Kayla's 1st and 2nd Month

Kayla 1 month old

 Kayla's first month of life was a really good time for her and I.  I was able just to cuddle with this new little angel for the first two weeks.  This is the first baby that has been allowed to sleep in bed with Don and I.  She had a really hard time sleeping on her own, as did I.  I am a very light sleeper so I didn't sleep too great with her in the bed with us, but she sure did.  Kayla grew a lot in her first month of life.  She weighed 7lb. 4oz. at birth, 6lb. 14oz. at 1 day old, 7lb. 8oz. at 1 week, 8lb. 4oz. at 1 1/2 weeks, 8lb. 10oz. at 2 weeks, and 10lb. 10oz. at 1 month old.  Kayla does not like to be swaddled.  Her arms and legs have to be free to move.  When she is hungry she grunts for food.

Kayla 2 months old

By month two Kayla is smiling away!  Her first smile was for brother Bryson on May 21st.  She now sleeps in her own bed, but often still in the bassinet really close to mom, so I can put my hand on her if she needs me. She was blessed on June 1st by her daddy.  Those that were in her blessing circle included: Don Eldon Hughes, Kent Barlow, David Hughes, Kim Barlow, Scott Barlow, Tyson Barlow, Jared Hughes, Andrew Friere, and Shawn Hoth. This month Kayla also traveled to Redding California to get Grandma and Grandpa Barlow from their mission. Then went to Zion's National Park for the Barlow Family Reunion.  What a month for this small little girl.  She did fabulous in the car! States that she visited this month:Nevada, California, and Oregon.

May 2014

What a month.  We started the month with Jaron getting strep throat.  It took me a week to figure out that is what he had because all he complained about was a stomach ache.  He did have a fever on Monday that should have tipped me off, but then it went away and all that was left was a stomach ache.  Thursday the 1st he got a rash, so I took him in and sure enough it was strep.  So we started him on amoxicillin and a few hours later he had horrible hives!  So we changed medication and he got hives again with that.  We didn’t change a third time but just kept giving him the medication along with Benadryl.  I was so excited to go and help Aaron and Marilyn move then go to my nephews baptism and let Grandma and Grandpa meet Kayla, but that ended up not working out with Jaron’s reactions so Kayla, Jaron, and I ended up staying home and Don took the other three boys with him to southern Utah. Jaron was really disappointed and said the day he got hives, “This is the worst day ever!”

The next few weeks were filled with playdates, teacher appreciation week, piano, and getting the house ready for my parents return.  I worked too hard and got a firm but kind reminder from my midwife that I was doing too much.  But I kept on plugging away and felt that I did the best I could to get the house ready. The boys had fun burning leaves and we spent that entire day outside.  The pile of leaves sure was big.  Don also worked extremely hard in the yard for their return.  Bryson gets the weeding award for going out and weeding for over an hour to get under the trees looking nice.

Kayla Kristine is sure getting big and giving us a few smiles, but they are still few and far between.  At one month she was 10lb. 10oz.

I really enjoyed the Favorite things girls day on the 17th.  I felt like I got to know everyone a little better. It took a little preparation but I think it was really worth it to make those bonds.

Ericka is so graceful and we were happy we could make her dance recital.  When we got in the car Bryson says, “Ericka is a really good dancer.”  Jaron quickly said, “Ya, I know she is like the best dance.”  They were so impressed with her skill as was I.

I am so grateful that Gram and Aunt Carlie could come down to watch the boys so I could have a little adventure with 4 of my siblings to bring my parents back from their mission. It really was an adventure.  It was filled with good food, good company, wrong turns, death defying roads, and a whole lot of laughter. My parents were extremely happy to see us and that made the 30+ hours in the car worth it.  Kayla did fantastic until the last day and a half of traveling; which is a lot better than the traveling party expected from her. 

Carlie is such an amazing girl and we were glad that we could all be there for her farewell.  She is going to be such a great missionary.

The last week of May we had Grandma and Grandpa Barlow home.  We spent a lot of time in the yard and preparing the garden. 

School is out and I am not as organized with summer activities this year. I am a little overwhelmed still with all the major adjustments going on in our life but we will get there.

It does look like we really will close on the house!  June 16^th is the closing date.

Still no management job, but we are moving forward as if we will have no career change.  We are looking for a place to live closer to Don’s work. It is proving to be difficult to do since we have such a low budget, but it is possible and we will find the right place.

Busy month, and very little time to write, so till next month.

~Don.Pam.Jaron.Bryson.Eldon.Landon.Kayla

April 2014

This month has been . . . emotional, rewarding, and trying.  We had a contract on the home, but Tyler got 8” of rain within an hour and the master bedroom had a little water come in.  The contract was terminated the next day.  That was a tough one to swallow.  With the home not selling we really aren’t sure what is next for our family.  We will just stay at my parent’s house until something happens with the Texas home.  Don and I considered me trying to find work so we could afford rent and a mortgage, but that is just not going to happen right now.

