I can't believe that another week has gone by. We have had lots of fun experiences and of course I forgot to get out the camera to document any of them. First off, it has been raining and raining, and in Arizona that is a big deal. One of my most favorite things about living in the desert is that when it does rain there is a bush called grease-wood that omits the most amazing smell and the combination of this and a small hint of dust in the air and you have the smell of the desert. I wish I could just bottle up that scent and wear it as a perfume, or have it in the house as a candle. I just love it.
The kids have done well being confined mostly inside. We just completed their playroom downstairs, of which I have not taken any pictures of the LONG process it took to completion, yes I am really bad at that. But they love their new space and spend a lot of time downstairs now. They also really like their magnetic marble track that we got them for Christmas. Our first plan was to put it downstairs in their playroom, but we kept it upstairs during the renovation and it was so nice having upstairs next to the kitchen that we decided to keep it there. It truly have been a life savor giving the kids something to do while I am in the kitchen or working on the computer.
Steven is doing well in school. Everyday that goes by it becomes more routine and we are all learning to balance the new schedule.
My pregnancy continues to go just fine. She is one very active little girl. When I went to get my non stress test done this week, the nurse literally had the hold the monitor on my belly to get a decent reading because she was moving around so much. In fact, she has moved around so much that now instead of being head down she is breached. Not so good news to someone who wants a normal delivery. So I am hoping and praying that she will flip around again and stay put, and the option of having a C-section is put on the back burner. I was very disappointed with her today as well. My Dr.'s office just got a new 3-D ultrasound machine and my Dr. tried to get an image of her profile, but she did not cooperate at all. Her hands were completely covering her face and so we could not see anything. I was so disappointed, oh well, she will be here sooner than later and I will gets lots of time to just look at her.
Just me thinking out loud; it is so interesting being an adult and having children of my own, but at the same time still remembering the love and interests of my own childhood. I am reflecting on this because today as it was raining my kids really wanted to go outside and play in it. Something that they loved to do in Florida, however it was A LOT warmer. It wasn't to bad outside but it was cold, wet, and muddy. But I knew that they would have a blast, so I made them put on their old clothes and I sent them outside with their jackets on. I hung out by the door to make sure they stripped down and didn't get mud all over the house when they came back inside. I remember doing this as a kid myself and I made the same arguments that my children made to me this afternoon to be allowed to go outside. I didn't think about the possibility of getting cold, or the importance of wearing my old clothes. I didn't think that splashing in the mud puddles in the yard actually create larger holes and possibly damage the grass underneath. I just wanted to go outside and have fun. I think sometimes that it is so hard being an adult and having adult reasoning. We would have so much more fun and be a lot more carefree if we thought more like children sometime. My kids did have a GREAT time outside, and yes they got covered in mud. But that is what being a kid is all about and soon, way to soon playing in the rain won't be as much fun anymore.
Wednesday, January 27
Wednesday, January 20
An update on our little Girl
Well it has been almost a week since my last update on our little girl and I finally have some more news to report. The many prayers that have been said in ours and her behalf have been answered. She is doing wonderfully well. I have had 2 non stress tests done so far and her heart rate continues to be just great. But the best news, is that I had another detail ultra sound done this afternoon and she got a wonderful report. The main concern with gastroschisis is that the bowels continue to work properly. With having part of the intestine outside the abdominal wall, there is a much greater chance of clogging or something no going right. This can be detected by shrinkage or enlargement of the intestine. But after a detailed exam our little girl passed with flying colors. Everything continues to flow as normal, another little miracle in her behalf.
I have another ultrasound scheduled in two weeks to measure her growth. Last time they checked she was measuring small. They did say she was going to be a small baby. Her measurements will be off because one area that is used in the calculation is the belly, and because of her situation, it is completely off.
One of the questions I asked prenatal specialist today was when would she be born. His answer, usually around 37 to 38 weeks. Way to early if you ask me, so my next question was if the ultra sounds continue to show no signs of stress on the intestine will they delay the induction until later, around 39 weeks so she will have more time to grow and put on weight? Yes, was his answer, so now my prayers are that everything will continue to function properly so she can continue to grow and develop in the safety of her Mother's womb.
I just want to thank all of you for the prayers that have been said in our behalf. We still have challenges yet to come, but I know everything is in the Lord's hands and that ours and your prayers will continue to be answered.
