And its a......

BOY!!! DJ and I are proud to announce that after 9 months of waiting, we finally got to meet our little Christian Dennis John (DJ) at 8:39 pm on December 19th. It was quite a journey getting him here.

For various reasons, DJ and I decided we wanted as natural of a birth as possible. Family history and finances being the major influences. Throughout this pregnancy, I have taken a prenatal yoga class and DJ and I took a Hynobirthing class to help us learn various ways to relax our way through a natural experience. The following story would not be possible without the knowledge we gained in those classes.

My official due date was December 2oth. DJ scheduled the whole week of Christmas off so that he could be home for the baby's first week. Of course we knew I could go late, but we kept telling the "Little Montster" that he/she could come on the 18th or any day after. So the 18th came and DJ and I decided we would help the little guy so we did everything everyone has ever told us to get labor going. We went to the mall to walk around and to watch Avatar in 3D (one of the best movies ever made BTW.) After Avatar we walked around for a few hours and I started to have regular Braxton Hicks. So we were timing them. DJ found a cool app for his I phone that will time them for you. You only have to push start and stop, very convenient. Around 8 I decided we needed to go home because my hand started shaking a little. So we went home to watch something funny. A lady from my ward said to watch a funny movie and that would help keep the contractions coming. So we watched a Brian Regan comedy central special. It was funny, but the contractions started spreading out. I called mom and let her know I thought it was false labor and to go to bed, which she did. Then DJ and I rented a movie off the PS3 the Ugly Truth. Very funny. Around midnight I was having a contraction during a funny scene and started laughing (you know that very enthusiastic laugh) and I felt a gush of water. At first I though I peed my pants, but when I sat down on the toilet I knew the water had broke. I yelled at DJ and we both just got really excited. He called his replacement for work the next day and I called home to let them know it was really happening, my mom had just fallen asleep. DJ called his mom to give her the heads up and to let her know we could call when we went in to the hospital.

We went in at 4:30am once the contractions were 1 minute long, 4 minutes apart. I was at a 5 when they checked me. We were thinking, sweet, half way there, it will only be a few more hours. We were wrong. Probably because I had no sleep, and therefore wanting to sleep, the dilation stalled. Luckily I have a very patient doctor, but it took 4 hours to get to a 6. I really wanted to avoid drugs, but I also didn't want to be in labor all day. We finally decided to go on a very low dose of pitocin to see if that would give the contractions more power. It did. DJ was the best birth partner. He breathed through every contraction with me. He walked me up and down the halls. He fed me ice chips between every contraction and made sure the room was controlled so I could be comfortable. He also knew the right thing to say at the right time and really made me feel like he was going through it with me. Around 4 I was feeling exhausted, helpless, uncomfortable, and I felt unable to relax between contractions like I needed to. My mom told me its ok to have a good cry so I did. I asked DJ to get the nurse because I needed something to take the edge off. She gave me a dose of phentanol. I honestly don't think it really did much but it made me feel like I had some help, which allowed me to relax some between contractions. It only lasts for an hour so I got one more dose. Sometime after 7 I went into transition. Transition was so exciting to me. I don't remember how intense the pain was, I just remember shaking uncontroably and thinking, "I'm in transition!" I knew that I was close to the end and everything I was feeling was good. Moments after transition I felt the need to push. I said, I feel something really low, I feel like I need to push. My sister ran to the nurses station and everything just flew by after that. I had a thick part of the cervix that still needed to thin before I could push, so the nurse said she could push it behind the babies head during a contraction. I almost jumped off the table and beat her up. That was the worst. I made her stop and said I'm just going to have to wait till it softens on its own. I think it took about 4 or 5 more contractions. Once she said I was complete, we went all out on pushing. We tried a few positions till we found one that worked. I had two people on each leg and DJ was learning how to deliver the baby from the doctor. After 3 contractions, I had pushed the baby's head about a 3rd of the way out. I remember Dr. Hardy looking at me and saying, Melissa, you're going to tear. You're going to tear up, so I have to cut you down." Don't worry, he numbed me up so when the next contraction started, he made a little cut which apparently turned into a large tear, but the baby's head just popped out. I had to stop pushing because he came out so fast. DJ "caught him" just like a pro. The little guy had the cord around his neck twice, but it never once affected him during the labor and delivery. I suddenly had a crying baby plopped on my chest and I heard, its a boy! I don't know who said it, we think it was my mom. He spent a little while with me while the nurses checked his vitals. DJ received a great lesson from the doctor about the umbilical cord, then DJ cut it. DJ and I just stared at him. One very cool thing was the placenta. When I saw it, I knew it was what had caused me to be so sick. So while I was grateful it took good care of the baby, I was glad to see it go. When he stopped crying we tried breastfeeding. He didn't latch on but we were able to get some colostrum into his mouth before the nurses took him to weigh him and clean him up a little better.

