Eek... 32 Weeks

Okay, it is starting to get scary... I am so happy to only have two months left. Actually, the good news from this month is that my doctor has consented to induce me at 39 weeks if I want. So, that makes me closer to having this baby in six weeks. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! I know that a week doesn't make that much of a difference, but to me it is everything. I don't know if it is because it took us so long to get pregnant, the fact that I am more sore this time around, or the fact that because I am already mother I just want her here, but regardless, I am DYING to have this pregnancy over with. I don't remember being this anxious with Jack. Anyway, I love that my doctor is so open ( and that she is pregnant 2 weeks behind me) so that I am able to have Savannah here a week early. I know some people don't agree with that, but I have never been afraid of having the baby early... I think as long as it is after 37 weeks bring it on! :)

Anyway, I am thankful that it is the holidays because I think that is making it go by a little faster. I am excited for the new year, taking down the decorations and getting her room ready. Hopefully, all of those preparations will speed January along. That is partly why we have done NOTHING in preparation so far.

I am now onto my doctors appointments every two weeks. After gaining nothing from about 24 weeks until 28 weeks... of course in the last month I have gained about 7... I knew it was coming. That brings my grand total to about 24lbs... I am hoping for only 10 more, but I know that she is growing more than ever so I am trying to be really good. I am still working out. It is getting harder and harder however... The only thing that gets me there some days is the thought that I will lose my fitness if I stop so I plug on ahead. I always feel better after I work out though so I will do it as long as I can. Hopefully, to the very end. She is moving around like crazy all the time, growing well and has a strong heartbeat at every doc appointment. My doc appointments have been going okay, I guess. I passed my glucose test, although they said it was on the higher end of normal. I have to have it retested in a week. They are still a little concerned that I tested positive on the "syphilis" test at the beginning of my pregnancy. I guess this test is called "C-Reactive Protein" and the reason you test positive for it is: 1-- you are pregnant, but I guess this isn't very common, although I see it everywhere online, 2-- you have Lupus... which I and my doc highly DOUBT I have, 3-- you have some acute infection/inflammation in your body, which according to what I have read online can be caused by exercising or being pregnant, 4-- you have a blood clotting disorder... blah, blah, blah. In addition to being fed up with this pregnancy, I am also fed up with doctors! I have spent far too much time in the doctors office over the last 1.5 years! Anyway, I really think I tested positive on this test because I am pregnant and nothing more, but my doctor wants to make sure I don't have this blood clotting thing (or "sticky blood"). I guess it is good she is making sure. I am going to have all that blood work done on my next appointment. The only reason I am even mentioning this is because I want to remember for the next pregnancy... It seems that I had something like this during my pregnancy with Jack, but because I didn't keep good records and my doc didn't make a big deal about it, I can't remember. Oh, and I am anemic. All I have to say is just give me my baby and let me get back to normal!!!!

MANTRA: SIX AND A HALF WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!

Christmas Preparations

This Santa was weird... Jack came away saying, "He was mean..." Ah, good thing he's not the real one!


The family seeing the lights. It was packed!

Christmas is almost here! I can't wait. Jack has really gotten into it this year and is totally counting down the days. We wrapped most of his presents the other day and when he saw them under the tree he was so excited! I can't wait to see his reaction on Christmas Day! In preparing for the big day, we have baked sugar cookies and Christmas M&M cookies, gone to a few holiday parties, decorated Jack's room with lights and his very own 3ft tree, done the Christmas calendar (chocolate, paper chain and my family calendar), gone to see Santa, went and saw the lights at Temple Square and he has had a blast learning all the Christmas songs that he could. My favorite is that he loves Kurt Bestor. Jason and I were able to go see Kurt Bestor with some friends, but I really think we are going to take Jack next year. He loves listening to him and he pretends to play a trumpet anytime he is listening. He closes his eyes and really gets into it. He has Christmas flannel sheets on his bed and it just seems really magical this year. This past Friday, we took Jack on a "date." We had a gift card for Olive Garden so we took Jack to a "fancy" place to eat and he was so good. He sat and colored and we talked about Christmas and about Christ. We are trying to fit that in whenever we can. After dinner, we went and walked around Temple Square. It wasn't too cold and Jack really enjoyed being out on such an adult outing. I think he actually listened a bit to what we had to say about Jesus and he even listened to the narration they had for the nativity. It was a really fun night and made me so thankful for this little family of mine. Christmas is such a great time of year and having Jack enjoy it so much has made this my best year in a long time.

