An Announcement

Let's see, we moved to Helena in September of 2010. This month we have lived in Helena for about year and a half, so we are right on schedule to announce the Powell Family is moving, again! Yes, that is right. Moving. Again. We try and keep things exciting by relocating at least once every two years. It keeps us in shape and also keeps the junk we seem to gather to a minimum!

Dylan has accepted a new job in Choteau. He will be working in the Teton Medical Center. He will be covering the ER, clinic and nursing home. The motivating factor behind Dylan even seeking other jobs was finding an opportunity for loan repayment. The Choteau hospital qualifies for loan reimbursement through a government program.

Choteau is a teeny, tiny farming community about a hour and a half from Helena (about 3 hours from Missoula). For the most part it is flat farm land, but there are amazing views of the backside of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. There are a lot of grizzly bears (yah!) and great elk hunting. One man we spoke to said the fly fishing was also good in the small streams coming out of the wilderness. I have always wanted to live in a small Montana town and try my hand at being a farmer! Well not a real farmer, but I really wanted a piece of Montana to call my own. I have always wanted a goat, pig, one brown cow, horses and chickens and the land to raise them on! I have always daydreamed of my children running wild, playing in the barn and riding bare back around our property!

The people of Choteau have been so welcoming and kind to us. It really seems like a very friendly community and we are excited to become apart of it.

Dylan loves his job here in Helena so much. He loves the people he works with, he loves the fast pace of his clinic and he loves the variety of things he sees. He has learned so much and feels so grateful to have had this opportunity right out of school. It was really hard for Dylan to break the news to the doctor he works under. If given the opportunity I know Dylan would return to this clinic in the future.

As much as Dylan and I want to settle somewhere, buy a home and stay put for several, several years having our loans paid for was too much of an incentive. We are looking forward to the day we are no longer haunted by student loan debt!

By the beginning of March we should be calling Choteau our new home. We are planning on staying there for at least THREE years! We might even have the chance to completely unpack somewhere!

Choteau Visit

Dylan had meetings in Choteau on Tuesday. On Monday, his birthday, we drove up and stayed the night. We love Choteau! It is a tiny town about hour and a half from Helena. It is a little farming town with great views of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The people of Choteau are very kind and they have a great grocery store!

It was a big weekend for Addison. She swam the full length of the pool by herself, without using her water wings! We were very excited for her!

Ready for a swim 

Addi swimming all by herself!

Fairmont Hot Springs Weekend

We spent the weekend at Fairmont Hot Springs with our friends Dave and Em to celebrate Dylan turning the big 3-0. I still have a few months before I make the big change, but I am already a little anxious about it! Dylan seemed to handle it ok! That is until I gave him a gag gift of a ear and nose hair trimmer!

We had a delicious dinner at the Fairmont restaurant on Saturday night. After dinner we soaked in the warm hot springs pools. Uncle Roger and his family met us there and we soaked with them for a little while. It was Landon's first time swimming. He was really relaxed and seemed to enjoy it (until we had to walk inside in the 20 degree wind). Addi of course had a great time. Swimming is still her most favorite thing to do. 

After a morning swim and breakfast we were hoping to take Addi skiing at Discovery Sunday afternoon. Rumor had it that there was not enough snow to make it worth it, so we all went fishing instead. 

Dave's monster fish. He caught it two days in a row!

On our "adventure"

Dave hooked the fish, but Addi reeled her in!

Being extra careful with the baby brown trout she netted for Daddy.

Just Another Day in Paradise!

Friday Cuteness

They are just too cute for words....

Ringing in 2012 at the Cabin

We spent New Year's Eve at the Placid Lake Cabin with Ron, Merna, Rick, Shelly, Roger, the cousins and the Hunton's. One of our favorite places to laugh, relax and play with family and friends.

We had a wonderful steak dinner at Lindeys in Seeley Lake.  

Happy New Year!

