Avaree Is Born!

I was due September 8th, but on July 26th, when I was 33 ½ weeks along I went in for an appointment. Because I had been having contraction the day before, they decided to check me. I was at 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced so they put me on bed rest. This was a shock to me and I didn’t think I would need to be on bed rest. I got steroid shots to help her lungs develop and they said it should put her ahead by two weeks just in case she did come early. I headed up to Logan to try and relax and that worked great… for a few days; then I got restless. Bed rest drove me nuts and I had a million things I needed to get done, and most of all I felt like I was wasting my maternity leave. The next week I was at 3 cm and 80%, and they kept me on bed rest. The next week I went in and was at 4 cm and 80%. At this point they said they wouldn’t try to stop labor if it came, but if she came before 36 weeks it was procedure for her to go to the NICU. At that point-my goal was to hit 36 weeks and get her out to meet me, and if she wasn’t ready to come I was going back to work.

I hit 36 weeks on August 10th and decided that if she didn't come by Friday I was going back to work on Monday. A dear friend suggested castor oil brownies and castor oil scrambled eggs; so on August 11th my amazing sister made me some brownies and we went on a walk. A few hours later she made me some eggs. We had our doubts about it working, but before we went to bed (at 2 a.m.) we showered and packed a suitcase-just in case. I woke up with contractions a few times that night, but they weren’t bad so I went back to bed. At about 7:05 I woke up to use the restroom, and my water broke. A little in shock, I woke up Laura to let her know. We got our things together and headed out. We stopped at Jamba Juice on our way out of town and I called my doctor to let her know I was on my way and we were well on the road by 8 a.m.

We were timing contractions at 4 minutes apart and joking about getting pulled over. It was about 9:00 and we were near Centerville when the tire blew! Just my luck, and only my car. We thought getting pulled over would be an adventure, but this was WAY better! We were in the left lane, so we pulled over to the left should and called police dispatch. We just said we needed help changing the tire so we could be on our way, but within 5 minutes they had the entire freeway blocked off for us to pull over into the right shoulder. There were 6 troopers, an ambulance, fire truck, fire chief, and a UDOT truck there for our assistance. We told them I would make it just fine in the car once the tire was changed, but they insisted that I go in the ambulance because I was in labor. Talk about embarrassing! By the time they got me loaded into the ambulance the tire was changed and Laura was following close behind to the hospital.

They unloaded me at the hospital where Laura and Josh were waiting for me at around 10:00 a.m. It was only moments after I got my gown and they hooked me up to monitors that my contractions started getting pretty painful. My nurse was not my favorite, and ignored me when I first asked what point I could get my epidural. She left for quite a while and when the contraction got bad enough I really wanted the epidural we pushed the nurse call button. We waited for what seemed like forever for the nurse to come back in. She checked me and I was at 5 cm and 100% so she left to get the anesthesiologist. She came back a few moments later to let me know that the anesthesiologist was doing a C-section and would be in with me when she was finished. I didn’t think I could wait much long so she gave me a shot of Demerol to “take the edge off.” Well, that worked for all of what seemed like less than 5 minutes. Once that wore off I was in horrible pain, begging for the epidural. They checked me for a final time when I was at 9 ½ cm and they called the doctor. She came running and barely made it in time. They told me it was too late and I couldn’t get an epidural and all I could say (quite emotionally) was, “I can’t do this by myself, I need an epidural.”

Now, I made it, and I did do it without the epidural, but I’m not convinced I’ll skip out next time, and I’m incredibly grateful that she came early so she was small and that it was quick. Now, the day is almost a blur, but still an amazing day that I’ll never forget.

My darling Avaree Mae

born Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 11:28 a.m.

5 lbs 12 oz

18 ½ inches long

Long Overdue Updates

(Due to not having internet for a while, we haven't done blog updates in a while. So here's the updates.)

Andrea’s Graduation

I FINALLY made it!!! After years of hard work and stress trying to finish school with a job and family I’m finally done! I graduated with my Legal Administrative Associates Degree, Executive Assisting Certificate, and an Accounting Certificate. My parents came out for graduation and Josh gave me the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen!


Hayden’s Preschool Graduation

What a wonderful year! We’re so proud of Hayden and all he’s learned and accomplished. He’ll often sit down with Kylie and try to teach her the things he has learned.

