More Pictures

My sweet neighbor, whose name I can't pronounce correctly, came over when Celeste was 5 days old.  She gave Celeste an adorable pink fuzzy blanket (see first picture).  She also snapped a few pictures for us.  Nothing super professional, but I will never turn down an opportunity for pictures.  I asked her to take a couple of all of us.  We are an officially a family of FOUR!  

Proud Mom!

Very proud Dad!

Super proud big Brother!

A family of four!

Four Traditions

I know I have posted these pictures before, but I thought it was cool to compare them.

When Grant was born there were four generations of strong valiant men!  Since 2008 both Kyle's dad and Grandpa Al have passed away.  This generation picture has been such a treasure to me. 

Now my daughter also has a generation picture.  I know this picture will also be a treasure to me.

Four Generations of Women

My Grandma has had the wonderful opportunity to see many great grandchildren.  Actually, 15 to be precise.  Celeste is number 15!  I know some of my cousins have taken a four generation picture.  I wanted one as well.  It is not very common to have four generations alive all at once.  I want my daughter to know she comes from a line of very awesome women!  Women who have strong testimonies in the gospel.  Women who are loyal wives and loving mothers. Women who try to be the best they can be.

Family Picnic

When I am in Utah I can't ever miss seeing my darling niece and nephew!  We were able to have a hot dog and marshmallow roast in my parent's fire pit.  It was tons of fun to get to visit with my family.

Preston didn't care to roast the marshmallows. He just stuffed them into his mouth!

Evelyn enjoyed roasting them.  She was pretty good at it.  She didn't burn a single marshmallow.  This is a picture of her hands that are so sticky it's scary.

The kids also enjoyed playing in the backyard.  The big kids are getting to the point where we don't have to push them in the swings.  It's kind of nice.  It was so fun to see these cute kids.  I miss them terribly!

The Big Breastfeeding Battle

The breastfeeding battle begins before Grant was born.  It can be summarized in one sentence,

"I was to proud to even try breastfeeding."

I never would have admitted it back then, but I can admit it now.  I nursed Grant a handful of times just to "release" but it really wasn't more than 5-10 total.

In the next 5 years a lot happened and I am not exactly sure how I changed my mind, but I decided to give breastfeeding a try.  Before Celeste was born my goal was a month.  I thought if I made it past a month and liked it I would keep going.  If I still hated it I would quit.

Celeste was born and I started nursing.  I almost instantly loved it!  I felt so dumb saying it too.  I hate riding the Humble Train.  I had made a big deal with Grant about not breastfeeding and so I was embarrassed to even admit to my mom or sister I was even going to try.  Now I liked it!  Yikes! 

The lactation consultants came into my room and I wasn't embarrassed (I thought I would be) to nurse in front of them.  One of them was not so helpful and one was.  She gave me a few tips, but nothing major.  I totally thought I was a natural!    

I thought everything was going well until we went to Celeste's 5 day doctor appointment.  Celeste had lost more weight since we had left the hospital 2 days ago.  (She weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz. at birth; 7 lbs. 2 oz. when we left the hospital; and now she weighed 7 lbs.) The doctor wanted to see us again in 2 days for another weight check.  When we went back Celeste had gained a little, but not very much.  So we scheduled another weight check in a week.  

At the 2 week old check up Celeste weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and now we started worrying.  She should have come up to birth weight by now.  She is not even close!  The doctor wants me to go to the lactation consultant for additional help.  (Here comes that dang Humble Train again!)  I was tempted not to even go because I really didn't think they could do much for me.  Kyle talked me into going and I decided to swallow my pride and go for the sake of my daughter.

I met with Manda, an amazing lactation consultant, because I liked her best at the hospital.  She remembered me and was happy to help.  After watching Celeste breastfeed and looking in her mouth Manda decided to send us to physical therapy!

