kason's baby blessing

Baby blessings are always a special event. But what really makes them so special are the little guys themselves. Isn't he just the cutest little man?

I can't get over how adorable he is. The fact that I have the ability [with Adam's help of course] to make such a precious baby is mind boggling. Kason is such a light and blessing to our family. I have learned a lot about myself these past two months as I have learned to juggle two kiddos. And his joining our family has added so much to my happiness. I am seriously THE luckiest girl EVER. I have three of the sweetest boys to call my own. 

And just let me end this post with a boast. I went all diy and I MADE HIS OUTFIT [insert huge grin here]. I must say I am a little proud, especially of his little cardigan. 

And please ignore that fact that Daxton is in his sweats. I swear he was dressed for church.

potty training

Call me crazy, but we started potty training at our house. I have a 2 month old, currently on maternity leave, trying to sell our house and keep the house straight with 2 kids 3 kids and potty train a 23 month old. Maybe I am crazy? It's going... okay. I want Dax to be using the big boy potty more than he does. He could care less really. He does however, love to sit on his fancy Cars potty seat complete with "Tow Mater without the 'Ta'" and play on mom's iphone.

 

 It's great because Dax will be occupied for a good 20 minutes just sitting there while I hope we get lucky and he happens to go during that time. But man, it's not easy on either of us. I set a timer and take the little guy potty every 20 minutes so it's a little hectic to try to have 20 minutes of playtime, 20 minutes on the pot AND watch out for accidents in between there... and all the while taking care of a newborn. It's a handful but he'll get it. I know he can do it. We tend to have quite the little playtime while he sits on his lightening McQueen seat. We do puzzles, play with marbles, read books, oh yeah, I'm sure your jealous.

This is week 2 so fingers crossed!

kason's birth story

7.30.2013

Induction day. I was 39 weeks and 1 day and I was being induced because of my gestational diabetes. I was hoping to go into labor on my own and everyone had figured I would go early like my last delivery with Daxton. But seeing as this was not the case, induction was where we ended up. Daxton stayed the night with my parents because we had to be at the hospital by 7:00 am that morning and I'll tell you what walking out of their house was extremely emotional for me. I called Adam crying on the ride home. I had been having an emotional day reflecting on all the changes my little family of 3 was about to face [and not negatively in any way]. I was sad to see that time of just Daxton and I go, but excited and extremely anxious to meet my new son. There is just something tender about those final moments before such a life altering event and I wanted to cherish every second of it. Daxton will always have that special little place in my heart as my oldest and I guess that's something you can only really understand when you reach that point in your life. I was worried about how he would handle the change in dynamics and only wanted a positive experience for all of us. There is something surreal about having a scheduled moment when you become a mother of 2 and I wanted so badly for this little boy to finally take his place in our family. I was a little apprehensive about this delivery for a lot of reasons, many of which I really can't put my finger on. But the most prevalent on my mind was the loss of my nephew, Easton just a few months earlier. It has been really hard on my family. There was a lot of emotions for all of us with this delivery and I think until he as actually born and in our arms there was going to be tangible feeling of unease. 

I couldn't sleep the night before. I woke up that morning at 4:00 am and couldn't turn my brain off to get back to sleep. I finally got out of bed and continued my crazy nesting habits of prepping the nursery and tidying things up around the house. I read most of the literature I had on hand about breastfeeding and finally crawled back into bed to catch 30 minutes of sleep before my alarm went off. Adam gave me a blessing and together we headed to the hospital ready to meet our new son. All the while hoping things would go quickly and smoothly. I had been having contractions during the weeks prior and was having consistent ones that morning. So we thought with a little help of the induction my labor would start fairly quickly. That drive to the hospital was so different than our first. We walked into labor and delivery hand-in-hand, knowing we were about to meet our son and become a family of 4. Our nurse's name was Lisa. She was really fun. A little unorthodox but fun. She had a hard time finding a vein to get my iv stared. It took 2 nurses and 3 attempts but by golly we eventually got it! By the time we got my iv and oxytocin going it was nearly 10:30 am. I had to be hooked up to not only my iv and oxtyocin, but to the monitors as well until the actual delivery took place. I would say the worst part about the whole day was not being able to eat anything. I wished I would have known that going into the day because I totally would have had a gigantic breakfast.
 
My mom and little sister, Carissa came to the hospital around that time and the 4 of us spent the morning hanging out in my delivery room talking and laughing. At one point I walked out of the bathroom with my sexy gown on and danced with my iv pole singing the song from "Sleeping Beauty." The one that goes "I know you. I walked with you once upon a dream. The gleam in your eyes is so familiar..." That got a lot of giggles. And by sexy gown I mean the one with the open back and all the holes in the front and of course the most atrocious pattern ever. I wanted to keep the mood light and happy. My goal was a positive experience for everyone.

One of the best parts about my day was when my dad made a surprise visit with Daxton. I hadn't anticipated seeing him until his brother was born. I heard a knock on the door and saw those tiny little sneakers underneath the curtain enter the room. It made me so happy. Daxton wasn't so sure about the whole place in general and he definitely wasn't sure about mom in the hospital bed with all those cords attached to me. He was a little unsure about the whole thing. Once he warmed up to the room and everything going on he was having a total blast checking stuff out and jumping off the bench in the room. He was in such a good mood and that only increased my desire to meet his little brother. 

My oxytocin was being administered every half hour with the goal of getting my contractions to be consistent and close together, as well as increase their intensity. We attained the goal of consistent contractions every 2 minutes apart but the intensity was not strong enough to be considered active labor. I was uncomfortable during some of the contractions don't get me wrong, but it was nothing that I couldn't handle. I was still able to have fun and laugh, walk around and be happy. I just wanted so badly for the real labor to start. About mid afternoon I was starting to get discouraged and frustrated. I was having harder contractions. I was starving and not being able to eat anything only added to the situation. I was uncomfortable and feeling glum about being cooped up in the same room most of the day. The nice thing about St Als is the courtyards they have throughout labor and delivery. I finally decided I needed a change of scenary and something to shift my attitude and being able to go outside and enjoy the sunshine was exactly what did it. Adam and Carissa accompanied myself and my iv pole outside to sit and recoup. I was so much happier after that. 

