Sunday, September 22, 2013

Back Blog: Easton's Birth Story

This is a few months overdue...4 months to be exact, but here is my birth story for my sweet little man, Easton!!

To say this pregnancy was "different" is an understatement. With my history of delivering large babies, (Andie 9# 5oz and Erynn 8# 4oz) I was tested and diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes at 12wks pregnant. Not fun!! I had to check my Blood Sugar every morning before I ate and then an hour after every meal. Initially my sugars were maintained with my diet, but around 20wks I started to have elevated sugars and needed to take Metformin to help control my sugars. So being a Gestational Diabetic put me at an increased risk for delivering a large baby and my Drs at Gila Valley Clinic had been planning on inducing me around 39wks. Cut to April 17th, 38wks.

I had my appointment with Dr. Guerrero (an amazing woman and Dr), where we discussed my induction a week later. I had really been wanting Dr. Guerrero to deliver this baby and she was to be on call that following Thurs, so we set the date.

That morning I go my kiddos off to school and got my bag ready to go. Avery had gymnastics pictures that day and so the plan was to get her ready and then I would head into the hospital and Lucas would get the girls settled at home. Luckily my amazing parents were coming into town for the evening and would be staying with the girls while Lucas and I were in the hospital. So I arrived to the hospital around 3:00pm, Eliza admitted me and started the induction. I was 2-3cm, boo!! This is baby #4!! They started me on Cytotec and I waited for things to pick up and Lucas to get to the hospital.

If you don't know what Cytotec is, it's a small pill they use to help the cervix start to thin out and dilate. They give you a dose every 4 hrs. Well after a second dose at 8:00pm I was 3-4cm. My parents had come into visit and then they headed home to get the girls settled and ready for bed. We knew this was going to be a long night. After my 3rd dose of Cytotec, at midnight I was 5cm. Now this is the magic number, we usually give epidurals to moms that are 5cm. I had had an epidural with Erynn, but thought for sure this was why my labor took all night, with an epidural you are stuck in bed and can't walk around and be proactive during a labor. By this point, the contractions were starting to get uncomfortable, but I was doing well and had been in the shower a few times. Plus it didn't hurt that my awesome friends Tawny and Jen were around to keep me company and get my mind off the pain. Tawny was my nurse and she is the best!! An hour later, I was still 5cm, so they decided to place a 4th dose of Cytotec. By this point, I was getting pretty tired, Lucas had been napping off and on, but getting up to help me to the shower or bathroom when I needed it.

At 2:30am, Dr Guerrero came into break my water, I was still 5cm. Thirty minutes later I was 6-7, so Lucas went ahead and made a few calls to let my parents and his mother, Julie, know that I was probably starting to kick into labor now, they all showed up. In the past, once my water broke, I would progress relatively quickly...not this time. At 4:30am I was super exhausted and the contractions were really starting to hurt, so I decided to try some pain medication...not sure it really helped. At 5:45am I was still 6-7cm and hurting pretty bad. After being up all night, I was so worn out and exhausted, I broke into tears a couple of times, but finally begged Tawny for my epidural. Lucky for me Jason Underwood was on for anesthesia, he did my epidural for Erynn. He was so fast and I was feeling much better by 6:00am. My parents headed home and my mother-in-law came into visit before she needed to go into work.

So here we were, a new day and a new shift. Vickie came in and was my nurse that day!! Yay!! Pretty much from 6:00am -8:00am, I slept. I know not real exciting, but it was the best sleep!!
Vickie came in around 8:45am, I was at 7-8cm and so comfortable. I was then placed on a "peanut ball"...which is just a very large ball shaped like a peanut (go figure). We use this to help position mother's to allow baby to descend into the pelvis better. We tried this over the next couple hours and at 10:30am I was 9cm! Woo hoo! At 10:45am, they decided to start some Pitocin.

I have a history of hemorrhaging after my deliveries...all three of them! So Dr Guerrero had decided that since my more severe hemorrhages were after I had had Pitocin, she didn't want me to have any with this baby...well we tried everything else, so bring on the Pit!!

