In the beginning...

I have wanted to add to our family for a long time but other circumstances kept getting in the way. When we lived in Burley we had private insurance that didn't cover much and by the time we felt like we had saved up enough money, Chris lost his job. After 7 months of unemployment, I felt strongly that we needed to continue our plans to have a baby so we got supplemental insurance and decided that we would go on faith that everything would work out. Well, about 1 1/2 months later, Chris got a job! Then we had to wait until January for his work insurance to start and save money (again!) because we spent most of what we had moving to Texas, and then finally about 5 months later I found out I was pregnant! Yeah.
I was way excited of course but a little apprehensive about the timing. I always have pretty bad "morning sickness" (more like all day sickness) and I was planning on flying back to Idaho with the boys with no hubby right in the middle of my first trimester! Yikes. All in all in actually went fairly well. My family was also planning an adults only cruise to Alaska at the end of July which would be right at the tail end of my first trimester. I was hoping and praying that the morning sickness would be gone by then. I got a prescription for anti-nausea medication but each pill cost me a whopping $8 so I wanted to use them wisely! Luckily, I didn't throw up once on the cruise. Success! But mid-cruise I started noticing a rash on my arm. Then it spread to both arms and then to my legs. By the time we got home I was a hot mess (but definitely not hot!) My ankles and feet were so swollen that it was painful to walk. I am so thankful that I was with my family and they were able to help take care of me and my boys at this time. We were advised by a family friend that is also a doctor that it was most likely PUPPP.
I was visiting my sister Sarah in Utah when it became unbearable. We went to the local Insta-Care Clinic and the doctor there scared me half to death. She was unsure what exactly is was but thought it might be Steven-Johnson's Syndrome, a severe allergic reaction to the anti-nausea medicine that could be potentially fatal! She sent me right away to the ER. Keep in mind that I am 3 months pregnant and extremely emotional. Well, at the ER almost every nurse and doctor would comment about how painful my rash looked. I felt like a circus act. I had about 3 doctors all coming in and discussing what they thought I had. Unfortunately, there was some conference that all the dermatologists in the area were attending so none were available to diagnose what I had. Finally, the doctors got a hold of one dermatologist from the University of Utah Hospital and he diagnosed me over the phone. Most likely, it was gestational pemphigoid. I was discharged with some benedryl to help with the itching (yeah right!) and told the derm dr. would get a hold of me when he had an available appointment. I was nervous because I was going back to Idaho on Monday (and this was Friday).
Thankfully the derm dr. called Saturday and said I could come in even though they were closed. I had 3 derm dr. marveling over my impressive rash and taking pictures for future use (learning and teaching etc.) After a biopsy, it was finally determined that I did indeed have gestational pemphigoid (PG) which is an auto-immune blistering skin disease that occurs during pregnancy typically in the 2nd or 3rd trimester and/or immediately following pregnancy. Lucky me, it started in my 1st trimester! Treatment is steroids in the form of prednisone (60 mg). There is no cure for PG and will likely occur in subsequent pregnancies. There can be several complications to mother and baby including but not limited to preterm labor and intrauterine growth retardation. Which all meant I had to be monitored closely. You would think that would have been enough drama for one pregnancy but oh no....

Introducing Henry David Tatton

Henry, Henry, Henry. Where to even begin? Almost from the moment I knew I was pregnant, till the day he was born, has been quite the wild ride. Let’s start from the end and move backwards to the beginning and make it all really confusing, shall we?

Wednesday (1/2/13) night I started having contractions but they were about every 45 minutes. Not very regular but some were pretty intense. But they stopped when I went to bed. Then Thursday night looked like it was going to be about the same but this time my contractions were about every 30 minutes and most of them were pretty intense. We thought we should make arrangements just in case we had to go to the hospital in the middle of the night. We called a friend and packed our bags. But then of course the contractions stopped again as soon as I went to bed. They started up again at about 1:00 but still weren't very consistent or close together but painful enough that I couldn't sleep. At about 2:30 I had had enough of just laying there and decided to get in the shower hoping that moving around would either make them more consistent or go away. By the time I got out of the shower they were coming about every minute or so. I told Chris, "we need to go NOW!" He ran in and woke the kids up while I dressed and we hopped in the car. It is important to note that I was looking at the clock to time my contractions so I know that when I got out of the shower it was 3:08 am. The poor boys probably thought I was dying because I was making some horrible noises in the car and the way over. Chris was going way over the speed limit because I kept saying, "He's coming, he's coming..." We arrived at the hospital at about 3:20 and Henry was born at 3:48! WOW! We made it just in time, eh?! My biggest fear all through my pregnancy was that I wouldn't be able to get an epidural. With Edison, the anesthesiologist was in surgery and so I had to wait what felt like forever and I was worried he wouldn't make it in time. So, of course, the first thing I tell the nurse is, "I want an epidural!" Well, I think we all know it was a little too late for that. I was terrified! I know, call me a wimp. But I hadn't done any training for this. I had no idea how I was going to deal with the pain. I kept telling the nurses that I couldn't do it. One nurse said, "You've already done the hard part. You've already labored through it all." And I was like. "I'm no idiot. Don't tell me I've done the hard part. I know what comes next. I have to push a baby out of my body!" So apparently my water had already broken (how could I have not known that!) and I was ready to have this baby. No doctor needed. Just 2 labor and delivery nurses and me, oh and Chris. I was screaming. Like really screaming. I am embarrassed to admit. I remember thinking, "What is that awful sound? Oh my goodness that is me!" And afterwards, I even apologized to the nurses for my excessive screaming! I was about ready to quit when out he came. I was so exhausted. All I wanted to do was collapse and not move a muscle ever again.

