Bryn's Birth Story

I know some of you have been waiting on this.  I feel like I'm not accomplishing much these days, but then I realize it hasn't been all that long since I had Bryn.  I'm just thankful for patient kids and a patient, helpful husband.  Oh, and wonderful friends, family & neighbors help, too!  I have yet to make an evening meal for my family because of all the help that has been offered.

Okay, to the story...

I had gone into the doctor on Thursday, the 2nd because my blood pressure was higher than it should have been.  (It was already high, but it had gone up even more.)  I wasn't scheduled for my regular appointment for a few days, but they decided to just make that my regular appointment.  Of course, when I got there, my blood pressure was in it's "normally" high range.  I was 2cm & 70%.  After laying on my left side, my blood pressure didn't really drop much, so they put me on partial bed rest.  I was to go in the following Monday for a non-stress test, and the dr scheduled an induction date of Dec. 15th to ensure that I could get my two doses of penicillin for Strep B.  If my blood pressure went up again & wouldn't come back down, I was to go back in.

Early Saturday morning, Dec. 4th, I woke up with a bad headache.  Jenna was asleep on our bedroom floor (her eardrum had ruptured the night before), so I quietly stepped over her & went to the bathroom to take my blood pressure.  It was 153/100--too high.  I tried to lay back down on my left side & fall back asleep, but my head just hurt too bad.  After about 30-45 minutes, I went downstairs to take my BP again.  This time it was 163/110.  Crazy!  I called my sister, Dixie, who was working a night shift at a hospital in Idaho.  She asked the L&D nurses on her floor what I should do.  They told me to call my dr right away.  I was able to track down an after-hours number that directed me to a local hospital (not the one I was delivering at).  They told me to go in.  I wondered about driving myself since my family was all asleep, but the L&D nurses in Idaho told me NOT to drive myself, but to lay down in the car.

I wasn't sure what to do.  I went up and put clothes on and woke Randy up.  He was in a confused daze.  I decided to call my visiting teacher, thinking she might be up at 5:45am on a Saturday.  She actually was awake, getting ready to head to the gym, but didn't hear my call.  I then called my RS president, Jen.  I knew she was headed out of town, but I was hoping she could help...and she could!  Of course, I was crying on the phone as I asked for help.  She offered to drive me to the hospital, which worked out perfect.  Randy was able to be at home with our sick kids until we knew what was going on.

I got checked into the hospital around 6:30am.  They got me hooked up the the monitors.  My blood pressure was still way too high.  They called the doctor who was on call for my doctors.  It just so happened to be Dr. Crouch, the same dr who I had seen when I was pregnant with Sydney in Idaho & who had broken my water with her.  After listening to what was going on with me, and knowing that I was 37 weeks 5 days, he told the nurses he would probably just induce me.  That was definitely the best of all the options!

I got hooked up to pitocin, magnesium sulfate (to keep me from seizing with such high BP), and penicillin.  I was still a 2 & 70%.  Randy arrived around 8:15am, and Jen left at 8:30am.  Dr. Crouch arrived just before 9am and broke my water.  Randy had a final presentation for one of his Master's classes, so he left around 9:15am to head over to UVU.  I hadn't gotten much sleep for a few nights, so I tried to close my eyes & rest when he left.  My sister, Kelsey, came by a bit after he left. While she was there, they recommended I get an epidural.  I didn't know if I wanted one, but they were worried that not having one may make my BP go even higher.  So, even though I wasn't hurting very badly, I got one.  Kelsey was also a great help as I would have some contractions doing counter-pressure, which felt great.  When Randy got back from class at 10:45am, Kelsey left.

At 11:10am, I was a 4+.  After a little bit, Randy was hungry & wanted to go get a bite to eat.  He debated going home, but I suggested to go somewhere nearby...I'm glad I did!  Randy returned at 11:55am.  At noon the nurse checked me again & I was an 8, and the baby's head was crowning..  The dr was quickly called.  (He had gone home & was a good 25+ minute drive from the hospital.)  A flurry of activity happened as my blood pressure dropped to a normal range & the baby wasn't responding well to that.  I was then given meds to make my blood pressure go back up.  The nurse did her best to talk to my & try to distract me from wanting to push.  Dr. Crouch got there & asked if he had time to change.  He went ahead & quickly did.  As soon as my legs were lifted onto the stirrups, the baby was coming out on her own.  I gave 1/2 of a push, and at 12:36pm Bryn Louise Chipman was born.  The first thing I said as she was lifted onto my belly was "Wow, she's tiny!"  Dr. Crouch tossed a washcloth to Randy and told him to wipe her off.  I was given one, too.  Bryn didn't cry very much & we were concerned, but they assured us that she was fine.  Randy was able to cut her cord.  She weighed 5lbs 11oz, and was 17 1/2 inches long.

