From a Trial...to a Trail Anew - The Journey To Baby #2

I'm not really sure where to start.

It's been quite a while that I sat and updated the shenanigans that are the Castañeda lifestyle. Since I last input an entry - Tylee has now graduated to age 2 going on 13, Matt is still working at Verizon, we are still living in Queen Creek and loving our house -- and I am currently trying to recover.

I guess I should back up a bit, and let you know just what this year has been like for the three of us.

After moving into our home in October 2012, we had been here a few months and around the beginning of February, Matt and I decided that we were ready for another screaming, pooping and sleepless tiny human to come into our lives. Oh you know, when you reach the point of insanity, that you really feel like sleepless nights and smelling like spit up is the only thing that you need to be happy -- and that's exactly what we wanted!

Our little munchkin wasn't so little anymore, and we made the decision to start trying again. Well, not really "again" because we were the annoying couple that got pregnant when they didn't mean to. [Sorry=/] SO, we wanted to jump into the trying pool and get me pregnant!

A few months went by, and well, nothing - which was understandable, I mean it doesn't just happen overnight, right? Well, a few MORE months went by and I started to notice a pattern; how in the heck am I supposed to know when I'm ovulating if my periods are like... 8 and 9 weeks apart? Que the epiphany - go to the doctor, dummy!

So, I did just that - and in mid July I decided to see an OB/GYN that was closer to me because I didn't have the most ideal experience with the one that delivered my nugget. And, this doctor got my entire history about my crazy, stupid cycles and says "Well, you're probably not ovulating at all."  You're KIDDING me right? I have been trying to get pregnant for over 5 months, and this whole time I wasn't even dropping an egg for those sharp shooters? Ugh. Of freaking course... that's just how it goes with me. My body never doing what it's supposed to - which explains why I had to be induced at 41 weeks with Tylee, had a period about once every 3 or 4 months from the age of 15 and why well ...I couldn't get pregnant for a second time.

So, *deep cleansing breath* "What do we do now?" -- que Provera, to force me to have a period on time, and then Clomid on the right cycle days to force me to ovulate -- here goes nothin! Well, once that was all done, it was counting those cycle days to get that all-telling positive on that OPK [Ovulation Predictor Kit] so we can plan those sharp shooters to perform right on time!

It was actually quite funny, because I have never seen my husband so excited about the results of a urine test;) Gotta love him, right? Well, it was a good thing that he was super excited, because I wasn't even reading the strips right, and I almost missed those precious positives and our window to pro-create! :P So, we acted accordingly...and waited, and well...waited. I thought I had it all calculated correctly by the end of August and took a pregnancy test on the day before Matt's birthday on the 28th so I could surprise him with a positive pregnancy test -- well, that didn't work! Because, I got a negative:( So, I resigned to the fact that the medication cycle didn't work this time, and that I would have to do it again. And, I actually became okay with that idea...

Three or so weeks later, September 16th, I had an appointment set up to speak with my doc about the next cycle of Prover and Clomid - I had gone into the office REALLY needing to pee, so I decided to leave a sample for the heck of it. I get into the office, doctor walks in and says -- "Hello Danielle! Well, your pregnancy test was POSITIVE! Like REALLY positive!" Which is the exact moment that I BURST into tears of joy and couldn't contain the fact that I was blind-sided by the best news I could have gotten, and the best thing about it was that it was SO unexpected! Needless to say... I couldn't WAIT to tell Matt. But, I did...and waited until he walked through the door from work holding up a bottle of Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider, two glasses and a onsie made for Tylee that said "Big Sister" the video of his reaction was pretty priceless!

The next step was to get back to the doctor and take Matt to see this precious, new little bean in person on that thing they call an ultrasound! I literally could NOT contain my excitement, and neither could Matt:)

We decided to go as a family to see this new little member of our Castañeda clan, and Tylee didn't like that idea! She has a really hard time in an doctor's office situation, so it kind of put a damper on our up and coming baby reveal! But, nevertheless, we were so ready to see this new munchkin.

We got into the room, and they got the sonogram machine set up and ready, we thought that I was about 8 weeks along, so the ultrasound tech said it should be really easy to see the fetal poke and yolk sac... only -- that wasn't the case at all. Not only was I not measuring at 8 weeks, but there was just a black, empty sac; only measuring at 5 weeks 6 days. I was trying to stay positive, and thinking that it was just too early, I was ready to schedule another sonogram for about a week later and was convinced that we would see that precious little wonder. But, the other part of me.. well, that part wanted to go home, curl into a ball in my closet and cry the night away.