Landon meeting Great Uncle Roger for the first time. Roger calls him Lottery!

 To Addi's great disappointment there was not enough snow to go sledding. Instead Addi worked on perfecting her slap shot on the ice with her stick and puck that cousin Riley gave her!

Landon and my C-Section nurse, Laurie! 

2011 - A Year of Emotion

I have dubbed 2011 as the Year Of Emotion. We experienced so many ups and downs this year.  We experienced complete elation only to be brought down to have our hearts breaking into a million pieces.

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Just as 2011 was beginning we found out we were pregnant! To say the least we were over the moon excited. We were not expecting to be pregnant so soon after deciding to start 'trying'.  I was very sick right away and as my pregnancy progressed I only got sicker, oh and bigger. 

In May at only 20 weeks pregnant we received some very heart breaking news - Landon was not completely healthy. In fact his life was at stake as Hydrops Fetalis had taken over our son's small, undeveloped body.  We were pretty much told at 26 weeks that we needed to either deliver him and see what happens or leave him in and see what happens --- in not so many words, we were waiting for our baby to die. I went through several tests to find out exactly what was wrong with Landon, myself and what was causing it all - an amniocentesis, ultrasound after ultrasound, an echocardiogram, a Holter monitor test, blood test after blood test after blood test. I ended up in the ER after discovering a cyst which turned into a very scary blacking out episode. For several weeks we had weekly appointments in Great Falls to monitor the fluid in Landon and his heart function. We never determined why this happened and it really didn't matter. In those 10 weeks Landon did not get worse, in fact each week he got a little better. All we could do was carefully monitor Landon so we knew the moment when his body could no longer sustain itself. At that point we knew we had to get him out and pray to God that He would save him.

In May, a few days after the initial ultrasound Dylan, Addi and I went on our planned vacation to San Diego. As we waited for the initial tests results our doctor said there was nothing to do but wait and going on a vacation would bring no additional danger to Landon. It was great to get away and we all definetly needed some fun in the sun. I was always thinking about our baby and if he was okay. At this point we had no information other than there was some fluid where there shouldn't be. It was all I could do to keep from googling it. I am glad I didn't. Knowing then what I know now about what we were facing would have certainly ruined our trip. 

We had such a great time.  It was Addison's first time to the ocean. She loved running from the waves and playing in the sand, picking out fancy restaurants and exploring the tide pools. We went to Sea World. I will never forget Addison's face when she saw the orcas for the first time! We will always remember Addi feeding the dolphins and trying to touch them as they swam by her. I will also never forget Dylan's face as he retold and retold the story of how he caught a 100 pound blue shark on a fly rod! We had a wonderful time together as a family.

Due to Landon's condition both he and I got really big really early. A couple weeks before we delivered I was so huge. Looking back I do not know how I walked without tipping over and I still had 2 and 1/2 months to grow! I got so many looks and comments. "Wow you must be due any day" "Wow how many babies are in there!" I loved watching peoples faces when I would say, "Only one little boy and I still have 2 months left!

Me and Landon, July 4th, 2011.

July 15th was the most devastating day of the year. Landon was born on this day. I experienced so many varieties of fear. I feared for my baby son's life. Minutes before they wheeled me into the operating room Landon's doctor asked our family to leave my room as she very clearly explained to Dylan and I what Landon would be facing - she said he had a 3% chance of living through the day. I feared pain. I never wanted Landon to have any pain. I could no longer protect him, he was in the hands of his doctors and nurses and I knew he would experience pain. I feared for myself. I was terrified during my C-Section. Again I feared pain and I feared seeing my son dead. This whole day I held my breath, waiting for the news that he did not make it. I feared for Addison. I knew she was scared and had no real idea of what was happening. All she knew was her baby brother was very sick. I was haunted by tiny, white caskets. I feared that horrible day of choosing one for Landon.

Landon on his birthday.

Landon lived through his first day. He lived through his first week. Five short months later Landon is strong, healthy and perfectly sweet.

