Welcome Annie

Welcome Annie

The above photo I took of our sweet Annie at about 6 days old.You can see my photo website here. Thank you to the bottom of my heart to my friend and fellow photographer Erin of Erin Marie Photography for the beautiful images of Annie's birth.

You may not want to read the WHOLE story...this is mostly for those that have asked. Scroll to the bottom if you just want to watch the video. The first few images are from my sweet Mommy and the others are from Erin. Thank you!

From Dan:

“The birth of Annie Rose was an incredible experience.  Incredible doesn’t do it justice really. It was powerful! It had so much potential to be very scary, nerve-racking, and intense and I guess it was all of those things to a very small degree but mostly it was a beautiful and unforgettable moment.

Looking back I am surprised that Krystal didn’t wake me until about 3:20 AM.  By that time she was about 75 minutes from birthing a child.  She was having trouble staying off the toilet long enough to be able to properly handle the intense contractions.  She was getting anxious and exhausted trying to battle contractions in that way.  As soon as her body cleared out she was able to lay down at the foot of our bed and things really started to happen but they also calmed down dramatically because she could relax and concentrate on the contractions.  About the time she transitioned to the bedroom I snuck into Mom’s room and whispered “Mom, I think I need your assistance.”  This was almost 4.  We called the midwife and Erin to be on their way. Then we called Donna to walk us though things. 

I was able to stay very calm because Krystal was calm and Donna was calm.  Donna gave me some warnings about potential dangers that could occur and what to do if they happened so I didn’t need to fear the unknown.  She was on speakerphone right next to Krystal’s head so she talked her through contractions.  I asked questions and she asked questions and Krystal just labored away. I checked Krystal and she had what felt like a water balloon in her (the sac).  It soon broke, I checked that the cord wasn’t in front of the head and it wasn’t so she started pushing and I’d give counter pressure if it started to burn.  I checked Annie’s head for good color but it was hard to see her scalp with so much hair. 

When the head was out I checked that the cord wasn’t around her neck. Since it wasn’t, Krystal pushed Annie the rest of the way out.  I was a little startled by the gush of fluid that followed Annie out.  I immediately handed her to Krystal and the relief rushed over me as Annie screamed and had her eyes opened.  It is hard to imagine many ways that the entire event could have gone any better.  I know that I was blessed with the confidence and clarity of mind necessary to deliver my daughter.  I know that I could have just as easily been crippled with the fear of losing my wife and daughter in my hands in my house with no medical assistance but instead of fear I felt peace and calm.”

From Krystal
"Beginning a story is always the hardest part. My family is all at church, it's just the baby and me home. I'm not ever quite sure if I should sleep, relax, read, or what. My head and heart are both very full! Mimi arrived on the 12th. That evening I had a series of contractions that really made me think I was in labor but after about thirty minutes they just stopped. Donna felt that my cervix was possibly misaligned. It seems to be an issue with moms who have had multiple births. The fact that I had lots of contractions only when I was sitting was a good sign that this was the problem.

I struggled for a few days with quite a bit of pressure in my lower belly, it kept feeling like I was preparing for labor but then wasn't. On top of all that my blood pressure was low and so I was just anxious, depressed, and uncomfortable. We had a big snowstorm and church was even canceled. I mentally wasn't even up for family home evening at the farm that day.

My anxiety and depression got bad enough that we started talking with Donna again on Tuesday or Wednesday. She taught Dan how to realign or pull up my cervix. When he did, it relieved all sorts of pressure! It was amazing! She also had me drink a pound of spinach with grape juice everyday for three days! I started feeling so much better but knew that Dan would possibly have to continue to align, my cervix, possibly every day.

The next day I had pressure but it was different. It was like the baby's head was now able to get where it needed to be so the pressure was doing something. On Friday evening there was enough pressure that I wanted Dan to align my cervix one more time before we went out on a date. He didn't move it much and was pretty unsure of what he was feeling.