I recovered very well, but I mentioned on Facebook that Bryn was having a few issues in the hospital.  She has reflux, which causes her to hold her breath at times.  This would cause her oxygen saturation levels to drop, so she had to be on a monitor.  She also had a hard time keeping her body temperature up all the time & her blood sugar levels dropped too low a few times.  She also had a heart murmur that healed itself.  The poor girl was subjected to a lot--EKG, chest x-rays, feeding tubes down her throat, feet constantly being pricked for blood, being attached to a monitor, and spending time in the incubator--but in the end we were able to bring her home after 2 days.  Despite all the scariness of having some new medical issues for both Bryn and I, I really had a great experience with the hospital staff, Dr. Crouch, and with my OB.

Bryn truly is a joy to all of us.  She is such a mild baby.  She has started expressing herself more lately by crying & she definitely has a preference for me, which I don't mind so much.  We all love her so much & are thankful that she's a part of our family.

Baby Blankets

My mom fulfilled her grandmotherly duties and made Bryn some new receiving blankets and quilts.

 Sydney & Jenna still use theirs quite a bit, so it's nice for Bryn to have some new ones.

Aren't they wonderful?!

Our 3 girls

Who do you think Bryn looks most like?  I can see a resemblance to both Sydney & Jenna.  I think Bryn might actually tie Sydney & Jenna together...a good mix of both, possibly.  I guess we'll see as she grows older.

By the way, I LOVE having a newborn.  Why do they have to grow older??

Sydney, 2004

Jenna, 2007

Bryn, 2010

Welcome, Bryn!

For those of you not on Facebook, we welcomed Bryn Louise into the world yesterday.  She was 5 lbs 11 oz, and 17 1/2 inches tall.  I'm doing well.  She's having a few minor issues & we hope to be able to bring her home tomorrow.  We're all very happy.  I'll share more later.

A Heart of Gratitude

Life isn't easy right now.  I feel like I have so many worries & concerns pressing down on me.  Add to that my aching body, and some days I feel like I just want to give up.  I cry a lot.  But, through all of this, I have been able to recognize my many, many blessings, and have felt much gratitude.

*My parents.  They are always so willing to lend a hand wherever & whenever needed.  I know they would give their life for me if it was asked of them.  They are also a shoulder to cry on when I can't share my concerns with many others.

*My siblings.  They take after my parents.  :)  And they are my best friends.

*A warm home.

*A husband who loves me unconditionally.

*Being 30.  It feels so much better than 29 & I have 10 more years before I hit 40!

*My children.  They try me, but nothing beats their sweet hugs, kisses & I love you's.  And when they've seen me crying, they show true concern.

*The beautiful earth.  I was struck by how pretty it was this week as I walked in the rain with Jenna.  The sidewalks were littered with colorful fall leaves as the rain came down.  There was just something magnificent about it.  I was also struck by the beauty of the changing leaves contrasted against the snowy mountains & the small flakes falling this week as I drove.  We live on a magnificent planet.

*Motivation to go forward.  My motivation comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know there is a plan for each of us.  I know the experiences we have are for our own good.  I may not understand why, but I know we have a loving Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ, who love us beyond comprehension & know just what we need to learn in this life.

*That my dreams aren't true.  I sometimes wake up from dreams & am SO thankful that they weren't real.  I'd have a lot of apologizing to do if they were!

*Feeling this baby move inside of me.  Sure, I hurt a lot, but knowing that I have a precious gift inside of me makes me happy.  I can't wait to hold her!

*Food on my table.

*Diet Pepsi.  I actually am a bit ashamed to even admit this.  I've never been much of a pop drinker.  I still don't drink it tons, but more than I ever have in the past.  It's just a nice, sugar-free treat when all I've wanted this pregnancy is something good to drink or fruit to eat.

*For my education.  I love doing tax & accounting work.  It's wonderful that I can be paid to do what I love & I can work from home.

*For thoughtful friends.  A kind word, a listening ear, or simply remembering me.

*1st grade homework.  It's so much easier on me, as a mom, than kindergarten homework was!

34 weeks

Me + a dirty mirror at a day shy of 34 weeks.

What a difference 6 weeks makes!!

October Rundown

I've become pretty great at forgetting to bring my camera along & take pictures.  So, here are a few noteworthy events from October that weren't well documented.

*During our 2-day Fall Break, we decided to go visit my sister, Dixie, and her family in Idaho.  We really, really enjoyed getting away.  The weather was gorgeous, we were able to have dinner with some old friends, and Randy got in a few rounds of golf with Josh (our brother-in-law).  I also tried Zumba with Dixie, and we took the kids on a hike up to a "cave".  Josh & Dixie's boys are always so nice to Sydney & Jenna, so it's always a delight to visit them.

