Sunday Funday

Dear Maizy,

We woke up fairly early Sunday morning since we went to bed pretty early the night before.  We ate a quick breakfast, got dressed and we were all out of the house by noon!  Wow!  

We headed back to Grandma Annette's to go swimming!!!  This time Sienna, Grandma Annette and Aunt Deb were going to join us.  

We got to the house and you and Sienna played for a minute and we chased you two around trying to get you into your bathing suits, it only took an hour. 

Then we got to the pool, it was such a hot day!  There weren't that many people there since it was a Sunday and all!  Nice!  Little do they know it's Sunday Funday!!

We got your life jacket on and you and dad jumped in the pool.  You were loving it!  You were smiling from ear to ear and was laughing!  It made me smile.  I decided not to swim.  i just laid out a little, put my feet in the water, fetched the balls that were thrown out of the pool and brought them back to you guys and tried to rad my magazine.

Sienna is a total brat that doesn't listen!  She had a plastic pail she was playing with, filling it with water and either drinking it GROSS or dumping it out.  At one point you were sitting in the shallow area with Grandma and Sienna came right up to you and dumped all that water right in your face!  It was awful!  First of all, you don't like water in your eyes and I get that - I don't either, it went up your nose ouch! and it was just down right rude!! I was PISSED!!!!!  Then I was even more mad when Sienna didn't even get punished for such behavior.  If I saw you do that to someone, which I don't think you would, you bet your bottom dollar you would be in trouble!!

You are such a happy girl that you didn't let it bother you. After swimming for a little after an hour you girls were tired!  So we went back to Grandma's and had lunch!  A real yummy lunch of ham and cheese sandwiches and chips.  You are so dang cute!  I love seeing you happy. I hope you are too babe!

Then we got home, you slept and daddy slept while I watched a scary movie!

You woke up and was as cute as ever.  You requested a popscicle and ate it in the laundry basket!! Ha ha ha!! 

I love you!  Thanks for always making me laugh and smile and reminding me not to sweat the small stuff.

Thanks for an amazing weekend!

I love you!

Love,
mommy

Saturday Adventure

Dear Maizy,

I love our impromptu adventures.  Saturday we were just home hanging out and taking our time getting out of the house.  We finally made it out about 4ish and decided to go check out City Creek, since I had never been there.  Which makes no sense since my company built it!

Anyway, we got you dressed all cute and headed out the door, but not before removing the "sweater scarf" from your neck.

It wasn't ten minutes and you were out!  It was around your nap time, so dad and I decided to drive around and check out the avenues - my fave places to look at the houses, yards and trees.  We drove around for at least a half hour, then you woke so we continued our adventure to City Creek.  

We decided to start at Cheesecake Factory because we were all hungry AND we had a gift card to the place.  We only had to wait for half an hour - not bad considering I have heard of people waiting for hours!!

This is what kept you busy while we waited for our table.

Our name was finally called, so we were seated at a booth.  Dad and I ordered drinks, you an apple juice - we were thirsty.  Then we ordered an appetizer for us and chicken fingers and fries for you!  We had a great time being together, talking and eating then we had to order cheesecake to go but not before tasting it first!  Yum!!  I ordered Snickers and daddy ordered blueberry, both were exceptionally good.  

After dinner we went into the Disney Store.  You were loving it!!  You were walking around with a little Minnie Mouse that lights up.  The store was pretty crowded so we didnt' stay too long.  I did pick out some cute little plastic figurines of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters.  They had a special of buy two for $20, so of course I did that.  We didn't show you your "present" until we got home!  

Then we walked around City Creek some more and went into a few shops.  We stopped at Nordstroms because I had a gift card there and I got a new purse!  Woo hoo!

After that store we walked around and watched the fountain show.  Then we headed home since it was late and we were all tired!

Thanks for a fun, fun adventure!

Love you!

Love,
mommy

Night Swimming

Dear Maizy,

I got home from work Friday evening and was ready to just relax and stay in, but you and dad had something else in mind.  The two of you were home together and had a really busy day going to a new park, getting Subway for lunch and running all around town.  You two wanted to keep going, so we packed our stuff up and headed down to Grandma Annette's to go swimming.  They were all gone to a wedding so they left the key there for us.  

I decided not to swim since, so I just watched you and daddy! And Oh.My.Gosh!!!  You are getting to be an amazing little swimmer!!  Seriously.  You listen to what dad and I tell you - "kick your legs!!" "Paddle those arms!!" "Don't drink the water!!!!!!!"  And you do them all - very well!!

Check you out!!

Regardless of your expressions in this pic you are both very happy!  I just asked you both to sit still!

Daddy and I are so proud of the awesome swimmer that you are!  You and your daddy have such an awesome relationship!  I love watching you two interact.  

You two make my heart swell.

Thanks for a super, amazing Friday night! 

Love you!

Love,
mommy

Lagoon!

Dear Maizy,

You went to Lagoon for the very first time on Thursday August 23rd. I got home from work, loaded you and dad in the car and then we went and picked up Grandma Shelly and headed to Lagoon.  It was a great night to go since it wasn't very hot!

Grandma sat in the backseat with you on the way there.  She fed you your dinner so that helped pass the time it took getting there since you were pretty anxious to see these rides we were talking about.  Dad was telling you that he was going to play games and win you a stuffed animal, so you kept saying "animal games!"  It was adorable!

