October

This month is our favorite month of the year! We got married about to celebrate 3 years of marriage, closed on our first home october 31, and now a year later having Stella! We have enjoyed being home so much! We have missed all the small things of what we like to call "normal life" :) We have been nesting a ton, and lots of projects together getting everything ready for this little one, and improving some things in our place. Jakey got a new truck it was overdue...He has been so patient these last 3 years selling his big truck for us to have money in the bank when we first got married. We were getting in trouble already with him doing pitching lessons, and helping out with this AAU team plus we found the perfect truck for him (my poor car hasn't left the garage in weeks) and its been really fun getting my pregnant self up in his truck. :P 

We had a great meeting with his agent last Friday to go over everything, and talk about teams and ones we are interested in and not..Jake and I are at peace with it all whatever happens! We are excited to see where God puts us in the country, and really just focusing on each other and preparing for Stella. Free agency start around October 25-Nov 1 and could go until Thanksgiving. I'm getting induced October 25, oh baseball will always make things interesting! ;) 

At our 36 week appointment we found out that Stella has been breeched. Our doctor ended up scheduling a c-section for October 15, and if she flipped October 25. We found this out Monday. Tuesday night I thought I was dying, I had so much pain all through the night and started googling (worst thing ever to do..) I wanted to hold off instead of going to the hospital, however ended up going first thing in the morning once I called my doctor.. They told us to bring all our bags just incase she decides to come and something wasn't normal. I knew in my heart she probably wasn't making her debut that day, but wanted answers of why I was in so much pain every movement I made. We waited forever in Triage. When we went back the doctor examined me, and told me she had flipped and why causing so much pain! We couldn't believe a day after she flipped on her own. My mother in law told us to have Jake talk to her, and of course everyone was praying ideally would rather natural than a c-section unless she was in danger or needed. This news was an answer to prayers! The pain I was having was her flipping as well as "growing pains" from the new position. I also have been measuring very small been stuck at 32 weeks for 4 weeks so they ordered an ultrasound to see how big Stella was and at 37 weeks she was a good 7 lbs! I am just "lucky" to be on the smaller side. Jake and I both were relieved to hear she has been growing and on track!  

I went to the doctor today and am 38 weeks 1 cm dilated 60% effaced so really she can come any day now, but he feels next week if it was his guess, and if not I will get induced October 25 at 40 weeks. We are not interested in letting me go over 40 weeks, there is no point, usually with first time moms you still end up getting induced. I am pretty uncomfortable daily, not sleeping, and pretty bad contractions that aren't consistent, not interested in having a 11 lb baby either :P So there you have it! 

Me top jake bottom 

Jake and I are over the moon excited! We both can't believe she will be here any day! 

Last night we pulled over some home videos with my parents and some I have never seen. We think stella looks more like me, but could be completely wrong! I have no memory of my brother, Ryan so getting to see him and how much he loved his sisters was just so amazing. I also loved seeing how much Ryley is just like Laura, and same with Lynsay and Kyler. I can't wait to see Jake and I in stella! The best gift my parents could do for our entire family is all those precious home videos. To be able to see/hear Ryan really no words to express how I felt. It makes me really sad knowing Stella won't meet him, BUT we will see him one day in heaven and I know he will get to see her from above smiling. 

Laura and I 

Pitching Lessons

Jake is offering pitching lessons in the southwest area during the off season! 

Specializing in mechanics, pitches, and the mental preparation behind each pitch.

For more updates check out his facebook page HERE

Goodbye baseball..

September 2 is finally here, and feels like yesterday I was packing up our life in Orlando sitting on the floor with my clothes surrounding me thinking we are back with the Rangers from a crazy whirlwind of 2 months with the Cubs, going back to what we know, our friends, teammates, and familiarity. I was so exhausted thinking how I could make it moving to Arizona again a few weeks later realizing I was carrying the best gift we could have asked for. I thank God for getting me through what seemed like then absolute chaos of another move across the country to Arizona for 6 weeks. We get through spring training get assigned back to Frisco. Jake starts out on the road so I unpack us get our place ready alone nothing went smooth in that move, then 3 weeks later we get called up to AAA Round Rock, luckily my in laws were in town and helped, but another interesting move.

