Our family

A couple of months ago I was asked to write up a little thing about our family to be put in the ward newsletter. I really hate writing these things- want it to sound interesting, but not bragging. I thought I'd share it here since I put so much time into it. :)

We are the Austin family. We have a lot of fun together. We like to do things and go places together. We love to camp and travel. If there is ever an excuse to travel somewhere we will take it, especially road trips, we believe that getting there is most the fun. We like to play games and go to movies. We try to support each other and if someone has a game or performance you can be sure that most of the family will be close by. Whenever Stephanie has a race many of the other racers say how jealous they are of her cheering section.

Doug (aka Dad) - is a wonderful dad, he will take time with the kids. He works as an Electrician and loves to be able to climb up high and in dark tunnels (it probably makes him feel like Batman). He takes a lot of joy in seeing what he has helped build. Doug also has a Chemistry and Spanish degree. He taught for a couple of years but then decided that wasn’t for him. Doug loves to read and will read books multiple times, he is very smart and can remember everything that he reads. Doug enjoys music and likes to sing with the ward choir. Doug grew up in Hyrum but has been fully converted to a Smithfieldian.

Stephanie (aka Mom) - is grateful to be in this wonderful family! She works as a payroll specialist/bookkeeper and does foot zoning. She is able to work out of the home with both of these jobs and is very grateful for that. Her time is mostly taken up with being mom but when she has spare time she likes to read and has been working on trying to be a runner. Stephanie loves to hang with her sisters and Mom and knows that a “girls” weekend makes everything better. Stephanie grew up in Smithfield and is thrilled that she gets to raise her children here.

Kathryn (aka Katie)-12- Is our oldest child, and what a joy of an oldest child! Katie is super responsible and always willing to help cook or clean (well, most the time). She LOVES to babysit and it makes her so happy when she is left in charge. Katie has a beautiful singing voice and loves to share her talent. This is in her last year in Tavaci (a singing/dancing group) and she’s very disappointed about that.  She works hard to get good grades and has been on the honor roll every quarter. Katie enjoys reading, especially adventure or science fiction. She started Young Women this summer and she is having so much fun.

Madalyn (aka Maddie)- 10- Maddie is pink and sparkly, she loves “bling” and being girly. She’s a happy, friendly, loving person. She is always ready for a party! And constantly is surrounded by friends. Maddie never complains or fights back, she just takes whatever the situation is and makes the most of it. She doesn’t want to see anyone’s feelings hurt and tries hard to include everyone in her plans. Maddie sings with Tavaci too but loves the dancing part of it the best.  Maddie is very determined- when she decides she wants something she’ll work hard until she gets it.

Bevan (aka “B”) -5- Bevan is so much fun! He is full of energy and ideas. He has never met a stranger- they are all his friends. He has an amazing imagination and can have fun playing with about anything. Bevan sings with Tavaci and often steals the show because he forgets to stop dancing due to the music he hears in his head. Bevan just started kindergarten and enjoys going, especially with all his friends. He likes learning to read, but we’re pretty sure that recess is his favorite.

Mic (aka “Stinky) – almost 1- We consider Mic our miracle. He was born 5 weeks early, just before Christmas.  The Doctors thought that he would be in the hospital for a few weeks but after Mom had a talk with him (and he was given a couple of blessings) he made a complete turn around and wowed everyone by being able to come home on Christmas Eve. Mic is a very opinionated little guy. He is happy and smiley- mom calls him Guy Smiley, but when he wants something (or doesn’t  want something) he is sure to let us know.  He is learning how to walk. His first word was “doggy” and “banana” was second, yup, those are pretty much the most important things in his life. But he does love his siblings a lot, he’ll cry when they leave to school and get so excited when he sees them walk in the door.

