I Could Get Used to This!

Ok, so I have to admit that the first few days of being put on strict bed rest was tough mentally.  I doubted everything about myself! I thought there was no way I'd not go into labor soon, no way I could just lie in a bed in the same hospital room without going psycho, no way I could gather up my strength to deal with our new situation and on and on and on.... Well, I proved myself wrong and while at times I still feel like I am kinda going nuts, in the big picture of life, this ain't too bad! :) I know I'm in the best place possible for our little guy to be monitored 24/7 so I don't have to worry about him if I were sent home.  I have room service delivered whenever I want and a personalized snack menu just scheduled for me.  I have the luxury of having new/clean bed sheets every single day.. We have the most gorgeous flower and cookie arrangements in our room to enjoy and scarf down whenever I please, and Jesse is my "on call" foot massage therapist as needed!!!! Really? I have come to realize, I'm kinda getting spoiled and too pampered! Soon, once I deliver those things will probably be gone for a good while... I'll be going into full time Mommy mode, spending much of my day in the NICU for however long and waiting hand and foot on our sweet Oli boy! I'll probably be begging to be put back on bed rest here in a few months when I'm up all night looking like a crazy zombie walking around! So, life is good and I am more than at peace! It's amazing how I've gotten to that point in a week's time when I never thought that was possible! God is humorous, isn't He?

Ok, so update:

- I am 31 weeks and 5 days today! Woot Woot! Chuggin' along.. My baby bump is growing for sure! :)
- Everything has remained the same with Oliver, his heart rate, movement, and my vitals which means we are doing a good job staying away from that nasty infection we don't want!
- No contractions to very random contractions still
- Still leaking some fluid which is obviously still to be expected. BUT people, I am drinking close to 100 oz. of water a day! Doing my best to keep him swimming in there, I promise!
- Dr. Eckel said we will do the Vaginal Pool test on Monday to see whether or not we have lung maturity at that point.  If it's a yes, then let the fun begin.  He said there would be a high chance he would then start me on Misoprotol or Cytotec which is a cervix "ripener." It's given every 3-4 hours to prepare the cervix and then they will induce my labor with Pitocin.  So, that could all go down next week.  I have been preparing for that just in case! Obviously there is a chance his little lungs won't be mature in which case, I'm sure they'll let him cook for a bit longer, probably until 34 weeks (around August 9th) if there are no signs of infection.

So, I will keep everyone updated with anything new of course! Thanks so much for your continued prayers and love- our hearts are very full and we couldn't do this without our wonderful family and friends' support! We love you all! I'll post some fun pics later on to show you how we are getting into trouble around here and passing the time!

Fun Fact: I asked Dr. Eckel today how many babies he thinks he has delivered.. He said about 7,000!!!!!!! I know he's been down this road once or twice, don't ya think? :)

My daily encouragement: "Your imagination is like a canvas. You can paint on it any kind of picture you choose through your thoughts, attitudes, and what you decide to focus on. Don't let doubt or fear paint on your canvas. Don't let "impossible" or "can't be done" thoughts blur the colors on your canvas." - Joel Osteen

Just Like His Daddy...

So, we've made it to 31.3 weeks already! Hooray for taking it day by day and by baby steps.... literally!  We have gotten to start out our last 2 mornings with a visit from Dr. Eckel and the comforting words of, "You're baby is looking GREAT!" He stops by everyday to check in with us and touch base, which is to say the least, the most comforting part of the day! I can't tell you how much I love this Doctor!!!!  He sits right next to me on the bed and reassures me that everything will be just fine.   He is so patient, answers every single question we have and doesn't ever seem in a rush to get out of here.  In fact he spent about 30-40 minutes yesterday morning watching the British Open with Jes (even after spending 2 nights in a row at the hospital delivering babies)... HOW AWESOME is that? He told us that one of his patient's husbands was playing in it! Which of course got us curious and had us asking who? Well, Duh!!! HIPPA anyone? Poor guy was so awkward and couldn't respond, but did a great job avoiding it, hehe.  To say the least, I am so comforted in knowing that he is with us every step of the way until Oliver gets here!