I have another ultrasound scheduled in two weeks to measure her growth. Last time they checked she was measuring small. They did say she was going to be a small baby. Her measurements will be off because one area that is used in the calculation is the belly, and because of her situation, it is completely off.
One of the questions I asked prenatal specialist today was when would she be born. His answer, usually around 37 to 38 weeks. Way to early if you ask me, so my next question was if the ultra sounds continue to show no signs of stress on the intestine will they delay the induction until later, around 39 weeks so she will have more time to grow and put on weight? Yes, was his answer, so now my prayers are that everything will continue to function properly so she can continue to grow and develop in the safety of her Mother's womb.
I just want to thank all of you for the prayers that have been said in our behalf. We still have challenges yet to come, but I know everything is in the Lord's hands and that ours and your prayers will continue to be answered.
Enjoying a Beautiful Day in the Desert
We have had just perfect weather these past couple of days, so while Aubrey and Steven were in school we enjoyed playing outside.
Brigham and McKay have such a blast pushing their Christmas presents around the yard.
Do they look happy or what?
Finally
Steven could not stand that snagle tooth any longer and just decided to hold down and pulled it out. It practically fell in his hand, it was so ready to go.
I think someone is happy
You can tell from the pictures Steven must have really given her a ruff time
Pulling Teeth- Literally
I mentioned earlier that Aubrey's front tooth was about to
fall out. She was so excited to have a loose tooth again. It has been almost a year since her last tooth fell out so she was ready for another visit from the Tooth Fairy
Brigham was really excited as well. Losing teeth mean getting free money, and he had several hotwheels cars he has been wanting to buy. Poor thing, his teeth are not going anywhere soon.
We thought for sure Aubrey was ready to have her tooth pulled out by her Dad, but you should have seen the way she carried on. You thought we were forcing the poor child and Steven was yanking on a tooth that was no where ready.Aubrey would lay down in his lap and as soon as his hand got anywhere near her mouth she would go hysterical. So Steven would stop, even though he never even began, then she would beg him to try once again.
Wednesday, January 13
Starting a Routine
Life is hopefully going to be pretty routine for the next couple of months. Steven started classes today, and I know it is going to take a little while for that to sink in for him and the rest of the family. He is taking a full load this semester, so he is going to be busy from now until May.
For the past month we have been working on the kids rooms (Just some freshening up, new paint and carpet). We are almost done, and then comes the fun part, putting it all together. Last month Steven and I were able to get away to Phoenix and we stopped by IKEA, I picked up some really cute bedspreads and got some ideas to try out. We will take pictures when they are all put back together.
For an update on our little girl (at least we still think it is a girl, haven't seen anything to prove otherwise) everything continues to run smoothly. I had my first non-stress test done at the hospital and it was not really what I expected. I needed to get my glucose test done as well, so I decided to hit two birds with one stone. The out patient lab is on the same campus as the hospital, so I stopped by and got my nasty orange drink. Then I checked into the OB and they got me set up. All a stress test is, is that I lay down on a bed with two belly straps. One to monitor the baby's heartbeat and the second to monitor contractions. The sames one they use when you deliver. I asked how long it should take, their reply, 1 to 2 hours depending on how well she cooperates. So I get to to lie down, no kids, no distractions, I can fall back asleep? I am going to like this little break. The lab technician even came over and drew the blood they needed for the glucose results while I was lying there. The results for the stress test came out really well. Her heart rate looked great and I didn't have any contractions.
I also saw my OB Dr. this morning and he preformed another ultra sound and we were able to see a little clearer the areas of concern. He answered all our questions for the time being and I will be seeing him again in a week.
I am also scheduled for another detailed ultrasound to measure her growth so I will keep you posted.
For the past month we have been working on the kids rooms (Just some freshening up, new paint and carpet). We are almost done, and then comes the fun part, putting it all together. Last month Steven and I were able to get away to Phoenix and we stopped by IKEA, I picked up some really cute bedspreads and got some ideas to try out. We will take pictures when they are all put back together.
