Saturday, April 26, 2014

Quick Update

I just wanted to write a quick update on what has been happening lately. Nothing too exciting, but I feel like I should take a minute and write down what has gone on the last couple of weeks.


We have a big list of things that we need to do, and figure out before Brenna gets here. We have been working pretty hard, and trying to get as much done as possible-it is hard to find time, especially between work, and Tyler starting a new semester of school. We have gotten quite a bit accomplished, but we still have work to do!


We have been able to spend some time with our families lately, which has been so nice! It was so fun to see everyone Easter weekend, and catch up with them! We are so lucky we have such good family, so close to us! That is a HUGE blessing! They are so good to us!


My awesome Mother-In-Law Christine, and her sisters, put together a shower for Brenna and I. It was such a fun time! They are all so sweet, and definitely SPOILED Brenna! She got so many cute things! Thank you again, for a great time!


We got Brenna's quilt back from the quilter! It looks soooo good! She embroidered her name on the top of it, and also put "Believe In Miracles" on the bottom! All that we have left to finish on it is the binding, then we can finish the nursery!! I just can't believe it!


Time is such a weird thing. It seems as though the days drag on, but the weeks fly by! We are starting to get really anxious, as we getting down to the wire. It is hard to believe that we are so close to meeting our baby! It seems like just yesterday, we found out we were expecting!


My belly is getting bigger, and bigger everyday. It's hard to sleep, and I am uncomfortable almost all the time. My feet are swollen, my wedding ring doesn't fit, and my back aches almost constantly--But, I would do it all over again, because I know it will be worth it. Bringing Brenna into this world will undoubtedly be one of the most incredible, sacred, and happy times we will have in this life. There are no words to say how much we already love her, and I know that love will be multiplied by a million when we see her and hold her for the first time!


Reality is starting to set in that we are only a few weeks away from a very new, and semi-frightening journey. My anxiety has definitely kicked in, and I have been having some really rough days. I know that we are facing this for a reason, and that we are being tested and tried. All the bad thoughts I have been having aren't from my Heavenly Father. He isn't giving us this test to set us up for failure. He is giving us this test to become more like him. I know he wants us to be happy, and that he has been helping us the whole time. He is guiding us and directing us down the path, and in the darkest times he provides a loving light that gives us hope! I am beyond grateful that I can talk to him, pour out my heart and soul, share my worries, my defeats, and my accomplishments with someone who understands everything. Without Him, we could not face this.


Just a reminder, that we will be holding a fast for Brenna this coming fast Sunday (May 4th). We would love for all of you to participate if you are able. We know many great blessings have come and will continue to come through fasting and prayers. We also know that there is strength in numbers. We want to do everything we can to help Brenna, and I know that the prayers said in her behalf have already made a difference. Please, please, please, continue to pray for our family--especially Brenna. We are ready to meet her, and to help her in any way we can. We will do anything we have to, to get her healthy and home. Thank You to all of you, who have been so generous, and willing to help us. We love you all so much!


-McKensie

Friday, April 11, 2014

Primary Children's Part 3

Life is Crazy. We are beginning to realize how close we are to having Brenna--It is insane to think that she could be here in less than 7 weeks! We are trying to get things done around the house, but between work and everything else going on it has been hard to find the time (or energy) to get what needs to be done, done.


I'll be honest. I have had a couple of rough days this last week. Emotions have been running high, anxiety has kicked in, and working 8+ hours a day on my feet has about worn me out. But, between the swollen ankles, tears, stress, and anxiety, life is still good! I really shouldn't complain because I know how blessed we really are. Thank heavens for a good Mom, Dad, and Husband! They have been so much help to me-and are some of my biggest blessings.


Today we got to spend the better part of the day at Primary Children's and U of U Hospital. Overall, it was a very good visit, and I am so glad my Mom and Dad were able to go with Tyler and I. It was nice to have my Dad with us, since he hadn't been able to go to an appointment with us. He got to see and experience the "behind the scenes" stuff, instead of just hearing bits and pieces (of what we can remember and retain, it is SO  MUCH information--and a wee bit overwhelming.) of it from us. To start the morning off, Brenna had her Echo-Cardiogram. She was not behaving. She even gave the tech a couple of REALLY good strong kicks, and decided it would be funny to wiggle and squirm almost the entire time! (It was really funny and entertaining to watch the tech jump out of her chair every time Brenna would kick her!) It finally got to the point that the actual Cardiologist had to come in and finish the Echo-Cardiogram. Even though she didn't cooperate, and it took a while, I am so glad to know that she is strong, and likes to wiggle (she definitely likes to make her presence known)! It makes me feel so much better, and I LOVE when I can feel her move and kick! After we finished, we met with our team of doctors, and went over what they saw today--nothing really new, no major changes or worries, (which is GREAT!) and they even said they saw some good signs! They saw some blood flow in her Right Ventricle (the part of her heart that is REALLY underdeveloped, that they didn't think would even work) which gives them some hope that it could possibly keep developing and be able to function! We don't know that it will be able to for sure, but it is always good to hear something positive! (PLEASE, keep praying for the right side of her heart!)


