Team Freeman

Day of Love

2012-02-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day should be a big deal around here.

It is basically the day Jake and I decided to get married

We had been broken up for almost four months.

Jake asked me to go out with him and his friends for the night (to see if we could be friends again)

They had a fun little party for the evening.

I'm not sure if it was because it was Valentines Day and love was in the air,

or his huge muscles and sweet smile,

but we ended up totally making out.

We had been the on again off again sort.

We had said we were not going to date anymore unless we were going to get married.

I think that unspokenly mean we weren't allowed to make out unless we had agreed to get married either.

So that night kind of sealed the deal.

We've rarely been apart since.

I attempted a photo shoot for Valentine's Day last week.

It didn't go well.

There are no picture of Kate because she was literally running naked through the house screaming because she didn't want to wear something red. I gave up on her.

Sam wasn't so cooperative either. As you can see.

But Marianne.

She never fails to give me the smile I want.

That smiling pile of chubbiness.

When I was attempting to take Sam's picture he pulled a decoration off the mantel. It crashed down on to my head, splitting it open. Blood gushing from my head I called for Jake to help me. I think it resulted in a concussion because I've had a headache for a week now.

Oh the silly things I do.

Funny enough the picture Jake took of my head, so I could see the damage, looks like a blood red heart.

Oh Valentine's Day.

Church with Kids.

2012-02-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

This girl is growing up.

Some days she is pleasant. She is helpful, sweet, tries to get her siblings excited about things.

Other days her ears don't seem to work.

Yesterday she came home from church in disbelief that Daniel was protected in the Lion's den. Like we haven't done that story at least five times before for FHE and she was hearing it for the 1st time.

She clamored on about Daniel in the halls as we exited church. People commented on how precious it was.

We met with the a member of the bishopric yesterday. With Sam in our lap, that is where he almost always is during church. Sam saw a photo in the office.

"President Thomas" he exclaimed.

Yes our two year old is a well educated sweetheart, we assured the counselor.

And secretly felt like awesome parents for ONE moment.

We needed to as I had left sacrament one time with Sam, sunday school three times with Marianne- then gave up and didn't try to re-enter, and only caught the last few minutes of R.S. due to crying whining kids. jake didn't make it to any Sunday school because he was taking care of Sam. I wanted to be in class. I haven't been in class for over two months because of sick kids or crying kids. When I did make it into R.S. I stood in the back rocking a baby. I saw several women on their phones on pinterest and texting from where I was- one even took a phone call that did not seem urgent. It made me so angry. Why don't they take care of my crying kids and I'll sit and listen to a lesson. More whining from me.

What a surprise.

Baby Love 6 months

2012-02-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

I am always talking about how fat Marianne is. Then I came across this picture of Sam around 6 months old. She might not be the easy winner of the "fattest baby" contest like I thought. It is hard to believe he was ever so chubby now.
Here is Kate around 6 months old. She is the smallest at this age for sure. Sadly she was born in an era where I was not strapped to a DSLR all the time. So her baby pictures are about 10 a month total. Not like the around 1400 Marianne has already.

Looking at the baby picture of Kate I realize that M and Kate are looking very different these days too. M's hair is still dark brown. Her cheeks take over her face instead of her eyes like Kate. And she is fatter and always smiling.

I couldn't love these babies more!

Happy Birthday Dog

2012-02-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

This picture is from 2008- I just like it. Little Kate and Big Cola out in the backyard in Heber.

The kids are obsessed with birthdays.

Sam has been asking every day if it is his birthday yet.

Then they realized that they didn't know when Cola's birthday was.

I'm not the kind of pet owner who celebrates... or even remembers when by dogs birthday is.

But the kids were adamant. She needed a birthday.

Jake remembered I got her for myself for my graduation from college. That was the last week of April 2004. And she was 10 weeks old. With that reasoning we decided Feb 10 would work.

So we put it on the calender. Another thing the kids are obsessed with. The calender.

This morning we made her a cake.

The kids thought we should invite the dogs behind the fence that Cola barks at over as her friends.

We didn't.

Dog Bones with frosting on top. With ham on top of that. With sprinkles on top of that.

We let her come in the house. The kids were so excited for her. We all sang then gave her her "cake".

The we all said nice things about her.

The best thing the kids could come up with was that she eats the bees so they don't sting them.

They are right.

She does eat bees and wasps.

It is appreciated.

She is a good dog. Happy Birthday Cola.

Sometimes a Fort is All You Can Do.

2012-02-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

Sometimes all you can do is build a fort.

We were suppose to go to Monterrey this week.

I had us booked at the victorian inn on cannery row.

Three days and two nights of whale watching, aquarium going, beach walking, crab leg eating family fun.

We really need a vacation after all.

Then the day before we were suppose to go our kids woke up coughing, fever, another ear infection here, lots of whining every where.

I thought we were in for it again. A whole week stuck at home and going to the doctors.

So I called the hotel. They wouldn't let me cancel our reservation with 24 hours notice but kindly let me move it.

Then miraculously (humidifiers, vicks, tylenol,ear drops, prayers, jake sleeping on their floor later) they seemed recovered.

The kids were disappointed. There had been a fish picture on the calendar. They were confused why we were not going. Sam kept saying "I want to go see the fish mommy"

Kate went to school. Sam and I went to the nursery to buy some plants.

a tender mercy. The nursery has a big koi pond. The owner asked Sam if he wanted to feed the fish for her. This was almost as good to a two year old as any trip to an aquarium anyways.

So instead of Monterrey.

We have been baking, cleaning, cuddling, park going and building forts in the living room.

Forts the whole family can fit in.

And the laptop too for watching movies together.

No crab legs. But lots of ketchup sandwiches (Sam's new and constant request)

And instead of the beach- we've been at the park lots.

It is 72 degrees here this week. I've been sweating outside in my short sleeves.

All I can say is, I'm in TROUBS this summer when it is actually hot.

I Love Babies

2012-02-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

I am thinking about renaming the blog

something like

"The blog about Marianne and nobody else"

It seems fitting.

I love babies what can I say.
In particular this one.

Who tipped the scales at just under 18 lbs today. 17lbs 12 oz

Not bad for a 5.5 month old baby.

She was seeming particularly large this morning.

Maybe because I had to sweet chance to hold a new nephew last night. At one day old he weighs 8lbs 11oz but still seemed to tiny.

Why do babies grow up so fast. I just love babies.

I didn't always.

Before I had my own children I didn't really care to hold other peoples babies.

I didn't have that natural ooohhh and awe for them.

I was not dying to go see the babies my friends and family had. I didn't get it.

Then I had babies.

Babies who grow too fast.

And now I get what is so precious about a brand new little baby.

Because what once was 6lbs 9 oz, is now 18.

What once would sleep in my arms for hours on end, is now a rolling, giggling, food eating, baby.

This blog seems like it should be named "The blog all about Marianne and nobody else"

I do have other children. They are just usually grumpy and streaming snot these days. We have new colds it looks like today, and ear infections.

Some how M seems to stay a bit healthier then the kids.

I just don't know what to do anymore.

I refuse to put them on antibiotics again. They've only not been on antibiotics for about a 12 days since we moved.

They are coughing and sitting next to me on the couch.

I miss when they were healthy and we had fun all day.

I miss them.

When they are not sick they are funny and charming and silly and sweet.

Sick they are not very much fun. I don't blame them.

If I was ever going to have a full on mental break down.

It would probably be around now... don't you think.

Good thing I have a fat happy baby to cheer me up.

Meeting A Name Sake

2012-02-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

Marianne with MaryAnn Wood her maternal maternal great-grandmother.
Marianne with her Great-Aunt Carol. She really is great too. We have been so lucky, Marianne and I have spent a lot of time with Aunt Carol this year.

I had put my camera away before Marianne was held by her other great-aunt. So no pictures. But Marianne almost immediately spit up all over her Great Aunt Marilyn too. What a trooper.

Sunday seemed like the perfect chance to go and visit my Grandma Wood. She only lives a little over an hour away now. She has had a lot of health problems lately so we haven't been able to visit yet (my three loud kids are overwhelming to anyone). But Sunday my Aunt Carol as well as my Aunt Marilyn and Cousin Tina were all there. So Marianne and I decided to make the trip alone. Marianne was named for this beautiful grandmother of mine and I thought it about time they meet.

Marianne really turned on the charm for everyone.

Doing all her best tricks, like smiling, giggling, goo-gooing, and rolling all around for the better part of 5 hours.

She won over everyone of course, even me. She was simply delightful to enjoy without the other kids around.

I enjoyed visiting with these four wonderful women.

Grandma Mary Ann is one tough cookie. She has has a hard life, and continues to, but she is always full of grace and love. She seemed proud to have a great grand daughter named after her. I know I am proud to have a daughter with such a wonderful namesake. Most of all I enjoyed a still moment watching Marianne and Grandma cuddle together in grandma's bed.

Cute Babies Sleeping, Play Dates, and Mountain Moments

2012-02-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

This chubs is still adorable as all get out.

This is how Marianne sleeps. She rubs that blanket-that silky blanket- all over her face, and in her mouth, and then sucks her thumb and falls asleep all covered up.

Just some pictures to post, and this about today.

A few weeks ago I signed our family up to host the ward play date.

We went to one before, it was fun.

So why not welcome everyone to our home to play.

So at nine am they started coming.

I think we ended up with 12 moms and about 30 kids.

It was crazy town.

Meltowns over toy trains, slammed hands in the door, every snack I had in the house gone,

crazy town.

I always think my house is kid proof. I have three kids you know.

But I am always wrong.

I ended up collecting things and pilling them on the kitchen counter.. until one of the little girls figured out how to pull the stool from the bathroom and use it to climb up there too.

Nothing and nowhere was sacred.

Jokes aside, I was happy these women felt comfortable enough to bring their children to my home and chat with me about homes and preschools and toliet training for the better part of two hours.

But next time I host, I think I will do it at the park.

After the chaos had exited I inlisted the kids to lysol down the house.

Then we piled in the car to go to Costco for lunch. But then I realized I had lost my card. So happy meals and the park were what came about.

They were happy about it. And so was I. Me and M sat on the bench together while the kids played. The sun warmed me up despite a little wind. And it felt like spring at home.

The park was quiet but us, the airplanes buzzed over head, I sat finishing up the loose ends of the kids happy meals and I could see. THE MOUNTAINS.

and it did my heart some good. Things felt like normal.

Like so many afternoons spent at our Wheeler Park, with the airplanes, and the sun cutting through the cold breeze, and the quiet park, and of course much larger mountains.

Almost like a late May afternoon in Heber.

We will take that for a start to the weekend thank you.

A Little Love

2012-01-31T13:37:00.000-08:00

Kate came up with the idea to make these lips all on her own.

Making some decorations.

Sams says he is making a Valentine for me

" I wub you soooo much mommy, I wub you becuuuuz, I wub you becuuuuz, more than Daddy"

Awesome Sauce Sam. I wub you too very much.

our festive results
Because I was taking pictures these two joined in on the action with their cameras as well

Bits of my Babies

2012-01-30T12:49:00.000-08:00

Helping Mom in the kitchen cooking.

M has been sleeping almost all day the past two days. What a sweetheart she is. She is sick, with a fever, and cough, and likely ear infections, but she tries to be happy anyways. Until 11pm when she is so tired she just can't stand it and can't sleep because she can't breathe. Then it is up to me and Jake to rock her to sleep. She has slept in our arms a few nights in a row now. Though it is rough to care for a sick baby, it is kind of wonderful to be forced to hold a sleeping baby for hours on end. I usually don't just hold and cuddle and stare at my baby who is growing up way to fast for hours on end like I would like too. She is now over 17lbs. This girl has literally gained almost 3 lbs in a month.
one more with the toes

Kate dresses up like a cow girl. Dress up is every day at our house, but a cow girl is new.

Though just days ago I vowed never to let me children out of the house again for fear of more illness, I have already caved. They were outside today after lunch and loving every minute.

Hard Weeks Have Highlights Too

2012-01-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

We had another hard week here.

Everyone but me had a fever. Some up to 104. They was lots of crying.coughing. snot.

From everyone else.

And other than a melt down moment where I was sure our children were going to die from pertussis. (I hadn't slept for more than two hours at a time for 9 days).

I escaped illness. I'm not sure why as I am usually the one with no immune system.

Thankfully though, so I could hold down the fort.

Amist again what has been one of the hardest weeks of my life (I seem to be having a lot of those these days), there are always good things to be found with my wonderful crew.

--Sam finally falls asleep one night embracing his big tiger in his bed. When he is sick he just falls apart. in pieces. with constant tears. Usually that means he needs me every minute. It also results in lots of "mommy I love you"
--My washing machine finally came. And it is a beautiful thing. I've done about 17 loads so far trying to catch up. It is energy efficient and thus makes and "whoo whoo" sound. Sam thinks and owl lives in our house now. Oh how I love modern appliances.

--My new mattress came. I am told it is comfy, and it is big, but I am yet to sleep in it.

--I haven't slept for more than two hours at a time, for no more than 5 hours a night for about 9 days now. I'm not good on no sleep. I am cranky and I get angry at the kids a lot more. But I mostly attribute the 5lb weight loss I had this week to it, so it is not all bad.
--Kate cut her hair off. She was in my bathroom with kids scissors for no more than 20 seconds. She said she was playing Rapunzel. ERRRRR you Rapunzel. She started crying hard when I took the scissors and attempted to fix it, which meant cutting the other side off- and according to her making her look like a boy. It makes me so sad. Jake convinced me not to keep the blonde locks piled in my hand because it would make me creepy. It was sad to throw out. She looks little again. And of course I just scheduled family pictures. But hair does grow eventually, and she's cute no matter what. I actually had an appointment to cut my hair off today- but canceled it. I don't want Kate and I to have matching hair cuts.

--My brother has been fighting bad guys in Utah. Hearing this story, then seeing it on the news, was a highlight for my week.

http://www.fox13now.com/news/local/kstu-restaurant-employees-capture-suspected-robber-20120124,0,4235547.story

Chores for Kids is a Better Day

2012-01-24T10:49:00.000-08:00

I have been up since 4:30 am.

That is super rare for me.

Getting things done today. Yesterday was a horrible day.

Horrible.

My kids have ear infections again. and colds.

I feel like our life in California might be fun except for the fact that we have been miserabley unhealthy since we arrived.

I don't know what I expected seeing as how every time we come here for christmas we return home with our worst sickness for the year and a few ear infections.

After going to the doctor and waiting an hour, then being seen for 45 minutes, we had to travel around to three different pharmacies to get their antibiotics.

I thought this was ridiculous.

It certainly was exhausting.

Especially when it takes me 10 minutes just to get through an intersection because I still don't know my way around and it is rush hour, and that actually means something here.

What should have taken an hour or two ended up taking more than four.

Partially because we had to stop for dinner as it was almost seven and we still had not gotten their prescriptions.

I thought moving to the big city was suppose to make it so I could get to places quickly and have access to more stuff.

In Heber it would have taken me less than 45 to be in an out of the doctors and home with meds in hand. and I would have been irritated it took so long then.

Finally we gave up- took everyone home- and I went out to try to retrieve antibiotics alone.

I felt like I was in some kind of epidemic movie where medicine was not available.

But the pharmacies all acted like it was super routine and couldn't believe I didn't call ahead to see if they had it in stock.

It is an antibiotic.... is that not what half the people at the pharmacy are there for?

As I set out alone I realized I was singing the 12 days of Christmas loudly in the car.

And realized that I had actually cracked. gone mad. my brain was fried.

There really could be no other excuse for my choice of song and volume alone in the car.

I forgot to mention that the washing machine broke.

A victim of the move I think. It is unfixable. Dead. and spewed water all over the laundry room floor.

We ordered a new one. It was suppose to have two day shipping.

But of course it wasn't in stock either.

Why is nothing in stock around here.

So what I thought was going to be two days without a washer, has turned into 6 days without a washer plus sick kids.

It is kind of my own personal hell. Me and all my germ-a-phob ways.

Attempting to purge the house of germs without a washer has been mostly unsuccessful.

Thankfully it should be here by Thursday.

And if you see my kids wearing pj's that are too small for them at the store mid afternoon, it is because it is seriously all that is left.

