Sophie Jane

Sophie Jane

I'm not really sure where to start with her birth story. It was a pretty crazy last few weeks, so we will start there.

Up to this point nothing out of the ordinary had been happening. Except for the fact that I was WAY more sick with this pregnancy than the last. Which was a good indication that I was having a girl. Anyway, it all started when I was on my way to my 37 week appointment. It was scheduled for 11am, and on my way there I realized I hadn't felt the baby move all day. Not too big of a deal, but not normal for her. I told my doctor that, and he did some poking and prodding and she started moving again. He told me to pay attention and do my kick counts and if that happened again to go straight to Labor and Delivery.

At my 38 week appointment, he asked about her movement. I said it had definitely decreased, but I was able to get her to move around when I would lay down and drink cold water or a sugary drink. That concerned him a little bit so he decided to do an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid (which looked okay) and then he sent me to labor and delivery for an NST. It took a acoustic tool to get her to move, but after 40 minutes, I passed that test and was sent home. By this point I was a basket case. I was so stressed out about her moving that I couldn't even live my life. It was so frustrating.

My doctor told me that if I didn't feel five distinct movements within two hours, to head back to labor and delivery and do another NST. I ended up doing this two more times before she was born. One was the day before my due date. The second time I went in the nurse was pretty rude. She made me feel so stupid for going in. I was torn because I felt stupid, but I would never be able to forgive myself if something was wrong. The third time I went in I hadn't felt any movement all day and it was 4:00pm. I brought my mom with me because I'm too shy to speak my mind, but my mom isn't. She was able to get more answers out of them, and they also did another ultrasound where they informed me I had "plenty of fluid" and I shouldn't be worried. Every time I went in (except for the first time when the doctor sent me over himself,) the nurses acted like I was just being paranoid. I had Logan give me a blessing that day so that I could calm down and everything would be okay.

By this point I was an emotional wreck. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what else to do, so I just prayed I would go into labor soon, or that by the day they induce me (which would have been Valentine's Day) that everything would be fine.

Sunday morning (February 12th . . . Three days after my due date) at about 5am I woke up from a contraction. I started taking screen shots on my phone of the times in between contractions. Around 8am they were about five minutes apart. I sent my mom a text to be ready to take Gunner soon once they got closer together. Around 10am my mom and dad came over to my house to bring us breakfast and pick up Gunner. I was able to get a shower in and start packing a bag for Gunner before they came in-between contractions. I had such a bad experience the last few times at labor and delivery that I wanted to prolong going in there as long as possible. Finally when they were three minutes apart and lasting for quite awhile my mom and Logan forced me to go to the hospital haha. I was so nervous.

It's so much different with the second baby. I knew what to expect this time! Or so I thought. Once they got me hooked up to the machines and were watching my contractions and the baby's heart rate the nurse checked my progression. Up to this point I had only been dilated to a 2 and barely effaced. However, I was at a 6+, but only 60% effaced. Which was weird, but that was a good number for me, and she sent off for the anesthesiologist. I was so nervous for an epidural again. I felt it going in last time because for some reason I don't numb as well as other people.

The labor and delivery unit also happened to be understaffed that day, with only two nurses working at the time. They were super nice nurses, but I could tell they were a little stressed out because there were two other people in labor. I jokingly told them to call my neighbor Ashley because I had been talking with her about delivering the baby and stuff a few days before. They actually called her and she came in. Bless her heart! She said she happened to drive a separate car to church, so it worked out. With everything that was about to happen, it was nice to have a familiar face there taking care of me! I owe her big time!

While we were waiting for the anesthesiologist we noticed that every time I got a contraction the baby's heart rate was dropping. This went on for about ten minutes or so. Logan and I had done so many NST's by this point that we knew what to look for, and we knew that it didn't look good. The nurse came in and said, "I don't want to stress you out, but the baby's heart rate is dropping every time you get a contraction. I just called your doctor and he's concerned enough that he's leaving church right now to come here." Logan and I just looked at each other and my stomach sank. I knew that wasn't good and I was so scared.