A Weekend Away...

Chester and Tex.

As you all know, my little brother is leaving on his mission on December 30th. He is going to Philadelphia. We are all really sad to watch him go, but know that this is something he needs to do and he will be a better man because of it. I think he is nervous, but really excited to get out there. Because he is leaving so close to Christmas and this is his last Christmas for a few years, we wanted to do something as a family. It needed to be pretty cheap since we (us and the newlyweds) don't have a lot of money. Kris had gone with her in-laws to Lava Hot Springs in the spring and said that it was a lot of fun. We looked into it and found a house to rent. We bought a lot of food, brought a lot of movies and went to the hot springs a few times. Jack loved going on a special vacation and being somewhere new. He loved the hot springs and I wished that I could have gone in. I probably could have, but I really didn't want to be jumping in and out in 15 degree weather since I wouldn't have been able to stay in very long. The house we rented was perfect. It was really cozy and reminded all of us a lot of my grandma's old house. We loved loved playing "Catch Phrase..." especially with my sister. I think we will always remember her trying to act out "quiet as a mouse..." (those little scramblers), "jolly on the spot..." "domestic goddess" "yanking a old man's chain" etc. No one cares about that, but I wanted to remember. We laughed a lot! We walked in and the first thing Jack said was "This is a cowboy house!" So, my dad made a big deal and called himself Chester all weekend and Jack Tex. I love my family! I hope that we can make this a yearly tradition. We did nothing and ate crap all weekend, but it was so fun to be together!

The Christmas Tree Farm

Jack was hiding his face from the wind and was not watching where he was going.


Finding our tree.


Helping Daddy get the tree to the truck.


The family.

There was a Curious George Christmas special on the day before Thanksgiving. We had already been thinking about going to a Christmas tree farm before that, but when George went and Jack watched the episode we knew that we had to do it! I think we have found the way our tree will be bought every year. It was really fun! Jason researched it and found a farm in Ogden that sold trees 10feet and taller for only $25! Anyone who knows me or my family know that a tall tree is a must! I definitely need something taller than my husband. So, we planned to go the day after Thanksgiving and make a day of it. We drove up around lunch time, stopped at Subway and headed on to the farm. Jack was so excited and he loved choosing the tree and "helping" Jason cut it down. There were quite a few good ones and although our trunk is crooked, we think that our tree turned out pretty nice. It was really nice to have it up and to be able to enjoy it for so long this season. Jack has taken to reading his Christmas stories by the tree and then falling asleep by the tree with me or Jason every night. When I want to get bugged by this, I think that he will only be this little once and I really want to make this season as special as I can. So, I think he will be sleeping by this tree for the rest of the month!

My sister and her husband chopped down my dad's tree (about 17feet) in the forest. They got a permit from their landlord and got a beautiful tree! I think next year we will try for a permit and go to the forest! It's the only way to go!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Thanksgiving this year was a lot of fun. My brother leaves on his mission on December 30th and it was my year to be with my family so we headed over to my parents house for the day. Jack was super excited to see what all the fuss was about. He had been talking about Thanksgiving in preschool all month. I hope he wasn't disappointed... it was kind of like any Sunday, but we still had a great time. We sat down to dinner and Jack said, "Is there any pumpkin pie in this place?" I think he had heard a lot about pumpkin pie and was wondering why a key piece of the meal was missing. :) It was pretty funny. We missed my sister and her hubby. It was her first year away with in-laws! Jack put on a show for us singing the songs and poems that he learned in preschool. We watched movies and enjoyed being together. Later that night, we headed over to Jason's parents. We are lucky that we live so close to both families.

I am thankful for quite a bit this year... We have been very blessed and I don't think we should ever really complain about anything. I am blessed that we have a beautiful house in a wonderful neighborhood. I am blessed with our neighbors and the support and love that we are surrounded by. Jason is happy to have a job in this unsteady economic situation. We are so thankful that I am able to stay home with Jack and the medical transcription job that allows me to do that. I'm thankful for our dog and the happiness that she brings to Jack. ( I don't think that Jason is that thankful for her!) I'm thankful for my friends, my health and both of our families.

