Remembering Dad's Lessons

When I was a teenager, I did not like our kitchen countertops.  I thought they were old and worn.  My dad always took care of these counters.  Any time we used a knife, my dad would remind us to get a cutting board to protect the counters.  In my teenage mind, this didn't make any sense.  Why in the world would you care for something so used?

One day, I was cutting a fruit.  Although my dad's voice came to my head to use a cutting board, I didn't want to.  So, I began cutting.  Shortly after I began, my dad happened to walk in the kitchen.  He grabbed a cutting board to place under my fruit.  I asked him why we needed to use a cutting board because the counters were old anyway.  What good does it really do?

He simply told me, "Kimmy, if we don't take care of the things we have, we're not going to take care of the things we want when we get them."

His simple truth resonated with me.  From that point on, I tried to take care of the things I had.  Through times where we only had an ugly couch (that was free), other furniture that were hand me downs, and, yes, even countertops we didn't like.  I tried to take care of these items, not because I cherished them, rather because it is what I had.  I wanted to take care of them so when I got the items I did like, I would take care of them, too.

My dad had an artistic talent which played out not only in his profession as an architect, but at home in his gardening skills.  My parent's yard was always immaculate!  Beautiful flower beds arranged in a way that was calming to the eye.  He loved secret gardens and found ways to demonstrate his love in various small gardens on his property.  From poppies to pine trees, and bamboo to daisies, each garden bed created a symphony of beauty.

As an adult, I appreciated his talent on a deeper level.  I marveled how he worked so hard to provide for his family, then came home and worked for hours on end in the evening and on Saturdays to beautify the yard.  In amazement one day, I asked him how he was able to care for the yard so well.  It was a large yard and every square inch was beautiful.  He said, "Well, I just do it one bucket at a time, Kimmy."  He frequently used five-gallon buckets to put weeds in, carry irrigation water to places the water didn't naturally come to, etc.

Now when I have a task that seems overwhelming, no matter the task, I'm always reminded of my dad.  I tackle each task, "one bucket at a time."

We love you, Dad!

My sweet husband made this video for me and my dad.  We gathered in the basement to watch the video.  Once it finished, my dad said, "life has been good Kimmy."

My dad's journey

For the past nine months (from January-September), my dad battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  He passed away this past week after his faith-filled journey.  Throughout his sickness, my dad was such a source of strength and faith.  Initially I wanted to keep the stories that touched my heart private because they are special to me.  However, I now long for his presence and do not want these experiences to be lost in me. 

Treasure the Time

Several months before my dad was diagnosed with leukemia, I had a strong urge to treasure the time with my dad.  The feeling didn't make any sense as he was very healthy and I anticipated several more years with him.  The lingering feeling that I could not ignore kept coming to me.  When I was with him, it felt so special and I the time with him felt so valuable.

 Visiting my dad on his birthday

Going to Gardiner Village

 This day felt especially tender to me.  I visited with my dad in his 

office and told him that I didn't know why, but I felt like I 

needed to treasure my time with him.  I teared up as I shared

this feeling with him for the first time.  I remember him comforting me
with tender words. My heart felt very full and I felt so glad to
share that moment with him.

Picture 1: I loved watching my dad getting a kick of my kids

poking their fingers through the bears (his wall design)

Picture 3: Once our conversation was finishing up, we heard

my boys just screaming in the other room.  My dad rushed in

and immediately started comforting them.  The boys had blocked

the door with the white board for privacy.  My parents cat emerged

from the closet in the room they were in, terrifying them.
My dad held them close and comforted them for several minutes.
He told them stories of times that he was scared as a boy and
assured them that the cat would do no harm.

My parents are such hard workers!

Insatiable Scripture Reading

 In my church, I teach gospel principles to the 10-11 year olds.  Each year the subject matter is concentrated on certain scriptures.  In 2016, we studied the Book of Mormon.  My co-teacher and I had challenged our students to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year.  The last week of the year, I realized I still had some reading to do.  Even though my students would never know (we get new students at the beginning of each year as the current class advances), I wanted to keep true to the challenge and finish my reading.  I was able to finish in the eleventh hour on December 31.

