* Pause web-music before playing video. Go to very bottom of the blog, find music player and click on pause. Now enjoy!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Sounds of Syrah
It looks like we have a future musician! Syrah is cooing more and she is really enjoying being vocal ... (taking after Mami already). So sit back and enjoy Syrah's 1st musical performance.
Composer's note: Sorry for the video being dark and/or the different sound volumes. I am learning the tricks-of-the-trade and my next video will be better.
Silent Night
Something that we have been looking forward finally arrived... our first Christmas as a family. Granted, things this year didn't happen as I imagined for the last 10 months, but what really mattered was that we were together.
Over the River and Through the Woods ...
... to meet Syrah's future husband! We spent some time hanging out with friends of the family who welcomed their second child into the family two weeks after Syrah arrived. We joked that since our two kids were born this year (and we all enjoy each other), they were destined to get married in the future.
But all hope is not lost if it doesn't work out between Syrah and their baby boy because they still have their very handsome oldest son; who for the time being is more interested in his toy cars.
Growing Everyday!
Here are some updated pictures of Syrah. She is growing so quickly... it is crazy! She has already out grown my favorite outfit.
Tummy-time fun! She surprised me at her last doctor's visit when she supported herself up on her forearms. I wasn't expecting her to stay in that position I put her in, but she was too interested in looking at things in the room to let herself drop.
Tummy-time fun! She surprised me at her last doctor's visit when she supported herself up on her forearms. I wasn't expecting her to stay in that position I put her in, but she was too interested in looking at things in the room to let herself drop.
Even Cha Cha wants to nap with us. 
Syrah loves her baths! She coos and kicks while she floats in the water (with support from Tony).
Tony has finally found a way to keep Syrah comfortable while relaxing himself.
2008 Holiday Newsletter
This year we sent out a newsletter to our family and friends, but not everyone received one. Below are the articles that were sent out.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours!
2008 has been a year that we will always remember. From purchasing our first home to advancements in careers, we have been truly blessed by the Lord. As we reflect on the past year, we are reminded of the love, friendship and support that you have given us. You have influenced our lives in more than one way. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
We hope that this Christmas will bring peace and joy to your life that carries into the New Year.
A Home for the Holidays We began the home buying process in June of 2007 by purchasing a corner lot located in Fredrickson (Pierce County). At the time, there was only dirt and rocks, but in November 2007,Quadrant Homes poured the foundation and started building. By March 2008, our house was completed, the mortgage was signed and we moved into our first home. This was an amazing time for us. As we ate our first dinner of Top Ramen on the floor, we felt as though we were starting our lives together all over again. We learned quickly that being a homeowner is a major responsibility.
Even in a new home, there is still work to do. This year’s major project was landscaping the backyard. With some help, Tony built a retaining wall along the backside of our property. We also contracted out to have a patio built and grass laid down. Unfortunately our backyard was not completed in time for us to enjoy. Now we can’t wait till Spring!
Our Angel Has Arrived
Just before March came to a close, we learned that we would soon be welcoming a baby into our family. We became more excited in June when we learned that we would be raising a daughter, Syrah Jolene Wood.
Sabrina loved being pregnant. She loved feeling Syrah move while she laughed and during this time she felt closer to God knowing that she was chosen to carry this special spirit.
When we saw our daughter for the first time, we were speechless. She was everything that we expected and more. We knew that our Angel arrived to bless our family and we now know that without Syrah, our family wouldn’t be complete.
Other 2008 Highlights In March, Sabrina was offered a job in the Internal Audit Compliance Department at Costco Corporate. This has been a great opportunity for her even though it was difficult to stay focused towards the end of her pregnancy.
On June 21st, we had the privilege of being in the wedding party for Amanda & Caleb (Tony’s sister). It was wonderful being a part of something as special as their wedding. It was also exciting to dress up, something we don’t get to do too often.
In September, Tony fought against hundreds of hornets that decided to make our crawl space their home. It took a couple of weeks to fully eradicate the unwanted guests, but he was able to destroy the basketball size nest.
For Tony’s birthday, we went on a hot air balloon ride. It was amazing to be floating in the sky and to see the Cascades, Mt. Rainier, the Olympics and Mt. St. Helens surrounding us. The best part was when we brushed the top of the trees.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Baby Wood Arrives!!
