Our Salt Lake City Weekend

This past weekend we went to Salt Lake City to spend some time with my family & friends and to have Oliver baptized.  It turned out to be such a good weekend - even though it was a quick one.  We were only in town for 5 days, but what a whirlwind it was!  Every night we had something planned (with the exception of Thursday night, the first night we were in town.)  While I was packing to go home on Monday morning I paused for a moment... I was amazed at all that we had done and all of the people that we got to see and spend time with.  It was a lovely visit that felt much to short.  Here is a recap of our Salt Lake City Weekend:

Friday: A Friendly BBQ

It had been a while since I had been back home (7 months to be exact) and I really wanted to get together with some of my friends.  Everyone brought their loved one and kids (oh, and a dish to share!)  The kids out numbered the adults!  We all seemed to have a good time and enjoy each other's company.  It was such a fun night!

Saturday Morning: Farmer's Market

It's a tradition: every Saturday morning my parent's go to the Farmer's Market in downtown Salt Lake.  The highlight: Carne Asada Taco's from Junior's for breakfast.  There are no words to describe just how good they are... UM-UM, GOOD!

Mom and Kate at the Market

 

Kate, Oliver and Me.

Oliver's Baptism

It was really important to me to have my children baptized at St. Patrick's Parish, the church that I was baptized in, were I went to church at growing up, and the place that Josh and I were married at.  Audrey was baptized there when she was three months old, and now we were returning for Oliver's baptism.  The love and support that we received from family and friends was amazing.  Josh's parent's flew in for the baptism, along with dear friends of ours, Ted and Amy Archer who are co-God Parent's to Oliver.  Oliver looked so darling in his little white outfit.  He was an absolute angel during the service.  He didn't cry once, not even when the holy water was poured over his head!  

Our Little Family

  Oliver is pictured here with his God Parent's: 

Ted and Amy Archer, and Anna and Chris Rogers

 Anna is holding Oliver while I put on his little cap...

Oliver and I after the baptism - look at how wet his hair got!

Sunday: Our Family Reunion

Every year my Dad's family gets together for a reunion at Washington Park located in Emigration Canyon.  The turn out this year was the biggest that I had seen in years!  I had a really good time catching up with all of my cousins and showing off my darling little family.  

One big happy family!

  

 

Oliver and his cousin Gavin (they were born a day apart!)

This picture was an important one for my Grandpa. 

In this picture is everyone that was named after him.

As you can see, to say that we had a busy weekend is an understatement!  At one point my Mom looked at me and said "Boy, you are a lot of work when you come into town!"  We all really enjoyed ourselves though.  It turned out to be a fun and memorable weekend... it was everything that I had hoped it would be.

We’re back…and with a new addition!

Yes, it has been awhile. 5 months to be exact.  Everyday I promised myself that today would be the day I would update our blog… only to remember at the end of the day (often times while I was watching So You Think You Can Dance) that I forgot – Arg!  It is official: I am the world’s worst procrastinator!  So, without much ado, let me tell you what my little family has been up to in the past months (I must warn you: we have been pretty busy!!) …oh, and did I mention that we have a new addition to our family?  We do!

Introducing Our New Love: 

Mr. Oliver

Our precious baby boy was born on April 7^th at 11:14 pm.  He made his way into this world a bit early: I was originally due on April 22^nd.  My water actually broke (seriously, who does that happen to?!)  My labor went really well, and I am proud to say that I was able to have a natural birth.  However, I do admit that there were times that I was questioning my decision against an epidural.  I kept saying to Josh “I WANT DONE.  GET ME DONE!”  After 23 hours of labor though, I was done and our precious baby boy entered the world.  Oliver has been such a delight, and has brought so much joy to our little family.  Audrey is ever the proud sister, wanting to give “brother” constant hugs and kisses.  She is quick to alert me when he cries “Uh-oh… Mama!”  Seeing the two of them interact makes my heart sing.  He coos and smiles and her, and she squeals and laughs at him.  I often find myself thinking “These are my children.  I am a mother of two.  How did that happen?”  Then I smile and think that it has never been better: I feel so complete.

The following pictures were taken when Oliver was 6 days old.

Has It Really Been Three Months?

April gave way to May, and May lead into June.  During those three months we took the kids to the Zoo and Six Flags Marine World.  Audrey graduated from The Little Gym (her gymnastics class that she takes on Thursday mornings) and we welcomed my parents and sister into our home as guests for some good ol’ family time.  It does not seem like much, but trust me: I feel like we have been going a mile-a-minute!  Oh yes, and then there was Disneyland….

