Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Released
The day Zerin was born another changed occurred in my life. After 3 1/2 years as Young Women's President I was released. It's been bitter sweet for me. When the Bishop broke the news to me one of my first thoughts was that "you can't take my kids away!" I truly consider those girls my kids. I love them dearly and am going to miss seeing them and sharing in their lives. I have loved my time in Young Women's and hope for many more opportunities to be in there.
At the same time I feel this is right in my life. With a new baby I'm enjoying being home on Wednesday's and having a lot less, in fact no, church responsibility besides Visiting Teaching at the moment. Thankfully, I was recently re-assigned a visiting teaching route and my dear friend, Heather, who was my 2nd counselor and is pictured with me below, is my new companion. I'm going to miss the women I served immensely. They have become like sisters to me.
This is a picture of a few of my friends when we went to lunch to celebrate Lisa's birthday. Taken in early December. From left to right, Sarah, Lisa, me, Kerri, Melissa.
Heather and I at our Young Women in Excellence in November.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Zerin's birth story
Before I share Zerin's birth story, I thought I'd briefly share Hyrum and Lydia's stories for a little preface.
With Hyrum I had preterm labor at 34 weeks after returning from a long drive to and from Washington over the weekend. I dilated to six or so and was almost fully effaced. After a week on bed rest I resumed going to school and normal life, except water aerobics. At 38 weeks and one day I started having contractions again. Looking back I realize I was having them pretty regular throughout the day but nothing too serious to caught my attention. We went to some friends' house that night for dinner and games and afterward I was exhausted at went straight to bed (about 10:30 pm). As soon as I laid down the contractions hit strong. So strong I could barely yell for Jon. Eventually he heard me and we headed to the hospital. As soon as we arrived I insisted on an epidural and Hyrum was born at 2:45am. The hospital was crazy busy with birthing mothers and I'm pretty sure I didn't see my nurse for hours after the epidural. By the time she came to check on me I was past ready to go. She started running around hurrying to get things ready and was a little nervous because she couldn't find my Dr. He did manage to show just in time to caught Hyrum. I'm guessing without the epidural Hyrum would've been born at least an hour or two earlier. That aside, I still had a four hour warning before he was born.
Then came Lydia. Four years later and MUCH more educated, Lydia was born in a birthing center surrounded by amazing women. What a beautiful experience that was! As with Hyrum I had some preterm labor. Nothing as dramatic as Hyrum, just contractions off and on for the last couple months. At 38 weeks and one day (again) I went to the midwife for a check up and she mentioned that my uterus kept contracting. I'd been having contractions the last two nights that were strong enough to wake me up but I didn't think much about it. In fact, I wasn't even going to go in for my appointment that day but because I'd missed the week before my midwife said I needed to. Thank goodness I did because she informed me that I was in labor and probably shouldn't go back home. Jon and I had dropped Hyrum off with Jon's parents and were planning on attending the Temple and a few other errands that day but had no plans to have a baby. Of course we hadn't brought ANYTHING! (Sounds a little like us!)
My appointment was about 1:30 and Lydia was born just after midnight at 12:38am. I'm not sure when I would've realized that I was in labor had I not had an appointment that day, because to me the contractions were nothing serious until at least 10:30 that night. In fact, I was doubting all day that we'd really have a baby that day but my midwife reassured me I really was in labor and that I just didn't know what real labor was like. Very true. So, with Lydia, thanks to my amazing midwife, I had about 11 hours warning.
Then there's Zerin. As with Lydia I didn't have one specific preterm labor incident, just lots of random contractions. Especially, when I'd sit too long or ride in a vehicle. Before we went to Nevada for Thanksgiving I knew we needed a van that I could lay down in or else I'd be at risk of going into labor.
Christmas Eve I had to work at our office from 9-1:30 sitting in a chair the majority of the time. Right after that we jumped in our truck and drove about an hour and a half, mostly on a bumpy dirt road, to a place called Mountain Man Lodge to secretly deliver Christmas to a family. Then we immediately turned around and drove back. Jon and I stayed up way too late that night getting presents ready for the next morning, and of course the kids were up bright and early Christmas morning. Christmas day Jon's uncle came over and spent the first half of the day with us and then at 3:00 we went to have dinner and play games with some friends. I noticed a few minor contractions that evening but nothing out of the ordinary or consistent or near as strong as I'd been having in previous days and weeks. Definitely NOTHING that would lead me to believe I was only hours away from having a baby. I truly had NO inkling that I'd have a baby soon or even within the next few days. If I had I probably would've had bags packed and clothes ready for the baby :) Instead, I had nice lists written out ready to be acted upon after the Christmas rush was over.
