Wednesday, October 8, 2014

{Day 7} Sitting at Your Bedside

Dear Easton,

After spending the night at home and enjoying some time with Big Brother this morning, Daddy and I headed down to the hospital to see you. We made a quick stop to the Surgery Waiting Room to check on the parents of Collin, he has been your room buddy since you were born. He has four heart defects and was having his first surgery today. We know it's hard so we wanted to go see how they were doing.

You were doing well when we arrived. You had a rough night, but had stablized. You are on very little blood pressure medicine. The ventilator is still doing a lot of work for you because they had to give you a medicine to paralyze you last night. They didn't want you waking up or moving because you were so unstable. Basically they wanted to "take you out of the picture" they said so they could do other things (they were doing a ton of things) to figure out why you weren't stable and to try to get it all fixed and where they wanted it.

Your stats ( labs, blood pressure, urine output, and drainage) were a lot better when we arrived. Your oxygen is still on the low end (70). They want you between 75 and 85.  They aren't changing anything though because your blood pressure is good (occasionally drops which is normal for havin just had a big operation). They said your oxygen should eventually go up as you heal and your heart becomes stronger. You will also have lower oxygen levels, but your body is pretty cool. It was aware from day one of your heart condition so your body knows to carry more oxygen in it's cells to make up for poor oxygen levels. So, even though your oxygen looks low compared to maybe Daddy's oxygen level, they have found that 75-85 is where heart babies do well and it is sufficient for your brain, etc. Pretty cool.

We sat by your bedside the rest of the day before heading home to be with Big Brother. It's hard, but we know you're in good hands. I call to check on you in the middle of the night when I get up to pump. We love you and are so proud of you! Keep up the good work, Buddy!

Love,
Mom

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

A Mother's Emotions

After being in Easton's room last night, I felt overly stimulated. People never stopped coming in and out of his room and discussing his state. At one point there were five people discussing what to do. I felt the anxiety. His chest tubes bubbled. The lingo became incredibly confusing. My ears and body hurt from it all. After hours it seems like this morning there has been progress with his stats. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. I can't talk about it without crying. I can't think about it without crying. My heart hurts. Trying to be strong but feeling so weak.

Monday, October 6, 2014

{Day 6} First Open Heart Surgery: Norwood with Sano

Dear Easton,

Daddy and I woke up early and signed all your papers for surgery. We both held you for the last time before surgery and shook the hand of the man going to touch your heart--- Dr. Burch. Taking you back to the OR was so hard, but the hardest thing was those last kisses. Daddy and I both gave you kisses on your head and they wheeled you away. Oh my! That was so hard! Daddy and I stood in the hall and cried.


We went back to surgery at about 7:45 AM. They should have started around 8:30. We sat in the waiting room all day. These are the updates we received by phone:

9:45 - Doing good. Took a little longer to find the arterial line, but doing good.

11:20 Doing great. About to put him on bypass machine. (I lost it when we received this update. It's such a scary thing.)

12:50 Sewing your heart back up. Everything is fine. Will do echo after done and will check to see if everything is ok.

1:44 Off the bypass. Echo is good. Will finish up and surgeon will come out in hour or two to explain how things went.

2:30 Surgeon came to explain how surgery went. You're doing good. He said it's better to start in a good place and go up than start at a bad place and try to go up. Your STATS are mid to low 70s which is good. Between 70-85 is where they expect you to be. He gave us a sono for us to know what they put in. Everything appears to be good. Some leakage in a few spots, but nothing to be concerned about.

3:30  We finally got to go back to your room and see you. You had 11 medicines/fluids hooked up to you. You had three chest tubes and a catheter. You had the two lines going into your belly button (you had these prior). You had a line in your arterial line that looked awful. They had a hard time finding it so had to cut into your arm. It was all bloody and your fingers were purple and swollen. You were also on the ventilator. You didn't look near as bad as we had prepared for, but you still didn't look great. It was hard to see you after because you weren't able to act like yourself. You were completely out of it. To be honest, your face looked dead. It broke my heart. I hate that you're having to go through this. I am touched that you knew before you came to this earth that life wasn't going to be easy, but you chose to come. The Lord has you here for a reason and we feel so blessed to be your parents. Keep fighting, Little Guy!