 A couple new updates:

* I asked Dr. Eckel if Oliver's lungs were mature depending on the Vag. Pool test at the end of the week, would we deliver him or keep him in the cooker until 34 weeks if I remain infection free? He said that he will consult with a Perinatologist at that point because usually if they are comfortable knowing the lungs are mature, the risk of keeping him in there and getting an infection are much more worrisome than the benefits of staying in.  So, basically, it will all depend on the test results and then both doctor's say so.  If I'm not in labor, they would induce and there could be a chance we could meet Oliver in a week or so... We shall see!

* Today I had my ultrasound and they did an 8 point test.  Here is the breakdown on the points:

- 2 points for tone (muscle): They had to see him basically flex his arm forward to shown muscle tone
- 2 points for movement: They had to see him move his body :)
- 2 points for practicing breathing: They had to see his chest rise and fall and practice breathing for 30 seconds
- 2 points for amniotic fluid level: They had to see evidence that there is a good amount of fluid

I am a proud Momma and happy to report that our little guy passed with flying colors! They allow 30 minutes for the ultrasound in order to see everything but we were done in like 5 or 10!!!! I have to laugh because the first test he passed was muscle tone! Of course he was flexing his muscles, the kids' already had steroid shots!!!!!! And then everything else was seen/observed quickly after that.  Last Monday my amniotic fluid was measuring 8.9 cm and today it was 7.5 cm.  So, I was so happy to hear that there is still a normal amount of fluid level considering the fact that I have been leaking for a week.  The ridiculous amount of water intake that has been going on has been paying off I guess! I never realized that amniotic fluid is still being produced by his kidneys at this point and baby drinks what is in the sac and pees it out, and that process repeats over and over! Crazy, right? So, today was a happy and productive day, one to give so much praise to our AMAZING GOD for! This kid is determined, strong, and fearless just like his wonderful Daddy!

I have learned so much through this journey already and am so at peace right now that things are happening just the way that God planned them for our sweet boy.  It's amazing how many silly things worried me while being pregnant, and how our new reality has truly strengthened my mind, body and soul.  The saying, "Put your big girl panties on and deal with it" sure is a new motto of mine! I've put all those crazy little things on my "to do list" aside and realized how precious this little baby boy's life God has given us really is... I am so guilty of taking a healthy pregnancy for granted and wow has this experience matured me!

I came across this quote today and thought it was so appropriate for us right now:

"Our greatest and deepest wisdom is not given to us.  It is discovered as we experience the journey that is ours and ours alone to take." - Tami C. Gaines

Thank you to everyone who is praying, sending warm thoughts and wishes our way, and shows so much love for Baby Oliver! Whatever you all are doing, it's working and we are so grateful! XOXO

Keep on Keepin' On...

Our God is sooo good! It's been almost a week now since I was admitted into the hospital and everything has been staying stable and consistent, just what we are praying for.  I have to admit, when I came rolling in here Monday night I was so sure there would be no way I would make it for long.  Your first pregnancy is full of unknowns anyways, so when they told me that I was having random contractions, I thought things would progress very quickly! Considering that I have been here for 5 nights already, my days have surprisingly been going by fairly quickly! Never did I think it was possible to survive days in a row of being strapped to monitors and IVs, interrupted nights with nurses coming to give me antibiotics and taking my vitals, and passing time by watching movies, reading, talking and making trips to the bathroom.... Oh what fun! :) BUT the good news is that until today, I hadn't even stepped foot outside my room! Dr. Eckel gave me WHEELCHAIR RIDE privileges... Can you believe it? :) Yes, I can take two 30 minute rides everyday! Be still my heart! I was a whole new woman today!

The other thing we were able to do is tour the NICU tonight.  It's something that I wanted to do to prepare us for what will lie ahead, but knew at the same time that it would bring out some new emotions.  Surprisingly, we all held it together and it was more comforting to us than it was scary or sad.  It's a Level 3 NICU unit which is the highest level you could have in Arizona.  Full of Neonatologists, Respiratory Therapists, etc, these babies are in such great, loving hands! There are "pods" for 24 babies and every single nurse I met was just great.  There were a few Moms in there feeding their sweet little babies and all of them said, that it's just wonderful there and it becomes your home away from home.  One Mommy even let us meet her sweet boy Jace who was 31 weeks old, which is right where we are now! What a little God-given moment to be able to see what our sweet boy would look like should be be born soon.  Surprisingly, he was bigger than we thought, but of course still so tiny and way too precious.  We now have a better insight as to what we'll be dealing with after Oliver is born.  It will be an emotional roller coaster I'm sure, but I know God never gives us more than we can handle.

