Audrey Stevenson

The day before I went into labor was the calmest day I had had in a long time. I didn't do much with work, took it easy, ran a few errands, went to a church leadership meeting and tried to help my dad and Bryce paint the changing table. I wasn't feeling any contractions that evening, but I was feeling a lot of movement with different pains. I actually told Bryce that she was going to come that night. I went and finally packed up the things that I would need for the baby at the hospital and put it by the garage door.
At about 2:30am Friday morning, I woke up thinking that my water had broke, I grabbed Bryce calmly and said, "Bryce I think my water just broke." I told him to grab some towels and then I headed to the bathroom. Yup, it had broke. It wasn't the gush of water that I was fearing and that I had prepared for by putting an extra folded up sheet underneath me, it was more of a leak. (I was so thrilled that I didn't have to go into my scheduled induction that Easter Sunday). At this point, I had not felt a contraction or any pain. I had Bryce call the hospital, not because I was freaking out, but because I knew after your water broke, you don't want to wait to long because there is nothing to protect the baby from bacteria, so I just wanted to know when to go in.
When Bryce called, he spoke with the woman in labor and delivery and he told her that, "my waters wife broke, how soon do we need to come in?" They both laughed and she said, she was used to that and that we should come in within an hour or so.
I decided to take a shower, get ready, clean the house and pack because I hadn't done that yet. I was so calm. I couldn't believe how calm and relaxed I was.
By about 4:30am I had felt a couple of contractions so I said, ok, we can go now. We were on our way at about 5:00.
My doctor had his son's graduation that day, so when the nurse called to tell him that we had come in, he said to start the pitocin and speed things up. I started to have quite regular contractions about 2 min apart. Later, the nurse came back in and said that she had spoken with the Dr. and he would like us to take you off of the pitocin and slow things down until after he returned from the graduation. After they had taken me off the pitocin, I was still having those contractions about 2 min apart, so I finally sprung for the epidural after fighting it for awhile.
A few of the concerns we had during delivery were as follows...
Audrey's vitals weren't reading to well while still in the womb, so they put me on oxygen.
Later on in the laboring process, my nurse, who happens to be my neighbor and really "close" friend now, was the lucky one that got to keep changing and checking my bed pads, she finally stated that she was a little nervous by the amount of blood that I was losing and she wanted to inform the Dr. The look on Bryce's face, was sheer terror. You could honestly feel the love and concern that he had for his loved one, that's me, and was so upset with himself because he couldn't be my "rock" and be strong for me, he was upset that he shed a few tears......oh I love that man.
Audrey was facing up instead of the proper position, which is face down. They told me that when this happens, I need to plan on pushing twice as long and that worse case we might have to have a c-section. We ended up getting Audrey to turn one little push at a time, and she came out the way He had intended.
I had a fabulous nurse Jolene, couldn't have asked for a better Dr. fill in than Dr. Farley, a hall full of family that couldn't wait to meet this little girl finally and last but not least, a husband, who is definitely my rock. He made me so proud that he was actually able to be apart of the whole thing. If you know Bryce, you know that he can't handle blood and gore, so the entire pregnancy, we pretty much thought he would be up by my head holding my hand. Well Dr. Farley told him he needed Bryce to hold one of my legs during the pushing and wouldn't you know it, he jumped right in. The Dr. turned the counting over to him as well, and we all got a good laugh when he forgot how to do so all of the sudden. The next time he counted to fast, but finally he got it down. He is a stronger man than he gives himself credit.
The whole experience was seriously amazing. I know it seems like a weird place to fall in love all over again, me not looking my best and all, but it really was. The time spending together anticipating the arrival of something that we had created together. The bond that is formed when something starts to go wrong, you realize how much you truly care for this person. Witnessing a miracle, a true miracle. If all of that doesn't bring two people together in love, I don't know what will.
As her head was coming out, the Dr. let me reach down and feel the top of her head, OH MY HECK, the whole thing was just amazing!! I could feel the hair on top of that little head. All in all, everything went really well. I pushed for about 45 minutes and on April 22, 2011 at 4:14pm our adorable little baby girl was here. I heard that little tiny cry that we anticipate hearing for the first time, it was music to my ears. She was 7 lbs 1 oz. and was 21 1/2in long.
He set her up on my chest as soon as she came out, she was perfect. I couldn't believe that perfect little angel just came out of me, but more importantly, how recent she had just come from her Father in Heaven. Bryce and I talked and wished that she could speak and tell us what she had just seen and experienced, being so close to the veil and all, wouldn't that be something to hear.
As soon as she came out, the Dr. said, look at those eye lashes. Not sure where she got them, since I have to put 3 coats of mascara on every morning, so it must be Bryce. She has Bryce's mouth chin and nose, his coloring, she had the prettiest skin color, everyone would always comment on how pretty her skin was, we never had jaundice thank goodness. Her hands and feet were so long. She has my eye shape, right now that is all I can see. I know she can still change in time, but at the moment, I think she has more of Bryce's characteristics.
She was such an alert baby the moment she came out. Eye's wide open, no crying, just scanning the room and people that surrounded her in love. I know they say baby's can't see, but I swear mine was advanced. She didn't have those googly eyes that can't focus on a thing, and to this day still never did, she seemed to know exactly where she was looking and at who she was looking at.
I just can't believe that I'm finally a mother. The whole thing is so surreal. It's so strange to go in with two of you and walk out having your whole life changed. It's crazy how you instantly embrace them into your life and family and it's hard to already remember what it was like without her. Well, the sleeping thing I remember quite vividly. Bryce is absolutely adorable with her. He has been a gittty little boy with a grin ear to ear. He could not be more proud of his little monkey. He his a fantastic father!
We are so excited to have Audrey in our home and in our lives finally, this one was worth waiting for.......

