Friday, August 15, 2014

Aussie Party of Six

I have had so many people ask me
"What was it like to have a baby in Australia?"
While so many things were the same
So many things were different

Come along I will show you!
Just a side note
I am an American (duh) therefore I didn't 
go through the public health care system 
I went through the private health care system
This is my story and my point of view
You can correct me if you want but I won't really
care because it's over now ha ha

When I found out I was pregnant I called into my OB (same as USA)
~most Australians go to midwives not OBGYNS
~they also do NOT pay one penny to have Bub
~which reminds me...they call baby Bub and not 'the' Bub....just BUB!
~don't worry it will grow on you :)

I went into her office and got a blood test (same as USA)
Yep, positive
She wanted to see me at 12 weeks 

I went to my 12 week appointment 
~blood tests
~Drs note to go get a scan a.k.a ultrasound at 12 wks
~Drs note to go get an scan at 20 wks
~I was told to book into whichever hospital suited me

We chose Knox Private Hospital
You ring them and tell them your due date and "book in"
for that date
That doesn't mean that you can't come earlier but that
gives them an idea of what to expect
After I booked in they called me and set up
a phone interview to talk to a mid wife and admin
so on the day of delivery you don't have to go
to the front desk! Score!
Also, at this time you could set up an appt to 
go have a tour of the maternity ward 

Between 12 weeks and 20 weeks I didn't go to the doctor
They have heaps of little places here where
you take the doctors note into to get the scan
All they do at these places are x-rays, blood tests, and ultrasounds

At the 12 week scan they are pretty much 
just measuring Bub to get an exact due date
Since everything looked good with Bub 
we just waited for our 20 week scan

At our 20 week scan we found out we 
were having a ........ BOY!
(Poor Lilie cried but the rest of us were excited)
They then checked head, heart, lungs, etc.

I went to my doctor the next day to go
over the scans with her and everything 
looked good with Bub once again so 
she told me to come back at 28 weeks

I know that is only 8 weeks but it felt
like eternity.  Especially since I had only
been to the doctor twice before that.
Where in the states we go every 4 weeks

Around 25 weeks Jared went to Utah for
some business meetings.  When he came back
he told me that they had asked for us to 
extend our contract for a year more 
Now, I love Melbourne with my WHOLE HEART
but I just wasn't sure if I could have a baby
so far away from home.
I get the baby blues after my kids and I cry
a lot some days and super happy other days
I planned this pregnancy with the end result
being that I knew I would be going home a 
month or so after he was born
So it took a lot of prayer and really just putting
my faith in my husband to sign the papers and
stay a little longer

At my 28 week check up my doctor told me
that Bub was breech.  Which has never happened
to me before
I was quite in shock
She told me to plan on a c-section (or Aussies say a caesar)
AHHHHHH! 
I, of course, went into a little...no, big panic attack
How was I going to do this?

My poor mum got the call of my uncontrollable sobs
She said she would come out when I had the baby 
and stay with me and my family

I went to my 32 week check up and Bub was still
breech and so I told Jared that I thought I should
go home to have this baby.
He said he would support me 100% of whatever
I decided to do.  
I had to decide quick because my doctor would only 
give me permission to fly up to 34 weeks
It was really tempting to go home but in the end
i felt like i was cheating Jared out of being in the 
last stages of my pregnancy (I bet he wouldn't have minded
that too much) and even though he would have been
in Utah for the birth he would have to come back
quite quickly to Melbourne for work reasons.
After a lot of prayer and crying and face timing
I decided to stick it out here and rely on my
"Melbourne family" for support when Bub arrived

When I went into my 36 week check up my 
doctor informed me that Bub had flipped!
What!
I was so excited -- no "caesar" for me!
I truly believe that Heavenly Father 
heard every single one of my prayers
Most definitely a tender mercy

At that appointment we decided that my doctor would 
induce me on June 5th at 8 a.m.
EEEEEEEEEK
I think that is when it truly sunk in that
we were going to be a party of 6

