One Day at a Time

I know I say this a lot...but "Life is Good!" Everyone has their ups and downs but if we just choose to smile and see the good in things you really can see that life is good :)

This February has been pretty low key. We didn't do much just focused on eating better and getting more exercise. It's been warming up in North Dakota and I'm hoping that we don't get anymore storms. Some days I look outside and it's so sunny and the snow looks like it should be melting...so I step out to breathe in fresh air only to find that it's 18 degrees not....45! I always check my outside temps now and don't trust the sunshine.

A few weeks ago I decided to paint my bedroom and change it up a bit. When we moved in, we took the Winnie the Pooh room because it was the bigger room. The curtains were falling apart and I have no idea how old they were. I painted the room light beige and one wall is teal. We changed the furniture around, added a new bedspread and new curtains. It's so much more relaxing and I actually like to go in my room.

Our Bedroom

Kamille Update: She is growing so fast! Last week I put away her 24 Month and 2T. She is now wearing 3T and some 4T. She has been working on potty training a lot. Everyday after Devin leaves we take her pants and diaper off and I let her run around and play. She has her little potty but she really likes to use the big toilet. She knows how to flush and wash her hands and then it's chocolate time. She is doing so good! She's been watching ABC movies and playing ABC games on my phone. When I sing the song...she tries really hard but just mixes all the letters around. Her numbers go like this.... 1,2,1,2,1,.....3.....8,9,10! So we are still working on that. She does however know her colors! She's one smart 2 year old :)

Painting time!!! She loves to paint!

Waiting at the Dr. Office for Lillian to finish

Lillian's Update: When we went in for Lillian's dr. appointment, she was doing great. Her jaundice was all gone and she was already over 9 lbs. She is smiling so much more and loves Kamille. Sometimes I worry Kamille is going to hurt her or smother her...but when I look at Lillian she is just so happy. She is sleeping mostly through the night and I usually have to only get up once to feed and change her. She also likes to sit up and see everything.

weigh in time

The new little dress I bought her the other day

So I have been doing really good this month on eating better and exercising more. I am getting my week 4 measurements on Monday so I'm not sure how much I have lost, but I can see that I've lost inches already. My clothes are getting loose and I've been having so much fun.

Today!!! 2-24

Smiling :)

Left a few days ago....Right Spring 2015

Every morning I try to get up at 5:30 and work out. I do different things everyday. Sometimes I do just dance or a hard cardio workout. This one is my favorite!
For eating better we cut out a lot of carbs and sugar. No more pasta, rice, potatoes...etc. Here are some examples of what we are eating and it's all delicious!


I'm so glad that we are making these changes in our life. We are losing weight, we are happier, and best of all we are teaching our children to make healthy choices!

God be with you,
Kaylynn Jackson

January in the Jackson home started off wonderfully. We welcomed our new baby, Lillian Grace, on the 7th and we are so happy that she is here.

After the baby's birth it's been a quiet month filled with some cabin fever. After Thanksgiving last year, Devin and I didn't really go anywhere except to Dr. appointments and grocery shopping. We didn't want to be too far away when the baby decided to come. So we stayed home. Then after my c-section I'm supposed to take it easy for 6 weeks....so that comes to almost 3 months of hanging out at home. Well I couldn't take it. After 3 weeks postpartum I needed to get out. We drove to Watford to see my parents and then to Williston to see Devin's parents. We made it to church on Sunday and then went to Minot to go grocery shopping yesterday. It was so nice to get some air and walk around and get exercise.

Kamille is loving being a big sister. Her favorite thing to say is, "Can I hold it?" She kisses her baby, and likes to play with her head, hands and toes. When ever the baby starts to cry she says, "sorry" and "shhhh". I feel like overnight she decided she was going to grow up a ton. I've been working with her on colors and how old she was and potty training for months now. The other day she was on my phone playing on the "color app" and she knew every single color! At the doctors office, the doctor asked her how old she was and before I could tell her to say two...she blurted it out and tried her hardest to hold up two fingers. I was so proud. Then two days ago she asked Devin to take her to the potty while we were watching a movie. So he did and she went! Then she asked to wear panties and was really mad when we put a diaper on her at bedtime. I'm so excited to see her grow and learn these next few months, I'm so impressed with my little toddler.