For an update on our little girl (at least we still think it is a girl, haven't seen anything to prove otherwise) everything continues to run smoothly. I had my first non-stress test done at the hospital and it was not really what I expected. I needed to get my glucose test done as well, so I decided to hit two birds with one stone. The out patient lab is on the same campus as the hospital, so I stopped by and got my nasty orange drink. Then I checked into the OB and they got me set up. All a stress test is, is that I lay down on a bed with two belly straps. One to monitor the baby's heartbeat and the second to monitor contractions. The sames one they use when you deliver. I asked how long it should take, their reply, 1 to 2 hours depending on how well she cooperates. So I get to to lie down, no kids, no distractions, I can fall back asleep? I am going to like this little break. The lab technician even came over and drew the blood they needed for the glucose results while I was lying there. The results for the stress test came out really well. Her heart rate looked great and I didn't have any contractions.
I also saw my OB Dr. this morning and he preformed another ultra sound and we were able to see a little clearer the areas of concern. He answered all our questions for the time being and I will be seeing him again in a week.
I am also scheduled for another detailed ultrasound to measure her growth so I will keep you posted.
Sunday, January 10
A new year
Our new year started out very uneventful with Aubrey going back to school, Steven getting ready for his school to start, finishing up last year's projects, and life becoming more structured with a regular routine. However, last Tuesday all of that changed and this year is gearing up to be another year of life changing events.
Last Tuesday was my detailed ultrasound were the baby is measured and areas of importance and concerned are looked over to detect any possible conditions. What we thought would be normal and routine just like our last three children was, well... not normal and routine. During the ultrasound the radiologist detected a abnormality, the neonatal specialist was called in and the condition was confirmed our little girl has gastroschisis.
Gastroshisis is a condition were the intestines and sometimes other organs develop outside the fetal abdomen through an opening in the abdominal wall.
In the case of our little girl, it looks like just her small intestine are out.
What this means to me and our family is that:
1. My pregnancy is now considered high risk.
2. I will be seeing my OB doctor on a weekly basis.
3. I will be having non-stress tests done at the hospital here locally, once a week, and then twice a week as my pregnancy progresses and I get closer to my due date.
4. I will continue to have follow up ultrasounds, were her progress will be closely monitored.
5. My labor will be induced and she will be born in Tuscon, AZ (about 2 hours away). One of my concerns was if I would be able to deliver her vaginally, but the doctor reassured me that I could as long as everything goes smoothly and she shows no signs of stress.
6. After she is born, she will be immediately taken into surgery, were they will try and put the intestine back inside her abdominal cavity.
7. Then it becomes a waiting game. Her time in the hospital is completely uncertain. Testing will be done to make sure that everything is working properly and there is no sign of infection.
8. Hopefully life will return somewhat to normal. Most infants born with gastroschisis have normal lives after the first year of their lives.
Walking back to the car with Steven after our appointment was over was almost having a out of body experience. My body knew what it needed to do, put one foot in front of the other, but my mind was completely somewhere else. Even though the doctor reassured me several times that this particular birth defect was on no account my fault and was somewhat common, 1 in every 5, 000 births. That the hospital staff in Tucson were very trained and the surgery had very low risks with high results. The words that continued to echo through my mind was, "as soon as she is born she will be taken into surgery". Those precious, precious moments when all the hard work of being pregnant and going through labor are rewarded a hundred fold when they place your new born infant in your arms for the first time and you get to hold them so close, will not be mine this time. Yes, I will be able to she her as soon as possible. Yes, I will be able to hold her so very close. But I will have to wait, and that is what makes it so hard.
When we got back to the house Steven's father was home for lunch and my grandma and grandpa Dixon where there as well. They had been in town running their errands and my grandmother told my grandfather that she had a feeling they needed to stop by and see us. It was wonderful being surrounded by loving parents and grandparents as we told them the news.
I am so grateful for a loving, righteous husband that was able to give me a priesthood blessing. For a loving Father in Heaven, who is watching over our little girl, over me, and over my family.
Also, for the knowledge that I have of the gospel, that gives me more of an eternal perspective.
Steven pronounced a beautiful blessing upon my head, and the Holy Ghost like a warm blanket enfolded me with a calm reassurance that all will be well.
I have felt that calm reassurance over and over again, as I have thought about our future. As I have spoken to family members and telling them the news. I have felt it as I write this posting, letting the many wonderful friends we have known over the years in all our coming and goings about our little one on the way.
I know that all will be well, I know that everything is in the Lord's hands, and that I could not ask Him for anything more.
