Farewell Rock Springs

Sunday evening we left Rock Springs, Wyoming. We had mixed feelings. Relieved to be out of our apartment (someone had spilled beer all over the entryway on our way out...yuck), excited to be moving on to our Surgery rotation in Casper, sad to be leaving the Desert Hills Ward who were so kind and welcoming to us, and sad that Brad's awesome OBGYN rotation had ended.

Since I never shared any of Brad's baby delivery stories, here is what I wrote in my journal about Brad's first delivery.

I woke up at 1:30 am Wednesday night to Brad whispering in my ear, "I just delivered a baby!" I don't know if I've ever heard more excitement in his voice. Turns out, it was a pretty exciting night at Sweetwater Memorial Hospital here in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

The story goes like this...

Brad was called in to assist on a c-section at about 10 pm last night. While he and the attending OBGYN were starting the c-section, they received news that another patient had called. Her water had just broken and she and her husband were on their way to the hospital.

Sounds like no big deal, right? Well, they live in a little town called Big Piney, which is an hour and a half drive to Rock Springs.

It was the woman's first baby, so no one was really worried about her delivering on the way. Until her husband called a while later in a complete panic. "My wife's contractions are a minute apart and she feels like she needs to push," he yelled into the phone! They were still twenty miles away.

The doctor tried to calm him down. He told him to drive fast and that they would have an ambulance standing by to meet them if they had to stop driving to deliver the baby. If the baby came, the doctor told them to just put the baby on the mom's chest and keep them both warm until the paramedics got there. (Can you imagine?!)

So Brad, the doctor, and the EMT's were all waiting at the Emergency Room entrance, ready to jump in the ambulance and get to the couple if they had to stop.

It turns out they made it to the hospital just in time and Brad was able to deliver their healthy baby girl.

He told me he was a little disappointed that his first delivery wasn't in the back of a truck on the side of the road. I still think it's a good story!

Bye Rock Springs!

My Grandpa Smith

Most of you already know, but my Grandpa Smith passed away recently after a long battle with cancer. It's been a tender time for me and my family.

My Grandpa was a good and honest man. He was good and honest his whole life. He taught us how to work hard, to play hard, to cherish family, to make friends, to laugh and have joy, and to face trials bravely and faithfully.

I'm so glad we were close enough to go home and visit him before he died. It was bittersweet to say goodbye to my big strong Grandpa. I guess I never really thought he'd go.

His funeral services were beautiful. So many people showed up to his viewing that the funeral home didn't know what to do. It was a fitting tribute to him. My dad and my uncles and aunt were all so brave and sweet as they paid tribute to their father. They are all such good people. I am blessed to know them.

My Grandma is an angel. She is so beautiful and strong and faithful, even in her grief. I want to be like her.

I came across these pictures of my grandparents on my uncle's facebook page. Aren't they beautiful?

 

Grandma says she doesn't remember a time when Grandpa wasn't in her life. They were married for 51 years.

Goodbye Grandpa. I'm so glad your suffering is over even though we miss you here. I especially miss your twinkling eyes and mischievous smile... no one had a sense of humor like you! But it brings me comfort to know where you are now. I love you. Love, Traci

Leah Can Crawl!

Well, it finally happened. After weeks of rocking back and forth on her hands and knees, our little Leah finally started crawling. We're so excited for her!

She started crawling properly two days before she turned 8 months old (almost 3 weeks ago). What?! That is so early in my experience. Lainy didn't crawl until she was 11-months-old and walked a month later. I don't know what I'll do if Leah walks in a month... She might take after her Daddy who (I'm told) walked when he was 9-months-old. She's already a mischievous little thing, so we might be in trouble.

Anyhow, she's a much happier baby now that she can get around by herself. She would get SO frustrated while she was learning to crawl. Now she just happily moves around the room. She's even starting to pull herself up to stand. She's a pretty determined little girl.

And here's the proof:

Congratulations Leah!

Lainy's turns 3!

Sorry for the big break here! We've had a lot going on. But more on that later. Here is Lainy's birthday...

Crazy to think that three years ago I was a week over-due and wondering when in the world my baby girl would decide to show up.

It's crazy to remember what it took to get her here. An anxious husband, 2 hours of pushing, the vacuum, and an experienced doctor where all involved.

It was so worth it!

It's been so fun to watch our Lainy-girl grow. Her bright blue eyes have always sparkled. Her little personality has only gotten more cute the older she gets. She has taught us so much and put up with our imperfect parenting. She's one special little girl. We love our Lainy-girl and had fun celebrating her three years with us!

Waking up to birthday decorations! She kept saying, "Look Mommy! I am so big!"

Opening presents before Brad went to the clinic

After a fun breakfast, Lainy and I made cupcakes. We decided on a recipe called Pink Lemonade Cupcakes. They were yummy!

Beautiful girl

The highlight of the day was Grandma coming! She brought presents for all of us (I about cried because of her generosity). We played all afternoon, then she treated us to dinner.

Happy birthday Lainy!

(Not the best picture, but thanks for everything Mom!)

Together

Well, we've now been in Rock Springs for a couple of weeks. I'll be honest, it still feels very foreign to me. I feel uprooted and I miss my beautiful home, friends, and nice things in Seattle. But, as I was talking with my cousin Lacey this week, I realized that "home" is really wherever my little family is. It doesn't really matter where we live or what things we have. We don't need all of that to be happy. All that really matters is that we're together.

People have asked us why we all came together to do these rotations away from Seattle. Why didn't the girls and I just stay there and let Brad go alone? Since we arrived, I've questioned our decision too. But then I see Brad playing with Lainy like no one else can. I watch Leah smile huge whenever Brad walks in the room. And I remember why we made the decision we did.

We want Brad to be around when Leah finally starts crawling. We want Lainy to have time to play with her Daddy as much as possible. Basically, we know that we need to be together. No matter the circumstances.

So here are some pictures of things we've done together this week. They might seem simple to you, but (as I am learning lately) sometimes the little things really are the most important.

 Leah attempting to crawl. I love this picture for some reason. I love her bed hair and tired eyes. I love that her little knee is bent at a crazy angle (how are babies so flexible?!). And, for your information, that is the expression on her face most of the time. Isn't she beautiful?

Lainy sneaks into our bed at about 5 every morning. She snuggles up in between Brad and me and goes straight to sleep. Usually she ends up kicking me out of bed, but I really don't mind. I think it's sweet.

Leah's first ponytail. Her hair is much thicker than Lainy's was at this age, so today I decided to try a little ponytail. It's tiny, but doesn't she look cute? And look at those cheeks! So kissable.

Cute little girls. I'm so glad I have them!

Lainy's favorite song lately is Families Can Be Together Forever. I think she's been trying to teach me something.

I hope you're treasuring your time together with your families too!

(Stay tuned for documentation of Lainy's 3rd birthday celebrations next week. It's gonna be exciting!)