Twenty-Fifteen

In January we spent the warmer days walking our favorite walking path around the golf course.

In February we spent time with some of our favorite friends.

In March we toured the Don Aslett Museum of Clean.

In April we watched base jumpers jump off the Perrine Bridge.

In May we visited Craters of the Moon.

In June we took a road trip to Seattle Washington.

In July we celebrated America and spent time with cousins.

In August we sold our house. Spence started a new job, the kids started a new school year at a new school, and we moved into a hotel.

In September, 42 days after checking into the Residence Inn, we moved into our new house. We also took a trip to Yellowstone National Park with the Wahlens.

In October we got a kitty and named her Cinnamon.

In November we started building walls and running electrical wires in our unfinished basement.

In December we celebrated our very first Christmas in our house in the country.

2015 - It was a year of change. Some very good times. And some trying, challenging times too.

And 2016, I am so looking forward to you. You are going to be a great year; I’m going to make sure of it.

A Birth: The Rest

This is the second half of Marlee’s birth story.

To read the first half click here.

I almost didn’t make it to the hospital when I delivered Jace. Truly, I didn’t. I labored at home soaking in our bathtub a bit too long. So long that he was this close to being one of those babies that got delivered by their dad in the back seat of the family car. I had promised myself that this time around I was going to be a better judge of contractions. I wanted to labor at home as long as possible, but I was also more aware that my labor was capable of moving very quickly. I told myself I could soak in the tub just until contractions made me want to swear and then it was time to wake up Spencer and head in the hospitals direction.

I kept my commitment and as soon as my contractions got to the hurts like the dickens level {which is a couple notches above the I hate being a women level and slightly below the I wish I were dead level} I climbed out of the bathtub, woke Spencer, and dressed for the hospital.

When we arrived at the hospital it was 6:30 am and I was at a 6 and 75% effaced.  My advanced laboring state angered the nursing staff.  I’m not even kidding. The hospital was packed {remember how they canceled my induction} and they were overwhelmed with the thought of yet another labor and delivery. “Why does every mother in [our town] have to choose today to have a baby,” one nurse said to another while standing by my bed. Spencer and I rolled our eyes and I breathed my way through another contraction. Excuse me! And sorry for the inconvenience, but like it or not, this baby’s coming!!

The contractions kept getting longer, more intense and less manageable. I knew it wasn’t going to be long.

After some blood work, an IV and a debate over which type of antibiotics I would be given {I was strep B positive, but also allergic to amoxicillin} they asked me if I wanted an epidural. I declined. Because I’m borderline crazy!

I had an epidural when I delivered Brynlee. I think mainly because that was what I thought you were supposed to do. Everybody I knew delivered their babies with epidurals. I mean - why not - it hurts like hell without one. And then with Jace I didn’t have an epidural {because, again, I almost had him in the car…there just wasn’t time for it}. After everything was said and done I decided that I actually liked the epidural free experience better. I wasn’t as tired afterwards, Jace was more alert, I could walk around during and right after labor, I felt like a superhero, and – the best part - I didn’t have to have a huge ole’ needle stuck in my spinal cord {{shudder}}.  I mean, there are definite benefits to an epidural – like, you know, PAIN RELIEF, but I was determined to deliver without one. I had done it before, I could do it again.

So anyways, I declined the epidural.

The nurse came back in a little while later to check me - I was at an eight – and she told me that she was going to call Doctor Cox in to break my water. I agreed, but asked if I could have some sort of pain medication to take the edge off before he did. I knew that after my water was broke the already dreadful contractions would only intensify. Up to this point I had had no pain relief (unless you count the two Tylenol that I had taken at 4:00 in the morning for the pounding headache) and I was now at the I wish I were dead level and wanted some kind of something to dull the pain a bit.

Her response – are you ready for this - they didn’t have anything! NO FOOLIN’! The HOSPITAL didn’t have ANYTHING!?  Say what?  No narcotics. Are you kidding me? Then call in a local drug dealer, exchange all my belongings for a dosage of Demerol, sell my soul for some Nubain…I didn’t care how I got it, I just wanted SOMETHING.

She mumbled on about some sort of drug shortage something or another and how they had used their limited supply and didn’t have anything available {I’m not making this stuff up you guys} and then she called in Dr. Cox to break my water and left the room.