Love,
Mom

Sunday, October 5, 2014

{Day 5} Day Before Surgery

Dear Easton,

Your surgery is tomorrow. I have been a mess. I am so scared, but I'm trying to be strong for you. Your face has been less swollen today and you've opened your sweet little eyes a lot more. We enjoyed a lot of snuggles today. Daddy and I love holding you and looking at you. I got to give you a bath tonight to prep you for surgery. You seemed to be a bit more fussy tonight and I think it was because of your medicine, you were in a bit of pain. That was hard to see. Daddy and I did our best to calm down. You also had your first blessing. Grandpa and Daddy gave it to you. I am so grateful for the priesthood. Nana and MeMaw were there as well. You are so loved.

I also woke up at 1:30 to pump and you were awake, eyes open, and fussy. I calmed you down and talked to you. I walked away and you cried. I came back and you calmed right now. I loved looking into your eyes when we talked. I walked away again and you fussed. So I decided I had to hold you again. So we snuggled for an hour or so. You went right to sleep.

Love you!
Mom

Saturday, October 4, 2014

{Day 4} Meeting Big Brother

Dear Easton,

You met your big brother today. He was so excited when he came into your room. He put out his arms saying "Baby Bruder! Baby Bruder!" He knew who you were as soon as he came in. He immediately wanted down. He got right up on my lap next to you and loved looking at you. He even gve you a few kisses on the head before leaving. You two are going to be best friends. You're doing great. Looking as cute as ever.

We love you!

Love,
Mom

Breastfeeding Take 2

Deciding to breastfeed this time was a difficult decision. I debated it up until a few weeks prior to delivery. It isn't that I didn't want to, but whether or not I could handle the time required to do it. My experience with breastfeeding last time became very stressful. I produce a lot and I felt like I was pumping too often for too long. I was running around like crazy because life still goes on. It was just very difficult. I knew this experience could be even more difficult because I know it is very likely he will never breastfeed at the breast and it will always be pumping. At least with Cooper he was able to eventually breastfeed. With heart babies though, it is typically too tiring for their little heart to breastfeed. The commute is also longer and I have another child. However, one day I just decided I needed to do it. I needed to at least try. Today I am feeling so glad I did. There is something about being able to provide food for your baby. To know it is healthier for him. I came in knowing what questions I wanted to ask the lactation consultant and that if it becomes too stressful I will stop. I am already feeling like this experience is going to be better, which makes me happy. I feel blessed to be able to provide my baby with nutrients he needs.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Be Positive

Dear Easton, 

We found out you have B+ blood, just like Big Brother and Daddy. Guess you're sending us the same message that Big Brother did during his experience... to be positive! 

Love,
Mom

{Day 3} Mommy Time

Dear Easton,

Today was a wonderful day with you. I got to hold you twice and both for a good length of time. You calm right down when I talk to you, rock you, or sing to you. You held my fingers when I held you today. You even managed a little smile. We took a little nap together when I visited you the second time. We  snuggled up and enjoyed some time alone together. Your eyes were less swollen, but still didn't open them until daddy held you later on in the day. You have been eating 7mL of milk every three hours and keeping it down! Wahoo! They have to move your chin to help you a bit, but you're getting the idea. You're also sucking on your binky. I still can't get enough of your hair! So stinking cute! I love it! Your nurse also let me put the lotion I brought on your feet. Made my day. I ended my time with you by getting to give you a kiss. The nurse said mom's always get good night kisses. Daddy came after work to enjoy some time with you. You enjoyed the snuggles. He loves you so much. We both do.

Love you,
Mom

I spoke with the parents of the little guy next to us. He has four heart defects. I'm not sure if that makes him worse or better, but it made me count my blessings. Though this is their second child, they haven't gone through something like this before. I see and hear them jump every time something beeps. I remember those moments with Cooper and it makes me even more grateful for what we went through with Cooper. I recognize the sounds of the beeps and know that Easton is ok because I know it's not an important beep. The Lord was truly preparing us for this by our experience with Cooper. 

Thursday, October 2, 2014

{Day 2} Overall, Doing Well

Easton is doing well. He has had a few moments of apnea (holding his breath). This is a common side effect of the medicine he is on (prosteglandin) to keep his PDA open (an extra valve in your heart that you are born with and it closes). He needs this valve to stay open because they use it to rework the flow in his heart during his first surgery. He had one really bad case of apnea where he needed to be bagged with oxygen. If it happens again, they will intubate him. This would also mean we couldn't hold him anymore until he was no longer intubated. Other than that, he is doing really well. His stats are good. He hates a bath and hates to have his diaper changed. He loves to be held by Mommy and Daddy, which we love. He appears to have Grandpa Thompson's ears. Other than that, we can't quite tell who he looks like. He hasn't opened his eyes for us to see them yet. Due to his heart condition, he is just really tired.



