Labor and delivery...Turbo style

Friday started out as any normal day. Rob was off work but he had to get a physical for the police and pick up some paper work so he was gone. Carson come into my room and said with the sweetest smile on his face, "Hi mom! Ready to play?" I love waking up to that. A happy, smiling toddler. Love burst! I rolled my big, extremely uncomfortable body out of bed and we started our day. I had an appointment at 3:50 and I was hoping and praying that I would be dilated more. At my appointment the week before I was a 3 and 75 percent effaced. We went to the Dr. and she checked me and said I was a 4 and 90 percent effaced! Progress! I told her about Rob's new job and how he is starting on August 1st and how worried I was that the baby was going to come late and we wouldn't have much time home as a family before Rob starts the academy and is basically gone for 4 months. She stripped my membranes and told me that if I hadn't delivered by Monday to call and schedule an induction. I left feeling hopeful that something would start happening. 

Fast forward to 8:30 that night. First contraction hits and it's painful. 5 minutes later, another one. 3 minutes later another. I tell Rob and he is ready to go! I however, am not. I may or may not have been loading the dishwasher in between contractions.  I had called my mom and told her to meet us at the house but a few minutes later Rob called her and they decided it would be best if she met us at the hospital. (Thank goodness!) The contractions were coming fast and hard so we scrambled to get into the car and go. Carson could sense that something exciting was going on so he was super silly and being hilarious. Let me tell you, laughing while contracting is not fun but when your two year old is mimicking your breathing you can't help but laugh. On the way to the hospital my contractions were 2 minutes apart and lasting a minute. Rob said he may or may not have been going 80+ miles per hour but I didn't even notice, or care. 


We got to the hospital around 9:30 and they took me right back to a room. (Funny side note: My nurse was a girl I went to high school with) The nurse checked me and said I was a 5 and she stretched me to a good 6 or 7. Ew and ow. She started my IV and said that the first bag had to be finished before I could get the epidural. By 10:30 my water had broken the IV back was almost empty and the anesthesiologist came in. He gave me my epidural and I was just waiting for relief but it never came. My contractions were pretty unbearable and way stronger and more painful then they ever were when I was in labor with Carson. I started feeling like I was going to throw up so I turned on my side and Rob held the little bucket for me. Every time I gagged I could feel baby coming out. It was lovely. Not. Between gags I was saying, "He's coming out!" "I can feel him coming! I'm crowing! Help me!" The nurse kept telling me to just take deep breaths but I couldn't! He was coming and I knew it! Finally the dr came in and said, "Let's just go for it." "Go ahead and push!" They didn't break down the bed or anything.  So push I did and holy pain!!! I have never experienced anything even remotely painful like that In. My. Life. It hurt so bad I couldn't see or hear.  Yikes. *shudder* At 10:53 my sweet boy was born. 7 pounds 8 ounces. A pound smaller than Carson and I am SO grateful! I don't think I could have pushed him out if he was bigger.

To sum everything up, my labor and delivery was about 2 hours and I might as well have gone natural. The epidural never kicked in. I will forever wonder why anyone would choose to feel that pain. We also decided that from here on out my deliveries will be scheduled! 

We are obsessed with our little Cole and are so happy he is here safe and sound! 

Here's the story of a pregnant lady...

I hope you read that in the tune of The Brady Bunch theme song. And  I hope that it's stuck in your head now :) You're welcome.

Anyway, as I'm sure you all know, there is another human being growing inside me. It's been growing for 13 almost 14 weeks now. I want to tell you how we came to find out about this little peanut. Well, actually now it's a lemon. Anyway, it wasn't your typical, missed period, pee on stick, 2 pinks lines pop up sort of story. This is what happened. (prepare for some over sharing)


Pretty much ever since we had Carson I have been wanting another baby. We talked about it a lot and prayed about it and finally decided to start trying after our trip to Disney World in May. Car would be 18 months old and we felt good about it. Well May rolled around and we both felt that it just wasn't time yet and to regroup once Carson turned 2 in October. Carson's 2nd birthday rolled around and decided it was time to start trying. We went into it wanting a second baby and trusting that if it was the right time then the Lord would bless us. Well, I guess it was the right time because we got pregnant right away. Here's the thing though, I didn't know. I've never had regular cycles. Like ever. I could be 3 weeks to 3 months late and never be pregnant. So when I was a few days late I didn't think anything of it. The thought of maybe I'm pregnant never even crossed my mind.

I started having a sharp pain in my left ovary. I figured I was close to starting so I brushed it aside. It just didn't go away though and I felt uneasy about it. I called and made an appointment with my GP just to make sure everything was okay. We dropped Carson off at my moms and Rob and I went to the appointment. The doc examined me and wanted me to pee in a cup. I did my business and the doctor came back in and said, "Your pregnancy test came back positive so I think you're having and ectopic pregnancy and you need to go the emergency room right away."