He weighed 6lbs 14oz and was 20 1/4 inches long. He really is the cutest and sweetest baby boy. He loves to cuddle, sleep with dad, nurse, and stare at everyone around him.

Labor was by far the hardest thing I have ever done. Experiencing it without an epidural was a life changing experience. Not having a C-section was my goal. Now that I know I can have a vaginal delivery I may get an epidural next time, we'll see how it goes. But nothing beats the endorphins that rushed over me the moment his head came out. I honestly cannot remember how intense the pain was, because the high was so amazing.

This post took two weeks to write, because a cute little guy kept interrupting me. So to finish, enjoy these pictures from Christmas and the past two weeks.

For your info

Here I am at 36 weeks. My good friend Kelly, she also took most of our temple pictures, was up and took some great ones. Stacey has them on her computer, but emailed me this one so I could get a post up. I think it looks like I'm hiding a beach ball under my shirt. Hey Syd, remember when we tried to sneak in beach balls at graduation? I guess I just needed to make it look like I was pregnant.

Anyways, this is also an informative post. A few weeks ago, my hospital had a close call with a pregnant woman and swine flu. She almost died and so they upped the security precautions. Only 4 people total will be allowed to visit me at the hospital, and that includes DJ. So far both of our mom's have claimed spots, and Kim is the 4th as long as labor isn't tomorrow. (I don't think it will be) Hopefully everything will go as smoothly as we have planned and prepared for so I will only be there for 24 hours after the birth. But for those family members (all of us right?) who love to hang out in the waiting room, it may not be worth the trip. DJ will be allowed to take the baby to the waiting room sometime while we're there, but again that depends on how the little Monster is doing. We will let you know of course. I also want to warn you that no one under the age of 18 is allowed in the maternity waiting room. I'm pretty bummed, but I understand the need to be so cautious.

We will welcome all healthy family and friends to come visit once we come home from the hospital. Just give us a heads up. Also, if we have the baby this next week, and recovery is good, we're planning on spending Christmas in Moses Lake.

I feel completely prepared. DJ and I completed our Hypnobirthing classes last night. I'm training myself to relax and let nature take control. The next time I post we will be parents to a cute little Redford Berezay!

Demo Day!!

I am so excited. Saturday is going to be a huge day for our little house. Family and friends are coming over, equipped with hammers, to tear out all the lathe and plaster in our house. That means no more uneven, cold, ugly walls! Oh and a little blood splatter from previous residents will also be finally gone. (Yes I did say blood splatter, our house has a history, and we know what it is thanks to our neighbors.)

I will post before and after pictures so you can all feel like you were here to witness this historic event. And if your in the Spokane area and in need of getting rid of some aggression, our house Saturday morning is the place to be. Nothings gets rid of anger like being able to wield a hammer, or better yet a sledgehammer, at an unsuspecting wall. I guarantee you will get dirty, but I also promise you gloves, a mask, hot pizza and a nice cold Henry Weinharts rootbeer.

For those of you concerned, I will be outside working in our yard. I can't be in the house while the dust is flying. We have lead based paint on all the plaster so I will be safe outside breathing fresh air. For those of you not interested in destruction but interested in still getting some free pizza and rootbeer, you are more then welcome to join me outside.

I have been waiting for a year and a half to do this! Note to self, never live in a remodel again.

Hmmmm...