Spencer tried to comfort me.

Just as I expected, my contractions continued to intensify. I went from an I wish I were dead level to a please, kill me level quickly. It hurt. A lot! I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t scream and most definitely couldn’t control the pain enough to have a baby! And then shortly after I reached that dark place where I was certain I was going to die Marlee Danielle was born.

After nine months of misery, I’d found the cure. She was beautiful, healthy, and came out screaming. And suddenly every.single.bit.of.it was totally worth it. The puking, the nausea, the maternity clothes, the puking, the downiness, the cravings, the weight gain, the puking, the delivering a baby on Tylenol alone! All of it, worth it.  

And life with baby Marlee at our house is just as sweet as can be.

*Marlee was born two days before her due date, on June 12, 2012 at 10:08 am.

*She shares a birthday with her Great Grandpa Jess.

*She was delivered by Dr. Cox. The same doctor that delivered Brynlee and Jace.

*She is named after her daddy: Daniel Spencer.

*Her Birth Stats: 7 pounds 8 ounces // 21 inches.

When There's Smoke

“I feel like we’re camping,” I told Spence this morning as I woke up in the hotel and put back on yesterdays clothes trying to ignore the fact that I didn’t have an overnight bag with deodorant, toothbrush or fresh underwear. The air outside only intensifies the camping atmosphere. It’s thick, and dry, and smells just like campfire.

We were evacuated from our house around 3:30 yesterday afternoon.

I was inside nursing Marlee while Brynlee and Jace were outside playing in the sprinklers. I noticed the sky turn orange as I watched the kids out the window. And then I smelt the smoke. It was a faint aroma at first. So I checked on the kids, saw no sign of fire, and went back to nursing Marlee.

The phone rang. I ignored it. Then it rang again, and again. I assumed it was my mom since she does that sort of thing - calls time and time again when you don’t answer. {hi mom! love ya.} By the forth missed call I stopped nursing and answered my phone.

It was Spencer telling us he had just got a phone call from the police department and we needed to evacuate our home. The same recorded message was on my voicemail: The sheriff’s office is requesting that all residents evacuate their homes immediately due to a fast moving fire.

Funny thing, earlier that day I had heard of other evacuations in Colorado and Utah and had questioned myself - what things would I take with me in such a situation. 

In such a situation, I bring nothing. Apparently.                 

No valuables. No change of clothes. Or clean underwear. No toothbrushes. No wipes and diapers for my newborn baby. Or nursing pads for her nursing mama.

Truth be told, I panicked. The kids were in the backyard in their swimming suits and Marlee was laying on the couch – crying, since I had ended her feeding before she was ready. I told the kids to run upstairs and get their clothes on. I grabbed shoes for the gang, my purse, cell phone and computer and we loaded in the van and left the house.

As I left the house I could see the fire rolling down the hills toward the golf course. It was like something you see on the evening news, not something you expect to see in your backyard.

The rest of the day was spent watching the local news, texting friends and neighbors for detail and updating family. The rumors spread faster than the fire itself. Every story exploding into something different. Everybody speculating on whose house had been consumed by the flames. People assuming and then spreading. And so it goes, I guess.

So far the official count is at 66 houses and 29 outbuildings and 1,038 acres burned.

****

Last night we stayed in a hotel wondering of what was to happen.

Tonight we are among the lucky. We are home. And although our house smells of potent campfire smoke and our deck, lawn and flowers are dusted in ash, our house and neighborhood was unharmed. Everything in our house is just as we left it {including the dough I had rising on the kitchen counter for last night’s dinner. yikes}. However, if you stand at the corner of our neighborhood and look out you see nothing but black ruins – skeletons of trees and houses that used to be. Power companies trying to restore power lines, fire crews still fighting, media sources trying to get the inside scoop.

We are so grateful. So thankful. So appreciative. We are also aware, concerned and prayerful for those who weren’t as lucky as us. For the friends, neighbors and ward and stake members that may have lost everything. Our thoughts are with them.

****

Although we are home and power has now been restored in our neighborhood we are still without gas, hot water, internet access etc. Right now we are at my little sisters house showering and quickly updating the blog. Fire pictures will be posted when I am able. As well as updated pictures of my sweet baby Marlee. Oh how we love her.

Our Life Unedited: Party of Five

Introducing our sweet baby girl.

