1 Month!!

I can't believe that Aspyn is 1 month old already!  It seems like just yesterday we were getting ready to welcome her into the world. She has already changed so much. When she was born she looked a lot like Cody and Jordyn. Now that she's gotten a bit older she's starting to look a bit more like me. I still think her eye shape is that of Cody, but her eye color is mine (I hope that doesn't change). Her hair has lightened from dark to more of a redish brown like mine was when I was a baby (poor girl)! As she continues to love to eat, the shape of her face is more like mine. It's just amazing to see the similarites in the girls, but at the same time see the differences already! I can't wait to see what Aspyn is going to look like as she gets older.

This past month having her in our lives has been great. We've all had to adjust to many changes, but it has all been worth it. Watching Jordyn and Aspyn interacting with each other just makes the hard times seem to disappear. Here are a few pictures from the past month!




3 Days Old




18 Days Old




23 Days!



Sisters!



2 Weeks!

Wow! Aspyn is already 2 weeks old! Time sure does fly.  We just got back for her 2 week check-up. She now weighs 7 lbs 3 oz and is 20" long!! She is getting to be quite a little chunker! She still only gets up once during the night and is actually staying on a pretty good schedule.

I caught Jordyn singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to her a couple of nights ago while holding her hand. It was so cute. I wish I could've captured that moment on video. It was so sweet. Jordyn has started to do more with her. She'll hold her more, she's fed her a couple of times. She's so good to keep and eye on her while I shower or get some housework done. She's so cute with her! I promise next time there will be pictures.

Our lives are still adjusting, but so far it's been pretty easy (I hope I didn't just jinx ourselves).

Thanksgiving

I know I'm a little late posting about Thanksgiving, but I couldn't let this year go by without putting down on "paper" what I'm thankful for.

I'm thankful for my entire family! My parents are amazing people and I am thankful that they are MY parents. I can't imagine what my life would be like without them. They have been such a great support to us this past year. I know I always have them to help me get through tough times!  I'm so glad I have my sisters. They have taught me so much about myself and who I want to be. I'm so glad that we are close. It's so nice to be able to reach out to one of them if I'm hurting or to help lift them up if they are hurting. I'm so thankful that they are in my life. I love them so much!

I'm thankful for Cody! He's such a great husband & father to our two little girls. I'm thankful that he is willing to work hard to provide for us even though it's in a field that we both didn't really expect. I'm thankful that he works hard so I can stay home with the girls and not have to worry about daycare. I'm thankful that he is there for me each day. I'm thankful for the person that he has become since living here in Colorado. I know our relationship has changed for the better because of it. I'm thankful that he forgives me of my shortcomings and that he can look past my faults. I'm so thankful that I have him to grow and change with. I can't imagine anybody else that I would want to spend forever with! Thank you, I love you!

I'm so so thankful for Jordyn and Aspyn! I'm thankful that they are healthy and growing! I know that life is very fragile and I don't take that for granted. They have already taught me so much and I know I will learn even more from them. I'm thankful that Jordyn is so easy going and has been able to adjust to the many changes in her life. She is such a great big sister and I am thankful everyday for her help, and love. Aspyn has already brought so much joy into our family! She has brought us even closer as a family.

I'm thankful to have a roof over our heads, a job that provides well for us, a vehicle to get around in, plenty of food on our table, clothing to keep us warm!

I'm thankful for a handful of amazing friends. Those friends that no matter what life has thrown our way has always been there for us and I know always will. I'm thank ful for great In-Laws who love us and are there for us when we need it. I hope they know that we love them and can feel their love.

Even though we are away from family and friends this season I hope everyone knows that you are in our hearts and that we love you all!! Thank you for your love and support!!

Aspyn Raelyn

She Is Here!!!

November 11th I had an appointment with Dr Garrard. She did a quick ultrasound to check my fluid as well as a check to see if I had dilated anymore since the week before.  I hadn't changed at all as far as the dilation, but my fluid was down to a 7 when it had been a 16 the Friday before.  We had planned to induce on the 12th prior to this appointment for other reasons.  Dr Garrard said it was a good thing the induction was already scheduled otherwise we would have been scheduling one then. The fluid was just getting too low. That night Cody & I finished up with little projects around the house as well as packing Jordyn to go to her friends house the next day. I was a little nervous, but nothing too bad. I did actually get some sleep that night.

