I didn't think it would ever happen, but I guess I do have more to talk about than just Henry. Is it though provoking, revolutionary, or even mildly entertaining? Probably not, but I think it is worth documenting.
I don't spend much time wondering what heaven will be like or even envisioning myself in it. Of course the usual doctrinal things about heaven come up each Sunday: i.e. "Heaven is living with our Heavenly Father-Creating our own worlds-Living with our families forever (Mormon Doctrine,of course).
I do occasionally have a quick thought like: "I sure hope there are McDonald's french fries and Dr. Pepper in heaven" or "I hope naps still happen in heaven" and even "I don't want to be in heaven if we are all adults. I like kids too much".
The other day I had one of those dreams where you wake up and you just want to go back to sleep it was so amazing. It kept popping up in my mind throughout the day, and that's when I came to the conclusion that if heaven really is as great as we hope it will be, we will get to live out a dream or two of our choice. For some it might be flying, or fighting off aliens and saving the world, for me, it would be living out either one of these dreams.
Elvis:
In my dream, I was back in college. I was feeling the carefree, spontaneity that comes with living on your own and being in the dating scene again. I was skinny. I was hanging out with friends. I was texting Elvis.
Elvis wasn't a young college student like me, but just older. But in my dream, Elvis hadn't dived deep into drugs or zipped up a tight unitard with a cape. He had beautiful dark hair, wore a great pair of jeans, and best of all, he was single and into me.
We met up at a party and I just knew we were going to "go steady" as he may have put it in his days. I sat next to him on a couch, laughed with friends, and draped clean shaven legs over his. That's when I figured out it was a dream. Shaved legs.
In an attempt to impress Elvis, I may or may not have performed "Hunk of Burning Love" for him.
I woke up without even being able to see if my performance led to a kiss, but the feeling of hanging out with Elvis stuck with me all day long.
If Elvis is busy on Live Out Your Favorite Dream Day in heaven, I will gladly opt for...
Johnny Cash:
For this dream I was on a field trip. I am pretty sure it was everyone from my 6th grade class in this dream. We were at a ranch, learning about ranching (duh). I was standing on a wooden fence admiring the tall golden wheat fields and wishing I was riding a horse through the field. The class started heading to the gift shop...because ranches have gift shops? It was about then that a group of cowboys came riding out from the trees into the field and rode past me, pushing a herd of wild horses to a corral.
But who is that riding my way? Johnny Cash. He stopped in front of me, swooped me up onto his horse, and we rode away. He took me to the corral where we tamed wild horses together. It was true love.
Here is the icing on the cake. After taming wild horses, Johnny takes me to the gift shop and gives me a turquoise bracelet from his personal collection.
Wild Horses. Johnny Cash. Turquoise.
That, my friends, is heaven.
*(side note: I hope you don't think I am bored with Ronnie. He is better than anything I ever could have dreamed up!But dreams sure do make for some fun in what seems like somewhat sleepless nights)
21 May 2013
10 May 2013
3 months
It is official. My little infant is gone and I have a baby. I am not sure I can clearly define the difference, but there is one. Henry has been pretty wide-eyed from the start, but he is much more interested in his environment and has continually become more and more social each day.
I am greeted with a big grin each morning and when he wakes up from naps
He has discovered toys and will smiles, and squeal with delight when they shake and bob when he moves. Just today, he figured out he can bat at them and hit them with his hands
Henry has also figured out how to slowly grasp toys and they they immediately go to his mouth. It makes me crack up to see his tongue poke out lick, lick, lick away at his toys.
Bath time is his very, very favorite. We had to move him to the big tub because he was kicking so much I was afraid he would kick the knobs and burn himself. He is happy to sit in his little tub chair and kick and splash until the water gets cold. I love scooping him, wrapping him up tight in a towel, and nibbling on his soft skin.
This past month we took our first vacation as a family to Arizona. Ronnie and his friends go each spring and we stay with the Palmers in Gilbert and usually go to a spring training game, play out in the desert on razors, and enjoy our time with great friends. I was nervous about traveling with an infant and not being in our usual surroundings and keeping to our usual schedule.