FINALLY about 4:30 pm, Dr Z asked the dr on staff (Dr Lund) at the hospital to break my water. I was a little nervous for that because I'd always heard so many mixed emotions on that subject from so many other moms. But surprisingly it didn't bother me at all; honestly I didn't even feel it. The worst part was her barging in the room, offering no privacy whatsoever and getting all up in lady business so quickly. That was slightly awkward. But I will say after my water broke I was told I had to stay sitting in my hospital bed for a minimum of a half hour. Yuck. That was by far the longest half hour of my life. That was extreme unpleasant. Enough said on the topic.

Immediately after my water broke we had progression. My contractions really started to be consistent and hard. I knew there wasn't much time before we would be meeting this little baby. As I watched the clock like a hawk for the 30 minute mark, as soon as 5:15 pm rolled around I was up and out of that bed headed straight for the bathroom. It was a long 30 minutes not only because of the unpleasantness I was experiencing with the fluid but it was hard to sit immobile during those intense contractions. I wanted to be up and moving! Here is where I got an uneasy stomach. Another sign of my hard labor. I knew at that point I was going to want an epideral. I was dilated to a 6 by this time and we got my iv administered in order to have the epideral. During that 20 minute time span Adam and I decided to go for a walk to progress things as much as we could while I was still able to be on my feet. Adam was a good sport while I weathered the contractions on our walk. I had to stop walking to concentrate and focus to get through the pain. All the while clinging to Adam for support and I'm sure squeezing very tightly on his bicep. He is such a good husband. By now he knew it was almost game time and he really stared to get excited and began to command the room and take charge. He was encouraging and in tune with exactly what I needed in each moment. It's not exactly easy to be asked loads of questions as to what you want at a time like that and honestly, you don't know what you want outside of making it through the next contraction. 

It was 6:30 PM when the nurse anesthetist came into the room to administer my epidural. We got things going and the epidural worked wonderfully. I became quite comfortable. I knew going into this whole process the signs and signals for the progression of my labor after having Daxton. I should say I recognized them when they came but for Adam it was almost like he had a sixth sense. He had told our nurse and nurse anesthetist at one point exactly what I would need during certain points in my labor and he was totally right. Soon after my epidural had started working I began to get the uncontrollable shakes and the chills from the medicine being administered. Adam had told my nurse early on that would happen and he had warm blankets ready for me as soon as he saw my shakes. I didn't have to say a word about it, he just knew what I needed and what would best make me comfortable. I just love that man. 

It was now 6:50 pm and since my epidural was working and fully underway the nurse anesthetist finished what he needed and left the room. Dr Zakarian had already come to the hospital and was in labor and delivery doing charting and going over her day's work. My nurse checked to see how far I was dilated. I was now to a 9. So they called Dr. Z in and starting making preparations for delivery. The heating pad and blankets were brought in along with towels, blankets and everything we would need to welcome this baby into the world. I started to get excited and anxious knowing that I was about to meet my new son. Adam was extremely anxious and so excited. He was so sweet and kept rubbing my feet and kissing my forehead and whispering sweet words of encouragement and praise. 

6:55 pm. I distinctively remember looking at the clock and teasing Lisa that we were going to finish this before 7:00 pm and her shift was over and I told Dr Z we were going to deliver him with two pushes. All in jokes. But that's exactly what I did. Before I even knew it was happening, Adam and Lisa each had my legs positioned and Dr Z was telling me to push. I was caught off guard with how quickly everyone was ready. Well, everyone but me. I was ill prepared for that first push but gave it everything I had. I don't think I will ever fully be able to describe the level of concentration and focus that I enter when that moment comes. It's a mental state and emotion that I can't fully put into words. It's almost like I get tunnel vision. The only person I visually focus on is Dr Z and the only one I could hear was my mom. My mom and Carissa were still in the room and I cannot say enough how wonderful it is to have my mother there. Her voice always becomes my focal point, even though I can't necessarily see her I can tell by the level of excitement in her voice how much more I will have to give. After that first push I could hear her telling me how much hair he had and how dark it was through the happy tears and emotion in her voice. When that next contraction came and Dr Z told me to push, I put everything I had left into that last exertion knowing my baby was within reach. 

It was 7:00 pm on the dot and the next thing I knew he was in my arms and I was enjoying the sweet sound of that first cry. He was so beautiful. That perfect moment when you hold your child for the first time makes time stand still. I forgot about everyone else in the room and all the commotion that went with it. It was just him and me. That bond between mother and child growing with every passing second. What a blessing it is that families are forever. Adam was so tender and sweet. He kept kissing me on the forehead, making the moment even more tender. We were now a family of 4 and would be forever. I wish there were words to describe the flood of love and emotion those precious minutes held. There are too few experiences in life that are that tangible. We named our new baby boy Kason Allen Doss. We gave him the middle name of Allen after my dad's middle name. Kason weighed 7.3 lbs and was 19 inches long and was born just like I said he would right at 7:00 pm. 

Adam went to go deliver the news to the rest of our families patiently waiting in the waiting room. Everyone was so excited to meet him and even more anxious for us to decide on his name. Daxton was the one I was really looking forward to meeting him. He was in the room during the hustle and bustle of everyone passing my sweet new baby around and when everyone had had their fill I held both my boys for the first time. Daxton's first reaction was pure excitement and curiousity. He pointed at Kason next to him and yelled at the top of his lungs, "LOOK AT THIS!" He was so concerned when the nurse came and took Kason away for his first initial tests and medications. He watched the entire time during his bath and wouldn't take his eyes off of his vocal little brother. My dad was holding Dax while all this was going on and Daxton at one point reached over and grabbed Kason's little foot making sure he was alright. It was so sweet to watch. I hope he will always be a good big brother and watch out for his younger siblings like he did that night. 

I am so grateful for the blessing that I have been given to be able to bare children. I am even more grateful for the wonderful boys I have been blessed with. They make me a mother, which is by far the most important thing I have ever done in my life. 

