Nixon James

Sorry to everyone for such a late post! We have had company at our house since July 4th and so I haven't had much time to update. This is going to be a long post because I want it for my journal, so if you don't want to read it, I don't blame you. Otherwise, I hope this gives you the details you have been wanting. So here's the story along with some pics of our little sweety. From the beginning, the docs office told me I was due with Nixon on July 11th. When I went in for my twenty week appointment, I was measuring earlier and so they told me I would be due on the 9th. From that day on, I planned on him being due on the 9th so that date was set in my head. I have to say, I had VERY HIGH hopes (not a good idea in pregnancy) that I would have him two weeks early. Both my sisters had their babies early and my mom did too. So in my head of course, I thought for some ODD reason I would be just like them. Boy was I wrong. My mom, thinking the same thing, decided to come out on the 4th of July just in case he was early. By the time she came out, I hadn't dilated at all and was showing no signs of progression. I was starting to get really worried that she wasn't going to be able to be here for his birth because she would be leaving on the 14th. I kept thinking "what if this baby comes late?" While she was here, the pregnancy turned for the worst in my eyes. I was getting bigger and bigger by the moment. I litterally looked like my normal self from behind, and then when I turned to the side, I looked like someone shoved a large beach ball up my shirt. Obviously I was quite uncomfortable like all pregnant women and on top of that I developed a major rash on my stomach called PUPP. Only 1% of women get this and it happens in your first and only first pregnancy and usually if you are pregnant with a boy. This rash was HORENDOUS!!!!! (however you spell that) I seriously wanted to cut off my stomach just so the itching would stop. I was told by the doc that the only way the rash would go away, was to give birth...OF COURSE!! That was the last thing on earth I wanted to hear considering I was not progressing AT ALL. Well, we decided to make the best of the situation, and enjoy the time we were able to spend with my mom here. She and I did a lot of swimming and she taught me a lot about different kind of meals I could freeze. It was nice spending time with her and I was grateful for her knowledge and grateful to have here there to help stop me from going insane. As the week went on, we decided that he was going to come on the due date that I had been told, JULY 9th. July 9th came and went. So then I thought, ok July 10th. That's the day I thought before the docs office ever told me a date. I woke up the morning of July 10th and was as emotional and discouraged as could be. I couldn't bare the thought of another day of being pregnant and rashy. I told Andy and my mom that I was going to get in the shower to get ready for the day. While I was in the shower, I kept praying that he would come soon, but thought Heavenly Father's wishes and my wishes were a little different. Right as I turned off the shower, I felt a weird sensation. I thought "did my water just break?" Obviously that was a little hard to tell considering the fact that I was in the shower. So I stood there quietly thinking maybe I'll feel it again, I did. I then got out of the shower and opened the door to ask my mom what your water breaking feels like. As she was telling me, it happened again. So we decided to take off to the hospital. I didn't want to get my hopes up or anyone elses, so I kept telling them not to get too excited, it may be a false alarm. Once we checked into the hospital, they checked me and the fluid was coming out negative (not amniotic fluid). Everyone was quite confused, because it kept coming out of me. They were about to send me home, when the nurse said she wanted the doc to come and do a different test. The doc came in and they concluded that part of my water had broken. Just the top part. Really weird. Because that had happened, I was going to be admitted to the hospital and would have to have the baby within 24 hours because of risk of infection. I wasn't contracting much and was only dilated to a 1 so they started me on pitocin. The doc told me I was quite narrow down there, so the possibilty of a c-section, was higher. She then asked me what I wanted to do now that labor was going to be starting. I then called a labor and delivery nurse in my ward and asked her what she thought I should do. She told me that since the possibility of a c-section was so high, I shouldn't go through all the pain of labor and get the ephideral as soon as possible. I told the doc that was what I wanted to do and she said ok. Once the contractions started getting pretty painful, I asked for the ephideral. Once that was given to me, I felt like a million bucks. I was able to sleep through the night and woke up in the morning feeling pretty good. I dilated only to a 6 by the time morning came and the progression was going very slowly. The nurses then came in to tell me that every time I would have a contraction, the baby's heartrate would go down. They said it was possible the cord was around his neck and it was pulling on him everytime I would have a contraction. They said many babies are born like this, but if I don't start dilating faster, then it will become a risk to the baby. They monitored me for a few more hours and still no progression. The doctor then came in and said, " it is looking more and more like you will have to have a c-section, you are not progressing fast enough and the baby is getting stressed. What do you want to do?" I said " how much time will you give me before you decide to do that?" She said " 40 minutes. If you have not progressed to a 9 or 10 by then, then we will need to do a c-section" I really didn't want to have a c-section! I was so sad, because all of my expectations and hopes of this pregnancy were not working out the way I was hoping. I wanted to scream! I then asked Andy to come say a prayer with me. I said the prayer and while saying it, felt very overwhelmed with the spirit of the Holy Ghost. I felt comfort and peace. Once I had stopped praying, I knew that everything was going to be ok and that whatever happened would be for the best. The doc came back in and there was no progression, so we decided to go into c-section. The few exciting things about that moment was knowing that we would get to meet our little guy at any moment, He was going to be born on July 11th afterall 7/11 what a cool birthday, free slurpees for life, and he was also going to be here in time to meet my mom. How grateful I was for that. The c-section went smoothly and Andy even watched and recorded the whole thing. It was a weird feeling. I could feel them tugging on me, but that was it. Once they pulled Nixon out, they found that the cord was around his neck and that he was facing the wrong direction (face up) so I would of had to have a c-section anyway. They stuck him over the curtain that was covering my view from the surgeryand it was so surreal. I couldn't believe that he was here. Hearing his little cry was so sad and yet exciting. They then handed him to Andy, I was so happy to have him out of me and in that moment in Andy's arms. We didn't have a name yet, but both Andy and I liked Nixon, so after being in the hospital for two days with no name, we decided to name him Nixon James Philipp. We have found that people either love that name or hate it, but either way we love and think it fits him. Ever since the moment of him entering this world, we have been crazy busy and full of love, concern, stress, emotions, nursing, nursing and more nursing. This really is a roller coaster ride, but I am so happy to have him here. We've had so much help from everyone!!! Andy's mom came and stayed with us for a bit. She was so helpful and SO generous to us. It was fun to see her with Nixon and we are so glad he was able to meet her. The ward has also been extremely helpful, with all the meals and visits. We have really appreciated it. My sis and her kids were the last to come and just left on Wednesday. She was also very helpful and it was a lot of fun to get out of the house and enjoy some time with them. We miss everyone already. Thank you to everyone for all your prayers, love and support. We couldn't be more blessed to have such amazing family and friends. We love you all!!!!