We flew from Provo to Mesa and Henry quietly dozed off to sleep during take off. During the busy weekend, Henry smiled and was passed around and would return to my arms when he needed fed and snuggled to sleep. I could not believe how easy he was! It was so much fun to see all of our friends fall in love with him and for Ronnie and me to relax, and laugh, and remember all the many things that made us fall in love.
(Us on the airplane- Henry giving me great snuggle at a yummy mexican place we went to in AZ-Henry meeting his "Aunt" Lacey-Ronnie sniping people during laser tag)
We also blessed Henry this month and Ronnie did a wonderful job! Henry looked so cute in his little outfit and we had so many friends and family in town that we had to do it on a Saturday so it would be much more convenient.
April was a crazy, busy month but we enjoyed every last bit of it!
I am greeted with a big grin each morning and when he wakes up from naps
He has discovered toys and will smiles, and squeal with delight when they shake and bob when he moves. Just today, he figured out he can bat at them and hit them with his hands
Henry has also figured out how to slowly grasp toys and they they immediately go to his mouth. It makes me crack up to see his tongue poke out lick, lick, lick away at his toys.
Bath time is his very, very favorite. We had to move him to the big tub because he was kicking so much I was afraid he would kick the knobs and burn himself. He is happy to sit in his little tub chair and kick and splash until the water gets cold. I love scooping him, wrapping him up tight in a towel, and nibbling on his soft skin.
This past month we took our first vacation as a family to Arizona. Ronnie and his friends go each spring and we stay with the Palmers in Gilbert and usually go to a spring training game, play out in the desert on razors, and enjoy our time with great friends. I was nervous about traveling with an infant and not being in our usual surroundings and keeping to our usual schedule.
We flew from Provo to Mesa and Henry quietly dozed off to sleep during take off. During the busy weekend, Henry smiled and was passed around and would return to my arms when he needed fed and snuggled to sleep. I could not believe how easy he was! It was so much fun to see all of our friends fall in love with him and for Ronnie and me to relax, and laugh, and remember all the many things that made us fall in love.
(Us on the airplane- Henry giving me great snuggle at a yummy mexican place we went to in AZ-Henry meeting his "Aunt" Lacey-Ronnie sniping people during laser tag)
We also blessed Henry this month and Ronnie did a wonderful job! Henry looked so cute in his little outfit and we had so many friends and family in town that we had to do it on a Saturday so it would be much more convenient.
April was a crazy, busy month but we enjoyed every last bit of it!
22 April 2013
Today's Doctor Visit
Just a quick update:
We took Henry to the pediatrician today for his 2 month appointment. I knew Henry would be in for quite a few shots and tears to go along with that. Even with the dread of giving my sweet baby boy shots, I was excited to see his "stats" and to see our pediatrician. Have I mentioned how much we LOVE our pediatrician? If I could dedicate a day to honor him I would. He is so friendly and always takes his time with us. Today as he walked in our room his nurse told him "You have three people who want to see you right now." He simply said "OK" and then shut the door and spent 30+ minutes just chatting with us. He always talks to us like we are educated, and it feels good to not have everything dumbed down. He is one of those people that just by talking with him you feel uplifted and better about yourself after leaving his office. I am usually a nervous wreck when I have to go to a doctors office so the fact that I have been looking forward to taking Henry to the doctor says a lot about what a great pediatrician Doctor Lindgren is.
Ok, now I will quit gushing about our doctor and move onto bragging about my favorite thing in the whole wide world! Henry!
Henry has been growing like a weed and even though his newborn size clothes are just barely getting a little snug and we can now fit him into some of his 0-3 month clothes, he is rocking the growth curve for his age.
Weight: at birth Henry weighed 7 lbs even (15 %tile). He is now 12 lbs 5 oz (50 %ile)
Height: 20 inches at birth (51 %tile) 2 months: 24.5 inches (87 %tile!)
Head Circumference: Birth: 13.8 inches (27 %tile) 2 months: 16.5 inches (85 %tile!)