Since we'd had Jon's uncle over most of the day and then spent the rest at our friend's house, we didn't finish opening our gifts until after 10:30 that night. By the time I crawled into bed sometime after 11:00pm I was beyond exhausted! I did have the thought of hearing about women going into labor absolutely exhausted and thought, "Wow! That would be horrible!" Still, no inkling of what was coming. I fell quickly asleep and was awakened at two something with a lot of pain and pressure. Similar to what I'd experience at night if I let my bladder get too full. I got up and used the bathroom and went back to bed. I'm not sure if I fell asleep or not before I realized I had the pain again. I was deliriously tired and confused that the pain hadn't gone away after emptying my bladder. Since I wasn't sure how much time had passed since I'd used the bathroom I thought maybe I just needed to go again. Then I felt a pop and warm water trickled out of me. Knowing that it could be my water, or it could just be that I wet myself, I was desperately hoping for the later. Exhausted I got up to use the bathroom and water trickled out of me the entire way. I knew then that my water had indeed broke, HOWEVER, I've heard of many stories of women still not going into labor for several hours or even maybe days after their water breaks and I was certain that would be me.
Once I laid back down in bed water rushed out of me and I figured I should probably wake Jon and let him know just in case. Of course, I was still completely in denial. When I woke Jon and told him that my water had just broke he responded with, "Let me use the bathroom and think about that." (Or something very similar) If I wasn't in the state I was in I would've found that quite hilarious! However, at the time I didn't think anything was funny because it was too early to have a baby (just barely 37 weeks and 3 days) and I was WAY too tired to be in labor. Obviously, Jon was a little tired also!
After using the bathroom Jon came and stood in the doorway and asked, "What exactly does that mean?" I told him it meant that we'd be having a baby sometime in the nearish future. I was still hopeful that I could go back to sleep and have a day or so. (In case you can't tell I LOVE sleep!) I did suggest that he should pack some bags and he thought that was a good idea. While Jon packed I debated calling my friend who would be keeping our kids. It was Christmas night, two something in the morning, and I hated to wake anyone if we still had plenty of time.
Something told me to just call her and so I did but she didn't answer. Then I couldn't decide what to do. I debated for a few minutes until thankfully, she called me back. I told her the situation and she said to bring my kids over right now. I was still hesitant but she insisted. I was grateful to have someone make a decision when I felt so confused and wishy washy. Next, I called my midwife and told her we'd be coming. She asked me what time we'd be there and for the 1st time I really looked at the clock, it was 2:53am. I told her we'd be there at 4:00. By the time I hung up the phone I could tell things were getting a little more serious. When Jon was within hearing distance I'd encourage him to hurry and to pack lots of blankets in case this baby came in the van. Jon ran around crazy packing bags for the kids, the baby and ourselves, then loaded the kids and I in the van. We quickly dropped Hyrum and Lydia off and headed to Meridian (50+ miles away). I'm pretty sure Jon drove a little faster than legal because the drive didn't seem to take near as long as usual. I also think I was blessed to be able to zone out of reality a little. With each contraction on the drive I felt like I was hold the baby in. I just kept praying the baby would wait until the birthing center.
Before we left our home Jon gave me a very sweet blessing. He mentioned that angels were cheering this little one on as he or she prepared to come. That brought great peace to me to know that I was surrounded by angels. I called on them frequently during the drive and at times I swear I willed away contractions. It amazed me!
We arrived at the birthing center around 4:20. All three midwives came out to the van to help me in. How I love those women! I told Coleen that I felt that I'd been holding the baby in most of the drive and she reassured me that I didn't need to do that any more. She took me straight to the birthing stool, briefly checked me, and said I was ready to push whenever I wanted. About 25 minutes later at 4:47am Zerin Matthew Lindsey graced the world with his presence. It was a beautiful experience that brings tears to my eyes to think about.
The whole thing seemed a little surreal to me and after he was born I finally had the chance to breathe and take in all that had just occurred in only a few short hours. Zerin was here and I was no longer pregnant... Hooray!! Such relief and excitement! Plus, my fears of having a premature little baby washed away when he was born completely healthy and 8lbs!
Looking back it was a great blessing that he came so fast. I never had the chance to realize I was in labor and ponder on what I was about to go through. I never thought maybe I'll go into labor today... I wonder when this baby will come... Maybe today's the day... I was truly shocked when my water broke! (My water never broke with Hyrum or Lydia until I was pushing.)