And, after talking to the doctor about the sonogram findings for about 20 minutes and balling my eyes out to her - she was pretty convinced that it wasn't going to be good news the next time I saw her.

Unfortunately, she was right. But, after a week of thinking about what could be the reasoning behind this MADNESS - I decided to visit the temple the early morning before my appointment, and I had come to a comforting realization, that there really wasn't a baby in the placenta, and that I really was a victim of what they like to call a "Blighted Ovum": when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but doesn't develop into an embryo. But, after my visit to the temple, I had come to terms with my "diagnosis" and was ready for what I thought that I was going to see on that sonogram screen for the second time.

And, well -- I was right, nothing had changed, except for the fact that the black, empty sac was more than just a week bigger like it was supposed to be. So, then began the real conversation about the next steps...and I opted for the scheduled D & C [a procedure to scrape and collect the endometrium from inside the uterus] because of my mother's tumultuous experiences with previous miscarriages.

So, after scheduling my impending surgery, the admitting office called to inform me that it was scheduled, but that our insurance wasn't going to cover the procedure because we hadn't met our deductible for the year - and we were going to have to pay $800 out-of-pocket because the procedure was "non-emergent." Ugh, whatever. So, even after talking to them about a possible payment plan, they were still expecting us to pay at least half of the amount in order to be willing to work with us ...seriously? Never mind the fact that I NEED this procedure, or the fact that I'm terrified of everything that is ahead of me, and well, I guess it's ALL about money. Money, money money... dang it!

So, I was stuck with either going into debt to pay for peace of mind, or to just explore the other options to take some medication to start this miscarriage process  --- or to sit around and wait for my body to do the miscarriage on its own. And, we all know how well relying on my body on doing what it's supposed to has gone for us...

After two weeks of wracking my brain on what I should do, and hoping that my body would take care of everything naturally, I finally settled on the medication and got the prescription. But, I was so terrified of the prospect of hemorrhaging at home that I waited a whole extra week after getting the pills to actually take them as directed. I looked Matt in the face and said "I REALLY don't feel good about this medication, and I don't want to take it.." but I did anyway.

Turns out - I was terrified for a very valid reason. Of course.

Halloween was the day that I decided to start the medications -a dose every six hours for 2 days. thinking that my husband was going to be home, and that we were going to take Tylee trick-or-treating for the first time, I figured I would start them that morning because the doctor said that I would start to see results in as early as 24 hours. Perfect, right? Get to enjoy my Halloween with my adorable little family, and then deal with the real world the next day. Or so I thought.

I started the medication at 9 am, and started seeing the signs at 2pm. Um...what? Excuse me, I have an entire day with my family - I refuse to let this happen! Well, much to my dismay, I continued to see more and more serious signs that the meds were working. NO NO NO!!! This canNOT be happening! Well, it was just little by little at first, which was fine, and I was ready to deal with that degree of happenings for the rest of the night. HA! Yeah right...

After assuring my husband more than once that I was fine to go trick-or-treating, we left the house around 7pm and I was so excited to see this little mouse going house to house and uttering her thanks to each and every person!

By 7:30pm I was begging Matt to take me home so I could clean up - and then we decided to take the next 20 minutes to look around the neighborhood at all of the Halloween craftiness in the nearby front yards. After that, we got home and I saw my first official sign that I should be concerned around 8:15.

Then again at 9:00pm...after calling my mom and asking her if I should be concerned and what signs I should be looking for - I walked about 5 steps, and ...passed out in my hallway.

At which point - Matthew and I decided that is was time to take me to the ER. And we got there around 9:30 and the process began. After waiting, and waiting to get seen and taken seriously...I passed out lying down again, at which point they decided to get me on two bags of IV fluids to get my blood pressure back up. Which worked!

After my exam by the PA - they decided that they could slow down the bleeding, but couldn't stop it - and that's when they decided that I needed to go in for an emergency D & C. DUH! After that, I needed to us the restroom, and I mean the fact that my bladder was being flushed with IV fluid was so painful that I didn't even notice the debilitating cramps! FINALLY- after begging them to let me use the restroom, they finally let me go with two people holding me up...

And then I go and decided to pass out AGAIN!

