New Goals

If you remember, a while back when I was still pregnant, I posted my goals for the summer. Well since the birth of Mylie, my personal goals have changed immensely! They are goals for each and every day now.

1. Shower
2. Get ready for the day
3. Make my bed
4. Eat breakfast before noon

Okay kind of funny, but so true! I do have a couple other "real" goals as well...but let's face it, will I ever really complete a "real" goal for me again? Oh the joys of motherhood! (Actually I LOVE being a mother so much!)

Waking Up

We realize that the majority of you will find these videos quite boring, but family...eat it up!

Mylie with Grandma Eileen

Mylie is Growing!

We took a fun family vacation with Richie's family to the Colorado River. We stayed in Richie's sister's in-laws beautiful home that sat right on the river. We got to go boating, tubing, wake surfing, and more! Here is a picture from the backyard that looks over the lake. Spectacular!












Mylie is sure growing quickly! She's still so adorable!






































She LOVES bath time!



































She looks so small in her carseat.

Mylie's Many Faces

Our blog is turning into something Richie never wanted to happen--a blog all about our kid! This post is dedicated to my mom, who keeps begging for more pics. Enjoy Mom!


Mommy loves her baby!












Burping=Happy Baby













Mylie loves sleeping on her side









Sweet Face!









Aaah, the swing!















Mylie only smiles in her sleep!












Oooooo!















It's so tough being a baby sometimes!

Giving Birth

I've had a few requests to tell about our birthing experience! Well it was quite the ordeal but we've all come out just fine!
Monday night, the 14th about 11:45 I began to feel REAL contractions! We arrived at the hospital a little after 1:00 am and I sat in triage room for almost 2 hours while they monitored my contractions and Mylie's heart. Contractions were horribly painful! Finally they admitted me and asked if I wanted an epidural. Of course I said, "YES! As soon as possible!" It was wonderful once the epidural kicked in. I still had a little window of pain in my stomach, but it was bearable. However, the epidural stopped working and my pain was even worse! I was doing something I thought I would never do...crying uncontrollably, moaning, and groaning! I personally think the pain from contractions is worse than the pain from breaking a bone. So my anesthesiologist gave me a new epidural. After 30 more minutes of enduring the pain, I realized this epidural was not going to work either. When everyone was out of the room, Richie gave me a blessing. Then in came the anesthesiologist to give me a third epidural. Miraculously this one took effect immediately. I was incredibly grateful!
At 7:30 am Doctor Chen came in. I loved this doctor! He wasn't my doctor, but I liked him better than mine, and I felt so comfortable with him. He broke my water, then my nurse gave me some Pitocin to induce my labor (I wasn't dilating very well!)
By noon I was dilated to an 8, and my nurse didn't even check me again until 4:15 pm! Richie and my mom were not happy with her, but didn't show it. I was then dilated to a 10 and fully effaced, ready to push! I pushed and pushed for THREE hours. I was so thirsty and exhausted. During the three hours, my blood pressure went up, and Mylie's heart rate went from 160 and worked it's way up to almost 200 bpm. It was really scary. Finally Dr. Chen came back. He called for a double team of nurses from NICU for when Mylie would be born. He said, "Well looks like you've been pushing for just under 2 hours." Wrong! Either the nurse had confused the time or she lied to him to save her hiney because of Mylie's and my condition. Dr. Chen said I had 2 options: 1. Try the vacuum or 2. Get a c-section. I opted for choice one, and within 4 pushes and a 4th degree tear, Mylie finally entered our world! She was born Tuesday, July 15 at 7:34 pm. LONG day, but it was the most joyous feeling and honestly I felt this immediate and immense love for our little girl.
It was immediately discovered that Mylie's heart was wacky. Fast, slow, skipping beats, totally irregular. They let me hold her for a few seconds then rushed her off to NICU. Richie was able to go with them. Then they noticed between gasps and coughs that she was also having a problem with her respiratory system. When they reached NICU and the nurses were working on her, Richie slipped his finger in her little hand and she held on to it the whole time. Richie fought his tears really hard. The nurses told him he could talk to her--perhaps she would recognize his voice. But he couldn't do it because he knew he'd burst into tears and be very embarrassed. However he did feel a special connection with Mylie right away.




Later that day when Richie and I visited Mylie, he gave her a blessing. Soon enough her heartbeat was regular and her respiratory system seemed to be normal too. What a blessing! She was still on antibiotics in case she had some type of infection. Forty-eight hours after the culture, we discovered it was negative.
There was a good chance that Mylie was going to stay in the hospital and we'd have to go home without her. The Lord heard our prayers though. We had a very great desire to bring her home with us and were very worried that we wouldn't be able to. Late Friday afternoon, all three of us, as a family, FINALLY got to go home.




Through this rough experience, my faith was immensely strengthened. I am incredibly grateful for the priesthood and the power of prayer. I am grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord and his watchful care over us. I am so blessed to have a husband who is worthy, who holds the priesthood and can bless his family with it, and who loves so deeply and unconditionally.



