RIBS

This weekend was the annual Best of the West Rib Cookoff. We went with our friends Abby and Alan. We had a blast. Grandma and Grandpa Eudy babysat Desmond so we could fully experience the ribs. TJ had a gigantic beef rib. He loved it, except he was then to full to eat any other of the yummy foods! I got my ribs from Butch's, I get them there every year. I was so proud I didn't spill any ribs on my shirt. That was a first!

I can't do a post without including a few new pictures of Desmond. There are some in the family who protest to much. Here are some pictures of us trying to get Desmond to smile. He smiles so quickly I don't think any of these represents his true smile, but they are pretty cute. My heart just melts when I see his smile.

A Blessing

Sunday we blessed Desmond. It was also his one month birthday. TJ's parents and brothers were able to be here for the blessing, which really meant a lot to us. TJ gave Desmond a wonderful blessing. I was so overcome with gratitude and love that I started crying before the blessing even started. There have been so many people who prayed for us and struggled with us as we worked towards having Desmond. I am so grateful to  Heavenly Father for answering those prayers. Desmond is truly a special gift.

Saturday TJ took his brothers out for a quad ride so Grandma and Grandpa Wolfe could spend some time with their new grandson. TJ had lots of fun with his brothers, even though Ryan rolled a quad and scared TJ to death.  Desmond enjoyed getting to know Grandma and Grandpa Wolfe.

8 Years

Eight years ago today TJ and I were married in the Reno temple. It was such a beautiful day and I have enjoyed each year we have been together. I got myself a great man and I love him even more as I see the amazing father he is becoming. I love you Mr! You are my favorite!

One Week Ago

One week ago I was laying in a hospital bed holding my new baby boy. We went to the hospital Wednesday after an appointment with my OB-GYN.  My blood pressure was high and the amniotic fluid levels were low. My doctor wanted to start inducing labor. It was supposed to be a slow induction, probably not giving birth until late Thursday or Friday. I didn't care, but was just so excited this was finally happening.

It was a long night in the hospital Wednesday. I was given medication to help my cervix soften and begin to dilate. The medication started contractions coming every 3-5 minutes. My parents and TJ took turns staying with me that night. TJ and I walked the halls of the labor and delivery floor. The contractions were becoming unbearable.

My doctor came to see me Thursday morning, after a night of contracting (and no sleep) I was finally dilated to a 3. She broke my water and asked if I wanted an epidural.  I had been all for natural child birth throughout the pregnancy, but after an exhausting night of contractions I decided to get the epidural. Once I did the rest of the day was pretty uneventful. My mom and TJ took turns sitting with me and my nurse came in and checked on me every couple hours.

Things were progressing very slowly so I sent TJ home to take a nap. He called a few hours later to check on things and I had only progressed to a 4 so I told him to stay home and rest.  Twenty minutes later I was telling my mom to get the nurse. I was ready.  She called TJ and told him to get back to the hospital. The nurse came and checked me, but the baby was still really high. She asked me to give a practice push, which I did, she responded by saying we should call the doctor.

I began to panic that TJ wasn't going to get back in time. All I wanted to do was push, but they wouldn't let me. Finally TJ arrived, followed by the doctor. We were ready to meet our baby. I pushed through about 5 contractions and Desmond was born. It was the most amazing experience of my life. He was perfect.

It has been an exhausting first week with this little boy, but I have never felt so blessed.  Desmond is truly amazing.

Proud Grandma and mommy on Desmonds birthday

Hangin with grandpa

He's Here!!!

So, Desmond has been born and he's at home! He was born on July 22 at 3:35 pm. He's a healthy baby boy and we are so glad he's finally here. I don't think Jamilynn would've been able to endure another day of being pregnant. But, she's a trooper, and did a great job with labor and delivery. We spent a couple of days in the hospital and we've been adjusting to having another person in the house. Also, we're learning to get by on whatever intermittant sleep we can get. It seems like no matter how many people give us their advice, or how many books and articles we read, this is still a situation in which we're learning through experience.

Well, here are som pictures of our boy:

This one on the left is my favorite. Desmond makes this face a lot. His furrowed brow gives him a look that makes me think he's deeply concerned about something - like maybe he has a poopy diaper.

Here's another cute one - he's almost smiling. Yes, I'm that kind of dad that thinks his showing advanced motor function for his age, even though he probably just has gas. Let me think of my child as superior; DON'T KILL THE DREAM!!!!!!

This one is from the day we brought him home from the hospital.

Here he is in his swing. About 2 seconds after this photo was taken, he burst into crying.

And here's one of him asleep.

So, that's it for now. Sorry that these took so long to get posted. Check back, we'll be updating this a little more regularly (I hope).

Finished

I have finally officially finished the baby room. My mom and I put up the vinyl last week. I love the way it turned out and it was so easy. It really matches the bedding on the crib. I feel like we are all ready for baby, there are just a few more things in the house that I want to clean up (as soon as I get the energy). I am getting anxious and impatient, but at least we know he is doing well. We made a trip to labor and delivery last night because I wasn't feeling him moving around enough. It took awhile for the nurse to find and keep a heartbeat (he was being very difficult). Apparently he moved himself into a weird position. But, after 20 minutes of monitoring they let us go home and told us all looked well. We have another doctor appointment on Wednesday.

Ready and Waiting

I am now officially 37 weeks pregnant, only 20 days until my due date. We have been busy around the house finishing the baby room and last minute projects. My best friend Abby helped me create my very first scrapbook from the baby shower. It turned out really cute and I am excited to add more pages once the baby is here. It is getting hot and my feet have swollen up pretty big. My doctor made me start wearing compression or nursing socks. They are not so cute.  TJ is being so patient with me. I am becoming more and more irrational and moody. He is going to be such a great dad.

So, that's it. We are ready and waiting for the baby to arrive whenever he is ready. Until then we are trying to enjoy our last few days of being just the two of us and getting lots of rest.

This is the baby's room. It is small but I love the crib and the bedding. I think I finally have everything organized and in its place. The only thing I don't have finished yet is the vinyl lettering I want to put above the crib. Hopefully that will get finished next week.  

Here is a closer picture of the crib

These are the shelves that TJ put up