New updates/what's coming up:

* I am 31 weeks, 1 day today... Just truckin' along!
* Doc gave my nurse the go-ahead to take out my IV today which means I also didn't have to monitor/record how much I was going to the bathroom every time!!! :)
* I have very, VERY random and non-painful contractions still.  These are of no concern and I'm still not in labor.. Praise the Lord!
* I'll be getting another ultrasound on Monday to check the amniotic fluid levels.  Ultrasounds will be given every week or so.  Last ultrasound on Monday told us that Oliver weighed 3.14 lbs. so by now he's over 4 lbs.!!!!!! He's also in the 64th%. I guess he knew he would need to beef up a bit!
* I'll be on antibiotics for another couple of days and then will have to stop.  They only like to give antibiotics for about a week or so, because sometimes when you continue them you are at risk for "superbugs" or more serious infections caused by bacteria. But, of course with stopping antibiotics, the risk for infection also goes up... Not my favorite thing to hear of course!
* Dr. Eckel is pretty certain that if I make it till' 34 weeks (around August 9th) infection free, they will outright deliver Oliver at that time.  They'll induce labor if I haven't already started on my own and depending on how Oli does with the contractions, will depend on how I deliver.
* At 32 weeks (next Friday) or I think he will do it Thursday, we will do a Vaginal Pool test where they collect some amniotic fluid and test for lung maturity.  It will basically either be positive or negative.  If they find that Oliver's lungs are mature, then that will be the BEST DARN BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER! I'm sure they'll still leave him in there till 34 weeks, but at least we would know that his lungs are mature.  So, my prayer warriors, say some prayers for that! :) Sometimes little "white boys" my Doctor said are a little slower to develop full maturity in their lungs than girls.  Funny thing he also said is that in the NICU they are known as wimpy white boys because of that... Heheheh! I won't ever tell Oliver that though...

As I write this post tonight, I am so full of gratitude and feel so much love for my ridiculously amazing Jesse, our wonderful families, friends, Dr., and wonderful nurses...

Jesse has been the most calm, supportive, loving and patient husband through all of this.  He's had to find a way now to balance staying with me and keeping up with his work schedule, which I know hasn't been easy for him.  I can tell it's hard for him to leave in fear of something happening while he is gone.  When he is gone and I call him, he quickly answers with, "Babe..??? Are you ok?"  He has stayed here every night with me even though he barely fits of the bench seat/bed that is in our room. He gives me foot massages, helps me shower, puts lotion on my legs that I can't reach and pampers me all the time with little surprises.  He gets up with me every time to go to the bathroom just to make sure I'm ok and he is quick to go grab a nurse if there is anything I need or have a question about.  I couldn't be any luckier to be married to such an amazing man that will literally do anything for me (like dump my pee every time I go to the bathroom.) I'm sure a big part of my peace and comfort comes from knowing that him and I are in this together and there is NO ONE in the world I'd rather be by my side!

My Mom was able to come Thursday night to stay for a little while and she has just been the biggest help ever! There is nothing like having your Mom around when you are feeling like your world was turned upside down in a matter of minutes.  She has been staying with our puppies and taking good care of them.  I miss them so much already so it helps to know that they have her to love on while I'm gone! She has helped clean our house, made meals for us, grocery shopped, made Target runs to get me some super comfy clothes to lounge in and most importantly she has been such a good bed-side companion! :) I'm not the most exciting patient, but she just sits with me and helps me stay so calm! I am most thankful for her and her being here with us!

I'll leave you with a few pictures from today...

"Pace Yourself, Baby B" cookies from Mountain West Med.  ADORABLE! 

Hooray for making it to 31 weeks! 

Sprinkles Cupcakes always make things happy!

