The NICU

The NICU, a place you could love, because of the great care they give your child and the lives that they save. Or it could be a place you hate, because you are there day after day after day and you hear all these beeps and alarms going off and you seriously want to scream if you hear one more alarm go off!

What an experience--here is the story of ours:

Well, things did in fact did change the day after Kendrick was born. It was a Sunday morning and Scott had went home and was on his way over to the hospital. The nurse had come in and asked me if I was ready for the baby and I said yes. It had been about 10 - 15 minutes and she still hadn't brought me the baby.

Scott arrived and I told him they were going to bring the baby. He got up and said that he would just go down and get Kendrick from the nursery. Next thing I know, Scott comes back, but no baby with him. I ask him where's the baby? He then tells me that they have taken him up to the NICU - the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. Kendrick had been checked by the doctor that morning and they noticed that he was grunting and not breathing very well, so that is why they took him to the NICU.

I got scared and wondered what the heck? Everything was fine last night. What could have happened? What was happening? I hurried and put some clothes on--just sweat pants a t-shirt and a hoodie/jacket. I brushed through my hair and brushed my teeth. We then walked up to the NICU. Scott asked me if I wanted to be in the wheelchair, but I was fine walking. I could walk, it was slow, but I could walk.

We entered the NICU and there was Kendrick--with different monitors, wires, things all over him. I got a sick feeling. The doctor turned to Scott and I and said, "Are you the grand parents?" We said, "No, we are the parents." The doctor tried to tell us the reason he thought we were the grand parents was because I was dressed and didn't look like I just had a baby. I wasn't dressed that great and I had no make up on and my hair was not done. I still think he thought we were the grand parents because we are older! But, oh well. It was our first time for being mistaken for Kendrick's grand parents.

The doctor then proceeded to tell us that Kendrick most likely had pneumonia and sepsis--which is a blood infection. I immediately asked, "How did he get it?" They told us it could have come from anywhere--me, while in the womb, the hospital, something I ate, it could have been on my toothbrush. They asked me if I had the strep test and I said yes, it was negative. They asked me if I had had a cold, I said no. I had been perfectly fine. Wow, I couldn't believe it was happening!

We went back up to my room and just hung out. All the rest of my family was going up to Payson Lakes that afternoon. Scott was going to go, but decided to stay with me at the hospital. On their way back home, Paula and Casey stopped by. So did Charlie and Eli. We all went up and Scott gave Kendrick a blessing. Casey, Charlie, and Jason Holloway helped. I felt a little bit better--well, sorta.

That night, I started feeling really scared and upset. I was crying and ended up crying myself to sleep. I also cried when I woke up in the night. I just felt so bad! I would hear the baby crying in the room next door as the mom was feeding it and I thought, "At least she gets to feed her baby!" My eyes were swollen when I woke up! The nurses were so nice and even the guy who came to get my lunch and dinner order was nice. I guess they clue all of the staff in, because the guy knew of my situation and to be sensitive.

Scott came over and we went up to see Kendrick again. I was sad today, because I would be going home, but Kendrick would have to stay. I again felt so bad! The vision I had of putting Kendrick in a cute outfit and taking him home from the hospital was not going to happen for a while. We stayed at the hospital as long as we could.

We then drove home and walked into our house. I was still sad! I went upstairs and saw everything ready to go in Kendrick's room--but no baby! I just layed down on my bed and pretty much cried again.

The next day, we went over to the hospital. I had to "pump" and take any milk I got to the hospital. They would use it when they started feeding Kendrick.

We usually went over to the hospital in the morning or around 12:30 p.m. and I would stay for a few hours. Then we would go over again in the evening.

On Wednesday, September 22, I went over with Annie and my mom. Here is what we saw above Kendrick's bed:

They had made him a sign with his name. I remember feeling happy that they had made him a sign, because I had seen the name signs above the other baby beds. But, then on the other hand, I felt sick inside, because if they made him a name sign, that must mean he is going to be here long! I remember thinking, "Why did they make him a sign, he's not going to be here that long."

Here is what he looked like that day:

All of the cords and monitors, etc. that are on him. I wasn't able to hold him because of the line that was going into his belly button. It is very fragile, so I wouldn't be able to hold him until it was removed.

In this close up shot, you can see he was on a ventilator. I think this one was the oscillator. There are different kinds. Kendrick also looked very "puffy" because of all of the fluids they were pumping into him and the antibiotics.

Kendrick had a really nice nurse that night named Karen. She lives in Payson--I didn't know her, but I knew her husband's sister that went to Payson High. She let me help out with some of the things they do with Kendrick.