We got to the park and got inside the gates and it's even changed since the last time I was there.  I think it was kind of overwhelming to you.  We headed right over to the kiddie rides.  There wasn't a line on the whales so that was your very first ride!  You were so dang cute!  The ride did go quite fast.  You didn't know what to think.  Seeing how dang cute you are and that this was an all new experience for you brought tears to my eyes.  

Then you rode the airplanes that have guns attached to them, the boats - I think it's the same from when I was a child, the airplanes that land in water and the cars!  You hardly said a word all night. 

You and I rode on Puff the Magic Dragon and you squealed a little bit, it was SO cute!  Then you rode the flying Puff and Dumbo right next to the roller coaster.  Then we walked over to Pioneer Village and rode the Log Flume, it was just you, me and daddy.  You and dad sat in the front and I sat in the back.  That is a pretty fun ride!

Then we walked back over to the train and while dad waited in line for us Grandma and I went and watched you ride on the planes again.  Then we went and got back in line to ride the train. We got on and you said "fast, fast!"  And in fact, it was the slowest ride I have ever, ever been on!!  I wish that we would have ridden it in the daylight to see the animals.  We saw the Siberian Tiger pretty well - he was pacing his cage. There were lions too but we couldn't see them very well.  You did enjoy the train!  Then we walked back to Pioneer Village.  Daddy ran to the restroom, Grandma went and ordered our food while you and I ran over to the log flume - there was no line!  It was just you and I babe! I was loving being in the moment - all quiet, me holding you close to me, you saying a few words (finally), it was an awesome moment.  Then we all met back at the table and had dinner - roasted corn on the cob - you were diggin' that! Pork sandwiches and fries.  We were all starving.  After dinner daddy and I went on the white roller coaster while Grandma took you on the helicopters, the cars and then back on the helicopters!  By this time it was 9:30 and it was time to go!  I was SAD!  I wanted to see and do more but you and everyone else was tired.  It was cool to see all the ride lit up.  the night brought back memories for me when I was a kid and would go to Lagoon every year.  We always went on Italian's Day when I was gr0wing up!  I miss those days, but am glad and lucky that I get to see you experience that place.

I really want to get season passes next year so we can go all the time.  

Thanks for a fun and awesome evening sweetie!

I love you!

Love,
mommy

p.s. Grandpa Frank called the next day to see how you liked Lagoon, it was cute!  

Birth Story Part: 2

Dear Maizy,

This really isn't about your birth, but it is about the first week of your life and the fact that unfortunately,  we only got to stay together at home until Thursday morning at 4 a.m. then it was back to the hospital for 5, yes 5 days!!! 

Your father insist I go to the ER on Wednesday night about 10p.m. I fought him tooth and nail - I lost.  We were watching a movie, I was asleep lying on your father's chest.  He woke me up and he said that I was shaking.  When he woke me up I wasn't feeling well at all - I had chills, was freezing,  then was hot and my head was pounding!!  So I called my mom to tell her we were going to the hospital, so Paul and his girlfriend watched you for like 30 minutes until Grandma got to the house to be with you. Meanwhile, at the ER they drew my blood, gave me an IV thinking I was dehydrated and gave me a catheter - embarrassing.  They thought I was crazy because all they could detect was a fever.  By this time it was 2:30a.m. and they were about to send me home, but just then my ob/gyn, Dr. Ponder, returned the doctor's call and said for me to go back to IHC hospital for monitoring A.S.A.P. I was devastated. I was crying, like "ugly cry face" crying!  I couldn't imagine not being with my newborn baby and did not want to go back to the hospital. The nurse called IHC to make sure I could take you with me to stay at the hospital. I could luckily, but they wouldn't provide anything for you. Whatever!  

So, dad and I went back to the house, loaded up all your stuff, a bag for me and we drove to the hospital.  Grandma Shelly followed us to the hospital.  We checked in at 4 a.m.  Ugh!  We were put in a room on the 4th floor.  The nurse was AWESOME.  Seriously. She was so great and beautiful. They wheeled in your "bed" it was just like the one they give you when you are born and in the hospital except it didn't have any padding or anything, so good thing your father is smart and brought you lots of blankets, diapers and everything you needed because they would not provide for you at all. Kind of weird to me. 

Anyway,  I was engorged at this time and my milk was coming in like crazy. I was in SO much pain, plus I had this awful annoying pick line in the inside of my arm which made it hard to move.  I grabbed my pump and tried to pump, but it wouldn't work, I was dying in pain, and could barely move my right arm, so I did what any rational adult would do, I lost it!  I just started bawling.  Your dad was a rockstar, he was very comforting and awesome then the super, great  nurse saw what was going on and brought in the most amazing thing ever - a hospital grade breast pump.  That thing was AWESOME!! I pumped like a mad cow and was starting to feel better.  Then the fun really started.  I got ZERO sleep.  The doctors, nurses, residents, phlebotimist,  and CNA's piled in and out for hours taking my blood, asking me questions, checking on me, taking my vitals, giving me drugs for my pounding headache and the then worst part of all - I got put back on magnesium!  I thought I wanted to die. Oh and not to mention my hormones are all over the place.  UGH!  Grandma left about 6 a.m. and then came back the next day she was great!  The next day they moved me down to the first level again since they had more staff down there.  i was on constant monitoring.  Grandpa Frank stopped by to visit.  Grandma Donker was great too.  She came and brought us some yummy fresh food - real turkey sandwiches and fruit.  I was so glad because I was over the hospital food. 

Then they moved us back to the fourth floor again when it got busy in labor and delivery, this time we had such a beautiful view from our window and thankfully. One day, I can't remember which one, but there was a huge motorcycle ride that went down state street and we had the best view, it was really cool to watch and hear.  It lasted for at least an hour.  