Still feeling comfortable I had Pitocin going and was still 9cm at noon. Then at 12:30pm, I began to feel some pressure and was 9-10cm. At 1:01pm, I was complete!! It was getting time to push!! My parents and Julie arrived, Lucas was at my bedside, I had Dr Guerrero, Vickie, and Eliza there to meet my baby boy. I pushed for 10 min. As he was coming I could hear the excitement in Lucas voice which made me very emotional and I started to tear up, but them reminded myself that my job was not done yet.

Easton Lucas Johnson:
Born on April 26, 2013 at 1:11pm through 2 cords wrapped around his neck!
Weighing in at 8# 14oz!! When they placed him in my arms I just broke into tears.

I well never be able to express the happiness that is felt when a new baby is born, but it is the part of my job that I love the most,  my job as a mother and a nurse.

 Mom and Dad with new baby boy!! Lucas kept saying, does he know how long we have waited for him!!

Holding my son
 Nana holding baby Easton
 Grandma Julie with Easton
 Granny meeting Easton
 The first of many kisses
 Papa holding his second grandson
 Easton with his Great Granny
So happy to be all together!!
My family is complete!!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

For Tayler...A Much Needed Update!!

I have been so bad at blogging, but had promised my awesome sister-in-law Tayler Johnson that I would start again. She is always blogging super cute stories about her little family and has inspired me to give it another go.

Fall 2013
We find ourselves very busy this Fall with a Preschooler, 3rd Grader and 7th Grader in Middle School. Where has the time gone? Also, this Fall I am spending my home time with a new little man. Will need to back blog his story later.

Andie is enjoying her social life as a 7th grader at Thatcher Middle School. Kind of crazy to think this was where I was when I met Lucas, ahh!! She is in Leadership, and loves all the aspects of that, from planning assemblies, dances, and running concessions for sporting events. She is also Manager for Volleyball and loves traveling with the team filled with some of her best friends. On top of all this she is getting to go to Church dances and Mutual. She was able to attend Girls Camp this last Summer and is really enjoying the activities for Young Women.

Avery is now a 3rd grader, in Mrs Petersen's class at Jack Daley Primary School. She will be starting Junior League Volleyball this week which should be fun. She was moved up in Gymnastics to Advanced and is hard away working on her back handspring. She has discovered a new love of skateboarding thanks to her friend Sophie down the street. She also is obsessed with anything American Girl and has already made up a Christmas list for us and Santa.

Erynn is just a fun, sweet, little girl. She just came up on her one year post-op anniversary and has been off of antibiotics since January with amazing results. We are so glad that she has been doing well and so grateful to her Pediatric Nephrologist Dr. Nguyen. She loves following Avery around and playing with Avery's friends. She too has moved up in Gymnastics and is now a Squirt. She is too cute. She has shown us that she is a great big sister, always wanting to help out with brother, but sometimes forgets to be careful.

Easton is now 4 months and a little butterball. He weighed 17 pounds 10 ounces at his last appointment which was about 2 weeks ago. He loves his sisters, they are always making him laugh. He is so fun to hug and cuddle with. We love his smile and laugh. He loves to pull on daddy's beard. It has been a little bit of an adjustment with a new baby, and him being a boy, but we wouldn't change it for the world. He is a good feeder (if you hadn't guessed) and sleeps relatively well in his crib. Still wakes for feedings, but once he's wrapped back up he goes right to sleep. We are so lucky we found a great sitter that enjoys him just as much as us, for the days when I am working.

We are heading into Fall, my favorite time of year and have already watched Avery and Erynn march in their first parade! We have Football in session, Halloween costumes on the way, the Fair is just around the corner and we are even enjoying some late season MLB cheering on my brother-in-law Elliot as he plays for the Braves!!! Woop Woop!!

Easton playing with cousin Dylan 



 

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Resolutions...

So with a New Year vastly approaching, it is that time again to contemplate "New Year's Resolutions". I figure, why wait til 2012, let's start NOW!