November 12th at 8:00am, we checked into the hospital. The nurse put me on the monitor for an hour just to see what the baby was doing.  At 9:30am she checked me, I was still only 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. She then placed the Cytotec, the drug that was to help "ripen" my cervix and to help dilate. Following that medicine, my contractions did get harder and more frequent. The nurse had us up walking around the hospital & the room to try and get things moving along. At 1:45 she checked my again, I was still only 2 cm & 50%. I thought "Oh man, this is going to be a long day/night!"  We were still supposed to keep walking around until the Dr came in to break my water.  At 3:00pm she came in, broke my water and said that I was 3cm & now 70% with my cervix being anterior (that's good!). Dr Garrard said I could have an epidural anytime I wanted I just had to have a bag and a half of fluid in me before the epidural could be placed. I tried just walking around for a little bit, but lucky me, I was having back labor with Aspyn. I had it with Jordyn also. Back labor is by far the worst pain ever. I finally decided it was time for the epidural!  The anesthitist came in about 4:30pm, we got the epidural line in, started the medicine. The epidural only numbed my left side. I was still feeling everything on the right side. The nurse came in and gave me some Fentanyl in my IV to try and help with the pain after we tried different positions to try and get the epidural to work.  The Fentanyl seemed to help. I was able to relax a bit more.  At 6:15 the nurse came in to check me again. She didn't think I would have progressed much, but checked anyway. I was 8cm and 100% effaced. She was shocked!! She quickly called my Dr, had the CNA set up a table and began getting the baby's stuff set up. At 6:30 my Dr was there and we were able to start pushing!  I was numb enough that I couldn't feel a lot of pain, but I was able to feel a ton of pressure. Dr Garrard was amazing and easy going! She didn't have the nurse/CNA convert the bed to a delivery bed, there were no bright lights, no hurry to get the baby out. We just let my body do what it was supposed to do! 

At 6:56pm Aspyn Raelyn Survis was born! She weighed 6 lbs 3 oz & was 19 inches long!  She looks a lot like Jordyn & Cody! She was placed on my chest and wasn't crying at all. The nurses said all her stats were great! She was just content to lay on me for quite awhile!

We were pretty worn out, but all 3 of us were doing well! Jordyn called the hospital 5 minutes after she was born to talk to me. It was pretty funny. She didn't know we had had her, but she called and was informed that her sister had arrived!!

Jordyn was able to come the next day to meet her new sister! She was so cute with her. Jordyn had a cold so she wasn't able to hold her a long time, but I was so glad that she was able to see her. She absolutely loves her!

We were able to come home Saturday night. The first night wasn't too bad. The hardest part was waking Aspyn up to eat every 2-3 hours. Now we are old pros and only get up once a night!



Aspyn loves having a bath in her big bathtub. She has just been so much fun to have in our family.  It's amazing to see how much she's grown & changed just in the 11 days that she's been here!  Jordyn loves being around her all the time and loves telling her friends about her.  Cody is such a big help. He'll feed her, change her. get up with her at night, just hold her! I think he loves her!!

I can't wait to see how much she changes and how our lives will continue to changte with her here.

Halloween & Brieanna's Farewell

Last Thursday I was finally able to get clearance from my Dr to travel to St. George! I was so excited to hear that news. I had the Jeep loaded up when I went to my appointment, so I was glad I didn't just have to turn around and go home!  Jordyn & I left town about 4:30, we stopped only for potty breaks (Jordyn & my pregnant self), a quick stop to pick up my Grandpa Taylor in Salina & then to deliver my Grandpa to my Aunt Debbie's house in Cedar. We finally got to St. George at about 11:30 that night. We were tired, but so glad to see my parents.

Friday morning we just hit the ground running! I went down to my mom's office with her where she had to see a post op patient who happened to be one of my patients when I was working at the Foot & Ankle Institute. It was so great to see her! I knew I missed my patients, but seeing one of them again I really started missing them. After visiting with her for a bit & my mom finishing up some things we were off to Costco, then lunch with my sisters, Rusti, mom & dad!  After lunch, Jordyn and I headed down to Mesquite to see our Family there.  We were able to visit with Don & Sharon for quite awhile until Chad & Danie'l got off work. When they arrived we were finally able to meet Jadon! He such a cutie! They got Aspyn a cute outfit, some lotion & body wash, & Danie'l made a very cute and soft blanket for her!  We all went out to dinner at a new Diner in Mesquite. It was fun, but we all forgot our cameras. After dinner Jordyn & I headed back to St. George. When we got back my Aunt Stephanie and her whole family had gotten there from SLC. So of course we visited for quite awhile!

Saturday morning we went up to Pine Valley to get some pictures of Aunt Steph's family. It was fun, chilly, but fun. There pictures turned out super cute! We then all met at Paula's Mexican Restaurant for some lunch to celebrate Shawn's birthday! After lunch I was finally able to get the last bit of shopping done for the baby & myself that I had been putting off. I feel so much more prepared now!

 At about 6:00 Saturday night all the kids set out trick or treating around my parents neighborhood. I think they all had a pretty good time. By the time we got back though, they were ready to be done! Jordyn was a very cute Cheerleader this year! Some people asked her to show them some moves, & of course she did. She loved it. I think she was more excited to be able to use the costume in her Dress-up box after Halloween though!

Sunday was a very difficult day. It was Brieanna's Farewell at church. The day started off ok, just everyone getting ready. I wanted to get a few pictures of her & I before church because I knew after it would be crazy at my parents house.

