Grammy & Grandpa’s Visit

We were so BLESSED to have Anthony’s parents—Grammy and Grandpa – come visit us here in Kansas City.

Tanner was so excited!  He was literally counting down the days…when we realized we were two days ahead of schedule.  And on the day she was to arrive, he assumed it was first thing in the morning…but it wasn’t until AFTER he was in bed that night.  So just imagine the excitement when he woke up on Friday morning with Grammy in his room, fast asleep, but not for long!  Grammy quickly got accustomed to Tanner’s excitement, in the form of song, when he woke up each morning :).

We LOVED having her here.  She's been so loving, patient, and silly with these kiddos.   And Rylee, she's just not going to know what to do without all those Grammy cuddles!!! She's been spoiled...we ALL have.

We had so much fun with her playing with the kiddos, reading endless amounts of story (Tanner knew to pic the LONGEST ones – ones I don’t normally finish in one seating), bringing presents for them, not to mention all the chores she helped with – like picking up toys, helping with  laundry/dishes, waking up with the kiddos first thing in the morning…like I said…totally spoiled!!

And being around her made me realize she’s the kinda mom I want to be.  Gentle and loving, but still sticks to her guns :)

And while she was here, I’m pretty sure my kids were on the absolute worst behavior.  Brooke especially – she is/was having a life crisis – a perfect storm of having to adjust to having a new sister, being sick with a miserable cold, and getting 4 new teeth.  Let’s just say her constant whining and tantrums would drive anyone crazy.  I lose my patience ALL the time, but she’s  un-phased.  As I was telling my confession to Anthony, he gently reminded me that she wasn’t always this way…and recounted the story of how she broke a wooden spoon trying to spank their behinds :). But still, I’ve convinced they must have surely deserved it!

And Rylee’s personal favorite.  She' gets cuddled, rocked, swept up in an instant.  These two have were nearly inseparable :)

This is one of my favorite pics – love Grammy’s smile :) 

Since she’s left…my goal every day is simple. Survival. Everything else, optional.

I’m seriously not sure we would have gotten through the past few weeks without her. Say when Brooke has to get shots/blood drawn at doctors visit…and is still crying an hour later at home…and then drops her glass bottle on the floor and it shatters everywhere; Tanner cuts his finger trying to “help” although being advised otherwise just a few minutes before school; all the while Rylee screaming is the top of her lungs…it’s been fun. After witnessing the daily moments of chaos, we’re hoping she’ll still want to come visit again too :) Not really what she had in mind for a ‘vacation’ but we’re extremely grateful nonetheless.

Darrell came up to visit for the weekend Rylee was blessed (more on that later). 

We squeezed in as much into that weekend as we could -- visiting church history sights, taking him on tour of union station and crown center plaza, playing card games, eating authentic KC BBQ,  watching football, playing catch with the kiddos, busy busy all the time!

Liberty Jail

There’s a quiet reverence that you feel as you enter the historic site where the Prophet Joseph Smith spent several months in jail, falsely accused, in the freezing cold of winter with horrible food – while getting news that mobs were attacking Far West and Hauns Mill. 

But despite the conditions, those that were with Brother Joseph mentioned it was more like a temple than a jail; Where God’s presence was near as Joseph Smith received some powerful insights from God Himself.  And going back to read the words that were penned during those brought on a new level of understanding: 

“My son, peace‍ be unto thy soul; thine adversity‍ and thine afflictions shall be but a small‍ moment; And then, if thou endure‍ it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”   ----or----

“My son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man‍ hath descended‍ below them all. Art thou greater than he?”

And while it had been YEARS since I’ve been here, the feelings were just the same.  I’m so grateful for Joseph Smith and his work to restore the Gospel to this earth. 

Independence Visitors Center

Early saints of the church settled in Independence, Missouri, for a short period of time before being asked to leave.  Today, the church has built a visitors center to honor both the past and present.

My favorite past is the Christus statue.  Rylee was tired and hungry – so I hung out here next to her – and felt totally at peace. 

We didn’t get to spend at much time as we would have liked looking at all the exhibits.  But we enjoyed the time we did have.  Tanner loved all the new interactive hi-tech exhibits…we’ll definitely have to go back again soon!!!

The visual reminder of all the languages the Book of Mormon is published in:

And last but not least, playing with some old-fashion cabin and covered wagon.  This was a perfect way to end a very busy Saturday!

