Surgery

Last Wednesday, Braden went on his first adventurous trip to the Operating Room. I had been sick to my stomach for about a month in anticipation of it all. But, we made it, and here he is in pre-op.

He went in to have ear tubes put in his ears after tirelessly fighting ear infection after ear infection since December. What a brave boy he was, because he went with the doctors as happy as could be (although this could be due to the meds they gave him) and even helped the nurse put on his oxygen mask.

After the surgery was done, Braden's amazing eye doctors (retina specialists) did a test on his eyes to see if his retinas are what is causing his Nystagmus. They confirmed that there is some degree of abnormality in the cones and rods of the retinas, and that is what is causing the Nystagmus. Time will tell how well he can see. There is no treatment at this time for these abnormalities, but a lot of research is being done in that area, so there may be treatment in the future. They are certain it is a genetic condition, so they are trying to find out what gene causes the abnormality.

As he woke up, he wanted to hold his oxygen mask again. Braden, we are so proud to be your parents, and are so lucky to have you as our boy. We love you and are glad you have these doctors in your life to help you with your challenges.

Earthquakes

On Sunday at about 8:30 pm, I was sitting in a friends home at a meeting, when a 4.7 eathquake shook her apartment. About a millisecond later, Brian called and asked if everything was ok. Braden was crying in the background because Brian had grabbed him so quickly to take him under the table that he got quite scared! The women I was with laughed because their husbands didn't call. They are probably just more used to eathquakes than we are ;)

Today, about 10 minutes ago, around 4 pm, we just had another earthquake. This time a 4.1. Braden was and is still napping. I was napping and jumped up to make sure it wasn't going to get bigger than the quick shake that it was. It didn't, thank goodness. Now this might just be the worrier in me, but two earthquakes since Sunday? I am double checking my 72 hour kit tonight to make sure it is fully stocked!

Becoming a Mother...

In celebration of mother's day, I have written down many things I have learned since becoming a mother. I have been a mother just shy of a year now, and there were so. many. things. that completely threw me for a loop when I became a mommy. For all you current mommies to relate to and for all you future mommies to know what to expect, here it is:

The many things I have learned since becoming a mother:

There is nothing more beautiful than holding YOUR own baby once he is born.

My body will never be the un-stretched-out version it used to be. I had no idea that my body wouldn't just revert back to normal after a couple weeks. THAT was HARD!

I will never sleep through the night, ever, ever, ever again. I heard this a lot, but I didn’t quite understand how it would affect me until it happened.

Being a mom is really, really, really, really, really , really….. hard. Even though this is one of the happiest experiences of my life, it is also the. single. most. hardest. adjustment I have ever made. I never comprehended the impact going from working full-time and having intellectual conversations every day to talking baby talk to someone you can’t communicate with would have. Let me tell you, the impact is huge.

I wish I lived closer to family so that I could go to them when I need help. Instead, I have found going to the women in my ward has helped so much, even though I hate being a burden. They are truly my family away from family.

A smile from my baby is the second most incredible thing in the world. The first? A laugh. Nothing beats the sound of a happy baby. I live by a motto that a happy baby equals a happy mommy.

My house will never be clean again. Because, when I clean it, Braden follows shortly after destroying it a little at a time.

Finding a balance between cuddling your baby all the time because you can and letting them be independent so that they can sleep well later on is one thing I did not get down with this baby. Maybe next time.

I wondered, “what will I do all day long when I stay at home full-time?” Now I wonder, “when will I ever HAVE time to do anything productive besides feeding, changing, taking to doctor appointments, playing on the floor, etc., etc., etc…” I am still trying to figure this all out.

My husband is the most patient person in the whole entire universe. And I love him for that. And he is an incredible daddy.

Nothing hurts more than watching your own child go through sickness, tests, surgery, etc. and not being able to help them or take away their pain. I haven’t seen Braden go through surgery yet, but I will next week, and the anticipation is killing me inside.

Nothing brings me more joy than being a mommy. Nothing brings more worry than being a mommy. Nothing brings more frustration than being a mommy. Nothing requires more patience than being a mommy. Nothing quite matches up to being a mommy.

My heart was healed of previous disappointment in attempting to become a mommy when my baby was laid naked on my chest.

Going through a completely natural labor and childbirth was the most amazing experience I have ever had. Never have I felt closer to God than when I brought one of His children to the earth.

I am pretty sure I could go on and on. Any maybe in the future I will add to this list. But, one thing is for sure. I am a completely different person than I used to be now that I have a child to call my own.

Happy mother’s day mommies and future mommies!