I found this article today and couldn't help but think, "Hmmm..." Its about "Mormon Entrepreneur" from Las Vegas who uses calendars to poke fun at stereotypes about Mormons.

Hot Mormon Muffins Calendar Debuts

He has been excommunicated for his calendars called "Men on a Mission." Its a series of calendars of returned missionaries, all shirtless. He was excommunicated last year because the calendar "is not in keeping with the values espoused by the Mormon church." The funny thing, a friend of mine bought me one of these "Men on a Mission" calendars two years ago for Christmas. I threw it away because it felt funny to me that these RM's would pose for a calendar like this.

His latest round of calendars are called "Hot Mormon Muffins" and features 12 stay at home Mormon moms. Every picture depicts these women in classic pinup poses and outfits. The article interviews one of the "Models" about why she choose to be in the calendar. She thinks its funny, and that people should have a sense of humor.

Now I'm all about reaching out to the community, being a presence, and trying to influence society for good. But I can't help but think, these calendars do the exact opposite. If he truly wanted to cut down stereotypes about Mormon Moms, wouldn't he want the calendars to be tasteful and to show the women in modest dress? A good majority of Mormons are college educated, very involved with their children's schools, and have the potential to be a major force for good through the Relief Society.

Also, to show these moms in pinup outfits making muffins, and then to claim that this is to cut down stereotypes is quite hypocritical. If anything, hopefully these calendars will remind society that there is something beautiful about Mormon women and raise their curiosity enough to find out why that is.

Fall has hit

I normally dread the coming of fall. My body is incapable of maintaining heat or I am incapable of dressing appropriately. I'm not completely sure, it may be a combination of both. I hate being cold and will tolerate the hottest of days knowing that at least I will not be cold.

Yesterday, fall came to Spokane. It is so cold outside, but I'm doing OK! I have a little built in heater that is making this transition to winter bearable.

But do not worry, I can't love fall, so I've come up with reasons why I'm still dreading the season change.

1. I cannot wear my Diane Von Furstenberg jackets. The summer of 2006 I spent with my grandparents at their golf course. Its up north of Calgary, so their summer was shorter. I didn't come home until the middle of October, so I felt like I missed summer. To make me feel better, I found three beautiful jackets designed by Diane of Ebay, bought them, and had them shipped home so they would be there when I got back. They are gorgeous and one of the few things that make me look forward to fall. Well, Diane did not design these jackets for the full tummied or breasted, so they're out. Here are some pictures of them. I'm sad you can't see the top one better, but this is the only picture I have of it. Its is called a trench dress. It wraps tight and then poofs out at the bottom and has lace on it. When I opened it my mom exclaimed, "Melissa you have to get engaged in that dress." So I did. I wish you could see the front of the third one. It is called a military jacket. The front double buttons from the neck down. That jacket gets the most wear, because it looks great with jeans and a long sleeve shirt.

2. I only have 2 and 1/2 months left to get ready for Monster's arrival. While I'm feeling ok with the pace I've been collecting items for the baby, my house is not ready. We need to tear out all the lathe and plaster upstairs, insulate, organize again, install our heating and carpets downstairs, paint the family room and bedroom, and get the baby's stuff set up.

DJ is loving his new job. He's now been home every night for a month and making as much as he did last fall when they reroofed the prison in Shelton. Our salaries combined will make it possible for the beforementioned to do list to get done.

Stacey said I needed to post about the baby. So this is what's going on. My tummy grows bigger every day. This is due to the fact that little Monster is pushing and expanding the space. My belly button is under constant attack and I fear may not be able to hold out much longer. I still do not have any stretch marks but am using a vitamin E ointment to make me feel like I'm doing something to contribute to that. While I was out with the missionaries last night doing a couple of less active visits, one of the ladies told me I looked so small!

Happy Conference weekend.

A matter of life

Many of you know I like to follow politics. I just like to know what is going on, who is doing what, and what decisions are being made. Lately I've been completely engrossed in the Health Insurance Reform Debate. I'm curious to know what others have learned, their personal experiences with the insurance companies and care providers, and what some of your ideas are for reform.

