First week without Daddy!

B and I had our first week alone last week.  Tyler had to go back to work on Monday, so B and I got a week to spend by ourselves.  We had a pretty great week!

Monday we spent the day being lazy, and enjoying my birthday.  :)  Tyler had to work late again that night, so I knew we wouldn't see him all day.  Katie, CJ and Liz brought over a delicious dinner for us to have.  We had shrimp alfredo, salad, and ice cream!  Of course, no dinner is complete with out dessert in our house now.  After we had dinner we watched Bachelor Pad.

Enjoying his new swing on Mommy's birthday

Tuesday Tyler's mom came over to take us to my doctor's appointment.  I had an appointment with Deka to check on everything.  I am healing well, and doing great.  She was very impressed that I wasn't on pain relievers any more, and that I was moving around so much.  She obviously didn't know how I always have to be doing something, and can't just sit around and do nothing.  I was also given permission to not use the bathroom bottle any more!! I am pretty sure that was the best news I got last week!  She gave me the best birthday present ever!!

Wednesday I got the car for the day!  It was great to be able to get out of the house, and drive!  Brandon and I headed off to the doctor's office for his two week appointment.  When we got there we found out that I had messed up the appointment time, and we were supposed to be there at 11:30!  Ooops, we showed up at 1:00!!  So, instead we headed over to work so I could pick up some paper work and sign B up for insurance.

Our big adventure out, by ourselves!

Thursday we went to the doctor's office again.  This time I was there at the right time. Brandon now weighs 7 pounds 6 ounces.  Our pediatrician also gave me great news.  We no longer had to set an alarm to wake Brandon up for feedings, but he would tell us when it was time to eat!!  I was so excited to hear that I didn't have to get up three times during the night any more!!  When we got home from the doctor Brandon decided he wanted to hang out with mommy all day!  He wouldn't let me put him down.  So, I held him from 11-5 when Tyler got home!

Friday was a big day for us.  Brandon and I just spent the day being lazy again, but then Tyler took me out Friday night.  I was really nervous about leaving B for the first time, even though we were leaving him with Tyler's parents.  Tyler and I went to dinner, and then we went to the Diamond Backs game because Toby Mac was playing after.  Toby Mac is Tyler's favorite, and I had been telling him for a couple of months to get tickets to the game.  It ended up working out better this way because we went with some new friends!

My first drink since December!

The Kriegers, Hathaways and Hulkes

Overall, I would say that Brandon and I had a great week at home, even though it was harder to do everything without Tyler.  It just makes for really long nights when you are the one who has to get up for every feeding.  I was excited that Tyler took the middle of the night feedings over the weekend, because I was able to sleep for a 6 hour stretch without having to get out of bed.  I still woke up for the 2:30 feedings, but I didn't have to get up and do them!!

One of my amazing fifth graders!

We are excited because Grandma and Grandpa are here now too!  They drove to Palm Springs Friday night, and then drove the rest of the way into Phoenix on Saturday afternoon.  We get to spend two weeks with them!!  We're looking forward to many games of Catan, Shanghai, scrapbooking and naps!

First Week Home

We have had quite the experience our first week at home.  We were able to come home from the hospital Friday afternoon, August 12.  We were so excited to come home, I didn't really think about the fact that now we were going to have this little guy all the time with us.  My parents were here until Sunday afternoon, so that was a HUGE help.  We were able to get home Friday afternoon, and I looked around my house amazed at what a mess it was.  I had left stuff half done over the weekend, and Monday morning, because I thought I still had three weeks!  Plus, Tyler's staff had given him all of their gifts while I was in the hospital, so those were all over our living room as well.  I wanted to go straight into cleaning mode, but everyone made me sit.  Tyler, and my parents went through all of the gifts, showing me what we got, and then trying to find homes for them.  After that was done I felt much better, because at least my living room looked livable again.

Saturday we had a pretty relaxing day.  My mom and Tyler went to Shepherd to pick up some things for me, and my parents went grocery shopping for us.  We don't need many groceries because thanks to Katie we have meals being brought to us until September 5!  We are so blessed!  For dinner my dad grilled up some steaks, corn on the cob, and shrimp.  It was amazing!!  Saturday night we played a round of Shanghai while we waited for 10 pm so I could feed Brandon again before bed.

Sunday was a hard day.  I know my parents are coming back again really soon, but it's hard to say goodbye.  Especially now with Brandon here, I really didn't want them to leave.  Sunday morning Tyler had to go to church, so my parents helped me out big time around the house.  My dad cleaned the grill, and moved a curtain rod for us.  My mom swept our floors, and then dusted for us.  They both wanted to help so much, and we really appreciate all that they did!

