A Happy Home is Filled with Love and Laughter: April 2011

32 weeks and positive for Group B Strep :(

Beej & Chris

Just got back from the doctors office and feeling kind of down. Apparently I tested positive for Group B Strep so I will need to get an antibiotic at least 4 hours before giving birth and then every 4 hours until I have the baby. It may not seem like a big deal to some, but BJ and I had just talked about our "dream birth" after our Lamaze class this last Tuesday and had decided to stay at home as long as possible before going into the hospital. After finding out I am positive for Group B Strep I have so many concerns and worries.
- It obviously varies with each person and each pregnancy, but your second birth tends to be about 1/2 as long as your first. Since my labor with Kaylee was 10 1/2 hours long that would mean this labor could be in the 5 hour range which doesn't give me very long at all before I need to be hooked up to an IV getting my antibiotic. (My OB said they could run the antibiotic in about 1/2 hour but sometimes the Penicillin burns so going slower is better).
- At our Lamaze class they told us that since my water broke with my first pregnancy that I have a 50% chance of my water breaking again with this pregnancy. If my water breaks we will just go straight in and get the antibiotic asap. But if my water doesn't break I am just concerned about when to go into the hospital. Before finding out I was positive for Group B Strep as I stated above, we planned on staying home for a while. Now- I don't know when to go in. With Kaylee even after my water broke, it took a good hour 1/2 before contractions even started and then another little bit before it was consistent and somewhat painful. Not to mention I have been feeling braxton hicks contractions a ton with this pregnancy and some of it is pretty uncomfortable. So how will I know when to go in? How long is my labor going to be? Oh- I wish I knew those questions because then I could just stay home until I absolutely had to go in!
The reasons why I want to stay home for a while before going to the hospital is....
- I am so much more comfortable in my own home.
- I can eat and drink and take a bath whenever I want
- If I come into the hospital dilated to a 7 and doing good with my Lamaze techniques then the nurses will see how well I am doing and not continue to question me or push for an epidural.
- I am worried about being able to move around and deal with the pain while being hooked up to an IV for fluids and for my antibiotic.
- Walking around the hospital and having the nurses look at me as I pass their desk a million times or saying things like, "keep it up- you are doing good" or "you are going around again?" is just distracting and makes me want to stay in my room. I know they mean well but I am just a worrier and I will just be worried how distracting I am to them or how annoying it must be to them to have us walk by them over and over again (this is how I felt as I walked around at Lakeview while laboring with Kaylee).

Then there is the chance that I will develop thrush from the antibiotics causing pain as I try to breastfeed. I am planning on taking a probiotic or at least some yogurt a few days before my due date to help prevent that but who really knows when I will have this baby.

Ugh I am just frustrated. Here is to hoping my water breaks at home again and that my nurses are understanding, and that I get there in time to get my antibiotic but don't feel restricted with my IV.

Just because...

Beej & Chris

I love my curious Kaylee girl

I was setting up the bassinet/co-sleeper with the help of Kaylee of course. She decided it would be fun to try it out herself.

"You can't see me mom!"

After she played in her "secret hiding place" she decided to put her dolls in the bassinet to sleep. I know it will be an adjustment, but I am really excited for Kaylee to meet her little baby brother and to see how much of a helper she will be.

Kaylee and Mommy Time

Beej & Chris

Last Friday Kaylee was being super duper whiny and it was driving me crazy. I can handle the screaming and crying but the whining is just too much for me. I decided it was a good day to get out of the house and use our passes to the Discovery Gateway in Salt Lake.

Kaylee and I had soo much fun! I really enjoy going out and playing with Kaylee all on my own. It is just fun to have quality time together- just the two of us. Plus we can go whenever we want and leave whenever we want.

Kaylee is definitely a social butterfly and makes friends wherever she goes. She was even sharing the baby dolls with this little boy (I'm sure his mom was pretty excited about that).

The best part about this age is that when I say it is time to go, Kaylee just waved her hand and said "bye bye" and we left without a single tear. I know this will change soon, so I am enjoying it while I can.

We stopped at Wendy's on the way home and then set up a blanket in the front room for a picnic. Kaylee enjoyed the fries but refused to even try a bite of the frosty. ha ha-silly girl.

The day that started out with frustration and me losing my patience, ended up being such a fun day I will always remember. I love spending time with my Kaylee girl!!! How great is it to be a mom?!

Playdate with Kaylee's best friend Brinlee

Beej & Chris

A few weeks ago while I was watching Brinlee (my friend Challae's daughter) we decided to go over to the park across the street from my house and had a blast!