On September 1st, after 49 days (6 1/2 weeks) in the NICU we brought Landon home. We could finally breath. It was unbelievably wonderful to all be home together as a family. Landon was on home oxygen for about a month. During this time he had an eye exam, ear exam and we saw a lung specialist. He received a clean bill of health and we were encouraged to treat him like any other newborn. From the moment we brought him home he thrived and continues to do very well. We have started signing words with him and he has started eating bananas and rice cereal. When he does something new or reaches a milestone my heart expands a little. I am so proud of him. He is so strong and is a beautiful little boy.

Much of our year we spent in doctor's offices or I was sick on the couch. We did find some time to get outside and play. Dylan fished whenever possible, although we never did get out on our raft. We made it to the lake cabin a few times and went on some short hikes. In September Dylan celebrated his year anniversary at the urgent care. Out of PA school and working for a whole year! He still enjoys work very much. In July we moved a couple miles out of Helena into a new rental house. We really like it. We will see if we can make it a whole year before we move again! Addison stopped going to preschool when Landon was born. We decided to not send her back when we brought Landon home. We didn't want all those kiddos' germs coming home with Addi. She really misses her teacher and her friends. After flu and RSV season I hope to enroll her in another preschool. Addi is a very wonderfully sassy four going on 13 year old!

She loves dressing up, putting on makeup, singing, baking and dancing around in high heels. She is excited to put our new climbing rope to good use and she is anxious to start ballet. She loves spending time with her grandparents. She has been learning to cast a fly rod with Daddy and is actually very good at it! She has been talking about learning to ride horses, play hockey and she likes her picture taken when she is "basketballing" with Daddy! She keeps us on our toes as she is already smarter than us! I am able to stay home and I absolutely love every minute of it. I am looking forward to a very boring, uneventful year!

As I was writing this reflection I re-read my posts from the past year and all the wonderful comments. Wow. The support, the prayer, the raw selflessness from so many people. Thank you all for your kind words and thoughtful prayers. They truly mean so much to Dylan and I. Happy New Year!

Landon - 5 months

Me and my Teddy, 5 months

Landon turned 5 months old (3 months adjusted age) on December 15th. He is doing very well. He is probably close to 12 pounds now. At his last well baby check he had reached or exceeded many of the actual age social cues. His doctor was very surprised. I never pay much attention to the 'standard' growth and development milestones, but it is still good to hear that there is no cause for concern for his mental development. She was also happy to hear that Landon likes being held. I guess premature babies, or babies who spend a lot of time in the hospital do not like being held. Oh, I can't imagine how heart breaking that would be. Landon still prefers being held to anything else. He is very, very cuddly. 

Every day he gets a little more active, a little bit stronger and a little more coordinated. His neck and upper body are very strong and he enjoys standing. 

He has been sleeping through the night for several weeks now! Dylan talks to Landon and asks him if it is time for him to move to his crib. But the mamma says not yet! Across the hall is too far away for my sake! 

He enjoys bouncing in his horse, Blue and playing on the floor. He has started grabbing hanging toys and tries to bring them to his mouth. He will purposely bump toys that make sounds and light up and then smile! 

He has started sucking his hands and thumb. He will spit out his binky and suck on his fingers to sooth himself. 

We have not yet started him on solids, but he does enjoy sucking on a piece of apple or licking a banana. I have mushed up a little bit of banana and mixed it with water, to make a very watered down mixture, and he seemed to enjoy sucking it off a spoon. He has started to show some interest and maybe in the next month or so we will introduce baby cereal. He does open his mouth wide when I take a drink and I have given him a few sips of water. He makes the cutest 'its too cold' face and will open his mouth for more! 

He enjoys practicing to sit with pillows behind him and can do so for several seconds before tipping over and bending in half! He LOVES to be talked to and coos and giggles back. 

He loves reading and cracks up when he sees Elmo. 