Marlee Danielle

Born June 12, 2012 at 10:08 am.

7 pounds 8 ounces. 21 inches. And absolutely perfect.

big brother jace took this photo - and gave her the tiny baby to snuggle

We are all so proud. And completely smitten.

More pictures and a special 12 on the 12^th {Marlee’s birthday edition} to be posted soon. Our house has been a constant flow of houseguests, visitors and well wishers {and even the sweetest surprise package in the mail. Megan, you are so dang cool}.

We are oh so blessed.

But, when life slows a little {um, right!} I’ll be posting more. But for now we are celebrating new life. There isn’t anything more precious.

Oh and we’re celebrating fathers too! Happy Fathers Day, Dad. I love you! And Spencer, you are my everything.

Color me THIRTY!

**Pregnant and 30 photo taken the day after my 30th birthday by Brynlee.  Lil' punk! I thought that the stuffed animal she put on my lap before the photo shoot was a nice touch though.

Baby News!

We celebrated with pink balloons, a pink frosted donut from our town’s newest donut shop + pink strawberry milk.

Brynlee told me all along that she was certain it was a girl. Wishful thinking, I suppose. Honestly though, Spencer and I were absolutely sure it was a girl too. Which means we’re three for three when it comes to guessing our babies gender.  And Jace forgot all about his wishes for a boy and was super excited about the baby girl news. Or he was just happy to get a donut and balloons - either way.

Were you right on your guess?

News of the ultrasound sorts

Baby #3. Looks just like daddy.

So we had the ultrasound yesterday.

Here’s what I overheard:
+Daddy, our baby looks like Skeletor. {Brynlee}
+Ummm, why does the baby have no clothes on. {Jace}
+Dad, how can she tell if it’s a boy or a girl? {Brynlee}
+So, is our baby a boy, or a girl, or a butterfly, or a toot? {Jace – that little punk and his little boy potty mouth, seriously.}

Here’s what we learned:
+That there is only one baby.
+That the heart has four chambers and it is beating healthy. {Yea!}
+That the spine looks great.
+That my due date is June 15^th.
+And, that baby is measuring just as it should.

Here’s what we didn’t learn:

+The sex.

Little stinker sat on his/her feet the entire time. Well, except for about 30 seconds when he/she did half a backwards somersault with arms behind the head in sit-up position. But during that time the cord was placed perfectly between his/her legs. 

The ultrasound tech said that I was just going to have to wait for delivery for the gender discovery.

Um, right.

This mama can’t do that. I just can’t. It’s like trying to decorate for a wedding without knowing the bride’s wedding colors. Or trying to pack for a vacation when you don’t know the destination. I mean, sure it’s doable. But it seems like it doubles your work load. You have to wash and prep the clothes from the pink totes AND the blue totes. You have to come up with and agree on two separate names, just in case. Plus, I’ve never been a fan of green and yellow and smiling yellow duckies weird me out.
Like I've mentioned before, I wish a pregnacy test had a pink positive for a girl and a blue positive for a boy. So naturally I’m hoping to sneak a second peak in the next week or so. But until then, care to share. Did you find out the sex of your baby(s)? I’m super curious.

Expecting pink or blue?

 I’m twenty weeks now! I’ve {finally} reached that half way mark. Um, yay!

Which also means we get to find out the gender of our newest family member. Tomorrow. Excited, you ask? Absolutely.

In preparation I decided to take a little poll to see what ya’ll thought . . . blue or pink?

A couple details to help you make your decision:

+before I even knew i was pregnant my face broke out. mainly just my chin. zits, everywhere.

+i’m not certain if the heart beat is fast or not. a detail that i usually pay extra attention too {because my mom always asks}. this time i’ve just been overcome with excitement to hear a heartbeat, any heartbeat.

+i’ve experience morning sickness with all of my pregnancies, but this time around has been the absolute worst.

+i threw up every.single.day from week five to week sixteen {sometimes 2 to 4 times in a day}

+and although the throwing up has all but gone away I still get fairly nauseas during the evening hours.

+i overproduce saliva, it makes me gag.

+i can’t eat junk food. chocolate, sugar, juice, even chewing gum, makes me nauseas.

+i can’t do minty flavors. brushing my teeth is a huge challenge.

+water tastes like straight minerals. and I went through a period where I could only drink water during the nighttime hours when i woke to use the bathroom.