The doctor got to the hospital right as soon as I was getting my epidural. Which was traumatizing for the second time in a row. It somehow hit a nerve ending and sent a huge painful shock down my left leg. Geez, I hate those things. Luckily it ended up working, so he didn't have to do it again. However, I heard the doctor soon after tell him to give me a surgical dose, which meant things weren't looking good.

My doctor knows that I'm a pretty anxious/worried person, so he did a really good job at staying calm. However, I could tell that he was worried. At this point the baby's heart rate was dropping all the way to zero with every contraction. He watched it for a few minutes, and decided to break my water and do a vaginal monitor to see if he could tell what was going on.

They broke my water, and it was full of meconium. He just kept saying that "things were just not looking good," so he informed me that he was going to do a c-section. People were moving around frantically getting prepped for surgery. They threw Logan a drape, shoe covers, a mask and a head cover. I could see the look on my moms face that she was freaked out, but she was trying to keep it together. She and my mother-in-law were trying to calm me down. They said, "we both and c-sections and we are just fine. It's going to be ok." Logan was pretty silent, but he was holding my hand and I could see silent tears running down his face. My cute dad had also come back to see me before they took me to surgery. I could tell he was scared too. He was rubbing my face telling me it was going to be okay. At this point I was in shock. I was starting to shake uncontrollably and I couldn't even talk. I just sat there with tears running down my face. I was terrified.

Right before they took me down, my mom asked if I could have a blessing. They said I could if it was quick. They sent my brother in from the waiting room, and he, my dad and Logan gave me a blessing. Logan actually gave the blessing, and it was very comforting. Right after the blessing was over I felt so brave, where before I just wanted to crawl in a hole and hide. Seconds after the blessing ended they started wheeling me down the hall.

It was just like the movies. Except scarier because it was real... We got to the operating room and Doctor Bilanzich introduced me to Doctor Gatherum who would be assisting him and thanked him for coming on such short notice. It was so funny, because I looked down and they both still had their church shoes on. My doctor also informed me that they called a pediatrician to come in for the baby and that he'd be there soon.

I was laying there with the anesthesiologist behind me as they put the shield up in my face. All of the sudden I could feel them cutting my stomach open. I started to scream, and the last thing I remember was them telling the nurses not to let Logan in. They already had, and he saw and heard me getting cut open. Poor guy. They gave me some kind of drug that knocked me out into a crazy hallucination. It was like all these white and gray pixels forming together like a kaleidoscope. I could hear what the doctors were saying, but I couldn't understand the words. I also remember seeing a light and thinking I was dying. I kept telling myself I had to go back and see my baby. It was the scariest thing I've ever had happen to me. I guess I was suppose to forget all of that, but unfortunately I didn't. However, it was probably a good thing, because when I started waking up, they put the baby in front of me and I remember saying how beautiful she was, and how long her eyelashes were.

Rewind back to when I was off in la la land and the baby was delivered. One of the nurses told me that when they cut me open they could see her inside of my uterus. I guess my uterus was pretty transparent at that point. She said she was the most beautiful baby she'd ever seen and that she looked like a china doll laying there peacefully with the longest eyelashes. So sweet. Upon taking her out of the womb, they discovered that she had the knot wrapped around her neck twice as well as what they call a "true knot." She was purple and non-responsive. She was extremely small for her gestational age. Their guess is that the knot was preventing her from receiving the nutrients she needed those last few weeks. They rushed her over to the nurses who did everything they could to get her to breath. Thank goodness for them. She had a heartbeat, so that was a good sign. They were able to suck the meconium out of her lungs and get her oxygen. (Like I said, I was dead to the world, so I am just telling you what I was told.) At this point they let Logan into the room. He said it was like walking into a horror movie. There I was passed out on the operating table with my insides open, and there his baby was: purple and motionless. He actually filmed this part so that I could see her after I woke up. He didn't realize how scary it would be and he stopped recording after about 30 seconds, when he realized she was still not responding. Thankfully, after about 40 minutes, things started looking better with her. She is a fighter! That is when they brought her over to show her to me. Thank goodness for doctors and nurses who knew what to do to save her life. One of the nurses, who everyone said was the "best," told me that she was a true miracle! She said she's seen a few babies in that circumstance that weren't so lucky. (Breaks my heart to even fathom that!)

