Pregnancy Update

I made it to 37 weeks.  My due date is kind of relative, if you you would like me to explain this to you just let me know, but I am due the 19th according to the midwife and 21st according to regular calculators.  So this is why I have said the 20th is the official due date.  But due dates are so silly anyway since they often are +/- 14 days anyway. I am so happy that she is now considered "early term" you are "full term" at 39 weeks now and "preterm" before 37.  All very technical I know but in short she would most likely be perfect outside the womb at this point.
My midwife and her two assistants (one is a midwife, one is a in school right now to be one) came on Friday to do a home visit.  We set up the plan and made sure we are all on the same page for the delivery.  It was really nice and I feel completely ready for her to come now.  My baby belly had good growth in two weeks.  She does not check cervical progression, unless I ask her to.  There is just really no reason since it means very little as to when you will actually go into labor.  For this and a few other reasons we won't be checking that area until labor has begun. However, I feel very in-tune with my body and what it is doing and I know things are slowing changing to ready for delivery.  I also have had an increase in the Brexton Hicks, but nothing steady or impressive.
Myself and Kayla are looking great, now the waiting game begins.

March 2014

March 29, 2014

It has been a fun month. Jaron’s baptism was great.  We really appreciate everyone that showed their support and helped out.  Jaron has really been trying hard to do what is right all the time.  We have had a few talks about repentance and the sacrament since because he feels bad he isn’t perfect (join the club right?).

The month really has been filled with a lot of fun events and we are grateful that we have been able to be a part of them.  Kayla’s baby shower was fun.  The house sure was full with loved ones. We are now ready when she is.  The boys have been particularly interested in her bows and cute dresses.  The midwife came for a home visit yesterday and the bed rest has ended!!  It has been soo nice to get a few things done so that the house will be ready for her to come.  Everyone in the house is now excited for Kayla to come, except maybe Landon. I still think he isn’t really sure about the whole thing.  He often gets frustrated that she is in the way when he tries to sit on my lap.

We still have not heard on the job from Texas, which really doesn’t mean good new or bad news yet.  We will let you know when we find out.  With the job still up in the air so is moving and all that jazz; so no real word on our future plans just yet.

The boys are right on track in school work. We had our last parent teacher conferences this month.

We are loving the spring weather and playing outside. 

Pregnancy #5 update

Well folks it has happened again.  My body is not liking this pregnancy any more than the last one.  A day shy of 32 weeks I had a really rough Sat.  The day we did all of Jaron's fun things proved to be too much for baby belly. I started the day really stressed out.  So much to do and not a lot of help.  I emotionally lost it.  Then in the rush of things I ate unhealthy and didn't drink enough, what did this all add up to? 10-50% (Richelle isn't sure how thick it was when this all started, so to say how much the cervix has thinned is hard, but it is thinned) effaced and dilated to over a two.  I didn't go to the hospital I just calmed it down at home.  I realized from last time if I can just destress and get my body to calm down the contractions would most likely stop.  My midwife had lots of suggestions.  She suggested I get Cramp Bark, to help my uterus relax quickly if it ever happened again.  She also said that stress, tight cloths, lack of vitamins and minerals, and hydration contribute to contractions.   So I drink my water, take extra minerals, wear loose clothes (which means I wear Don's a lot), and cut stress from my life as much as possible HAHA.  All those that truly know me, know I am one wound up woman.  I expect perfections from myself and so letting that go has been really hard. But unless I want a baby early I need to.  I have had two days since the 22nd I had to use the cramp bark.  One was the day of Jaron's baptism and the other was a day I tried to take a walk while pushing Landon.  Physical exertion seems to really aggravate my uterus.  So today the midwife did say maybe it is time for full on bed-rest with all the trouble I have had keeping contractions and cervical change away. But she also thinks that bed-rest often brings on more stress, to which I agree.  So . . . I don't have to lay down all day.  I just can't do a whole lot was the end verdict.  I am still planning a home birth, but am fully aware that might not work out, especially if she comes early. So COME ONE APRIL! That is my goal, to make it to April.  Richelle (my midwife), who is also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ believes very much that she, I, and Don will know what is best and be able to do what is best for the baby.  I really trust her and know that I am getting the best care possible.  With all the scary facts that suggest early birth I really think it will all be just fine, just like last time.

