A Long Awaited Delivery

In life, there are a few moments that change it entirely. One such moment for Kayla and myself came at 3:06 a.m. on October the 21st, 2011.

Thursday morning, October the 20th, we went in to visit our OBGYN Dr. Laine for Kayla's 39 week appointment (full term is 37) and she told us that if we so desired, we could go to the hospital that afternoon to have Kayla induced. To all those who have been 39 weeks pregnant, I'm sure that you understand that Kayla was more than willing. As was I.

We were admitted to the hospital around 3:30 and spent a very boring few hours before the real excitement began. At about 11:00 contractions got strong, and about the same time Kayla's epidural decided to become ineffective, and the anesthesiologist was occupied with another patient's c-section.

Luckily the anesthesiologist was back before pushing time to re-administer, and so all was well, even though he was a creeper. Now came the real ordeal, getting the baby out.

All went well until she got her head out. I was on one side of the bed holding Kayla's hand and a nurse was on the other; Dr. Laine was at the front directing traffic. Within a matter of seconds, there were at least 80 more nurses in the room, and I was kindly, but firmly told to get out of the way. Our daughter's head was out, but the rest of her seemed reluctant to appear.

 It turns out that her left shoulder was stuck under Kayla's pelvic bone. In medicine (as I was told), this is called shoulder dystocia, and was the most terrifying moment  of my life. Baby's head is blue and not breathing, crying, or showing any signs of life, there's a sharp note of panic in the doctor's voice as she yells for Dr. Macy, and it's not just me who's noted the panic, but Kayla too, adding to her trauma. This is the time when the shortest, yet most desperate prayers are offered, Dear God, please help. It was all I could do. In that moment of helplessness I turned over all I love into his hands. All this happened in about 4 minutes. Then Dr. Macy came.

The best way to describe Dr. Macy's arrival is by comparison. Think of Gandalf the White, arriving over the top of the hill at Helms Deep with the army, like Maximus and the "ruffians" showing up to save Flynn Rider, or the stripling warriors arriving to save Antipus' army from the Lamanites.  A old veteren OB, with confidence almost palpable she cleared a path issuing orders, and a minute later out popped Zoe. Prayers answered.

A tense moment passed, and then came that beautiful cry. She was alive and breathing. Not yet out of the woods, but she was at least alive. She wasn't using her left shoulder, I went with her to the nursery while momma stayed behind. In the nursery she perked up when she got her shot and started to cry and flail... both arms! All was well, and she suffered no long term complications due to her stuck shoulder. As aptly put by Dr. Laine, "Those are the moments that make us have brown pants".

     
It took a while, but all soon settled down and we were taken to the maternity ward to enjoy our baby, Zoe Amelia Savage, 7lbs 7oz, and 20 inches long. Now you can too!

This was the best year of my life

To my very best friend, you know who you are.

At this time one year ago I was lying in bed, thinking of the next morning. A little nervous, a little scared, and yet more excited than I can explain. The next day went by so quickly it was almost a blur, yet I clearly remember thinking that I was the happiest i could ever be. Now I look back and see my foolishness, for of course I am now, surely, as happy as I can be. And yet I believe that I will have a similar expereince next year and the year after, and as many years as I am blessed to grow old with you in.

In the days and month since we were sealed for time and eternity, you have been my greatest support, my biggest fan, my shoulder to cry on. You have been my counselor, and therapist. And best of all my faithful, loving, encouraging wife. Looking back at the trials of the last 12 months, I could not have made it so well without you.

We have had so many adventures, and you put up with me so well. Even when I ask your uncle if he has a cow I can ride, or drag you up Zions Canyon while pregnant, or paint the walls the wrong color, or throw all my tools around because I can't get my oil filter off, or try to carry the ladder with the wall patching plaster ballanced on top and then get furious because I spill it, twice. You're so patient.

I love that you make me laugh. Anyone can be pasionate, but it takes real love to be silly. I love that I can truly be myself around you and I know that you really love who I am. Despite how embarrassing I am, and how gross I am, you still love me.

Of all the strong emotions I have ever felt, anger, pain, frustration, and sorrow, none can compare to the overpowering feeling that nearly knocks me over when I'm with you, or thinking about you, or dreaming about you. Sometimes it even makes me cry, and then I get embarrased.

So thank you Kayla Savage, love of my life. Thank you for your love, and trust. Thank you for the best year of my life. 

Happy anniversary honey. I look forward to the many more to come!

Love,
Richard

In memory of the dream

America

Say it out loud... America. How does it make you feel?

Friday night Kayla and I had the opportunity to attend the Momon Tabernacle Choir concert for pioneer day with guest singers Brian Stokes Mitchell and Linda Eder. For anyone who is familiar with both the Choir and Mitchell it is needless to say that the performance was spectacular. The performance was dedicated to honoring those who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces. These brilliant singers honored those who have fought to defend the freedom of our country with thier vocal talents.

I lack the stunning voice to pay tribute in song, hoever I hope to share my feelings of gratitude through written word.

As I sat enjoying the concert my heart was filled with thanks for the brave men and women who have fought and died to make this country free. Before Linda Eder began to sing she shared about her own gratitude for freedom. She said that we need to realize that freedom is not free, but is paid for with the blood and sweat of brave defenders.

Kayla and I are closing on our house this week, a place that will be our very own, that we will be able to do whatever we want in.