Rob and I just kind of sat there staring at her for a minute before saying, oookay....and leaving. A little word of advice, when diagnosed with something, don't google it. I was pretty freaked out. If it was an ectopic pregnancy I could loose my fertility. We decided we needed to get me to the ER right away. Luckily for me, my hottie hubster is an EMT so he was able to call dispatch and have an ambulance come get me. I really didn't want to go via ambulance but I didn't want to have to sit in the ER waiting room for 7 hours and let's me honest, in my mind, my body was filling up with blood and I was about to loose a Fallopian tube. We lucked out and the EMT's transporting me we 2 of Rob's friends and the sweetest guys ever!

We got the hospital and were checked in right away. They drew blood and sent me over the ultra sound. It was pretty nerve racking because as the tech was doing the ultra sounds, she didn't say one word. Not a single thing. Oh and the screen was behind me so I couldn't see anything. After that was done we waited for what seemed to be hours and the doc finally came in. He told us that they didn't see anything in the ultra sound. The pregnancy was too early to be able to see anything but my blood work did indicate that my HCG levels were higher than normal. He told me he didn't know what was going on. He said I could be about to have a miscarriage. He never said, I could just be in the early stages of pregnancy.

We left the hospital feeling so unsure of everything. Was I pregnant? Was I going to stay pregnant? Was the pain just from a cyst? I don't think I've ever felt more confused and had so many questions that couldn't be answered. My mom picked Rob and I up from the hospital (he rode with us in the ambulance) and Rob headed to work for the night. On the way home I stopped at the store and bought an at home pregnancy test. Okay, I bought 3. My thought was, maybe I can just take the test and forget about today.

I took the test and it came up positive! Yay! I have to say though, I was still unsure about everything until we went in when I was 9 weeks along for my first OB appointment. I didn't feel at ease until Dr. S did the ultra sound and there was our baby. Wiggling all around. We could see the heartbeat perfectly. That's when it sunk in. We're doing this. We're bringing a second child into our family. I still look at those ultrasound pictures in awe.

I have more feeling and thoughts I would like to express but I'll save those for other blog posts. This one is already running on.

And that, is how we came to find out that we're expecting! Stay tuned, baby coming this summer! July to be exact!!

Pumpkins!

A couple of weeks ago we got to enjoy having Rob's parents here and all to ourselves! They drove up here from Phoenix and stayed for a week. While we were here we took them to a pumpkin patch! (Seriously, click on the link, it's the cutest pumpkin patch!) It was a perfect day weather wise. Sunny and clear with just a slight chill in the air. Carson loved running around, Rob loved looking for the perfect pumpkins and the Ganems enjoyed the beautiful fall leaves and spending time with their grandson. We've had our pumpkins out on our front porch and last night we carved them for FHE. Carson loved picking out all of the guts! I was surprised that it didn't totally gross him out! Here are some pictures of our pumpkin patch trip and carving them...

Trip to Phoenix

We just got back from a glorious, 11 day vacation in Phoenix. That's where Rob was born and raised so all of his family is there. We stay at his parents house and it's really nice because they have lots of room, a huge pool and we get to spend lots of time with the family. We skype pretty much weekly with Rob's parents so Carson knows who they are. It was so precious to see him run to his nanny and give her a big hug. I may have teared up a bit :)

While we were there we enjoyed, swimming, eating lots and lots of delicious food. (We may have brought a few extra pounds home with us. Seriously) Rob's younger sister, Shar volunteered to babysit all 3 boys so we could go to the temple as a family and perform sealings. It was a really special experience. I loved being across the alter from Rob again and being reminded of the special promises made to us. I am so grateful that we were married in the temple and that Carson and our future children are sealed to us forever.  I also got to visit with my auntie that moved to Az! It was so nice to be able to see her and and my cousins and get to visit for a while!

Carson loved playing with his cousins, Lincoln and Jack. Lincoln is 14 months older than Carson and Car is 13 months older than Jack! It's fun having them each a year apart but it does get a little crazy with a 1, 2 and 3 year old! It was really cute, the first night we were there all the family came over for pizza and wings. Carson and Lincoln were sitting at the kid table eating their pizza when all of the sudden we heard them just cracking up. You know what was so funny? They were saying, "poop." The 2 boys thought it was hilarious and kept saying poop and laughing. It was pretty funny and such a cousin thing. It might sound silly but seeing them get along and bond warmed my heart. Even it was from the word, poop :)

Is there anything better that being an aunt?! I LOVE my nephews so much! There is nothing better then hearing my nephew say, "Love you Aunt Mandy." I loved cuddling baby Jack and getting tackled by Lincoln.   I love that he is old enough to remember us now but it makes it so hard to say goodbye. Love and miss you so much Lincoln and Jackson!