First, I got to change his diaper. Then they have these "lolli pops" to clean out the baby's mouth. That is what I am doing in this picture:

The "Lolli pop"

They also had me lift Kendrick up so they could weigh him. This was the first time I had "held" Kendrick since the night he was born. Here I am getting ready to lift him up.

Holding Kendrick for the first time since he was in the NICU.

The doctor said on the first day that he was the sickest baby in the NICU! But, most babies are there because they are premies.

Kendrick looked like a giant next to the other premie babies!

Poor little sick baby!

Thank goodness my sister Annie brought her camera with her! She is the one who took all of the pictures.

These next pictures were a few days later on September 25. Again, I was with my mom and Annie. Kendrick was now on a different ventilator called a C-Pap. He also had the cord removed from his belly button, so I was going to be able to hold him for real this time!

Here is the nurse, Shelly, putting Kendrick on the pillow for me to hold!

Holding Kendrick in my arms for the first time since he was in the NICU.

Kendrick with the C-Pap on. Doesn't it look comfortable! He hated the C-Pap!

Holding my little boy--we sent this picture to Scott to make him jealous. He was at the BYU game working concessions with my drill team. He got his turn later that night!

Holding his little hand.

My mom, me and Kendrick.

Cute little mug--even if he does look a little bit like an elephant with the C-pap on!

Poor little scrunched up face!

Putting him back in his bed.

Changing his diaper.

Lifting him up so they can weigh him.

All snug and ready for rest.

This next picture is two days later, September 27th. Still on the C-Pap, but now he has a PICC line in his head. A PICC is kinda like an IV. This is where all of his meds were put in. It looked like it hurt to me. We had to be very careful when we held him not to pull on the PICC lines.

Still on the C-Pap.

He doesn't like it at all!

Trying to get some sleep.

The tube going into his mouth is a feeding tube.

Poor little Baby Boy!

When I came into the NICU on the next day, they had moved Kendrick to a new area in the NICU. At first I was scared, and thought, where is my baby? But then a nurse told me and pointed me in the right direction.

A nurse had also went and found the chair that was in the hospital that had a plaque on it with Scott's mom's name on it. Here is a picture of the plaque:

Scott's mom, Verlee Brenchley, had been a nurse in the NICU for 30 years! There were some older nurses there that had worked with her and they all spoke very highly of her. She loved her job and taking care of the NICU babies. She was known to sing softly to them. I didn't ever get to meet her, she passed away about 15 years ago of cancer. I like to think that she was there though, in the NICU, watching over Kendrick and making sure everything was going to be alright.

We didn't get a picture of the chair, just the plaque. The chair was a little bit broken, so we hope they got it fixed!

On September 29th, Kaycee and Hollie came down to visit Kendrick. Hollie came up first, because she hadn't seen Kendrick yet. She just watch as I held Kendrick. Then when Kaycee came up, the doctor came over to talk to me and wanted to show me Kendrick's x-rays. He said, Why don't you have her, meaning Kaycee, hold Kendrick. I didn't know others could hold Kendrick, so Kaycee lucked out and got to hold her brother. I said, Hollie is going to be mad, but she actually said she would have been nervous with all of the cords, etc.

Kaycee holding Kendrick.

The nurse that day had also dressed Kendrick in a onesie. He was dressed and I was so excited about that. Usually he is just in a diaper. Kendrick is also off of the C-pap!

Scott holding Kendrick later that same night.

Baby Kendrick.

Now his feeding tube is in his nose!

Kendrick in his "big boy" bed. He was moved into this bed and was actually off oxygen on this day. It was October 4th, my mom and I stopped by to see him on our way to Jackson's birthday party.

Tubby time, the next day, October 5th. Scott and I got to help with his bath.

Kendrick doesn't really like his bath!

Scott bathing Kendrick. Darin, the nurse in the background, was another one of our favorite nurses in the NICU. He was very helpful and would answer all of our questions!

A few days later, October 7th, we brought some of Kendrick's jammies from home.

The jammies are still a little big on him.

These are the jammies we put on after his bath that night.

Another tubby time--two days later on October 9th.

Scott had been working concessions again at the BYU game. Then we went to the hospital to be with Kendrick. We were also able to help out with his bath again.

We were getting closer to the 21 day mark. The doctors wanted Kendrick to take the antibiotics for 21 days. So, that Monday, October 11th was the 21 day mark.

Kendrick was doing well, and they had me come and stay over at the hospital and then they would come wake me up every time Kendrick needed to be fed.

Then the next night, October 12th, we stayed in the sleep room and had Kendrick in the room with us. So, we were "on our own" so to speak. Which meant, we were going to be discharged from the NICU the next day!