I have to say a HUGE thanks to my dear friend, Lisa! She told me that for some reason she felt she needed to have her phone next to her bed that night. She just couldn't find it when I called. I'm so grateful for her intuition or else I firmly believe we would've had Zerin at home pr in the van. I have no doubt that angels were watching over all of us involved.
Also, a huge thanks to the midwives at The Baby Place! They are truly mortal angels here on earth. I deeply love those women!
So, in conclusion, with Zerin I had a little over two hours warning total, although by the time I realized things were serious, I had less than two hours. A little crazy... I don't think I would've chosen it to happen that way, but I'm glad it did!
With Hyrum I had preterm labor at 34 weeks after returning from a long drive to and from Washington over the weekend. I dilated to six or so and was almost fully effaced. After a week on bed rest I resumed going to school and normal life, except water aerobics. At 38 weeks and one day I started having contractions again. Looking back I realize I was having them pretty regular throughout the day but nothing too serious to caught my attention. We went to some friends' house that night for dinner and games and afterward I was exhausted at went straight to bed (about 10:30 pm). As soon as I laid down the contractions hit strong. So strong I could barely yell for Jon. Eventually he heard me and we headed to the hospital. As soon as we arrived I insisted on an epidural and Hyrum was born at 2:45am. The hospital was crazy busy with birthing mothers and I'm pretty sure I didn't see my nurse for hours after the epidural. By the time she came to check on me I was past ready to go. She started running around hurrying to get things ready and was a little nervous because she couldn't find my Dr. He did manage to show just in time to caught Hyrum. I'm guessing without the epidural Hyrum would've been born at least an hour or two earlier. That aside, I still had a four hour warning before he was born.
Then came Lydia. Four years later and MUCH more educated, Lydia was born in a birthing center surrounded by amazing women. What a beautiful experience that was! As with Hyrum I had some preterm labor. Nothing as dramatic as Hyrum, just contractions off and on for the last couple months. At 38 weeks and one day (again) I went to the midwife for a check up and she mentioned that my uterus kept contracting. I'd been having contractions the last two nights that were strong enough to wake me up but I didn't think much about it. In fact, I wasn't even going to go in for my appointment that day but because I'd missed the week before my midwife said I needed to. Thank goodness I did because she informed me that I was in labor and probably shouldn't go back home. Jon and I had dropped Hyrum off with Jon's parents and were planning on attending the Temple and a few other errands that day but had no plans to have a baby. Of course we hadn't brought ANYTHING! (Sounds a little like us!)
My appointment was about 1:30 and Lydia was born just after midnight at 12:38am. I'm not sure when I would've realized that I was in labor had I not had an appointment that day, because to me the contractions were nothing serious until at least 10:30 that night. In fact, I was doubting all day that we'd really have a baby that day but my midwife reassured me I really was in labor and that I just didn't know what real labor was like. Very true. So, with Lydia, thanks to my amazing midwife, I had about 11 hours warning.
Then there's Zerin. As with Lydia I didn't have one specific preterm labor incident, just lots of random contractions. Especially, when I'd sit too long or ride in a vehicle. Before we went to Nevada for Thanksgiving I knew we needed a van that I could lay down in or else I'd be at risk of going into labor.
Christmas Eve I had to work at our office from 9-1:30 sitting in a chair the majority of the time. Right after that we jumped in our truck and drove about an hour and a half, mostly on a bumpy dirt road, to a place called Mountain Man Lodge to secretly deliver Christmas to a family. Then we immediately turned around and drove back. Jon and I stayed up way too late that night getting presents ready for the next morning, and of course the kids were up bright and early Christmas morning. Christmas day Jon's uncle came over and spent the first half of the day with us and then at 3:00 we went to have dinner and play games with some friends. I noticed a few minor contractions that evening but nothing out of the ordinary or consistent or near as strong as I'd been having in previous days and weeks. Definitely NOTHING that would lead me to believe I was only hours away from having a baby. I truly had NO inkling that I'd have a baby soon or even within the next few days. If I had I probably would've had bags packed and clothes ready for the baby :) Instead, I had nice lists written out ready to be acted upon after the Christmas rush was over.