Unknowingly, I got back to the bed.. and the nurse told me that I failed the lab test, and that they would be putting me on two units of blood. I mean...COME ON! ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW??

Can't I catch a break?

FINALLY- I got into the O.R., I was terrified, but READY to get this all over with to move on with my mental and emotional life. The doctors made me feel so much at ease that I was comfortable in that bright white O.R. and ready for the nice little nap that the anesthesiologist promised me...

All I could think about was how cold the O.R. was...and how badly I just wanted to sleep, and well..cry.

The next thing I knew I was waking up in the recovery room, where they then told me that I was going to have to stay overnight for observation -- apparently passing out 3 times previous to the surgery wasn't enough, my blood pressure bottomed out again AFTER the surgery. So, not only did I have to spend my Halloween evening in the ER, then in the O.R. but I also had to watch my husband sleep in the couch/bed thing for about 3 or maybe 4 hours while I just listed to the monitors beep... and beep...and well...BEEP every time I started move just a few inches or so.

Needless to say, I didn't sleep a wink. And my poor husband didn't either.. and then had to pick up my poor little monkey from my brother-in-law's house at 6am.

BUT, I can say that I was more than ready to go home. The thought of a decent night's sleep was so alluring, that I pretty much scarfed down the breakfast that I was told to order - or I wouldn't be allowed to leave! I can't remember those potato wedges and fruit ever tasting so good! And then, once I got some food in my very empty belly - my hubby showed up around 11am with my little bundle of happiness, and I instantly felt happy and SO ready to go home!

Within a few hours, I had slept well enough that I was able to function... almost. And then, later that night my mom showed up to help me around the house and with Tylee. Seeing as how I wasn't allowed to lift anything more than 10 pounds, that immediately eliminated my option to basically..be a mom! I couldn't even lift my baby out of her crib for fear of hemorrhage!:( So, it's times like these, that I am so grateful for a mom who is willing to leave her job at 5pm, get to my house at 10pm and spend all day cleaning up after me, my little one and my big baby (aka my husband) and make dinner - and take care of me all at once!

Once she left though... I wasn't really sure what I was supposed to do? Cry? Be relieved? Terrified?

I was nothing. Numb. Absent.
I had nothing to feel. I knew that there was never a baby in my sad little uterus - I still felt pregnant. I still felt the joy at finding out that I was pregnant, and then the joy was literally ripped from me in the absence of a fetus on that ultrasound.

And then, after all that I tried to explain to my doctors... I still ended up as an emergency case in the O.R. Though, I know that this was all a trial that I was meant to endure, there is no explanation, and that's what is making this all that much worse. I know that I am more than fortunate to have the sweet little nugget that I call my daughter...but, something is missing. And even she can feel it...she started to talk about a "sister" the other day - I'm not sure where she heard the term itself. but my heart broke. Again and again.

So, here I am now, I am in a wonderful new job that is enabling us to build a nest egg to have for emergencies such as this and still allow me to be home during the day with Tylee, I am still watching my beautiful baby girl grow and flourish, and I have this experience to learn and grow from.

When I say learn from - now I know that in fact, I am exactly like my mother medically, and I can and need to look out for that in the future. Not only do I know that I'm at risk for basically bleeding out, and that I need to be my own advocate ..but, as it turns out, I think that I just might have a hormone imbalance.

The imbalance would explain my erratic menstrual cycles, my need for a progesterone supplement when I found out I was first pregnant this last time, and why it was so easy for me to get pregnant with Tylee while still on birth control.
My thought is that I am either progesterone deficient or estrogen dominant - I know it sounds weird but, yes, they are two very different issues. The next step is just to get my doctor on board to give me the necessary tests, and take me seriously when I tell him about my fertility concerns.

I think that this whole "trial" was meant to open my eyes to what I really need to be concerned with, and what I need to do to make sure that I can stay on top of everything in the future.

I'm sorry that I took so long to explain this whole ordeal, and to finally get to the point -- but, I just found this to be extremely theraputic. I don't blame you if you don't want to read this whole entry - it really was mainly meant for me to have something to reflect on later.

By this time next year, I hope to be announcing the delivery of a brand new bouncing baby...
CROSS YOUR FINGERS!
<3



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Sorry for Slacking!

I am ashamed to say that the last time I posted was shortly before Tylee turned one...that was 3 months ago=/ Oops! Where does the time go really? I can't really comprehend the concept of time when it comes to raising a toddler. All of the days start to run together, and once a whole week is gone...again, I am so mad at myself for not notating all of Tylee's adventures.