After getting a few pictures outside with Brieanna, I went back into the house and just started bawling. It finally just hit me that those pictures were going to be the last pictures I would get of her before she leaves on her mission. From that point on it was a water works kind of day. At church Ashley sang a song requested by Anna. I cried. Brieanna got up to speak, I cried. I know she'll be fine & time will pass quickly, but I am sure going to miss her!! The church was packed from the front all the way to the overflow in the back. There were even people in the foyer. It was amazing seeing how many people love Brieanna and our family! After church quite a few people came back to my parents house for a luncheon. Jordyn & I then made our journey back down to Mesquite to tell the Family good by one last time. It was great to see them & give Jadon one last little squeeze!

Monday we packed up and headed home after a tearful goodbye with Brieanna. We made it home about and hour before Cody had to leave for work. It was great to see him!

Tuesday I went in for my 37 week check up. When I had seen Dr Garrard on Thursday I was barely a fingertip dilated. Tuesday I was a good 2 cm dilated! I was super shocked that I had changed that much in such little time. Dr Garrard said all looked great! We are super excited that VERY soon we will be having this little girl. I finally feel ready!! Now we just wait!!

I Am A Slacker

Finally I am getting around to updating this blog. Sorry I'm slacking lately!

On October 16th we took Jordyn to Devry's Pumpkin Patch to let her pick out her own pumpkin. While we were there we decided to do the Corn Maze. I've never been a big fan of them, mainly because I can never find my way out and I have to end up going out the in. Armed with our ariel view map of the corn field we headed inside. We got turned around a bit, but really enjoyed the adventure!

I just had to get a picture of Cody & Jordyn being quite kooky (which actually is pretty normal)!

I think it took us about 30-45 minutes, but we eventually found civilization again! Jordyn was worn out from all of the walking, but she had fun.  After the Corn Maze we wandered over to the actual pumpkin patch. It was just acres and acres of pumpkins. I didn't think we would ever be able to find one that we all loved!

 After searching for quite a while, Jordyn finally picked one that was going to just be perfect!  A few days later we sat down and started carving that thing. Cody & Jordyn both can not stand the feel of "pumpkin guts". It was pretty funny watching Jordyn scoop out the guts. It took her a while, but the job did get done!

 Jordyn decided to name the pumpkin "Wally"! So now Wally sits outside on the porch with 2 of his smaller uncarved friends. Jordyn loves turning on his light at night. She thinks our house is the spookiest house in Paonia!

 On Oct 15th I went in to see Dr Gray for the follow up Ultrasound. Everything is going great! Aspyn is growing! She weighed 4 lbs 8 oz at that appointment. She went from the 5th percentile to the 9th! Dr Gray expects her to just steadily keep gaining and growing. As long as she keeps up with her curve, he sees no reason why we would need to induce any sooner than originally planned. My fluid level was still looking pretty good. I am still having biweekly NST's, but they have been pretty quick. We are usually only hooked up on the monitors for about 30-40 minutes. All in all we are looking pretty good health wise!

I see Dr Garrard tomorrow for my 36 week appointment. I'm supposed to be leaving for St George right after that appointment IF she thinks everything looks good enough for me to be 8 hours away from here for 5 days. I have been having some cramping and some lower back pain so we'll see. Brieanna's mission farewell is this weekend and I really don't want to miss seeing her 1 last time before she leaves. Keeping fingers crossed!!

 This picture is one at 35 weeks.  When I walked into Labor & Delivery for my NST that day, I had a Dr ask if I were there to see family, because I didn't look pregnant. I wasn't quite sure how to take that. Most people would probably be thrilled to hear that, but with her being small I was kind of unsure how I felt about that comment!

It is officially Fall here in Colorado! We've finally gotten out of the 70's and are now between 45-60 most days. It's quite cool! One drawback of living where there are 4 seasons is having to deal with the leaves that fall from the trees. Cody & I raked up 6 bags of leaves yesterday just from the front lawn. There are now more back on the ground! Oh well, Winter is coming sooner that we think!

Fun Times With The Family



On Thursday, my Mom, Grandma, all of my sisters, and niece Rusti came over to visit us! We were so excited to see them! Jordyn was very thrilled when they finally arrived at about 9:30. It was so great to be around them again!

Friday we went into Montrose to do a little shopping. We stopped at Russel Stover Chocolate Factory for a few samples and to get some amazing chocolate!



Rusti was so excited to see those red balls in front of Target. We all got our cameras out to take a picture of her & Jordyn. I think the local people thought we were a little weird!

So we got a little out of control while in Target, but hey that's just what we do!

Saturday we went to a local winery. Yes, my family went to a winery, No they did not sample the wine! We went there mainly to check out some of the local jams & honey and ended up picking peaches!! We ended up picking 3 boxes of fresh peaches! It was such a fun experience. One I'm sure we are going to repeat next year!



Brieanna & Mom picking peaches

Even Jordyn climbed the ladder to participate!

Jordyn peeking out from a Peach Tree!