+chinese food, café’ rio, taco soup, and cinnamon rolls are all on the list of food that i may quite possibly never consume again.

+i haven’t had any major cravings this time around. although banana peppers, oranges {any fruit, really}, pickles and salad always taste good.

+the chinese calendar predicts that it’s a boy.

+i get nauseas if i’m hungry. snacking helps me make it through the day.

+i’m still in my regular clothes and i’m not really showing yet.

+if you didn’t know I was expecting you would probably just assume that i’ve gained weight. at a rapid rate.

+and i have gained weight. nine pounds so far.

+my baby bump is wide, not sticking out all cute but spreading from side to side?

+the baby is very active. mostly at nights. and movements are quick and clustered together.

+brynlee wants a girl, jace wants a boy. naturally.

+spence and i both agree on what we think the sex is and will be floored if we are wrong. {mainly because, we are never wrong!}

So which way you leaning!?

Boy or girl?

what's the gender of our baby

Oh. . . um, hi there.

So - as it turns out - I’ve been a little M.I.A. lately.

But I have a good excuse:

I’VE BEEN DEAD!

.

.

Err, um. . . enduring the first trimester of pregnancy.

Same dang thing.

.

.

And oh my goodness, you guys, I’ve been sick.

So, so very sick.

So much so that I have labeled this my worst pregnancy EVER!

As far as first trimester: this one’s been the worst, then Brynlee, then my second miscarriage, then my first miscarriage, then Jace.

{In case you were wondering.}

.

.

But then on Friday I had a doctor’s appointment.

And, my favorite part, we heard a heartbeat!!

I immediately declared it the best sound ever.

And then, for a moment, I forgot about all the sickness.

It suddenly all seemed worth it.

The nurse and I celebrated.

{Her anxiety about giving me bad news again was very apparent;

I think she was praying for a heartbeat just as hard as I was.}

And then I texted Spencer who was home with the kiddos.

Heard a heartbeat!!!

And he texted back

YEAH!!!!!!

I could hear his sigh of relief.

.

.

And then - just like that - the party was over.

And I threw up all over Dr. Cox’s brand new office.

It was awesome.

In a very sarcastic way.

.

.

I’m hoping in the next few days I will be able to look at the computer screen again
without getting nauseous.

I’ve missed my silly lil’ blog.

But until then,

XOXO.

Photo Album: My Little Preschool Graduate

Brynlee graduated from preschool.  With high honors. . . err. . .um. . . with a construction paper cap complete with a gold tassel taped to the side. 

Same thing. 

It was a big day and she was so proud to be an official pre-school graduate.  Grandma, Grandpa, Katie and Jake came to cheer for the star of the day.  We toasted to her preschool success with a new Webkinz and some Chinese Food.  And Kate & Jake brought a balloon, a Pez Dispenser and a flower so you know . . . best day ever.

Brynlee and her best preschool friend, Tyson, and Miss Lori. 
We were so lucky to have Miss Lori as Bryn's preschool teacher.  She was excellent!!  We loved her.

News From the Dental Front.

So, Brynlee and I did a celebratory dance at the dentist office today.  No cavities!!  We jumped up and down, spun in circles and high fived all the dental staff.  It was a big day for everyone involved.  And we celebrated with a trip to the park without time limits, a prize from the toy department and dinner served on the ‘You Are Special’ plate.  She is now officially a member of Dr. Mike’s No Cavity Club and her cute little picture proudly hangs on his dental office wall to prove it.

If I were to write a top ten list titled The Most Painful Experiences as Brynlee’s Mother labor and delivery would come in second and dental visits would top the list.  And rightfully so, she’s not what I would label a superstar dental patient.  But in all fairness she had an awful initiation into the dental world. 

Long story, short:  we picked a nasty pediatric dentist; we’ll call him Dr. Horrible.  {If you live in my town and want to know where NOT TO SEND your children for their dental needs, let me know.  I’d love to share.}  Dr. Horrible was, well . . . horrible.  He wasn’t good with children.  He was threatening and had no patience.  Plus, parents weren’t allowed to go back with their kids and he restrained Brynlee without getting my permission.  Add that to the fact that Brynlee was not a superstar dental patient and a dental nightmare was born.   