Kason, you were born into a family that loves you more than you will ever know. We are so blessed to have you and your sweet, heavenly spirit in our home. We can't imagine life without you. You have the best big brother around and he'll teach you lots of things. Like how to love and be loved, how to be a boy and love all things boy related. He will show you how to have fun and laugh. You are a lucky boy.  No, we are the lucky ones. 

i missed this

Adam and I spent a whole week away from all our cares and it was wonderful. We haven't done that since our honeymoon. No phones, no email, no school, no interruptions.  The only downside was I wished Daxton was there. He spent his portion of our vacation with Grandma and Grandpa and he was in heaven. Seriously. I came home to little boy that walks everywhere all on his own, eats with utensils and finally says Mom. I think I should send him to his grandparents more often. He was spoiled rotten. I missed him like crazy but it was good for both of us. He spent an entire week with my Dad who took work off to play with him. If you didn't know they are BEST BUDS. Grandpa is his absolute favorite in the whole world. Grandpa trumps ALL. {yes, even me}

nap time?

It's nap time at our house. Well, it's supposed to be... Instead of a sleeping boy I found this.

 

 

 

It's been waaay to long dear blog... so let me just sum up my life the simplest I can. It rocks. I mean it. It totally rocks. And this little boy is one of the biggest reasons why. 

I had no idea you could love something this much. I am totally smitten over this little boy. He is going to be 11 months in a few days and I have no idea where my baby went. 

He makes me laugh everyday. His favorite toys are not even toys at all, but dog bowls {especially ones filled with water for splashing}. 

He loves his toothbrush, but brushing in itself if another story. 

He loves to help me load and unload the dishwasher and just yesterday he climbed up and was sitting on the open door before I turned around. 

He can be a total couch potato or crawl around at a million miles an hour. 

He LOVES and I mean LOVES trucks. The big loud ones. Like garbage trucks for instance. Mondays are his favorite day of the week because it's trash day. Dax will hear the truck coming down the street and get so excited. We sit in the window and watch them collect garbage together. And let me tell you, those 3 minutes are some of my favorite moments. 

 When we are reading stories before bed he almost insists that he turns the page. 

Changing diapers is getting crazy tricky with my little wiggle worm. We use lots of distraction techniques to get the job accomplished. 

Outside is the bomb. It's a fierce competition between Daxton and the dogs when they hear the front door open who will get there first. If he could spend every moment of his day outside, he would. 

I love that he gives high fives. I love even more the proud look he gets on his face when others are impressed with this new skill. He just beams with pride.

His favorite animal by far is a dog. He says dog, Jack, woof, truck, and dad distinctly { and for the record 3 out of those 5 are k9 related}. Lula is OBSESSED with her tennis ball and Daxton loves to play fetch with her. And yes, it's my 11 month old that does most of the throwing.  

Daxton LOVES his Grandpa. {if I could only really emphasize the l-o-v-e for you} There is very few things this kid loves as much as his GPa. They are best friends. Nobody or anything exists when Grandpa Jones is around. Not even mom. 

Our family has a sweet tooth issue and Dax is no exception. If you give a sample of a sweet you better have seconds ready. And yogurt. Oh the yogurt. He is so sad when it's all gone.  

I have peekaboo app on my phone just for Daxton. It teaches them animals and their sounds and this little guy just eats it up. When he hears the opening jingle his face just lights up. I love that I can hand him my phone and he will turn it sideways and get to it likes he's been using a phone forever. He is so smart. 

I love being a mom. LOVE it. There is nothing more rewarding then teaching Daxton something only to watch him do it on his own. I love that I can talk to him and he understands me and even more so responds accordingly. I am so grateful for this little blessing in my life. He teaches me so much and helps me to slow down and enjoy life's precious moments. I only wish time would slow down so it could last longer.

7 months

5.9.12 Tummy time is finally becoming more enjoyable! It has been a process but we are working on it. Call me crazy but you do much better if Lula is around for some reason. You just love that silly dog.

5.10.12 You have the same silly habit as your Dad. You both rub your feet together when you are tired. I finally realized it today for what it was and your Dad was so proud. He just beamed with pride. You two are going to be so much a like.

5.11.12 You love to snuggle and be snuggled {well, at least with my anyways}. And when you are tired two things happen. You rub your eyes and head like crazy! Which only keeps you more awake and even more so when you knock your pacifier out AND you scratch your eczema only making it flare much worse. Thus, we swaddle you up at night. You want so badly to just stretch out some nights and if only you could actually get yourself asleep before the rubbing commences. I love it when you sleep with out being swaddled. You look sooooo relaxed and comfy with your arms straight above your head in that little field goal position of yours.

5.12.12 Fair warning possible TMI. We had quite the productive Saturday with all our errands and shopping. I love running those errands with you boys. I just love the fact that we do things as a family. Yes, even if that means errands. I love it. You made Dad and I laugh out loud in Ross. Oh my goodness. Sometimes it’s really hard for me to believe that you are only 6 months old. We were just wandering around the store and you were happy as can be. The out of nowhere comes this gigantic man toot. I was so embarrassed it was long and juicy. Dad and i just stopped and looked around to see who else heard it. The look on you face was just priceless. You were SOOOO ridiculously proud of yourself. Dad and I couldn’t stop laughing. You are such a boy. But on a sweeter note, we took another one of our family siestas this afternoon. I love them. It’s literally a family affair. Even the pups join in on our little snuggle fest. Perfect.

5.13.12 My first official Mother’s Day. Too bad my baby was sick. Last night you started coughing and had a fever. And when we woke up this morning it was no different. You and I stayed home from church and your fever reached it’s peak at 102.1. You have diarrhea, loss of appetite, sneezing, coughing, the works. I feel so bad seeing you sick. I wish I could make it go away. All you wanted to do was be held and that cough sounds so terrible. I think we are going to go see Dr Miller tomorrow and get it checked out, I’m thinking it might be an ear infection. I have a feeling tonight could be a long one.

