Everett's Baby Blessing

We were able to bless Everett while all our family was here. We had my parents and sister, and Todd's parents, sister, and brother come up. That weekend we hung out and had a real good time.

The blessing was just perfect. We had it on Saturday September 12th at our stake center, and then we headed over to our parent's hotel for some snacks and to chit chat. Todd did a great job and Everett slept the whole time. Our friends and family, from the area, were able to come and participate. After Todd blessed Everett, the counselor from our bishopric asked me to bare my testimony. I was a little emotional and caught off guard and as usual didn't get to say everything I wanted. So I thought I'd share it here so I wouldn't forget.

Five years ago I would have never pictured myself where I am today. I didn't want to get married, nor did I really want to have kids. At least not as early as I did. I figured I'd get married when I was finished with school and a little more accomplished. I never wanted to go to a church school cause I figured most people went to get married, and that was not what I wanted. So I went to school in Rhode Island. After a year I decided to transfer to a different campus. After much thought and prayer I knew Denver was where I was suppose to go. My first weekend there I met this quite guy at our friend's cabin. Drove him home the next morning then ended up spending many nights hanging out watching Prison Break. Little did I know a few months later I'd fall for him and end up marrying him a year later. I remember when I first started praying about us everything pointed to us getting married, but I was shocked. It wasn't what I had planned, nor thought I ever really truly wanted. But I knew it was what the Lord wanted, and when I did what the Lord wanted it truly became what I wanted too.

A year after getting married we felt it was time to start planning a family. But yet again our plan wasn't exactly Heavenly Father's plan. A few emotional months later we found out we were pregnant and truly excited. I was so excited, and yet again shocked. It was funny how opposite my plan was from Heavenly Father's plan, but I knew that his was the one that made me the most happy.

I have such a strong testimony of the power of prayer. I know that Heavenly Father listens and answers my prayers at the appropriate time. I know he knows me and loves me. I know that his plan is the true and right plan and when I make his will my will everything falls into place and I am truly the happiest.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church upon the earth today. I know that Joseph Smith was a true and living prophet who restored the church in these days. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that through it we can drawer nearer to Christ and truly know Him.

I know that my marriage is an eternal marriage. Not only are Todd and I, and our family, together here on Earth, but we will be for eternity. I know that Everett came when he was suppose to come. That he is here to bless our family and do an amazing work.

I love my family so much. Todd is such an amazing husband and now father. He has been such a blessing in my life. Everett has been in our life for a month and I never knew how much love a parent could have for a child. I'm so grateful for my parents and the love and support they give me in all my decisions. They have helped me to become who I am today. I only hope that I can be a righteous example for our children and that they can be led on the right path.

4 Days

Everett is only 4 days old, but he has already brought so much joy into our home. He truly is a sweet baby. He's been very content and happy despite the many places we've had to visit the past couple days. Todd and I love having him. He makes us laugh with the different faces he makes. Just today Todd went to take his pants off so we could change him. All of sudden he just starts crying. Todd couldn't figure out what was wrong until he saw his hand in a fist grabbing his hair. Poor boy was causing his own pain and he didn't even realize it! He keeps hearing everyone say how much hair he has I guess he wanted to check it out himself.

Here are some pictures of the past couple days.

An Unforgettable Weekend

Well, this has been an unforgettable weekend to say the least. We have been blessed with such a sweet spirit in our home and are so happy he is here. It all started on Thursday the 20th....

I had one of my checkups that afternoon. I've been having to go twice a week for my blood pressure. When they checked it this time it had completely spiked. The doctor checked me. I was till only a 2 but 80% effaced. As he's helping pull me up from the table he goes "so you ready for a baby?" "umm... Today?" "yeah!" Holy Cow! I looked at Todd and could see the nervousness. I mean we've been preparing for 9 months, but when the time actually comes I'm not sure you're ever prepared. Since I was moving somewhat a long and the high blood pressure he didn't want to wait any longer. So we headed home, got some stuff packed at headed to the hospital.

I was induced around 9:00pm on Thursday and Everett came at 9:47am Friday morning. I'll admit that it was nothing that I expected. It all happened quick, which was good. Doctor Meredith kept telling us that we'd probably be pushing for about a hour or so. The nurse came in around 9:30 or so cause I was complaining of pressure. She checked me and sure enough he was on his way out. 10 minutes later the doctor came in and right after that came Everett. Later on I told Todd that I didn't cry and I was surprised. I think the whole thing shocked me that I didn't know what to do. All I remember was when he showed us the baby I kept thinking That's Mine! That just came out of me!

Being only 3 days old he is a pretty good baby I have to admit. He sleeps pretty well and has started eating really well. We took him to his first checkup today and they say he's a pretty good lookin baby. We're excited for the days ahead as we get to continue spending time with our new baby boy!

Introducing Mr. Everett

Everett was born on Friday August 21st. Here are some pictures we've taken since then. More to come later..

