Sunday, July 8, 2018

What a Crazy Summer - I Guess Things Do Come in Threes!

3 Big Things happened this Summer, all within 2 weeks!

A Long Anticipated Hello

Timothy Justin Bates was born the morning of Friday, June 22. Alexis could provide a more detailed account of the whole story but, suffice it to say, he came very shortly after we arrived at the hospital (Lexie was already dilated to a 9 at that point). With one push and a moment of relaxing, he was out! He was noticeably smaller than anyone expected, coming in at only 4lbs 11oz.

The ultrasound 2 weeks earlier indicated that he should have been well over 6lbs by the time he was born and no one seems to be able to figure out why he came out so small. He had difficulty maintaining his glucose levels so he was admitted into the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and given a glucose IV starting Friday night. He remained there, with constant heart, respiratory and blood pressure monitoring and frequent blood glucose level tests.  The NICU nurses and doctors were great and helped make the best of a difficult situation. We also came to find out that one of the nurses is the mother-in-law of a brother with whom I served in the elders quorum presidency.

Lexie and I were able to stay in the hospital through Monday midmorning, since they had an available room for us to stay in Sunday night, even though we had technically already been discharged (they call it "nesting"). It was a day by day rollercoaster with Timothy's glucose levels rising and falling depending on how much he ate and what the glucose IV distribution was set at. By Wednesday evening, he got his levels balanced out and we were thrilled to take him home. He is our wonderful, healthy, "Tiny Tim" and we are excited to have him in our family.
Baby Timothy in the NICU (his little 'tin man' hat is for his
glucose IV and the other monitors were under his blanket)

During this whole process, we have had many friends and family members that were super helpful. The Longs and Bates helped to watch Charlotte & Ethan for several days, let us crash at their houses for naps between feedings, helped to feed and walk Nero, and even did our laundry! Since we've been home, we have had ward members stopping by with gifts, dinners, baby clothes and offers to watch our older kids so we can get a break. We have been very blessed and felt our Father's love through the Christlike love of His children. So if you helped, THANK YOU!
Ethan and Charlotte are Timothy's biggest fans and, when it comes
 time to change his diaper, Mom's best helpers! 

An Unexpected Departure


A week ago, Sunday (July 1st), I decided to take Nero (our 6 year old greyhound) out for an evening walk. We were about 3 minutes away from returning home, crossing through a park in our neighborhood, when out of the darkness two pit bulls (or possibly pit bull terriers) came charging at us. I had my headphones on at the time and before I knew it, the two pit bulls were on top of Nero, biting and snapping! Since it was night time, there is an HOA rule about leashing your pets, and how fast it all happened, I was caught entirely unaware.  Usually, if a neighbor's dog comes up to greet Nero, they just sniff each other and that's the end of it - but not this time.

This is how we would often find Nero sleeping
(actually sleeping), with one leg extended, the other
bent, belly up and living the dream.
The owner of the dogs quickly appeared (she had apparently been in the park with them) and, screaming at them, tried to pull them off of Nero.  I managed to use one hand to rip one of them off of Nero by the collar and then, tried to use my other hand to pull Nero away from the remaining dog. My efforts were in vain, though, as the second animal had a death grip on one of Nero's hind legs, creating a gaping, bloody wound. In hindsight, perhaps I should have kicked that remaining dog so hard it would have had to let go, but the owner was right there trying to restrain the animal and I was busy trying to keep the other dog at bay - not to mention the possibility that the dog may then have turned on me...

Finally, the owner was able to rip the dog off of Nero but the damage was done. The whole incident having taken place over the course of about 45 seconds, I was still in shock. The lady kept apologizing, screaming for her husband (who lived in a house just outside the park) and saying she would take full financial responsibility. I quickly handed over the other dog and tried to put some distance between us. I wasn't super concerned with getting her phone number as I knew where she lived (just one street up from me) but was deeply concerned with getting Nero away from the other two dogs and to the animal hospital.

It took Nero a minute to get up but once he did, he hobbled along on 3 legs as quick as he could to get some distance between him and his attackers. I carried him several times when he couldn't walk any further but, given his size, my weakness, and the fact that his injuries were pretty severe, it took a little while. I tried to call Lexie but our cell coverage was sketchy and, when she did answer, I had already put my phone in my pocket.