Essentials from Momma Oliver :)

Update on Sweet Baby Oliver

Hi Family and Friends,

For all of you who don't know what is going on, here is the breakdown! You know me, and I'm QUEEN of long posts, but I figured the more details on this one the better!  So, over the past week or so, I've been feeling a little pressure underneath my belly, but from what my Doc described, I would start to feel tightness there from the Braxton Hicks contractions, so of course I figured it was all good and I just went about my business! It was never bad pain, just almost feeling like he was really low and dropped or something! Anyways..

On Monday afternoon, we went to the pool after Jes got off work, laid out for awhile and then swam a few laps..  Felt great to swim and I was a happy camper! We left the pool and headed to the grocery store to pick some stuff up for dinner (hahahha little did we know)! It was weird because I had my bathing suit on still and felt like I was peeing a little. I figured I might just have a full bladder or something or the weight of little Oliver was putting more pressure on my bladder.   It was all good until I was looking for some mozzarella cheese (yes, I find the details necessary, hah) and Jes was over getting some ground beef.  I felt some "pee" come out and felt the need to hold my legs together and almost do Kegals because I couldn't hold it! So I thought it was strange and something (God) told me that wasn't quite right so I meandered on over to Jes and told him, "I think we have to go or I have to pee, or something.." So, he checked out, I peed in the restroom and all seemed and looked normal again.  The weird thing was I didn't pee a full bladder's worth, so that should have kinda told me something about feeling the need to pee so bad but not going too much! 

Jes was on me about calling my Doc, so I did and luckily he was the Doc on call out of the 5 he works with.   So, he told me it didn't seem like it was my "bag of water" but that it was strange that I didn't pee a whole lot.  He told me to head on over to the hospital just in case so they can check it out and monitor me just to make sure I wasn't contracting, or my water broke, etc.  I hung up and kinda got my first nerves that he even wanted me to go to the hospital!!  I even told Jes, "Should I take a shower just in case? What about packing a bag? A million things went through my head but I convinced myself I'd probably be sent back no doubt and to get over it, stop worrying!

Got to Shea Hospital, checked in and went back to Triage where I had a fabulous Nurse who took all my vitals, and then ran a swab test for amniotic fluid.  She came back pretty quickly and said, "Yup, your ruptured, so looks like you get to stay here with us!" OMG, what? Seriously guys, I thought she would say something like, "No, maybe it was just your bladder," or "go home and come back or something.." NOPE! SO, basically, I am here in the hospital on bed rest till this sweet little boy arrives. Oh what fun! :) 

So, here is where we are at.  I was immediately pumped full of antibiotics and will be for awhile.  Main concern is risk for infection obviously since I am leaking, so they are monitoring me like crazy (temp, baby's heart rate and contractions) and I am considered high risk now.  I'm almost to 31 weeks which is still very early obviously so they gave me 2 steroid shots in my butt to help his little lungs progress quicker. One was given Monday night, the other Tuesday night.  After Wednesday night I was considered "In the window" because at that point those steroids would be in full effect and helping Oliver's lungs.  They wanted me to make it to that window so he could benefit from those steroids.  I am not in active labor (which sounds crazy) but at this point, it's just my fluid (well obviously a very important part) but no consistent contractions that I feel yet.  I have some here and there, feel some tightening and pressure, but it's very random at this point and it's not painful.  My Doc did say today that they are noticing a bit of change in his heart rate when I do contract, so there may be cord compression.  That means that since there isn't as much fluid as normal, the cord can become compressed between his body and the uterus, while contracting.  They monitor this closely and any sign that he is in distress, they will deliver him.  Any sign of infection, they will deliver.  If I go into full blown labor, they will deliver.  My doc said that the cord could move around as he moves, so at this point we aren't worried necessarily, but rather it gives us good info.  Should I go into labor, they will monitor him very closely for drop in heart rate and an emergency c-section could be necessary.  Another way to look at it is, if he is having a little bit of deceleration with these inconsistent contractions, having one right after another might put him in a great deal of distress.  My goal is to keep him in here obviously as long as I can, the longer the better for him, should I remain infection free and he doesn't get too in distress. 

They did an ultrasound on me Monday night and he is head down (Praise the Lord) so in case things start happening, it's more of a possibility to deliver vaginally. At that time he weighed about 3.14 lbs and now is a little over 4 lbs. which is so good to hear! He is in the 64th % and has a strong heartbeat and everything else looks good! I had 8.9 cm of amniotic fluid between him and my uterus which is good considering I am ruptured.  I'll be getting an ultrasound every 4-5 days to check the fluid levels too. The crazy thing is that I still produce amniotic fluid and there is a chance the rupture in the sac could sort of come to a halt, but no matter what, I'll be staying in the hospital to be monitored.  

