I love getting a deal!

Today we went to the all kids sale. Its a consignment sale where you can sell and buy clothes. Since I have 4 kids and none can get hand me downs from each other, I am all about getting hand me downs from friends and exchanging. Azzie got a minnie mouse and a potty book.

All of these clothes $23.50

And some for Austin for $14.00

For more info http://www.utahallkidssale.com

I also got discounts to Hollywood connection All day wrist band for 4.50

Jump N Bounce house 3.50

My sister and neighbors got me into this stuff. It's addicting!

Items needed for NICU kits by April 1st

1) Four 12oz bags of hershey kisses "Give yourself a kiss now and then"
2 )Almond Joys donated!
3 )Four 12 oz bags of Tootsie Rolls Try to "roll"with the ups and downs of nicu
4 )48 oz of peanuts to put in bags Try not to go "nuts" while in the nicu
5) 60 rolls of Life Savers Time away from the NICU can be a "lifesaver"
6) 60 Extra Gum Take "extra" time for yourself
7 )Sixty Fast Break bars Take a "break"from the stress of the NICU it will do wonders for you
8) Sixty Twix Bars "TWIX" you and me, your baby is adorable
9) Sixty Take 5 bars "Take 5" minutes each day to glory in the beauty of your baby
10) 45 bottles of hand sanitizer
or cash donations and I will go get them

Also if anyone has any blankets new or used in good condition I am helping a friend donate them to Primary Childrens hospital.

Thanks for all of your help and support

More Pictures

First Photo Shoot

So I have an old friend I used to work with and now she does photography http://timelesscreationsbyasrussell.blogspot.com/

She did such a great job and I'm so excited to see the rest of the pictures.

Austin did a great job too and only peed on us once!

Happy Heart Day

My littlest valentine managed to sleep, eat and poop all day.

The rest of us enjoyed the day getting valentine day cards from friends and neighbors. The kids ate a ton of candy at school.

Azzie managed to get a few valentines. She was so excited.

We had a nice dinner including home made Lasagna and chocolate caramel fondue with strawberries, YUM!!!

This year I could care less about the flowers, chocolates, or going out on a date. Although they are nice just being home with ALL of my kids who are healthy and happy with my hubby is all a girl could ask for!

Happy Valentines Day!

Joust!

We enjoyed Jim Bridger Elementary school play Joust

Kaden played the part of a french soldier and had a few lines. He also got to dance and play the flute.

Carli was in the chorus but we think she had the prettiest dress in the entire play. I love online shopping.

You guys did an awesome job and I am one proud mom. It just made me scared to think Kaden will be in jr high next year!

Getting Back to Normal

Wow, 4 kids is a handful. The last few weeks have been chaotic to say the least. Kaden and Carli are in the school play. They have had to practice a lot and they are so excited for their performance tonight. Also between running to the grocery store, pediatrician appointments, scouts, activity days, loads of laundry, and a terrible two year old, its one great busy life!

While the biggest kids are away, me and Azzie get to play. Lots of diaper changes, feedings, and hopefully we get a nap in.

Austin wakes up two to three times per night. Newborns are tiring but so darn small and cute!

Super Bowl XLV

Family of 6 enjoying the super bowl!

GreenBay Packers vs Pittsburgh Steelers. Since our team is out I guess we are cheering for the cheese heads. Austin sure is enjoying his first football game.

Final Day in the NICU Day 14 Welcome Home

Finally! After 14 days of a crazy mix of emotions we are all home and a family of 6.

Words cannot describe my happiness.

The kids were super excited to see and hold him. Azzie has not stopped saying "That's MY baby Austin!"

Day 13-Just Chillin

Today rocked! He was pretty much just a normal healthy newborn. No tubes or wires and I just got to hold, feed, burb, and change his diapers. This morning I took off his diaper and he went #2 and it flew about 3 feet across the room and got everywhere!

I also got to spend the night in a hospital room and do an in home stay. It's like a hotel room and it was just me and him. The nurse comes in every 3 hours to check up on you. All in all about 6 hours of sleep but its better than going home. I find out today when he is coming home. It might be in a few hours or tomorrow. Azlyn also came home today. We were both so excited to see each other and she gave me a great big hug and kiss when I got home.