After reading the Book of Mormon, I wanted to keep a study of the scriptures going. I contemplated reading the Book of Mormon again because of the immense value it has to me, but thought I would instead read what our new class of 10-11 year olds would be reading- the Doctrine and Covenants.

Initially I thought I would read along with my students as we studied the sections throughout the year.  Once I began reading, I couldn't stop!  I had such an insatiable desire to read the Doctrine Covenants.  When I first woke up, in between loads of laundry, staying up late to read.  I had never before experienced such a strong desire to read scriptures at such a rapid rate.  Not only did I finish in a few days, but I desired to create a reading incentive to encourage my students to read.  I felt so lifted up by the scriptures, I wanted my students to have the same opportunity for inspiration.

My insatiable desire to read, turned to creating a reward system.  I took one verse that was especially touching to me or one that summarized in each section and made a little card for each and attached it to a candy.  The idea was that they would receive a card & candy as they finished each section.  Before I took that on, I was hesitant because it was a big project and I didn't want to bite off more than I could chew.

However, it seemed doable, so I proceeded.  I was able to complete the process in time before the first Sunday to introduce to the students.

As I read the scriptures certain phrases would stick out to me.  I would notice them repeated throughout my reading of the Doctrine & Covenants and creating these candy rewards provided even more time to reflect on inspiring verses.

I heard the news

I was outside on my driveway with my two youngest children playing when my phone rang.  It was my mom.  She said that my dad had been having some chest pain and so she took him to the hospital.  The doctors had done some x-rays and blood tests to conclude what was wrong.  I instantly thought he had a heart attack or was at risk of one.  Immediately I inquired if they had the results yet.  My mom said, "yeah" and then began to cry.  My mind began racing as to what it could be.  She cleared her voice and in between tears said, "Dad has leukemia."

My heart wanted to sink, but instantaneously I had a flood of scriptures from the Doctrine & Covenants (in which I had just read) come to my mind and provided a strong feeling of peace.

“And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;”

D&C 61 : 36

“...he that is faithful shall be made strong in every place; and I, the Lord, will go with you.”

D&C 66 : 8

"...for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." 

D&C 84:88

The weeks that followed were full of emotion as I tried to process my dad's situation.  My heart, though full of sadness & worry at the thought of losing my dad, was full of comfort.  While I didn't do much reading, scriptures continued to come to my mind; providing much comfort.  I knew it was of no coincidence that I had read the Doctrine & Covenants and had a well of scriptures fresh on my mind.

My mother's Intuition

After waking up one January morning, my dad felt a strong pain in his chest.  He told my mom as she was getting ready for work, but said that he would be fine.  My mom told him to keep her updated and let her know if it doesn't go away.  She left for work, but her concern for my dad flooded her mind.  She turned around, called her work to let them know that she could not come in, and convinced my dad to go to the hospital to get checked.

Upon receiving results from my dad's x rays and blood tests, my parents were made aware that my dad had pneumonia and leukemia.  Once they got the diagnosis, they got an appointment at LDS Hospital and was able to start chemo the following day.

My dad referenced this story in gratitude throughout his entire journey.  He felt so grateful that my mom turned around that day, the leukemia was caught in its early phases, and he was able to get treatment so quickly.

Driving to Salt Lake

For the next nine months, we made several trips to Salt Lake to be with my dad both in and out of the hospital.  It was never a burden and I always longed to be with my dad.  Below is a piece of my heart.  Treasured memories with my dad during his journey.

The first time seeing my dad at the hospital.  It was scary seeing him lying down with oxygen.  He could see the sadness in my eyes and said, "Kimmy, I don't know why thy have me on this stuff (referring to the oxygen)."  He took it off (until he needed it again) and then stood up to be with me.  From the get go, in the moment of the unknown, my dad had strong faith and knew the Lord was with him.

On my birthday, I met my parents at the park and had a nice picnic lunch.  It was a moment in my life where I knew it was special as it was happening.  

A dear friend gave me a basket of art supplies and summer items to make memories with my dad.  It was such a thoughtful gesture and now that time really is a treasured memory.

My dad just loved his grandkids so much.  With AML, the immune system is extremely weak.  My dad was susceptible to getting sick and having the sickness easily turn to life threatening.  This was a special moment toward the end of his life, where he took off his mask and just spent some tender time with our sweet girl. 