Most of you have followed our blog since I've started it, and have read what I like to call our adventures. Nothing about this lifestyle is glamorous. Nothing at all! PERIOD. I wouldn't trade it for anything because its our life! This year was extra special to us for many reasons. We have grown so much as a couple, and most importantly in our faith. We have learned to rely on God, not on our own wants and how we think our life should be. We were able to purchase our first home, and now get to go home and enjoy it for a little bit before we bring Stella home. The timing on everything is just amazing. We were trying, but never imagined I would get pregnant as fast as I did. To have her in October means she gets close to 4 months with Jake home. The bond he will get with her and time is such a blessing! I don't know any other career that gives you 5 month vacation. Jake will work some doing pitching lessons and interpreting, but our goal is to just spend quality time together, and with our little girl before we start back up in February. I am looking forward to the small things, I have been on two dates in 7 months. I haven't had dinner with Jake unless I wait until 12-1 am after the game. Im looking forward to having him home every night with me, and not being alone half the month. No more facetime, dropping him off at 5 am to the field to fly out, picking him up so late when he gets back in, not talking to him from 2 pm-11 pm or later, sitting alone at the games. The list goes on! 

We are about to encounter a lot of unknown. I have stood by Jake from the day we met, and have really worked hard at understanding his career, and supporting him. There has been more downs than ups, and have learned to be very strong for him. I never realized how much of an impact I had on him, just like he does for me. I am a planner. That doesn't work in this lifestyle especially from here on out. Jake doesn't worry about anything (why we go so well together!) This week was a very emotional week. I came back out to Texas first of month, and Jake has been home only 5 days and traveling the rest. My parents did a spontaneous trip back out last Wednesday to be with me for my last week because Jake was gone 8 days. During that time I needed to pack up our apartment, cancel/schedule furniture pick up, get apartment stuff situated, get uhaul, have movers load it, return cancel all cable internet boxes, cancel water, electric, cable, internet, then turn on our cable and internet back home and get place cleaned situated for us coming in. Luckily Jake was able to help while on road with calling providers, but being 8 months pregnant nothing is easy and with me having bad Braxton hicks contractions it doesn't take much to start hurting. This will be our 5th move in 7 months. Today was the last day of games, and Jake will be flying in I pick him up at 12 am and we leave for our journey home at 4 am.

 We prayed so hard for a September call up to the majors, but that isn't what God had in store for us. I am so proud of Jake and what he has done this season! He is healthy, and had one of the best seasons of his career, and in AAA! That is huge! Today may be our last day as a Ranger too..We are free agents this off season. Since it is our 7th professional season and not on 40 man roster we become free agents and eligible to sign with any other team that is interested in us. We will go through this here on out in our career and technically jobless after each season until we get picked up or signed back (Scary huh?) The unknown and not being familiar is what scares me.  I'm not going to get into too much detail about this and we will cross this path when we get there after the world series. We are praying that God will guide our path, and decision to go with the best team for Jake whether that is Rangers or another organization. We don't know. As of right now our family is so excited to be traveling home tomorrow 18 hours (Jake wants to go straight through eek~!) and starting our normal life that we get! We are looking forward to putting baseball aside and being just Jake and Taylor. Thank you all sooo much for the support and prayers this year!!! They mean so much to us, and personal emails we have received! It has been a fun season and we are so excited to add a new addition to the Brigham family! <3 

July

Wow is this summer... month.... year... time... flying by??!? I can't believe its already July! Sorry been lacking on post lately! I just want to say thank you all for the emails and support over the last few weeks when we needed to make a decision! We felt the love from everyone and very happy with our decision. :)

This season has been a whirlwind!! We have learned so much, and are having a blast this season! Baseball will always have ups and downs sometimes more downs, but those can only make you stronger. The month of May was one of those. Jake really had a few bad outings, and was struggling mentally with the back and forth of bullpen to starting. The pitching coach pulled him in for a meeting, and ever since that Jake is a new pitcher. We are with a great group of people this year with Round Rock, and Jake has some amazing teammates who also have helped him through things. Most the team has been in big leagues some even for 10 years, another two world series champs, and now Manny Ramirez on our team (talk about cool!!?)

Jake is still back and forth from bullpen to starting because AAA is a revolving door with people getting called up (and down.) He has done so well with both roles especially in his last 7 outings 33 innings 2 R, 27 SO, 4 BB. So proud of him and how hard he is working!!! Phil 4:13 ! This is so awesome and getting the walks, and runs down! He has really stepped it up, and learning how to control the game as well as the team support plays amazing! They are a strong team and make unbelievable plays for Jake.  


The best game was against NM and 9-10 batters Jake faced were big leaguers or spent a good amount of time total of 2,247 games, 190 homers, 302 steals. Talk about intimidating??!? Jake dominated!!! He struck out Matt Kemp 3 times, and retired 10 batters in a row. All of us were going nuts! We don't take any of this credit and know God is letting this happen for Jake! It has been an amazing ride and just to be in AAA is a huge accomplishment and honor!

