Jackson's Arrival

The past 6 days have been amazing. I never would have guessed that Jackson would come 1 week early, but I'm so glad he did! It's been an incredible experience thus far, here's how it all began...

Last week (Tuesday, the 23rd) I was doing some last minute baby prep. During the day I walked around Target getting some of my final purchases, got a pedicure, went to Bath and Body Works, and did some laundry. Tyler got home in the afternoon and we went down to the temple grounds together and went to an L.D.S bookstore. That night we had dinner, watched our favorite TV Shows and got ready for bed. At this point, I still had never felt a REAL contraction. I had felt pains a few times, but nothing that lasted more than 10 seconds.

Before we went to bed I had been wondering about what exactly happens when your "water breaks" so Tyler and I laid in bed reading out of the "What to Expect" book about going into labor. While we were reading, Ty really felt that he needed to take this seriously and to embrace the fact that it really could happen at any time now, and he needed to be ready.

We went to bed a little before midnight, and I woke up around 12:30 with that need to go to the bathroom that I'd been experiencing several times each night. But this time, when I got back in bed, I had a sharp pain in my belly -- my first contraction! Then 10 minutes later, another, then 12 minutes later, another. At this point I woke up Tyler and let him know that I had my first contractions. I was thinking they'd probably go away or become really infrequent, but Tyler really woke up and started timing them with me.

They kept coming... Tyler was timing them and they were coming between 8 and 10 mins apart and all lasting over a minute, at this point I still didn't think I was in labor - I DIDN'T THINK IT COULD HAPPEN THIS FAST! - I kept waiting for them to go away. Tyler knew otherwise and started packing his bag and loading the car - he was going to the hospital. Tyler had to convince me that this was real and that we were going to the hospital. I just couldn't accept that it was real - it took a while for me to realize it, (and I really didn't want to drive there and then have them send me home).

So we got in the car at 2:30, 2 hours after the contractions started. In the car the contractions got down to 3-4 minutes apart and I had to start trying my "lamaze" breathing. We got to the hospital a little before 3am and Tyler helped me into the Triage. They made me sign in and fill out a form while in the middle of a contraction - so I had to fill it out while crouched down on the ground. I guess they didn't think too much about it though as they didn't act too rushed - even though I was the only person in the waiting room. A minute later they called us back and casually started the routine, they quickly realized that this wasn't the norm at all. The nurse did the check and quickly stood up and walked out the room and started yelling directions to all the other nurses.

Within ten seconds 4 nurses were in the room and informed me that the baby WAS coming today! I started freaking out and was simultaneously receiving an IV, ultrasound, and temp check.. at this point they informed me that I was dilated to a 6 - and my only concern is - IS IT TOO LATE FOR AN EPIDURAL??

They quickly took me upstairs to the delivery room in time to get the epdiural (Best Decision of MY LIFE!) My water hadn't broken at this point, so we were able to wait in the room for a couple hours until they broke my water at 6:50am. During that time they told me to take a nap and save my energy for later, but the nap just wasn't in the cards; although, it was nice to relax. Tyler and I had time to let it really sink in that we were going to be parents in a couple hours! After they broke my water, it took one hour to get all ready to go and at 8 am the nurse informed me that it was time to start pushing. After a little over an hour of pushing they called in the Doc and all the support staff to deliver the baby! Up until this point I hadn't felt much pain while pushing but the last 15 minutes got pretty hard.

It was all worth it at 9:31am when Jackson Tyler Jennings was born! It was such an emotional experience and so awesome to see my little boy for the first time! The first thing the doctor said was, "oh wow he's a big boy!" We had NO idea he would be 9 pounds 2 ounces, 21 1/4 inches long - still one week early!

It was amazing to hold him for the first time, I fell in love with him immediately and who could blame me - look at this kid!


Those first couple hours with him were so incredible, just being with our new little family.

We spent the next 2 days in the hospital and then got home Friday night. My mom was planning on flying in March 31 - but quickly changed her flight and got here the day after he was born.

The last few days have been great since he came and honestly, its all gone a lot smoother and better than I could have ever guessed. Labor came fast, but it only lasted 9 hours -- and really wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. The recovery has been great -- Tyler and my mom have been helping out so much.

Little Jackson is eating like a champ, sleeping great, hardly cries, and is adorable ALL the time.

