Georgia Kate

I felt I should write Georgia's story before I forget.

We recently moved into my in laws house while they are on a mission to Durban, South Africa for 18 months. We moved in the beginning of May to give me plenty of time to settle in before my June 13th due date. Big sister June was several days overdue so I was expecting another overdue baby with Georgia.I went to my 35 week appointment with my doctor on June 12th. I was feeling worn down and stressed, like anyone would expect, but my doctor had especially taken notice. I was concerned the baby had flipped and also was experiencing more Braxton Hicks contractions. I was still working 5 days a week and had just finished moving but I was trying to hold it together for another 4 weeks. My doctor promised if I was still experiencing contractions he would check the following week to see if anything was happening.  

The next morning I went to work but noticed the baby felt lower-as if she had "dropped." I wasn't too concerned since this was expected the last few weeks. As work went on, I realized I hadn't felt the baby move and decided I would pick up a Red Bull or something on the way home to see if it gave her a wake up call. I was experiencing some contractions throughout the morning, so much so that I finally decided to pay attention to how often they were coming. Thankfully we were fairly slow at work so I could get away with sitting most of the time and not working much. My poor coworkers! After an hour of consistent contractions, I decided I should head home. They weren't painful, but they were noticeable and I was convinced that if I just went home and layed down they would go away. I left work about 11:45 and called my sister to tell her I would come pick up June early. I stopped at the gas station to grab a Red Bull to try and wake up the baby, although at that point, I didn't know that it would help since I was contracting so much. As I made the 30 minute drive to my sister's house the contractions were getting more painful and closer together. I was anxiously trying to track them while driving and realized once they were 4-5 minutes apart I needed to have a change of plans. I called Scott and let him know (tearfully) that I was going to head to the hospital(a different one from the one I had just left). I called my sister back and let her know I wouldn't be picking up June. I made a detour and headed to Banner Thunderbird and got there about 12:30. Of course the parking garage was completely full and I ended up parking on the top floor and waddled my way to OB triage trying to hold it (literally) together. Scott met me in admitting a few minutes after I arrived and we spent the next several minutes checking in while I breathed through contractions. When I finally got checked, I was 3-4 cm dialated and 75% effaced. It wasn't enough for them to admit me so early at 35 weeks so they told me to go walk and do stairs around the hospital for an hour and then come back. By that point, my sweet dad met us at the hospital for company and he stayed with me while I did many stairs and Scott ran across the street for lunch. When I finally was checked again, my contractions were stronger, but I had not progressed at all. The nurse spoke to my doctor and it was suggested that they would send me back home with some pain medication if I'd like since I wasn't progressing. I was tearful at this point, struggling through strong contractions close together wondering how I was going to deal with this at home. I knew there was no going back at this point and I was scared I wouldn't make it back to the hospital when the time came. Scott gave me a priesthood blessing and we both felt comfort in knowing she would come that day safely. I'm so grateful for my nurse who decided to keep me in triage a little longer because she had a feeling about me. I probably would have just stood outside until they admitted me because I knew the baby was coming sometime that day. She let me labor in the tiny triage room and promised she would check me one last time at 5 pm. If I hadn't progressed she would be forced to send me home. They took me off the monitor so I could change (many) positions to help me work through the contractions. Scott was the official timekeeper and water bottle filler-upper. 

At 5 pm the nurse came into check me. Unfortunately I still hadn't progressed much but her last ditch effort was to check if my water had broke. Lo and behold it had and within 20 minutes I had my blood drawn, IV in and was whisked upstairs to be admitted. Thankfully I ran into my OB and anesthesiologist in the hallway so I was promptly given my epidural once I reached my room. Hallelujah! I knew I would probably go fast from this point once I could relax, and I did. They checked me right after my epidural and I had progressed to an 8. A short while later, my doctor and nurse came in asking me if I was ready to push. They had been watching my monitor at the desk and knew it was time. They got me in position and my doctor asked me to cough a couple times. Our little Georgia was out in 2 minutes! She was born at 8:02 pm. Thankfully, she was healthy and strong and her lungs were fully developed for being more than a month early. She weighed 6'14 so I felt lucky she was born early so I didn't have a bigger baby! She came with lots of dark hair which was a surprise to me since my either babies didn't have much hair and certainly not dark hair! 

My parents and sister came to visit that evening and soon we were moved into my recovery room for a restless night's sleep. We stayed in the hospital for 2 nights since she was so early but got a clean bill of health and returned home on Friday afternoon. She was blessed in church 2 weeks later due to Scott's parents leaving so soon for their mission. She was able to be blessed the day they gave their mission farewell talks so lots of family was able to be present. We love our Georgia Peach and she has blessed our lives immensely. 