You were amazing in the hospital.  You slept a lot.  We had lots more visitors. Aunt JoLynne, my dad's neighbors Kyle and Tara and Aunt Kim.  I had to turn some visitors away because I really didn't feel well.  I just held you a lot, your father and I played board games, talked and slept.  Did I mention that we were there for 5 days!?!?!  Ugh!

The nurses just loved you and some were the ones we had the first time we were there and they were happy to see us return. Some nurses would just come hang out in our room to hold and feed you and chat. 

Look at how dang cute you were even though the circumstances weren't the best! 

There was the head nurse that had great intentions, but she rubbed us all the wrong way.  Your dad and her exchanged words a few times.  We just wanted answers as to what was exactly going on and no one could give us an answer.  We heard all kinds of things but we did find out that  I got preclampsia, which gave me a fever that lasted for days and skyrocketing blood pressure.  It was really frustrating for all of us.  

One night Grandma Shelly and Grandpa Glen stopped by after work to bring us dinner, they came in our room and put the food down - we didn't budge!  We were all so tired and passed out that we didn't even hear them come in the room.  We were all tired physically and emotionally.  

We didn't know when we'd ever be allowed to go home.  Dad did take a few breaks to go run errands, get fresh air, some treats and food!  Just to get out.  The tow of us were going stir crazy.  You did great though!  You slept a lot.  You and I bonded a ton.  I held you as much as possible, it was kind of difficult because my arms were full of IVs and bruises from the the needles,  I was weak so I would prop my arms up on pillows, hold you and just stare in awe at how perfect you are.  We were able to master the breast feeding thing and I was producing milk like no other!  Magnesium makes you very, very thirsty so I was drinking gallons of water a day - no joke!  But then I was producing lots of milk, so that was good. 

Anyway, we finally got word that we were able to go home on Monday night!  Woo hoo!!  We were ecstatic to pack up and go home.  I couldn't wait to be in our own bed, get on our own routine, eat regular food, be in our nice new room and be together - uninterrupted. 

Wow!  That was a whirlwind.  After that it's been smooth sailing since!  I would much rather have me be hospitalized than you, so that was the upside about that whole thing.  

Thanks for being such a wonderful and easy going baby!  You have made being a mommy for the first time more enjoyable each and every day than I have ever imagined!

I wold have done that whole experience over again just to be your mommy.

I love you!

Thanks for being you!

Love,
mommy

Your Birth Story

Dear Maizy,

On a lot of the blogs I read the women write about their birth story.  I thought I would get on the bandwagon.  Especially, since it's been 2+ years ago since my amazing birth story and I don't want to forget any details.

Ok here we go.

I was put on strict bed rest on July 1, '10 and you weren't expected to arrive until September 5th. Yikes!!  The reason I was on bed rest was because my blood pressure would not cooperate.  There was a even a scare that I was going to have you on July 1st which could have been horrible in so many ways, so I had to be put on on bed rest to prevent going into early labor.

Bed rest was really hard for me because the only thing I was supposed to do was lie in bed 24/7.  I was supposed to only get up to use the restroom and that was it! I wasn't even supposed to shower everyday  WHAT!?!?!  That was hard for me because I felt great!  My tummy was small and remained small, so I didn't have a hard time getting around. I had headaches frequently but I was used to them, so that wasn't bothersome. I was home all day and wanted to get stuff done to prepare for you - put your room together, wash and fold your clothes, blankets and just organize, so I did as much as I could without getting in trouble or busted from others when I wasn't in bed. UGH!

When I wasn't at home in bed "resting" I was at the hospital.  Twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, I had to go in for a stress test which consist of me lying there with monitors stuck to my belly and my finger listening to your heart beat, monitoring my oxygen levels, my heartbeat and watching you on the screen.  I really did love that part.  The one thing I didn't like was if you didn't move as much as they needed you to they had to "buzz" you.  Which meant they would put a buzzer on tummy and it would make a loud noise and vibrate to make you move, sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't, sometimes it worked so well you would kick me and that I did not like - ouch!  The blood pressure meds I was on made you "Lazy Maizy" -  the nurses informed me that labetalol babies are lazy. That may explain that since you are anything but lazy you are making up for those 9 lazy months!

Sometimes my stress tests would last 20 minutes sometimes 2 hours!! And since I wasn't supposed to drive others would take me to the hospital for these tests. I felt bad when they had to wait a couple hours. I always had to wait for the doc's approval to leave. Daddy, Grandma Shelly, Aunt Brittany, Grandma Donker or my friend Tresa would take me. They were all really great about it.  Plus we all got a kick out of watching you yawn, suck your thumb and move around on the screen when you did decide to move.  I secretly didn't mind going to these tests - hearing your heart beat and seeing you move around was the greatest thing ever plus I was out of bed.  I liked always knowing what was going on with you. They could even see how much amniotic fluid I had and that was always interesting to me.

I had a stress test on Thursday August 12th and everything went pretty well.  They told me that you weighed just a little over 4 pounds - tiny!  We had a scheduled delivery date in the works - August 17th.  Well I had another doctors appointment the following day on Friday the 13th of August.  This was supposed to be my last appointment until the delivery date. It was hard though for me to imagine driving ourselves to the hospital for a scheduled delivery, but that was the plan. Anyway, I woke up Friday morning and could just tell it was going to be a strange day.  I started to feel really bad for putting people out to take me to my appointment, so I told a few tales and took myself to the hospital for that day's appointments. First, I was meeting with a different doctor since mine was out of town, then I was to have a stress test.  Well I met with Dr. DeSano, she was also pregnant and she was great!  I told her it felt like a Friday the 13th and she agreed. There really was an interesting/weird vibe in the air.  Before I left her office she told me that if she did not like the results of the stress test that I was going to be admitted to labor and delivery immediately. Yikes! 

