on becoming a mom

Here is another masterpiece by Jalene. Like I've said before, this gal's got talent.

www.jtaylorphotography.com

Being a mother is such a joy. I know that I've only experienced it for a few weeks, but I still feel how much of a privilege it is to be entrusted with such a special little spirit. Yesterday when I was holding Beck while he fussed for food, I had the strongest impression that this is my calling in life. Motherhood is my mission. I've always known that I wanted to be a mother, I've always believed that there was no greater calling. Some people come to earth to accomplish insurmountable tasks and that is how they leave their mark. I know that I don't have anything grand to contribute to mankind to be remembered for, and that is okay. My mission is to raise children who can leave their mark on this planet...whatever that mark may be. My mission is to nurture, to love and to teach my children how to succeed in this life. To teach them to be kind to others; to know that they are a son/daughter of a Heavenly Father who is watching over them with love; to help them help others reach their potential; to surround them with love. I couldn't be happier to accept this calling. I know that motherhood will be hard most of the time, and I'm going to be figuring out how to do it as I go along. Luckily I've grown up with an amazing mom who prepared me very well for this time in my life. I hope I can follow in her footsteps in raising my kids.

Love letters from Beck

Dear Momma and Daddy,

Thanks for waking up with me 3 times every night. Thanks for waking me up every now and then so I can play. Mom, thanks for feeding me every 2 hours for an hour even though it hurts really bad. I love your kisses and morning snuggles. Dad, I love the funny songs you make up and sing to me every day.

Love, Beck

Dear Mima Enzler,

You really saved the day when you and Papa came last weekend. I wish you could have held me more but next time I won't be under those dumb lights. Mom and Dad sure loved the help and dinners that you made for them! I am having so much fun being dressed up in all the knitted outfits you made for me. I miss you and can't wait until we get to hang out again.

Love, Beck

Dear Papa Enzler,

Thanks for being so cool so I can have a cool middle name. I LOVE the cradle you so lovingly made for me. I esspecially like that it rocks me to sleep. You might not realize it, but I can feel the love that was put into it as you hand crafted it. Miss you,

Love, Beck

Dear cousin Jen,

I sure love the beautiful quilt and cradle bumpers that you made for my cradle. I love the soft blanket so much that I peed all over it the first time I snuggled in it! Don't worry though, Mom and Grandma cleaned it up and its as good as new. I can't wait to meet all my second cousins in person!

Love, Beck

Dear Aunts and Uncles,

I love having so many cool people around me all the time. You have each helped hold me when I needed snuggling. I'm sorry I had jaundice when you all came to see me last weekend. All I wanted to do was be held and cuddled by you but instead I had to stay in those dumb lights. Our sleepovers sure were fun though. Mom and Dad say you saved their lives by taking shifts with me at night. Because you were there, my eyes were safe and sound and you kept those goggles on me so well. Can't wait until we get to play next time!

Love, Beck

P.S. Kaela and Lincoln were so wonderful to take night shifts with me, but Garrett and Jalene REALLY earned big points for staying up...can't wait until you're officially my aunt and uncle!

Dear Grandma and Grandpa Taylor,

Mom and Dad have told me how much you've helped them out lately. You were such great nurses to Mommy when her ankles were sprained. You have brought them dinners, driven me and mommy to all of our doctor appointents, watched me under the billi rubin lights, not to mention all the holding and snuggling we've gotten in. I sure love you guys and hope to see you as much as possible before you move to Oklahoma in July.

Love, Beck

Dear friends and family that I haven't met yet,

I can feel your love from all over the country. Thanks for all of your well wishes and prayers. I can't wait to meet you soon!!

Love, Beck

Surprise! Welcome Beck James Taylor

Once again, life shows me that I can't plan everything...and once again, I am reminded that Heavenly Father's plan is much better than mine anyway.

First the pics of our new edition, details of his arrival to come! Chase and I happily welcomed a brand new member of our family on Monday March 1, 2010

He weighed 6 lb 10 oz
20 inches
Proud new father (Chase couldn't stop beaming)

born at 10:00 am, 6 lb 10 oz 20 inches

Welcome to the world!!!

Beck James Taylor
We are pretty biased, but we think the is the cutest thing that we've ever seen. I can't even tell you how wonderful it is to have this little guy around. It is a lot of work yes, but we just can't stop staring at him!

On our way home from the hospital

Its funny but your whole world changes when you bring a baby into your family. It was less than a week ago that it was just me and Chase living our life. We were preparing to bring our baby into the world yes, but you just have no idea how your perspective changes once that new little spirit enters into the world.

For those who are curious, here is the gist of our experience bringing Beck into the world. It seems like its always an adventure with us! Quick background details... Chase's work benefits kick in March 1 at midnight. We've known this the whole pregnancy, but I really wasn't very worried about it since I wasn't due for a week and a half after that. Most first babies come late anyway right? I had my 38 week check up last Friday and my blood pressure was sort of high. It had been high for a few weeks but I didn't have any other danger symptoms of pre eclampsia so I wasn't concerned. It surprised me at this appointment when the doctor was all of the sudden acting like it was a big deal. In my mind, I still had 2 weeks (at least) until this baby came and I felt fine so there was nothing to worry about. They did some blood work and sent me home without much other fuss. A few hours later I get a call from the nurse saying

1. My blood pressure is to high

2. I can't get an epideral because my blood platelets are too low

3. I need to deliver the baby tonight, and she asked me what time I wanted to come in.

As you can imagine, I am FREAKING OUT right now on this phone call. All I can do is stutter that I needed to check my schedule to see when we can come in (Did I really think I could say I couldn't give birth because I had plans?!!) In my head I'm thinking:

1. I can't have him tonight, the bathroom is dirty.

2. I can't give birth naturally, I haven't prepared!

3. This baby will cost us THOUSANDS more dollars if I have him before March 1.

4. Wait, did she say NO EPIDERAL???!!!!!

To make a long story short, they agreed to let me go on complete bedrest from that moment on and monitor me closely to try to wait to deliver until March 1. So Sunday March 1 at 12:01 Chase and I checked into the hospital and they induced me. Labor went well and everyone is happy and recovering well. Now that it is all said and done, I can't imagine not having Beck in our lives for a few weeks still.

I wrote all about the details of our labor and birth experience but decided that I'd rather not post it for the whole world to see. It was such an incredible and special experience that I would be happy to tell about if anyone wants to chat about in person or on the phone.