Saying goodbye

We finally had to say goodbye to our home. Since Malone's offer in Texas, the last month or so has just blown by. After everyone was gone and all our things were cleared out, our house was empty and quiet. This was our first house Malone and I bought together. We have lived there longer than anywhere, 3 years and 5 months. We started our family there. It's Mason's first home. We both graduated from school while living there. There were so many memories, and we were just leaving this house empty. We got a realtor who is trying to sell the place for us while we are gone. It's weird to just leave our house to someone and hope it sells and in the meantime is taken care of. Even though I didn't want to live there forever, I loved that house. It as a sad goodbye. We didn't only have to say goodbye to our house, we had to say goodbye to our hometown too. We moved over 1,300 miles away from our closest family and friends to a place we had never been to. Into a city that is completely different than home with a community that is very diverse. The climate will be different, the landscape is totally different. As for Mason, we will have to find him new doctors for his condition, as well as a pediatrician which is a big deal. It is a huge change for us. 

This is our empty house in Rexburg



The last time I saw my house





 

Saying goodbye to family was even harder. We know we'll be back someday, but we don't know when. We won't be at family dinners on Sunday anymore and play games with my family. We won't be vising the range in West Yellowstone for a while, or hanging out at Malone's Dad's house eating crackers and cheese and talking. We will miss everyone so much. We had some tearful goodbyes.  But at the same time it's exciting to have a brand new start. To start a whole new chapter, a new life. To make new friends and meet new people. I never thought I would be this excited for a change this big. Normally I get anxiety with change, but not this time. Malone and I are so excited for a fresh start.

 

3 Months Old!

I can't believe our baby is finally 3 months old! Where does the time go? Malone and I think Mason is starting to teeth. He drools a lot now, sucks on his hands and is seems like he is starting to figure out how to hold things to his mouth. He certainly recognizes me and Malone. He just smiles and smiles. He is starting to giggle a tiny bit, which I think will be full swing this next month. We had his physical therapist over a week or so ago and she suggested that he needs to spend more time on his tummy and on his back so he can strengthen his muscles. He puts up with tummy time and  loves laying on his back. He is alert and awake most of the day and continues to sleep through the night. We put Mason to bed around 10:00 and he doesn't wake up again till about 4:00-5:00 am and then he goes right back to sleep till 8-9am sometimes. Mason is such a good baby!


Last week we all traveled down to Utah for another appointment at Primary's. This time he had to do a VCMG, which is basically a bladder test to see how well it is working. It tests records the pressure in the bladder, the amount of urine in the bladder, and function of the bladder neck which leads outside the body. It sounds kind of scary and complicated, but I was surprised how smoothly things went. We went into this room where they had a computer monitor, an x-ray, and a table. We laid Mason out on the table took off his diaper, and the techs inserted a catheter which fills the bladder with fluid and has a sensor that tells them how much pressure there is in there. They took x-rays as they went so they could see the fluid in the bladder. It was so interesting! Malone and I were able to stay and watch the whole thing. We had to dress up in these jumpsuits and wear lead vests and hairnets. To say the least, we looked ridiculous.  But Mason did amazing. He was so good the entire time! We were able to talk to the urologist right there and get his results immediately.


 Mason's bladder muscle looks very healthy and smooth. His bladder pressure is in the normal range and is able to evacuate almost all the urine. And most importantly the urine is not refluxing back into the kidneys at all! Such a beautiful x-ray! I guess it is common for urine to back up into the kidneys in SB kids. But Mason is doing so great! We won't know if he can really hold his urine until we reach that milestone during potty training, same with his bowel. But for now, Mason is at low risk for infection and the urologist told us we don't necessarily have to cath anymore. But it might be wise to continue it a couple times a week just in case later down the road we have to pick it up again. The urologist made it sound like things could change as Mason grows. And since Mason isn't voiding his bladder completely (which is normal for babies this age) it could keep his bladder from growing properly as he grows. So, Malone and I decided we will continue to cath Mason a couple times a week just to make sure we get all that urine out once in a while. But he is low risk for infection and low risk for kidney problems which is such a huge blessing.

