Alyssa Margaret

Give me shout, I'm Here!!

So your my Dad.

She's here!!  Two days past her due date Annalyn finally delivered a healthy 6 lb 13 oz baby girl.   Her name is Alyssa Margaret, Alyssa so we can now have 2 "A" names, 2 "E" names, and 2 "S" names. Plus Alyssa means rational and we hope she will truly live up to that billing.  Margaret comes from her great great aunt who was a spectacular lady and devoted sister, and one of Annalyn's favorite aunts.  Alyssa certainly comes with her own personality and temperament.

Bring it.

She definitely has already demonstrated differences from her better known siblings.  Some of the differences are first, Alyssa has maintained her own schedule during the last trimester of pregnancy with 11:00 pm and 3:00 am being her most active times.
Even during labor she didn't care to be prodded.  Her heart rate stayed a solid 120 bpm.  Second difference is she seems to be mild mannered and ready to put up with the love her siblings are bound to shower on her.  And speaking of a shower not even a bath got so much as a whimper out of her.  As long as her diaper is clean and her tummy fed life is good.

Labor was as unique as she is.  Throughout the day contractions never became more regular than 10 minutes apart for a couple of hours with a longer break after that.  When we finally gave up trying to jump start them and help them become regular, we went to the hospital to do a stress test on the baby and found out Annalyn was dilated to 6 cm.  The nurse midwife had a busy day with two babies being delivered before us and one right after.  So we simply waited in the labor and delivery room with an occasional contraction.  Even when the time came for Annalyn to push it wasn't a strong urge on her part like the other three have been.

Oh yea, scrub a little more to the left.

With all the differences there are still some similarities.  The most obvious ones are physical.  She has my nose, big feet with long toes like her oldest brother and sister.  She loves to be close to mom and climb into bed with her.  (Well dad helps her with the climbing.)  All in all she fits into our family nicely and we are ecstatic to finally have her here.  The ironic thing is that the day before Annalyn and I started this family a tornado tore through downtown Salt Lake City.  As we consider Alyssa as possibility completing our family strong winds tear up Davis County.  For now we will  simply enjoy being an even family.

  

New Kitchen !!!

There have been a lot of small things in our kitchen that are broken, or have problems, the most major being carpet underneath the dining room table, the worst thing ever !!!     I decided I was not paying to have it cleaned another time. Adding up all the things that we disliked or took issues with, it just made more sense to redo the kitchen altogether rather than try to do it piece-meal.  So we started the process by  fixing the doors.  We had two doors next to each other.  A sealed sliding glass door right next to this one.  This is what it looked like before.  

This is after.  The door that is open is the new door and the door that was showing was to the left of it and is now filled in with brick.  Steve learned masonry for this project and did a pretty good job, and we got lucky in finding brick that matched pretty closely.

This is what the door looked like only partly filled in from the outside and you can see what our kitchen looked like, very messy, still trying to box everything up.

 This angle shows the new doors which have the blinds in between the glass panes so I don't ever have to dust them.  I LOVE THEM.  Next to  them is where the old door was. We had it like that for about a week and a half before we started adding  the rest of the chaos....

..Chaos such as the fridge in the living room.  Ellie kept saying "this is so weird.  I'm making my lunch in the living room... I have to go into the living room to get the milk...."  We had the microwave in the toy room, or table downstairs, and the only working sink upstairs in the bathroom, and we washed dishes in the tub. Everything just took more time than I was used to...

 The boys loved tearing out the carpet and helping to roll up the pad.  It's always fun to work with dad and especially to not have him get upset for destroying something, actually have him help you do it....?

 Ellie liked her project which involved learning to use daddy's drill, in reverse, to take out all the screws holding the doors on.

 Seth and Ethan helping to cut apart the carpet pad and then roll it up.

 Our next fun project was pulling out the hundreds of staples.  They were both so excited to find one and be able to pull it out.