For lunch some one on Tyler's staff sent him home with some food.  It looked and smelled delicious.  She had made a salad, brownies, risotto, and a chicken dish for us.  I had not eaten chicken since early in pregnancy because I had kept getting sick from it.  I thought I would give it a try, and I didn't get sick.  A couple of hours later though, my dad noticed that I had broken out again.  I had broken out in the hospital as well, but we didn't know why.  Thanks to this awesome lunch, and it really was very tasty, we have come to the conclusion that I may be allergic to chicken.  :(  My mom became allergic to crab after she had me, so I know food allergies aren't that uncommon.

Over the week Tyler and I adjusted to life with Brandon.  We were able to get some stuff done around the house, go out and do some shopping, and have Brandon's pictures taken twice!!  :)  I love pictures, and I'm very excited to have this pictures to put up on our walls!  We made our first shopping trip on Thursday when we headed out to Target.  We wanted to get some things that we hadn't gotten off the registry.  It was quite a good trip.  Saturday we made a trip to Babies R Us as well, because our little guy likes to pee everywhere!!  We bought some more sheets, and I don't think it will be long before we put him to bed in his crib.  I love having him near me at night, but it's easier when I can turn on lights to be able to see him for feedings and changings.  With Tyler going back to work tomorrow, I know it will be easier for him if I take care of that stuff in B's room, instead of our room.

Overall, I would say that we are doing great.  Everyone keeps asking about my recovery, and I feel great.  I don't really have any pain or discomfort from the C section.  Probably the worst part is remembering my bathroom bottle.  Trust me, you don't want to know.  :)  I can go up and down the stairs no problem, even holding Brandon.  I try to limit my trips up and down, but with Tyler going back to work I know I'll be making more.  I went for a walk yesterday too, all by myself!  Tyler kept Brandon at home, and I walked to Walgreens to pick up a print I made for him.  My mom made one for my dad as well, since they both have to go back to work.  I'll probably make myself one, or take a bunch of photos to work with me when it's time as well.

Yummy cookies from cousins Brooke and Dylan, August 16

Enjoying a nap in the boppy, August 16

Taking a family picture, August 19

Playing with mommy, August 20

The Hospital

Brandon and I spent the rest of the week in the hospital.  It was quite a transition going from having a baby in my belly, to now having one on the outside that needed me to take care of him all of the time.  Right after surgery I was really out of it, and don't even really remember a lot of what happened before we came upstairs.  I was having a really hard time moving my legs, as I had a lot of drugs running through my system.  In the beginning I was having a hard time moving my arms as well, as they had given me an extra drug to try and keep my calm during the C section.

After a little while I was feeling better, and we were ready for some visitors.  Katie came by after bible study to check in on us and see how things went.  I am so thankful for her, and that she was willing to stop everything she was doing Monday night to come to my rescue.  If she hadn't answered her phone, or been home, I don't know what I would have done.  I probably would have paced around my house freaking out, waiting for Tyler to get home.

Katie, more than just a neighbor!

Friends from Tyler's work also came to visit us Tuesday night.  Beth and Jason came by to bring Tyler dinner since he hadn't eaten anything since he walked to Starbucks Tuesday morning.  It was a long day for everyone.

Sorry, not a very good picture Jason, we'll have to get another one!

Tuesday night Tyler stayed in the hospital with us, and it was nice just being the three of us.  I was really tired though, and it was hard to make sure we were doing everything.  I thought the nurses would come in and wake us up when I should have been feeding, and I found out the hard way that isn't how it works.  The next night we made sure to set alarms so we knew when we should be getting up.

Wednesday Brandon had his first bath, as well as his hearing screening.  He didn't enjoy the bath very much, but he made it through.  The hearing screening didn't work the first time either, so the lady had to come back and try again on Thursday morning.  When she came back on Thursday he passed with flying colors!

Wednesday we had a lot of visitors.  After school got out Kathy brought by some of my eighth grade girls so that way they could see Brandon, and I could see the girls.  Liz came by when she got off work, and then Anna brought Tyler dinner.  It was amazing to see the people come out, and help us out when we were stuck in the hospital.  Tyler wasn't really stuck, but I for sure was!  Sarah, Andrew, Tracy, Jeremy, Rachel and Kyrie also came by Wednesday night.  It was a blast to have everyone there, and introduce them to our little man.