Kansas City Temple

On Monday, Anthony had the day off of work and we went to see more KC landmarks.  High on the list was Kansas City Temple.  When ever we go to the Temple, the kids are at home, so this was the first time seeing it too. 

Tanner was totally impressed by the size and grandeur of the beautiful building.  And I can’t wait to be able to take him inside one day, too.

Temples are all about families!  And how great it was to be able to go with them! 

Despite the freezing cold wind…we captured one shot.

Crown Center Plaza

And last but not least, we took them through downtown and crown center plaza.  Since it was a Monday, most of the exhibits were closed…but we still saw Union Station and Crown Center.  We then went to the Hallmark Museum and Kaleidoscope – one of Tanner’s favorite places…and soon to be Brookes.

Here they can create many different masterpieces with nearly any art supplies.  So fun!

Later that day, Grandpa left to go back to Dallas.  Despite ALL the fun we had, Tanner insisted “today wasn’t a good day cause Grandpa has to leave!”

Lucky for us, Grammy got to stay even longer!  She was here nearly three weeks.  And yes, it was a sad day when it was time for her to go too.  As Tanner was getting ready for bed,  he told us “I hope I dream about Grammy tonight.  I miss her!”  Such a sweetheart!

I tried to explain we’re going to be planning a trip to Dallas when he had a break from school.  But he wanted to leave NOW!  He’s been plotting ever since.  He elaborated some story on what he would tell his teacher to explain why he wasn’t at school…all fictional of course.   When I finally got him back to the reality he couldn’t miss school, he said, “Okay, we’ll just have to leave on Saturday!”  Seriously, he can’t wait to go visit!!!

So in case you’re reading this and wondering, yes, you will be missed :) Especially by this lil one…

Sibling Love

When I was pregnant, its crossed my mind a time or two if I could ever love another little baby as much as my other two. One child, of course, but then two, reached my limit. And now three!!! But then when I get to hold the newest, sweetest member of the family, all doubt quickly faded away and immediately, an overwhelming power of never ending LOVE entered my heart. There’s just not words to explain.

But I do know having a baby brings a whole new meaning to the word Charity, the pure love of Christ. How His love for each of us made His suffering of the cross bearable and how God can love all His children so perfectly well.

And there’s nothing sweeter than witnessing that same love spread to Tanner and Brooke with Rylee. It melts my heart, every time, over and over again!

But then there are those times where the *love* manifests itself it many forms… like trying to feed Rylee a graham cracker or launch her to outer space by rocking her so hard in her bouncer chair. So yes, there are still times that are challenging.

We were all thrilled to bring baby Rylee home from the hospital!

Tanner

Tanner was especially so excited to tell everyone, he's such a proud big brother.  And was so excited to be close to her. And was so sweet. It was like he was getting all the lines from a movie, saying the sweetest, most loving lines towards her, “Oh, you’re so precious. You’re going to be my little princess. I’m going to hold you forever and always” He is perfectly gentle and perfectly sweet.

Tanner gets a kick out of everything she does, especially the power punches! When she’s wide awake, her hands are always moving – and he’s knick-named them power punches. In his world, she’s already a super hero :)

And such a big helper! He’ll always get be exactly what I need and when she begins to cry, he’s oftentimes the first to respond – giving her a pacifier, rocking her back and forth, or whisper sweet words of comfort.

And he’ll even share his beloved “bean bag” chair with her. Except when she had a total blow out – he was NOT happy about getting pee and/or poop or some combination of both on it. Thankfully, there’s washers.

Heart Beater

The hospital gave us a bag full of stuff to take home with us – extra diapers, wipes, etc. And even thought I’m pretty sure it was suppose to stay at the hospital, Rylee’s teeny tiny stethoscope. Let me tell you, this is the kids new favorite toy! It’s kid size and they LOVE checking everything out with it.

Tanner calls it his “heart beater” and got the idea that if he ran around the house fast, his heart beat faster too. Well – he tested his idea and according to Uncle Lance – it was beating so fast that he told Tanner he must have 2 hearts! Tanner was so proud :)

Brooke

And then there’s Brooke. The question I keep getting asked over and over – How is Brooke adjusting to her new baby sister??

And surprisingly, perfectly well!

So far, she hasn’t gotten jealous of any time I’ve had to spend with Rylee. Brooke would much rather play and chase Tanner around all day that sit on the couch and cuddle. So as long as Tanner is around, Brooke is right behind him. She barely notices the baby…and when she does, she comes to give her some quick kisses, hugs, or cuddles, and then runs along.

