For all of my dear, sweet family and friends reading this, I just wanted to give you a quick update on baby Marshall. He has had a great week home with the exception of a little wheeziness. On Friday, he had a check-up, and the Dr. said that he was probably experiencing some irritation due to the ventilator, but that his lungs were clear, and all was well. Throughout the weekend, Kev. and Marc. continued to monitor his breathing and decided to take him to the Dr. this morning. Unfortunately, his heart had gone back into S.V.T. (which means that it was beating above normal). They are on their way back up to Primary's E.R. right as we speak, to see if he has to be re-admitted. We are so grateful for all of the prayers that have been given on his behalf and ask that you will continue to pray for baby Marshall, Kevin, and Marcy. We know that their is great power in prayer, and we thank you all for continuing to pray for their family.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
BACKING UP......
Happy New Year to all of you!! I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. With the business of the holiday season, my blog has been severely neglected, and I haven't been very dilligent in posting our latest happenings, so I decided that I would try to catch up and back up just a little bit. Bear with me it's been a crazy past couple of mos.
Christmas was so special this year with our dear, sweet little Caleb, and our other children, but difficult all at the same time. I became very sick with the stomach flu on the 23rd of Dec., and was down in bed through Christmas Eve night. I sat and cried as I watched my little family drive off to G-ma and G-pa's without me. Fortunately, I started feeling better that night and woke up Christmas morning to lots of fun and tons of excitement! We couldn't believe when we looked outside that a major blizzard had truly given us a white Christmas. I was devastated knowing that my mom and dad wouldn't be able to drive in such dangerous, snowy weather, from Grantsville. I called my mom and had to hold back the tears (AGAIN) as I knew this would be the first Christmas that I wouldn't be spending with my parents or the rest of my family as well. I tried to stay positive, and focus on my own little family. Then, Shaun looked at me and said he felt like he was going to throw up.....one right after the other, it came....Austin, then Braden, and on and on!! I felt like Cinderella, scrubbing, washing, bleaching, all on Christmas Day. Syd. and I finally sat down and played a quick game and ate our Christmas Dinner all by ourselves. By the end of the night, I was exhausted and wanted everybody to just get better really fast. Then at 2:00 A.M., poor little Syd. came upstairs and had thrown up all over her bedroom. She was sick throughout the rest of the night, and for the next day. MERRY CHRISTMAS!! We had to wait for several days before we could celebrate with our family's just because we didn't want to pass germs. When we were finally able to go out to Grantsville, and celebrate with my family, my camera batteries were dead, and I don't even have ONE pic. of my wonderful parents or family with my kids. So sad!! (For those of you that know me, I never leave home without a camera, and feel completely lost when my batteries die!!). Well, everybody's better and we are excited to embark on a new year and carry on with all of the many adventures that are out there waiting for us!!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
On Dec. 18th, Marshall went in for his routine 2-week check-up where his pediatrician became very concerned about his heartbeat. It was supposed to be beating between 150 -200 bpm, and was beating at 250 bpm. He sent them to the Primary Children's ER, and was quickly seen by a cardiologist, and administered medication to bring his heartbeat down. Unfortunately, the med. did not work and he was admitted into the P.I.C.U. the following morning. It was unimaginable to me that my own brother and his dear, sweet wife were going through the VERY same experience that Shaun and I had just gone through one year prior. I couldn't believe it, and was shocked and saddened all at the same time. The days that followed were extremely difficult, and it seemed like none of the medications were working to bring his little heartbeat down. Miraculously, after their ward and our family fast and many prayers and priesthood blessings, he started to respond to the medication that he was given and was just barely released from the hosp. two days ago. He truly is a miracle, and a very special baby. We love them so very much, and want to thank all of you for your concern, thoughts, and prayers. It has meant the world to Kevin and Marcy and to our family.
OUR VERY SPECIAL SERVICE PROJECT!