Giving Thanks

The Sorensen's are Thankful

Scott is thankful for:

1) The Law of Tithing

2) My Super Hot Wife

3) Kids

4) My Job

5) My Truck

I am thankful for:

1) Warm hour and bed

2) Kids that are good examples to me

3) Car that works

4) Health

5) Holy Ghost

Grace is thankful for:

1) Family

2) Church

3) Household

4) School

5) Warmth

Tucker is thankful for:

1) House

2) School

3) Friends

4) Family 

5) Food

June is thankful for:

1) Her toys

2) Family

3) Blanket

4) Baby food

5) Toothbrush

Happy Thanksgiving

Weekend recap

So this weekend was a busy one. Scott and I were asked a few months ago to be in charge of our Ward Variety Show. After many weeks of planning, Saturday was the big day. I have to say, I thought it was a success, although a little rough around the edges. Scott's personality has always been-"You can't stress, I'll handle it! It will all work out." And mine is more "Yes, I can and will stress. I will oversee you to make sure you are handling it. And it will all work out if you make it work out." So, we are a good match. He worries tremendously too much about how stressed I am, and I stress that he is not worrying enough about what actually needs to be done. Win, win. And I'm pretty much glad that's over.

Onto Sunday, where I was asked to speak in church. Apparently the rest of the ward was busy this weekend? ;) I felt ok about it even though I told them Scott works for a water supply company and he doesn't. I don't even know what that is, except maybe the Sparkletts man. I loved my topic "Loving God's children", although I feel like it was sort of hard to go wrong. It was a good reminder that I needed. I'm posting my talk because I don't know why. I felt the itch to blog. I think this post might be a bit narcissistic. Sorry. You can insert a few sniffles and crying below where you think is appropriate. 

Good afternoon Brothers and Sisters. My name is Bonnie Sorensen and I have been in this ward for 7 years. I originally moved in the ward with my parents, Terry and Donna Colyar and my two children Grace and Tucker.  I met my husband Scott in the singles ward 4 years ago and after 3 years of being glued at the hip, although not dating, I decided his bad jokes were tolerable and  we could make it official. We were married in April of last year and welcomed a baby girl in March of this year, June Charlotte. Our oldest daughter Grace is 9 and in the 4th grade and our son Tucker is 7 and just started 2nd grade. Scott works for a water supply company as a Service Technician and I am an RN, although currently not working.

I am a Child of God, and He has sent me here

Has given me an Earthly home, with parents kind and dear

Lead me, Guide me, Walk beside me, Help me find the way

Teach me all that I must do to live with him someday.

I am a Child of God, and so my needs are great

Help me to understand his words before it grows too late

Lead me, Guide me, Walk beside me, Help me find the way

Teach me all that I must do to live with him someday

How familar are those words to us? It is one of the first songs we learn to sing as little children and is quickly memorized by most. And yet, I find myself singing along most often times, without giving thought to the words. What a humble request from a child for us to help them succeed and grow in the life they were given.

The topic I was given was “Loving God’s Children.” How does our Heavenly Father love us? Through blessings, the Plan of Salvation, families, physical bodies, sending his Son to die for us and more. Although, I focused my talk mainly on raising and loving our own children, it is very clear to me how we can use this same concept in our callings, with our neighbors, friends and in our communities. They say it takes a village to raise a child and I can certainly attest to the truth in that saying.

 

When I was 20, I gave birth to my daughter Grace. I felt a love that I never had felt before and a confirmation that this was my divine calling here on earth. This is what I was meant to do.

When I was 21, I suddenly found myself as a single mother with two children under the age of two. Things seemed very bleak at that time, and I struggled with the burden of raising my babies alone. I thank the Lord my children were young enough that they could not see the constant weight on my shoulders, my often tear filled eyes or my heavy broken heart. They only saw their mother-a familar face, their nurturer and comforter. To them, at that time, that is all they simply needed. I was and still am, the closest thing to the parents they knew in Heaven. As they have gotten older, their needs have changed. The physical demands have lessened as the mental and emotional demands have increased. Our conversations have changed from black and white and yes and no answers, to longer, more detailed, often Spirit dependant discussions. I often feel like this is the time where I really have to roll up my sleeves and get to work as a parent. Since deciding not to return back to work after my baby, I am home more during the day and find myself watching the news more frequently than I ever have. My eyes have been opened to the ever growing presence of the Adversary in this world and the need to protect my own children and family.  My children are not always in my sight and often times, not even in the same city  as I am for many days. I feel restless when they are gone and worry constantly about their well being and what temptations they are around. When they are home, I am constantly second-guessing my decision on whether or not I handled that situation the best way, or if I’m speaking to them as I should or paying enough attention to things they may not be telling me. How do I teach them about the gospel and what our expectations are in the home without taking away their agency? How do I help them build a testimony? How do I keep them safe from the temptations of the world?  How do I love them in a way that they see daily?