Since we'd had Jon's uncle over most of the day and then spent the rest at our friend's house, we didn't finish opening our gifts until after 10:30 that night. By the time I crawled into bed sometime after 11:00pm I was beyond exhausted! I did have the thought of hearing about women going into labor absolutely exhausted and thought, "Wow! That would be horrible!" Still, no inkling of what was coming. I fell quickly asleep and was awakened at two something with a lot of pain and pressure. Similar to what I'd experience at night if I let my bladder get too full. I got up and used the bathroom and went back to bed. I'm not sure if I fell asleep or not before I realized I had the pain again. I was deliriously tired and confused that the pain hadn't gone away after emptying my bladder. Since I wasn't sure how much time had passed since I'd used the bathroom I thought maybe I just needed to go again. Then I felt a pop and warm water trickled out of me. Knowing that it could be my water, or it could just be that I wet myself, I was desperately hoping for the later. Exhausted I got up to use the bathroom and water trickled out of me the entire way. I knew then that my water had indeed broke, HOWEVER, I've heard of many stories of women still not going into labor for several hours or even maybe days after their water breaks and I was certain that would be me.
Once I laid back down in bed water rushed out of me and I figured I should probably wake Jon and let him know just in case. Of course, I was still completely in denial. When I woke Jon and told him that my water had just broke he responded with, "Let me use the bathroom and think about that." (Or something very similar) If I wasn't in the state I was in I would've found that quite hilarious! However, at the time I didn't think anything was funny because it was too early to have a baby (just barely 37 weeks and 3 days) and I was WAY too tired to be in labor. Obviously, Jon was a little tired also!
After using the bathroom Jon came and stood in the doorway and asked, "What exactly does that mean?" I told him it meant that we'd be having a baby sometime in the nearish future. I was still hopeful that I could go back to sleep and have a day or so. (In case you can't tell I LOVE sleep!) I did suggest that he should pack some bags and he thought that was a good idea. While Jon packed I debated calling my friend who would be keeping our kids. It was Christmas night, two something in the morning, and I hated to wake anyone if we still had plenty of time.
Something told me to just call her and so I did but she didn't answer. Then I couldn't decide what to do. I debated for a few minutes until thankfully, she called me back. I told her the situation and she said to bring my kids over right now. I was still hesitant but she insisted. I was grateful to have someone make a decision when I felt so confused and wishy washy. Next, I called my midwife and told her we'd be coming. She asked me what time we'd be there and for the 1st time I really looked at the clock, it was 2:53am. I told her we'd be there at 4:00. By the time I hung up the phone I could tell things were getting a little more serious. When Jon was within hearing distance I'd encourage him to hurry and to pack lots of blankets in case this baby came in the van. Jon ran around crazy packing bags for the kids, the baby and ourselves, then loaded the kids and I in the van. We quickly dropped Hyrum and Lydia off and headed to Meridian (50+ miles away). I'm pretty sure Jon drove a little faster than legal because the drive didn't seem to take near as long as usual. I also think I was blessed to be able to zone out of reality a little. With each contraction on the drive I felt like I was hold the baby in. I just kept praying the baby would wait until the birthing center.
Before we left our home Jon gave me a very sweet blessing. He mentioned that angels were cheering this little one on as he or she prepared to come. That brought great peace to me to know that I was surrounded by angels. I called on them frequently during the drive and at times I swear I willed away contractions. It amazed me!
We arrived at the birthing center around 4:20. All three midwives came out to the van to help me in. How I love those women! I told Coleen that I felt that I'd been holding the baby in most of the drive and she reassured me that I didn't need to do that any more. She took me straight to the birthing stool, briefly checked me, and said I was ready to push whenever I wanted. About 25 minutes later at 4:47am Zerin Matthew Lindsey graced the world with his presence. It was a beautiful experience that brings tears to my eyes to think about.
The whole thing seemed a little surreal to me and after he was born I finally had the chance to breathe and take in all that had just occurred in only a few short hours. Zerin was here and I was no longer pregnant... Hooray!! Such relief and excitement! Plus, my fears of having a premature little baby washed away when he was born completely healthy and 8lbs!
Looking back it was a great blessing that he came so fast. I never had the chance to realize I was in labor and ponder on what I was about to go through. I never thought maybe I'll go into labor today... I wonder when this baby will come... Maybe today's the day... I was truly shocked when my water broke! (My water never broke with Hyrum or Lydia until I was pushing.)
I have to say a HUGE thanks to my dear friend, Lisa! She told me that for some reason she felt she needed to have her phone next to her bed that night. She just couldn't find it when I called. I'm so grateful for her intuition or else I firmly believe we would've had Zerin at home pr in the van. I have no doubt that angels were watching over all of us involved.
Also, a huge thanks to the midwives at The Baby Place! They are truly mortal angels here on earth. I deeply love those women!
