Inspiring Mothers: Kara

My friendship of 12+ years with Kara began as running buddies.  Kara and I met up for our morning runs a couple times a week while I was running for BYU and she was sponsored by Asics.  Kara is an inspiration to me not just because she was an amazing runner, but she was a truly caring and dependable friend.  In addition to her genuine interest in others, she has a passion for adventure and the great outdoors.  I would say Kara is one of the most physically active people I know!  Kara married her perfect match, John, and together they continue their love for rock climbing, running, biking (road and mountain), swimming, water skiing, skiing, camping, traveling and much more!

 You would think life couldn't be better for the two of them.  But they felt there was more in store for their family.  "Looking around at the women in my life and the relationships they had with their kids," Kara explains, "made me think that I was missing out on something that would probably be pretty great.  I didn't know that I wanted to be a mom and was in fact terrified of the idea and how having kids would change my life but the idea of not having kids made me think I'd be missing out on a huge part of life that others seemed to really enjoy."

Being the kind of person Kara is, I knew she would be a wonderful mother and could offer an amazing and happy life for one of her very own.  Being a parent of an active and dependent child is challenging on all levels, but what Kara has gained from having her daughter Emma is priceless.  "I now understand what all other parents have been going through and have a deeper understanding for all of what that entails.  I'm continually learning to be more patient and remember how to enjoy the little things in life."  

It is those "little things" that make life rich and beautiful.  Kara finds her greatest joy in Emma's smiles and giggles and the brightness in her eyes when she's excited about something.  A favorite thing to do is "playing chase around the house with her...because it involves all of those things."  Kara loves to watch as Emma explores and learns about the world around her.  "Seeing the amazement she expresses while learning about the little things is so great!" 

Kara has found that the best way to teach Emma is through example and choices.  Emma "picks up so easily on things we do and likes to copy what we do."  Kara confesses that "this keeps us on our toes and reminds us that we need to act in the way that we'd like her to act.  Choices are a great tool to use as it gives her power to make decisions.  It also helps her learn about the consequences of the decisions she makes."

There is rarely a dull moment in Kara's life.  She and John enjoy fitting in as much adventure as possible.  Each day brings something new and exciting.  "The only real consistency is our mornings and evenings where we spend time together as a family as we get ready for the day and then unwind from the day."  With so much going on in Kara's family it may seem difficult to find a balance.  But what Kara and John have realized is "that everyone has needs that have to be met.  When those needs are met everyone seems to be so much happier.  Making sure Emma's needs are met seems to be the easy part.  It takes time and planning to make sure that mine and John's needs are met.  Doing physical activities together is super important to us so we make time to do that, including Emma when we can but also just doing things by ourselves."

Together, Kara and John "share everything about parenthood...We're continually talking about what we're doing and how we can do things better."  The greatest aspiration Kara has is "to be happy with where I am, who I'm with and what I'm doing in life and to have a lot of fun along the way.  I would love for Emma to develop a love for the things that John and I love doing so that we can do and experience them together."  As a mother, Kara hopes to make sure Emma always knows and feels that she loves her...no matter what.

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Inspiring Mothers: Julie

I have always admired my beautiful, younger sister Julie.  As we grew up together people were attracted to her fun and loving personality.  I would call her the social butterfly and try to be as cool as her.  Julie has always been involved in sports since childhood, including dance and tumbling at 5 years old and on to soccer, track and volleyball.  As a college student at BYU, Julie competed as an heptathlete which involved high jump. long jump, javelin, shot put, 100 meter hurdles, 200 meters and 800 meter.  Julie will tell you that she never loved to run, but eventually grew to love it as a hobby and for exercise.

   

Julie married John while they finished their undergraduate degree at BYU.  Julie went on to become an dental assistant and worked up until they moved to the East Bay for John's chiropractic school.  Adding to her many talents and interests, Julie decided to attend massage school and found a new love working on athletes and mothers.  Julie graduated during her first pregnancy and quickly found many opportunities to work as a massage therapist, including the 49ers football team and the Warrior's basketball team.                                                      
















Julie and John have an adorable, spunky daughter, Savvy, who is the center of their world.  Becoming a mother has brought a new level of commitment and perspective to Julie's busy life.  Julie has learned to be flexible and versatile to keep herself healthy and active while making her first priority the needs of her family.  "It is important to take time for yourself," Julie says, "to keep up with personal time and to not lose yourself completely."  While finding this balance, Julie has learned to be okay with not working out everyday.

