tuesday night. My dad has often referred to his father-in-law as the greatest man he has ever known. It's true. Grandpa Taylor was pure goodness. He was patient, kind, hard-working, had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he lived that testimony. If anything, it is evident in the lives of his children. They are all exceptionally good people. My dad would often tell us that if turned out half as good as our mom we'd be doing okay.

Grandpa lived a great life and left a wonderful legacy for us to follow. He was the father of 9 children, the grandfather to 42 grandchildren, and the great-grandfather to 39 (ours will make 40...I think). He was an avid scouter. He received the Silver Beaver Award, one of the highest (if not the highest) scouting awards. He taught at Utah State University and Dixie College. He was in the navy in WWII. He was caretaker of Camp Woodland and a camp host on Fishlake Mountain. He was a temple worker in the Manti and St. George temples. He introduced me to pine gum...basically tree sap. He knew each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren by name. The last time we visited in their home, he played catch with Jaxon. Jaxon still prays for him every day. Just yesterday he said "Bless Grandpa Taylor in Heaven with Jesus so he can be happy." When the prayer was over he said "Mom, is Grandpa Taylor feeling better?" Yes, he is. There is such comfort in the gospel plan. It's not really a goodbye. It truly is a 'till we meet again. Because we will.

He loved much. He lived great. He will be greatly missed. I'm sure he has had a wonderful reunion with his parents, brothers and sisters, and 4 grandchildren.

We love you Grandpa!