I really felt great but just didn't want to be gone from home so we went to Five Guys for dinner and came home to watch a Netflix movie in bed. I had contractions in the car starting around 4:30 and while we
were out, but because I was sitting most of the time I didn't think too much of it all. By the time we got home and settled in, the contractions were stronger and making me wonder. After thinking I was in labor last week, and then not being, I was pretty unsure of everything. The contractions were so crampy, unlike what I remembered from previous labors. Donna had said that often her girls dropped 7-10 days before labor and their bodies cleaned themselves out 24 hours beforehand. I hadn't experienced either of those things...but I didn't with my other labors either. Also Donna's girls often have really short labors and it just didn't seem like I was trending in that direction.

It was difficult knowing that because of the program I had been following things would likely be different but I still had to account for the way my body did things. Donna had me taking calcium before bed and using heat packs to relieve the pain and pressure. Dan and I started 007 Skyfall and watched most of it. I had a lot of cramp like contractions but just tried to relax and kept watching the movie. Then I just reached a point where I needed to try and sleep and hoped it would all just go away. I slept some but was up a lot. I kept having to either use the bathroom or just sit up because the cramping was so uncomfortable, or both. I wish I had a better idea of the time but didn't really look at the clock. I woke Dan up to heat the packs or get me calcium several times. By 3:30 I was in almost constant pain and couldn't get away from the toilet. I was also shaking and shivering like I was in shock. It wasn't from being cold. We called Donna and she had him give me vinegar and honey to help with the shaking, pretty soon after I threw it up. Putting that all together we finally realized I was in REAL labor.

My body finally got all cleaned out. Once I was able to leave the toilet I was able to get control of myself. With that I stopped shaking and could finally rest between contractions and felt like I was regaining or gaining control. I knelt at the end of the bed for a couple of contractions. Once I had things more under control I laid on my side to change things up. Dan got Kathie coming, got everything together, took care of me, and woke Mimi. I'm still not quite sure how he had hands for it all. I was pretty focused so it was like everything was happening in a bubble around me.

Donna had Dan check me and he couldn't feel the cervix anymore. He could feel the head and the water sac behind It. Donna stayed right on the phone with us. While Dan was working I had the phone by my head. Donna and Dan both calmly talked me through the contractions. Mimi was running around grabbing things and being the extra hands. We made an amazing team. Donna prepared Dan for what he needed to do (checking for the cord) when my water broke.

Not many contractions later and I said "my water". Donna told Dan to glove up. All this was happening in the little space at the end of our bed by the bookshelf. It was a good and comfortable spot for me. I could rest on the carpet and against the bed. When the time came the distance was perfect for leaning my legs against the bed and bookshelf. Because of where we were Mimi kept having to climb over the bed! At some point we called Erin to come photograph the birth but we only ended up giving her about 7 minutes to get there. Luckily Mimi got some photos and Erin was there for the emotional moments after the fact.
After my water broke I had one more contraction before I felt the need to push. I have never felt in control in any way shape or form during pushing. I was in control. Donna reminded me and talked me through
pushing when it felt right but letting off if it burned. When I let off she had Dan give counter pressure to the baby's head. Wow! What a difference that counter pressure made! It gave me the relief I needed
to be ready to push again. I don't remember how many contractions and pushes, but it wasn't many before she came right into her Daddy's arms. I took her right from him and Donna helped him with the rest of what needed to be done. What a glorious whirlwind it was.

 I had all my favorite teammates there with me, Dan, Mimi, and Donna from afar.  I tried so hard to get in control once I knew this was for real. I didn't want the experience where the pain got so bad that I just screamed and let the doctor be in charge. But mostly I didn't want to lose it while Dan had to hold it together because he was going to be delivering our baby. There was never fear having just us there for this delivery. We had talked many times about what would happen if...We checked in with Kathie at some point but it became very clear early on that she was not going to make it in time. She arrived right after the placenta was delivered. I was grateful to have her there to be watchful of any problems that could possibly arise.

The baby was perfect! I wish I had better memory of the details but it's all a bit of a blur. She was in the birth canal for such a short period of time that her head is perfectly shaped and there were no complications to her or I.

Scott woke up, he said, when he heard crying. He got to come in and see his new sister once I was up and in the bed. Someone asked a question about the placenta and Scotty started telling everyone about the poinsettia he had made me out of modeling clay. We were all so confused where that topic had come from but he calmly told us that someone had said a word that sounded like poinsettia. I love that kids word associations! Also, he is such a morning person that he was most certainly a bright light to have around. One by one the children woke up and came in. Erin got some fun shots of the kids and us on our bed, just being together and enjoying the miracle of our new little one.

