Hi Daddy!

Jesse asked me to update the blog and talk about Rylie. I told him I didn't know what to write, so he e-mailed this to me as a suggestion. Thought it would be something worth sharing.

On St Patty's Day we had an appointment to find out what our baby will be. We invited the family to come. We had almost everyone there. The ultrasound tech came in looked and said there are 3 lines, meaning its a girl. Rylie Ann Andelin will be here around September 3rd, and we are all excited. About a week ago I had my head on Jo's belly. Rylie didn't like being laid on and kicked me, which is when felt her for the first time. Sydney is excited to have a little sister and wants to help take care of Rylie. We have a picture from the ultrasound on the fridge and Syd walks over to it and says "Kiss baby", so we have to pick her up so she can kiss the picture of her sister. Jo is 5 months along and Rylie is a mover. Sometimes I swear she is dancing.

Hello little one!

Today was the first appointment for the new addition. My only concern for the doctor was making sure there was only one heartbeat. My mom has been trying to convince me we are having twins. Scary thing is, twins and triplets run in my family. Not cool when it's a real possibility!

I was very happy when we met with our new OB because in this office, they do an ultrasound on the first visit. Yay! We get to see the baby instead of just hear the heartbeat. First things first.... We are definitely having only ONE baby. Second.... This kid is active! Flips and tricks, it was hard getting a good look, but it was very exciting. The doctor even tried to get a look at what the sex might be, but of course, the umbilical cord was in the way. I guess we won't know for a few more weeks.

Merry Christmas honey, I'm pregnant!

The week prior to Christmas was pretty devestating. That's when we found out that the manager in charge of the sales company Jesse worked for had taken all his paperwork out of the office and had been changing the information before turning it into the corporate offices. Long story short.... the $2,500 that he had made in sales since starting will never be seen by us because it was being deposited into the manager's account. The scramble for a new job started and I was sick to my stomach... I thought with anxiety. Luckily Jesse has about 16 years of experience in security and landed a job immediately, paying better than he was making as a supervisor at the last security job by about $4 and hour. Still nothing like what he was supposed to be making at this other job, and now we have a lot to make up for, but that stress was gone. However, that sick feeling didn't quite leave.

For Christmas Eve morning my dad had decided he wanted to take the family out to breakfast at IHOP to "kick off the Christmas festivities. You know, like football." (I don't think he has ever watched football.) I already had a feeling what was going on so I had snuck to the store a few days before and gotten a few items, just in case I was right. That morning I got up before Jesse and took a test. Positive! Now my scheming mind was going. I quickly text Kalia and told her what was going on and that I needed her help with recording this announcement.

We all arrived at IHOP and sat down to order. Syd had a little sore on her hand and wanted a bandaid. My mom had one in her purse and put it on her hand. Fortunately, for my plan, Syd wanted a bandaid for her other hand so they matched. (Kids...) I always keep my pack for work in my car, and since I'm a professional bandaid hander-outer, I went to get another one for her. Jesse was oblivious.

When I came back I had the bandaid for Syd and a gift bag for Jesse. He was totally confused, especially since I had told him that morning that the gift bag was for my aunt. I told him it was his Christmas present and to open it. He opened the bag and smiled, then looked at me and asked "Really? Really?" In the bag was 2 onsies, a bottle and a pacifier. It was perfect. Merry Christmas honey, your present will be here in 9 months!

Working Heaven's Streets

Well, the last 2 weeks have been full of anger and sadness. On May 22, my co-worker and friend was hit by a drunk driver while he was on his way to work. It sent a shockwave through the company. What a surreal event, to have one of your own be on the other side of the call. He was stopped at a light at 0600 when a drunk driver slammed into him at 80 mph, catapulting him into the cars in front of him causing severe head trauma. From the beginning we knew his recovery was questionable at best. There was just so much damage done, so fast, that it's amazing he even was alive when EMS arrived on scene. It's disgusting to me that someone could do this. Especially someone that had 3 previous DUI charges and a suspended license. The guy even tried to run! Fortunately there was an off duty officer that witnessed the accident and chased the guy down.

I've known Jon Bowers for almost 6 years now. We were never good friends by any means, but we were co-workers doing the same thankless job we all know and love. He was a good man, doing all the right things, and he lost his life at the young age of 31. The last time I saw him was just 3 days before the accident. He was my relief at work and was so kind to me. He offered to restock my ambulance from the calls that day so I could go home and see Sydney before bedtime. Who knew that would be the last time I would see him? Well, not the last. I visited him in the hospital the day after the accident. Unconscious, on a vent, drainage tube sticking out of his head. My parnter and I could barely keep the tears back. That was hard.

After fighting a long battle, Jon never regained consciousness and passed away on Memorial Day, May 30, 2011. Today was his funeral. He's working Heaven's streets now. God speed friend.



