Road Trip of a Lifetime!

On July 18, 2015 we hopped into our minivan and drove 888 miles to the Oregon Coast.  A bit daring with an 11-month-old and a 4 and 7 year-old who can be hot or cold….sweet or mean to each other.  The first day was rough.  But after spending more than a week driving all around the Pacific Northwest - the girls overall did a great job. 

Kudos to my mom for being the brains behind this trip.  She planned it long before Adalynn was even born.  It was just lovely.  We saw so many awe-inspiring sights.  To break up the trip we stayed in Ontario, Oregon the first night.  The second day - we drove completely across the state of oregon.  The beach house we stayed at in Gleneden, OR was insanely gorgeous.  The girls were thrilled about the bunk beds.  The ocean water wasn't warm….okay - it was freezing!  But that didn't stop Gracie.  She asked to play in the ocean everyday.  Both Gracie and Sienna were pummeled by a wave…taken under the water.  The ocean in Oregon is a bit angrier than the California coastline.  But Gracie kept on playing.  Sienna, however, decided she didn't like the ocean after the 'wave attack'.  The beach house had a hot tub that was just what the doctor ordered.  It felt so nice, and the view wasn't so bad either.  

We celebrated my birthday in Newport, OR.  It was magical.  We started the day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.  Gracie said her favorite part was when she watched the trainers feed the seals and sea lions.  The weather was perfect, and the girls enjoyed playing at the sea animal figurine park.  

Sienna was up to her old tricks: running away, not listening - she threw a fit when she didn't get a toy out of the gift shop…but she hadn't earned one.  

We had heard about The Chowder Bowl in Newport - known for the best clam chowder.  And YES - it was!  Delicious, and fresh catch of the day made for delicious fish and chips.  Gracie likes shrimp, Jody had the halibut…Sienna ate mac and cheese - which she would choose for the next 7 days.  The waitress brought me bread pudding for my birthday.  

Sienna was tuckered out.  She was almost asleep as Jody was carrying her to the van.  We saw this metal bike statue…calling my name.   Jody even posed taking pictures on the seatless bike statue, while holding Sienna.  That couldn't have been easy.   A dozen silly pictures later, and we headed back to the beach house.  Just in time to see a miraculous sunset.  Jody and I did our best tricks in the 4 minutes we had before the sun slipped into the ocean.  

"I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22!"  Plus 12…..34 never felt so great.  

We drove up North to see the historic Cape Mears Lighthouse.  Such beautiful views.  And the Octopus Tree was pretty cool.  The tree is 300 years old - and it's believed the Native Americans are responsible for it's unique growth pattern - with no central trunk.  

On the way back from the Octopus Tree - I caught a rare photo of a ghost creeping up on Jody.  When I saw the picture, I couldn't stop laughing!!!!  Gracie thought her bright photobomb was funny too.  

Wait.  Is she running away again?  Yep. 

The path down to the Cape Mears Lighthouse was steep.  My dad needed an anchor to slow down Michael.  And then there was mom, with the delta airlines blanket.  She kept saying, "I can't believe this is July!  It's freezing." 

Then it was off to the Tilliamook Cheese Factory, which apparently is just as popular as Disneyland.  It was so busy.  The grilled cheese I ate was delicious….but wow, those grilled cheesers bring out the crowds.  We watched to see how the cheese is cut and packaged.  

The Pacific Northwest Coast was gorgeous.  Yes, it was a long drive.  But still awe-inspiring to know that majestic shoreline was only a few states away.

The place we stayed near the Redwood Forest was well researched by Ronda.  Yep, it was amazing.  Only the best when Ronda is booking!   She really should be a travel agent.  The girls loved the loft where we slept and the view was insanely gorgeous overlooking the emerald waters of the Smith River.  Some of the best memories were made roasting hotdogs and marshmallows on the gorgeous patio, which included a very glamorous looking fire-pit.  We pulled the pack n' play outside.  Addie slept while we talked and ate near the camp fire.  

We went to the Paul Bunyan Trees of Mystery Park in the Redwood Forest.  Completely awe-inspiring.  These trees are magnificent.  

As we drove into Reno - the city was aglow with fireworks, booming above the skyline.  Talk about a welcome.  Gracie and Sienna were freaking out.  They were so excited.

The drive from Reno to Salt Lake City was torturous.  We were all done.  And Adalynn was letting us know that she was tired of being in her carseat.  Can you blame her?!?!  She screamed from Reno to the Salt Flats.  Giving her a pacifier didn't work…she just chucked it across the van and screamed louder.  She didn't want toys, crackers or songs.  She wanted out.  We stopped at one rest stop to let her toddle and crawl around.  But then it was back in the van = more screaming.   

This trip is one we will never forget.  It was incredible!

Kinda Wild after an entire day in the van.