To make a long story shorter, I got Nero home, my nephew came over to watch the kids so that Lexie, Timothy and I could drive Nero to the nearest animal hospital at about 10:30pm. I sat in the back of the Traverse with Nero who was breathing heavily, though not bleeding as much as I would have thought (it turns out the injuries just missed his femoral artery - otherwise, he would have bled out right there).

The hospital admitted him, put him on some pain meds and assessed the damage. Not only were they uncertain about the extent of the trauma, he was going to need reconstructive surgery, several days stay in the hospital, and might have lost the leg anyway. On top of that, he had more bites and cuts than I had thought (besides just the leg) and there was a possibility of a lung puncture.  When faced with his traumatic and uncertain condition, coupled with the incredibly expensive preliminary estimates, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to put him down. We were blessed in that they let us see him for a few minutes and provided us with his paw print in clay to remember him by. It was a rough evening, and pretty hard to explain to the kids the next day.

Nero was currently on pain meds, which explains his
calm demeanor and friendly smile. The office staff
were gracious enough to put a blanket over the wounds
- we didn't dare look at them.
I went to the neighbor's house a few days later and, fortunately, she was more than willing to cover the medical expenses, as well as the adoption and transportation fees for another greyhound, should we decide to get one in the future; we can never replace Nero, but we would still be interested in inviting another greyhound into our home, to love and be loved by our family.

My plea to all dog owners - please keep your animals on a leash! It may seem inconvenient, but it would have prevented this tragedy, and possibly much worse.  Accidents happen, but simple, responsible preventative measures can certainly minimize those incidents.

The Age of the Minivan


The next day (so last Monday), we had made arrangements to trade in our Traverse and possibly get another vehicle. We had warning signs of a probable, serious, future mechanical issue in our Traverse, so we decided to trade it in and ended up getting a 2012 Toyota Sienna. It was really frustrating, since we had bought the Traverse (a more expensive, newer vehicle than we usually get) so that we could maintain it, keep it, and drive it for the next 10+ years. Unfortunately, the issue that was presenting itself could have been a huge headache so we decided to take the hit and just get another vehicle.

The upside: We love the van and were able to get much better financing through a local credit union than the dealership initially offered, which was a blessing.


Saturday, January 26, 2013

Rocky Point, Mexico 2012

It was a Bates Family Vacation to be remembered, that's for sure.  Everyone was able to come and we had a lot of fun.  Since it was over 6 months ago, I don't remember too many details (except that Lexie and I got really sunburned!!) but here are some pictures.

We got caught in a monsoon after crossing the border on our way there - I've never seen it rain so much!! We could hardly see 15 feet in front of the car!

The Olympics were going on so we watched those quite a bit whenever we were in the condo.
 I got to practice my Spanish a bit with the people at the hotel and around town.  We went out to eat one night and it was delicious!
 We rented some jet skis and everybody got a turn or two - plus there were a number or pools to enjoy.
 We got some ice-cream at the "Thrifty" ice-cream store.
 Like I said, Lexie and I got sunburned pretty badly - even after we applied sunscreen!
 We ate really well!!  Thank goodness for women who know how to cook delicious food!
 Mom introduced us to Mexican Train (a group game with dominoes), which was a lot of fun - although in this picture, they are playing Five Crowns.
 My beautiful wife against a beautiful backdrop - oh, vacation.
 I got some nice sunglasses for $6 - although Caleb is sporting the ones I found on the beach for free!
 Overall, it was a great trip and we're glad that we were able to go.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Something Inspirational

I recently heard a quote from an old friend of mine that I really enjoyed.  I thought it would be worth sharing so I threw this little image together.



Thursday, August 30, 2012

Top 10 Things to Do with a Tennis Ball



Photo Credit: Horia Varlan
This may seem like an odd thing to talk about ... and I guess it is. My rationale is that, since we are moving soon, I need to find a purpose for everything that we are loading into the U-Haul - or there's no reason to keep it.  

Note: we have 3 tennis balls from our wedding that we have yet to use.

Thus, without further ado, I give you ...


