A Lesson in Patience and Joy...REALLY LATE/LONG POST

So, if it helps, I've been working on a version of this post since before Ammon was born. Then he was born--in which case I was at the hospital. When I got home I started on it. It's just taken me the full month to take the time for all of it.

 My due date August 10th came and went without incident...well, a few minor breakdowns but no baby. I attempted to write on this blog about my frustration but couldn't find a way to input it. And now, surprisingly, I can't remember all of it. Honestly, I know I thought: I will NEVER forget this! But to be honest, it's a vague memory. Not so vague to know that I was miserable and so mad that I was overdue. I'd been hoping He would come early. 

This is me the week before my due date:

On my due date I remember that I came home and cried. I was so frustrated with EVERY person who asked me why I was still there...at work...at the store...the Post Office...Here is us on our 4-wheeler ride.

Four days after my due date I was still at work. And miserable. On my walk to the post office that afternoon , my water broke. At first I wasn't sure. Wes laughed when I called to say: "I THINK my water just broke." We went to the hospital around 4:30 but I wasn't feeling any contractions. So we just hung out at the hospital while I gushed everywhere. Here's me hanging out:

Finally at around 3 a.m. they started me on Pitocin. But I didn't start to feel contractions until around 5:30. By 7:00 I was feeling the pain of the contractions and was finding it hard to focus. I finally asked for an epidural but before they got to that point the baby's heart-rate dropped suddenly. Down to like 70 bpm (supposed to be around 110-160 bpm) The nurse came rushing in while yelling at the other nurses. I had no idea what was going on but they gave me an oxygen mask and tilted me to the side while lowering the bed. It took about a minute and a 1/2 for his heart rate to come back. They had called the Dr. for the epidural anyway and told me to plan on an emergency c-section since they also stopped the Pitocin and I wasn't fully dilated. My Dr. came in to confirm that they were going to do a C-Section. Luckily, by this point I was in a a lot of pain so I didn't really care. Wes got scrubbed up and my Mom helped the nurses with prepping me for the surgery. Mom stayed back to call my in laws and my Dad. For me, almost everything about the C-Section was bizarre. I remember thinking that I should not be awake once we got past the operating room doors. I was also strange to know that they were doing surgery not being able to tell--yet still having SOME sensation. 
Wes was my hero during this stage of the game. He stayed with me and talked to me, stroked my hair, and was all around amazing at staying calm. When Ammon was born Wes stayed with me and told me about him. And held my hand even when he went over to Ammon he held my hand and talked to me. The nurses all guessed his weight around 8 lbs. 
But he came in at a whopping: 9 lbs 5 oz. 22 inches long. His head was 14 cm and his chest was 15 1/2 cm. I decided to be very grateful for the C-section. He also had had the cord wrapped around his neck. So Heavenly Father blessed us that day. Here he is:

Here's our first family picture. I was so excited to hold him. That was the absolute WORST part of the C-Section: That I couldn't see him or hold him right after he was born until they fixed me back up. 

I was so happy to meet my little kicker. For me, the single instant he was born I knew that everything was worth it. The pregnancy. The birth. Getting my uterus cut open. He was so perfect and precious. And I am SO very grateful for him. 

It's so nice to feel like a family.

Wes is just a natural at being a father. He is so good and patient. And he loves to tease and joke (already.) These are my absolute FAVORITE pictures of his new fatherhood.

We had quite a few visitors but first and foremost are the excited Aunts, Uncle's, and Grandparents.

Grandma Roberts was almost as impatient for our new arrival as I was. She was so happy to have him here. When she's around, I'm hard pressed to spend any time with him.

Aunt Haylee thought this was old hat--after all, she's been an Aunt since she was 2.

Taylor is so happy to have another boy in the family. Even if there is a 10 year age difference he has someone new he can learn to wrestle with.

Grandma Hunt has been so helpful throughout the whole process. She loves to hold him and help me out.

Grandpa Hunt was also very excited to meet his first grandson.

Aunt Mandee wanted to try his new hat as well.

Uncle Zach was nervous--he's the baby in my family. But he was so excited to become an Uncle. He even sent out a mass text announcing his new title to his friends.

