Kyren's Baby Blessing

Oh it was a beautiful day.
A beautiful day for a beautifully handsome baby!
A day that I as a Mommy
will never EVER forget.
It was just that special.

It had been a very stressful week;
Trying to find the perfect
little outfit for our little man.
Trying to figure out what to serve, how to serve it, where to get it, and the usual worries.

You guys, he's SO small.
We had the most difficult time finding something that would fit him.
It got to the point that we didn't care anymore.
Honestly, I was tempted to throw him in a onesie and add a tie.
We didn't give up though and
he looked rather dapper at the end of the day.
Thank you to both of Kyren's Grandma's
for buying him the cutest get up!
My Mom took it in, and it was still too big.
Thanks mama! :)

Sacrament Meeting was at 9.
We barely made it to church on time as it was.
Okay, let's be real.
We didn't make it on time. ever.
That morning was stressful.
and I just know I was super bossy.
Thankful for a very patient husband.
Nonetheless we made it, and early too.

Jace gave him the most beautiful blessing.
I wish so much that I could remember every word.
It was sweet, sincere, uplifting, and touching.

I can honestly say there are
far and few things better than
listening to your hubby give your son a blessing.
It is the BEST thing in the world.
It warms your heart and pulls every string within.

I am thankful for the Gospel.
I am grateful for Jace.
That he has the Priesthood not only in our home
but everywhere we go.
That he was able to give our son a name and a blessing.

Even though his clothes were two sizes too big.
and a very stressful, tiring week.
We made it through.
and at the end of the day everything was perfect!

Picture overload coming at ya.

Oh I feel so extremely blessed.
Blessed to be a wife.
Blessed to be a mommy.

Growing up I always knew I wanted to be a
Mommy.I
But I didn't know why.
And then I became your mommy
and I now know why.

Oh I love every single inch of him!

So many wonderful people
came and shared this special day with us.
We're blessed to call them family!
Kyren is blessed to have each of you surrounding him.

Grandma and Grandpa Ropelato

Grandma and Grandpa Gray

Love love love these two women.

A HUGE part of my entire world in one picture.

My beautiful baby sister and best friend.
(so sad that we didn't get a pic with Jackson)

Kaylee and Josh's little sweet family.

Gorgeous Aunt Shelby.

Aunt Shelby and Uncle Kyle :)

The cutest little family; Blake and Mary's family.

Great Grandma and Grandpa Miles.

Love these Miles'

What a sweet and incredible group of girls.

We may not have it all together.
But together we have it ALL.
Thankful for this family of three.
and very grateful we can be together forever!

You darling, are precious!

Kyren Jace Ropelato

"How it amazes me, you're changing with every blink
Faster than a flower blooms they grow up all too soon.
So let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while.
Oh just let them be little"

"I never knew how much I loved your daddy
until I saw how much he loved you"

Jace, I am so thankful for the sweet daddy that you are.
I know that sometimes I'm a little
overbearing
emotional
demanding
bossy
too mama-bear-ish
and overly protective
but I thank you for wanting to tickle our son, throw him in the air, and spin him in circles.
I know that you will be his all time favorite best friend, and I secretly already know you are the "fun" parent.

"Having my baby fall asleep in my arms
takes away all of my worries and stresses.
A sense of complete and total peace
comes over me"

Every minute I hold you I feel the Spirit.
I'm not sure if it's because of all the Angels gathered around you
or if it's because
you ARE my sweet and perfect Angel.

However I do know that you, my Angel Baby,
have already touched the lives of
so many people.
You pull at our heart strings, ya know?
I can't wait to see the great warrior
that you will one day be.
I just know you have BIG things awaiting you.
Photo Credit:: Sabrina Lemmon

"Every good and perfect gift is from above"
Photo Credit:: Sabrina Lemmon

Today as I sat you in your carseat
you started screaming
that sad sad cry..
I had to pick you up.
Then you did it again, and again, and again.
Every time I sat you down.
I decided I needed to bounce you. (ALL 7 times)

I caught you staring intently to the side.
I started talking to you, like I usually do.
"What are you looking at"?
"Kyren"???
"Who's over there"?
Usually you look at me and respond to my voice.
Nope, not this time.
You kept looking over there.
After a few more times of turning your head and you instantly turned it back

I realized what you were set on staring at.
A picture of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I got chills. I got emotional.
I may have let a tear fall or maybe two.