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!
  October 26th 2012, Matthew and I signed the papers and got the keys to our very own home! We found it and had originally put a bid on it, but were denied because a cash offer was chosen. Two or three days after that, we learned that the cash offer fell through..SO- they asked us if we would like to re-activate our offer. And of COURSE we did! We fell in love with this house, and we felt so incredibly blessed to be given a second chance, and we're so glad we went forward with it!
   Not to say that is wasn't a pleasant experience, the home buying adventure was just that...and adventure with twists, turns, ups and downs, and even some tears were shed. BUT, in the end, we were approved and now we are living the perfect home for our family.
   It is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, with a beautifully spacious living room and kitchen, and a 2-car garage...not to mention a big backyard with grass! It's a little far out from the main city life, but we love the neighborhoods and our ward out here in San Tan Valley, we could not have asked for a better place to start our first investment as a couple!

As of late, there really hasn't been much to be noteworthy, except for maybe the fact that Matt and I were just recently called to be team primary teachers for the CTR 4 class in our new ward. While it takes a little getting used to, after only 3 weeks, I absolutely LOVE my primary kids! They are so anxious to learn, and so sweet spirited, that I find myself trying to live a life that they would be proud of. I know that we are the ones that are supposed to be teaching them, but it's those innocent hearts that teach me the true lessons!

   Matt is still working really hard and Verizon, and continues to be among the top Sales Reps in his region, I'm so proud! Since moving into our home, it has taken a bit of adjusting but I think we're finally finding out our routines. The one thing that I wish I could do for him, is to help out financially. I have had a few opportunities to make a little cash to help out, but have either fallen through, or turned out to be not-so-legit. SO, we are still fasting and praying for the right opportunity to arise, so I can still stay home with Tylee. After all, she is my number one priority!

  Because I've pretty much been MIA, for the last 3 months, I wanted to document the things that I have noticed Tylee learning and developing, and I promise to be better in the future! SO- here's hoping that a New Year's resolution to be better at journaling our lives will be successful! I feel a little obligated to include what Tylee has been up to for the last 3 months for future reference- so bear with me!
  Though, I can't chronologically order these events, I will just sum it all up and hope I get it all down!
Tylee can:

•  Tell me what she wants through the few baby sign language signs that we've taught her i.e. milk, water, bath, more please
• she LOVES the creepy baby doll that my mom got her for Christmas, and drags her around in a mini stroller all day!
• she's VERY attentive, and copies just about anything I do..right down to the way I look in the mirror!
• has a healthy appetite..she could eat all day long if I let her
• she tries to be mostly independent but, can't do it all on her own, and voices her frustration when she needs my help
• unfortunately, she suffers from night terrors and wakes up about an average of 2 times a night screaming, yet still asleep
• she is becoming more of a love bug and sharing more and more hugs...which is JUST fine by me!;)

(getting snuggly after a long trip to the park)

• When it's time for bed, she will fold her arms, and let Matt and I know that it's time to say family prayer [precious, right?!]
• When I take her into her dark room to lay her down, she hurries and sneaks in another hug with me because she knows I love them...and she trying to delay the inevitable!
• she is s HUGE fan of taking baths, and looks at me and says "BA!", takes me by the hand and leads me to the bathroom
• lately she has been really stuck on Super Simple Learning songs on YouTube that are fun songs teaching her basic alphabet skills and numbers...which is a huge help when trying to keep her quiet during Sacrament Meeting!
• she absolutely enjoys books, and every once in a while I'll catch her sneaking off to her dark room, and when I find her, shes snuggled up to a few stuffed animals in her reclined chair flipping through the pages of a book...in the dark!
• when I ask her "are you hungry?" she will nod her head ferociously and run to the kitchen for me to prepare something for her.
• within the last few weeks she has learned what a banana is, and knows where they are usually kept in the kitchen. She will point up at them and say "nana!" and that's when I give in and give her the banana!
• Three more teeth have found their way unto the daylight in the last couples days- she's getting another on the bottom and two opposing molars...rough nights for sure!
• Her hair is so darn curly that is makes it so much fun to do her hair, and put headbands and hairbows in her hair to dress up any outfit. Plus, it gives me an excuse to make a bunch more hair accessories for her!
• She REALLY loves being outside and spending time with our boxer, Sophie.