Syrah Jolene Wood
November 13, 2008
11:22 AM
8 lbs 2.2 oz
19.3 inches
Her name: Throughout the pregnancy, Tony and I kept a list of the Top 10 names that we wanted to consider for our daughter; Syrah was added to that list 3 weeks before she arrived.
From that point on, we both knew that her name is Syrah. We didn't make it official until we met her, but as we looked at her beautiful face, she confirmed our choice.
Her middle name is very special. We wanted to have a name that tied to a "family name" but we didn't want to use an actual given name. It was while I was talking to my sister-in-love, that it dawned on me that both grandmothers had Jo in their name (Jo-Anne & Vicki-Jo). We knew that our daughter's middle name would be created in respect to these two special women.
Timeline of Delivery
11/7/08 - Contractions started. I was 80% thinned out but only a fingertip dilated. Syrah's heart rate was monitored as a follow-up from Thursday’s finder-binder. Her rate was high, but still within the 'OK' range.
11/10/08 - No change in dilation or baby's heart rate. Dr. Lanza would like me to go into labor naturally, but due to Syrah's heart rate, he will only allow me to wait 1 week past due date. An induction was scheduled for 9:00 PM on 11/13. He will then break my water the following morning. A follow up appointment was schedule for 9:30 AM on 11/12.
11/12/08 (all approximate times):
6:00 AM - Contractions got stronger and I thought my water broke. We went to the Birthing Center to be monitored (same thing that would have happened at the doctor's office later that day anyway). An ultrasound was performed to measure the amniotic fluid and it was determined that my water didn't break. It was also revealed that Syrah was about 8 lbs 7 oz. This came to a shock to all of us.
1:00 PM - We were released to go home. Dr. Lanza decided that since I was STILL a fingertip dilated (and still 80% thinned) that I didn't need to be induced over night. We were then scheduled to have my water broken on 11/14. Tony and I walked around the mall (as much as I could with the contractions) and then returned home. For the rest of the night, my contractions pretty much disappeared and/or came very infrequent.
10:00 PM - I lost my mucus plug and the contractions started within the hour. They were more intense, in my back and only 5 - 7 minutes apart.
11/13/08 (all approximate times):
1:00 AM - Contractions were to the point of debilitating my walking, breathing and talking. They were now constantly 2 minutes apart.
2:30 to 3:00 AM - I was admitted into the Birthing Center. They gave me one of the nicest and biggest birthing suites ... complete with jet tub (which I never got to use).
5:00 AM - The last 2 hours were extremely painful. Contractions were full on back labor! To help with the pain, I sat on a birthing ball while Tony massaged my lower back as the contraction intensified. I was able to continue to hold out until I was 3 inches dilated, but I couldn't go any further. I received an epidural that worked immediately. From this point on, it was blissfull.
Not only was I working through back labor, I needed a continuous IV. My body wasn't staying hydrated and by now, I was absorbing my 2nd or 3rd bag of fluids.
6:15 AM - Syrah's heart rate dropped to alarming levels. 3 extra nurses and 2 doctors rushed into our room. I was quickly propped up onto my knees and elbows (which is ridiculously hard to do when I couldn't move anything from the chest on down).
The problem was the age of my placenta; it was too old at this point. Syrah needed to be supported from the blood and oxygen stored in the placenta as my contractions intensified, but this wasn't happening. As a result, she was in distress during contractions. The doctors now had me breathing through an oxygen mask to help.
8:00 AM - Dr. Lanza arrives! It was a comfort to see him because I knew him and trusted any decisions that he would make. He explained that he was slightly concerned about Syrah, but her condition was better since I started to have the extra oxygen. He said that he wanted me to continue to dilated (with the help of patocin) and work towards a vaginal birth, but if Syrah's heart rate drops again, he would call for an emergency C-section. By now, I was on my 5th or 6th bag of fluids.
10:00 AM - I was now on my 8th bag of fluid. The nurse said that she has never seen someone need so much fluid and that the most that they normally need to give is 3-4 bags. Yeah me!
10:35 AM - Dr. Lanza said "lets have a birthday party!" Over the past 2 hours, Syrah wasn't dropping enough through the birthing canal and I wasn't dilating quick enough to support her. He said that he would let me go all day if needed to progress, but with her heart rate not staying stable, he felt that things could get worse for her if we waited longer.