Grandpa Roberts was also very excited and proud of his new grandson.

Even a lot of extended family came to visit. 

My Aunt Marilyn & Uncle Guy came over.

Along with Aunt Linda

We also had Wes' cousin Shanna and Aunt Norma come visit. But for some reason I don't have pictures of their visit.
\Some of my Co-workers came to visit. 

Marles gets official aunt-hood/grandma rights with Ammon because of how helpful/amazing she is.

Darla even came to visit, complete with a Yankee pajama set.

And Todd dropped by to coo. 

In addition to them. A few of our neighbors and ward members dropped by.

Aunt Andrea (my cousin but closest thing I have to a sister in my family)  wasn't at all sure what she thought at first.

But she was a pro by the time she'd left.

And Aunt Kay stopped by as well.

Here are some shots of the little star in all his glory. 

We spent 3 days at the hospital because of the C-Section. It was nice though to just relax and let the nurses take care of us while we enjoyed each other.

Grandma Roberts actually volunteered to change his first diaper.

After 3 days we were finally ready (and scared) to go home.This meant clothes.

 His first car seat ride was weird for me. While we were putting him in the car I kept waiting for the nurses to stop us and say: Just Kidding! We don't really let you guys take them home yet. This was just a test run. And it never happened.

 But all around he decided that it's good to be home. He's been a major blessing. We're so happy to have him here. 

Moment to Moment

I will say that I have thought about the difference a moment can make in a life. My Uncle passed away suddenly last week, very unexpected. And I know how crazy it has been for his family and for the rest of the family. We were all in such a shock. I am so grateful at the knowledge that death is not the end. However, my heart still breaks for his family. And it makes me think of how crazy life can be. How unexpected. And that we need to enjoy every aspect of our life.

If this experience wasn't enough I had another heart-stopping experience. This one with a happy ending. Yesterday I was in meetings and got pulled out by my coworker saying "You need to call your husband! He's been hurt! He cut himself!" I knew that he was working about 2 hours away from our home and, being over dramatic I was imagining the worst! I was so scared and nervous. When I finally got a hold of him, I found that he had been using a razor blade while talking on the phone, missed and caught his thigh. Luckily he didn't slice anything but he had a fairly deep puncture that hit muscle. He stated that he was fine, he was going to go to an Instacare and get stitches. I still worried like crazy! I was also somewhat frustrated because they didn't have a vehicle with them. Apparently 3 of them had come up together, 2 of them went to work on a job and the other worker had some meetings about 45 minutes away. So it was over an hour after he cut himself that he received medical attention. He's fine, however he does have 3 stitches and his thigh hurts. He says the worst part was seeing his muscle and fat.

The hardest part for me is that he asked me NOT to come get him. My mom was coming back from a trip and would be passing through where he was at so he would just get a ride with her. I am very much about control and it was so hard to go back to work and act like things were normal when, even though I had his assurances that he was fine, I imagined every possible thing that could go wrong. Especially since his ride was STILL not nearby. I imagined him bleeding all over the place, even though it really was only a puncture. I asked him not to do that to me again. Even if it's pointless and I can't help, my driving there to see him would have made me much more comfortable because I would feel like I was at least doing something. Everybody joked that it was going to send me into labor. I worried that it was something way serious and then what would I do with Weston when I finally went into labor?!?!

It was definitely one experience I don't care to repeat. But made me remember how grateful I am for my husband. And how much we should all savor every moment. Because we never know what will happen next. I mean, on a lighter note, look at me, barely married a year and 9 months pregnant. I could be a Momma any day. And when I am, I'm certain that moment to moment will take an even greater toll.

Down to the Wire...Showers galore.

Well...I only have 3 more weeks of pregnancy. It's amazing how time flies. And how my tummy gets bigger. And bigger. It's almost humorous to remember my first few months of pregnancy when I thought that I was growing and was huge. Looking back you could hardly tell:

Approximately 20 weeks

But I was so excited! I wanted to LOOK pregnant since I had to feel it. And I wanted to shout out to the world that we were having this huge change in my life. Now I am huge. And this Cartoon really shows the truth: 

http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/cartoons/cartoon22

Actually it's not ALL that bad. I'm real enough to admit that I like the attention often. And I'm not one of those people who can't handle being touched. However, it is really strange when complete strangers, I've never met in my life, come and grab my belly. Without asking. 