Obviously, there are so many thoughts running through my head right now because here we are in July and I was due in September! I have always had a funny feeling that he would be early, but come on... Not this early! I could go into labor or have to deliver as early as today, or I could be here for weeks.  I am almost positive that my Doc won't let me go past 34 or so weeks due to the rupture and increased risk of infection.  We have been seen by a Neonatal Doc and Peri Doc to talk about what things would be like should he come tomorrow, etc.  It's a lot to take in and right now my focus is staying positive, hydrated, stress-free and calm.  What will come will come and we will deal with whatever it is at that time. There are some things we'll have to deal with that I didn't necessarily foresee coming, but that's ok! I've come to realize that everything happens for a reason and God has His amazing hands in every situation.  He will take care of our Little Oliver and this is just a part of his grand entrance into the world! I knew from the beginning this little guy would give me some sort of grief! 

You know me, I still had a nice long list of things to do before I was planning on having Mr. Oliver here, but...!!!!! Hah, well, I'm just gonna have to get over that, right? My permanent home will be here for who knows how long- could be a week, could be a couple days, could be a couple weeks they said. As for Oliver, he'll be here for awhile... At least until his lungs are fully capable to breath on their own, he eats well, etc.  But, like I said, that's all too hard to gauge at this point... As long as everything will be ok with Oliver in the end, I will be ok and even though this is a very stressful time, it will all be worth it!  I'm telling you, he's already giving his Momma a run for her money! He's been a little stinker from day 1 (sticking his tongue out in the ultrasound, super active and kicks me  A LOT, etc.) How did I know he would? :) He's a happy little boy in there, but my prayers are just that he stays happy in there for awhile longer! 

I'm going to try my best with Jesse's help to keep you all updated on how things are progressing, so check back in from time to time :) We are asking for your prayers to keep our little boy happy and healthy in there for as long as we can! We appreciate all your love, support and sweet words and know that our wonderful God is so good and faithful! 

Our love to everyone!

At least being on bed rest means you get waited on! :) 

27 Weeks Sober....

....I mean pregnant!!!! A margarita does sound really nice though!!!! 

Home Sweet Home

Where did the time fly? It seems like just yesterday that it was December and Jesse and I found out that we were moving to Arizona for his new job! It's JUNE and we ARE HERE!!!!! I can hardly even believe it! Well, Jes has technically been here since January but we are reunited as a married couple and living under the same roof... for more than a week!!!!! My heart sings a happy tune when I remember that I don't have to say goodbye to him in a few weeks! In fact, we've been getting to "re-know" each other as silly as that seems because if you've known our life we have been a long distance couple for almost 8 years now!!!! Crazy, right? I'm pretty sure that if we can survive the distance for that long, we'll be good to weather any type of situation, right? And I am a firm believer that distance DOES make the heart grow fonder! We are big time proof that long-distance relationships do and can survive and be amazing!

Since I'm taking time off, I have become a housewifey and let me tell you..... I LOVE IT! Sorry, but I always knew I would! Who wouldn't like getting up when their happy heart desires (even though my preggy heart gets me up at 3:00 am to pee and 5:00 for good..)???? Who wouldn't like making breakfast, packing a lunch, and cooking dinner for their hubby? Well, I guess some wouldn't but I love cooking/baking so it makes me a happy girl! I swear I have never done as many dishes in my life! I think because I have the time to actually cook and bake how I want, I blow through pots, pans, and dishes like a 10 person family would! Jesse even threw in the line "Man, you're bustin' out all your goods now!" Hahah, I love that man! Call me crazy, but I like cleaning! I know some people might be laughing in their chair and saying, "Well good for you, Lindsey," but I do... I have a problem... I know! I have already gotten past the first stage of admitting that! So, I've been dusting every nook and cranny, cleaning the blinds, windexing windows, scrubbing floorboards, sweeping, and well I guess you can say that I am a complete NESTER! I knew I would do this when I was pregnant, but because it's getting closer to the time that we bring our babe home, I want it to be ours... Our dirt, our filth, our germs, ya know? Yes, I am weird and a clean/sparkly house makes my heart so happy! Jesse and I even passed up hiring a maid to come clean this place because I knew I could do it better and my way.... Sick right? The sad part is I don't even feel close to being done! I still have a running mental list of what needs more scrubbing/cleaning.... So, basically, I spend my days looking like a bum, inside doing house chores, decorating and running errands! Bottom line, I love it, feel so blessed to be able to, and feel so much less like a crazy person that has a brain running a million miles a minute with lists and lists of things to do! Speaking of decorating.... I am still in denial that we actually filled a 4 bedroom home with stuff from our 1 bedroom condo....???? How is that possible? I mean, seriously!

