5/30/12
He's ONE MONTH OLD!
Memorial Weekend
GMA, GPA, and Jackie showed up around 4:30 on Friday, and met Bronson for the first time! It was wonderful... GMA took him and put him right to sleep. They couldn't stay long because we were headed up to Altamont to celebrate Dathan's graduation. He is a great kid, and we are excited to see what the future holds for him. The party was great, and Bronson did so good. He slept, ate, and slept some more! Just what a baby should do. Brilee stayed in Vernal Friday night, and enjoyed being the center of attention. She and Bronson were spoiled rotten!! As GPA put it, "Brilee could wear one new outfit a day until she is ten and still have plenty of clothes." I informed him if she take after Elena she very well could wear a size four until she is 10... haha cute Elena! Saturday Jake woke up super early to go bear hunting, and Julie and I woke up early to hit Allreds flower sale. After buying flowers Bronson and I headed to Vernal. It was a great day. We hung out and just visited. The wind was HORRIBLE so we spent the day indoors. Jake showed up around 2, and was able to catch up on a little sleep. Stac and I were able to go and help make flowers, but we coudn't stay long cause Bronson called. Bri talked us into letting her stay Saturday night as well, and so it was just Bronson and I in the car on the way home (Jake left earlier to do sprinklers), and he cried and cried! I was reaching for his binky and that made me look like I was drunk. Then I stopped at the stop sign for a very long time finding his bink, and getting him to take it. Well, I got pulled over. LAME! He was nice though. Jake went bear hunting again on Sunday, and I headed back to Vernal. We watched tons of family videos, which I LOVE to do! Jake hunted for 4:00 AM until midnight, so we were all pretty tired that night. Monday we slept in, then headed to Lapoint with the Birchell family. We decorated the graves, and hung out for awhile. Then we headed to Vernal. I fed Bronson then Jackie, Stac, and I went to check out Stacia's new place, and get her bed put together. After being there for a minute we decided we needed a major cleaning party! We gathered the troops and headed back... cleaning that kitchen is something I will never forget. It was a great weekend, and we love when the Cali folks come visiting! I wish it could be every weekend!!!
Jake got his cast off today! YEA!!!!
All the kids on the great grandparents grave.
Stacia's arrangement she made for Granny's brother, Ferris.
Baby boy made by Stacia
Baby girl made by me!
The kids had a good time wrestling...
Bri put Stacia's shirt over her head and ran right into the back of Papa's truck. Thank goodness for band-aids.
Julie and Jenny doing the greening.
Andre working on Jack and Hazel's flowers.
Baby whisperer. Yes, he has cried more since you left!
It's sad... Bronson's cousins don't like him. haha
5/14/12
Meeting the FAM BAM!
Today Bri, Grammy, Bronson, and I headed to Salt Lake to introduce Bronson to some family. Bronson traveled great, and was ready to get out of his seat when we got to Salt Lake. Cathy was at GMA and GPA's, and she had prepared a wonderful lunch! It was so nice to visit with them, and let them adore sweet little Bronson. Marilyn and Rye Pie came, and we all enjoyed spending the afternoon together. It was a wonderful day.
5/13/12
2012 Mother's Day
I am getting behind on my posts, and I am not going to let it happen again! We have been staying busy, and are still adjusting to being a family of four. Things are getting easier every day. Today all FOUR of us were even able to get out of the house by 10... SHOCKING! In the past week Bronson got to meet his Uncle Del, he has been to the park with friends, he has been good therapy to Grandpa Birchell, he made it through his 2 week check (right back to birth weight!!), and he has been to the cabin. Brilee is still the best sister, she has rode 100's of miles on her bike, got to ride Goldie, ran through sprinklers in the field and at Grammy's, and has come down with a cold.