*The girls and I went to a neighbor's Halloween potluck & costume party while Randy was at class.  Sydney dressed up as a ghost, Jenna was Elmo, and I was my typical "momster" that I am every year.  I made candy corn Jello, with sugar-free lemon & orange Jello, topped with whipped cream.  We have some super fun neighbors & we all had a good time.

*We had a soup & pumpkin carving night with Randy's brother & sister & their families.  Again, it's always nice to get together with them!

*Jenna had a preschool Halloween party & was a princess.  Sydney dressed up as a baker for her Halloween parade at school.  I made it there to see her this year, but the picture didn't turn out well.

*We attended our ward's chili cook-off & trunk-or-treat.  It was COLD!!  But the scones were super good!

*I surprised Randy with an overnight getaway at the Homestead Resort.  For the first time in our marriage, I think I actually really, truly surprised him!!  We had a wonderful time doing nothing...just what we both needed.  My angel sister, Kelsey, stayed at our house to watch the girls.  I'm so thankful for her!

*We took the girls trick-or-treating on the 30th, since the 31st was on a Sunday.  Sydney was a ghost again & Jenna was a princess again.  We went to a nursing home that was recommended, but discovered we won't be doing that again.  Randy then took the girls around some of the neighborhood in hats & gloves while they froze & collected candy.  I stayed home, folded laundry & ignored the doorbell.  :)

Fire Station Field Trip

A few weeks ago, our preschool co-op took a field trip to the fire station.

Jenna was pretty hesitant about everything & didn't even want to spray the hose after waiting in line.  We had gotten there late & didn't end up staying very long, since she wouldn't do anything.  Of course, as soon as we left, she started crying because she wanted to see the guy who was dressed up as a bee.

Such is Jenna's life...overly cautious in public, and overly daring at home...

Crazy hair day

 Sydney had crazy hair day at school last week.  

I think we ended up with 9 ponytails.

This was simple enough to do quickly & she was satisfied.

Jenna explains

Jenna's before, during & after shots

Little did Randy know, he was snapping a "before" picture of Jenna's hair yesterday.  She was putting on a 12-month Halloween costume.

 Jenna was quiet as I cleaned downstairs.  I figured she was doing something she wasn't supposed to, but I had no idea exactly what until I got a quick glimpse of her.

 So, really, the bangs could have been fixed or lived with, but the side cut...

 She had climbed up our chest of drawers to get my sewing scissors down.

I'm not sure if you can tell or not, but it was a good amount of hair that she chopped off.

I was seriously sick over what to do.  I had no money to pay someone to fix it, but I knew it was beyond my abilities.

My wonderful cousin, Courtney, came to the rescue when she called & told me to bring Jenna over.  Jenna wanted to bring the hair so Courtney could put it back on...

 So, here's what we ended up with.  I actually think it's quite cute, even if there are a few imperfections that will have to grow out before they can be blended in.

It still makes me a bit sick to look at her hair before.  Jenna's just lucky that she has her ears pierced and is a cute girl.  And we're lucky to have Courtney so close by, too!!

On my mind

Last night I woke up as I was taking the pillow case off of a pillow.  I have no idea why I did it.

I have been waking up exhausted every morning.  I know I get to bed too late (usually between 11 and 12 when I stop reading & turn out the lights).  I know that I could use about 10 hours of sleep each night with this pregnancy...a little crazy.  But, I had a light bulb moment this morning, though.  If I didn't have kids in bed with me half the night, I'd probably sleep a lot better!  Our bedroom door will be getting locked tonight.

I am so thankful for a husband that works hard.  Being self-employed isn't always easy, but I am SO glad that Randy has motivation to keep going.  Not all men are blessed with that quality, as I have witnessed.

The toilets in our house are constantly getting clogged.  I'm getting tired of plunging.  I think we cured Sydney of her need to use half a roll of TP at a time, but how to teach Jenna?

I feel like my depression resurfaces from time to time, even though I'm on my meds.  I'm a little worried about weaning myself off to deliver a baby, but I don't want a cranky newborn with withdrawals, either.  I probably need to get started on my smaller doses soon.  Wish me well!

Randy tells me I'm a roller coaster, and he's right.  I will go full force with motivation and get TONS done one day, and on other days I do almost nothing.  I always feel bad on those days.  However, I want to give myself permission to have days off.  I'm working on that.

On Saturday, I mended clothes (that had been waiting for a year to be stitched up, etc), fixed my girls curtains & sewed most of their valence, picked apples, listened to conference, made dinner, and canned a ton of applesauce.  I'd say that was an up roller coaster day.

I'm planning to make curtains, a crib bumper, a crib skirt, and throw pillows for our guest bed (which is in the baby's room).  I guess I got tired of the same decorations that have been up for 6 1/2 years.  I'm excited to get it done...and want to do it in a timely fashion.