His preschool graduation was May 21, 2010 and the teacher put together a wonderful program. The kids shared things that they had learned throughout the year, and they all got graduation caps and gowns.
He’s so smart for his age and is ready to take on kindergarten in September. As for Kylie, she’s so excited to begin preschool so can learn like her big brother.


Josh’s School

Now that Andrea is finished with school, it’s finally Josh’s turn! He started an EMT class on April 19th and completed the course on June 23rd. He did excellent considering how difficult the curriculum was, and the short time frame he had to learn it. His cousin Nick was also in the class with them. Hard to believe they actually got anything done knowing how those two are together. :)


It’s a Girl!!!

In January we found out that we are expecting our first baby together. The kids couldn’t be more excited. We went in for the ultra sound on April 20th and found out that it’s a girl! We took the kids to the ultrasound, and while I’m sure that part wasn’t too exciting for them, they were very excited to find out that they were getting a little sister.



Grandma and Grandpa Eldridge

Grandma and Grandpa were able to come visit for a week and a half. We always have so much fun when they come. Kylie loves her aunt Makayla and followed her everywhere she went. We were able to take the kids to Lagoon for the first time. The kids just loved the new kid rides there. Hayden was just barely big enough to ride The Bat roller coaster. Because there was hardly anyone there, we were able to hop off and jump right back on about 4 times in a row. Kylie's favorite ride was the Octopus one. She rode it till she was drenched.

Josh and Grandpa also took Hayden on his first fishing trip, which was so much fun!

Josh also got to get out in the water and have some fun of his own.

Kylie’s 4th Birthday

Our darling Kylie is getting so big and beautiful! We had a little family party for her this year, much like we did for Hayden’s 4th. She chose to have a mermaid cake, so Andrea put her best skills together and attempted the cake.

Kylie opened her presents, and ended up with lots of cute clothes.

I think her favorite gift ended up being her LeapFrog computer game from Grandma Eldridge.

Avatar

So after weeks of not being able to see this movie in IMAX 3D, we decided to buy our tickets a day in advance while the Super Bowl was going. Oddly enough the movie still sold out even though this movie has been out for quite a while.

Anyways, with not much knowledge of the movie, and finally talking Andrea into seeing it, we absolutely loved this movie! It has been such a long time since we have seen anything original as this. It takes you on a ride to paradise with characters that are amazing. We have decided we need to see it at least one more time in IMAX 3D while it's still available. So to anyone who hasn't seen this, GO! We promise you won't regret it.

Hayden's 5th Birthday!

Quality Xbox Repair

As some of you know, Josh's Xbox business has been doing really good. He recently created a new website for his business that is really great, and beneficial to his customers. The site if full of information articles that he wrote. Pass the word along to friends and family. He does good work.

www.saltlakexbox.com

Insight For 2010

A lot of plans for everyone this year. This year will be a major transition for us. Andrea will be graduating with her second Associates this spring, that will have her prepped for a great legal position with any lawyer/firm. Josh will be making a career change, with many open options to consider. He's interested in a few fields that are all different from one another. Perhaps even school might be a consideration. Hayden will be advancing to elementary school to start Kindergarten and Kylie will be starting preschool. They are both more than ready to advance. Hayden is beyond boredom at preschool right now, and when ever Kylie attends his school she is totally involved and motivated.

We have plans to start the kids in some activities this year. We want to put them in swimming lessons. They both had so much fun swimming last year they would love swimming lessons. And since Kylie is constantly tumbling all over the house non-stop, we want to put her in either a tumbling class or dance. And we need to find a sport for Hayden. Most likely T-Ball. Josh would love to put him in a pee-wee hockey league, but we may have to wait till next year.

Christmas 2009

Christmas this year turned out better than we expected. I'm not exactly sure how we pulled it off, but it worked out very well. Our funds were significantly lower this year due to our strained economy. But we still managed to spoil the kids which is the most important thing. :) Santa managed to bring the kids some brand new bikes and helmets. It's quite funny that Kylie picked up on bike riding faster than Hayden did. Andrea went well over the top, as she usually does. Even with everyone telling her to slow down, she still managed to spoil the kids rotten. The grandparents also did very well spoiling the kids. Very cute pajamas from both grandparents. We are all very grateful for everyone's gifts.

Family pic. What a great morning!

The aftermath. Lots'a presents!

Classic. This pic could go on a Christmas card.