Once all the chaos ended, I was wheeled back to my room where I was greeted by my mom and mother-in-law. I was still pretty loopy and they told me that I told the anesthesiologist that I "loved him,"that he was "the best ever," and then I winked at him as I did a little gunshot motion with my fingers. How embarrassing. Haha. Logan wheeled the baby in, and for the first time I got to hold my tiny little miracle.

Sophie Jane Obering born on February 12, 2017 (three days late) at 1:24pm | 5lbs 9oz 19in long

Little did I know that right before I was taken back into the operating room, my parents sent around a mass text asking people to pray for me and the baby. After the dust settled, we were able to learn more information about her condition. What we learned testifies to me that prayers were answered, and that she is meant to be here.

"The perinatal mortality of pregnancies with the condition is approximately 10%." Our little Sophie is a miracle. When all the odds were against her, she made it here safe and sound. If you are an expectant mother, and ever feel like anything is wrong . . . Don't be afraid to say something! Although Sophie's condition wasn't able to be detected before birth, I knew something was wrong. Trust your instincts. We are so grateful to the doctors and nursing staff that brought our baby safely into this world. 

There isn't a lot of research out there on "true knots," because they aren't very common. However, we were determined to find more answers about her birth. He is some information that links the restrictions and problems she was facing before and after delivery:

Here were potential problems and signs that occurred while Sophie was in the womb.
- A true knot, with and umbilical cord longer than normal
- Two nuchal loops (Around the neck)
- Restricted Growth (Three weeks later and she's still wearing preemie sized onesies.)
- Large amount of amniotic fluid
- Smaller than normal placenta
- Decreased fetal movement beginning at 37 weeks
- Meconium in the womb
- Stomach measuring small around 36 weeks. (At my 40 week appointment I measured at 37 weeks.)

How common is it?

"Umbilical cord knots occur in about one in every hundred pregnancies, but only a True Knot can occur in approximately 0.3% to 2% of all births causing problems for the baby.

Who is most at risk?

Babies with long cords are at greater risk for developing true knots. Researchers also speculate that nutritional deficiencies affect the structure and protective barrier of the cord and put the baby at risk. Male babies, twins, women who have given birth before, too much amniotic fluid, and small babies are circumstances that increase the chance of a true knot forming. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The most common sign of a cord knot is decreased fetal activity after week 37. If the knot occurs during labor, a fetal monitor will detect an abnormal heart rate.

SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED?

... If the knot becomes tight, it could interfere with the circulation of blood from the placenta to the baby and cause oxygen deprivation. Such a complication is most likely to occur during your baby's descent through the birth canal, but these cases are rare.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

There is nothing you can do to prevent a knotted umbilical cord. You can, however, keep a general eye on how your baby is doing, especially later in your pregnancy, by doing regular kick counts and calling your practitioner if you notice any change in fetal activity. If a loose knot tightens during delivery, your practitioner will be able to detect the drop in your baby's heart rate, and will make the appropriate decisions to ensure your baby's safe entry into the world. Immediate delivery, usually via C-section, is often the best approach.

How is True Knot of Umbilical Cord Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of True Knots of Umbilical Cord may include:

• Routine ultrasound examination of the abdomen of the pregnant woman
• Color Doppler ultrasonography
• Examination of the placenta and umbilical cord at the time of delivery

What are the possible Complications of True Knot of Umbilical Cord?

Complications due to True Knot of Umbilical Cord could include:

• Worrying changes in the heart rate of the fetus
• Fetal death and stillbirths

How can True Knot of Umbilical Cord be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no methods available to prevent a True Knot of Umbilical Cord
• Proper ante-natal care is essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery

What is the Prognosis of True Knot of Umbilical Cord? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of True Knot of Umbilical Cord is excellent with suitable care and management during delivery
• The perinatal mortality of pregnancies with the condition is approximately 10%

Gunner

Gunner

It all started Tuesday morning at my 40 week appointment. I was four days over my due date and anxious for some good news. Unfortunately, I was still only dilated to a one. I still felt like a million bucks. I wasn't having any other signs of labor except for some Braxton Hicks I had a few nights previous, nothing seemed to be moving along. We scheduled my induction for the 21st at midnight, so that he'd be born on the 22nd. I kept my cool through the rest of my appointment while the doctor and Logan cracked jokes.