Checkup

I went in for my doctor's appointment and I guess everything is goin ok. Not great. The blood pressure is still high, but there are no signs of Toxemia. Which is good. That's all the doctor was worried about. He said the blood pressure was high, but not dangerous for the baby. So I'm just suppose to keep taking it easy. I asked if I could work and he says as long as I don't get stressed. Now I just have to go in every couple of days and get my blood pressure checked to make sure it doesn't get any higher.

I'm glad I don't have to stay cooped up anymore, but now that I'm back to work I kinda wish I was still cooped up. Sad I know. I complain about it and then once I get what I want I don't want it anymore. This whole weekend I was able to see my feet and ankles. I haven't been able to see my actual ankle bone in forever. Once I went into work yesterday the swelling started again. Not too bad though, but it was swelling. Even though I was just sitting around pretty much the whole time I felt like I had tons more energy. Now I feel like I'm dragging all day. Oh good times!! Only 2 more weeks. Hopefully. I honestly think it'll be longer, but we shall see!

Takin It Easy

Yesterday I was told by my doctor that I need to "take it easy". Lay on my side. Keep my feet up. I'm thinking..."Man I can do this." Umm...Yeah not that fun. But I just "didn't take it easy" for like 5-10 minutes. I got antsy and had to clean up the apartment a little, and now I'm feeling the effects of it.

When I went to my weekly doctor's appointment my blood pressure had spiked way high. He's a little worried I might have started developing Toxemia, high blood pressure is the only sign right now. So I have to go back in on Monday to get tested again. Well, today Todd and I decided that we'd go check it to see if it had changed. The little blood pressure thing at Walmart showed that it had gotten even higher. So we called they doctor went in and had them test it. Their thing didn't have results so high, but they still weren't great. So I was told once again take it easy. Pretty much lay down all weekend till my appointment Monday.

Since then I have noticed a difference. My feet are completely normal looking. They really haven't swelled. I feel like I have more energy and can breathe better, but it's hard. Todd's dad and brother are here and this morning they all made breakfast. His brother's making dinner right now, and it's hard. That's usually what I do. I keep busy and get stuff done. Not so much today. So while Todd and his dad were outside I decided to pick some things up. Not such a good idea. I am now out of breath again. My feet started to swell slightly. And I feel pooped. So I guess no matter how hard it is, I really do need to "take it easy".

36 Weeks

We have 1 month left. I know I probably mention this every time I talk about the pregnancy, but it really has gone pretty fast. Things are still moving along great. We went to the doctor a couple weeks ago and he said the baby's head was already down. We went in again Friday and he was still down, so hopefully it'll still that way. My stomach feels like it gets bigger everyday which has made everyday tasks a little harder. Like doing the dishes, or cleaning the counters.

Everett likes to keep me uncomfortable! It's starting to get that no matter what side I sleep on he starts kicking, moving, or punching. So that makes for a pretty good nights rest. My feet are gradually getting bigger and bigger! Along with my ankles and legs. It's gotten to where flip flops are my daily shoes now. I've had to resort to Todd's tennis shoes for when I go walking. But it's all good! At least there's a reward at the end. I'm still able to go on our walks which I'm excited about. I feel like I drag everyone, but it's kinda rewarding knowing I can walk up the hill when I'm 8 months pregnant! Hopefully I can keep it up even once all my neighbors I walk with leave!

The baby's room is slowly coming together. There's not much we can do living in an apartment. I made another project this past weekend and got it up on the wall. We bought some baskets for our bookshelf to start organizing clothes. Now we're just waiting on a mattress Todd's sister is giving us and then we can get all the bedding on! Just a few more clothes to wash and then I think we're almost set until little Everett decides to join us.

Todd's Birthday

Well, he's one year older. For his birthday I made Todd breakfast.. Not the best, but what I could do in the amount of time I had:) Unfortunately he had to go to work and make twice bakes all day. That afternoon we came home and Todd went right to opening his present. I'm not the best at buying presents early and keeping them to myself. I get too excited. So I started asking him on Saturday if he wanted to open it, but he was good and said he could wait.

He got a new set of scriptures. The church came out with an individual compact size scriptures that he's been wanting. Now we just need to go get his name put on them! That night I made him his favorite meal. Lasgana. I tried a new recipe and I'd have to say it turned out pretty good myself. I'm not a huge homemade lasagna fan, but I really liked this one. It was pretty simple, yet delicious.

Later we had cake and ice cream with all our neighbors. Todd always tells me he wants a chocolate cake with chocolate icing, store bought mind you. For some reason I just can't do it. I really don't care to make cakes, but when I do I have to make them from scratch. They just taste better. So he got his chocolate cake with chocolate icing and a little extra. Todd loves Cookies N Cream ice cream, so I made him a Cookies N Cream cake. And I'd have to say that turned out pretty well too! So we had our cake and ice cream.

All the guys played PIG on our neighbors kid basketball hoop. It was pretty fun watching them. While the girls sat around and talked. It turned out to be a pretty good night and hopefully a good birthday for Todd!