Most of all... this year (and probably every year to come) I am thankful for my family that I am creating with Jason. Jack brings me more happiness than I can even put into words. It really is something to watch your child blossom into a little person. He is an awesome kid. He has a wonderful personality, a kind heart and just a GOOD spirit. I love everything about him and I am finally feeling like I get what everyone talks about when they talk about a parents love. I would truly do anything for him. I know that Jason would as well. I am super thankful to be pregnant right now. I guess. :) But, seriously, we tried and tried! I am so happy that Jack will have the opportunity to be a big brother and have the blessing of a sibling. I love my siblings and would not want to be without them. I think Jason and I are appreciating it more this time around because we can feel the love and joy that Jack brings into our home. It will just double with Savannah. I was always nervous about loving my next child as much as I love Jack, but over the last couple of months I know that it will not be a problem. A parents love is a great blessing and I am so thankful to be a mommy!!

I am thankful for my wonderful hubby and the wonderful father he is. Whenever I get nervous about raising my kids or making it in this world with as scary as it is, I am reassured to think that I am in this thing with him and because of that we will all be alright! I love him!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Bring on Christmas!

Oh, he's so cute!

I am going to do the yearly Thanksgiving post next weekend, but I just have to say... I'm so excited for Christmas. I think Jack's face says it all! He can't wait... we have all our shopping done and most of our decorations out... It's going to be such fun!

28 Weeks!

28 Weeks!

I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! I am finally at seven months and when I say that I am due in February people are getting excited and not looking at me in pity because it is so far away! It is just around the corner.

This month wasn't very exciting. I feel like I am just waiting now. I enjoy feeling her jump and move around like crazy. Jason and I were actually able to lay in bed and watch her the other night. It seems like we should have done that already, but I really have a hard time remembering that I am pregnant this time around. I said to my friend the other day that I need to get my act together and realize that I will be having a BABY in two months and so I should probably start to get things together. We do have clothes and stuff... and we are planning to get her room ready after the holidays. But, still I feel like I haven't really given her the proper amount of attention because I am so busy with Jack!

I haven't ran again since my last post and I miss it! I know the pain won't be worth it though so I am content to cycle and lift for now. Cycling still feels awesome and I think I will be able to do that until she comes. Weight lifting is still okay, but I will probably have to drop weight down in the next little bit. According to my own scales, I have only gained 1lb this month!! YAY! I am hoping that holds true for my doc appointment after Thanksgiving! I go again on the 2nd of December and have my glucose test. I hope that I don't test positive again. With Jack, I tested positive and had to go in for additional tests and that was awful. Of course, it came back negative so it was just a waste of time. Hopefully, I can avoid that this time. In the meantime, we are enjoying the beginning of the holidays and I am so excited to be a part of making this baby girl during such a special time of year! I can't wait to meet her!

Zoo Babies

Baby elephant and her mommy.



My friend Kari and I took our boys to the zoo the other week to see the new babies. It was a beautiful fall day and I can honestly say that I will NEVER EVER go to the zoo in the summer again. The animals were so much more playful in the cooler weather and the babies were so cute! I especially loved the baby elephant. She was following her mom around and trying to eat whole pumpkins. She was just like a baby, very playful and curious... and unstable on her feet. It was a fun day and a nice goodbye to fall. Jack and Coleman always have fun together!

Animal Love

Jack saying goodbye to the kitty.


Jack taking care of Zoe after her operation.

We have had a couple of interesting weeks involving our animals. First, we have said goodbye to a loved member of our family. Our kitty, who we had for about five years, has found a new home. She actually went back to our friends who originally gave her to us. We have thought about giving her away for sometime, but have loved her so much that we had a hard time actually doing it. But, Jack is not the softest when it comes to animals and Zoe definitely did not respect the kitty's personal space. My friend, Celeste, called and asked if we would consider giving them the kitty since her daughter loooves cats, especially white ones and they desperately wanted a pet. We thought about, talked to Jack about and finally decided that it would be best for her if she went to a less crazy household where she wouldn't be tormented by little boys or dogs. She was seriously the best cat ever and we loved her a lot. We are happy that we can see her anytime we want and that she has a good loving house now. Jack talks about her every now and then, but Zoe keeps him fully occupied for the time being. It is working out for all of us. Jason especially loves not having a litter box to clean!

After we gave the cat away, we got Zoe spayed. We knew her "time" was just around the corner and I definitely didn't want to deal with that. We found a vet and took her in. It was really nice to have her so calm for a couple of days and it was nice for Jack to have a chance to take care of her. She has since become a little bit more a part of our family and we have learned to love her a little more. Jack especially loves her to death. It is worth it to have her to see them play together. She seems to miss the cat, however. :)

Halloween

Buzz Lightyear


All of our pumpkins. We got one for Savannah.


Jack and one of his teachers.