My first resolution is to make a weekly meal plan and STICK TO IT!
So here is Week 1: 12/18-12/24
Sun: Pinto and Black Bean Nachos
Mon: Breakfast for Dinner (this is for Grandpa) Waffles and Bacon
Tue: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup (Safeway brand because this is all Lucas will eat)
Wed: Brats and Baked Potatoes (Luke's specialty)
Thur: Pizza and Salad
Fri: Meatloaf with Corn on the Cob
Sat: Crock Pot Chicken and Potato Soup (I have a lot of potatoes).

Things are going so well for our little family. We have just been suuuuuper busy. Between school, work, work, and work, getting ready for Christmas, and working in time for family and working out, there is little to no time to do things for fun, i.e. blogging, reading, spending time with friends (although I am trying really hard to fit this into my schedule, my sanity depends on it!)

We have been so blessed this year. Lucas has been working really hard trying to be SuperDad. Working at both THS and EAC. He is doing such a great job and his student's (usually) love him. We look forward to the break when we get to spend more time together as a family. Andie is playing basketball and doing really well in school. Although there are times she is a little too big for her britches, what else do I expect from an almost 11-year-old girl (boo hooing, where did my baby go?) Avery loves school, is loving learning how to read and is really just such a sweet and dare I say the calmest of my girlies. Erynn, is Erynn. She has her rotten days, but for the most part she just loves being with her sisters and is talking up a storm. As for myself, I have been working a ton, lots of babies are ringing out the year. I am so grateful for my job and all the people that it has brought into my life (literally).

Pray that everyone has a safe week and remember what's so important especially this time of year: FAMILY!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

BIG 3-0 (long post)

So today I turn 30! I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. When I think back on all that has happened in my 1st 30 years I can say things like, fell in love, had beautiful daughters, went to college and started a career that I love, have tried to make an impact on others lives, and have shared the most precious day with many many women (again I say what could be better than helping women deliver babies...I guess having your own).

For myself, a way to remember my joys, trials, struggles, and dreams:
* Born 11/9/1981 to a woman that would turn out to be one awesome mother that has motivated me to work my hardest and never accept less than what I deserve. My father has taught me what it is to be compassionate and the joy that one feels when helping others. My older sister (Angela) has taught me many things like crocheting and what it means to dream big and work hard for something. She is always there for me and I couldn't have asked for a better sister, she helps me to try and be a better person.
* When I was 2, my world changed when my little sister was born. Alisa and I played together, laughed together, danced together, and faught like no other together. She has become one of my best friends and I couldn't imagine my world without her love and support. It makes me so happy to see how she has been blessed in her family and life.
* I have had many people come and go in my 1st 30 years. I had never lost anyone close to me before my Grandma Provencio and I'll never forget the last day that I saw my and it makes me happy to know that I had spent the night at her house just before she entered the hospital. I was really little and they wouldn't let me into the ICU to see her, looking back now, I think that sleep over was my chance to see her and spend time with her before she returned HOME.
* In school came many friends, some that made a big impact on my life would be: Jordan Keith (we shared a love of music and dance, best buds from the beginning): Camille Watson (we had some great times and it makes me so happy to know that we still keep in touch from time to time and I have been able to see her family grow): Gina Massey (she taught me what it meant to have high morals and standards, she accepted me for me and shared her beliefs and always made me feel included): Jamie Allen (we have been great friends since my Freshman year of HS when we danced together in Poms, we both have busy lives, but when we get together there is never a dull moment): and of course Lucas (little did I know dancing in PE would bring me my future husband, a wonderful father to my children, my best friend, 5 brother and sister-in-laws, a loving mother-in-law, and soooo many nieces and nephews!)
* 1999-2001 brought a lot of happy and sad, my Grandpa Provencio passed away, I got engaged, started and graduated from HS, married my HS sweetheart and became a mother.
* I had Andie when I was 19, I grew up fast that year, but along with the "growing up" came a love I never knew existed. I realized what it meant to care for someone more than yourself, I discovered that I would do anything to protect and keep that baby safe. It brought out my "maternal instincts" which helped pave the way for my future career.
* After attending EAC and working at MGRMC full-time, we moved to Flagstaff where I began Nursing School, watched my Husband graduate and become a teacher, gave birth to Avery, and said good-bye to my beloved Aunt Mary. This was a stressful time in my life, but Lucas, me and the girls grew closer as a family, and I realized that there was no where else I wanted to be than back in Thatcher.
* Coming back home to Thatcher was both a blessing and a struggle. No family is perfect and with change often comes trials. But we overcame those trials. I started working in the OB department where I met many wonderful friends, co-workers, and mentors. There to share the birth of my daughter Erynn, help me through the loss of my Grandma and Grandpa Tellez, work through very stressful work situations, and so much more. I don't know what I would do without these ladies. I have learned so much from them and would never want to do anything else.
* So here I am today! I have so much to be grateful for, I have been so very blessed. I have wonderful friends that make me feel important and loved. These friends that make me want to try harder and be a better person. Going to lunch today with a good friend, Amber. I know that this will be a good lunch, we never run out of things to talk about! Having some family over tonight for dinner, just wish that my Dad could be here too.