Cody and Brieanna



The cart of Peaches & the Limo for the kids

It was a ton of fun!  Later that day Jordyn and Amberlee made Halloween masks. Jordyn has been asking for awhile to put up the Halloween decorations, so doing this with Amber was exciting for her.



Jordyn's mask!



Also, while they were here Ashley gave the 3 of us haircuts, and me a color & a wax. I feel like a whole new person. Cody looks so much better after having his mullet cut off and Jordyn's hair looks so much healthier evened out.


This morning about 10:00 o'clock they hit the road to head home. Jordyn was quite upset when they left. She cried and was sad for about 1/2 hour. She just wanted them to stay a little longer.  I was sad to see them leave, but I was so grateful for the time that they were able to spend here.

I really do have an awesome family. We all get along so well and truly enjoy each others company. We can be doing something big or doing nothing at all and no matter what we always have a good time.  It doesn't matter how long we go in between seeing each other. We can just pick right up where we left off.  I can honestly say that my sisters are my best friends. I am so glad that we are in this family together. My parents are amazing people.  Throughout every hardship that me, my sisters or anyone else in the family may have, they are there for us without question.  I really couldn't ask for better parents.

Living so far away has made me appreciate the time I am able to spend with them. Even though Dad couldn't make it,  I am so glad they drove over to see us for just a weekend. I can't wait for the next 3 months. We are still planning on going down around Halloween, they will be coming over for Thanksgiving (and to see the baby!), and then they will get to enjoy a white Christmas here in Colorado! 


Now, it's back to a normal, boring week. A few NST's @ the hospital, a new job for Cody & of course school!

32 Weeks

Yesterday was my first Non Stress Test (NST) at Delta Hospital. It went really really well. I was hooked up for about 35-40 minutes. In that time the baby's heart did exactly what it was supposed to. When she moved in accelerated, but then went down to a good resting point. I get to have these done twice a week until I deliver. It's not that the Dr's anticipate that any thing will go or be wrong, this is just a pretty non-invasive way to keep track of her growth. It was kind of relaxing laying there and just listening to her heart beating!  After that appointment I went into see Dr Garrard for our 32 week appointment. I've gained 2 lbs so that's good. It means Aspyn is growing! I asked her if her low weight meant that we would be pushing back the due date & induction date.  She said No. In fact if, after I go to the next Ultrasound with Dr Gray & she's still measuring small, we may induce sooner than 39 weeks. It may mean she would do better on the outside. Dr Garrard did say that she wouldn't let me go over though! So that's nice knowing that no matter what we'll have this little girl before Thanksgiving!!  I told her about the constant headaches I've been having for about a week. My blood pressure has been fine & I'm not having any symptoms of preeclampsia, but she wanted me to have some blood work done, just to make sure that it's not going to be an issue. Other than the headaches I've felt fine. Just anxious I guess. I won't see either Dr for another 2 weeks, unless something comes up with the NST's.  I can't wait for the next Ultrasound! It will be a very informative scan.

I really think that a lot of the issues I've had this pregnancy are stress related. It seemed like the issues started in August and the stress started late July. It's amazing the affects that stress can have on the body. I've tried to minimize the stress, but it's been impossible. I think now everything should be settling down, I hope!

I'm getting really excited for this weekend! My mom, all of my sisters, Rusti & Grandma Ann are coming over! They will be here Thursday-Sunday. Not a long trip, but so nice! I'm so glad that they are willing to make the trip over, when we aren't able to get over to see them. We feel very loved! I'm sure we won't do a whole lot, but the visiting will be nice!  Ashley hasn't ever been here, so I'm excited to show her our little town and our abode! Jordyn is way excited for her Aunts to come over to play baseball with her! I think she gets a little tired of seeing us all the time!

The next month and a half are going to fly by! I guess I'll just take it day by day!

31 Week Ultrasound

Today I went up to Grand Junction to see Dr Gray, the Maternal & Fetal Medicine Dr, for our follow up Ultrasound. Everything looked pretty good. My fluid level was finally where it should be. Her heartbeat was really good. She was just measuring a little bit small. She's weighing about 3 lbs even. So she's smaller than other baby's at 31 weeks. Dr Gray isn't worried about it. He said she's not going to be a midget or a dwarf or anything she just may be smaller than Jordyn was at 7 lbs. He wants me come back to see him in 3 weeks to check her growth again. He said I shouldn't worry because she's not so small that he anticipates any problems. He said that basically everything is pretty normal and boring!  We like that!! Everything internally & externally looks great with her. She's definitely looking a bit more squished in there! It was great to see her again & watch her heart beat quickly! She is also head down, so that's a relief. If she wasn't head down by 34-36 weeks we were going to have to do an External Cephalic Version where they manually turn the baby to be head down. I really didn't want that so YAY for head down!!

I'll see Dr Garrard next Monday, but will definitely look forward to the next Ultrasound. I don't know if by Aspyn being smaller than we thought will change the due date & induction date. I'll update next week when I know the answer to that. Hopefully not!!!

Yummy Success!!

After many many months of us trying to grow some tomatoes & cilantro, we finally have a small crop! 