Our family is doing very well. Steven and I are trying to put our family into a very scheduled routine so that way when the baby comes, hopefully all will continue to run smoothly.
I guess all I can ask for, is your prayers in our behalf. We have a long road ahead of us and your prayers would be gratefully appreciated.
I will continue to update on our little one's progress and our family's as well.
As a side note, Aubrey is about to lose her front tooth, the one that she chipped when she was a year old. I am soo excited. I have been waiting for 5 years for that tooth to fall out!!!
Last Tuesday was my detailed ultrasound were the baby is measured and areas of importance and concerned are looked over to detect any possible conditions. What we thought would be normal and routine just like our last three children was, well... not normal and routine. During the ultrasound the radiologist detected a abnormality, the neonatal specialist was called in and the condition was confirmed our little girl has gastroschisis.
Gastroshisis is a condition were the intestines and sometimes other organs develop outside the fetal abdomen through an opening in the abdominal wall.
In the case of our little girl, it looks like just her small intestine are out.
What this means to me and our family is that:
1. My pregnancy is now considered high risk.
2. I will be seeing my OB doctor on a weekly basis.
3. I will be having non-stress tests done at the hospital here locally, once a week, and then twice a week as my pregnancy progresses and I get closer to my due date.
4. I will continue to have follow up ultrasounds, were her progress will be closely monitored.
5. My labor will be induced and she will be born in Tuscon, AZ (about 2 hours away). One of my concerns was if I would be able to deliver her vaginally, but the doctor reassured me that I could as long as everything goes smoothly and she shows no signs of stress.
6. After she is born, she will be immediately taken into surgery, were they will try and put the intestine back inside her abdominal cavity.
7. Then it becomes a waiting game. Her time in the hospital is completely uncertain. Testing will be done to make sure that everything is working properly and there is no sign of infection.
8. Hopefully life will return somewhat to normal. Most infants born with gastroschisis have normal lives after the first year of their lives.
Walking back to the car with Steven after our appointment was over was almost having a out of body experience. My body knew what it needed to do, put one foot in front of the other, but my mind was completely somewhere else. Even though the doctor reassured me several times that this particular birth defect was on no account my fault and was somewhat common, 1 in every 5, 000 births. That the hospital staff in Tucson were very trained and the surgery had very low risks with high results. The words that continued to echo through my mind was, "as soon as she is born she will be taken into surgery". Those precious, precious moments when all the hard work of being pregnant and going through labor are rewarded a hundred fold when they place your new born infant in your arms for the first time and you get to hold them so close, will not be mine this time. Yes, I will be able to she her as soon as possible. Yes, I will be able to hold her so very close. But I will have to wait, and that is what makes it so hard.
When we got back to the house Steven's father was home for lunch and my grandma and grandpa Dixon where there as well. They had been in town running their errands and my grandmother told my grandfather that she had a feeling they needed to stop by and see us. It was wonderful being surrounded by loving parents and grandparents as we told them the news.
I am so grateful for a loving, righteous husband that was able to give me a priesthood blessing. For a loving Father in Heaven, who is watching over our little girl, over me, and over my family.
Also, for the knowledge that I have of the gospel, that gives me more of an eternal perspective.
Steven pronounced a beautiful blessing upon my head, and the Holy Ghost like a warm blanket enfolded me with a calm reassurance that all will be well.
I have felt that calm reassurance over and over again, as I have thought about our future. As I have spoken to family members and telling them the news. I have felt it as I write this posting, letting the many wonderful friends we have known over the years in all our coming and goings about our little one on the way.
I know that all will be well, I know that everything is in the Lord's hands, and that I could not ask Him for anything more.
Our family is doing very well. Steven and I are trying to put our family into a very scheduled routine so that way when the baby comes, hopefully all will continue to run smoothly.
I guess all I can ask for, is your prayers in our behalf. We have a long road ahead of us and your prayers would be gratefully appreciated.
I will continue to update on our little one's progress and our family's as well.
As a side note, Aubrey is about to lose her front tooth, the one that she chipped when she was a year old. I am soo excited. I have been waiting for 5 years for that tooth to fall out!!!
Wednesday, January 6
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve came so fast this year. I can't believe that 2009 is over. What another amazing year for our family.