Good thing I would never see anyone I know at the store though.

Remember how I use to go to the store and know every single person there?

Listen to me whine. I am getting pretty good at it.

Back to today. I was up with cranky kids at 4:30 am. When I got them to bed I couldn't sleep, so I started on chores.

Turns out you can clean almost the whole house super speedy when everyone is asleep. Then I instant messaged with Amy (who is in Switzerland now), showered, made breakfast and ordered myself a new king size bed.

The fact that I couldn't have fit in my bed if I wanted to go back to sleep because it was too full of a husband and two children pushed me to finally order it. Also I went ahead and ordered Amazon Mom style- diapers and wipes and pullups for the next month.

Determined for today to be better I then read the Ensign online.

About now children were waking up.

I fed them.

Administered those stupid antibiotics that cost me my entire day (and completely ruined the budged for the month as if the broken washer hadn't already- hence the no guilt purchase of a bed).

Then told them we had some chores to do.

Whining happened.

You better believe it. (where do they get this stuff)

Once they saw it was cleaning the play room they were a little less resistant.

Once they saw I had an new organizer the needed to pick toys to go in-they were a little less resistant.

Once they saw it was -dump all the toys in a tub of bleach and water- they got into it.

And helped me sanitize all the toys.

I told them there were more chores to do.

More whining happened.

Perhaps they are getting their whiny ways from me.

Then I told them it was to watch some of our Disney movies and find the broken ones so we could do this replacment program.

Then they were happy to help.

It is kind of the worst chore any parent could ask their kid to do.

Watch all the Disney movies and find the broken ones. Sarcasm.

I think today is going to be a better day. For everyone.

Though I just heard from the couch.

" DO we REALLy have to WATCH ALL of these MoVies!!!**" in a whining sound of way.

Rolly Polly

2012-01-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

She rolls around the floor like it is nothing now. Back to front, front to back, in circles.

She is darn cute doing it too.

And pleased with herself.

Stay Little My Buddy

2012-01-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

Sam has been a little sick this weekend. It looks like we are going to go through every illness California has in sequential order until we can be healthy and happy.

He has mostly been sleeping in my bed, calling "mommy" all night long.

This is him asleep in his bed.

Two pacifiers, his red blankie, his bear, his pillow, his big tiger, and his little tiger (which he usually calls lions)

He is such a cuddly guy- notice his arm around the bear.

I can't say having him asleep in my bed with me has been all cuddly and fun, as it has mostly been no sleep and crying and getting my pillow stolen.

But I do enjoy the little-ness of it.

My little guy.

Don't turn three ever please.

Grandpa Day

2012-01-18T16:04:00.001-08:00

Grandpa Anderson came to visit for the day. He was driving through and spent the night (on thefuton in the play room). We enjoyed visiting with him until late at night. And a full morning withGrandpa spoiling kids. It included pancakes, present, and a trip to the park.

What fun it was to have our 1st visitor.

We loved every minute.

Coloring

2012-01-18T15:55:00.001-08:00

The kids colored a lot in Heber. But since we moved they have not colored as much. They have alternatives like riding bikes outside. But this week the temperatures have dipped a bit- down into the 50's. ( I know right) So we have spent some time indoors again getting creative.
Kate draws Mom in a gated garden with flowers and a bird and a rainbow.
Kate puts stickers on a page then draws them a tree in a cage at the zoo.

A Little Lunch for M

2012-01-10T16:00:00.001-08:00

Little M ate some food today.

Rice cereal, that lucky girl.

She had tried at Christmas, since she had opened some for Christmas as a gift.

But couldn't do it. swallow I mean.

Today was different.

An entire bowlful

Both mom and baby were pleased with these results.

We were back at the doctors for shots today.

Height 25 in 70 %

Weight 16.25 lbs 80 %

Head 16.5 60 %

Is that flat head effecting her head size? because my kids have never had a head below 80%.

A note- that means she has gained 1. 1/2 lbs in about 18 days.

Cupcakes and Woodward Park

2012-01-08T15:50:00.000-08:00

Saturday afternoon we had big plans.
Our 1st Saturday in our new home town to do whatever we wanted.
So I planned a trip to a fancy cupcake place and a trip to the biggest park in the valley.

Since I am a sucker for treats, I couldn't resist a Groupon last week that got me 5 large and 2 mini cupcakes for free. After we stopped and each picked out a few of our favorites we had them boxed and went to the Woodwark Park.

Yes this little guy is cuter than the last time you saw him. No, I didn't realize that was possible either. I am realizing that he may be the only little boy I ever have, and it makes me sad to think he is already almost 3.

Kate wants to be a bigger kid so bad.

Should one of my new years resolutions be to finally learn how to do little girls hair.?

M gets dragged everywhere and she'd just rather be at home. What can I say- we are a "out and about" type of family.

Kate shows off her new shoes. All she really had was church shoes and boots. Nobody is wearing boots around here- it is 60 degrees. So we went and picked these out. I mean she did. Purple sparkles aren't really my style. But she saw them then claimed all the other shoes didn't fit. I let her try these on and before her foot was in the shoe she exclaimed in joy "they fit" hmmm. I think she had an agenda no?

The park was a little big for my little ones.

Kate made a cute friend though. Jake asked sadly whey there are never any little boys anywhere. It is true, poor Sam. And is it weird to say that my kids stuck out with their pale skin and white hair even more than usual? People even kept saying things about how blonde they are.

We headed to the duck pond.

Giving me another look. Stop breaking my heart with your cuteness.

yes you should totally surf on that rock Kate.

I hope Saturdays are full of more fun adventures and less chores from now on.

Mom is Crazy but it Makes for Fun

2012-01-07T20:56:00.001-08:00

I'm a little nerotic when it comes to my kids. Especially their health.
Have you seen me whip out my full size can of Lysol at the resturant and spray down the table, or at the grocery store and spray down the entire cart.
Well that is me.
A few weeks ago our new pediatrican mentioned M's head was getting a little flat.
She has had some Torticollis since birth, and flat out refuses to turn her head to the right.
I'm sure those heavy cheeks don't make it any easier to lift that head.

I've tried to sleep her on a special pillow I got a few weeks ago, but she just screams and screams for an hour, and then I move it and she falls asleep sucking on her left thumb in less than 30 seconds.
We do stretches, and force her head to the right. When we remember- and hey we've been a bit busy ya know. And now that we are paying attention more, it seems like the toricollis is worse than I realized. And every minute I'm not holding her I feel like her head is getting flatter and flatter.
And it will make me so sad if her beautiful dark haired head gets stuck in a helmet.

So last night I ran out and bought a Jumperoo.
I had the idea one might help her at 7:00 pm. Looked on Amazon for ten minutes then decided I couldn't wait for two day shipping so I went to the store.
I hate Jumperoo things. They are expensive. They take up half the living room. And I feel like they make me a lazier mother. I have successfully avoided the purchase of one for my 1st two children. But I folded.
Partly out of guilt that the move distracted me so much the past two months that I didn't even notice her flat head. And that despite the pediatrician's instruction since her 2 week old appointment that we needed to stretch her neck, we have only done it a dozen or so times amist the chaos.
But mostly because it is a great idea. It was my own idea for therapy thank you.

I think the Jumperoo is going to work very well.
She can stay in it much longer than she can sit in her bumbo chair because it supports her better, and anything that gets her head off the ground is a plus...and the seat spins so hopefully something to her right will interest her and she will stretch those muscles a bit on her own.

The older kids love it. They asked if they could wake M up this morning so they could watch her play with it. They make the buttons go off and are always asking about when she can play in it.

Perhaps they are envious it didn't show up for them in their own infancy.

Sometimes I'm a little nerotic, but this time at least it ended up in some fun.

Rest + Snacks = Smiles

2012-01-04T15:13:00.000-08:00

a few days of rest and relaxation.... and snacks, (don't mind the nutella and fish cracker on the kids faces) makes everyone seem like their happy selves again.

Sam even told me the Tooth Fairy was going to take his pacifiers tonight and leave him presents.

I'm not sure she dares.

Back to Preschool

2012-01-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

I included this mis hap picture because if you look at Kate with her eyes half closed and her hair slicked back and her mouth covered- she looks just like Sam. It is a little spooky how much so for me their mother who never thought they looked so alike.
This post is really about Kate returning to preschool.

I was almost in a panic trying to find Kate a school. Mostly because she kept asking about it, and every time we would pass a school she would say " I found a school mom". Thinking that when I say "we will find a school" she meant like literally drive around and find one.

We didn't have to look too far. She is attending Creative Corner, a preschool done in a home by a woman in our ward. It is less legit than her other school, and more expensive, but it is also longer. She already loves it, mostly because you get to bring your own snack and for recess you go to the park and sit on a bench and eat your snack then get to play. There is a neighborhood park next door to the woman's home. And you get to bring show and tell every day.

Her teacher told me she was perfect.

I said- she didn't talk too much?

Her teacher said- no.

Either her teacher is lying or Kate was not her sure self in the new school today.

No worries, she seems content and nothing beats 9 kids playing at the park for 20 minutes mid school when you are a four year old.

Of course she was styling. She loves picking out her clothes for school all by herself.

After we picked her up me and the kids went to lunch at Panda Express. It is right around the corner and Kate's favorite meal is Chinese noodles.

We sat at the bar height table. This made their day. They are always asking to sit in the high tables but I never let them. But today we left Marianne asleep at home with Dad, so we could do it. We talked about school, and our fortunes.

Sam's said something about not over indulging.

He told me is said "no growing up"

That is what I am always telling him.

We have a new schedule for the new year.

The kids are excited to have a schedule too. They keep saying the word "schedule"

It is a cork board with their pictures then under pictures of tasks to complete before they can watch tv or play, or go outside. It worked awesome today. Sam chomped his toast down in four seconds flat because Kate was getting dressed - and then they listened to me as I helped them know what to do for the "clean room" picture. And were happy to complete it.

We are also doing our own little school, just Sam, Kate and I on the days kate doesn't go to preschool. It is mostly to help me with one new years resolution play more with my kids. Each day - once the schedule is done- we have songs, books, and projects while Marianne is napping. We've only done it one day so far, and it was tons of fun, for me and them. I think it will help Sam with what his resolution for the year should be- to sit and listen better to me and at church.

Back to the new year, new school and new schedule.

Fresh starts are always nice, but ours feels extra new.

Year Wrap Up

2012-01-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

In between visiting with all of Jake's siblings out at the farm who have come from out of state for the holiday we've been doing a lot of this. It is what I call a cuddle puddle. Basically you get lots of blankets and pillows and throw them on the floor in front of the tv and watch movies. The kids have been recovering from colds, Kate from a double ear infection, and just the run around from all the time away from home and holidays and well we are still recovering from the move in general. So a cuddle puddle has been on our family room floor for days on end.

And yes, that baby's is even fatter than the last time you saw her. Every time I get her up from a nap she seems to have added a few ounces to her cheeks. She had a well check apt last week and was just under 15 lbs. Then eight days later we went for this cold. She was over 15 1/2 lb. 1/2 a week. That is a lot of chub.
This is my sweet M getting some medicine to get over her bronchitis. She is suppose to do this 10 minutes four times a day, and she has only screamed once about it, and that was mostly because she wanted to go to sleep and she couldn't get the thumb she likes to suck on in her mouth because the mask was in the way. Speaking of thumb, she is also now sleeping on a special pillow to help shape her head correctly because she is always sucking that same left thumb all night long. Marianne sure has more little silly health things than any other baby. Jaundice, sugars,not passing her hearing test, strep, ear infections, strep again, more ear infections, and now flat head therapy and a nebulizer. Some how she is still the best eater, best sleeper and happiest one of the crew.
Yesterday was New Year's Eve.

I'm old and not any fun anymore because I figured our plans were the night were putting the kids down and going to bed ourselves. Jake felt some celebration was in order, so he rounded up ice cream, lots of fun toppings and some party whistles for the kids while I got them ready for bed. We did our countdown at 8:00 pm. Kate thought it was awesome though she totally did not understand what it was for. She had us do the count down like ten times because she liked blowing the whistle when we finished counting. We talked about resolutions. Her 1st resolution was to eat ice cream on her birthday. Hmmm. Try again. She decided it was to get a bigger bike. We helped her make that into learn to ride a bike without training wheels. Of course Jake and I discussed more serious resolutions for ourselves and family over the ice cream covered in sprinkles.
M liked sucking on her party whistle and starred at the ice cream like it was for her.
Kate kept getting more ice cream and decorating it.
Happy New Year Sammy! He was asleep even before our early count down, but in the morning Kate showed him his party whistle and he shouted "happy birthday".

What an eventful year it has been for the Freeman Family.

We started the year with two kids living in Heber, UT and ended it with three kids living in Clovis, CA. With a very difficult pregnancy, and a stressful move it has been a long year. Of course we are very blessed to have spent so much time with our awesome kids. This year the saying "the days are long, but the years are short" seems very accurate. The days of being pregnant and caring for a newborn at the same time packing a house and moving were long days. But the year went by too fast. I keep telling those kids "No Growing Up" but they never listen.

We are looking forward to what 2012 has to offer us. So much will be new and we can't wait to share all the new experiences with our little family.

Baby in a Bed

2011-12-30T09:12:00.000-08:00

Not much is cuter than a naked babe straight out of a tub on your bed.

Though this comes close.

Zoo Day with Cousins Galore

2011-12-29T23:33:00.001-08:00

We went to the zoo this afternoon. 11 cousins. It is not the best zoo. But we are members now so you'll see a lot of zoo trips if you follow us into next year.
It was M's first trip to the zoo. She still has a bad cold, but trooper as always she was happy. then uncomfortable. then asleep.

Santa in a tractor! A highlight for Sammy.

Christmas Bits

2011-12-26T09:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas was a whirl wind.

I will never move in December again. Ever.

I feel like our lives were spinning out of control and I've just been waiting for the other shoe to drop. Christmas is one of the rewards for being a parent to so many young children. It is fun and special. I feel like I was robbed of all is should be.

My children are sick. I am sick. My Sam has been crying for about three weeks straight. And we are still living out of boxes.

Santa came, and we opened gifts, hurried to church, hurried to family dinner, hurried to bed, hurried hurried hurried. Marianne didn't even open her gifts until almost 8 at night. I got about ten pictures of the whole day normally I would have about 80.

The kids liked their gifts, but between being sick and the move they just are not themselves.

They only thing I wanted for Christmas was my children to be themselves again. And Santa did not deliver.

Christmas I want a re-do.

One where there is not snot pouring from every persons nose, we aren't more stressed than we've ever been in our whole lives, and my children are truly happy.

I guess I should focus on the magical pieces.

Like how Sam didn't believe Santa gave the carrots to the reindeer because they were only nibbled on on the plate. He doesn't think reindeer nibble I guess.

And out Kate said "oh my goodness, oh my goodness" to most everything, but most of all the lalaloopsy doll Sam picked out for her.

Or how my children despite being sick are beautiful, especially in coordinating red and gold church clothes, or striped and polka dot christmas pj's.

I know I am blessed.

But I think we still just may have to have 2nd Christmas in January.

Game Elf

2011-12-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

One of Santa's elves visited us last night, like he does every year a day or two before Christmas. Elves are doing lots of serious business this time of year, like watching to see if you are being naughty or nice. If you are being nice and hanging out as a family one evening near Christmas you can put out treats for these elves. Elves like treats just as much as Santa anyways. Put them on your doorstep. Then sing some Christmas Carols as you get ready for bed. You'll find that if you open the door back up, there is a family game in place of the treats you left. It works like a charm for us every year. And results in the most memorable moments of Christmas with our children. The gift seems to stand apart because it is not with other gifts. It is the first exciting magical piece of Christmas our children see. And we always have tons of fun together playing the game all night. This year we opened the door a bit early, and the elf had not eaten all of the treats and the game wrapped up was down the walk a bit. It was awesome seeing the kids put the pieces together. Sam kept saying "an elf bringed us this game" Kate had mentioned to me in the bathroom while I helped them get ready that maybe the elf would bring us this elephant game she had seen at the store. That elf- he must have been listening.

I made up this Christmas tradition, and I hope we do it every year.

