THE "O" ZONE

My Baby's "1" Today!!!!

2009-03-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

It's truly amazing how fast time flys. My friend commented that it's a bittersweet moment and I would have to agree. He's growing so fast! The best advice is truly to enjoy every moment. It's crazy looking back at these old pictures, and feeling like it wasn't that long ago. His first year has been an eventful one filled with ups and downs, but it's all been worth it! Happy Birthday my son!

Every Story Has an Ending..........

2009-02-24T16:17:00.000-08:00

As many of you are aware Isaac has been going in for regular CT scans to check the fluid on his brain. On his last visit in November the surgeon told us that he would probably need a shunt to drain the remaining fluid. He wanted to wait to make sure that Isaac was meeting all his milestones, but to prepare ourselves for surgery on his next visit. Monday we packed up all our things and headed to Childrens Hospital. Before we went inside David gave Isaac a blessing, in it he blessed Isaac that the fluid would be absorbed and he would return to perfect health. I have to admit that I was thinking he must be crazy for saying such things, but felt great comfort after the blessing. Our wonderful surgeon Dr. Ellengobogen looked at the latest CT scan, and was amazed to find that the body had absorbed the remaining fluid and that Isaacs brain had filled in perfectly. I wish I could describe the emotional tidal wave that ripped through my body. "Could it really be, did we really make it through this hellish nightmare". Dr. Ellenbogen rapped his arms around Isaac and I as I sobbed tears of joy and laughed when he said "I never want to see you again":). Oh me of little faith, I wish I had not doubted the strength of the Priesthood. After going through such horrible events, I can only see the blessings that our little family has been given. I just want to thank all of you again for the continued prayers, love and strength that we have recieved. We Love You All!!

Highlights From Isaacs First Christmas!

2009-01-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

Hooray for 2009! I have to admit that I'm really glad to say goodbye to 2008, although it did bring many blessings, a little less emotional trauma would be a welcome relief. One of the years greatest highlights for 2008 was Isaac's first Christmas with our Families in Utah. The pictures don't do it Justice. We had such a blast! Isaac was a champ and loved playing with his cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandmas and grandpas:) We started the week with David's family in Spanish Fork. Between Crazy lypsyncs, questionable games, and delicious food I had the opportunity to see the real side of David's family (don't worry I still love you all...haha) We also celebrated Grandpa Tomas's 29th Birthday:)), cousin Sean's baptism, and a chance to visit with the long lost uncle Brian (we miss ya man!). Isaac especially loved playing with his new buddy Grandma Tonietta:) He followed her everywhere, and his little face lit up everytime he saw her. Next it was on to my crazy family. We spent our time snowmobiling, playing the Wii, and pigging out. I also want to thank my sister for her thoughtful gift. In memory of our Nanny she gave us each a snowglobe with pictures of her and each of us, it wasn't an easy Christmas with out her. Over all the trip was amazing and it will make for some great stories to share with Isaac about his first Christmas! Love to all and Happy New Year!!!

Check Out Santas Helpers

2008-12-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

I just love these and consider this your Christmas Card

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/wmr9W3A3qEYzUxMbEqyy

Can I Get Some Ketchup With That?

2008-12-15T17:20:00.000-08:00

Tell me again why we buy kids toys? As I stated in the earlier post David and I purchased a few new toys for Isaac and he did great for the first two days. Then the next morning he played with his toys for all of about five minutes and then made the bee line straight to the recycle pile. So much for the toys, but it made for some funny shots. At least now I know he's getting plenty of fibre in his diet:)

Isaac Meets Santa....

2008-12-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

We took a little shopping trip this last Saturday, and decided to get Isaac some early Christmas presents. I LOVE toy stores! Although most of what I wanted to get him were a little over his age range. Isaac just wanted to eat all the card board boxes and tags. While there we decided to introduce Isaac to Santa, it was the cutest thing:) I thought for sure he would freak out, but he loved him. He was smiling and laughing there were sooo many cute shots to choose from, but I just couldn't resist this one. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

FOR NANNY.......

2008-12-04T11:56:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe she's really gone. I recieved the call last night that my grandmother had passed away. To know her was to love her, everyone who knew her was a better person for it. She had the amazing capability to see people for who they truly were and would shower you with hugs and kisses the minute you walked through her door.

