Do you see what I see?

Preston in his brand new suit, gearing up for his big day of interviews at Intel.

On June 13th, Preston got a call from someone at Intel to set up a phone interview for the next day. We were both so excited, but we weren't expecting much, since this was the first nibble we'd had out of all the many places Preston had applied to work.

The phone interview went well, by all accounts, because they flew Preston out to Portland the next week for a full day of in-person interviews. It was so surreal for both of us. We had just had a baby, and now a huge job interview for Preston! Whoa!

He thought the interviews had gone well, and we anxiously waited to hear back, which they said they would do within two weeks.

Last Thursday, Preston came home with flowers and a card for me. At first I thought it was to cheer me up since I'd been having very painful gallbladder attacks, but no. He didn't say anything, just handed me the card, which said, "It's fun to chase a dream... ...but even more exciting to make it come true! Best Wishes on YOur New Venture". Below he wrote, "I got the job!".

Well, I squealed with glee, and then squealed with glee some more!

Now when I look at him I see an amazing husband, a wonderful father, and Intel's newest Process Engineer! Can you see it, too?

We've been living with my parents since Thanksgiving in the hope that we could make our meager stores last until Preston found a job. It was a big leap of faith for me, to be honest, and not one I felt very comfortable making. I feel our faith has been rewarded beyond what we ever hoped for, and my heart is just full of gratitude to the Lord for guiding us in the right direction.

But all of this also means that we are moving to Oregon in October. Which is awesome (!) and I'm thrilled, but... I am way out of my depth in planning a move of this magnitude.

For real.

I know many of you, friends, have already orchestrated cross-country moves, so give me the skinny on how you did it. For please? Any tips you have to offer would help so much.

Fourth of July

Just a couple pictures of Brycie's first holiday. He was asleep for most of it. I won't lie.

Got him to look at the camera. Score!

Love that little tongue!

Sweet, sleepy boy

Our nephew, Jace, exploring as only a toddler can.

The fam

Probably getting into something he shouldn't...

Mommy loves Brycie!

First Week

A few pictures from Bryce's first week of life:

Home from the hospital!

Froggy outfit!

A visit from Aunt Maika, Uncle Casey, and cousin Jace

First sponge bath

Bryce loves Great Grandma Zina!

Hanging out with Uncle Cam and Aunt Chamonix

Nap time with Daddy

One week old today!!!

Introducing...

I can hardly believe that my sweet baby boy was born a week ago today! The time has gone by so quickly. In my sleep-deprived state, I've struggled with the concept that my life has changed so drastically and completely and that this perfect little person is ours to care for for the rest of our lives.

On Wednesday, June 8th, Preston and I excitedly showed up at the hospital for my scheduled induction. It was so surreal, and looking back on it now makes it feel even more like some sort of out-of-body experience (although out-of-body it certainly was NOT, just ask my body as it deals with the aftermath).

First, I got hooked up to an IV to administer antibiotics to treat GBS. That was about 8:30 am. After calling my doctor, we were told that she would come at 10:30 to break my water and get labor started.

10:30 came and went, and no doctor had arrived. And no doctor did arrive until 12:20, by which point Preston and I both thought we were beyond ready to get the show on the road. When my water was broken, I was dilated to a 6. Contractions started out gradually -- I hadn't really felt any up to that point, so I was almost glad to be having them.

That feeling didn't last long.

2 hours later, I was telling Preston that I wanted an epidural. Anticipating the next contraction filled me with dread, and I was unable to relax between them. I had no idea how long my labor would go on, and I just didn't think I had the energy to continue without help, having not eaten since midnight the night before. Preston was the best and sweetest coach and companion for me. He reminded me that I had a lot of good reasons not to get one, and told me to wait for them to check my progress and decide then if I really wanted one.

Moments later, the nurse came in to check my progress and told me I was at a 7. I asked her how long it would take to get any relief from an epidural and she told me at least 40 minutes. Considering how quickly I'd progressed to that point, I knew that asking for an epidural would be pointless. When the nurse suggested a small dose of narcotics, I took it.

Things seemed to happen very quickly, but in slow motion from there. I dozed a bit between horrendous contractions until they came one on top of another and I felt "pushy". My doctor was called, and we got the pushing under way. It felt like hours of pushing, but after only 15 minutes, our son, Bryce Elijah, was born screaming at 3:44 pm. It was the most beautiful sound ever!

Bryce weighed 7 lbs 3 oz and measured 19 1/4 in long

When they placed him in my arms, I just couldn't believe how beautiful he was, and that Preston and I made him. He's such a miracle.

I labored for a little less than 3.5 hours all together. It was difficult, but I feel so blessed -- I can't imagine being in labor for days, as some women are. I'm proud of myself for avoiding an epidural, but I'm also surprised at how wimpy I turned out to be. It was truly a test of my will, and if not for Preston I'm sure I would have caved.

So there's my birth story. I still don't believe it really happened.