5.14.12 It had been a long time since we have had a night like that. Neither one of us slept very well or for very long. I was trying everything to make you comfortable and it seemed like nothing was working. And my suspicions were correct. You have an ear infection. Not a fun ‘first’ milestone for the charts. As much as I love Dr Miller I felt so bad when you had to get your ears and tonsils checked. You were NOT very enthusiastic about it and to be honest, I don’t blame you. But Dr Miller was impressed by how strong your jaws were on a positive note. So we just hung out and did a whole lot of snuggling. I just hope you feel better soon.

5.15.12 I didn’t go into work again today. And last night was better but not great. Nighttime is definitely the hardest. You slept in our bed and Dad was so nice to give us extra room and offered to take the couch. And you and I may or may not have stayed in our pjs until 3:00 in the afternoon... You took a HUGE nap too. Your usual naps are around 45 minutes but under the circumstances it was not hard to believe you slept for over 2 hours! Poor guy.

5.16.12 Last night was MUCH better. You slept much more normally and today was even better. You still don’t feel great but are certainly more like yourself. We had Layla and Elia at our house today as well so it was a full house. It was pretty funny to watch you and Elia be so curious about each other. Then tonight… Oh tonight, was hilarious. You must have saved all your energy from the past 3 days and let it all loose within a 2 hour time span. It was ridiculous! I kept thinking you were going to hit a wall and it never happened. You were your own little energizer bunny. Dad and I were joking that you were 6 months but going on 6 years will all that energy. I finally put you in the bath to try to wind you down. One of the things that had us rolling with laughter was your sense of entitlement with OUR food and drink. You want to be grown up in this department so bad. If I so much as take a drink of water while I am holding you, you think you need a drink or to try whatever it is I am consuming and put up quite the protest if that right is denied to you. So let’s just say you AND I were both wet from you drinking out of my water glass. I just love you.
5.17.12
5.18.12 Dad and I had a date night with the Pences and the Botkins tonight at the movies. You had another fun outting with GMa and GPa Jones and I must say they took you on quite the adventures. You had your first adventure to Cafe Ole, followed by window shopping at the mall, and I heard GMa even let you try her diet Coke. Oh great... I wasn’t too happy about that. I think soda is a little early at this point. My favorite part about today was picking you up after our date. You were sleeping on GMa’s bed and when I went back to get you Gpa was snuggled up next to you sound asleep. It was so cute. He REALLY loves you Bubba. The feeling is mutual. I woke him and the told me all about your night together. I think he has to be at the tippy top of the list of greatest grandpas of all time.

5.19.12 When I was a baby, Grandpa used to have me stand in the palm of his hand and balance while he held me out above his head. It drove Grandma crazy! Your Dad is no different. And You. Love. It. It’s such a thrill for you and he gets so proud. The funny part about the whole situation is that he saw me doing it with you first and decided he would give it a try. Now he shows your trick off anywhere, anytime.

5.20.12  I can’t remember if I have mentioned this before but Stephanie will not be babysitting you starting in August. They have a lot going on and the twins will be starting kindergarten. We are so sad. I mean so so so sad. We LOVE Stephanie and we LOVE taking you over to their and house. And the hardest part about that is you LOVE it there too. But that’s okay we totally understand, it’s just bitter sweet. So we have begun the search for a replacement. We met with a lady about your Dad and I’s age in my parent’s ward and she seems pretty good. So we are trying it out this week to see how things go… fingers crossed!

5.21.12 Dad and I have started to play on a coed softball team with some friends and tonight was our first game. GMa Mary came to watch… okay really she didn’t come for us. She came to see you, she babysat while we played and thankfully things went pretty well… for the most part.

5.22.12 Big day. It was our first day at Michelle’s to test the waters for the new daycare. Things seemed to go reasonably well considering… it was just too many new things in one day.

5.23.12 Dad and I had another softball game tonight and it was cold. The game wasn’t very fun because we were getting our booties kicked {we aren’t the best team in the league let’s just put it that way} but Grandma wasn’t able to come sit with you. So we ended up taking turns sitting out each inning and you were just chill sitting with so many new people. It didn’t even phase you. I just felt bad it was on the cooler side tonight.

5.24.12 We had your 6 month appointment today. Plus, a recheck on your ear. Plus shots. It’s days like today that you really don’t love the dr. But your ear is all better so that made us both very happy.

5.25.12 Today you have been very sleepy. I think yesterday just took a lot out of you with your shots and other things... {another TMI: “other things” is my illusion to you also being more or less re-circumcised yesterday. No fun!}.

5.26.12 Saturday mornings are a special day at the Doss house. We tend to all snuggle in Dad and I’s bed avoiding the day together. Today was no different. I love snuggling with my two boys. We got a wake up call to go to breakfast with my family and the best part about that was Auntie Carissa is home. It was so fun to see her and it’s been too long. We spent the afternoon shopping for outfits for our first family pictures we are taking on Monday. Well, just you and Dad were successful in that department. We then concluded our evening with a BBQ at my family’s again. Quite an eventful day.

5.27.12 I have probably failed to mention that swaddling is no longer your thing. You are too grown up and sophisticated for that. And the saddest part of all is that you like to lay down and put yourself to sleep just as much, if not more, than me rocking you to sleep. You are just becoming such a little boy too fast. I want to cherish and always remember my little baby boy. The other funny thing you do in terms of sleeping is stomp your feet. Mind you, you are laying down but you lift both your legs off the mattress and stomp your feet down over and over again. It’s so funny to hear you do it over the monitor in the middle of the night. Your quirks are just adorable. But whatever works for you works for me.

5.28.12 Happy Memorial Day! Dad and I had today and we definitely made the most of it. Of course, after you woke up early we all snuggled back in our bed and slept in a little this morning. I love our snuggle parties. Then off to the zoo with the Leavitts! I hadn’t been there since I was a kid and it was so much fun. You had a blast and there was just so much to see and take in. We wore you out just a little bit because you slept a good hour of the tour. Then we ended the day by taking our first family pictures at Katherine Albertsons Park. I cannot wait to see how the turned out!

5.29.12 So.... I’m not to sure this new daycare plan is working out. You are having a really though time adjusting. You won’t eat or sleep for Michelle and cry and fuss most of the day. So. not. you. I’m not sure if it’s stranger danger, a personality clash or just too different or what but you are really struggling and it’s killing me. I feel so bad. I don’t want to call it quits this early into the game but I don’t want to drag out a possible bad situation either. I just hope with a few more days it will get better. If not it’s back to the drawing board. One happy note though, Uncle Gregg graduated high school tonight!