Oh Happy Day! It had been just like people who have experienced the NICU say--a roller coaster ride! Some good days, some bad days, and sometimes you just wanted the ride to end--NOW!

I'm very grateful to the NICU for the care they gave Kendrick. They are so knowledgeable and good at what they do! I knew several of the nurses there. Kristi Peck, from Payson, whose husband I worked with at Payson High and I am on the Payson Community Theater Board with both of them; Charlene Pelton, who lived in Levan for a time and her husband was a Highway Patrol trooper with my dad; Julynn Greenhalgh, who I knew at SUU. I'm not sure what her last name is now; and then another nurse whose husband works at Maple Mountain. His name is Mark Roberts, but I cannot remember her name!

Anyway, the NICU was an experience--one I will never forget and one I hope I never have to experience again.

Kendrick Scott Brenchley Arrives!

This year, I was especially happy when the month of September arrived. I was due this month, the 25th, to be exact, and I was happy that the long road of being pregnant was almost over! I had been sick, had heartburn, had swollen, very swollen feet and legs, and you name it when it comes to being pregnant, I had all the fun side effects.

So, at my doctor's appointment on September 8th, my blood pressure was high, I had swollen feet/legs, and so the doctor says to me, "I think you're going to have this baby on Monday." I said, "What?" Thinking to myself, I'm not ready at school, I haven't done my lesson plans for my sub! Then he thinks for a minute and then tells me to come in on Friday morning and he will see what he thinks then.

Well, I left there pretty excited, a little relieved, and nervous! I called Scott and told him, and my mom. But, I told everyone not to get too excited until after Friday's appointment.

At Friday's appointment, my blood pressure was down. They put a monitor on my belly and monitored the baby for a while. It recorded his movements and his heartbeat. Everything was fine and since my blood pressure was down now, the doctor told me to come in the next Wednesday, September 15th and we would go from there.

I decided that I needed to get busy at school and get things organized for my sub! That weekend, we had our annual drill team golf tournament on September 11th. It was a big stress relief to get that over with. Luckily, I just got to sit and try to keep my feet up that day. I'm so grateful for my assistant Marci and all of the awesome parents that were there to help out.

Then, starting on September 13th, we had our annual Fall Jr. Drill Clinic. Marci came and helped me out with it as well. This was another fundraiser that I was glad to get over with!

On Wednesday, September 15th, I went to my appointment. Again, the doctor put the fetal monitor on me and monitored the baby for a while. He then came into the room and announced, "You're going to have this baby on Saturday." I thought, Saturday, that works. My mom will be back from her trip and I don't have anything planned for Saturday, so that would be the day! He told me the hospital would give me a call and tell me when to come in on Saturday morning and he would induce my labor. It would be one week early.

It was so good to know when it was going to happen. I felt relieved, but again a little bit stressed, because that meant I had two days to get prepared at school!

So, the next two days at school, that's all I did. Make sure I had everything lined up for my subs. Yes, subs--Marci would take care of drill team. Then there was a sub for my A-day computer tech classes and then a sub for my B-day social dance class and computer tech classes. Yeah, I guess you could say it takes three people to replace me! Ha ha!

On Friday, September 17th, MMHS had a football game with Salem Hills. Their drill team invited us to a party just before the game. I went to the party and then stayed to watch halftime. Marci was going to stay with the team. While at the game, it was weird to think that the next day, I would be having a baby! My whole life would be changing so much! I was excited and nervous!

I went home, got a few things ready for the next day, and then went to bed. I was very tired and knew that the hospital would be calling early.

The phone rang right about 6 a.m. It was the hospital asking what time I could be there. I told them around 7 a.m. I layed in bed for a few more minutes and then got up and got ready.

As usual, we were running a little late. We left the house about 7:15 or so. We decided to get a quick breakfast at McDonalds--yeah, I know, so healthy! I didn't know if I could eat or not--so I just got a breakfast burrito. Which, I'm glad I did, because once they started things, then the only thing I could eat was ice chips!

We arrived at the hospital and got all checked in. Then they took me to the delivery room and I got in the lovely hospital gown and the nurse helped get me hooked up to the monitors and IV's etc.
Here I am looking so lovely. We would watch the baby's heart rate and you could also see when the contractions would come and how high they would go.

Dr. Dewey arrived and saw how I was progressing. He then broke my water. That felt weird. The nurse told me that the baby had had a bowel movement and so there was a green tinge in the water. I got a little bit nervous, but they assured me that they would monitor it and make sure everything would be ok with the baby.