Beach Ball

Andy in the hospital waiting for me to get through labor

A moment of pain

First family photo

Momma and Nixon

Nixon James

Grammy & Nixon

Who is more tired?








Look at my Mohawk

Out at the pool

Dear Andy

I just recently saw that post done by you and have to say, THANK YOU!!! Sometimes it's hard as you are going through all the adventures of pregnancy and being a new mom to know that someone is out there looking out for you. You have been so helpful to me. Thank you so much for your support in the hospital! I was so scared when they told me I was going to have to have a c-section. I've never been through surgery and didn't know what it was going to be like, I of course tried to act tough, but I'm so lucky you were there by my side through the entire thing. I keep thinking how hard it would be to be someone who has a baby all alone. I can't even fatham going through that all alone. Thank you so much for understanding my needs as I was in the hospital barely able to move. You were always on your toes and seemed to just know what I needed. Thank you for taking care of our little guy when we first got home. It was so difficult for me to try and move myself with only my arms. There was no way I could get out of bed to help feed and take care of Nixon. You were so sweet how you popped up at every peep he made. I know at times you were so tired and out of it, but you still managed to take care of both of us. Thank you for picking up after me ( time and time again when I would drop something), thank you for getting me food to take with my medication, bringing me a drink of water, helping me get up, always checking on me, making sacrifices for me, and for just loving me. You are such a sweet, big hearted person and I am so lucky to have you as my husband! I love you so much!