We started off the celebrations with a pinata that will defiantly become a New Year's tradition.
We all had so much fun watching the kids taking their turns.
McKay had so much fun, he had a hard time giving up the stick when his turn was over
Aubrey and Brigham were blindfolded and we were becoming very impressed with their skills until we noticed that both were cheating
I am still working learning how NOT to build a indestructible pinata. I ended up having to break it by hand. But at least the kids got lots of turns.
We then toasted the best of 2009 with sparkling cider. Brigham and Aubrey did not care to much for the taste (we got out apple cider for them) but McKay could not get enough. You never saw a bigger grin raising his glass to once again be filled. Good thing it was just sparkling cider.
We then toasted the best of 2009 with sparkling cider. Brigham and Aubrey did not care to much for the taste (we got out apple cider for them) but McKay could not get enough. You never saw a bigger grin raising his glass to once again be filled. Good thing it was just sparkling cider.
Grandpa and Grandma Dixon's
Our next stop was Grandpa and Grandma's Dixon goat farm. My grandparents raise meat goats for market and the nanny's just recently had babies. We had the opportunity to help during feeding time. What an experience! These goats we jump all over you if they think you have food of any kind. The kids had a blast helping.
Great Grandma and Grandpa Dixon with the kids
The "Nut" Farm
The Saturday after Christmas we headed up to Duncan to visit the grandparents. Our first stop was at grandpa and grandma's Damron Nut farm
They have several pecan tree's that when we are in town we like to help shake.
This year the crop was very disappointing, The frost came to early and the shells never broke lose from their hulls. But that didn't stop the kids from having fun.
They have several pecan tree's that when we are in town we like to help shake.
This year the crop was very disappointing, The frost came to early and the shells never broke lose from their hulls. But that didn't stop the kids from having fun.
Daddy taking the kids for a ride on grandpa's tractor. Brigham and McKay are sitting an all the shaken pecans
We also had a wonderful lunch with family. It is so nice being close to family once again.
Christmas Day
Our Christmas morning started out VERY early with Aubrey waking up at 4:30 in the morning! She was sent back to bed several times, until she went upstairs to see what Santa brought around 5:45, then it was all over. She woke everyone up telling them "Santa came, Santa came!!" so Christmas Morning stared out around 6:00
Playing on Grammy's sleeping feet
Christmas Dinner, Boy it was Yummy!!!
Christmas Dinner, Boy it was Yummy!!!
Christmas Eve Pagent
We acted out the Christmas story as part of our Christmas eve celebration
McKay was a little Shepherd boy
Aubrey was the Angel, Daddy was Joseph, Mommy was Mary, Grammy was a Wise "person", McKay and Brigham were shepherds. Grandpa was the Narrator/photographer
Aubrey proclaiming the good news
Brigham didn't want to miss out on an opportunity to stand on the couch so he changed and became an angel as well
Brigham didn't want to miss out on an opportunity to stand on the couch so he changed and became an angel as well
Tuesday, January 5
Christmas Sunday
The Sunday before Christmas, I hurried up and toke the kids pictures in front of the tree
McKay would do everything that Brigham would do. It is so fun to watch these two interact together
Our three Beautiful children
Monday, January 4
Aubrey's Gift to Us
On the last day of school this year, Aubrey brought us (Steven and I) a gift home from school. Aubrey was so excited for us to unwrap it, but we had to wait for Dad to get home.
She had sanded and colored this pig cutting board all by herself, she was so proud of it. Personally, the best part was what she wrote inside her card to us.
( All in cursive Writing)
Dear Mom and Dad
Merry Cristmus
I lave you verey
much. Thank
you for all the
things you do
far me
I lave you.
Aubrey Damron
I wrote it as she did, but I am so impressed with her writing abilities, she has come a long way.
( All in cursive Writing)
Dear Mom and Dad
Merry Cristmus
I lave you verey
much. Thank
you for all the
things you do
far me
I lave you.
Aubrey Damron
I wrote it as she did, but I am so impressed with her writing abilities, she has come a long way.
Aubrey, we love you so much sweetheart. You are such an shinning example to your father and I. Your love of life just radiates off of you like warm sunbeams.
Thank you for such a wonderful Christmas present. We love you with all our hearts!!!
Thank you for such a wonderful Christmas present. We love you with all our hearts!!!
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