October 2015
Well friends, as all of you know Willow joined us on July 20th and all has been very well.I was scheduled to be induced at 6 am, though by the time we had checked in and were all settled it was more like 8. We drove in nervous anticipation to the Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. (about an hours drive in traffic). By no means was this the nearest hospital, but I had read so many good things, and had just so happened to find a great OBGYN that was also associated with it. And I might add that I am Thrilled about our decision as we had a great experience there.
Everything went really smoothly, though most of everything about this day is really a blur. But I came in really nervous and for those who know me know I am deathly afraid of needles, hospitals and doctor appointments cause me great anxiety. So when they were hooking up and found that I had very high blood pressure my nurse asked if I were nervous, or if I had a history of high blood pressure, I assured her that it must be nerves. But no matter how much I tried to calm down I couldn't get it to go down to a safe level. They did a Urine test and sure enough I was diagnosed on the final day of my pregnancy with Preeclampsia! I was totally thrown off, I have always been healthy as a horse and my pregnancy had been no exception. My friends say its only fair as I had the best delivery they had heard of, not to mention a healthy pregnancy, I guess you can't have it all right!?
Willow arrived at 2:02 pm weighing 6.9 oz and 19.5 inches long. She was tiny and perfect and sweet. We both were able to just hold her for awhile and it was absolutely thrilling. I have had many special experiences and impressions about our sweet Willow, and I think she's a special girl. Not to say that every baby isn't, but I feel that she has a sweet, bright and very good countenance. I think her Spirit it strong and very mature for her age. Her body too is very resilient and strong, as she holds her head so steady and her back is straight as a board and she has been able to stand for very long periods of time for quit some time now. I am in constant awe of her, I am also grateful that though the days are often long and hard its impossible to stay mad at her very long.. Shes just too sweet, too precious and too loving.
Due to complications with my Preeclampsia the next few days were quit rough and very much a blur. I had to stay in the hospital till late Thursday night the 22nd, and this was only because I begged my doctor and so she gave in and entrusted my care to my husband and allowed me to go home under his careful watch, checking my blood pressure and administering blood pressure medicine as he saw fit. I was so grateful as I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital. I endured migraines, and severe eye pain and major swelling results from taking a particular medication for my BP, as well as the usual back pain and other pains related to post partum. And home was all I could think of!
My mom flew in on Wednesday the day after Willow was born and i couldn't imagine not having had her help that week. Oh and Austins sweet mom drove down the evening She was born just to get to see her for a less than 24 ours! We enjoyed getting to share our new little bundle with her as well.
I was so impressed and in love with Austin as I watched him change her diapers and care for both her and I while I was bed ridden, still on IV's and attached to many other things as well.
I remember one incident he said he wheeled Willow back to the nursery and on the speaker that allows entrance to the room he said "I need a baby sitter" and just about died when he told me about it. He's a real crack up I tell you... Only he thinks so too... lol
Upon finally reaching home, in very heavy traffic Willow literally did the biggest blow out I had ever seen in my life and this was when she was still having Meconium (black Tar like Poops..TMI sorry) It was EVERYWHERE and at this point I had never changed her diaper and Austin saw it fit to dash to pick up a prescription just as he heard it! .. I was on my own. It was even in her belly button, and that thing isn't supposed to get wet or dirty! I was literally freaking out and my mom had to help me bath her. It was quite the welcome home present.
The next few weeks I was touched with many instances of complete frustration, love, and overwhelmed by the service given to me by my mom, husband, mother in law and ward friends. Austin gave many beautiful blessings to both my self and to our sweet Willow.
But there was not much time to get too comfortable, because on August 19th Austin took his boards, on the 21st we packed up and moved to Fresno, CA where Austin was to begin his new profession as a Dermatology PA-C. Once arriving we quickly dashed off to Utah to meet family there and to bless our sweet Willow, surrounded by almost all my family.
It's been a hectic, but wonderfully special time in our lives. We have been thrilled to experience doing house projects together and spending plenty of time at Home Depot. A proud moment of both of ours was watching Austin Drive our 20 foot U-haul truck while towing our Kia (also the AC was out on our rental) and it was at least 100 degrees that day and a 4 hour drive out of heavy LA traffic... I just thought "what a Dad moment" We have continued to grow close while experiencing so many firsts as a couple and new parents. I've loved every minute! I know that it is a particularly unique time in our life as Austin was able to spend essentially the first two months of Willows life with us, besides studying and taking boards and spending a week or two completing rotations after her birth, we have been so fortunate to have this time together.
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Willow is a water Guppy! She has loved the pool and so I try to take her often! 
Fresno Pumpkin patch ~And Clovis Hot Air Balloon Festival 
Monteray Bay Aquarium
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| The Fresno Zoo! We love this place, its such a sweet and intimate get away. |
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| Austin's First day of work ever!! Such a happy day! |
Moments and things I don't want to forget include:
-Austin groggily sitting up in the hospital suddenly exclaiming "I have a baby" after I had tried to wake him up for several minutes needing him to get Willow for me, as she was crying and I couldn't get out of bed.
-A quite nice moment where Austin sat in my hospital bed with me, pushed all the buttons and we enjoyed watching a television show.
-Hours spent awake at night that first week, whispering with my mom while she sat with Willow and I while we frustratingly trying to nurse
-Willows long fingers on the back of my hand while I feed or soothe her
-Her big stretchies when she wakes up, puckered lips, arms up and back arched.. too cute
-Her very large dimple smile and giggle when I kiss just her upper lip
-Her constant and very fast, aggressive kicks while she listens to silly tunes and stares at herself in the mirror.
Before And After House Projects/ New Home
A Craigs List find, two bar stool. We cut the legs and and painted them.
Ta Da!
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| Home sweet home~Such a joy to be in an actual house, we sure aren't taking it for granted! |