Seth had to work a little harder to get a staple out, but he was sure proud when he did 

After Ellie got all the doors off, she helped carry them all outside.

Cheryl and Brian happened to come up to pick something up, and Brian decided to stay for the demolition, since that's the fun part of construction. Cheryl and I enjoy a nice visit while they ripped things out.  Brian and Ethan pulled out more of the old flooring.

What it looks like just before tearing out all the cabinets.

Steve wanted to add it for posterity.  Me sweeping and 7 months pregnant during this process

The demolition crew.  Steve, Chris (our neighborhood expert that helped immensely !!! Thank You) and Brian who thinks it's fun to tear it all out and just couldn't resist.

 
 Our electrician working his magic adding lots of wires... It's amazing to think how many wires are behind the walls.  It's a good thing he knows what all of them are supposed to go to, because it certainly looks confusing to me.

 The Drywall Man !!!!

 Steve couldn't resist another of me sweeping.... they wouldn't let me do a whole lot, but you can see all the drywall now patched and ready for sanding and then painting.... !!

 Isn't sanding fun.... Steve had a mask over his mouth, but the plaster dust went everywhere else, and I couldn't resist a picture

Ethan and Seth were thrilled to be able to help paint in the new kitchen, so they donned their paint shirts and were thrilled to help prime the walls.

 YEA !!!! The cabinets arrive.

 The beginning of the installation process.

 Yea Steve added the flooring and we have countertops !!!!!  I still have to wait another 4 days to have water in the kitchen, but next comes... appliances.

The finished product !!!  ( The camera made the lights look really yellow, they aren't though)

 The other side, which my huge pantry and a small cabinet and countertop with the phone above it, and my brand new island !!!!!  

I LOVE IT !!!! Thank you Steve for all your hard work and many others who made it possible !!!!!

Happy Birthday MOM & GRANDMA !!!!

Since you're not close to us on your birthday to physically give you a present we thought we'd still try and give you something that we didn't have to mail to you.... LAUGHTER  & SMILES!!!  We found some funny pictures and videos that we thought might make you laugh and smile, so hopefully that would work through the digital long distance world.

ENJOY

This was in September 2009 when we all went to the Living Planet Aquarium.  Steve recorded it, and we found it the other day and just laughed.  It was so funny watching Seth try and get a drink.... not very sanitary, but still funny enjoy.

This  was in November 2009.  They were working together to ride around on the tractor.  Seth's giggle was soooo cute I thought you might enjoy it.

This was July 2009. We were cleaning out and getting our small pool set up.  Seth went and climbed in shoes, clothes, diaper and all and had a blast jumping in the pool and splashing.

This was Hayden on his trip here enjoying his peanut butter and apples.  Although you start to wonder if his stomach enjoyed the peanut butter more or his hands.

Happy Birthday !!!  Enjoy your grandchildren !!!!!

The world of T-Ball

A Little late with this but oh well.  Last summer we entered the world of T-ball.  Ethan was really excited.  They didn't have enough coaches, so last minute Steve ended up being Ethan's coach. Running around the bases and trying to hit was the highlights of the games, when we finally got to play them.  This year was really weird.  We had the first 5 games rained out, or the field was too wet to play on, the bases were mud puddles.  So at the end of the season the extra games were really hot, but they still seemed to find some excitement.

Ethan liked to be on the bases, this was a more focused moment.  A few times he'd gather the dirt from around the bases and put it in a pile, or once in his hat, then put it on his head, just to have the dirt go all over him..... ( I didn't have a camera that day..)  He liked picking the grass as well.  He found out that it's definitely not always an exciting game.  Just the hitting and running part he says.

 And he luckily had his best friend on his team.  This was Evan just about to bat

 Ethan on the base looking to see when he can run ( His friend from up the street is the one with the mitt on his shoulder-James) It was kind of fun to see him at a couple of games.

 This was Ethan and James, good friends, but unfortunately on different teams.

