Blind Sided

Our recent Dr. appt, on the 26th, revealed that Beckahm is in perfect condition. He passed his ultrasound exam— 8/8— and I was right on track (only dilated at a 2). After this prognosis I was a bit frustrated when the Dr. said we should plan on inducing this weekend because he didn't want to go past 40 weeks. He asked when I would like to induce and I hesitantly said Sunday, TWICE, but for some reason (which I came to find the reason out later) he scheduled me to be induced Friday (tonight) evening.

The few days that passed between my appt and my supposed date to induce, tonight, Mike and I did a lot of research about inducing. We also calculated, again and again, when we conceived (we actually know when the date was because I was out of town for 3 weeks at the time estimated by the Doctor), and we took into consideration all of the reports we've received at each Dr. visit: telling us that Beckahm is in prime position, that I haven't dilated to more than a 1 or a 2, and that my cervix and placenta are "perfect." After looking into it more we strongly felt that our little guy should be given the chance to come on his own. I have not been given any red flags as to why I need to induce, and after our calculations and the first ultrasound calculation we received in Seattle, we realized the Dr. has been off 1 week the entire time. I don't even hit 40 weeks until May 6th. After doing research on various procedures Doctors do and some of the reasons they do it, for example why he wanted to induce me on Friday instead of my wish which was on Sunday—so it could be more convenient for the Doctor delivering my baby; so she could have her weekend off—we realized how grateful we were to have stuck to our guns and followed our instinct. I am not going to write much more about things we have come to find out in our research—things that are honestly so scary now a days about birthing procedures—but I will encourage anyone who becomes pregnant to DO RESEARCH. Look at both sides and at every option, because you have options. Just because some one went to school to become a Dr. doesn't make him or her an expert on everything. I am grateful for my experience with my Dr.; I know I was blessed to be under his care, but there are certain opinions I don't agree with and don't feel like I need to be pressured to follow, especially when there is no valid reason/explanation for it.

Needless to say it has been a bit of a roller coaster, emotionally, because we have been anxiously awaiting for his arrival for such a long time with the Dr. telling us he'd be here even as early as last week. It kind of makes the time go by a lot slower; we wish we would have been mentally prepared all along for his birth to be closer to the 6th.

If Beckahm does come before May 6th, we know he will have come early. If he decides to linger too far past his due date, and we go into our next appt and find out that we NEED to be induced then that is what we will do in order to make sure he is healthy. So the update is his birth could be any day between now and May 6th. We are sooooo excited for his arrival!

Update

Mike and I had no idea if this would be our last week together before Beckahm came so we planned a few things together just in case. It was so nice having him home from Cali. The trip went awesome! We will have to post a blog some time about the amazing opportunity we've been given through this company; it has definitely been a blessing from the Lord.

Sunday I gave my last lesson in Primary; it was a bit sad saying goodbye to all of my girls, but they are so excited about Beckahm's arrival.

Monday Mike took me out to dinner and to a movie—Ninfa's for fish tacos and fajitas, and "True Grit"—it's always nice to go out on date night together. I was just commenting to Mike the other day how spoiled I feel that we get to spend so much time together, unlike most couples, and how grateful I am that we get along so well because if we didn't being around each other the majority of days would be hard. I don't think most couples could do it; in fact I would venture to say that most couples get a long as well as they do because they are away from each other the majority of the day :). But Mike and I are each others best friend; we love being around each other even if we aren't doing anything in particular together. I am grateful he will be able to be around so much for Beckahm, to see him grow, to play with him, teach him, and be such an active role model in his life. Mikes job is definitely not easy by any means, it's a lot of hard work and sacrifice at times, but we feel blessed for the amount of success we have achieved the past year and can only hope it will continue so we can reach even greater goals together: going on service missions, living abroad with our children and allowing them to experience different cultures, starting or contributing to a charity that we believe in, etc.

Mike had some training's this week and I have been busy with VT appointments, a Dr. appointment, finishing my Baby Whisperer book, etc. Mike was sweet enough to buy me a gift certificate to get a mani-pedi, which I thoroughly enjoyed on Thursday. I also got my hair colored/trimmed at a new salon I found in Phoenix; I am not sure how I feel about the new look but it is what it is :).

We love that AZ has so many long walking trails everywhere; we took advantage of one of our beautiful mornings here and went on a long walk together— something I have come to enjoy since we have moved here.

Tuesday Beckahm's crib arrived and Mike stayed up late putting it together after his ward missionary meeting. We love it! It is so modern and functional (4-in-1 with changing table). I can't wait to move into our 2 bedroom apartment and decorate Beckahm's room.