Trying it

Yes, we're still here. Yes, we are all ok. But I just can't blog. Don't know why. I sit down and I can't seem to pull my thoughts together. Life has been crazy for the last year or so (but then again, isn't it always!). When  Doug was working this year he was working out of town, which meant I spent a lot of time as a single mom. It was hard- I hated it. And totally admire those women who do it on a daily/permanent basis. And I have a huge new appreciation for my mom and the way she raised us. Thanks Mom!
So, between a baby, work and Doug gone my time was shot and my brain was fried. Then when Doug was laid off he was home so I had more time, but then I had to work harder to help compensate and I always go into a "funk" when he's laid off- it's just too stressful! Besides, nobody really wants to listen to me whine! Maybe, I'll get around to updating, I'd like to, but no promises. Tonight this is just a brain purge!
We did have a good year though. The kids are good, healthy, growing, learning and busy! I completed my goal of running 10 races and even ran 1 10k (a life changing event for sure!). This year I have a goal to run 3 1/2 marathons. I'm slow but I've made it 9 miles so far.
Doug is good. He works so hard for us! Works hard at work then when he's home he works so hard around here, sometimes I feel lost because I'm not sure what I'm suppose to be doing!
New idea I read about and I'm loving it. I have started a "One sentence journal" every night I write one sentence (or slightly more) in my journal about a memory I want to keep from that day. It's working- that seems to be all I can process. I know this won't always be my crazy life and I want to remember the things that kept me so busy and happy.

So, hopefully I'll be back soon. In the meantime enjoy these wonderful pictures of our family taken by Alesa.

See, they are amazing things to be kept busy with. I love them more than I can say!

Mic at 3 months

What a cutie he is! We love him so much. He's growing like a weed (15.6 pounds now), basically gaining an ounce per day. Wow! That adds up fast! I guess he has to catch up for all the weight he lost at first.

Funny thing about this sweater/outfit. I love it! Holly gave it to Mic for Christmas. It just seems so warm and perfect for winter. BUT I laugh everytime I put it on him because the first time Doug saw Mic in it he said; "He looks like he escaped from a knitting prison."

Mic's Blessing Day

I love a baby blessing day! It seems like a day that we get to celebrate our baby with the world!

On Sunday, March 6, 2011 Mic was blessed by his Dad. Uncle Justin, Uncle Travis, Grandpa Tim and our neighbor/Bishopric counselor Rigo Chaparro all stood in circle. We missed the rest of the men in our family! Mic was blessed to grow up strong and healthy. With the knowledge that he has a loving family. He was blessed with a love of the scriptures and gospel and to be able to hold the priesthood. Blessed to attend the temple and have a family of his own.

It was so fun to share one of the cutest babies in the world!

After we went to Grandma Meikle's where we ate this yummy spread of Crepes and fresh fruit. Yum! Yummy green punch.

Table centerpiece. Those little socks were what the kids picked out the day we found out we were having a boy and that bear was Mic's Christmas present from the girls.

This girl is the BEST big sister!

Cousin Regan, we love her! And you can tell Mic loved her too.

The Turner's (minus a few)

Grandma A & Tim

Thanks for sharing the day with us!

All of these pictures were taken by Alesa Larsen Photography. Aren't they great!

Well, it happened

We tried so hard, but it happened. Mic caught a bug. Last Thursday (almost 5 weeks old) Mic was congested and a couple of times had coughed so hard that he threw up. I decided that I would call the Dr. because I didn't want to be up at 3:00 a.m. trying to decide if I should call the Dr. When I called the office the nurse said that if he was throwing up it was serious and he needed to be seen right away. Since it was 4:30 I had to run right in before they closed. Luckily all was well! Mic had just an upper respiratory thing going on. So happy! And here's the good news! He weighed 8lbs 12.5 ozs! Almost a normal baby for our family. That was a 9oz weight gain in 6 days. Wow!

Happy 1 month birthday!

I know, everyone says it, but I can't believe it's been a month already! Time flies when you're having fun. And boy have we had fun! We got home Christmas eve and it seems like things haven't slowed down since. But I've been trying hard to just enjoy every second with Mic. I know this time is fleeting and I'm so in love with this little guy.

It has been a hard time too. Mic was on the Bili bed longer than we hoped (like about a week) and even then his numbers went up. The Dr. felt like he would be ok so even with the increase in numbers we didn't have to put him back on the lights. After being home about a week and a half Mic lost almost 1 1/2 pounds (down to 7lbs). This was very stressful. The Dr. put him on a high calorie formula and told me I shouldn't nurse for a week. Neither Doug nor I felt good about this so we gave him the formula and I nursed every other feedi

ng. This was good because after watching him with the bottle we realized that he really wasn't eating- he was too sleepy. So, we forced him awake and would watch constantly to make sure he swallowed. Over the next couple of weeks he has gained 12.5 ozs bringing him to 7.12 ozs. Not to birth weight yet, but he's getting there. He still is oxygen, but as of last Fri. he is only on it at night. Hooray! That means that hopefully by our next Dr. visit on Thurs. he'll get to be off it completely!