"Sometimes you have to be creative to stay active," Julie tells me.  Julie enjoys having a variety of ways to stay active while spending time with Savvy, including bike rides, rollerblading, runs around the marina, home workout videos and anything dance related.  It has been important for Julie to find good babysitters and daycare's that she trusts to allow her to continue giving massages and work out at the gym.  Julie enjoys spending time with her friends.  Taking breaks periodically to be social helps Julie be a better mom and regroup.

Julie is grateful to be a mother because it brings her joy and happiness.  "I chose to be a mother because I always wanted a family. Being the youngest of 7 children made my household a busy place and I was always very close with my siblings. They are all my best friends who I feel I can be myself around. I think it's a blessing to be able to have children, not everyone can have their own, and  I wanted to take part in that blessing. Plus I think it's a natural, innate feeling to want to spread your seed, and raise children the way you feel is the right way. I think true happiness comes from raising a family."


Savvy likes to copy what her mom does and says, which has motivated Julie to be a good example and a better person.  "I'm still learning how to be a good teacher, it takes a lot of patience and time. One of the things I try to do is read to her often and have her help me with little tasks around the house. She naturally likes to copy things that I do which reminds me she's learning all the time, so just taking the time to be patient and teach little things like getting dressed and putting on her shoes and cleaning up her toys can be fun.  I find joy and self accomplishment when I see she is learning the things I teach her. Motherly pride I guess."



Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints, Julie developed a greater understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ when becoming a mother.  "The second I became a mother I knew that was what I was meant to be in this life. I felt a deep connection with my Savior in learning the meaning of selflessness and true unconditional love.  I found how important it is to be a good example because they are watching you always and it is your responsibility to teach them good things."  

California has become a good fit for Julie and John as they share a love for beach volleyball and the perfect weather.  Together they are learning to be better parents and to strengthen their marriage.  "John is a phenomenal father, he loves sharing all roles and duties as a parent. We have come closer as a couple in teaming up to get through tough times together. Parenting is tough work sometimes, I'm lucky to have someone to share the load. When one of us is feeling stressed and overloaded the other one picks up the slack."

 I have loved seeing my little sister grow up and become a wonderful mother.  I still try to be as cool as her, but I will never have her dance moves!

Inspiring Mothers: Kaerlig

I am surrounded by so many inspiring mothers.  They do amazing things in quiet ways.  So I want to dedicate my blog to spotlighting these mothers in my life and hope their story inspires you too!

Kaerlig is my older sister and lives in Provo, UT.  For many years since I was born Kaerlig took care of me.  She dressed me, fed me and watched over and protected me.  One of my most favorite memories with Kaerlig is running together when I was 10 years old.  She would take me on her 6 mile runs around town and helped me instill from an early age my own love for running.

Kaerlig started running with our mom off and on at the age of 8 when she ran her first 5K.  Then in 8th grade, Kaerlig joined the track team.  She continued to stay active throughout high school on the basketball team and during her senior year ran daily on her own in the evenings.  At 19 years old, Kaerlig ran her first marathon with our mom.  Kaerlig attended college at BYU where she got a BS in Zoology, and then an Associates in Nursing at UVU.  Kaerlig began to have painful bunions but continued her daily routine with running until she served a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Days Saints in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

After serving a mission, Kaerlig married Dave and soon after had their first child.  It was at this point that multiple running injuries kept her from continuing and had to try out new exercises.  She started with aerobics in her ward, then, with a gym membership, began turbo kickboxing using the daycare.  From 2001 to 2008 Kaerlig was not able to consistently run without pain.  During those 7 years she gave birth to her 3 children and worked as a nurse.  She also underwent bunion surgery on both feet in 2005.  It took 4 years to heal after her surgeries and to run pain free again.

