A year in time makes nine???

You know that old saying; "A stitch in time saves nine...."? It doesn't work with years! Our first born son will turn nine tomorrow, and yet there are days when it really feels like only one, small, quick and unreal year has gone by.

When John and I got married, we were going to wait for a year or two before having children. Then, the month after we were married, I had this overwhelming feeling that we were supposed to start our family right away. Honestly, it did not take as much convincing as I expected for my husband. The month after that, I took a test one day at work...and it was positive! I remember calling my mom and Jay, who were pretty excited for grandchild #1 and John calling his mom who was thrilled at the thought of grandchild number 17. My dad and Rhonda were pretty excited, too. And of course my grandparents were very excited too! I was pretty sure that everything was perfect and would go perfect for the entire pregnancy...
At about 14 weeks into my pregnancy, not long after seeing my awesome OB/GYN, Ken Larsen (who I had nannied for prior to being married) for the first time, everything changed. I stood up at work and felt a weird gush, like I had just wet myself. Only it wasn't that I had wet myself, but that I was bleeding, A LOT! Good thing my best friend, Sarah K. worked with me because John was out of town (that's a story for another year) and my family was two states away in CA. So, Sarah K. took control and got me to Ken's office where he checked everything out. He showed me my perfect little baby with his very strong beating heart on the ultrasound machine...I was so glad to hear him say "the baby's fine, he is perfectly fine." Ken then told me that my cervix was incompetent and would have to be sewn closed if my baby was to stay where he obviously needed to be for awhile. My mom came out a week later and stayed with me while I was stuck on bed rest, cooking and cleaning and being mommy to me.
Fast forward 6 months and I was at the hospital, in labor, wishing that this sweet little boy would enter this world sooner rather than later! I had woken up in labor on March 14 at about 6 a.m. and had gone to work at the State of Utah. Since I had been to the hospital two times before, only to have my contractions stop, I was determined not to return until it was absolutely necessary! I made it through work until about 4 p.m., when I just couldn't do it anymore. I went home, called John and ordered pizza. Sarah K. and her then boyfriend (now husband) came over. I remember David made me the best ever grilled cheese sandwich! Then, at about 1 a.m. I was going to go to bed. I had two contractions in the first 5 minutes of laying in bed and John said we were going to the hospital no matter how I felt. Off we went...I was checked in and about an hour later I asked for the epidural...I was done with pain! Ken checked on me early, around 7:30 a.m. and he broke my water and placed a monitor on Connor's head. I remember him telling us that Connor had dark, curly hair...how could he know that? There, in that bed, I stayed all day long. At 5 p.m., I was finally completely dilated...but the baby wasn't really staying down where he should have been...we were both getting tired...Ken said I could try pushing but if the baby didn't move down by at least 1 cm, I was going to have a cesarean section. I could not make my baby budge! I was tired, I had a fever, I was ready for the baby to come out...I did not care how it happened at that moment! I barely remember having the doctor show me my little boy...the nurse asked me shortly after if I wanted to hold him and feed him...I said yes...my recovery nurse said that it was probably not going to happen...then I remember being wheeled into my room to see Sarah K. holding my baby....I slept that night, for the last full night in many months to come! The next morning, I held my baby for the first time...he did have brown, curly hair...he was beautiful...8 lbs. 3 oz. and 21.5 inches...clearly his height comes from his daddy, even today....he was perfect in every way!!! And to think, I could have lost him before I knew him....I have always been, and will always be, thankful to Ken for all that he did to save my baby, and for delivering my perfect little boy!
Today Connor is still quite tall...he will pass up my mom, grandma and me, probably within just a couple of years. He is still pretty near perfect...still beautiful...and darn it, he is still my baby! Connor amazes us each day with his knowledge, his love and his sweet, sweet spirit. He has a great love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and lives up to the promises he made when he was baptized last year. Connor James Ireland...he is amazing...he is awesome...he is a great big brother...he is a great son...and he is loved!!!! From before he was born, he has been loved more than life itself...and forever he will be!
Happy birthday, Connor Boo! We love you!!!

Our baby is turning 3!!!

