The End of a Chapter.

Last week in my post I told you all that some BIG THINGS were happening and today I'm announcing the first of many changes for our family. I QUIT MY JOB!  When Hayden was born I went through a stint of postpartum and severe anxiety.  Feeling so overwhelmed with a new baby and an 18 month old, I knew I needed a little "mommy time" a few hours a week. My job as a Building Manager at the community center was awesome. I worked 11 hours a week just two shifts in the evening. It was the perfect part time mommy job. I absolutely love our community here in Lehi and have loved getting to know my city neighbors as I've interacted with them over the last couple of years. I am so grateful for the time, experience and friendships I have made.  Thanks to the City of Lehi and The Lehi Legacy Center for a wonderful two years. 

For now, we're excited to spend lots more time as a family, travel before Hunter starts school next year and make more time for blogging opportunities! 

Changes = my decision to work outside of the home.

Since before my husband and I got married I expressed to him how much it would mean to me to be able to stay at home once we had children. Kevin, being the incredible man he is, told me way back then that he had been working hard and preparing for that time in his life for many years. He also had hopes that his future wife would be able to stay at home and raise their children and not have to work. When Hunter was born I went back to work after my maternity leave, thinking I would just turn in my two weeks notice and be done. Surprisingly, that first day back I genuinely didn't WANT to give it up completely. I loved the company I worked for and what I did. This feeling of not wanting to give up my work shocked Kevin and I both. We talked and came up with a proposal for my manager that would allow me to continue working for he company from home. The next day I spoke to my manager and we worked out an arrangement that allowed me to work from home part time hours.  I was thrilled that I would get to be with my son AND keep an extra income for some Kyla "mad money."  In just a short month I felt overwhelmed with balancing time with my newborn, keeping the home, spending time with my husband and putting in 20 hours a week.  I ended up having to do most of my wok after my husband was home and late into the night and I was really bothered with the TIME I was sacrificing with my family.  At this point Kevin and I talked again and agreed that the time and stress was not worth the work.  I ended my part time, from home job. I felt so conflicted. I was excited that I could focus JUST on my son again and spend hours in the day playing with him, cleaning, shopping, trying new recipes and everything else of being a stay at home that I had dreamed of. However, I also felt a little defeated. I was sad that I wasn't able to juggle the working and stay at home mom aspect like so many women are able to.  I told myself that it was proof I was just destined to be a stay at home mom for the rest of my life!  I was OK with that.  It was after all my "dream job" that I had wished and hoped for for many years.
Fast forward a year. We are now expecting our SECOND child. A GIRL. $$$$$$$ I knew as soon as I found that it we were having a girl that I wanted to find a way for me to bring in a little extra cash for baby spending. (I did so well spending wise with Hunter but I KNEW having a little girl would break my bank) Again my husband and I counseled together to try and come up with a plan for me to make some money.  Nothing felt right for a long time. Hayden was born in February of this year and I was so excited to bring her home and to adjust to being a mother of TWO under 20 months!  The first month with two was going great (minus the fact my toddler was having trouble sleeping) and I was LOVING being at home with my littles.  In March I was browsing Facebook one morning and came across a post on the City of Lehi's page where the first line grabbed my attention: "Lehi City is hiring!" I curiously clicked on the link which listed several positions the city was hiring for for the upcoming summer. At this point I wasn't thinking about working and was just enjoying being at home. One job opening specifically sparked an interest. "Building Manager at Legacy Center - Part Time Hours" I called to inquire more information and was told that position was for Tuesday Nights 5-Close and a rotating weekend shift (Fri 5-close or one of the 3 Saturday shifts). The position also included a pass that allowed you to use the facility. I was immediately prompted to call Kevin at work and tell him about the job opening. After a short conversation on the phone, a lengthier discussion that evening and a couple of prayers we felt that I should apply for the job.  Within a few days I received a call to come in and interview.  I felt great about the interview and Kevin and I remained confident that this was the perfect opportunity for me.  Sadly, a week later I was called and told the position had been given to someone else. Again, I was heartbroken and conflicted. I really struggled with the idea of WANTING to work outside of the home and when this felt SO right that I applied and interviewed for nothing, I didn't understand. I felt as if I was being reminded that staying at home was where I belonged. Less then a week later I was SHOCKED by a phone call that offered me the same position on a different day of the week. I called Kevin before returning the call trying to figure out what this all meant.  Here I was again feeling bad for wanting to get out of the home for a few hours a week but at the same time so excited for the opportunity. Kevin is such a smart and loving husband and with his support I accepted the job.