John's last visit with my dad.  

A Special Day

The temple has always been a source of love and strength to me.  In my youth I attended the temple and was blessed by its beautiful spirit.  As a teenager, I drove to temple grounds in search of peace and comfort at difficult times. 

My father also loved the temple.  He faithfully went throughout my childhood and later served as an ordinance worker.  He looked forward to attending the temple and was blessed in mind and spirit by his service.

When my dad was first diagnosed, I worried he would slip away quickly.  Thankfully that was not to be.  On a warm day in May, my dad was in between chemo treatments.  John and I were able to enter the temple with my dad.  During our time there, tears filled my eyes as my heart was so full of gratitude to have the experience of being with my dad.

I knew this time with him at the temple was special as it was unfolding and will always treasure this moment.

Time with my mom

My mom has had quite the burden of watching the declining health of her sweetheart.  While we couldn't take away from reality, we could enjoy our time with her.  The kids and I loved going on outings and spending time with my mom!

Five failed attempts

With Acute Myeloid Leukemia, the only hope for survival or a lengthened life, is with a bone marrow transplant.  Essentially all of the bone marrow in my dad's body would be killed and replaced by bone marrow from a donor.  Without a bone marrow transplant, my dad's chance of survival was 0%.  With the transplant, the chance jumped to 40%.  While not a super high percentage with the transplant, it was much higher than without.

Before even knowing for the process of donating, I talked extensively with John about donating my my bone marrow for my dad.  I imagined how special it would be to be a part in helping my dad's health return.  However, as time proceeded, we learned that children are often not a good source to obtain bone marrow.  The best option is to try to match a parent or sibling.  Where that was not possible for my dad, the hospital began comparing his bone marrow with the bone marrow database the hospital has.

Words can not express my overwhelming feeling of gratitude when I received the call from my mom about finding a donor.  The hospital found a 10 for 10 match!  Tears of joy streamed down my face.  A young lady in her early 20's was a perfect match and willing to go through the process of donating.  Donating bone marrow is a committed endeavor and is not easy.  My heart gained so much love and gratitude for someone I had never met.

The doctors wanted to get his leukemic cells down below a certain percentage to increase the success rate.  The first time the transplant was cancelled didn't phase me too much, although I was disappointed.  My dad was still in relatively good health and most do not receive the transplant on the first attempt.

Time and time again, the transplant was put off.  Sometimes because of high leukemic cell percentages, and sometimes because, having little to no immune system, he contracted an illness (usually more than one; ecoli, staph infections, pneumonia, etc).  The more the transplant was cancelled the more I questioned how much longer my dad's body could endure the process. 

The fifth and final attempt was eventually put off.  My heart was saddened because I knew my dad's time was now limited.  There were no other options of healing.

My parents and doctor all felt a lot of peace about the transplant not going through.  The doctor explained that once the transplant was done, the results were permanent.  There was no turning back.  Any complications that arose would be permanent.

I began to feel peace and once again grateful for the time that I had to spend with him.  I was glad that the transplant didn't take place, possibly cause organ failure, and our time with him be cut even shorter.  Throughout the entire journey, we felt of God's hand in our lives.

Kaylee's broken arm

At the end of August, Kaylee fell off of her scooter after hitting a crack in the sidewalk.  John was worried she broke it and so he called to tell me he needed to take her in before InstaCare closed.  I had just gotten up to the hospital in SLC to visit my dad when I received his call.  I called a dear friend to see if she could go be with my children.  Although she was unable, she immediately lightened my burden and called another dear friend and arranged the care of my children.  That sweet friend not only came over to be with my kids, but did some cleaning as well.  I was able to stay at the hospital and enjoy the time with my dad because of their love and service to me.

Kaylee had a pretty bad break.  She broke her radius close to her wrist and had a shard of bone still attached.  To prevent any movement of the wrist, our doctor casted above her elbow.  She was to keep that cast on for three weeks, then she was to come back in and get a cast below her elbow for three weeks.

In the mean time, my dad's health worsened.  After two weeks of being hospitalized again both battling his cancer and a few infections, he was released from the hospital for what was the last time.  We knew our time with him was winding down.