I cannot believe how time flies! Just 3 short years ago we were welcoming our baby, Korbin, into our family. He was supposed to come on January 31, 2006, via a planned c-section, but there were a couple of emergencies and surgeries taking longer than planned that day. So, we were moved back to Wednesday, February 1, 2006. Just after noon, Korbin was born, via c-section, and almost immediately I knew that there was a problem. They quickly showed me his face and whisked him away, out of the room. I didn't hear his weight or his cry...not like the others before him. Then, there was Dr. Anderson, talking to Dr. Wolff, about getting my bleeding stopped. John left to be with Korbin and the rest of our family and finally my bleeding was stopped and I was sent to recovery. Not long after, my mom came into the recovery room. That is when the reality of something being wrong really hit, and I knew it was going to be bad. She told me that Korbin was having breathing problems and that Dr. Killfoil was there and planning on staying all day. I asked her to send John in because I knew that we needed to call someone to come and give our baby a Priesthood blessing. And as I waited for my husband, I cried. Never before had I felt such pain in my heart, the thought of my beautiful little boy hurting made me hurt more. We called for two members of our Church ward to come and give Korbin a blessing. They dropped everything to come and administer a blessing to Korbin and to me. Korbin very quickly recovered and Dr. Killfoil said that Korbin was doing well, so he was going to go home for some dinner but was only a phone call away. Within a few minutes, one of the nurses called the doctor back because Korbin had had a seizure. It was then that we knew Korbin would have to be flown to San Francisco to the NICU. I spent several hours in the nursery holding my heavily medicated baby that night, weeping when he was taken from me for transfer to the NICU. The next day John and I headed to UCSF to be with our baby. We spent a week there, with Korbin not having another seizure after February 2, 2006. When we were told we could take him home, one week after he was born, I cried again! This time I cried happy tears...my baby was healthy and we could take him home to join his brothers. What a blessing for our family!
Today, three years later, I am even more grateful that Korbin is a part of our family. One would never know by looking at him, that he spent his first week in the NICU. He is healthy, happy and continuously busy! He is a necessary part of this family...we would not be whole without him. He brings joy to our hearts and home. His smile lights up any room in seconds...and his mind and body are quick and whole. What a blessing we have been given!
Happy birthday my "Bubbie," we love you today and always!!!!

My Mimi

So I know I already posted today, but I have been wanting to do this post for more than a week. I just wanted everyone to know how great I think my grandma (Mimi) is. I have realized in the last few weeks and months, just how strong she is. My grandpa was 10 years her senior, and I am sure that in the back of her mind, she always knew that he would likely leave this earth before her. I am sure that somewhere, sometime, she realized that she would spend some time taking care of him, and I know that she made that commitment without reservation. She is truly one of the greatest examples of pure and unconditional love I have ever known and I am eternally grateful to have been sent to this family! John and I were married on my grandparent's 44th wedding anniversary. I asked John if we could choose that day because I sincerely admired the example of love and faithfulness I had seen in their marriage over the years. I only hope that I can be even half as successful in my own life as Mimi has been. My grandmother has sacrificed much over the past few months as she has cared for her lifetime companion, though I don't know that she would ever call it a sacrifice as much as she would call it love. I have been truly amazed by her strength and poise as she has said good-bye to her husband, and by her complete and total love for him. I have seen the twinkle in her eyes when we have talked about the wonderful memories of her true love and I have watched her gracefully cry her tears of grief. My Mimi truly amazes me! I hope that I can one day be even half as strong as she is, for then I will be truly blessed!

A Day of Historical Importance

What a wonderful day in the history of the United States! I will openly admit that I did not cast my vote for our new President, but that does not in any way negate the fact that he is our country's Commander in Chief. It also does not change the fact that today is a historical day for our country. Whether or not President Obama was my personal choice, I have the opportunity to witness the first African-American President take office and lead our great nation.
I was not able to watch the Inauguration this morning because I had to work, but I did record it (how wonderful is DVR?) to watch it tonight. Connor watched it at my parent's house (he was home from school sick today) and Aidan was able to watch it at school. How wonderful that we live in this age of technology that allows each of us to witness today's events if we so desire.
So as I was driving to work this morning, I began to think about how much of history I have witness in my short life. I mean, I am almost 36, (which, by the way, I do not consider old) and I have lived in a democratic country my entire life! During my reflection, I was reminded that we each have a different view of history and we each have our very own history. For me, my own history includes events such as my wedding, the birth of each of my children, and my graduation from HSU among many other events. Of course I also remember events such as the space shuttle "Challenger" exploding and the Twin Towers being blown up on September 11, 2001. Some historical events are joyous and some not so much. Nonetheless, each of these events help to form us, as individuals, as families, as towns, cities, counties, states and countries, and these events help to form us as a society as a whole.
As I took this time to reflect today, I was again reminded of just how grateful I truly am to live in this great land of freedom! I am able to vote for the candidate that I want to vote for, without the fear of persecution or physical harm, I am able to voice my opinion without repercussion, and I am able to choose how and where I will worship without fear of having to hide or flee because of that choice. How truly blessed I am! I have a rich history, both my own personal history and that of the world around me.
I AM TRULY GRATEFUL TO HAVE BEEN A WITNESS TO HISTORY TODAY!