He has started to receive monthly RSV shots to help prevent a very dangerous respiratory virus. So far he has remained healthy! 

He thinks his sister is so amazing. He will crank his head every which way to try and locate where her voice is coming from. When he finally finds her he gets the biggest smile on his face. 

He is a very sweet, calm, easy-going, happy, quiet baby --- perfectly wonderful, but that is just him mom speaking!! 

He still seems a little skeptical of this world! He often scowls and scrunches his old man eyebrows in an attempt to figure us all out! All we have to say is, "Are you a happy boy?" and his entire face breaks out into his huge smile. 

~love, love, love my 'lil roo nugget~

Oh, on a little side note, we still are very careful about germs and wash our hands and use a lot of hand sanitizer. I just love when Addi says, "Mom I  'hanatized?" -- Her word for hand sanitizer!

Loves his big sister.

Yay for Blue!

Talkin' in the tub.

Cuddlin' with sister.

mmmm, my first mushed bananas

bath time!

always sucking on my fingers

sitting boy

A Happy Christmas

As I sit to write and reflect on our Christmas celebration, I can't help feel an overwhelming feeling of joy and peace. This Christmas could have brought on such different feelings - sadness, loss.  We had a truly wonderful Christmas. Santa was very good to all of us! 

 We went back to Missoula to spend a few days before Christmas with our family and friends.

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 We met my dear friend Katie and her beautiful daughter Ava for lunch. Addi had a blast following Ava around as she explored the floor of the restaurant. Addi even suggested we trade Landon for Ava! She's more fun!

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We spent our first night in town with our Dave and Em. I made chili and we had a quiet, special evening opening presents and celebrating life's gifts that make the harder stuff worth it.

Em and Addi building a bear!

Love me a Dave & Dylan!

Cozy and ready for bed!

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We visited our friends Ember, Ella and Will.

Landon, 5 months. Will, 7 months!

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The Terry clan (most of us anyway) met at Grandpa Dave's for a pizza party. Cousin Megan was visiting from Flordia. I was a great afternoon full of family, laughter, Grandpa saying, "That reminds me of a story!", lots of cuddling with Landon and crazy cousin fun. It was so great to see Megan and visit with Lena before she heads to England to study abroad this next semester. We sure did miss Sara & Ellie, the Smith's, Uncle Roger and the OK Terry's. 

Great-Grandpa

Grandma & Landon

Addi looks up to Lena so much. I can think of no one better to be Addi's role model!

Brother sandwich!

Most of us!

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We spent our second night at Grandma & Grandpa Powell's. We ate ribs, opened gifts, played Sequence and watch a movie. 

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Addi, Landon and I visited my cousin Nick, his wife Kara and their kiddos!

Peyton (Nate's daughter), Quintan & Alyx (Nick's kids), Addi & Landon

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We spent our third night in Missoula at my dad's house. Granny came over and I made a ham. We had a great time playing, opening presents and celebrating Papa's birthday.

Great Granny

Addi stacked her gifts from Auntie Sara!

Papa excited for his new targets!

Addi & Papa putting together her vanity.

Talking with Papa.

Papa's Christmas tree!

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We drove back to Helena Christmas Eve and spent a quiet, relaxing Christmas at home. 

Big sister love! Playing in his bouncy horse, Blue!

Using her new Easy Bake oven, from Auntie, to bake Santa a cupcake!

Christmas Eve.

Blue-Eyed Elf

Getting Santa's treats ready.

Playing board games. Christmas Eve.

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On Christmas morning we had to wake Addi at 9 am! She is the only kid in the world who has to get dressed and get her hair fixed before she opens her gifts! Dylan spoiled me with a ton of climbing gear! I can hardly wait for spring to get here so I can get onto those rocks!

Loving Blue the bouncy horse!

Modeling her new long underwear and chalk bag!

Little Ballerina Princess!

Happy Christmas Dreams!