One day I was cleaning Rylee’s umbilical cord with an alcohol swab, and I put it down next to the dirty diaper. Next minute I look up, Brooke is cleaning out her belly button with the same swab. Sooo cute!!!

She also likes to help, best she can. She loves to get me diapers, wipes, and throws it all away in the trash afterwards. But she can still be a stinker too. She LOVES to steal Rylee’s green soothie pacifier and blop it in her mouth.

Occasionally, she’ll try to share her cheerios or food with her, so I definitely have to be on the look out. Or when she’s in her bouncer chair, you’d think Brooke was trying to rock Rylee to the moon and back -- it’s anything but gentle. So I don’t leave those two alone in the same room…

And then there was the time I was on the phone with the pediatrician for a quick moment—and Brooke had found a marker and was coloring on her. Awesome! Luckily, it was just her onesie that got the blue white eraser on it…but still.

And the next day, Brooke tried to make up for her mishap by “helping” clean up. A whole box of wipes, completely empty. Brooke was putting them to good use, ‘mopping’ the floor as best she could.

And with Scarlett around, Brooke’s gotten used to not being the ultimate baby around here. Scarlett, on the other hand, did have a hard time. When I was feeding the baby, she got so MAD! While Scarlett was fine with Katelynn holding the baby, it was a different story when Nanny came around. She got so jealous! It’s hard not being the little baby anymore :)

Rylee – wisely covering her face!

 

Intorducing...Rylee Victoria Callison

This little girl just couldn’t wait to join our family – coming no less than 17 months after her big sister, Brooke.  And when it finally was her time to come – she didn’t wait!    Labor was less than 3 hours from the time I first felt a contraction to when she was born.  And once we got to the hospital, things moved very quickly and she was born within an hour and half – and it would have been within an hour if I didn’t I hold out 30 minutes waiting for the meds!  Who knew you could get epidural at being dilated a full 10? Not that I recommend it…and not that it was by any means worth it.  But still, she was ready to come and there was no stopping her!!


Meet Ms. Rylee
Every single part of her was perfect…but so incredible…SMALL!!!  There’s no WAY my other children were ever that small!  All of us, sisters, nurses, doctors, were estimating how much she weighed.  For sure no more than 7 lbs!!  Anthony was the only one who ventured higher with 8 lbs.  Turns our, her tiny little head fooled us all.  She was a whopping 8 lbs, 4 oz!



And 21 1/2 inches long, almost reaching to 22 inches! She might be tall, but still as skinny as can be. 
And with dark hair, she was such a pretty little thing. Brooke's twin, except with dark hair and not nearly as much “rolls”.

But one thing is definitely true – babies that don’t get an epidural are WIDE AWAKE!  Rylee was definitely NOT sleepy and was screaming as loud as can be!  And it lasted for at least an hour until she got to eat.  Then she was perfectly content.  Knickerbocker women…they know what they want!

 

BEFORE

AFTER

 

Nearer to God
For me, I’ve never been able to separate the spiritual side of having a baby.  There’s just something about holding a fresh little bundle, straight from heaven, that brings the Holy Spirit with it. 
It’s a feeling of peace, of joy – a feeling of complete contempt.  for me, I’ve never felt closer to god than holding one of His children.

And holding Ms. Rylee in my arms just never felt more right.  All the fear and anxiety about having to care for another human left.  Instead, peace and joy abound.  She was ours…meant for our family right at that moment in time…not a day, week, month or year later.  And knowing that made all the difference.  I’ve never felt happier!

Sibling Love

Tanner and Brooke couldn’t wait to meet their new little sister.  Tanner, cause he knew a new Lego book was in store, his newest gift from his sister than he happened to see beforehand. 



Tanner – “Oh my, she’s SO BEAUTIFUL!  She’s a little princess!!  Just look at her.”  And he just kept going with these perfectly penned little love messages to her. 


Brooke, well, she didn’t have a clue what was about to happen – but when they she met Rylee for the first time, it was love at first sight.

Brooke – Lots of Oooohhhhs and aahhhs, followed by giggles.  She ran up to her, perched herself next to me, and just laughed as she pointed and loved on her new sister. 

She was SO happy!!!

Both Tanner and Brooke got awesome bracelets, naming their new roles!