I think I'm different from many people, because really, it's the without asking that bugs me. And the fact that it's just not something I would ever think to do to a stranger. I have never looked at a pregnant woman before now and thought: "Oh I want to touch her belly." 

Yet, as I stated already, it's really not something I mind. I like the attention and it's definitely a conversation starter. I am a person who likes touching so it really doesn't bother me.

What bothers me more now is the heat. And simply being a WALRUS!

Easter 23 weeks

For serial. I told Weston that's how I felt the other day and he told me: "Hunny, you're not a walrus. You don't have any flippers." Even under these circumstances he's a tease. Luckily for him it made me laugh or I might have tried to make him cry. 

26 weeks

But the nice thing now is that I do have a semi-count down. I count down by weeks. Days just get too inconvenient and really, one never knows when the baby will come. Only about 5% of babies are born on their due date. I'm not really planning on it being me.They claim that 50% of babies are born after their due date...that's where it scares me.

31 weeks

But I'm hoping I'll be close to 40 weeks. I'm most nervous to be over though. Because I keep growing...

33 weeks

and growing...I have these terrible images that I'm just going to pop someday. (Always in cartoon images so that it deletes the majority of the gore.) Or even more horrific is the reoccurring dream that I'm just going to be pregnant and walrus-like forever. Everyone else does tell me that it will soon end. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

I'm down to weekly doctor's appointments. This baby will get here eventually. And then I'll have a whole different set of worries going through. How will I be a parent? How am I going to be wholly responsible for another human being? But that's another rant. I'm down to the wire. And most likely I won't be pregnant forever. So that is good. I have many blessing in my life for this.

This last couple of weeks has also been filled with Baby Showers. And more preparation for the baby.

I've had 3 baby showers. Because I have amazing family and an awesome office. 

The first shower was given by my Momma and Best Friend Heather. It was super cute. The invite showed "Hey Diddle Diddle, Have you Seen Sariah's middle?" and they used the theme goodnight baby. Check out the adorable decorations:

This said "We're so Excited for Baby!"

Super adorable banner

They also did a banner that had the baby's name. I didn't get a very good picture of it. Sorry.

Then there was the food!

Food Glorious Food!

My mom was so nervous the watermelon baby carriage wouldn't work out. I loved it!

Punch can be found on pinterest

We had such a good crowd, it was so nice to see everyone

My family was super sweet. My cousin on the left chair was getting married in 5 days and she still came!

I was so grateful for the effort everyone made. I truly am very blessed.

My Momma stayed busy throughout the whole day!

Heather is the one who put together everything, even though she lives 2 hours away.
It was a big effort on her part. I am so grateful for her

My co-workers also did a baby shower. I wish I'd thought to bring my camera during the shower rather than after the fact. So I have no pictures of people. Or even the food. (I know! What's wrong with me?!) But here's their really sweet and adorable gifts:

The diaper cycle. They used diapers, bibs, a bottle and receiving blankets to put it together.
My co-worker told me that her grand-daughter told her "Gramma, that's silly! Dogs don't ride motorcycles!"

The other thing I was offered were "Tinkle Tents" which had a hilarious poem on it as well as stories of grand adventure.

The last weekend my In-Laws (Sisters and Mom) threw a baby "Shower" with the cute "Shower theme". They got really creative and had a lot of fun (I hope, at least, they put a LOT of effort) into the shower.

Cute decor--they all contributed to part of it.

Amazing Baby tummy cake, complete with baby foot. I wish I'd gotten a better picture. This didn't show it justice.

he flower and pinwheel bouquet was made of onesies and baby washcloths. 

Diaper 3-wheeler. Since she knew I had blankets she used baby towels for the handles etc.

Adorable decorations that I am totally reusing for my nursery I'm really excited 

Since it's a shower one has to have a rainbow! All dips are courtesy of pinterest and adventure.