 We attended church this morning. We work where we chose. I go to school where I want and learn what I want. We do with our time and money whatever we choose. We can go where we want and live where we want. We are free.



In Salt Lake City, there is a beautiful park at the mouth of a canyon. It is called Memory Grove and is a beautiful, quiet place where there are several monuments to those from Utah who served their country in combat. It is to these brave ones I owe my gratitude for the freedom I and my family enjoy. I sit in this quiet place and contemplate those who, on a raging battle field full of the sounds of mortars, and bullets and dying men gave all to ensure that their home and their families and their children would be safe, that they would be free.

In our country we have a hard time with heros. Everyone has a bad side, everyone has the skeletons in their closet. All are criticized no matter how noble. Even our founding fathers are belittled by a cynical new generation insistent on marking all their flaws and questioning their motives. Many of those men and women who fought and died were not prim and proper, and perfect. Many were rough and surly. And yet, are they not heros? I believe that they are. That a true hero is known only when tested. Those heros who protected and still protect our freedom have passed the test. In defense of this land, and all the liberties we enjoy here, their mettle shone true, and for me they will forever be true heros. For, although not in every way, in at least one, they have followed that truest hero of all, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He who has truly made us all free from sin, which action required the greatest anguish and pain which any has ever felt, and in the end his life.

So, as we all celebrate this day, even this whole month of July in which we are reminded by our holidays of our great blessing of freedom, let us remember those that have fought and those who have fallen. And let us strive to keep the peace for which they have sacrificed. As a line from the final line fo the concert so aptly states "let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me"

Great Expectation

There comes a time when two people temporarily lose their minds. This situation is often triggered by the repeated viewing of adorable children.

In recent times, Kayla has been hired as a nanny for a lady in our ward. She cares for the cutest little 15mo. old girl. Needless to say she came home wanting one of her own after the first day. Me being the kind husband I am, I obliged.

Now that we have come to our senses, we are awestruck at our announcement that we are expecting an addition to our family this October! We are sure that despite my resemblance to a mangled goose, our baby will be the cutest thing since mini gummy bears (which we had at our wedding) thanks to Kayla's magnificent beauty.

All kidding aside (excuse my pun), we are so excited to have a little Savage running around. It will be the first third generation Savage child from Dick and Vicki Savage. Yes we know, Tiffany had the first grandchild, but we have the first Savage! Uncle Trevor has already volunteered to teach such things as smashing faces in cakes, and sticking fingers in mouse traps, should our child not naturally inherit those instincts.

I should be cleaning....

Last night, I should have been cleaning...


Front room- Disaster
Bathroom- Passable
Bedroom- Just plain awful
Kitchen- Complete NIGHTMARE!


well, I started in the kitchen (because I hate it the most..) and well, I guess I accomplished something ...

now, in order for this to be truly amazing, you have to understand, my kitchen is about 2 feet by 2 feet. I am not kidding. these dishes take up the whole darn space!

After my intese laboring over the dishes I needed to take a break. obviously. I cruised around on the internet for a while until I found something amazing. A recipe for Monkey bread! oh how I love monkey bread.. all the ooey gooey goodness! I had missed it so. 


Naturally after working off some calories I needed to replace them as quickly as humanly possible! so, I went to work!

Notice that I am working at my sink and on my filthy stove... yep. I could not be bothered to put the clean dishes away (that will be a mountain to conquer today..). well there it is.. the beautiful ten million thousand calories that keep my buttocks looking large and in charge!


Today maybe I will get a gym membership....


and clean. 

hfdzxrtyj-Kayla typed that with her nose

A recent study found that creating a blog and updating it regularly increases life expectancy by approximately ten seconds. Immediately after discovering this information, Kayla and I have decided to start this blog, chronicling our rise TO POWER. So here we are on a Sunday evening, gobbling left over pie and pondering the great questions of life: "What does the future hold for us?", "How can we create a strong family?", and "Hey! Is your slice of pie bigger than mine?".

Normally this is where people might give a short explanation of themselves, their life, and a cute little introduction to their blog. Instead we are just going to dive right in.

Yesterday we attended the second semi-annual Soup Excitement at the Thurman Residence.

Highlights:

Making the most terrible bean soup- I hand crafted this bean soup, using only the best ingredients, and then simmering it for a day and a half... unfortunately, it was disgusting. The beans were hard, and the rest was mushy, and too salty.

Making the best pie ever- Kayla hand crafted this delicious pie, a Ginger Snap crust with layered, made from scratch, chocolate and vanilla custard. Topped off with whipped cream and shaved chocolate "Hey! There's pie?"

The Game of Things- Another hilarious round of the game of things, one of our favorites. Hitler, Kitty litter... to be fair I wouldn't want either in my sandwich...

There's no denying that the Thurmans host one heck of a party.


Now for our Weekly Wonders of the 19th Ward:

"Good morning Sisters, Dear Heavenly Father..." -Anonymous

"That's wobbly like a duck!" -Sister Peacock

"...Don't even think about trying to escape...the pit of despair" -Albino

"On my mission..."





After church, I got my first  tattoo, and Kayla became a tattoo artist!

And last but not least, a little known fact: In ancient greece, it was common to make sacrifices of old leggings in order to prevent the wrath of Capillus who's anger, they believed, was the cause of bad hair days.

-R+K