7-20-2015 And the Rest of Our Lives

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.

 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 

The Fresno Zoo! We love this place, its such a sweet and intimate get away. 

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!

Home sweet home~Such a joy to be in an actual house, we sure aren't taking it for granted! 

Pregnancy update~ Finally!

I wrote this at 27 weeks & 5 days and I never posted it, but I decided,  though it's late, I still wanted to record it. So here you have it friends 😊

27 weeks and starting to feel more pregnant every day. Sciatic nerve pain and all! I'm already having a hard time bending over my belly, and I'm crediting this to me being so short (I can't swallow the fact that I may just be huge!) yikes. I've gained about 20 pounds already too. I had hoped to be one of those women who only gain 25 lbs 😩. But alas

I'm eating pretty much anything, we have been eating sandwiches, and chocolate milk, yogurts, apples, cearel and lots of fruit and I eat way too many sweets. No excuses, so I'm working on that. Still exercising though👍 

I feel her move ALL the time now, and I can see her move from the outside, I've been trying to catch a video of my belly moving from her little kicks and jabs, but haven't  yet succeeded, hoping I will soon!

~ 24 weeks 6 days 

~27 weeks & 5 days 

~34 weeks 

~37w & 4 days 

~39 weeks 

I'm no longer wearing my wedding ring as my hands are swollen; about a month ago, or maybe less, my hands started to hurt so badly. Felt like I had arthritis! In the mornings I could barely bend them and they were very swollen. I sleep best from the hours of 4:30 to about 9, which is a shame a i really love to be awake in the earlier hours, my spirit feels so much happier and productive when i do, but I just can't keep up! I'de be way too tired, as I don't sleep most the night prior to 4:30 and I'm not a big napper, I do sometimes though, just not on a regular basis. My workouts now only consist of speed walking on a steep incline, squats and the elipticle. But I'm grateful that I'm atleast still doing that. 2 weeks ago I could still jog a lap or two at a speed of 5.5 (on a treadmill) but it hurts my hips too much now. 

In the last week and a half I have been feeling nausea again, kind like the first few weeks of pregnancy, again for me it's mostly in the evenings and night. 

So that's a bit about my pregnancy experience, and now we just can't wait for Willow to join!! 

I had my 39 weeks appointment yesterday and my doctor gave me the option saying she would allow me to head to the hospital to be induced, as I'm progressing on my own and I'm 39 weeks. (I was begging her to just break my water) but her recommendation is that we wait a week (till Monday the 20th) to see if perhaps she comes on her own, and if not she'll induce me then. (My doctor is leaving out of town on the 21st and I really really don't want to go over). We agreed that this was probably best and that I could hang in there another week if I have to..And besides it could be worse as I could be made to go over by a week or two! 

So folks our little one should be here in no time! We're praying all is smooth and well for both of us. 

❤️

20 weeks & counting

I'm officially 20 weeks and documenting some of my pregnancy (more for my benefit for future pregnancy comparison) but I've had so many people beg me not to keep it all to myself! Especially with me living out in California, I'll see few if any of my friends and family. But honestly there isn't aton to share. 

So far I've been feeling pretty ok, and I really can't complain compared to so many other women I hear about. I still try to exersize for an hour or so about 5 times a week. Which has really helped keep my energy level up, and keeps the sickness at bay. I found it especially helped in the first trimester!

I don't crave very specific things, but sometimes will have a few food aversions. (Typically I  love Mexican food, but I haven't been able to have any) the thought of it just isn't appealing. I'v loved fruit, milk, and salads & pasta salads though. I do eat a treat regularly...maybe too regularly?? :) 

It's a Girl!! We found out around 16 and a half weeks and we are thrilled! I started to feel her move around 15 weeks (but really knew for sure that it was her kicking around 16 and 17.. Crazy weird people! 

So far so good, just hoping to be able to keep up the energy and fitness, and trying to be patient, which is not my strong point. 

Austin graduates in July (about a week after she's due) ~ So we're busy working on Austin's resume, applying for jobs and trying to plan for the future. All good things!

Here are a few pictures~warning alert friends, these aren't pretty posed photos, just a few post work out photos (hence the hideous hair, face, sweat ects)  and the only photos I have. Austin and I aren't huge camera people. 

11 weeks ~ Probably my most bloated at this point 

13 weeks~

15 weeks~

19 weeks~

~20 weeks & 3 days 

Summer 2014

Once again has been ages sine I blogged and shared the update of our lives.

I was kept happily too busy over the month of August as Austin was on break, before starting rotations in September. We kept busy playing tennis.. -ok fine, Austin's been chasing my balls, cycling-I kicked his pants ... And then he started kicking mine. Making dinner together, walking our Marlee bug (oh we celebrated her 1st Birthday too!), cooking together and playing Mario Kart .. Yes Mario Kart.

We even spent an afternoon in the Mountains at Bear Lake together, in which we explored the small, adorable town, enjoyed the stillness and beauty of the Mountains, and Kayaked before heading home for the evening. I have felt so richly blessed to share my life with someone as good as Austin. He is kind and patient. He has even helped with all the house hold chores while I'm away at work, for which I am sooo grateful. It has provided us with more time to play once I'm home! Austin and I went on some beautiful morning rides, and on one occasion we even had the chance to enjoy breakfast in the Village, around the corner from our home, at the 50's Diner. It was  beautiful morning and our ride took us  out to the hills of San Dimas and La Verne, past the equestrian clubs and golf courses. It was gorgeous, and most of all I was thrilled to death to think that Austin is going to have the time now, so that we can look forward to many more rides and breakfast dates just like it!