It's been an emotional day for me. I was feeling a bit frustrated because his nurse weren't coming off as very friendly. The one today didn't introduce herself or really talk to us both times we went down to see him. Finally on the third time, she sat down with us and we chatted. Talked about how he was doing and the journey we're starting on. She reminded us to take care of ourselves, to know he was in good hands, and to know that the journey ahead was going to be difficult. She told us there will be a lot of moments we take a step forward and then two backward. She said he'll be doing well then get a cold and we will be back there in the hospital. It's scary, but it's just something we have to do. We'll figure it out, but it's definitely been an emotional day. We also had genetic counselors come in to speak a little bit with us. They really think it has to do with genetics and want to know more about family history and want Chris and I to have our hearts checked. We also talked about the likelihood of it happening with another child. All information I could have done without for a while. Lastly, I just felt like I was struggling to connect with him. I want to see him look at me. For him to see me and I him. For him to know that I am there. I know he can hear me, but there is something about looking into your baby's eyes. I need that. I also think I'm feeling this way because I can't get down there as often as I would like. It's been an emotional rollercoaster of a day, but we're just glad he's doing good. Surgery is scheduled for Monday, but that could change. Praying he's a fighter like his Big Brother!

Grandma & Grandma Frederiksen and Aunt Katie came to see you.
 


Chris got to hold him today and try to feed him breastmilk with a bottle. He was too sleepy to take any. They decided to feed him nutrients through and IV for now.

Oh, and it's pretty funny, Chris and I keep calling Easton, Cooper. And we keep calling Cooper the Little Brother. We laugh every time! We didn't realize having two kids would throw us for a loop when it came to names! We've enjoyed the laughs.

{Day 1} Easton's Birth Story

For months I feel like I've known that our second little guy was going to arrive on October 1. However, I was scheduled for October 2. I prayed each day he would stay in until then. He needed to grow. I was scheduled to deliver Baby Boy #2 on October 2 at 9 AM. I was having contractions throughout the early morning of October 1. Then, I noticed contractions were every 10 minutes. I told Chris I was getting up to take a shower in hopes of slowing them down. No luck. I paced a bit before deciding to wake Chris up. I finally did and told him he better take a shower just in case. Contractions continued every 10 minutes apart. We are 45 minutes from the hospital so we needed to account for the time it would take to get there and decided we should just head down. Since I was schedule for delivery the following day, we thought they might go ahead and admit me and watch me until the following day. We put the hospital bags in the car and took Cooper to Chris' parents and off to the University of Utah we went. Traffic was horrible! It was rush hour and took us and hour and a half to get there. I was not happy with all the traffic lights and just needed to get there!

We arrived and they hooked me up to a monitor. Sure enough, contractions every ten minutes and I was dialated to a 3+, so I had progressed since the week before.  Chris was sure they were going to send me home. I on the other hand knew they were going to deliver me that day, I just didn't realize it would be so quickly. They came in with an IV and we knew I was staying. They decided to deliver before I got too far into labor for my safety. They took me to a room and I was prepped for a c-section and spoke with all the important people. Chris got into his surgery get up and next thing I know, they were taking me back. I didn't even get to see my mom before going back! She arrived about a minute after they took me back.

I'll be honest, I was terrified. My experience with Cooper wasn't the most positive one and then I had to walk back to the OR alone to get my spinal block. I was not looking forward to that. I wanted to hold Chris' hand and couldn't. The anesthsia for the spinal block hurt more than the spinal block. It was weird to feel my legs getting numb. I knew they were there, but I couldn't feel them. My anesthesiolgist was hilarious. He even drew a smiley face on the drape in front of me. After I was all ready to go, they brought in Chris. They snatched this snazzy picture of us. I was so glad to have him there. There is just something about getting to hold your man's hand when scared and when delivering the baby you created together. I have the best husband.

I had to say that this birth experience was far better than I ever expected it would be. The doctor's were amazing. The anesthisialogitst was great and respected my wishes to be alert while they delivered baby. I remember all of it, which I can't say the same for with Cooper's delivery. They pulled him out and we heard a little cry, which then made me cry. They brought him around the drape to show him to us and Chris and I were both in tears. He was so stinkin' cute! Oh my! And he had hair! Dark hair! It was a wonderful experience. I can't even fully describe it. It was so much better than I thought it could even be.