Look how she's grown!

Our Mylie

We love our little girl so much!

She's Here!

Well, it wasn't easy but she made it. I'll let Angie post all the details later but we're excited to finally have Mylie Joleen Whitaker! She's 7 pounds 1 ounce and 19 1/2 inches. Here she is:

Feelings

My due date is today. All I can say is I am still looking like this...minus the smile.

Need I even express how I feel? I think many of you may understand. My baby countdown is going to go into negative numbers tomorrow...aargh!

Beeeeeeautiful!

Tucsonians look forward to monsoon season all year long! The storms have come a little early this year and it is wonderful! One night I swear it stormed all night long. It seemed that every time I woke up to tinkle, it was raining! I love the sound of those big drops of water beating on the warm earth. I love it as it taps gently at my window. I looked out the window each time I woke and thought that the water was very possibly going to start leaking through my door crack! Luckily not, but in the morning, what a glorious sight to take in! I went on a morning walk around the apartment complex and marveled at the beauty of the desert after her long awaited drink. To many it may not seem that wonderful, but after living here a while, the "greens" have actually begun to look green to me! I now see several of the shades. And oh the smell of the desert after a monsoon...! Behold, the desert! (Okay so our apartment complex may cheat a little, but still!)

Oh, it's Normal

Don't worry, anything on this list (or more) that you experience during pregnancy is completely normal!

Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Pelvic pressure
Weight gain
Waddling
Super sensitive sense of smell
Bleeding gums
Carpal tunnel
Clumsiness
Constipation
Dizziness and fainting
Excessive salivation
Cravings
Fatigue
Forgetfulnes
Frequent urination
Gas and bloating
Hair and nail changes
Headaches
Heartburn
Hemorrhoids
Itchy skin
Leg cramps
Lower back pain
Nosebleeds
Cramped insides
Kicked in the ribs
Round ligament pain
Shortness of breath
Skin darkening
Stuffy nose
Swollen extremities
Sleepless nights
Varicose veins
Vision changes
Foot growth
Development or growth of moles
Braxton-Hicks contracions
Pre-eclampsia
Diabetes
Anemia
Postpartum depression

Well it's a good thing we don't have to experience ALL of those things. Count all that have applied to you! Let me know how many of these pregnancy symptoms you experienced! My count is 27! I'm sure there are many more that I didn't really want to add to this list...self-explanatory.

Top 10 Most Boring Updates in the History of the World Ever

1. I am not dilated at all. Aargh.
2. I am 50% effaced. Better!
3. My doctor will be out of town on my due date and after. Rude!
4. Richie's sliced finger from a can of Spaghettio's is practically healed.
5. We qualify for a little moola in Food Stamps. Awesome!
6. Richie has not beat Zelda or Super Mario Galaxy yet. Ha ha!
7. We qualify for Medicaid. Woo hoo!
8. I beat Richie in Yahtzee the majority of the time. Sweet.
9. Tucson is really, really, really hot. For real.
10. We are naming our baby Mylie Joleen. Awww!

Project Nursery

Well I have finished a few of my projects. The dresser turned out cute but I'm still deciding whether or not to add some black designs on the drawers. I made the boxes with flowers and the frames on the walls to match the crib bedding. I had a friend Devin paint me the adorable pictures on the frames. Check 'em out!



























Here are a few shots of the bedroom in it's almost complete edition. When my mom comes out, she is going to make some matching curtains. (How I wish I could sew!) My friend's mother is going to give me an adorable vinyl sticker to put on my wall as well...(she sells the cutest vinyl lettering and designs I have EVER seen!) http://www.uppercaseliving.com
Then it will be complete. So fun!

Some Summer Goals

Angie
Paint the baby's dresser
Learn to make bows
Make a baby book
Keep the house clean
Finish the nursery
Write thank you cards
Read some books

Richie
Beat Zelda on Nintendo Wii
Beat Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii
Watch old BYU football games

God Be With You Kolby, Till We Meet Again

Do You Remember?

I remember the day you told me you were going to have a baby. The joy in your voice was so contagious! I was so excited to have my first little niece or nephew!
I remember how sick you felt, but it didn’t matter! You were fulfilling a dream! Having a baby and being a mommy.
I remember your tummy growing rounder and rounder, a little baby growing right inside you!
I remember the day you found out your baby was going to be a little boy. I secretly cried in my heart for happiness!
I remember you placing my hand on your stomach so I could feel the little fellow moving all around. You loved that part, I remember.
I remember your shower, how we all squished in my little apartment and showered you with gifts in anticipation of your new arrival!

I remember when you had early contractions and I got to take you to the hospital. I knew he needed more time for development, but I really wanted him to be born right then! It’s a good thing he waited until he was ready.
I remember your scheduled day of c-section. I couldn’t describe how ecstatic I was to see the newest member of our family!
I remember rushing to the hospital on little Kolby’s arrival. I couldn’t wait to see him and hold him.
I remember walking into your hospital room. You had the biggest smile on your face! Your joy radiated and lit up the entire place!