The lighting was so perfect that day, I just couldn't help but capture her joy!

• She has been experimenting with trying put her own clothing on, and though I have yet to capture it on film, she will put an article of clothing on her head and spin around in circles until she runs into something!
• The last week she has been reaching out to tell me that she's made mess in her diaper. I have actually been able to catch it a couple times before hand and ask her "Are you going poop?" to which she will answer by reaching down to touch her diaper. I do have to say that I am really looking forward to not spending any more money on diapers, but at the same time...I know it's a little early to talk about it, but I'm NOT looking forward to trying to potty train. I don't even know where to start?!?!
• She has caught onto the words "Na-night" "Buh-bye" "Uh-Oh" "Pee Pee" "Baby" and of course..."No" every day she surprises me with the new words that she catches onto and never forgets!

   I'm sure there is more, but I can catch up with all of it a little later :)

    Tylee is SUCH a smart little girl [though, I may be a little bias] and as each day rolls into the next, I find myself looking at her in awe of the tiny human she really is. As her mother, I marvel at her development each day and wonder to myself what kind of person she will become!

  Thanks for listening!

<3

Boy, Oh Boy..I've got a Toddler!

Following is the list of Tylee's latest endeavors! :)

• 9/24/2012

       TYLEE'S FIRST TOOTH HAS OFFICIALLY BROKEN THROUGH THE GUMS!!!!! I am SUCH a proud mommy! When you look at and fee her gums on the bottom, you can see her left bottom tooth trying it's very hardest to grow:) While she has been REALLY cranky and had the worst runny nose, I'm so happy to see that she has a reward for all of her body's hard work! Here is a picture, it's not perfectly clear, but it's the best one that she would let me get! haha.

• 10/02/2012

    Okay, I have been a bit of a naughty mommy and haven't posted about Tylee's latest accomplishments as they happened--OOPS! Life just kinda gets in the way sometimes; SO, I have decided to take the time today to list the things that she has been working on, and things that she has mastered in the last few weeks. Since my last post Tylee:

• can blow her nose when she is asked
• walk- and pretty much run now!
• starting to really get a vocabulary- of which includes "no!"... :(
• after her bath, she tries to put the plug back into the tub- and is usually successful!
• she waves "hello" and "goodbye"
• dances with every kind of music whenever possible (including to commercials while in her high chair!)
• she likes to purse her lips together and breathe in an out- and sometimes when she breathes in, she whistles!;)
• she SCREAMS when she sees something that she wants---and let's face it, I can't help but give it to her!
• she has a pallet for all things fruit and veggies! (so proud of that) while on a play date last week, she could NOT get enough cherry tomatoes--and the proof was all over her onesie!
• she LOVES to get into my cabinets to play with all of my pots, pans, lids and tupperware--I know I need to baby-proof it, but it's just so darn cute!
• Tylee LOVES water, but prefers to take my soda off the copy table whenever the opportunity arrives and tried to drink it right out of the can! (luckily she only knows how to use the sippy cups with straws, so she can't lift it up-but it sure is cute!)
• she gives kisses when she knows she gets in trouble- just today she hit the little girl I nanny in the head, and I turned around and said "no, we don't hit, you give her a kiss and say sorry" and she did it!! (proud mommy moment for sure)
• lately, she has taken up the "death stare" and all I can do is laugh when she does it, it is seriously so funny! 
• every chance that she gets, she will steal my iPhone, put it up to her ear and "talk" as if she is talking to someone on the other line. Most of the time, it's "DaDa"
• my last post was about her tooth breaking the gums, well, it's gotten a little taller- but now we can see that her top, front two teeth are trying to come in with a vengence! I really hope that by the time her birthday party comes a long...she'll have them in! HOW CUTE!
• lastly- my (almost) 1 year old is still wearing 3-6 month baby clothes, and occasionally, she can pull of a 6-9 month outfit.  But that's okay...I like her little!;)  

   She is growing up SO fast, and developing at a very quick rate. I can't wait to take her to her 1 year well-visit with her Pediatrition to see how she is developing in comparison to other kids her age! I love my little Nugget!!

<3 

No More Dirty Knees!

    Well, today was certainly one to remember forever! While Tylee has been taking her time learning how to get comfortable with the idea of walking with a few unassisted steps here and there...but, today was much much different!