Anyways, I know I am famous for writing posts that seem to go on and on and on.... so I am going to leave this one (the rest of it)  to mostly pictures of our new house with just a few side notes! I can't help but fall in love with this place because I know that here in September, this is where we will be bringing our sweet baby boy back to and start our family of 3!!!!

The Grandpa's painting Oliver's Nursery with Love

Our Bedroom

Guest Room

Our Master Bath

Home Sweet Home

Empty Room that will probably be Oliver's Downstairs Fun Room.
For now it serves as a track for the dogs to sprint around...

Laundry Room... Exciting I know!

Guest Bath Downstairs

Living Room (This room will be undergoing many changes coming soon!)
I'm super picky but why would they paint that wall red? Gross...

Dining Area

My Favorite part: Our AMAZING kitchen!
Someone knew I would spend a lot of time in here...
Oh ya... Can you tell there is a full wall of wine? Yah... I'm preggy... BUMMER

Our spacious backyard and a heater just in case 110 degrees isn't hot enough

Yes.... PALM TREES!!!! Am I by the beach???
We have fruit trees too! 

The dogs are in HEAVEN

Soon to be garden (as soon as I figure out what survives in the heat...)

Guest Bathroom upstairs

Oliver's Nursery: Gonna' get workin' on this next week!

Guest Room with Oli's stuff

Our blue office (which will be transformed ASAP)
Lots to do in here too! 

We just got our glider delivered... AKA my new favorite spot...

Even Jesse looks small sitting in this!

Welcome to Caribbean Ln in Scottsdale, AZ!!!! Stop by for a visit when you're in town! We'd love to have you and I'll have margaritas and desserts waiting!

Our Dad...

I know I'm a little late on this one, but hopefully you'll understand! Jesse and I are finally feeling settled in Scottsdale (I'll post about that next) and were able to spend this year's Father's Day in our new home!  Like Mother's Day this year, I think Jesse felt a whole new little feeling about what it means (or will mean) to be a Father! I must say, he's gonna make one hell of a Daddy, that I know for sure! I can't wait to see him holding our little guy! Oliver wanted to give his Daddy a little something and this is what it was......

His very first Golf Bag!
(He only needs 2 clubs because he's already that GOOD!)

I'm sure as soon as Oliver is able to hold a club, they'll be out practicing! Jes, I can't wait to start our little family and watch you become such an All-Star Daddy with your little guy! He has no idea how lucky he is to have you as his Dad, but WATCH OUT WORLD.... This kid WILL be competitive and WILL LOVE sports... I don't think he'll even have a choice, poor guy!

Always Keepin' up with the Kids

What I really want this post to be about is my very own, wonderful and all-around amazing Dad, Chuck! You guys.... The man grew up loving every sport there was, played football through college and is nothing but ALL GUY! You might be saying, ya... we know!!!!??? But what makes me smile is that he grew up with 3 sisters, had 3 daughters, raised all female pets for the most part and is FINALLY getting another boy in the family! My Dad was the very first person we called to let know that we were having a little boy, because I just knew that NO ONE would be as ecstatic as he would be... and he sure was! I don't think he believed me or even knew what to do with himself! In thinking about what we were going to name our son, of course if you know me, I had a running list 10 months ago with about 20 names I liked..... A couple of people suggested that I had such a great last name (Maiden) that could be used as a first name if it was a boy! I honestly had never even thought about Oliver, but once it was brought up, it became a front-runner in my mind... Jesse and I talked many times about what we could name him and the only name he was totally 100% set on was Oliver! I thought it could even be used as a middle name, but NO... Jes was set on Oliver because he loved that he could grow up and be called Oli when he was playing sports! It didn't take much convincing, because I kept thinking that it would be so cool to "bring back" the name that I so dearly loved growing up with as a little girl! I must admit, it made me sad to think that there were no more boy "Oliver's" to pass along our family name, so being able to name our son Oliver is just a perfect way to keep it alive! Even though my Dad would be supportive with whatever name we chose, I think there has to be a feeling of pride he must have! A grandson with the name Oliver... How cool is that???? 