The Top 10 Things to Do with a Tennis Ball

  1. Throw it in the Dryer 
    • It keeps clothes from getting tied up so that they dry properly.
  2. Play Fetch with the Dog
    • Hopefully, your dog doesn't have O.C.D. or it may never stop retrieving it.
  3. Hang it from a String in the Garage
    • Once it bumps against your windshield, you'll know that you've pulled in far enough.
  4. Play Catch with a Friend
  5. Sneak One into a Dodge Ball Game 
    • Those rubber balls don't even compare.
  6. Help the Young and the Elderly
    • Believe it or not, there are companies, such as Tennis Ball Cutter, that put them on the bottom of chairs at schools to reduce noise and keep the floors cleaner.  Not to mention, the elderly, who use them with their walkers quite regularly.
  7. Low-Cost Entertainment
    • Cut a small hole, fill the ball with peanut butter and watch your dog go crazy trying to get it out.
  8. Miniature Flotation Device
    • It could save your life ... could be used in a swimming pool, lake or bath tub.
  9. Baby Toy
    • Hopefully this doesn't rule me out as a future father, but a baby could suck on/play with one of these, right?
  10. Hit it Back at the Ball Boy
    • So that he can make an amazing catch (see video).


Oh ... and I guess you could Play Tennis.


What do you think?  How else would you use a tennis ball?  Please, leave your comments below.


Saturday, August 25, 2012

Disneyland Trip 2012



"The Happiest Place on Earth" never ceases to impress.  At the end of June, Alexis and I hopped in the suburban with the Long family and drove to none other than Disneyland.



Our first stop was to Uncle Jim and Aunt Leigh's house for about a day to hang out, catch up and kill some time (since the house that we rented wouldn't be available until the next day).

 

 The kids had a lot of fun playing the Wii.


Then it was off to the rental home which came complete with a pool, pool table, ping-pong table, bundles of bedrooms, a Wii and enough beds for Everyone ... except Alexis and I, that is.  


We didn't mind though since by the time we laid down on our air mattress, we were usually so exhausted that we could just as easily have slept on the floor.  


Lionel and April showed up with their kids that afternoon.  It was fun to surprise the kids because they didn't know that they were going to Disneyland or that we were going to be there!  It was a lot of fun to have everyone there.












Bright and early the next day, we were off to Disneyland itself.  It is surprising how short the lines are when you show up at 8am.


We spent some of our time with the Hamiltons (though they spent most of their time on the kiddie rides), much of it with the Longs and a few hours one day doing our own thing.  


We had to wait in line twice to get on the Materhorn because it broke down the first time.  It was fun but not my favorite ride in the world - too bumpy and it jerks you around.  Don't get me wrong, I love roller coasters but this one is from an older generation and not quite as smooth.


We spent most of our time riding the "big kid" rides such as Space Mountain (3-4 times), California Screamin' (4-5 times), and the Tower of Terror (5-6 times) over and over again.


Another reason that I love my wife - she loves roller coasters just as much as I do!


Since we had a 3-day pass, we were able to see both of the evening shows: Fantasmic and World of Color. They were pretty sweet!  I'd definitely recommend it to anyone that makes a trip to Disneyland.


Reliving "Star Tours" again was pretty awesome - since that was my favorite ride when I came as a 6 year old.


At one point, Lexie accidentally dropped her mom's sunglasses (that she was borrowing) in the public toilet! Yuck!  If it weren't Disneyland, I'd be a bit disgusted.


We found out that there is a 'secret' passageway through the castle that explores the story of Sleeping Beauty.  It was pretty cool.


Splash Mountain was fun - especially when it broke down while we were still on it!  They turned on all the lights, helped us out of the boats and escorted us downstairs.


They took us to the Disney back lot, which is, surprisingly, not that magical.  It's just got some trailers, parking area and dumpsters.  They did give us a free "Fast Pass" for the inconvenience though.


The parade was pretty fun - although the ground was flaming hot to sit on for any length of time.



In short, Disneyland was awesome - just like always.  I may gripe about the price but you do get your money's worth.