While Caleb was in the hospital during Christmas last year, we felt so blessed and loved by complete strangers who had donated beautiful homemade quilts, blankets, bibs, burpcloths, special stuffed animals, and so many other generous gifts. Shaun and I had discussed that we wanted to do something special to give back to those parents who would be spending their holidays in the hosp. this year. We sat down with the kids during Family Home Evening, and talked about how much these gifts meant to us, and asked if they could donate some money, and ideas for what our family could do for these babies. We were so proud of them when they each willingly gave $5 of their own money. We decided to buy 44 (that's how many NICU cribs there are) stuffed giraffes and penguins with a special note attached. It was truly a beautiful experience, and a tradition that we will hopefull carry on for years to come.
Syd. and I had the great privlege of delivering these stuffed animals and the darling stockings that our "Activity Days" group designed and created for the NICU babies as well. (Thanks Em. for all of your help and supporting me in this big, crazy project! I love you!)
ANNUAL NOWERS CHRISTMAS PARTY
Happy 14th anniversary to my beautiful Shaun!! I feel SO blessed to be married to my very best friend. Thanks for always making me feel so special, cheering me up when I'm feeling down, always giving me GREAT advice, and for being the BEST husband and father in the world. I love you more than words can say!! XOXO 
Caleb's 1st official haircut -- This little guy is such an angel baby. He just sat there so still, and was easily entertained with squirt bottles and combs. Let's just hope he stays that way, RIGHT??!!
Happy 6th Birthday Braden!! Braden brings so much love and joy to our family. He is quite the little jokester, and rarely cracks a smile when he's trying to be funny. He LOVES spending time with his buddies, and most especially, his cousin Dallin!!
Priesthood Preview -- It's hard to believe that Austin will be 12 in June, and will be ready to hold the Aaronic priesthood. Shaun did a great job giving a talk on the importance of holding the priesthood. I am so grateful for the gospel in our lives. We are so proud of Austin, and love him so very much.
Austin's final game - Unfortunately, Austin's team didn't make it to the play-off's this year, but had a great time trying to get there. Can't wait until next football season!! Go Bingham!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Happy Birthday our special miracle baby!!
My heart is full of gratitude, love, and emotion as we have celebrated Caleb's birthday today. I can't help but think of the night he was born when he wasn't breathing on his own and was taken to the nursery so quickly for additional support. Minutes after that, a nurse came down to tell me that they were going to life-flight him to Primary Children's Hospital. It was the hardest thing that I have ever been through. The days that followed Caleb's birth were extremely difficult for Shaun and me and our entire family. Amazingly enough, he was able to come home in three and a half weeks time without oxygen, feeding tubes, or any other medication. He is strong and healthy and thriving in every way. He walks around the furniture, and crawls speedy fast. He loves to babble and even says a few little words, like "da da" and "papa" for Grandpa. He is such a content, happy baby and rarely ever cries. He has brought so much love and joy into our lives, and has made our family complete. Every day when I look into those big, beautiful blue eyes, I am reminded of the grace of God, and how blessed we really are. He truly is a miracle. Happy Birthday my special baby!! We love you more than words can say!! 
Having lots of fun with all of the fun new toys that the Grandma's and Grandpa's brought.
Our wonderful families came to celebrate the joyous occasion!! We missed Grandpa "Pooper" (had to fly out on a business trip yesterday morning), and Uncle Kev. and Aunt Marcy.
We love you all!!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Welcome Baby Marshall!
Beautiful baby Marshall Robert Upp was born on Dec. 3rd @6:15 P.M. weighing in at 8 lbs. 4 oz., and 20" long. Congratulations to Kevin and Marcy. We are so happy for them, and overjoyed that this little bundle of joy has finally arrived. They are already such AMAZING parents, and love this little baby so very much. I may be a little biased, but I truly think that he is one of the cutest babies that I have ever seen. Kevin and I have always been so close that I feel such a special bond with this little guy and just wanted to sit and hold him all day long!! I can't wait until he and Caleb get a little older and become best little buddies. Welcome to the family special baby! We love you!! 