His preschool class.


His own pumpkin from school.

Our Halloween week was super fun. Jack is at such a fun age. I seriously CAN NOT wait for Christmas this year! We started the week out by going to our ward Halloween party and the Spook Alley that I went to as a little girl. We did it last year, but Jack might have been too young. This year was perfect. He was totally into it. He was a little scared, but he would try to scare everyone anyway. It didn't matter that he was covering his eyes as he was yelling BOO, right?? It was cute. The people working there were great and acted scared each time he yelled BOO. He left each one by saying... "Thanks for being spooky." The chocolate doughnut was a hit and it was the first time we have gotten him to drink hot chocolate. He now loves that as well. The ward Halloween party was super fun as well. Jack and I made a Black Cat cake for the cake walk and he loved the little spook alley they had at the church.

A couple of days later, we were able to take Jack to his grandma's dance studio to trick or treat. It was the first time that he really understood that he was really going to get a lot of candy! He had a good time showing off his Buzz Lightyear costume to all of her dancers.

On Thursday, Jack had his Halloween party at school. They were so cute dressed up in their costumes. They did a little parade around the street and performed their Halloween songs for us in the driveway. He loves loves loves preschool! He also loved that his teachers were dressed like the Cat in the Hat.

On Friday, we had a really busy day. I took him downtown to Wells Fargo where I used to work and he totally filled up one plastic pumpkin with all the goodies he got there. We then went to Jason's work. That night we carved pumpkins and watched "Casper's Scare School..."

On Saturday, Jack woke up ready to trick or treat but had to wait until it got dark. Our ward had a fun trunk or treat that we hit first and then we made our way down the street with a couple of Jack's friends. He filled a whole other pumpkin! He loved being Buzz Lightyear and he now is sad that Halloween is over. I am trying to give Thanksgiving the proper respect so we are not decorating yet for Christmas, but I kind of want too! I think preschool will be good this month so that Jack actually learns about Thanksgiving.

24 Weeks... POP Goes the Tummy!

Here I am at 24 weeks. Officially at six months! I'm happy to be here and have to say that the last four weeks have been rather dull. I was thinking about what to even write about and the only two things I could think of were the facts that my tummy seems to have doubled in size in two weeks and all the swine flu hoopla.

I am still feeling pretty good, but every morning I feel more and more pregnant. I was asking Jason the other day why my pelvis always seems to be sore and why I seem more worn out this time around and he pointed out that when I was pregnant with Jack all I did was sit in an office all day and come home and watch TV. I am so much more active with this one. I did workout with Jack, but I only cycled four times a week and I was very modest with my exertion. I am still feeling pretty good working out. I am lifting weights twice a week, cycling three times a week and running. However, the running is now at an end I think... Actually, I am pretty sure. I tried to run yesterday and I had a hard time getting myself to the mile because the minute I started even walking my pelvis started to hurt... I can just feel all the weight right there and so it is becoming very painful. I have discovered the Stairmaster and think that will be my substitute until March when I can hopefully run again. I have gained a total of 17.5 lbs. I feel pretty good about that. My weight gain has slowed somewhat. Hopefully, it will continue to be modest as the weeks go on, but I am mentally okay with gaining 15-20 more. So, we will see.

I am also more tired and sore this time around because I am chasing after a 3 year-old all day. Jack is such fun and he is getting so excited about the baby. We have decided to name her Savannah and he has felt her kick a time or two and Jason was able to feel her as well. I am feeling her all of the time and I love that!