{you can skip this part if you want - for my own record}

We got to the hospital at 8 a.m. sharp
We were rearing to go
My doctor got called into an emergency ceaser
and didn't come to see me until 10
I was dilated to a big fat ZERO
She rubbed the gel stuff on me and told me
to wait an hour and she would check me again

At 11 she came back and I was a 2 
She told me to wait a little longer to see if
I would dilate more without breaking my water

At 1 I was still a 2 and so she decided she would
break my water
This is the part where Jared decided to get a 
tad bit woozy
When she broke my water he nearly
fainted to the ground
So my doctor left my side and went
and started to help him lay down and 
to help him get his feet elevated
He felt so bad and kept telling
her to go back and assist me
He was white as a ghost so they 
made him drink orange juice and eat something
This has never happened with the other
three kids and so we were not prepared
for him to be so faint - poor guy 

Right after this happened it was shift change
I was kinda bummed because I really liked
my midwife and was nervous about who
the next one might be

My new midwife came in and she was
like 24 or something and super happy
and beyond bubbly
She came in and said that she would be 
with me for the next 10 hours and
that her name was, Ashlee
I looked at my mom and we both started
to cry (another tender mercy)
With all my other births it is a party
My sisters are with me and once my
niece was there
Once my poor brother got stuck in
the room because he came to give me
a blessing and then I went to a 10
so fast that he was stuck in the corner
So when the midwife had the same
name as one of my sisters I felt
like that was a sign from my Heavenly
Father that he knew that as much
I wished my sisters were with me
they wished they could be with me
as well and it seriously was perfect

So this time we had a selfie sesh











About an hour after she broke my water
she came back to check me and I 
had gone to a 5 - Yippeeeeeee
She finally decided to start me on the 
pitocin - all my other kids they started
me on the pit first thing and so 
I was ready for it to start the labor

My contractions started to get harder and longer
but I still was not dilating
Now, 9 out of 10 Aussies don't get
epidurals and so I had debated in my 
mind if I would get one but in the
end I thought I better do what I had always
done because for Pete's Sakes I wouldn't
go to the dentist and fill a cavity without
the laughing gas and shot to get numb

So at 5 o'clock I broke down and get the
epidural.  Which the whole time
my midwife kept telling me that I could
do it and that she would walk me through
it and keep me focused
But since I had never taken classes and
didn't quite know what I was doing
I decided not to

Oh and the best part...right before I got 
my epidural my mom and Auntie came
in.  They had arrived earlier that morning
and my dear friends had picked them up
from the airport and taken them home to
my house to freshen up and have some 
lunch.  After about 20 minutes of us 
chatting the nurse came in and said you
have another visitor do you want me to
send them in
I looked at Jared and thought who
else could it be
Jared looked super worried and so 
he said I will walk out and see who it
is - and you will never guess
ok...you probably can guess if
you have Facebook ;)

It was my DAD!  That little
trickster totally had me tricked
I of course started to cry 
Once a daddy's girl always a daddy's girl


Once my epidural kicked in I felt like
a new woman! It was so nice
and comfortable. I was one relaxed chica
Well as relaxed as one can be while
having a baby 

At about 6:30 my epidural was only working
on my left leg and so I told my midwife
She told me to turn onto my right side
because it might help the drug to go into 
that leg. Well to my dismay it went out of
my left leg and nothing was going 
into my right leg.  My contractions were
super hard and my midwife and Jared
were trying to make me more comfortable
Nothing was helping so after 30 minutes she
told me she would get the anesthesiologist 
to come back to the hospital to help me

Right about now it is a little after 7 and
I am in some serious pain 
My contractions are getting super
painful and hard and long and 
did I mention painful and all of the
sudden I have heaps of pressure
I'm talking heaps and heaps of pressure
I asked for my doctor to come in and check me
She hurried into check me and guess what
I was a big fat 5
I had not even changed one cm
She did say the head had descended further down
As soon as she started to walk away I had the hardest
contraction EVER!  
It was in that moment that i realized i was going to 
be doing this without the sweetness of an epidural
My face must have said a lot because she came 
back over to me and checked me and i was a 9
within 5 seconds my body was like, 'lets do this thing'

While all that was going down my midwife rubbed
my back the whole time
She was A-MA-ZING
She stayed into the next shift with me to make
sure all went well. I loved her!