Love your Wifey

My Birthday

Dear Beka,
Yesterday was my birthday. Honestly it was pretty boring day, woke up at 6:30 and went to work. Had a great lunch in a gas station and tried to get my mom to eat Sushi...at least she liked the Boba. But yesterday was best birthday I have ever had.
Right now it is a little before 6 am. Nixon has slept pretty well but has decided (or not decided, maybe he does not have a lot of choice in this) to have irrational timing when he poos. Seems like as soon as you remove the diaper he decides it’s a little too cold and is time to pull the trigger and unload.
You have just spent the last 5 mins trying to salvage the blanket somewhat so you don’t have to wash it again. He is only 13 days old and his blankets and clothes are starting to lose their color.
This has become the established routine in our tiny 600 square foot apartment. Sacrificing a lot of "our" time, energy, sleep, and bodies for this little guy. However it is not "ours" it is "yours". I may do my best and help out where I can, but a dad can only do so much. To watch you give and give and give to this little guy truly amazes me.
From the day we moved to Texas you have been sacrificing for him. As soon as we moved here you were in a new place without family or friends (we have a lot of friends now...we are pretty cool), you found yourself in transition phase. Finding it difficult to start a new job, because it would only be temporary, you were left alone, in a new place, looking like the lazy wife (at least in your eyes) who didn't want to work.
Fortunately you were blessed to find an awesome family to nanny for. M, T, & Z couldn't have been better for you. They were good friends and the timing was perfect.
Pregnancy wasn't bad. You were not sick, no complications, things were pretty good. But nonetheless it is still hard for you or any woman to go through the changes of pregnancy. Up going pee 7 times a night, start getting weird aches and pains, stomach slowly continues to grow until it looks like you are carrying a basketball up your shirt (I am not over representing that), the skin on your stomach getting stretched so thin that only way your body knows how to react is to break out in this unusual rash that itches so bad that no medical ointment or homemade remedy could relieve.
To go through labor, delivery, and now recovery.
You were poked and prodded, checked and re-checked, dilated to only have a c-section anyways.
Now you are recovering. Doing everything you can to get your body to work the way it used to. I swear you almost broke the headboard the other night. You needed to sit up to feed Nixon and they only way you could, was to grab the headboard above you and pull yourself up. I am sure that made you cramp up in some weird place right underneath your armpit. You have been up and down around the clock feeding him, changing his diaper, and talking to him.
You have done all this with tears in your eyes, some from crying and some from laughing.
You have done all this for us.
Thank you for all you have done and all you will do. Thank you for the best birthday ever.
Much Much Love,
Andrew James

Yes yes. Pictures are coming soon

P.S. - Happy Birthday Karl Malone

Trip to Utah

Andy and I went to Utah a couple weeks ago. We went separately because Andy couldn't take off much work. He's trying to save up for when the baby comes. I went for a week and he went for about 4 complete days. We decided after splitting up, that if we ever travel separately again, we will still come back together. It's hard to leave family when you are alone. I felt bad that Andy didn't get to spend a whole lot of time there, but he still enjoyed the trip either way. While we were there, we had a couple of showers. One with girlfriends that Deborah planned (thanks Deb) and one with family that my mom planned (thanks mom). So many people contributed to the showers with food and decorations. Thank you so much to all of you! It was so nice to be able to see everyone, and we really appreciated all the support we got from friends and family. Although, I will never fly so late in pregnancy again,:) I really enjoyed my trip. Thank You so much everyone for all your gifts and support! We really appreciate it. Here are a few pics from the trip.

Mall with Nephew Holden and Niece Lauren:

Friend Shower:

All three of us due within about 2 months of each other. Kinda crazy!

All the girlies. Left to right. Kim (little Kapri), Molly, Heather ( little Livvy), Ailee, Sara, Karli (Baby Ailee named after other Ailee :)), Mckensie, Me and Janae.

Jo had to come late with two little ones at home, so we got our own pic together. :)

Momma and daughters

Just wanted to say a special thanks to Deborah for planning this and sending out the invitations. I really appreciate it. Thanks to Mom, Deb and Liz for the help with the yummy brunch. I loved it! Thanks to everyone else for coming and supporting me! I really appreciate it! It was so good to see everyone! You guys are great!

The Mayan:

We got to go to the Mayan with my family and some extended family. It was a lot of fun and was great to see my Aunts Pat (who travelled from Idaho), Lin and Judy and my cousin Joni. Thanks you guys for coming!

Aunt Judy and Mayan man

Nephew Preston, Joni and HoldenPreston and Lauren

Family Shower:

We unfortunately weren't able to get many pics of the family shower, but all of mine and Andy's family were there with the exception of Brad, Jana and Joslyn. I also had some of my extended family there. My aunts Lin and Bev and my cousins Aria and Clay. A special thanks to my mom for planning it all and making food and thank you to everyone else for the food contributions and the gifts. We really appreciate it and loved it all.

Holden Turns One:

Holden turned one on the 18th of May. I'm glad that I was able to be there. Unfortunately Andy had to leave the day before. It was an adorable Yo Gabba Gabba theme. Chris even made Holden a Yo Gabba Gabba shirt. It was so cute. Holden seemed to love it. Happy Birthday little guy.

Holden eating his cupcake

Opening presents

This toy by far was his favorite. He wouldn't let it go. He loves cell phones. Especially the buttons and when they light up. This toy did both of those things, he couldn't get enough of it.

That's all the update for now. More to come soon. My Texas shower with friends and our trip to San Antonio..... both coming soon.

Mother's Day!