Jackson Tyler Jennings

Jackson decided to come one week early and I'm so glad he did! 9 pounds, 2 oz, he's a big boy but so perfect and healthy! He's a great eater a great sleeper and so precious! Here is a picture overload of our past few days. We got home from the hospital last night and it feels great to be home with the little guy. I'll post some more details about his very fast and eventful arrival later!

Jackson Tyler Jennings - 9lbs 2oz -21&1/4in! Beautiful boy! Check Facebook for pics!

At the Hospital - Baby comin today! So excited - we'll post pics soon!

Yesterday :-)

Yesterday was a good day! Many of you will agree with me in that fact because BYU FINALLY WON! They beat Florida in the first game of March Madness, and luckily since I happen to live in Florida - the game was on tv here!

But more importantly (well, according to me at least) I went to the doctor and found out that our little boy is getting ready to make his grand entrance!! Before this appointment, I honestly thought that nothing was ever going to progress like it should, so this was quite surprising. At my last appointment, there really hadn't been any progress and we had talked about the options of being induced. Going in yesterday, I didn't even think he had "dropped" yet. But according to my doctor he definitely HAS dropped way low, and for those of you who speak "Labor" 80% and 2 cm.

I told my doctor that I haven't been feeling contractions, yet as she felt my stomach for the heartbeat she informed me, "um, you're having a contraction right now!" What I had thought was just the little guy moving and pushing out around my belly button, is really a contraction! It doesn't hurt at all, so I just hadn't thought anything of it.

I really thought I was going to go over my due date FOR SURE (and I still might) but it was so great hearing from my doctor that it's likely I'll go into labor before my due date. When I got home yesterday afternoon I got into super nesting mode - suitcase/diaper bag is packed, iPod/camera/video camera is charged, and one last BabiesRus run has been made. Tyler has just finished his last work trip for a couple months (LUCKILY) and when he walks in the door in a few hours, I'll be ready!

PS It was also a good day because my brother Michael went to the Salt Lake Temple for the first time. Wish we could have been there with the family, but we're so happy for him and his upcoming mission!

Update...

Baby Update ...

Baby is due in 16 days, but luckily I feel great! I haven't felt any contractions or false labor pains. I'm still able to sleep well at nights - other than the frequent bathroom trips, of course. I'm feeling pretty big, but I must admit I don't look as big as I thought I would at 9 months pregnant. I really don't think the little guy will be coming anytime soon (which is good because Tyler is out of town until Friday morning). My guess is that he'll arrive sometime near or after his due date.

Everyone keeps asking me, "ARE YOU READY?" and the answer is NO! As soon as Tyler gets back from his trip ... then I'll be ready! He's been traveling a lot this past month, trying to get a lot of work done before the little guy arrives. He's in New Orleans this week but then doesn't have any trips scheduled until May, so he'll be able to be with me at home for the first month!

A couple weeks ago we went down to Palm Beach for 3 days. It was our last of the many trips we've been on with just the two of us. It was weird realizing that the next time I'll pack my suitcase, it's for the hospital and not the holiday inn.




Also -- Spring has finally arrived in Orlando! The weather has been about 15 degrees below normal for most of winter, and now its gotten up to the 70s. It finally feels like Florida again!

And who knew there were bald eagles living in Florida? Yesterday when Tyler and I were driving to some friends' house we saw vultures on the side of the road eating a dead animal carcass. This happens a lot here, its kinda gross, I don't look usually. But i noticed that one of the birds looked different, it had a white head! I made Tyler turn around because I swear I saw a bald eagle, he thought I was crazy but he turned the car around and then we both saw it! A bald eagle totally dominating all the vultures and eating the animal. The vultures all just kinda stood back and let the eagle have first dibs. I think they all realized the bald eagle is kind of a big deal in this country.


Here's a pic we took with via iPhone...

Just the 2 of us

If you read the last post, you realize I have the most amazing husband! He truly will be such an amazing dad and I'm so excited to see him raise our little boy. Our relationship has grown so much over the past year, since moving here. The real reason I mentioned to Tyler that he should post on our blog was that last week, he hit the ONE-YEAR mark for living in Orlando. He moved out here on March 2nd, I joined 3 weeks later. It's amazing how much our lives have changed in the past year. It's been a great year to spend time together and truly depend on each other. We've spent more time together this year than we had in either of the first 2 years.