My eighth grade girls!

Liz

We had to make Anna hold him!

Sarah, who took some amazing pictures for us!

Kyrie and Rachel love babies

Jeremy

Skoog

Andrew was checking him out

Thursday after school Matt came by to visit. Our friend Kris was in town from Idaho, so she was able to come by and see Brandon too! Bonnie came by Thursday night also.  I felt really bad because I fell asleep while she was there.  Wednesday night Brandon didn't sleep very well, as he decided that he wanted to be up at 2 am looking around, and just making noise.  Luckily my mom and I took turns who would hold him for a little while so we could try and get some sleep.  Tyler went home Wednesday and Thursday night to sleep because he went in to work Thursday and Friday for the first two days of school.

Matt

Kris, all the way from Idaho

We had to convince Lauren to hold him too!

Bonnie

On Friday morning we had Brandon circumcised so that way it would be taken care of in the hospital.  He handled it like a champ, and came back and slept pretty much for the rest of the day.  I felt bad for him, but I know that he will be healthier now, and he won't remember the pain he was in.  Friday I was excited to go home, so I got out of the hospital bed first thing in the morning, and put my real clothes on.  Then my parents, Tyler's mom, and I just sat around all day.  We had to wait for my doctor to come in and check on me after lunch, and then we had to wait for Tyler to get off work so we could go home!

All smiles!

Ready to go home!

Proud Grandma waiting for daddy so we can go home!

Last family picture in the hospital

The only picture I have of Eleana, my favorite nurse

We were so excited to be going home on Friday, but are very thankful for all of the help that we got in the hospital.    We were blessed with amazing nurses, especially our day time nurses.  We are also very thankful for all of the help from my family, especially that they were willing to fly in as quickly as possible to be here for us.  We are also very blessed by our friends, our family by choice, that came out to support us at the hospital.  We love all of you, and can't wait to share many special memories with Brandon and you!

7:45 pm, August 8 - 4:45 pm, August 9

Monday night was a night I will never forget, as well as Tuesday.  Monday night after work I was running some errands, and then I came home to relax with an awesome double double from In N Out.  I was watching Bachelor Pad, since Tyler was at work, and I could have control over the TV and not have to worry about him making fun of the crazy people.  I ran upstairs to change my clothes during a commercial, and that was the end of the show for me.  I was in the process of changing, and luckily on our tile in the bathroom when all of a sudden my water broke.  I was so surprised, and freaked out, I ran back downstairs to get my phone and call my mom.  For those of you who know me well, of course, my phone was about to die as well.  So then I had to pull out my charger real fast and plug it in.  My mom told me to call the hospital, and Katie so that way I could get to the hospital.  Tyler was at work for the night because they had a back to school night.  I called the hospital to let them know I was on my way in, and then called Katie to ask her for the biggest favor ever.  I am so thankful that they live right up the street, and that she was actually on her way out of the neighborhood to go grocery shopping.  She just flipped around to come and get me.  I was still freaking out, running around the house trying to figure out what to pack when she came in.  My goal for the weekend had been to pack our hospital bag, but I had been too tired all weekend to pack, so I hadn't made it that far.

On our way to the hospital I was texting everyone I could think of that works with Tyler to try and get a hold of him.  Finally he called as we were almost to the hospital, so that way he could meet us down there. I got checked in, and sure enough my water had broken, and we were having a baby!  I was already 1 cm dilated as of 8:30 and we knew we would have our baby boy in less than 24 hours.  It was a little surreal, and crazy.  I called back my parents and my mom booked the first flight out in the morning.  We didn't think my dad would be able to come out until later in the week.

We were in the triage room until about 2:30 when I said it was time for the drugs.  It took about an hour to get me from the triage room to the labor room, due to paper work, and trading of people.  It wasn't too bad, but I was glad for the change.  The triage bed wasn't very comfortable, and we had already heard two other women come and go in the room next to us.  The chair that Tyler had to sleep in wasn't very comfortable in the triage room either.

We got to the labor and delivery room, and then nice Mr. Drugs came to talk to us.  We explained what was going to happen with the epidural, and my nurse told me many people thought the IV needle hurt more than the epidural.  I would have to agree with all of those people as well.  Mr. Drugs did an awesome job, and yes I could feel the pressure when he was working on my back, but it wasn't bad at all.  After he was done I was able to finally sleep too!!  Before I went to sleep, she checked me again, and I was up to about 3 cm.  We knew that the first 3 cm were supposed to be the longest, so I was glad that those were out of the way!