This is what I know. The cost of health care is too expensive. This can be blamed on all of us, but care providers truly do take the brunt of the blame. Some ideas for lowering costs are cap malpractice suit settlements, pay doctors a salary rather then per procedure, make health records electronic so that all your doctors can share test results rather then duplicating procedures, increase access to preventative care so that more costly illnesses can be detected early or avoided all together, allow hospitals to be able to verify citizenship before non-emergency care is administered, and create a panel, much like the ones that exist for defense and the economy, that tracks medical procedures and medicines and eliminates those that just don't work very well.

Personally, I think all of these are good ideas and should be included in any reform. If we want to slow down how quickly costs are going up, then we need to eliminate a lot of waste.

What I also know is that insurance companies have had too much power and not enough competition to keep costs low. Instead of offering us lower premiums by becoming more efficient, they lower costs by offering less coverage (my insurance just went up $500 a year for less coverage, my parents plan they offer the employees at Pioneer Pit Stop has been eliminated and they get to choose from small list of more expensive, less coverage plans), and denying coverage to someone because of a pre-existing condition. Pre-existing conditions can include pregnancy (some states have laws against this), cancer, disability, chronic problems such as heart defects. Also, many plans have lifetime caps on what the insurance company will pay. So if you become gravely ill, you could be cut from your plan because your care is costing them too much.

In the final reform bill, there needs to be clearly defined rules against the above mentioned health insurance practices.

Our federal and state governments are already facing deficits, and those will continue to increase as the baby boomers come closer to retirement. Lowering health care costs is just one piece of the puzzle, but it is an important piece as Medicare is a key part of American's retirement. It is also the job of the government to promote our "General Welfare". I believe that ensuring that all of us can receive medical attention when needed is a part of our General Welfare.

What has been so upsetting about this whole debate, is how amazingly stupid many of our so called journalists and politicians are. Thank goodness Sarah Palin resigned, she has no place in politics. Her comments about her son with Down's syndrome having to face a death panel if reform is passed is not only completely untrue, but does nothing to help reform take place. She may be against parts of the propossed plans, but to lie is completely immoral. I know for a fact that the largest provider of services for people with disabilities, Easter Seals, endorses the presidents reform ideas and have been actively participating in writing legislation specifically for people with disabilities. And then there's Rush, Fox News, Lou Dobbs, and a whole host of talking heads who continue to try to scare us from any reform at all. Oh and our gem of a House Minority Leader John Boehner (R) who is only interested in saving the insurance companies from the big bad government. But, who am I to assume that elected officials are supposed to look out for the people. Ah, and the wonderful Senator from Montana, Mr. Baucus (D). That man has so much money in him from the insurance companies its no wonder the plan out of the Senate Finance Commiittee is little more then a slap on the wrist and does not do enough to slow the rising costs of care.

I don't want the comments to be about the president. We can agree to disagree because I know most of you did not vote for him. However, common sense leads us to believe that reform in the health care field is vital as our country recovers from a major financial meltdown. Let's put politics aside and discuss health care reform.

Note: I did not mention the public option because I do not believe it will be in the final bill that passes the house and the senate. I do not see the point in discussing an option that most likely won't happen. The senate does not have 60 votes for a plan that includes a public option, and this bill will not pass with a simple majority in the senate.

Monster's bump.

I'm 19 weeks today and I'm starting to get a little belly. I can still hide it with proper clothing, and I'm sure people who don't know me just think I'm bloated, but I wanted a picture to compare it to future pregnancies. I'm going to a prenatal yoga class with my friend Natalie and am visiting the chiropractor more regularly. I think I'm finally starting to get my appetite back, I even had a little ice cream last night! So here's the pictures. DJ wanted to take them by our new Subaru.

Girl's Camp

This week my young women are at girl's camp. Well they're supposed to be, but most of my girl's are not interested so we actually only sent an investigator to camp. So sad that she didn't have better examples from our ward, but she's having an awesome time. Last night the YW ward Presidents were asked to come up and do a spirit hike with the young women. I was able to convince two of my Laurel's to come up with us just for the night. We were each assigned a value, and we were to share a testimony building experience we had with that value. Then we were to challenge the YW to commit to building their testimony of that value and to put a pine cone in our fire if they agreed.