President Hinckley has said: “You need more than your own wisdom in rearing [your children]. You need the help of the Lord. Pray for that help and follow the inspiration which you receive” (“The Fabric and Faith of Testimony,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 89).

Thankfully, our Heavenly Father has provided us a foundation. In studying for my talk, I was overwhelmed, uplifted and humbled many times by the sheer amount of help we have been given to guide us in raising our families.  From the scriptures, the Family Proclamation, words from our Prophets and Apostles, training videos, to manuals. We are not alone.

Our family-centered perspective should make Latter-day Saints strive to be the best parents in the world. It should give us enormous respect for our children, who truly are our spiritual siblings, and it should cause us to devote whatever time is necessary to strengthen our families. Indeed, nothing is more critically connected to happiness—both our own and that of our children—than how well we love and support one another within the family.

M. Russell Ballard/Oct 2005 Conference

So what is our foundation?

In Helaman 5:12 it reads:

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

I hold this promise close to my heart because I know those mighty winds will come. They have come already for me and my children. They will come again, and again and again. But I know we will be protected if we stay close to our Savior, our foundation.

Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.     Family Proclamation

Our children look to us as parents, as leaders, as friends, to lead by example. Even if they don’t seem like they’re paying attention, they see when we are kneeling in personal prayer, going out of our way to serve someone, treating people kindly, dressing modestly, studying our scriptures, honoring our priesthood and being obedient to the commandments, even when it is hard. They remember that for years after.

If each and every one of us who are parents will reflect upon the responsibilities devolving upon us, we shall come to the conclusion that we should never permit ourselves to do anything that we are not willing to see our children do. We should set them an example that we wish them to imitate.” (Journal of Discourses,14:192.) L. Tom Perry

When I was younger and in college, I went through a period of time where I struggled with my choices, and along with that, struggled on whether I was going to remain active in the church. As much as I tried to stay away from the church, my thoughts always turned to the things I had been taught, the blessings I had seen, the Spirit I had felt growing up, the Foundation that I knew was true. My dad was a Bishop during my high school and college years and his example of patience, love, kindness and forgiveness taught me I had worth despite my weaknesses. My parents loved me when I was most unlovable. They were both an example of service and obedience through the time they dedicated to the members of our ward in their callings. I had YW leaders that were examples of patience and love as they navigated through the rollercoaster of teenage girls emotions. I had seminary teachers that were examples of perseverance, faith and knowledge as they struggled to touch the hearts of sleepy eyed high schoolers. So yes, Brothers and Sisters, it takes a village, but it starts at home.

President Spencer W. Kimball said: “Our Heavenly Father placed the responsibility upon parents to see that their children are well fed, well groomed and clothed, well trained, and well taught. Most parents protect their children with shelter—they tend and care for their diseases, provide clothes for their safety and their comfort, and supply food for their health and growth. But what do they do for their souls?” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 332).

I pray that we as parents, as grandparents, Aunts and Uncles and leaders can work to help lift the souls of our Heavenly Father’s children. That we can be guided by the Spirit to teach our children the Foundation of this gospel. That we can keep our homes safe havens from the perils of the world. That we can remember the worth of these souls that grace our homes, schools and church hallways. That we can love our children the way that our Heavenly Father and Elder Brother love us.

Testimony

  

 

The Man

I really feel like stickin it to the man today cause he's been kicking the crap out of me lately. Call it post partum, summer blues, cabin fever or whatever you will, I've been in a funk. I haven't felt "enough" in awhile. Not tall, skinny, pretty, tan, rich, fun, patient, creative, crafty, spiritual, friendly, talented, healthy, athletic enough-just to name a few. I think women go through that a lot. It's just been getting to me lately. I'm sick of reading articles, facebook rants, comments, pinterest of how everything i'm eating is going to kill me or give me cancer. I'm sick of seeing model bloggers or ig'ers with super human genes that are clones of each other taking pictures of what they wear every single day and people drooling over every piece of clothing. It's strange. Social media is strange. The world is strange. But those things are silly to fret over and I can accept that and move on. I've been noticing more and more lately that the world is becoming more black and white. You either are or aren't. You either do good or you don't. You either believe or you don't. I worry for my children daily. I try the best that I know how to protect them. I try to prioritize, count my blessings and frankly just hold on for dear life sometimes. Life throws us trials, and moments of doubt, and lots of fears. It's up to us to handle how we accept them. I'm still figuring that out. I'm grateful to be married to someone who is consistently positive and an example of how to let things go. Hopefully I'll learn that along the way. Ok, rant over now. Whew. 