Aside from this fun stuff, my heartburn is horrible.  It is waking me up at night, I throw-up a lot, and I am almost certain that my headaches stem from this. That sphincter at the top of my stomach not working correctly and a stomach that is pushed up so high, I don't expect anything different. 

I have also been experiencing shortness of breath when I sit, and sometimes lay a certain way.  Richelle thinks it might be because a blood vessel running along my side is pinched.  She suggested I go see a specialist to have it adjusted. So we will see if I do that or not.

In short sitting, standing, and laying down all have their problems.  33 weeks I finally said I am uncomfortable, but am so grateful baby girl is still growing strong inside.

Jaron is 8

Jaron turned 8 on February 23^rd.  As I put in our family post this was hard one for me.  At this point he is accountable, all his mistakes are no longer on me and that really is a big step.  I hope I did good enough with the years I had to teach him.  I realize I will still be very influential but there is something about it being on his head that really gets to me. Sorry for the post coming so many days after his birthday, but it has been a rough few weeks at our house.

His birthday fell on a Sunday this year so the day before was the big celebration.  He chose to go see the Lego movie.  Max (my nephew) came with us so we had the 5 boys.  The movie was really cute and all seemed entertained by it.  Then we went to McDonald's for an early dinner.  They boys love playing there and had lots of fun.  The family fun days that they get to choose where to eat and an activity are something that they look forward to, along with designing their own cakes.   Jaron was really hands on with his cake this year and had a very specific idea in mind.  I love that I can do this for them and let them feel special.We ate his cake on his birthday while celebrating Olive and Jared's (Don's niece and brother) birthdays as well.

Jaron is 4’3.5” and weighs 50lb. about.  He is REALLY into sports.  He loves to watch all types and if he has to go to bed before a game is over he asks me to record it.  He likes to play them and as of right now wants to be a basketball player.  Sports is about 50% of what he talks to me about.  What he played at recess, what happened in a game . . . Besides sports he likes to play the Wii, Legos, and play outside.  He likes to sing and is really doing well at the piano.  His teacher is impressed with how fast he catches onto things.  In school he is good at math.  He is faster at solving the problems than I am. He has a quick mind and is very rule oriented (a little of both Dad and Mom). We sure love Jaron and I am so glad he came to our family.

Jaron's Baptism

 
Jaron Don Hughes was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on March 1st, 2014 by his father Don Eldon Hughes.The witnesses to his baptism were Tyson Barlow and David Hughes.

His baptism was just for him at the Stake Center in Santaquin,UT.  The service was held in the Chapel.  It was a very spiritual meeting.  The program went as follows:

Presiding:Bishop Wilson
Conducting: Brother Todd Heaps
Chorister: Dani Hughes
Pianist: Lynnette Hughes
Opening Song: "When I Am Baptized"
Opening Prayer: Lynnette Hughes
Talk on Baptism: Tyson Barlow
Musical Number: Melynda, Ericka, and Carlie Hughes
Talk on the Holy Ghost: David Hughes
Baptism and Confirmation
Closing Remarks: Wilson
Closing Song: "A Child's Prayer"
Closing Prayer: Melynda Hughes

We had talked with Jaron a lot about baptism the whole year leading up to the big choice.  The few weeks before his baptism we had him read scriptures and pray about the choice he was making and make sure that he felt right about what he was doing.  Jaron was so excited for his special day.  The whole time he was attentive and very energetic.  He says that going under the water was scary but he feels right about the choice that he made. 

Jaron's Testimony:
"I'd like to bear my testimony. I know the Church is true. I love family and know they love me.  I know Heavenly Father is real.  I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

February

February 27, 2014

February has been a good month.  Scott, my brother, hosted the Super Bowl party just as always.  It was a nice night with family and half of our house was happy about the outcome.  I have to say I was raised a Bronco fan and am still true to that team.  I was so proud of Don for not gloating when his team won. 

