Feels Like Home

Well, here I am working into the wee hours of the morning, listening to music, and mine and Scott's song comes on. It got me to thinking....and even crying. I feel like I often take my husband for granted and this song just brought back the reasons why I fell in love with him in the first place. Scott came into my life at a time when I most desperately needed someone. Funny how that works, isn't it? Something tragic in my life had just happened and I honestly felt like my life was over. I said goodbye to the happy, go-lucky girl that I once was and there he was to make me smile again and laugh again and even be myself again. I know everyone says this about their significant other, but I truly mean it when I say that Scott is my best friend and he has been for a very long time. I feel immeasurably blessed that he was there to put me back together again and that I am married to him. So honey, when you read this, know that I love you. Just thought I'd let you know. :)

My Very First Mother's Day

Well, it was the first Mother's Day when I was actually a mother (technically I was pregnant last Mother's Day but I didn't know it yet) and I must say I quite enjoyed it (minus the gloomy, wet weather). Scott got me an Ann Taylor Loft & iTunes gift card. And Alice got me Mario Kart for Wii and a cute little outfit for her. Scott's family even got me a gift card to Megaplex Theaters. It was sad that I couldn't see my mom because she was out of town, but otherwise it was great. I took some last-minute pictures at the end of the day because I forgot earlier!

the girl that made it all possible

"Mommy's Pretty Girl"

Alice's new outfit (don't mind the slobber)

Alice Lately

Some of Alice's favorites lately:

*unfortunately, watching TV

*taking baths (sometimes it's the only thing that can calm her down)

*playing with her "lamby"

*crying & "talking"
*eating, eating, eating

*getting her diaper changed(it never fails to make her smile)

*sleeping in her swing (unfortunately she likes her swing better than her crib)
*watching her hands and grabbing her feet
*pulling hair
*giggling when her daddy tickles her
*arching her back & scooting (she almost scooted right off of her swing the other day)

And now for the dislikes:
*sleeping (she has gotten a lot better since she got her PICC line out, though)
*tummy time (Want her to scream? Just put her on her tummy.)
*getting dressed
*getting boogies suctioned out of her nose
*lately, her binky
*wearing headbands (I still put them on her, though)
*getting in her carseat

Alice's Big Day

Yesterday, Alice was blessed by her dad. He gave a beautiful blessing and everything was perfect. It was so nice to see her in a pretty dress and no PICC line.

Her dress was a bit big, but you couldn't really tell.

We had to wake her up to go to the church, but she didn't seem to mind.

After being passed around from relative to relative though, she was a little grumpy.

She certainly loves her daddy.

And her mommy too.

And boy, do we love her!

We had a nice lunch afterward at my parents' house. Thanks to all who helped out. We feel so blessed to have such supportive friends and family. And we are so incredibly grateful to have a healthy, happy baby.

Goodbye, Mr. PICC line!

What does antibiotics every 6 hours for 6 weeks make?

a VERY tired mommy and baby

Luckily, Alice's CT scan came back completely normal and so we finally said goodbye to her friend, Mr. PICC line. And she finally got to have a real bath!

a little scared at first...

a little better...

quite satisfied!

Our Beautiful Girl

zonked out

getting sleepy

back when she had hair...

a little lost in her carrier

Alice in her crib

look at those long legs!

Alice's 1st day of going to church

she can feed herself

getting kind of chubby there

the naked smile (and double chin)

she loves her mommy

one happy girl

going to the doctor

cozy in Aunt Al's outfit

Our Little Nightmare

On February 22 at about 12:30 am, I took Alice into PCMC with a fever of almost 102 (Scott had a group project the next morning, so he stayed home to sleep). After taking urine and blood samples from my sweet 20-day-old baby (and finding them normal), they did a spinal tap. Thinking that she probably just had a virus, I was shocked to hear that she had meningitis. We were admitted that night (or morning, rather) and didn't leave until about a week later. Let me tell you, it wasn't fun.

They spent the entire week taking blood samples, growing cultures, pumping Alice full of several antibiotics, and performing more tests than I care to remember. The doctors were completely baffled as they later found out that she had bacterial meningitis caused by a staph infection and an abscess on her cerebellum. They discussed possible surgery to drain the abscess on her brain- including taking out a piece of her skull (they assured me it would grow back). Hearing all of this and much more scared us to death! The pediatrician told us that in 30 years, she had never seen such an infection in a 20-day-old.

Luckily, after a week of pure hell and 4 weeks of receiving antibiotics every 6 hours through her PICC line, Alice's abscess is completely gone. Her meninges are still inflamed, but things are looking up. The doctors don't envision any long-term effects. I am really hoping to be done with the PICC line next week, as it is seriously messing with both mine and Alice's sleep schedule. There were so many people praying for our little Alice and we were so grateful for that. I would also like to note that I am thankful for priesthood blessings and a husband who is ready and willing to administer them.

Alice sleeping peacefully

my sweet mom holding Alice (both sets of grandparents went above and beyond holding Alice for hours while I slept, bringing meals to us, and giving us our greatest support)

mommy & Alice

my poor baby hooked to electrodes, an IV, monitors, and with stickers on her cheeks to hold the oxygen mask in place