Eventually the kids were a little too wired and I had to clear the room out. Everyone left and gave us time before they came back in to weigh the baby and all that. She was officially born at 4:39 am on winter solstice. She was 7 pounds and 4 oz, 19 3/4 inches long. I'll have to ask the head size.

I've had so many thoughts since and just could never write them all. The Lord's hand is always present. Mom and I decided it was exciting and fun really. You can't really call labor fun but the beginning part
where I didn't know was the worst. After that it was just a beautiful team effort with a glorious reward at the end. There's got to be a spiritual metaphor in there somewhere!

She looks a lot like Benjamin. She is so awake and aware for long periods of time. She is strong and healthy and has beautiful dimples. She grunts and makes lots of noises in her sleep though so we'll see
how long she lasts sleeping in our room!

It's been wonderful to be in my own home and own bed and not to be at the hospital. I have thought a few times though it is nice to have nurses reminding you what you need to do next! I know I need to rest
but in resting I forget to drink my prenatal tea and take my supplements and even to eat! I'm sure glad Mimi is here! I had such a strong feeling that I wanted and needed her for this new adventure but
I didn't truly known why. Between helping with Christmas projects, playing and helping with the kids, being there and helping during the birth, taking care of me, and just plain being my friend, she has been tremendous! Goodness I love her!"

Update

Ben was being all cute tonight and his siblings were being cute about him so we took a few quick pictures.

They love him so much and he just lights up at the sound of their voices!

A couple fun stories....Scotty picked a flower tonight and gave it to her. It started to wilt. She asked why and we explained that it was dying. She said, "I'll never be able to love again." Poor thing!

Scott had his first tball game last. He was so sweet. He was so worried he'd mess up winning the gold trophy. We explained it wasn't quite that big of a game! (they don't even keep score or let the kids run more then one base at a time).

He was also very worried because his friend Aiden was on the other team. He said he hoped it was a tie.

The big success of the night was that he figured out how to get his glove on all by himself and did it twice without any help. Love this kid.

Baby Brayton #3

We are so excited to welcome our new baby to the world! He arrived Friday morning at 4:58 am after a picture perfect labor and delivery. He was seven pounds even and 19.5 inches long.

His siblings came to see him last night (pictures from that coming soon) and were smitten by him. Scotty had decided we should name him Scott 2, and that it wouldn't be too confusing if we just say the two. Hazel found his little fingers, giggled, and had to show everyone how cute they were. He's a lucky baby.

So that's the basics. If you don't want labor details, stop reading here. Right here.

Wednesday night I laid in bed for the night and kept having to get up because it felt like a bowling ball was ramming my bladder. I knew then that the head was lower. Because this guy was an iui baby (so the due date was pretty accurate) and still two weeks out, I didn't think much of it.

Thursday morning, exactly two weeks before his due date, my mucas plug came out. Knowing it could still be weeks but having Hazel come two days after the mucas plug I started to get very excited!

I had an appointment with a future bride 45 minutes north. It was a gorgeous day and I was feeling fantastic so I dropped off the kids at the farm and headed out. I was having contractions regularly but not painfully but have had so many pre contractions (or contraptions as Scotty calls them) I didn't think much of it. During nap they got stronger but were still mild. By dinner time we were questioning if Dan should go to his basketball game or not. My contractions with Hazel were not consistent before I transitioned with her labor so we knew we needed to be cautious.

I decided it was great for Dan to go but he needed to make sure he could answer his phone if need be even if in the middle of his game. He graciously warned everyone in the building, coaches, staff, refs, etc. and kept close ear out. I was able to get the kids home and in bed without much trouble or much change.

Dan called at the end of the game and decided to take a few minutes to put together some sub plans just in case. He came home and with still very little change we attempted sleep. I had a checkup the next morning so was hoping to just make it to that.

Sleep wasn't happening for me so I showered, packed a few last minute items, and said a prayer. After feeling very peaceful about going to Albany that night, I woke Dan up, called Grandpa, and prepared to head out. I still hadn't seen a significant change in contractions and so was still feeling hesitant. We got in the car almost right at midnight. My first contraction in the car was much stronger than the last and I knew we had made the right call. That Holy Ghost, He knows his stuff.