We also did spina bifida clinic where we met with a few of his specialists. We talked to the dietician, who is happy with his growth. He is right on track! He is now 12.7 lbs and 23 3/4 inches long. We talked to the occupational therapist who was also happy with how he is doing. We will continue to help him strengthen his muscles by laying on his back and kicking like any normal baby does. Most importantly we talked to the neurosurgeon who was happy with Mason's head size and his soft spot is still soft, which means the ETV we did a couple months ago is holding up and maintaining the cerebral spinal fluid flow in his brain. Mason's head is a little on the big side on the growth charts, but nothing really abnormal. In fact, I was surprised when the doctor told us that, because I certainly don't think he has a big head. He's perfect in my eyes! We discussed with all the doctors that we'd be moving this month and they gave us information on who to contact in Texas and where to go for SB clinic when we get there. I am sad to leave all of Mason's doctors we've had from the beginning, but maybe the doctors in Texas will be great too. The neurosurgeon says that there are few doctors across the country who even know about ETV/CBC (the surgery Mason had on his brain to control Hydrocephalus) but there is a doctor in Houston who is familiar with it that we could see.  Houston is about 4 hours away, which is the same as what we've been doing going to Primary's. But there is an SB clinic a half hour away at Scottish Rite Children's hospital in Dallas that we can also go to, but their neurosurgeon may not be familiar with ETV/CBC. So we might just do the regular SB clinic in Dallas, and if the neurosurgeon there starts to feel worried about Mason's hydro, then we will go to Houston for a second opinion. Hopefully we won't have to and Mason maintains his hydro!


This baby amazes me everyday. I have said before that I have heard and seen what other SB babies have to deal with, and Mason is seriously a miracle. So far he doesn't have the problems these other babies do. I sometimes wonder if I am in denial, but he really is just a normal baby. I forget anything is even going on with him. When I see and hear of things going on with other SB babies, it scares me that he could have similar problems. But I just take it one day at a time and enjoy the health that he has. And really, he is a very healthy baby despite some of his little issues. I am so grateful for the health and strength he has and the strength he gives me everyday. I love his smiling face and the sweet spirit that he has. I sometimes wish I had made the decision to have kids sooner! But I know the timing was perfect for us and it was on the Lord's time as well.

Christmas!

CHRISTMAS! It was such a special holiday since we have a new addition to the family. Christmas Eve we spent time with Malone's family at his sister Holly's house in Sugar City. Her kids performed some songs on the piano and violin. We had dinner and just hung out most of the evening. All the grandkids opened gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Yarger and Papa Bullock. Mason was given a beautiful blessing outfit from Grandma Yarger. It was a white suite with tails, a vest, and a bow tie. It was a little big for him, but looked so cute! She also gave him some jammies to wear. Mason also received a Christmas bell from Papa Bullock, a little momento for his first Christmas to put on the tree. Malone and I received gifts from Holly. She gave me a program to use on the computer to make scrapbook pages. Malone got a drill bit set. Christmas day, Malone and I had Christmas morning at our house and then headed over to my parent's house for the day. We opened presents, played games, and spent a lot of quality time there. Malone gave me a really nice coat, and I gave him some clothes. We got Mason a jungle gym playmat, an outfit, shoes, socks, rings to play with, and some socks that jingle when he kicks.





Mason is still doing really great. He found his fists recently and we can hardly keep them out of his mouth. He smiles a lot more now and coos all the time. He is such a happy boy. His hair is getting longer, and I can tell the new stuff is a lighter blonde color. His eyes are still blue, we think they might stay that way now. Mason is getting really good at tracking things with his eyes and when something catches his attention, he really focuses on it. This past Sunday we had the opportunity to have Mason blessed in our ward. Many members of both sides of our family came as well as some friends. It was so nice to be with family we haven't seen in a while! Especially since Malone and I are leaving next month, this might be the last time we all get together for a long time.

Year 2013 Summary

At the beginning of the year that I had a feeling this would be a big year of change for us, and it certainly was! It has  been a crazy year. We found out we were 8 weeks pregnant in March, which turned out to be a  whirlwind of emotions, trial, and sacrifice. But we have an amazing miracle baby now who is very healthy, strong and beautiful. Malone and I had the opportunity to go to Portland and San Francisco this summer. Malone graduated from BYUI in July. We celebrated our 5th anniversary of being married in August. We sold Malone's truck and gave away our dog Kayto. I quit my job at Mobley Physical Therapy after 6 years of working there in September. And now we are leaving our first house we bought after 3 years of living there. Malone got a job offer in Texas in December, which we are very excited about. I will be quitting my job at Broulim's in a couple weeks so I can be a stay at home mom with Mason. And we will be selling our first home we bought together in January.



This year I have learned and grown a lot. I have learned more about faith, hope, and the power of fasting and prayer than I ever thought possible. I have felt more gratitude and love for my family and friends than ever before. I have felt the most sincere love and received so many acts of kindness from others. I found out what it feels like to be a mother and to love a little child more than anything in the whole world. My marriage has been strengthened through the sacrifices and trials that we have been through together. I have witnessed little miracles and have received answers to my many prayers. Even though this year had some difficult times, looking back I can see the blessings. And I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to learn and grow and be strengthened. I couldn't ask for anything more than what I have right now. I feel blessed to have an amazing husband and a beautiful little son in my life. And in the end, family is truly what matters most!

Big Announcement!!!