They did pretty good at sharing the stroller. But when I put Kaylee in front she would just lay on Brinlee and squish her, so we kept Brinlee in front. :)

The video below shows how much these girls loved the swing. They would just talk and talk to each other and smile and giggle.

These girls were at the park and really loved playing with Kaylee and Brinlee. At first though they kept jumping on top of this table saying "she's going to get us!" and Kaylee would run and chase them.

Kaylee going down the slide all by herself- what a big girl!

The girls tried to carry Kaylee and the girl in blue said, "Dont worry, I got her bum!" ha ha

This was our attempt at having Kaylee in front before she started to squish Brinlee

Kaylee's first pigtails

Beej & Chris

Last Sunday with BJ's help we were able to get Kaylee's hair into two small pigtails. I LOVE them!!!

30 weeks & 1st Lamaze Class

Beej & Chris

Don't you love my mad picture taking skills :)

Ever heard the saying "when you are pregnant you just have this glow about you". Looks like I captured that "glow" he he

10 weeks left! W...H....A......T?!? I have got lots to do still!!!! Bj and I went to our first lamaze class last night while Papa Bruce and Grandma Sherry watched Kaylee. I was a little nervous to go to the class because I had been having symptoms of a kidney infection that was then causing me to have contractions and a lot of pain. But I figured this is the perfect- I can use the skills they teach in Lamaze to deal with the pain :) The class was amazing and I am really excited for the next 5 classes. The past few days have been super stressful and emotional. I have cried a lot! But when we got finished with the class I was soo calm and slept better last night than I have for a long time. Today as I did a few visits for work- I was just in the most mellow and calm mood. I wasn't rushing as I drove around. I just took my time and relaxed without a worry in my mind. It was soo nice. In the class we talked about nutrition, the positive and negative parts of being pregnant, and then the instructor turned out the lights and had us all lay on the ground and went through "progressive relaxation". As we were relaxing she would have us think of our brain and how it sends messages to our bodies and our heart and then she stopped and talked about our heart and had us make a list of things we were grateful for today. I thought of Kaylee giving me kisses and hugs when I was crying earlier and then when she was pointing to a picture of me on the fridge and kept saying "Mama...Mama". We then thought about our "dream" birth, pictured a special place, and then our couch "BJ" would do what is called "touch relax". He would touch different muscles on shoulder, arm etc.. and just tell me to relax. We laughed the first time because she said "Coaches- in your big voice, say...Relax". lol Big boy voice. I actually was able to really relax in the class which is surprising because there was like 10 couples there so a lot to be distracted with and I was still feeling the cramps and pain from earlier, but I really could visualize going through this birth and having BJ just being there and coaching me through it all. Whenever I would lose focus I would think of Kaylee. I know this may sounds weird to some people, but I really liked this class. I think it will be beneficial for more than the birth of this baby boy, but just helping with stress and pain in daily life.

Secrets of Success

This is BJ writing (yes, it is a miracle!) At my work, each employee has the opportunity to do a presentation called "Secrets of Success" where we can talk about things that have helped us find or be successful. You can talk about whatever you want really, and there is no set format. Along with the presentation, they have us do a write up on what we presented. I figured this would be a great place to post that write up.

While all of our endeavors in life may not be successful, we can find “secrets of success” in everything that we do. Looking over the many experiences of my life, I’ve had so many opportunities to succeed and many teachers of success. I would like to share just a small number of the experiences and observations from my life that have taught me about success.

One of my passions in life is sports. I enjoy participating in and being a fan of sports. During high school, I joined the football team. I was by no means a gifted football player, and had to compete with some very talented players in order to play on the team. However, as I gave everything I had, my talent increased and I became a starter on the team over players who were far more gifted than me, but who didn’t put in the work to succeed. I also learned the secret (or lesson) of hard work from the University of Utah football team in 2008-2009 when they beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. From these and many other sporting experiences, I’ve learned that hard work helps people be successful.

From the time that I was 8 years old, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in Scouting in some manner. There are so many opportunities to succeed and secrets to be learned. One thing that I’ve learned from Scouting is that we must accomplish something in order to succeed. The main purpose of the Scouting program is to help boys succeed at a time in their lives when they don’t otherwise see many successes. While it may be obvious that we must accomplish something to succeed, it is one of my secrets of success.

As a developer, I spend a fair amount of time with my computer and it has helped to make me successful in my career and life. One of the many ways that it has helped me is by helping me to stay organized and simplify the things of my life. In order to succeed, we need to simplify.