I remember holding Kolby for the first time and almost crying.
I remember you trying to breast feed Kolby. It was so hard for you, but you knew it was the best thing you could do for him, so you struggled through it!
I remember how much pain you were in from the c-section. But in your eyes, it was worth the pain to bring Kolby into the world and give him life!

I remember watching you care for Kolby and was so impressed with what a natural nurturer you were.
I remember when Kolby got really sick and had to spend a few days in the hospital. We were all so frightened, but I tried to act like everything was going to be okay. You were always there for him.
I remember having to go teach everyday, but wishing that I could baby-sit Kolby instead!

I remember how hard it was for you to attend church without your husband, but you took your little boy anyway, you knew it was right.
I remember how I just wanted to cuddle Kolby all throughout church! But when he started crying I could just give him to you, and you had the magic touch.
I remember Kolby’s blessing day. All our relatives showed up and we were all so proud to show off your little boy.
I remember Kolby’s adorable chubby cheeks. I just wanted to kiss them all the time!
I remember seeing Kolby smile for the first time. I couldn’t stop giggling!
I remember when I had to move away from Utah and you guys. I was so sad to have to leave my sister and only blood nephew behind!
I remember when your family drove to Arizona to visit us. I couldn’t wait to see Kolby!
I remember how Kolby had such a pleasant personality, and only cried when he was hungry, poopy, or tired.
I remember how you would roll around on the floor and Kolby would copy and roll right along with you!
I remember being so excited to see him crawl and lift himself up. He was quite the mover!

I remember Kolby’s giggle. You just wanted to keep making him laugh because it filled your own soul with glee.
I remember talking to you on the phone and asking you to have Kolby “talk” to me. I loved all the little noises he would make!
I remember you telling me that it was the most wonderful thing in the world to have a baby and be a mommy.
I remember thinking that you were the best mom.

I remember everyone telling me what a good little mom you were too.
I remember when you took Kolby to Oklahoma to visit and made him the cutest crib bedding!

I remember when your family moved to Oklahoma with Mom and Dad after Bryon’s factory blew up—everyone was so excited to have little Kolby living there!
I remember visiting Oklahoma for Christmas, and one of the things I was most excited for was to see Kolby!


I remember how Kolby was learning to walk. All he ever wanted to do was hold onto somebody’s fingers and walk, walk, walk! We had to take turns.
I remember that one of Kolby’s first words was “hot!” We’d all say “hot!” to him, trying to get him to talk to us.
I remember putting Kolby in the middle of the round table at Mom and Dad’s house, with all of us sitting around him fighting for his attention.
I remember everyone hitting the table with their hands and Kolby smiling, turning ‘round and ‘round to see everyone doing the same thing.
I remember using that same table, putting Kolby on his tummy, holding onto his feet and sliding him back and forth across the slippery surface. Boy did he love that!
I remember when Kolby finally got his first “walker.” Right when you set it up, he knew what to do with it! He walked and walked all around the house! It took him a while to figure out how to actually guide the thing! We would all just sit around watching, giggling, giggling, and giggling!
I remember how much Kolby loved to be read too. That was one way to get him to sit still on your lap and cuddle up!

I remember how Bryon would be lying down on the ground, and Kolby would run over and wrestle with him!
I remember the day we went to get family pictures. Kolby was the little prince. We each wanted an individual picture with him! He was our pride and joy!

I remember Kolby’s first birthday! You planned it a little early so we could all be there to celebrate his life!
I remember you putting the cake in front of Kolby and letting him dig in! At first, he didn’t know what to do! But then he sure had fun getting his hands in the sticky frosting!

I remember that whenever you were in the room, Kolby only wanted you. He was quite the Mama’s boy.
I remember how sweet I thought it was how he would lie his little head on your shoulder and pat your back!

I remember the dreadful phone call I got about Kolby’s accident. I cried and cried.
I remember wishing I could suck all the pain out of you and the family and put it in myself.
I remember praying and praying for a miracle, but letting Heavenly Father know that I knew it was His will, not ours.
I remember having great hope that Kolby would make it.
I remember the second phone call that Kolby had passed away. My heart bled and bled and I just wanted to be there to hold and hug you and help you know everything would be okay.

I know the pain seems unbearable and is unbearable right now. Only time can heal, but Kolby will remain in our minds and hearts in spirit forever. And I know without a doubt, that we will all see him again. I know that he had a wonderful life on earth with a loving and caring family, but also that he is now in a far better place than we could ever imagine! He has our own family members and ancestors with him, so happy that he is back with them! He will surely watch over his Mommy, Daddy, and big brother, and look forward to the day when they join him in the eternities. Until then, he’ll do the work he was meant to do, and take joy in watching his family choose the right and grow in their testimonies, so that he can be with them again, united as a family, for all eternity.