The team picture with Steve as coach.  On his team he had several friends from his kindergarten class, so that was fun as well.  We enjoyed the season, but have decided that it's not a fast enough moving game for Ethan. We'll stick with soccer next year. But we did have some fun memories.

Ethan and the Mustard

Ethan has decided that he wants to try something new almost everyday.  He started this even before the accident.  He'd try and english muffin with different kinds of jelly on each side, and then place scrambled eggs in the middle.....?  He liked it.  Well this week he's continued this tradition.  We had turkey pillows and he tried dipping them in mustard....  the next day he decided he really likes mustard and wanted it on his nachos with cheese.  We squirted it all over them.... he thought they were sooo yummy (much to our shock).  The next day he had a peanut butter and jelly  sandwich and he started eating it, then he went and opened the fridge looking for something, the ketchup.  I asked him what he wanted to do with that, because he didn't really have anything that would go well with that so I thought.  He said he wanted to dip his peanut butter and jelly sandwich in it....... eewww (my thoughts, not said)  I said ok, try a little and see if you like it.  Well, much to my surprise, he loved it....   We don't discourage trying new things, but some things are definitely on the different side.

When we were at Primary Children's we had mentioned his new found love of trying new things.  They said he should be the poster child, because so many children won't try new things...  maybe, but some things are just a little weird !!!  Enjoy your concotions Ethan !!!

Ethan and the Final Checkup

On February 28th Ethan visited the last doctor regarding his head.  And despite our proneness to head wounds we have made it a month without further injury.  All in all we are doing well and the prognosis is encouraging.  We have learned a few things like Ethan is very much a visual learner (like dad) versus an auditory learner (like mom).  This also proves one more thing in which Annalyn and I are different.  This week has also proven that we are not all better yet and Ethan's brilliant mind is still healing.  He can still get over-stimulated and begin to shut down.  The dentist experienced this on Tuesday when he pulled one of Ethan's baby teeth to make room for a permanent tooth that was already coming in.  Ethan waled for nearly a half hour.  He was comforted however this morning to know the tooth fairy liveth.

The next couple of months will prove our patience as the weather warms up and we have to invoke the three month rule by keeping him less active until May and watch closely that fragile head.  We'll do our best.  Thanks again for your support and prayers.

Dobber Blogger

Ethan and the Discharge

Sleep was abundant last night as far as a hospital goes.  Annalyn and Ethan woke up in good spirits which were enhanced as doctors began speaking the best "D" word in a hospital vocabulary, "Discharge." Ethan was a little slow this morning trying to make a decision on breakfast but he eventually settled for french toast.  The room service was a little slow this morning as well.  They were substantially late for breakfast so Ethan started with a bowl of cereal the nurses had in the break room.  In addition to bringing the breakfast for lunch, room service doubled parts of his lunch order because the speech pathologist needed food for his final swallow test.

Ethan had another opportunity to play in the Forever Young playroom which wore him out.  He passed all his final tests and was approved to be discharged.  

Our final instructions were to be PATIENT!  This can be difficult for a family whose children only seem to have one gear, running, but I'm sure we'll make due,  The next few weeks and couple of months are critical to make sure both feet are planted and he doesn't bump that head again.  Two feet on the ground is the saying.  No biking, climbing, contact sports, sledding, scooter, running, polo, cricket, etcetera. We also have to stay close to him around the house especially going up and down stairs as well as meal time.

The next few weeks are going to be an adventure.  We have the opportunity to meet many new people.  Moving forward we'll probably just update you after doctor's appointments or major advances.  We will also be posting other non-related fun we've had in the past decade.  Until this accident we were not the best at posting. So, those that have been reading we again thank you for your love and prayers. If you're interested in the rest of our posts you're welcome to keep on reading.  If not check back now and again and catch up with our boy wonder.