I know you know so much more than we do.
I know you still talk to Angels.
I know that when you're sleeping
and that cute smile comes out
you're playing with the Angels.
I know that they sing you back to sleep.
I know that our Savior has held you
just like the sweet child in this picture.
HE loves you.
and WE love you!
Thank you Kyren Jace for being ours.
For letting US love you.

you know you're a mom.

You know you're a mom...

1- when you catch yourself rocking everything you're holding. I mean everything; the curling iron, a cell phone, a blanket. yada yada and so on.
2- when scrolling through your phone every picture is or has your little guy or girl in it.
3- I don't know if it's just me but I get emotional SO much easier and SO many more things just warm my heart.
4- when you jump for joy when you get 4 hours of sleep at a time.
5- when changing a diaper at a fast pace and your hubby says "wow babe you're getting fast" is one of your greatest accomplishments.
6- when alone time with your spouse is pretty non existent and when you do get it you find yourself talking about and missing your baby...or wanting to sleep.
7- when you feel more like a cow than a human.
8- when you would rather buy your little human something rather than that cute dress or have-to-have-shoes!
9- when that inner Mama Bear comes out more often than you'd like to admit.
10- when you look around and baby stuff is literally everywhere.
11- when you get so frustrated, and at your wits end that you have NO other choice but to turn to your Heavenly Father.
12- when the first songs that come to your mind are lullabies, and church hymns.
13- when you see a whole different side of your husband. One of the absolute best sides.
14- when the one thing you don't leave the house without is the Binky instead of the Cell Phone.
15- when you all of the sudden can't imagine life any other way than without your significant other and precious baby.
16- when your laundry consists of messy baby clothes, and your dishes of bottles and more bottles.
17- when your heart just skips a few beats when they coo or smile at you. There are far few things better in life!
18- when you can feel the Angels around you because never have you had something so new from Heaven of your very own.
19- when it breaks your heart to see your 6 lbs 10 oz. baby be 8 lbs.
20- when at the end of the day no matter how hard, challenging, or fabulous it was you are so thankful that he/or she is yours and that Heavenly Father is giving you the privilege of being their Mommy!

What's going on with the Ropes?

1- Jace has been playing some Softball on Monday nights. Well last night they were playing in the Championship Game and I would say the crowd and the players were a little bit riled up. A member of the opposing team started throwing the "F" word out and my man of a husband told him to stop because his family was here :) Two Things. One I think I fell in love all over again. and two how sweet is that?! How thankful I am to be married to a man who stands up for not only me, but for our little man, and all of my in laws. I'd say some heart strings were definitely pulled.

2- Kyren is cooing and smiling so much! It is one of my absolute favorite things on Earth. I have always thought he was adorable but he proves to only get sweeter and sweeter everyday.

3- Team Josh anyone? The Bachelorette is over and you guys i'm in love with the Final Rose/Proposal. How cute are they?! I don't care how fake or how real the show is...I'm a definite fan and am going to tell myself how real it actually is.

4- Jace thinks it's the funnest thing to play with our little guy as if he is a 2 or 3 year old. He would throw him up in the air if he really thought he could get away with it. Lucky for Kyren and I he knows better!

5- Kyren throws some major temper tantrums...I know he's only 7 weeks old, today, but he does. After a long day of some crying and these random but few tantrums Jace will come home and take him from me. He'll take him in and lay him on our bed and have what he calls a heart to heart or a serious conversation. They talk all about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Joseph Smith. I have loved every second of watching these two interact with each other. NO one can get a bigger smile or conversation out of our baby then Jace.

A Realization. A moment.