So, the waiting game began. It took some time to dialate. I fell asleep for a while, Scott was watching some football games on TV. I ate some ice chips--they even had flavoring in my favorite flavor--Tiger's Blood.

Then came time for the Epidural--I was a little bit nervous for this too. But, I knew that I wanted it, based on what other women had told me, so I had to get it! They had me lay on my side and the guy came and prepared to put it in. Oh my heck, it hurt! Then he tells you to push your back towards him and not move away from him. Ooh, I don't even like to think about it, but I am glad that I had it. I can't imagine labor with out one! I remember beginning to feel the contractions and there was a button that I could push to give me more of the epidural. I pushed it a few times, let me tell you! It felt very weird to not feel anything down below. I couldn't move my legs. The nurse had to help me. What a weird feeling!

Still, had to wait for a while. But soon, the contractions got so I could really feel them and I was finally dilated!

Waiting to dialate!

Well, Dr. Dewey had left for a while, probably because things were going pretty slow. But, now, all of a sudden, I was ready. So, they had the "in house" OB/GYN come in and see what was going on while Dr. Dewey was on his way from Payson. They gave me something to slow down the contractions so that Dr. Dewey could get there.

Soon he was there, and we were ready to begin the labor! I think the time was about 5:45 p.m. So, Scott and the nurse came up by my sides and would help "coach" me through the pushing. I would feel those contractions coming on and think, Oh great, here we go! The pushing was intense! I thought I was pushing hard, but I guess I wasn't. So, Dr. Dewey looks things over and says something about maybe having to have a C-section if things don't progress sooner. Right then, I thought, "I don't want a C-section--the recovery time is longer!" So, that was my motivation to really push now! I would push and think, "I don't want a C-section!" It worked--both the nurse and the doctor told me that was better pushing.

Oh, it got harder though, and I got tired! I started saying I couldn't do it. I was doing just what I hate--COMPLAINING and being a whimp! I felt like I was going to pass out when I pushed! It was hard work! Finally, they said the head was crowning and I seriously felt like I couldn't do it. My gosh, just do the C-section then--I thought. But, we were past that! The nurses and Scott kept trying to be supportive and I kept trying to push. Next thing you know, the head was out, one more big push, and the shoulders, and then whoosh--it was over! What a relief! Oh my gosh! Then I heard the baby cry and everything was okay. They took the baby over to the place where they started cleaning him up. I look over at Scott and he is laying down on the couch, coughing. I guess all of the blood made him get a little bit light headed!

So, I'm looking back and forth from Scott, coughing on the couch, to the baby, crying as they clean him. I also looked over to make sure the baby was a boy--yes it was! The doctor told Scott he was doing the right thing by laying down. He soon got control and then they brought the baby over to me.

He was so cute! He was 8 pounds and 3 ounces! Born at 6:52 p.m. What a cute baby boy!
I looked at him and he just looked like a "Kendrick" which was one of the names we were thinking about. So, we decided to name him Kendrick.

Looking at my new baby boy.
Kendrick Scott Brenchley

Meeting Grandma Mangelson.

My mom and Scott went with to go bath Baby Kendrick and the nurse took me to my room. Here are some pictures Scott took while they were bathing Kendrick and afterwards.

After his bath, they brought him to my room. We had some family come visit that night.

Kendrick and big sister, Kaycee.

Kendrick and Aunt Emilee.

Kendrick meets his niece, Emmalee. He is an uncle already!

Grandma and her newest grandchild.

Wow, what an experience! All I can say, is labor and delivery is hard work! But, it was worth it to see our cute baby boy! He was so cute, even when they brought him in at 3 a.m. for a feeding. He did pretty good, except he kept falling asleep and I would have to wake him up. The nurse took him back to the nursery so I could get some rest. Everything had been so perfect that night. Little did we know things were going to change the next morning!

UHSAA Silver Pass

At the end of August, I received this letter from the UHSAA:


I'm a silver pass holder! Because I have coached the same sport for 20 years, I get a silver pass. This means I can get into any UHSAA sport or activity for the rest of my life--as long as I bring my pass.

Wow, I can't believe I have been coaching drill for 20 years! This year is actually my 21st! When I think back, it seems like just yesterday that I started out, only four years older than the seniors on my team! I felt like a kid! Sometimes I still do, until I look in the mirror and see that I am looking older every day. I also know that I am not "cool" any more because I am the same age as my drill team girls parents or older! I remember when I was much younger than all of their parents.

I have lots of great memories from coaching drill and I hope to make a lot more!

Cade's Birthday Party

My nephew, Cade Nielson, celebrated his 10th birthday on September 11th. He had a family party on Sunday, September 12th. We had great food and good times!