They stitched me up and I was taken back to a labor and delivery room where my mom was waiting. I just kept telling how happy I was and how cute he was and that he had dark hair. I couldn't stop saying, "I'm so happy." It took them quite a while to let us see the baby again. He was taken to the NICU to have some things done and then Chris got to go see him for a minute. Then the life flight team brought him in to see me. He was so adorable! And so soft! I got to touch him and hear him coo. It was wonderful. Then, off they went to Primary Children's to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).

Later in the day, I was able to hold him for the first time. When we arrived he was crying and he calmed right down when he heard my voice. Talk about making a momma happy! I enjoyed getting to hold him for about 10 minutes. They said he is doing very well. He was breathing on his own, occassionally needing oxygen just by his face. His feet were a little blue, due to poor circulation. Overall, doing really well.


We couldn't be happier to welcome Easton Cory to our family. Weighing 6 pounds (I can't tell you how many times I prayed he would be at least 6 pounds!) and measuring 17.5 inches long. He came into this world at 10:46 AM on a cool first day of October. He has dark hair and the softest skin. He  is named after my brother, Brandon Cory. He's an incredible kid that I love. He will always be my "little" brother and not my "younger" brother, in my opinion. He is a hard worker and is a wonderful uncle. It's been fun watching him follow his dream of learning Japanese. He's just a good guy. I am proud to be his sister. And, we're so happy to finally be a family of four!




Monday, September 29, 2014

Simple Joys of Childhood

Watching the trash man pick up the trash.

Golf Cart

As you probably already know, Cooper is obsessed with golf. A lady in our ward saw this and thought that Cooper had to have it. Chris and I weren't sure he would know what it was, but sure enough, he did. He was saying "golf cart" and trying to hook his golf clubs to the back. It also came with a golf hat and little wire baskets with balls. He is in heaven. His face says it all.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Baby's Room is Done!

We've finally finished the baby's room! I love how it turned out. It's simple and clean. We plan to put our new family pictures in the empty picture frames. I also had Cooper create a picture to frame for the baby's room. I love how it turned out. He did such a great job! Less than a week and this little guy will be here! He won't be able to use his room for quite a while, but I'm happy knowing it is done and ready for him when he does come home.




Maternity Photos

As I mentioned in my last post, I had a bit of a meltdown when I looked at my belly in the mirror a week ago. There was no suppressing the tears. I saw it and realized, it could be my last bump. The two things I love most about being pregnant are my growing belly (even if it is uncomfortable) and feeling the baby move. Both of these things will be gone in less than a week and I may never experience them again. It's really hard to be 26 and to think I could be done having kids. I pray the Lord has one more for us, but we will be happy with whatever His plan is.

A sweet friend of mine reached out to an INCREDIBLE local photographer, Marissa Vargason Photography. Her work is amazing and I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends. I was hoping for a few quick pictures of me and my bump and ended up having an experience I can't fully put into words. She recorded me and Chris saying things to the baby, got some video of Cooper being Cooper and us interacting with him, and Chris and I talking about our experience with coming up with a name. And of course, she got photos of me and my bump and us as a family. It was a wonderful experience. I can't wait to see and share the images. We're truly blessed.




Sunday, September 21, 2014

35 Weeks!

I look awful and feel huge, but have to share this milestone... 35 weeks!!! It is hard not knowing if this kiddo will be our last or not because my body just doesn't seem to handle pregnancy well, though we hope the Lord has at least one more for us. I am trying to enjoy this big old bump these last few days. Feeling so blessed to be able to carry children, for eternal families, for modern medicine that will hopefully prolong our little guys life for many years, for family and friends, and so much more. Life is good. Hard, but so so good.

A Bit of a Scare

A week ago our little guy decided to try to make his appearance in the world. I'm incredibly grateful that they were able to stop contractions, but they have now moved my delivery date up to October 2 so less than two weeks until we meet this little guy! Though I wish he could stay in there longer and grow, I'm grateful I've been able to carry him this long.