getting ready to take off to the hospital


me and Audrey meeting for the first time

the only time us girls show our weight

proud Bryce and his new baby girl



Audrey's first bath

such a sad face

look at my giant hands


me and the babe chilling in the hospital

the fam heading home from the hospital

she looks way to small to be in that car seat

10 year anniversary pictures

Slight Freak-Out

Well yesterday I got a phone call from my Dr.'s office saying that they forgot to do the stress test on the baby when I was there the other day. I admit, I was a little annoyed, and asked if it couldn't wait until my next appt. on Wednesday? She said no, that I needed to come in. So off I went, and the test didn't go so well. I was starting to panic a little because she really wasn't moving and when she would, her heart beat wasn't spiking up like they wanted it to. I guess if the heart rate stays the same when she moves, that is a concern because there may not be the right amount of blood flowing through the umbilical cord. They kept me strapped to it for about 45 min. and not much changed. Dr. Johnson wanted to do another ultrasound to make sure that there wasn't any obstruction with the cord.
When I met Dr. Johnson for the ultrasound, he said that after he had reviewed my charts after my last appt., he wasn't happy with the blood flow, so that is ultimately why they called me in. He told me there was nothing majorly wrong, the baby was getting oxygen, but that he was just a little "uneasy", as he puts it.
He wanted me to get something to eat and told me to return in an hour and we would do the stress test again and see if anything had changed. If not, they were going to send me over to the hospital and give me some contractions, whatever that means.
I called Bryce on the way home and told him what had happened. We were both hopeful that everything was fine and that the Dr. was just being over cautious, but then, there is this part of you that thinks, maybe he is actually really concerned about something but is just sugar coating it so that we don't freak out. Dr.'s are so hard to read.
I went back, Bryce met me there, we did the stress test again and everything looked great. She passed the test! That was such a sigh of relief! I don't like this parenting thing already, worrying constantly, sheesh, she's not even here yet.
This was just another reminder for me of how blessed I have been through out this pregnancy. To have such a healthy baby and have had no serious problems thus far, we have truly been blessed and watched over.