My first day was last week and I could not be more excited. It really seems TOO good to be true.  Thursdays I work from 5-close and then I work Saturday mornings from 7-12:30 for the rest of the month. Both Kevin and I are so grateful for this blessing.
I remember hoping my whole life to be a stay at home mom and the truth is, it's a lot harder then it looks to raise children.  Being a mother takes every inch of your mind, heart and energy and sometimes when all of those inches are taken up it can be so overwhelming that you just break down and cry. (at least I do... but I'm a crier so that could just be me) I always felt so bad for those women who HAD to work or CHOSE to work instead of being at home but I can honestly say I understand those situations a little bit better now.  Don't get me wrong, I could quit this job tomorrow and never work another day in my life and be the happiest mother at home raising children but, I am very grateful that I do get a change in scenery for a few hours a week to clear my mommy head, talk to people who can actually have a conversation back and bring in some spending money which, lets be honest, I will most likely spend on spoiling my kids anyways! 
Thanks to everyone who has supported me in this new adventure. Thanks for the kind and positive comments.  Thanks to the women in my life who have shown me that it's OK to be a mom and work! 

What are your thoughts? Do you stay at home? Work? Both? Share your comments below!  

The Shape of a Mother.

Have you seen this mothers blog about post baby body? Or read this mothers thoughts. I love both of these articles and can understand and appreciate both mothers thoughts and views on bodies after babies. I admire the one mothers desires to be fit and healthy for herself and her sons. I appreciate the other mothers sweet views about the "lines mapped across the mountains of stretched skin" and can relate to the reminder that those lines indicate my children once lived inside of me. There are so many opinions over a mothers post baby body that I figured I could jump on that bandwagon and share my thoughts as I begin to re-shape my body after Hayden's birth.
In reality having a baby changes your body and in some ways it will never be the same. However, I believe it is not an excuse to let yourself go. I also believe every one's body is different and you should diet and exercise in whatever way bests suits you.
So here is what best suits me. I have decided to start slow with some short workouts and eating healthier. (As time passes I will increase my workout routines and times and have a stricter diet - keep in mind I am still breastfeeding a newborn and need to make sure I keep my milk flow) I have set several goals to help me achieve my short term and long term weight markers.  Some of my goals include; working out for 30 minutes at least 3 days a week, taking the kids on walks, drinking 90oz of water a day, not eating after 7pm and cutting back on the sugars! I have also printed a weekly chart to check off my progress.
I am quiet anxious for this journey. I have never been a good "dieter" and sometimes it feels like I don't the time or energy to sneak in a workout. I hope that by setting my goals, tracking my progress and sharing updates on the blog, I will stay accountable and motivated to get in shape. 
Now what you've all been waiting for. 2 weeks Postpartum Stats. 147lbs. BMI: 33% (approx)

That's the REAL DEAL people. MY GOSH I cannot believe I am posting this. Terrifying, but I have to agree that it will be much easier to turn down that Dirty Dr Pepper  and easier to put in that 30 minutes now that THE WHOLE WORLD knows whats going on underneath! 
So there it is. I hope you will follow along this journey with me. I am excited to share my experiences and progress. I hope you'll share some of your experiences. Tips? Advice? Healthy Recipes? Workout Routines? Love to hear whats worked for you also! 