Birth Story
We barely made it to the hospital in time!  After I felt the first initial, breath-taking contraction, I was the only one home, Anthony had taken the kids to Tanner’s last soccer game.  I figured I had time – so I took a shower, packing a few more items, and getting the kids settled to bed.  And making arrangements for someone to watch them at our house.  Thanks – Uncle Lance!!!

About an hour later we were on our way to the hospital.  In my mind, my only fear was that they’d just send me back home.  Not the case.  I was already to a 5 – and then shortly after my bag of waters broke – and after than – I don’t remember much at all except for PAIN!  Constant PAIN!  Normal contractions give you breathers in between – and for a slight second – you feel absolutely fine – but I don’t remember getting much of a break as things quickly spiraled out of control.  

I immediately began asking for an epidural.   The nurse re-assured me that as soon as the initial IV and liquids was in – that would be in the works.  But 20 minutes later, she checked me again, and then said something you don’t ever want to hear, “This baby will be coming soon.  I can’t promise you you’re going to be getting an epidural!” 

Well – nearly 30 minutes at being dilated to a full 10 – I was still holding out for that epidural.   I’m still not sure that was the wisest decision – considering how every single muscle in my body was telling me to push that baby out.  And if I would have known she’d come out in less than one push, I could have had a baby in my arms rather than enduring more contractions.  But foresight is an amazing gift.  In my mind, I could only think about how the pain was only going to get worse, which was totally unfathomable.

People who choose natural childbirth are prepared.  They have strategies for helping coax with the pain – midwives and doulus coaching them, lie in hot tubs, and massaging their body.  I, on the other hand, had Anthony.  He was right next to me and was a very nice “distraction” although both my sisters thought it was only a matter of time before he got a dose of my wrath :)

The anesthesia's finally came, offering a spinal block and some other type of epidural that was quicker/shorter lived.  Whatever is was, it worked!

And for once, I could relax and enjoy the special delivery headed our way!

Within a few minutes of the anesthesiologist leaving, this little girl was born. She was right there, ready to come!!!  In fact, I thought Chelsea was going to have to catch her as she was already on her way out. 

The doctor quickly got scrubbed in, alongside Anthony.  And Dr. Ridgeway graciously let Anthony be a part of the action. One contraction later and less than one halfway push – she was here!!!
Caught in daddy’s arms!  He’s never looked more proud!!!

And here he thought he was going to have a quiet evening of relaxing and waiting for baby to be born. But after arriving to the hospital, baby was born within an hour and half – so there was none of that. And if it weren’t for Anthony, not sure what I would have survived. He was such a lifesaver!

Pretty sure Rylee felt the same way, all cuddled in Daddy’s arms :)

Holding onto Daddy’s finger after her eye drops…

 

So glad Dr. Ridgeway let him be a part of the action!

First bath
I loved how at this hospital, the baby stays with you the entire time, rather than being whisked away for an hour shortly after delivery.  Everything happened in the room with us…so this was the first baby bath I got to witness!

Not that she was a huge fan…she screamed most of the time!

 

 She has quite the set of lungs…in case you were wondering.

Visitors
There were lots of people who just couldn’t wait to meet this sweet little baby.   We had tons of visitors – Aunt Katelynn being the first to hold Miss Rylee – shortly after she was born and on her lunch break the next day.  She couldn’t wait to get her baby fix!

And Aunt Chelsea got to meet her as soon as she was born, and then again when she brought Quincy and Avery up to visit the next afternoon.  Now if they can only wait a few months later their baby brother to arrive. 

Later – my parents and grandparents came to visit.  With all the excitement new babies bring, I’m shocked my mom didn’t come any sooner.  But she was thrilled to see her.

And hold on…there’s more.  Keith and Kristan came all fancied up to see her after their family pics.  And if only I would have taken more pictures of all these sweet moments!!!

Going Home

After all that excitement, Rylee got a little worked up.  She started breathing faster and her heart rate was on the climb…so they started supplementing her with formula to ensure she wasn’t getting dehydrated and monitored her in the nursery to keep an eye on things.  The nurses/doctors were worried that since she came out so fast, she didn’t get a chance to absorb the liquids from the IV or clean out her lungs or get the group B antibiotic like she needed.  But it was all just to be extra precautious cause when morning came, the new nurse let her return to us and the doctor pronounced her healthy enough to go home.  Yeah!!

 Our precious angel, here at last!