Looks like we will have a tall boy. The doctor even said he will probably be taller than Ronnie. Henry was so happy, and smiley when we got there and was having a blast looking at himself in the mirror. I felt so proud when he would search around and look for me when someone unfamiliar would pick him up. It feels so good to know that he is growing and that really sticking with breast feeding is doing its job! I am constantly in awe that all Henry needs to grow and develop, I can provide him with my own body! Although there were definitely some growing pains, I am continually amazed at the grand design of our Heavenly Father's and how expertly he made our bodies. His most amazing creation yet, is by far our Henry boy!
We took Henry to the pediatrician today for his 2 month appointment. I knew Henry would be in for quite a few shots and tears to go along with that. Even with the dread of giving my sweet baby boy shots, I was excited to see his "stats" and to see our pediatrician. Have I mentioned how much we LOVE our pediatrician? If I could dedicate a day to honor him I would. He is so friendly and always takes his time with us. Today as he walked in our room his nurse told him "You have three people who want to see you right now." He simply said "OK" and then shut the door and spent 30+ minutes just chatting with us. He always talks to us like we are educated, and it feels good to not have everything dumbed down. He is one of those people that just by talking with him you feel uplifted and better about yourself after leaving his office. I am usually a nervous wreck when I have to go to a doctors office so the fact that I have been looking forward to taking Henry to the doctor says a lot about what a great pediatrician Doctor Lindgren is.
Ok, now I will quit gushing about our doctor and move onto bragging about my favorite thing in the whole wide world! Henry!
Henry has been growing like a weed and even though his newborn size clothes are just barely getting a little snug and we can now fit him into some of his 0-3 month clothes, he is rocking the growth curve for his age.
Weight: at birth Henry weighed 7 lbs even (15 %tile). He is now 12 lbs 5 oz (50 %ile)
Height: 20 inches at birth (51 %tile) 2 months: 24.5 inches (87 %tile!)
Head Circumference: Birth: 13.8 inches (27 %tile) 2 months: 16.5 inches (85 %tile!)
Looks like we will have a tall boy. The doctor even said he will probably be taller than Ronnie. Henry was so happy, and smiley when we got there and was having a blast looking at himself in the mirror. I felt so proud when he would search around and look for me when someone unfamiliar would pick him up. It feels so good to know that he is growing and that really sticking with breast feeding is doing its job! I am constantly in awe that all Henry needs to grow and develop, I can provide him with my own body! Although there were definitely some growing pains, I am continually amazed at the grand design of our Heavenly Father's and how expertly he made our bodies. His most amazing creation yet, is by far our Henry boy!
11 April 2013
2 month update
We must be having a lot of fun around here because time is flying faster than I wish it would. I can't believe Henry has been with us for 2 months, and even more amazing: We have kept a tiny human being thriving and alive for two months.
Motherhood is even more amazing than I ever imagined, and 1,000 times more scary and intimidating than anything else I have ever done before. I will save a post all about the reality of becoming a mother and save this one for the Henry update.
Everyone likes to know how much he weights now but I have no idea since we haven't yet been to the doctor for his 2 month appointment. He definitely is getting bigger and he
has the cutest double chin milk can make.
Henry is generally a good sleeper (we will just pretend this week doesn't count against his good record) and will eat 1-2 times during the night. He is such a sweet little cuddle bug and already knows how to worm his way into our bed every morning for snuggles. He will wiggle and wiggle and spit out his bink a million times until I finally give up in exhaustion and pull him in bed with me. As soon as his little head hits the pillow, he snuggles right up and to me and falls back asleep in a blink of an eye. I can't say I hate it, and I don't mind it being a daily tradition as long as he keeps it at around 6:30-7 in the morning like he has been.
Henry has been learning new skills like crazy and I am always amazed when he suddenly starts doing them. He holds his head up really well and is looking all over the place.
He has recently discovered his hands and I will often find him just staring at them. The other day I went in to check on him during a nap and found him just staring at his hands, turning them back and forth, outstretched in front of his face.