Tony prepared himself while the nurses got me ready for my C-section.
11:00 AM - While laying with my arms stretched out in the OR, I could hear the nursers and the anesthesiologist preparing things all around me. I couldn't see a thing since they had a blue sterile guard up between me and my belly, but I could hear them asking for my charts, looking for tools and calling out numbers.
6:15 AM - Syrah's heart rate dropped to alarming levels. 3 extra nurses and 2 doctors rushed into our room. I was quickly propped up onto my knees and elbows (which is ridiculously hard to do when I couldn't move anything from the chest on down).
The problem was the age of my placenta; it was too old at this point. Syrah needed to be supported from the blood and oxygen stored in the placenta as my contractions intensified, but this wasn't happening. As a result, she was in distress during contractions. The doctors now had me breathing through an oxygen mask to help.
8:00 AM - Dr. Lanza arrives! It was a comfort to see him because I knew him and trusted any decisions that he would make. He explained that he was slightly concerned about Syrah, but her condition was better since I started to have the extra oxygen. He said that he wanted me to continue to dilated (with the help of patocin) and work towards a vaginal birth, but if Syrah's heart rate drops again, he would call for an emergency C-section. By now, I was on my 5th or 6th bag of fluids.
10:00 AM - I was now on my 8th bag of fluid. The nurse said that she has never seen someone need so much fluid and that the most that they normally need to give is 3-4 bags. Yeah me!
10:35 AM - Dr. Lanza said "lets have a birthday party!" Over the past 2 hours, Syrah wasn't dropping enough through the birthing canal and I wasn't dilating quick enough to support her. He said that he would let me go all day if needed to progress, but with her heart rate not staying stable, he felt that things could get worse for her if we waited longer.
Tony prepared himself while the nurses got me ready for my C-section.
11:00 AM - While laying with my arms stretched out in the OR, I could hear the nursers and the anesthesiologist preparing things all around me. I couldn't see a thing since they had a blue sterile guard up between me and my belly, but I could hear them asking for my charts, looking for tools and calling out numbers. Of all the previous times I have been in the OR, I was more nervous this time. This surgery didn't affect just for me; it was affected our daughter's life.
I remember laying there, getting nervous because I couldn't feel myself breath. The anesthetics numbs me from my collar bone on down and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't feel myself take a breath. I had to rely on the fact that I was still alive and breathing through an oxygen mask.
Tony sat right next to me. I remember looking at him with tears in my eyes and telling him that I was scared. As he brushed his hand on the inside of my palm and arm, I just looked at him. I started to wonder when Dr. Lanza was going to start the C-sections. The next thing I new, the nurse said that I would start to feel pressure and then ...
11:22 AM - The time of birth was called out and we saw our daughter's face for the first time as they held her over the blue barrier. As soon as I saw her, I started to cry. Words couldn't express that moment in time. I turned to Tony and said that we were now a family.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Too Cold & Wet to Enjoy Now
This summer, our goal was to have a patio installed, a retaining wall built, and grass laid down to cover the remaining Spanaway rocks. We are happy to say that we reached our goal. There were a few complications along the way, but for now, we get to joy of looking out the window at our backyard. Unfortunately, we can't physically enjoy it since the weather is now in full Fall mode.
Next year's goals include: plants, landscaping the side of the house, a sprinkler system, and maybe a BBQ & patio furniture.
Watch Sabrina grow!
Within the next week, our baby daughter will arrive. It has been a wonderful experience and I think I am one of the few women in the world that has loved being pregnant. I will miss this stage in life dearly.
My pregnancy has been easy. I never experienced morning sickness, odd cravings, lasting body aches, or missed sleep. My co-workers (some mothers themselves) were amazed that I could even wear 3 in heals up until I was 35 weeks pregnant.
As my pregnancy progressed, I did have a few minor issues to deal with. These included possibly having Gestational Diabetes (which my tests came back negative), our baby measuring small (which the ultrasound showed that she was perfectly healthy and on schedule), having a harder time breathing (due to my short torso), being anemic (even for a pregnant woman), and slight heartburn (nothing a glass of milk couldn’t solve).
