A big hello from New York!

We're here! (and alive for those of you back home wondering what happened to us) About a week before Duane arrived in Albany, we found a house that was for sale, but who's owner agreed to let us rent it for 3 months with an option to buy. We were pumped! We had looked for a home to rent, but this was our first lead and couldn't be happier to finally feel like we had a place to move into.

Duane left for the cross country drive with Uncle Dale on June 19. I am so grateful for Uncle Dale's willingness to escort Duane. I knew it'd be a safer drive and they'd get here a little faster. Boy oh boy did Uncle Dale help with the drive! He kept them both motivated and on the move! Duane had alloted 5 days for the 40 hour drive (that's as much as a full time job!) and with Uncle Dales enthusiasm they arrived on the 4th day!

The paperwork was not ready by the time Duane made it up here, so he was working on it as best he could in between having to be at work. I came with my Mom, sister, Rachel, and Kalvin and Tristen, at 2:30 AM (NY time) on Wed. June 24. We were still scrambling to get in the house, but felt like we had little help from our lawyer or real estate agent. We were stayed with the Branch President and his wife, John and Mary Porter. They were to have their son and his family come the next day to stay with them for a month and I really didn't want to intrude on their family. I could hardly stand knowing I was homeless.

The morning after we arrived the bad news came just as Duane was walking into an mandatory meeting. The homeowner changed her mind and wanted to sell her house instead of allowing us to rent it out. I could have died!!! Why didn't she tell us sooner?! I hardly knew what to do. The moving truck was due back in a day and a half and we had no leads! Duane suggested an apartment complex we had only seen online, but knew would be a nice place. My mom, Rachel, both kids and I jumped in the car and drove around the city looking at rentals (thank goodness my mom was here too, to help with the little kiddos). I somehow felt a sense of peace that we would find a place, yet also felt the urgency to find a place quickly.

As we drove around the inner city I recalled what Duane had told me about feeling like rolling up the car windows, locking the doors, and covering my eyes with sunglasses. It felt pretty ghetto. The homes here are amazingly different from anything I've ever seen! In the inner city most are two or three levels and house multiple families. In the outskirts of town, the homes are just as unique to me. I love the nicer neighborhoods. I love that the homes are all so beautiful, but different from each other. Just yesterday we were all in the car driving down one of these beautiful streets and most the homes had long driveways lined with trees. I told him that I wanted a house like that (lined with trees). He reminded me that AZ is a desert, but that I could line my driveway with cactus.

Back to the home search...

So, we looked and looked all day... we got home at about 9:00 that night after a long day of searching. I was exhausted and didn't know what to do next, but Duane stayed up and searched for homes on Craigslist again and picked out a couple favorites. In the morning (before I woke up) Duane called on the CL postings and made appointments to go see two houses. Soon after, I woke up and quickly got ready to go with him. I didn't have time for breakfast before taking Tristen and leaving with Duane to see these homes that were within a mile of the Medical Center. It was raining as we pulled up to the first house.

The two homes we previewed were fairly similar in layout and both built in the 1950's. They were decent for their age, but I could not imagine myself living in either of these homes. If we had chose to move into either of them we would have definitely fulfilled the "Albany" experience, but something inside me couldn't. In the first home the kitchen appliances were probably the same that came with the house in the 50's and the second home was very small and just looked dirty... maybe someday I'll brave the "Albany" way, but I didn't feel strong enough to do it at the time. I thought of the apartment I had looked at the day previous and even though it was much more expensive, I can't put a price on my sanity.

I talked Duane into getting the apartment, but for the next few hours he had to be at work. I dropped him off and took Tristen with me to the apartment complex see about getting the two bedroom apartment that was available the day before. I walked in with a half finished application and a hungry baby and met a woman that I had seen the day before while with my mom. I approached and asked the woman about the apartment for rent. We talked for a few minutes about the situation and then she told me that the soonest she could get me into the apartment was Monday (the day being Friday). I needed the place that day! I told her that if I couldn't get in that day it wasn't going to work for to get into the apartment at all. She didn't seem to mind. Just then I was reminded of a quote my mom read to me from the book "The Secret" the day before (and this is paraphrasing), 'if you want something to happen, make it happen'. And with that I sat down in their waiting room to think about my options and to figure out where I was going to find the hungry Tristen.