He loves to grab and hold onto things, especially while nursing and cuddling. He will search his little hands around until he finds a fold of fabric in my shirt, or my favorite, a lock of hair to grab onto and snuggle it next to his face.
Henry loves to coo and talk and smile smile smile. He is continually getting more and more interested in different noises and will "sing" out his coos when I sing to him.
I have recently started handing him a rattle to hold onto while he wiggles his arms around and he thinks its pretty revolutionary.
Henry has picked up a lovely habit of squishing spit bubbles out of his mouth, but he even makes that look cute.
He is beginning to love baths and now that he has a little more hand control he reaches for the faucet and waves his fist through water.
Henry's hair is filling in thicker and is still that dark, beautiful brown. His eyes are a gorgeous blue and his eyelashes are getting long and making me puddy in his little hands.
This next month is going to be a busy one and I am so excited to show him off to many loved ones in the coming weeks.
Motherhood is even more amazing than I ever imagined, and 1,000 times more scary and intimidating than anything else I have ever done before. I will save a post all about the reality of becoming a mother and save this one for the Henry update.
Everyone likes to know how much he weights now but I have no idea since we haven't yet been to the doctor for his 2 month appointment. He definitely is getting bigger and he
has the cutest double chin milk can make.
Henry is generally a good sleeper (we will just pretend this week doesn't count against his good record) and will eat 1-2 times during the night. He is such a sweet little cuddle bug and already knows how to worm his way into our bed every morning for snuggles. He will wiggle and wiggle and spit out his bink a million times until I finally give up in exhaustion and pull him in bed with me. As soon as his little head hits the pillow, he snuggles right up and to me and falls back asleep in a blink of an eye. I can't say I hate it, and I don't mind it being a daily tradition as long as he keeps it at around 6:30-7 in the morning like he has been.
Henry has been learning new skills like crazy and I am always amazed when he suddenly starts doing them. He holds his head up really well and is looking all over the place.
He has recently discovered his hands and I will often find him just staring at them. The other day I went in to check on him during a nap and found him just staring at his hands, turning them back and forth, outstretched in front of his face.
He loves to grab and hold onto things, especially while nursing and cuddling. He will search his little hands around until he finds a fold of fabric in my shirt, or my favorite, a lock of hair to grab onto and snuggle it next to his face.
Henry loves to coo and talk and smile smile smile. He is continually getting more and more interested in different noises and will "sing" out his coos when I sing to him.
I have recently started handing him a rattle to hold onto while he wiggles his arms around and he thinks its pretty revolutionary.
Henry has picked up a lovely habit of squishing spit bubbles out of his mouth, but he even makes that look cute.
He is beginning to love baths and now that he has a little more hand control he reaches for the faucet and waves his fist through water.
Henry's hair is filling in thicker and is still that dark, beautiful brown. His eyes are a gorgeous blue and his eyelashes are getting long and making me puddy in his little hands.
This next month is going to be a busy one and I am so excited to show him off to many loved ones in the coming weeks.
15 March 2013
Henry's first month of life
What a crazy fast month it has been! I can't believe we have had our little Henry T. for a whole month, and that I lived 26 years without him. We are crazy about him and love seeing others fall in love with him as well.
Henry is such a good baby and hardly even fusses. He gave me a bit of a hard time with breastfeeding the first week, but once he got it down, he has been a champ. He usually eats about every 3 hours during the day and will go about every 4 hours at night (and some nights he will even go for a 5 hour stretch if we are lucky!
He is such a sweet baby and loves to be swaddled and snuggled tight. When we lay him down to sleep in his bassinet, he will soothe himself to sleep with his binky and is getting good and holding it in his mouth on his own. We often catch him holding it on with his own little hand. He loves to sleep with his hands near his face and we will often find them clasped together.
He makes the sweetest little noises and loves to lay and kick and "talk" each morning. He came out smiling and social. He loves to hear his mom and dad's voices and will often turn his head towards us if we aren't holding him but he hears us.