A Sad Day For Our Family

Today is a sad day for us. My grandpa passed away this morning. We have lost a wonderful man, the patriarch of our family, our greatest supporter and probably the best husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa ever!
My grandparents have been married for 53 years! John and I were married on their anniversary, almost 10 years ago. They had 3 beautiful children, one of them is my mom. They have two granddaughters, one is me. They have 3 great-grandsons, they are my boys. It is hard to believe that Papa won't be coming home anymore. We all love him very much and we will miss him dearly!
My grandpa was a great man! I don't think he ever met a person who did not become his friend and I am pretty sure that he never had an enemy! I want to be like him when I grow up. I have many memories of my Papa. We used to watch Gilligan's Island together when I was a kid. I used to go on trips with my grandparents a lot. Papa taught me how to swim. He went to Father/Daughter banquets for Girl Scouts with me. He taught me how to pitch a softball. He loved me and supported me in everything I ever did, even if he didn't agree with it. He loved my Mimi with all his heart, always and forever. He loved each of his children forever and for always, and he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the same way.
I am so very grateful that I had my Papa as part of my life for 35 years and that each of my children met him and were loved by him. I am truly blessed because I had him in my life. There will long be a void where he used to be....one that can not be filled by any other person on earth. I only hope that I made him proud, that he always knew how much I loved and admired him, and that one day I can be like him!

I have awesome kids!!!

I just have to say that I have awesome kids! I have the sweetest, kindest, gentlest, and just the best little boys ever. I am a boys mom. I wouldn't trade any one or all of my boys for one girl. I sometimes wonder why I was blessed by my Heavenly Father to have all boys and how it is that He has deemed me worthy to have these 3 beautiful boys. For you see, I truly am blessed by having boys. I get to see the world through the eyes of 3 different personalities and it gives me much to think about each day. I have one who is the most gentle and kind little boy I have ever known. I have one who is so passionate about learning and living that I am often worn out simply by watching him for a few minutes. And, I have one whose imagination is blooming bigger than I ever thought it could at such a young age.
Since my pregnancy with Korbin, John and I have made a "list" of sorts. It is a list that we keep, mentally for the most part, of why we are thankful to have boys. One of the top reasons is that I will one day have great daughters in law. So, you see, I will have the blessing of having daughters one day, but right now I am just so thankful to have boys....to hear their stomping feet running through the house, to see their joy in nature, to hear their laughter each day, and to feel their hugs each and every day.
Just for the record: I would never be disappointed if a girl were to come to our family.

An(other) Year in Review

Here it is, the end of the year, yet again!! For weeks I have been thinking that I should be sitting down to update our blog. I mean, really, I haven't been very diligent in updating since our move. And then of course, there is the fact that the end of another year has arrived. Now, if I could just fine more time in my life, I might actually get to everything that I want to do done. So, without further ado...

This year has certainly gone much faster than we wanted it too, and it has brought to our family, many blessings and new experiences. We are truly grateful and abundantly blessed.

We began this year living in Murray, Utah, surrounded by lots of white, powdery COLD snow. We end the year back in Humboldt County, CA surrounded by family, friends, and lots of cold, wet rain. This was not exactly how we thought the end of the year would find us, but we have been reminded yet again that we are not always in control of the whole of the plan!

We returned to Utah after spending last Christmas with Sarah's family, leaving Connor to spend another couple of weeks with his grandparents and great grandparents. He got to fly home alone....how is it that they grow so quickly? John went back to his job at Gold's Gym and Sarah continued staying home, watching the neighbor's kids and making scrapbooks. Life was carrying on.