Luckily we found Dr. Mike, an angel of a dentist {who also has the patience of a saint and a killer sense of humor} to replace Dr. Horrible.  And the last six month he has worked on regaining Brynlee’s dental trust while REDOING the work that Dr. Horrible had done.  {Which makes my blood boil.  Do you want to know what sucks for a girl who has a fear of dentists?  Getting three cavities filled.  Wanna know what’s even worse?  Having to get them done twice because the dang dentist did a horrible job!} 

Anyway, today she had no cavities and it feels so good. 

And also, Jace had his first dentist visit.  He rocked!  Well, if you consider riding in the dental chair, spraying your mom with water and picking a prize and a new toothbrush rocking, then he rocked.

All I want for Easter is my bottom left tooth.

Wanna know what tops a visit from the Easter Bunny?

. . . when he’s accompanied by the Tooth Fairy.

Hope everyone had a killer Easter Weekend.

Ours was a goodie.  I will be posting pictures soon.

Right now the toy room and I are playing a very intense game of pertinent, non-pertinent. 
Oh, how I love a toy room purge.

And a birthday month confession {#12}:  Spence and I went the rounds about what the going rate of a tooth is.  Even leaving one amount, then changing our minds and leaving a different.  And I may or may not have engaged in a late night Google Search to see what the Tooth Fairy is leaving other kids.  I didn’t want to be extreme, but I didn’t want to rip my kids off either.  And now I am extremely curious, what does the tooth fairy leave at your house?  Or what did she leave you when you were growing up?

*The Birthday Month Confessional is in honor of my 29^th birthday. 

Twenty-nine confessions posted during the month of April.  Groovy.

And now begins their happily ever after.

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Jake Schwartz.

P.S. Thank you a million times over for your loving comments, emails, phone calls, texts & flower deliveries!  Serious, you guys. You helped lift my spirits. It was just like a team hug in the girl's locker after the most important game of the season had just been lost. Except for without the smell of teenage hormones and Teen Spirit. And without hearing the opposing team chanting and cheering obnoxiously in the next locker room over. I mean it when I say that I love and appreciate you guys.

You are the best. Every single one of you!

Because I love to tell ya’ll stuff.

Can I tell you a few things about my little sister Katie?

Well. . . she's our roommate. Sleeps in the bedroom at the very end of the hall. But she's seldom ever home. She's an English major. And won't hesitate in correcting your grammar mid-conversation. She can write a well written paper in record time. And can read an entire book in an evening. Yet, she doesn't know how to spell Mississippi. Just sayin', Kate. She covers her ears and pretends not to listen if ever she thinks that my sisters or I have shared too much information. {Which seldom happens, mind you.} She always looks like she just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Yet she shops at the Goodwill, almost exclusively. And she's proud. She sleeps with earplugs in. And, when she doesn't have class, occasionally forgets to wake up until noon. She likes Ramen Noodles. And Mountain Dew. Although she's currently on a no caffeine diet. She does that occasionally. But then she gives in. And she and Mountain Dew are reunited once again. She's watched all the episodes of "Friends" more times than is considered healthy. She hates when you ask her too many questions. And doesn't like to be center of attention. She a hard worker. And quite charming. And she always has a vase of fresh flowers in her bedroom. Fresh flowers from Jake.

Can I tell you a few things about Jake?

Well. . . he's humorous. And energetic. And my kids think the world of him. In fact, I think all kids do. He's just got one of those personalities. Fun-loving. Playful. Entertaining. He loves those little flavored tootsie rolls. And usually has a pocket full to share. He ate lunch at Quiznos every single day for a long time. And then Quiznos closed in our town. And now I don't know where he eats lunch. He speaks Spanish. And served a Spanish speaking mission. In California, I believe. He graduated from the same high school that Spence graduated from. Except for, a few years later. He works at a restaurant. And brings rolls with cinnamon butter to our house upon request. He cracks me up. And he's fun to hang out with. He's patient. He doesn't give up easily. Because sometimes good things are worth waiting around for. Even ask him.

Can I tell you a few things about Katie and Jake?

Well. . . they like each other. A lot. And their names sound good together. Kate and Jake. Wouldn't you agree? He bought Katie a sparkly ring. And she said yes. And now they're going to get married. And they can't wait.

And neither can I. Congrats Kate and Jake. We are super excited for the two of you. Love you guys!