A pretty crazy stat my girlfriend posted the other day about baseball.

Little League- 2 million players
High School- 455,000 (23% little league)
College- 25,000 players (5% high school)
Drafted- 1,500 players (0.6% college)
Major Leagues- 750 players


Okay that really makes you think we are playing a poker game her haha! Such a blessing where God has taken Jake in his journey in baseball, and who would have thought from maybe age 3 or younger Jake in a picture with a bat and ball would turn into a lifelong dream and career! I'm sure thousands of baseball games the Brigham family have sat at not only for Jake, but all his brothers including Ryan coaching Jake to them going through drafted process to now. The support Jake has received way before I even came around has gotten him to where and who he is today. It makes me smile and I know his parents too from blowing his arm out pretty much having Tommy John surgery in 2008 to 2013 so strong and healthy! We know we will have more downs and not great outings, but so thankful for the good ones recently! :)

my everything

my little wild child..this is just a small glimpse of my future she kicked moved twirled poked for 30 minutes! 

Now onto why all of you guys follow my blog.. ha just kidding.....I am at my 6 month mark with pregnancy. I finally popped and am showing! I had my first person in the store ask how far along I was and I wanted to scream and hug her! I am so thankful this pregnancy (so far) has been a breeze. I may get pregnant quicker than I expected after this (take a deep breath Jake!)  She is very active all the time and 100% healthy on all my check ups and testing! I came home for about a month to enjoy some beach time, relax, finish her nursery, and her shower next week! I know its strange having a shower this early, but our life is strange. When I head back to Texas at the end of the month I won't come back until end of the season, and potentially could have her in Texas. I am having a BLAST planning and decorating her oh so cute nursery! Jake is thrilled about her closet we built, and all the clothes she already has! Hey she doesn't have any of the essentials, but will always be dressed cute what truly matters in life. It will be so hard being away from Jake this long again, but I really need to get a lot done at our place and feel like when we get back for the off season all I need to worry about is unpacking our baseball season and can bring a baby in--so weird to say that!!

Shes a tid freaky looking, but sooo cute 

whoa look at that belly!! 

baby shower

pregnant ladies

I have enjoyed the ladies so much on our team and has been an awesome season! 4 on the team are pregnant, and most have kids except for 3! The ladies put together a beautiful shower for all of us the day before I left, and spoiled us! What a blessing for these girls to barely know each other but the support we have is amazing! Here are a few pictures of the shower, and recent baby bump :) Again we appreciate all the prayers and support with Jake's career, and this sweet baby girl coming soon!! I want her here tomorrow, but probably best if I wait until October and think Jake feels the same way! haha Love you all!

before

before

after! closet for a princess :)

after

after not done with drapes

mirror is from my wedding I refinished 

A night of terror

Last night my biggest fear happened. Jake was starting my parents and I started to watch it as well as the Brighams at their home. Robin and I usually text after each inning incase we missed something or just feedback.. During the second inning a pitchers biggest fear happened...He hit the hitter in the head. Alfredo Marte came up to bat, 2 strikes, no balls...then next thing you know Jake throws his 92 mph fastball and pretty much slips out of his fingertips. Jake immediately jumps back knowing this isn't good, and starts to pray. Alfredo goes down. He is grabbing his face and Jake is shaken up about what he is seeing. Alfredo is down for a few minutes he gets up and walks off. This doesn't mean he is out of the danger zone. Jake walks next guy, and I think anyone would trying to shake off what just happened. He finishes the inning strong. We move forward game continues.