Though it was hard to leave family and friends in Utah I was blessed to spend this last year with her in washington. I will miss our lunch dates to Taco Bell (her favorite) and getting our nails done. Listening to her stories about her life and how she wished her body could've lasted as long as her mind. She did tell me that "the good angels could have their wings, this little rebel was going to walk everywhere!" (thats our Nan) The piece of advice I will take with me is "be happy Terra Marie, "be happy" life is too short for grudges or anger." Thanks to her I've had a lot of "Happy" and I know there's more to come.

I also want tell my mother how much I appreciate her love and example. From daughter to mother you gave her the very best!

HEY IT's HALLOWEEN!

2008-11-03T20:35:00.001-08:00

OK so Halloweens over, but I had to show off his pictures. Unlike my sister I enjoy Halloween and usually torture people into dressing up and having a good time. Unfortunately I was very under the weather, so the only person I was strong enough to torture was my little one. I have to say he took it pretty well and let me get some great shots. I know the seahawks aren't doing so great, but when he's old enough he'll make them a winning team again!

A Quick Update....

2008-10-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

As many of you are aware one of the trials we had to face with Isaac's injuries was dealing with CPS. ARGHHHHHHH!!! But I am happy to report that we just recieved a letter from them clearing us of any wrong doing! Everything came back unfounded, as we all knew, but it's nice to have that part officially done! Now our next hurtle will be his visit with the neurosurgeon in November. As you can see from previous posts Isaac has continued to do amazing and we have no concerns that the news will only continue in the positive. Thanks againg to all of you who continue to stand in support of our family. Love to all.

Mommy and Isaac visit Utah

2008-10-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Well after the begging, whining, crying, and guilt trips Isaac and I finally boarded a plane to Utah. I have to admit that it was one the best times I've had. Isaac was a total dream he slept on the plane both directions and loved, loved, LOVED being with his family. I surprised my brother and his family who hadn't seen Isaac. It was so great watching Mindy (sister-in-law) blubber all over him. Isaac also got to meet his great grandma on Davids side for the first time. She just loved watching him crawl all over and was sure to let us know when he was getting into trouble:) He also met his cousins and uncle from Davids side and cousin Christina wasn't going to let him go:) I also got some much needed girls nights out with my friends! Though I missed my husband tremendously, It was really hard to leave and there have even been a few tears since. We love and miss you all, but now it's your turn to visit us!

TAGGED!

2008-10-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

TAGGED TWICE...YES!!!!

(Thanx mimi and amy)

Tagged...six random things about me*Post the rules on your blog*Write six random things about yourself*Tag six-ish people at the end of your post*Let each person know he/she has been tagged*Let the tagger know when your entry is up

1. As you can see from my picture I love Sushi!!!!! I know it is an acquired taste for most, but I LOVE IT! One of my favorites includes eel with lots of eel sauce. SOOOO GOOD!

2. I'm a zit picker. I know it's a bad habit and I'm always attacking my husband. I'm sure he secretly loves it. haha:)

3. HUGE SHOE LOVER!!!! I didn't have to make too many compromises when I got married, but the only one that hurt was giving up my giant walk in closet that housed my shoe collection. Yes it's vain and excessive, but they were soooo cute. I was watching the movie preview for sex in the city and one of the girls said that instead of a ring she just wanted a really big closet for shoes.....think I could get him to swap:) just kiddin. I'm not willing to give up the ring, but a girl can still dream.

4. I use to have a huge crush on Vin Diesel it's something about a man and a shaved head. His deep sexy voice didn't hurt much either.

5. If I could do anything I wanted I have always wanted to be a stunt car or race car driver. I know it sounds crazy, but the idea of controlling a car at really fast speeds gets my blood pumping!

6. I LOVE scaring my husband. hehehehehe. My husband doesn't exactly look like the type of guy that scares easily, but let me tell ya not so. I usually always do it when he comes home from work. I kept thinking he would catch on, but he still screams like a little girl. It's so great. (He'll kill me when he reads this:)

Tagged: Jen P, Angela in Vancouver, Nic R, Mckenzie G, Mandi S, and Laura S

FAREWELL LAKE CHELAN.