5.30.12 After your rough day yesterday you have been SOOOO tired. You slept most of the morning and even napped while we walked the MK Nature Center and the Greenbelt with Kelsey and Kenna. We had such a blast and it was so nice to get out of the house and just enjoy the wonderful weather. I think we are going to make this a weekly tradition, or at least going to a park or some fun activity each week. Hooray for play dates! Oh my goodness. Night was hilarious. It was WAY past your bedtime and it wasn’t helping that as I was getting you ready for bed that we got all riled up. You were so excited and totally wired :) It was so great. We were being totally goofy and just having such a great time laughing at the silliest things. Dad came in and joined our fun and you hung out on your stomach for like 20 minutes. YES! You HATE tummy time so this was such a bonus!

5.31.12 I have no idea where this came from but you have been all the sudden smacking your lips while eating and then throughout the day chewing on your tongue. The tongue thing is hilarious. You have started to move around a lot more when you sleep. You have been sleeping more on your side than anything.

6.1.12 First swimming adventure. We went over to our neighborhood pool and went swimming for the first time and you loved it. I knew you would love the water. It was so fun to watch you kick your little legs around in the water and splash around. We love the summer and the wonderful weather that comes with it. We had Michelle, the kids and Kelsey and Kenna come swim too. It was Kenna’s first time and quite the little pool party! Oh and daycare was MUCH better today. I was so happy to pick you up and se that you were smiling and in such a good little mood. Thank goodness. Let’s hope it only continues to get better!

6.2.12 Our Saturdays are always full of so many things to get done and today was no exception. We were up early and moving by 6:30am with you and out and about. We got our grocery shopping done by 7:30! Which was sooo weird. I’ve never been that early in the day and thankfully it was dead. We wanted to beat the Saturday rush  as well as the rush from it being the first of the month. Success. Dad was so bummed about not being able to join us for your first time swimming that we went again tonight. He was so excited to take you and couldn’t wait to get you in the water. He’s a good Dad. And we introduced your toothbrush finally and you totally love it. I let you play with it more like a toy for a while but brushing your teeth is more like a game and that suits us all just fine.

6.3.12 We had such a good day at church. It’s not that we normally don’t but today just went so smoothly. We have 9 am church which falls in the middle of your morning nap time which can prove to be difficult some weeks. But not today. I don’t even know how to describe today really. We sat through all the lessons {which doesn’t normally happen because we get restless sometimes and just need to walk around} and you just hung out with Dad most of it. Sundays are probably my favorite day in the sense that it’s the best time to watch you and Dad interact. He usually has you most of church and I love to watch the two of you together. It’s so sweet and always reminds me of what is most important in life and that’s you two. Nothing else comes first or matters. We snuggled up on the couch this afternoon and napped to a movie in the background. We are best friends. There isn’t a whole lot we don’t do together. I cannot even begin to describe how much I love time like this. I cherish these moments everyday. I know as you grow up these moments will change and with each stage will come something new. I look forward to those but I don’t want to pass by or miss this. I love being your mom.

6.4.12 Grandma has way to much fun with you on Mondays. You look at her with such love and trust and that makes me so happy. I am so grateful for wonderful grandparents. They will always be a big part of your life. We are so blessed Bud. Tonight you and I were just talking back and forth after dinner and you were in one of your growling moods. So we playfully growled back and forth. It was quite the little banter as you kept trying to top my growl. Dad was laughing at us, he says we are funny together.

6.5.12 As much as I love summer and all the lovely daylight... I do not love that you are starting to wake up with the sun. AKA 6:30 am. That’s too early when we have a routine for the mornings Dude. And I’m not just talking weekends but weekdays that involve work. But you don’t seem to mind when I go in and meet your sweet little face and then we crawl back into my bed instead. You totally love it. In fact, you love it so much you fall right back asleep for another hour.

6.6.12 Can I just tell you I love that you haven’t developed your “man card” yet? I know you are only 7 months old but I’m so glad. You accompanied me on a date to Jo-Ann Fabrics. You are the best date {don’t tell Dad- he’s good to but you are the best}. And let me tell you, you thought all the colors everywhere were just amazing. You kept reaching and grabbing for everything within reach. One day you are going to be successful, but for now it’s fun to simply watch you try while I effortlessly prevent it. We both know how that will eventually change. We went for a walk in Katherine Albertsons Park again and I tried to get better at my photography. You are such an easy model and don’t mind at all.

6.7.12 You LOVE orange juice. I gave you some diluted with your lunch today and between that and pineapple I thought you were going to die in taste bud happiness. Your little eyes were so huge and I couldn’t serve your food fast enough. At one point you were more interested in drinking the oj than eating and that has NEVER happened. I love being able to be part of the wonder and excitement of experiencing something new for the first time. It just always puts me in check and reminds me how precious life is and to try to never take any moment for granted.

6.8.12 Happy 7 months Dax! To celebrate you have been growing 6 teeth all at once. I joke that you have a grill underneath your gums on the top. But they are giving you more grief than your first 2. Besides your mood I can always tell when your teething because you chew blankets and other materials like that. You prefer that over teething rings or toys any day. You also get diaper rash which is another rarity for you.

family of 3

 

I cannot even begin to put into words how much I love my boys. Adam and Daxton are seriously my WHOLE world. I don't know what I would do without them. I mean my life isn't perfect and it definitely is not stress free {which, don't get me wrong that would totally be great}. There is always a want or a need for something but take it all away and all I'm left with are these two.

 Look at them. If I lost everything I would still be okay because of them. I cannot even begin to describe how much I love being a mom. Daxton is the sweetest little boy and so full of energy and life. We seriously play all day long. I wish I was better about being productive and getting things checked off my to do lists. But the laundry will still be there, I will always have a gazillion crafts in mind and the toilets will inevitably get dirty again. But this... 

How can I miss out on THIS? I don’t want to miss any of it. I am so grateful for Adam and how hard he works for our family so I don’t have to. We are so blessed.I love that my son lights up when Adam or I walk into a room. Nobody can make me feel that special. I love him with everything I am.