    I am one really excited Mama for sure! As I cleaned the house and played with Tylee and the little girl that I nanny, Tylee probably only crawled about TWICE today!! The rest of the time that she was mobile, was purely walking! And I'm not talking about the kind when she uses the wall to help her steady herself, I'm talking full-on, all by herself, walking like a TODDLER!!! At this point I am so surprised, but I do have to say that it will be really nice not to have all of her outfits ruined at the knees because of her crawling around on my dirty floors [that no matter what I do, never get clean]. My mind is blown! She is only 10 1/2 months old, and she is just so determined to get around just like mommy and daddy do! I'm so proud of her!:)

   Also, she is starting to show signs of developing her motor skills to a much more deliberate level. For the last 2 days, she has been making sure that when she is picked up, she wraps her arms around my neck to hold on and get as close to secure on her own as she can. 

  The latest, and funniest addition to her personality is pretty advanced, if I do say so! Whenever she gets into a little bit of trouble, is told "no", or when she knows that she wants something that she can't get on her own...she offers a kiss!!! Just the other day, we were with a lot of family and my Father-in-Law was holding her near the refrigerator. There was a painted, ceramic butterfly magnet on the fridge, and she wanted it. When she would reach out for it, and realized that she couldn't get to it herself...she would look at her Bompa and she would offer him a kiss---and try again! She did it about 3 or 4 times before anyone realized that she is starting to use the art of manipulation! Tylee also likes to make small little pinches on my chest whenever I hold her for a long period of time, and lately I've let her know that I don't like that and it hurts. When she knows that I am telling her to stop and that I don't like it, she stops, and offers me a kiss...and then does it all over again! Now, I'm sure it's a part of her tactile development...but it doesn't feel good!;) 

   

   Everyday, I can see more signs of her personality showing through...and I know that she is going to be a little firecracker. Testing my patience, and learning how she can get to my "mommy emotions" to "pull one over on me"--she's too smart for her own good;) But, boy do I love that little girl! I can't wait to start planning her 1st Birthday Party coming up WAYYYYY to fast! I know that I'm in for a run for my money!

<3

Whiting Family Reunion: July 2012

   I came across all of the pictures from this trip and figured that I would share some of them to document Tylee and Matthew's first experience at the Whiting Family Reunion at the Edwin Marion Whiting Homestead;)
    A little background on my family history and the birth of the homestead itself. The homestead is located about 6 miles off of the US 60 East going from Show Low to Springerville- the mile marker for the turn off is actually at Mile Marker 370. The homestead has been there for the last 5 generations from the Edwin and Maria Whiting posterity. [Edwin and Maria were my Grandmother's Grandparents- making me a 5th generation Whiting]
    The story of how the homestead came about is really a wonderful family story. The tale began with Edwin and Maria- they were faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and did everything they could to live righteously. Well, one winter, a General Authority was to come and visit their stake and they were determined to be there when he spoke. The winter storm had come heavily, and Maria thought that it would be better to stay home with the children because it was incredibly cold. Now, Edwin understood that it was an awful storm and that the children needed to stay warm- but, he looked at Maria and said "If a General Authority member can travel 2 weeks to get here from Salt Lake in this storm, then we can certainly travel the few miles to hear him speak the words of the Lord". With that, they packed up the kids [not entirely sure how many had been born by then, but Edwin and Maria had 9 children all together] and rode in the storm in their carriage to the church.
    When they got to the building, there were only 2 or 3 other families that had made the trip to hear from the General Authority [again, there is no certainty of which one it was] and they were surprised. During his talk, the General Authority addressed these few families directly and said to them "It has been impressed upon me, that because you have made the trip in the horrible storm to hear me speak, if you have a righteous wish, it will be granted." Well, at the time Edwin and Maria had made their wishes silently and after the meeting, they went home. Some time later, they shared their wishes with one another, and they turned out to be exactly the same. That their posterity would ALWAYS remain close.
    Now, many many many years and generations have passed, and on a regular basis, the extended posterity of Edwin and Maria plan and organize a 4-day Family Reunion to be celebrated at the homestead where Edwin and Maria eventually settled and raised their family. Back then, the Homestead consisted of 5,000 acres, but have since been split up and some donated to The Boy Scouts of America to have a scout camp- and 1,000 acres remain in the Whiting name. A few family members have built their own cabins on the property, and one day, Matthew and I plan to do the same.
   The following are pictures from the trip, and they are so special because this was the first time that I was able to share this family tradition with Matthew, and I know that he now holds a special place in his heart for the Homestead just as I do!