I walked down the hall to have my stress test.  I laid there just praying.  I was praying for your heart beat to go up since it was going down, but if I had to have you that day I wanted you to arrive safely.  My emotions were all over the map. In the meantime, I talked to Grandma Shelly on the phone and she was coming to be with me and bring me a lemonade since I had already been there for an hour or so and I had to drink more since my amniotic fluid was getting low.  After my phone conversation with Grandma, Dr. Rose came in and told me that they didn't like your low heart beat or my blood pressure reading so they were sending me down stairs to Labor and Delivery.  AAAAAHHHHHH!!!  

As I was walking downstairs I was laughing, then I would cry, then I would smile, then I would shake out of fear. Emotionally I was all over the place.  I called Grandma Shelly and told her to meet me in labor and delivery. Surprisingly she was pretty calm.  I was going to call daddy, but he was working in Park City and I wanted to see what was going on before I called him. Since I was only dilated to a one I knew it would be a while before you actually arrived. 

I checked in and was put in room two.  I changed into my gown, Grandma Shelly arrived and came in the room. We were just talking. I was in a great mood.  I couldn't wait to meet you and make sure you arrived safely and that everything went well.  I felt great! I had a view outside the front of the hospital. I was very cooperative with the nurses and did everything they said - meaning I would put my arm out there to be poked and prodded - my least favorite thing in the world. Then they put magnesium  in my i.v. and instantly I felt like I had the flu.  I was not so happy and didn't feel great any more.  Since Aunt Jenn is a nurse she warned me about this stuff, it's to help lower  blood pressure and prevent  from having a seizure or worse go into a coma.  I called daddy and told him where I was at and what was going on. He was so freakin' happy and wanted to hurry to the hospital.  I told him to finish out the day, get my hospital bag packed and then come to the hospital since I was still only dilated to a one it was going to be a while.

Then I had to make the call to my friends who were throwing our beautiful baby shower the next day that I wasn't going to be able to make it.  Crazy!  They were going to proceed with the baby shower anyway since they were all prepared with the decorations and food.  I felt bad because I always love a good party and they went to a lot of work for the event, but I had my baby to meet.  Woo hooo!!  I just laid there and waited.  It was all really overwhelming to think that it was finally happening and kind of surreal at times.  

I continued to have my blood drawn every hour to make sure there was nothing wrong that the monitors couldn't detect.  I felt like a pin cushion. Did I mention I hate my blood being drawn!?

Grandpa Frank dropped by on his way home from work to visit.  Grandpa Glen was also there, it was the first time the two of them had been in the same room since Grandma married Grandpa Glen, it went real well and everyone was adult about everything. Whew! Everyone was just hanging out and talking.

Dad arrived about 7p.m. with my bag of everything I thought I needed and your outift for the way home. This is the outfit I planned to take you home in but it actually didn't fit you until you were 3 months old!!! It was a darling onesie with pink pants to match.

Then the visitors left and daddy and I just waited for you.  The nurses were fantastic!!  They would share some of their own labor and delivery stories which helped.  Everything was going real well. 

I tried to sleep as much as I could since I was emotionally tired and wanted to conserve my energy for what was ahead. It was hard to sleep when I had to have my vitals taken every hour and my blood drawn. Ugh!! Your dad slept pretty well on the little couch, but it was a long night for us both.  Then about 1 a.m. they gave me pitocin which is supposed to move things right along.  Now I was starting to get nervous.  I was told I could ask for the epidural at any time since I had the pitocin, but once you get an epidural you have to get a catheter and can't use the restroom - no thanks! One nurse told me to get an epidural as soon as I could. Then another nurse told me to at least feel a few contractions. I wasn't sure what I was going to do.

Anyway, morning finally came.  I was able to eat but didn't feel like it since the magnesium makes you feel like you have the flu.  I was still only dilated to a 1 - when you're at a 10 is when you deliver.  You were doing great and were moving a ton.  Your dad was very, very sweet and accommodating.  He is not afraid to ask anyone for something if I needed it.  I had a huge major headache so if I needed meds or anything to drink dad was out in the hall getting it for me.  He got to know the staff real well and them him.  The nurse I had in the morning was named Brooke.  She was my nurse from 3 a.m. until 3 p.m. and she was determined to see that you were born before her shift ended.  She had 2 children of her own and she was awesome!!!

Then about 10a.m. the nurses came in  they were going to break my water.  YIKES!  Some how and not sure, maybe by the grace of God, I remained calm through it all.  I was still only dilated to a one.  There were 2 nurses and they were both nervous because they had never broke anyone's water that wasn't dilated more than me.  The nurse that was going to break my water was sweating a little she was so nervous.  The tool they use is almost like a thick wire with plastic coating with a little wire spring on the end that opens the sac - weird! Well the nurse did great! I didn't feel any pain and just then the water gushes out;  it felt warm and like I peed the bed.  After a little while they changed the bedding so I wasn't sitting in the water. 