Disneyland with the Rogers

The last weekend in June Josh, Audrey, Oliver and I flew down to Southern California to go to Disneyland with my dear friend Anna and her family.  It was a quick visit (two days in Disneyland, one night at a hotel, two flights in as many days) but we sure did have a good time.  It was so much fun to see Anna & Chris and their darling kids.  Coz & Buddy took such good care of Audrey, and it was nice to have another set of adults to tag team the kids.  Even though technically the kids out numbered us, five to four, we showed ‘em who was boss - right Anna?  Just teasing, the kids were angels (yes, even Audrey… with the exception of the flight down there… now that is another story!)  On our last day there right before we were going to leave I couldn't shake the thought that Anna and I were here on vacation with our little families.  I mean, I met Anna when we were 12 years old, and now we are vacationing together?  It felt like such a dream.  A fun dream, but a dream nonetheless. 

Looking Ahead

Alright, I promise to get my act together people.  There are so many fun things that we have planned for this summer that I will be so bummed if I don’t get a chance to share them with you here. Please stay tuned to see what we will be doing next.  After all, you never know what can happen with a family of four!

28 Weeks and Counting

I have hit a milestone in my pregnancy: I a 28 weeks pregnant, therefore I have FINALLY entered into my third and final trimester.  YAHOO!  Throughout this pregnancy, I have been reading a funny yet informative book titled The Pregnancy Countdown Book.  It is a day-to-day pregnancy book filled with tips, advice & "uncensored truths."  Today I sat down to read what it had to say about entering this stage of pregnancy....

"Besides the continued growth and development of your baby, the third trimester ultimately serves one purpose: To make you so uncomfortable, so over it, so tired, so achy, so bitchy, so itchy, and so freakishly huge, that you will do anything to get the baby out of you, including pushing it out of a place where a tampon once felt gigantic.  This is mother Nature's way of inspiring you at the end of your pregnancy, even though we spend the previous eight months thinking, "Okay, how is this going to happen again?"

THIS IS SO HOW I FEEL PEOPLE!

SO OVER IT:

Yes, I know that I am huge.  Even for my size.  No, I am not having twins... and yes, IT IS rude to ask that question!!!  Oh, and by the way: I am due in April - not tomorrow or next week.  Please try to conceal your shock.

SO TIRED:

Yesterday I spent all day in my pajamas.  I could either be found in my bed, on the couch down stairs, or the couch upstairs.  I slept in.  Slept while Audrey watched her cartoons... and while she napped.  This morning was the first time I brushed my teeth - since Wednesday!

SO ACHY:

I love my chiropractor.  There is nothing more to say.

SO BITCHY:

As you may have guessed, I am just a little touchy about my ever growing size.  I know that people mean well, and that they just want to strike up a conversation with you, but I am hear to tell you that unless you are going to tell me that I am glowing or look perfect for my size, I DON"T WANT TO HEAR IT.  Please think people before you speak to a pregnant woman.  Oh, and yes, my husband would agree that I am a bit on the bitchy side....

SO ITCHY:

Thankfully this one has not become a problem.  yet.

SO FREAKISHLY HUGE:

Today I had a conversation with a woman at my chiropractor's office.  It went like this:

Her: "When's your due date?  April?"

Me: "Yup"

Her: "Wow... you still have a way's to go..."

Me: "Yes, I do"

Her: "Geez, I guess this is going to be a really big baby for you then..."

Need I say more?

A Look Back: Remembering Our 2008 New Year's

With the coming of this new year upon us, I have been deep in thought about where my little family was this time last year.  One year ago today on January 10, 2008, Josh and I brought Audrey home from an eleven day stay at the Pediatric ICU center at Sutter Memorial Hospital.  With many of you being familiar with what happened, I'm sure you remember that Audrey came down with Infant Botulism, a very rare disease, also known as an orphan disease in the medical community.  About only 100 infants are infected per year in the United States, and our Audrey just happened to be one of them.  In case you are not familiar with Infant Botulism (trust me, most people have never even heard of it) an infant contracts Infant Botulism by breathing in a spore that was released into the air.  These spores live within the earth, and become airborne when there is movement to the soil.  This could be from construction, digging, tilling, farming, etc.  Once the infant breathes in that spore, and for that spore to take root in the body, the infant needs to have a comprised immune system at the time, and they also need to be constipated.  If all of these conditions occur at the same time, creating the "perfect storm", the spore begins to attack the infant's nervous system, shutting it down - thus leaving the infant basically paralyzed.  Our Audrey started to act strange on the 30th of December. At first she had a hard time nursing, almost like she had forgotten how.  By the next day, Audrey had lost all ability to hold her head up on her own; it was flopping from side to side like a newborns.  We took her in to the doctor, who referred us to Sutter Memorial Hospital, and when we arrived, we were told that our room we almost ready.  "Our room is almost ready?" I remember thinking in a haze.  I was so confused.  By this time we still did not know what was wrong with Audrey, but we knew that whatever it was, wasn't normal.  I remember being escorted to the room and walking into the Pediatric ICU.  Panic shot through me, and I remember trying to stay calm.    When Dr. Smith arrived to examine Audrey, he asked us a few questions about her, examined her to test her strength (with was almost gone by this point) and said "Excuse me while I grab a chair.  I need to discuss your daughter's diagnosis with you."  Instantly I thought, "is this going to be the worst day of my life?"  When Dr. Smith sat down he told us that he thought Audrey had Infant Botulism.  He explained what it was, and emphasized the fact that Audrey was going to be okay; most children who contract Infant Botulism make a full and complete recovery.  She just needed to have a single shot of a drug.  He told us that we may be here for a bit, but that because we caught it in enough time her prognosis looked good.  He went to order the drug (the hospital did not carry it), and Josh and I began making plans for the night - our New Year's Eve.  It was only over the course of the next couple of days, did I become to realize just how scary Infant Botulism is, and how very lucky and blessed we were with our precious Audrey.  This is what I learned:

• Like I previous mentioned, Infant Botulism shuts down your ENTIRE nervous system, leaving the infant paralyzed.  The process happens within a matter of hours.  This is why infants suddenly can't nurse (they loose their ability to suck), and this is also why most infants who contract Infant Botulism are put on a respirator.  With the ability lost to contract their muscles, infants loose the ability to breathe on their own.  Because Audrey was diagnosed in enough time, this didn't happen to her.

• Most Doctors are not familiar with Infant Botulism.  The symptoms for Infant Botulism can look almost like anything: not wanting to feed, constipation, & dehydration.  Until you add "lost the ability to hold themselves up" and if you have a doctor who doesn't know what this might mean, the child often gets "lost" in the system.  Luckily we had an experienced Doctor with Audrey who had treated a case of Infant Botulism a couple of years previously.  Most mother's that I have talked to whose child had IB, watched their child get poked and prodded with every test imaginable while they slipped deeper into the disease.  All of their children ended up on a respirator because the doctor's didn't realize what was happening.

• When Dr. Smith told us that Audrey would need a single shot a drug, and that he had to go and order it because the hospital didn't carry it in stock, I truly didn't grasp what he meant.  The shot that Audrey received is called the Baby BIG shot.  NO hospitals carry this shot; it is kept in Southern California, I'm guessing at the lab where it was created.  When Dr. Smith "ordered" this shot for Audrey, it was personally flown up to Sacramento on New Year's Day where it was hand delivered to the pharmacy and mixed for Audrey.  The hospital had to get clearance to agree to pay for the drug before the drug was even put on the plane.  Wondering what the cost of this drug was?  A shocking $45,000.  FOR ONE DOSE.  However, one dose is all Audrey needed.  The Baby BIG shot was approved by the FDA in 2003.  Before this shot was approved, the average stay in the hospital for a child with IB was roughly six weeks, with a ventilator.  Our stay with Audrey, without a ventilator, was eleven days.  Thank God for modern medicine.

Throughout this entire experience with Audrey, I was beyond humbled by the kindness and generosity of people.  I was also amazed at the strength that both Josh and I mustered.  Those eleven days were undoubtedly the longest of my life.  At times I felt like I was watching my child die before me, and at other times I was celebrating her own little victories ("Look, did you see her grasp the rattle?!).  When Josh and I walked out of that hospital a year ago today, Audrey was quite weak, and still very little, but she was okay.  Within a couple of days she was smiling, laughing, and had returned to herself.  Her doctors warned me that because of the damage done to her nervous system, and because all of her neurons needed to grow back that she will likely miss and be slightly behind on her developmental milestones.  What the doctor's didn't account for was her will and determination.  She never missed one milestone, and even began walking at 11 months.  Our Audrey is a fighter, for that I am sure - and I have never been so proud.  Today she is a busy toddler running around and destroying everything in sight.  She will never remember what she went through, and for that I am grateful.

I felt a strong urge to post this story today.  To honor the memory of those eleven days, knowing that we are so richly blessed.  Thanks for reading & remembering with me.

   

Audrey & I a couple of days into her hospital stay.

Audrey resting while in her crib at the hospital.

Audrey on January 14th, three days after returning home.

Audrey today - a beaming, happy and healthy little girl.