Kids going through their stockings from Santa.

Hayden and his Rocket Bike.

Kylie and her Princess Bike.

Church Callings

We have both recently been assigned new callings in our ward. Josh has been called to serve as the young mens basketball coach for the deacons and teachers. They have had a few practices already, and the boys show much potential. Josh and the boys are becoming good friends and they are all excited for their first game on January 7th.

Andrea has been called as the sunbeam teacher for the upcoming year. A calling like that for Andrea is almost perfect. Andrea has always had a gift with small children. It is definitely a talent and life calling for her with the nurturing skills she has been blessed with. Kylie will be a sunbeam this coming year, so it should be fun for Andrea to have her in the class.

The ward has become very important to both of us. Our ward is wide ranged in age, which is very nice. This ward has been one of the most friendly, caring and non-judgmental wards thus far.

Funeral Audio

For those who couldn't make it. Audio from my Grandpa's funeral service. I just love Mark and Dennis' speeches.

Thanksgiving

What a great holiday. Besides Christmas, it's our favorite one. So what are some things to be thankful for? Well lets begin our list on a time line. How about our savior, who suffered so much for everyone of us. He has felt pain that we can't even imagine. And how about the ones who began this amazing country. Like Lincoln, George Washington and the other founding fathers. The declaration of independence, and all the fallen soldiers who have risked and given their lives to protect it. This truely is the land of God. We are grateful for those who donate free labor and time to the community. Volunteer work speaks volumes about a persons personality. We are grateful for our active military, police, and fireman who protect us. We are especially grateful for our employment that allows us to receive income. Whether we like our jobs or not, it's nice to have one in this strained economy today. We are especially grateful for our families health and safety. Last but not least, we are grateful for our restored gospel, and for the ones who restored it. There are so many unfortunate people in the world who will never receive the chance to know our gospel. We are so grateful to have been given the opportunity.

We'll Miss You Grandpa

"Ted L. Alvey, 75, of Nampa, Idaho passed away Thursday, November 5, 2009. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ted was born December 8, 1933 in Goshen, Utah to Maurice and Norma Jasperson Alvey. He was the second of six children, five boys and one girl. He grew up in Goshen, Utah and graduated from Payson High School in 1952. Ted met his wife Pat Peterson from Provo, Utah on his graduation day. They were married July 10, 1953 and the marriage was later solemnized in the Jordan River LDS Temple. Their marriage brought much love and happiness lasting 56 years. They were blessed with five children, 20 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. They moved from Sandy, Ut to Idaho in 1975 and Ted became manager of Cummin's Diesel in Boise. He was a natural born salesman and won numerous awards, trips and promotions which later led to starting his own business with two sons in 1982. He loved to work and enjoyed it almost as much as hunting and fishing. Ted adored his family above everything else and was always there with love, advice and a listening ear. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held various positions through the years. Ted is remembered with so much love as he leaves behind his wife Pat, a daughter, Julie (Mike) Eldridge; sons, Gary (Debbie), Mark (Teresa), Dennis (Marti), Ryan (Cori) and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Jean (LaMar) Hall and brothers, LaMar (Donna) and Golden (Kathy) Alvey. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother, Eddy Floyd and a brother Steven Max Alvey."

Grandpa Alvey was a great grandpa. So many hunting and fishing memories with him. He sure knew how to keep your stomach full anytime you were in the outdoors with him. And he knew his favorite mountains and lakes like the back of his hand. His love for his wife and family is something to cherish and follow. He loved to laugh and have fun and always carried a smile on his face. I have so many Thanksgiving in Idaho memories throughout my life. Those times mean the world to me, and are my best childhood experiences. So many great cousins to play with, pastures and creeks to explore, and the fun duck hunting with our grandpa and dads. This passing is very hard for me, because I had always wanted to have my kids experience these things too. But now it will never happen as grandpa is gone and the house is going up for sale.

Grandpa knew how to work, and work hard he did. Never has he ever had any kind of employment problems. When it came to work, he got the job done. My grandpa also was very good to my grandmother. He treated her very well with the up most respect. Anytime you saw him, he was always next to my grandmother like in the picture above. These traits are something that I will do my best to follow so my kids can see the same example as they grow up.

First Blog

We just began our journey of Blogger. It seams to be quite popular for family websites, so we thought we'd give it a try. Follow us and we'll follow you back!