I have a hard time going up to Primary Children's, in fact, I dread it. I am always terrified that they will find something else wrong, or something will have changed for the worse. Today I felt more comfortable than ever, and was so glad that the appointment went so well! I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders-I am so glad we are in such good hands! We do not have to go back up to Primary's until she is born, which is bitter-sweet. We have already formed friendships with the doctors, and our social workers--they are incredible! I know that we will for sure see them (soon), but it is hard when they already feel like our family.


We were able to tour the CICU (Cardiac Intensive Care Unit) and also the NICU, where Brenna will be spending some time before, during, and after surgeries.  I was so nervous to do it, but am so glad I did it. It is kind of scary to see all of the different machines and things, but such a blessing to know that all of that technology is ready and available. It was a lot to take in, but it was a good experience.


I had a regular ultrasound at the U of U and met with my OB. Everything still looks great! Brenna is growing perfectly. She still has lots of hair, chubby cheeks, and apparently has rather large feet! She was weighing at about 4 1/2 pounds which is a little bit bigger than average, but is a good thing! At my next appointment, we will be scheduling Brenna's arrival! We can't quite wrap our minds around that, but we are excited!


I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing our family with such a sweet miracle. Even though she hasn't made her appearance yet, she has definitely had a huge impact on us and our families. The love we feel for her already amazes me. I can't wait to meet this special little girl.


We would like to invite all of you to fast with us, this upcoming fast Sunday (May 4th) in Brenna's behalf. It will be the last fast we will hold before she is born. For those of you who have been praying for us, THANK YOU. Please continue to remember our family in your prayers--we have felt a difference! We truly feel the love and support that all of you have given and shown. We love you all!


-McKensie


Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Random.

Warning. This post contains random thoughts from a pregnant woman, who can't really seem to keep anything straight anymore. Feel free to read on, or stop here. 

My belly button is officially non-existent . No one told me it would disappear! I don't know why it freaks me out so much, but it does!

I've pretty much felt every emotion known to man these last few days and weeks. From being really happy, and energetic-to feeling down, upset, and exhausted...not to mention bursting into tears if someone even looks at me "the wrong way". Ah, the joys of being pregnant.

My favorite thing is feeling Brenna wiggle constantly. I love that she has dance parties, and practices her sweet karate moves in my tummy. Her favorite thing to do is stick her foot right under my right rib cage. Yes, it can be uncomfortable and painful, but I still love it. It reminds me of how lucky I am to get to have her. She is already spunky and full of life, I hope she stays that way!

Kidney Stones are the spawn of Satan. I have never experienced anything so painful. I have passed a lot of kidney stones, (which are terrible NOT pregnant, even when you can take medicine) but being pregnant and passing kidney stones is horrendous! NO pain meds but Tylenol...which DOES NOT do a dang thing! So basically you just have to wait it out. NOT FUN! 

I'm pretty sure Brenna is made out of Bacon Cheeseburgers, Cocoa Pebbles, Cheese, Spaghetti-o's (gross I know), and Play-dough Ice Cream. It seems like whatever I eat gives me Heartburn, so I should at least enjoy what I eat, right? I eat Tums like candy--and gag every time I chew and swallow. You would think they would make them a little more tasty, and a lot less chalky. Maybe I should go to work and find a not so disgusting way to treat heartburn--who knows, maybe I'd make millions!

Priesthood Blessings are Incredible. I have such a strong testimony of the priesthood--I am beyond grateful for the guidance and council that I have received from my Heavenly Father through worthy priesthood holders. A lot of questions have been answered, and I have felt peace as I have exercised my own faith and worked towards bettering myself. 

Who knew that trying to tie your shoes could quickly turn into a 20 minute workout? It's a good thing Tyler is willing to help me--and only laughs at me a little bit. 

Tyler and I are coming up on our 2 year anniversary (April 5th). It is so crazy to think that we were sealed 2 years ago--time flies! He has been my rock- he is so strong and willing to put up with anything that comes our way. He is a great example to me, and works so hard for our family. He is a trooper--he works 50-60 hour work weeks, and is also in school full time. I am so glad that he chose me to be his forever. He loves me unconditionally, (even when i drive him to the brink of insanity) and puts up with all of my crap. He knows how to make me laugh and smile, and always knows just what to say when I am having a hard day. I love that he still tucks me into bed at night, and doesn't get too mad when I pick all of the cookie dough chunks out of HIS ice cream--if that's not love, I don't know what is! ;)  Love You Babe! 

8 weeks. That's all we have until our sweet babe arrives. I wish I could press fast forward, but I still have so much to do to prepare for her arrival! I get anxiety every time I think about it--partly because of all the nerves, and partly because I can't believe we are this close to meeting our little miracle. 

Between all the laughs, smiles, tears, and disappointments, I would not change a thing. I am so grateful to be where I am today, to be able to be here, and experience trials and happiness. I love my life, and am looking forward to the future with a smile! 

"Those who look forward with a HAPPY SPIRIT will find that things ALWAYS work out."
-President Gordon B. Hinckley

-McKensie