So, what happened? Sunday evening I started getting back pain. I had had back pain here and there the previous week, but a heating pad always did the trick. Today, it didn't. It continued to get worse. Then, I was having really sharp back pains along with the constant back pain. I decided to start writing down when the sharp back pain hit and sure enough, every 6-8 minutes. Even though it was only in my back, I knew I had to be contracting. Off to McKay Dee Hospital we went. My contractions weren't registering so the nurse stayed in with me and felt my belly when I had the pain, sure enough, contractions. As I was there, things got worse. At one point I threw up. That was awful! Poor Chris, I sat up and it came so fast I couldn't say anything and made a big mess. Chris was there trying to help me the best he could. I could tell he was struggling not to cry because of the amount of pain he saw me in and probably because of the fear of this little guy coming early. I have so much respect for him.

Doctors were concerned about my previous c-section and for my safety decided to life flight me down to University Hospital. I need to deliver there so the baby can go straight to Primary Children's after. They felt they could safely get me there. Just before life flight came, Chris and a doctor gave me a blessing. I can't remember what was said, but how grateful I was in that moment that Chris was worthy to hold the priesthood. It brought me much comfort. Life flight team arrived and started to prep me for flight. I almost passed out when they put my IV in. The first didn't work, but thankfully the second one they tried did. The whole time I was telling Chris to take pictures. I have to document! I was really nervous about the flight, but it was a beautiful night. I didn't know we were landing until we hit the pad. It was very smooth. I'd rather not do that again though!


They prepped me a bit for an emergency c-section when I arrived, but they checked me and I was only at an almost 3 and my contractions had significantly slowed (possibly because of the medicine they gave me to hopefully do that). My mom and brother were there waiting for me already and then Chris arrived not long after. He had to drive from McKay to the U. They monitored me in Labor & Delivery till 6:30 the next morning and then felt they could send me to another area where I didn't have to be on all the monitors, but they check me regularly. We thought we would be going home that night, but were told baby wasn't passing his Non-Stress Tests. He scored a 6/10 on his NST/BPP test. They let me go home the next evening, insisting to me that baby was ok, but I had to go to the doctor the next day for another NST/BPP. He passed! We were told he probably wasn't passing because of the steroid shots they gave me while in the hospital. Huge relief! It meant not having to deliver him even earlier!

So, this week I've taken it easy. We've moved the TV upstairs to limit the amount of stairs I have to climb. I'm trying to get the rest of the stuff I needed to done before baby comes and now need to repack our hospital bags. It was a good practice, but I'm glad it's over! Praying this little guy will now stay in until Oct. 2. It occurred to me this morning that I don't have much longer with my baby bump and I lost it because it could be my last. It's really hard to take that in. I just don't know if my emotions and body can handle another pregnancy and that makes me sad. My pregnancies have never been normal and not being able to have as many kids as we would have liked is hard to swallow. We will see how me feel years down the road and will decide then if we feel Heavenly Father has more children in store for us. It's just hard not knowing and knowing that this could be the last. I never thought having kids would be such a traumatic experience for me and my body, but it is what it is. For some reason, my body just doesn't handle it well. I try to remind myself daily how lucky I am to even be able to have children.

So, here's to 35 weeks and counting! And to meeting our handsome little man in less than two weeks!

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Go Wildcats!

Cooper was excited all day to go to the Weber State game. He brought me his "Wildcat Shirt" and shoes as soon as he woke up from his nap and we still have two hours before we left. He was a little hesitant at first, taking in the noise and crowd. He warmed up though and kept cheering. The people behind us were for the other team and kept saying "I love this guy!" because he could cheer anytime something happened, it didn't matter what team.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Our Little Man

I haven't updated on Cooper in a while. He is ALL boy!

  • He hates clothes. He is quick to take off his clothes when you've got your back turned and next thing you know he is running around naked. 
  • He hates to wear shoes.
  • He LOVES cucumbers. Then again, he likes a lot of vegetables. We've found he isn't a huge meat eater, but loves the fruits and veggies.
  • He has started to take an interest in soccer, but golf is still his favorite.
  • He loves to be outside and loves to play in the dirt.
  • He goes to bed with a book and a flashlight.
  • We've found he takes great naps as long as they are in his bed. He's like his momma!
  • He loves letters and numbers. He will sing parts of the ABC song with me. He can already say L-Z by himself!
  • He loves things with wheels--- especially trains and cars.
  • He calls a fort or anything you can get inside like a fort a castle.
  • He is talking really well. He says things that shock me sometimes. He answers questions well, too. He's just a super smart kid!