Ever since my dad read a scripture story as a young person where the father was able to give a final blessing to his children before he passed, he wanted to do that.  The day after he got home from the hospital, my mom arranged for us all to come over.  My dad was able to bless each of his children and grandchildren while he still had the strength.  It wasn't easy for him as he was extremely fatigued and weak, but he strongly desired to do this and fulfilled his desire.  That was a very special night.  In Kaylee's blessing, among other blessings, he blessed that her arm would be healed.

Shortly after that blessing, I took Kaylee in to get her current cast off and get casted below her elbow.  When the doctor walked in, I jokingly told him that Kaylee was hoping wouldn't need another cast (she was sick of having a cast!).  The doctor laughed and said, "well, that would be great, but unfortunately that won't happen."

Kaylee was then taken back to get x-rayed and then the doctor joined us in the room.  He opened up the x-ray for review.  I joined him to view.  He kept looking at it and said, "let's see, now where was the break?".  Then, he pulled up Kaylee's previous x-ray to reveal the location of the break.  He jumped back to the new x-ray and said, "oh, yep, it's already calcified."  He told us her arm was healed and she would not be needing the second cast.  As a precaution only, he placed a removable brace on her.

We knew that this was a blessing from our Heavenly Father.  When we told my dad, he said that he so glad she got to see the Lord's hand in her life.

Elder Dale G. Renlund

The Saturday following my dad's final release from the hospital, my family was visiting my parent's house.  As we were getting ready to leave, a dear family friend and neighbor dropped by with his sweet wife and asked if my dad wanted to meet a prophet.

My dad did, so I grabbed some gloves to put on him, and we helped him out the door.  The adult session of Stake Conference took place that evening for my parent's ward and Elder Dale G. Renlund was in attendance.

My mom, dad, and sister went along with the neighbor to shake his hand.  Our sweet kids were expired and we left to get home.  When we were almost home, my mom called saying that Elder Renlund and President Soffe, their stake president, was going to come to my parents house the next day to give my dad a blessing.

The next morning all of my siblings that were able, my mom & dad, and a dear family friend gathered in my parent's living room anticipating their arrival.  We talked about how special it was that he would take the time out of his busy schedule to give my dad a blessing.

As Elder Renlund entered the home we greeted him and President Soffe.  Elder Renlund asked each of us our names as he greeted us, then sat down on a chair by my dad.  He asked my dad if he would be willing to share his story.  My dad shared about his diagnosis and my mom turning around to take him to the hospital.  The five failed bone marrow transplants.  He mentioned how he has felt a feeling of peace throughout the whole process and shared his testimony of the power of our Heavenly Father.  My dad always had faith that Heavenly had power to heal him, but was submissive to His will.  He expressed he was willing to do whatever the Father wanted of him, which was evident step by step of his illness.

Elder Renlund then asked if my dad would like to receive a blessing.  My dad affirmed and then asked if they would be willing to give my mom a blessing.  He stated that he has the peace of the journey and my mom had the burden.  He wanted to lighten my mom's burden.

Elder Renlund then proceeded to give a blessing to both my dad and mom.  While I would like to keep most of the words private, as they are very special to me, one phrase I would like to share.  He blessed my dad that he would not breathe his last breath until his journey on this earth was complete.  I knew Elder Renlund's words to be true and had full confidence that when my dad passed, his journey was complete.

Once the blessing concluded, my dad gave both Elder Renlund, President Soffe, and his dear friend a hug and said, "thank you, my friend."

There was no fanfare around the whole event.  A simple experience with limited people in the quiet living room of my parent's house.  The best way to explain the feeling was to compare it to the feeling of the temple.  No extraordinary overwhelming feeling, just a sweet simple pure feeling of peace and love.

A plea to the heavens

Before my dad was released from the hospital for the last time, my family took turns staying with him overnight.  I looked forward to my time with him.  In all honesty, I mostly enjoyed just being in his presence.  Throughout his whole journey he emulated peace and just being in his presence a feeling of peace was evident.  I loved having that time with him.