Our last scheduled Dr. appt was on Thursday. Last week the Dr. told us he was scheduling to induce me on Beckahm's due date, the 26th, but I was only dilated at a 1 or a 2 so I told him I would prefer to come in for another checkup on the 26th and see if both mom and baby were okay to go past his due date, hoping he'd come on his own time. So that is what we are doing, waiting to see when BECKAHM DECIDES TO COME not when it is most convenient for us (even though Mike and I are dying with anticipation :). The Dr. told me there was a great chance he could come this weekend because of all of the contractions I have been having, but as the days have past I kind of put that idea out of my head. Each night I wonder if it will be "the night;" some times I feel like he is never going to come, like I am just going to be prego forever :). We talk each night how we can't wait to have him in our home; we are so excited and so ready to be parents to this little prince.

Sunday we had such a wonderful Easter. The lessons given in church were just what I needed: the beauty of children and all of the important lessons we can learn from them through the character traits they possess (humility, love, forgiveness, the ability to be teachable, etc.). It hit me how I am not going to be the only teacher in my home, there are so many things Beckahm is going to be able to teach me. I am starting to see that we truly can't grow and develop some of the most important Christlike qualities within ourselves without the influence of children in our life. I can't wait to begin on this path of motherhood; I look forward to all of the lessons my son is going to teach me.

We are so blessed to be "adopted" by Kimber's family. She has such wonderful parents who are so thoughtful and generous in inviting us to family events such as Easter. We had such a wonderful time being with family, having a wonderful meal, visiting with each other, and watching Dave and Mike play kick ball with the grandkids. I love seeing Mike so hands on with children, even those that aren't his own. He is going to make such a wonderful dad; I can't wait to see him with Beckahm. I agree 100% with Kimber's mom, Judy, who said before we left "it is such an attractive thing to see a man, like Mike, who is so hands on with kids." I truly believe he was born with a unique gift that makes children gravitate towards him; every child he encounters loves him.

We thought little Beckahm would come today but we continue waiting . . .

Growing and having contractions every day!

My First Publication

I FINALLY got an official copy of my first publication in Stance, a journal BYU puts out bi-annually about issues relating to the family. My last semester at BYU I decided to take the chance and submit an essay for publication in this journal. I honestly didn't think anything would come of it. A few weeks after submission I was contacted by the editor who told me that out of over a hundred submissions they were only choosing 30 and mine was one of them! I can't even tell you how excited I was by the news. My first publication! I felt like all of my hard work had paid off and this was only the icing on the cake.

After re-working draft after draft I finally completed the last revision last summer and it was printed and published in their Winter 2010 addition. I finally got my first hard copy of the journal in the mail Wednesday. Even though I wouldn't classify it as my best work, I am so proud to see my name in a publication—one of my dreams come true.

I miss the way my mind would expand with new found knowledge on a daily basis while I was in school. I look forward to maybe one day getting my Masters, but in the mean time I anticipate all of the teaching moments I will have with Beckahm about such topics as literature, philosophy, the arts, etc.—so many areas of study I gained such a passion for in college.

Update

This weeks events

• Saturday Mike and I were able to meet up with Kimber and Dave for dinner at Red Lobster and to a movie: Hanna. It was so good to see them and hear all about their adventures in Ireland. We love that we live close and get to hang out with them! Also my sister, Deirdre, put together a blog about their trip if any of you want to check it out: http://eastmanirelandtravels.blogspot.com/

• Beckahm continues to move like crazy; I definitely feel a difference in his kicks. I think he is going to come late and be a May baby, but we shall see. We had a Dr. appt today. I am dilated to a 1. Dr. Mckernan said he is in prime position— down real low—and that my cervix is beginning to open. Everything is right on track for him to come naturally, he said. Everything looked great on the ultrasound as well—the Dr. kept commenting on how huge his lips were, "Angelina Jolie has nothing on this kid," he said. Haha, our little guy is going to have big lips, and from what the Dr. could tell chubby cheeks, which I am so happy about; I want a chubby baby. I have one more appointment, the 21st, and the Dr. said we can plan on delivering him, either by inducing or if he decides to come on his own, no later than the 26th! Crazy, I can't believe it is 10 days away. If he doesn't come on his by the 26th, and if I haven't dilated more than a 2, I think we are going to wait. I really don't want to induce unless I HAVE to. I can't believe we only have a few more days to go; these past 9 months have flown! Here is a few pics of my last few weeks being prego with my little man. Oh how I will miss being pregnant in so many ways!
• 
• Mike heads to CA for a company retreat today-Saturday. Besides attending meetings, he gets to golf, surf, have a bbq, and hang out with the guys. I can't wait for him to return already; I always miss him when he is gone.
• Mike was sweet enough to pick out a crib with me, online, and have it shipped before Beckahm comes. Kimber was so kind to loan us her bassinet, but I did want to have his crib here before he came and I am glad we could afford it.