Now for the past 6 years, Kaerlig has been able to run as much as she can and wants.  Kaerlig has been flexible with her body, doing what she could to stay active, and exploring new ways to enjoy exercise.  She developed a habit of running at a young age, and found that exercise made her feel good and stay in shape.  Kaerlig's preferred mode of exercise is running where she enjoys the personal time to think and get away.

Along with raising her three kids, Ray, Little D, and Lou, Kaerlig has now been a RN at the Hospital for 12 years, as well as the co-owner of the Scooter Lounge with her husband for the past 12 years.  At the Scooter Lounge, she keeps on top of the book keeping, pay roll, inventory, ordering parts and trains employees.  Her kids also have weekly activities they are involved in like skiing and swimming.  As if that is not enough to keep her busy, Kaerlig is the Primary President of her ward for 2 years now.    

Not only do I admire Kaerlig for her hard working spirit, positive attitude and active lifestyle, she has created a home that is founded on family traditions.  Here are some of my favorites: Birthday cake for breakfast and open presents before kids go to school.  Friday's pizza and movie night every week.  Weekly family home evening.  Nightly family scripture study.  Family morning and evening prayers.  Monthly family testimony meeting before Sunday dinner.  Pick out a "real" Christmas tree every year as a family.  Annual scooter rally, camping at national parks, and the Fourth of July Freedom Run 10K.

Not only has Kaerlig created lasting memories for her family, but continues to instill in them her love for them and the Savior.

 

Kaerlig and Dave

                                                                   The Fam

Dave and Kaerlig

                     Me with my mom and sisters















                                                                  Kaer holding me

Meet Paige Morgan

In summary, the birth of Paige Morgan was a success!

At 33 weeks I went into false labor with contractions every 5 minutes for several hours.  The ultra sound showed a very thin cervix with the baby's head very low and in position.  This was also the case with Lee, so I was not surprised.  I ended up needing to stay the night at the hospital with an IV and contraction medications to slow everything down.

I hate staying at the hospital.  I had an IV that was poorly set and got no sleep.  When they checked me in the morning everything was under control and looked good. I was sent home with medication to stop false contractions and partial bed rest, which meant no heavy lifting, and only low impact exercise.

So, I carried on without any running and trying not to hold Lee.... How do you not hold your baby?! During the next several weeks I managed my contractions with medication and walked daily.  Then, 3 weeks later, to the day, contractions started during my morning walk.  I had just taken the contraction meds prior to which are supposed to calm them down unless I am going into labor.  I wasn't having pain yet, so I proceeded with my agenda for the day.

Tanner was out of town for interviews so I planned to be with people in case I needed help.  Lee and I went to the library for story time before we would meet Grammy for lunch or something fun.  It didn't take long after being at the library that the contractions began to be painful.  I was now worried things were moving along too quickly and I was alone with Lee.  I let my doctor, Tanner and Grammy know.  My doctor said to lay down and rest and to go to the hospital if contractions came closer together or grew more painful. So I came home from the library around 1 or 2 pm and Grammy would come over after Lee and I took a nap.  

Tanner had finished 2 of his 3 interviews, and decided to get on the first flight home to be with me when I have the baby.  Lee and I napped for about an hour or so.  I was feeling better but found myself lying on the floor or crawling around.  Grammy soon came over and I decided to leave Lee with my neighbor friend while I checked things out at the hospital with Robin.  

Walking into the hospital I was still not convinced the baby was really coming and I felt I was acting premature.  But the pain grew and while checking into my room I had to crouch down during contractions.  My doctor wasn't working that night but stopped in to see me.  She checked me around 5 pm at a 6 1/2 and told me I am definitely having this baby tonight.  I started crying because Tanner wasn't there.  I knew my baby may come early, but I just wanted Tanner with me.

I called Tanner and told him they were moving me to labor and delivery and hoped he could get there in time.  His flight was arriving in SLC at 11 pm.  So I informed all the nurses and doctors that my husband needs to be here for the delivery!  They thought that was possible and decided to not check or mess with me for awhile to help stall my laboring. 