I got Virtue. For those of you who do not know yet, Virtue is the new and 8th YW's value. It was introduced in December. The project for Virtue is to read the Book of Mormon. Because of the way the hike was set up, I was only able to hear one other leader's experience. She spoke about Divine Nature and gave the YW an awesome challenge to gain a better understanding of their Divine Nature. She used the song, "What Heaven Sees in You" as her experience.

I shared with the YW my experience with gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I prayed and wrote my answer in my journal. My answer was that the people in the Book of Mormon really lived, that I should live by what they taught, and that the church was true. It happened when I was 14 and had finally finished reading it. It took me 6 years! I told them that this experience is one I rely on when I am tempted to live contray to the gospel teachings, or when it just seems easier to live a different life style then an LDS lifestyle. I told them I couldn't tell them what answer they would receive, because it would be personal between them and Heavenly Father, but that if they took the time to read and study the Book of Mormon, and then take Moroni's challenge and pray to know if it is true, that they would have an experience that will help them.

I wish I could have heard the other challenges, because I want to follow up with my Young Women on them. Hopefully they remember what they are when I see them next week and ask them.

Being with these Young Women and at camp reminded me of how grateful I am so have grown up in Moses Lake where the church members are so strong. We had awesome leaders, all of us did, no matter what ward we were in. But we all had awesome parents who knew the Gospel and also taught it to us. We have a lot of work to do in our ward.

Catch up

So this is a quick post to let you all know we're alive and well. I'll have to do a DC post, one I've been avoiding. I'll get to it another time. Most everyone has figured out that we're expecting a baby in December. Sorry if I didn't tell you myself, but I have good reasons. We found out right before we left for DC in April, and decided not to tell our parents till Mother's day. On our trip our friends figured it out because I was avoiding eating some things I normally would and would get really tired at night. So they knew, but were sworn to secrecy. Then by the time Mother's day came around I was feeling so sick I wasn't excited about being pregnant anymore. So we told our families and I didn't tell anyone else because I was mad at this monster inside of me that took all of my energy away. DJ told our ward and everyone he has come in contact with (waiters, drive thru cashiers, the lady cutting his hair, you get the idea). Well the good news is I'm on Zophran, it works, and I haven't been nauseous for a week. A couple days ago I started getting adventurous and can now eat a little protein and carbs again. But we're going to stick with the nickname Monster until this kid is born.

Today is the day I realized I'm having a baby. I looked on Craigslist for cribs and found a great one for $60, including the mattress. We tested it out, shook it to see if it moved, and felt confident in the purchase. Since I still do not have a completed room to put it in, it has been disassembled and will be taken to our storage unit tomorrow to hang out with all our nice stuff for a few more months while we get this house ready for Monster.

Its been awhile...

I know I haven't posted for a long time. But I'm kinda stressed out. Combine a calling, a very demanding remodel job, and the need to raise at least $20,000 (preferably more) by the end of May, and very little time is left for posting.

So here is my plea. If you want me to post more then fundraise for Easter Seals. You don't actually have to attend a walk, just get me the money :). People with disabilities are left out of life due to ignorance and discrimination. I'm finding out more and more how easy it is to help a person live their fullest life. You want proof? Go to this link and check out Taysha's story. If you're in Moses Lake go to Pioneer Pit Stop and but a few dollars in their fundraising jar. Ask your employer to match your donation. Ask friends and family to donate. $5, $10, and $20 donations quickly add up.

You can submit donations online at www.walkwithme.org/spokane.

Thanks.

Jade inspired me

Ok so Jade Janes Stellmon inspired this post...

Many of you know that Jade has MS. A lot of people in the Northwest have MS and we're still trying to figure that one out (research cost money).

Many of you know that my sister Michele has Down's syndrome. As we all know, people with Down's syndrome are the coolest (Clark Perrins, Tom Shanks, the Sainsbury twins, Juniper (she's one of my Ambassadors), and the rest are all really cool people). I honestly believe that people with Down's syndrome are better then all of us and that the luckiest people get to have one of these angels in their family. But like all disabilities, Down's sydrome causes health problems, mobility issues, and requires extra help to teach independence (that all costs money).