For Mother's Day we headed to the cabin for lunch and hang out time. It was a great day. I even got to take a long nap snuggled up to Bronson while everyone else went walking. There is nothing better than sleeping on the couch with a baby! After the cabin we spent the evening at the Laws' celebrating with all the Mom's in the Birchell family. It was great, and nice to have them spoil Bronson during his fussy time. After all our partying Bronson was over it, and made it clear. We came home and let him play on the floor, fed him, and he went to sleep. Hopefully for more than a hour! Both our kids were in bed by 9... wonderful time for me to go walking! I have now been 4 days in a row, and it makes me feel so good to be back in the swing of things! Tomorrow we head to Salt Lake to meet the Kool-Aid's!
She is kinda liking being a baby... She wants to eat in high chairs and take bath's in the sink. She'll come around!
Riding Mar Sue's bike...
5/3/12
What?
I just realized Bronson will be a week old in a few hours... CRAZY! He is definitely keeping us on our toes, and keeping us from our bed. He has day/night confusion, and I have no clue how to fix it. He loves to eat, swing, and snuggle. He hates to take a bath, and have his diaper changed. He has a diaper rash and it is heart breaking. He and Bri had their first fight yesterday, and so that was good to get that out of the way. Bri was watching her new fave, Max and Ruby, and Bronson was hollering! She looked at him so mad and said, "We don't make loud noises in our house Bronson." We love the little feller, and couldn't imagine our life without him.
While
I was pregnant I started a list of things I wanted to remember about this
pregnancy. And since this is my journal I choose here to write them down!
I
found out I was pregnant Labor Day weekend. We were getting ready to head to
Lagoon, and I knew something felt off so I decided I better figure out why
before I got my Lagoon on!
We
moved into our house days after finding out I was pregnant. We were keeping it
on the down low, and so I was trying to act busy without actually doing any
lifting. It was difficult. Del, my Mom, and I had to get the couches out of the
basement, and our stuff down there. It was very hard to find a way out of that
one! We managed though.
Jake
was so excited for my elk hunt on Diamond, and I was too sick to do much of
anything. I tried to be tough, but it was extremely difficult. I was exhausted
and nauseous the whole hunt. When we would be on the trail I would puke and
Jake would say, "Now they’re going to smell us." It was a long nine-day
hunt...
I
actually hope to forget the sickness I felt the first 16 weeks. It was a
challenging time.
After
all the painting, and bug bombing my house developed a smell that would make me
puke just thinking about it. I stayed in the camper until we told people, and
then I spent a lot of nights at our parent’s houses. I finally moved into our
house on October 29th. I couldn't spend anytime upstairs and so we all slept in
the basement bedroom. This is why Bri still thinks she needs to sleep with us.
I moved upstairs on January 19th.
When
I was 11 weeks I had to go to Moab for the end of season fire meeting. I was
excited to get away cause I still couldn't handle the house. Scott, Hank, and I
rode together. The ride down was great. I didn't get sick until I got to the
hotel, which was fine by me! On the way home is another story... One that Scott
will NeVeR let me forget! Jake called and asked if I was coming home. That is
all it took. I hung up the phone, and told Hank to pull over. I puked and puked
and puked. Got back in and every twenty miles or so had to pull over again.
Scott told me about certified crazy people, and how he thinks I am one of them.
It was nice to have their support in my time of need.
I
craved jalapenos, big soft pretzels, Gatorade, and Totino's pizza (couldn't
live without them for awhile!)
At
12 weeks 6 days Dr. Nolte said he thought we were having a boy, but not to buy
anything or tell anyone yet. At 16 weeks 6 days we were confirmed it was definitely
a little boy, and a very healthy one!
20
weeks 1 day was the last time I puked. We had traveled home for Cali. this day,
and it was a long day. I came home hoping that my week vacation had cured me,
but I puked the second I walked in the door.
Jake
heard on the radio in January that nachos were a calming food. So anytime he
could sense me getting stressed or nervous he made sure to have some nachos for
me. It was cute, and I did love nachos!
I
felt Bronson move at 17 weeks, and Jake did at 19 weeks.