Lillian is growing everyday. She makes little grunting noises when she eats and smiles when she sleeps. She loves to cuddle. When she is fussy I always check diaper, bottle, and snuggles and she is good to go. She sleeps a lot and lets me get plenty of sleep at night. She is getting stronger everyday and lifts her head up off my shoulder all the time. She also loves taking baths.

Devin and I have started back on Thrive. We were going to wait until I was cleared at 6 weeks, but I can't just sit around. I am feeling almost healed completely and yesterday we officially started! It's been excited. We got our starting weights and measurements and wrote down a few goals. Then we planned our exercise routines and meal planned for the next two weeks. This morning we were up at 5:15! I did my just dance for 20 min and Devin did his workout next to me (he refuses to dance and look funny). We can't wait for the snow to melt so we can get outside. I like going for morning walks and Devin joins me for evening ones. We also discussed how we want to get into riding bikes this year. for our meal planning we have cut out completely: pasta, bread, potatoes, rice, sugar, and soda. Basically we pick a meat, veggie, and fruit for dinner and go with it. I was surprised I actually figured out 2 week worth of meals.

This is my starting photo! I won't put my numbers out there...but this is actually the lightest I've been even before I was married. Inches are another story, I have a lot of stretched baby fat that I'm hoping to lose and tone :) Fun fact: Last year in February was the heaviest I have ever gotten and when I was 9 months pregnant I still wasn't as heavy as that! CRAZY!  Pounds lost this month: 32 ...but that's because I had a baby lol  (Excuse the messy bathroom photo)  I'll have to get a before picture of Devin soon.


God be with you until we meet again,
and I hope you have a FABULOUS 2017,

Kaylynn Jackson

As many know, the first birth of my daughter was a scary situation. I had really extreme preeclampsia, had to be induced, labored for 24 hours, my epidural was messed up, I was rushed into an emergency c-section and Devin wasn't allowed to be there. I was then cut open and since the epidural didn't work I could feel everything. The last thing I remembered was screaming before I woke up 2 hours later with a baby. Then I wasn't prepared for what came afterwards. Baby blues, unsuccessful breastfeeding, my husband lost his job and in the end ..... I had a beautiful daughter. She's now  two years old and I survived.

This time was so much different and way way better.


On January 6, 2017 I went to my regular doctor's appointment. My blood pressure was elevated and I also had elevated levels of protein. I knew that preeclampsia was right around the corner and so did my doctor. I needed to do a few blood labs and take a 24 hour urine test. (This is where I pee in a jug for 24 hours and then turn it in -gross right? and to top it off I had to fast after dinner 7:30 pm)

January 7, 2017

We turned in the urine around 12:30 and was told to wait 2 hours to hear the results. At 1:30 my doctor called me and said the protein was still elevated and I needed to come to Labor and Delivery for observation for a few hours. I was admitted and started paperwork around 3:00. An hour later my doctor came in and determined that my numbers weren't too bad but if we waited another day they would be. I had already decided that if I had any problems I would just opt for a repeat c-section. If I went into labor on my own I would try for a VBAC. So we were then waiting for another woman to have her baby and then we would go in for the c-section. It was Saturday so the hospital was pretty much empty. My doctor was the OB on call so it was just pretty quiet. At 6:00 Devin was dressed in scrubs and I walked to the Operating Room.