My doctor then said to the midwife
"lets get this room ready for theatre"
(theatre = lights haha)
For a second I thought I was going to
be able to watch a cool movie

They don't use stirrups in Oz
My doctor held one leg and
my midwife held the other leg
and poor Jared got to hold my hand

I am not going to lie -- it hurt like hell
Every time I pushed, which was like 4 times
i seriously thought i was going to die
It was the hardest thing i have ever done
BUT, yes there is a but
After I had him it was the best feeling to 
just get up and walk. No numb legs!

After about 10 minutes of pushing
the most beautiful baby boy was placed
on my chest
Giving birth is probably the most 
amazing thing on this planet
Four times I have been blessed with this miracle
Four times I have fallen in love at first sight
Four times I have kissed someone with in seconds of meeting them
Four times I have looked into a set of eyes and felt that feeling of unconditional love



Knox Terry Auger

Knox- The council (or county as we would say in Utah)
we live in here in Australia.  We really 
wanted to name Knox something that would
resemble where this little Bub came from

Terry- My dad has always been one of my
biggest heroes.  I have always had an amazing
relationship with my Dad.  He taught me to 
fall in love with old movies, pushed me harder
in my dancing/cheer years, but most importantly
he helped me to gain a testimony of my Savior.
I am grateful that Knox has a great person to look up to.

Auger- I only know Jared's dad and his grandpa with this
last name.  They are two amazing men who Knox
like my other boys have some tough shoes to fill.
Both extremely hard workers
Amazing husbands and if possible
even more outstanding dads

Here is the stats on our little Aussie Bub
Knox Terry Auger
8:14 pm ~ 7 lbs 12 oz ~ 20.5 in long 
June 5, 2014


Meeting little brother for the first time was absolutely precious


And here are some pictures of Knox's 1st visitors

This is my Doctor - Dr. Ehsani





Here is my favourite midwife, Ashlee


However most of our visitors got to meet Knox this way



I am FOREVER indebted to my mom, dad
and Aunt Vina for sacrificing three whole
weeks in the middle of summer to come
and help me and family adjust to our new 
normal -- my kids were in heaven
the adult to child ratio was perfect
They did all the laundry, cooking, reading,
hair, entertaining, and so forth
I felt beyond selfish taking my Aunt Vina
from her husband who has been ill
But it was so fun to see her in Australia
enjoying herself.  Watching her listening
to music and dancing around my kitchen
will forever be memories that I hold dear
to my heart -- FOREVER
I am happy that my kids got to see the amazing
aunt that helped raise me to the woman I am 
today.  She is truly a little piece of heaven!
My poor dad took Pax on three walks to the park
and EVERY single time he pooped his pants
Which he has not had an accident for a year
I loved watching my busy mom who is always 
on the go just take the time to chill with
Knox and my other kids and watch her be
an amazing grandma to my kids
And nothing beats watching my dad wrestle
with the grand kids and spoil them rotten
We love grandpa
Wipeout will always hold a special place in my heart
p.s. a big shout out to my hubby for putting
up with 3 stubborn Icelanders and a fox news
watching father in law

The day after my family left we were lucky
enough to get Grandma JoAnn
once again every meal, laundry, and entertaining 
of the kids was all done by her
She let the kids pick 4 crafts to make for 
Independence Day 
The kids took a turn each night sleeping 
with grandma and reading stories with her
They all felt so special to be able to 
sleep with grandma
I believe she made three batches of
chocolate chop cookies in 7 days
My kids sure have her wrapped around
their fingers. I am so lucky that my kids
were able to make such fun memories with grandma
We were so sad to see Grandma leave