Santa Baby and Sugar Plum Kids

2011-12-21T20:38:00.001-08:00

My mom bought this silly santa suit for baby M. Turns out it was a good move cuz she looks awesome in it. One happy fat santa baby! Sometimes I think her cheeks are so fat they might just split open.
The kids found this in a box i was unpacking. It was a party favor from Sam's 1st birthday. It was still wrapped in the custom packaging I had made for it. I'd saved it for sentimental reasons, but the kids just didn't understand that. I guess they were right, I told them they could have it if they would share nice. They agreed.

California Christmas

2011-12-17T13:48:00.001-08:00

We finally got to move our stuff into our new for now place on Thursday night. Good thing because that truck was due back on Friday at 8:00 am or we were going to be charged another $100. Jake stayed up all night cleaning the truck out and folding moving blankets. The kids and I slept at my mother-in-laws still since there were no beds or anything to sleep on, basically just three garages full of boxes. My father-in-law and Mark helped us move everything out of the truck. So glad we know people here in our new city. I must say though it was and easier move then the one from Heber into the truck as we are now living on one floor instead of three. Yeah for No stairs! We have been working like busy bunnies to make the house feel like a home. And when I say we- I mostly mean me. Almost exclusively.

And I am trying to not think about how in a year or less we will be doing this all over again.

Once the essentials were unpacked like the dishes and the kids clothes, I moved on to the really important stuff. Like Christmas decorations. I've funny enough mourned moving for many reasons but one silly one- that we haven't had any kind of Christmas of our own. No time for much traditions or activities, no decorated home, no baking with the kids. But yesterday- yes the 1st real day in our house, we spent after dinner decking the halls. It made most everyone happy. And when I say most everyone I mostly mean me. Almost exclusively.

The kids have been loving the new house. Mostly the backyard, where there is a huge cement patio to ride bikes on. They have spent nearly four hours both today and yesterday playing outside. I love Utah- but- in your face Utah.

They played in the leaves today. Sam kept throwing them up in the air saying "Spring" I think he meant Fall, irregardless he has the wrong season. It just seems like Spring because it is 60 degrees, and fall because the leaves are just falling off the trees. It might as well be summer too since he was playing with the leaves with palm trees swaying in the background.

They like the house in general too. Kate says she likes all the colors. It has a lot of paint. And originally I thought it was crazy, but now that our stuff is in it doesn't seem too bad.

I like the house too. The neighborhood feels really nice, and the house itself is pretty fancy. A little fancier than I am used to with regal drapes and light fixtures. But again with our stuff inside it is starting to feel more like home.

Also I went to Target today. It was a five minute drive. That is pretty great. Because it didn't take me 35 minutes to get there I could spend more time in the store. Which meant I browsed about then came home with coordinating holiday wear for all the children.

Living in the city also means that although we have the exact same internet we did in Heber, it works like a billion times faster.

Life is looking up and I am looking forward to be California Christmas. It took me about 35 seconds to upload all the pictures for this post.

Twists and Turns

2011-12-13T20:48:00.001-08:00

Life is funny.

And sometimes not so funny.

We arrived in Fresno late late late Friday night. Mom was kind enough to come with me and the children so I didn't have to make the 14 hour drive alone and try to keep babies happy the whole time. Jake drove the enormous truck of course.

Saturday morning we went for our final walk through on the house.

I could tell as we pulled up Jake was not feelin' it.

Remember he had never seen it before.

After walking around for a little while I could see he was struggling with something. Kind of like the last time I saw him make the hard but right choice to quit his job as an attorney and work for himself.

So I sent the kids to the park with my mom and we looked around some more.

In the end, the house wasn't all that we expected, we couldn't get our loan to be exactly what we wanted and we had an overall anxious feeling about the matter. If you can't trust those gut feelings that make you want to puke what can you trust?

I had a small panic attack, about two weeks ago that maybe we should wait until we knew more about the area before buying a home. But Jake assured me it would be fine.

A week before move in date Jake has some more anxiety because we weren't able to get the interest rates and loans like we wanted. But we crunched some numbers and decided it was alright.

Prayers and fasting and we weren't sure we had an answer so we proceeded.

But walking around the property Jake was sure we just shouldn't buy the house.

A hard but right decision.

Sometimes we wish didn't have to be grown-ups for a few days

you know.

We canceled the purchase. And lost a lot of money doing so darn it.

Me. Frustrated. Devastated. And mostly sick with worry about how the children would feel when we told them we wouldn't be moving into the house. Sick Sick Sick.

But in the end- trusting, that Jake was right.

The kids have been resilient. And funny.

Saying things like "our new house is broken, but I can fix it with my hammer"- Sam, or "Dad didn't like the new house"-Kate.

But I can see the confusion as we told them we would move into a blue house, with a pool and big bathtub and fireplace. And now we are not.

They play at grandma freeman's where we are staying and ask "Is this California" and say "bless that we can move into our new house soon" in their prayers at dinner. or ask how many days until Christmas because I told them we were moving before Christmas.

Sometimes Kate will catch me without a smile and ask "Mom why is your face like that" She knows something is up. So I am trying to be more cheerful.

Lucky for us we do have a place that is comfortable, supportive and close at my in-laws.

Scrambling like chickens again.

We have found a property to rent, funny enough on the same street Austin.

That is what the picture is above.

I kind of didn't want to rent it, just because it will sting every time I drive to the new home and pass the "what-was-to-be" new home.

But it is nice, no pool, lots of colored rooms, but comfortable and large enough.

I keep saying this is better.

It will be better to save a bit more before jumping into a new house.

It will be better to make sure I like it here and don't want to just move back home.

It will be better because we can get to know the exact area we would prefer, or perhaps build something instead.

But it was a great house.

There is always tomorrow for dreams to come true- or so says Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeers girlfriend on the Christmas movie that has been playing on repeat on the car DVD player all week long.

I hope she is right.

In the mean time we are going to try out being renters.

That will be a new adventure for us. What will we do without having to do home repairs and landscaping on weekends? I guess take trips to Disneyland and the coast instead. Darn it.

For now I just miss my comfortable home and city.

Heber, where we don't stick out in Wal-mart because we are the only people with all their clothes on.

And of course all my friends and family.

And a normal Christmas. with things like snow and neighbor gifts, and hometown coziness.

It was 60 or more degrees here today. I should be happy about this but it still feels wrong.

Today we had to go withdraw a lot of money to put down for the rental, but don't have a local bank yet so we just carried this money around all day. We were a bit worried about it as we were walking around getting stolen or something. Jake said "if this gets stolen, that is it, we are just going to turn around drive back to Utah" That is kind of how I feel too. I realize a lot more could have gone wrong with our journey here, but it hasn't felt like fate was in our favor either.

The good news is we should be in our new rental by the weekend.

With just enough time to trim the tree and put dishes away before Santa comes down our chimney.

It will be nice to not feel like we are running from the law or something like that.

And just be a little family all settled again.

I'm ready for a normal nights sleep too.

Is that coming anytime soon?

Long Holiday in Heber, Utah

2011-12-08T20:19:00.001-08:00

We had to be out of the house on Baxter by 9:00 am Friday morning. We have had about 11 days before we can move into our new home. So in the mean time we have been taking a long Christmas Vacation at my parents house. We have never really lived with parents before since being married other than a month or so between homes before we had children. Turns out it is really awesome. We almost wish we didn't have a new home to get too and could stay longer.

No Really!

People make children breakfast, lunch and dinner, and us for that matter. I've only done the dishes once in 10 days. And there are always treats. People plan fun crafts and acitivities for children, play with them, give them presents, bath them, get them dressed, rock them to sleep, and watch them while I run errands I need to, go on dates with my husband and out with friends. Right now, my sweet aunt Carol is at my parents home as well. So really the adult to child ratio for most of our stay has been 5 adults to 3 children. It means I have lots and lots and lots of happy help caring for kids.

I've been able to spend tons of time on the phone trying to get Kate approved for health insurance, setting up new utilites, and doing all those silly moving type things that take forever without being interuppted by fighting kids. I've done all our Christmas shopping. I could go on and on. We've had tons of visitors and cousin over for family Christmas parties. We really are going to miss the people and the help that staying at my parents has included. It has made us already look forward to our Christmas visit next year. What a great stress less time inbetween moving out one home and in another.

Cousins showing off bff necklaces.

Cousins in a tub. The kids requested a bath in the waterfall bathtub almost every night and never wanted to get out.

The kids enjoying toys at Grandma's. They mostly played well together

A night out on the North Pole Express. With grandma, grandpa and all the grandkids minus Marianne. My kids knew just what to do when Santa came I was told and started shouting gift requests.

The kids thought their room at Grandma and Grandpa Anderson's was so great. One big queen bed for them to share, windows they could watch the Christmas lights out of, and their very own little Christmas tree in the corner. Grandma had a new ornament for them to make and hang everday, and Sam loved plugging in the colored lights. They had an advent calander for each night too.

A visit from Great Grandma Elaine and Tom, with gifts that were well loved.

Friends and Goodbye

2011-12-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

We've officially said all our goodbyes now. Yesterday were some of the more difficult. We spent a greater half of the day with the Pearsons, and it only made it harder. We have been friends with them for four plus years. They moved, into our ward a few months after us. They had their 1st child a few months after us. And we cried and laughed together when we discovered we were pregnant with our 2nd children with 13 month olds to care for in the same week. In the end, we have three children each who match up in age, Johnny and Kate, Ethan and Sam, and Mallory and Marianne. Some of these children were born just weeks apart. Not only that- they get along better than any other kids. It is a pretty rare occurance when husbands are best friends, wives are best friends and kids get along too. Even more so their extended family welcomes you with open arms like you are a part of the family too. How lucky we have been. They have been the kind of friends I just let myself into their home. The kind of friends who beg you to watch your kids because they claim it makes their day easier- then return them with dinner for you because they think you are probably busy. The kind of friends who show up anytime you are doing a home improvement project and claim they owe you for letting them help and take off work just to help you pack a truck. The kind of friends my husband TALKS ON THE PHONE too. Now that really is a special thing.

Now that we are moving they might be looking for new best friends and if you are smart, you'll figure out a way to make that you. And then I will be jealous of you forever.

They sent us on our way with well loved gifts- a life size superman, princess purse and the amazing quilt below.

Here is a picture of of our kids with some friends on a night where the Pearson's threw us a little surprise goodbye party two weeks ago. It was too nice of them, and the kids had a blast together. Here are 7 kids succesfully sharing one coloring book.

Dance and Preschool

2011-12-08T11:58:00.001-08:00

Kate had her last day of preschool today before we move. It was so sad. Her little preschool has been the best. Really! I am so sad Kate won't finish and that my other children won't get to participate in such a great school. Kate and I made that gift for her teacher, then she got to bring treats and be the teacher for part of school today because it was a special last day for her. Her teacher even sent her home with a special gift for her and for me. On the way home Kate said "my teacher loves me". Kate has enjoyed preschool so much especially with Mrs. Duke.

Kate had a dance recital on Dec 2. We were all so excited. She had an audience too with Grandma Grandpa, Aunt Carol, and Aunt Ali, and our whole little family. She did so great, but it was hard to see her because another girl was in front of her. I videod it. She was mostly excited about all the makeup her teacher had her wear. She did well, but most of all I could tell she was trying to do her best and be focused. I think she was looking for me the whole time, and finally when she was done and walking off stage she saw me, and smiled and gave a little wave. How proud I am of her.

House to Eat and House to Clean

2011-12-08T11:44:00.001-08:00

one last acitivity with the kids at home, a gingerbread house from a kit, which we made, then immediatley ate.the kids the morning we were suppose to close. They said goodbye to each room and asked if certain things were in the big truck.

Sad empty house.

What a long week last week was. We spent it packing, cleaning, stuffing a truck, frustrated with the buyers because they were being difficult, didn't close when cotracted to and were just a big headache ( I mean who texts you at 10pm to demand a list of paint colors). In the end, we finally closed the sale. And are still trying to recover.

I'm Awesome Like That.

2011-11-29T22:27:00.001-08:00

Today Jake and I managed to move all that we believe we will need for 2-4 weeks into my parents home. . Even just that much moving was daunting. A small breakdown from me in the morning and Jake agreed skip some work and to help me at lunch make this small move. Should make the next two days of packing and cleaning the house that much easier to not be in the house.

After the kids were bathed and bed ready, we left them in grandmas care and decided we would go work at the house just the two of us.

These days we are calling that a date.

So we picked up some Coke and Ice for the evening and had big plans of getting most the rest of the house packed. Sounds romantic huh?

Well keep reading- things got pretty hot!

After about an hour of packing, some neighbors stopped by to talk. We visited with them. While we were visiting I smelled some burning, but I figured it was the just the smell from the oven I had put on "self clean" earlier that day. Our neighbors left and we continued packing and sorting in the living room. I kept smelling burning, finally I couldn't ignore it longer and was sure something was melting in the dishwasher or something. I went into the kitchen. We had been in the living room for well over an hour now. We couldn't see into the kitchen with out going in it because boxes are pilled so high on the counters.

Boxes were pilled high on the oven too.

Big mistake.

As I came into the kitchen I immediately discovered what was melting.

A box of kitchen stuff, a table cloth, some rags, a pack of matches, and some packing materials.

They were in full flames in the kitchen.

I screamed Jake's name several times. He didn't come running like I had hoped. By this time I had the sink sprayer on and was trying to put out the flames. Finally after I scream "Fire" Jake comes to assist.

With the two of us spraying the sink water and picking up the burning mass and placing it directly in the sink, we were able to get the fire out. It was about now all the fire alarms started to go off.

Apparently an hour or so earlier when I had stacked a box on the oven, it hit the knob, turned the range on and the box caught on fire. On the oven also happen to be rags, a plastic table cloth and a pack of matches, and some packing materials. The perfect concoction for house fire.

Thankful we caught it early, and that it didn't damage the house, we cleaned up the mess (just what we needed -more mess) and repacked the burned boxes, and finally got the smoke alarms to shut off after about 20 minutes.

We packed up a bit more, then came home.

I showered the smell of smoke off me. I needed to shower anyways as that was not something I had managed to get done during my busy day.

Lesson- don't stack boxes on the oven.

I'm just awesome like that.

Goodbye to the Nest

2011-11-28T13:17:00.001-08:00

street view.

The backyard.

family room in basement.
play area in basement
office in basment

stairs from kitchen area to basement
out to garage
kitchen and dinning

dinning room we used for desk and bookshelves
front door entry
front living room
downstairs 1/2 bath
M's room-

Kid's Bathroom
Kate and Sam's room
Master Bedroom

master bath

We have to be out of the house on Friday. The new owners will be here at 9:00 am. At the moment the house doesn't even resemble our home as it is filled with boxes and in chaos. In order to finish the packing and cleaning we are going to stay with my mom for the rest of the week, and come over and finish after the kids are in bed each night.

Saying goodbyes is not easy. We feel like we have been doing to for a few weeks now, and it is exhausting. And saying goodbye to the house is on the list of hard goodbyes.

We moved into this home mid Nov 2006. I was half way through a pregnancy and anxious to

be in a home so I could create a space to bring my 1st born home to. We had not even learned the new babe was a girl yet. We bid on the house in a silent auction, offering $246,000. Now that seems ridiculous, but it was a different time, and it was the only livable house we had found for under $300,000 in Heber at the time. I can still remember going to see a home we though might be a possibility listed at $215,000. From the outside it looked decent, but the inside didn't even have a floor, just dirt, and no recognizable kitchen or bathroom. Needless to say when we walked through this foreclosure, we happily bid that amount. And we didn't even actually win the auction, but the people who did weren't able to get the deal closed, and it was offered to us. We felt to lucky. I remember Jake came to lunch at my mom's, and when he told me I jumped up and threw myself around him pregnant and all I was so pleased. We moved in, the home had a lot to do, but we were excited about it. The 1st time we walked through it after it was ours I told Jake "I can't believe how big it is" and I had totally forgotten there was an unfinished basement too. We happily lived in the finished 1600 square feet and slowly finished that basement ourselves. By the time all 2400 square feet were finished our three children and all their stuff had filled the house just fine, we were starting to feel like we might like a bit more room even.