 

Special thanks to Lauren D Photography for the amazing photos. She did such a great job and I couldn't be happier.

11.8.2011 adam's version

Adam finished Daxton's birth story and I just can't help but share. He's such a good Dad...

Daxton James Doss

Your Birthing Story

I remember waking up on 11/8/2011 not thinking this was going to be the day. I went to work just like I do every other day. I was getting a lot of phone calls from the IA show  in California where I was supposed to be. Baseline, the company I was working for at the time, decided to let me stay home because it was getting close to your due date. All day I thought about you. I thought a lot about your name. You were going to be called Hudson Doran Doss.

Hudson was the name that your mother really liked. She liked it for a very long time. There were many months where I did as well. Doran is the first name of your great grandfather and the name of one of the greatest individuals I know. I always wanted to name my first born son after him. I thought that it would be special for you to bear his name. Your mother had second thoughts about that because Doran is kind of an old name and not well known anymore.

The night before you were born your mother and I had a good conversation where I told her that I was at the point where I would let her name you anything but Hudson. It did not feel right to me and I was desperate. Back at work the name Daxton kept on popping back into my mind. The problem with that was the middle name of Doran. Daxton Doran Doss did not sound or feel right. Jessica and I always liked the middle name James. I wrote it out for the first time ever. Daxton James Doss! I liked it… I liked it a lot. I sent a picture to your mom and she said we will see. I secretly think you liked it as well and decided it was time to be born so she did not have time to think of any other crazy names like Seven or Bob.

Throughout the day I kept on asking Jessica how she felt. She commented that she was fine and not to worry. I mean your mother went to work the day you were born! That is how tuff she is. After work we decided to run and get a few last things that we found out we needed before you were born. We had everything you could imagine but socks and sweat pants. I mean what athlete does not have good socks and some nice comfy sweat pants? We went to about 4 stores that night and even had a pizza in the car sitting outside the parking lot of Carter’s.

Your mom was having contractions for most of the night. The funny thing about them is they were not consistent like everyone told us they would be. I remember she went to the bathroom out at the outlet mall and I was thinking she definitely had the baby-is-coming-waddle going on.  There were times that night where she had to stop walking for a second why the contractions passed.

On the ride home we were laughing and talking mostly about you. We were really excited because our doctor told us on my birthday that you would be coming early. When I pulled into the garage I do not think your mother nor did I know what was going to happen. I jumped out of the truck like I always do to get our bags. I was unloading them when I heard your mother let out a happy scream. She yelled, “I think my water just broke!” as her pants looked wet. My reply… No you are okay you probably just peed your pants.

She showed me her pants and the wet floor and I knew it was go time. Your mother went into the bathroom and began calling her parents. I went into freak out mode and started running all over the house grabbing everything we would need for the next few days at the hospital. To be honest I am not sure what time it was and I do not remember what I was thinking. I was just running around the house making sure I had everything my family would need.

Your mom was really happy as we drove to the hospital. She was laughing and talking like normal. When she called Dr. Z to tell her that her water just broke and that we were on the way to the hospital she was smiling the whole time. Dr. Z was amazed and said based on the fact that mom was not screaming in pain she would see us in the morning.

Your mother and I were extremely excited and had many moments where no words were spoken but we could not stop smiling and looking at each other. When we arrived to the hospital to no surprise your Grandma and Grandpa Jones were already there. We grabbed our stuff and headed into the hospital.

It was always your mother’s fear that she would be sent home from the hospital for showing up to early. She did not want to be one of those girls who were told that their water did not break but they really just peed their pants. So as the door swung open to labor and delivery she yelled, “Either my water just broke or I peed my pants.” Right after that all the nurses started laughing and one came running to help us. Her name was Meagan and she was a huge help to your mother and I for the entire night. When you got to the room they had you change and began to hook you up to a heart monitoring machine. Meagan checked to see how far along you were and you mother was dilated to a 3. I asked if we got to stay and she gave me the thumbs up and said yes!

Over the next couple of hours your other grandparents arrived and we set around talking and watching your mother. I made one joke and quickly learned that it should be my last joke of the night. During those couple of hours your mother’s contractions got harder and harder for her as her body prepared to bring you into this world. There was a moment I looked into her eyes and I could tell that she wanted family to leave. I went through the process of getting them out of the room and letting them know that I would call when it was go time.

When I returned to your mother’s side she was struggling with the pain. I could tell she was scared of not being able to handle it. However, I knew she could. I begged her to try walking with me, but she did not want to move. I kept on asking her to go for a walk with me when I came up with the idea for her to just walk around the room. She got up and started walking. This gave me the opportunity to get her walking in the halls of the hospital. We walked and walked for about 30 minutes and she requested that we go back to the room.

In the room Meagan asked to check her and she was amazed that your mom went from a 3 to a 6 in 30 minutes. Within an hour she was at a 10 and it was go time! I called all your grandparents as Dr. Z was called in to deliver our baby boy.

Your mom is a rock star!!! During your delivery she only pushed 4 times for a total of about 15 minutes. It was amazing watching her go through this special moment that is set apart as a true gift from God. In between contractions she was cracking jokes!!! Who does that? I still can remember seeing your head and then your face before you were quickly placed in your mother’s arms. I was asked to cut the cord and I did quickly because all I wanted to do was look at you and kiss your mother’s forehead. I was so excited to hold you for the first time. You were so cute and quiet looking up into my eyes. You were the most precious thing to me in the world.

I passed you on to your Grandma Jones who was in the room and headed to the waiting room to announce your birth. I did not know what to say when I got there so I just put my hands in the air and said it’s a boy!!! My parents were very proud and I could see my dad’s eyes swell up with happiness.

The next hour of your life consisted with you being passed around from grandparent to grandparent and also to your uncles Gregg and Andrew. Then came PAPARAZZI!!! Your Grandpa Jones probably took 1,000 pictures of you for the next 30 minutes or so. After everyone left it was just you, your mother and I alone in the room for the first time as a family. I could not have ever been happier in my life.