The Dr. told us that is Mic gets RSV we'll be "toast". So far we've been very blessed even though many of the people around of have been very sick no one in our family has gotten sick. Mic doesn't leave our house much (today he had a big day - a trip to Lee's, Staples, Michael's, and Best Buy only the 2nd time in a store) and when someone comes in I question them about their health and so far it seems to be working. :) The Dr.'s office is trying hard to get Mic approved for the RSV shot- it costs $1500/shot and he'll need 4 of them so it's a big commitment for the insurance companies to make. Hopefully it will be approved soon. It won't keep him from getting RSV but it he gets it, it will be less severe...

Mic is very loved by his siblings! The girls are huge helps and want to change his diapers and get him dressed- it makes my life much easier! Doug has been laid off since Thanksgiving and I am quite spoiled with having him home to help so much!

Mic is an easy baby. He barely cries and if he is hungry he'll let us know and then just wait until we feed him. He's so patient with his brother and sister and he loves to take showers with Mom or Dad. We love having him in our family! The tough pregnancy was worth it!

Mic's Grand Entrance

This post may contain TMI- so quit reading if it bothers you! :) On Tuesday, December 14th I made one of my many visits to the Dr. I was scheduled for a Non-stress test along with seeing the Dr. My blood pressure had been border line high, but never too high and never protein in my urine- until this day. My blood pressure jumped 20+ points and I had protein in my urine. The first thing she said as she walked in the door of the exam room was "How would you feel about having this baby next Thursday?" I told her it was a terrible to date to have a baby (the 23rd)! :) She agreed and said that the earliest she'd be able to get me home would be the 24th and that was if everything went perfectly. So, she looked at the calendar and said that I would for sure be having this baby on Tues. the 21st. BUT if things didn't improve by my next appointment on Thursday she felt like it was time to throw in the towel and get this baby here. The NST was good and Dr. Blackett did an ultra sound to make sure of the baby's position and the cord's position. The baby was still sitting high- but we knew that wouldn't change until my water was broken- because I had so much fluid. The good news was that the cord was all up at the top my uterus so hopefully there wouldn't be much risk of it coming out first. I left the Dr.'s office and went to the mall to pick up a couple of things from Bath & Body Works. I should have picked up some other things on the way, but I was in shock! It occurred to me that I might be having a baby in 2 days and Christmas was just a few days away and I wasn't 100% ready. Luckily, my mom had a couple of hours the next day and she went with me to finish it all. I spent the next 2 days in a little bit of shock and worry. Shock because I really wasn't planning on this baby until January and worry because I knew that I would only be 36 weeks on Thurs. and I was concerned for this little baby inside of me. Thursday morning we arranged for a neighbor to come help Doug give me a blessing. It was a great blessing. I was told that according to my faithfulness my baby would be strong and healthy. I was promised that I would have the strength to get through the next week. "We know that this next week will be busy and stressful but you will have the strength to endure." I knew then that this baby would be sick, but would only be in the hospital for the week and I also knew I would be able to handle whatever would come. I held onto that knowledge throughout the next week. I ran a couple of errands on the way to the Dr. hoping that today wouldn't be the day but being very aware that it could possibly be. I was suppose to go to work that day and had many other things that really should be done... But after spending 1 1/2 hours at the Dr. office. Having a Nonstress test and my blood pressure checked 4 times (it had risen more) and visiting with the Dr. It was decided that today was the day. I left the office at 11:30 and had 1 hour to get back to the hospital. I had one Zoning client who I felt like I really needed to get zoned so I called her and told her to meet me asap at the salon. At the salon I told them everything that was happening and they all had a fit that I was there- which I was thought was silly since I didn't feel any different than I did the day before. I was back at the hospital by about 12:30. I was checked in and had my blood and blood sugar checked and hooked up to pitoccin by 1:30. My Dr. came and broke my water. We knew that I had a lot of fluid, but wow! there was a lot! The nurse had to push down on the baby's head to make sure he would get down into the right position. The whole time she kept commenting on how much fluid there was. She moved 4 big heavy towels and said usually a woman has 1 towel that heavy. It was crazy! After the water came I was more comfortable that I had been in months! I told the Dr. I'd be happy to carry the baby for another 