Pay it Forward

Austin did great yesterday! He ate all of his feedings from 6Am until now. He isn't gaining as much weight as he should but we are really close to going home. As he approaches coming home I ask one thing. I am not accepting gifts.

The Savior said, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it" (Luke 9:24) Commenting on this scripture, President Hinckley said, "It seems to me that the Savior is saying to each of us that unless we lose ourselves in the service of others our lives are largely lived to no real purpose. He who lives and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity. Look above your trials. Try to forget your own pain as you work to alleviate the pain of others. Mingle together with your brothers and sisters in the gospel. We need to talk with and to share our feelings and faith. Cultivate friends. Begin by being a good friend to others. Share your burdens with the Lord. (from the book Stand A Little Taller)

Recently, in my neighborhood we have had 1 baby have heart surgery, and two babies get lifeflighted and go to the NICU. I have been working with the parent volunteer group at the hospital and offered to make 60 NICU parent survival kits. These kits have hand sanitizer, inspirational messages, baby hats, and treats. If anyone can donate even 1 dollar to help me purchase the things I need to make them, that would be my wish. Thanks so much for all your support and in April or so I will be hosting a "Make NICU kit night"

Day 12- I am figuring out this whole eating thing!

Today was better. I still had to be under the jaundice lights but I had 4 full feedings in a row. The hospital requires him to drink 1.5 oz of milk every 3 hours for 48 hours in order to go home. He eats well during the day but around 3AM he gets to tired to eat and has to get a tube feeding session wich restarts our 48 hour time slot all over again. Today the fire alarms got set off at the hospital and we were on lock down and got prepared to evacuate. Thank goodness it was just a broken pipe and everything was fine but the nurses got a little freaked out for a while.

I am so grateful for my friends and family. We have received many dinners, kind gifts, and most of all my mom, dad, and sisters family for watching Azlyn this week. I am heartbroken to leave her and miss her to death and it kills me to have to decide which kid to spend the day with. You have to be 14 years old to visit the NICU. I get her back tomorrow, I can't wait to hug her to pieces.

Day 11-Back on Phototherapy

Not such a great day. He had to be under the lights for jaundice most of the day which means I only get to hold him when he eats. He didn't eat very good today. A few half feedings and a few tube feedings. I was at the hospital from 12pm to 9:30pm. With the exception of afternoon I go home to spend time with Kaden and Carli to get homework done and eat dinner as a family. They are excited to be in the school play next week and have cute costumes. I also go my taxes done and visited with Grandma Glover and Grandma Roundy.

Day 10- Learning to Eat

Yesterday went great! He did better that I expected and had 3 full feedings meaning he ate without the tube. He is off all oxygen treatments and can wear clothes!

He is in a regular hospital crib. No crib warmer, his body temperature is normal.

I was there from about 10 am to 10:30pm with a few breaks for lunch and dinner. It was the best day so far since he was born. I get to take his temp, change diapers, and just snuggle and hold him all day long!

He now weighs 5 pounds 5 ounces. He got down to 5lbs and 1 ounce but now is growing and getting bigger. I love you Austin (surfer dude).

Day 9- My first Bath!

I finally got my first bath! After the longest 48 hours of my life we got to go see him. After his bath we held him for about 3 hours! Well I got 2 hours and 55 minutes and Trevor got 5. Sorry Trev. He did really good at his first attempt at trying to eat. Not a pro but I was impressed. I hope today he does better. After he is fully eating by bottle or breast then 48 hours later we can go home. Sometimes it can take a few days or a few weeks. Patience is a virtue.

Look mom, all the cords and plugs are gone! (except the orange one in his noes is his feeding tube and will be there until he is a full time eater) in the nicu they call them feeder growers. We went from critical with Respiratory Distress Syndrome kid, to a feeder grower in a week. I really do believe in the power of the priesthood and the power of prayer.

Here's Trevs 5 minutes of fame for the day.

Austin has one totally awesome head of hair. Just about every nurse has said WOW! Not only is it a lot but it looks highlighted. It is totally awesome and we call him surfer dude! Thanks for all of your support and keep up the prayers that he will continue to eat and grow. Thanks, Christa