What?!?  I am a speech therapist and I work with swallowing/eating.  What on earth is a physical therapist going to do to help me?  Curse that Humble Train!

I call the PT and make an appointment.  Pat looks at Celeste's mouth and tongue then tells me all the reasons why Celeste isn't eating.  She gives me some "exercises and stretches" to do to improve her oral motor movement.  I feel a little guilty for not knowing what was wrong and what to do.  I have worked with kids, never new borns, but still!  I am grateful for someone who can help Celeste.  Because I am a therapist I know how important these suggestions are and I start doing them immediately.

After 10 days of doing these therapy exercises, meeting with lactation a few more times, meeting with the physical therapist again, lots of Lanolin, lots of pumping, and worrying we go in for another weight check.  Celeste weighs 7 lbs and 10.8 oz.  We haven't made it back to birth weight, but we have made steady gains.

Manda tells me we are going in the right direction and feels like we are out of the woods so to speak.  Pat is amazed at how much progress Celeste has made.  She no longer thinks Celeste needs therapy.  I am feeling really confident about how things are going.  I am enjoying nursing again because let's be honest when your worried about your baby gaining weight nursing isn't fun.  I am feeling like a normal person again.  Celeste is sleeping more and more each night!

Celeste is now 6 weeks old and my motherly instinct kicks in.  I have a feeling Celeste isn't gaining weight.  We are still in newborn diapers and newborn clothes.  She isn't really all that fussy and she sleeps through the night, but I still felt like something was not going right.  I take her in for a weight check and sure enough we are at 7 lbs 12 oz.  I could have cried right there.  In two weeks we gained one ounce.

The doctor (not Celeste's regular doctor) tells me I have to start formula immediately.  The doctor tells me Celeste is in the 2nd percentile for weight and she is now considered "failure to thrive."  I nearly wanted to cry.  I wanted to cry for my lethargic baby who is sleeping so much because she doesn't have enough energy to stay awake.  I wanted to cry for all the effort I had made.  I wanted to cry for the number of trips on that darn Humble Train.  I wanted to cry because I feel like I have no choice.  I go home disappointed and frustrated with 5 cans of formula samples.

For 2 days I nurse Celeste as much as I can, but she really starts taking to the bottle quickly.  I don't want to starve my baby, but I still can't let this breastfeeding thing go.  I am so bugged!  I talk to my mom and sister.  I shed many tears.  Then I get to thinking about things.  I decide to go back to what we were doing before.  Celeste was gaining weight when I was pumping.  It was slow, but still gaining.  I make a decision that I as much as I hate pumping I will pump!  I also decide to pump and whatever I do pump I will feed to Celeste.  I won't have any storage, but I hopefully will have a happy baby.  I am confident this will work.

I do this for 6 days.  I call to schedule a weight check with her regular doctor.  I am a little nervous, but I feel like what we are doing is working.  I nearly jumped up and down for joy when the scale reads 8 lbs. 1 oz!  We have gained 5 ounces in 6 days!

We are on the right track, but I have to keep pumping and feeding her the hind milk for the next two weeks.  We have a lot of weight to gain!

I am not loving this right now because I can't go anywhere.  I am loving a happy healthy baby.  I hope the weight gain continues and I hope I don't have to ride the Humble Train again for a while.

The Two Lucille's

Two weeks before I had Celeste my Grandma fell down the stairs.  She wasn't seriously injured, but the fall really took a toll on her health.  I was really worried about her recovery. My Grandma is the only grandparent I had any type of relationship with.  She is one the of the nicest and most forgiving people I know. 

My Grandma's middle name is Lucille and we really were considering using the name Lucille for Celeste.  When Celeste was born we decided to use Lucille as her middle name.  My Grandma was tickled when she saw pictures of her great granddaughter who would share her name.  

By the first week in June my Grandma's health was not improving.  I was really worried my daughter would never meet her namesake.  We made a rush trip to Utah to see my Grandma.  