• This week I plan my last lesson for my CTR 4 class. I will miss teaching these little girls that I have grown to love. They are such precious little spirits!
• We signed up to move into a new apartment complex this week— Alta Park West, which is located just up the road from us. There were some sacrifices made by leaving The Metro, including the nice gym, pool area, and great service, but we got a much better deal on a bigger apartment. The apartments are situated right next to a theater and shopping district, which is a tradeoff coming from where we have been living—right next to Westgate. We move in June 4th! I can't wait to complete Beckahm's nursery.

Pics of new apartment complex

• We have been trying to pinpoint when exactly we will be in Utah for all of our events: our sealing, Beckahm's sealing to us, a baby shower, Beckahm's blessing, and visits with both of our families, but we still have to wait to see when Beckahm will actually come. I want to be able to have some alone time with Mike, me, and Beckahm the first 4 weeks AT LEAST, getting him on a good schedule and HEALING before we make the trip to see everyone. We are hoping it will be the second weekend in June but we will let everyone know for sure after his arrival and once we figure out Mikes work schedule.
• We were able to go to the Mesa Temple to do sealings the first time together. What a wonderful place the temple is! It was neat to be able to do sealings and learn about what we will be entering into here in the next few months. I thought about Beckahm being sealed to us and I nearly lost it; what a beautiful/special day that will be for our family! We have made it a "tradition" to hit up Firehouse Subs every time we go to the temple (a little treat). There is arguably NOT a better sub in the world! We can't wait till they open one in Glendale; we will have to restrain ourselves from going there no more than once a month!
• Mike's weekly missionary meeting got cancelled so he was able to attend the ward basketball game. He said it was a tough workout, he hasn't played in such a long time, but he had a good time and our ward won—yeah! Next time I will have to go and show my support!
• I have been keeping busy adding somethings to Beckahm's blog, getting our wedding photo book put together, online, FINALLY, and reading the second book of "The Baby Whisperer." Gosh, there is so much information to remember, but I am grateful to have a book I feel will help me get Beckahm on a good schedule and provide me with techniques I can implement in our home.
• I thought these pictures were funny, no matter how hard we tried to get her to stop jumping in the bassinet she really thought it was her new bed—silly cat!
  

Serengeti Update

German government solution The African Regional Manager for the Frankfurt Zoological Society, Mr. Gelrald Bigurube, confirmed that the German government will finance construction of tarmac roads that will link dozens of rural villages adjacent to the Serengeti National Park. He said the "international community is also concerned with the needs of the people in an environmental friendly way but the road should not be close to the park because it will have serious impact that cannot be mitigated." The next step is up to President Kikwete who recently turned down an offer from the World Bank to fund the alternate route. Below, road system around the Serengeti, with proposed Serengeti Watch southern route. OVERVIEW The government of Tanzania has approved a major commercial route across the Serengeti National Park, in the direct path of the greatest land migration on earth. Such a highway would destroy the integrity of a priceless World Heritage that has been protected by the people of Tanzania since the birth of their country. The Tanzanian government has a responsibility to work for development and welfare of its people. But in doing so, it does not need to sacrifice its most precious natural area, its income from tourism, or its heritage of conservation. The German government has a plan to help resolve this issue. It has offered to study and help find funding for an alternate southern route. In addition, it has generously offered to study and fund the building of local roads for communities living around the Serengeti. The World Bank has also offered to help fund the alternate route. The stakes are high. It is a critical test case for the 21st Century – do we have the vision and the will to work for the welfare of our expanding human population while still preserving our world’s priceless natural areas? If we can't save the Serengeti, what can we save? Go here to sign to the PETITION. Thank you for helping support such a worthy cause!

Two Week Update

These past few weeks have been busy, busy, busy. Mike and I got free passes at our local library to go to the Phoenix Zoo. I love animals so much and this zoo showcased an array of them. Here are some of the pics from our day.

After the zoo we went and saw the new movie Limitless—so cool! How amazing would it be to be able to tap into all of your brain power! The movie kept you on your toes, not knowing how it would end.

Mike has been busy working this past week and I have been creating two new blogs: Beckahm's Blog and Beckahm's Shop. I decided to start a tradition for all of my kids by making them their own blog where they can look at all things unique to them—factoids about them, my pregnancy/labor, traditions, family vacations, etc. I wish I could have all of this information to look back on and learn about the things I did when I was a baby/toddler, so I thought this would be fun/beneficial for them to have throughout their lives. I made Beckahm's Blog private and sent out some invites to those who might be interested keeping up with his life (that is where I will post most of his pictures as well). If you want to check it out, shoot me an email or leave me a comment here and I will send you an invite.