We first planted the tomato plants & cilantro seeds around the middle of June. We watered, we waited, we fertilized, we even tried talking nicely to them. Nothing! Toward the end of July we noticed a few tiny tomatoes starting to grow. Jordyn was so excited! Then they got a bit bigger, but didn't really start to turn red. Finally, now that the growing season is getting closer to being done we finally have tomatoes and more are continuing to grow!! They are so tasty and smell like only tomatoes from the vine can. The cilantro took a lot longer than the seed package said, but they too finally made it!  There really isn't anything better than a juicy tomato or the taste of fresh cilantro. Especially when you know that you were the one that grew it!!


Jordyn's first week of school went really well. Right now there are only 10 kids in her class and she is only 1 of 3 girls. She seems to have made pretty good friends with both the girls and a few of the boys.  She was pretty upset that she wasn't able to go to school on Friday (the class is M-TH) and was quite bummed the rest of the day. She really likes her teachers & is so glad to be able to walk down to the school everyday!

Brieanna has a big day coming up this Saturday the 18th. She is finally going through the temple as one of the preparations for her Mission.  She's very very excited. As it gets closer to her leaving, I start getting more emotional. Even though she's been in Cedar going to school & I've lived far enough away that I didn't see her a whole lot, I have always been able to get a hold of her when I've needed a little pick me up. If I've ever had a rough day & just needed a distraction she's always been one that I could text or email or call & just say "Hi"! It's going to be hard not being able to communicate with her as quickly as I'm used to while she's on her mission, but I am super excited for her to go.



Brieanna & I on a "sister date" about a year ago

We had our 30 week appointment yesterday. Nothing too exciting to report. I passed my Glucose test, we are still looking good weight, & measurement wise. Heartbeat is strong & healthy. We are just growing nicely! I had a bad thought about a week ago though. Brieanna's farewell is on Oct 31 in St. George. That week I'll be 36 weeks. I had the thought that maybe my Dr wouldn't want me to drive 8 hours to St. George & 8 hours back being that far along & being only 3 weeks away from the induction. I asked her thoughts about it yesterday. She has no problem with me going!!!  Of course, if I go into the Dr that week before I go &  "things are progressing" then we'll have to rethink that. I am now excited to go to Utah again!!

30 weeks & growing

  I'll go to Grand Junction next Tuesday to see Dr Gray for what I hope is the last Ultrasound! We are just checking fluid & measuring her growth. It should be pretty fun to see how much she's grown since the last Ultrasound. Obviously she is growing just by looking at me, but getting the actual measurements is quite reassuring!

Until next week.....ciao!!

First Day of Preschool

Our Beautiful Daughter Ready For Her First Day!!

Today has finally came!! The day Jordyn has been counting down to! Yes, it is finally the 1st day of School! All we've heard about for the past few days is how excited she was to go to school. Yesterday she got a little nervous because she would be away from me for a few hours, but this morning there were no worries at all! She had her outfit picked out for weeks and was so excited to finally put it on today.

I just walked her down to the school about 15 minutes ago. Now I don't know what to do for the next 3 hours. Since we moved here I haven't had that much time to myself. The house is very quiet. I know school is going to be very good for her, & I will adjust. I guess I should just enjoy the next 10 weeks with her in school, because Aspyn will be here soon!

Grandma Karen & my sisters got Jordyn this backpack along with a bunch of school supplies. When the box came in the mail, she was just ecstatic. She loves Capri Sun's & is so excited that she'll probably be the only one in school with this backpack! I hope she enjoys school & makes new friends. I can't wait to hear about her first day! She's just growing up so fast!!

Rusti had her 1st birthday Saturday in Orderville. I can't believe she is 1 already. This past year seems to have just flown! I wish we could've been there to give her the biggest hug & kiss ever on her big day. We will see Ashley & Rusti soon though. I'll have lots of loves to give then! Happy 1st Birthday Rusti!!

Chad & Danie'l had baby Jadon yesterday (Labor Day-hehe)! He is 6 lb 5 oz & 20". From the photos that we've seen, he looks adorable. Looks like a good mix between the two of them. We are very excited that he has finally arrived & that both he and Danie'l are doing well! We wish them well with these next few days getting settled back at home. Happy Birthday Jadon!!

So many exciting events lately make me really miss home. Wish we could be closer!!

28 Weeks

On Monday we went for our 28 week appointment. We are still measuring right on! The heartbeat is still strong and sounding good. A couple of people have commented on my weight gain or actually the lack of weight gain. I asked the Dr about it since everyone but me has been worried about it. She is actually very pleased with what I've gained. I've gained a total of 10 pounds since the beginning. She said that Americans, when pregnant, tend to eat for 2 or 3. You really only need 300 extra calories a day. I haven't exactly been eating really strict, but I have tried to not eat everything in sight! If I want chocolate cake, I will eat chocolate cake (not the whole thing obviously)! I drink nothing but water, milk and maybe a glass of ice tea. I feel healthy and Aspyn is growning nicely. So she said to not let their comments bug me, because she's fine with it all!! I also asked her what she thought about an elective induction. She is totally on board with us having one. We've decide on November 19th for the induction!! We brought it up for a couple of reasons. One was just having a date so my mom could plan her schedule for coming out to stay with Jordyn and to help me out before having to go back to work. The other was just being able to get to the hospital in time with it being cold & snowy around here. Dr Garrard also said that if my fluid was looking too low, we would always induce sooner, but we would cross that bridge later if needed. It's crazy to know that no later than November 19th we will have this little girl!! Hopefully she'll come on her own before that, since Jordyn was about 8 days early. We'll see.