Family of FOUR!!

For TWO WEEKS we were a Family of Four.

My sister McKenna came to Utah to help watch baby Hunter while I went back to work.

Kevin and I were so grateful we could leave our brand new baby with someone we could trust and someone we knew would love him.

We know being cooped up inside for hours every day with a baby who sleeps all the time can't be the most exciting thing for a seventeen year old, but Hunter loved every moment he got to spend with such a fun Auntie.

When we weren't at work, Kevin and I also enjoyed spending time with McKenna. 

She has such a fun personality and is funny and so creative.

We went to Sushi, a REAL Salt Lake soccer game, a BBQ in the park for a cousin, tried some fun PINTEREST crafts and activities, took Hunter to his two month check-up and watched LOTS of Grey's Anatomy.

Thanks again McKenna for coming to Utah and spending TWO whole weeks with us.

We Love You So Much!

Here are some photos from our two weeks as a family of four.

30 Days of Gratitude

"Gratitude is a divine principle. The Lord has declared through revelation: “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things. …" 

(GordonB. Hinckley August 1988)

In years past, when November comes around, I have kept a journal for the entire month of things that I am grateful for. I guess with it being the month of Thanksgiving, it was always easier to remember to be AWARE of all the things I am thankful for. 

When I was a young women, I had a church leader who pointed out we should be thankful everyday for the blessings in our lives, small or big. I've also been taught about a gratitude journal, in which for an entire YEAR, everyday you write down something you are grateful for. Maybe one day I will be able to accomplish such a task but for twenty-eleven I think it's going to be another 30 days. 

I hope that you will look at your life and give thanks for everything you have been blessed with.

Day One.

I am grateful for Temples.

Mount Timpanogos Temple

For the blessing it is to have one so close where the Mr. and I can attend often and for the sacred ordinances that are performed here.

Day Two.

I am grateful for Work.

The Mr. has signs all over Utah county with his name!

My New Desk as of 11.02.11. A Window Desk. Highly Desirable. So blessed.

 I am grateful that the Mr. and I both have work, especially during this time in our economy. I feel so blessed that the Mr. has a job that he loves, that he is good at and that will continue to provide for our family as it grows. I am thankful for my job that I love and for the blessing it is that I can be working and saving for our future.

What are you most grateful for this week? 

WHHW (Working husband/hospitalized Wife)

Clever title for the week if I may say so Myself.

My sweet husband has spent the ENTIRE week trying to make sure I get better while still working a full time (sometimes longer than 8 hour day) job!

On Monday I started feeling a severe discomfort in my upper abdomen right below my breast line. By the end of the day I had a severe pain in my lower abdomen and had thrown up once. 

Tuesday I thought I could suck it up and go to work... I did, well I tried, for 5 and a half hours. I was so happy I was able to zero out (for you non Myler employees) in my department (Hearing Management) every Tuesday you must have all your emails/milo mail and voiecmails checked and returned. Lucky for me I ONLY had 65 milo mails and 23 Voicemails. It took me from 8 until 1:30. I was feeling a lot of nausea and uncomfortable the whole day, but I did it!

I went home early and emailed my doctor right away about my situation. Its a blessing I am still able to be on my father insurance.... just wish I could see a regular doctor out here (hence why I end up in the emergency room later).

I love our Dr. Dr. Tataro is so great. He has been my moms, Aubrey's and Hunters doctor.

The first email I sent I got an auto response that the Doctor was out of the office until FRIDAY. Great! 

I start to get really ancy when I have been sitting at home for too long, especially with my new job (and Jenny, Whitney, Ashlee, Monica and lots of others can atess to the fact that I LOVE my job). Really! So much, that has really been the hardest part of my week, not being able to go into work everyday.

1. I feel like I am missing out on helping the hearing managers that need it.

2. I love that place.

3. I have the most amazing people I work with.

And 4. I just love the work and I love my cubical and I love having a job where I feel I am actually doing something productive.