Steve

Ethan and homesickness

Today started with a clear longing for home.  Ethan was a little sad that he was not able to go home.  He's a trooper and continues to show small improvements.  Ethan has shown a large attachment to mom and will not let her go.  If that how he is coping we'll gladly indulge him.  Seth and Ellie are also missing him.

He did continue to move forward.  His second day with the speech pathologist went well.  She upgraded his menu plan and worked through some memory exercises. He received a couple special K9 visitors which really brightened his day not to mention he keeps receiving gifts like it his birthday.  Yesterday it was a book of "outrageous verse", a puzzle, balloons, a stuffed bear, a couple of coloring books with crayons.  Today he got a couple more hot wheels.

He also visited the Young Foundation Playroom walking all the way.  He is enjoying being out of his bed with appropriate naps.

Still looks like we need a few more days before the medical professionals release him, and we'll have to be sensitive to his need to stay safe.  If anyone knows where we can pick up pillow sumo suit with helmet let us know.

Again thanks for your concern.  We too have had many come to our aid.  We're grateful to neighbors who have come to help with a frozen pipe, one who noticed our van dome light was left on which could have likely killed the battery.  Teachers and office staff at Whitesides Elementary who have shown love and concern, sent those special furry visitors and gits, and offered many payers in our behalf. In fact we have felt the love and support and healing affects of countless prayers from all of you.  We are well.

Steve

Ethan and the Swallow test

What a terrific day today.  We advanced through many phases today on our way back to recovery.  It was the swallow test to see if Ethan was ready to take on solid foods.  He did just what the doc said and really like the Cheeto's that were given last in the test.  After he passed in the room he was given the opportunity for a repeat with an X-ray making sure nothing was going down the wrong pipe.  Give that boy a diploma for best swallower! At least a meal of Mac & Cheese with chocolate milk to wash it down.

Other Milestones today include improved speech, loss of the neck collar, recognition of colors, things, and people, wheeling (in a wheel chair) around the hospital, he was even able to tell jokes and laugh tonight.  There is still a delay in his thought process especially when sleepy, but overall it has been a very promising day today.

Steve

Ethan and the Minivan

As a family we are all very grateful to the love and support of family, neighbors, and friends.  We are blessed by trials so we can grow; fortunately our's is much smaller than it could have been and it is supported by all you.

The Story:

Monday afternoon Ethan, from what we can tell, missed his bus home from school.  As a proactive young man when he sees a problem instead of complain he looks for a solution.  Despite our instruction to call if he needed a ride, he simply decided walking home could solve the predicament in which he found himself.  As he approached the reason for a bus, Fairfield Road, he may have misjudged or not seen a minivan coming in his direction.  He was hit on the left side.

At the time of the accident Annalyn had already mobilized neighbors and the School to look out for Ethan.  It was his teacher that notified Annalyn of the incident.  As Annalyn arrived "on the scene" the ambulance had left the scene transporting Ethan to Primary Children's Medical Center.  Annalyn had the Sargent on the scene contact my work.  I rushed home and together we made our way here (The Hospital).

The first major blessing was Ethan did not suffer anything life threatening and through multiple tests it was determined he had a skull fracture and broken clavicle.  It's a good thing I've always taught my children early on where their clavicle is located.

Our initial optimistic (and the Ogden Standard Examiner's) assessment was met with reality and through an MRI we saw not a simple goose-egg  but a flock of geese.  It is apparent that his brain suffered some sheering (Over-stretching of the nerves) and will take some time, weeks even months before he returns to normal whatever normal is.

The last two days we have watched as he has slept and moaned, today (2/2/11) however he has become more aware and is communicating 100 times better.  We are excited by the ongoing improvement and comforted by the next great blessing that however long it may take his prospect for a full recovery is excellent.

The moral of the story: Kids listen to your parents and cross the road safely with an adult next to you.

We will continue to update this blog daily until we leave the hospital probably sometime next week.  Thank you again for all your support.  We feel very loved indeed.

Steve