Summer life

So it's been awhile, but we're still here. Now that summer has arrived, we lounge around all day doing next to nothing until Scott comes home from work. At that point, we then lounge around until bedtime. Somehow, I am still tired every single day. With the temps already in the 110's this early in June, we've started living like vampires with the blinds always closed and lights off to keep the house a tiny bit cooler. We hit the library, the pool, the splash pad and Target. Those will be our usual stop for the next few months I imagine. The kids continue in piano and tumbling, excited about each milestone they pass. Grace has mastered the round-off back handspring and is ecstatic. She wishes tumbling was everyday so she could practice. Both the kids are excelling in piano and become giddy when learning new songs becomes easier and easier. June is our little joy. She has such a cute personality and smiles all the time for us. She loves to stand on her chunky little legs and look around all the time at what is going on. She is such an alert baby and will not give up any time to sleep if she is out of the house. A gift that her older siblings gave her I'm sure! We have several trips coming up for family reunions and I'm dreading poor June's nap schedule. She will most definitely be sleep deprived everyday. 

We have felt strongly that I'm to stay home at this point in our lives and not return back to work. This has been more of an adjustment for me than I would have anticipated. I struggle with feeling lazy, less important and wasteful of my talents. I am constantly reminding myself of my importance at home and in my children's lives. We have had several eye opening reminders in the past few months that have confirmed the need to be more present in their lives. I am thankful that we are able to do that. 

I hope that I will gain a little more momentum in blogging over the summer. Does anyone still blog anymore? 

Newborn pics

My talented sister-in-law Selena took some sweet pics of June when she was 9 days old. I love them! 

http://www.sorensen-studios.com/blog/?p=3111

June Charlotte Sorensen

 

** Warning: birth story ahead.


June,Junie B,June Bug,June Buggy,June Buggers. This is her story.


I was determined to let this baby come on her own. My other two babes were induced, and though the experiences were both easy and smooth, I wanted my body to start labor on its own this time around. I suppose that's what brought me to being 40 weeks and 4 days pregnant. At that point, I went along with my doctor's suggestion to being induced. For everybody's sanity. So I was scheduled to be induced early in the morning on Saturday March 9th. Scott and I went out to dinner one last time Friday night and settled into watch a movie before heading to bed. Just as we were dozing off to bed, the hospital called us at 11:30 pm to head in. This was it! We finished getting ready and on our way out the door, I had one small, slightly painful contraction. On our way driving to the hospital, I had a few more contractions, each increasing in pain. By the time we were sitting in admitting, I was convinced our baby had a mind of her own and that yes, I was in labor. We made our way up to the OB floor and before the nurse could finish telling me the "plan" for induction, I informed her that this baby was coming on her own. They decided to monitor me for an hour instead of giving me the planned medications. In one hour I dialated from 1 cm (which I had been for 2 weeks) to 4 cm. At that point, they agreed to let my body continue on its own without any induction medication. From the time I got there (12:30 am) to about 3:45 am, I worked through my contractions with breathing, some choice words and Scott's help until it was time for my epidural. At that point, I was nearly 8 cm dialated. The anesthesiologist came in, gave me my epidural and I secretly cheered for Scott for not passing out :)

We notified our parents of my progress and my parents decided to make their way to the hospital. My body has a way of doing labors fairly quickly. They checked me again, soon after my epidural and at about 4 am, I was 10 cm dialated, 100% effaced, but with my bag of water intact. They wanted it to break on its own, so there I sat...for nearly 2 hours...waiting. Thankfully, I was comfortable, felt no pressure and no urge to push. Finally at around 6 am, the on call dr. came in to break my water. She walked in and informed me that my doctor was on his way and that he would be the one to break my water. So again, we waited. 6:30 rolled around and in came my doctor to break my water. He did so and then left the room. I started practice pushes with my nurse for roughly 20 minutes until the baby's head was all the way down and ready to go. We were ready to grab the doctor, when we were told to stop pushing. He was delivering another baby and couldn't come in. So there I sat, for another 20 minutes, but this time with extreme pressure, the urge to push and orders to specifically NOT push. My day nurse had come in at that point, and thankfully, both of my nurses were great and we chatted until the doctor came in at just about 7:30 am. I pushed another couple of times and discovered the amount of pain I was feeling was certainly not epidural controlled to say the least. After a few short outbursts of crying and hysteria, I pushed her out and she was placed on my chest. I immediately though "she's huge!" I burst into (more) tears as Scott did too, I'm pretty sure. He cut the cord and I snuggled her for a few minutes while she cried up at me with intense furrowed brow. She came out a perfect 8 lbs 1 oz, and 20 inches long at 7:27 am.

 

 

Family came and visited, the kids adore her. Tucker says he could hold her for hours. We love her and can't imagine life without her. Scott is absolutely smitten and I'm pretty sure she could get away with anything as far as he's concerned. Here's to our June.