The 1st surprise of the new house was that the garage door wasn't automatic. That was changed the 1st week. The the water heater and kitchen sink both broke within the 1st week. Next we started with a fence and lawn. Though the home was four years old, it had not been landscaped. We painted rooms, finished a bedroom in the basement, and of course there were tons of small repairs along the way. The new light fixtures, kitchen sink, cabinet hardware.Then came the dreaded tile of most the main floor, a bathroom remodel,new blinds and screens, and eventually the completion of the family room in the basement. It changed the way we lived- no more toys every where. Then new appliances and lots of decorating. And new carpet for most the house. This past spring it started to feel like we had imagined it could.

I named the house the nest this past year. When the birds again built a huge nest on the front porch. It seemed fitting not only because of the bird nests, but because it was where all three of the children came home from the hospital too. When we moved in we had no children, and now leaving it we have three. Three children in just five short years. With all the newborn memories, it can't be named anything else. Though Jake says we should call it "stairway to heaven" because of the millions of stairs we feel like we are constantly climbing in a three story house. I think leaving the house full of all our children's memories will be sad for me. I don't remember things that well, but when I glance at the stairs I can remember Kate climbing them when she was just 8.5 months old. I can remember laying next to her for months on end for our afternoon nap on the couch when I hear the gate slam because of the wind. When I see the glass sliding door, I have all kinds of memories of Kate and Sam staring out at the dog. When I look at the tile floor I remember we did that when Sam was just a few weeks old, and we could do it because he was such an easy baby. The current nursery reminds me of how happy Sam would be in his crib when I would come to get him after a nap. In the driveway I can picture Sam dressed up for Halloween as a fireman. Marianne won't have too many memories here. Perhaps my bedroom and the hours I spent sleeping there before and after she was born, so sick I felt like I was going to die and the bathroom where I took two or even three showers a day just to feel kind of normal during her pregnancy. A short memory of her happy in our master bathtub, and laughing at herself in the big mirror. And oh the office, which gave us Jake everyday all day long. And how awesome it feels to know he is downstairs. I won't hear his muffled voice through the floor when he is on the phone, or get a skip in my step when I hear him open his office door to come up for lunch. The sound of airplane over head in the summer mornings as the kids played in their pool and I tended the garden, shouldn't be missed too much.

It is funny how many gifts we have to leave behind too as we move. The tree Jake bought and planted for my birthday, the tile floor was a mother's day gift, the super powered shower head another mother's day, the painted office I did for Jake as gift, the stainless appliances we got each other for Valentine's Day. How silly.

This was the 3rd time we attempted to sell the home. The 1st time I can't really remember I just know that we did. The 2nd time was shortly after Sam was born. Jake was not loving his job, and we figured there wouldn't be another one for him in Heber. We had the house under contract, but after something like 45 days if fell through and we didn't want to start over. Jake's own business was starting to take off around now too, and the 1st thoughts of quitting his law job came. A few months later he would decide to go for it and we wouldn't be moving after all. This time it sold ridiculously fast, faster then we expected or even wanted.

As we pack and clean it is crazy how much stuff we have now. I guess adding kids, 3 kids, will do that to us. We have only moved once in our marriage, from our Provo House to this home. We don't like moving. It is hard work.

Jake says he has never really like this house, because it trapped us for so long. We couldn't sell it, refinance, or leave because it wasn't worth nearly what we paid or owed on it. It still is not even close, but I guess now we are at a point where we can afford to take the loss. I'll be sad though. I like my house. Sure it is not my favorite style, the yard is a little small, and I do hate all the stairs. But it has been such a wonderful , safe, warm home for me and all my babies. I'll miss it.

Goodbye Nest. I'm sure when we are in town to visit we will drive by and wave hello- and see if the new owners are keeping you as kindly as we did.

Thanksgiving Week

2011-11-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

M's 1st Thanksgiving. She is such a chubster. We had a very low key but lovely thanksgiving. Dee and Drew and Declan joined our little family of five. We had all the main Thanksgiving dishes, but many I cheated on and purchased as most the house- including most the pots and utensils are packed up. In the morning Jake played Turkey Bowl with friends, and is still limping after the almost three hours of what he says was one of the funnest football games of his life. The kids made simple Thanksgiving decorations for the table and I browsed Black Friday deals while we watched the Macy's Parade. I made our small turkey in the crock pot, and our stuffing was from a box, we ate off paper plates. Then we visited to a background of football games. Quiet but very relaxing. I had the silly idea that I would hop over to Wal-mart just for fun. But it was not fun. It nearly gave me a panic attack so after wandering around for a while I just left empty handed. The crowds and lines and missed sleep just didn't seem worth saving $100.

Today we had the chance to go to our nieces baptism in Alpine. After followed a lunch with friends and family. We can't get enough of you Lind family, thank you for adopting us into your awesome family. We never wanted to leave- and not just because our house is a chaotic mess of boxes. As we were driving home, with two of three kids asleep, drinking our ice soda with the heater on full blast even though it is almost 60 degrees outside we couldn't believe our luck, that we still had a whole weekend ahead of us.

Good thing to because we have lots to do.

The Thanksgiving Break sure felt like a treat.
Almost big enough to sit in the bumbo. This angel is so sweet I hate that I just can't cuddle her all day long. She's so happy, missed naps and feedings late, she rolls with it. I can't believe how happy her smiles and coos make me. I call her my angel, partly because she is such a good baby, and I think partly because she seems so good next to Kate and Sam on days when they won't stop fighting or complaining.Getting a story from Dad
The kids have been such helpful packers. They actually like to pack with me, use the taping machine, etc. Tonight we cleaned out the kitchen cabinets. They helped put stuff in the boxes, wipe them out, then crawled inside and used them the rest of the night as play houses.

Snow Day

2011-11-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

Just some backyard fun in the snow. Got to get all the snow in before we leave for sunny CA in just two weeks. When I was there this week the birds were chirping, the leaves had mostly not even changed colors yet and it was 70 one day. That is a little ridiculous.

Life In Between

2011-11-19T08:24:00.000-08:00

Kate asks to get her hair done in twisties in prep for the Primary Program the next morning. She did so well reciting Moses 1:9 but couldn't even see over the stand. It was fun to watch. I teared up, and Jake commented that he didn't think he would be that parent that can't stop looking at his kid even though she is just singing with 80 other kids, but he was. She had double duty this Sunday and gave a cute talk about being reverent with our hands in Primary too.
The kids color non stop. They are getting really good and play coloring so well together for hours on end.
Sometimes I remember to have a picture taken of me to document that I actually am in this family too, there are just no pictures of me.
M constantly sucks her thumb. She loves it. She is such a pro and getting it which I think it good coordination for a just three month old. She is a better sleeper now that she sucks her thumb too and usually is only up once a night.

Tiny Traveler

2011-11-17T13:05:00.000-08:00

M and I were jet setters this week. With a quick trip to see what our new life looks like in person.

She was the best tiny traveler I could have asked for. This is her at the airport waiting with me. Though she lost out on a lot of sleep, she was still the perfect angel. We had a great flight there, even though we had a 2 hour layover. Luckily our late night seat was next to a granny who happened to also be a twin and loved babies. She was understanding of the few cries, and attempted to be super helpful. When we were getting off, some business man said to me that he flies three times a week for work and had never seen an infant do so well. On our trip back home the airline attendee tracked us down while we were waiting at the gate and bumped us to a direct flight at no extra charge because there was an open seat so instead of getting home at midnight we got home at eight. Seriously flying with her was such a breeze. In fresno, it was kind of special to be able to give her some much attention. We even took a nap one afternoon together. Another morning, grandma watched M and I ran some Christmas errands. It was only two days, but I felt so relaxed. It was such a great trip. Then I returned to a house in chaos mid packing, two more children with needs, and the stress of buying a home and moving. I kind of with M and I were back on vacation.

New Love

2011-11-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

There is a new love in my life.

His name is Austin.

We met online, and though we've never met face to face, I sneak minutes here and there through out the day looking at the 30 pictures or so I have of him.

And he is oh so charming.

I find myself falling asleep thinking about what my new life will look like with him.

And I have decided to fly on an airplane next week to meet him.

Want to see?

Careful- you might just fall in love with him too. And he is mine.

Are you loving this scandalous news for your Friday afternoon?

Well take a look at the best picture I have on him.

Austin

The name or at least temporary name for our new house.- it is just the street name. That is how Jake and I reference homes so we can talk about them through the buying process.

He is not ours just yet- we won't close until Dec 13. So some paper work and some hoops to go. But it feels so good to have this currently under contract. We can't wait.

He is more than we had hoped for. With incredible perks like being able to walk to three playgrounds, the elementary school and our ward building. We can't even walk to our ward building here in Utah. A gorgeous wrap around porch, and gated pool made him the one that stole our hearts.

Don't you like the turquoise?

I can't wait to give you the full tour.

Have You Heard?

2011-11-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

We are moving.

Yes, it is true.

When?

in about 24 days, but whose counting?

We've known for about 20 days that we would be, but wanted to be more sure our contract for the sale of our home wouldn't fall through, we've had that happen before and we are starting the feel like the kids who cry" we are moving to California"

Where?

Good question. We wish we knew. We will be moving to the Fresno area somewhere. It is where Jake is from, and we have always wanted to try it out for our family. Since Jake can really work from anywhere and we don't have a job holding us in place and now that we have sold our home, we don't have a home holding us in place either and our kids are not in school yet it seems like the perfect time to make the jump. Those 3.8% interest rates don't hurt either.

Why?

Another good question.

For fun?

Doesn't it sound fun to pack up your entire house and three kids including a new baby.

Time of your life right?

Really it started about 4 months ago. We are always on the hunt for homes, and happened to find the perfect house for us in Fresno. And another back up house that we also really liked. But I couldn't fathom moving 8 months pregnant, or with a newborn. When M was about two months old we decided we could start trying to make the move- our dream house was still on the market after all. So we cleaned up the house and yard and listed it on the Utah MLS. Mind you our hopes were set low. This would be the 3rd time in five years we have tried to sell out home. Without being able to. We set our expectations low and decided we would be willing to walk away from the 20% down payment we put down in 2006 and the over $30,000 in improvements and repairs, and would just be happy if we didn't owe anybody after the sale of the home. So we set the price at very reasonable. We didn't expect we would find the perfect buyer for months, maybe the spring. Not with almost 30 brand new homes for sale in our neighborhood listed for a similar price. It was listed for about five days. We showed it three times the 1st weekend it was up for sale. By Saturday night we got a call. The 1st people that had walked through had made an offer. It was decent. And we just accepted it. Even though it gave us 40 days to get a new house, pack and get out. I'll admit our house was spotless, organized, and beautiful that weekend. I don't know why I thought it would take so long to sell.

Then we started stressing out like crazy.

Two days later, as we were preparing an offer, the house we had hoped to buy sold... after being on the market for something like seven months. How is that for luck. Bad luck I mean.

In the mean time we have been out to Fresno searching for a new home and scouring the Fresno MLS listing every morning for new postings. But nothing seems to compare to the 1st house, the house we actually put our house up for sale to try and buy. We do have an offer in on a nice home in Clovis, CA, just outside of Fresno, and have put in a backup offer on the dream house that is under contract. Perhaps we will know more in a few days. We do feel blessed to have been able to sell our home. We are sad to leave but also very excited. We also wish we knew where we were going to go.

We are in the process of packing. It will take a lot to pack up our home. And packing helps us feel less stressed, like we are at least getting something done.

I was so stressed about not knowing where our family would go that I was only sleeping like four hours a night. But now I'm trying to be done with that all. In the end just because we have always been home owners since before we were married even, we don't have to be. We are now starting to consider renting or living with some or both of our parents temporarily until we find the perfect place.

We will soon have 2400 square feet of our furniture and stuff packed into a truck or storage unit with no where to be delivered, and three children living out of duffle bags.... just in time for Christmas.

With all the stress and worry, and saddness to leave family, friends and place we have loved to be- We are excited for something new. New people, new homes, new dreams. We are excited to finally try Fresno out as we have attempted to move the California now five times in the 8 years we have been married, and never had it work out. We are really determined to make it work out this time.

So we are jumping in with both feet, and about 35 rolls of packing tape.

Being a Mom

2011-11-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

Some days I feel like a pro at mothering.

Today I woke up at five- well a hungry baby woke me up. When she was full and back to bed, I baked muffins, did the laundry, mopped the floor, edited some pictures for my sister, and browsed around facebook and pinterest before the rest of the family woke up.

I managed to vaccum the house, run an errand, host a mutual activity, do more laundry, clean up the backyard before the snow covers everything, and get all three of my children's digital photo books up to date before the evenings end.

On top of it all, my children didn't fight too much and are hilarious and awesome- their latest adventures include making the living room chairs into a tent, getting flashlights and hiding from bears and other woodland animals, while sleeping in blankets and pillows they turn into sleeping bags. And did you see the video I posted of them quoting scripture? They are so awesome.

The new little one is a smiling fool too. We love it.

Oh and have I mentioned how I can now nurse a baby while walking up the stairs. I'm not saying it is the safest or smartest thing to be doing, but it is happening at least once a day around here.

You heard me.

Nursing while walking up the stairs.

Sometimes I don't feel like a pro at mothering.

Like last week when I attempted to run the errand I managed to do today. It was all I wanted to accomplish that day. So I loaded the kids in the car, drove to Provo with all three kids, unloaded the children out of the car and into a cart and walked into a store. 45 seconds at the store and the kids in and on the cart, knock it over, everyone falls out and is crying and hurt. Thankfully M is in her car seat and though her car seat falls to the tile floor and least she is protected. Sam is under the cart and Kate seems to be mostly unharmed. after I have determined there are no broken arms and find my cell phone which went flying under a display and of course console all the crying children, we walk back to the car and decide to try another day.

What was that.... 45 seconds in a store?

Yup.

The best part. As we are driving home Kate whips out a princess hair clip and tells me " Look what I sneaked out of the store". Apparently she deemed the chaos the perfect time to swipe something she had her eye on. And instead of making her return it, I just take it away and tell her I will take it back another day.

I'm not going back to the store now, and not later either, not for an item that was less than a $1. How is that for great teaching moments to my children and awesome mothering?

You are welcome for the laugh.

I'm just grateful I had today.

Halloween Festivities

2011-10-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

Rapunzel. Kate designed all the details, Pascal, the flag bag. Oh what fun.
Super Sam fighting bad guys and saving the day.

I made Marianne this owl costume. Such a cute little owl.

The older kids went out trick or treating to five or so house. They had already filled their bags at trunk or treat at church on Saturday. Marianne and I stayed home and passed out candy. She was a sweet helper, just smiling and looking sweet in her pumpkin pj's.

We gave the kids the choice of painting or carving their pumpkins this year. They picked painting. So glad because really carving pumpkins is a mom and dad job still, but our little ones could actually paint the pumpkins, and loved it.

Our awesome friends threw a Halloween party. We got home from Fresno about 36 hours before the party and I threw together these costumes. In the end I was pleased with our Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy.

Costume Preview, Money and Little Marianne.

2011-10-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

Kate had a costume party at school today. She got to wear the costume, then parents got to watch a little program. It was very cute, and Kate was wonderful. She was so excited about her costume. She made most of it herself. She decided she wanted to be Rapunzel, and came upstairs one day in some purple dress and shoes she has in her dress up box. She told me all we needed was long hair, and makeup and she could be Rapunzel for Halloween. We had a lot of fun together making the wig out of yarn. Then she remembered it had flowers in it, so we got those. Then she insisted she needed Pascal the lizard on her shoulder, we found one at grandma's house lucky for us and pinned it on, then she remember she needed a purple sun flag. She has got the details down from the movie. So we sewed a purple bag for treats and painted a sun on it together. I love that she loves Halloween so much. And even though it is a ton of extra work for a Mom, I am happy to make her Halloween dreams come true. I even caught her pretending to talk to people, imagining they thought she was actually Rapunzel, and she would tell them, "no it is Kate, I'm just dressed up like Rapunzel" She thinks she has everyone fooled.

Sam wore his costume today too since Kate was sporting hers. He is superman. Nothing hard there, just a $15 pre made ready to wear costume from Wal-mart. He loves it though and runs around with his hands outstretched like he is flying saying"Superman saves the day"
And a picture of angel Marianne for good measure. Her huge cheeks, big eyes, and awesome hair, sweet smiles and lots of "goo goo-ing" from her lately. What is not to love?