Malone got a job offer at Parkway Construction in Lewisville, Texas! It's just a few minutes north of Dallas. Malone will be a project manager in the office there. He starts the last week of January. So we have a ton to do between now and then to get packed up, moved out, moved in down there and sell our house here. Malone and I couldn't be happier about his offer. It's everything we had hoped for! It's a little bit of a downer to be so far from family, but this is such a great opportunity for Malone we couldn't pass it up. I have heard that Lewisville is a very nice area. And I can't lie, I'm excited about warm weather! Leaving the 20 degree weather here for 70 degree weather there sounds amazing. We look forward to being out on our own and to have a new adventure.

8 Weeks

Mason is now 2 months old! I can't believe how fast the time has gone. We have certainly been busy the past couple months. Since my last post, Mason saw his pediatrician here in Rexburg. The doctor is very pleased with how Mason is doing. He's doing all the things a typical 2 month old does. His head size is still within normal range and he is growing! He is now 11.6 lbs and 23 inches long! Mason is smiling so much more now and is almost always in a pleasant mood. The only time he cries is when he's tired and when he's hungry, and sometimes when he gets a bath. Mason loves to lay on his back and just kick his legs. He also loves to be held and snuggled and talked to.  Yesterday he just wanted to be held all day long. I didn't get anything done! But I have to say it was nice to snuggle with my little guy all day. I like that he likes to be held by me. I think he is getting close to starting to laugh. I swear last night I heard him giggling in his sleep. He continues to sleep really good at night. Last night Malone put him to sleep around 9:30 and he didn't wake up again till 3:30 am! I just love my boys. And I have to brag about Malone because he is so great about helping with Mason and giving me breaks when I need them! He takes such good care of Mason and me.

6 Weeks- and Mason's first Thanksgiving!



5 Weeks

A couple weeks ago Mason had his first Spina Bifida clinic down at Primary's! Clinic is when you stay in one room while all the doctors he needs to see file in and check him out. Mason saw his neurosurgeon, a urologist, occupational therapist, and a dietician. His neurosurgeon is very pleased with how Mason's head and back are doing. So far the ETV is holding up and his hydro is under control, which is fantastic! His back is healing up really well too. The urologist wants to do a test next time we are down there to see what we are dealing with as far as what his bladder issues will be. For now he's doing great. The occupational therapist gave us some pointers as to things we can do to help strengthen Mason's neck. The dietician thinks Mason is doing good and he has no issues with eating at this point, which is good. SO all good news this time! They told us to come back in two months! Malone and I were so relieved to not have to go back to Utah so soon. We've had to go down so often the last 6 weeks, I'm not sure how much more we could take! At home we have Early Intervention coming to our house. Early Intervention is a free program that comes out to your house to give your child the care he needs if they are going to have delays. In Mason's case we will be having a Physical Therapist come out to the house to work with him and help him meet his milestones. Our goal for him is to just help him meet the milestones kids his age are hitting. At this point he is actually on track, which is fantastic!


6 Weeks Old

6 Weeks

We have been enjoying watching Mason grow. He amazes us everyday. He is cooing, starting to smile more, and he does these happy sighs that I love! He likes to lay on his back and just kick his legs and look around the room. He is sleeping pretty well at night. He sleeps 4-5 hours at a time usually. I only wake up with him around 2-3am to feed him and he goes right back to sleep and doesn't wake up again till 6 or 7 in the morning. The other day I had Mason laying down on the bed, and Malone was on the other side of the room. Malone started talking and Mason started looking around for him! It was so cute!  Everyone loves his crazy long blonde hair, which is by far his best feature. He still has very blue eyes and I am starting to wonder if they will stay that way. Mason is a very happy baby and we feel blessed to have him in our home.

6 weeks and handsome!

Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving! Malone and I went to my parent's for the holiday. Mason wore an outfit his aunt Heidi bought him, it says "My First Thanksgiving" on it with a little turkey on the bum. We have been looking forward to having him wear it for this special occasion! Malone and I were the only ones to come for Thanksgiving this year. It was a lot more quiet and low key than usual, but we had a good time hanging out and playing nertz. The next day we went to Malone's parent's place in West Yellowstone and had dinner there with his parents and sister's family. We played hand and foot, ate lots of food, and enjoyed the great company. At the end of the night, Malone's mom felt inspired to give all the grandkids a little ornament, something that represented them and their spirit of Christmas. Mason received a little beaded candy cane and a stuffed reindeer. I think it will be a new tradition for our family to give our kids an ornament every year to put on the tree.

Mason's First Thanksgiving- 6 weeks

Turkey bum!

Another Thanksgiving outfit from a friend of mine

Grandpa Snedaker and baby Mason on Thanksgiving



Cousin Parker holding Mason at Grandma Yarger's

Emily, Katie, and Hannah holding Mason at Grandma Yarger's

Kurt, Sarah, Holly, Emily, Katie, Hannah, and Mason

12/5/13

We have our Christmas tree up! yay!