4 months! :) Too bad that wasn't possible... This progressed along really well and really quickly over the next few hours. I was comfortable and wandered around all they would let me (not very much) I was using essential oils and loving them and by 5:00 I was dilated to a 5. With my other deliveries by the time I got to a 5 I moved very quickly so I thought for sure I'd be delivering this little guy by 9:00. Things don't always go as expected (especially when it is me and babies...) I totally stalled at a 5. They kept raising the pitoccin, by the time I delivered the baby I was up to 34ml/hr. The nurse had told me earlier (when I was only at 4ml/hr) that the highest she had ever seen a woman go was 32ml/hr. I actually had to have them turn the machine around because I would get so discouraged at how high the number was. I had told my birth coach, the Dr. and the nurses that I absolutely didn't want an epidural. Thank goodness I told them that because by 1:00 in the morning I was so tired (I hadn't slept for a few nights before either) I didn't think I could do anymore. Luckily Doug and my birth coach were so wonderful! They talked me through each contraction and helped me rest in between so that I would have the energy to get through the rest of the labor. At 2:00 a.m. they checked me again and I was at about a 7. I had spent most of the labor sitting in the chair. As I was sitting there my labor coach asked me if I was feeling pressure at the end of contractions. I said "Maybe a little". After a few more minutes she told me I probably should get into the bed or I was going to be having the baby on the floor. I thought there was no way the baby was coming so soon and didn't want to get checked and only be at an 8. But I agreed to get into the bed. I moved onto the bed after the next contraction (they were getting harder to work through). Just as I sat on the bed a major contraction came. I help onto Doug's arm and about twisted it off- poor guy. Still not convinced that I would be ready to have the baby I swung my legs up onto the bed. The whole time the room had begun swarming with people. Including my Dr. (who slept at the hospital because she knew when this baby came it would come fast) the nicu nurse, my nurse and the respiratory therapist (because the baby was early). Just as I swung my legs up onto the bed I said (quite loudly) "I'm gonna' push!" They encouraged me to go ahead and do it. I was able to move the baby down quite a bit and then got nervous- I couldn't remember what I was doing. I think it was such a shock to go from working through the pain to pushing so quickly. I stopped pushing in the middle of the contraction. The Dr. told me I could push on my own or wait for the next contraction. I decided to wait. I pushed through the next one and out Mic came! I was so amazed! I hadn't planned on having him put on my lap immediately but I wanted him there. So they let me hold him for a minute. I watched Doug cut the cord and got to touch and hold him for a minute. It was an amazing few minutes! I felt so "in the moment"! The nurse took the baby and Doug went with Mic. I could tell by the look on everyone's faces that he wasn't 100%. Dr. Blackett reassured me that he looked pretty good for as early as he was and explained that he would go the the NICU for at least 1 hour while he received "early lung treatment". I was so grateful to my birth coach (who happens to be a dear friend of mine and who is very much a professional but doesn't deliver babies anymore she just did it for me as a major favor!) who stood and held my hand and told me how strong I was. I felt amazing! I really had the most peaceful, powerful feeling I had ever had. I knew I could do anything- I am a strong woman! Side note: Out of my 4 other deliveries I had never seen a placenta so I asked Dr. Blackett if I could see it. I thought she'd think I was crazy, but she excitedly showed me how cool it was and how it had two layers and how it attached. It is a pretty amazing organ!!! And my body made it to take care of my baby. (Of course that's also what caused the gestational diabetes but we'll forget about that!)

We made it home!

Car seat check so we can go home!

We made it home in time for Christmas!!!!!!! We got home about 3:00 in the afternoon on Christmas eve. Mic came home with oxygen and on a bili bed, but he's home and we are together as a family. It has been a whirld wind of a couple of days, but I was so glad to be together instead of torn!

As we were talking to the Dr. as we were discussing leaving he said "I don't know what you were fasting and praying for but they worked, two days ago I thought you'd be here for another week." I said; "There were a lot of prayers" Dr: "Tell them they worked."

Then again just before the Dr. left he said "This really is truly nothing less than miraculous."

I feel it too. And I am grateful and I hope my Heavenly Father knows I'm grateful. Thank you for all your prayers and I hope you know that prayers are answered! Merry Christmas!!!!

Waiting for oxygen to be delivered so we could go home. The bad thing about coming home on Christmas Eve- it took FOREVER to get it!