We're on our own out here in Florida - we've got a great support of friends from our church, but no family. So when he's out of town, it's always a great reunion when he comes home! The past 3 days he was helping give trainings at his company's Alabama office. Luckily he flew, so he was able to make the trip shorter and was supposed to fly home last night. Yesterday was a rough day for me, so I was really looking forward to seeing him. He had a layover in Tennessee, and was supposed to make it home around 10:30. Well, at first the flight was delayed an hour because of thunderstorms, so the question is ... will he make his layover? Then his flight was canceled (which he later told me was because the plane he was supposed to take got hit by lightning - he was smart not to tell me at the time!!)

So at that point I'm on southwest.com, looking for other options of how he could catch a flight to Orlando, go through New Orleans? Jacksonville? Houston? Luckily they opened up another flight to Tennessee, and he was able to get on, it just left 90 minutes later. Then they held the Orlando-bound plane an extra 20 minutes for him to get on, and he finally landed safely in Orlando around 11. It's amazing what can happen with prayer, and I'm sure Tyler's persistence didn't hurt either.

Of course his bag was lost, but I finally got to see him around midnight. As stressful as that night was for him, it made it that much more awesome to have him walk through the door. Even though our lives are consumed with all things baby right now, I know I'm still so unprepared for the changes that are coming. Last night it was so great to be reunited with Tyler (my family) and the two of us were just able able to lay in bed cuddling and chatting. This family unit of 2 will only exist for 20ish more days. We're SO excited for the change, but at the same time, it's really great to be able to really treasure the moments as a couple while we can.

Sadly, the thunderstorms that were in Alabama yesterday have made it to Florida today. All local television channels have "interrupted their regularly scheduled programming to bring the severe weather updates" for the past 2 hours. It wouldn't be a big deal, but Ty had a big meeting an hour north of Orlando today and there is a Tornado Watch for all of Central Florida ... nice. He left this morning before it started getting bad. It's rained over 5 INCHES in the city he just had to drive through ... once again, nice.

I just had him with me home safe, now he's out there at the will of the weather again! This is definitely not one of the fun parts of living in Orlando. I was aware of the hurricanes, but tornadoes - who knew?? I probably won't be going out to run any errands today, I don't feel like getting soaked, or struck by lightning, or sucked up in a funnel cloud. But let's all hope it's died down just a bit when he starts driving home this afternoon...



UPDATE - he's home safe and sound!

An Expecting Father

Rach and I were coming home from Miami this week and she mentioned that I hadn't posted in a long time.. and so here I am giving you all the update.

We've done a lot of fun things over the last few months, or should I say the last three years!! Things have really worked out well for us and I feel very blessed to have had this time with Rach before all the excitement of parenting. We know each other very well and we are better prepared to enter this new phase of life together.

I have to say that I LOVE my job - it's the kind of opportunity that is perfect for me as a person - very much geared toward building relationships, presenting a lot, and working with others so that we all can achieve our goals. It also helps that I get to sell something that I actually know helps people and the environment!

If you'd like to know more about the company here is the website - www.wattstopper.com


Now I'd like to change gears here and discuss something that has been absolutely incredible for me - Rach's pregnancy!! I'm one of those guys who never understood why people would post pictures of themselves and their naked belly on facebook or their blogs...GuuuhhRosss!! It seemed super weird to me and now I can honestly say it makes a ton more sense now.. They aren't showing off their belly as much the fact as how excited they are for that little life growing inside..

The highlight of my day is getting to feel that little guy kick! It's amazing to think about the beauty of creation - growing from a Poppy Seed to a Watermelon is so wild.. my other thought on this topic is how could anyone who has given birth or is the father of a child think there isn't a God??? You feel so close to the Spirit and I feel humbled by this awesome opportunity that we have to be parents. It makes me sad to consider the state of our society regarding families and parenting.. I wish the whole world could know the song from my primary lessons - I am a Child of God - that simple song holds so much truth and gives meaning to this life.

It has been a whole lot of emotions these last few months for me. I'd like to give some thoughts directed at the husbands out there who are going to be dads and are going to participate in the nine months -

1. You can choose to be right or you can choose to be happy - don't argue based on logic during this period - you'll lose, so just be happy and enjoy the ride!

2. She will cry - don't be surprised if anything creates an emotional response - tears of joy, fear, or any emotion might come out during this period - expect it to be a crying time - there will be times when she doesn't know why she's crying!!