The other night we were sitting with family. Listening to stories, laughing, and doing the things that families do. I was standing up, bouncing my baby, hoping that he would finally zonk out. I was standing a ways a way from everyone but still close enough to hear the stories people were sharing. Jace kept looking back at me and our baby, and we shared one of our normal everyday winks at each other and Kyren had fallen asleep. As I stood there looking at him, looking at our family, and looking at Jace I had a HUGE wave of emotion come over me.
There was something about seeing everyones families, and seeing my little family of three. I felt so much love for them. I felt so much love for Jace and Kyren. I love them SO much. In fact, it's hard to imagine that I could love them or anyone could love them any more. And for some reason the thought "Wow. Our Heavenly Father must love us SO much"! He loves us so immensely and with such a STRONG and PERFECT love. I know how much I love my family and to think that he loves so perfectly just made my heart so full. In the movies you hear of a 'great love' and let's be real. The love that a woman has for her husband, and a mom has for her child is like no other. I don't have any clue how to compare it or even begin to explain what it feels like. And I know that there is absolutely NO greater love than the love our Father in Heaven has for each of us. I have felt his love for me, personally, so strong these last few days. And I hope never to forget the way that it has made me feel, and the way that it has helped me love.

Pics from hospital and coming home

Meet Grandma and Grandpa Gray

Meet Grandma and Grandpa Ropelato

Meet some of your Aunts, Uncles, and Little Em.

Oh we love you, you sweet sweet little guy!

Our Baby Story

It was the morning of Tuesday, June 10th. It was 4:30 in the morning when all of a sudden a contraction hit...not just any contraction, and it was definitely no Braxton Hicks contraction. It was a painful one, a killer. At the time I was all snuggled up to Jace. Well as snuggled up as one could be with a huge basketball popping out in between the two of us. That contraction hit and all I could do it squeeze him tight and the words "ow-ow-ow-ow" came out of my mouth. All of that, and my sleeping Hubby didn't hear a sound. 6 o' clock finally rolled around and after an hour and a half of "ow-ow-ow's" I decided to jump in the shower and see if I could get them to stop. Well no way were they stopping. If anything they just got worse. I got out of the shower and all I could do is pace back and forth, back and forth. By the time Jace got up for work at 6:30 my pains were excruciating. Jace asked me if he would even be going to work that day and I told him I don't know..my answer quickly changed to I don't think you're going anywhere. Jace jumped in the shower and I called my mom. Mom asked me if I had been timing them and of course I hadn't been. A slight part of me thinks that I was too terrified that I was having this baby that I avoided anything that was a sign of labor. Jace got out of the shower and I had been timing to see how far apart they had been. The first two were four minutes apart and every one after that was about one to two minutes apart. Oh the pain! It was fall on the floor, pull my teeth and toenails out kind of pain. My contractions at this point were about a minute long every single time! I called my mom and she said it was time to go to the Hospital. But no way was I having this baby without looking, or at least feeling my best. I grabbed my makeup bag and I sat in front of my Cheetah mirror and what usually takes maybe 10 minutes took much much longer because with each contraction I had to stop! I finished up my makeup as Jace was finishing up his cereal. We grabbed the bags, and I ever so slowly made it to the car.

By this time I literally thought I was going to pass out because of the pain. You guys, it was like nothing ever before. I thought Menstrual Cramps were bad...but oh nothing compares. I had craved Ice my entire pregnancy. Cubed Ice, Crushed Ice, Shaved Ice, and especially the wonderful soft Ice (Zuppas, Burger Bar, and the gas station down the road has it)I just LOVE ice! So as sweet as my Hubby is he stopped at Taco Bell on the way up and bought me a Baja Blast Icee. I was in so much pain that I had tears streaming down my face, holding on to the door handle as tightly as I could, and trying everything I could to just breathe through the pain. We pulled in to the hospital and of course the elevator seemed to be as slow as ever. I felt like I was never going to make it to the 4th floor of that hospital.