Now that I am in my 9th month (week 36 – 40), my body truly feels pregnant. As all mothers know, I am up every 2 hours to use the restroom, our baby is pushing hard to stretch out (she obviously doesn’t realize that there isn’t any room left for her), my muscles and pelvic ligaments are looser, the cramping has begun, my body feels very heavy and my favorite ... (*insert sarcasm*) ... is the problem I have with retaining too much water-weight because I am not ‘resting’ enough.
Thankfully, I have learned the importance of resting even though it might be too late. I have started my maternity leave before the baby arrives so that I don’t have to continue with my work schedule (leave home at 5:50 am – come back at 6:30 pm). In just the past two days, I have noticed a significant change in the swelling in my body (which means that I probably don’t have Preeclampsia).
As I was on the phone today with my sister-in-love looking at photos from her wedding, I noticed a picture of me. I wasn't in my dress, but in a white tanktop that showed my 20 week belly. I was surprised at how little I was compaired to today. So I decided to line up all the pregnancy photos I have that were taken each month to see how much I have grown. ENJOY!
(R) 4 weeks - March 2008
I know this isn't the typically 'pregnancy growth' picture, but this is a good starting point to see what my tummy looked like before I started to actually show.
April 2008 - This picture is MIA. I think I have it saved at work (which I won't be going back until Feb). But just imagine ... no change from the picture to the left.
(L) 13 weeks - May 2008
(R) 19 weeks - June 2008
(L) 24 weeks - July 2008
(R) 29 weeks - August 2008
(L) 34 weeks - September 2008
(R) 37 weeks - October 2008
(Last two) 38 week - November 2008
Only one more week to go until her due date of November 8, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
ATTACK OF THE KILLER BEES
When Tony & Sabrina moved into their new home, everything seemed to be at peace, but little did they know that they would soon be living in an Alfred Hitchcock movie!
As September came to a close, Sabrina and her mother spent the day in Seattle with Carolyn, Steve & Al to see the Phantom of the Opera at the Paramount Theater. It was the perfect mother – daughter (and baby) afternoon.
Shortly after dinner, the cell phone rings, "Hi Tony! The play was great and now we are at dinner. How has your day been?"
The response, "It's been OK. I just spent the last 4 hours knocking down hornet nets from the roof easement. Some were really hard to get down! I kept blasting them with water and that did the trick. I got all the ones on the outside, but the nest underneath the house in the crawlspace will need immediate attention."
He continued, “Someone that was building a fence at the neighbors went in the crawlspace. He said that there is a net that is about a foot wide that is slightly hidden in the insulation.”
In amazement and disgust, Sabrina suggested that she stop by Home Depot and get a killer spray. “We can go down there and drench the nest and wait for all the hornets to die. Then we can destroy everything.”
After what seemed like hours counting pennies with her mom to pay for the $3.17 Hornet Killer, Sabrina returned home. Tony took her on the grand tour of the destroyed nests outside before preparing to enter the crawlspace. Dressed in jeans, a sweater, working gloves, steal-toe boots, and a scarf around his face, Tony entered the hornet’s lair.
Moments later, Tony emerges. “I couldn’t get close to the nest (let alone see it). There is defiantly more than a couple hundred down there!”
The decision was made: Tony would spray the unwanted guests as close to where he thought the nest was. He would repeat this action until most of the workers were dead and then he would go in for the kill and get the nest.
Once again, Tony enters the lair. The illumination from his flashlight slowly weakens as he moves deeper under the house. Sabrina sat on the stairs with anticipation. Suddenly, Tony quickly jumped out and slammed the trapdoor shut while exclaiming “they’re EVERYWHERE!”
“I got as close as I could, but as soon as I sprayed, they started to swarm! Those who were hit fell to the floor and started to twitch while the other avenged their comrade’s death.”
While discussing tomorrow’s battle plan in the kitchen, the Hornets launched their invasion. From behind the stove the hornets started to appear. At first it was one here and there, but soon … the kitchen was filled! Tony instructed Sabrina to go get the cats and lock them in the room with her. As quickly as an 8 month pregnant woman could go, she got upstairs and did what she was told to. She wasn’t stupid. She knew that if Tony failed as the 1st line of defense against the swarm, they would soon go for her since she was caring the unborn child of the hive destroyer.