The kids have been saving their money up for some time now. Once your kids know about money it is pretty awesome. After lunch everyday, and after dinner they have a few chores, but sometimes I offer them the option of doing more extra chores for 75 cents. Kate had saved $14, and Sam had $4. They decided it was time to cash in, so we went to the store. Kate picked out this tangled set, and still had $7 left over. Sam picked out a fire truck with buttons, even though he has like 6 fire trucks already. They were so pleased with their purchases.

M is 2 months old

2011-10-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

My gorgeous baby is already two months old.

Crazy Stuff.

She is such a precious addition to the family.

All four of us just love her so much. She has had a little bit of a rough start, jaundice, low sugars, low birth weight, thrush, ear infection and strep throat all in her short life so far. But that hasn't stopped her for the most part, being a sweetheart and growing like crazy.

We love when she smiles at us and "goo's" at us most of all, and when she falls asleep in our arms.

She had her two month apt. yesterday.

Weight 11.6lbs 66% up from the 12%

Height 23.5in 88% up from 47%

Head 16 in 90% up from 82%

Perfect as can be.... well except for that ear infection she has had from birth, it is still there and didn't respond to the antibiotics. Hmmmm????? At least it is not currently bothering her.

That is some good growth. In fact our pediatrician joked she was the size of some 6 month olds.

Way to go Miss Sis!

But don't grow up to fast.

Pumpkin Patch Day

2011-10-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Nice air Kate. Sam wouldn't step on these trampolines. He is such a scaredy sometimes.

Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point last week. This is our fall tradition. Our kids were so pleasant, even despite a bit of chilly weather. They wanted to play on these wooden vehicles most the time.

Kate did say her favorite thing was the princess dress up cottage.

And we quickly got some pumpkins too. The kids had trouble picking one out. Kate kept changing her mind. In fact, I took this picture of the pumpkin she had finally decided on, but then she changed her mind again. Sam didn't like any of them because he said they were all to big and heavy for him. You can see his face below and that is the smallest one we could find.

We ended the evening like every year, with burgers from JCW's. Marianne did so well. We were out for 5 hours, and she was mostly content, except when we left the restaurant to go the car. I think the cold just put her over the top and she was screaming up a storm after that.

For the record, Jake, Marianne and I were all here too. We just don't have any pictures.

I just am finding that three kids- including one strapped to my chest- is more than enough to keep track of when we go on outings. So I have been leaving my SLR at home and taking along an old point and shoot we have. The pictures are not as great, nor as numerous, but it works. Perhaps less pictures even gives me the opportunity to enjoy the activity a little more.

Got it!

2011-10-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

my adorable chubby cheeks miss M.

I finally got a smile on camera

Sweet and sillly

2011-10-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

my kids are extra awesome lately.

Like how they are perfect patients for the doctor.

Yesterday we went to the pediatrician to check their growth. With all the food allergies and digestive issues Sam and Kate have, and seeing how everyone in Kate's dance and preschool seem to tower over her, I thought it a good idea to get their growth checked in between their annual well checks..

I stay up at night with worry for their silly tummies that never seem to work just right.

Turns out they are doing alright. Perhaps I will sleep better now.... or find something else to worry about more likely.

Kate was 31 lbs 7% and 39 in 12%

Samuel was 28.5 lbs 31% and 36.5 in 48%

They are a little small, mostly Kate, but I guess she'll be just like me.

While at the doctors Sam repeated to me over and over again

"my daddy is my best friend" in his cute broken word voice. I loved it. The doctor had some comment about his ridiculously large vocabulary, but sentences like" daddy is my best friend" are better than any big words.

later that night during family prayer he said he was grateful for "Mariannd"

he is such a sweetheart.

Last night- after we taught them how to play fruit basket for family night :)

Sam went upstairs and came back with this diaper box- ripped up. He was siting in it saying it was a digger tractor. It did after all have a working cardboard shovel. Kate and Sam sat in it until Kate decided she wanted it to be a bed for a baby. They fought, until she found another box and turned it into the craddle.

Sam is just making me laugh left and right.

Last night he was sitting on the potty, and then requested "spiderman panties"

he does not own or has never seen spiderman underwear, but I think Kate gave him the idea that he should want them.

Here is Marianne. She is still cranky from her ear infection and strep throat. Did I mention to you that our pediatrican has never seen strep in a baby so young. Seriously- poor girl. She is smiley again though. She actually has huge laughing smiles now, but we can't ever seem to catch them on camera. Here is one we just barely missed. You can see she is adding chub to that chin and cheeks every day. Also her hair continues to grow, and now it is dark brown at the end, red in the middle and blonde at the roots. I actually can't wait for her hair to be all blonde like I am sure it will be, just because then she will look like the rest of us.

Kate is still loving preschool. She dresses herself, and tells everyone about her school coat or shoes or hat or dress or whatever she is wearing. She likes the layered look in case you did not know that already. I often have to coax her into wearing only one dress or skirt to school. Today she brought her toothbrush for show and tell. She sees what other kids bring and then always wants to bring that the next time it is her turn. Last time we were at he store she asked if she could buy a new toothbrush- then described the kind she wanted because somebody at school at brought it for show and tell. We found what she wanted, then I let her get it.... it was a toothbrush after all. Then today she insisted on bringing it. I didn't realize we were buying it just so she could show her friends she had one too, but I guess that is what we were doing. Is this really already happening?
This morning I spent some time on the phone shopping auto quotes. Sam got a hold of some of the papers and within a few minutes he had created several masterpieces he was very proud of.

He tells me this is a snake in a hole.
And this one is daddy happy.

Kate arrived home just in time to make a masterpiece of her own. It is a dad hunting a bear like some kid at preschool told her about. Her dad does not hunt. She tells him he should. So she can get a bear claw like the boy at preschool. She tells me you can tell it is a dad in the picture because he has no hair. Ha!

Such sweet and silly kids!

The Score

2011-10-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

Kate: 0 Strep: 1

Sam: 0 Strep: 1

Marianne: 0 Strep: 1 with additional points for an ear infection.

At least I know the reason for the uncontrollable screaming from my baby for the last three days.

And that there is an end.

I thought it might just be the worst colic ever.

Thank goodness it is strep and an ear infection, it can be resolved with some antibiotics and we can return to just the normal level of colic. Babies are suppose to be protected from this sort of thing because of their mother's immunity if they are breast feeding. But that is only if their mother has some sort of immune system, and clearly if the past two months have taught us anything it is that I have absolutely no immune system.

Wal-mart didn't know what to do with all the prescriptions I just dropped off.

Really. It took them almost an hour to fill them.

That almost had me uncontrollably screaming.

And again the question.

Will we ever be healthy again?

And I thought I might actually get the laundry done this weekend.

yawn.

Sunday Drive and Listen

2011-10-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

For Sunday Conference we went on a drive. How lucky we are that we live in an area where we can listen on the radio no matter where we drive really. It really is a smart idea. We heard more conference this Sunday morning session than any other. Why? Because children were strapped into car seats and didn't need anything. We could even leave the doors open in the car and sit outside in the forest. That was one good reason for the drive.

The second reason, the fall colors.

There is something almost sacred to me about the roads that lead up the mountains on every side of the valley where we live, and where I spent many of my formative youth years.

Many times, whether by myself, or with one of my close friends, from the time I was 16, until, well still sometimes, I would make my way up the roads that wind up the mountains.

Usually when I needed a moment of clarity, time to think, or thirty minutes to communicate whether in my heart or out loud to my Heavenly Father. Sometimes it was planned, other times it was on my way to some where else I was suppose to be. Most often it was when I was confused or heart broken, trouble at home, or had a big decision to make. And some how the driving, the beauty, the quiet... and embarrassingly the EFY or Peter Breinholt music that was playing in my car, made the world alright.

Sometimes it was in the green spring or summer when I would admire the ponds and wild flowers.

But usually,

Usually it was in the fall.

The quilt like pattern of colors seen on the hills from the valley floor would call me up.

And it is without a doubt that a good portion of myself and my testimony was found driving the mountain roads distracted by gold trees and crisp air coming through my windows from ages 16-20.

Today as we listened to the prophets and apostles speak in that same environment, I found myself holding back tears, from the feeling driving the fall road still gives me.

Saturday Conference Kids

2011-10-02T17:36:00.001-07:00

That 1st picture is so representative of the kids.

Sam is in love with Marianne. Kate thinks she is the star of the show at every moment, and Marianne does whatever..... as long as that whatever is not sleep.

This day Sam said to me "Mariand Special, Mariand Ours"

The 2nd is Marianne playing with a doll Kate gave her. She doesn't look amused.

Guess Who 2

2011-09-26T20:23:00.001-07:00

Marianne- Sept 2011- almost 6 weeks old.
Kate- April 2007- three weeks old
Kate- April 2007- four weeks old
Marianne Sept 2011- almost three weeks old.

I look down at Marianne when I am holding her and have deja vu all the time. If it doesn't come across in the pictures, these two girls look so similar, and somehow already have the same mannerisms and movement. But they are not exactly the same. Marianne is starting to have more of her own look everyday. It doesn't help though that she wears all of Kate's old clothes.

And just to not leave him out- here is sam when he was four weeks old. He just doesn't look like the girls. The girls look like little elves as babies. Sam looks more like a seal. Was it because he was just so much bigger? Or because he didn't know how to smile for soooo long? Maybe those heavy eyes?

I think they are all adorable. I love my babies.

More Pictures of Kids.

2011-09-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Just some pictures of my adorable Marianne.

Jake took Sam last minute to the BYU football game on Friday Night. I loved that they went. I was sad I wasn't there too. Sam told me his favorite part was the "marching" he means the marching band at half time. Jake agreed this was his favorite part. He also told me about the clapping. Jake told me he mostly just ran around flirting with everyone and dancing the whole night. Lately Marianne gets lots of attention because she is a baby, and Kate gets to do a lot of special things like school, and dance and play date because she is that age now, so Sam gets a little lost I think. I was glad he got this special night with his Dad.

Raspberry Picking

2011-09-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

I found this website online. A u-pick raspberry farm about an hour away from us.

I in-visioned this perfect fall evening. With happy children running up and down the rows, perfect fall weather, perfect lighting for pictures, ending in perfect fall family memories. Ha Ha!

It was memorable that is for sure. And fun in the end too.

But we were lost and driving frustrated around Payson for over an hour to find the farm. If you are going to go I recommend a map, and calling me first. We had directions of google, a smart phone with GPS and three phone calls to the farm itself and it still took us about a hour to find, and we were seconds from just going home. Lesson learned.

I am a Utah girl who always thinks I will just be able to find something from an address abra- cadabra. It never works.

We arrived and started picking. And withing about five minutes Marianne- who was in a front pack on me, pooped and peed all over the both of us. And silly me- having never had this happen with her, did not have clothes for either of us. Marianne ended up wearing a sweatshirt for pants, and I luckily had a sweatshirt in the car which covered the mess but was still disgusting.

Once we were cleaned up though we headed back out. Jake and the kids had already picked a few pounds of raspberries. We spent about an hour, and managed to pick 6lbs. And it was fun, finding good rows, and watching the children do such a great job, and the weather was perfect.

Six pounds though- Crazy Town!

This morning we turned about half of it into a year supply of freezer jam for us.

Fun fall traditions for the family I think.... but next year we will know where we are going and bring some extra clothes.

I forgot some of the best parts of this trip.

One was Kate using an outhouse for the 1st time and telling us it was "super awesome"

Also her singing a song on the way home that she made up like this

"ABCDEFG,

You should learn your letters and your numbers,

so you can go to college,

because you get to have lots of friends there,

and it is lots of fun"

Sam's highlights are mostly just him saying "pick-ing rasp-berr-ies" in his broken syllables like he does. Also when we were looking for the farm he would point out all kinds of barns and tell us "there is the farm"

This Happy Day

2011-09-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

Things that made me happy today.

1. My baby slept in her crib last night, and for two naps today.... not in my arms. Hooray!

2. Our whole family went on a fall picnic for lunch. Jake and I talked about our hopes and dreams while the children collected pine cones. No really, this actually happened.

3. I worked out and it was before 9:00 at night

4. Baking. It is fall after all.

5. My baby is big enough to finally wear all the clothes that fill her closet. And she looks adorbs!

6. Two children taking afternoon naps at the same time.

7. Kate and her friend filling the house with giggles all afternoon.

8. My baby fell asleep on my chest while I watched Nate Berkus. I never wanted to move.

9. My sweet new Zara.com shoes arrived on the porch around noon.

10. All the laundry is done at my house.

11. Our ridiculous health insurance premium did not go up with the addition of our third child.

12. I made dinner for the family.

The day is not over so the potential for my day to be ruined still exists, but lets celebrate the small victories. Especially in my new life with 3 children.

Miss Marianne is 1 month Old

2011-09-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

yes she smiles.... at me when I come get her. Only me though!

Marianne was one month old this weekend.

I hate it when my babies turn 1 month old.

It means my babies are growing up for one. There is a rule about no growing up in our house. I am always telling the kids, but like always they never listen!

But also because I always feel like I should be getting more done, like getting dressed by one month, and not into maternity clothes, but I never am. I also always feel like I am should be sleeping, but am still up ever two hours.

Really though the hardest thing about having this newborn this past month has been that I just want to sit and cuddle her and stare at her all day long, but really I can't do that. To mark one month and the true placement of Marianne to our family here is a list of her already obtained nick names.

1.Marianne- we call her this most, and although it is her name, it is not what we thought we would call her.

2. Miss Marianne

3. Andee

4. Big Eyes

5. Angel- This may be one that sticks. Like Kate's Sunshine and Sam's Sweetheart.

6. Tiny One- Jake calls her this

7. M-

8. MaryAndy- the kids call her this one on accident a lot

9. Gorgeous

10. Peanut- we called her this within minutes of her birth. Before she even had a name. I don't know what it is about me and calling my kids proteins. I called Kate Baby Burrito, and Sam Baby Bean.

11. Babybebebebe- Sam calls her this

12. Maize

13. Our little owl- because of the big eyes and the not sleeping.

14. Love- this is what Kate wants her to be named and calls her

15. Sis- I call both the girls this.

16. Our Billy Goat- because she grunts like one constantly, and especially at night in her sleep.

As you can see- though she is still little, she is putting on the weight just fine.

We love those chubby cheeks and double chin. She still has some chicken legs though.

We love her dearly.

It is raining, it is pouring, while the baby is actually snoring.

2011-09-16T22:29:00.001-07:00

The kids wanted to ride their bikes outside this afternoon. And they maybe could have as the baby was actually asleep for a minute. But I told them they couldn't because it was cold and rainy. "Raining" was their exclamation. They quickly put on their boots and begged for their umbrellas then went tromping outside looking for puddles to jump in. They were more excited about this idea of their then riding bikes. Sometimes I don't know where they are learning this stuff. Sadly it hadn't actually rained that much so there were not puddles yet But they still had fun with their umbrellas. Samuel kept running over to me covering me with his saying he was saving me when it got extra windy. Kate practiced marching while twirling hers around and around like a circus act.
This is two weeks ago, we met up with a bunch of Jake's family for a Labor Day get together. This is cousin Declan born 10 days before miss M. They just both have animal bum pants. So pictures came of it. Yes he is a million times bigger then M it is true. I just downloaded these picture from facebook.

Funny Kids

2011-09-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

Stuff my kids have said lately.

Sam watching me nurse the baby.

He points to one breast

"There is milk in there?"

yes I tell him. He is figuring this new baby stuff out

He points to the other breast

"And juice in there?"

No Sam, I am not a soda fountain. I only come in one flavor.

Kate telling me about her new friends in school.

"she has two colors of hair brown and blonde like mine. I guess Jesus got mixed up. But she likes it alright" I can't wait to meet this little girl Jesus got mixed up on when making her hair.

Sam.

Every time he gets the smallest amount of food or drink or dirt on his clothes he wants to wash them. He gets upset, takes the item off and puts it in the washer. Then asks

"mommy wash it?"