2008-09-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well summer has officially come to an end, and I thought I would pay tribute to our favorite vacation spot on earth. We had a great time with family and friends and Isaac had his first taste of swimming pools, hot tubs, boating and tasty treats! Mom and Dad have been spending the last few weeks closing up the party palace:( Here's to all the memories!

2008-09-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

My friend Amy watches this cute little girl, so we decided to take Isaac and her clan to the park. I couldn't resist snapping a few shots of the little love birds. I think I see sparks:) Sooooooooo Cute!

FUNNEL CAKES YUMMY!!!

2008-08-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

DAVID AND I DECIDED THAT WE NEEDED TO HAVE A LITTLE FUN THIS WEEKEND AFTER THE LAST DOOM AND GLOOM ONE. WE ENDED UP AT THE COUNTY FAIR! WE HAD A GREAT TIME, EATING YUMMY TREATS, WATCHING DAVID AND GRANDPA LOSE THEIR SHIRTS TRYING TO WIN PRIZES, AND SWEATING OUR GUTS OUT IN THE BLAZING HEAT. WE'RE PRETTY SURE ISAAC HAD A GOOD TIME, AT LEAST WHEN HE WAS AWAKE.

BRINGING HOME BABY!

2008-08-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard to know where to begin. My feelings are still so raw right now, but I need to get this all out so that our family can begin to heal. It all started last friday the 1st. I was feeding Isaac and set him down on our ottoman to take a cake out of the oven. He was just starting to rollover, and I should of known better, but it was just going to be a second. Next thing I heard was a thud and a cry. I quickly scooped him up and comforted him. Then suddenly he slumped in my arms, I laid him back and his eyes rolled back in his head, his breathing went shallow and his whole body went limp. I started screaming his name and pinching him but he wasn't responding. I quickly called 911 and it felt like and eternity befor they arrived. They started giving him oxygen and he started to cry, but the rest of his body was still not responding. David arrived just as they were putting him in the ambulance and we rushed to the emergency room.
We spent the next hour trying to find out what was going on with our son. I had told the doctor that I had slipped on some books in our living room earlier in the week, but he was pretty sure this had nothing to do with a fall and wanted to check him for menongitis. They decided to do a CT scan just to rule out any head trauma. A few minutes later a nurse came in and told another nurse that life flight was on their way. The doctor came in and explained that the scan revealed and old bleed and a new bleed and Isaac was being transfered to Harborview the leading trauma center in Seattle. The next thing we see is two police officers enter the room and start questioning David and I. They inform us that we have to stay behind and answer more questions while our son has just been airlifted to Seattle. I assumed this would only be a few minutes but almost 2hours later we were able to leave and drive another 2 hours to see our son.
Once we arrived at the hospital we were brought to another room where we were questioned again by doctors and a social worker. Finally they brought us to our son who was sleeping soundly and stable. Gary and Karol Payne (family friends) met us their and Isaac was given a blessing. Five minutes later a social worker walked in our room and told us that our child was in the custody of the state handed us a card and told us to call the number then she left the room. We could only have supervised visits with our son, but the nurses at Harborview were very accomadating and stayed with us while we waited to see what was happening with our son.
Over the next couple days and many neurosurgeons later Isaac had fluid on his brain and only one bleed that had stopped. It was determined that Isaac was born with extra fluid on his brain that made him more susceptible to minor falls, infact he didn't even have to hit his head that a simple jarring could have resulted in the same trauma. They decided to do a tap throught the soft spot on his head. They inserted two needles on either side of it and extracted 25 to 30 CCS of fluid (a lot of liquid). Isaac immediately began to show major signs of improvement. He was laughing and rolling all over and grabbing at everything. We decided that the pressure had probably been there for a long time and it wasn't until he fell that we were able to find out what was going on.
Meanwhile our fight for custody was still going on. We finally had a meeting with CPS and they released the supervised visits and told us that if the doctors were still reporting the same information then Isaac would be released into our care at discharge. Isaac continued to improve so we were tranfered to Childrens Hospital on Monday. That's when another Social Worker came in and told us that our child was placed into state custody again and that we were going to have to have a meeting to determine whether he came home with us or not.
Long story short. We contacted a lawyer and gathered all the friends, family, and our pediatrician and went to the meeting. It was determined that there were no finding child abuse and that there were no grounds to keep Isaac out of our home.
Isaac was finally released on friday afternoon to his parents and is still progressing well. We still have checkups scheduled at Childrens, but his prognosis is good.
The following is a very short story of all the hellish events we have endured, and doesn't even begin to explain the emotional roller coaster, but I need to take this opportunity to thank all of our friends, family, and medical staff who helped us through this trying time. Love to all!!!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!

