Nathen's 1st Birthday Cupcake

Don't Cry Nater Buggy....

Happy Birthday Nathen

"What is that?"

"Ok... I will play with it."

"This is so good!!!"

" I dare you to try taking some...."

"Do I look like Shrek?"

Proud Daddy!

Mommy's BIG boy!

Before....

Lovin the Shower!!!

Happy Boy!

Gotta love his smile.....

After..... "I'm Clean."

What a WONDERFUL YEAR.........

What a year we have had together! I was sitting here and thinking back to the big day! Daddy and I were up and down all night with excitement and anxiousness for your arrival. We woke up at 5 am to get everything ready for our induction, and for us to have our "last meal" together as one. I took the last few pictures of my big ol' belly and off we were to the hospital.

We got to Mount Timp Hospital at 6 am and they hooked up all the medicine I had to be on to get my labor going. After 12 hours of ups and downs and many visitors later.... Doctor Young decided that you were not coming out unless we did a c-section. I was terrified but I knew I would receive the ultimate prize at the end of this long and emotional road.

After 5 years of being told I would never have any children, at 6:41 pm, I heard your loud, but sweet cry.  You became my true blessing from god. You made me whole. Finally, I was a mom. Your mom. What a proud mommy I was when I saw you for the first time, and I touched your soft chubby cheek. You were a 7lb 15 oz mini me!!


I was waiting and waiting for you to be brought to my recovery room. You never came. I guess at that moment in time it really hadn't hit me that something was wrong. No one would tell me anything. Daddy kept everything very quiet, so that I wouldn't get upset. Around 11 pm your pediatrician came into the room followed by your dad. Daddy had tears in his eyes, and I knew he had been crying. At that moment, I still wasn't sure what was going on. Dr. Simmons began to lay out everything that had been discovered right after your birth. He told me that you were being prepped to be transported to Primary Children's Medical Center for further tests. I shook my head in shock. I could have never guess that this was the road that Heavenly Father set before our family. Around 11:30 pm, I finally got my first chance to hold you!!! What a beautiful miracle that I had in my arms. At that very moment, I knew that my world was in your eyes , and I didn't know how I going to be able to let you go.

You were already hooked to a transport cart and I was told I had 3 minutes before the ambulance had to leave. I had so much to say to you. How was I supposed to do that in that short amount of time?

As I handed you back to the EMS, I knew that what we were about to embark on was something that was going to change our life FOREVER!!!

After you left, Daddy and I just cried. It was very surreal to have just become parents and to feel like it had been snatched out of our hands just as fast as it had been given to us. We were in shock over everything that had happened. We were scared about what was going to be. What was going to happen? Were we going to be able to handle this? All we could do was pray and hope for the best.

The next morning, Daddy went to Primary's to find out what the doctor's had found out. I had to stay in Orem at the hospital I was in. I was still recovering from the C-Section. As Daddy left that morning, I was so upset and angry that we had worked so hard to bring you into the world, but I wasn't even able to be with you. I was in so much pain, but I was mostly numb from missing you. I was having severe withdraws. I couldn't even wrap my head around this. I started to blame myself for everything that had happened.

Daddy came back from spending the day with you, and started to explain everything that he found out through out the day. He told me that you would need several surgeries to be able to live an easier and full life. I was TERRIFIED!!!! Daddy slowly calmed me down. By the time I calmed down, I was on a war path. Nothing was going to stand in my way in getting to you as soon as I could. Dr. Young came to check on me. That is when he told me as long as I could walk without a walker then he would release me to go to be with you. At 5 am on the 30th of September, I was released from the hospital. Like I said NOTHING was going to keep me from being with you.

I remember being so anxious as we got to the 3rd floor of the Children's Hospital. As daddy and I got closer to the NICU I was so nervous. I was about to see you again. It felt like the ride down the hall took a lifetime. Daddy rolled me into the room to see you. You were tucked into the corner of the NICU room. The NICU nurses did their best to prepare us for what was about to happen. The truth is I thought I was prepared, until I was told there were further things that needed to be done in order for us to take you home, and care for you and your condition. Nothing could have prepare us for anything like this.

You came out of the first surgery. You did great. We were so relieved that you were on the road to recovery. As the days went by, Daddy and I had plenty of trials throughout the 9 LONG DAYS that you were in the NICU and 9 LONG NIGHTS that we had to spend away from you was HELL! On October 7th at 12 pm, Finally, we got the go ahead from all of your doctors, to take you home. What a long 10 days it had been!!!

TO BE CONTINUED........

This is only a portion of your remarkable story. I have so many memories to share with you as you grow. I can't wait. What a truly remarkable little man you are becoming. What a crazy, but awesome 1st year that have had with you. It will only get better as the years go by. Each and every day, you bring so much joy to us. You are the BEST thing that has happened to us! What a pure joy and pleasure it has been to be your mommy!!! Thank you for choosing me and your daddy! Happy Birthday my 1 year old blessing from God.

.....He screams for ICE CREAM

 Daddy gave him a mini ice cream cone....

 

Lovin it....