A lot of things happened for Jaron this month.  He was able to race in the Pinewood Derby with the scouts on the 4^th.  He is such an amazing little boy.  He designed his car with Don and did as much work on it as he could.  His car did well.  The track we used was very old and one tack had a bad connection.  The race he got out on he was on the bad track twice and lost, but won when his car was on the good track.  Kind of unfair a little, BUT it is not about winning.  Losing has always been a struggle for him and I think life is often about learning how to deal with disappointments in a positive way and not let the bad moments break you. I am glad he took not winning so well.  Jaron has really enjoyed going to Scouts and comes home and teaches us all what he has learned.

Jaron had his baptism preview and bishop interview for baptism. Don and I have really worked hard to prepare him so he could make the choice about baptized.  Because it is such a big step we wanted him to read about the promises and pray about his choice, which he did.  It has been very hard for me to accept the fact I have an 8 year old.  His mistakes are no longer on me, he is taking that first step into true accountability and that is hard for me a little.  As hard as it is to have him grow up it is also exciting to see.

Carlie’s endowment is something both Don and I really were blessed to be a part of.  The temple is such a sacred place and we were so glad to share that day with her.  I know Kayla was aware of what was going on.  It was the first baby that I have felt react to things in the temple like that.

We went in on the 12^th to have another ultrasound, just to make sure it was a girl and that all is well.  Kayla looked great!  Most of the measurements showed her due date 1-3 weeks ahead of schedule, but this far along measurements don’t mean as much. She was very modest and kept her legs crossed most of the time.  We were worried we wouldn’t get a clear picture, but at the end we did and it is a girl.

We celebrated Jaron’s birthday on the 22^nd as a family + Max.  Jaron’s day started with belt loop camp.  Once he was home from that we went to see the Lego Movie.  Then off to McDonald’s for dinner. Jaron had a piano recital in the evening that he did fabulous on.  He didn’t use his music, played perfectly, and bowed at the end. 

Jaron’s birthday started with balloons and streamers.  Then doughnuts, church, spaghetti, and cake with the Hughes clan.  He had a great birthday weekend. 

On Jaron’s birthday weekend I experienced some very intense contractions.  We were able to get them to stop without going into the hospital.  There is cervical change from the fun events. For the next month or so I need to be careful.  In the interest of taking it easy I am not watching Tyson’s kids anymore.  Kind of a bitter sweet thing for me really, but it is the best thing.  I also have taken several suggestions from the midwife and we have thing as much under control as they can be.

Eldon had a check in with the Urologist and all is well.  He is very happy he won’t ever had to go there again.  When we went he kept saying out loud, “They aren’t going to cut me,” kind of reassuring himself.  He had a hard time trusting us and getting on the table but after we explained exactly what was going to happen he got up there.  However, he did not take his eyes of the doctor for one second.

The boys are still working hard on school.  Landon is even doing “homework” now.  He likes to feel a part. We are also happy that we had a few weeks of warm weather to play outside!

Love to all.

31+ Weeks Pregnant

This pregnancy I have physically felt wonderful.  But I think I might be among the 10% of women that get depression while pregnant.  Granted it is most likely situational.  It has taken all of my emotional strength to be able to live in a house that isn't mine and have no idea what is next in life for us.  I think the true breaking point came a few months ago when Don didn't fill out the paperwork correctly for the manager job at his station.  He really might have gotten it if he would have done it correctly. Since then it has been a daily fight to just get up and function.
I find strength in the usual places.  Reading my scriptures, prayer, talking with Don about it.  But he can only take so much and the sadness just lingers.
I know the Lord has a plan for us, I just really struggle with what it is.  The house in Texas hasn't sold still and Don has had to work extra hours to be able to take care of two houses.  I don't think the house is going to sell. So here we are stuck, trying to figure out how to make the next move in life. Trying to plan for a baby is nearly impossible without knowing what is next in life.  I want to get things ready for her to come, but why? We are just going to move in the few weeks after she is born.  The cleaning of this house is constant and never done.  Spring is coming and that means tons of yard work, for a 9 month pregnant lady.  Don is never here, so he really can't help much. 
We have accepted help with $$ and I just hate that. I realize we make scarifies because of the kids we have and the job that Don chose.  But he works so hard and so do I to do our best to be righteous. We follow the guidance of the spirit.  Isn't that what it is about?  Many have said why doesn't he get a better job.  Honestly with the economy i don't think school or switching jobs is smart.  Switching jobs just isn't it, I know it. I feel at times I have no support from anyone but Don and that is VERY hard.
All this means I am just not doing good.  Every morning I lay in bed fighting with myself to get up.  I finally do but all day long I hold down tears and they often explode in the form of frustration.  I have faith that I won't have more than I can handle, but I reached my breaking point a long time ago and it doesn't seem that relief is near in sight.  So what do I do? I am doing what I can with what I have and hope that the Lord will fill in where my imperfections come bleeding through.