We go back in 2 weeks to Dr Garrard. Then in 4 weeks we go for another Ultrasound in Grand Junction with Dr Gray. He just wants to check growth and fluid. It's all just so much fun!!

Jordyn starts school next Tuesday! Everyday she asks how much longer. I think she's getting too antsy! Hopefully the next couple of days pass quick for her sake!

Chad & Danie'l are very close to having their son Jadon. We are getting excited to see pics of him. We thought we would be able to get to Mesquite not too long after he arrives, but it's looking like it's going to be the end of October before we meet him :-( I hope all goes well with their delivery. We wish them a lot of luck the next couple of days!!

So many fun things happening this month with babies being born, Dr appts, Jordyn starting school, and my sisters, mom & grandma are coming out the end of September. I can't wait for it all to happen!!

A Week of Fun

Sorry this is kind of long.......

This past week has been a pretty fun week! Last Thursday Cody, Bonnie, Terry, Eleanor, Bret, Austin, Jordyn & myself went to the Dinosaur museaum in Fruita. While the boys loved the dinosaurs and all the noise, Jordyn wasn't to thrilled. She cried a couple of times & wouldn't go near a lot of the dinosaurs. Some of the exhibits were ok, but for the most part it just wasn't her cup of tea. She did say that the next time we go back, she won't be so scared!

After the dinosaurs we all went to Chuck E Cheeses for a late lunch. The kids loved it! We were there for about 2 1/2 hours playing just about every game there is to play. Jordyn has wanted to go there for such a long time, so it was about time we went!  It just happens to be at the mall in Grand Junction, so after dinner the 3 of us did a little school shopping for Jordyn. It was a fun day out with the family!

A couple of weeks ago, I found a dresser for Jordyn (since hers can't fit up the narrow stairs in the house), but it was in real need of a new paint job. Since it is going in her room & wasn't brand new I let her pick the color she wanted to paint it. She chose purple-of course! The dresser base is dark purple & the drawers are a lighter purple. We've had a lot of fun painting it together!

We've been going to the park pretty much every afternoon with the boys. Jordyn & Bret have had their little fights, but for the most part they've enjoyed playing at the park with each other. Everytime they would see each other they would give hugs & before they left each day they would give each other hugs again. This picture was taken the last day they were in Paonia before heading back to Virginia. I've shown Jordyn on a map where she lives and where Bret & Austin live. She says that is pretty far! She's a little sad that he had to go back home, but they said maybe they would be coming back for Christmas or for sure next Summer! Hopefully they can stay close even though they live so far away.

Tuesday we went into Delta Hospital & took a tour of Labor & Delivery. With Jordyn I didn't need to do that since I was so comfortable with Dixe Regional Hospital. Since my dad has worked there forever and I worked and volunteered there for several years I just knew what it was like. Here I had absolutely no clue! It is going to be super nice. The rooms are more like suites. It has a huge jacuzzi tub that I can sit in while laboring to help with pain & progression. The oxygen & hoses are all hidden behind a huge picture that slides up when needed. The procedure lights are recessed. It just seems more like a Birthing Center than a Hospital room. After I have the baby I won't have to transfer to another room. I'll stay in that room the entire time I'm there. The unit is very secure. The bands they put on the baby after deliverey will set off an alarm if tampered with or if the baby is taken out of the unit. It's very comfortable there! I'm pretty excited about delivering there now. Jordyn was a bit upset about seeing the room. I'm not sure if it brought back memories of her surgery or what, she didn't really say. Now she says it s a pretty ok room!

In May, while Cody was already here in Colorado, we had started to think of a couple of names for the baby. One day I received a text from Cody saying that if it were a girl he liked a certain name. I thought, Ok let's put that at the top of the list & see how things go. Once we found out we were for sure having a girl we kept thinking of other names. Some we liked, some we laughed at, some we just said "Um No!"

Of the 3 names that we never did kick off the list we finally narrowed it down to 1! We've decided to name her Aspyn Raelyn Survis! I've always wanted the name Aspyn for a girl & that's the one Cody wanted in May. Ralyn is a combination of mine & Cody's middle names. It's fun having a name for her before she's actually here!!

Our next appointment is on Monday. I'm excited to check on our progress & ask the Dr a few questions that have come up. I sometimes think that having a second baby is actually harder on the body than the 1st one. I've had more round ligament pain with this one and my pubic bone feels like it could just break in half somedays, especially after we go for our nightly walks around town. All normal I'm sure!!