Played this super cute shower game that included a basket of laundry, talking on a phone and holding an obnoxious (SERIOUSLY OBNOXIOUS) baby doll. It was a LOT of fun to watch. 

The little girls won this game. They were very helpfu

I had an excellent helper with opening gifts

Thanks so much everyone for all your help!

It was so great to have these showers and to have so many friends or family that are super supportive. And to know the support system that's been going on. I definitely am grateful for the advice others have given me: particularly to use help. And that I don't have to be superwoman. 

I'm also so grateful for Weston. He's been such a support. Even coming to my Dr. Appointments when I ask him. And putting up with my moods. We only have 3 weeks (approx) left of it just being the 2 of us. And really, it hasn't been the 2 of us for the last 9 months. We're embarking a new adventure soon though. It will be an interesting experience.

6-Word Love Stories

I was reading on The Lettered Cottage and their post "Six-Word Love Stories". It made me think of our love story and what I would put for a Six Word Love Story. Even though I'm the daughter of a Math teacher, I had a hard time determining what would be exactly 6 words. And how to really put our relationship. This is the one the I feel works the best though.

I laughed until I cried. Love.

Some others I can think of are:

Strangers first, Friends Later, Love Forever.


Institute. Parents. Manti Temple. For Eternity. 
(This would be where we met. Our first kiss. The temple is where we got engaged AND married. )

This is really addicting. And lots of fun. So try it out.

Ponderings and Testage... A really LONG post.

Originally I intended to write about my experience with the 3 Hour Glucose Test..and I'm sure I had other things to say. But then life really got in the way. So, I'll share about our last 2 weeks of adventure, sad times, scary things and many many blessings.

Where to begin...

Well, officially we celebrated our 1st Anniversary. It's insane to think that it has already been a year since I have married my best friend. We have cried together, fought, been happy, angry, and most of all we have laughed. He makes life so much more than I thought possible. For which I am SO grateful. And I still laugh everyday and love him much more than I ever thought possible.

I am so excited at the prospect of starting a family with him and that he will raise our little boy--and whoever else comes along our journey. In fact, whenever I start freaking out worrying about how I am going to be a parent, I become more calm because I look at him, and know that I can do anything with him by my side.

For our anniversary we decided to do a nice hotel and just relax. I figured this is likely going to be one of the few times in our lives that it will be simple to get away. We went to the aquarium and had a great time.

 We got to pet the manta rays--they felt...strange.

 The aquarium was great. I should have taken more pictures! There were otters that were super cute to watch. A huge Octopus, Jelly Fish (did you know that some of them are actually not animals--they don't have a brain or organs) There were also some River Monsters (TV Show) Fish there. Plus a 13 foot long Anaconda. Oh and don't forget the penguins! They were super adorable. 

We also went shopping that weekend, just looking really, for a gun safe for my hubby. Then we got lost trying to find our hotel. I got very upset and nervous. After a harried phone call and the great help of Google Maps and my Papa, we found our way. 

 The next day we went to Temple Square and took a long scenic route home. It was such a pretty day. But hot! This Spring there has already been record heat. And I know now why people should not have babies in August. We enjoyed our time though.

 Along our scenic route we found a pregnant tree. So of course I had to get a picture taken next to it. How often do we find trees that resemble our bodies? 

It was a good thing that we had a such a good weekend because the next couple weeks were more difficult. After that weekend I had my 3 Hour Blood Glucose Test.

It was miserable. I'm fairly certain it was a sadist who developed this test, and why they decided to give it to pregnant women is beyond me. Mostly I was unprepared for it. I thought this was going to be similar to the 1 hour test. I went by myself thinking that I would be able to accomplish this easily and simply. First you are expected to fast for 12 hours. I have never been really good without food. I'm even worse now with pregnancy. Beyond that too, one of the things I've found about maintaining blood-glucose levels is eating every 3-4 hours, this is something I've been diligent with because I found I feel better. And I eat healthier. So, before I even got to the hospital I didn't feel "amazing". Then I'm told that rather than my silly idea of getting the sugary drink then coming back in 3 hours, I will actually be giving blood, drinking the glucose-drink then coming back every hour to give more blood. I really wasn't happy with that. They laughed when I asked if they could just keep a port in rather than poking me 4 times. To add to my dislike for this test, I lived just far enough away to make it not quite worth going home in between the 3 hours. Luckily, I actually do enjoy being in hospitals.