Rob and I both agree that this was one of the best times we've had with his family. We loved every minute of it and were so sad to say goodbye to everyone. Luckily, Rob's parents are coming up here in a couple of weeks!

We love you Mom, Dad, Suzie, Nate, Lincoln, Jackson, Andrew, Noelle, and Sharlene! We had such a good time with you all and miss you!!

Angels watching over me (Or in this case, Carson)

I was standing at the stove making dinner and Carson was playing is his room when I heard the sound no mom ever wants to hear. A loud crash and a scream came out of my child that I've heard before. I don't think I have ever ran that fast in my life. As I got to his room this is what I see...

Carson was sitting to the left of the dresser and his toes were under the second drawer. He was screaming. I lifted the dresser of of him, scooped him and called Rob who had just left for work. The conversation went like this:

R: Hello?

M: I think Car just broke his toes

R: What?

M: The dresser fell on him and his toes were under it

R: Okay, what do they look like?

It's at this point that I realize Carson got out of my arms and went back to playing with his toys. He was looking at the dresser saying, "Fik it." (Fix it) I looked at his toes, wiggled them a bit and he was totally fine. Not a scratch, dent, bruise, no swelling and he's walking just fine.

M: Never mind, he's fine. 

R: Are you sure?

M: Ya, he's totally fine, playing and giggling.

Rob asked me if I was okay, I told him we were fine and to have a good night at work. We got off the phone, I put the dresser back up and went back to making dinner. 

I had to take a minute to sit down. My heart hurt from beating so fast. I needed to catch my breath. It all happened so fast. In the couple seconds it took me to get to his room I was imagining the absolute worst. Not knowing what you're going to find is terrifying. 

I found myself tearing up as I sat there thanking Heavenly Father for looking out for my sweet boy and keeping him safe. Someone was looking out for Carson. He likes to pull his clothes out of his dresser. I think he was reaching into the top drawer which is over his head and he must have pulled the whole thing down. He could have been climbing but he really isn't a climber. I am just amazed that he ended up next to it rather than the whole thing on top of him. 

As a mom of an almost two year old, I really try to keep my eyes on him all the time but it's impossible. Moms have to make dinner and go to the bathroom and we just can't have our eyes on them every second. I really believe that it's in these moments that their guardian angles swoop in and watch out for them for us. I am just so relieved that grateful that Carson wasn't hurt. Thank you angels, for watching out for my boy!!

Family update

Rob

Working hard as always. I love that about him. He works hard so we can play hard. He worked 108 hours in one week! The nice thing about his job is that over time is available but also that he doesn't have to work that much all the time. He works 5 days one week and 2 days the next week.(That's his schedule without picking up any OT) We love his short weeks!  It's so nice to have him home and all to ourselves! I don't know what I would do if he ever works a 9-5 M-F job. His hard work has payed off though. Car and I got to go down to Utah to see family and we'll be going to Phoenix next month! He has also been gardening a lot this summer. He has some massive cucumbers growing right now and we were able to eat some potatoes out of our garden as well! I have to say, it was really fun eating something that grew in your backyard! He's also been doing his mock draft for football and he and Car have enjoyed watching the preseason games together.

Mandy

Just busy being a stay at home wife and momma. Carson and I took a trip to Utah with my brother, Tyler last month. All of my dad's family is down there and I feel like we don't get to see them enough so it was really great to be able to spend time with them. I miss them already! When I'm not chasing after a VERY busy, almost 2 year old or cleaning/doing laundry.....wait, that's all I do ;) But seriously, being an at home mom is really hard and it's easy to lose yourself. I'm going to go take some open classes at PNB next week. I am so excited/nervous and prepared to be very sore the next day. It's important to get "me time" as selfish as that sounds, but when I don't get a break I feel myself slipping back into depression and that is the last thing anyone wants. Luckily, I have an amazing hubby and he has been supportive and helpful and very willing to let me have time to myself or time to go out with girl friends.

Carson

Where to even begin? He is so busy. We probably hear him say, car, truck, choochoo, bus and plane a thousand times a day! He is OBSESSED with all things transportation. All day he plays with this cars and I am always finding them in weird places. My mom even found one of his little trucks in her bread drawer in her kitchen! He is a chatter box! He is always talking. Most of the things we understand but sometimes he goes off and we have no idea what he is saying, but he sure does :) He even talks in his sleep. Like his daddy :) He is a love and loves to give kisses and hugs and hold hands. Carson plays so hard during the day that he literally puts himself to bed at night. After dinner and bath he'll play for a bit and then grab his blankie, go sit in the rocking chair, say "amen!" and then walk into his room and wait by his crib. It's so cute. We love him!!