My Doctors office is right down the hall from Labor and Delivery. Earlier in my pregnancy my Dr. had told me if it was open then to go there to keep from getting an extra charge. It was closed when we first walked up but then the clock striked 8 and the heavens opened and so did the window to the receptionist. I don't think I had walked so fast the entire morning or sighed a bigger sigh of relief in my entire life. Bending over, and trying to catch my breath I got my words out "Can I PLEASEEEE get checked?!" She asked about my contractions and got someone to immediately check me but first I had to pee in that stupid little cup. After walking out of the bathroom the sweet lady instantly grabbed me and checked me..She was quite surprised, and so was I. I was almost a five and she said my water was about to break! She went and called my Dr. and told her that she was pretty sure I was in active labor. That sweet lady walked back in to the room and told me I was having this baby today. She grabbed Jace from the waiting room and a very much needed and appreciated Wheel Chair. We got down to Labor and Delivery and they admitted me right in to my own room and got me a cup of ice along with some lollipops. Thank goodness, I had a little bit of that Icee because boy was I hungry.

SO much pain. When I think about labor that's the one word that instantly pops up in my head. PAIN! One of the nurses came immediately in to get the IV in my arm. Unfortunately it was not working. She poked me once in my upper right arm, once in my right hand, and once in my left arm. Luckily, the left arm was successful. I had to get some fluids in me before they would do my Epidural. Boy did I think I was never going to get that thing! You can imagine that by this point I was not holding up very good. I was a 5, my first baby, and no drugs. My mom got there, finally, and man did she get me through some of the toughest of times. She truly is an Angel that lady. I had been so nervous to get the Epidural it literally stressed me out. I don't do good with needles or shots and I had heard good and bad things about it. The Anesthesiologist came in and I couldn't be happier to see him. He had me sit up, (which was a challenge in and of itself) turn to the side, and hold on to Jace. (Any excuse to be closer to him, I will take) It was just like a Bee stung my back and it was over. It kicked in pretty quickly, and for the next 2 hours I felt like I was on cloud 9. I didn't feel a thing. I didn't feel them check me, I didn't feel them put the Catheter in, I couldn't feel my legs...everything quickly became so much better. My In Laws got there and my father in law went out in to the waiting room while my mother in law stayed in the labor and delivery room with us. The next time they had checked me I was dilated to an 8 and moving quickly. We all took guesses as to when this little man was going to be here..Looking back I am sure it was just to keep my mind off of things.

I was terrified. Seriously a tragic mess. I don't do good with pain and all I could keep saying was "I don't want it to hurt. I don't want it to hurt" Everyone kept telling me it wasn't going to hurt because of the Epidural. Time was passing, but the longer we were there the slower time passed. My water hadn't broken yet but every time they would check they would say it was bulging. Eventually they sent someone in to break it. Also there is a little button-trigger thing you push to release some more of the medicine in to you. After time, I started feeling less numb and more pain. Unbearable pain, all I could do is look at my Husband with tears in my eyes and over and over again say "I can't do this!" The sweetheart of a man was the most comforting thing. He reassured me each and every time that I can do this. And that I had said "I can't do this" when I was going through morning sickness and that I did it and I can do it now. My mom would keep coming over and talking to me. I couldn't have asked for anyone better (Other than Jace) to be there with me. She got me through and that was a difficult task to do. Thankfully my mother in law was there too! All three of these special people in the room with me brought more peace and comfort than I could ask and lightened the mood.

I was soon dilated to a 9 and all the nurses kept telling me how good I was doing for a first time Mommy. It got later and later and more and more painful. They kept asking me if I was pushing the button for more medicine. Man oh man did I push that button as much as I could...nothing was working. The Anesthesiologist had to come back in twice to give me more medicine and nothing was helping. That cloud 9 feeling no longer existed! My worst fear was happening. My Epidural was not working. The nurses had told me that first time mommy's can push up to 3 hours. In my head I thought there is no way in heck I am pushing for 3 hours. There was no way! As time went on I got less patient. My mom and Jace would switch of with dabbing me with a wet cloth. Jace would feed me my crushed ice, and when he took too long I would do a waving motion to get some more. Haha! My mom talked me through the contractions and Jace kept reminding me to breathe. One thing that stuck out to me that my Angel Mother said is that there were so many Angels there helping me. Looking back now, I couldn't have done it without my Earthly or Heavenly Angels. My Dr. was in North Ogden so they wanted to wait to call her...for who knows why? They started having me push and then had me stop pushing to wait for my Dr. It finally got to the point that with every contraction all I wanted to do was push. In fact, it felt FAR better for me to push than it did for me not to. My Dr. got there and I pushed, and I pushed hard. He was coming, and he was coming fast. After half an hour, total he made his day debut at 4:14 that nigh. Such a beautiful baby made his way in to the world. Weighing 6 pounds 10 oz. and measuring 19.5 inches long. And then they placed his sweet little body on mine and my heart instantly melted. He was perfect, absolutely perfect and he was mine. I couldn't believe Jace and I had a baby, our very own perfect baby.