I like to think Henry is especially fond of his mom and I absolutely love being the expert on him. I know exactly how he likes to be held and that if he is squirmy for others he will calm down when he is placed in my arms. If I walk by and he sees me, he will turn his head and watch me. He is getting great at tracking with his eyes and is now tracking with his head as well.
I love running my fingers through his long, dark hair at the bottom of his head, and he is getting stronger and stronger at holding his head up for a few seconds on his own. If we place him on his back, he will wiggle his way until he is laying on his side. The nurses in the hospital could hardly believe how good he was at flipping onto his side on his own.
He is a tough little guy, but has such a sweet personality. When he has been poked and prodded by doctors and nurses, he will give out a little yell, but then quickly calms down. He didn't like being shoved around by the lactation consultants and does much better with a gentle touch. Just like his daddy, he is tough when he needs to be, but is a sensitive soul. We really could not have asked for a better baby! I LOVE being a mom and feel so lucky that it is my job. I love showing him off and can hardly wait until I can drag him all around town with me a watch others ooo and awww at him.
As far as we can tell, we think he looks like Ronnie's little clone but with my nose. His eyes are turning a deep, beautiful blue and are gorgeous in the sunlight. I wouldn't be surprised if they turn green eventually. Sometimes they look there is some dark green hiding behind the blue but we will just have to see.
(see the split pic above of Ronnie when he was a baby on top, and Henry on bottom)
I have always wanted a little buddy and feel extremely blessed that Henry is mine!
Henry is such a good baby and hardly even fusses. He gave me a bit of a hard time with breastfeeding the first week, but once he got it down, he has been a champ. He usually eats about every 3 hours during the day and will go about every 4 hours at night (and some nights he will even go for a 5 hour stretch if we are lucky!
He is such a sweet baby and loves to be swaddled and snuggled tight. When we lay him down to sleep in his bassinet, he will soothe himself to sleep with his binky and is getting good and holding it in his mouth on his own. We often catch him holding it on with his own little hand. He loves to sleep with his hands near his face and we will often find them clasped together.
He makes the sweetest little noises and loves to lay and kick and "talk" each morning. He came out smiling and social. He loves to hear his mom and dad's voices and will often turn his head towards us if we aren't holding him but he hears us.
I like to think Henry is especially fond of his mom and I absolutely love being the expert on him. I know exactly how he likes to be held and that if he is squirmy for others he will calm down when he is placed in my arms. If I walk by and he sees me, he will turn his head and watch me. He is getting great at tracking with his eyes and is now tracking with his head as well.
I love running my fingers through his long, dark hair at the bottom of his head, and he is getting stronger and stronger at holding his head up for a few seconds on his own. If we place him on his back, he will wiggle his way until he is laying on his side. The nurses in the hospital could hardly believe how good he was at flipping onto his side on his own.
He is a tough little guy, but has such a sweet personality. When he has been poked and prodded by doctors and nurses, he will give out a little yell, but then quickly calms down. He didn't like being shoved around by the lactation consultants and does much better with a gentle touch. Just like his daddy, he is tough when he needs to be, but is a sensitive soul. We really could not have asked for a better baby! I LOVE being a mom and feel so lucky that it is my job. I love showing him off and can hardly wait until I can drag him all around town with me a watch others ooo and awww at him.
As far as we can tell, we think he looks like Ronnie's little clone but with my nose. His eyes are turning a deep, beautiful blue and are gorgeous in the sunlight. I wouldn't be surprised if they turn green eventually. Sometimes they look there is some dark green hiding behind the blue but we will just have to see.
(see the split pic above of Ronnie when he was a baby on top, and Henry on bottom)
I have always wanted a little buddy and feel extremely blessed that Henry is mine!
23 February 2013
Henry's Birth Story
I can't believe it is my turn to share how my dear, sweet boy came into our family. I have read many of these "birth stories" on other blogs and have looked forward to the day that I got to see the birth of our first baby unfold. Here I am, with Little Henry curled up on my chest, and I get to kiss and smell his sweet head as I write down his miraculous entry to earth.