Compared to the insane drive down with Hazel the drive was quite pleasant. I had sevenish minute apart contractions sometimes taking a break for twelve minutes. After getting off the freeway and getting within blocks of the hospital I had to have Dan pull over so I could throw up. Apparently this really was real labor and my digestive system had officially shut down.

We checked in with some scepticism from some of the nurses because I wasn't sure how far apart the contractions were and they weren't a consistent amount of time apart. After the initial paperwork the midwife checked me. I was 3cm and fully effaced so I was there to stay.

With some more housekeeping and what not the labor and delivery nurse attending to us got me set up with the wireless monitors. Because this was a VBAC I was required to be constantly monitored. The wireless monitors were amazing! I used a birthing ball, rocking chair, walked the halls and just relaxed. After making a second pass at the hallways I had to stop for three contractions in a short period of time. By this time I had already asked our nurse about the tub and she was filling up the brand new jacuzzi tub for me.

Getting into the tub proved to be a little difficult as my contractions were probably three ish minutes apart. Loved the tub, such a relief during the pain. After less then 45 minutes in the tub I was getting pretty tired from the pain. We starting getting me out to be checked and move around some more. Just then the contractions got really going and getting out of the tub was tough. Just before I got in the bed my water broke. It seemed insane but all of a sudden there were people everywhere helping with clean up and support. I was a big, yelling wimp and wanted to be done. I didn't know how close I was.

Daniel was amazing, keeping me breathing when all I wanted to do was quit. The midwife checked me and then walked away. I would have punched her for that if I could have! Someone told me I was 8 cm and the head was at a 2 presentation. The midwife called someone and I heard her say, "we've got a baby coming". Not soon enough but shortly after that the dr came. It was the same dr that delivered Hazel, purely out of coincidence because he is not even from our dr's office. He didn't do or say much. I was so confused if I was supposed to push. It felt like no one was telling me anything and it felt so long (split seconds in reality however).

Daniel stood by my side and helped me with the oxygen. I can't stand those masks over my face but the air really helped my breathing. He balanced those two needs, reading me perfectly! The next second I was yelling I had to push, I wanted it over and then everyone was saying the head was there.

The dr. said my body and the baby's head were doing their job. I yelled I didn't want his head out, I wanted the whole thing out! Next thing I new I pushed one more time and he was out. Instead of gracefully expressing my love for this bundle of joy, I yelled, "YES! it's over". Classy, I know. The over part is the best feeling ever!

They handed him right to me while Dan cut the umbilical cord. He was perfect. Tiny head (not sure where that came from) and my smallest baby yet. Guess there are many benefits from going two weeks early. I had no tearing or any other "side effects" from the baby coming out, making recovery incredibly less painful.

The dr. pointed out to the nurses that my afterbirth was interesting. The umbilical cord was not coming out of the tissue but rather was around some significant veins. I don't know the medical term but our nurse said it's tough to detect on an ultrasound. She said that if my water had broke any differently then it did it could have severed the artery and caused major bleeding for me. Good news was that was a "what if" that never happened!

I think that's the jist of it. Labor is a strange thing. It was sooooo painful to go without drugs...by choice this time. I did ask for a little meds to lighten the pain but it was too late at that point. I may have to think a little sooner next time.

I made it. I thought I wasn't going to for a brief few moments. Turns out I could do it, again, because I.had.no. choice! The baby was coming pain or no pain and whether I was graceful and composed or a screaming fool. Imagine that. Good thing I had an amazing labor and delivery nurse, an unbelievable husband/coach, and great support.

Welcome baby Blue Berry/scotty 2/Batman. We love you whether you have a name or not!

Blogging woes

**Make sure you look down to the next post...it's all videos with pictures. This one is all words.

It's been a LONG time since I blogged anything. Just recently I have been trying to catch up on photos. I think my last blog post on this blog was just as I started feeling sick with this pregnancy. We were in Alaska and luckily the sickness didn't start until the end of our trip. That would be it's been about 8 monthsish since I blogged anything. I have 3 1/2 weeks left until my due date! Yikes! I turn 30 next week and hit 37 weeks (full-term) in my pregnancy. I'd like this baby to come ASAP but Dan and I were talking today and realized it would be better if he could wait until after Dan's done coaching basketball. His last game is Feb. 11, so anytime after that would be ok.