I
had a lot of nice comments regarding my size while pregnant. Every time I saw
Marley from January on she would say to me, "Your belly is getting
big." One day while I was trying to rock Bri to sleep she looked at me
with the nicest eyes and said with the sweetest voice, "You are the
biggest Mama I have ever seen." AWESOME... And the best was heading back
to work at 27 weeks to being called "Big K" by Bertagnolli. I could
laugh it off, cause I knew it was all in good spirits. But when I was 36 weeks
he said, "I can't joke about stretchy pants or call you Big K anymore. Now
it's just mean. Now I just have to tell myself don't stare." So, then it
kinda got sad. haha
WOW
crazy dreams... Grandpa Cooley letting kids parasail off of cruise ships, and
one poor kid nobody caught. I woke up shaking and in total shock.
The
last crazy thing was after Bronson was born. Stacia, Annalee, Andre, Bronson,
and I were visiting in my hospital room when we hear, "Hello, hello,
anyone there? Say hello to me. Hello, hello, anyone there?" I thought
someone was at my door, but no turns out some patient found a way to get on the
intercom. It went on for quite some time too.
Then
the funny Brilee story before I wrap this up! Brilee has a bad mouth. We are
working on it, and she knows what is naughty. She gets in trouble, but she
sometimes can't help herself. She likes to say swear words in songs or to Tator
because she thinks that makes it okay. Well, that Friday night Bri was sad to
leave the hospital, and she had a lot of built-up energy. So she and Stac were
fake laughing on their way to Vernal. Then all the sudden Bri says to Stacia,
"We are just sitting in Grammy's car laughing and saying damn it."
5/1/12
Bronson Jake Birchell
Bronson Jake Birchell
4/26/12
8:09 PM
9 Pounds 1 Ounce
20 Inches
Jake and I got to the hospital around 10, and were all checked in and anxious to see what would happen next. I got hooked up to all the monitors, and my first few readings were high. They were really sporadic though. I would get one that was like 167/107 and the next would be 150/95. We couldn't figure it out. Jake and I just hung out and tried to pass time. Dr. Nolte was in OB but he was preparing for a surgery, and the nurse said as soon as that was over he had to head to Vernal for his clinic over there. I really didn't like the sound of that. Finally around 1230 he came in to talk to us. He told me how surprised he was that he didn't have to keep me Monday, and that he believed it was time. He said he actually came to the OR to see how Jake's surgery went and to check on me Tuesday morning. He didn't know the surgery was in Vernal though. Dr. Nolte canceled his Vernal clinic for me and said, "I don't need to be in Vernal with my blood pressure getting high worrying about you." And I really didn't need him in Vernal, so I was relieved! I was his only patient for the day. Jake and I felt good about being started, and we began passing the news on. Nolte decided that he wanted me on magnesium (HORRID medicine), and pitocin which made me want to cry. But it's better than a 5 day labor, stroke, or a seizure. So my IV was placed at 1300, pit and mag started right after, and water broke at 1330. I was only dilated to a three, and things were moving slow it felt. Right after my water was broke they noticed Bronson's heart rate changing with each contraction. So, they put the monitor thing in his head. That was so weird to Jake and I, but it was nice cause we knew we were getting his heart for sure. Things sounded fine too. Finally, at around 4 I was dilated to a 4. I wanted to get to a five before the epidural, but the pain was getting bad. So, I ordered it. The anesthesiologist came around 5 and got me hooked up! I felt great for about an hour and a half. Then it started wearing off, and the nurse checked me and I was at an eight. YEA! The pain got really intense, and Bronson's heart rate kept dropping with every contraction. It was scary. His heart was beating right at 140 bpm but during contractions it would drop to the low 100's. He was really high still and so Andre said to roll all the way onto my side and it would help him drop. It must have, cause at 7:55 Nolte came in