Jake had a pretty decent outing last night 3.2 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 2 strike outs. His night was finished from my biggest fear! Batter comes up to plate hits a pretty nasty pitch and immediately the balls returns in Jake's direction. It all happened so fast! Usually Jake can dodge the ball, jump, fall, slide, roll, ANYTHING..but this wasn't the case. All our hearts stopped and couldn't believe our eyes. Jake fell down to the ground and is bent over in pain. We have no idea where he got hit or what happened. The ball came back at Jake 95-100 mph. My mom makes a loud reaction like anyone would but I immediately had to leave the room got sick, and my phone started blowing up. My girlfriends out there started texting me within 2 minutes..that made me even more nervous because they turned it to a commercial, and we saw him get in the cart, leave back to the clubhouse for medical attention. My heart was pounding, I am trying to stay calm for Stella and to trust in the Lord that He is in control, and Jake will be okay. At the point I knew it was below his knees. I text him to tell him to call me as soon as he can..It was about 45 minutes until I heard from him. I had posted about it on twitter and I had about 40 people praying and giving us amazing support as well as all my girlfriends all over the country texting me. This is the amazing part about baseball. We ARE a family! It doesn't matter if we love, hate, or don't even know each other no one wants to see someone's husband injured. I finally get a text from Jake it is his shin...both the doctor and trainer think its broken, but taking him to hospital for x-rays. As I wait and pray I had a strong peace over Jake, and me as well. I know that was God 100% knowing I need to stay calm not only for me, but my husband, and most importantly Stella. Jake was pretty scared waiting for x-rays wondering all the scenarios what is about to happen to him with surgery, disabled list, etc..The doctor comes in and says it's a miracle it is not broken..Its a deep bruise that will have to be taken day by day..Jake couldn't believe his ears, and felt a huge weight lifted off of his shoulders! We were so thankful it wasn't broken as two medical people thought at the game! Our prayers were answered, and so thankful counting our blessings it wasn't any worse, at his face, chest, etc!


Unfortunately for Alfredo his diagnosis is much different from Jake's news. Jake was in the room next to him at the hospital. I told Jake he needs to go say something. He knows it was an accident, and any idiot who says differently is stupid..Jake was pretty nervous just not knowing how he would react. He went in and he was on heavy morphine, he barely opened his eye and Jake said "Im so sorry." Alfredo gave him a thumbs up. Jake left the room, and gave the trainer a note for Alfredo when he wakes up with a deeper apology. We found out from the doctors Alfredo has fractures in his skull, and cheek bone. I assume the helmet protected his life, but must have clipped his face pretty good. He will fly out to Arizona to have surgery and rehab..We heard his eye may be split at first, but thank the Lord it wasnt that. Alfredo will be fine, and will return to play baseball in the future. The guilt that Jake has from last night was awful. We are still asking for prayers for Alfredo and his family. Jake will heal and be fine...

Thank you for all who prayed and got in contact with me last night! We are so thankful for all the support we had! We love you all!

May

The last few weeks has been a little crazy in the Brigham household! We arrived to Round Rock Thursday to move, and I left to go home with the Brighams on Sunday for a visit. Lynsay was in town visiting, she just moved to the east coast when Matt got deployed back in March (please be praying for Matt, and all our military families!) Matt will be deployed until October! My sister and Kyler moved to North Carolina with her in laws.  Our family hasn't been together in about 10 months so it was great to see Ryley and Kyler together! They are adorable together and so cute about Stella! They know exactly who she is and love talking to her daily!

I have really really enjoyed being home! It's amazing how much I miss it when we are gone! I have been dealing with some issues with doctors not wanting to deliver me with our crazy lifestyle being back and forth in between doctors in Texas and here, some wanted to see me from beginning! I ended up extending my stay at home to figure all of that out so I can go back to Texas with a peace about doctors and hospitals. I am going to one doctor now and I have to agree to move home sometime in September. There are so many unknowns with our lifestyle, and I don't think I'm comfortable with that, so Jake and I are playing it by ear. We are willing to take the chance of having the baby in Texas depending on what this season holds for us! My doctor is aware that I am not in agreement to move home in September so she is willing to see my when I come home and we will figure it out as we go through the summer. I am coming home for a long visit in July to get a break from baseball, spend time with family, my baby shower, and finish her nursery up! I always try to do at least one long trip home during the season.

First AAA deput

I will be going to a new doctor in Round Rock sometime in June to get established. Some questions I have had multiple times.. I have already seen 4 doctors in the last 4 months of pregnancy. Every place we move I have to switch. We plan on having her at Winnie Palmer unless baseball changes that. We are so thankful to have her in the off season so Jake gets that time off with her until he leaves for spring training in February (5 months off of baseball!)  During the season she will sleep in a pack n play since we move/travel so much. I will leave her nursery the way it is here and then during the season is all realistic items and as little amount we can bring as possible! We do not rent our home out, so it will be set up for Stella and I to come home when we want to. We will still only be able to pack our car and thats it for the 7 months! This will be VERY interesting with a baby, but if he gets moved like 2 weeks ago I will have to move alone and with a 6 month old! I registered last week and to most may look weird because we have our "normal life" then baseball life with portable travel items, games every night for 7 months. We have bounced around the idea of me staying in Orlando for spring training to keep her on a normal schedule before April. When she is born I will automatically put her on "baseball schedule" that means not going to bed until 11-12 am at night once she is out of newborn stage to make it easier for the games! It has been a crazy season so far being pregnant and switching doctors which seems like every month so far! I am so thankful that my pregnancy has been a breeze for the most part! She already is a little traveler and adjust very well between all the stresses we have faced!