Meagan came in a couple minutes later and helped us get our things together to get you over to our hospital room. There we fed you and just looked at you while we held you tight. We placed you down to sleep because you were so tired. We lay down to sleep as well. During that time we had to wake you up every 2 hours to feed you. My favorite time was after you were done I got to put you to bed and make sure you feel asleep because your mom could not get out of the bed. Here is where I learned what unconditional love truly was. I held you in my arms and rocked you back and forth, back and forth. I could not help but feel so very blessed to have you in our lives. As I laid you down to sleep I always looked over at your mother sound asleep as I kissed her on the forehead each time whispering thank you…. Thank you.

                                                                                                                             

6 months

4.9.12 Well bud it’d just you and me. Dad will be on the road for work the next few days so we are on our own. We are so lucky to have him. I mean really. He is amazing. And the best part about that? You are going to be just like him.

4.10.12 You have become a grabbing machine. You apparently just decided as of Sunday that your hands are the greatest thing ever. I know this because you grab everything you can get those little hands on. It’s so fun to watch you learn and explore more and more each day. But I just am in such shock at how overnight this discovery has been for you.

4.11.12 What a day. I decided to take you in to your pediatrician for a check on your head and how your flat spot is doing.... Prognosis was a referral to see an orthodic practitioner for an evaluation on a helmet. I was afraid of that. So we have an appointment next week to see if you fit the criteria. I must admit I am sad and a little nervous. I REALLY don’t want you to have to have one. I also know that if you need it, you need it and I will always do what is best for you. On the fun side of today we went to GMa Cole’s house and hung out with her for a good portion of the afternoon. She doesn’t get enough time with you but man, did she have you laughing. I can’t even get you to react like that to peek-a-boo! And the best part about today....Dad is finally home from traveling! We love it when he is back.

4.12.12 Can you say errands? We had several places to run today and you were just content as can be to be out and about. Everytime I would run into a store I would take you out of your car seat instead of hauling it in. You thought that was fantastic. Especially when we went to the pet store for dog food. All the noise and colors and business was just great. You were looking from side to side so fast trying to take it all in. Next time we go and aren’t in such a hurry I will make a trip out of it and we’ll visit the fish section. You LOVE Grandma’s fish at her house and can just sit and watch them forever! We even hit the grocery store which is getting to be pretty easy for us. I just set you in your carrier and you love shopping, just kicking your feet in happiness throughout the whole store.  And the BEST part of the day was when we layed down on my bed for a nap. I was just singing you to sleep and somehow woke up a hour later snuggled up for turned into an accidental nap. Pure bliss.

4.13.12 Fridays are always a good day.  This afternoon I was sleepy and so we may or may not have snuggled up again and taken a nap together. I can’t describe to you how much I love that. And let’s be honest, you certainly don’t mind either. Our good friends the Leavitts came over for a BBQ. It was so good to see them again. We miss hanging out with them all the time.

4.14.12 What a day. We had another full house while I watched your second cousins. Then to contribute to our craziness, Dad had a trip to urgent care. He has kidney stones. Poor guy.

4.15.12 Happy Sunday! We went to Grandma and Grandpa’s ward today and they of course loved it as well as the rest of the ward. It was the first time you had been there so everyone was so excited to see you. We had a great afternoon just around the house and you had Dad and I laughing at your adorableness today. You found your toes. They were quite fascinating to you and it was to fun to watch you touch and look at each toe with such zest. Then for some icing on the cake you and Lula were sitting on Dad’s lap and you were reaching for her and petting her. At some point it looked like you were hugging Lula. I can’t even begin to describe to you how much you love that dog. She is your favorite. No matter your mood if she walks in the room you don’t even take your eyes off of her and you are happy as can be.

4.16.12 Grandma’s day. Finally. She has had to work the past 2 weeks so you haven’t been able to go to her house on Mondays. She was pretty excited to have you back. We had hamburgers at Austin and Codi’s tonight. But in between picking you up and heading over there you and I took a siesta on the couch together. I can’t even begin to describe to you how much I love snuggling up and taking a nap with you.

4.17.12 You have become quite the little eater. And I’ll be damned if you don’t try to sneak food right off my plate sometimes! Tonight you were introduced to squash. {Not my favorite, I probably haven’t had a squash since I was 8.} The processing and reaction that comes over your face when we introduce a new flavor is to fun to watch. Total confusion followed closely by an open mouth asking for more. It takes you a few minutes to decide your feelings but you have yet to turn down a meal.

4.18.12 You are soooo ticklish! I love to tickle you behind your ears because your reaction is hysterical. You do exactly what I do when I am tickled- curl your shoulders up as close to your head as possible to prevent further ticklings. You even scrunch up your little face trying to decided whether to laugh or not. I don’t think you have entirely figured out the sensation yet.

4.19.12 We went to an orthodics place for your helmet appointment. It was a total waste of time. Dad and I though we would be getting a lot of answers to our     questions and a definite yes-you-need-or no-you-don’t from said “specialist.” And we left feeling like we knew more going INTO the appointment and less when we left. So we will be getting a second opinion.

4.20.12 Grandpa Doss’ birthday! We will be celebrating his and my birthday tomorrow...

4.21.12 Grandma Jones’ birthday! AND Monthly Doss Family Breakfast! We ate a place called Jo Mamma’s in Eagle. Afterwards Grandma Jones and I went to go get pedicures for our birthdays and trust me when I say it was MUCH NEEDED. We had a fun afternoon with our own little family. Compete with summer clothes shopping and dinner at our favorite place... RED ROBIN. YUM!!! You were definitely the talk of the town though. Everyone just thought you were adorable in your little outfit, including me.

4.22.12 Ashley Erekson just came home from her mission to Cambodia. She is one of my best friends from school and she gave her homecoming talk today. So naturally we were in attendance. She did an amazing job and you did so well for the entire hour AND on the front row of all places. I was so proud. We have sooooo many birthdays in a 3 day span in our family it’s crazy! Tonight we had Grandma, Uncle Andrew’s and mine birthday dinner at Great Grandma Cole’s house. It was so fun to see some extended family and have dinner on the patio outside. Hooray for warm weather!