Today was a better day

At least most of it was. I started out so sad and tired. I broke down and cried in front of Mic's nurse and Dr. I'm sure they thought I'd lost it. After I made it through that I felt better. Doug spent a good portion of the day with me. We got to visit and laugh out loud and love our baby, together. That's what I needed- together!

Mic started out the day with basically no improvements but by a little after 10am his bili rubins were at 12. They took one of Mic's lights off and tonight he will get to go off the lights completely. He was also dropped to 1 liter/oxygen. It was a little iffy all day as to whether or not he would be able to stay there but he was a fighter and he held on. This is so good! If he keeps it up they will try to drop him to 1/2 liter, then it's off the high pressure oxygen. This will be a huge step!

It looks like he will not be home for Christmas and I am trying to be ok with that. I will be home for Christmas to enjoy my other children and enjoy some magic of the season.

We're still here

We're still here, hanging out at the hospital. It's not where I want to be this time of year. I read FaceBook and other's blogs and how busy everyone is and I'm jealous. I want to be rushing around wrapping, baking, enjoying my decorations. But instead I am rushing around here and for this year that will have to be ok.

Progress is slow. Mic's bilirubins have been high the last 3 days (day 1- 16.7, day 2- 13.9, day 3 17) so he has to be on the lights. We are able to hold him for 1/2 hour every 3 hours. So, we go and change his diaper, take his temp, etc... then spend 30 wonderful minutes holding him against our bare skin. He is healthier during those 30 minutes than he is during any other time. The Dr. is amazed at what a different kid he is during that time. He is still on high flow oxygen so he is not allowed to eat yet. Every 3 hours they give him a tiny amount of my pumped milk through a feeding tube (7ml first day, up to 20 ml's today) that goes directly to his stomach. This helps keep his "gut" working so he will be prepared for when he does eat. Today his oxygen is down to 2 Liters/hour so that is an improvement that we are thrilled about. I'm still hoping he comes home for Christmas but am trying to be realistic with the idea that it may (probably) not happen, but these babies can change fast, so it could.

A lot of people have said "oh good, you can get rest while they take care of him." I wish it worked like that, but it really doesn't. I'm just as exhausted as I would be if he was at home, possibly (probably) more. Doing his "cares" and cuddles take about 1 hour at least- but I LOVE this time. Then I have 2 hours before returning. In this time I have to pump and try to take care of myself (things like eat and shower) if I'm lucky I can fit in a little bit of time to sleep. This goes on 24 hours a day. Today Doug was here for 2 of the cuddles and cares so I actually took some extended time to clean up and nap. Not to mention a quick run to Old Navy for a new fleece zip up shirt (easiest for cuddles) because of some projectile poop that we won't mention. It was great to be able to sleep and not have to worry about waking at a certain time. I woke when my body told me it was time to pump, so a couple of hours.

Doug has been incredible! Sharing his time between here and home. Trying to support me, and with the help of others, hold down the fort at home. I know he's torn about where to be but he's doing a great job of being everywhere. Thanks to those who have helped so much with the kids so he can be here with me- I appreciate it much!

The kids have been able to peek in a window twice and see Mic for a couple of minutes. He is not by a window so we have to make arrangments but it's worked out a couple of times. The kids (especially Katie) are really disappointed that Mic is not home but I keep trying to convince them to just pretend that he's just in tummy since that's where he is suppose to be anyway. They aren't falling for it. I know that in a month we'll forget that we missed this time and he will be a normal part of our lives, we're all looking forward to that time!

Introducing...

Michael "Mic" Blaine Austin arrived 12/17/2010, 3:10 am. Weighing in at 8lbs, 4oz, 20.5 inches- our smallest baby.

Mic was born 4 weeks early, unfortunately my body just couldn't do it anymore so I had to be induced.

Here we are after 14+ hours of natural labor. It was tough, but we made it. It was actually quite a great experience. This was the 1 minute that I got to hold him before he was taken to the NICU.

The NICU is a long, emotional experience. We seem to take 2 steps forward and 1 step back. This picture is after 2 intubations and before the cpap had to go back on, he just has a full pressure cannula. At least we were able to hold him for a little while. Until the cpap comes off we won't be able to hold him again.
I'll post more details later, I'm too tired and spent to do it now. We are so glad Mic is here and that he can be taken care of outside of my body. I wish my body would have done it better...