Then my mom and Grandpa Glen showed up. We just hung out and chatted even though I felt ok I didn't feel super chatty and still felt sick from the magnesium. Then I felt a contraction.  Ouch!  And even though it didn't hurt that bad I thought, um, I don't have to feel this, so I asked for the epidural.  There was one woman ahead of me so I had to wait for a few.  The pain wasn't too bad, but I was ready for it.  The doctor came in about 1:15p.m. and daddy was super great rubbing me and trying to soothe me but I asked him not to touch me since it's kind of nerve racking having a big needle put in your back and you have to stay SO still.  The doctor was fantastic!  He told me everything he was doing and it didn't hurt, it just stung a little then it was over.  Whew! Then I had a catheter put in.  UGH!  But no more pain was felt.  Ever!

Everyone came back in the room.  My mom, Glen, Grandma Annette, Aunt Jen and Aunt Deb showed up.  Then my friends Amanda and Brindy to come tell me about the baby shower and to bring the gifts to us.  It sounded like a beautiful party!  The girls opened the gifts and showed them to one another.  I thought that was a wonderful idea.  I mean who doesn't love to see darling baby girl stuff and Oh My Gosh did you get cute stuff.  By the way we got to have 2 baby showers and at least I got to go to one of them!

Anyway, I said goodbye to the girls and daddy and Grandma Shelly walked them out.  In the meantime the nurses are getting the room ready for me to deliver, it went from a lovely room to a operating room in minutes!  Weird!  The nurse I had was great and very knowledgeable. 

Well while daddy and Grandma were out of the room Aunt Jenn was talking to me and would not shut up and in the meantime I was feeling this immense pressure - just like you have to go poop. Sorry for the bluntness, but there it is.  Anyway, Aunt Jenn finally shut up and was saying goodbye and I said to the nurse. "Um, what does it mean when you feel a huge amount of pressure?" The nurse said to Aunt Jenn "Go get the daddy it's time!!"  Aunt Jenn asked if I wanted anyone else in there and I said "my mom too please!" Aunt Jenn said "are you sure you don't want my mom too?" and I said "Just my mom please!"  In comes my mom and Michael. My mom being in there was a last minute decision made by me.  We decided we didn't want anyone in there, but she stressed to me a few days before how awesome it would be to be in there. I thought about it and it would be cool, so I let her.  And just as a side note for a possible future child I would allow Grandma Annette in there too.  It's totally different than you imagine.  

Anyway, Grandma came in and held my left leg up and daddy held my  right leg up and I was ready to push!  But they made me wait until the doctor arrived.  You were ready to come out!!  I pushed two times before the doc arrived and you were almost out.  We were really nervous and the Intensive Care Unit was on stand-by because they were convinced you weighed only four pounds.  

Anyway, the doctor arrived and I pushed maybe three more times and you were out. Your daddy got to cut the umbilical cord and can you believe it we don't have a picture of that.  I get sick when I think we don't have a pic of that glorious moment.  After dad cut the cord - which by the way the nurses and doctors were raving on what a perfect and beautiful umbilical cord it was and we do have a picture of that -  they briefly wiped you clean and placed you on my chest.  You were absolutely beautiful!  You did such a good, good job!  People worry about the mom in child birth, but I felt more worried for you.  You had a way bigger job than I did.  You were perfect.  It's hard to hold back tears while I type this.  It was one of those moments in life where you wish you could hit pause every minute to take it all in.  It's just a surreal moment.  Daddy and Grandma had tears in their eyes.  The nurse took you off my chest and went to weigh you and clean you up. Daddy followed you around while the nurses did their thing then Grandma stayed by me while they stitched me up.  I hardly tore at all which was awesome!!! I tore internally but only needed like three stitches.   You were born at 5:20 p.m. on Saturday August 14th.  The best day and time of my life!  You weighed 5 pounds and 13 ounces - way better than four pounds - and were 18 1/2 inches long.  They couldn't put you in my arms fast enough.  Then everyone came back in the room to meet you, it was awesome!! I was happy for everyone to hold you and see your beautiful face.  Aunt Jenn was a little scary the way she would hold you.  She is a labor and delivery nurse and deals with babies all the time, but it was making everyone nervous the way she handled you! Grandpa Glen jokes that it was like a Cirque Du Soleil performance.   Regardless,  it was such a wonderful happy moment.  I wish I felt better but the magnesium was very necessary.  I can't stress how happy I was.  Grandpa Frank stopped by after work to meet you and it was super cute to watch him hold you. 

After everyone left we got moved to a different room up to second floor.  It was nice to be in a more comfortable room. I was still on magnesium so I didn't feel super great but I was so happy and just smitten with my family.  I couldn't hold you enough.  A couple hours later the nurse came up to give me a shower then it was your turn!  I was sad that I couldn't participate - i had too many IVs and monitors to get around so I had to watch you get a bath from the nurse and daddy.  You were so dang cute.  You didn't like it one bit until the nurse scrubbed your head a little then you were quiet and was in heaven!  CUTE!

Then the nurse left and we just hung out in the room that was full of love and peace.  I couldn't stop staring at you.  I took this pic about 10:20p.m. and this is my favorite picture in the history of the world. It is still on my phone to this day!

I was trying to breast feed and you did great!  You latched on and did everything you were supposed to do.  We switched between that and bottles since my milk wasn't fully in yet and I was really worried about all the drugs I had.  I couldn't get a clear on answer on if it was ok to breast feed or not after the magnesium. 

I slept with you in the room, but the nurses did have to come get you in the middle of the night to do a hearing test and you passed with flying colors. They even came back with a paper of your foot prints and I lost it, it was the most darling thing ever! 