So, its definitely clear how much I love my job and that its has been a little treacherous being stuck at home sick all week.

Anyways: Sorry about that little work tangent. 

When I got the email from the Dr's auto response I was a little worried. I tried to avoid Hospitals at all cost. Usually I can work through something on my own.... Not this one! 

Wednesday morning I was so relieved when I had an email from the Dr. He said that the signs I am showing are signs of an Ulcer (of course!) He gave me some advice on how to "fix" it, some over the counter meds i should get and to just cool it the rest of the week. He said obviously something has triggered my body recently... Still not sure what though. He also said if I didn't feel any better by Thursday I needed to go to the Hospital. 

 

Thursday morning the Hospital is exactly where I was. I drove myself (In Kevin's defense he had left for work for the day and I hadn't told him I was going.... In my defense I did not want to make anything into some big deal when I knew they would just be running a bunch of tests). I hate hospitals. Something about them makes me queezy.  I had my own room, and two male nurses, John and Alan that attended to me. 

Kevin showed up when he found out I secretly had snuck off to the Hospital and we just sat around waiting for lab results. I was still feeling some pain so nurse Alan gave me some medicine. 

I went from about a 7 to a 50 instantly. No joke. He gave me a whole tube, vile, whatever they are called of a drug called Toradol (a pain killer) and My body did not like it. I instantly felt out of control. I could feel the cold medicine running across the inside of my chest. Everything go really fuzzy, I felt dizzy, my arms and legs started tingling, and everyone seemed to be in slow motion. Even my speech dragged on and I felt like I was slurring everything. And Kevin and the Nurse were just staring at me! 

It was awful. My heartbeat jumped from 80 to 150 in a matter of seconds after the medicine was injected. And of course what do they wanna do when your heart rate gets that high?? Inject you with something else. My poor body! This lasted for about an hour, me tripping out! The machine I was hooked to kept beeping every 5 minutes and the nurse would come in, look at the screen with a perplexed look, ask me how I felt and then walk out again. I felt helpless. I told the nurse at one point that I felt worse then I did when I came in. 

After that traumatic experience I had an ultrasound to check my gallbladder. My gallbladder looked good and my blood work was also good. Of course?!?! The Dr. (Dr. VanWagoner) said that it is most likely an ulcer but because I have no bleeding and it has not effected my gallbladder I need to continue to rest and he prescribed me some medicine that he said I should see a change in discomfort within a few days! Praise the Lord. 

Its Friday now. Kevin left at 5:30 this morning (hence why I am wide awake now.) He works so hard. I am so proud of him and his determination to be able to provide for our family someday. He does such a great job now helping provide for the two of us, I just know all his hard work and determination will pay off in his line of work over the next few years! 

I love that man.

My schedule for the day. Take half of this HUGE pill I was prescribed on an empty stomach. Probably fall back asleep, the pill makes me a little drowsy. Wake up and do what I have been doing all week. Nothing :)

I guess I could have saved the blog writing for later but I had it all fresh in my mind now.

Maybe do some laundry? I mostly just sit and watch movies all day or nap. I have been napping a lot because I am in the least amount of discomfort when I sleep.

So many kind thoughts from everyone on Facebook and through text messages, regarding me being sick.

We have so many wonderful friends and family members ready and willing to help the moment we need it.

I feel truly blessed.

Thanks to my husband who came home with my favorite flower and my favorite candy. Major points x3 because I'm sick!  

Thanks to my sister Aubrey and ALMOST Brother in law Daniel yesterday for driving me to go get the medication. You two are great and we are so thankful you are close.

I hope everyone else has had a lovely week and has a lovely weekend. Myler has a huge work BBQ this weekend at Lehi park and I have been so excited to go.. Not sure if I'll be feeling up for it or if it is even appropriate I go since Ive been out all week.

Thanks again for all the thoughts everyone. We are truly blessed.