After nearly 5 weeks of visitors our house
sure seemed super de duper de quiet

I was so nervous to have a baby far away from home
this time was supposed to be easy
it was my fourth baby
it wasn't my first rodeo
I had the same doctor with my first 3 kids
I delivered at the same hospital with all 3 kids
I had so many fears going into this delivery
Anxiety attacks that were hard to swallow
I am not an anxious person
But at at the end of the day all went smoothly
and even though it was different and hard and crazy
in the end the result was perfect

and all my anxieties withered away

and i fell madly in love

And now we are a party of 6


Monday, March 17, 2014

Bostons Big Day

You know when you have your first baby and you feel like those first few months feel like years?
Endless nights of no sleeps, crying, changing diapers?
Wondering if the tears are from teething or ear infections?
Will they ever start school? 

Guess what? 
It happens! They get big!
They go off to school!
They learn to crawl, walk, and my favorite talk back!!

Boston was such a hard baby. He cried ALL the time! I remember wishing away his infancy because I just wanted him to be big and happy.  My sister kept telling me to STOP wishing it away.  Enjoy the milestones.  Enjoy the moment.  Whatever it is.  It might be hard.  Or seem like it will LAST FOREVER! But, before you know it they are gone.

I have to agree with her because I still can't wrap my head around that my little boy is 8!
He was baptized a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on the 16th of November 2013.  He was baptized and confirmed by his dad.  


With lots of little spectators!

When Jared dunked him in the water, Paxton yelled out
"{gasp} he died!!!"

We all had a good giggle about that!



The crew!  Such an amazing day! :)


We came back to our house after the baptism for a little grub!
The Aussies found all the food very American.
I think they liked it.
Maybe not the grape "salad!" Haha!
Aussies don't mix sweet and savory.
Anything sweet is a dessert! 
I'm trying to set them straight! ;)


Jareds face was still a little swollen from his bite!  I kinda like him with a chubby cheek!


The Simons!

The Girls
Ash, Trace, Deb, and Em


Ella, Macy, and Leon 


Jared, Ricky, Mark


Miles, Hunter, Cory, and Boston


Leigh, Polly, Me


Girls Only!!
Em, Deb, Kayla, Ash, Trace, Me, Mom


And the day would not have been complete without our favorite Elders!
Elder Beechy and Elder Valles

We feel pretty lucky that we had only lived here one year and we had so many people come out and support Boston.  I really really wish I would have gotten a picture at the church before we left because some of our favorite families couldn't come and eat!

One of the highlights of the day was when my Mom was giving the talk on the Holy Ghost and she pulled out a blanket to represent the holy ghost and it was a BYU blanket.  I am pretty sure our Bishop laughed out loud! 

On Sunday we went to church and had a great day!
We LOVED LOVED LOVED having both sets of grandparents here!
When I was getting ready for church that morning I could hear my kids playing with grandma, grandmas and grandpas and Aunties!  I couldn't help but tear up!

A boy and his Grandpa!!!

Grandparent Heaven!

 Cutest kids ever!

Such a special day for a special kid!

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Holiday-vmber!!

I don't remember being that sick with my other three pregnancies!  But, this time it has hit me hard.  Jared has taken over the role of dad, mom, lunch maker, taxi, chef, and not to mention his other roles at work/church.  He helped me through my first trimester like a champ.  Also, sweet friends who brought dinner to us and took Paxton during the day so that I could get some rest.  

On November 6th Jared was heading to Queensland for doTERRA's annual convention.  I had to survive three whole days by myself before I headed on a plane, with three kids, to see him and my parents!  

I was a tad emotional when Jared left.  I knew it was only 3 days but I was just not feeling like myself.  He had been gone about 2 hours when my mom called me and said to call and change my flight.  Man alive I love that woman!  



So the next morning my friend Jeanette took us to the airport!  I would not even be alone for 24 hours.  Rock on!  When we got to the airport Boston asked me how many planes it took to get to Queensland!!  It seriously made me smile!  WhenI told him one plane and only 2 and a half hours he was ecstatic!  



When we got to the hotel where my parents and Jared were I was so excited.  Feeling a little sick but mostly just excited.  