Hotel in Reno

Over the Moon for Baby Adalynn

She came into this world without hesitation.  She was ready - I, however, was taken a bit by surprise.

Adalynn Mercy born at 4:33AM on 8/10/14

One month before Adalynn's due date, I was contracting and the doctor said she would likely come early.  During this time,  I suffered three displaced ribs.  The pain of moving them back into position was unsettling…but thankfully successful.   As the therapist pulled them back into place, my contractions were strong.  With healing, during the next few weeks, the contractions slowed.  It appeared Addie was comfortable exactly where she was.

Friday, August 8th, more than a week before my due date,  I worked at channel 2.  I reported on jet skiers lost on Utah Lake.  My photographer cringed every time I took a deep breath.  "I don't want to have to drive you to the hospital, Brittany.  Please don't go into labor," he begged.

I was going to be fine.  My other two babies came with inductions.  My body just didn't seem to start labor on it's own.  Little did I know, just 30 hours later, I would be holding my new baby girl.  

Dr. Haskett, my obstetrician, was leaving town over my due date.  He offered to induce me on Saturday, August 9th.  He is a wonderful doctor.  But I wanted Addie to come when she was ready.   I was confident she would come after he arrived home from his vacation.

So I canceled the induction….and she was born the next day.  

I spent Saturday wearing one of Jody's t-shirts.  It is a blue baseball tee with the number 32 on it.  

And it was the only thing that fit me.  

Well, fit without tugging or pulling in uncomfortable or awkward areas.  

I cleaned, DEEP cleaned our kitchen that day.  Bending over, reaching high to put dishes away…all (usually) easy tasks….seemed to take my breath away.  I was round, swollen and enjoying heartburn 24/7.  As I was still going strong cleaning; scrubbing the kitchen tile floor, the 10 o'clock news was on.  My colleagues were talking about the Supermoon that was so impressive.   The full moon happened at the same time as the moon's closest approach to the Earth.  A force of nature that the nurses at the American Fork Hospital later told me caused quite the busy rush in Labor and Delivery.  NASA called the moon on August 10th, 2014 - an "Extra Supermoon".

What a super day it was!  

I went to bed around midnight.  I woke up, catching my breath at 2:30 am.  Intense pain.  I went to the bathroom….and my water broke.  Or did it?  The doctor had broken my water with my other two children, while I was numb - so knowing whether this was the real deal or not....I wasn't sure.   I didn't want to wake Jody up if this was just a false alarm.  So I breathed through contractions in the bathroom….all while googling "when your water breaks".  Jody (bless his heart) finally came in and said - "I think we need to go the hospital." 

"Really.  I'm good.  I am still in this #32 baseball tee…maybe I could just shower really quick and…….."  (insert major groan and hunching over)

Jody's expression was one I will never forget.  "Come on Brittany, let's go," he said.  

My contractions were 2 minutes apart.  I called my mom at 3:08 am from our house…. my dad came over to sit with Gracie and Sienna.  

Jody drove like a warrior to the hospital.  Panicked, Excited, Full of Adrenaline - what a ride.  Jody told me to call the hospital while we were in route, so they would be ready for us.  Talk about the definition of multi-tasking.  I was trying to find the number - and breathe through contractions - it felt like my insides were on the outside.  My whole body curled with each contraction.  Jody later told me he thought he might have to deliver the baby in the car.  

Jody pulled into the hospital roundabout and rushed around to open my door. I limped into the hospital lobby.  The overnight security guards yelled, "good luck!"

We walked in a labor and delivery hospital room at 3:58a.m.  Two nurses were asking me questions.…address, phone number….when I went into labor with my other two children….SO many questions.  I did fill out the pre-registration documents so that we wouldn't have to go through this.  So now I am ripping my clothes off - chucking that over sized #32 baseball Tee across the room...Get me in that hospital gown and someone check me.  They told me to hop on the hospital bed, and as I did…biggest contraction yet.  Blood, liquid…all sorts of liquid, on the bed and streaming down my legs.  I had no idea that much stuff could pour out of me.  For those of you moms, who have labored unmedicated - you know that your body makes way for baby - releasing - letting go - it's quite incredible - the process.    And in the same breath I kept saying "Oh.....Oh my... Oh dear. Oh my."  It was like someone kept dumping a large bucket of water beneath me.  Seriously.  Ice Bucket Challenge - every contraction.  

The nurse checked me.  "Okay.  You're at an 8 and moving fast."

I couldn't believe it.  I had labored to an 8 at home.  And it was at that point I realized an epidural may not happen.  The nurses told me it was too late.  But the anesthesiologist gave me a spinal block, which took effect immediately and in time for me to push.  The scariest part was the unknown….knowing I hadn't planned to have a baby naturally - and it was close to a reality.   It was miraculous to feel my body doing the work - progressing on it's own.  The doctor said I was at 9 cm right before the spinal block.  That blessed spinal block!  My mom tells me, while she was in labor with me,  she asked my dad, 

"Stan - just make a fist and punch me in the face.  Please knock me out!!"