FYI: Keep your eye open for discounts offered through AAA and other companies with which you may be affiliated - they can provide pretty good deals.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

3 Tips to Succeeding from Day One


You know what I like about tips?  They're free and, hopefully, worth more than you paid for them!  Here we go:
Chart Out Your Semester
Generally speaking, professors spend the first day of class going over the syllabus and talking about what textbooks you need.   The exception to this rule is Eddie Davila - awesome Supply Chain professor - who intentionally dives into course material on the first day to reward those who attend the first class (or to punish those who don't, however you want to look at it).
Use the first few days to review the course schedule and write down all of the assignments (at least the major ones) and their due dates into either your planner or smartphone.  If you are really bright, you'll give yourself automated reminders that sound at least 1 week in advance; that way, you'll never end up doing things at the last minute.
I can tell you, from experience, that this has been an invaluable tool in helping me stay on track - especially once the semester gets rolling and it feels like you have something due every other day!
Sit in the Front Row
Why?  Here a few reasons:
  1. Helps Develop Rewarding Professor/Student Relationships - Professors notice/get to know the students in the first row (unlike those who sit in the middle or back of a class of 300).  If they know you and vice-versa, it is easier to ask for help and/or future recommendation letters.
  2. Motivates Consistent Attendance - When you don't show up, the professor often notices and comments.
  3. Encourages Punctuality - It is a long walk to the front of a classroom if you are 15 minutes late.
  4. Helps You Focus - Most of the kids in your classes will have laptops and at least 3/4 of those will be on Facebook, YouTube, ESPN or some other website.  Sitting in the front will help you to focus on the material, rather than on the YouTube video the guy in front of you is watching.
  5. Less Time Studying Later - If you sit in the front row, you'll likely pay attention and take good notes.  Do you know what that means?  You'll spend that much less time studying outside of class because you already learned it in class.
Start Studying at Least 1 Week Before the Test
Question: What is more effective?
  • Studying for 20 minutes every day for a week or...
  • Studying for  3 Hours right before the exam?
If you have taken MAT 210, you might have noticed that 3 hours is more total time than 20 minutes each day for a week (140 minutes or 2.33 hours).  Nevertheless, I can promise you that 20 minutes effectively spent reviewing for an exam each day for a week will help you to internalize/understand the material better than if you were to try 'cramming' 6 weeks worth of material into your head in 3 hours.
Studying in short bursts:
  1. Encourages productivity (because you only have 20 minutes).
  2. Prevents drowsiness (so long as you don't study in bed).
  3. Is easier to talk yourself into doing!  It is much easier for me to tell myself that I will study for 20 minutes and then go eat some ice-cream than it is to condemn myself to 3 hours of cramming followed by a 1 hour mid-term!
If you will spend the first week charting out your semester, consistently sit in the front row and start studying at least 1 week before each test, I promise you that, at least by comparison, your grades will soar and you'll feel a lot less stressed!
I'd love to hear any "Tips for Success: that you may have.  Please, comment below!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Cell Phone Jerk

Please don't be a cell phone jerk.  


Cell phones allow us to be constantly available but it is important to know when to 'hang up' the phone.  It seems that most people recognize the importance of "netiquette" in the digital realm--such as using respectful language, NOT WRITING WITH CAPS LOCK ON and not writing anything that you would not be willing to say to someone face to face--but I've noticed that many are failing to understand the importance of cell phone etiquette with respect to those around you.


The following video will explain more thoroughly:   

What can we learn from this video: 
  1. Bluetooth is fine, just make sure that those around you don't think that you are talking to them.
  2. Business meetings, bathrooms (awkward), and restaurants are not appropriate places to carry on cell phone conversations.
  3. Do not text, check your email, or play Angry Birds while driving--beating level 25 is not worth killing someone or crashing your car.
  4. Learn to unplug (every once in a while)
  5. Those who drive while talking have the reflexes of a senior citizen (no offense Grandma).
  6. Lastly, try not to let your phone take priority over / annoy the person right next to you!
  7. In fact, the National Safety Council reported that phone conversations cause drivers to become "more emotionally engaged" and "less attentive to safety signals" ("Unsafe Driving in,").  Furthermore, according to Nationwide, "distractions from cell phones" reduce reaction time to that of a person driving with a "blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent" (Nationwide).  In short, be smart and don't goof around with your phone while driving.
Remember, children mimic their parents--so be careful!
Note: this was an assignment for class--thanks for reading!
References: 
Nationwide. (n.d.). Driving while distracted: Statistics to know. Retrieved from http://www.nationwide.com/newsroom/dwd-facts-figures.jsp
Unsafe driving in the cell phone era. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cellphonesafety.org/vehicular/era.htm