Let's start a couple of weeks back. About two weeks before Henry's birth, I was sitting in one of my twice weekly NST's (non stress tests) where they monitored his heartbeat for 20 minutes to make sure he wasn't under stress. He always did great and I always loved hearing his heartbeat. It was during one of those that the nurse said "You're having a contraction right now, can you feel that?" I had felt a slight cramping, but didn't think much of it until she told me what it was. Pregnancy is not without it's fair share of aches and pains, so what was another little twinge of discomfort? Well, now that I knew what a tiny contraction felt like, I noticed them. They weren't super regular, or even painful, but they were noticeable.
Not too long after realizing I was having "warming up contractions" we received the news that Ronnie's grandpa had passed away and the funeral was going to be here in Salt Lake. We felt lucky that we would be able to attend but I was also scared to death that I would have a baby with all of Ronnie's family was in town, during the funeral. To add to my fears, Ronnie and I ended up having to give talks in sacrament meeting with only 2 weeks until our due date and while we both came down with NASTY colds.
Heavenly Father heard my pleas and Henry stayed put until the funeral was over, mine and Ronnie's colds had gone away, and we were emotionally ready for Henry's arrival.
Now that we have a little back story, do you mind if I switch gears? I realize there are many that have been anxiously waiting to read our birth story, but I know myself, and even though I would like to think I would write a version down just for Henry, I probably won't get around to it, so I am going to use this opportunity to write him his very first letter from me.
Dear Henry,
My First Born Son. Do you know how incredibly special and loved you are? Mom and Dad thought they would wait much longer than they did to get you, but we both felt a strong urge to go ahead and start trying for a family. We weren't sure if Dad's injury would make our process a little longer than usual. As it turns out, Heavenly Father knew we needed you right away and I found out I was pregnant with you in what seems like a blink of an eye.
The Lord's timing was perfect. I ended up turning a really good job down in Wyoming so I wouldn't have to be away from you once you were born. Dad took a job in Wyoming that eventually led him to an amazing job in Utah that we wouldn't have even considered if I had been working too. You endured two moves before you even entered the world but you took it easy on me and I had a great pregnancy.
Mom and Dad had only been in Salt Lake 2 months when it was your time to arrive. Life was a little crazy those last two months, but you waited until exactly the perfect day to come. I woke up early on the morning of Saturday, February 9th and could feel that the contractions I had been experiencing for the past two weeks were stronger and much more regular. I just knew that you would be coming soon so I started picking up the house and getting things in order so we would be ready to bring you home if we ended up in the hospital soon. I made dad go to the grocery store with me and even take me to Target so I would feel prepared when it was time to go to the hospital. Our friends the Dahlin's came over and not too long after they left, my contractions got much stronger. We went and picked up some dinner but I couldn't even eat because the contractions were too distracting. (You know if french fries are in from of me and I am not touching them, something big is about to happen).
I called my mom to tell her my contractions were 4-5 minutes apart, lasting for a minute and she told me to go ahead and go to the hospital. I really hadn't been having them for long so I waited another couple of hours and then your Dad and I packed up the car and went to the hospital.
It was snowing pretty heavily and we seemed to be the only ones out on the road. It was so peaceful and quiet all around us, with the snow softly falling as we drove that very short, but very long drive to the hospital. It seemed to be the way you wanted to come to us, peacefully. It was about midnight when we got to the hospital. The nurses checked me and I was only dilated to a 1 1/2. They sent us home and said to come back when the pain got worse. Not words you like to hear when you already think you are in pain.
Lucky for me, I had the world's best labor coach. Your dad was right by my side through every minute. The nurses at the hospital gave me some pain killers to help me through the next few hours. All they really did was make me really sleepy. Your dad would let me sleep for 4 minutes and was right there waiting for me when the next contraction would come and I needed him to tell me it was almost over and how great I was doing. We did this for 5 1/2 more hours. Mom falling asleep, waking up to a contraction building up, and Dad watching over her with more love and concern in his eyes than I had ever seen before. He rubbed my back, held my hand, and showed me the kind of tenderness that is so hard to find in men anymore.