The second we got into our car after the appointment I burst into tears for the first time since my due date. I was soooo done being pregnant. I was swollen, extremely uncomfortable, and anxious. Patience never was my virtue. Logan was sweet and held my hand and calmed me down. At that point we pretty much had prepared ourselves for the induction in two days.

We went to lunch with my grandparents right after my appointment, and talked mostly about how my grandma had to be induced with all of her kinds. (Great) I REALLY wanted to go into labor on my own for some reason. I had been preparing myself for it mentally for so long! I was still pretty bummed, so I went to work to keep my mind off things.

After work, Logan and I went to his little sisters softball game. We sat in the bleachers for the first half and then I could not sit still. I was getting really uncomfortable, so we finished watching the game in the car. We took her home after her game and hung out with Logan's family for a bit. His mom and dad are remodeling their house right now, so his mom bought like 25 tacos from Cafe Rio for dinner. I had like three and they sure hit the spot. (I'm pretty convinced that they put me into labor.)

Like thirty minutes later I started feeling sick. I laid on the couch for a minute not trying to make a scene, but by about 8:30pm, I told Logan that I needed to go home. He wanted to go to the gym that night anyway, so we left right away.

I decided to take a shower to see if it would make me feel any better. Then I watched some Netflix to pass the time while Logan was at the gym. at 10:05pm the first hard contraction hit. Like I said, I had had a few on my due date a few days earlier . . .  They were actually in the middle of the night, so I didn't get my hopes up. By about 10:45pm they were pretty intense. I had started taking screen shots every time I got one, and they were about 5-7 minutes apart. I sent Logan a text that said, "can you hurry home please? I feel like I'm dying." It was a bit dramatic, but I figured it would make him hurry.

He got home and sat with me for a half hour to see how bad they were. By this point it was like 11:30pm. I remember telling him to take a shower quick because if they didn't get any better we were going to the hospital. He took a quick shower and then checked on me again. they were still 5-7 minutes apart. They hurt, but I could handle it, so I didn't feel like I needed to go in the hospital quite yet. I DID NOT want to be one of those people that went in and got sent home. . .

At 1:00am I had enough. I asked Logan to give me a blessing. It was very simple and comforting for me. I felt calm. We picked up our house a little bit. Grabbed the last few items to stick in our hospital bags and were out the door. It was dead quite outside. We didn't say much on the way to the hospital. I think we were both just excited and slightly nervous. We honestly had no idea what to expect.

We were taken to a hospital room by the secretary at the labor and delivery desk. She wasn't too friendly, so that wasn't very comforting. She threw me a robe and said, "put this on and I'll send a nurse in." Ten minutes later a nurse walked in and started strapping two monitors to my stomach. She had someone else come in who didn't say anything to me and just started checking to see my progression. Even though they were less than thrilled to have us there, she did deliver good news, "You're dilated to a 3+ and 90% effaced." What!? Yes! I had dilated two whole centimeters since my appointment that morning. I was so excited. They then asked me about a million questions and told me that they would monitor my contractions for an hour and check me again.

An hour went by and we didn't know what to think. It was all so new and we were so clueless haha! Soon after a new nurse came in at the shift change. Thank goodness she was MUCH nicer. She checked me and I hadn't progressed in that hour. Ughh not the news I wanted to hear. She called my doctor and he told her to have me go home and sleep, and then come back in the morning.

She gave me a pain pill and a sleeping pill and said to wait until they were three minutes apart and lasted 90 seconds. She said first time labors can sometimes take a really long time, so I'd be more comfortable at home. Are you kidding?! I was pretty bummed. I was indeed one of those women who got sent home from the hospital.

We took a long stroll out of there. Emotionally and physically exhausted. We got home at like 3:30am. I took the pills, we said a prayer, laughed a little at how crazy this whole thing was and I fell asleep. I slept through a night of contractions! Whatever they gave me was good stuff I tell you!