This is a view from Sierra Trego, the mountain on the property of  the main area of the Homestead.

Matt; enjoying the view and the cooler weather!

Tylee, trying to have fun at one of the exhibits set up- quite obviously ready for a nap!

um...HILARIOUS right??

I was told to "try to mimic Tylee's facial expression"

Tylee and I under the Gazebo- it was my birthday!

At another Exhibit, she loved the Legos!--My Mom said she looked like Godzilla Baby terrorizing the town! 

My Sisters, Tylee and I with the Connelly girls---our favorite cousins!

Tylee fell asleep on the ride up to Greens Peak our last day there.

The next few pictures are from the view of the Ranger's Tower on top of Greens Peak

Family Photo Opp!

Is that not Heavenly?

My two favorite people in the whole wide world!

A look into the Ranger's living space!

Smokey the Daddy:)

My sister RaeLynn and I

Don't look down!

My mom signing the guest book in the Ranger's Tower

Then me:)

The Ranger's Tower we climbed for the view...awesome!

Going home, and the gorgeous storm clouds rolling in

My dad caught red-handed stealing one of the welcome signs on the way out!

Had to add the edited Family Photo Opp!

Also edited version of one of the Ranger Tower View pictures.

We had a GREAT time at the Homestead. So many fun memories made, and so many more ahead of us in the coming years. It is a place that is SO near and dear to my heart, and such a huge part of my family's history. I was so happy to finally be able to share it with Matt, and take my little one there to enjoy some time with my family. I can't wait for the next reunion!!!
<3

Daddy's 26th!

   

    We had SUCH a good day for Matthew's Birthday yesterday, and we were so happy to finally have a day all dedicated to Matthew and the family!

   On the Thursday before Matt's birthday on Tuesday, Tylee and I did a little shopping in the sneakiest of ways!!---Let me preface this story with the fact that Matt absolutely HATES surprises...but, obviously--I don't care! I love being surprised and I love setting them up for other people too! So, in the spirit of trying to surprise him in a positive way...Tylee and I took some money out of a bank account that Matt doesn't normally check online, and headed to Scottsdale Fashion Square. I had some ideas of what I wanted to get him, but knew that there was something that I had my mind set on...this hat!

    Matt LOVES the Miami Heat, and especially LeBron James, so I just knew that he would love this gift! And after that, we took a little trip into the past and bought him the cologne that he used to wear when we were dating: Abercrombie & Fitch's FIERCE!! [just the smell of the shop brought back so many memories!]  And then, just to top it all off, we bought some sturdy black socks from Ross [fyi- Matt has what I like to call, "finger-toes" and puts holes in the tips of every single pair of dress socks he owns! So, i.e. the reason I got him the SPORT socks!] We said that they were from Tylee, along with a card that was absolutely perfect for him!
    Now, I really wanted to make him feel like his day was super special and that I was trying to make his day  important. I had seen an idea for setting up balloons against our bedroom door from Pinterest- when he opened the door, all of the balloons would flood in and welcome in his birthday!:) BUT, a few things went awry...1) I woke up too late, so I was rushing to get all of the balloons blown up, 2) Matt woke up earlier than I thought he would, and I had to tell him to get back into the room until I was finished, and 3) the stupid Dollar Store tape wouldn't stick to the wall, OR the wax paper to keep the balloons corralled against the door. SO, needless to say, I got really frustrated and ended up just opening the door and throwing the balloons into the room! Then, I told him that he couldn't come downstairs until I was finished!
     During that time, I blew up the remaining balloons and let them play on the living room floor. I placed the back with the socks from Tylee at the top of the stairs, the wrapped up cologne on the middle part of the stairs, and then when he got downstairs he found the third box containing his hat. He was so excited for the socks and cologne...and then it was the moment of truth! For any of you that might know Matt, you know that he is VERY particular in the things that he asks to receive for holidays..so if he hadn't asked for it, and he didn't like it- he's not the kind of guy that acts like he likes something to spare my feelings, he will let me know what he really thinks. So, needless to say, I was extremely nervous to find out what he thought about his hat. And....much to my surprise... he LOVED it! And then ended up wearing it all the rest of the day and the next!:)
     After all of the morning fuss was over, we treated him to a birthday breakfast at IHOP, where Tylee started a new thing, and started dancing to all of the classic rock music in the restaurant with her hands high in the air and waving them back and forth...seriously THE cutest thing everrrrr! [Here's the best picture we could get of it]