I slept until about 4:30, and then dozed until about 5:30 when the sun started coming up.  I talked to my mom around 6:30 when she was getting on the plane to come to Phoenix.  The nurses changed shifts at 7 am, so my new nurse came in to check me around 7:30, and she said I was between 3 and 4 cm.  I was hoping I would have been further along by then, but that's okay.

I had to wear an oxygen mask this whole time as well, so that wasn't very exciting.  I am glad that I was able to sleep though, because it made time go by a lot faster, that's for sure.  My mom, and Tyler's mom got to the hospital around 9:45.  Tyler then walked across the street to get some Starbucks since he hadn't slept very well.

Around 11:30 we had a little scare.  My contractions were coming too close together, and Brandon's heart beat was dropping.  They kept flipping me from side to side, to try and get him to calm down, and they had to give me a shot to stop the contractions.  There was a swarm of nurses in my room all of a sudden, and they were all giving orders to each other, and talking about sending me to the OR.  It was quite scary, and at one point they sent Tyler out to go get scrubs on.  My mom came to the door, and my nurse told her to leave because they weren't done yet.  At this point I was 5 cm.  They finally got Brandon calmed down, and his heart rate up, so we were in the clear again.

My dad was in the air at this point, as he was also able to get a flight out that morning and make it to the hospital.  Tyler was talking to everyone via text messaging since I wasn't really able to do much.  I slept pretty much all day, and was heavily medicated so that way I could make it through the day.  Jeremy and Andy came by around 2:30 to pray with us.  It was great to have them come by, and pray with us.

Around 4:30 my contractions were becoming too strong for Brandon again, and his heart rate started dropping.  This time wasn't as scary since we knew what was going on.  This time Dr. Crum, not my doctor, but another doctor in the office, was on the floor so she also came rushing into my room.  She told them not to wait this time, and that she would do the C section if Deka couldn't make it over in time.  It was crazy to see how fast they could move everyone over, and get everyone in place.  They kept trying to wheel me out before I was unplugged from everything though, so that was a little uncomfortable.

When we got into the OR I was given more medicine, as now they were going to be making an incision on my belly.  It was really cold in the OR room, and I started shaking and shivering.  Mr. Drugs also gave me something else to try and calm me down, because I was moving around too much.  I could feel them trying to push Brandon out, and it was quite a weird feeling.  It's like someone sitting on your stomach, and trying to push something out of you.  Imagine getting the rest of the toothpaste out of a tube.  That is how I imagine they were able to pull Brandon out.  Tyler was able to be in the room with me, and was able to watch them pull him out.

It was amazing to hear his first cry, and then to finally see him.  Tyler was able to take him out of the room, and show him to our parents while they were closing me up.  I was really out of it, and didn't even see Brandon until I got to the recovery room.  I was really weak, and couldn't move, so Tyler just brought him over to me so I could feel him.  I was finally able to start moving my arms a little bit so they wheeled us upstairs to our room.

We are now blessed with an amazing baby boy, and we couldn't ask for more.  I know that God is going to continue to bless us abundantly, as he already has done!

Proud Daddy

Crying Grandma Darlene

Excited Grandmas

Happy Daddy

Checking out our blessing!

First Family Picture

37 - 40 weeks?

Our life has been quite the roller coaster during the past 37 weeks, and this past week and a half was no different.  Saturday, August 6, after I posted I had a really lazy day.  Being at work all week really wore me out, so I took a lot of naps on Saturday.  I also was able to go and have lunch with Liz, which was a blast.  Saturday night Tyler and I went to BJs for dinner, which was super yummy!

On Sunday we went to church, and then we went to Bed, Bath and Beyond.  Tyler needed some more coffee, and we needed an apple cutter since we've been trying to eat healthier.  We went grocery shopping at Sprouts to pick up some produce and the newspaper.  Then we came home and just relaxed all day.  We watched some Criminal Minds, and I took another nap.  It's crazy how much that baby boy made me tired.  (It took Tyler and I about 5 minutes to try and figure out what we did, and this is just our guess, ha ha)

Monday Tyler and I both went into work.  Tyler had a long day at work, as they had Back to School night Monday night, so I knew I was on my own for the night.  After working all day, and meeting almost the rest of my students,  sent Lynda home, and hung out getting a few more things done.  After work I headed over to Old Navy to try and find some more clothes to wear to work for the rest of the month.  I really wanted to find a pair of khaki capris since we got new red polos for this school year.  Since Old Navy didn't have any I went up to Kohls to see if I could find any there, since I had a gift card.  It was getting time for me to eat, so I decided some In N Out would be delicious!!  I got home, ate dinner, and then started watching some high quality TV, Bachelor Pad.