The drama from this month was to due with the swine flu hoopla. I was really hesitant about the whole thing at first and really didn't see the point in all the fuss, but I guess the media was successful in the scare tactic, because they officially freaked me out. I started to really think about it a few weeks ago when my mom was asking if I was going to get vaccinated. There is a lot of back and forth in the media about the vaccination so I wasn't sure. But, as the weeks went on more and more stories crept cropping up about little 5 year-olds dying in three days and pregnant women dropping like flies. So, I started to do the research about the whole thing. I finally came to the conclusion that it would probably be best for Jack to get vaccinated. I took him a week ago and he has done really well. He was around a few sick kids this past week and so far seems fine. I called my OB about myself and they said they were not going to get the shot and to wait for the health department to get enough in. I found out on Wednesday that yesterday (Saturday) they were going to have the first mass vaccination in the SLC valley. They were getting 7,000 doses and pregnant women were in one of the priority groups to get the vaccination. My friend and I decided to go. At first, we didn't think it would be that big of a deal and so we decided to get up at 6 to be there for the 7am open time. She talked to her hubby and he thought we should get there earlier so he offered to go at 5am and get in line for us. That was the plan clear until Friday night. Jason and I were watching the news and they happened to show the health center in Sandy where we were going the next day. It was 10pm and people were already lining up. 5am suddenly didn't seem early enough! Jason is such a sweet hubby (seriously don't know what I did to deserve him) and he offered to get up and be there by 3am and wait for my friends hubby at 5am so we could get a place in line. So, that's what they did. My hubby woke up at 230am and was in line by 3am. He got us in places 98, 99 and 100. (My friend brought her 4 year-old as well). He came home at 5am when our friend took over and I asked him if it was worth it to go and he said that he bet most of the doses were already spoken for by the line and so it was totally worth it to go. My friend and I got there at 630am and the line was unbelievable!! I have never seen anything like it. The public is really freaking out about this whole thing (myself included) and I bet there were thousands of people in line. We were so lucky to be so close to the front. We were in and out of there by 730am. The line stretched for blocks and blocks... In the paper today they said that by 630am at the Sandy clinic there were over 1,000 people in line and more coming all the time. All the doses at that clinic were spoken for by 730am. It was NUTS! I think that the SLC valley is now completely out of the vaccination and will be waiting until they get more in mid-November! I have to say that I love good hubbies and I am so thankful that Jack and I have our vaccination!! Now, hopefully Jason doesn't catch it before he can get his. We are sanitizing like crazy!!

Anyway, that was my last month!! I am due for another appointment on Tuesday and am looking forward to the weeks going by fast as the holidays come closer! Come on baby girl!! Can't wait until FEBRUARY 11th!

Halloween Fun

The kids.


The witch. Can't remember her name.


He's so strong!



I love this time of year. I really think that it is in the top for me as far as seasons go. I like summer as much as the next guy, but there is something about this time of year. Jack is an absolute ball this year and is loving everything that has to do with Halloween. We have our house decorated to the hilt and his costume is waiting to be worn. He loves to drive down the street and point out that all of his friends are ready for Halloween as well. He loves the Halloween store and he loves all his Halloween songs he is learning in preschool.

We have done a few fun things so far this month. We have made it to Gardner Village a couple of times. The first time, I took Jack on my own in the afternoon and we walked around and saw all of the witches. They really are cute! We also indulged in a pumpkin cookie and that made it even more successful. We then went back with our neighbors to go on the Witch Hayride. It was a lot of fun, but probably not worth $15. You got a hayride (looking at some great scenery) that took you to an old box car which was serving as the witches house. The witch was there waiting for us and we spent about 20 min walking around her house and listening to her stories. The house and yard were decorated soo cute and there was a lot of detail. The kids loved it and so I guess it was okay to pay the money, but we might think twice about both adults going next time! We had such a great time with our neighbors! I love this neighborhood!

We also have gone to the pumpkin patch. Jack goes again for school next week, but we still wanted to go as a family. Jack had a fun time testing his strength for carrying pumpkins and he wanted a lot more than the four that we got. It will be really fun to carve them! I am really looking forward to the next two weeks! This holiday season is going to be the best. It is like I am a little kid again when you have a little kid around who is starting to understand the whole thing and is so excited!! I love it.

Cooking... AUGH!

So, I ventured out a bit yesterday... It was a gloomy type of day. I have been craving some fall/Christmas smells and my dad has an excess of apples from his two trees, so I decided to bake an apple pie. Now, before you think I am super cool... I have to confess that I bought the crust from the store and the recipe was really for more of an apple cobbler instead of an actual apple pie, but hey... Jack and I gave it go. Now, I remember why I hate cooking. It took so much work and mess and although the apple pie was delish... was it worth the time?? I also made chicken cordon bleu FROM SCRATCH, might I add, so in total I was cooking about two hours. And at the end, I was pleased to smell the apple pie baking and have a nice dinner that night (and for many nights to come). But the mess! And I was so tired... Is that normal? Anyway, Jack is really starting to thrive off of home cooked sit down meals lately. Whenever we ask him what he wants for dinner he says, "Something hot." So, I guess the moral to this story is that I will just have to suck it up and learn how to cook. I'm not saying that I will ever love it... but, that apple pie WAS good. If I do say so myself.

20 Weeks and Half Way Done!!!

20 weeks.

