Jed and I had been dating for four years and married for one year when we found out we were having Brody. We found this out right after Memorial Day weekend in 2010. Jed and I had previously miscarried in March 2010, so although we were very happy, I was a pretty nervous - looking back now it's funny how things work out, although losing the first pregnancy was difficult, it resulted in Brody, the best gift we could ever receive!
This was a picture of Brody's nursery after we had finally put it all together and organized everything... this is as nice and organized as it has ever been :)
Towards the end of the pregnancy I started having issues with swelling, seeing spots, and feeling dizzy. I went to several Doctor appointments with Dr. Dalisky and was told that I had pre-eclampsia. On January 24, 2010, Jed and I went to one of the doctor appointments. It was then that the doctor suggested that I be induced the following day! I was in complete shock, as I was expecting to have Brody several weeks from then. Jed was stoked, to say the least :). Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep that night!
On January 25, 2010, Jed and I arrived at the Silverton Hospital at 6:45 a.m. Mom and Andrew met up with us shortly after arriving. I was brought into my room, hooked up to the IV, and my water was broke. In the beginning, labor wasn't too bad. I was able to walk around, socialize, and enjoy the experience.
However, as the day progressed, things became much more painful. The picture below, although some may thing is inappropriate, is a very good visual description of what was going on - myself in pain, and Jed "trying" to help, but really getting more of a laugh out of the whole situation. I love this picture :)
I remember that as the labor pains began to get very strong, there was a woman next door to me who was in full blown labor and nearing delivery. She was delivering without any pain medication and SCREAMING at the top of her lungs. Shortly after hearing all of that, I received the epidural :). The epidural was fabulous to say the least!! I was able to concentrate, relax, and even take a nap! My Mom said it was the most stress-free delivery she has ever seen... and added that if she knew it would have been that easy, she would have had the epidural herself when she gave birth :). Jed and my Mom were in the room during the actual delivery. The doctor had predicted that Brody would be here at 9:00 p.m., but after spending the whole day in labor, I was determined to get him out before then. Brody was born on January 25, 2011, at 8:51 p.m. weighing 6lbs 6oz and he was 18.5 inches long. Words can't describe the feeling you get when you first see your baby. It was one of the best moments of my life.
After Brody was born, the delivery room was quite the party! There were approximately 20 people anxiously waiting outside the delivery room. Everybody was able to come in shortly after Brody was born. It was so wonderful to have so many amazing family and friends present to welcome Brody into the world.
We stayed at the hospital for three days after Brody was born. It was nice to have the assistance of the nurses, as Jed and I were brand new parents and a little unsure of what to do.
After receiving so much support, we were able to go home on January 29, 2011. I rode in the backseat with Brody, and was an emotional wreck. I was mad-dogging every car that got close to us. Jed did a great job driving cautiously home from the hospital.
Brody had jaundice so we had to feed him every 2 hours in order to flush out his system. We did this with the help of family, which was greatly appreciated! My Mom stayed at our house for three days, and we all took shifts in feeding Brody. She was such a big help. We both were in tears when it was time for her to return to her own house! Jed had offered to make his "Man room" into Grammy Tammy's room to try and convince her to stay; which was quite the compliment! We also had such great help from friends and family, who helped us by providing meals, cleaning, and support. Jed and I were so thankful for this!