I do.

the next day when he finds that clothing item. He says

"mommy dry it, peas?"

I say yes

sam says "tank you mommy"

every time. Every time he thanks me for doing his laundry. I love him for his appreciation.

Kids Kids Kids

2011-09-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

This picture is my boy Sam.

I mean what says "BOY" more than double band-aid knees (cars band-aids at that) paired with puppy dog galoshes.
He is not all tough boy though. There is still some sweetheart in him. He sure is smitten with the new baby. He is constantly trying to tickle her and saying "hi babybebebebe"
Marianne, or "Big Eyes" as we have been calling her, is finally growing into those eyes. Now that she has some cheeks, her eyes don't seem as ridiculous. Her big eyes fit her perfectly though- she is like an owl. Big eyes and nocturnal. A real night owl.
I really wonder where Marianne gets those big eyes.....her big sister has them too.

I sure love these kids. I have missed them so much. It is not like I'm not around, I have just been so sick for so long. I had looked forward to giving birth to Marianne so I could not be sick anymore. But I've really just been sick or sicker ever since. It has been my hardest recovery yet. My morning sickness lingered for about 8 days even after M was born. Yes that is right, not only do I have morning sickness from pregnancy hormone every day for 40 week, I have it after too while my body gets rid of those hormones. Nothing like throwing up when you have just had a baby. Then I had the flu when M was two weeks old. Now I have strep throat, with a fever of nearly 104 I was almost delusional for the past two days. But now have returned to my mostly normal mental capacity. Ha! The good news is no other member of my family has gotten anything. They have stayed healthy. I guess they have working immune systems thank goodness. I went to the Dr. today. He put me on some antibiotics and a steroid. And thanks to my mom who came over yesterday afternoon- made my family dinner, played with the kids and put them to bed. Thanks to my most dearest friend Janalyn-who took my kids all day, to school, to play at her house and to a picnic at the park. I got some rest, managed to make it to the Dr, and then tried to decontaminate the house. And mostly thanks to my superhero of a husband who has held down way more than his share of family responsibility and child care for the better part of a year. It is the big things he does like letting me sleep in over and over again, it is also the little things like how he puts gaterade in the fridge so it will be cold for me. He really is a superhero. With people like this in my life, and my antibiotics, I am hoping to be back to myself soon so I can enjoy some of the fall with the family I love.

Weekend Update

2011-09-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Marianne ready to go with Mom and Dad
The kids eating pudding pops.This weekend was great.

Two days where I felt like myself more. Where I felt like life would go on after 3 children.

It started with a dinner date with Jake on Friday evening. Of course Marianne tagged along. The kids hung out with Grandma and Grandpa and we got away.... for one hour.... which felt like three. The hour was not even uninterrupted as Marianne, of course, was awake. But small whines from a 3 week old pale in comparison to a house full of small children climbing all over us every minute for something from one or both of us. It was my return to society. Well I had clothes and makeup on and was out on the town.

Saturday was a relaxing and productive day. Jake took Marianne for much of it except to hand her off for me to feed her. He was watching a lot of football so she just hung out on the couch with him. Which meant my arms were free! Free to clean and cook. In one Saturday I got more done than possibly the entire last eight weeks. It included obsessively cleaning out most the closets and cupboards in the house. And it was awesome! Seriously you should see my closets.

oh wait. you can see them. Here

Sunday brought our 1st attempt as a family of five to get through 3 hours of church. My kids are so cute. Loud. but cute. Sam was so excited to wear his new "big tie" I made him. He sat and sang "I am a child of God" the opening hymn, except that he doesn't know how to sing, he just yells the words. When I picked up Kate from her primary class she had one lone Cheez-it in her hand. Her teacher said they had eaten some, but she had chosen to save one for her brother. And held one Cheez-it in her small sweaty hand for most the class- denying herself to eat it so she could give it to the brother she is so sweet to. And she did. And he ate it right up.

And that was the weekend.

3 Weeks and a Blessing

2011-09-07T09:47:00.001-07:00

Our Big Eyes is three weeks old as of last night. We are still adjusting to life with 3 kids. We love our sweet Marianne, but she sure doesn't like to sleep. I don't know any other newborn who only sleeps 20 minutes of five hours most days. Perhaps as she puts on some weight this will change.

The three of us. Really Jake and I are fighting pounding headaches from two sleepless nights in a row and I think you can see it on our faces. I didn't even attempt a full family picture, or get any pictures with anyone else. This was also partly because Marianne puked all over her dress in the few minutes it was uncovered. I used that as an excuse, really you can't see the puke.
We did have a wonderful Sunday with tons of family from near and far here to be with us on Marianne's special day. And as a special treat, we got to spend most the weekend with many of them because of the extra long holiday.

1st Day of Preschool

2011-09-06T11:26:00.001-07:00

Kate's 1st day of preschool was this morning.

She has been looking forward to school for so long.

Back in July we went school shopping. She picked out clothes and a backpack and supplies. She has had this dress picked out as her 1st day of school outfit for a few weeks.

She is going to Little Learners Preschool with Mrs. Duke.

Kate shows off her backpack. She picked it out. It is obviously too big for her, and also filled with things she wants and thinks she needs to bring to school but doesn't actually need.

When I dropped her off she found her backpack hook with her name, and then found her chair with her name. She was so happy, just grinning from ear to ear. It looks like there are about 5 boys and 5 girls in her class counting her. I said goodbye and she happily waved at me.

When I picked her up she was still grinning from ear to ear. On the way home she opened up her backpack to show me stuff she had made and tell me about it. She told me about the story they read, that she did show and tell (she brought some Barbie from McDonald's) and about the new dress ups there were to play with- but said nobody would play dress up with her.

She said she loved her new school.

I am so happy for her and all the fun she is going to have.

Here at home, 2.5 hours with only 2 kidswhile Kate was at school was a great thing, even if Marianne only slept for 20 minutes of it. Sam kept on asking "where is Kate" "Where is my fun Kate" "Where is my friend Kate?". Sam got tons more attention that usual. Book reading, cooking together, puzzles and a haircut (which he loves) and a bath. Marianne just watched and listened, and ate.

We all Scream....

2011-09-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

Have I told you about the ice cream truck that roams our neighborhood.

No?

It is really strange.

It comes all year long, and although it plays loudly a silly tune with a "Hello" at the end from its speakers, it doesn't really draw children.

It always stops at our neighbors house. And one house around the corner. They seem like nice enough neighbors, but I'll admit these are the neighbors we don't know.

And like I said.

I have never, ever, not once seen a child waiting in anticipation for a frozen treat to be handed out the window of this ice cream van.... except for one time two years ago when I helped Kate to buy a treat from it.

Jake and I often joke that we think it is really selling stolen narcotics or something.

Like I said, the only people I see at its window are adult neighbors who I don't know.

We live in a really nice neighborhood really.

But why else is this truck only stopping at two houses, not drawing children, and has the same repeat adult customers at its window each evening.

It is strange.

Then today, around five, Sam and I were in the living room sitting on the couch. The silly tune started to play. And Sam got all excited "Ice Cream Truck, Ice Cream Truck!"

How he knows what an ice cream truck is I am not sure, how he knows it by the sound on the street, sight unseen without ever having the experience of getting ice cream from a truck.... beyond me... he likely saw it on Yo Gabba Gabba or something.

We together, looked out the door.

When his suspicions were confirmed I told him to go get Kate and I would get some money.

She was downstairs in the basement.

He stood at the top of the stairs calling down "Ice Cream Truck Kate!"

She hurried up.

And the three of us ventured over with the cash I managed to rummage out of my purses over to the neighbors house where the truck sat parked.

Then we waited.

For like 10 minutes of more.

For the adult neighbors, the ones I've seen over and over at the truck, to purchase things.

I didn't SEE any illegal narcotics being exchanged, nor absorbent amounts of cash changing hands (though i though $2 for an ice cream was a bit overpriced). I'll keep my assumptions anyways.

What I did see them buy was lots and lots of roasted corn on the cob on a stick.... for $1.50.

and a ring pop.

When it was finally our turn the kids each picked out a treat.

For Kate a barbie pop that looked just like her

For Samuel, Spiderman.

Then we sat on the front porch and they tried to eat the treats before they melted off the stick onto my newly washed front porch. They were not very successful.

But they were thrilled with the experience.

It made me sad though that it was such an event.

When I was a kid we got ice cream from the ice cream truck at least bi wekly.

We saved our nickels and went on our own.

And I doubt my mother feared we would be caught up in some sort of drug ring.

I know, I'm probably being ridiculous.

Not ice cream related. A picture of Kate and Samuel coloring together on the floor. They are both getting so good. Kate draws masterpieces with characters and storylines. Samuel is mastering the face and is always drawing people, and sometimes monsters.

Parenthood.

2011-09-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

I saw a status update on Facebook from myself from last year.

"Motherhood: Waking up in a pool of vomit that belongs to somebody you didn't even know was in your bed"

I mostly said it being funny.

Sometimes I think I am.

But it was true. Both Sam and Kate were really sick. That was a year or more ago I think.

My humorous thoughts today.....

"Parenthood: Spending the hours between 10 and midnight with my husband on the couch in front of the tv with our shirts both off. It may sound like a steamy evening at first, but really we had both been covered in vomit, removed our shirts and were too tired to go upstairs to get new shirts."

Having kids is a blast.

You may think I said that with sarcasm in my voice. But I didn't. I mean it.

Having kids is a blast, vomit and all.

Having an incredible man to laugh with me when I get puked on, only to laugh at him when he gets puked on minutes later makes the journey even sweeter.

A Ballerina, a "Bobot", and a Baby

2011-08-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

Kate started Ballet class today. She has been counting down when she could go to dance since the winter. Even though there was a lot of mom barking orders to get dinner done and get her ready by 5:30 for the class, she was happy as could be. She looked adorable. And of course was totally the most graceful in her class. She insisted that she wear a bow, that came with some of my old clothes from my mom's house that was from one of my dance recitals when I was younger.

She has been practicing her moves for years now. That picture above is before the class. A natural see. I'm not sure how she even really knows what ballet is.

Another one of kate just dressed up. This is my dress from when I was a toddler. She loves it and attempts to dress herself in it everyday.

This is my "bobot" or Robot Sam. He likes to put this bucket on his head and run around the house. Surprisingly he doesn't run into walls all that often. At least the bucket would protect his head. He also runs around the house with a red snow beanie over his face calling himself Spiderman. I hope he can see through the tight knit a little, remember running into the wall is how he got himself stitches this winter.

and one of Marianne, just to not leave her out.

She is two weeks old today. She appears to be gaining weight but I guess we will see tomorrow at her doctor's appointment. She is still a great eater..... sleeping is another story. She likes to sleep upright, like being held in my arms, but that is difficult, so we are letting her sleep propped up on a Bobby Pillow most the time. Her hair, that everyone can't get enough of, is already turning blonde. Also though we though we would call her Andee, it seems we mostly call her Marianne. I think that is mostly because she seems so feminine and petite so Marianne is a better fit at the moment.

Update

From her Doc Apt. Here are her stats

w: 6 lb 15 oz 12%

h: 20.25 in 47%

head: 14.75 in 82%

Although it is considered to be doing well if a newborn has gained back to their birth weight by two weeks, I was really hoping she would break 7lbs. For some reason that seems to make her less breakable and vulnerable. As for her height and head, she is about the same as her siblings- average height and big head. I don't remember if medical staff said this about Kate, but just like Sam, nurses and doctors continue to comment on how stretched out and strong little Marianne's legs are. Of course she doesn't have the muscles like Sam, her legs are just these little bird legs, but she is kicking, stretching and using them none the less.

More Pictures of Three

2011-08-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

Our best take.
Sam stares at Marianne's belly button in shock
All three non interested in having their picture taken

During our photo shoot last night.

In my mind these photos were going to be adorable, colorful and perfect.

Then I realized if I could get two of the three kids to smile at the camera at a time that would be pure luck. Three.... nearly impossible.

There were bribes involved even, but no success.

I get other people's children to smile on cue for photos all the time, only my own refuse to listen.

Sigh.

Pictures

2011-08-25T07:49:00.001-07:00

This is not the cutest picture- but it is so her face. She makes this "are you kidding me" or "are you serious?" face at me all the time.

I attempted to take some newborn pictures. You know the kind where the newborn is sleepy and moldable. Except I kept trying to move, pose and remove her clothes while sleeping, and she kept waking up. So I ended up interrupting 4 perfectly good naps for nothing. On the 4th try, she stayed asleep for a few minutes so I was able to get something. Lets not even talk about how I will never have a good picture of my entire family again, because trying to get three small children to pose, smile and not move is an impossible task.

Who is Who?

2011-08-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

I saw my baby sleeping today.

And instantly remembered a picture taken more than 4 years ago when another daughter was a week or so old.

Can you tell which on is which.

It is not just the blanket being reused that makes these pictures so similar is it?

Some people have started asking how we made the same baby twice.

4 days old

2011-08-20T21:01:00.001-07:00

Marianne is 4 days old. I can't believe that is all. It seems like she has been with us a lot longer than that. She is a great eater and sleeper like her big brother Samuel. She is still really yellow from her jaundice. She is such a beauty!

Happy Birthday Marianne!

2011-08-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

Notes from Marianne's birth

1. Named Marianne Dee Freeman. Marianne for my grandmother, Dee- after Jake's mother's middle name, and we think we will call her "Andee" a lot, which is what you get when you say her full name really fast together. Kate keeps calling her Mary Andy. We keep singing the Counting Crows song to her 'Marianne you're better than the world"

2. She was born Tuesday Aug 16 2011, at 5:47 pm at 6lbs 9 0z and 19 inches long. We were so shocked at her size. We had made bets on a board in the room, I was right about her height, but we were almost two lbs off on her size. I am still searching for answers as to why she is so small, and am in the end grateful I was pregnant for more than 40 weeks if that is what she needed to gain a little more weight.

3. I had to be induced because I was three days overdue and the most my doctor would allow was 7 days, and because that landed on a weekend, I actually was only advised to go six days over. I did not like being induced at all. It felt very medical and like I had no control even though in reality everything was very controlled. I picked Tuesday for the Doctor on delivery that day. I was grateful I was able to get in, as the day before they called to say there were too many people scheduled and I might not.

4. It was the fastest delivery ever. It lasted only 4 and a half hours. When I was checked sometime around 4:30 pm I was at a 4. When I was checked around 5:15 I was at an 8, and 5 minutes later was at a 10. We didn't have to wait for the doctor, but we did wait a second for them to set up the room because they were not ready. I pushed for about five minutes. It was almost too fast to experience. And very surprising. Too fast to have my epidural turned up for delivery which also made it by far the most painful delivery ever.

5. Marianne was attempting to come out nose first, face up, the wrong way. This is likey why I was not going into labor on my own, and also why I was able to walk better an hour after delivery than the previous three or four days at home. Our doctor was able to flip her over right before she was delivered. It took half a second and seemed to easy. Had he not been able to I would have been in for a lot longer labor. I was grateful she turned, as I could feel the pain of delivery and feel I was able to cope because it was only five minutes long. I remembered the words in the blessing Jake had given me the night before that the doctor's hands would be skillful. This flipping her around was a big deal. For many women a sunny side up baby means two or more hours of pushing and some times c-sections.

6. Because of her being underweight for her gestational age she had to have all kinds of tests new to us. Sugar tests every few hours- which she kept failing. She also failed her hearing tests and her jaundice tests. All which surely will be normal but have to be tested and tested again. All the testing made for a sleepless night. Well the tests and adrenaline. I didn't sleep the whole night. I didn't sleep until the following afternoon. We aren't use to all this special treatment for little babies.

7. The kids came to visit the next morning. They were so excited and it was so fun to see them with her. They brought her a few presents. I ordered chocolate cake from room service and we sang Marianne "Happy Birthday" and had a little birthday party for her. I think this should be a new tradition if we have any other children- it was fun.