The next morning daddy left to go meet his best friend, Josh, at the airport while he was in town.  Josh lives in Hawaii so they don't get to see much of each other, but I didn't mind because I just wanted to hold you!  The boys did send me this pic while they were together.  Cute!  Then daddy headed to the house to get our room all ready and organized - we had carpet installed that morning.

Then a photographer stopped by to take your pictures.  I was totally fine and excited about it until she had to touch you and man handle you.  I wasn't too happy, but I could tell that the pictures were going to be darling, so I calmed down.  Then she left and said she'd be back with the results in a little while. I got you back in my arms and cuddled you.  Then the girl came back like an hour later or so and put the slideshow of pics on her laptop to show accompanied by a real emotional song (Sweet, sweet baby by Michelle Featherstone). SERIOUSLY!?!?!?  I started crying and wasn't sure I'd ever be able to stop.  The pictures melted my heart!  They were perfect because you are perfect.  

They give you a login and password so you can view the pics online for a few days.  We showed them to every one and I cried every time! 

I finally got taken off of the magnesium and felt 100% better, so when your dad came back from visiting with Josh I took a shower, it felt so nice, but I didn't have a blow dryer packed and the hospital didn't have one either.  UGH!! I looked awesome.

Then after a little while people started to flood in and visit. Grandma Shelly, Grandpa Glen, Grandma and Grandpa Donker, Aunt Jenn, Grandma Annette, and Tyler were all there at the same time.  It was fun to have so many people there visiting.  That room was full of love it was awesome!!

Then after everyone left your Uncle Paul came and visited.  He was really cute with you.  

We didn't have any more visitors for the night, so it was nice to relax.  We got to go home the next day if my blood pressure was cooperating.  We wanted you to sleep in our room which you did but at out 1 a.m. the nurses came to get you to do a car seat test on you.  You passed!  They came back about 6 a.m. followed by the pediatrician. He broke the news to me that you had jaundice.  Even though it's very common, I had it as a baby I couldn't help but cry.  They mentioned you may  have to stay and be on the bilirubin lights.  I lost it.  Your dad was still sleeping on the couch, so he wasn't aware of the news.  I found out there was a way to stay at the hospital and pay extra to stay but I was not going to leave the hospital with out you.  Shortly after a nurse came in a set up your new bed for you, it looked like a tanning bed and we lightened the mood, by saying it was.  We had to have you on that lighted bed as much as possible and I wanted you to get better a.s.a.p. so I was sure that you did just that.  You actually quite liked the bed because it was rather warm.  You didn't seem bothered one bit. Whew! 

There was good news headed our way - they were going to deliver bilirubin lights to the house so that we didn't have to stay!  Woo hoo!!!  We just hung out in the room.  Grandma Donker, my mom and Aunt Laurie came to visit before we headed home.  

We finally got the ok to go home on Monday about 5:00pm.  We were ecstatic.  We had enough of the hospital. We had been there since Friday.  They tested you again and your jaundice was getting better.  YAY!  

We got you already to go home, luckily Grandma Shelly gave you some little jammies she washed for you to come home in because the outfit I planned was way toooooo big.  We put you in your car seat and you were not happy!

Look at how tiny you were!!  You only weighed 5 pounds when we took you home.  I have never seen anything so precious.  We said good bye to the nurses, got in the elevator and headed towards the car.  We were followed by the nurse to make sure your car seat was installed properly, it took FOREVER!  Plus it was hot outside!! We finally got it ready.  Driving out of there was so weird and scary!!  We had precious, precious cargo!  We got on the freeway and were stuck in traffic!  We barely were gone 10 minutes when the hospital called - I left my blood pressure medicine there!  UGH! So we had to turn around to only get back on the freeway in the traffic AGAIN!  We finally made it home and headed up to our "new" room, it was beautiful and cozy.  We spent a lot of time in that room over the next nine months, but that's for another post.  

We just laid you on the bed and stared at you. We set up your bilirubin lights and got you on there a.s.a.p.   You didn't cry very much and when you did it was music to my ears.  I cherished the sound.  We got the biggest kick out of your facial expressions.  Couldn't get enough of your soft skin, beautiful eyes and button nose. I just love this picture of you. 

We just soaked up all our time with.  I remember saying "Honey, look at her!"  "Look at what she's doing!"  I was enamored with you. I still am. 

I am so thankful and blessed to have you then and now.  You were such a special baby. You captivated everyone that looked at you.  The nurses would just come in our room to hold you, so see, I am not biased! 

I feel like I have known you all my life and have a hard time remembering my life pre-Maizy.

I would have you a thousand times over, it was such an awesome experience.

Thank you for coming into our lives.

I love you!

Love,
mommy 

Maizy the Mermaid

Dear Maizy,

Monday night I was giving you a bath and you put your head back into the water and said "mom,  mermaid. I'm mermaid!  Live in Ocean!"

The things you know, learn and say just blow my mind!

You are the cutest little mermaid that lives in the ocean that I've ever seen!

You make my heart smile.

Earlier the same evening we went to Wal-Mart to return one of your birthday gifts.  We got a $40.00 gift card in return for the gift, so we took you down the toy aisle for you to pick out a toy.

You were so dang cute going up and down the toy aisle trying to see what you liked.  You liked about everything you saw out of the things that you don't already own.  We said, "Honey pick something. Pick a toy you like."  You would see something you liked, stand in front of it and say "hhhhmmmmmm!"  Then you would move on to something else.  I have never seen you so interactive in the toy aisles, it was cute.  