Most who present on their secrets of success would agree that family has a large role in their success. I am no different. The many lessons of my family could easily fill up this page with successes I’ve learned from them. However, there are three that have been more influential than any others. First, I have a twin brother who I have always competed with. That competition has pushed me to be the very best me and I would not be the person I am today, or yesterday, without someone to push myself.

When I was 5 years old, my parents were divorced and I moved away with my Dad. Many have seen the devastation that comes from broken homes, but I’ve learned from this that sometimes our greatest failures can lead to some of our greatest successes. My dad was remarried and I learned to accept 5 new siblings and a new step mom. I learned to communicate with and care for a Mom who lived at a distance from me. Never in my life have I succeeded at something as difficult as allowing a group of people to become my family.

Although a failure lead to a great success, it can’t build lasting success. My family has also taught me how important happiness is to success. When I accomplish anything in life, I think of my wife and daughter and how the happiness they bring to me push me forward to all my great successes.

Speaking of my wife brings me memories of how much I love dancing. I always have, and probably always will. I am by no means a great dancer, but a passionate dancer. My wife and I met country swing dancing and it taught me how important passion is to your success in whatever you do.

Finally, many of my great secrets of success I learned from the Italian people. I was able to serve my mission there between 2004 and 2006. My time away from things I was familiar with taught me that as we appreciate the things we have, we learn how to better use them. Most importantly, the Italians taught me that in order to succeed we need to remember our past successes. Although Italy is a great nation, much of its current success is based on its history, and the great things that have happened before.

From Scouting to Italy and everywhere in between that my life has taken me, I have learned there are principles of success in all that we do. What a wonderful opportunity that I have had to succeed and I will continue to seek for and implement additional secrets of success as they come my way.

Mindshare

Beej & Chris

BJ hasn't been doing blog posts for awhile now because he is so busy. But I want to do all I can to write about what is going on with him and his work the best way I know how. And since I am his wife- I get to brag a little bit about him :) BJ has been working really hard with his new job. And even though I tease him that they play more than work- I know he is a hard worker and is doing his very best at his job. The following e-mail that he received from the CTO of his company just shows you that I am not the only one that sees how much of a hard worker he is.

"BJ,

I know I already gushed about the organization search earlier today but it's worth repeating. That's solid work that I'm sure will be a big hit with our internal and external customers. Also, you're doing great work everywhere else in the system. I've spoke with Derek several times about your contributions to outbound dial and he's very complimentary.

It's rare that someone can hit the ground running like you have at Mindshare. On top of your great work, you're very professional, enthusiastic, and great to work with.

I really appreciate what you're doing.

Kurt"

Way to go babe! I am so proud of you and the kind of person you are. You are an example to me and Kaylee and we really appreciate all you do for us.

The following pictures are some of the fun things BJ does while at "work". :)

BJ participated with a group from his work in an indoor soccer game. Unfortunately he only got to practice with the team before he dislocated his finger blocking a shot while acting as the goalie. But the team ended up doing well and took 1st in the competition.

This is a group of co-workers that all went paint balling after work. BJ had a lot of fun and came home with a few really good bruises.

Everyone has a Nerf gun at his work and they participate in several "Nerf wars" throughout the day. BJ also joins his co-workers (including his boss and CEO) in playing ultimate Frisbee during lunch twice a week when the weather is good and then basketball when it is too cold. It makes me very happy to see BJ smile and enjoy going to work!

Conference weekend

Beej & Chris

I LOVE love LOVE Conference weekend. The spirit is so strong as I watch the Prophet and Apostles speak to me, even if I am in my front room in my pajamas :) There is always at least one talk that brings me to tears and gives me answers to a prayer. This past Conference was no different and I am so grateful I was able to be home to watch it.

BJ took this picture of me feeding Kaylee during Conference

Saturday night while the boys go to the Priesthood session at the church- the girls always get together for a girls night. My mom, Kaylee and I went to Deseret book, did some shopping at the Layton Hills Mall, got pedicures, and then met the boys at Garcias for dinner. It was soo much fun and a much needed time out. I love my mom and really enjoy spending time with her just talking and walking around.

Kaylee eating a lemon and loving it :)

My mom watched Kaylee while I got a pedicure and then while they were finishing mine I held Kaylee while they started giving my mom her pedicure. I ended up just holding Kaylee while she got her pedicure done and Kaylee was so good. She was making everyone laugh in the salon.

It was a lot of fun! I can't wait till next Conference weekend :)

28 weeks plus....