However, my dislike for this torture test increased when I realized it was making me sick. I think it was the combination of my blood being drawn (I have fainted several times in the past--and not because I dislike needles, Red Cross hates me!) and going without food for what ended up being approximately 16 hours, but I became very light headed and shaky (not really a big surprise). I felt weak. And really, stupid. I can't even take this test by myself. Wes wasn't able to come get me because of his work, and my Dad and little brother were going to pick up my cousin. Thankfully though, there was road construction for my Dad and brother and they came home another way, this allowed them to come pick me up. Zach even got to drive so he was really excited. Even after I finally got food into me, I felt miserable. It wasn't an experience I really will care to relive again. But I'm so grateful that I have family close by who can come help me. I am also very grateful that I have a job which can be semi-flexible and I get sick-leave for. And the results were positive. I do not have gestational diabetes. However, I am still monitoring my sugar intake and eating, more because they were high. All in all, I will say that this has been a positive experience. 

Later that week, we found out that Weston's Aunt had died after short but intense battle with cancer. It's hard to believe how quickly things can happen, especially life. She was only 57 years old. This past Monday we went to her funeral. Her youngest son was our age. It was also Haylee's birthday.

She turned 7! I can't believe it. When I first met her she was 5 and the first thing she did was give me a HUGE hug and said "You're pretty! Wanna go see my room?" Who couldn't love her? She was very good too. No little girl wants to go to a funeral on her birthday. But she was really good and waited until after everything to get her presents. She was good throughout everything and was fairly understanding.

Right before her party I got a phone call from my Mom telling me that my Dad was in the hospital. He'd had a surgery a couple of weeks earlier and ended up getting blood clots, the clot was fairly big so they wanted him under observation. He was in the hospital for 3 days. He is home now, and is doing fairly well. At the time though, I was so scared!! Especially since we had that funeral, I just realized how quick life can be. And how much I need my Dad. He is so amazing, so patient, and is always someone I can turn to. I felt bad because we rushed through cake and ice cream but I just wanted to get to the hospital. Even though I was reassured that he was doing okay. I still had to double check.

He has been home the last few days and has been doing much better. Although he hates not being able to do much. The doctor just barely released him for normal, everyday activity which I'm pretty sure he's going to abuse. Still he's been good with things and has been monitoring his activity a little bit.

Yesterday was Father's Day as well. I can't believe the amazing men I have in my life. I am so grateful, even more so after my scare last week, for my Dad. He is the man I have compared every other man too. And then there is my Father-In-Law. And my husband as a Future-Father.

I am so grateful for each of them. My Father-In-Law has taught Weston how to be a good Father. He has taught him so many wonderful things and has been such a good example. I love talking to him, he always makes me feel loved. He has no problems telling me that he loves me, and puts up with my hugs when we see him. While Wes & I were dating he told Wes that he had to be good to me because "we have to put up with you but it's her choice. And we want to keep her." I am so grateful for him.
And words really can't describe my gratitude for my husband. Really. But as a Father, I am very excited for him. He is so silly and so good with children. He is the guy who you have to drag away from the play ground and will almost always find making faces at a little kid or baby if they are near by. On our 2nd...sort of date, (Halloween) my cousin brought her little boy over and he instantly got on the floor with him and played around until they left. I love that. I am so excited for that.
Yesterday I heard someone say that everybody thinks that they have the best Father and it's true, because each of us were given to the Dad that we needed the most. I think this is true. And I'm so glad that he's the man who gets to be my child's Daddy.
So on that happy great note I hope that everybody had a GREAT Father's Day. And that we all can take the time to step back and realize how blessed we are. Because life is, ultimately, good. 

A Day in the Life...