2008-06-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been a whole year!!! It has been an amazing journey so far. I am so glad I have someone who loves me as much as I love him.

Chillin in Lake Chelan

2008-06-17T16:34:00.002-07:00

We celebrated a few firsts this weekend. Our first wedding anniversary, Davids first fathers day, and Isaacs first trip of many to Lake Chelan. It was technicallly Isaacs second trip to Lake Chelan. I went over early with my mom to get things set up, but Isaac had a massive freak out. Isaac is a very happy baby and has never given me cause for concern. We had stopped in a little town called Leavenworth to feed him and everything was fine until 15 minutes later when all of a sudden he started screaming hysterically, If I could describe the scream it would brake your heart. I couldn't console him and I knew he was in a lot of pain I just didn't know why (familiar feelings anyone?). I started to lose it a little myself and my mom sensing my panic helped me put him in the car. We started to drive and he was happy as can be and quickly fell asleep. I thought he was over it until we got to the lake house when the screeching started all over again, so my mom and I decided it would be best to go home in case I needed to take him to the doctor. We left the house at 1:00pm and got home at 2:00am. He slept through the night and woke up happy as a little clam the next morning. Apparently he had some extremely bad gas. I had filled his bottle in a bathroom in Leavenworth, but I guess he didn't like it. Thanks Mom for being so understanding.

Isaac hadn't freaked out for next couple of days, so we continued with our original plan of spending our anniversary in Chelan. I bought a jug and filled it with water from home. I wasn't taking any chances, and all was well. We had an amazing time!! It was so fun watching Isaac in the water I can't wait to make amazing memories with our family like we did growing up. We love Lake Chelan!!!

A NAME AND A BLESSING

2008-05-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

THIS LAST SUNDAY WAS FILLED WITH EMTION AS DAVID BLESSED OUR BABY BOY. I KNOW I'M BIASED BUT IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BLESSINGS I'VE EVER HEARD. FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT MISSED IT I RECORDED IT FOR ALL OF YOU:

AT THIS TIME ISAAC I BLESS YOU TO KNOW THAT YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND WILL ALWAYS BE THERE TO SUPPORT AND GUIDE YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE.
I ALSO GIVE YOU A BLESSING OF STRENGTH. THE PHYSICAL STRENGTH TO CLIMB ANY MOUNTAIN. THE MENTAL STRENGTH TO CONCUR ANY CHALLENGE AND THE SPIRITUAL STRENGTH TO ENDURE THROUGH ANY ADVERSITY. I BLESS YOU WITH AN OPEN HEART TO SERVE THE LORD BY SERVING A MISSION AND MAGNIFYING ANY CALLING THAT IS EXTENDED TO YOU LEADING YOU TO A GREATER RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SAVIOR. THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE I PRAY THAT YOU WILL BECOME A LEADER STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS AND IN WHO YOU ARE AND THAT OTHERS WILL BE DRAWN TO YOU, THAT YOU MAY INFLUENCE THERE LIVES FOR GOOD. I BLESS YOU THAT WITH THESE STRENGTHS AND ABILITIES IT WILL PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR GREATEST ADVENTURE IN LIFE, BECOMING A HUSBAND AND FATHER. PASSING ON THE PRIESTHOOD AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR SAVIOR.

IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE THING TO WATCH DAVID BLESS OUR SON. ANOTHER REMINDER OF ALL THE WONDERFUL GIFTS OUR LITTLE FAMILY HAS BEEN GIVEN.

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT!!