About a half a minute after sitting down, a women who worked in the office came to me and offered help in getting my things together. I explained that I HAD to move in that same day because the rental truck was going to charge us $500 to keep the truck till Monday. The manager (the first woman I saw and who did not offer much help) told this woman that if everything was in place by 5:00 that afternoon we could move in the same day. We had three hours. I did all I could and after a few hiccups we were able to get everything together in time.

We signed the lease papers just minutes before 5:00 and immediately informed the elders quorum in the branch (who had been on hold for days waiting for us to get a place) that we needed help that night moving in so we could get the moving truck in by the next morning at 9:00 AM to avoid the $100 late fee. The truck actually was a day late, but Duane called and talked to them the day previous and they told us that if we could get the truck in by the said time, we would avoid ALL late fees.

After signing the papers, I took Duane to the stake center where the moving truck had stayed for a few days and he left to move into our new place. I went to President Porters house to pick up my Mom, sister and Kalvin and to meet Duane at the house. We made a few stops along the way to get a few necessaries for the house and burgers for the Elders Quorum helpers. By the time we got to the apartment the moving truck was 3/4 empty and there were about 7 guys here unloading it! It was the neatest thing to see so much help from someone I'd never met before.

Duane and I found out shortly after signing the lease papers that one of his fellow intern residence lived just under us! And to make it better they have two children also, and they are within one month of our kids ages. In the two weeks we've been here, I still haven't seen the wife yet though... I can't imagine how bored and lonely she must be since her family is in LA. I hope to invite her to the branches mothers group.

We have a six month lease, so by Dec. 26, we will be living somewhere else. We've left many boxes unopened.

Everything is so green! On the road coming into our complex we've seen a deer, and fawn (looked just like Bambi), a possum and tons of squirrels!

Duane had the great idea of going to Boston for the 4th of July to see the Boston Pops. The show was unlike anything I'd seen or heard. The fireworks were timed to fit the music and was incredible. While in Boston we also saw the USS Constitution or Old Ironsides on a little cruise in the bay. For those who don't know, it is the oldest navy ship from the late 1700's. It shot off over 20 canon balls! That was so loud and Kalvin was amazed!

These guys were guarding the USS Constitution

After the canon shootings everyone clapped and boats all around blew their horns. From that time on every time Kalvin heard a boat blow its horn he clapped thinking that's why everyone had been clapping earlier.

Kalvin, eating a NY hotdog with his Boston hat!

We also walked to Breeds hill, AKA Bunker Hill and walked up the 294 steps of the monument. Amazingly Kalvin walked up and down EVERY step himself!!! I was absolutely amazed! On our way up, by step 150, there was a line to get to the top so we had a few brakes (though the line moved fairly quickly) that helped Kalvin I'm sure.

When we got to the top of the Memorial at Bunker hill Kalvin was a little scared looking out the window.

More to come... Blogger is not letting me upload any more pictures of videos right now...

Counting our blessings

Yesterday was a hard day with Tristens circumcision. We ended up being at the pediatricians office for three hours due to bleeding with the circ. He screamed for most of the procedure, and I could find nothing to console him after. Tristen and I both came home exhausted; him physically, me, emotionally. Daddy was at home, trying to stay on top of the laundry list of things we need to do before graduation in three days and moving in two weeks.

Duane and I were both very ready for bed last night. 

Sleep is to be treasured at this point in the game and I did treasure every minute Tristen let me sleep last night. It was rough getting up so frequently to nurse on one side, and change his diaper to wake him up for nursing on the other side. Poor Duane has to try to sleep through the noisy night. 

By 7:00 this morning, I felt like I had hardly slept a wink, but oddly was quite awake. I found it easy for my thoughts to wonder to the next several difficult weeks ahead and all there is to prepare for them. We need to find a place to live, figure out our student loans, pack our house, enjoy Duane's graduation, go camping, and so much more. 

How can it all be done?

And then it occured to me shortly after witnessing and photographing this priceless moment with Tristen and Daddy.

We have help all around! Duane and I both have families who are more than willing to help and are in a ward that also wants to serve. 

Just this morning my sister-in-law, Audra took Kalvin for several hours to give me a break. How wonderful it was to know Kalvin was having a great time with his cousins while I took the baby to an appointment and was able to take a relaxing shower. 

 

My sister, Rachel, was here yesterday to be helper and buddy to Kalvin.