 At that point, Tylee had just had enough, and it was time that we all got home and took a nap! Once we all woke up, we decided to go back to Scottsdale Fashion square to "walk around the mall." [yeah. RIGHT!] But, we got into the car, and headed there. We started to just wander around, and entertaining Tylee- then I suggested that we stop in Buckle and look around...that's when we got bombarded by a sales guy that kept pressing us for what we were looking for, so Matt finally gave in and started trying on some jeans. After about 20 minutes, 3 pair of jeans and 4 shirts that he tried on later- he decided on a pair of light-wash Buffalos; he kept saying that he didn't want to spend any money on him... but I made him get 'em!
    Next, a little more walking- then, he decided that he wanted to stop into The Foot Locker, where he debated between two pair of the same shoe in a different color, he finally chose the outrageously colored red and turquoise LeBron James "Nine" tennis shoes. By this time, Matt was telling me that he felt bad that he was spending "all this money on himself"--and then asked if I wanted anything. So, naturally- the shopper that I am, I wasn't going to surpass THAT opportunity!;) So, after a couple trips to the fitting room, I decided on a couple shirts and a cute gold necklace.
    We walked around for a little while longer before we could smell all of the WONDERFUL aromas of the Food Court and knew we couldn't go any longer before eating! So, with my Greek Salad from Paradise Bakery and Matthew with his Bacon Cheeseburger from Five Guys- we sat down to a nice birthday dinner!:) Where Tylee proceeded to be a total ham, and of course we got it on film too!! hahaha

 
   We went home afterwards, and just relaxed with a RedBox movie and some oreos. I do have to say that I think it was a wonderful way to spend a birthday, and I just can't WAIT for Tylee's VERY FIRST BIRTHDAY in just a short 6 weeks and 6 days!! AAAHHHHH!!!
<3

Tylee's Latest Accomplishments

[From here on out, I'll be posting all of Tylee's milestones as posts, and also on her page so it is a continual story and timeline...just f.y.i.:)]

• 08/26/2012   

WELL... I really didn't think that I would be back to Tylee's page so often, but this little bug is developing so fast, that I just don't want to miss out on anything!!

  Well, on this Monday...Tylee has decided to bring a little more of her little attitude and personality at us. She has started to mimic me, and I think it's like the CUTEST thing ever! The other day, I looked at her and I put my hand to my head and said "Ohhhh No!" and she put her hand to her head and dropped it down just like I did!!! I couldn't believe it, she is growing up so fast! 

     She is also starting to play "keep-away"...she likes to get a toy or just about anything she can get her hands on, and offer it to you- just as soon as you reach for it, she'll take it back and just giggle and give her scrunchy nose, eyes closed smile! And she wants to do it over and over and over again, I love it! My Grandma called her "The Indian Giver";)

     Her favorite game to play with mommy is "I'm gonna gitchyou!!"...I'll look at her, say I'm gonna get her...she'll try to crawl away really fast and then turn to make sure that I'm still coming after her, and turn to crawl again. Once I get to her I'll just tickle her and she just laaaaaughs and laaaaaughs!! It is my absolute favorite, and her little giggle just brightens my day! <3

• 08/28/2012

   On Daddy and Mimi's birthday, Tylee started a new dance craze! She raises her hands up in the air, bounces her cute little body in time to the music, and waves her hands back an forth! Seriously the CUTEST thing I have seen her do yet! She is just a little ball of personality and I just can't get enough!!!!!

    She is still clapping every time anyone tells her "good job" and starting to really enjoy playing with her toys. The next step is to get a bigger place, so we can give her all of the space and toys that she needs to really stimulate her--she really is very smart for her age and I want to make sure that I'm doing everything to further help her progress. 

<3

•09/24/12
Well, for the last few days Tylee has had an awful runny nose, on and off fever and been super irritable---we all know what that means...TEETH!!! For the last two days I was really convinced that her two top teeth would be the first to make an appearance- but, today I felt that her bottom, left front tooth has ever so slightly broken through her gums!! She's officially not just "all gum"! While its kind of hard to see right now [note the absence of pictures] but I can sure feel it:) I am such a proud mommy! It's about time; and only 3 weeks and a day short of her 1st birthday, she's growing fast!
<3