My cute sister in law is doing this on her blog and I thought I would follow suit. It gives me something to blog about since our life isn't super exciting :) I also enjoy reflecting and remembering things as I go through these questions. Let's get started....

Growing up, teenage years:
*What activities did you participate in?  (Sports, dancing, music, arts, etc.)  Explain what you did with each activity.   Ballet, ballet, ballet. I danced ballet at Pacific Northwest Ballet School. Now let me elaborate on that. PNB was not a little studio located in a strip mall where you took a class once or twice and week and had a end of the year performance in a local church or school. PNB is one of the top ballet companies in the world. As a student and PNBS I was being trained to become a professional ballet dancer, preferably in their company. I had class 5 days a week, sometimes times more than one class a night. I started dancing on pointe at the young age of 11. We were expected to have our hair neatly pulled back into a bun, hairnet and all, which meant we had to have long hair and no bangs, have a clean leotard and tights and a specific type of technique shoe (ballet slipper) or pointe shoe. We had parent/teacher conferences twice a year and they would pretty much tell you if you had the body to be a ballet dancer or not. The ballet world is pretty ruthless. I danced in the world famous PNB Nutcracker 4 years in a row. Those are by far some of my best memories ever. Every year around Christmas time I listen to the Nutcracker music and still hear the counts in my head and it's hard for my body to not do the steps as well. I didn't recognize this back then, but I was pretty good. I was blessed with the right body type and very blessed with rare feet that look very pretty in pointe shoes. That being said, other girls were not nice to me. Oh, they were so mean and viscous and I thought it was because I was bad at ballet. I thought they didn't like me because I was bad. I can see now that it was jealousy but and the age of 14, you just don't understand that.  Despite all of that, I loved to dance. Loved it. I miss it so much sometimes. I know though, that if I had pursued a career in ballet that I would have never met Rob and I wouldn't be able to have kids until I was in my 40's. The years I did of ballet have left me with a love for dance and the arts, something that I can enjoy just for myself and put all my emotions into. I am also able to teach ballet. I LOVED teaching my preschoolers. I loved sharing my joy with them and seeing the sweet smiling faces on the little girls and they danced and felt so pretty. I also loved when they would perform for the parents. I loved seeing how hard they worked to remember all the steps and I loved seeing the proud faces of the parents as they watched their little dancers. Many of my memories are of the years I did ballet and I am SO grateful to my mom for driving me there and back everyday and supporting me. 

Ok, next queston...
*Who were your friends?  
I think back to each year of high school and each year there seems to be a different group of friends. Junior and senior year I had a pretty close knit group of girl friends. We had so many fun times. We called ourselves 'The Fab 4" but I'm pretty sure that sometimes there was 5 of us haha. We also had a little group called FML....Let me explain!!! The guys we hung out with called them selves Filthy Mormon Ninjas and they would prank on the weekends. Well we wanted to retaliate so we named ourselves The Fine Mormon Ladies. This was before FML meant something much different.  I loved these girls and their friendships and I have lots of fun memories and stories with them. 

*Did you have a girl/boy friend?
Do boyfriends in high school even count? Yes I had a boyfriend or two. Dating was fun. I really don't have much to say about it haha. It's funny to look back and remember how serious I thought those relationships were. Silly teenagers.


What did you like/dislike about school?
To be honest, I hated high school. I loved my friends but also hated all the crap that goes on in high school. The petty drama really took a toll on me and by senior year I was SO over it. Who isn't? I really don't understand when people say they wish they could go back. I would NEVER! I did have some amazing teachers though, some that I will never ever forget. Teachers that I think about often and sill inspire me. 


*What was your first paid job? 
Right Start Montessori! This job sort of just fell into my lap. My little brother went to preschool there and I was picking him up one day and his teacher/the owner of the school asked me if I wanted a job that summer. I said sure! I always loved little kids and wanted to be a teacher so this was perfect. This job turned into much more then a summer job. I worked there all years of high school. It was just a few hours after school everyday but on breaks and summers it was full time. When I turned 18 Debbie would let me take over. I absolutely loved this job. I learned so much and gained so much experience. I will forever be grateful to Debbie for giving me that job and keeping me and I still think about those sweet kids and the cute things they would do and say. What I loved about working at a Montessori preschool was watching the kids learn. You would have a kid that was just learning letter sounds and by they end of the year they were full on reading. I love that. I love seeing kids learn and shine and I love that I got to be a part of that.