Honestly, I didn't even really think about holding my baby but then, when they put him in my arms, everything else was forgotten. He was so precious. And healthy! Yay! He didn't really cry, which made me nervous but everything was fine. For being a month early, he was completely healthy. He weighed 5 lbs. 5 oz. (for which I am so grateful because I don't think I could have done it if he was any bigger.) And he was 18.9 inches long with a full head of dark hair! Immediately we noticed that he had the Thomas nose but over all looks more like a Tatton. He has been such a wonderful baby and we have all enjoyed him immensely.

Just to show you how small he was. The nurses at the hospital rolled up two blankets to put on either side of him and that was how we brought him home from the hospital!

I found a poem/treasure hunt that I made for Chris when we were dating/engaged I don't really remember but I wanted a place to keep it and thought this would be a great place. And the perfect time to do it--on our anniversary! I love you sweetcakes! So glad you're mine.

We first held hands here

As we went to see

The movie about the incredible green thing

The wind was cold and fierce that night

But your hand in mine simply felt right (Grand-Vu Drive In Theater)

On Sundays hand in hand here we walked
Understanding and love developed as we talked
This is where I first confessed my love to you
And knew we'd be together in all things we do (Canyon Rim Trail)

Here is where the quality is only the best
As you work hard and sacrifice your rest
Wal-Mart, Sams Club--they don't compare
Because at your store, employees really care (Costco)

I met the family, played cards, ate cake
But here is where my heart did awake
That night we had another first
A kiss so wonderful I felt I'd burst (His apartment - Paradise Place)

One last place is where you'll go now
To receive a present, guaranteed to wow
This is where we talk and swing
And I realized what we have is no fling (My parents' front porch swing)

Kids Say....

February 23, 2012
Gordon's top button on his shirt kept coming undone and he was very concerned about it:
G: I can't wear this shirt to the store
M: Why not?
G: Because all the people will see me and call the police.
M: Why would they call the police.
G: Because I am not being modest!

11/3/09 - Gordon was at a friend's house while they were getting their windows fixed and when it was time to leave, he wanted to say goodbye to the workers. One worker asked Gordon his name and told Gordon his name was Paul. As we were walking out to the car Gordon said to me, "That worker guy's name isn't Bob the Builder."

4/11/09 - Gordon got to hold a little baby rabbit at Baby Animal Days and I was explaining that the bunny was shaking because he was scared and the bunny didn't know who he was. Gordon said, "I'm Gordon!"

3/24/09 - Gordon is trying to have more adult conversations. He asked Chris the other day, "So how was school?" And he asked me the other day what I did while he was gone.

3/09 - Gordon is now into complimenting. It is so cute. "Katie, I like you earrings." "I like your new shoes Kambree." "I like your boobs Mom" (he really did say that.) "Thank you for making dinner." And so on...

1/5/09 - This morning I asked Gordon what I should wear today and he said, "The pink shirt. I think that would look so beautiful." I said, "Okay lets see how it will look." After I put it on he said, "Wow!" It was the cutest thing ever.

Four Years Has Gone Too Fast

I cannot believe Edison is FOUR! He is growing so fast. 

We kind of put together and impromptu party. February 26th came before I knew it. I have always wanted to  do a colorful layered cake so I went for it. 

 It turned out great. The only problem...it made so much. We threw about half of it away. We should have done this last year when we had all our family at his birthday.

We sure love our little Eddie. Happy Fourth Bud.

Eddie's Fast Cars

Edison is way into fast things. Every time we walk from the apartment to the car, we have to race. He can not walk anywhere; its always running, galloping or skipping. He has a pretend horse named Casa that he gallops around on everywhere. It is pretty hilarious. He is always trying to show me how fast something is going by swinging his arm around. Here is a little video sample.

Yes, he looks like his arm is going to fall off.

Maps For Sale

The other day Gordon taped this sign to the end table and proceeded in trying to sell me a treasure map. I thought, sure, here is some fake money. No, he wanted real money. Cash, specifically. He wants money to buy his own stuff.

