Campbell Birth Story

Nate & I went out for our sixth anniversary which is on Dec 3rd. We did some shopping and then went out to dinner to Texas Roadhouse. When we got to the restaurant I was feeling sick to my stomach. I only had a few bites of my dinner and Nate hurried to finish his meal. We headed home because I wasn’t feeling very well.


That night from 11pm to 2am I started having really bad diarrhea. I didn’t think much of it except that I was probably just getting a stomach bug. At 2:15 I had a really bad stomach cramp and then “pop”. My water broke! Nate had fallen asleep on the couch since I wasn’t feeling good. I ran in and told him that my water had broken. He hurried and put Rem in the car. As we were driving to the hospital I started throwing up. I walked into the ER with throw up on my shirt and wet pants. I was quite a sight to see.

I told the people at the ER that I was 35 weeks and that my water had broke. Once I got changed into a hospital gown they checked me. I was 3 ½ cm dilated, completely effaced, and his head was right there. Right then is when I started to freak out because I was worried that the baby was coming too quickly. My OB told us it would be best if I was transferred to a different hospital that had a NICU. So my OB didn’t even deliver me. They sent me by ambulance (my first ride ever in one) to another hospital 20 minutes away. In the ambulance my contractions were 2 ½ minutes apart.

Once I got to the other hospital I was dilated to an 8! At an 8 I was feeling like I needed to push. I was so scared that he was coming! I was telling everyone to hurry because I NEEDED my c-section. By the time I was prepped for surgery I had reached 9 cm.

Campbell Allen was born on December 4th at 4:35 am. He was 4 lbs 14 oz and 17.5 inches. He is currently in the NICU and will be there for a few weeks.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 20

A picture of somewhere you would love to travel.

This is a picture of Lancaster, PA.  I've been there as a child and would love to go back!  The thing I love the most about Lancaster is the Amish people.  They live such a simple life which I love!  Don't let this picture fool you though because Lancaster is more than just farmland. 

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 19

 I took a little break from the 30 day challenge, but I'm back!!!!

A picture and a letter to someone

Dear Remington,
I hope you always know how much I love you!  I am so impressed how much you have grown this past year.  You know all your letters and are starting to learn how to read.  You are a smart little boy and I predict you will be smarter than your Mommy and Daddy one day! ;)
I feel so blessed to your Mom.  You are such a precious little boy.  I see so much of me in you!  I hope I will raise you right and that you will grow up to be a confident young man.

Love always,
your Mom

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 18

A picture of your biggest insecurity.

My teeth

I hate my teeth!  I've always had bad teeth.  Even as a kid, I had to have them all capped.  The worst thing for my teeth was getting pregnant.  I don't regret having Rem but its something you don't think about when having kids.  I had really bad morning sickness that I'd get sick when I brush my teeth.  My teeth looks like a person who has had an eating disorder.  I also suffered PPD (post-partum depression) which hurt my teeth as well because I was too depressed to take care of myself.  Sad, but true!  Now I possibly have GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) which can hurt your teeth.  When I look in the mirror I just want to cry!

This is a big reason I am back in school so I can fix my teeth.  Most dentists now a days make you pay the dental costs upfront.  So once I find a job, I can finally work towards having a nice smile again!

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 17

A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

I think going back to school has made a big impact on my life.  I have really missed going to school and I'm enjoying it so much!  I do look forward to finishing too and hopefully finding myself a job in a medical office.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 16

A picture of someone who inspires you.

Nurse Heidi

I've only met Heidi once during a race.  Originally I met her on an Online forum of Latter-day Saint ladies (Latter-day Saint Babycenter). She has such an amazing story!  Heidi lost a baby but was able to move through the loss and help others.  It seems like she is always going and always has time to serve others.  Heidi is a nurse, but still makes time to train for half and full marathons.  She bakes and does all sort of fun stuff for her kids despite some of the crazy hours that she works.  Heidi also volunteers her time to do photography for parents who have lost their babies.  She is one special lady and hope one day I can be more like her!

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 15

A picture of something you want to do before you die.