Beej & Chris

28 weeks +

Can you believe that I only have 12 weeks left until this baby boy arrives!!?!? Ya- me either! I have a hat, one onesie, and a pair of shoes for this boy and that is it! Luckily my swing, carseat, toys, and baby bath will all work for a boy; but my bouncer, play mat, boppy, and everything else is PINK PINK PINK. What am I going to do?!? My amazing friend Rosalee was going to throw me a baby shower but our schedules were CRAZY and we couldn't ever figure out a day to do it. But I am sure things will all work out. I just need to get shopping!! I think I am ok with that. ;) Baby Connor is moving all the time and I am 99% positive he did a little jig just barely. It was hilarious to watch my belly move all around and felt even funnier (is that a word- it looks funny. he he). He gets the hiccups quite frequently and yesterday it just hit me "there is a baby in there and he has the hiccups". I could just picture this tiny 2lb baby having the hiccups and it just made me so happy I wanted to cry. What a blessing it is to be pregnant. I am very excited to meet our sweet little Connor boy. Kaylee's cousin Desiree was over the other day and Kaylee just leaned over her carseat talking to her like she was a baby (she is only a few months younger than Kaylee) and was giving her her bottle and giving her kisses...LOTS of kisses. It was really cute and made me super excited for Kaylee to be a big sister. Things are going pretty good for me. I have slept on the couch a few times because that was the only place I could get comfortable. I feel like I can't breath and am trying to catch my breath all the time but its not too bad. My reflux really hasn't been too bad which is nice. The wonderful "morning sickness" decided to come back for a little bit this past week which is not fun, but luckily isn't as bad as it was at the very beginning of the pregnancy. It usually gets bad when I am tired or haven't eaten for awhile. I also got a call from my OBGYN telling me that my HCT was low so I needed to start taking some iron every day, which really explains why I have been sooo tired and have been craving steak lately. But overall things are going pretty good. BJ and I start our Lamaze class next week and are anxious to get started. Wish us luck! :)

Venting about work stress

Beej & Chris

I have been stressing out about my work for awhile now but it just keeps getting worse. I keep venting about it to BJ and some of my co-workers (who are having the same problems) but nothing is helping with the stress. So I looked at BJ and said, "ok let me just do a blog about it and I will be done with it." I dont know what it is, but writting down emotions really really helps me deal with stress. I sometimes write blogs or e-mails and then just end up deleting them because I dont want to remember feeling that stressed and writting them is all I needed to help me with the stress. We will see if I delete this one or not. ;)

Here is what I have been stressing out about and dislike about my job

- A boss that I can't please. One that has a temper and will swear at you if she is mad and just doesn't make you feel good about yourself.

- My bosses boss who fails to recognize there is a problem with our boss even though 4 nurses will be quitting in the next few months and then a few others once they have their baby or when they find a job. 3 nurses, a secretary, the marketer, at least one CNA and the physical therapist has called to voice their concerns and complain about our boss. And all my bosses boss says is "well- you are a small branch." Wow that makes us feel important :)

- Waiting for a referal bonus for now 4 months...after having my boss e-mail them twice and then calling the HR lady and never recieving a phone call back.

- Finding out we have a mandatory meeting that is 4 hours long two days in a row, and when I called my boss to find out when this meeting that I am hearing about from other people is- she replies "It is Mandatory. You have to be there". Well that is all nice and good but how am I supposed to be there if I have never been notified of when it is??

- Having a meeting about our patients that lasts 2- 2 1/2 hours EVERY week. When before we would have a meeting every other week for about an hour...maybe an hour 1/2.

- Working with a nurse that complains that she doesn't have enough visits one week and the next gives away 3 out of 5 days worth of visits and when we cant take them all she says "I am NEVER asking for help again. Nobody EVER helps me". How bout you just work!

OK- now onto the POSITIVE things about my work and things I am going to miss when I dont return after maternity.

- Cute and amazing patients that I get to visit with and not feel rushed. Patients that I have really become attached to and will miss a lot!

- Working with two AMAZING nurses that have become really close friends (Challae and Tina)

- Only having to drive 10 minutes to get to most of my visits and getting paid $75 after only working for an hour.

I think my very favorite part about homehealth is just the time I get with patients like I said above. I love being able to just sit and talk to them about their concerns. Give them a foot massage to help with pain. Help them get dressed and walk them to breakfast or dinner to keep them company a little bit longer since they are alone most of the day.

I will definitely miss the patients and the conveinency of it, but as you can see...the con's outweigh the pro's by far at this point. I just hope I can make it for two more months until I have this baby. Wish me luck! And I promise----this is it. No more complaints! I have it out on paper now and am done with it. I am just going to do my very best at my job and not worry if they get frustrated that I can't pick up more visits or do more. I can only do my best and that is all they can ask me.