The after math is that instead of tearing in just a straight line, I tore in a 'W' shape..Which meant lots of stitches. My Epidural was not successful, and I felt way more than I would have liked to. It wasn't a very good experience, and giving birth was by FAR the most challenging, and hardest thing I have EVER done. But the blessing, the reward, it was and is the greatest I've ever had. Kyren Jace Ropelato forever changed our lives that day and opened our eyes to how much we could love.

^^my cheerleader, and angel through it all!

^^just some wet wash cloth dabbing and cute hubby time!

look at his little toes!

First time daddy!^^^

There's just something about watching your Husband become a Daddy!
It's the BEST thing ever!

My favorite view ever since he was born.

Meet our little family! :)

--Stay tuned for more pictures of visitors that just LOVE our little Kyren! Coming soon.

It's been ONE year.

It has been one year. One year of firsts. One year of changes. One year in a new home, our home. One year trying to figure out how to bake a fluffy cookie. One year of Top Raman and Mac and Cheese. One year with two families. One year of being Primary Teachers. One year of disagreements. One year of making up. It has been one year since we went through the Bountiful Temple together, engaged, and walked out hand in hand, married. It has been one oh so beautiful year of being sealed to my Eternal Companion, and best friend!

I cannot begin to express how thankful and blessed I am for the man that I get to call my husband. We have had an amazing first year of being married and lets just say a very very busy and crazy one too. Lets face it though, I wouldn't have it any other way.

We have done so much and made so many fun memories. Please bare with me as I try to recall some of our funnest and not so fun times :)

1- Birth Control. Hahaha! Lets just say Jace was such a trooper. Poor guy, had to put up with so much. Definitely an experience never to be had again, ever. (For both of our sakes)
2- We are Primary Teachers. Both of our classes have been pretty dang large! We now have 11 little kiddo's running around, adoring my husband. One of the little's even told his parents Jace was his BFF. How cute is that?
3- We went to Joe's Crab Shack. I've never been and Jace, along with my sister and brother in law love it. We thought we'd make a date out of it and celebrate my birthday. Shrimp is not my thing. I stuck with a Hamburger and Fries.
4- Have I mentioned I am pregnant? Oops. We were married 4 months and boom a little Jace Jr. decided he wanted to be part of our little family. At the time it was unexpected, a huge surprise, and quite overwhelming...and now, I can't imagine it any other way.
5- Morning Sickness. Oh kill me now! Seriously, I never understood how some women love LOVE love to be prego. I'd say i'm not one of them...This pregnancy has been so rough. From running to the bathroom at work, church, mom and dad's, the in laws, and after every dang thing I ate here at home. Let's not forget not quite making it to the Walmart Bathroom and holding it in my mouth during Sacrament, literally. So embarrassing. We even made a trip to the ER. Again, honey you are a champ!
6- I quit my job. Not only did I hate it but I also found myself not being able to make it in as much as I was scheduled because I was so sick. Thank you Husband for making this possible!
7- I went to Lava for my first time ever. Jaces family thought it'd be fun to go camp and have a weekend away. So fun, until I got a little too dehydrated and literally felt so sick.
8- My sweet little Jersey girl had to be put down. She was such a precious little thing, and my little cuddle night time bug. Yes, I know I talk about her like she's my baby. She was.
9- We watched my biological sisters 3 little girls. I have so much respect for mommy's and daddy's..it certainly is not an easy task. But really, they are the cutest things.
10- I played Battle Field for my hubby once..just once though! I didn't even die. I think I might have also stayed on the very edge of the game though the entire time.
11- I have enjoyed watching my husband play Soccer, indoor and outdoor. We even went to Jackson and I got to sit in the pouring rain a big majority of the time. Don't worry though, I wouldn't change it.
12- Caramel Apples at City Creek. Oh how I love you! Yes, we have made the trip a time or two just to get one. :) No regrets.
13- Jace Surprised me with a night away. Such a sweetie! We also went to the Ice Castles and got to see Olaf, Elsa, and Anna. So beautiful and so fun!
14- We dressed up like Pirates for Halloween. It was the funnest thing to get ready and prepare for. Although, very hard not to tell our families my eggo was prego, since we had just found out earlier that week. We were that couple that had to do those couple costumes! I'm happy about it though.
15- And lets not forget all those nights we had our air mattress blown up, and in the family room for like the first month of our marriage. I am thinking of doing it all over again too.

