My Son's Birth Story

My water broke at 5:30 AM on May 22, 2013. That was certainly a first time for me to experience and very unexpected since it happened right after I went to the bathroom. The funny thing is I knew right away what exactly happened to me (it felt like a balloon popped inside of me). Luckily, I had most of my hospital bags packed and ready to go (just had to put in a few last minute things). I called my doctor (Dr. Saunders) and he instructed me to head over to the hospital! John, girls, and I were at the hospital around 6:00 AM. I started feeling mild contractions while getting admitted. Then after they gave me some pitocin via iv to speed up the labor along, I felt some intense painful contractions that literally took my breath away. My baby's heart rate dropped during my contractions too(from 150 to 80). So they put an oxygen mask on me to help calm Zach down, which helped a bit.  To my surprise, the pre labor pain was nothing to compared to waves of discomfort that I felt from true labor, ack! I made sure I got on the waiting list as soon as possible to get my epidural(I was second in line that morning thankfully). The epidural gave me relief after a few minutes! At 11:00 AM they checked my cervix and I was a ten ready to push! They called Dr. Saunders and he was there in a few minutes(his office is a half a block away)! After three big pushes, Zach finally made his arrival to the world at 11:17 AM. To our surprise, he was 1,170 baby born at the hospital this year! He weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long.

After giving birth to my son, my blood pressure dropped dangerously low and I passed out. Apparently I lost a lot of blood too. My sister in-law Chiaki was coming in the room at that moment and saw me turning blue... They gave me oxygen and I was fine a few minutes later. I also had low blood sugar too and they gave me juice to bring it back up to normal. Poor Savannah (little sister) witnessed the whole labor and delivery.  I feared it was too much for Savannah to see the birth of her brother, but she was brave though it all watching all the bloody details. She seems okay now not too traumatized! Audrey (big sister) was a pro with the camera and didn't get grossed out at all from the gore. It was hopefully a beautiful experience for my girls to be apart of Zach's birth! I loved Zach the moment he was placed on my chest. He is a handsome little guy! I am overwhelmed with gratitude and thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with the beautiful miracle of being a mother to  my three precious children.

Zachary is almost perfect! He has some strange lesions on top of his head and one testicle that has not descended yet, which the doctors are going to watch that closely and may need to see an urologist later.  We did a circumcision when he was a few weeks old. Around the same time, Zach was diagnosed with a hernia that needs surgery later when he is bigger (his testicle is in the middle of the abdominal/bowel mass). He had three ultrasounds and saw a pediatric surgeon.  As for the lesions on Zach's head, at first they thought the sores were like bedsores (pressure on his head from resting on my pelvis bone for several weeks).  Since the sores are near the mid-line of his skull, the doctor determined he has aplasia cutis congenita.  They believe his brain didn't completely form/close properly and it has been slowly healing on it's own. When Zach was one day old, he had an ultrasound at the hospital, which confirmed that he has a normal brain/etc. He passed every test for the doctor and he doesn't suspect anything else wrong with him... We are thinking the spots on his head could be similar to some red bald spots that John has on his head, which he also had at birth.  If that is the case, this issue is defiantly genetic and not a big deal at all... The sores are healing very well with vaseline and we need to follow up with a dermatologist in July at Primary Children's Hospital. I am not sure what they would want us to do. At this point, they are not very noticeable and almost completely healed.

Zach had many vistors come to see him at the hospital. Karen and Adam Smith, Chiaki and Matt Free, Marilee and Holly Nelson, the Merrik family, and Justin and Keli Silva. 

I am truly grateful for the privilege to be Zach's mother! I have always wanted a son and John is very excited to spoil him (take him fishing, hunting, play sports, etc). It was worth the long pregnancy, pain, wait, etc. He is a great blessing in our family and we look forward to watching him grow up into a wonderful gentleman! XOXOX

Roughing It Outdoors Layouts

A Camping We Will Go, 2002

Credits: The layout is by me. I used the "Happy Camper" kit is by Dani Mogstad and SBC Courtney's Journal for my font.

 Gone Camping, 2004

Credits: The template is by Cindy Schneider. The papers are by Kaye Winiecki and doodles are by Kate Hadfield. As for the fonts, I used pea amy sue and lima bean.

Eighth Grade Graduation and Awards Cermony

Way to Go A!

On May 29, 2013 big sister graduated from eight grade with two awards citizenship and good attendance!  She was a great student and we can hardly believe she will be a big 9th grader next year!

My Precious Baby Boy is Finally Here!

We are happy to announce the arrival of our handsome son!

 I used a free Baby Boy Birth Announcement Template.

His beautiful newborn photo shoot was by Bella Baby Photography!

Love at first sight! He is absoluetly adorable! XOXOX

Happy Mother's Day to My Guardian Angel Mother!

Yesterday my siblings and I went to the cemetery to place some pretty pink flowers on our dear Mother's grave to honor her on Mother's Day today.  Recently I was given an incredible baby shower gift from one of my dear friends. She gave me a beautiful framed poem about Mothers to hang in my home.  This poem brought tears to my eyes after I read it... Happy Mother's Day!