2008-05-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

FINALLY FOOTBALL SEASON HAS COME TO AN END. TO MY DELIGHT AND DAVIDS DISMAY. THOUGH I WILL MISS WATCHING HIM PLAY IT WILL BE NICE TO HAVE MY HUSBAND BACK! THE BULLDOGS HAD A TOUGH SEASON PLAYING IN A NEW LEAGUE PROVED TO BE CHALLENGING. THEY PUT UP A GOOD FIGHT AND HAD A LOT OF FUN. DAVIDS FAMILY CAME INTO TOWN THIS WEEKEND AND WE ALL CHEERED HIM ON FOR HIS FINAL GAME. HIS SISTERS DECIDED THAT SINCE THEY MISSED HIS BIRTHDAY THEY WOULD DECORATE HIS TRUCK AT THE GAME.
TOILET PAPER: $2.99
BALLOONS: $1.5O
WATCHING HIS TEAMATES MAKE FUN OF HIM: PRICELESS

IT'S ALL ABOUT BABY!

2008-05-06T17:19:00.001-07:00

DELIVERY DAY

2008-05-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

THE DAY BEGAN AT 4 AM WHEN MY WATER BROKE, WHICH I HAVE TO SAY IS REALLY GROSS IT JUST KEPT COMING AND COMING, YUCK!! UNFORTUNATELY WE WEREN'T EXACTLY PREPARED (SURPRISE, SURPRISE) SO WHILE DAVID GOT THE NEW CAR SEAT OUT OF BOX, I WAS PUTTING MY BAG TOGETHER AND CLEANING THE HOUSE. THE HOSPITAL CALLED AND SAID THEY THOUGHT IT WOULD BE BEST FOR US TO START HEADING THAT DIRECTION. WE ARRIVED AT THE HOSPITAL AT 7 AM AND AFTER 14 HOURS OF LABOR THE DOCTOR SAID WE WOULD HAVE TO DO A C-SECTION. I WAS REALLY NERVOUS, BUT AFTER THEY PULLED OUT ISAAC THEY FOUND A KNOT IN HIS AMBILICAL CORD. IT WAS TRULY A BLESSING AND NOW WE HAVE A HEALTHY BEAUTIFUL BABY BOY. DAVID WAS AN AMAZING FATHER IN THE HOSPITAL, HE CHANGED EVERY DIAPER AND MADE SURE I WAS ALWAYS CONFORTABLE. I ENDED UP HAVING COMPLICATIONS AND HAD TO GO BACK FOR A SECOND SURGERY WICH LEFT ME WITH AN OPEN WOUND. NURSES CAME TO THE HOUSE FOR THE FIRST COUPLE WEEKS TO CHANGE THE BANDAGE, BUT THEN IT WAS DAVIDS TURN. AGAIN MY HUSBAND WAS A ROCKSTAR AND NEVER COMPLAINED. MY DOCTOR SAID I HAD CHOSEN WISELY. I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT I AM ALMOST HEALED AND CAN'T WAIT FOR IT TO BE FINISHED!

OUR HOUSE

2008-05-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

WELL IT'S OFFICIAL I'M NOW A BLOGGER. IT'S AMAZING WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU HAVE A BABY, YOU FIND YOURSELF DOING THINGS YOU SWORE YOU NEVER WOULD. 0H WELL, LIFE CHANGES WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT. I THOUGHT I WOULD START WITH OUR HOME THAT WE HAVE NAMED "OUR LITTLE BIRD HOUSE". WE ARE PATIENTLY WAITING UNTIL WE CAN HAVE OUR OWN ONE DAY, BUT WE'VE MANAGED TO CREATE MANY FOND MEMORIES IN THIS ONE. I AM REALLY LOVING BELLINGHAM (SORRY JEN AND MINDY) IT'S SO NICE TO BE SURROUNDED BY WATER AGAIN. WE CAN VISIT LAKES, RIVERS, AND THE OCEAN WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF OUR HOUSE, AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF TRAILS TO EXPLORE. THE RAIN HASN'T BEEN TOO BAD, BUT I SURE MISS SEEING THE SUN FROM TIME TO TIME. AS FOR THE REST OF THE FAMILY DAVID IS WORKING HARD AND PLAYING HARD. HIS FOOTBALL TEAM (BELLINGHAM BULLDOGS) IS GOING STRONG THOUGH THEY'VE ONLY WON A COUPLE GAMES THEY'RE STILL HOPING TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. ISAAC IS GROWING LIKE A WEED, DADDY WILL PROBABLY GET THAT FOOTBALL STAR HE ALWAYS WANTED IF HE KEEPS AT IT. FOR THE MOST PART WE ARE LOVING LIFE.