Friday, August 29, 2014

Third Fetal Heart Ultrasound

We went to our third fetal echo today and last until this little one arrives. I always get nervous before these appointments, but it went so well. I'm glad it's over, but I'm also glad for the news we received while there. Baby Boy has no other issues other than the HLHS. That is wonderful news! He has a slight tricuspid valve leak, but it's so small it's not even a concern. The doctor said everyone has a slight leak.

We had him explain the first surgery for us in detail so we felt we understood it better. He will be having the "Norwood with Sono" open-heart surgery sometime within the first week. He thinks he will do well. We know it's in the Lord's hands, but it was great to hear that from a doctor that deals with these things a lot. He also told us to not freak out every time the monitors went off, especially within the first 24-48 hours. He said to watch day by day. Watch to see if things are slowly disappearing off of him--- medicines, drainage tubes, etc. If something increases, that is when we need to worry and ask more questions. I had a lot of questions and he was great to answer them.

I'm so proud of our little boy. He's gonna be a fighter like his brother. I'm getting very excited to see him. I wonder what he looks like and how he will look the same or different than Cooper. Only a few more weeks!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

31 Weeks and Counting!

To be honest, I can't believe I've made it this far. Doctor says if my body continues to do this well, we're going to shoot for 37 weeks. That's not to say that I am extremely uncomfortable and every little pain freaks me out and that I'm having normal pregnancy symptoms, but my cervix looks good, which makes us all very happy. Baby is also growing and developing well.
  • Felt my first braxton hicks contractions over the past couple of weeks. Both occurred at night. Woke me up with my stomach hard as a rock and me unable to move until it relaxed. Other than those two times, I don't believe I've had others. 
  • I love feeling the baby move! I can feel it all over!
  • Sciatic nerve pain has been horrible some days and nights, but overall pretty good.
  • Mom & Eileen threw us a baby shower to get some things week need like gas cards, food cards, cash, etc. since we will be traveling to the hospital a lot. The shower went great. It was a huge blessing to us.
  • Curtains are now hung in the baby's room. Just some decorating left to do--- hang artwork and a mobile. Get and put together the new dresser.
  • Cooper is getting more and more excited for "baby bruder" also known as "Jellybean." It's adorable when he says it!
  • Had my first non-stress test and baby did well. His heart rate was good and I didn't have any contractions. I will be doing these weekly.
  • Clothes that fit are practically non-existent. I live in sweats/stretchy things and even those are uncomfortable.
  • Started having charly horses when waking up in the morning. Talk about painful!
  • Still loving Sonic ice water--- love eating the ice! Constantly eating! Only gained 16 pounds so far though!
  • Seemed to have gotten some energy back--- I've been cooking every day and keeping up with the house.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Love these guys!

I couldn't resist a picture of these three playing basketball together. Three men I love.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Naptime Cuddles

Who needs a teddy bear when you can cuddle with a golf club for nap time?

Sunday, August 3, 2014

What do you want to watch?

We get home from church and this conversation took place.

Chris: Do you want to watch a movie or golf?
Cooper: Golf!

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Ogden LDS Temple Open House

I keep trying to write this blog post and can't quite get it worded the way I want. To say temples are important to us and our religion seems like an understatement. We believe in eternal families and that means more to me now than it ever has. With our little one on the way, we don't know how long he will be on this earth with us, but because Chris and I were sealed in the temple for time and all eternity, instead of until death do us part, by the power of the holy priesthood, we know that our family is forever. Having this knowledge means so much to us. Being able to walk through the temple today with my mom, brother, and Cooper made it that much more special. They are all people who mean so much to Chris and I. I feel blessed to know that we will be a family forever. We will see each other again after this life. What a wonderful Heavenly Father to bless us with something so sacred, special, and meaningful. The Ogden Temple is GORGEOUS inside and out. I look forward to participate in ordinances for those who have past when it opens to give them the chance of making their family eternal.


Friday, August 1, 2014

Mom & Son Time

Cooper and I stayed home while Chris went and enjoyed some time with his family during cousins camp. We had probably a little too much fun. We drank out of the same cup, with different straws, and Cooper thought that was the coolest thing. Then we watched a movie and had cookies. It was fun mommy and son time.

Naked Bum

This little guy kept taking his diaper off this morning. I don't know why, but he kept doing it over and over again. I was editing a photo shoot and I think he may have wanted my attention. I couldn't resist the photo op.