The anesthesiologist was really nice and told me everything they were doing. I got a spinal but they said it would feel like an epidural. I was so scared because of last time. The Epidural was one of the most painful parts. Devin wasn't allowed into the room yet so I had to hold on to the nurse. I then took a deep breath and said. "Okay I'm ready" I'm pretty sure I had tears in my eyes and was about to cry. The anesthesiologist laughed and then she told me it was already done and I probably couldn't feel my legs already. I didn't feel anything!!!! It was awesome.
Then I was laid on the table under all the bright lights. It was kind of weird because all the nurses and doctors helping were male (except the anesthesiologist). So they shaved the cutting area and lifted my belly with tape. Then they draped the curtain and Devin got to join me. Devin doesn't like blood or needles or any of that stuff so he kept his head close to mine and tried not to hear anything. I thought he was funny. Me on the other hand could kind of see the reflection in the lights above me. I couldn't see details just shapes. So that was cool.  At 6:35 my daughter Lillian Grace Jackson was born. She wasn't screaming so I was a little worried. I looked over and her eyes were wide-open and she looked so confused and very grumpy. I laughed because she was just so mad at the world. Devin got to go into the room with them to clean her up and weigh her. She weighed 7 lbs 13  oz and measured 19.75 inches. While they were stitching me up I was just so happy and relaxed I almost dozed off (but then remember I hadn't eaten for almost 24 hours...so I was just dreaming of a hamburger or ANYTHING).

Devin got to bring her to me and I got to see her little face. She was so beautiful.
After that I was moved downstairs for a half hour for observation to make sure everything was going well. When they were moving me I was wheeled past the waiting room and Kamille got to see me. She wasn't very happy that I was laid out on a bed, not moving, dressed in all the hospital stuff.
After observation I was moved back upstairs to the recovery room. My baby was brought to me and Kamille and my parents got to come in and meet her. I finally got to eat toast and broth that night around 8:30.

Recovery went well. I was up and moving the next morning after breakfast. Last time I spent 5 days in the hospital total and this time I was discharged with my little one in less than 48 hours. It was GREAT! This time around Devin has a good job that he is able to spend 9 days total with us. So now we are chilling at home, trying to get sleep, working through breastfeeding issues, stopping a toddler from loving her sister too much, and just enjoying life.



I'm so grateful for all our family and friends that have checked in and helped. We have had texts, phone calls, dinner brought, and so much love given. Thanks for being so awesome.
Until we meet again,
Kaylynn Jackson

Devin and I have been married for 3 years today!!! This past year was fantastic and I can't wait to see what 2017 has in store for us.

The first big thing we did this year was buy a HOUSE....We moved to Bowbells, a small town a few miles from the Canadian border. The school is K-12 and the Graduating classes are 4-8 (and I thought my hometown was small). To walk around the whole town is only 2 miles and we absolutely love it. We go to church in Stanley (40 miles away) and we do everything else in Minot (1.25 hours away).
Our house was built in 1912 and is pretty small. An older gentleman lived here before and had been vacant for a year before we bought it. It was in good working order and livable but needed a lot of updates (and a woman's touch)!
Here are our before and afters of the house so far (Next year we will have more to do too)
Living Room: Painted the walls, added crown and shampooed carpets.


Kamille's/new baby's Room: Painted walls and trim, and shampooed carpets

Kitchen: Removed Carpet, Painted walls, Painted cabinets, and painted hardware (still have to do counter-tops, back-splash, and flooring)



Dining room:
Painted walls, Removed carpets, and put in new laminate flooring

Outdoor shed: New coat of paint


The next fun thing is losing weight!!! Devin and I got on Thrive for two months and lost a lot of weight! :)

I was able to loose enough weight to get pregnant! In those two months I lost over 20 pounds and 30 inches. I felt fantastic and wanted to keep going. I can't wait for the baby to get here so I can get back to getting to a better self.

Kamille: Her hair is getting so long, she is over 3 feet tall and getting heavy. She is talking like crazy and picks up on whatever anyone is saying. She loves going to Nursery at church and she likes to play with her friends. Her favorite shows are Winnie the Pooh, Frozen, anything Minnie and Zootopia. She likes to eat rice and noodles and salad. She loves her Daddy and misses him everyday he works. We are working on potty training but she's taking her time and that's okay. She is way excited for her baby sister to get here and loves kissing and hugging my belly.