My mom was already in a meeting and  so my dad came out and gave us all a huge hug!  I love the feeling when we are in the same room.  My heart just is entirely happy!

I was chatting with my dad when out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw my sister.  I did a double take and seriously peed in my pants a little when I realized that my eyes had not played a trick on me!

The kids all took of running and gave her the biggest hug ever!  And so did I!  



My kids were in Ashlie Heaven!!


And grandma Heaven!!


Now my heart was really happy!  My mom, dad, and Jared had pulled off the best surprise ever!!
Or, so I thought (keep reading)!

While the "oilers" spent the next three days in meetings.  Me, Ashlie, and the kids hung out here!



With these rug rats!




And these MASSIVE lizards were everywhere!  Pax was terrified of them!!



The second night we were at the hotel Ash and I took the kids to dinner.  We were heading back to the lift (elevator) when my mom came around the corner with a worried look on her face.  My dad was behind her and he looked just as concerned.  I'm not really sure why but I immediately thought something was wrong with Jared.  "Kate, come with me.  We need you in the ballroom."  I was about to ask her why when behind my dad I saw another blonde head.....TRACIE!!!!  What!!!

The little sneak had just sent a text to the family that said...

hope you're having fun!  This is what we are doing...SOCK FOLDING PARTY!!!

Well played sister...well played!


We of course headed to the room and took about 80 photos and they all pretty much turned out like this!


This is the first time in 13 years that I have been with Tracie without her kids.  The last time was NYC in 2002!!! It was so fun to just be with her.  For her to bond with my kids and for them to get to know Auntie Tracie that much better.  She has been in Hawaii for there years now and so Paxton hardly knows her.  Boston and Lillie were of course devastated that she didn't bring Brynlie and Brit!

Once convention was over...we were headed on our HOLIDAY!

We were ready to start a little holiday!

and make a social network announcement!!!



First stop - Sea World

Ashlie became the tour guide of Sea World and made sure that we hit every show and every character! 


The Dolphins were amazing!! Possibly brought a tear to our eyes! ;)




The Sting Rays!

Oh, how I love this age!!!



The day would not have been complete without a few tears, right?
During lunch Lillie's tooth was literally hanging by a string.
After a few LONG minutes she pulled hard and out it came!


The Crew!

Everything in Australia closes at 5 except for on Thursday and Fridays.  
EVEN SEA WORLD!!!

Bus ride home!
My dad had his shadow...

Ashlie has hers

And they have theirs...



At the beginning of the day Jared had a rash.
By the end of the day he was swollen.
The next morning he looked like this!

And it only got bigger!

So, we sadly left him home while we went to Movie World. In hopes that without the sun and some rest it would get better.  Spoiler alert! It didn't!  He ended up going to the doctor and it took three weeks to totally clear up!  Three different antibiotics, anti-itching meds, and a lot of OILS!  We still don't know what caused it but we are pretty sure he got bit by something.


Stop 2 - Movie World 

With me being sick and prego Grandma and Grandpa had to do the rides with the kids!


These kids were in character heaven!! We so need to take them to Disneyland!!






Batman givin' them some good advice! 


Which of course lead to them thinking they owned the streets!

Couldn't get enough of watching how happy everything made them.  
They were soaking everything all in.
And so was I!





Meanwhile these two were in a separate heaven! 
They had no kids to chase or look after!


And, what would a theme park be without a parade?

Sadly, this is the only pic I got.  
I was videoing the rest of the time!
But, Paxton loved it!



Stop 3 - Surfer's Paradise

On our last day in QLD we spent the day shopping and soaking up the sun!


Burn me sun! Burn me!!

My mom captured this photo.
I HEART IT!
That's my whole world right there!!



Stop 4 - Melbourne

We got back to Melbourne really late.  I warned my family that we had left in such a hustle that my house looked like a bomb had gone off in it.  To my surprise when we walked in the house it was SPOTLESS!!! From top to bottom!  All the way down to a vase with fresh flowers!!!  Thank you to my sweet friend.  You are A - MA  - ZING!!!

Next post coming soon....more visitors, a baptism, and lots of memories!!