Luckily, the few days we were down my Grandma had the best two days she had in more than a month.  She had the strength to hold Celeste.  She couldn't hold her for very long because she is still so weak.  My Grandma is also  in a lot of pain and sleeps a lot.  I really hope she can recover soon.   We are planning Celeste's baby blessing in a few weeks and I would really like my Grandma to come.

A Model A

Kyle's boss from work recently finished restoring a 1930 Model A.  It took him more than 12 years to restore this car from pieces of scrap. He is really proud of his Model A and enjoys driving it around.  He offered Kyle to take Grant and a friend for a ride.  Grant picked his friend and neighbor Elleigh to go for a ride with him. 

The day of the ride either one of them could hardly contain their excitement.  They had a great time on their ride around the neighborhood.  I thought it was cute when Elleigh asked where the seat belts were. She was very worried about getting hurt.  They couldn't believe cars didn't used to have seat belts. 

The Sleeping Night

The Sleeping Night by Barbara Samuel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I usually don't care for romance novels, but this one was pretty good.  The book is based during the 1940's just after World War II.  The troops are just coming home when the story begins.

The author does a great job telling the characters' past and present at the same time.  Each chapter starts with letters from the two main characters, Angel and Isaiah.  I enjoyed the two main characters, Angel and Isaiah a lot, because the author made them so interesting.  You learn a lot about their personality and character quickly because of the letters and also the "current" events in the novel.  I think it is a unique way of writing and I enjoyed it.

The story is of an atypical love story between a white woman and a black man during a time when such a thing was completely outrageous.  The two love birds have to keep their affections and friendship a secret otherwise they could be killed.

There is no swearing.  A short sex scene towards the end of the book.  Otherwise the book is clean.  I noticed quite a few typos and grammatical errors.  I don't know if it is because I was reading the ebook version or not.  It was annoying.  Otherwise,  a great book.


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Sweet As Cherry Pie

I am not sure why, but this is one of my favorite outfits.  It was a handy-me-down from Evelyn.  I don't remember Evy really wearing it, but I love Celeste in it.  I usually have her wear a green headband and bracelet.  I think part of the reason I like it is because it is not pink or purple.  She is hungry in this picture which is why she is crying.  

In Quiet Desperation

In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-Gender Attraction by Fred Matis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

  I am really tired of all the gay right crap!  Yet I can't stop thinking and talking about it.  I have heard a variety of reasons why people are "gay."  I have never really been comfortable with any of them.  I found all the reasons to sound a little pathetic, to be honest.  I am very much a heterosexual and personally could not possibly understand how anyone could be otherwise.  I picked up this book to gain further understanding about people who are attracted to the same sex.

This book definitely served it's purpose.  Fred and Marilyn Matis did an excellent job explaining how they, as parents of a child who struggled with same-gender attraction, coped with all of the personal "baggage."  I would do anything to meet these parents because they sound like they truly understand Christ-like love.

The second half of the book is written by Ty and WOW!  I am amazed at the inner peace this young 26 year old has.  He goes through numerous details of how he awful and depressed he felt, even as a young man, when he realized he wasn't like his peers.  Ty shares a number of very personal experience that nearly break your heart to think anyone would feel that awful about himself.  I felt so bad for this young man that I wept with him.  I couldn't imagine how he must have felt.

I am so grateful I read this book.  I now have a better understanding of people who struggle with same-gender attraction.  I realize people have their own opinions, but after reading this book I feel I can be more understanding to people who struggle with same-gender attraction.  I will never support gay marriage.  I still believe marriage should be between man and woman.  I do, however,  have a better understanding of how "gay" people must feel.

In addition to understanding for same-gender attraction I have also increased my understanding of personal worth.  I was deeply touched by the authors' beliefs that we are all children of God and he loves us.  I have believed this since I was a little child, but this book has strengthened that knowledge in a way I can't explain.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone.  It is very insightful.