38 weeks

I had my 38 week appt. yesterday and everything looked great. Good heart beat, everything is facing the right direction, no cord wrapped around the neck, you know, typical stuff. I'm only dilated to a 1 and am 50% effaced. She is measuring in at a whopping 7lbs 5oz now and has commented on her really long legs.....ballerina?? I'm not sure how her long legs will help her on the golf course as her daddy is so desiring.
I had always just had the intent to keep her cooking as long as she wants, but the Dr. asked and encouraged me to think about being induced. So we did, and we are scheduled to go in on Easter Sunday, April 24th, at 7:00pm, if I don't go on my own before then.
So give me your comments and opinions....induction, good or bad??? Not that I will probably listen to half of your opinions anyway.....hahaha

10 years

I seriously can't believe it! Not that we made it 10 years, but the fact that 10 years has already come and gone so fast! I know you hear it all the time, when a person is speaking of a loved one, and they explain it as such. "I love him more today than I did the day I married him". And I have to say, this is exactly how I feel. I love Bryce to death! He is truly my best friend! I know that these last few years have been even better for us going through trails, we have grown closer to one another. It is amazing the relationship that can be formed through the priesthood. I have had more blessings from Bryce in the last few years than our whole 10yrs of marriage combined. There is such a spirit that fills the room especially when it's all said and done, the two of us embracing one another crying is a bond that has been so dear to me.
Last week, something happened to one of Bryce's friends who he has been helping for quite some time now, this friend happened to call Bryce a few days ago at around 9pm and he was on the phone with him still when I returned at 9:45 from a meeting. By 10 I heard him say, "do you want me to come over?" He hung up the phone, gave me a kiss and took off to Ogden not to return until 2am. I don't share this story with you because I need you to hear every good deed. I share this with you, because that night it was like the spirit hit me so strong. I completely fell in love with Bryce again. I got on my knees and thanked my Father in Heaven for letting me find such a man. It was such an amazing thing. I truly love the man that he has become and is. A man so selfless and I know would do anything for anybody. He has such a good heart. I see qualities in him that make me want to be a better person. Isn't that what marriage should be? Finding the good in your spouse and not so much the negative and saying to yourself, "what can I fix about me instead of him?" I hope to grow to be half the person Bryce is over the next 10yrs. I love you babe and am so grateful and lucky to have you in my life. Cheers, Happy Anniversary, I know the future only holds better things from here on out!

Baby Shower #3- March 24, 2011

There was something slightly sad to me about this last baby shower that I had....it truly was my last. No more showers for me. There is something to be said about good friends and family getting together and celebrating something wonderful happening in your life, whether it's a baby or a wedding shower. It's something that so many loved ones want to be apart of. In a way, it was sort of nice to have my wedding shower and my baby shower soooo far apart. I got to stretch it out a bit, they weren't 2 years apart. I'm older and wiser and I think I will cherish and remember these more than my wedding showers because everything happened so fast and was such a blurrr. I'm not one for attention, and at first, kind of dreaded all of these showers for that reason, but they were so much fun and I loved every minute of it.
This last shower was one thrown by friends here in the neighborhood. They went above and beyond and I truly did not feel worthy. I received so many cute clothes for this dang baby and lots of good advice. So thank you ladies for giving me my last and final shower, I feel that I went out with a bang!!!
Here are some pictures that were taken for me.....
These are the ladies that were so kind to throw me a shower....
(me, the big one)Laurie, Char, Shelly, Stefanie and little Maddie

35 weeks

Bryce and I went to the Dr. yesterday and everything is looking good. We had the stress test done and everything looked normal. She is weighing in at 5 lbs 12oz. Oh, and the Dr. mentioned one little thing, she has hair!! Well that's what he saw and who am I to argue? I certainly don't know what the heck he is looking at, but he's the professional! Well we have about 1 month left to see how accurate he really is, but in the meantime, she has HAIR!!

Baby Shower #2--March 5th 2011

It really is fun having these baby showers, you get presents for your little one to be, good food, reuniting with family and friends, and presents! Did I mention the present thing twice? Is that bad? Let's not kid ourselves here people, everybody loves getting presents, especially when they come in the size of a pea pod. My wonderful mother-in-law, and sister-in-laws planned and threw me a beautiful baby shower. I know the work that goes into these dang parties and I want them to know how much it was appreciated. It was a wonderful gathering of family supporting Bryce and I. I can't wait for this little one to come out and feel all of this support and love that has been surrounding us all these years. We truly have been blessed. Here are some pictures of the day......
these are the ladies (minus Aimee cause she had to leave)that threw me my baby shower, thanks again!!
















I would say these 3 look a little alike from the side.....