So, in conclusion, with Zerin I had a little over two hours warning total, although by the time I realized things were serious, I had less than two hours. A little crazy... I don't think I would've chosen it to happen that way, but I'm glad it did!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Zerin Matthew Lindsey
The day after Christmas brought a late present for our family... a sweet new little baby! Although we knew he/she was coming, we had no idea he'd come so early (I was due Jan. 13th). I was extremely shocked to wake up at 2am the morning after Christmas with my water breaking. Just a few short hours later at 4:47am Zerin Matthew Lindsey blessed the world with his presence. To say we are thrilled to have him here would be an understatement. We adore this little guy! (More details will follow shortly for those who care...)
We were all surprised to find out he weighed 8lbs and was 22" long since he was almost 3 weeks early!
Zerin with our amazing Midwife, Coleen. There were 3 midwifes at our birth and I love them all. I don't know how women do it without such amazing women by their side.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas 2010
Merry Christmas 2010! We had a fun Christmas day and an exciting Christmas season. The day started bright and early, as always! Santa brought boxes of cold cereal in the stockings for an early breakfast until we made yummy crepes with Uncle Roger a few hours later. I love to drag out opening the gifts, only this year was a little extreme. We started opening gifts and didn't get too far when Roger showed up for breakfast. We stopped opening (we open one at a time) and while I made breakfast the kids played with their Santa gifts. The time flew by playing new Wii games and basketball with a nice new indoor hoop that before we knew it it was 3:00 and time to head to our friend's for dinner and games.
We stayed at our friend's until after 9:30 and when we got home the kids of course insisted on opening the rest of the gifts. By the time we finished it was after 10:30pm!
We stayed at our friend's until after 9:30 and when we got home the kids of course insisted on opening the rest of the gifts. By the time we finished it was after 10:30pm!
While I was working at the office on Christmas Eve morning, Hyrum asked Jon how he could grow a goatee. Being the trickster that he is, Jon had fun with that one. He told Hyrum he first had to put toothpaste on his chin, then mix and drink a concoction of vinegar, lemon juice, and pepper. Hyrum must have really wanted to grow a goatee because he did it! Poor boy! I think Dad might have lost a little trust after this one.
Santa brought Lydia a huge doll house!
Santa brought Hyrum a dart gun, new winter coat, and a Wii game.
A few of the dolls Lydia got for Christmas. She well over doubled her barbie collection. I never really had barbies growing up; I always played at Karena's house with her barbies. I guess, according to Karena, my brothers broke whatever barbies I did have. Now I think I'm trying to live vicariously through Lydia. At least I'm aware of the fact so I can try to resist my urge to buy her everything I wished I had :)
Hyrum and Jon both got new Fruitland sweatshirts and Hyrum's friend gave him this orange and black scarf-- perfect for supporting the Grizzlies!
Just to note it, Jon bought me new dishes and silverware for Christmas. We currently have a mix match of stuff picked up along the way. It'll be nice to have matching dishes and nice silverware! After 10 years of marriage we're moving up in the world :) Jon's big gift was a GPS (for hunting, not driving).
These are the last family photos before Zerin joined us (only hours later).
Monday, December 20, 2010
An early Christmas
My Mom came for a quick visit last weekend and brought Christmas presents for us. She decided that since we open so many on Christmas we might as well spread it out and open hers while she was here. The kids enjoyed that and have enjoyed playing with the gifts she gave them over the last week. So, when Howard and Gloria's gifts came from Alaska today I decided the kids might as well open those as well.
The kids showing off their new hats, jackets, and toys. They love them, thanks Gloria!
I guarantee that if Jon had to make a list of his top 5 favorite things kisses from his kids would be on the list!Sunday, December 19, 2010
Chirstmas party, McCall, and more snow!
Our ward held a "Polar Express" pajama party for the kids the day before the big ward party. The kids had a great time and got to see Santa. Lydia missed sitting on his lap though, I guess she got lost in the crowd. Thankfully, she wasn't too bummed about it.
This is the next night at the ward dinner/party. These pictures are what I get when I ask my kids to smile...
This last week we spent Wednesday night through Sunday morning in McCall at our timeshare. Of course we had to spend some time at our favorite hot springs, Gold Fork. The weather was chilly with lots of snow but the water was nice and warm. These belly shots are for Jon he really wanted them on the blog. 36 weeks and counting!
Lydia is our little fish and LOVES to swim. We barely managed to pry her out of the water after hours of swimming!
Jon took Hyrum skiing one afternoon/evening at The Little Ski Hill there in McCall. Despite the cold they had a great time!
Hyrum's snowman that's taller than he is. Way to be bud! We arrived home to snowy conditions and it snowed pretty much all evening. How beautiful and appropriate for Christmas which is fast approaching... Hooray!
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