The nurses came in and out frequently to check his vitals, medications, iv's, etc.  As the night nurse came in prior to a longer span of checking on him (to allow him time to sleep), she noticed as my dad laid on his bed that his legs were uncovered.  She kindly offered to cover them, to which he declined and responded that he wanted to pray.

Just hearing that made me feel endeared to him.  Here was my father connected to all of these machines, extremely weakened body, sick with cancer and infection, and he wanted to pray.  I was very touched for his longing to communicate with the Father.

Once the nurse left, my dad slowly made his move to sit up.  I offered to help him up, but he wanted to do it on his own.  He informed me that he felt really dizzy and wanted to go really slow.  I watched him carefully as he went to a sitting position.  I then laid back down (I wanted to give him his space so that he could pray).

I was surprised to hear movement.  As I looked over, my dad had shuffled to stand up and proceeded to kneel by his bedside.  My eyes welled up in tears.  I kneeled by my bedside.  My dad began praying out loud.  He blessed my mom specific to her needs.  He blessed each of his children, son in-laws, and grandchildren each individually and specific to their needs.  He then blessed a few neighbors suffering from trial.  Then, concluded his prayer.

Not one mention of himself.  Once he finished, I thanked him for his example and told him I was touched by him kneeling in his state.  He said, "Oh Kimmy, I do that out of respect for the Father."

I was touched to tears and feel forever blessed by his faithfulness.

Childhood memory

I wrote this on the Saturday evening before my dad's passing:

"When I was a little girl, I have distinct memories of bringing my sleeping bag onto our living room floor.  With a fire crackling in the background, my dad would lay between my sister and I telling us stories of Fiddy, Foddy, Fooey, and Beebs.  he would tell us of these fictionalized stories of his cousins from his childhood.  The one I remember the most is when Fiddy, Foddy, Fooey, and Beebs dug a hole in their backyard and built an underground tunnel to the school.  As my dad would engage us in the story, he would tickle our arms ever so softly as we would drop off to sleep.

Now here I lay on the same living room floor, 25+ years later, by his bedside tickling his arm on his weakened body as the fire crackles in the background.  After nearly 10 months of battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia, his journey is nearing the end.

I find myself laying beside him, unable to sleep.  My mind is reflecting on the warm and loving man he is and the beautiful memories I cherish."

Testimony

My dad has a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He is a very reflective man.  During his first stay in the hospital, he wrote down his testimony.  He made mention that he didn't know if he was going to be able to share it (at the time his diagnosis was still new and we had no idea what to expect), but wanted to record it.

The first of the month is Fast and Testimony meeting in our church.  Members fast for two meals and have the opportunity to share their testimony during Sacrament meeting, the first hour of church.

The first testimony meeting my dad was well enough, we all gathered as a family to listen to him share his testimony.  I felt so grateful to be able to hear him.

Each fast and testimony meeting following that Sunday, he bore his testimony as he was able.  His words were written and well thought out, always testifying of the Savior.

By the end of August my dad was getting sick more frequently.  About a week before fast and testimony in September, my dad was hospitalized with an infection.  He frequently expressed his desire to be released in time for Sunday so he could bear his testimony.  We were taking it day by day.  By the end of the week, it was looking like he would not be released.  The doctor was not comfortable releasing my dad in his condition.  On Saturday, we were informed that the doctor was going to allow my dad to be released for a few hours on Sunday so that he could bear his testimony.

Sunday came and he got all dressed in his suit and went to bear his heart felt testimony.  I was full of emotion as I held my dad's arm and helped walked him up to the stand.  We were blessed that my dad had enough strength to stay for testimony meeting.

After he was able to spend a short time at home before returning back to the hospital.  He spent his time downstairs on the couch (he was extremely fatigued and didn't want to risk contracting any new illness), while our families enjoyed our time together upstairs.

I was able to go downstairs and have a very precious conversation with him.  I went down to hold his hand and just be with him, but he ended up wanting to share in conversation.  He mentioned how nice it was to hear the pitter patter of his grandchildren's feet.

I loved being able to have that personal time with him before he went back to the hospital.

Final Sunday

Throughout the evening Saturday night, I woke up intermittently aiding to the needs of my dad and keeping the fire burning.  Oh how he loved the fire!  Especially as the weather began to cool, he always enjoyed having a warm fire to retreat to.

