day 3 of Hunter

Today was a GREAT day for Hunter! He was able to get off the ventilator..went to the SIPAP, which is another form of ventilator, then went to just the tubes in his nose. And this all happened from the last time I blogged to very early this morning! So when we showed up he was doing a whole lot better and the exciting thing was that we got to hold him!!! YEAH Another thing that happened was that I was able to try and breastfeed him...just to see how he would do...and he latched on easily! He didn't eat much but it was the fact that he had no problems that was great! Also while we were holding him he became less and less dependent on the oxygen and even didn't need the help at times! We also found out that he will for sure be there until Monday because when they took x-rays of his lungs they saw some little dark patches at the bottom of the lungs and so are treating him for pnemonia. They don't know if that is what it is or if it is just a little part still struggling to develop but it is better to be safe than sorry. So he just needs to be treated for 7 days and then hopefully he will eating normally and not dependent on oxygen. If all those things are good he will be coming home! It was so nice to see his progress and even better that we could hold him. It is amazing what just a little hugging and kissing can do for everyone involved! Therefore, it was a great day!

Hunter Ray Nichols (days 1 and 2)

Hello everyone! We wanted to just let you know that our little one came Saturday, December 20th at 10:04 pm. He weighs 5 lbs 12 oz and 18 inches long and we named him Hunter Ray Nichols. The labor was a little different this time because I was able to get an epideral (totally recommend it!!) but Hunter was breech. In spite of that the delivery was fine, but our little guy will not be able to join us at home yet.
This morning he was moved to the NICU at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls for a closer watch. Since he was 4 weeks early his lungs had not fully developed and has been on oxygen since shortly after birth. Everything else is good but he just needed a little more time baking :( We are all doing fine and hope to bring him home sooner than later. Their goal is to get him off the ventilator today and start working on his feedings. So I will keep you all posted as to what is going on with lots of pictures. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!


because he was breech his legs and feet ended up by his head while they were cleaning him...

mom and Hunter

at EIRMC in the NICU with the ventilator...

look at all his hair! :)

coming early...

Hey everyone, I just wanted to let you know that our little one will be coming early! I have gone to the doctor twice already this week and am dialated to a 3 and 75% effaced. The doctor gives me until the beginning of next week! I am still in shock and not sure how to take this news! I was expecting to or at least hoping to last until after Christmas but this little guy seems have a different idea. I have already been helped out a ton by friends and family (especially my mother-in-law and Stacy my long lost sister)! Thanks for everything and I will keep you all posted and put pictures on as soon as possible!

Glenn Beck!!

Mark got his Christmas present early this year but I don't think he cared one bit, because he got to meet his idol!! :) Glenn Beck came to Idaho Falls for a book signing on Dec 9th. I just happened to go into Barnes and Noble one afternoon before Thanksgiving and discovered that if you bought his newest book that you could get a number to guarantee you a spot in line. So if you know Mark at all he would have been really sad if he missed this opportunity, so I couldn't pass it up either!

After work he headed over, which was about 8:30pm (they started at 8pm), and had the number 174. Well when he got there a worker told him he had to go to the back of the line because they were already in the 500's! He was bummed but the worker said he would be able to get his books signed and not to worry. The line weaved in and out of all the isles in the store and then went out into the mall hallway and weaved in and out and around things there. But he finally made it and got his signature, got to say hi, and told him to have a Merry Christmas. So I think even though it was an early present that he loved it anyway! Thanks Glenn Beck!!!

family pics '08

A couple of weeks ago our friends took us out to be their experiment and did an excellent job!! So here are just some of the many that I loved!! enjoy

grateful for eternal families...

This week has been a fast but sad one! Mark's grandma died on Sunday so we took a trip down to Utah for the funeral and then my great-grandpa Anderson died on Wednesday. Both of these deaths were a blessing because they were both suffering and had been for awhile. But it is still sad to see our loved ones leave and return to our Heavenly Father. I can't imagine the wonderful reunion they are having with their spouses and others...which makes me very, very grateful for eternal families! Mark's grandma had a strong testimony of the gospel and loved her family dearly! My great-grandpa Anderson always had a smile on his face and never faultered in his testimony! I am so grateful for these wonderful examples in my life.

photo tag...

I was interested to see what this would be, but here it is...
This was 2 years ago on the Fourth of July at the Ashton parade. It seems just like yesterday. Time flies that is for sure!

Okay now you have to try...go to your fourth photo in your fourth folder and post the picture. And I tag Ashlee Dickson, Stacy Ilsley, Erika Cardon, and anyone else that wants to join the fun! :)

christmas cards

Hello everyone! As we all know Christmas will be here before we know it!! and I need everyone's address, so leave a comment or email me at candice_nichols@msn.com thanks!! Hope you all have wonderful holidays!

playing with Painter

Yesterday we were lucky and got to babysit Painter for a couple of hours! He is such a fun kid with tons of energy! (which we are use to at this house) Watching the two boys play gave me a little glimpse into the future with what my boys will be doing. In Tanner's room there are these built in cupboards that hold his toys, so after they were cleared out Painter made a discovery...


and tanner joined in!...


I love babysitting him...he is so much fun! Tanner has asked many times if he can spend the night and now with the crib up, that could be a possibility as long as it is okay with his mom :)

halloween

I know it has been awhile already but I am finally putting pictures of tanner in his costume, so enjoy...
my fire breathing dragon with wings!!