WOO HOO! I have finally reached the half way mark in this pregnancy. It feels good to finally be in week 20. I think that the first 20 weeks pass by so slowly. It has been a pretty eventful four weeks. First, I have gained an additional 4lbs, so now I am up to 13lbs total. I guess that isn't too bad. As much as it pains me to look at the scale, with Jack I have no idea how the weight came on or even really what I ended up at, so I am trying to be more informed this time around. I am pretty sure that I gained close to 50lbs with Jack and I am really trying to limit the weight gain as well. So, I have been holding steady at 140lbs for about two weeks... I know that the 10lb jump is just around the corner... I am trying to brace myself. I am trying not to eat any junk except for on Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. So far, it is working out okay... I'm nervous about the holidays coming up! Anyway, enough about the weight gain... I know it is going to happen and I really am trying to be okay with it... :)

Second, they thought I had syphilis... that is obviously not right... so, I'll clear up any rumors right now. Apparently, pregnant women can get a false positive on the syphilis test and normally the lab runs the test again to verify, but my lab DID NOT... so they freaked everyone out, except for me and my hubby who knew that there was no way that we could have syphilis. But, nevertheless, I had to go down to the Health Department (trashy!) and the STD clinic and be tested again. Obviously, I DO NOT have syphilis. It was such a joke. The lady at the health clinic was telling me that I could get started on the penicillin... um, no thanks... asking me if I had talked to my hubby about it... um, yeah, is he freaking out? um... NO! Because we don't have syphilis!! So, anyway, the worst part about it was people looking at me like, "Are you sure?? You never know.." But, I really do. And of course I don't have it... SO, any pregnant women out there... know that you can test positive for syphilis in pregnancy!! :)

Working out is still fun... I have gotten in two more long (4-5mi) runs and they are starting to make me sore afterward... I feel great while running, but the rest of the day is spent in pain because my legs, pelvis and back get sore... It doesn't help that I need new shoes... so, I don't know how much more running I will do. I am hoping to run until week 30, but we'll see. For now, I am only going to run once a week.

I am done getting my progesterone shots and couldn't be happier. I have also changed to the doc that will be delivering my girl and I really like her. She is pregnant also, two weeks behind me, so who knows if she will actually deliver me, but I really like her and the office seems great. I liked my fertility doc fine, but I am happy for the change.

We also had my medical ultrasound and that was awesome. She is measuring right on to her due date, the doc told me I was skinny (something I am NOT feeling) and everything looks great. It was really cool to see both halves of her brain, heart, limbs, etc. I also LOVED LDS hospital. It was a really good experience.

Anyway, I am feeling good, feeling her lots and trying to deal with my emotions this time around. It seems like I am a little more emotional than I was with Jack. I can't wait until Feb 11th!

LOVE the Fall!!

Jack with his collection of leaves from the day.

We have never really taken advantage of our beautiful mountains in the fall. We thought about it last year, but by the time we did, it was too late in the season to go. I happened to be watching the news this week and they said that prime leaf-viewing weather would be this weekend since a storm is rolling in next week. We joined my friend Kathie and her family on a drive up American Fork Canyon to Cascade Springs. It was a beautiful drive and the spot was great. It was very crowded and a little too hot, but an overall successful trip. Jack loved hiking around and finding leaves, flowers, rocks etc. We even took Zoe along and she had a blast. It was a bummer that it was so crowded because you were kind of pushed through and didn't have a lot of time to stop and enjoy, but it was really fun to get out and do something different. When we got home, Jack put all of his leaves on the counter and started counting them in Spanish.... um.... I guess Dora the Explorer is good for something!!

We have also gotten our house all decked out for Halloween. Jack loved putting up the decorations and every morning he walks down the stairs and says..."Is it still a Halloween house?? Oh, good it is." I love this time of year!

Preschool Week

Typical first day shots.


His classroom.


How he fell asleep after his first day alone.

Jack started preschool this week. He is going to the lady who taught my brother in preschool and my brother is almost 19! She has been doing it a long time and is really great with the kids. I have to admit, I was really sad about sending him. I just can't believe that he is so grown up already. These last three years have been so fast. On Tuesday, I took him to orientation. He was really excited about it on Monday, but when Tuesday arrived, he started getting nervous and saying that he didn't want to go to school yet. I told him that I would be there the whole time and it helped that he already knew his teacher from swimming lessons. We got there and after his initial shyness, he started playing right away with the kids. There are 16 kids in his class, mostly boys. His teacher does her preschool with her dad, Gramps to the kids, but the class seems big to me! I would never want to teach preschool! :)

During orientation, his teacher (we'll call her Mrs. L) laid out the plans for the month and then tentative plans for field trips etc throughout the rest of the year. After Mrs. L passed out the sheets and everything I started getting really excited for him. She is going to do a lot of fun things and Jack will learn so much. I am really excited to have something to organize for him, even though it is sad to start sending him out into the world. I left the orientation really excited and at peace with the whole thing.