We woke up Sunday morning and my dad was feeling sick.  He kept on expressing his deep desire to attend church, but was unsure if he was able because he felt so sick.  Shortly after awaking, he started to express some more signs of a weakened state.

About an hour before church, he told me that he wanted to get up and get dressed.  He said that he didn't think he would make it next week so he wanted to go.  He ended up passing away later that week.

He got all dressed in his suit and my brother and I helped him off to church.  His body was so weak, but his spirit was strong.  He was trying to stay long enough to hear the sweet Relief Society president, who provided so much service and love to my family, speak.  Thankfully, he was granted that desire.

His example of faithfulness has forever changed me and will be cherished.

Welcome to the world, Katelyn!

There's nothing quite like the adrenalin and excitement of having a new baby come into the world.  Our sweet daughter, Katelyn Marie Emett, was born into this world July 31, 2015 at 10:22am.  She weighed 7lbs. 2 oz. and was 18.5 inches long.  For memory's sake, here is her full birth story.

Near the beginning of July, I started to have false labor.  My Braxton Hicks began around 18 weeks, but emerged into more painful contractions at this time.  Other signs of labor began shortly after.  By 35 weeks, I was dilated to 1cm and was 50% effaced and my bag was bulging.  The painful false labor got closer and closer together until it occurred nearly every day for several hours at a time.  These contractions would wake me up at night, but never emerged into real labor.  Every time these nights would occur, I was hopeful that my little girl's arrival was getting closer.  I would do anything I could think of to prepare just a little more (like going school clothes shopping, etc).  I had a lot of false labor with Jeffrey, so I tried not to get too optimistic, but I couldn't ignore the changes my body was making.  We were pretty convinced that labor was going to occur soon and got to the point where we were prepared to go at any time.

The worst of my false labor was at about 37 weeks.  I had had particularly painful and restless night.  I thought for sure it was going to change into real labor.  Nothing ever happened and I went back to sleep.  When I woke up, I noticed a large, bursted blood vessel on my stomach.  At 38 weeks, I had a really painful headache; the worst I had ever had.  I woke up with it, took some medicine and it was just lingering all day.  At about 3pm, my headache worsened to the point where I couldn't do anything.  I took more pain meds, got an ice pack and laid in bed in pain.  I thought that maybe there was a change of hormones that caused it.  After finding no relief, I messaged the nurse asking if there was anything else I could do.  She called and told me to go into the hospital because it could be a change in blood pressure which would be cause of concern.  John was on his way home when I told him and he called my dear friend Kristin, and arranged for the kids to be watched while we went in.  Thankfully there was nothing wrong and I was given some Percocet to help manage the pain and the headache eventually tapered off around 3am.  Looking back, I contribute the headache to several days of lack of sleep due to false labor.

In the midst of feeling completely done with being pregnant, there were many blessings that occurred that really made me feel loved and lifted my spirits.  Someone brought by a basket of sunshine filled with goodies and yellow items.  I had a friend lovingly drop by dinner for us.  On July 29, the lovely ladies I serve with and the beautiful young women threw me a surprise baby shower.  They went all out with beautiful decorations, yummy cake and desserts alongside super cute and useful baby gifts.  I was clueless about it and felt so loved.  There were so many well wishers who would check in on me and offer to help in any way they could.  I can't even begin to express my gratitude for all of the dear friends and family I have in my life.  I feel blessed beyond what I deserve.

On July 30, I went in for my regular doctor's appointment.  I was dilated to 3 cm and 80% effaced.  I was devastated; there was no change from the week before.  I had had a lot of frequent false labor, been in a lot of pain, and was certain I would hear of some kind of change.  I told the doctor of all of my false labor and how the contractions would get fairly regular, but was not the real deal.  I asked if it got to this point again if I could come in and get my water broken (this is what it took for Jeff).  The good doctor that he was, said that unless it was real labor, they would probably just send me home.  I asked other questions looking for relief, but he kept reassuring me that waiting for the baby to come naturally is best.  I knew he was right, and it's what I really wanted, but I felt extremely disappointed because I was miserable by this point and wanted relief.  He did schedule an induction for August 7 in case I didn't go into labor, which seemed like an eternity away.  John was at a conference and I texted him the news.  I felt so defeated.