Mike started drawing/painting some boards that can be hung on the wall in your kids room. These paintings were of course inspired by Beckahm and personalized for him but we have decided to make them available to the public. Each painting can be personalized for your child. I love seeing Mike use his talents and create such fun pieces of art. We hope to continue adding to Beckahm's Shop with personalized books for your little ones, mobiles, etc.

The past 10 days we have been housesitting for my brother Dave and my sister in law Kimber. My siblings took my mom to Ireland for 10 days—something that has always been a dream for her. We took care of their dog Meeka—walked her daily, played ball with her, took her to the park, hosed her down to keep her cool, etc. We also took care of Ty one day. We went to the library, played in the park, took Meeka for a walk, watched a movie and read the books we rented at the library, went to dinner at Native New Yorker, and the next morning we took her to preschool before another sitter came to pick her up for the rest of the week. Ty is so funny to be around; she says some of the funniest things that make me laugh. She showed me her collection of "backons" (I don't even know how to spell them) and at some point I called them "those things" and she's like "remember not to call them "things", they are "backons". HAHA.

This past week I have been having contractions, aches in my back, feelings of pressure down below, a little bit of bleeding, and exhaustion. I seriously feel like Beckahm is going to come sooner than later with all of the pre-labor symptoms I have been having. I can't believe I only have 3 weeks left. We hope to make it to 37 weeks but we shall see. We had a Dr. appt this past week and he is doing really good; he is in the prime position. I am not as dilated as I thought I would be from all of my symptoms, but we go in for weekly check ups now so we will continue hoping he comes close to my due date.

Last four weeks

We had two dinners with friends/people in the ward this past week. It is so much fun getting to know people better; we love our ward so much! I also had my VT over Wed night who I always appreciate visiting with. I am so sad that both of them are leaving the ward and will no longer be my visiting teachers. They were sisters who had gone through divorces like I had and who I felt I could relate to all though they were much older than me. They will definitely be missed! I have such a testimony of visiting teaching, what an inspired program it is! How blessed we are as members of this church to be able to reach out and help other sisters in need and receive help in return.

Thursday was our relaxing day together, we laid out by the Dave and Kimber's pool, watched "Knowing" which I thought was pretty good, it made you realize how insignificant this world is and all the things we focus on and how important it is to make each moment count because who knows when the end will come.

We ended the evening making a yummy dinner and watching AI (can I just say I love Paul and Casey! Great verses, just enough quirkiness, unique style; I am rooting for them till the very end).

Saturday and Sunday we watched general conference, which I look forward to twice a year. The brethren of the church are so inspired; they always seem to uplift my spirits and encourage me to want to do better. A few of my favorite talks were Elder Anderson's about importance of women and motherhood (very uplifting and inspiring), and Elder Scott's about family and marriage and how both need to be a priority in our lives. I loved Elder Scott's suggestions, using the examples of his own marriage, about constantly showing/expressing love, affection, and selflessness towards our spouse. I also appreciated his strong testimony of the power of sealing families together and the significance of the temple in our marriages/homes. Mike and I are looking forward to being sealed together and to have Beckahm sealed to us this June, what a wonderful day that will be for our family. I also enjoyed the talks commemorating this the 75th anniversary of the welfare program in the church and the importance/benefit of service. I have felt so many blessings come into my life as Mike and I have dedicated ourselves to serving those in our community monthly. Each time I attend a service project I feel a greater sense of love and humility for those around me. I have such a testimony of the power of service and how beneficial it can be to not only those we serve but to ourselves. I also loved Elder Holland's talk about the importance of general conference and how we must know that each and every speaker is inspired by God when preparing their talks; no one is assigned a topic. You realize just how guided we are as members of the church, by those in authority, when you listen to each talk and see, unbenounced to them, a running theme for that conference session. For those who would like to read these inspired words, intended for the entire world, you can go to the church's website: lds.org.

Saturday, between sessions, Mike and I drove down to Goodyear and signed Ty up for soccer, then we listened to the second session and Mike attended the priesthood session that night. We ended up watching the movie "Fair Game" which totally opened up my eyes about what really went on when the U.S. decided to invade Iraq and the horrible atrocity that occurred not only for Valerie Plame and her family but many of her sources around the world. The movie ignited in me, once again, the importance of using our voice to stand up for things that are not right and making sure we constantly defend/uphold our democracy.