I'd love to spend a week or two at the happiest place on Earth!  Disney World!  I've been there plenty of times, but I would LOVE to take Rem there and see his reactions.  I seriously believe places like these are so much more fun when you have a child.  I would also like to make it to Disney Land so I can compare the two!

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 14

A picture of someone you can never imagine your life without.

 

Nate aka Mr. Wonderful

This one wasn't hard at all.  I love Nate soooo much!  I couldn't imagine being any happier!

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 13

A picture of your favorite artist or band.

Every morning when I drive to school I listen to Jenny Phillips, who is an LDS artist.  I love her music!  I find if I listen to inspirational music in the morning, it is like I'm starting the day off on the right foot.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 12

A picture of something you LOVE.

 Yup, its a sleep mask.  I seriously could not live without it.  I need something over my face so I'm able to sleep.  It also needs to be completely dark.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 11

A picture of something you HATE.

I hate snow!  I dream of one day being a snow bird.  I have to be honest though... snow is okay but the thing I hate the most is driving in it!!!!

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 10

A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

Well I'm skipping day 10!  I'm a boring wife and mom.  Don't really do anything crazy, but I guess that is a good thing at my age.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 09

A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

 

My Mom

My Mom has helped me get through some really rough times in my life.  I am so grateful for her and her loving example.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 08

A picture that makes you laugh.

Instead of a picture, I am showing you a video that makes me laugh.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 07

 A picture of my most treasured item...

My computer

Yes, my computer (excuse the diaper butt but was the only picture I had).  My computer has all our memories on it!  All our pictures, digital scrap-booking stuff, old emails, etc.  I seriously would be lost without everything that is saved on this computer. 

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 06

A picture of someone you would love to trade places with for a day.

I've seriously thought about this one for days.  There is no one I'd really trade places with for day because each person has there own share of struggles.  So I decided I would want to trade places with:

 

 A younger me

Would it be great to have the energy and good health of a child?

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 05

A picture of your favorite memory.

After two months of dating, Nate & I flew back to Maryland to visit my family and see the sites.  It was so much fun to show Nate around!  At the end of our vacation, we went to the DC temple and that is where Nate decided to propose to me.  It was such a special day for us!

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 04

A picture of your favorite night.

The night Nate & I got married was by far my favorite night.  It was such a special day for us.  Looking back on our wedding pictures always makes me smile because we are still SOOO happy with each other.

30 Day Photo Challenge : Day 03

A picture of the cast from your favorite TV show.

My favorite TV show is the Biggest Loser.  I love seeing people transform there lives in such positive ways.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 02

A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.

The person I've been the closest with the longest would have to be my sister, Dotti.  We have been through a lot together.  When I was growing up, she was the person I looked up to.  Dotti was seriously like a Mom to me when I was little.  I don't know how I would of survived without her.

Typical sister moment :)

PREVIEW: A picture of the cast from your favorite TV show.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 01

A friend of mine did this on her Facebook last month.  I thought it was fun to read so I've decided to take on the challenge on my blog.

 DAY 01: A picture of yourself with 20 facts.

1. I was born on 7-11.  I always joke that they named the convenience store after me.
2. I was a preemie born at 32 weeks weighing about 2 1/2 pounds.  I was also born with a cleft palate.
3. I lived in New York for 18 years, but LOVE living out West.
4. I joined the LDS Church when I was 18.
5. I attended the LDS Business College from 2002-2005.
6. I worked at Payless ShoeSource for 2 years and met so many wonderful people working there.
7. I also worked at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building which is where I met Nate.
8. Even though I'm 28 I can still fit in kids clothes and wears a size 2 1/2 shoe.
9. I have Hashimoto's and Grave's disease which is two opposite thyroid conditions.
10. I have a fear of driving especially on the freeway.
11. I am currently attend a technical college studying Medical Office Administration.
12. My favorite color is Pink.
13. I come from two different families.  My birth family and my LDS family.
14. The only time I was 100 lbs was when I was pregnant with Rem.
15. I struggle with gaining weight.
16. I love to run but have really slacked off lately.
17. I had a mission call to serve in Brazil, but then I started dating Nate and fell in love.
18. I dream of being a snowbird one day.
19. I haven't done it in awhile but I used to enjoy digital scrap-booking.
20. I'm currently a Stay at home mom/ full time student.  I love being at home with Remington!  It is sad to see my little baby so grown up.