After waiting to hear any signs of hope from downstairs, she slowing creped down the stairs. As she came into view of the kitchen, she saw Tony drop to the floor as a hornet kamikazed into his head. Both fighters now were on the floor. Her heart pounded as she waited to see which one survived. “CRAP!” exclaimed Tony, “I don’t know where they are all coming from.”
The feeling in the house was something that neither Tony nor Sabrina had felt before. Who could have imagined that their house would be invaded by killer hornets at 2300 hours (11:00 PM). Tony swept up the 1st round of invaders and buried them in the trash, “We really pissed them off didn’t we?”
Now at the point of no return, Tony knew what he had to do, but he couldn't do it on his own … he would have to resort to military force! He sent Sabrina upstairs again as he raced outside to get Joe’s help (a US Air Marshal). The next 30 minutes were a blur. The two men went on the defense and pulled out all the kitchen appliances looking for the hornet's launching pad; all the while the 2nd round of invaders approached.
With a little bit of luck, the hornet's access route was spotted. It looks like the humans were now in control of the war. As the men scrambled to find something to block the hole next to the gas piping for the cooking stove, more hornets arrived. Tony, filled with adrenaline, went after the invaders in a spectacular dog-fight.
The time was now 0100 hours (1:00 AM) and a retreat was called. The sound of their evacuation could be heard throughout the battleground as Sabrina quickly gathered necessary living items, Tony taped up the hole in the floor, and the cats were loaded into their carriers. The safe was the last item that was grabbed; for fear that the Hornets would break into it and gather enemy intelligence. By 0200 hours, the now refugees were staying in a room located in Covington.
Tony, Sabrina, and their 3 cats returned home after breakfast. There was a sense of confidence in them, knowing that everything would be safe when they returned home; it was a false sense of security. Upon their arrival, one of the Hornet’s scouts spotted them in their car and then buzzed off to inform the hive.
Tony was the first to enter the home. Time passed and there was no word from him. Fearing the worse, Sabrina cracked the door open and called out to him; still no answer. Gathering all her courage, she cautiously went towards the kitchen. “Hun, Get out! There’s too many here!” Tony said as he emerged out of the kitchen.
After a short time, Tony gave her the OK to enter the house. One sight of the battleground made her stomach queasy. There, on the kitchen floor was a pile of dead hornets. “These guys are really mad! They sent their hive protector” Tony explained as he pointed to one hornet that was 3 times larger than the rest. Upon further inspection of the largest body, it was determined that it was the Queen (not a protector). “She must have evacuated the hive over night to protect her bloodline.”
As September came to a close, Sabrina and her mother spent the day in Seattle with Carolyn, Steve & Al to see the Phantom of the Opera at the Paramount Theater. It was the perfect mother – daughter (and baby) afternoon.
Shortly after dinner, the cell phone rings, "Hi Tony! The play was great and now we are at dinner. How has your day been?"
The response, "It's been OK. I just spent the last 4 hours knocking down hornet nets from the roof easement. Some were really hard to get down! I kept blasting them with water and that did the trick. I got all the ones on the outside, but the nest underneath the house in the crawlspace will need immediate attention."
He continued, “Someone that was building a fence at the neighbors went in the crawlspace. He said that there is a net that is about a foot wide that is slightly hidden in the insulation.”
In amazement and disgust, Sabrina suggested that she stop by Home Depot and get a killer spray. “We can go down there and drench the nest and wait for all the hornets to die. Then we can destroy everything.”
After what seemed like hours counting pennies with her mom to pay for the $3.17 Hornet Killer, Sabrina returned home. Tony took her on the grand tour of the destroyed nests outside before preparing to enter the crawlspace. Dressed in jeans, a sweater, working gloves, steal-toe boots, and a scarf around his face, Tony entered the hornet’s lair.
Moments later, Tony emerges. “I couldn’t get close to the nest (let alone see it). There is defiantly more than a couple hundred down there!”
The decision was made: Tony would spray the unwanted guests as close to where he thought the nest was. He would repeat this action until most of the workers were dead and then he would go in for the kill and get the nest.
Once again, Tony enters the lair. The illumination from his flashlight slowly weakens as he moves deeper under the house. Sabrina sat on the stairs with anticipation. Suddenly, Tony quickly jumped out and slammed the trapdoor shut while exclaiming “they’re EVERYWHERE!”