In my next 30 years (God willing I live that long) I will try harder to be a better me. Live each day to the fullest and try to show my gratitude to my family and Heavenly Father more.

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Thinigs We Do As Mothers...

Can I just start off by saying again how blessed I am to have three wonderful daughters.

Andie was recently in her grade spelling bee. She was one of 5 in her class to make it to the next level, the grade wide bee. I know that she much have gotten this from her father, I am not a very good speller, can't live without spell check! Well, Andie did very well, I was nervous for her and I could tell that she was letting her nerves get the best of her...unfortunately that is what she inherited from me. She made it through Round 3 to get tripped up on "ingredient". She went too quickly and started I-N-G-E-R...as soon as she got that far you could see the shock on her face. She knew she was out. I am so proud of her and know that she is one smart cookie. I so look forward to her learning more and forming new friendships. She is doing very well in school and was in the lead for her class in book reports. She needs to have 25 for the entire year...at her 1st 9 week Parent Conference, she had 27!! She has been a reading maniac and is almost all the way through the Harry Potter Series. She even won the entire series of Diary of a Wimpy Kid from her teacher. This winter will also bring new things into the mix. Andie will be playing basketball for the first time ever. I remember being that age and playing 5th grade ball. She is sooooo tall, hopefully this will give her an advantage, not to mention she also has the Johnson genes. Keep up the great work Andie!!

Avery is loving school!! She is learning how to read and is doing very well. She has started reading chapter books and you can see the pride in her face when she reads through a page on her own. She just recently had a performance for school. She needed to dress up as either a cowgirl, princess, or super hero. So what does she pick...a super hero! I was a little surprised. So here I go, 11pm at night, looking for a cape and mask for Avery. Thank Heaven for Wal-Mart! Well the only colors Wal-Mart had were red and blue or green and black. I opted for the red and blue. I also found some rhinestones to iron onto the back and made an "A" for Super Avery. It came out really cute, but of course I couldn't send her off without a big bow in her hair. She did so good during her performance and was such a ham...surprise, surprise. She knew all her dance moves, most of the words, and said her part perfectly! Avery is such a little performer and I can't wait to see what she will do next.

Erynn, where do I start with Erynn. Her favorite word is "bery". She uses it alll the time. "I am bery cold!" "I am bery hurt". "This is bery fun". It has become my favorite word to say as well, just ask the girls at work, haha. I love to look outside and see my Erynn playing in the sandbox, holding the puppies, or sun bathing on the glider of the swing set. I know that she misses her sisters terribly with school being back in session and her daddy as well. I so look forward to the weekends when she has them allll day. I can't wait til she is old enough for preschool, I think that she will love it, she is so smart and I now she will love to learn. Right now her favorite movie is "The Princess and the Frog". She watches it alll the time. It was the cutest thing, I have never seen this movie, but there is a firefly that is in love with a star. (Spoiler Alert!) Well the firefly gets smashed and dies! I know, I was shocked to hear this. Well Erynn cried and cried, but then at the end, you look up in the sky and the star he loved now has a new little star right next to it. When Erynn saw this she was sooo happy. It was really very sweet. I love having Erynn home with me. I love having a job that allows me to be home so much. We usually nap together, she loves to lay down with me and I have found that she has to sleep right next to me. She has to constantly be touching me. It is really kind of cute. We always say "I love you" and she has to say "I love you more".