A December to Remember

My, oh my how time passes!  Honestly, I can clearly remember the beginning of December.  I was unpacking and getting our lives back together from the cruise, wondering where the heck my Christmas cards were (hello, I ordered them before we left!) and I was cursing myself because I did not have all of my Christmas shopping done (admittedly, I knew this would probably happen; but I so wanted to be better this year!!)  Knowing that this month was going to pass by quicker than one of Audrey's naps, I braced for impact - yet I don't think that it did any good!  Today is Tuesday, the 30th of December and honestly it is one of the first days that I have been able to breathe a sigh of relief that it is all over.  During the last month of this year I have witnessed the passing of an older generation, welcomed my Sister into my home (yahoo!), flew back home to Salt Lake for a 15-day stay (fifteen days you ask? Was I crazy? Heck yeah!),  Audrey experienced snow for the first time, and then she refused to sit on Santa's lap for the first time, Christmas Day with all of it's magic and wonder came and went - AND THEN - (yes, there is more) the three of us flew back to Sacramento on the 26th in time for Ted & Amy's wedding (dear friends of ours, of which Josh was one of the groomsmen).  We attended the rehearsal & dinner that night, celebrated their wedding the next day, and then finally  shared Christmas with Josh's family on the 28th.  Geez, I am exhausted just explaining all of it! My apologies to all who have been suffered from neglect on my end... Life has just been so crazy!  I promise to make it up to you next year (He he!)  Hopefully the following pictures provide you a glimpse into our December... a month that has passed by much to fast to remember!

My Grandpa Jack, pictured here with Kate, Audrey and I in November of 2007, passed away at the end of November.  While he was not a big part of our lives growing up, he cherished Audrey and loved her so.  I will remember him for his witty personality, advice that he gave,  and for his funny emails.

His 1930's Ford Classic car was at his funeral.

Audrey & her Tia Katie back in Salt Lake.  Audrey was showing her support for the Peace Corps, a gift from her loving Auntie!

Audrey's first steps in the snow!

Ah.. this white stuff is kinda cold!

Audrey and Kate hammin' it up for the camera!

Audrey's first sled ride... what fun!

Smiles galore!  Audrey's first snow experience turned out to be a success!  YAHOO!

Audrey at the family Santa Christmas Party.  She looks like she is having a good time here, until....

...Santa arrived!  She wanted NOTHING to do with the jolly old fat man who was handing out presents.  Notice the grip she had around my heck?  Yeah, she wasn't going anywhere near him!

I WANT YOU!

During our stay in Salt Lake, my Mom made Audrey this adorable hat.  I couldn't help but include this picture!

Christmas Eve has finally arrived!!  Audrey was showing off her ability to point out her belly-button.  Isn't she the cutest?!

Audrey & I at my Grandpa's house on Christmas Eve

Marquiana, Liz, Isiah, & Madison enjoying the festivities.

Kate, Jessica, Liz & I

Kate & Morgan

Audrey giving sloppy good-bye kisses to Grandpa

It's Christmas Morning, and Audrey's favorite gift was this box.  She spent quite a long time moving it around the front room, and climbing in and out of it.  (Note to self: next year, don't spend ANY money on her: just get her a box!)

Grandma Deb & Audrey reading one of the books that Santa brought her

FINALLY FLYING HOME!

Sacramento, here we come!!

December 27, 2008

Congratulations Amy & Ted!  What a beautiful wedding!!

Thanksgiving Cruise

This year for Thanksgiving, Josh's parents treated all of us to a 7-day Mexican Cruise aboard the beautiful ms Oosterdam, one of Holland America's cruise ships.  Having never been on a cruise before, I was a bit nervous (being pregnant, having motion sickness, AUDREY!!) However, I am happy to report that we all enjoyed ourselves.  Audrey loved being absolutely spoiled by her grandparents, and flourished with kisses from her uncles.  Josh and I relished in the two nights that Audrey slept in her grandparents cabin (THANK YOU AGAIN, LINDA & PAUL!)  My favorite memory of this cruise, was the day that Linda, Audrey and I spent at the beach in Cabo San Lucas.  The weather was just beautiful, and Audrey had so much fun playing in the sand.  It was so calming and relaxing, it was perfect.

One big happy family!

Zack, Josh, Audrey and Jeff enjoying our first night out on the cruise ship.

Audrey enjoying herself in Cabo San Lucas.  She spent all afternoon filling a cup full of sand, dumping it out, and then starting all over again.  What fun!

Zack, Linda and Jeff in Mazatlan enjoying the sun.

Josh and I heading out to our formal dinner.  Linda and Paul watched Audrey for us while we enjoyed a "grown-up" dinner for two.  While I adore my little Audrey so much, I can't deny the fact that it was so nice to have a nice dinner all by ourselves.  

 My sweet precious Audrey.  While she was a handful on the cruise, she did exceptionally well adapting to her surroundings, and going with the flow.  She loved all of the stairs on the cruise ship, and spent a lot of time walking up them, and then down them - all the while reaching for one of our hands to help her.  Audrey has a straight forward personality: when she doesn't want to do something, she simply doesn't do it!  One night, after dinner, Josh declared: she is a 'Rubalcava'!  I just laughed and smiled.  Yes, our precious little Audrey may be a little stubborn, but it makes me love her all that much more.