There were a lot of fun things that happened this year. My brother Justin married Brookelynn and we got to drive to Oklahoma!

Jacob married Danette in Twin Falls and we got to attend that one too!

We got to travel to Idaho and Wyoming for two family reunions! Camping with the Lloyd's and a Cabin retreat with the Jackson's

We are expecting our second girl in a few weeks and are so excited for her arrival :)


This past year has been so fun! I feel like we just keep going and going and never slow down. We always have something to do.
I hope this Christmas time we can slow down and remember the reason for the season. It's a time to reflect on the Savior's birth and a time to give to others. I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and a wonderful New Year. I pray that 2017 has many blessings in store for you and your family.
God be with you till we meet again,
Kaylynn Jackson

I feel like November just got here...and now it's pretty much December. This whole year seemed to fly by.
I closed down my photography business for the months of Nov-April. I'm starting up again in May but I really need to get ready for this baby and it's getting pretty cold out. It's nice to have a break but I miss taking pictures and meeting new people almost every night.


I got my results from my 3-hour glucose test and it's not as good as they want. So my doctor diagnosed me with Gestational Diabetes. I had to go to the diabetic educator and dietitian on the 11th. So I learned that I pretty much can't eat the good stuff (Grains, Fruits, some Veggies, Dairy and Sugar). At least I can eat some... just in moderation. It's really hard to change your whole diet when you are pregnant. I'm hungry all the time and sometimes just want to eat and not worry about how many carbs are in it. The really sad part is Thanksgiving and Christmas are filled with delicious carbs and treats.
If you have gestational diabetes their biggest concern is how large the baby is getting. So I now have to go in for ultrasounds every 3 weeks. Yesterday was my last one and our little girl was measuring 2 weeks early and 4 pounds already. I have less than 9 weeks until my induction date, so that's not good. I will probably have to get on medication next week after I have my doctors appointment.


I turned 25 on the 12th. It wasn't anything too exciting except that my sister from Idaho came to visit me for a whole week! My mom was up that night too and we had tacos and pumpkin bars. It was a lot of fun. The week my sister was here we traveled a lot. We went to Minot twice, Bismarck, and Watford. I showed her my favorite places to eat and all the fun stuff we can do in North Dakota. It was really sad when she got on the train to leave. I cried and Kamille was so sad too. She wanted to get on the train with her. My sister and I used to be enemies growing up. I remember doing anything in my power to make her angry (It's what little sisters do best). But now we are best friends. I miss and love her everyday. She is probably the only one I can talk to about anything in my life. I'm so glad I get to be her little sister.


Kamille has been doing good. She has so much energy and is happy all the time (except when we take family pictures). She is over 30 pounds now and it's really hard for me to carry her being 30 weeks pregnant, but I do what I can. Her favorite movies are Zootopia (she calls it bunny) and Frozen (Ana and Elsa). She loves to draw and color and she loves getting stickers. Her favorite food is salad (which is so crazy for a 2 year old) and she likes rice and noodles. She eats so well and I can't complain. I'm glad I don't have a picky eater on my hands yet.


Devin's brother Derek and his nephew Ethan came up for a weekend. Devin had work so we couldn't spend much time with them. But one night, his family came up and spent the evening with us. It was nice to see Kamille and Ethan play and fight over toys and just see the family almost all together with a relaxed evening in our home that we have been trying so hard to make feel comfortable.

Coming up for the rest of November we have Thanksgiving dinner with Devin's family in Williston and then we get to spend Friday with my family (Jacob & Danette and Justin & Brookelynn came up). On Saturday we finally get to put in our new dining room floor!!!! I'm so excited to get rid of the carpet. It's going to be so nice not vacuuming up food anymore.  Then one more doctor appointment and we are  into December. :)
I hope everyone has a fabulous Thansgiving filled with laughs, family, and good food! (and eat a slice of pie for me...because I can't)

God be with you,
Kaylynn Jackson