Don did get an interview for the Tyler job.  He got strep throat on the way to the interview.  It was also his first interview and he ended up not getting the job.  No one got the job in fact.  It reopened this last week and he reapplied for the job.  We will see what happens with that.

Eldon hit his front tooth for the third time and it came out this time.  So we will have a toothless kid for a few years. He was not upset about the event at all and was excited to get to use the tooth fairy pillow.

Bryson also had his first two teeth extracted.  Permanent teeth came in behind his baby teeth.  So he had to get the baby teeth pulled out.  He did really well.  He only fussed a little when they gave him the numbing shot.

During spring break it was nice to have the kids home and I was able to get a few things done in the yard before Kayla came.  Not that you can tell now.  The yard takes so much work.  Don has done a lot of weeding, fertilizing, and trimming too this month. The yard still needs lots of work.  We are just waiting for my body to recover or a Saturday that Don has off and it isn’t raining to be able to get back to work before my parents get home. 

The best news of the month is that Kayla Kristine Hughes arrived safe and sound.  I posted the birth story on our blog (http://hughes-yets.blogspot.com).  The boys all love her, yes even Landon.  Almost two weeks since she joined the family and everyone still wants her to stay around.  I take that as a good sign. 

I am not recovering as quickly as usual but I guess I am getting older.  Don has been wonderful.  Doing laundry, dishes, cleaning house, and getting boys to where they need to be.  I sure was spoiled for those 8 days he was home.  We really have had an outpouring of love from friends and family and all are truly grateful for the help we have received.

Easter was low key and fun.  I am really glad Stacie did a party since I wasn’t up for doing one this year. Thanks again Stacie!

Love,

Pam, Kayla and the Boys

Kayla's Birth Story

Richelle Jolley CMP

April 21, 2014

Kayla’s Birth Story

In order to get the true feel of the birth I think it is important to know what lead up to it.

Why did I choose a home birth?  I will be completely honest; the main reason was the money.  It was all around much cheaper if I was able to deliver at home. But there were other reasons as well.  I have had uncomplicated deliveries and done the last two births naturally in the hospital.  So I had confidence that I could do it again. I also had complete faith that I or Richelle Jolley (the midwife) would know if there was anything wrong and would be able to get to the hospital in time if needed.  Richelle is prepared for emergencies and monitors the baby throughout the pregnancy and birth very closely.  I felt she took more time through the pregnancy and birth to make sure baby and mom were well than any other caregiver I have had.  I have never really felt safe in the hospital; it is often cold and uninviting.  When I first met with Richelle she said one of the main goals was for us to become friends, so that when I delivered it was like having a friend there to help me.  Although the staff has always been nice at the hospital they are strangers.  I don’t know them and they don’t know me, so they don’t know what I want, even if I had a birth plan written and discussed with my OB/midwife.  I wanted to feel comfortable in my environment.  I also HATE needles.  I have overcome the fear through the years and I can have people draw blood, but it takes a lot of courage.  The required IV in your hand is really annoying/painful to me.  The last reason, I want to labor how I want to.  I want to go where I want, stand when I want and not have to worry about cords falling off/down, go to the bathroom without asking permission, eat if I feel like it, and give birth in the position I choose. All of these things were achieved with a midwife who took time to listen to me and discuss my concerns and wishes.

The birth story is somewhat foggy in my mind.  I have talked it over with Don and briefly with Richelle Jolley (my midwife).  I was extremely tired from the night of labor, so the few hours leading up to deliver I can’t be remembered very well. But here goes what I remember.

My birth story begins two weeks before I actually delivered. This is when I really started having false labor often despite taking care of my body how I should. The week before delivery was a r-o-u-g-h week.  I was sick Sunday night. Don left Monday for an interview.  While he was in flight I got a call from the realtor that the Texas home had flooding. Don called after his flight to tell me he wasn’t feeling well at all.  Tuesday Don was still sick, but went to his interview.  I also got word that the contract on our home was canceled because of the flooding while he was in his interview.  Don got home safe and went in Wednesday to find out he had strep throat.  So he was confined to the bedroom for 24 hours after starting antibiotics. Friday he went back to work and found out he did not get the job. All week I had been working hard in the yard as a distraction for the things that were happening.  Saturday I must say was a nice day but still very emotional for me.  Sunday morning something in me snapped at 9am.  I just couldn’t keep going.  The stress on my body and mind was just too much.  I was now 39 weeks. I did my best to get going Monday morning.  I was not experiencing any abnormal uterine activity, but I am almost certain that I was dilated 4-5 centimeters.