8. I love the American Fork Hospital. I knew I did already- which is why I drive all the way from Heber to deliver there. We loved our most our nurses and laughed that in labor and delivery that we had the same nurses as when Kate was born, and one of the same nurses from when Sam was born. The rooms are large and comfortable. And the best and new part- room service. Yes food room service. Anytime between 7 am and 7 pm you can order whatever you want off a menu and they bring it to you. Cheesecake, milkshakes, salmon, grilled quesadillas, omlettes, delicious and fun. We didn't love that the power was out and they were running on back up generators, because of a construction accident. It made me nervous but it only really affected us because there was no air conditioning until the evening. Our room went completely dark both when Jake and I were trying to shower, and makes for something memorable from our hospital stay.

9. With Kate and Sam before having Marianne we asked them what they thought she would look like- saying that when Kate was born she looked like an elf fairy and when Sam was born he looked like a baby seal. When Kate saw Marianne she said she looked like a fairy elf. We agree- or we agree that she looks just like Kate when Kate was born. It is proving more true every minute. She has tons of light brown hair that everyone has something to say about. A large strawberry on her forehead- likely from sitting on my hip bone the wrong way. She is actually taller than Kate when Kate was born, she just is so little because she has no meat on her. Her legs are so thin her diapers don't stay on and she is always slipping out of them. We can't wait for her to gain a little weight so we don't have to worry about her so much ( we walked out of the hospital with her at 5lbs 15 oz.) but we think she is adorable.

10. We love being home. Home with the kids. Home in real beds. Home where I don't have to ask somebody to bring me ice and nobody wakes me up at three in the morning to check my blood pressure. Home where Jake watches Kate and Sam most the day while Marianne and I camp out nursing and sleeping in my bed. Currently I am sitting next to her in bed watching Marianne sleep. She is cooing and smiling in her sleep like she is dreaming. We even managed to do two loads of laundry and get the lawns mowed today.... okay that was Jake's doing. I mostly took Marianne to her two doctor's appointments today, nursed her and took two naps.

Lucky Me!

2011-08-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure if this should just be a journal entry, or if it should make its way on to the blog.
I guess proper blog etiquette would dictate- when in doubt don't post it.

But I debated only because it is mostly more complaining. And thought I don't like filling my blog with complaints, I guess the few people that read my blog (my sisters and sis in laws) can cope with a few more paragraphs of grief from a pregnant gal. Plus it is actually funny.

Last Thursday when my doctor's appointment when poorly, I cried.

Today I just laughed.

My doctor was also laughing at me a bit. Really.

He told me that he has never had a patient go late with their 3rd child...I have about 36 hours or I'll be his first. Even more surprisingly he told me, he has never had a 3rd pregnancy he couldn't even do an induction, even two days early, for because they have not dilated at all. I am the 1st.

Aren't I special!

I feel so special.

I feel special that even my experienced OBGYN can't believe how stubborn my body and unborn child are being and chuckled at me in disbelief.

Mixed emotions have washed over me as I have observed births this past week.

I had four friends and two sister- in -laws due between Aug 6 and Aug 23.

All six of these women have had their babies and are home holding their little ones and on their way to recovery. Only I remain. I get to be last. I get to be the only one to be pregnant for all 280 days. Even though I am the shortest by a good four inches to any of them. Each one of them should know how lucky they are- as the last seven days have been the hardest days of any pregnancy ever for me. Though morning sickness left me around 6.5 months, it has returned and I am back to throwing up a few times each morning. The hard part is, is that now I don't move quite as quick and it is more difficult to make it to the bathroom to puke because instead of running, it is more of a waddle. Picture that. And laugh with me.

A google search and some convo with my doc told me that less than 10% or women deliver one or more days late. I know- I still have a day and a half, but unless my water breaks, my doctor doesn't think I am going to go into labor before then.

This 10 % usually includes women who are pregnant for the first time- not me.

Having a boy- nope.

Are obese before pregnancy- nope.

Have a mother who was always overdue- nope mine never went over 36 weeks.

So not typically women who are pregnant for their 3rd time, with a girl, and are normally-petite.

I am just breaking all the rules. I am a rebel like that.

It is so frustration- looking for answers I looked at dates. Maybe I could make some sense of it if it were possible my due date were a little early. But Nope. I know the day I conceived. Not only that I was throwing up and asking for hard candy within the week, my 1st ultra sound came back with the exact same date. And my detailed ultrasound spouts date between Aug 11 and Aug 14.

I looks like Saturday is suppose to be our day.

And I'll cross my fingers hoping still.

Otherwise the doctor will force her out on Tuesday the 16.

Strange as it seems, they won't induce me now because I haven't made any progress, but they won't allow me to stay pregnant past Friday the 19. I could choose a day between the 15 and the 19. That is the latest date that I am even allowed to be pregnant for because it starts being unhealthy for the baby. That seems a small window to me.

But four days or sooner (cross your fingers) makes me feel like a ticking time bomb.

Please let my water break. Please Please Please.

And I think I am done crying, I've moved on to laughing, and saying "of course this is my luck"

One of the best things though.

Every night Jake and I got to bed we say "see you in a few hours"

because we assume i'll go into labor overnight. And every morning when we wake up to children and the sun shinning through our window instead, we look at each other, and the look makes me laugh. It is one of disbelief and humor at learning over and over again that we have no control when it comes to these sort of things.

So Done.

2011-08-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

I'm done. So done.

I know I technically have a week left in the pregnancy. But I just never expect that my 5'1" body with what I can only assume based on my past children is an 8lb child will hold out to the end. I get my hopes up. I guess I can only hope.

Jake took the kids to the carnival tonight. I sat alone at home depressed instead. Eating shredded mini wheats for dinner. Sad, sad, sad. I didn't feel like walking around.

I had a doctors appointment today. It didn't go as I had planned.

I am no where close to being in labor. So far in fact that although they normally allow women to be induced 7 days before delivery- like now for me.... I am not being given that option, because I am showing no progress. Who has ever heard of this in a 3rd pregnancy? I guess that is fine since I didn't want to be induced anyway, now the temptation is gone.

This in combination with the official fact that I have gained over 50% of my own body weight...... yes 56lbs, was enough to wipe any smile off my face.

I'm exhausted. I found stretch marks on my feet today. No really this is not a joke. And I woke up this morning with my face so swollen it looked like I had botox in my lips, to a gross extreme.

I had big plans of doing chores all day, and getting to a really ready place. Instead all I want to do is eat ice and sit on the couch and watch Friday Night Lights- which we recently discovered on Netflix.

No matter what I did schedule an induction. Though it is not until the 16. 3 days after her due date. I think they will allow me to go through with it no matter what my body is doing. I still want to give her a chance to come on her own. But if she has any love for her mother she would go ahead and come already.

Pile on the sympathy I guess.

Best Friends

2011-08-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

Kate and Samuel cuddling in a chair looking at a party catalog.

Whenever a catalog comes in the mail that I don't want I tell them it is for them. Party Supply catalogs, costume catalogs, toy ads, are favorites of course.

After dinner the two of them cuddled together in this chair and planned their next birthdays.

They talked about what they liked. Robots, monkeys, bad guys, princesses. Kate not only wants to be sure her birthday is what she wants but that Sam get something that makes him happy too.

Rescue Crew

2011-07-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Baby's Room is Ready and So am I.

2011-07-30T12:15:00.001-07:00

I've been putting off finishing the last few things in the baby's new nursery.

Maybe because if it is not done, than I will not feel as prepared, therefore not as disappointed that she is not here yet. But today I went and finished off the last few things. That really only included making my bed, (the twin bed we have in there for me to sleep on those first exhausting few weeks) and moving out the boxes of Sam's old clothes. I still would like to hang on the wall the canvas I painted pink and intend to put her footprints on, as well as the blessing dress I bought her on these cute door knobs I got. We will see.

The preperation for this little girl's coming as been more minimal than the other two kids. It mostly included a bottle of DREFT and and entire day and night of the washing machine going. I washed so many clothes, blankets, the swing, the car seat, the bassinet- so much washing and that is mostly it. I didn't even make her a quilt. Well I attempted to, but it turned out horrible and I refused to finish it.. I had originally planned to make her room orange and purple- the quilt material I had purchased- but when it didn't work out, she got several hues of pink left over from Kate's room and previous projects I'd made for others. She did get that sweet butterfly mobile that I made one afternoon as well as a matching shadow box, and a few new swaddling blankets. That made me feel a bit less like I was cheating her. In the end Jake pointed out I shouldn't feel bad, since she may not have the perfect nursery I spent hours creating, but she is the first child whose life we are not risking by sleeping her in an old hand me down crib. We finally broke down and bought a new crib, lucky girl. I did purchase two outfits for her, some new socks, new bottles and a new hat as well. But her closet is literally bursting with Kate's hand me downs as you can see. That picture of the closet is clothing to 12-18 months plus all the storage bins in the changing table. There are two totes full of clothes beyond that for future sizes. Seriously, I guess I didn't realize how much a kid gets in four years.

So now all we have to do is wait. I have bags packed, and am trying to maintain a clean house. We really have 14 more days. That seems so long when you can't move. But I guess and end is in sight. I can't wait to not be pregnant. Even more we can't wait to meet our new family member.

Sam the Man

2011-07-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

Sam actually wore his bow tie on Sunday.

The bow tie I bought him for his birthday and he threw away like trash.

The bow tie I have tried countless times to get him to wear but he always throws a fit.

He looked adorable. Agreed?

29th Birthday

2011-07-19T11:21:00.001-07:00

This was my birthday cake this year. The prettiest cake I think I have ever been made for my birthday. No offense to Jake, usually he make me a chocolate cake for my birthday which is very kind. They are just never so lovely. This cake was made by my sis in law, Lisa. Who knowing Jake was away at scout camp for my birthday came up and brought me dinner and this cake, and insisted she give me a pedicure. I would have taken the adult company for the day and called it good, but she is an extra kind sister in law.... obviously.
I also had many gifts delivered all day. These flowers Jake sent from camp were surprising and beautiful. Along with my new laptop Jake got me, and a bag I had ordered for myself both happened to come that day too. I think my favorite part of the day was the kids singing me Happy Birthday. I had no idea Sam knew all the words.
When Jake returned on Saturday we celebrated again. Nothing like 2nd birthday. The kids each got me a simple gift from the store, just because they enjoy wrapping and giving the gifts. Kate usually is really great at thinking of something, but Jake says this time she was trying to convince him I would like Princess Games and dolls. She may have caught on.

Kate has been planning my birthday for a long time. Every time she sees some place she wants to go she will say "Mom, You could go there for your birthday" Birthdays are a big deal to her. So when she asked where I wanted to go, I picked a new Monkey Mountain Place we had talked about last week. Kate didn't even notice that I didn't go down the slide once. It was really just a fun evening out all together with the kids. Plus watching the kids have fun is really my favorite thing anyway. We also went out to Pizza, my newest constant craving.

Jake and I had planned to celebrate my birthday on Monday- yes 3rd birthday- because that is when he would be home and we could get a babysitter. I had secretly hoped we wouldn't get to because I would be having a baby on Monday. Historically, I always have my children on Monday, and though it was very early, I have been having contractions everyday for the past week or more so I was hopeful. Hopeful and wrong.

As usual Jake planned a fun evening for us. Dinner and an adorable play at the Hale Center called "The HIT". We had a wonderful evening soaking in what has been our first date in over a month, and will likely be our last with out a newborn tagging along for a long time.

If you count the combined family birthday we had on Sunday with my family- it was really 4 little birthdays for me. I feel so celebrated.

4th of July 2011

2011-07-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th of July weekend around here.

Here is everyone on Sunday in their festive best.

On Monday we went to the Freedom Parade in Provo. The kids loved it. Sam especially. He clapped and would not get out of the full sun to sit in the shade with us because he wanted to be that much closer. We met up with some of Jake's cousins there- then joined them for lunch. Lucky us.

After lunch we were worn out. We headed home were most of us took naps. Then we BBQ'ed hot dogs for dinner. Jake's parents came into town and we visited with them and watched fireworks as best we could from the front porch. We had let Kate do some sparklers already earlier that week, but she of course had her own knowledge of what a firework was, and since it was not in the sky, nor rainbow colors it did not count for her. She was satisfied by the one we saw that night though.

We were lucky enough to have Jake's parents and sister and her family for Tuesday around our house too.

Do we have to go back to non holiday normal life already today?

Loving Life with Two Sweet Kids

2011-06-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

Life is back to normal around here.

Other than a particular diet for Kate, and some bruising where her IV and feeding tube were, and lots of talking about when she was sick, she has returned to herself.

This week has been so fun just be around fun happy kids.

On Monday for family night we went to the splash pad in Highland again.

The kids showed less delight than last time, but still enjoyed themselves. Of course Kate made lot of friends.

There has been lots of playing outside, dressing up, riding bikes and playing at the park.

I have been bopping in and out of girls camp this week, but am mostly playing the pregnant card and only hanging out some of the time. But that means that Jake is spoiling the kids with trips to ice cream and movies.

Mostly we are still exhausted. I am still exhausted. I guess regardless of what is happening in our lives right now I would be, seeing as how I am carrying an extra 45lbs and only have 5 or weeks left until our new little girl is here.

A Very Long Two Days with a Sick Kate

2011-06-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have been anxious to blog about the last few days.
Anxious because I want to document in a detailed way what was a new, hard and growing experience for our family. But anxious because I usually blog lighthearted, simple, funny things about our family. Fun memories with the kids. And it is a way to relive the moment with them. But I never want to relive this experience.

Sadly this exhausting weekend was all because of poop.
Who knew poop could cause so much trouble.
Kate has always had a little bit of a problem with her bowels, and keeping things moving but we have always been able to remedy the issue at our house. But when we had tried all or our treatments and recipes and the days kept passing we went to see our pediatrician. When his ideas failed and the days kept adding up ... to 12... we were sent to the ER at Primary Childrens Hospital.
None of us had slept the night before because we were doing some treatments for Kate. We were very tired. And before the doctor even made the final call for us to go to Salt Lake, I knew it was where we were headed. I had packed a little bag for us, and had Jake give both Kate a blessing, and myself. I was so anxious and sad.
Kate and been the happiest kid the whole day. Riding her bike she would yell "mom this is so much fun" every time she would pass me. She had drawn a sweet picture for me, I had taught her how to play tic tack toe. It was a very hard thing driving her up to the hospital. We played games on the way up, and she was so sweet and happy. I told her we were going to the doctors, and she didn't mind. But she had no idea. And it was hard because I knew I was lying to her... putting on my happy face and acting like it was going to be fun.

The ER was the worst part of our experience. Both Jake and I expected that Kate and I would go to the ER, and they would be able to resolve the issue and we would be home in a few hours. We were wrong. There was no wait, we got right it, but then we had to wait forever to see and be treated. Jake had a scout campout to get to, so he just packed Sam for the evening to come camping with the boys and figured we would be home soon and would come get him. In the ER we finally figured out how to get on the wireless. I had brought our computer because kate loves to play computer games, so that got us past a few hours. As well as the sandwich and Popsicles they gave her. We were waiting for two different residents to decide what to do. One was kind, but admitted to us it was his 1st day of rounds. UGGG. The other was clueless as well, suggesting solutions that we had tried 9 days ago. They didn't communicate with one another at all either. The tech we had was an older man with a beard, wearing barefoot shoes, and talking with a slovic accent. He claimed to have two little girls at home but this could not be the case as he was clueless as to what level a four year old can talk and answer questions. On top of that he kept picking hair and lint off my sweater and telling me and her about it. Thanks- but the last thing a mother in the ER with her child cares about is lint on her sweater..... creep. Kate remained spirited, and I even made a movie of her singing and being happy in the ER. What kind of kid is like her? She is amazing. Thankfully we had a wise nurse, and finally saw a real doctor. They attempted to irrigate he bowels, and took x-rays. But we didn't get anywhere.
The attempted treatment was of course painful for her, and her crying made me upset. In addition we had no way to call Jake or anyone because my phone didn't have coverage and their phones couldn't dial long distance. Kate and I slipped out of the hospital to make calls to Jake a few times. At this point the medical staff had informed me we would be staying for a few days, and that they were going to hook Kate up to an IV and a NG tube to deliver a stronger kind of medicine. I told Jake we needed him. I needed him.
Kate kept on asking when we could go home, and I kept on having to tell her we couldn't yet. And I knew it was about to get a lot worse.