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Bear Lake August 2014


We also had the pleasure of attending a Lee family outing to Sandiego for a few days and we so loved experiencing a new place, spending quality time with sweet baby London (our Niece) and the rest of the family.  They treated us to Sea World AND the Sandiego Zoo, both were superb! I was absolutely mesmerized by the dolphins, Killer Whales and of course the Sting Rays (I loved touching them!) Unfortunately we left behind the GoPro on this adventure, as I so would have loved footage of Austin and I boogying the waves together.

August 2014

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After our week of vacation together I had to go back to work, and Austin was able to drive down to Sandiego, once again, but this time to meet up with a close friend of ours (Dirk Stock) - For those of you who don't know him, he was a close friend of mine growing up, and later we went to BYU-I together; where Austin became Chem lab partner with him. Dirk eventually played match maker and hooked Austin and I up on a blind date.. And the rest is history ;).. Dirk is still our very closest friend  and we miss him all the time. Dirk, his brother and Austin went sky diving, partied hard at the beach and eventually made their way to our place for a night, and I was thrilled to see them!!

A week later I spent Labor day weekend in Washington with my parents and I absolutely loved every minute of it! I haven't spent quality time at home for over 3 years so it was truly wonderful to enjoy the start of the September weather and some one-on-one time with my parents, We spent the weekend going on bike rides along the river, floating the lazy river at our local gym, painting and doing crafts with my Mom, baking and of course eating amazing food (seriously I haven't eaten that well in ages) I was able to see two of my closest friends as well, which was truly a miracle as Mckenzi planned last minute to come home for the weekend. I'm soo glad!!  - the only thing missing was having Austin with us. It was a memorable tripand it was a good reminder of how blessed I have always been. I love who I come from, where I come from and all the good people I have always been surrounded by.

Selfie

We made these adorable Crafts (not the finished product)

My mom and I made this Lemon lb cake and it was AMAZING!

Mckenzi, Leish and I at the Bullocks home

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Life returned to normal as Austin started rotations in September; he was assigned to OBGYN this month out in Apple Valley. He's enjoyed working with his proctor and has learned a lot. His schedule has been much more generous to us as he hasn't been required to study till late in the evening. We have seriously loved the change in routine and have been making the most of it, playing tennis, walking Marlee, enjoying bike rides and we even went to Disney this last weekend!!

Disney 9/27/2014

It seems since Austins been home more and available to dote and love up my Marlee, she has found a new favorite companion/best friend.  When I say "Daddies coming home" her ears perk up and she promptly bounds to her perch upon the top of the sofa to watch for his arrival.... And

this is all for the boy who was absent practically all year.... Goes to show how good he is at melting a girls heart. Not even Marlee can resist!

All is well and Happy here, Though we are missing all our friends, family and loved ones.

Till next time Friends!

General Fun- Summer beginings

It's been a hectic, fun filled month here at the Lee household.
It has been a reminder of all the tender mercies we have been bestowed with; as well as a sweet reminder of how much I love our extended family and how much I love my life. God is good and my husband is the best:)

Once again we were at Austin's parents for a fun filled weekend, where we took family pictures, and of course had a great time! Thank you Mom and Dad Lee for your constant open door policy to us. Constantly crashing and invading and making life more hectic and exciting!

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The very next weekend we were off to the Robinson Wedding! (my oldest sister Nikelle)
Where we saw tons of family, old friends, and close friends and though it was short it was awesome! I so loved having an excuse to dash off to Utah. 

The best part was having three couples crashing Nikelle's new place and making it into a large, hectic (just how us Bird's like it) sleepover. Thank you Nikelle for being so accommodating!! I was able to see one of closest friends Mckenzi and her husband Garrett and I loved it! Thank you Gallinger's for introducing us to the Nickel Arcade*  It's always a pleasure to see my friends, even if it's short, it's always sweet and, yet again, another reminder how blessed I am to have met so many kindred spirits as a young teen, and even better, to have held onto those treasured relationships. 

The wedding was stunning and so beautifully captured Nikelle and her vigor for life. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped my parents. We are so fortunate <3
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Austin was enjoying his two week break and spent it keeping busy and helping me around the house. He loved up Marlee and even planned dates and time together. We hiked the Claremont loop and reminded ourselves that we live only 2 miles from a beautiful loop that professional dirt bikers (whom we admire) ride often.. *Claremont Cool Factor

He patiently drove me all around finding pieces to decorate our home with, hung pictures on my wall while I bossed him around and bless his heart even let me order, for the first time, furniture
 *Another  landmark in becoming an adult!
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This last weekend we had the absolute pleasure to play hostess to Austin's Mother Gina and we LOVED it!
We buzzed around our town, overwhelming her with all our favorites. Spent a few hours in Corona Del Mar, shopped around hobby lobby (which turns out even Austin loves), ate good food, laughed a lot and enjoyed each others company. We were so grateful for her efforts in making it out to see us. 

Hoping I can snag more of my siblings to make it out as well as the rest of the Lee crew ;)