A couple of weeks ago I took the test to determine if I had Gestational Diabetes. It's a fairly standard test that includes fasting then taking a massive amount of sugar and seeing how your body handles it within an hour. I wasn't diagnosed with it but they called to indicate that the results were borderline and then asked if I would monitor my sugar and carbohydrate intake and come in in 2 weeks. So I took this test last Friday and again the results came back borderline. I was somewhat frustrated when I talked to them about it yesterday because now they want me to take another test, this time a 3 hour glucose test. Maybe I'm a strange person but I'd much prefer if they had skipped the 2nd test and just given the 3 hour test then. If I had known that it would go to another test, I would have insisted on the 3 hour test. However, both Wes and I have decided that we should act like it's a diagnosis and plan on going through the rest of my pregnancy as if I have Gestational Diabetes. For those who are wondering, gestational diabetes is, it is when, mostly due to hormones, a pregnant woman's body stops producing the necessary insulin and therefore increases blood glucose levels. It affects 3-10% of pregnancies (wikipedia). It can lead to risks within the pregnancy such as high blood pressure, complications during birth, and bigger birth weight of the baby. 


So for the last two weeks I have lived in the life of a diabetic monitoring my sugar and carbohydrate intake. (Well, without the pricking my finger daily and checking my blood glucose). I've made a meal plan (that I almost follow) and have done as much web-doctor research possible. (Did you know there is such thing as cyberchondria, in which one is a hypochondriac because of the research they do online?) And I will admit it has been a very educational experience. And I've had many blessings in disguise. The hardest thing I've found through this is that the last part of my pregnancy my little tummy-munchkin CRAVES sweets. I'm normally a salt-craving person. Potato chips, crackers, etc. But lately all I can think about is things like oreos and hot fudge sundaes, etc. So it's been a process learning to monitor that intake and not giving into these cravings. 


Something I've been surprised with is that lack of information available on correctly managing diabetes, particularly gestational diabetes. I had never heard of it until my Dr. talked about the test. And I didn't really internalize the information until my results came back borderline and I was requested to monitor intake. Naively, I just thought that diabetes had more to do with monitoring sugar intake, not all carbohydrates. And I thought if I just replaced stuff with sugar-free that I was off the hook. WRONG! I'm very glad to have found the few resources that I have because they've given me more information and allowed me to be more insightful while making my decisions. For instance: 15g-19g of Carbohydrates is 1 serving size. A 4 oz. glass of 100% orange juice is 12 g. So 1 serving. An 8 oz. glass of milk is also 1 serving of carbohydrates. I never would have thought about this information. And in the past I drink Orange Juice by the gallon. 


Another thing I've learned is that managing blood-glucose levels include eating snacks and such during the day then smaller meals. This is something I'd been doing just because I haven't been able to eat as much but I've been hungry more often throughout my pregnancy. However, I found a guide that explains you should eat 2 servings of Carbohydrates for breakfast, 1 serving for a mid-morning snack (Same with mid-afternoon, and night-time snacks) and 2-3 servings for lunch and dinner. I've also found that it's very good to put protein in your body rather than sugar.


Now I have to note that through this I have NOT monitored my blood sugar daily, just monitored my carbohydrate intake and tried to input my carbs as whole-grain whenever possible. I'm not perfect at this. I have, since this test, eaten cake and ice cream and bagels and flavored cream cheese. Which is something I'm going to get better at. However, I've found at Walmart some Glucerna Snack Bars which only provides one carb choice...unlike many other sweets, and really isn't bad tasting. I have only tried the Chocolate Peanut butter, but it's more filling than a candy bar and almost as tasty. And I am going to begin monitoring my blood glucose levels...if Walmart has any of the finger prick things. Also, my next Dr. appointment is next week and I will talk to my Dr. about monitoring this as well as working with a dietician as needed.


ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT THING TO NOTE: Because, I'm slightly forgetful and should have mentioned this earlier but EXERCISE!!! This is another very important aspect of monitoring glucose level--not to mention maintaining health. 


I go on at least 2 20-minute walks a day while at work. Occasionally I try to walk after work as well, in the evenings. I have a goal to get better at this. 


All around this has been a very interesting experience. One I'd prefer not to repeat but it is likely that it will be a problem through any other pregnancy I have.


I've found it's an educational, emotional process. I have learned a lot of information that I'm sure will be helpful in other aspects of life as well.