Yesterday was his first day alone. We talked about him going to school and we got his backpack ready with his show and tell (Buzz and Woody). All morning, he was excited to go but kept saying, "You are staying with me? I will be scared if you leave..." I didn't want to lie to him, but also didn't want to give him false hope so I just said, "We'll see. I have to walk you down and we will see Mrs. L etc..." He seemed appeased, but still didn't quite trust how I was saying it. He's too smart for his own good. Anyway, we got there and we walked in, saw Gramps and continued downstairs. It was a good thing that Mrs. L told us at orientation that if the kids cry just leave and she will take care of it. If she hadn't said that, I would have had a harder time leaving. He walked into the room and starting heading to the toys... turned back and saw that I was still on the stairs. He freaked right out. Crying, running over to me... clinging to my neck for dear life. I kissed him a bunch of times and Mrs. L had to pry him away. I left feeling a little shaken and weird about having 2+ hours all to myself with nothing really to do. I went and saw my friends new baby and to the doc and to my moms... I knew Jack was probably having the time of his life, but it was still weird.

Finally, it was 210pm and it was time to head over to pick Jack up. I pulled into the street and all the kids were out front waiting for us. Jack ran up and happy as could be and jumped in the car telling me all about his first day. They made paper ice cream cones, showed their show and tell and got to know eachother. He seemed to have a great day and now we are both really excited for this year! It will be so great for him.

When we got home, I was going to try to keep him awake until bedtime by making cookies, trying to get him out for a walk etc, but he managed to sneak in a 30 min nap. He was beat! I am going to have to tweak his nap schedule a little bit over the next few weeks.

A Boy and His Dog

Jack and Zoe are starting to get along really well lately. Zoe can drive Jason and me crazy, but when we see these two playing, or Jack talking to her, we decide that she is worth all the trouble. I also can't believe how big she is getting. I think they will be great friends in another year or so.

16 Weeks! Goodbye Pants...

I am only posting these pregnancy posts for myself, so sorry for those of you who don't care how my tummy is progressing! Anyway, I am now a little over 16 weeks. 4 months! Woo hoo. I have another doc appointment this week. I always look forward to hearing the heartbeat. I think I have been feeling her move around a little more. That is really exciting and I can't wait until I can feel her all the time. That kind of makes up for the 9lbs I have gained so far. I have gained another 3lbs this month and I seem to be gaining the weight in chunks and then nothing for awhile and then another chunk will hit me. I am gearing up for the 10lb chunk I know will be coming in about 6 weeks. Augh.

I am officially out of my normal pants... I can still get them on, but I have the muffintop thing going on and that just makes me crazy so I have progressed to stretchy pants and my maternity jeans. Augh. I actually have a pretty cute pair, but I still am not excited. Oh, how things change from one pregnancy to the next. I have really been feeling good. I was able to get in a 5 mile run/walk yesterday and that actually felt really good. I am going to try to get a few more of those in before my tummy get too big. It feels really good to workout, although I can definitely tell I have put on weight. I still love cycling and will probably do that the whole time. The most fun thing about the run was feeling her move around at the beginning and after.

Overall, I am really happy and feeling really good. I'm really excited for Jack to be able to feel her move around. We have decided on the name Savannah and he already loves to talk to her and pat my stomach. I am also really excited to be done with my progesterone shots. Only about 3 more! One last thing I am excited for is cooler weather! I am rapidly running out of things to wear! I need to be able to wear sweatshirts. I'm so thankful that my pregnancy has been so easy and I hope that all goes well at the doc this week and at my medical ultrasound in a few weeks.

Monster Trucks

I think this is GraveDigger?


Such cuties.

Jason got tickets to the monster truck show from work. He was taking a client and his kids so he thought it would be fun to bring Jack. He asked if I wanted to go.... Um, no thank you. I'd rather die. So, I had a girls night instead and saw Julie and Julia. It was really cute. Jack and Jason had a blast and Jack has been talking about GraveDigger ever since. They don't have enough boys nights out so it was really fun for them. They also went to the Mayan for dinner and Jack was able to get a snowcone in a GraveDigger cup. Fun night had by all!