Sydney's Soccer Season

Sydney played her first season of soccer this year with our city league.

Like many beginners, she had fun playing around with the other girls.

She was a great defender when the ball was at the opposite end.

Oh, there we go.  Now she's paying attention!

 When playing forward, she typically lagged behind.

  I guess being aggressive & chasing after the ball is not necessarily in her nature.

Unfortunately for Randy, she takes after me.  :)

Despite that, we know that it was her first time playing organized sports.  We are super proud of her effort.

Barbie has a new look

 It seems like I always have super good parenting advice...

This one is:  If your 3-year old tells you NOT to go into her room, you must immediately jump up to see what she's up to!  It mostly likely won't be good.

 Sydney walked into her room after school one day & said there was a pile of hair on the floor.  Thankfully, it was only Barbie's--and her horse, and about 3 My Little Ponies...

 She puts on a good sad face for the camera, doesn't she?

 So, yes, this is Jenna's handiwork.

Pretty, isn't it?

FYI--Trying to trim Barbie's hair into a bob doesn't work, either.  Her hair is simply too synthetic & nasty.

Prego Pic

Here I am early this week at one day shy of 28 weeks.  

I don't think I look nearly as pregnant at this stage as I did with my first two pregnancies.

I think this little girl is just hanging out really low & further back than my others.

This might be the one and only prego pic that I post, so enjoy!

A chain of events

Jenna commonly crawls into our bed to sleep next to me.  Although I don't like it, I'm usually too tired to care at that point.  I usually let her fall back asleep & then take her back to her own bed when I need to use the restroom.

So, last night was one of those nights.  I woke up around 12:30am & crawled over her to get to my bathroom.  It was then that I noticed my back was wet.  Was she really that sweaty?  I felt her underwear...and it was wet.  My lamp revealed a huge wet spot on my bed.  I had to change clothes & then change her.  Of course, she was so tired that she had no idea that any of this was going on.

I turned off my alarm clock, put her in her own bed & took my pillows to the guest bed.  A few hours later, I was awake again needing to use the restroom.  I could hear Randy walking around, wondering why I wasn't in bed with him.  I was able to tell him what was going on when he peeked into the guest room.

Fast forward a few hours...Randy was gone to the cannery to help can peaches.  I didn't have a clock in my room, but I could hear the girls awake.  They wondered where Randy and I were, but then found me in the guest bed.  I had Sydney check and tell me what time it was--8:15am.  We had planned to leave to walk her to school at that exact time.  (It's "Walk to School Day".)  I hurriedly got dressed, did her hair & fed her some cereal.  We drove about 2/3 of the way to the school, parked, and walked the rest of the way.  Whew, we made it & she wasn't late.

Oh, and by the way, I can assure you that you don't need to experience a child wetting in your bed for yourself.  It's gross.  After Jenna throwing up in my bed a few weeks ago, I'm beginning to wonder if she's out to get me...

Say Hello!

A few of you may not know, but last week I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

So, I must introduce you to a few of my new friends.  (Actually, Sugar-free Jello and I were already acquaintances, but we now may be BFF's.)  

$200+ later, I'm still not sure that the test strips are my friends, however.  But, I actually don't mind the 6-times-a-day finger pricks.  They're not bad at all.

After a few days of monitoring, my blood sugar levels are doing well.  Let's just hope it stays this way!

Jenna's shiner

Jenna woke up with her first black eye earlier this week.  She said she fell out of her bed, but we're not sure when or what she hit.  (Her nightstand is on the opposite side of her bed.)  Either way, she didn't put up much of fuss in the night...nothing more than her almost-nightly crawling into our bed.

Here's a little better view.  I just love this cute girl.  :)

Snip, Snip, Snip

Sydney & Jenna were long overdue to have their hair cut.  Sydney's needed to be evened out & have some longer layers cut short & Jenna had split-ends.

Jenna's hair had gotten decently long.  I was just going to trim it, but she wanted it to be "like Annie's", a neighbor friend.

It took some guts for me to do, since I hadn't planned to cut her hair much shorter, but here are the first snips of hair.

I didn't fix her hair for the pictures, since it was bedtime, but here's the cut.

It has turned out to be great, since we're growing her hair out & she hardly lets me do it.  A quick comb & curl in the morning, and she's good to go!

Sydney's hair pretty much looks the same.  We're trying to grow her thick hair out right now.

Fruit salad, fruit, fruit salad

As I was taking a nap one day, Sydney came and asked me to write down her fruit salad recipe.  Instead, I had her write it down.  She brought back a good, colorful drawing of the ingredients.  Weeks later, we finally got around to making it.

Strawberries from our garden--the BEST!, perfectly sweet nectarines, sliced bananas, grapes, and apples.  I tossed in a bit of vanilla yogurt to coat it.  It was amazingly delicious.  Perfect for a summer afternoon!!