PREVIEW: A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.

Spring is in the air!

Today is the first day of March and it is such a beautiful day out.  It was so warm that Rem & I had a picnic outside.  Right now the temperature outside is 52 degrees.  Love it !

With the arrival of Spring in a few weeks, our family is going through a lot of changes...

Nate has applied for a job within the company he works for in OHIO.  Nate has had quite a few interviews on the telephone.  They seem VERY impressed with Nate and will be flying him out for one last interview in April.  He will be sitting in on a class and then will have to teach a 15 minute portion of the class.  After that, Nate could possibly get a job offer.  We will see!  Depending on how much they offer will be the deciding factor if we stay or leave.

Jen will be finish up school sometime around June.  Then hopefully will be finding a job!

Remington is learning so much at preschool.  He knows his ABC's, can read a few words, AND knows all the days of the week.  He is getting so big!

Other than applying for the job back in Ohio, our lives have been rather boring.  

Blog going private...

I have decided to go private with my blog.

If you want an invite please comment below with your email.  I plan on making my blog private on Monday, February 21st.  Thanks!

December update

Wow, December has been a BUSY BUSY BUSY month for us.  Nate & I basically spent half the month in Las Vegas.  So much fun!

The beginning of December we went to Las Vegas to celebrate our anniversary.  It was a nice week away from everything back at home.  It had been 5 years since our last week long trip and that was our honeymoon.  We stayed in a condo in Las Vegas.  While we were there, we got to eat good food, see Las Vegas the show (for free), visit with Julie and Jake, walk the strip, and yes even played some slots.  Nate & I only ended up gambling $10 which included the $4 dollars I won.  I really don't understand how people can sit there hours on hours losing hundreds of dollars.  I see better ways of spending my money.  One thing I was shocked of was, I wasn't carded at all!  I was so nervous of that since I look so young that I kept my ID on my lap.  LOL!

During our trip I was reminded how much Nate & I are still very much in LOVE.  Love really is GRAND and I don't know what I'd do without Nate (and Rem) in my life.  Life is really worthwhile when you have people you love and care for in your life.  I really have been blessed!

After we got back from our trip, we had quite a few snow storms.  We have a LOT of snow now where we live.  It is only January 1st and I'm already so SICK of snow.  During one snow storm, Rem wanted to build a snowman and then knock it down.  LOL!  The funny part is that he needed some help from his Mommy to knock the snowman over.

 Nate's hard work.  He pretty built the snowman by himself since I'm snowman challenged!

Rem's preschool had Santa come for the last day of school before the break.  Rem didn't want to sit on Santa's lap but I convinced him by telling him he'd get a present for sitting on Santas lap.  It was just a small gift that all the parents brought in for Santa to give out.  That motivated him!  So he sat on his lap and told Santa what he wanted for Christmas.  The funny part is that the small gift he got, he thought it was what he asked for Christmas.  So when we picked up Rem, he told us he had a monster jam DS game in his backpack.  YIKES!  I told Rem that it wasn't that and Santa would bring what he wanted on Christmas day.  He was a little disappointed but was happy w/ the hot wheels car that he got from Santa.

 
The night of December 22nd, we headed out to Las Vegas.  It was a long drive but Rem did a good job especially since he slept most of the way.  While there we spent lots of time with Nates family, playing games, went to the Shark Reef (not worth the money IMO), and went to the magical forest.  We all had a good time!!!

 Rem was grumpy during the magical forest since he stayed up till midnight!  But this sums up how he felt about leaving Las Vegas too.  He had so much fun that he didn't want to leave!

Thats the end of 2010 for us.  We are looking forward to what 2011 holds.  A whole new year and new adventures!