For the first few days after Brody was born, I think I was the most mentally drained and emotional that I have ever been. Haha for example, Jed and I had to take Brody back to the hospital the day after we got him home so he could have his billiruben levels checked. We also had a meeting with one of the lactation specialists. So after spending half the day at the hospital, we figured we'd go see Great Grandpa and Grandma Krupicka, since we were in the area. It was great to meet with them, but by the end of the day, I was so anxious I was on the verge of a melt down! After leaving the Krupicka's, Jed drove to the Subway in Brooks to get me lunch since I hadn't eaten yet. Well he parked and went inside Subway. After he had left the car, I noticed that he had parked close to a semi truck that said "flammable" on the side. Well in my emotional/crazy state of mind, I was SURE that the truck was going to explode while we were sitting there, so I got into the driver's seat and moved the car to the other end of the parking lot. After moving the car, I began to get concerned that Brody needed to eat and be changed (although I had just done so less than an hour ago). I began to panic that I needed to feed and change him, but didn't want to take him out of his car seat in case we were to get hit by another car while in the parking lot. My anxiety continued to escalate, and by the time Jed got back to the car (or, was able to find the car after I had moved it to a completely different spot), I was in the back seat with Brody, crying my eyes out, with no real reasonable explanation besides that I had to get home, NOW. Jed was such a trooper :) He dutifully was able to get us home as quickly as safely possible.
Below is Brody's first bath at home... which he HATED. He enjoys them much more now, but he was definitely not a fan of sponge bathes.
Brody with Grandpa and Grandma Bowers
Brody at one week old. I remember I was so excited that he was awake and had to get a picture fast, as he typically slept allllll the time.
When Brody was just over a week old, we went to Anders and Jenn's wedding. At the wedding was Ashley and Claire Tawney. Ian and I grew up together and there are many baby pictures of us when we were little. I love that we can get a picture of the next generation together.
Brody and I at Anders and Jenn's wedding.
Brody at 2 weeks old.
Brody's first trip to the beach house in Pacific City, OR on February 12, 2011.
On February 14, 2011, Brody received his first gun - a CZ 22, from neighbor Walt Miller.
Here are some of my favorite of Brody's newborn pictures.
Brody after his first shopping trip :)
Brody meeting Saber and Dub.
Brody and Jed working hard.
Brody's first hike with Auntie KyLee around Basket Slough on February 25, 2011.
Brody's first trip to church. My family and I have gone to Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Pederson ever since I can remember. I really like going to church there, as I think Pastor Dave does a great job and the church is very welcoming of all people, no matter what their lifestyle choices have been. Although I plan to encourage Brody to decide for himself what he believes, I want to give him a good foundation on my beliefs through Trinity Lutheran Church. With Brody in this picture is his Great Great Aunt Phyllis, who has the same birthday as Brody!
Something that I have found that Brody LOVES is being in his Moby Wrap or Baby Bjorn. He's like a little kangaroo! When he's fussy or I need to get some cleaning done, I can just plop Brody into one of the carriers and he is a happy little camper!
Brody's first play date on March 1, 2011 with Raegan Meier, Hattie Mae Zook and, Elliot Kahl.
Grammy Tammy visiting Brody
Brody had his first bonfire at the Bowers Compound on March 6, 2011. Uncle Andrew, Lt. Dan, Uncle Brandon, Auntie Mandi, and Auntie Court came to join us! Brody was layered up in warm clothes and snugly wrapped in the Baby Bjorn.
Brody's first trip to Sisters, Oregon to shoot sage rats (Brody watched).
I have been having the best time hanging out with Brody. Here are some pictures I took while we were playing... the second one is hilarious to me! Haha but he better get used to being smothered by his Mama :)
Brody at almost 2 months old!
Brody first started smiling (non gas related) on March 21, 2011 and first laughed on April 2, 2011. Since then he has been quite the smiley guy... which we LOVE!
Brody's Grandpa Bowers is a firm believer that camo is the key to most everything in life :) We happen to agree :) So it only made sense that we go visit Grandpa Bowers when Brody was wearing one of his cutest camo outfits!
Brody leads a very active lifestyle. Here are some pictures from the 5k race to fight Breast Cancer with Auntie Mandi and Auntie KyLee.
Play date with Rowan, Lt. Dan, and Uncle Andrew!
Brody Bowers, Mountain Man :)
This has about summed everything up since Brody has been born! I plan to update this blog regularly. I'm excited to document everything that is going on in our lives at this time. I know I will appreciate it someday when I want to look back at things!
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