EMT-I Jonathan McKay Bowers
September 29, 1979- May 30, 2011

Last Call
* * Tones * *

Gold Cross Dispatch to EMT- Intermediate Jonathan Bowers.....
Gold Cross Dispatch to EMT- Intermediate Jonathan Bowers.....
Attention all Gold Cross personnel and other listening agencies. There is no response from EMT-Intermediate Jonathan Bowers....
EMT Intermediate Jonathan McKay Bowers answered his last call on May 30th 2011, and has been reassigned to The Lord's Unit of Heroes.
Jon, we thank you for your service, selflessly working to better the lives of the sick and injured, your compassion, dedication and professionalism will not be forgotten.
Your new duties will be to watch over your family, EMS community, and mankind.
You have been released to make your final journey home.
Gold Cross Ambulance clear 1347.

 



THE FINAL INSPECTION

The paramedic stood to face their God, which must always come to pass.
They hoped their boots were shining, just as brightly as their brass.

"Step forward now, Paramedic. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?"

The paramedic squared their shoulders and said, "No Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who save mens' lives can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough.
Sometimes it seems I'm heartless, because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got too steep.

I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept so many tears.

I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.

If you've got a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much, so if you don't...I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the saints often trod.
As the paramedic waited quietly, for the judgment of their God.

"Step forward now, Paramedic. You've borne your burdens well.
Come work a shift on Heaven's streets - you've done your time in Hell."

Author Unknown



So... I totally forgot I had a blog! Now I have a TON to catch up on. Or I can just start from where we are now. That might be easiest.

Syd is 17 months now. She is talking and signing like a pro. She loves to draw and play outside with her dogs. She's been very healthy and growing like a weed, as all kids do. I could spend all day talking about everything that has changed in the last few months, but I honestly just don't care to write that much! So instead I will pull up a few pictures and start new tomorrow. (Let's be honest... probably won't start new for a week or more!)

Among the other changes is Juno. We loved her a ton, but with a couple contributing factors we decided to find her a new home. I put her up on KSL and waited for the calls... that didn't come. Nobody was interested in an 8 year old lab. But I kept up on the posting to give her a chance. There was no way I would take her to a shelter. I wanted to make sure she went to a good home. Right when we were going to give up hope I got a text. She was a single mom of 4 that had just lost their dog. She was desperately looking for a new companion for herself and her kids. I told her to bring the kids over to meet Juno. It was awesome. The moment the kids (ages 6-12) walked in the door she was hopping like a rabbit! It was a love at first sight type of thing. She left with them and never looked back.

The mom text me the other day and wanted to let me know how good she was doing and how much they loved her. Her 6 year old boy even told her that he loves Juno as much as he loves her. (How cute!) She also lets Juno lay next to her in bed at night, takes her for walks, and gives her so much attention. It's kinda like she was meant to end up there.

 

Mommy, I will cwean up after da doggy!

  

I wuv my mamma!

 

Hewwooo??? I would wike my massage now peese.





Playing Catch Up

I've gotten lazy with my posting. Who doesn't though? Syd is learning how to keep herself entertained for the most part so my job has turned into keeping her out of the dog's water bowl. She likes to dip her feet in the water. Socks and all. She thinks it's a game. She'll reach her hand toward the water and wait for me to say something. Of course I oblige and say, "Sydney.... no, no. Yucky." And as I stand up and start walking toward her she sqeals and tries to run away. (Yeah, she's walking now.) Since she's new to this whole walking thing she can only take a few running steps before she stumbles and falls to her hands and knees and starts crawling as fast as she can, giggling the whole time because she knows that at any moment I'm about to pick her up and tickle her. And as if that's not cute enough on it's own, she's starting to talk. Mostly just the infant ramblings that make you smile, until she sees her doggies. Yup, her first word is doggy. She loves those two furry mutts.

The other day my cousin's kid had a dance concert at her high school. We didn't plan on staying long so I didn't bother with finding a babysitter. Sydney loves music anyway. It was the best dance concert I've been to, and not because of the performers. She danced to every song. It was like she couldn't stop herself! Even when she was so tired she was starting to fall asleep. She would suddenly sit up and start rocking to the music again, then rest her head back on my shoulder for about 30 seconds before doing it again. (I managed to get some video of her dancing and as soon as I can upload it from my phone I'll post it.)

Here are a few photos from the last month or so.

On the Move

Sydney has learned to crawl. Need I say more? It's fun to watch, but it definitely comes with some headaches! She loves to pull things off shelves, chase and feed the dogs, and follow us from room-to-room. Here's a few updates on what's been going on the last few weeks.
  


Petting her big doggy, Juno.



Playing with S'mores.



Updating her Facebook account.



Found the doggy door.



Eating steak with grandma.



Learned how to climb the stairs.



Ate spaghetti.



Nap time with mommy after all that playing!



Too bright! I'll just pull this pillow over my eyes and go to sleep.