About half an hour into the show I went upstairs to change into PJs and relax for the night.  Well, Brandon had a different idea for the night, because my water broke!!  I am so glad I was upstairs in the bathroom, and not downstairs sitting on the couch any more!  Our couch is a cream/khaki color and that would not have been fun to clean up.  I freaked out a little when my water broke, and actually called my mom to find out what your water breaking was like.  Then I freaked out even more because it was only 7:45, and Tyler wasn't going to be home from work until 9 or 9:30.  Luckily Katie lives right around the corner so I called her and she drove me to the hospital.  The whole way there I was texting Tyler, and everyone I could think of that works with him trying to get a hold of him.  He called me when we were on our way there, and he met us at the hospital.

I had joked about Brandon coming early, but I never expected him to come this early!  I promise I did want to start the school year, and if you ask my sub Lynda, I would have had way more prepared and ready if I didn't think I would be there for the first 8 weeks of the school year!

36 weeks

Tyler and I have both been so busy during the last week, I apologize for this posting being late.  Tyler and I spent our last weekend of summer, last weekend, relaxing and enjoying a good movie.  Last Friday night we went out to see Crazy, Stupid, Love and then went to dinner.  It was nice to be able to go out and have a date night.  Saturday I was able to go get a pedicure with Chelsea, which was a blast.  I love a good pedicure, and it was so nice to have someone rub my swollen feet for me.  :)  Sunday we ran some errands to get some last minute school stuff, and things for around the house.  Overall, a great ending to the summer.

This past week Tyler and I have been at work all week.  We both had to report back on Monday for meetings.  Tyler had meetings all week, where my meetings ended on Wednesday.  I had kids come into the classroom yesterday to start dropping off their school supplies as well.  We are both ready for the school year to start, but I don't think I am ready for how tired I am going to be.  After working in my room all day Thursday, making sure everything was put away and clean for the kids on Friday, I came home and fell asleep before dinner.  Then I woke up to cook dinner, ate, and went back to sleep.  One bad part about this diet, is that I also have to eat a night time snack, so I set my alarm to wake up and eat that as well.  I can't wait for when I can eat when I'm hungry, and not every three hours.  AND when I get to have dessert again!!  I told Tyler that will be my first meal in the hospital, and I don't care what we eat those first couple of weeks, as long as it involves dessert!

I had another doctor appointment Thursday afternoon, and now we begin the weekly appointments.  No progress on baby, other than he is head down, but has been for the past couple of weeks.  I'm not dilated yet, but she said my cervix is softening.  I'm really hoping as I start to go in weekly she starts to tell me I'm dilated a little bit.  We've learned that the first three centimeters take the longest, so if I could do one a week, that would be great!!  I don't think it will happen, but I'm almost willing to try anything to make sure Brandon is here on time!!  A little early would be great too.  :)

Other great news we found out yesterday as well, I have officially completed my master's program!!  :)  I saw my final grades yesterday, so I now officially have my masters!  I was so excited to see that, and know that it is all done!  I told Tyler I kind of want to go back to school again, but I'm sure that will end after Brandon is here and I realize how busy I am!

One year later

It is crazy to believe that it has been one year already.  It is amazing how fast time flies.  I know it was a hard year for many, and that this date will live on in the lives of tons as a day they will always remember.  Lori was a beautiful person, both inside and out.  She was a wonderful mom to her three beautiful children, a great friend, and the biggest help ever to us teachers.  I am sad to say I didn't know her better over the two years I was blessed to have her in my life, but I do know that she had a love for Jesus, and a love for others.  She was always willing to help someone out, and do that extra something that someone needed.

Her girls are doing amazing, and I am so blessed to have the in my life.  Skittles, my little Tia, is a rock star!!  :)   I can't wait to see her after the summer.  She always continues to amaze me!  I can't wait to watch her shine on the volleyball court again this season, and show others that she can do whatever she puts her mind to.  Summer is a beauty, and it's amazing to watch her grow as well.

Days like these I am so thankful to know that Brandon, Pops, Christopher, Lori and Austin are up in heaven, and that they are hanging out with Jesus.  I know that they are in a much better place, and suffering no more.  Thank you God for being a great God, who loves us, even though we sin every day.  Thank you for keeping my special friends and loved ones safe until we meet again!