“I got as close as I could, but as soon as I sprayed, they started to swarm! Those who were hit fell to the floor and started to twitch while the other avenged their comrade’s death.”
While discussing tomorrow’s battle plan in the kitchen, the Hornets launched their invasion. From behind the stove the hornets started to appear. At first it was one here and there, but soon … the kitchen was filled! Tony instructed Sabrina to go get the cats and lock them in the room with her. As quickly as an 8 month pregnant woman could go, she got upstairs and did what she was told to. She wasn’t stupid. She knew that if Tony failed as the 1st line of defense against the swarm, they would soon go for her since she was caring the unborn child of the hive destroyer.
After waiting to hear any signs of hope from downstairs, she slowing creped down the stairs. As she came into view of the kitchen, she saw Tony drop to the floor as a hornet kamikazed into his head. Both fighters now were on the floor. Her heart pounded as she waited to see which one survived. “CRAP!” exclaimed Tony, “I don’t know where they are all coming from.”
The feeling in the house was something that neither Tony nor Sabrina had felt before. Who could have imagined that their house would be invaded by killer hornets at 2300 hours (11:00 PM). Tony swept up the 1st round of invaders and buried them in the trash, “We really pissed them off didn’t we?”
Now at the point of no return, Tony knew what he had to do, but he couldn't do it on his own … he would have to resort to military force! He sent Sabrina upstairs again as he raced outside to get Joe’s help (a US Air Marshal). The next 30 minutes were a blur. The two men went on the defense and pulled out all the kitchen appliances looking for the hornet's launching pad; all the while the 2nd round of invaders approached.
With a little bit of luck, the hornet's access route was spotted. It looks like the humans were now in control of the war. As the men scrambled to find something to block the hole next to the gas piping for the cooking stove, more hornets arrived. Tony, filled with adrenaline, went after the invaders in a spectacular dog-fight.
The time was now 0100 hours (1:00 AM) and a retreat was called. The sound of their evacuation could be heard throughout the battleground as Sabrina quickly gathered necessary living items, Tony taped up the hole in the floor, and the cats were loaded into their carriers. The safe was the last item that was grabbed; for fear that the Hornets would break into it and gather enemy intelligence. By 0200 hours, the now refugees were staying in a room located in Covington.
Tony, Sabrina, and their 3 cats returned home after breakfast. There was a sense of confidence in them, knowing that everything would be safe when they returned home; it was a false sense of security. Upon their arrival, one of the Hornet’s scouts spotted them in their car and then buzzed off to inform the hive.
Tony was the first to enter the home. Time passed and there was no word from him. Fearing the worse, Sabrina cracked the door open and called out to him; still no answer. Gathering all her courage, she cautiously went towards the kitchen. “Hun, Get out! There’s too many here!” Tony said as he emerged out of the kitchen.
After a short time, Tony gave her the OK to enter the house. One sight of the battleground made her stomach queasy. There, on the kitchen floor was a pile of dead hornets. “These guys are really mad! They sent their hive protector” Tony explained as he pointed to one hornet that was 3 times larger than the rest. Upon further inspection of the largest body, it was determined that it was the Queen (not a protector). “She must have evacuated the hive over night to protect her bloodline.”
Sitting at the dinning table, they decided that it was time to call upon their allies, Reid National Exterminators. Getting their help wasn’t going to be cheap, but Tony & Sabrina felt that they could no longer handle the situation. The appointment was made and by 1700 hours (5:00 PM) the humans attacked the enemy on their homeland.
After a recon to the mother-hive, intelligence portrayed the harsh reality of war. Hundreds of hornets laid dead, killed while protecting their nest.
What was worse … the war wasn’t over. The hive survived the chemical warfare because of its surroundings. Hidden in the insulation, the basketball size nest continued to thrive. With their numbers drastically low, they tried to protect their nest from the allied inspector who drenched the hive with Hornet Killer.
Casualty Count:
- Hornets: A couple of hundred
- Hive: 1
- Queen Bee: 1
- Cats: 0
- Humans: 0
To this day, Tony continues the argument to get their ally to complete their end of the contract of guaranteeing the destruction of the Hornet colony.
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