Many of you know a person with a developmental disability who would like a chance to pursue their education and become independent, but lack the resources (specialiazed computer software, needing an aid, and any other form of extra help cost money and the costs add up quick).

Let's all learn from Jade and get involved in something this year. Do you want to lose a couple pounds? feel good? meet new people? get a T-shirt that proves you are active in your community? be one of those people at the gym who are training for something? or simply want something to look forward to? I'm interested in all of the above, so this is what I'm doing about it.

April 4th at 8:15a.m. in Spokane is the Second Annual CommUNITY Fun Run (5K) supporting a scholarship to help people with Development Disabilities meet their goals. This event is hosted by the Arc of Spokane and sponsored by Easter Seals Washington (I work for Easter Seals). The T-shirts for this run are awesome. They have COMMUNITY printed on the front. Its only $14 to register. I just need to know by March 18th so you get a T-shirt.

April 11th in Clarkston, WA is the Multiple Sclerosis Walk. Go here to sign up to join Jade's team or simply make a donation to her. I'm sure their T-shirts are really cool too so you might want to raise the $75 to get one.

On May 30th at 11 am is the Second Annual Spokane Walk With Me. Walk With Me is a fun, family, community event to honor people with disabilities and those who support them. It is a 5K (or you can do the 1 mile route) walk through Riverfront Park. I organize this walk, and I can't tell you how happy it makes me when the people I know are at the walk. Like the MS walk, you don't have to fundraise to come, but if you want a T-shirt you need to raise at least $50. Our T-shirts are awesome and totally worth it. Click here to join or donate to my team.

Ok so I've just given you 3 reasons to look forward to Spring, to feel really good about yourself, to lose a few pounds, to enjoy three beautiful parks, to get new T-shirts, to meet new people, to brag about how involved you are.

If you want some fundraising tips check this out. You can literally raise $250 in a week without asking anyone for more then $25. I'm pretty sure that'd cover all three walks.

Get to it and let the fundraising begin.

p.s. DJ has been doing wonderfully with the basement and we are so close to being down there. The plumbing is getting finished today then its just sheet rock!

We are so grateful for our many blessings.

Many of you know that DJ has been consistently working out of town since July 14th, 2008. Since then, progress on our house has been slow and inconvenient. Who wants to work 5 12 hr days to come home and work on a house all day Saturday, then turn around and leave Sunday right after church. I know I wouldn't want to, and neither did DJ. So we've been waiting (sometimes not very patiently :)) for an opportunity to spend more time on our house. I think our needs have been pretty great. We bought the house knowing that it needed a total face lift. The house had been a rental for over 30 years, and not maintained. The kitchen was covered in grease stains, the bathroom was covered in mildew and hair (totally gross), the basement featured a toilet in the middle sitting on a 3 x 3 x 1 ft. throne (that's means it was on a wood box about a foot off the ground), and our personal favorite - the death stairs. With a lot of help from both of our families we cleared out the basement, put in a new stairway, put up new walls in the basement, put in a drain system for a basement bathroom, and re-wired the basement. So its been almost a year and this is all we've accomplished. So last month we made a effort to ask for a specific blessing.

For a long time we prayed that DJ's job would place him on a job in town, but since he chose the first out of town job, the company transferred him to another out of town job. With winter coming up, we knew his job would slow down. So we started praying that DJ would get laid off for the winter season. He finished a job last week and on the way home he was asking the foreman where the next job was. The foreman was telling him about a bunch of jobs they have contracted, but that they weren't starting till the weather warms up a bit. So he warned DJ that he was going to be laid off for a month till the jobs started. He immediately texted me letting me know. What a blessing this is for us. My job is sufficient for our needs, what we have been lacking is time. As I type this, he's at home putting up a wall. My dad has the next few weeks off so my parents are going to come over for a couple of days and help. So by March 1st, we should have a finished basement and a part of our home finished! I'll post up pictures as the work progresses for you all to see.

We know we were supposed to move into the ward we moved into, that we were supposed to buy this house, and that we would be blessed.