The expression says it ALL!!!

I wish I could get this whole thing in my mouth....

WOW... This is AWESOME!

Oh Boy, Daddy is gonna have a blast cleaning THIS mess up!!!

In my world.....

Nathen is doing very well. Recently, he just "graduated" from having his nurse come to see him. He had a personal nurse through Utah County Health Department that comes to check on him and his progress as he ages. She has been following him ever since he has been home for the first time. Her name is Marianne Lindsey and she is WONDERFUL!!!! She is such an amazing woman. She has helped me in my lowest moments when I felt like I was not doing a good enough job. She did feel as if he was a little "delayed" in the motor skills department. She suggested this because she was around he never really made any babbling or chatting noises.... I brought it up to her that he really didn't do much of that as he has been getting older. I guess I never realized it to be a "problem". So she has referred us to ANOTHER service Utah County has to get him checked. Pray that everything comes out GOOD!!!

Nathen is currently 24 lbs and almost 29 inches tall...he is becoming such a big boy. He prefers adult food over baby food, but still has a fit if he doesn't get his bottle. He is crawling everywhere and he loves to cruise the length if the couch and tv stand in the living room. When he is in his room, he is holding on to the dresser handles while watching Mickey Mouse. He gets a huge smile when he hears Mickey's voice.

He has such a happy spirit about him. I am such a proud mommy. I am lucky enough to be able to look into his beautiful baby blue eyes every single day. When I do... I fall in love all over again with him!!! He is my everything.

Dustin is doing great. He is doing awesome in school. He is in his 4th class. He has maintained a B average. I believe that this is a huge accomplishment for him!!! He got hired on FULL-TIME at Henry Schein in American Fork. He has his ideal shift there. He seems to be happy there, even though there are always ups and downs.

My life has been pretty steady lately. Being SUPER-MOM, trying to be the best wife, getting ready to go back to work, and getting caught up on the MAJOR housework before I do so. I have been struggling on my exercising since I popped my left hip out of place while picking Nathen up out of the floor to fast. I think it is CRAZY that one wrong and sudden move could cause so much pain and MONTHS of chiropractic visits. Sometimes I would rather deal with the pain then to keep going back. It seems endless.

I am really excited to start working very soon. I don't know what I would have done with myself if I had to stay home for another month. Staying home has advantages, but it has more disadvantages. I am just happy that I get to be with Nathen.

I am very pleased with how my life has changed. I am so very thankful for EVERY SINGLE BLESSING that my family has received!!! What a whirl wind year we have had. As it comes to a close, I think about how much my life has been impacted with every thing that has happened. I am able to stand with my head held high and for the first time, in a LONG time, say that I am a STRONG person! I am proud of everything my family has accomplished TOGETHER as a WHOLE!!!

Dustin and Nathen are my my world. I am so thankful each and every day that I have been so blessed. I love you so much!!!

Is it REALLY worth it???

Utah had 5 MAJOR & FATAL ACCIDENTS IN UTAH COUNTY IN THE LAST 4 DAYS!!!!! Because of dumb decisions that people choose to make. Selfishly they drive behind the wheel doing things that need not be done in the car at all. Talking on the phone, TEXTING, applying makeup, ect...


I'm so annoyed with UTAH DRIVERS AND HOW RUDE THEY ARE! People are dying on our Utah road ways because u can’t put down ur phone while behind the wheel! I can't believe someone would not care about the precious cargo they carry and the lives they could affect! STOP THE CYCLE WITH URSELF! Sorry if i offended anyone......BUT I'M NOT DONE!!!!!!


Personally, I know of several times there has been a close call for me or my family members and some have actually gotten really hurt because of incompetent people that do not care in Utah.... There is nothing that could be that important that needs to be sd at the exact moment that could cause the fate of someone else's loved one.... It boggles my mind. As someone can tell you first hand that I have text and talked while driving and have seen my own accident waiting to happen by the cause of my own hand way to many times. I am not proud of this fact... but I am honest. Are you? How many of us in the world today are against this but have done it themselves? I hope that is not how I go out.... but as the death toll rises in our states it is becoming an epidemic and is spiraling out of our grasp. What will you do to change your fate and the fate of all our loved ones?

Home is where the heart is......

Home is truly where my heart is right now. I am still staying home with Nathen. I love to be able to wake up in the morning and know that I gt to share all day with him and not be away from him.

Nathen is doing very well. Currently he has 4 teeth with 5 more cutting through at the same time. My poor little man. Day time with teeth cutting isn't so bad, but when the sun goes down my son turns into a terror. He has recently taught himself how to hold on to the bars on his crib and pull himself up. He will wake up at all hours of the night and just stand there and babble. He is a funny baby. He is still army crawling, but is he does know how to crawl the regular way..... but he is just lazy! He is still eating formula, but would prefer to eat "big people food". He loves anything that we give him. His favorite is ICE CREAM!!! He is currently 23 pounds and 28 1/2 inches tall. He is growing like a weed. He has also learned how to pull him self up and hold on to the couch while he tries to walk the length of the couch. He gets so upset when he falls, but I always encourage him to get up and try again. He is so in love with Mickey Mouse. He always smiles when Mickey Mouse Club House comes on. Dustin got him a NICE Mickey Mouse doll and he LOVES to hold it in his arms and chew on the nose. We recently bought him some pj's with Mickey on them. He looks so cute in them.

