"Because I have been given much, I too must give"

Today I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Not just for the blessings in my life, but for the obstacles.

Recently a friend of mine is experiencing a situation closely related to our journey with Sophie. As she explained her heartache and the deep concern for her unborn child, it took me right back to where I was a year ago. I was heartbroken, depressed, lonely, and childless. (I am grateful that this girl friend isn't childless, thank goodness. But whenever there is a bump in a pregnancy, those emotions are still VERY real. ) I didn't know where to turn, or who could possibly understand my deep sense of loss. BUT I did turn to my Heavenly Father. Every step of the way I sought his council, I would say hourly, but it was more moment by moment. I put my trust in him, and I relied on the knowledge that there is always one person who knows exactly how I feel/ felt. And that was my Savior, Jesus Christ. During that time there were so many angels sent into my life. My Husband, Mother, Grandmother, Father, Sister-in-law, A girl from church who had only been my friend for a few weeks. Those people, and many more, were a HUGE support systems for me.

But I was sent two special woman who knew exactly how I felt. I am going to throw out names because, I don't think they realize how much they meant and mean to me. Angelene Gallini, and Leilani Camden. Both of these woman experienced the loss of a child, different circumstances, same pain. They escorted me into a very special group of woman who have lost one before "their time". They we're my shoulders to cry on, they were the ones who showed me that there is life and love after loss. Because of their experiences, they helped heal my heart. My heart will ache for my daughter, until the day that I hold her in my arms again. But they showed me how to cope with that pain.

Thank you to everyone who helped me through my darkest days. I hope to be a healing tool in the Master's hands for all those who may need me.

<3

For my love

I have an amazing Husband! He is to good to me. Not only does he work hard to provide for us, but he also does the dishes and cleans the kitchen. BUT he also works out with me, and does my "postnatal" work outs! I love him, everything about him. Many people told me that I was making a mistake by getting married so young, and that it would never last. Well...two years later I am MORE in love with him than I was when we first met. I feel so safe, so loved, and so cherished. I hope that I fulfil his needs/wants as well as he fills mine! Thank you Kyle, I love you forever & Ever!

Baby party

So today Foxy baby and I went to a "baby party"... It was so much fun to see all the little babies! The oldest is 5 months old, and the youngest is one week old. They are in birth order! Fox wasn't the youngest there, but by FAR the smallest. Basil (the youngest, on the far right) was over a lb. bigger than Foxy. But we're trying hard to gain weight!!! In order the babies are Felicty, Ryleigh, Ezra, Simon, Harper, Fox, and Basil.

It was so wonderful to spend time with new mommies. These are all our first babies, so none of us really know what we're doing. But we are all having so much fun!

It was also really great because all the mommies are LDS. It was good to just be in the company of woman who uphold the same values as I do. It just makes life a little easier when you're not having do defend what you believe in.

Anyways I look forward to our Halloween get together! It will be great seeing all the babies in their costumes!

25 Years

Today I want to write about the first man to ever love me, and the amazing career he has built for himself!

We celebrated it by:

1. Calling and reminding Granddaddy Ohhrah that it was his 25th anniversary (They were a bit preoccupied with the hurricane preparations)

2. getting all decked out in military garb.

3. Remembering all the sacrifices he, along with his fellow devil dogs, have made.

I love you daddy, thank you for raising me knowing how important it is to be an American.

It was a long day.

How cute is this baby?

very very very <3

Fox's Short birth story, and a few pics

The Stephens family




Grandmother and Baby Fox

Granddaddy ohhrahh and Foxy

Mommy and Daddy with Foxy man

Sweet baby Fox

Dr. Glassburg and I

The latest big thing to happen in our lives is the birth of our adorable son Fox Connor. He was born on July 19th weighing in at 6lbs. 14oz and 19 in. long. It was a wonderful and rewarding experience.

It started on the morning of the 18th. I had a check up with Dr. Glassburg (the most amazing OBGYN EVER) she was Leary of inducing me because Fox had his arm wrapped around his head. The position he was in prevented me from progressing on my own. So I went to my appointment with the intent of not coming home until I had a baby, and begging until she would induce me. Lucky for me he had moved his little arm, and Dr. Glassburg was willing to induce me at that point

She told Kyle and I to go watch a movie and at 7 pm come check into the Labor and Delivery hall. Well my very good friend Angelene was on her way up to her in laws house to drop off their kids (so she could hang out with me in the labor room). They lived about 15 min. from my hospital, Angelene invited us to come eat dinner and waste time there instead of sitting through a movie. We both gladly accepted the invite, and headed on our way.

We had a wonderful time visiting with the kids and her in-laws, they did a very good job keeping my mind occupied. Before I knew it we were late to get to the hospital! So we left their house right at 7 o'clock, and were walking up to the labor and delivery floor right around 7:20 pm. It was a surreal moment knowing that the next time I was in my car, I would be taking home a sweet baby!

Everything seems to move pretty quickly from there. I was in my room and on a labor medication before 9 pm. I spent the night laughing and visiting with my Husband, mom, dad, and Angelene. I also got to watch my tv shows and eat all the crushed ice my heart desired. I wasn't in any pain, and after everyone left Kyle and I got some sleep.

I was woken up at about 7 am by my nurse, who told me that I had dilated to a 4 cm. She then asked if I still wanted my epidural before Dr. Glassburg broke my water. I was confused "was it already time to break my water, and get and epidural?". But I wasn't in any pain. So I asked her if it was already time to do that, she said yes and laughed. I said sure why not get my epidural and break my water. I knew that once that happened everything would go way faster.

So at about 8 am my epidural was done, and then at about 8:45 am my water was broken. I also was given a little bit of pitocin into my IV. That was like the triple dipper, by 11:55 am I had a baby boy! It was so easy, and so fast, and so peaceful!

I am so grateful for all that was done for my family, and all the people who came to his blessing! It was a wonderful week, and the very best part was my perfect baby boy! I have truly been blessed beyond words.

First Blogg!

Well I am horrible at blogging- so I make no promises on how well I will update this thing! But I will try.

So a little about me and my family. I am the ringleader, spokes woman, creative director, and manager. I love a unique pair of cowboy boots, cute clothing, and chocolate. I am a reader, I would rather read the book than watch the movie. I dance, ride horses, and change a really fast diaper. I am working on losing weight and get back to my "pre-baby" body, but I realize that I will never be a size 2 again. I love my family more than life itself. I have two children- Sophie Noel and Fox Connor they are my world. My best friend is Kyle, everything I am and all that I have is because of him. I've loved him since moment one, and I love the life we've built. I love my Father in Heaven, I know Jesus Christ is my savior. I am a Mormon, I love it! I haven't always been the best person that I could be, but I am making up for those lost moments. I love life, I love my family, and I love everything that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with!

Here's to a fun time :D

Hey y'all!