I woke up at 7am and I could still feel contractions. I started taking screen shots again, and still they were five minutes apart. . . Soooo frustrating. I sent my mom a text to let her know what the deal was. Of course she freaked out haha. It's my mother we are talking about here. :) She was SO excited. She had c-sections with all of us, so she really didn't know what to tell me other than she thought I was having the baby any minute! So funny.

Anyway, thankfully at about 8am they started getting stronger, lasting longer, and coming closer together. Finally! Logan didn't really know what to do. I really wanted a Starbucks breakfast sandwich and a vanilla bean, so he ran to Starbucks. When he got back, he sat there with me and wrote down the times and we clocked the duration of each contraction. Mostly we were just excited to meet our little boy. It was finally happening! By 10am I was rolling and moaning in pain, which was a clear sign to me that I needed to get the heck out of there. We were a  little hesitant because of the night before, but this time it felt different, and I was not going to take no for an answer.

Thankfully, the nurses on call that morning were saints I tell you. I could barely breath through the contraction I was having at the desk to tell them my name. They hurried me into a room and got me hooked up. Dear sweet Phillis was my nurse. Turns out she was there when I was born, and delivered Logans three younger siblings. She was THE best. She explained to me everything that was going on and as she was strapping me up said, "let's get you admitted and have a baby today." I liked this woman already.

She checked me soon after and I was at a 4 and 90% effaced wahoo. That's progress. We waited out the hour and when she checked again I was at a 4+ and 100% effaced. Which meant I was admitted! We let our parents know what was going on and around noon my mom came to sit with us. Logans mom and sisters were at the hospital too just in case I was having him soon (haha). At this point she started hooking up my IV. I then realized I was hungry, but she informed me that it was too late. This was going to be a loooong day.

My sister in law told me to bring Jolly Ranchers to suck on so my mouth wouldn't get dry. Good thing I brought some, because those Jolly Ranchers saved the day! My doctor called in and told her to get me started on some Pitocin to get things going and he'd come break my water.

He came in about twenty minutes later and broke my water. I was really scared for that actually, and it wasn't even a big deal. I didn't feel a thing except for a big gush. Duh. He said it would be about a centimeter an hour, so his guess was that I'd deliver at 9pm. Then he was gone.

Good ol' Phillis checked me again and I was at a 5! So she sent the anesthesiologist in as soon as she could so that I could get some rest. My whole pregnancy this was the part I was dreading. I am getting nervous to my stomach thinking about it haha. My mom had some complications with her epidural when she had me. It ended up collapsing her lungs. She had an emergency c-section and one heck of a recovery. She kept talking about it to the nurse and anesthesiologist who she and my husband both knew. At this point I told her she had to stop talking about it or she had to leave. Don't mess with a woman in labor! Haha she was just worried I think and wanted to make sure I didn't have the same reaction. He was really good to explain what he was doing, but I really wish he wouldn't have. For me, sometimes the less I know the better. Turns out I don't numb as easily as most do, so when he started putting the epidural in I felt it. I flinched real bad and all of us in the room about had a heart attack. Including him. He then said "oh, looks like you need to be numbed a bit more..." and then proceeded very slow and cautiously. After that it wasn't a big deal. It didn't hurt going in, it just felt weird. Soon after one of my legs went completely numb, and the other was pretty numb, but I could feel it still.

Phillis demanded that I take a nap, and to be quite honest, by this time I felt pretty loopy and exhausted. I was not myself, which was probably a good thing actually. I was SO relaxed. Before my nap though I told her that this might be weird, but I felt like I needed to push. She assured me it was just the baby making his way down and that I had nothing to worry about. I slept lightly for about an hour. I never went completely numb and could still feel my contractions. They weren't as bad, but they were still there. The epidural "took the edge off" so to speak. As I was sleeping my mom and Logan watched the screen and said I would flinch every time I got a contraction, but I was still somehow able to sleep through them.

at 5:00 Phillis came back to check on me. She brought me my infamous Intermountain Health Care mug and asked how I was feeling. I said I felt like I needed to push still, so she figured she better check me again. LOW AND BEHOLD I was completely dilated and ready to push. She looked SO shocked. She said, "I'm quite surprised honestly, and I've been doing this for 25 years."