The kids and I went to the park with some happy meals.  I called my mother in law to tell her what was going on.  While it felt so nice to talk about my feeling like the baby was never going to come, I still felt really depressed about it.  My contractions would come at virtually any time, so we had the kids' bags packed and it got to a point that I would bring my makeup bag and daily essentials with me just in case.  Once I got home from our picnic, I brought my bag upstairs and put my things away.  I gave up.

I cried to John and felt really depressed.  I was exhausted from being in so much pain all of the time, waking up several times a night from hip pain, heartburn, and contractions.  John is literally the best husband in the world and wanted to make me feel special.  We went to my favorite restaurant, Thai House (which ironically is the last restaurant we went to before Jeff was born), and then to Bed Bath and Beyond.  Our waffle iron broke several months prior, so I picked up a nice new waffle iron.  We went to Old Navy and other stores to get the kids some items they needed.  We went home and John put the kids to bed and really catered to me to help lighten my spirits.  I slept really peacefully that night.

The next morning I woke up about 7am feeling just a little off.  Nothing out of my new ordinary, but definitely not normal.  I thought I may be hungry or something so I went down and had some breakfast.  Not too much longer, I started getting sharp pains.  I hesitated to tell John because I felt like it was more false labor and would eventually taper off.  I went and took a shower thinking it may help.  I remember grabbing on the side of the shower, bent over in pain.  John woke up and asked if I was okay.  I said I was and that the pain will probably go away.  He insisted that I was in labor and began to go get the kids up and going.  I tried to assure him that I was fine and that we should wait to see if the pain goes away.  The pain was different, but strange.  I would get really sharp labor type pain that would only stay for a few seconds and then come back a few minutes later.  It wasn't your typical 30 second contraction every 10 minute sort of thing.  John lovingly ignored my request to wait it out and began making phone calls.  He called my mom and Brionna McCumber and arranged for Brionna to come watch the kids until my mom could come.  I was in more pain as we were leaving, but still had the mentality that we could wait it out.  John felt such an urge to get to the hospital quickly.  My contractions were getting more labor like and consistent, but I was convinced we had time.  John had not eaten anything and I convinced him (which wasn't easy) to stop at Burger King to grab something.  I said I was fine and was thinking about walking around the hospital once we got there just to be sure the contractions weren't going to go away.

By the time we got to the hospital I was in full on labor.  We checked into labor and delivery and got all hooked up to the monitors.  When the nurse checked me, I was dilated to a 5 and completely effaced.  My labor was progressing so quickly.  She began to be more in a rush and they transferred me to a room and quickly brought the anesthesiologist in for an epidural.  My pain was so strong and they quickly administered the epidural.  They let me know that the epidural may not have enough time to work.  I was willing to try.  The nurse checked me again (I was at 8cm) and said that as she was checking me things were changing and my amniotic sac was really bulging.  She said it was going to be a fast delivery and the baby was going to slide right out once my water broke.  We waited for about 15 minutes and the epidural only worked on one side.  I was still feeling quite a bit of pain on my left side.  She asked if I wanted to wait a little longer or if she should just call the doctor to break my water and deliver the baby.  I said to wait a little longer.  My contractions were right on top of each other.  At one point, I had three contractions in a row with no break.  The nurse said she's been working in labor and delivery for nine years and hadn't seen a triple contraction before.  Worried that there wasn't much time, she called the anesthesiologist in and asked if there was something else he could try.  He gave me another medicine which helped almost immediately.

Right then, we heard a pop and my water broke.  There was meconium present (which is a sign of fetal distress).  The nurse called the doctor who rushed right over and arranged for a respiratory specialist group to come to aid with the baby.  In no time flat we had a room full of medical professionals.  Two contractions and six pushes later, our sweet Katelyn Marie Emett was born.  She had the cord wrapped all around her body and neck, but thankfully was healthy.  The doctor said she must have gotten all tangled up in the past 6-12 hours so it's good that I went into labor when I did.

After I delivered the epidural was in full effect and I had to wait in the delivery room for several hours to wait for the numbness to ease.  I felt so wonderful (and exhausted!) and couldn't believe it was all over.  I had given up not even 24 hours before; yet in less than 3 hours of labor I had my sweet little girl sleeping angelically next to my side.  What a whirlwind!