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"

- Author Unknown

Storybook Fairy Tale Princess Baby Shower

My dear friend is expecting her first baby girl around the same time as me! In fact, our due dates are only two days apart from each other! It has been fun being pregnant the same time and looking forward to seeing who has their baby first!

So a mutual friend of hers and mine decided we should throw her a Storybook Fairy Tale Princess baby shower on May 4, 2013!

The Baby Shower Invitation

The darling baby shower invitation was made by my friend Peggy Johns.

The Storybook Fairy Tale Princess Decorations

 Credits: For my decorations and games, I used Kate Hadfield's happily ever after doodles and pink alpha from The Lily Pad. The papers are by Eva Kipler and Megan Farrow (Studio Flergs). The baby feet stamp is by Shabby Miss Jenn.  As for the fonts, I used love ya like a sister, hello chalk talk, Princess BV, and grumble. I saved some Little Golden Books and used a book template to make tiny books. I made a princess diaper cake and pink diaper babies.  I used the following FREE templates: onesies, scalloped circle, book template, purse, diaper storybook decoration and (circle, star, and heart are by Semana Maluca).  The framed girl word art is from Simple Scrapper.

The Food

We had chicken salad sandwiches, veggies and ranch platter, chips, and sugar cookies with pink frosting and sprinkles for dessert. 

The Games

What's in your diaper bag?
What's in your purse?
Can you guess how many M&M's in the bottle?
Baby Name Scrabble
The Party Favors

The party favor bag said, "Thank you for the gift from the Mamba to be!"  It contained a princess wand, pink and white candy cane, pink Frooties strawberry lemonade candies, and Mamba candy.

Utah Passes of All Passes

We finally got on the bandwagon in purchasing cheap Utah Passes of All Passes! A couple weeks ago, we took the girls to Seven Peaks Fun Center in Lehi to have some much needed fun! We played miniature golf, the girls rode on some rides, John and girls played laser tag, and drove the go carts. The kids look forward to going to the water parks, the movie theater, and sports events this summer!  

What a fun day! Yay, for cheap passes!

Spring Fever Scraps

Spring is finally here! Here are some of my favorite digital scrapbook spring layouts to celebrate one of my favorite seasons!

True Togetherness, 2005

Credits: The layout is by me. I used the "Coming Home" kit by Amy Wolff and love ya like a sister font.

 Kids at Play, 2008

Credits: The template is by Cindy Schneider. I used kit "Scrumdidliumptious" collaboration kit by many Sweet Shoppe Designs artists. The colored felt elements and stitched black alpha are by Dani Mogstad. I used grumble for my font.

Glow Play, 2011

Credits: The template is by Chrissy W. I used the following kits from Shabby Princess: "Twirl", "Bounce", and "Hopscotch" . I used the following fonts: it ain't rocket science, grumble, and firefly castle.

My Little Monkey Baby Shower

On April 20th, 2013, my nieces and sister in-laws threw me a fun BOY monkey themed baby shower. Since my nieces were both expecting babies soon, I helped them out with some details of the party such as using my digital skills in designing decorations, game printouts, and invitations, which they all appreciated. 
The Baby Shower Invitation

Credits: The papers and clothes line with baby clothes are by Megan Farrow (Studio Flergs). Monkey doodles and alpha are by Kate Hadfield The fonts I used are grumble and FO-Giggles.

Decorations

The decorations included the following: a branch with hanging Monkeys in a Barrel Toy, diapers, and other clipart, Diaper Babies, Diaper Cake, framed ultrasound pictures, banners were made by using a couple templates scalloped circle, onesies templates, and diaper templates, framed boy subway art was from Simple Scrapper, framed "Z" button art, a homemade baby quilt, beach balls, and crinkle baby tag blanket, which were made by my amazing sister in-law Marilee. Not shown in the pictures, there were cute center pieces on the tables (buckets filled with foam, green gems, and sticks with either a diaper, monkey, or onesie clipart on it).

Baby Shower Games

What's in the diaper bag? I got the ----> Template for the purse clip art.

Baby Name Scrabble
Guess how many M&M's are in the bottle
What is in your purse?
Guess Jen's Baby Bump Measurements
Prizes
The prizes were random girly things from the Dollar Store (shower wash, bath salts, lotions, nail stuff, picture frames, candles, hand soap, etc) wrapped in a bag or tied with twine.

Food

My family brought many yummy goodies (finger foods) to eat such as Italian deli rolls, chicken salad sandwiches, tuna sandwiches, fruit platter, and veggie platter. As for the dessert, they served chocolate dipped rice krispie treats, cupcakes, and raspberry swirl rolls. We drank two types of juices or water.
Thank You Favors

My husband and I made these mini chocolate chip banana breads by using a pan that had six bread molds in it. They turned out very moist and delicious! I have been using this recipe for years and cannot figure out where I got from. We have made it many ways (muffins, bread, mini breads, and added optional ingredients).
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
2 c. flour
1 tsp soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. brown sugar
2 eggs beaten
2 1/3 c. mashed bananas
Directions: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine flour, soda, and salt. In another bowl cream together butter and sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas. Add banana mixture to the flour mixture, stir well. Pour mixture in a 9X5 bread pan and bake for 60-65 minutes. If doing banana muffins you can cut the baking time in half, which is what I usually do instead of the large bread loaf.   Optional ingredients: Depending on your mood (sweet, chocolate, or spicy) you may add 1. tsp vanilla extract, 1 c. chocolate chips, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp allspice.