Goofballs ALL.THE.TIME

Anyways, just like my Mom, I think us girls lucked out with the best Dad there is! From growing up with so much estrogen around him, I think God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave my Dad 3 daughters to raise.... He has this soft, gentle and sensitive side about him that always seems to do the trick when one of us needs help or is in a pickle of some kind! Just call Dad, and he'll know the answer, find out, or talk you through it! He is brilliant!!!! I mean seriously, he knows so much about so much if that makes sense! To name a few of his specialties: Sports, Money/Investing, Cars, Houses, Landscaping, Playing Craps, Fishing, Boating, Air Traffic Control :) and yes... even shopping (thanks to us!).  I have had some of the most intriguing conversations about different things with my Dad! What I love is that he doesn't act like a "know it all!" He LISTENS!!!!! He likes for others to share their thoughts, ideas and even if it doesn't make sense to him or he disagrees, he will calmly shake his head, continue to listen and very sweetly discuss the differences of opinion.  He is always respectful and I LOVE THAT about him! You could talk to my Dad all day long and never get tired of him! 

Dad... Those are some mashed potatoes you got there, by the way! 

When it comes to dedication, my Dad is it! In every avenue of his life! Whether it be his family, job, house, yard, car, anything at all.... My Dad works his tail off! He is always striving to be the best at whatever he is doing and give us the best!  I admire this about him because he puts forth the effort and tireless hours to be all that he can be! When my parents told us about an opportunity in Seattle for my dad to become the Assistant Chief, I wasn't surprised at all! I knew he was up for the challenge, and he's not stopping there either! His motto: You work hard, so you can play hard! Growing up I never felt cheated of time with my Dad.  Even though he had to work a lot, he was always there for us, at our games and we were even able to take a few family vacations every single year! He is good at balancing everything in his life and he is smart about it too! His plan is to work another couple of years and then retire so he can really enjoy everything life has to offer: especially sweet little Grandkids! I look forward to that day when he retires because I just know he is going to LOVE it! As hard as he has worked and as stressful of a job that he has, he'll deserve every second of being a retired Gramps! 

Finally, one of the things that I love about my Dad is the relationship he has with my sweet husband, Jesse.  Most Dads are a tad bit sad when their daughters get married, but NOPE.... NOT MINE! He was so excited that he had a "son" now and could do "guy stuff" when we all got together as a family! Most of our family time before I was married revolved around shopping and strolling around "browsing" through towns, etc... Girl stuff that Dad got drug around doing! When Jesse is there now, Dad doesn't have to do that anymore! They can grab a beer and watch the game together! They can throw the football on the beach! They can throw something on the grill and enjoy each other's company. My Dad can give advice and Jesse loves to hear it! And I'll tell you that Jesse loves time with my Dad just as much as my Dad enjoys his time with Jes.  I can't describe to you how overcome with emotions I get when I see the two of them just "hangin" together! It's so sweet and makes me a happy little girl to know that the two of them get along so well and have so much in common! Now, when my sisters get married, there will be 2 more guys around and I'm sure Dad will just love that even more! Finally some "men" around to do "men-things" with! 

Butchy-Boy

So, Dad..... I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK! I couldn't have picked a better Dad for us because you have the perfect touch with everything! From day 1 I was "Butchy-Boy" to you and am still proud of that name! HAH! People may not get it, but I know why that was my name! You know just when I need your sensitivity and gentle side and then you know exactly when I need a firm kick in the rear... And growing up, I needed a lot! Thank you for all you have taught us girls by being our Daddy- You were our #1 guy from day one and we'll never forget that! XOXOX