Kid Sayings

So this last week we had a shooting in Santaquin.  The shooter was at large and later caught in Nephi.  When I told the boys Eldon responded, "The Nephites caught the bad guy?"  I told him no he was caught in the city of Nephi.  To which he went running away shouting, "Nephi caught the bad guys!"  A little confused but it made the sad day have a little humor.

While sitting at the table eating Landon was being extremely crazy.  I often ask the boys when they are really silly, "Where did you come from?" and the response is usually, "From heaven."  Answered with the attitude of that is a really dumb questions, we all know the answer.  But today it was answered by Jaron for Landon with, "From heaven. But probably the crazy side."  Really made me laugh.

January 2014

This month was the start of Jr. Jazz for Jaron.  He loves sports and loves learning the skills to play them.  He takes it very seriously and goes outside to practice his shot sometimes. 

We had SEP’s with the boys’ teachers and they are both doing really great.  Bryson is very creative and artistic, while Jaron is more into the social studies and math.  But they both are where they should be for all subjects.  I didn’t feel that they were doing enough writing.  Bryson is just starting to write sentences in class.  So we have started journal prompts at home.  Bryson really likes it and is quickly progressing in his writing skills.

I started doing “school” three days a week with all the kids that are here in the morning.  If I have a set aside time for learning then I am more likely to do it.  So we have snack at 10 then do learning.  This is mainly for Eldon and he is doing well.

The highlight of Bryson’s month was being the Ute’s honorary ball boy.  What an opportunity that was for him . . . and Don.  We went to Training Table before the game because Aunt Cathy always did that with Don.  The boys really loved it.  Bryson was so nervous to go down on the floor but he warmed up to the idea after a while and did a great job.  I would also like to report at the game Jaron met Swoop and is now saying he is a Ute fan not a BYU fan. 

A few months back when my brother Scott was here the boys asked him to take them ice fishing.  Scott said that he would when the weather was right.  We finally were able to find a day that Uncle Scott could take them ice fishing. Don had to work so the boys and I went fishing. Jaron was the first catch of the day.  After about an hour the kids lost interest in the fishing.  Eldon would come back after his breaks to help us watch the poles.  We would have lost a pole if Eldon hadn’t told us we had a bite. The boys loved playing on the ice and climbing the mountain just off shore.  They also enjoyed watching the fish “dance” on the ice. We got a lot of laughs from the dancing fish. None of the boys would ever touch the fish..  Scott cut up the fish and gave them to us, but I had my fist experience cutting the bones from the fish and skinning them, with no one here to help.  I finally called Tyson to come up and show me how to do it.  I think next time I will be better at it.

We also had fun being a part of Carlie getting her call and going to the Zoo one last time before passes expire.

The 27^th Eldon had an appointment with the urologist.  Eldon’s opening of his pee-pee is a little small and needed to be cut open a little. With Jaron we had to go to the hospital and put him to sleep to do the procedure.  But the physician’s assistant said that it was a simple procedure and they do it in office.  1 in 10 patients feel the procedure after numbing.  Eldon happened to be one of these.  It was so sad and I wasn’t really informed that he would be in that much pain before they started. They told me when they cut him and he screamed that the numbing stuff doesn’t always work.  Awesome!  So we have a very brave little boy in our house and caring for it is not lots of fun for Eldon either.

We are doing the repairs on the home this month and are still waiting to hear that they are completed. We have had some interested buyers but no contracts.

Don learned that it takes about 6 interviews before you get hired so we have started applying for jobs.  We will let you know if he gets an interview to any of them.

Baby girl is still growing strong.  I am tired but no other complaints.  My body is strong but I think this mornings run will be my last.  The weight of baby is getting to be too much on my ligaments.