I just posted a few videos. One from our Alaska trip and two from the Brayton happenings over the summer. The computer screen made me sick all summer. Luckily my husband is a quick learner. I taught him a bit of my photo editing/organizing program and he took care of the rest. It's a good thing or no one would have documented an amazing 50th wedding anniversary celebration!

This is going to be a pretty wordy post. If no one reads it but my Mommy that's ok. It's still putting down some words and makes me feel good. :) Dan is at a stake meeting and the kids are sleeping. I could easily go to bed with the kids at 7:30pm but I try to make it until 9 if I can. I am exhausted these days, have heartburn every night, and can no longer do anything that involves bending over. I just point and hope someone picks up the things I drop.

Scotty is in Kindergarten this year and loves it. His teacher, Mrs. Wolfe, is amazing. Scotty wanted to know who was going to be in heaven. We said good people but that it was up to Heavenly Father and Jesus. Scott said, "I'll bet Mrs. Wolfe will be there." She understands him in ways that just make a Mommy's heart sing. He is loving learning to read and can't wait to explore everything! He's discovered a new love for art projects. He colors, cuts, and invents during any downtime. He's never filled his downtime quite so productively. It usually means Hazel trying to cut something as well and scraps of paper, crayons, and other misc items ALL over the house. Other then my recent inability to help with the cleanup I think it's a worthwhile trade off to have him doing such productive things.

He's usually mentally exhausted when he gets home. Morning is definitely his best time of day. It's usually mine but not so much these days. I can't wait until I can get up with him and he and I can enjoy that time together. As it is now he's a bit spacy when he gets home and so I can't push him. Needless to say we go to bed early!

One of the things his teacher is always saying is what dance moves he has. He is very physical but over Christmas vacation we noticed a huge need to take his activity and give him something constructive to do with it. For his birthday from his parents and Ricky and Mimi we signed him up for a class at the Y. We basically chose the class that fit our schedule the best but it has turned out to be amazing for him! It's a hip hop dance class! It's young kids so it's a good balance of structure and not structure. He comes home even more exhausted and gets the best nights sleep every Tuesday.

Hazel is a good sport. She tags along well. Her and I don't do much during the day right now as I'm always so tired. She is a great shopper so we enjoy our outings just to the grocery store and to run errands. She has her Daddy and Grandpa figured out and can get just about anything out of them. I often have to look at her Daddy and say, "You have to say no honey." It's torture for him I'm sure but he does well. Grandpa on the other hand is completely guilty of enormous spoiling and I have to de-Grandpa her every time she comes home from the farm. She loves to sing and make-up her own songs.

She is now officially a sunbeam at church and loves it. I get to be her teacher along with her friend Claire. I think I have the most beautiful class there is! She is so good at sitting and listening and has really transitioned well from nursery where she played most of the time. I am so surprised at how outgoing she is. She has a much shyer nature than her brother but (especially when he is around) you would rarely know that. Every once in a while she doesn't want to talk to someone at the store but she usually just goes on and on to them about how her Joanie and Gampa like her boingies and how she won't share them. This of course is the topic of discussion because everyone comments on her hair when we go places. I have several red-headed friends that I LOVE! One of them said to me that the thing about being a red head is that people ALWAYS remember you and that is sometimes good and sometimes not so much. Guess Hazel will have to figure that all out for herself.

Scotty and Hazel share a room and we aren't quite sure where the baby will be. Just in our room for now and then we'll see. It's amazing how different we are handling this baby. We need things for him but our house seems so full that we are just waiting and will probably just pick up the things we need when we need them. I promise I have something he can wear home from the hospital! haha

We have been wanting another baby since Hazel was born. It wasn't happening and as time went on and we continued to pray about what was next for our family we got several different answers. One of them was that our baby would come and before it did the right "new" car would come along. Our first car (a 95 Galant) with a gazillion miles on it was supposed to last us 1 year. It has been 8 years since we got it. What a blessing that car has been and boy did it ever run on tithing. Around Thanksgiving we started van shopping so that all three of our kids and their car seats would actually fit in our vehicle. We can across the perfect van. It was the first we looked at. It was the right price and the right age. It was perfect. We purchased it and were able to give our Galant to another family. We just heard that the Galant's transmission finally gave out on them. The Lord told us almost exactly how it would all work out and it did just that.