A Perfect 10 Owl Birthday Bash

 A Perfect 10 Owl Birthday Bash!

 As most people, we all live on a tight budget and don't have excess money to spend on a big birthday party. So for my daughter's birthday, I made a DIY owl themed girl birthday party using a lot free templates and  purchased a digital scrapping booking kit called Penelope kit by Shabby Princess.
The  Owl Birthday Invitation

Credits: For the party invitations, decorations, birthday banner, games, party favors, etc, I used paper and elements from the Penelope kit by Shabby Princess. I used font grumble font and FO-Giggles.
The Decorations and Food
The Light Pink and Chocolate Brown Party Supplies (plates, cups, napkins, plastic wear, and table cloth) are from Oriental Trading. The serving platters and flowers are from a local Dollar Store.  I designed food cards, a Happy Birthday banner, and misc decorations that I taped on a stick.  The silver buckets were filled with foam and blue and pink gems, which are from Walmart. The balloons are from a local party supply store.
The Food
The owl fruit platter contained an owl, which is made out of a pineapple, lemon slices eyes, grapes pupils, cantaloupe nose, and oranges as wings. We served grapes, strawberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, and orange slices.  The owl cupcakes: I was inspired by One Charming Party by using Oreos and Reese's Pieces for the eyes and nose.  Owl finger foods were crackers, cheese, lunch meat, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and olives. We also served vanilla cookies, Oreos, and Reese's Pieces.
The Games and Craft

Stick the Owl in the Tree
Owl Word Scramble
Owl Bingo I used this --> Template
How Many Jelly Beans Are in the Jar? (the winner took the jelly beans home).
The Owl Craft

Supplies: scissors, Elmer's glue or glue sticks, craft feathers, pencils, colored construction paper, and googly eyes.  Directions With the desired colored construction paper, trace the owl body and beak from a free Template, draw feet, and use a stencil for the oval shape in the middle of the body. Cut them all out. Trace both hands for the wings and cut them out. Glue together the owl pieces. Stick or glue on googly eyes and feathers.
The Owl Mask Photo Booth

The Party Favors

"Owl Keep Your Place" Bookmarks are made by me using Shabby Princess's Penelope kit.
Owl Treat Bags Template (supplies: templates, brown lunch bag, glue, and scissors)
Cute Owl Necklaces from Oriental Trading
Candy-Sour Gummy Worms, Air Heads, and Ring Pops
Glow Sticks from the Dollar Store
 Owl Masks Idea Mine Template and Coolest Free Template
The Presents

The party was a total "Hoot"! Everyone was happy to celebrate little sister's big 10th birthday!

I'm old enough to have a 14 Year Old!

I cannot believe that my teenager daughter is 14 years old! On April 5th, 2013, we took her to Denny's for breakfast. So what did my 14 year old want for her birthday? The answer was obvious! A pink acoustic guitar, iPod earphones, flowers, sunglasses, clothes, purse, chick flicks, and Toy Story Dolls.

Later that same day, her friend came over with some birthday cupcakes. Then she went shopping with her friend and watched some movies at our house with two friends. We bought her a mint chocolate chip ice cream cake from Coldstone! Overall, I think she had a great day and felt loved by many friends and family members on Facebook who wished her Happy Birthday!

 

You know you are pregnant when you...

You know you are pregnant when you...

1. crave bagels with garden cream cheese spread, pepperoncinis, sliced tomatoes, and cracked pepper.

2. misplace your cell phone and was later found in the garbage can.

3. have no energy to clean or cook and require naps to survive.

4. gag due to the many outside smells while walking the dog.

5. caught talking the unborn baby after feeling flutters and kicks.

6. consume Tums as an extra daily supplement of calcium due to heartburn.

7. get dizzy a couple times a day from sitting/laying down to standing up.

8. pee 3-4 times during the night and cannot find a comfortable position to sleep even with a large body pillow.

9. are easily annoyed with stupid drivers and you find yourself yelling at them when they cannot hear you in your car.

10. are faced with the options of either peeing your pants or puking on the floor. (I chose peeing my pants while throwing up at the same time in the toilet, lol).

11. wake up with a leg or foot cramp in the middle of the night, ouch!

12.  find yourself hungry every few hours and undetermined on what to eat.

Easter Blessings Scraps

We are looking forward to Easter weekend! Big sister made a cute Bunny cake during a Young Woman's activity this week.  Too bad I couldn't try a piece due to being recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes, ack!  Way to go Sis on making a darling cake! 

 Here are a few of my favorite Easter Scraps.

Egg'stra Special, 2003

Credits: The template and "Bella Collection" kit are by Shabby Princess. I used love ya like a sister font.

 Egg Coloring, 2005

Credits: The layout is by me.  I used "Hide and Seek" kit by Dani Mostad and love ya like a sister for my font.