Baseball updates: Jake has been going back and forth between starting and relief. This is NOT the same type of pitching! It is two completely different parts/style of pitching (starting, relief, long relief, middle, and closer.) Those are all who pitch during a game usually depending on situation! Jake has been long-middle most of this season. The last few years been back and forth with starting and relief...I have mixed feelings about this, but i'll leave it at that for now! The last outing was awful..It was a crazy game and I almost had a heart attack watching...2 ip, 9 runs in 1 inning. No one will understand how I feel as well as our families watching someone you love so much, and just want the best for him get rocked around. I was so worried about him, and eventually turned it off because I do NOT do well with stress, and baseball I swear is God's joke on me with the travel, planes, crowds, traffic...all the things I hate! haha I have learned to deal with certain situations, but it will NEVER be easy to watch the love of my life struggle. I was so worried about him being upset but he was fine! He just said it was "one of those bad days at work, and next time I will do better." This is why he can do this sport and I cannot! With media these days that makes it even harder. I have learned not to look and stay off twitter on nights like that! I am sharing this because this is reality. Jake will have bad games, terrible days, and amazing days! God has been soo good to us already! We have so much to be thankful for, and we are not upset about these few little bumps we are facing unlike some! We are thankful for the opportunity, Jake pursuing his dream, a job, and so much more! I could not be more proud of Jake than I already am and can say the same for our entire family! We are so thankful to have this support system who we know is ALWAYS there at the end of this, they aren't fake fans ;)


I know many have asked about Jake and updates sorry for delay in responses! I try my best to keep up with this, and everyone to know what is going on! So thats the latest in our life! :) Thanks for all the support and prayers!!

Also please take the time to read this amazing interview about Jake's dad, Earl! I cried through the entire thing. One of the sweetest articles Jake has wrote! So proud of him, and to call Earl my father in law!

Round Rock

Jake has been doing amazing the start of our season! His family flew out on Monday to spend the week with us! We have had so much fun seeing my in laws, jakes brother and sis and hubby and of course miss Kennedy! On Tuesday night when I parked I saw that John Daniels (our GM) was here.. We knew someone was getting called up because a starting pitcher retired Monday, and another starter is unfortunately injured..it NEVER crossed my mind it would be us! The game is going great. The Hughes came as well so we had a huge crowd in our section! I did not think Jake would pitch and all of a sudden I see him warming up for the 9th inning to close. He hasn't closed yet, usually is middle relief. I thought that was interesting, but still do not think into it! The first batter up strike out so one out, it's 3-4 us one ahead...next batter up jake walks him. Then next a hit so two on, then good batter comes in and they walk him on purpose! Talk about my nerves going through the roof! Bases loaded one out!!!! Next guy jake is 3-2 strikes him out (we are going nuts!!) then last batter up same thing I was thinking DO NOT WALK IN A RUN!!! Don't do it jake! I couldn't even watch... The ump was terrible and calling strikes balls... Err!! Then again 3-2 fans are going NUTS, I am bent over shaking and can't watch and next I hear screams he struck him out!!!! It was soooo awesome and such an exciting time even though I lost 5 years off my life! Poor Stella girl....she probably was bouncing up and down thinking why is my mommy so stressed out?! It was such an awesome game and Jake got his 3rd save! We took pictures and went on field, then headed up to the family room like usual and a few minutes later Jake comes in and says "guess y'all are changing your flights back to Austin!!!" We all were so excited, a few tears shed and just joy!!! I couldn't believe my ears! I immediately start to worry thinking our apartment, bills, packing, moving (again), finding a place and all of the above!!! I am so thankful my inlaws and family was out here because it made it much easier to pack my entire place up in a day!! Jake flew out first thing this morning at 7 am to Iowa for one day, then they fly back tomorrow to Austin. Jake will start on Saturday then they will work him in to rotation in the bull pen! We have waited for this day for years!! Such an amazing experience to have his family out here to enjoy it!! We had to all change our flights from Saturday to Sunday to Orlando! I will actually be coming home for a visit and to get a lot of Stella's nursery done! I will only come home once potentially until she comes so having to get stuff done early!


Thank you all so much for all the prayers! They have been answered and one step closer to his dream! We owe all of this to our amazing Father above! We are so thankful and excited!!!!


Go round rock express!!!!