Level 1 Complete

Jordyn passed Level 1 Swimming Lessons August 13th! She did so well! It was so much fun being able to go everyday and watch her progress from the viewing deck. The lessons were about 45 minutes long each day but for those 45 minutes she didn't stop moving. When the instructor was working with another kid, Jordyn would go off to the side and continue practicing what she had learned. The last couple days of lessons, they went into the big pool just to get a feel of what it's like. Her instructor was able to get her to do her back float in the big pool! She's a little bit nervous to go to Level 2 now that she knows what the big pool will be like. The Level 2 class that's starting in a couple weeks is currently full, but if they get enough interest they will open another session. We are keeping fingers crossed they do. She was just such a happy girl being able to go somewhere each day that challenged her! We're super proud of you Kiddo!!

The next couple weeks are going to be a bit busy! Jordyn's cousins (well 2nd cousins actually) Bret & Austin are in town visiting Aunt Bonnie. So on Thursday we are all heading to Grand Junction to Dinosaur Land & then to Chucky Cheese! Jordyn has so much fun playing at the park with Bret, so I know they will have fun there! Then next Thursday Jordyn's school has it's open house where she'll finally meet her teachers and see the classroom all put together. Her school will finally start September 7th. We are all just way too excited. So between now and then it's Back to School Shopping and getting everything ready for that big day!!

I want to think that her going to Preschool here will be just like the other 2 Preschools she's already been to in Nevada last year. I know it's going to be way different. It's everyday but Friday, & it's at an actual school instead of someone's house. In a way I think it's going to be more like Kindergarten than Preschool. I just can't believe she's getting big enough to go to school. Makes me a little sad that she's growing up so fast!

In other growing news, we are at 26 weeks pregnant today! We are finally in double digit numbers as far as counting down the days. I am still nowhere near ready. I'm lucky that I have a sister who also had a girl, so I have inherited Jordyn's and Rusti's clothes back. I don't think I'll have to buy a whole lot of clothes for this little girl for quite a while! We have the crib up & made, and that is about it. I know I have 13-14 weeks left, but I'm starting to feel overwhelmed at all the stuff we still need to get. I guess just one day at a time!! In the past 3 weeks we have definitly grown. I would say I'm looking pregnant now! We'll go back to the Dr on August 30th for our glucose test & another check. Then it's every 2 weeks after that. Always fun!!

Right after lunch!

I think we've decided on a name, but I'll leave that for the next post!!

All In 1 Week

This past week has been very very busy! Jordyn started swimming lessons last Monday! She loves it!!

She's doing very well. Her instructor says she almost has her back float down! She wants to go into Level 2 so bad. It's a good thing it's an indoor pool! She'll be able to take lessons all winter, hopefully! She went every day last week and will continue everyday this week!  I think she's part fish!!

Over the weekend we packed up and headed up to Cedar Mountain for the Taylor Family Reunion 4 Wheeler Trip! It was a lot of fun. Just about everyone was there this year at one time or another!  We had a lot of rain, but it didn't keep us from doing what we do best, play!  We got there about 7 Thursday night and had to head home Sunday late morning. The entire weekend went way too fast. Ashley and Rusti came up Saturday morning. It was so great to see them. I've really missed my entire family so it was great they could all be there! Rusti was so excited to see Jordyn. It was fun!

Saturday evening, Alan, Taliah, & Lyli came up to visit! They stayed about 3 hrs, and it was great seeing them and catching up on everything that has been happening.


Sunday felt like it took forever to get home. We were all ready to get home and finally have a nice hot shower, but it was still hard to leave!


Today we had another Ultrasound! It was in Grand Junction at St. Mary's Hospital with a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician. The Ultrasound equipment was a lot better than what Delta Hospital had.  We were finally able to get the measurements that we weren't able to get the past 2 Ultrasounds! She is perfect! It's a big relief knowing that physically everything is in place, and developing great! She weighs 1 lb 9 oz. We are still right on track! It was probably one of the best Ultrasound experiences we have had. The tech was a lot more informative than the other 2 and once the Ultrasound was done, the Dr came in right then and confirmed that everything was just fine!  He did recommend that we come back in 6 weeks for another Ultrasound since my amniotic fluid has been low. He wasn't concerned about it today, but wants to see how her growth is in 6 weeks, but he would leave that up to me & my OB Dr. 

We don't go back to the Dr until the end of August, but until then I can rest assured that she is growing! A week ago I was barely showing. This week I feel like I just popped! I'm still wearing my regular pants, but they are getting a bit snug in the belly. I've been wearing poofy shirts a lot more!

Jordyn is still excited and makes suggestions about what to get the baby or what she is going to do for the baby. When she talks about the baby, her face just lights up.  I am so glad that she'll get to experience being a big sister!

A Few Good Things!