I may have learned a thing or two:
1- I am not always right. I would like to think I am. But turns out the husband is a lot smarter than me.
2- When you think you have something planned or decided..God goes and shows you his way is the best way.
3- Coke is good for you, and so is the ice!
4- It's a lot harder to be married than one would think. It's the best thing, and also the hardest!
5- Money. I swear it's the cause of all stress.
6-I have definitely come to see who my true and real friends are. Thanks to each of you :)
7- I married the greatest, most patient, understanding, caring, and loving man. No one could replace you.
8- Apparently I can't drive as great as Jace does because he's always criticizing my driving skills.
9- Sometimes I need to suck it up and be a woman.
10- "His side" of the bed always seems to be bigger than my side.
11- Late Friday night is PS4 time with the guys.
12- It's okay to stop being so stubborn and maybe end the silent treatment and/or apologize.
13- I have it so good. I have a nice house, a running vehicle, food in my fridge, the Priesthood in my home, a growing baby inside of me, two lovely families, air conditioning, and the most perfect husband for me! Life could not get any better.

I just want to say thank you to Jace for making my life the greatest and for making every dream of mine come true. You never fail to make my day. Thank you for making me laugh, and comforting me when the cookies don't turn out. Thank you for going on walks with me even though you feel as if it's doing nothing for you. Thank you for taking care of me and this baby and making us your BIGGEST priority. Thank you for giving me blessings when I feel so weak. Thank you for making me a Mommy. Thank you for being the best part of my day when you walk through that door from work. Thank you for always making the decisions. Thank you for cuddling me until I fall asleep when I know you just want to go play your video game with your friends. Thank you for making sure we read our Scriptures and kneel to pray. Thank you for choosing me to be your wife. Thank you for always forgiving me and choosing to look passed my faults. Thank you for taking me through the temple. I'm so thankful for you. I'm thankful for all that you do; BIG or small. I know I don't say it nearly enough and I promise to do better. I promise to work on becoming the best me, and the best wife for you, and mom to our baby. Thank you again and again my sweetheart.

I love you. Happy ONE year anniversary baby.
I look forward to many wonderful years and eternity with you!

Baby Shower #2

Thank you to my sweet Mother and Sister In Laws for throwing me and baby our 2nd great Baby Shower!
First things first, I need to say thank you! To everyone, who made it to this shower or the last one. I have been so overwhelmed by the love that has been shown for both baby and I. Thank you so much for showing up, and for completely spoiling us both. I am truly touched by the love you have shown me and my little growing family!

We played this fun little game! Everyone was asked to draw a little baby. I wish I would have taken a Pic of the winner.

^^^cutest little suit ever! Thank you to Aunt Sabrina and Uncle Jackson.

My talented mom made these darling Car Seat Covers. Seriously she's the best!

It's hard to even imagine feet so small^^^

and this is what we call our baby corner! That has now expanded to the entire Front Room.

Yes, we were given a crib AND a crib mattress. Thank you so much! You have no idea how much stress has been lifted off of my shoulders. I feel so overwhelmed by your generosity and love!

^^So spoiled!

This darling Diaper Cake was from my last shower! Thank you thank you!!!

Like I said, I am so overwhelmed by the love I have felt from each of you. Thank you to all of you for helping me feel like this baby can come. Thank you for showering us with all these fun, pricey, sweet, and thoughtful gifts. I wish I could thank each of you again and again verbally and in lots of hugs! :)