It's my own fault really. Every time he whines that I won't buy him something I say, "When you are old enough and have your own money, you can spend it however you want." Yesterday, he started cleaning without me asking. He cleaned the bathroom, washed the table, dusted, did some dishes, and picked up the front room. He did it all with such a happy, positive attitude. Now, what is it that has him so motivated to make money? He really wants a turtle. We went over to a friends house for dinner last week and they had a fish tank with a turtle in it that they had caught at a golf course pond. Now he won't give up until he catches a turtle. He's seen two just on the little walks we take. He is a very persistent kid. I talked to him about how animals in the wild are meant to stay in the wild and if he really wants a pet we need to get one at the pet store. He has been wanting a pet for at least a year. Chris promised the boys a dog when we got a house and that didn't happen. And it is not going to happen now that we are in an apartment. 

But the boy needs a pet. That is where you come in. 

What is a good pet? I want something in a cage obviously. Something a 6 year old could take care of. Something not stinky. But something fun, that he is not going to loose interest in. What are your thoughts? 

The Remodel Reveal

This post has been sitting in my draft posts for awhile now (like since July! How embarrassing!) I added the last few pictures and here it is. 

Well, we finally finished our house remodel...just in time to put it on the market. (If you know anyone wanting to buy a house in the Burley area, give me a call!) It has been stressful but fun to see our home transform. Lets start with the front room shall we. Of course, here is the before:

 Pay particular attention to the hideous fireplace and the disgusting pee-stained carpet above...

And here is the reveal:

Now pay particular attention to THAT fireplace. I also have to mention that my amazing husband did all the work himself, with a very little, tiny assist from me. Please excuse the lack of decor. After the remodel was all done I thought I would be so excited to decorate but now I feel, "what is the point, we are moving again anyway?!" I'm a little bummed I won't be able to enjoy all our hard work longer.

Now on to the kitchen, which I am just going to say is my favorite transformation. And it was probably the hardest and longest standing project. 

Now I want you to fully appreciate the hideousness of the cupboards here. Lets get a close up shall we?

Those handles!!! Oh the handles! I felt like I was in a kindergarten classroom. 

Now back to this mammoth of a project kitchen. We sent the boys off to Chris's brothers for a whole day, night and half a day while we sanded and painted the cupboard bases. And we didn't even get it all done! I had sawdust and paint in my hair, eyes, nose, ears, fingernails...everywhere for the next three days! Not to mention the mess it made of everything else in the kitchen. Wow. What a project. All right, I'll stop talking. 

Here is the reveal:

 Also, Chris tiled the floor in the kitchen and dining room. He did a great job. It is times like this I am glad my husband is a perfectionist. Other times...not so much. If Chris hadn't lost his job we probably would have put in a new stove/oven/hood/microwave.

 I am absolutely in love with the colors we chose. I was nervous about the yellow color and the yellow with the off-white and even the color of the glaze was questionable but it all turned out lovely.

 Those are the existing cabinet doors. We added trim and new hardware (well we actually just spray painted the hinges.) and put the glaze in the corners. We used a paint sprayer to paint the cabinets because we wanted a smooth finish.

(I am kicking myself because I cannot find a picture of the dining room with the table Chris built.)

Now on to the bathroom. This is Chris's favorite transformation of the house. Here is the before:

This was also a bigger project than anticipated because the floor under the linoleum was rotting and disgusting. Also the shower had some mold we had to take care of.

Here is the reveal:

At first I really hated the color of the walls, but it works. Chris, once again, did an amazing job tiling the shower and floor. There were a lot of choice words spoken when he was trying to fix the tub faucet and he almost gave up and called a professional, but he figured it out. 

We also painted some bedrooms but nothing too exciting to share. This beautiful house is still up for sale or rent. We have renters in there until at least March. If you know anyone wanting to buy a house in the Burley, Idaho area, pass this along. 

For Nana and Papa

My mom gives all the grandkids books for Christmas and birthdays. I thought it was hilarious how excited Gordon and Edison were. This video only shows a fraction of the excitement, they went through every single book. Thanks Nana and Papa for the great books.
P.S. Sorry for the poor lighting. Why don't apartments put lights in the front room? Why?

Greetings from Texas!!

Many of you probably aren't aware (because I haven't updated this blog in almost a year!!) that we have relocated to Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth area to be exact. Chris got a job here in November and we moved the day after Thanksgiving. It was kind of a crazy, last minute decision but more on that later. How are we liking Texas?
Gordon's favorite thing about Texas: our apartment, the park here, there are so many sticks and acorns to play with.
Edison's favorite thing about Texas: playing at all the different parks
Chris's favorite thing about Texas: his job
My favorite thing about Texas: the city we live in and the weather (at least right now). There are so many parks and trails and trees everywhere.

The worst thing about Texas: Being away from family and friends.

I promised my family that I would update this blog more often now that we are far away. I won't make any promises about how often but it will be more than I did last year! Also, my new years resolution is to take more pictures. I was organizing my 2011 photos and was sad to see how few there were.