Some pretty good things have happened since last post! My sister Brieanna, received her mission call! She is going to Everett Washington! She is so excited. She has wanted to go on a mission since she was young. She doesn't turn 21 until October, so she doesn't leave until Nov 10th. I'll really miss her for the year and a half that she'll be gone. Her and I really are a lot like twins! She won't be around when I have the baby, but it's ok I forgive her!

Jordyn got the pins out of her arm last Friday. I'm so glad that's over!! She was very upset and we had to hold her down while the Dr took them out. It was nothing a little ice cream didn't help though. Now that they are out we have finally been able to go swimming. Cody, Jordyn and I went to the Hotchkiss pool on Monday. We had a lot of fun. 2 hours in the sun though was enough for me though! Jordyn starts swimming lessons in Delta on Monday. It's everyday for 2 weeks. She is just glad that she can finally go (actually I am too)!

One of the best bits of new news is I was finally able to get Jordyn enrolled in the Preschool that they have through the School District. I have been calling for weeks to get ahold of someone that could point me in the right direction. On Tuesday I took a chance and stopped by the Elementary school (where it's located) to see if anybody was there. Luckily someone was walking out just as I got to the doors and told me that the Preschool administrator was at her desk! After talking to her I found out that usually every spot is full by the end of May, but that they had 2 kids leave this year! She will be in the afternoon session which is Mon-Thurs 12:00-3:00. Since it's in the Elementary school it will be an easier transition to Kindergarten next year. She'll be able to meet new kids and also get away from me for a few hours a day!! We are super excited she was able to get in!

I am now 23 weeks pregnant! Time is passing pretty quick. We went for our follow up Ultrasound yesterday. There were a few measurements that they couldn't get before. The tech was able to get a couple of them and confirm several times that SHE is still a SHE!! Yay! There is still 1 more thing that they haven't been able to see both times that they still want to see. This last time she was facing my back and wouldn't budge! Also, both times my amniotic fluid has been low. I talked to the nurse today. She said it's a "low normal" so nothing to be concerned about, and we get to have another Ultrasound at a different location that has a higher resolution machine on August 9th! All fun stuff! I still feel great and she is still moving around a lot! She weighs a little over a pound now and her growth is right on!! We still haven't decided on a name, but the list is growing! I'll see the Dr on Monday, but so far everything looks fantastic. Here we are at 23 1/2 weeks!

I'll definitaly post after our next ultrasound! So, until then...adios!!

We Had Visitors!

This past week has been so much fun! On Tuesday July 13th Jordyn was able to get her cast off! The xray showed that the bone wasn't completely healed yet, so the pins stayed in.  She was so scared to move her arm or even let us get close to it. By the end of the night she was able to straighten it a little bit. Also, that evening my mom, dad & my sister Amberlee came to visit!!! It was so nice to be able to see them again after about 7 weeks. Jordyn was so excited! For about an hour before they got there she was pacing the floor and asking every 5 minutes if they were close! It took her a little bit to get to bed that night! Wednesday we really didn't do much but hang around the house & visit. That night we all went to the Drive-In movie. It was Amber's 1st experience at a Drive-In. We saw Eclipse! It was fun to sit outside, eat candy, and watch the movie. The Drive-In always shows a double feature. The second movie was Letters to Juliet, but by 11:30 we were all too tired to stay for it!

Thursday we went over McClure Pass and headed over to Glenwood Springs to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.  You take a tram up the side of the mountain to the very top! There they have Stelagtight caves. It's pretty interesting to walk through these caves that are millions of years old! It was a very nice 52 degrees inside the caves. I could've stayed there all day!

Jordyn was a little scared at first to go into the caves, but after a moment she thought they were really cool!

They also had different rides and activities for the families! Jordyn's favorite thing to do was the Alpine Slide. Amber said her first time down she screamed a bit, but she kept asking to go back again!

Cody & Amber both were talked in to riding Demon the Bull! Both did really well & I think they both actually enjoyed it a bit!

Then there was this Giant Swing Ride! It swings you 1,300 feet above the Colorado River.

Cody & Amber went on it twice. Once on both side of the swing. It kind of freaked them out a bit. It was a pretty fun day!!

Friday we went into Grand Junction to do a little bit of shopping. It was hot in the "Big City"!

Saturday we did a few projects around the house and tried to stay cool!  This week, along with the rest of the country, Colorado had a heat wave. Our average high in Paonia is about 88-92. This week was 96-98. I know that compared to St.George or Mesquite is nothing, but in a house without air conditioning that's HOT! Of course the evenings would cool down to about low 60's!

Today the family had to head home to the heat. About an hour after they left I really started to miss them again. I really enjoyed their visit! It was nice to have someone from home come visit us & enjoy our new area with us! In about 3 weeks we will be going up the the annual Four Wheeler Trip where we will see the rest of the family! I think I can make it until then!

Jordyn was sad to see everyone leave. I know she really enjoyed the sleepovers that she had with Amber & Grandma & Grandpa!

Thanks family for the fun week! We miss you a lot!! See you in 3 weeks!