11pm Monday night I was crying to Don that she just never was going to come out.  She was going to stay in there forever. I asked him why she wouldn’t come out.  He told me to try telling myself that she was going to come.  Tell myself that contractions weren’t false labor and that I was going to have her.  I thought I could try that and decided to be positive.  Contractions started coming 2.5-4 min apart and lasted 40-60 seconds, and they didn’t stop coming like that until she was born. Short but frequent contractions the whole time.

3am Tuesday morning I called Richelle.  I told her what had been happening and she was on her way. 

3:30am she arrived and I was dilated to a 5+ and 85% effaced.  I was also very discouraged that that is all I had to show for 4.5 hours of labor. My contractions were short and when I asked Richelle why she said I was probably just tired and my body couldn’t handle longer ones.  Normally at this point I would ask to have my water broken, but Richelle really wanted me to have confidence that my body could deliver without any intervention, so she left Don and I.  The three midwifes went downstairs to wait for things to progress. Don was there for me the whole time. Right there asking me what I needed.  It is such a blessing to have a companion that is so willing to help and be there for me.  

We think at 5:30am I wanted another update.  Things were hurting at this point.  I was 6 centimeters and completely effaced.  I asked why I wasn’t progressing faster, because it felt like it was taking forever.  She said maybe I just needed to sleep.  Sleep, yeah right! But I did try.  It was at this point that my mind kind of checked out.  I felt like I was this tiny spec on the bed and the room and everything around me was large and close to me.  As I lay on the bed I remember listening to “How Great Thou Art” by David Glenn Hatch.  This helped me through the contractions and eased my mind.  The pain has usually been just in my back, but this time it was all around my uterus and in my back.  I couldn’t get a hold of the pain.  It seemed to be taking over. I decided that I wanted to get in the bath.  I was able to find a rhythm for about 20 min. and rest from the pain a little. The water turned cold quick though and I wanted to get out.  When I stood out of the water the pain hit hard again.  Don was there to hold me through the pain. I could tell at this point things were getting closer.

About 6:30am Richelle, Nat, and Sofia (the three midwifes) came up for good.  I was near crowning and my body and mind were done.  The midwifes were wonderful at soothing me. Counter pressure on my back helped a lot with the pain in my back, which won half the battle.  I was very consumed by my efforts to try and work through the pain that I was unaware of who was present unless they spoke.  Don’s touch was also identifiable because he his hand is bigger number one, but it also brought more comfort and warmth.  Richelle was kind and companionate. Richelle told Don what I needed and he was right there to do it.  I do remember doubting that I had the strength to continue or push her out.  I had lots of little comments at this point about disappointment in myself and fear of the pain.  Richelle at one point put her hand on my back told me it was time to call on the angles of heaven, because they were there and would help me.  My mind paused and thought about that.  I also felt like I had labored for a long time and that she would never come.  Richelle tried to tell me that she was crowning and was coming.  Kayla came down the birth canal a little to the left and that was a more intense pain than previous births.  I was doing wonderful at breathing her down but the pain was getting too much so I gave a few yells and pushed her out.  I didn’t tell the midwifes I was going to start pushing though so Kayla came out a little fast and unexpectedly for them.  They did break her fall but since I was on all fours Kayla kind of just plopped out onto the bed like a baby giraffe at 7:21am. My water never did break on its own.  Kayla’s face came out in her bag of water.  I was holding her after birth and Don says, “Check and make sure it’s a girl.”  I kind of panicked at the thought that it might not be a girl and looked, it was a girl!  I was so overjoyed to have her here and have had a hard time letting her go ever since. In fact she is the only baby I have been able to hold and sleep at the same time.

            Another wonderful thing about the home birth is that the boys were there to welcome her.  Yes, the last hour of labor they were awake, downstairs watching TV.  This part was not planned, but we didn’t know who to call really and they seemed excited not worried about what was going on upstairs.  So after I was cleaned up from delivery the boys came up and were a part of welcoming Kayla.

            Right after the birth I told Don I was NEVER doing that again because it hurt too much.  This was our last child.  But even a week has softened my heart and I already am able to reflect on the event without having such harsh feelings about labor and delivery.  The pain was defiantly worse this time.  I attribute that to me being so tired.  I really had prepared a lot for this birth and was very disappointed that I was unable to control the pain.  But like I said right after she came out, “I did it.  I achieved the goal.  She was born healthy.”  That is all that really matters and those precious gifts from heaven a worth every second. 

Busy Toothfairy

 Bryson had his first two teeth extracted on April 3rd!  He whined a tiny bit when they numbed it, but that is all.  He wanted to go to school right after so that he could show all his friends. 

Eldon's top tooth finally gave up the fight when he hit it on March 31st.  This was the third time he had hit it and the dentist told us that it most likely would come out.

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.