Jacks First Sleepover!

We went to Park City with our friends a few weeks ago. Jack had a blast playing with his friend Coleman, and although it was a short trip it was worth it to see those two have a sleepover in Jack's bed. They had a lot of fun playing Spiderman, Batman etc and then they curled right up and went to sleep. It is so fun to see Jack with his friends! Thanks to Kari!

Kristin and Andy's Wedding!

I am finally not the only one in my family to be married. My little sister Kris got married on August 6th. She made a beautiful bride and it was a really fun day. She got married in the early afternoon and it was the best sealing ceremony I have ever been at. It was really great to be able to be there. It was a bummer that the winds were so awful during pictures at the temple, but her hair magically stayed in place and she continued to look beautiful all night.

The reception was really fun. It was great to see old neighbors and friends. Jack had a blast dancing with his cousin Courtney and the food was delish. Kris and Andy left in a limo and honeymooned in San Diego. Congrats to the newlyweds! Now bring on the kids!! :)

One of Each!

She is rubbing at her eyes.


The Goods.

We went to Fetal Fotos to find out what we were having when I was pregnant with Jack. It was a really fun experience and I was hoping to do it again this time around, but wasn't sure because of lack of funds and the fact that my doc is doing my medical ultrasound in about three weeks. So, I thought, I can wait three weeks right??? I don't need to spend the money if I am going to find out for free in a few weeks. WRONG! It was killing me that I knew that I could find out at 15 weeks and it was just a phone call away. So, I broke down. We actually went last Saturday to find out. I was only 14 weeks, but we tried to push our luck. Luck would not be pushed. The baby was so closed up and tight around "the area" that there was no way that we could see what it was.

At Fetal Fotos they let you come back as many times as it takes to figure out the gender. We made an appointment for today because Jason had the day off and so it was going to be perfect. We got there and I was so excited to find out! We got in there and the tech set to work and what do you know?? The baby was cross legged and closed up AGAIN! We tried for a minute and then the tech had me roll onto my side. Still no luck. She left again and I got up and actually ran in place and prodded at my stomach and laid back down on my side. Still no luck. So, she left again and I literally stood on my head and prodded my stomach some more. A little more luck. The baby was moving around at least and just when we thought we might catch a glimpse.... the CORD WAS RIGHT IN THE WAY!!!! AUGH! I had a really nice tech and she kept at it... moving that ultrasound thing around... pushing on the baby.... to the point that the baby actually moved away from us so it was back facing. After awhile of that, the tech said... "Oh, we are so close!" I asked her if she had a guess and she said that she did. About a minute later she said... "Okay I am sure, 100%... See these three lines....? ITS A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I am sooo excited!! I have wanted a girl forever! Before we even knew we were pregnant, Jason said something about us having a girl and I just knew right then that it was going to be a girl. It is so fun to actually have feelings like that and know that you were right. Jack and Jason are really excited as well. I love my Jack and I am so happy that I now will have one of each. He will be a great big brother! The first thing he said was..."Dad, will she know how to build rocket ships out of blocks???" HAHA! Jason had to tell him that she wouldn't but that he could teach her and he thought that was really cool. I am so happy to have one of each and to be able to experience being the mother to a daughter. I just am soo blessed with this family of mine. I love my KIDS!

Jack Starts Swimming!!

His first noodle ride.


His class.


He is only one of three who gets his own noodle.


Water Beds!

Over the past month, I have taken Jack to the pool a couple of times a week. He has really taken to it and loves to swim. He is getting better by the day and I was so excited to have him start swimming. We had already learned a lot of what he would learn there... jumping off the side, blowing bubbles and about two or three days before he started swimming, he was kicking his feet and swimming to the stairs or to me and he taught that to himself.

As I thought, he has loved swimming and it is even better because it is with his preschool teacher so now when he starts that in September he will already know her. He is the youngest in the class, but one of the top three swimmers. He is learning that the water "holds" you if you just relax and let it and he has even done a few knee dives and has jumped off the diving board. He now knows how to swim to the side and reach up and grab and work his way across by holding onto the side. He also knows how to let go with one hand and swim out to his teacher all by himself. The only thing he is struggling with is lifting his head out to get a breath. She taps his head to remind him, but he just keeps swimming until she lifts him out. It has been a lot of fun and I am sad that tomorrow is his last day! I will be practicing with him the rest of the month, and next year he will probably do two sessions! He is such a little fish!