Later that night, I suddenly started feeling really strange.  I was almost due for my pain meds, started feeling a little cold, and felt a very strong contraction like pain take over my body.  I needed to use the restroom, so I tried to get up.  As soon as my legs were exposed to the cold air, I started shaking uncontrollably.  I thought I could wait it out, but the shaking got worse.  John called the nurse in, who called another nurse in.  They wrapped me in several blankets and questioned how I was feeling.  Once the shaking subsided, the head nurse explained that my body just went into shock.  It was the strangest feeling ever and really it occurred because it was a perfect storm of my pain meds wearing off and the intense contraction.  She said when the uterus contracts to get back into shape often times  the contractions get more painful with subsequent births.  She said that the pain can be more intense than a laboring contraction (yep!).  Luckily that was the end of that and I went on to heal well.

My parents were so kind to take our kids while we were in the hospital.  The kids loved spending time with their grandparents and couldn't stop talking about all of the fun times they had.  My mom brought them home happy, all of their clothes washed, and food for us to snack on.  We had several family members and friends drop by to meet our sweet baby and share in our moment.  We feel so grateful for all of the well wishers we've had and all of the people in our lives that have been such a wonderful support to us.

We left the hospital on Saturday night, completely exhausted, hoping that home would provide more rest than the interruptions of the hospital.  It was so peaceful coming to our wonderful home with our precious new daughter.  Since then, we've been enjoying our time together as a full family.  We've been getting in all the rest we can and the transition is going well.  I'm healing well and the kids are absolutely in love with their new sibling.  I couldn't be more grateful to have John to share all of life's precious moments with.  He is such a great support to me and I love him more and more everyday.  Life can't get any sweeter!

On the Open Road

There's something to be said about road trips.  Nothing else quite like packing up a car, preparing games, bringing books and movies, and eating snacks.  All while driving hundreds of miles.  You get to experience a unique way of traveling.  I love being able to meet fellow travelers, crossing state lines, eating local food, seeing sites, talking with locals.  After traveling somewhere in the neighborhood of 6,500 miles, there becomes plenty of time to bond. While I did LOVE all of the places we went to, my absolute favorite was spending time with my family.  We loved being able to experience this trip together.  We have also missed our family that has moved away and we really enjoyed being able to spend time with them.

The posts start with the end and work toward the beginning of the trip, since they're by date.  There were too many posts for one screen, so to see the whole trip, click on 'older posts'.

Where it All Began...

Ahh Price, Utah.  Where I first met the love of my life.  Who would've thought that nearly nine years, three children, and coming home from a trip across the country later, that I would end up at the very spot where I met John.  He's been my traveling buddy since before we were even dating and we've been on many adventures since.  I sure love this guy (and our sweet children too!).

Colorado

Beautiful Colorado!  There's something about the Rockies that we just love.  This is taken outside of church, near Vail.  Not a bad place to worship near at all!

Russell Stover's

I will always think of my mom when I drive through Kansas because of the Russell Stover's Factory.  In my childhood, we'd stop on in the Russell Stover's Factory when we drove through Kansas.  My mom knew how to make road trippin' fun!!  So, whenever John and I have driven through Kansas, we've stopped to get some chocolate.  Not a bad tradition if you ask me...

Chicago Deep Dish

I know photographing food is generally a photographer no no, but c'mon it's a Chicago Deep Dish!  Actually, since we were strapped with time, we literally went to the outskirts of Chicago just for pizza and this is the only picture we got.  Totally worth it!!!

Nauvoo Hour...

Literally.  We were pressed for time on the way back (John had a meeting), but did want to stop by Nauvoo.  I'm glad we did.  We made it there an hour before closing and had time to hit a few of the sites.  With young kids, the length was perfect.  The kids learned how to make bread, candles, rugs, and rope...pioneer style.  We then ended by going to the bakery and gun smith.  We ran into a John's old high school buddy and his beautiful wife and baby!!  So fun!

We spent the night in Keokuk (where I used to live as a nanny).  John was kind enough to humor me by driving by some places for nostalgia. :)