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Daddy's Little Girl

A little girl stole her Daddy's heart!

(Kyle didn't even knew I took this picture until he saw me editing photos the other day.  These two were OUT!)

Froggy The Friend

Grant recently learned how to pump on the swing and he loves it!  He is so proud of himself.  One day he took his pet frog out on the swings and tried to teach him how to swing.  He kept telling Froggy to put his legs "straight" and "back."  I thought it was so sweet.  

After I had Celeste it broke my heart that I wasn't able to spend as much time as I wanted to with Grant.  It took some time to get adjusted to having two children.  Oh, wait I am still adjusting to having to share my time and attention.

More Than A Doctor

In February of 2011 I had a miscarriage.  I was so devastated, like so many other woman.  I had tried to get pregnant for about 6 months prior to that and the loss was heart breaking.  The same week I miscarried Kyle got offered a job in Boise, Idaho.  To make a long story short we moved to Boise in June 2011.

I loved Dr. Gary Fowers in Logan.  I told him we were moving and in between sobs I tried to convince him to move with us.  It didn't work.

I was very nervous about finding a new OB/GYN and I did a lot of shopping around.  A friend of mine referred me to Dr. Kerry Lowder.  She had seen him for a few months during her first pregnancy before switching for insurance reasons.   I felt good about Dr. Lowder and decided to give him a try. 

I liked him from the moment I met him.  We just clicked!  He is kind of goofy and says the dumbest things sometimes, but so do I and it works.  For almost a year I met with him on a monthly basis, if not more than that as he helped me get pregnant with Celeste.  We did a long list of fertility treatments before I finally got pregnant.  Then I continued to see him through the whole pregnancy.  I know more about him than I do a lot of other people I would call friends.

I could make a long list of the wonderful things he has done for me.  The little random acts of kindness that most doctors don't do for their patients.  I have a very special place in my heart for this man.  He is almost like a dad to me.  Kyle and other people think I have an odd relationship with Dr. Lowder, but after going through so much it is hard not to.  I have cried multiple times in this man's office.  I have shared the most personal experiences.  I have asked the most embarrassing questions.  I have trusted this man with my health and future children.  To me it isn't a mystery why Dr. Lowder has such a special place in my heart.

After I had Celeste I really wanted a picture of Dr. Lowder.  I think he was kind of shocked when I asked him to pose for this picture, but I am glad I did.  I have another one of him smiling at Celeste.  It is a little blurry, but it is very sweet.  I am so glad I got this shot.  This picture means a lot to me.

1 Month

June 1, 2013

Celeste at one month old!

She is sleeping for about 5 hours at once during the night.  Thank goodness!  She is eating all of the time, but is still 2 ounces shy of birth weight (7 lbs 11 ounces).  We have done physical therapy/swallowing therapy.  We are still meeting with lactation as well.

If you would like my professional description of her feeding problem here you go.

Celeste suffers from decrease lingual movement and coordination.  She also has poor labial seal which decreases her ability to draw milk.  This inability to draw milk from the breast has resulted in poor weight gain and growth.  

From a mother's point of view.

My baby is frustrated whenever I try  to breast feed her.  She won't latch on and won't eat for very long.  She is crabby during the day and won't sleep unless someone is holding her every minute.  By night time she is so distraught we both end up in tears due to frustration.  

I have loved breastfeeding and enjoy our time together.  However, I would love it even more if my baby was happy and gaining weight!

Homemade Pizza

Grant has just recently learned to like pizza.  Strange kid, who doesn't like pizza?   When Uncle Lee came to visit we made pizzas one night.  My favorite pizza is BBQ chicken pizza!  I like BBQ sauce, chicken and cilantro.  Yummy!  We also made a traditional pizza.  Grant thought it was fun to make our own pizza.  