4.23.12 Andrew and I’s birthday! Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me... One day you will be able to sing to me. It was a pretty average day besides having dinner at your Grandma Mary’s. But when we came home you and your Dad had a surprise for me. There was of course flowers and then Dad set up a treasure hunt around the house with {drum roll please} Pez dispensers. Yes, you read that right. Pez. Let’s just say there is more to the story behind that but he totally made up for it with the notes to accompany each dispenser. Dad shared memories we have together and I was crying by the end of it. That was the BEST part about my birthday. I have such great boys to share it with.

4.24.12 We went to another ‘Family Night’ at Grandma Rene’s assisted living facility. We had a pretty good time and you were in the best mood. Grandma was holding you and getting so much attention for it. She really loves you and it’s so fun to observe her as she watches you. I can’t even begin to describe the look in her eyes but it goes beyond words. You are her only great grandchild and that is pretty special. Grandma Linda gave you some ice cream to try for the first time. And let me tell you, that was such a hit. You loved it!

4.25.12 You LOVE to touch faces and explore all that they entail. But your favorite is by far your Daddy. I don’t know if it’s the rough texture from his whiskers by the end of the day or simply because he’s your Dad, but you love it. I like to sit back and watch you two when you interact like that. They are some of my favorite and sweetest moments I treasure.

4.26.12 Mr Alan Miller is your new pediatrician. You and I went into see him for a second opinion on your helmet and we LOVE him. He has such great bedside manner and was great to simply just sit and talk with us. The end result of the appointment was to hold off and see how you do in the coming months and then reevaluate. Let me just say how reassuring that was to hear. I have really been having a hard time with this whole thing. I really don’t want to make you wear one of those terrible things if I don’t have to... But on a happier note, we had a lunch date with Grandpa Jones again. And just by chance your Great Grandma Hayes was right on time to join us. We love having lunch dates with Grandpa. He is probably your favorite person after Dad and I. I can’t even begin to describe how much love he has for you. He shared an ice cream cone with you.

4.27.12I have had to start supplementing with formula because I can’t really keep up with you anymore, which is okay and you don’t seem to mind. Between milk and food it’s amazing how much you can eat for such a small person. But that is a good thing. We went and visited Dad at work and you are always such a little celebrity. As soon as you come out of that car seat it’s game over. Dad went to the Father and Sons campout with our ward to help his scouts get their merit badges and you aren’t quite old enough to go yet. But next year. So instead we had a sleepover with the Grandparents. It was a late night for you. Too late. Scratch that, WAY TOO LATE. You normally go to bed between 8 and 9 but anything after that you almost hysterical because you are so tired. And tonight was no exception.

4.28.12 It’s Saturday and I had the pleasure of working. And Dad is still at the campout, hence half the reason for our sleepover last night. You got to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa. They were so excited. You ran errands with them and I think Grandpa sent me like 5 pictures of everything you guys did together. I’m so grateful for our family. We have such a great support system. I hope you know that they love you and would do ANYTHING for you. We are so lucky.

4.29.12 MILESTONE! Your first tooth finally broke through and is officially in! It is the bottom front tooth on the right and the front one next to it is not far behind. I have been amazed at how you have taken teething like a champ. They have been teasing us and moving around since you were about 2 months old but you never really seemed to complain too much. But you have always been like that. Even as a brand new baby with all the pokes and prods you endured you never EVER cried. Okay well just once. BUT ONCE. You are such a good baby.

4.30.12 This may be a bad parenting moment but you LOVE to be thrown up in the air. The higher the better. Now we don’t get too crazy, we are good parents I swear. But you love it.

5.1.12 It’s finally warm enough that I don’t constantly have socks on you precious little feet and for you, it’s a total bonus. It has given you the ability to discover and play with your feet. You love to grab your little toes and bring them close to your face. I  can’t believe how flexible you are.

5.2.12 Today I introduced you to peaches. Oh my goodness. They were such a hit. Your new ALL TIME FAVORITE! I was laughing so hard trying to feed you this afternoon. You were so aggressive and ready for the next bite before I could even get another spoonful. You haven’t rejected any sort of food whatsoever yet and I am hoping it stays that way. But you definitely have a palate for fruits.

5.3.12 I love being able to be home with you. This morning when you were ready for your first nap I decided I needed one too. So we snuggled up right there on the couch together and had us a little siesta. I am so glad you are a snuggler like me.

5.4.12 Happy Friday! After work today my office had staff fun day and we went bowling at Pinz. You must be my good luck  charm because I have never bowled so well in my entire life! I bowled a 126! Heck, my first bowl was a strike! I was elated. Everyone enjoyed having you there and you were getting passed around and loved on the whole time. I love that you are so easy going and relaxed.

5.5.12 Tummy time is getting better. You don’t particularly care for it. So we have been working on it slowly and for small amounts at at time but we are getting better. Dad and I went on a double date tonight with the Firkins so you spent the evening with GMa and GPa Doss.

5.6.12 Baby Makenna was blessed today and naturally we were in attendance. Today was the first Sunday you were pretty restless during church. You weren’t too keen on the idea of having to sit for the hour. Especially after the nap you and Dad took this morning. I hate to say it Bubba but I think you and Kenna are about the same size.

5.7.12 It was quite an eventful Monday. You went to GMas for the day like normal but GPa was there. He was sick. And Grandpa never gets sick. Well, not sick enough to ever complain about, let alone miss work. He even went to the dr. He as has vertigo. Yuck. I can’t decided between him and you who was more bummed about not being able to play today. We had dinner at GMa Mary’s again and we ate our pizza out on the porch. Her backyard is perfect for this. You love to be outside. i just can't wait to combine your love for being outside with water and take you swimming. You are going to love it!

5.8.12 Tuesday... but this Tuesday was a good one. I had to pick you up from daycare early {which was TOTALLY okay by me} and we made an afternoon of it. We ran to the craft store to get supplies for Mother’s Day presents for Grandmas. I am so excited for them! And this evening we went to the Botkins new place for a BBQ. It was so fun to be with the Pences and them again. It has been so long since we all together for a fun night and now that you and Makenna are a little older it makes that much easier.