You finally decided on a Minnie Mouse Pet Van, it's actually quite adorable and it doesn't make any noise!  Ha!  It has little figurines of Minnie, Pluto and 3 other cats and it has a van that Minnie can drive and in the back it has a slide, swing, mini pool and a merry-go-round of sorts.  CUTE!  Then we also got you a little Dora figurine to go with it too!

After the store we met Grandma Shelly for dinner at Iggy's, it was a fun night babe!

Love you my little mermaid!

Love,

mommy

Little Stinker

Dear Maizy,

You are turning into quite the little stinker and dong things I didn't think my sweet girl would ever do or do this soon!  But rest assured this is all normal behavior and there are no age limits attached to it.  

You will sometimes bite me.  I am not sure where that is coming from, but I don't like it.  You don't bite anyone but me, so I guess that's a good thing.  I am not flattered by any means, but I would rather have you bite me than say one of your sweet grandmother's.  So we say "no, kisses!" And we kiss.  It cracks me up though because you will say "bite" as you come at me with your chompers!!  Sometimes I can stop you, but there are times you catch me off guard.  Ouch!

Then you say "mine" and fold your arms.  You say this about everything we pick up.  It's hilarious at times but still, not sure where this is coming from.  Daddy and I don't walk around claiming stuff by shouting "mine!" The other night I was drinking out of a cup that you wanted and you were yelling "Mine, mine!!"  Then threw a tantrum over a silly plastic cup, so I got you your own and eventually you were fine, but sheesh girl!!

Kicking!  Yes, you kick me and only me.  I was changing you the other night and you kicked me - hard!  I told you not to then you did it again and this time you almost got me right in the face.  I grabbed your foot and slapped the bottom of it.  Then I talked to you about not kicking.  You do not like to get in trouble.  Your body language changes.  You quickly try to change the subject and sometimes even cover your face. 

You know when you are being naughty and most of it seems premeditated.  You still make me laugh and smile a ton, but I am new to this mommy thing and am not quite sure how to reason with you.  It's an art I hope to master.  

You are a really good little girl.  You always will be.  I know you will make smart decisions and even those that they may not be too smart you will learn from - I just know it.  

Being a mom is one of the hardest, but most rewarding things I have ever done, it's weird because when I think about your future I don't want you to be a mom because it truly is hard and I don't want to see you struggle.  Does that make sense?  But then again you deserve all the happiness in the world and if you had a child even half as great as you, you would have all that happiness.  

I want you to live the life that you want and I hope that involves college, being surrounded by lots of friends and your family that loves you to the ends of the earth, seeing and exploring this awesome, crazy world, soul searching, laughing and smiling a ton, lots of tears of joy, staying fit and healthy and calling your mom on a daily basis.  ; )

When I look in your eyes I can't help but smile and it makes all my worries and anxiety go away. The other night it was nearing your bed time, so you and I went and lied in my bed.  I turned on Dora for you, we were snuggled up to each other, I was reading my magazine, I read over and grabbed your hand and we locked fingers.  I instantly felt peace and love. It's those gestures that make all my tiredness, worries and stress disappear.  You really are such a special little girl.

I can deal with you being a stinker because it's out weighed but your sweetness and love by far!

I love you!!

Love,
mommy

Yes, this is a pair of my underwear you have stretched over your head! Ha ha ha!
This just might used as a black mail picture one day. 

p.s. We are taking you to Lagoon this evening and I can.not.wait.  I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited!  Grandma Shelly is joining me, you and daddy on this adventure.  xoxo

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Dear Maizy,

Friday August 17th was your 2 year check up with Dr. Palmieri.  I took the day off work because I have to go with you to your doctor's appointments.  I just adore your doctor and love to hear what she has to say about you.  She really is a cool lady.  We got to the office and you watched the fish in the aquarium until your name got called back.  They weighed you - 23 pounds - and measured your height - 34 inches.  Then we went in room number 1 and waited for a few minutes until the doctor came in.  She was super excited to see us.  She told us all about your stats and how you are growing just fine even though you are small - 14 percentile for weight and height, but that is way better than being obese which some of her young patients are.  Anyway, the doctor got called out of the room for a moment, so we just talked and hung out.  Then the doctor came in and said "I heard some pretty rockin' words outside of the door!"  We told her the words you say, the things you do and pretend to do and you are on a 3 - 4 year age level.  Woo hoo!!  This we knew!  But she did remind us that even though you are super smart and advanced that emotionally you are still two, so we need to remember that.  I appreciate the reminder.  You are starting to test your boundaries and be a little pill, and I try to find ways to reason with you and I have to admit it's difficult at times because you are two.

After we chatted for a bit about your diet, activity level and such it was time to get your vaccine.  UGH!  I hate this part.  We walked across the hall and sat you on the exam table.  You were so happy and so dang cute!  I just felt so bad knowing what was headed your way.  I saw the needle and no joke it was about an inch and a half long.  The nurse stuck in your thigh and you cried! So freakin' SAD!!  You didn't cry too long but it was definitely one of the longest cries you've had over a shot.  You still have a hug bruise from it.  Sad!

We felt really bad for you and all you wanted to do before we left was look at the "fishies".  So your dad and I decided that we would head to Wal-Mart and buy you your own fishies!
We drove to the store and picked out a fish bowl and 6 little goldfish. Then we let you pick the accessory for your fish bowl and you chose Spongebob Squarepants Pineapple!!  CUTE!!