In the meantime, I hung out on the bed and listened to mine and the baby's heart beats.  Contractions continued and were progressively getting more intense through the hours.  Sometime after 10 pm, I was feeling ready and in pain.  The contractions were close and long, and the breaks seemed to disappear.  The contractions were getting too strong and intense for the baby to endure.  Her heart rate would drop dangerously low several times.

So the team of doctors and nurses came in and check me at an 8.  I knew Tanner would be there soon, but I couldn't hold off any longer!  I needed to get the baby out ASAP.  I felt calm and in control but still a bit eager to push her out.  With the help of the team of doctors and Robin, I would push 3 times for 10 long seconds during each contraction.  After 5 contractions, her heart rate was still  dipping too low, so they pulled out a little suction cup to place on her head.  On this the 6th one, I finally felt like I figured out how to push (with all my might!) and she came out!  10:45 pm.

She screamed and was beautiful!  Relieved, I began to cry.  Then Robin told me Tanner just landed.  They cleaned the little 5 lb 9 oz, and 19 inch babe quickly and gave her to me to hold.   I held her for over an hour and her little hand held tightly to my finger!  One of the most precious times for me as a mother.  And she even latched on!  The moment Tanner walked in the room he came to me and hugged me as I held our baby girl.  Everything was perfect.

Lee came the next morning and was so excited to meet her baby sister.  I can just imagine these two little princesses playing together, laughing and running around.  Different from Lee's experience at the hospital, we only had to stay for a day and a half.  And it took us the whole time to come up with her name.  We had a list of about 5 names and none of them were fitting.  Until finally we agreed on a name not on our list.  Paige Morgan.  I love it more and more.

Paige pasted all the tests, but had a high biliruben count.  This was also the case with Lee.  So instead of having her under the lights at the hospital, we were able to have a bili bed and blanket for the first week home until it wasn't a concern anymore.  I just hated all the heel pricks she had to endure!  So sad.

It was a bit of a shock that first week with no sleep and remembering how to care for a newborn again.  I could never burp her very well and so assumed she didn't have to burp.  Not so.  She would basically throw up everything I gave her.   We were all sick too, Tanner, Lee and I.  It was a rough start, but got better once sicknesses ended.  Tanner is always so helpful and very hands on with both Lee and Paige.  I also have such great mom's in my life that cooked and cleaned and played with Lee for the first several weeks.  

Paige is now 2 months old.  I can't believe it!  The holidays kept us very busy and time has just flown by.  I am so happy to have my 2 little girls.  They are so precious.  And Lee is such a sweet big sister.  She calls her "baby Paige" and whenever she looks at her says "awe, she is so little" and "she is so pretty."  She makes sure Paige has her blankie just like her.  Lee is still attached to her baby blankie.  I never want them to grow up!

Having Paige has definitely changed my perspective with racing and training.  While I still have personal goals and dreams, my family will always come first and make me the happiest.  I have no plan right now.  Paige is in charge for the moment.  But I try to get my runs in, even though it doesn't happen everyday.  I am learning to be flexible and take what I can.  Having a family is the greatest adventure in life.  And the greatest blessing.    

 




 
  
  

  
  

La Jolla for a Month! (first week)

It is a lot of work to pack up your life and move for a month.  But we made it to our new temporary home in La Jolla!  It doesn't take much to fall in love with this place.  The weather is perfect and it is so beautiful all around with the perfect weather and beaches.  Lee took a few minutes to embrace the sand and big ocean, but soon got comfortable running barefoot, playing in the water and sand.

My daily agenda is simple.  Beach.  And whatever sounds fun :)

So while Lee and I play all day, Tanner is working long hours at the UCSD hospital on a Cardiology rotation.  It is all worth it to him as long as we have fun, and he gets to see us on the weekends :)  You get what you pay for here.  It is not cheap to live by the water.  The only other bummer is traffic, so we try to avoid that if possible.

We have been able to convince some family to come and visit us here.  So time will fly with grandparents and siblings staying for a few days here and there.  I wont be too upset if we end up here for residency :)

Here are pictures from our first week.... Beaches, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Mall, Sea World.......