Two sisters from the ward came over a couple weeks ago to help start the packing process and get the baby things out. 

My sister-in-law, Rachelle, took Kalvin for a day a couple weeks ago so my sister, April, and I could have an afternoon together full of shopping and fun last minute buys before the baby's came.

My mother-in-law and and sister-in-law took me to get a pedicure before the baby came.

My mom has made sure I've been taken care of since the little guy was born, including keeping Kalvin while we were in the hospital and coming to help pack up. 

My sister, April, was here just a week before our due dates, helping pack the house. 

How can we fail when there are so many cheering for us?! Thank you, all, for your strength and devotion!

Tristen Dean is here!

So much to remember and say...

Tristen Dean Ellsworth is here, healthy, and well loved. I've already posted these pictures of FB, but would like to tell the story here (it'll be a little longer). The doctor broke my water at about 7:15 and said we could be expecting to having the baby within 1-4 hours. After the doctor left Duane asked in all seriousness, "Should I go play with Kalvin?", who was over at my Mom's (10 min. drive). I told him I'd rather have him stay at the hospital and we decided to Skype with him instead. For those who don't know, Skype is an online messenger that allows video feed. So, Kalvin and my sisters sat around my Dad's laptop at home and we had ours next to the bed and were able to chat with Kalvin. 

This is a picture of the video feed with Kalvin. Aunt Rachel helped him make his favorite for breakfast, eggs.

We were able to stay connected to them on Skype till I was "complete" at (8:45). After hearing this good news, we had to wait another 45 min. for the doctor to get to the room! It was a long 45 min. and the longer we had to wait the more fear started to creep into my mind, What if this is a huge baby and tears me apart? What if he is really sick because of the meconium the doctor noticed in the womb? The nurse was very reassuring, almost too reassuring, as if she weren't hearing what I was saying, but just discrediting it, either way it made me shut my mouth... lol

My doctor was not able to deliver the baby because he had patients in the morning, but his associate, Dr. Skulinski was and I really liked her! She had a very calming and almost "midwifie" feel to her. They got me all set to go (including having the mirror in front, so I could see too). After a push, the doctor said I'd need a small episiotomy and before I knew it, Tristen was here! They immediately took him away to clean the meconium from his mouth and even put a suction tube down his throat for several seconds. After delivering the placenta, the doctor told us the maconium probably hadn't been around very long because of how healthy the placenta looked. What a relief! Tristen was born at 9:32 AM weighing in at 8 lbs., 4 oz., was 19.5 inches long, had a head circumference of 13 3/4 inches, and his apgar score was 8 at 1 min, and 9 at 5 min. 

Daddy was so great to take pictures right after. I love this shot he got with the nurse busily working around Tristen, though he's looking at the camera.

What a cutie!

Proud Mamma!

I fed Tristen as soon as I could after birth so family could visit without interruption. Once the word was out that he was here, it didn't take my family long to get to the hospital. They didn't know his name yet so those who were anxious enough came to hear. We had Kalvin say his name and Ruth guessed it! Way to go, Ruth!

Duane and I were very curious to see Kalvin's reaction to the baby. He stared at the baby and didn't say much, but when asked he kissed Tristen on the head, though he wouldn't give hugs or touch him. After thinking about it, I'm glad he's been so timid toward the baby. Kalvin understands how fragile the baby is.

No hugs...

Then everyone took turns holding the little baby.

As usual, Grandma had first dibs.

While Tristen was making his rounds with Aunts, Uncle, and Grandma, Kalvin came to the bed and sat with me for a moment. I asked where his baby was to see if he'd point to my tummy or find him in the room and sure enough he stopped, looked around the room and pointed him out. I was impressed he knew what we had been talking about the last few months. 

After a little bit, the family left and Tristen had his first sponge bath. He screamed and turned very red, but when all was said and done loved laying under the warm heater. 

Daddy had done such a great job taking pictures of so much while I sat in bed... I almost forgot and didn't get pictures of the two of them.

Tristen had lots of visitors come by before we left the hospital and I want to thank them for taking the time to come down. Thank you, Grandma Mickelson, Aunt Ruthie, Aunt Rachel, Uncle David, friend Joey Farnsworth, Grandma Ellsworth, Grandpa Ellsworth, Uncle JP, Aunt Marisa, Aunt Rachelle, Uncle Dean, and Aunt Audra.