She got things ready and I started pushing. She had me go slow and steady, which I really appreciated in the end, because I didn't have a bad tear because of the way she had me approach pushing. Dr. B came to check on things. He brought me a slushy and was all smiles. He was happy with how things were moving along so quickly and told Phillis to call him in when I was closer. Guys she seriously did all the work! Like she was amazing! My epidural had pretty much warn off by then. I don't know what the deal was, but oh well. It was still there enough to help manage some of the pain I think, because I wasn't screaming. I was pretty calm and quiet actually.

I could freely move my legs pretty much at that point and I could feel every single contraction. I also felt pressure points of where the baby was, so it made pushing a lot easier because I knew exactly where and how. I must have had an adrenaline high, because I was ready to push and get him out of there!

After an hour of pushing, she told me to stop. (Ughhh not that easy!!!) She called the doctor and said, "you better get in here now if you want to be here when this baby is born." That was comforting. Next thing I knew about five more nurses came rushing in and the doctor was suiting up and getting who knows what ready.

All of the sudden I hear, "Al you're doing so great." From behind the curtain. It was my dad. Along with my brother, and sister, and sister-in-laws, and mother in-law, and father-in-law. Party in room 164 haha! Turns out there was a whole bunch of them outside the curtain of the delivery room waiting for the baby to arrive. Normally I would have died of embarrassment, but I just said. "Thanks! Make sure you stay behind those curtains," and continued on.

Dr. B talked me through pushing for literally five to ten minutes. One nurse held my leg while Logan held the other. He announced that the baby had a full head of hair. Yes! All I remember him saying was, "you're starting to get a contraction get ready to push." I replied, "I know, I can feel it." I saw him look at the nurse a little surprised and then at 6:48pm I pushed that baby right on out.

They immediately put him on my chest. Oh what a sweet moment. We had waited so long for! Logan cut the umbilical cord, and then after they toweled him down and got a few cries out of him Logan and I got a few moments to take it all on with this tiny little guy. He truly was an angel sent straight from heaven. We both were crying and speechless ... that moment was just so special. I kept thinking, "is this real life?"

Gunner Logan Obering was born on May 20, 2015 at 6:48pm. He weighed 7lbs 2oz and was 20inches long. He was greeted soon after by dozens of faces anticipating his arrival. This kid is LOVED. He has been an angel ever since. I could not ask for a better baby. I am SO blessed to be his mom.

'

PS I craved a bronco burger and oreo shake the entire time I was in labor. I did indeed get that meal right after delivery. Phillis thought that was pretty hilarious that I was more worried about getting my hamburger than my contractions! Shout out to Brads!

General Conference April 2013

General Conference April 2013

So Conference is always something that I REALLY look forward to. I use to hate it as a little kid, but now that I am older I love it! Some of my favorite talks were:

1. Sister Dalton
2. Elder L. Whitney Clayton
3. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (always)

Normally, I would make several prints of my favorite sayings, as reminders in our home. This month I have started a new job, which makes time limited. I did however make one! I have been asked several times where people can buy this print. Honestly, you can just have it for free! I hope you enjoy :)

our new puppy

our new puppy

After almost a year of begging, we got a puppy! Her name is Harley, and we are just SO in love with her! She's a Weimaraner. No one ever knows what that is. Basically they are german dogs that are somewhat similar to labs and german pointers. They didn't come into the US til sometime in the 60's. So they are a pretty new breed around these parts. I did a lot of research on these type of dogs, before we made our wise purchase. She's seriously so beautiful and makes me so happy. Logan is on the SUU football team now, which means he is gone A LOT. My brother and best friends Brit and Kens are on missions now so I am glad I have my little pup to keep me company during long work days from home! The first few nights were a little rough just because she was sad to leave her home. We anticipated that, so it really wasn't a big deal. After about a week though she started sleeping through the night! She was potty-trained in five days! Seriously, these type of dogs are SO smart! She is so in love with Logan. Whenever she hears the garage start to open her little numb of a tail wags like crazy! Last night we gave her a bath. It was hilarious, she was LOVING it. We also filed her nails which she did not enjoy so much. . . Basically I am obsessed with her! She's already gained like ten pounds since we have had her, but we still just love the heck out of her! Isn't she the cutest!?