3. Be prepared for weeks 8 thru 13 - soon after you find out that you're having a baby the period of nausea and sickness hits like a ton of bricks - be supportive and do everything you can for her at this point - I would recommend a run to a grocery store and get some of the things you know she likes.. salty to sweet and let her nibble on a little of each item so she can figure out what sounds good to eat - Rach found out she only really wanted to eat Cheddar Cheese and saltines for about two weeks, eventually we introduced turkey on top of the cheese and cracker.. but ice cream and chocolate weren't gonna work..

Another thought - I'd be hesitant on planning any trips during this period.. weeks 15 - 25 are much safer bets as far as traveling is concerned.

4. Know her love language - remember that this whole experience can be made more positive by understanding what things she needs to feel comfortable during this time - she might need words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, gifts, or acts of service... figure out with her what ways she wants you to communicate your love and appreciation for her during this amazing peiod.

5. Love it - it can be a scary and confusing time for a would-be-dad.. don't let it be - enjoy this time and just know that you'll make mistakes and not everything will be perfect.. she'll get mad at you at some point for something you do or didn't do.. but you gotta let it go! This time is too precious to be spent thinking about any negatives, you have to remember that!! Like Joseph B. Wirthlin's mom always taught him - COME WHAT MAY AND LOVE IT!!

Ok dads - these are my five thoughts on the pregnancy process - as the scriptures say - if ye are prepared ye shall not fear - take these things to heart and you'll be better off!

I am so grateful for Rachel - she has been so amazing during this whole process - we had our birthing class yesterday and it was so fun to see her there with all the other moms. I can't get over how great she has done throughout this whole thing - there is no waddle in her step, for being almost 37 weeks along she has handled it very well and is physically carrying the baby so easily. She honestly walked all around Epcot yesterday and owned it!

I'm so excited to meet our little guy - I can't believe in less than a month he will be here!

My Brother - The Missionary!!

I need to give a shout-out to my brother, Michael. He had quite an eventful weekend! He is preparing to go on a mission and submitted all his paperwork a few weeks ago. He's at BYU for his freshman year, but he flew home this weekend to be with my parents and Steven to open the call. Since now the mission call process is done online, you can check the status of your mission call and see if it has been issued or mailed out from Salt Lake. They saw that the call was mailed Tuesday, so my mom had figured out that the letter should arrive at their home in Arizona on Thursday or Friday. Michael had his flight booked to arrive in Arizona Thursday night and would go back to Utah on Sunday - so they were anxiously checking the mail!

Thursday .... No call

Friday ... No Call (my mom even saw the mail carrier drop the mail off this day, and had him double check in the truck)

At this point we were all really freaking out because he was flying back to Utah on Sunday, and the call was supposedly in the mail headed to Arizona! So Saturday was the last chance.

Luckily, even though the mail came 3 hours later than normal ... it FINALLY arrived on Saturday afternoon. Tyler and I were in Florida of course, but we quickly got home and on Skype with our webcam, as did my sister Paige and Ben from Ithaca New York.

So fifteen minutes after the call came in the mail, our family was all "there" and could see and hear each other - don't you love technology! Now, finally Michael was able to open the call. He had always said he really did not care at ALL where he was called. He didn't have a dream call, or any preconceived ideas of where he'd go. Mostly, he was just hoping he'd be able to leave as soon as he could after he turns 19 on May 20th. "I'll go where you want me to go..."



So we all watched as he opened the call and found out he'll be serving a mission for The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the UTICA, NEW YORK mission!!! He reports to the MTC on June 2nd!!

We were all freaking out, first of all - he's going to New York, who would have guessed?? But especially because Paige and Ben happen to live in that area! Seriously as soon as he read the call my mom dropped to the ground freaking out. My mom just visited Paige and Ben 2 weeks ago in New York and while she was there she met the Mission President who just happened to be speaking at church that day. What are the chances??? Ok let's be honest, it didn't happen by chance. Now instead of having her kids all spread across the world, she just has one in Florida and two in New York - not too bad, right?

I am so excited for him, especially because he leaves June 2nd, he was thinking he might have to wait around until July. He'll be out in New York by the end of June, so awesome!!

So now Tyler and I can plan our summer trip out west - we will be out in Arizona at the end of May then we'll be in Utah the start of June. But maybe I should rephrase ... our BABY BOY ... will be in Arizona and Utah at the aforementioned dates. I think everyone is just a bit excited to meet him! We'll be excited to introduce him to the rest of our families and friends!!

For now, Tyler and I are getting really excited to meet him -- 29 days, ahhh!!!