Finally at 5:30 am on Sunday, February 10th, we went back into the hospital and I was dilated to a 5! They checked me in and I said "Give me that epidural!" I had really wanted to go drug free, out of curiosity of what natural childbirth felt like. Nothing kills that curiosity like actual childbirth.
After the epidural kicked in very quickly, I was able to drift in and out of sleep for a couple hours before the Dr. gave the go ahead to break my water. That was at about noon. The Dr. got to the hospital at about 1:00pm and they told me I could start pushing at about 1:30. I had been told by many friends that I should really get a photographer to document your birth, and maybe I should have, but I loved exactly who was in the room, and the memories I have of that day. I hate being photographed and just knowing that it was me and my sweetheart let me really enjoy what was happening.
Although I was pushing and it is usually a climactic, crazy situation in the movies, it was absolutely peaceful in our room. I knew I was about to become a mom, but it didn't feel real yet. Between pushing, I would look up at your dad and enjoyed the feelings of love and excitement we were feeling. We quietly told each other words of encouragement between pushes, and slipped in "I love you" here and there, and after just 30 minutes of pushing, you were placed into my arms and I looked at your big eyes blinking up at me, knowing in that moment you knew me better than I knew myself. Just like that, I was a mom. You were my baby. We fell in love.
As your father and I breathed you in those first few moments, I loved seeing the doctors and nurses pause every few minutes to watch as we became a family. What a wonderful job they must have! I am sure they get to see many amazing births and lots of love shared, but I like to think that the love your dad and I have for each other, and beginning at that moment- for you, is a little more special than usual.
Your birth was very special and sacred to me, and I am so glad that it is your Daddy that I got to share it with. Our lives were suddenly changed forever in a bigger way than we ever could have imagined, but it is the best change that has ever happened. I love you more than any words could ever express! I thank Heavenly Father everyday that He chose me to be your Mama.
Love,
Mom
*Thank you to our dear friend Val Dahlin for coming to the hospital the day after Henry was born and getting these great photos of our newborn baby boy!
Let's start a couple of weeks back. About two weeks before Henry's birth, I was sitting in one of my twice weekly NST's (non stress tests) where they monitored his heartbeat for 20 minutes to make sure he wasn't under stress. He always did great and I always loved hearing his heartbeat. It was during one of those that the nurse said "You're having a contraction right now, can you feel that?" I had felt a slight cramping, but didn't think much of it until she told me what it was. Pregnancy is not without it's fair share of aches and pains, so what was another little twinge of discomfort? Well, now that I knew what a tiny contraction felt like, I noticed them. They weren't super regular, or even painful, but they were noticeable.
Not too long after realizing I was having "warming up contractions" we received the news that Ronnie's grandpa had passed away and the funeral was going to be here in Salt Lake. We felt lucky that we would be able to attend but I was also scared to death that I would have a baby with all of Ronnie's family was in town, during the funeral. To add to my fears, Ronnie and I ended up having to give talks in sacrament meeting with only 2 weeks until our due date and while we both came down with NASTY colds.
Heavenly Father heard my pleas and Henry stayed put until the funeral was over, mine and Ronnie's colds had gone away, and we were emotionally ready for Henry's arrival.
Now that we have a little back story, do you mind if I switch gears? I realize there are many that have been anxiously waiting to read our birth story, but I know myself, and even though I would like to think I would write a version down just for Henry, I probably won't get around to it, so I am going to use this opportunity to write him his very first letter from me.
Dear Henry,
My First Born Son. Do you know how incredibly special and loved you are? Mom and Dad thought they would wait much longer than they did to get you, but we both felt a strong urge to go ahead and start trying for a family. We weren't sure if Dad's injury would make our process a little longer than usual. As it turns out, Heavenly Father knew we needed you right away and I found out I was pregnant with you in what seems like a blink of an eye.
The Lord's timing was perfect. I ended up turning a really good job down in Wyoming so I wouldn't have to be away from you once you were born. Dad took a job in Wyoming that eventually led him to an amazing job in Utah that we wouldn't have even considered if I had been working too. You endured two moves before you even entered the world but you took it easy on me and I had a great pregnancy.