In April, John was offered a job with a local college in Salt Lake, doing admissions recruiting for their Personal Fitness Trainer program. This gave us a higher income, better benefits, and a pretty normal schedule. Plus, he had the opportunity to take classes at a reduced rate as well. It was during his time with the college that John decided he really wants to complete his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science or a related field and perhaps go on to teach. He is a trainer at heart, and since losing a fair amount of weight, getting in shape and becoming a trainer, he has never looked back. Since moving back to Humboldt County, John has gone to work in the furniture department at Gottschalks and he will return to school in January.
In July, Sarah began working a part time job, only on the weekends, at a Hilton hotel in Midvale, Utah. It was a good way to pay for the student loan payment that was incurred while she finished school in the previous years. And, it provided a little extra for some fun acitivities for the family. Plus, Sarah got to use her Spanish speaking abilities with co-workers on a regular basis. Since coming back home, Sarah has returned to her job with the Humboldt County Social Services Branch as an eligibility worker for Medi-Cal and Food Stamps. It is hard to be at work all day and not at home with the boys, but we are thankful that grandma cares for them and that Sarah was able to go back to her job within just a couple of weeks of our return. Sarah just applied for, and was appointed to a position on the Scotia Unified School District School board. At least that education degree can be used for volunteer work!
Connor is growing like crazy! He is now 8 and in the 3rd grade. Connor had an exciting year in 2008! Turning 8 is pretty special for us being members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka Mormon) because at 8 we are ready for baptism. Connor was so excited for his 8th birthday since he was able to be baptized, his grandma was coming, and of course the presents involved in a birthday. Since we lived in Utah where there are lots more church members, we explained to Connor that he may have to wait until the month after his birthday to be baptized with all of the others turning 8 at the end of February and throughout the month of March. For Connor, the black and white in all aspects of life child that he is, this was seen as a major problem. Thankfully, our neighbor's children asked if they could learn about the Church and be baptized. They were taught in our home by the missionaries, and they decided to be baptized on Connor's birthday and our Bishop said that Connor could be baptized then too. What an awesome experience! Connor is still our very black and white child. He never seems to question what is right or wrong, he really just does good and seldom does anything wrong. Connor is doing well in school, enjoys Math and Science, and is probably going to be taller than his mother by next Christmas.
Aidan had an exicitng year this year, too! Since he was not able to transfer to school in Utah last school year, Aidan got to spend each day at home with his mom and Korbin. Not being in school also meant that Aidan got to come home with grandma for about a month after Connor's birthday. It also meant that Sarah was doing lots of stuff with the two little boys during the day, or trying too. By summer time, Aidan was reading pretty well thanks to Aunt Karen lending us her Hooked on Phonics program. Connor and Aidan went to spend 6 weeks with granparents again this summer and returned to Utah just in time for the new school year to begin. Aidan happily started Kindergarten with a great first year Kindergarten teacher named Ms. Miller. She told us several times that she was afraid she was not challening him enough and we worried that this could be very true. When we came back to visit Humboldt County prior to moving, we enrolled the boys in school at Scotia Elementary. Before doing so, we had Aidan tested to see if we could possibly put him in 1st grade. He passed the test with flying colors and began 1st grade after only having about 8 total weeks of Kindergarten. He is doing very well, and we are so grateful to have him as part of our family. Of course, there will probably come a day when we can no longer help him with his homework, but for now we are doing okay.
Korbin turned 2 and officially became a toddler in February! He is a great joy for us, and we are so glad that he is a part of our family. One would never know by looking at him, that he had such a rough start in life. Korbin has really developed his verbal skills this year and has really started using his imagination more than ever. He recently started to say his own name and somehow learned that he is "2 half" and not just 2.
So, as we have mentioned, we are back in Humboldt County. This year has brought us full circle. We made the decision to come back in October, when we realized how hard, health wise, the previous few months had been on Sarah's grandpa. Perhaps the biggest lesson (or reminder) of the year for us is simply that family is important, family ties cannot easily be untied, and in the end, family must support one another. In the end, we want nothing less than happiness and success for our children. We have really come to believe that for that to happen, we need to be near our family. We are truly grateful for the never ending love and support that we receive from our family and hope and pray that we can give them the same in return.
May all of you be blessed throughout the new year and always!