On our way home we stopped at Grandma Shelly's work for a minute.  She kissed and hugged you better and we showed her your fish!  then unfortunately we had to go home and clean!  We were expecting a house guest and needed to get the house in order.  Plus the exterminator for the complex was coming over and we needed to be home. Then again it was nice to be together at home.  We just cleaned and I finished watching my new show - Downton Abby. The days off work and spending time with you always go by SOOOOO fast. 

Before you know it our house guest arrived.  It was mommy's friend Kim.  We hadn't seen each other in a really long time, but we picked up right where we left off.  She got the biggest kick out of you and couldn't get over your beautiful eyes.  We just hung out, talked and daddy made us a yummy dinner.  I requested one of his awesome sandwiches.  Daddy gave you a bath then you joined us for dinner!

You were so funny!  You put this big piece of bread in your mouth and walked around like this for a while! Ha ha ha!

After dinner we had to help Kim blow up about 75 balloons for an event the following day.  It was definitely a group effort and you helped by entertaining us!  

Then it was bed time.  We had a busy, busy day planned for Saturday.

We woke up to the yummy smell of dad making biscuits and his homemade gravy!  Yum!  We had breakfast then Kim had to head out the door to meet her friends and family.  Then we got ready for the day and headed to the Farmer's Market, it was such a beautiful day to be out and about.  You were having a great time!  We bought some yummy cheese, a watermelon and raspberries.  You were so cute just walking around and smelling the beautiful flowers farmers were selling.  You make me smell them too!   Then we walked towards the car but stopped to take a break and let you run around.  You were having a blast in your "go fasters!"  

See.......................................

After our adventure at Farmer's Market we headed to the Salt Lake Library to check out the event Kim was involved with putting on, it was a Star Wars event and I had no idea what to expect, but it was GREAT!!  

You had a blast.  You would walk around at different stations to do a craft or game like bowling which was one of your faves!  The pins were dresses like storm troopers and the middle one like Darth Vader,  one station you shot a nerf gun at a planet of sorts, the others had stickers, one you created a mask - see dad made one for you!!!

 Then you wore it for only a brief second.

Your other fave was the bubble machine!  you had to hit the bubbles with your "light saber" like a Jedi!

Then Darth Vader came out and read a story.  He looked and sounded awesome!!

Then unfortunately we had to leave!  We had to head home and get a nap in before my company party at the Bees game.  But we actually had one more stop to make.

We stopped in at Les Madeleines to get a loaf of bread to make yummy grilled cheese sandwiches with the cheese we bought at the Farmer's Market.  Then I remembered that they had a one of a kind treat that I have never tried - the Kouing Aman.  We bought one to share but      I know we could have each eaten our own because they were DELISH!! And it's kind of cool because it's an original recipe from Brittany - one of France's most rugged regions. 

Ok then we went home and napped!  Then we all woke up about 6ish - oops!  But we must have  all been tired.  So we got ready and headed to the Bees game.  We had dinner in one of the suites then we went down to the field and walked around to find a spot, but not before you bolted for the playground that was roped off and closed because that is where they set the fireworks off from. Yep!  You got passed one of the guards, through the yellow tape and squeezed through the fence!  YIKES!! People were laughing and pointing, but um, we were slightly embarrassed.  You determined little thing, so now you knew you could get through the fence and this threw the evening for a loop.  We made picked a spot on the grass to hang out and watch you play.  You made friends with a little girl named Livia.  She was darling!! She was 3 almost 4, had long dark hair and blue eyes.  You two played well together and her parents were fun to talk to as well.  

I had to use the restroom, I left you and your dad together.  When I came back there was a bunch of people huddled together, a policeman and your dad on the other side of the fence freaking out!  You were lost!  I knew it before I even talked to anyone.  Then I asked a guy what was going on he said " a little girl is lost!" I got closer to your dad and asked him what happened and he said you were gone!  I felt sick, instantly.  People were so nice asking me what you look like and were really nice. A little girl told everyone that you went through the fence and on the other side of the fence was the street, so your dad was over there yelling your name and looking for you.  Just then a lady walked over to me holding you!  OMG!!  I was so thrilled to see your cute little face and so was everyone else.  You had no idea what was going on.  The lady that found you was DARLING!!  When she saw your dad later in the evening she hugged him, she must have known how it feels to think you've lost your child.  This all took place in about 5 minutes, but the longest 5 minutes of mine and daddy's life!

So we just continued to play, it was a looooooooooooooooooooong game, but we had to stay to see the fireworks.  Finally it was time!  We go to go down on the field to watch them, it was awesome.  We didn't have any one in front of us, it was great!!

We didn't get home until 11:30p.m. that night.  We were beat when we got home!

Sunday we woke up and just hung out at home.  Then Grandma Shelly stopped by to get her Maizy time.  She brought you a big sugar cookie with a smiley face on it.  You pretty much just ate the frosting off of it.  She also brought with her a gift that cousin Karen sent you for your birthday - even though she already sent you a card and $20.  You opened your gift and inside was the cutest, littlest gold ring!!  You loved it!!  It's still a little big but will fit you in no time at all.  

Maizy I hope you never, ever doubt how much you are loved because you are by sooooooo many people!  

After Grandma left I made a cake for my friends anniversary.  I made us a little one too, it was quite delicious!  It was lemon cake with lemon frosting.

Daddy bbq'd us steaks and corn on the cob for dinner!  Delish!  Before you know it, it was bed time and I was sad!  Our weekends always rock!

Thanks for a wonderful weekend full of giggles, smiles, panic,  surprises, fun, excitement, proud fullness, cries, quick thinking, lots of love, happiness, sadness, fear, joy and pleasure!

I just love you!!

Love,
mommy