Mom and Dad had only been in Salt Lake 2 months when it was your time to arrive. Life was a little crazy those last two months, but you waited until exactly the perfect day to come. I woke up early on the morning of Saturday, February 9th and could feel that the contractions I had been experiencing for the past two weeks were stronger and much more regular. I just knew that you would be coming soon so I started picking up the house and getting things in order so we would be ready to bring you home if we ended up in the hospital soon. I made dad go to the grocery store with me and even take me to Target so I would feel prepared when it was time to go to the hospital. Our friends the Dahlin's came over and not too long after they left, my contractions got much stronger. We went and picked up some dinner but I couldn't even eat because the contractions were too distracting. (You know if french fries are in from of me and I am not touching them, something big is about to happen).
I called my mom to tell her my contractions were 4-5 minutes apart, lasting for a minute and she told me to go ahead and go to the hospital. I really hadn't been having them for long so I waited another couple of hours and then your Dad and I packed up the car and went to the hospital.
It was snowing pretty heavily and we seemed to be the only ones out on the road. It was so peaceful and quiet all around us, with the snow softly falling as we drove that very short, but very long drive to the hospital. It seemed to be the way you wanted to come to us, peacefully. It was about midnight when we got to the hospital. The nurses checked me and I was only dilated to a 1 1/2. They sent us home and said to come back when the pain got worse. Not words you like to hear when you already think you are in pain.
Lucky for me, I had the world's best labor coach. Your dad was right by my side through every minute. The nurses at the hospital gave me some pain killers to help me through the next few hours. All they really did was make me really sleepy. Your dad would let me sleep for 4 minutes and was right there waiting for me when the next contraction would come and I needed him to tell me it was almost over and how great I was doing. We did this for 5 1/2 more hours. Mom falling asleep, waking up to a contraction building up, and Dad watching over her with more love and concern in his eyes than I had ever seen before. He rubbed my back, held my hand, and showed me the kind of tenderness that is so hard to find in men anymore.
Finally at 5:30 am on Sunday, February 10th, we went back into the hospital and I was dilated to a 5! They checked me in and I said "Give me that epidural!" I had really wanted to go drug free, out of curiosity of what natural childbirth felt like. Nothing kills that curiosity like actual childbirth.
After the epidural kicked in very quickly, I was able to drift in and out of sleep for a couple hours before the Dr. gave the go ahead to break my water. That was at about noon. The Dr. got to the hospital at about 1:00pm and they told me I could start pushing at about 1:30. I had been told by many friends that I should really get a photographer to document your birth, and maybe I should have, but I loved exactly who was in the room, and the memories I have of that day. I hate being photographed and just knowing that it was me and my sweetheart let me really enjoy what was happening.
Although I was pushing and it is usually a climactic, crazy situation in the movies, it was absolutely peaceful in our room. I knew I was about to become a mom, but it didn't feel real yet. Between pushing, I would look up at your dad and enjoyed the feelings of love and excitement we were feeling. We quietly told each other words of encouragement between pushes, and slipped in "I love you" here and there, and after just 30 minutes of pushing, you were placed into my arms and I looked at your big eyes blinking up at me, knowing in that moment you knew me better than I knew myself. Just like that, I was a mom. You were my baby. We fell in love.
As your father and I breathed you in those first few moments, I loved seeing the doctors and nurses pause every few minutes to watch as we became a family. What a wonderful job they must have! I am sure they get to see many amazing births and lots of love shared, but I like to think that the love your dad and I have for each other, and beginning at that moment- for you, is a little more special than usual.
Your birth was very special and sacred to me, and I am so glad that it is your Daddy that I got to share it with. Our lives were suddenly changed forever in a bigger way than we ever could have imagined, but it is the best change that has ever happened. I love you more than any words could ever express! I thank Heavenly Father everyday that He chose me to be your Mama.
Love,
Mom
*Thank you to our dear friend Val Dahlin for coming to the hospital the day after Henry was born and getting these great photos of our newborn baby boy!
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