Nathen does have to go back to Primary Children's for a follow up dye test on his kidneys to check the level of reflux into his kidneys. We pray that everything goes well and he will finally be dubbed NORMAL..... and will be able to be taken off of all his meds.

I can truly say that Nathen is a TRUE BLESSING from god. I have never met a baby with such a sweet spirit about them. Even after everything he has been through he still manages to smile and giggle. He is such a sweet baby. He has brought an entirely different feeling of joy and happiness into our lives that we know is because of him.


Dustin is still in school and doing VERY well. I have never been so proud of him. He is very motivated, and he feels very accomplished that he took such a big step to better our lives. He is still working as well. He has been so busy lately that we don't see much of each other. It is hard, but I try to look at the big picture and think about all the time we will have as soon as the LONG four years of school are over. He is such a trooper.

He just received his first calling in church. He has been called to be the secretary for the Elders Quorum. He excepted it faithfully, even though his weeks are so full already. He wants our family to have all the blessings that we need as we still are having some issues. Again, I am so very proud of him for working so hard.

I am doing good. I have been exercising and trying to become more healthy. I have already lost 5 pounds.... and counting. It is very hard to change your lifestyle when things are much easier when you live being over weight. I believe that it is going to be worth it when I am chasing after Nathen and not out of breath. It has been hard, but I am DETERMINED to do this for Nathen and for the rest of my future posterity.

I am starting back to work in October for my uncles business. I am really excited because of the struggle with paying our bills and just being able to stay on track. It is very hard in this day in age to make ends meat on a 1 person salary. We have been praying that something great would come along. Finally, it has. The best part is that I am allowed to bring Nathen with me to work. That will create less anxiety for me.

I am so grateful for all the wonderful people in our life that has been there for our family in all our trying times. I have a belief in Christ and heavenly father that is beyond words. I believe that through him we were able to over come all of the obstacles that this last years has handed us. I know that through FAITH we will over come and be able to put a smile on our face and feel grateful for everything that we have been through. IT ONLY MAKES YOU STRONGER!!!!

School, Crawling, and House Work

Things have been going good.... busy, busy, busy......

Nathen is army crawling everywhere. I cant keep him in the same place for to long. He is becoming a healthy baby. We are so proud of him! He is such a trooper. He tried Mac -N- Cheese a bit ago and he is not to sure about that. He is getting a long week of getting sick. That was not fun at all. On Saturday morning he woke up from his nap with a fever. I checked it... 103 F.... Yikes. He seemed okay, until he didn't eat his lunch. Then I got really worried. He was pulling his ears and rubbing his eyes. The first thing I thought was.... TEETHING!!! He had been crying 2 day prior, due to his front teeth coming in. WRONG!!!! Anyway, He went back to sleep without eating and woke up for a bottle. I gave him his bottle and he ate it fine. Then a few moments after finishing he couldn't hold it down. I picked him up and he seemed even hotter. I put him in a semi - warm bath. Then called and made an appointment to get him in the see the Doctor.

We went into the doctors office. They diagnosed Nathen with Herpangina. YEAH.... I know... weird name. Its a very painful mouth and throat infection... She leaned him back so I could see that big red painful looking sores in his throat. I felt so sorry for him. NO WONDER HE WAS CRYING AND DIDN'T WANT TO EAT!!!! On top of that it was very contagious. My poor baby wasn't able to sleep but in two hour sessions and not able to eat much. By Sunday night his fever broke and went away. He is slowly getting back to normal Nathen. He is starting to smile and giggle again. I never knew I could miss something so much. He is such a wonderful blessing in our lives.

Dustin is attending the University of Phoenix and going through General Classes before he starts on his classes in Software Engineering. I can say, honestly,I have never seen him really enjoy anything, like he does his college. I am so very proud of him for taking that big giant leap of FAITH! It sure is very scary when you make such a huge change. While he is going to school, he is also working at Henry Schein where he works in Technical Support. He is really enjoying it there, and he is learning and gaining experience that would point him on the right track after college. He has made some really wonderful and life changing choices lately and I am really proud him for that. He doesn't seem to have a whole lot of free between the homework and sleep. A few short years and it will be worth every second lost.

I am doing better with stress levels. Well, I am trying to get better at managing that. In May, I quit my job as the Senior Asst. at Security Finance. I had been there for almost 5 years. Dustin got a job offer. So We decided to take a chance with this company and so now I am currently staying home and not working at all. We really can't afford daycare. I am honestly thankful that we can't. So one of us can stay here with him at all times. I think that is very important for a child's development.

So all in all, We are doing well. Nathen is growing, Dustin is growing academically, and I am growing to become a better mom and wife to the most important men in my life. This will be the key to my success. I am happy with what I have and I feel that I am blessed.