Special Day

Today is Jared's birthday and I wanted to take the time to let him know how much I love him! I know I am one of the luckiest girls alive. I am so grateful for Jared. We have gone through so much together lately and I have been so grateful to have him by side. He has given me a shoulder to cry on so many times in the last couple of months and that has given me the strength to get through hard times. When I have felt stressed and very overwhelmed, he has been there to comfort me and help me through it. I have to say I couldn't have done it without him. We still have a lot to go through but I am grateful to know that Jared will be by my side through it all. He has been putting forth an extra effort lately to help me out and it has meant so much to me. I know it hasn't been easy on him, but I've seen him grow and develop into an amazing father especially these last couple of months.
Thank you Jared for all you do. I love you very much!!!

Happy Birthday Jared!!!

Fun In The Sun

Its hot! It's really really hot! So what do you do when it's unbearably hot? Play in some cool water. Caleb LOVES the water. He has always liked bath time and playing in the pool is like extended bath time. He makes us nervous because he is fearless when it comes to jumping in the water. We need to keep an extra pair of eyes on that kido! Can anyone say "Swim Lessons"!



As you can tell here, Kyson is also a big fan. We love his smiles and we are so grateful that he is doing so well. He is a great blessing and miracle to have. We cherish these moments.


We recently took our swimming pool over to Karli and Jared's house. Caleb and Garrett had a ball in the pool together. There was alot of splashing and laughing.


Caleb was also being such a good friend. He was helping Garrett into the pool by letting him hold on to his shoulder. He is such a sweet kid!



As you can tell, I had a lot of fun outside in the heat! Yes, I (Jared) wrote this blog. I bet you all were picturing Andrea talking. Nope, it's me. Hope you enjoyed.

Calling Out For Help...Again

Hello frequent visitors to our blog. This is Jared and I am calling out for help. I am trying to finish up my last semester at Arizona State University. As part of my final push towards graduation, I need to complete a 125hr internship that includes my two concentrations: Biology and Business.
This is where I need help, my planned internship with Banner Gateway Medical Center just took a horrific dive and now I find myself without an internship again. I was one signature away from setting it up when I find out that it is not going to happen (a little frustrated). I need to have all my paperwork in by July 15th and I have nothing now. If I don't get this signed, then I can't graduate next semester. This is the second semester that my internship has not worked out and I don't want to do this again. If any of you know anyone who would be willing to let me work in a medical office (I'll take out trash for all I care), please let me know. I will be done with my EMT course so I have some experience with patients even though I will not have my certification until late October, early November.
Again, I am desperate. I need to do something that deals with Biology and Business. It could be in a doctors office, dentists office, chiropractic office, medical lab, pharmaceutical sales, anything medical and I will work out the business part. The Business part is easy, its incorporating Biology that I find myself struggling. Not many individuals are willing to take on someone with little training or experience in a medical field. Please, Please, Please let me know if you have family, friends, coworkers who would be willing to take me on for a few months. I will work for free!

August 26th...

Last week I took Kyson to see his surgeon, Dr. A. He said everything is looking good and we are going to plan on doing the next surgery on Aug. 26th. We are going to have some tests done at the beginning of August to confirm that date.

I have to admit that the last few weeks have not been easy for me. I have worried and felt overwhelmed a lot while taking care of Kyson. In fact Dr. A even said, "I think you are more stressed then he is!" and that is probably true. After being reassured from the doctors that he is doing well I have felt much better and more confident.

Kyson is such a sweet boy. He smiles and tries to "talk" to everyone he sees. I think he is beginning to discover his hands as he watches them very closely. I can't believe he is three months old. We have been through so much already it feels much longer than that yet I feel like he jumped from being 2 months old to 3 months old without me even knowing it. Every day I thank my Heavenly Father for the chance to hold him and love him. He is my little miracle.

Caleb has done really well with all that has been going on with Kyson. I don't feel like I get to spend as much time with him as I would like as Kyson takes up so much of my time and energy. When Jared is home he helps me out so much with Caleb and I know Caleb loves it. Today he woke up from his nap after Jared got home and all he wanted was his Daddy. He was so happy to see him. It's hard to believe he will turn two next month.
Here is a fun picture I took of him at the park the other day...

Pictures at the temple

I convinced Jared to go to the temple on Sunday with me to take pictures. I think I'm addicted to taking pictures! It is so fun!

Here are a couple of my favorites with us and Kyson.

Engagement pictures

Tuesday I got to take pictures of my sister Christy and her fiance Zach. I had so much fun taking their pictures! Thank you Dallas and Natalie for helping me out with Caleb and Kyson. You guys are the best!

Here are a few of my favorites...

First check-up

Yesterday we went to see Kyson's cardiologist. His name is Dr. Alahaderi. He is very nice and understanding so I am grateful to have Kyson in his care. He was the doctor that first saw Kyson when we were rushed to the emergency room at Banner Desert. Once he figured out what was wrong with Kyson, he really took the time to explain everything to us and to answer all of our questions. Later that day Kyson was airvaced to Phoenix Children's hospital where he was put under the care of the surgeon Dr. A. Dr. Alahaderi told me yesterday that once Kyson was settled into Phoenix Children's, he spoke with Dr. A on the phone for a few hours discussing exactly what should be done for Kyson. I am so grateful for these doctors for taking so much time out of their very busy schedules to save my child's life. They are heros in my eyes as they do a work that would be very difficult and overwhelming yet they are very good at it.

Dr. Alahaderi said that Kyson is looking great and his heart seems "happy." He said Dr. A did a very good job on the surgery and Kyson's body has reacted very well. I am so relieved to hear this news as I have constantly worried about Kyson since bringing him home. Our goal now is to keep him healthy and strong until his next surgery which will be in just a few months.

We're Home

We have been home from the hospital for a few days now. The adjustment has not been as easy as we had hoped for. We constantly question every noise and cry that Kyson makes. Despite the challenges that we are experiencing, it is good to have Kyson home.


We have been blessed to have Caleb understand and listen. He is an obedient boy and we are so proud of his accomplishments. He is a great brother and we are lucky to have both of our boys home.