What can I say, I am on cloud nine right now. I love my family, I love the weather, I love the upcoming seasons. I now just need to work on spending more time with others around me...so I can share the love. My house looks so cute, the hubs put up the Halloween lights. My sister taught Andie how to make paper bats that are hanging from my front porch. I love them. When the wind gets blowing they start moving all over the place, looks like they are flying. I also found the cutest door hanger from The Gingerbread House. It was originally $45.00...No way would I pay that for a door hanger, I got it for $15 (love finding sales).

I hope that anyone that reads this is doing well. Hope that you are all as happy as we are and hope that you always remember what is important in this life.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Graham County Fair-Part 1

I have to break this up into two different posts only because my camera wigged out and these are the first set of pics...

We had such a great time at the Fair. My girlies just love to run around and ride the rides. Anyone who says they don't enjoy the Fair must not have ever watched the excitement on their kiddos face. That alone is so worth it! Lucas and I were smiling so much we started to get cramps in our cheeks.

We always make a stop by the animals, not the most pleasant time, but at least the girls get to see some pigs, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and other forms of poultry up close. We also got to see the biggest pumpkin entered, it weighed 140lbs! We have decided to encourage Andie to enter something into the Fair next year! That will be fun to look forward to.

There were so many rides this year that all my girlies could ride, and they did for about 4hrs. Off one, on another, sometimes on the same one. There were just the right amount of people there. Erynn had a blast, I don't remember there being as many rides for little kids in the past as there was this year. She loved the Super Slide and there was a mini set of swings that she would hold her arms out on and pretend she was flying. Everytime she came around to where I was she would have this huge smile on her face and wave to me. I was also shocked because I don't think Andie and Avery fought once, they were to busy running to all the different rides and playing together. Plus My mom came with us and we bought her a bracelet too so she could ride some of the rides, I think she had a good time.

We ended the Fair with a bang where Andie, Avery, Lucas and I rode the EXPERIENCE...I screamed the whole time. Lucas does not ride those types of rides, he prefers roller coasters, but an adult had to ride with each kiddo, so he took one for the team and boraded...he didn't feel so great afterwards, but it will be an "experience" we will not soon forget!

So here are some pics!



Saturday, October 8, 2011

Yay October!!

I have posted in the past how much I LOVE October, well it is here again!!

It is Fair Weekend!! I know there are a lot of people out there that think the Fair is gross, dirty, with crazy people, and bad food...which is true, but we love it! I love the parade Friday morning. I love the going to the exhibits and seeing my girls school work. I love watching the excitement as they wait to get on a ride. I love the smiles (and sometimes tears) on their faces as they get off a ride. I love the time I get to spend with my hubby and our girlies and my mom usually comes along too. It is just an all around time for family bonding. Unfortunately I work most of the weekend, so we have yet to make the trip, but soon!

Here are some pics from the parade...

My girlies watching the Thatcher Float in the Parade...GO EAGLES!


Also, we got to enjoy the "fruits" of Andie's labor. A few months ago Andie decided to plant her watermelon seeds in the backyard. We weren't sure if anything was going to grow, we live on a rock. Well it did! It has been fun and exciting to see this little watermelon seed grow into a plant almost the length of the backyard! We cut open one of those watermelons and it was so pink and smelled so good and was so yummy to eat! We are so proud of our Andie and have decided to clear out a section in the yard to designate as "Andie's Garden". Can't wait to get that project underway...

Andie's watermelon Avery enjoying some yummy watermelon