and things started moving fast. Bronson's heart was fine by then, the rolling made him get off his cord. With Brilee I just had the nurses helping me push, but Nolte came right in before it was even time. He asked Jake and I how big we thought he would be, and we both guessed around 8lbs. Nolte thought 7lbs. I pushed about ten minutes, and he was born! It was so amazing. He came out crying, and alert. I got to hold him right away, and Jake got to cut the cord. It was so different from Bear. She came out Blue and they had to really push her to get her going. The nurse took him to the warmer and right when they got there I heard Jake say, "He's already going pink." He was screaming, and the sound couldn't have been a better feeling! Our Mom's came in and started taking pictures. They took Bronson to the nursery, and my nurse came back and said, "I will wait for Dad to tell you how big." Well, like I can wait for anything so I pried it out of her. Whoa! No wonder my body has hurt so bad. Pretty soon Bronson was back in the room with us, and he was ready to eat. Brilee was sooooo amazed and happy. She could not have been sweeter. She is still very upset with Andre for giving her baby shots. She is the world's best sister! Everyone visited for a minute and then took off. At about 11 I told Jake to go get some rest (remember the bad arm, poor guy was white as a ghost the pain was so bad), and the nurse took Bronson so I could get some rest. By now the mag. was really getting to me, and there was no way I could sleep. So I laid there with my eyes closed, but didn't sleep a wink. Finally, around 4 I hear a screaming baby coming up the hall and it was Bronson! He cried all night, but I didn't care cause he was with me. His first night of life he cried more than Bear did her first 4 months. Because he is so big for his gestational age they had to test his blood sugar every couple hours the first 24 hours. He hated this, and I did too. Things always looked good for him. Friday morning my parents showed up, and then Jake did. Jake and I spent most of Friday snuggling our cute baby. I got the mag. out at 9 that morning, and waited until 12 to shower thinking I could do it without passing out this time. I felt great and things were going good. I got in the shower, and knew I wasn't going to make it. I hollered at Jake and then blacked out. It was bad, and I totally freaked him out. Somehow I got back into bad, and the nurse said to stay down a couple more hours. I did, and after that I was fine! Friday afternoon we had lots of visitors, and Brilee got to come spend a lot of time with us. She wanted us to come home so bad! Then she and Stac headed to Vernal and Jake and I settled down for the night. He decided he wanted to stay with me, and I was glad. At midnight the nurse came to give Bronson his hearing test, and he was gone forever. I wanted a little walk so I went to check on him. The nurse told me he passed his right hearing, but failed his left. She said he was crying and so it was more like he couldn't test. He came back to the room with us and cried and cried. The nurse came and got him at 2 and said we needed to sleep. As soon as he left I was out, and didn't wake up until 6 the next morning when the nurse was there to check my bp. It was crazy!!! We started getting ready to get discharged. Bronson's doctor came and said he looked great and he was free to go. I was cleared, and we were out of there! Brilee was running down our lane she was so excited to have us home. She has been great. Bronson spent the weekend being loved by everyone, and making sure mom doesn't sleep at all! Sunday morning he passed his hearing test, but the jaundice was high. We kept him in the sun and fed him lots! Monday he had his circumcision done and his jaundice was still high but Dr. Staker said he was fine. Today Jake went back to work, Bri went to Grammy's, and Bronster Monster and I slept A LOT (him mostly... long night ahead I am sure!) Thanks to everyone for the calls, love, and support. We could not do it without you! Especially Grammy! Where would we be without you? Love you so much, and thank you to the moon!
Favorite picture of all time!
Where We Left Off...