For some reason my dashboard in blogger is really small so I can't really read what I'm writing. Sorry if there are a million typos. Although it probably won't matter since my mom is probably the only one still reading this.  Thanks mom (and anyone else that made it this far)! We will keep updates on the babies status. Labor and delivery is tough but when the baby comes I can always hand him off. For now, he's all me and boy am I tired. It'll be well worth it and I'm going to try really hard not to complain. I was very sick with my first two pregnancies. I always tried to remember that there are people who get more sick then I do. Much more. But it's still hard to lay on the couch and tell your kids to go away because you can't function! The thing I prayed for this pregnancy was to learn something more from it. I had a strong sympathy and understanding for those who struggle with chronic illnesses. At least pregnancy has a timeline. Even if I'm sick for 8 months, by the 9th month, it's over and I get a bonus baby at the end! My heart goes out to those who struggle with those chronic illnesses whether physical or mental or of some other nature. I know many who have a better day to day attitude then the rest of us. I am praying for you and love you and I know your Heavenly Father loves you! Heaven is going to be an awesome place where our bodies are perfected!!

Updates - Video style

Happy Half Birthday

Grandpa and Brockton went fishing today so we made a big deal out of Scott's half birthday and played wii, made a cake, bought a toy, and got dirty at the beach. Still to come, baths in a big tub and a Saturday night movie, with popcorn of course!

Sunday nights at the farm

This time of year it's easy to get distracted. We were on our way to the car to go home but just can't seem to pull ourselves away!

My important thing

While in the tractor Hazel says, "I cut hay for my friend Grandpa. That's my important thing to do."

Journaling

Sometimes I go through phases where I journal a ton. These days Facebook still seems to get most of the attention. I think it’s my need for instant gratification. FB gives me that most of the time (if I post at the right time of day, haha). Anyways, I had to write down some thoughts about today. I debating writing them here or in my online journal but I decided here. They aren’t private thoughts, personal but not private.

My Mother’s Day was incredible. Nothing special happened but I felt so much love. What more could you ask for on a Mother’s Day. Scott is getting old enough that he really understands that Mother’s Day is supposed to be special for me. He wanted to surprise me and his new thing is making cards and pictures for people. He found a gift he knew was perfect for me and even said he’d give me the best nap ever but not getting up. He knows that his behavior directly affects what kind of a day I have. He loves me no matter what mistakes I make and wants nothing more then my happiness and approval. What pure love a child has.

I was blessed to be able to see my mother several days before Mother’s Day. I love her so much and it hurts to be so far away from her most of the time. I can’t complain because I get to see her more often then I should with how far apart we live but I sometimes just feel pain that she is not right by me. I’m so glad my children know her and hope that will only improve with time. I know traveling will get even harder (i.e. expensive) as the kids get older but I want so much for my kids to know that amazing women that raised me.

I am blessed with a Mother-in-law that has raised incredible children that I get to call my brothers and sisters, and of course my husband. She often remarks about the mistakes that she made. All I can remark about is the children she turned out and what a blessing Dan is in my life.

There’s not time to mention all the women who have touched my life. I have mentors, Aunts, cousins, roommates, friends, who are all mother’s in one form or another. My sister-in-laws are an especially huge example to me and I thank them everyday. I have to especially thank the ones married to my brothers for loving them and helping them to be the very best they can be.

One interesting thing that happened today was that I was scheduled to teach the Young Women’s lesson. The lesson was on temple marriage. We have a diverse group of YW and their circumstances vary. They are all so dear to me. I feel like an old lady when I look in their eyes and all I can think about it trying to help them understand what I know now and what I wish I had known then….how unbelievable important they are to their Heavenly Father. How do you put that in words to these girls? I just hope they can feel it because I am a better person everyday because of them.

Thank you to those who have taught me to love and thank you to those who love me no matter what. Especially, when all else is gone in this world, thank you to my Heavenly Father for having a divine plan for ME!

For Cuteness sake

Pit stop on the way home from D.C.