Uncle Lee Comes to Town

Lee was able to fly up from Arizona and stay with us for about a week.  He was Grant's little buddy the whole time!  They did a number of things together including going out to lunch and to the jump house. Grant thought he had died and gone to heaven.  

One day they went shopping and found this Hulk mask. We have looked all over for this mask and can't find it.  Grant loves to "dress up" and play Avengers/super heroes.  I say "dress up" because it usually just means pack swords and shields around.  

Lee was a big help in the kitchen!  He cooked us gourmet meals every night.  His pulled pork sandwiches and chicken tortilla soup were my two favorites.  Lee was also great company!  I was grateful to have another adult in the house to visit with.  I only wished I hadn't been so tired.  I would've liked to visit more instead of taking a nap every afternoon.  Oh well!  

Thanks Lee!

New House

We moved in back in March, but I kept forgetting to take a picture of our new house!  

2 Weeks

Celeste was official 2 weeks old on May 15th.  She has managed to steal everyone's heart including her brother's and her daddy's. She is still not to back to birth weight.  We have gone to lactation for assistance and have also started seeing a physical therapist who helps infants with sucking and swallowing.  Ironic that I have a baby who needs swallowing therapy, but I have learned a ton.  I am very grateful for the help we have received so far.  My sweet girl is much happier with a full tummy!

Thanks Sierra

Thanks again Aunt "Zeba!"

Brother & Sister

I  think these two are about the cutest kids on the face of the other.  I can't begin to explain how much I love them both.

The Little Sister

It took almost 4 hours to take these shots.  I was as tired as Celeste when we got done.  I probably should have taken a nap, but I just couldn't get enough of this cutie pie.

The Big Brother

My sweet sister-in-law came up to Boise for one day just to take pictures of my kids.  I will be forever grateful for these cute pictures.

Celeste was being a little bit of a pill and wasn't cooperative at first.  I am actually really glad because Sierra was able to get some darling pictures of Grant.  She did a great job catching his personality.  Here are a couple of my favorites!

Kid Comparison

Grant has looked like a Maybury boy from the moment he was born.  At times you can see a slight resemblance to me, but he still looks like his dad.

Celeste looks a little like her brother, but definitely has her own look.  She is certainly more feminine looking and quite a bit smaller.  I think they have similar noses and mouths.  Grant has a bigger forehead and Celeste has a pointer chin.  They both have bright blue eyes!  

I love these two little cuties!

My Little Man of The House

I love how events in your life change your perspective on things.  For example, Grant has seemed big to me for a while as he should because he is 5 years old.  But, with a brand new baby he seems REALLY big and VERY mature.  I almost feel like he is a little man.

In the last few weeks he has learned how to ride a bike without peddles, although he could crawl faster.  He won't go over bumps of any kind and won't learn how to brake using the brakes.  He has to jump off the bike to stop.  We have some work to do this summer.

Grant has also learned how to pump on the swing.  He needs a little help to get started, but once he is going he can keep himself going.

He has started to learn how to read.  We are working a few minutes every day on Bob books or on a website my mom recommended.

The other day he made his own peanut butter and honey sandwich.  It was a very delicious sandwich because he used about 1/4 of a cup of honey.  The bread was beginning to crystalize it was so saturated.

I am proud of my big boy!  I love him to pieces.  He has such a sweet personality.  I wouldn't change him for the world.

Winnie's War

Winnie's War by Jenny Moss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book!  I would actually give it 3.5 stars.  It is a nice short story with an interesting plot.

The author basis the story from true events in the early 1900's when the Spanish flu hit major cities in the United States.

Winnie is a young girl, who lives with her parents, sisters and a mean grandmother, with determination and a heart of gold.  Winnie and her grandmother don't seem to get along very well and Winnie often feels picked on.

As the flu starts to spread through Winnie's small town she begins to worry about what will happen to her friends and family.  I won't spoil the story, but Winnie's strength of character is stalwart as she faces her most awful fears.

No sex and no swearing.


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