My last post was about my blood pressure, and my plans for the end of the pregnancy. I had decided to quit work and just take life as easy as possible. So Tuesday Jake, Bri, and I headed to Vernal so I could do last minute work things. I was excited to be off and to have a break. After we got home from Vernal Bri and I took a three hour nap, and I was really looking forward to the relaxing time we would get to spend together. Jake got home from work and took Brilee to the Harris' so I could relax. He brought her home around 8 and said he was hungry. I said I would run down town and get him something while he went back to get his horse. On our drive downtown Bri started telling me to get her owie off, and that her head hurt. She kept saying "OW OW get it Mama." I figured she had a scab and I told her I would when we got home. As soon as I got her out of the car I felt where she said it hurt. I knew immediately she had a tick. I FREAKED out! I called Jake and he said he was on his way. I looked at it, and it was HUGE. I couldn't stand it. I loaded Bri in the car and ran to Granny's. Ann started pouring rubbing alcohol on it, but it wouldn't come out. Jake showed up a minute after we got there and said he would burn it out. Bri was scared and crying, and therefore I was crying. It was horrible. It finally came out, and we thought all was well. Thursday I went to OB for my routine NST, and Bri went to have a sleep-over at Grammy's. I was sure I would be there all day, but luckily I was in and out within a few hours. So, I had the afternoon/evening to relax. Jake had plans to go roping in Gusher, and I was excited about the thoughts of a calm evening at home. Around 8 Jake called to inform me he was hurt. He was sure his wrist was broken. I couldn't believe it... NOW??????? Granny volunteered to take him in for x-rays and to get things figured out. Poor guy was in a lot of pain. After hours in the er they got home with the news that both his forearm bones were broke, and we needed a follow up with a specialist. It was a long night, but thankfully Brilee was at a good place. Friday morning I called Dr. Young and he said to bring the x-rays over and we would go from there. It took all of 2 seconds for him to say "Yep, this needs surgery." The bone was broke clean, but it spread to far apart to guarantee it could heal normal. He wanted it done ASAP so we scheduled it for Tuesday. I was freaking out because I knew there was a high possibility Bronson would need to make his arrival on Monday. After a full day in Vernal we came home and took it easy. Brilee was such a trooper, and a huge help to Jake and I. The weekend was a busy one. Ann and Barry were celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary, and Jake's cousin, Jared, was getting married. Jake and Bri went to the wedding, and I stayed back. After the wedding I felt a little stir crazy and Jake said we needed ant killer. We both jumped on it and headed to Stewarts. Bri grabbed a cart and took off running with it. She somehow tipped it over on her, and was pretty banged up. The way it landed on her leg, and how she reacted I just knew her leg was broke. Jake ran to her and bent down to get her and his phone flew off, he couldn't pick her up. It was horrible. Some nice lady took pity and grabbed the car, and helped Jake get her off the floor. It was one of those things where I couldn't tell her don't cry, but instead I knew she just needed to bawl. She sat up on the potting soil and I just hugged her. It was horrible. We left the store right after that. Monday morning Bri went to Vernal with Jake and I stayed home for my doctor appointment. I was getting into Gilmore Girls when my Mom called and said Brilee's tick bite was not good. It was a huge knot, and had the bulls eye rash that we were told to watch for. Immediate panic sets in, and I told her get her to the doctor. Jake met them there, and the doctor examined it. He treated her for all sorts of infections and sent it off for a culture. After that I headed to my appointment where things weren't looking great for me. I was sent to OB and my doctor started talking induction. I explained to him everything we had going on (most important Jake's surgery), and he said no promises but he would let me go if I got my bp low. It took until 2 in the morning, but then we were free! Jake and I all but ran out of there. Tuesday Granny took Jake for his surgery, and my Mom, Bri, and I hung out all afternoon. It was just what we needed. Jake got home and was out of it. He was also in a lot of pain. Bear and Grammy took off, and Jake and I went to the basement to relax. It was a long night, but we made it. We spent most of Wednesday resting, and waiting to hear how Gpa's doctor app. went. Barry has been having some issues with his heart for the past while, and they were meeting with his surgeon to see what the next step was. We have all been on pins and needles wanting/needing him fixed. The surgeon told him on a scale of 1-4 with 4 the highest his valve was at 4. He scheduled the surgery for a week out (it will be this Friday). Life felt like we couldn't catch a break, but we also knew how much joy was going to be coming to our life soon. Bri came home Wednesday, and it was so nice to have her back with us. Everything in her little world was changing so much and I felt like it was impossible to protect her from it, but she kept surprising me and just carrying on with her life. (We have had issues, but not as many as she deserves to have!!!) Thursday morning I had a feeling that we would be having our baby, and so I just held Brilee while she slept. It did so much for my soul! My mom showed up, and Jake and I headed to the hospital... My next post will be about the events of that day!!! 
After hearing he had to have surgery...
The night it happened.
Nasty after mass of the tick bite.
Heading to Vernal our last day of work.
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