Duane and I were so concerned about Kalvin not getting enough attention from us after Tristen was born, so Duane left a little later that day (about 2:00) to hangout with Kalvin at my Mom's. They played there a while, then Duane took Kalvin to his parents and gave him a ride on the ATV. They hung out that whole afternoon and evening, in fact Duane didn't get Kalvin back to my parents till about 10:00. It sounded like they had a lot fun together that day. I love watching the great friendship Duane and Kalvin have. They are the best of buds! I'm sure Tristen is only going to add to the fun. :)

The next day, we had to finish up paperwork, more tests for Tristen and I had to go to a class before being able to leave. 

We went straight to my Mom's house to pick up Kalvin. We left Tristen in the living room so we could be with Kalvin first. We talked with him a few minutes and got caught up on all the fun things he'd been doing at Grandmas and then gave him a gift. It couldn't have worked out better! He loved his trucks and we were able to play with him and build little ramps and so forth. He loved the trucks so much, I didn't think he'd want anything to do with his little brother.

Then we took him in to see his little brother for the second time. Kalvin played with his feet and loved watching him make different faces. Kalvin actually stopped playing with his new favorite toy for a couple minutes to see his little brother.

My mom had the table set beautifully and dinner was almost ready when we got there (the missionaries were coming over). So, we joined them and left soon after. 

Once we got home, we told Kalvin he could hold his little brother if he washed his hands and sat on the couch. He was very anxious and quickly did as we asked. His first reactions were so adorable.

Kalvin just stared at Tristen, watched his every move and didn't take long till he wanted to be a helper.

Kalvin is such a great pacifying helper. As soon as Tristen makes a peep, Kalvin is right next to him helping the pacifire get back in the right place. Kalvin noticed that sometimes Tristen will loose the pacifire soon after getting it so he's resorted to holding it in place for Tristen (minutes at a time). This is one little dedicated brother!

I've been feeling surprisingly well. My mom blessed me with the "birthing body", in fact, I haven't needed any painkillers since the day Tristen was born and I'm healing remarkably well. Now for this tummy to shape up... 

The day after we got home from the hospital, Duane got sick and was out yesterday. I felt so bad for him because he was so waisted, but couldn't stand being so tired and tried to tough it out. He seems to be feeling better today though and was very helpful with Tristen. 

Tristen is a cuddler! He doesn't sleep well unless being held and of course swaddled tightly. After feeding Tristen at 5:00 this morning, I was having a hard time getting him back to sleep (he didn't want to eat anymore) and Duane so thoughtfully took him outside and the two of them slept on the porch in the reclining camping chair till 8:00 AM. Wish I could have been there to see the cuteness!

We're so happy to have Tristen in our family and are so grateful for all the help we've received from family and friends. 

I feel like there's still so much to do before moving in 2.5 weeks, like finding a house! YIKES!

Water's Broken

The doc just came in and broke my water, said I'm 6 cm and a -1 position. Things should start moving right along.

The epidural is here!

I am now 4cm dilated and 80% effaced, woot woot! Hopefully, I'll finally get some rest now, the epidural went in at 4:30am. When I first arrived, I was only 2cm dilated and 50% effaced....stay tuned...more news to come.

The Hospital called...

to say they don't have room for me today. The nurse had no idea as far as a time frame of when they will have a room, except to say they were 4-5 inductions behind and they'd probably call me tomorrow. I'm really not too disappointed. I'm enjoying the afternoon on the couch relaxing as Kalvin sleeps. Duane will be done early today at about 3:00 (in 7 min) and hopefully we can have a fun family evening. I wanted it last night, but Duane had to work on paperwork for Albany that needed to be mailed out today and had to leave at 7:00 this morning.
I'll keep updates on this blog.

Maycee Rae and her big surprise!

As promised, I'm uploading a few pictures of Maycee Rae and off to the hospital it is for me! What a doll she is! Enjoy!

Look at all that hair! No way is that April's baby! I'd say she's a Brimhall for sure, though many Brimhall's say she's a Mickelson... I don't know what they see that's Mickelson though. What do you think?

Gotta love the cute baby yawns!

April and Blake bought a house a little over a month ago and have been working none-stop with renovations. I have been SO impressed to see how much they've done to fix up their place. April decorated Maycee's room and it's so adorable! I love that she was frugal with her spending, but was still able to find and put together something so perfect! Way to go girl!