Jake left his campout. Grateful to good friends and neighbors who could come stay with the boys camping, and provide breakfast when Jake drove off with it still in his car. He came home and grapped a few things, packed Sam a bag and took him to my sister in Lehi. Grateful to them who claimed they had nothing better to do for their weekend than watch Sam. Then jake came up to the hospital. It took forever for him to get there.

In the mean time the staff became quick, and instead of leaving us waiting to proceed with the next part of our journey, at least until Jake could help me hold Kate down, they got to us quickly.
The started with the IV, she freaked out. Then just went for the NG tube right after because is was clear there was no calming her down. This was the hardest two hours of the whole weekend. Kate trying to rip the iv and nose tube out, me having to hold her down, it being 10 at night and we had been up since 2. She kept begging, screaming, to take the things off of her. Yelling uncontrollably "take this off, I want to go home this minute, I never want to come her ever again, I hate you, It is hurty, i'm so scared" and anything else. She couldn't understand of course why we were there, and why she had to do all this. After all she didn't even feel sick, but was a happy kid. And I felt like I had taken that away. And she screamed for the next two or three hours. During this time, we had to make some calls to Jake and Amy, but were mostly in our room. Me trying everything to calm her down. Having nothing left. Having no success. We had been awake for almost 24 hours. No toy, talking, anything would stop the at the top of her lungs screaming. I kept telling her the plan. "Dad would come, we would get the medicine we need, her poop would come out, they would take the pokey things off and we would all go home" The nurses of course had no success getting her to stop screaming. After an hour or so, they focused on me. I looked horrible and exhausted and look like I am about to have a baby. Thinking that maybe if mom had anything left to give she would have an answer to help Kate, but I didn't. They did give me a dinner of shortbread cookies and ice... which gave me in combination with stress horrible heartburn. I think they started to worry I just might go into labor from the stress and exhaustion. I ended up letting Kate scream, sitting by her with the computer and started to watch a princess movie. Eventually she started making requests and the sobbing stopped, and turned into more of just a slow cry and sad face. Then I showed her how to make the bed move up and down with the buttons. I caught a glimpse of my Kate as she jokingly squished us in the bed. Though she was sure to tell me how the bed was "not cozy" she just wanted to go home so much.
Jake finally made it. When he walked in the door I saw him look at Kate, and saw his jaw clench. Jake's face rarely shows emotion. I know his face well. And I knew exactly what that rare jaw clench meant. That he was fighting back emotion, within seconds he had on his brave face and was talking to Kate in a happy voice. Kate was happy to see Dad too. She had had enough of me. Enough of me telling her it wouldn't hurt that bad, enough of telling her we couldn't go home just yet. Having Jake walk through the door a weight was immediately lifted. It is so exhausting putting on a brave face and trying to smile for Kate, when I was scared too and so sad for her. I was glad Jake was there to help me make decisions, and most of all help me comfort Kate, and comfort me. He is always our rock.
Most of all, I could leave the room for a minute. 7 hours of being with a very sad Kate was really hard. I left to the parking garage for ten minutes. I was suppose to help throw a baby shower for my sister in law the next morning. I had some of the things for it in the car Jake brought, so my other sister in law came by the hospital to pick it up, and pick up where I wasn't going to be able to help anymore. Grateful to sister in law, who not only did the shower by herself for me, but hugged me and let me cry on her shoulder, really cry for the 1st time that day, which I really needed. I could hide my very tired attempt at brave and not be just for a minute.
I wiped the tears and headed back. Kate had one more painful thing to do for the night that I knew she wouldn't be happy about and I had hoped they would do it while I was out and Jake could get her through. I walked in just as they finished... to more uncontrollable screaming.

We got Kate to watch a tinkerbelle movie on the computer, then she fell asleep playing with a camping little people set they had given her to play with. Thank goodness. Jake and I tried to get to sleep on the couch and chair in the room. Kate kept gagging on the tube and medicine worrying me and I couldn't sleep. I had to keep getting the nurse. I eventually ended up in her bed, because every time she would wake up she would try to pull the tube out of her nose. So I laid by her until the morning. Attempting to get 20 minutes of sleep here and there. Up worried and sad and scared for my little girl. Up because she wasn't sleeping soundly, Up because I am 8 months pregnant, and was attempting to sleep on a hospital bed with my daughter. I guess it would have been a sleepless night no matter what.

Kate woke up around 7:00. I had hoped she would sleep for a few more hours since she had been up after midnight and had a horrible day. But she woke up just like normal. And asked a few questions about when we could go home, when she could get the poky things off. We tried our best to explain. Thing seemed like they were going alright, but it looked like we were going to be there through Sunday. So I decided to head to Amy's to see and care for Sam for a minute, and grab us some things at the store. I headed down to Lehi in my car.
I cried and prayed out loud the whole way there. That Kate's medicine would work, that she wouldn't be so scared. It seemed like only a few minutes and I was there. When I pulled up, Sam didn't even care. He was having so much fun outside with Kaylee and Amy. He was happy and well cared for of course. I took him to the store with me. I let him pick out some clothes for him and Kate. Thomas and McQueen shirts for him, a princess nightgown and another dress for Kate. After all Kate was responding slowly to the medicine and it was looking like we would need a change of clothes. I also let him pick out a car toy, and I picked out a few toys for Kate, playdough and a puzzle, something to do sitting in the hospital bed. Sam asked after Kate, saying she had a "owie, a booboo" asking after Dad, telling me about his camping "digging, and fire" with Jake the night before. He made up a song too, like wheels on the bus, but about tractors. It did my heart so good to see my happy child. The child I knew still loved me, and was healthy. We played for a bit at Amy's, got some cereal, and then I took him to their guestroom to put him down for a nap. He feel asleep in a few minutes. I snuck upstairs and took a 30 second shower, grabbed a few things from Amy's house so make our stay more comfortable, and headed back to the hospital. Grateful Amy has a house I am comfortable in, and comfortable taking whatever I need from. They watched over Sam and he seemed clueless anything was out of the ordinary, other than asking for Kate. It was a strange torn feeling to have to choose which child to care for, and not be able to take care of them both at the same time. Jake and I both felt our family so spread out, both the night before and with Sam away.

Salt Lake never seemed so far away. Funny enough, I feel like this new baby was a part of this family experience as well. She felt what I was feeling, every time my heart would race from stress, my exhaustion, hunger from not eating much for two days. Grateful that our baby is not due for 6 or 7 more weeks, as had it been two I would have worried more about actually going into labor, or not having enough time to recover our family before heading to the hospital again.
Being in the hospital, even for two days, made us feel so out of the world. It was a out of the ordinary experience, without our phones working well and the days seemed so long.

I of course had been calling Jake every 45 minutes or so while I was gone for all of 3 hours. The medicine had not worked yet and all I wanted was for it to start working before I got back. It was scary to head back, thinking it might not work and she might have to have surgery to fix the obstruction in her bowel.

As I walked in the door they were taking Kate's vitals. Perhaps out of kindness the nurse told me her heart rate went up when she saw me out of excitement. I hoped so, I hoped Kate wouldn't hate me forever from the day before. Jake and I finally both made it in turn to the hospital cafeteria that afternoon for some thing to eat. It was the 1st real meal I had eaten in 24 hours and it was amazing. Jake felt the same about his meal. We wish we would have tried the cafeteria sooner.

Kate and Jake had had a good time. They built and painted a bird house, play tic tac toe, and watched more movies. Kate told me they had been on a walk. Jake informed me she really liked it, so we decided to go on another walk. Kate at this point was dealing really well with being hooked up to so many things, and talking about what was going on like she understood something. We headed out on a walk, pulling our IV and NG towers along. Kate told me which way to go, what was on the walls, and how when the tower started beeping that meant we had to go back. I saw Kate again. Our sweet, easy, happy girl. She had a lot of questions about Sam when I got back. Where he was and what he was doing. Who was taking care of him? and was Kaylee being nice to him? It showed me what an ultimate sister she was to want him to be alright when she should have only been thinking of her own self.

While we were on our walk the medicine started working. Grateful to nurses who are saints and came out of their unit to the fish tank we were looking at the clean her up and help us get back to our room. We got back to our room, and her bowels had started to work. Kate remembered that I had promised her some magic markers if she pooped...that was like 5 days ago. But I had brought them. We got them out and used them. They were the markers that look white but color on special paper. She tried them out, then told me "I didn't know there was real magic" Grateful to Jake who was willing to clean her up more than his fair share of the time. Stating he had missed the worst part of the experience, getting hooked up to everything. She started to poop every twenty minutes or so. Our nurses informed us that once the medicine started to clear the blockage from her bowels it would still be a day or so. It was around two o clock. We were happy about the progress, but a little sad we would have to tell Kate we would be sleeping at the hospital again. Soon she started to assume that, when I offered her some toy, or some new clothes, she wanted to save them for tomorrow. It made me sad that she wanted to go home, but somehow knew we were not going home for a while.

The next few hours went by fast. Kate was pooping. And playing with all kinds of new toys in the mean time. I think she really enjoyed all the one on one time. For this entire day she just sat up in bed with her table of things to do, with either Jake or I on the other side playing whatever she wanted. We tried to watch a movie- but couldn't really get the DVD player to work. She eventually feel asleep for an hour or two watching movies. Grateful for a wonderful nurse Leslie, who kept us hopeful, informed, stocked with good toys, and anything else that was needed, talked to us about what to expect, propped us our egos that we were great parents, and that we were very easy parents to deal with. She and every staff member we came in contact with told us how cute Kate was. That was likely because other than the few hours of screaming, she was in decent spirits, and asking questions and talking about things. The screaming the night before though- was of note, as all the nurses shift after shift knew about it.

It was about six at night, and we still had not seen the doctor for the day. The nurse gave us hope that when Kate woke up we would see the doctor and he might let us go home that night. Suddenly I had all the energy in the world. While Kate was sleeping I even started cleaning up our stuff, and calling Amy to see if she could bring us Sam.
Kate woke up, we saw the doctor, and had to get x-rays two times. Kate by this point was really getting to be herself. She was so excited about three stickers she had been given. We hadn't even told her yet for sure we would get to go home. But we did constantly tell her how proud we were of her, and how well she was doing, and how she was getting better. She told me "I"m a brave girl". Yup. Maybe she became even more herself because she could feel Jake and I were not just pretending to be happy anymore, and we actually were.

Kate got some new clothes on. Then it looked like we would be heading home, so we told her. She was anxious. She didn't want them to come and take the tube out because she thought it would hurt. She almost wanted to choose to stay and leave the thing in, because she was so scared of it hurting coming out. She was also worried about who was going to get Sam because he needed to come home too. The nurse came in and took out the IV and NG tube. She was scared and screaming, but calmed down in a few minutes. Then requested a spicy soda like Dads. It took them forever to get it for her and I was for the 1st time irritated with the RTA floor, because my daughter had not eaten anything or drunk anything for so long and I just wanted her to have whatever she wanted. She got it and was happy then, She wanted to be sure we had all her new toys and clothes packed in our bags.

Then we were free to go. It was strange. It was strange how fast we went from being told we wouldn't leave until Sunday or maybe Monday, to being told we were free to go late Saturday night. Or how quickly we went from being told we could go, to walking out the door. Literally they came in, said the last x-ray had come back good and we were free to go as soon as they took the tubes out. We went from hoping to leaving in 5 minutes. Amy and Jeff drove Sam to us at the hospital. We just waited outside for a few minutes for them, while Jake packed the car. They pulled up and both Kaylee and Sam came out. Kate had all kind of things to tell them, about her being sick. She was happy and ready to play with friends. Grateful again to Amy and Jeff, who gave Sam the weekend of his life with snowies, bike riding, trips to the park, and swimming, and then claimed he was super easy and awesome. We had two cars at the hospital. Kate picked to have Jake drive her and Sam home still a little unsure of me. So I took the other car home alone.

We arrived home. The kids were really ready for bed. We bathed them, set Kate up in her bed, and put Sam to bed. Kate said the prayer that night. And I guess she is not too traumatized, because instead of praying about her tummy, or not having to go to the hospital again or anything relevant to the trail of the past two days, she prayed "Bless kate, that I can learn Spanish good because I don't know how to speak it yet" We actually covered the whole upstairs in towels, thinking she would be up every few hours with an accident from Kate. I checked on them ten minutes later and they were both sound asleep. It felt so good and normal. Both of our children home and asleep in their beds.

It felt so good to be all together, all four of us together, at home.
I woke up at six thirty and couldn't believe we had all slept the whole night through.

We have spent the morning all together. Kate still has some getting better to do, put is doing really well. We've been spoiling the children with straight together time, letting Kate do whatever she wants. She wanted to play doctor this morning. She got her kit out. And told me I was the patient. She knows now how to really play. She used the bandaid to tape the pretend shot to my wrist- like and IV. She laid me in a chair then attempted to wheel it around, She got a pad of paper and a pen and asked me this question "what to you do at home" when i told her I was a mom, she wrote and M, when I told her I had two kids, she wrote a K and when I told her I like to garden she wrote a G. Just putting it in my chart. I had told that when I have babies I have to be in the hospital like her, and she keeps talking about it. She says she will come sit with me and bring me lots of prizes. She really is an amazing little girl. My love and appreciation for her has grown the last two days. He concern and care for each member of our family is superior to what I think is normal for a four year old. She has a great capacity for love.

It is crazy how much two days changed our family.
I really don't know how families with children who have severe health problems do it. When the prospect of being at Primary Childrens until even Monday came up, it was crushing. To think we would have to be away from Sam, or Kate or each other for that long, to try to care for the family all apart for that long, to try to explain to the sick child why they are stuck there. We are so grateful that our stay there was only two days. We are so grateful to be home. and that Kate's problem, though traumatic for her and us, was not something more serious. In fact in the world of reasons for being admitted to Primary Children's ours was one of the easiest... and still it was the hardest two days our little family has seen.
We all keep saying, lets never go back there again.
Now we are trying to fulfill all the promises me made to Kate while she was in the hospital. Really anything she asked for we would agree too, but then of course she remembers it. I believe I have promised her snowcones, a trip to the splash pad, and a water party with her friends this week.

Tender mercies I have immediately recognized.

The 1st is Kate's recent love of computer games. In the last week or two she has learned to navigate the computer and loves it. I brought the laptop, and Kate playing games got us through the ER wait. Sadly when they put her IV in she couldn't play anymore.

2nd, That we went to the splash pad last week with Amy and Kaylie. Historically Sam and Kaylie have a history of trying to eat one another, but they had fun together and the splash pad. It made them friendly and caring for him a little easier for Amy and Jeff.

3rd. People. People who could come when we needed them, picked up responsibilities we had when we couldn't pull through, watched Sam or offered to watch him, people who feed our dog, taught our church lessons today, sent texts and calls offering support. The hospital is a lonely, scary place with a kid, and people you can count on makes such a difference. Now that I know, I hope I can be a better help to others. Those eight of so people made our burden that much lighter. Thank you.

Celebrating Father's Day with a Train Ride

2011-06-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

We decided to celebrate Father's Day on Saturday with a ride on the Heber Valley Railroad and dinner out. The kids couldn't have been happier about it. We went and bought the tickets the day before and all they could talk about was going on the train and having their tickets. As we arrived Sam started shouting "All Aboard" with his hand up to his mouth. I'm not sure where he learned this trick, but it was encouraged repeatedly. The ride was only 1.5 hours long, which was plenty long enough for us all. We enjoyed seeing the place we live through the eyes of a tourist.

The kids covered their ears every time the train horn went off, happily put their hands high in the air when "bank robbers" high jacked the train, and said "choo choo" about a million times. Then they spent a good thirty minutes making friends with some Indian tourists sitting behind us. It was a fun family outing.

The kids also went ahead and picked out their own gifts for their Dad.

Sam picked out two tools, and couldn't stop talking about them so we had to give them to Jake a few days early. Since Jake already has every tool under the sun, Sam got him a hammer and he and Kate painted it together. Kate had originally planned to get him some batteries for his phone to never run out of batteries which I thought was a great idea ,but then at the store she changed her mind and got him a lollipop and some spider poison stating it was Dad's job to kill all the spiders. I of course gifted some more real gifts, but seeing what the kids come up with is always so fun.

How lucky we are to have Jake as a husband and father! He really is the best.