That sounds like Ronda, right?!  Love her!  I was pleased that no swear words were said, and there were no requests to be punched out during my labor pains with Adalynn.   Laboring is called laboring for a reason.  I think women who choose natural delivery make that choice partially because the experience is HUMBLING and yet EMPOWERING in the same breath.  But let's be real - motherhood is humbling and empowering every single day following the delivery.  So if women want an epidural - that's a fine choice.  I did for 2 of my children's births and pain meds for the pushing part of delivery for Addie.  But with this taste of vulnerability and authenticity - I felt like Addie's birth was perfect.  

I really love Adalynn's birth story - how it played out.  When people asked me if I was going to be induced - I kept saying I wanted her to come on her own.  Well - I got exactly what I asked for:  the unexpected and uncomfortable pains which tore me from my bed, the rush; the white knuckle drive to the hospital.  (There's a reason I enjoy working in the news industry - perhaps I thrive on the adrenaline rush a bit.)  But looking at Jody and knowing he would do anything to help me in that moment - it was raw and tender.  And Adalynn arrived safely and healthy.

Such a blessing.  

As I was pushing - another soon-to-be mom was delivering next door.   She was screaming loudly.  It was like she had a megaphone and was next to my bed.  My nurse, who couldn't ignore the outbursts, said, "she didn't get an epidural or spinal block….it was too late."  

I pushed through three contractions, and Addie wasn't budging.   She was Occipital Posterior or her face looking up instead of looking at the floor, as it should be.  Face Up is like delivering a baby that weighs a full pound more - it's difficult because the baby can't flex it's head on the exit.  It's not impossible, but definitely takes longer because pushing is not as effective.  As Addie was crowning, Dr. Watabe recognized this - reached up and flipped her.  That probably would have felt...errrrr….(thankful for the spinal block especially then!)   After that - it was pushing through two more contractions - one for the head, another for the shoulders and body -- and she was ours.

But it felt like she had been part of our family forever.   

She arched her back as the doctor held her up.  

She looked beautiful.  

She came into this world a mere 35 minutes after we made it to the hospital.

Adalynn was my smallest baby weighing in at 6 lbs. 9 oz and 19 inches long.

Baby girl had blonde hair with a hue of red.  She was so sweet.   After visitors had left for the day, it was just me and baby Addie.  I looked out the big hospital windows and saw that glorious supermoon.  It was absolutely majestic - so bright - a sight I had never witnessed before.  

I held in my arms, my own celestial light; my unique slice of heaven.  

I had the moon.

Little Feet that will do Big Things...

The First picture as a family of FIVE.

Sisters

Grandma W. was awake at 3 am when I called her in labor.  She was working on her Relief Society Lesson still...at 3AM!  She is the most prepared teacher ever -  She was the first to see and hold Baby Adalynn.

Aunt Kylene and Summer 

Sienna has been a 100% Involved Big Sister since day 1. 

So Happy to Meet You.... Little One.

Kindergarten Graduation

Gracie's Kindergarten Graduation was an emotional day for me.  I am blaming it partly on the pregnancy hormones.  But after the cap and gown ceremony in the gym, we moved to the classroom for cookies, juice and a slide show to recap the year.  I am pretty sure I was the ONLY mom sobbing through the slide show.  "Why I am crying?!  She is 6-years-old...she's not moving out."  The tears were flowing...and they just kept coming.  Oh, Gracie!  I was so proud of you - How big you were getting and what a good friend you were to your classmates.

Gracie is so lucky to have such support!

This is Connor.  Gracie and Connor were voted (by me) the 'cutest couple' in Kindergarten.  Gracie tells the story of the first day of school.  She was nervous, and as she entered the classroom to hang her backpack up for the first time....there were tons of students.  She was knocked to the ground, feeling smothered.  Until she looked up and (play hero music) There was a hand extended.  Connor was reaching down - waiting to pick her up.  "He rescued me," Gracie will tell you.  From Day 1, there was a special bond.

One year later, they are in different First Grade Classrooms.  Yet, when I come to pick her up from school, most days she is hanging out with Connor by the flagpole.  They are cute friends.  He has made her some darling cards - illustrating pictures of the two of them playing at the park and holding hands.  She wanted to buy him chocolates for Valentine's Day in First Grade.  So that's what we did!

Valentine's Day - Gracie - 1st Grade

Mrs. Bithell - What a sweet Kindergarten Teacher!  She was so good to Gracie and always so kind when I volunteered in the classroom  

One last hug for Mrs. Bithell on the VERY LAST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN.  SUMMER HERE WE COME!  

2014