This year was my first Mother's Day ever. Although I am not quite a mom yet, I sure am carrying this heavy one with me wherever I go, so I guess that counts as being a mom. :) Andy was super sweet and did so much for me. I loved it. I think this is one holiday I am really gonna look forward to every year. :) I woke up to the smell of yummy cooked ham and when I came into the kitchen I saw this waiting for me....

It was delicious! Andy is awesome at making breakfast food. It was a ton of food (obviously shared between the two of us), but I loved every bit of it.

I loved the book as well. It is a Baby Book that has tons of information in it. Anything from geneology to their first words. I love it. I've already started filling it out and want to have the thing full one day.

After breakfast, we got to talk to my little brother on his mission and he sounded like he was doing awesome. He was so upbeat and positive and seemed to be really enjoying himself. It was good to talk to him.

At church I teach the 16 and 17 year olds in Sunday School. I enjoy it, but let's just say teaching the Old Testament to teenagers is a little rough. But they are great, so that helps. For Mother's day, the men took over and taught any classes that mothers teach. It was great! I didn't even need to teach. We also got King size candy bars.. I'll take that anyday.

After church, Andy wouldn't let me do anything. He did it all. He made dinner and did the dishes (he always does these anyway, he's great!) and wouldn't let me move a muscle. It was nice and relaxing. Now can you see why I already love this holiday?

Thanks Andy for being such an amazing husband and for all the small and big things you do for me! You are so sweet, patient and supportive and I couldn't have asked for a better hubby! Thanks for the sweet Mother's Day! Only hope I can repay the favor on Father's Day! I sure love you!

Time for an update! Way overdue!

Well, lets just say this is a post long overdue. Back in the first of April, over Easter, Mark and Colleen came out to visit us. Like always we forgot our camera on every outing we went on and so all the pics we took were on Mark and Colleen's camera, so I had to wait for our trip to Utah to get the pics. So now that I have them, it's time to share.

The Stockyards:

This horse was sooo awesome! I was trying to take a pic of him and the owner turned to him and said SMILE! Well he did just that. I loved it!

Everyday at 11:00 and 4:00 the cattle come and slowly walk through town. They've got some LONG HORNS

Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour:

This place is HUGE! It took about 2 hours to tour the whole thing. It is one expensive, amazing place.

The Locker Room... People have banquet dinners in this room, kinda gross, but it is a nice carpeted locker room.

Downtown Dallas:

The window Kennedy was shot from

We loved having Mark and Colleen here. They were here for a short weekend, but we had a blast while the time lasted. It was fun to be able to share Texas with them. When they got here, we went and ate at our favorite seafood restaurant called Papadeaux's. It was amazing. We then showed them our small, tiny apartment and had things planned for the days to come. We went to the Stockyards, Texas BBQ, a yummy burger joint called Twisted Root, Dowtown Dallas, Uptown Dallas, The Cowboys Stadium, Malls (to shop for baby philly), had a yummy Easter dinner and watched conference together. It was a good trip and we missed them already right after they left. Thanks Mark and Colleen for coming and everything you did for us while you were here!! We love You!

Grateful!!!

My heart has been full of gratitude lately. I feel I have so much to be grateful for and I don't express it as much as I need to. I am so grateful that I have a healthy, growing baby that I get to meet soon. I feel this is something that so many of us take for granted. It's easy to complain about the aches and pains of pregnancy, but those aren't important. The important thing to remember, is to be grateful that your body has provided a way for that tiny baby to exist. I am so grateful for that. I am grateful for a job that gives me experience so I can be prepared for a baby. I am grateful for the sunshine when it comes out (I miss it). I am grateful that I have an amazing family and in laws. Not everyone has that. I am grateful for supportive friends and their fun personalities. The thing I am most grateful for at this time is Andy. He is the BEST husband! Ever since the beginning of pregnancy I have seen him in a different light. The light I saw him in before was already pretty bright, but now it is much brighter. I see him as a Daddy now. I've always thought Andy would be a great Dad. He is amazing with kids and has such a big heart. I love how he talks to my belly like it is the actual baby. I know our little boy will just love him. Now that I see Andy as a Daddy, I know how important he is to not only me, but our baby. It seems I want him to be safer, and more careful because I don't want anything to ever happen to him. I love him more and become more proud of him everyday. I am so grateful for his hard work and his effort in taking me on dates. He tries so hard to make me feel special. I am so grateful that he tries to understand me as I go through so many changes. He is a great comforter! I feel so blessed to be with him and can't wait to be a parent with him. Thank you Andy, for being the best. I love you!

Don't these pictures say amazing husband and soon to be dad?! I think so!!