Baby Bridger

Bridger Don North was born on October 20th at 8:57pm. He weighed 9 pounds 9 ounces and was 21 inches long. He was born a few weeks early but has been doing well. It is a miracle to have a new baby in our home. We are so grateful everything went well. I had gone to the doctor on Wednesday not planning to have the baby that day. He told me to pack my bags, I would probably come in that night. I didn't want to get my hopes up so I just came home and did my normal stuff. My niece, Jennifer has been here so we went on a walk. Then I came home and started cleaning. Around 3pm, the nurse called and said she was surprised I wasn't at the hospital yet and the doctor was a little concerned because I was dialated to a 5. I was having contactions but they were not regular so I wasn't worried. I decided maybe I should pack my bag and tell Jerry to come home. We called Landon and Dana who came over to watch our kids until Jen and Isac could get here. They ended up staying a few nights which was a lifesaver for us. We got to the hospital around 5pm. Dr Jones was on call and they decided to keep me. They gave me an epidural (loved that) and started PIT. Jerry ran to Target and to get something to eat. The nurse came in around 8:30pm and said I was at a 7 or 8 and I better make sure Jerry made it to the hospital. About 10 minutes after he got back, the doctor came in and 10 minutes later, Bridger was here. It is an amazing experience to have the baby placed in your arms after they are born. It is truly a miracle and such a great blessing from Heavenly Father. I am so grateful to be Bridger's mom. They had some concerns about his breathing so he was immediately taken to the nursery. They did a whole series of tests and after a priesthood blessing from his Dad and Uncle Kevin, they determined he was fine. My parents got here on Thursday night. We had to stay at the hospital for at least 24 hours so we ended up coming home on Friday morning. I am so grateful the kids were able to stay at home and we had help with them. We are lucky to have wonderful family and friends. On Saturday, it was determined Bridger had jaundice and needed a bili bed. He is supposed to be in this bed for 18-20 hours a day. It has been difficult not only because we aren't getting much sleep but also because his Dad hasn't been able to hold him much. He is a beautiful baby and has a wonderful spirit about him. I know Heavenly Father has great things in store for him.

November

We found out today we are having a baby boy in November. My due date is November 8th. The kids are beyond excited and so are we. The ultrasound went well and the doctor was pleased with the progress the baby is making. Jerry came to my last appointment and was able to meet the doctor. We feel fortunate and blessed.

Avery's Birthday

We celebrated Avery's birthday yesterday. My parents were in town driving through on their way home to Idaho after spending the winter in Saint George. Kevin and family came as well as Doug, Teresa and kids. We had lunch. Avery's first picture is of her and all her olives. She loves olives so we had taco salad. I made red velvet cupcakes as well. Everything was going well until the cupcake was on her eating tray and she stuck her finger in the candle! It was really sad. Poor girl was so excited and then so sad, so quick. Avery is wonderful little girl. She is so fun to have in our home. She is getting more animated and seems like she is learning new words every day. She loves her older brother and sister. Lauren affectionately calls her Sammy. She responds but when you ask can still say her name is Avery. She is a Daddy's girl and can get whatever she wants from her Daddy. Even coming in our bed at night. :> She LOVES dairy products. Milk, cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese are her favorites. This is wonderful but makes it difficult for her to have bowel movements. She has had this challenge since she was a little baby. We are working with the doctor on it. She LOVES the Wiggles and dances and sings along with all the videos she watches. She has a blanket she loves, a monkey, a piggy and of course, her binky. When she goes to Aunt Lindsay's she immediately goes to the pantry and asks for a cookie. They always have golden Oreos on hand for her. She really gets mostly what she wants from everyone. She is just so dang cute!

Loss

Over Thanksgiving I suffered a miscarriage. We hadn't told many people we were expecting so I was grateful. I was ten weeks along and started bleeding. I had found a doctor who I was scheduled to meet at 12 weeks and they were very helpful. When I started bleeding more heavily I drove myself to the hospital and they were able to do an ultrasound and see there was nothing there. Jerry was helpful and supportive and I appreciated the help and support of those friends and family members who did know. It made me appreciate the miracle of life so much more and created a new level of empathy for those who have suffered a similar loss. I am grateful for the gospel knowledge we have as a family.

Weekend

Jerry talked us into going to Temple Square on Friday to see the lights. It was very crowded but the kids really enjoyed seeing the lights. We hit Cafe Rio on the way home which made the trip even more exciting. I took the rest of the weekend to try and get better. Jerry finished putting up most of the Christmas lights and went to Brent's to watch the BYU game. I was excited it had a good outcome. We had planned an Italian feast with the Barson's but they had sickness at their house as well so we postponed our party. Jerry took the kids to church yesterday and Avery and I stayed home. I am lucky to have such a wonderful husband who took care of things. I am feeling better today and hope to be back to normal soon. Thanks Jerry!

Thanksgiving

We had an uneventful Thanksgiving. Poor Jerry was stuck at home with a sick wife. He did a great job of taking care of all of us but I am sure he is hoping next year will be a little more exciting . We had been invited to the Hite's and were excited to go. I came down with a head cold last night and was in bed most of the day today. Jerry did take a trip to the gym to play racquetball with a friend but other than that, he just took care of the family. Thank goodness for Redbox....our source of entertainment. The one thing we were grateful for was to be together as a family.

Samantha

I had to post this about Landon. Last month he told me he just couldn't stop thinking about Samantha (but don't tell Dad!) I started watching and would see them wave to each other every time he got off the bus. I asked Landon's teacher about it and she said Samantha told her, "We are sealed, you know like married!" Well Mrs. Peterson and I decided it must be strictly a bus romance because they don't seem to talk too much in class. Yesterday we saw Samantha and her Mom in the lobby at church. They just looked at each other and smiled and then talked about school. Samantha's mom said one of the other Mom's told her Mrs. Peterson had to make a rule about no kissing because Samantha kept trying to kiss Landon. Who knew Kindergarten could have so much drama? Landon just laughs and gets shy every time we bring it up. Cute.

TOFW

I had the best weekend. My friend, Tennisa told me about Time Out for Women and Teresa and I were able to get tickets. Teresa was unable to go on Friday night so Lindsay went with me. The speakers were awesome and the spirit was strong. I am so grateful I was able to go. On Saturday, Teresa went for the morning session and Lindsay had gotten a ticket from Karen Keller. Teresa and Lindsay left after the morning session and I was able to stay with Karen. What a sweet lady! I was also able to see Joey who was a roommate of mine from Ricks College. The theme of the weekend was "Sweet Assurances." Jenny Oaks Baker and Hilary Weekes were the music speakers for the weekend. Some of the other speakers were Wendy Nelson, Sheri Dew, Kris Belcher, Mary Ellen Edmounds, Emily Watts and S Michael Wilcox. I would definitely recommend it to anyone seeking a spiritual experience. I am looking forward to next year.