(some instagrams of this little bundle of joy)

A 2012 Review - For Posterity's Sake

A 2012 Review - For Posterity's Sake

January: I thought I wanted to be an advertising major at BYU, when really all I wanted was to become his wife. I got a new job for a really cool publishing company called Northridge Publishing. Where I now design two of their magazines. January is just always really lame.

February: My dreams came true and we were engaged on February 4, 2012. You can watch our engagement video here. I look so young!! My poor mom also had several surgeries and is still recovering. We celebrated our first Valentine's Day together, where I made him dinner and he bought me pretty flowers and my favorite candy. We went dress shopping, and I found my dream dress.

                          

March: I turned 20. Got extensions, (which I really want to do a post about how they have changed my life) and we set a date for our wedding! Kole got his Eagle Scout award, and won an award in a National Art show for his Ceramic teapot.

April: I'm beginning to realize that our year was basically just full of being engaged,  sappy love stuff. We got our engagements in April though, and I'm kind of obsessed with them. We also went to General Conference with Logan's family. It was a beautiful day, and this picture of his family is one of my favorites. We also saw the new City Creek center in Salt Lake. Amazing! Finals week was hectic, and sadly my last at BYU. My roommates and I grew quite the collection of Sonic drinks. Man I miss that place. Route 44 Dr. Pepper with extra ice please!

 

May: We got our bridals done and were frantically preparing for our wedding just a month a way. We were also homeless for like two weeks, which was really interesting. Kole graduated from high school and seminary. We took a trip to the cabin with my family, and Logan's family. It was his very first time there, and we carved our names in a tree! 

June: (my favorite month) Kole won the offensive MVP at his 3A all-star game. I went through the temple for the first time.We were married on June 9th, 2012 in the St. George temple. It was a perfect morning! I was sick for our reception and missed most of the line. We laugh about that now. We left for our honeymoon to Zion, Utah and had a really fun relaxing week. We then decided to move to Cedar City two weeks after we were married, and moved into our cute little town home that we love. We also took a trip to California for a friends wedding, and went to Disneyland - Just the two of us! So fun!

July: We registered to be student's at SUU. Celebrated our first 4th of July with both of our families. Ventured to California again to spend a week in a Newport Beach house with the Obering's. Kole came along with us. A week later we went with my family to Colorado to visit my aunt. We went to the Denver temple, Estes Park, and a Rockies game. We bought our first car together, and I took Logan to the Ocean in St. George for the first time. 

August: We started our first semester at SUU. Kole got his wisdom teeth out. Football season started at CHS, and we attended a lot of football games of Logan's brothers. 

September: We hiked Calf Creek with my family. I visited Andie when she was the lunch lady. Our wedding was featured on Utah Bride blog. Logan left me a cute note and my favorite candy bar when I was having a bad day.

October: Kole got his call to serve in Kamapala, Uganda! We picked pumpkins at a pumpkin patch, and fell in love with the leaves on Cedar Mountain. We went through the temple with Kole.  My friend Jessica invited us to go horse back riding, and Logan became obsessed! We carved pumpkins with my family. We dressed up as Thor and Wonder Woman for Halloween.

November: Brittany and I threw Bryn a bridal shower. I voted, and then cried when Mitt lost. Bryn got married! Logan turned 23. We got our first Christmas tree on Thanksgiving Day with Kole on Cedar Mountain. We went to Dumont Dunes, California with Logan's family. I was hired to design the Cricut magazine. 

December: We decked our halls! Christmas is my favorite holiday after all. We had a lot of fun with Andie's Elf on the Shelf Clyde. We celebrated six months of marriage. Brittany got her call to Portugal! It snowed and snowed and snowed, so I made a video about it. My dad dressed up for an ugly sweater party. And FINALLY shaved his beard after the party. The holidays were purely magical and wonderful as our first year together. Logan, Santa, and my grandma spoiled me rotten, and we soaked up our last Christmas with Kole for two years. 

And last but not least, my favorite images of 2012!