After eating, Cade opened presents. I was taking some pictures. You need to look at my brother in law, Joseph, and also my brother Charlie in the background of the following pictures. They were having a great time as you can see!

Cade's cousin, Dillon, explaining the watch they gave Cade.
More presents!

Cade, after opening the card we gave him, full of confetti, of course. It fell all over the deck!

Handing the cash to mom--Cade is saving up for an I-Pad.

Cade would get so excited when he opened a card with cash!

These were some Star Wars cookie cutters!

Blowing out his candles!

The "10" cake.

Happy Birthday Cade!

Labor Day & Scott's Official Birthday

For Labor Day, Scott had to work, so I decided I wanted to go down to Payson and watch the Onion Days Parade. I used to go to Payson every year on Labor Day when I worked at Payson High, now I could go there if I wanted to, not because I had to!

Annie was going to watch the parade with her boys because Jim was driving a vehicle in the parade for the National Guard, so I decided to go to the parade with them. My mom also came up because later that afternoon, she was going to the Payson Community Theater's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" with me.

I met at Annie's house around 9 a.m. and we loaded up and headed over to Payson. We parked near the start of the parade, because we weren't sure if we would stay for the entire parade or not. We walked and looked for a spot to sit and then we saw Marci--my assistant. She was there with her family and there was some room by them so we sat there by them.

Ryan & Jake waiting for the parade to start.
Mom, me, and Marci.

Jim, driving a truck full of Veterans.

Jim, waving at his boys.

After the parade, we went back to Annie's house and rested a bit and then decided to get some lunch. After that, my mom and I headed over to Payson. We met up with my grandma, Aunt Barbara, and my Aunt Lisa to watch "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" by Payson Community Theater. It was very well done. They had done this musical before, back in 1997, I believe. I had choreographed it back then, but this year, I had taken a break. Mainly because of being sick and pregnant!

I went home after the musical and met Scott. It was his birthday! He had been at work all day, so we decided to go out for dinner to celebrate his birthday. We went to Ruby River. I had got a card for a free appetizer at the Payson parade earlier that day, so we decided to go there and use the card.

Here we are at dinner.

Then we went home and had cake and ice cream! I had made a home made German Chocolate Cake for Scott.

Happy 45th Birthday Scott!

Happy Birthday Scott!

Tomorrow is Scott's birthday! Here are some pictures of him when he was a baby. This first one is just after he was born. You can see the tag that was on the bassinet listing his mom's name--Brenchley at the top and then Verlee at the bottom.

Cute little baby boy--wonder if our baby will look like Scott?

I'm not sure how old Scott is in this one--maybe one? Scott still does an open mouth smile like he is doing in this picture!

Another cute baby pic!

Amanda and Hollie came down on Saturday so we went out to Red Robin that day for lunch to celebrate Scott's birthday.

Here we are at Red Robin - just before Scott and I had to go work concessions at the BYU football game with my drill team!

Scott has to work on his birthday! It is even a holiday (Labor Day), but oh well. We will celebrate when he gets off work. I made him a homemade German Chocolate Cake with the homemade coconut frosting.

Happy Birthday Scott! Thanks for all you do for me--I love you!

Baby Shower/Get Together with Friends

Some of my friends couldn't make it to the baby shower that my sisters did for me, so we had a little get together on Monday, August 24th. We met at Cafe Rio in American Fork.

Cheri, Donna, Stephanie, and me.

I look just fantastic in the picture--I had been at school all day getting ready for the first day--which was the next day. But, oh well. We had a great time talking, eating awesome Cafe Rio food, and opening presents! They gave me some fun items for the baby. I'm so lucky to have such great friends! Thanks for coming down and spending some time with me and for the great gifts.

Emmalee's 1st Birthday

Our grand daughter, Emmalee Holloway, turned one on August 20. Kaycee & Jason had a birthday party for the family on Saturday, August 21st up at a park in Evanston, Wyoming where they live.

Here is Scott holding Emmalee just after we arrived. It looks like she is waving hello!

Scott and I with the birthday girl!
After dinner, we all watched Emmalee open presents.
Emmalee, with Chessie on the left, her Uncle Steve and Great Grandma Randie on the right.

Kaycee with the cute Winnie the Pooh cake.

They got Emmalee her own cake to eat. Here she is eating her birthday cake. Jason's sister, Elizabeth is holding her.

Yum!

Diving right in!

After eating cake, we just hung out and relaxed. Scott played Frisbee with Jason and one of his friends. Then we went over to see where Kaycee and Jason live. It was a fun time. Happy First Birthday Emmalee!