Merry Christmas!

What a day! The girls got up early (around 6:00) to start the festivities and we've been going full blast pretty much all day. We finally got them to bed around 9:15. I'm beat!

I think all the presents were a hit with the girls. Their favorites being the stuffed horse/unicorn and little stuffed dogs that were stocking stuffers. Also, the Flarp...huge hit! Just in case you don't know, Flarp is a putty type stuff that when you push into the little canister it makes a farting noise. So you know, farting noises plus kids...you can't go wrong.

We had a massive breakfast of Monkey Bread, sausage and eggs, and then the traditional ham dinner. I've been eating nonstop all day! We had my brother Matt and his family over for a little more gift exchanging this evening. So glad to have a little bit of family here!

A few pictures of the morning.


The girls are holding their prized possessions...their horses and dogs.

Jeff woke up to two girls running into his room shouting, "Santa came here Jeffy!!! He brought presents for you too!!"

So now, we're off to Long Beach! Yay!!

Almost time!

I'm starting to doubt all the gifts that I bought the girls. I have this constant desire to go out and get more stuff. The other day the girls sat with Santa at the mall. I couldn't wait to hear what they were going to say when he asked what they wanted, because I knew that Haley was going to say horses and a stable and Morgan was going to say a unicorn...and I would have the satisfaction in knowing I had those exact things sitting in my closet for Christmas day. However, when he asked "What do you want for Christmas?", they both replied "Puppies!". WHAT?! You're kidding me! Haley was very specific too, "I want a carrier for it, and a brush and a bottle." Noooooooo!! And the hard part is, I've seen exactly what she's asking for in the stores! So badly I want to go out and battle the crowds and lines just so that they can have their puppies Christmas morning. But, I have to control myself...I need to stop at some point I guess. I hope they will be so distracted by their other gifts that they forget about the puppies.

So anyway, tomorrow is the big day! I'm pretty giddy with excitement...I can't wait for the girls to open their presents...even if they don't have their puppies. I'll just bring in our dogs...and give them a brush. Here you go kids...knock yourself out!

They woke up at 5:50 this morning, excited that it was Christmas Eve. So if they're that excited already I'm expecting a pretty early wake up call tomorrow!

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!!

Enjoying Winter

It's interesting how different my two girls are from one another. As they get older I can easily see the different traits passed down from Ryan and me in them.

Haley is our out door girl. She loves playing outside, no matter what the weather is. She's always very anxious to throw on her jacket and boots and get out there first thing...while we're all still sitting in our jammies. It will be a white-out outside or pouring rain...but she's still out there. She's very much like Ryan in that way. He's not a fan of staying indoors all day. He likes to get out and about.

Morgan is much more like me. Don't get me wrong...she loves the outdoors and is always up for an adventure, but she's not as anxious to get out there as Haley. She's my little cuddle bug...she would rather snuggle on the sofa, play with her toys, or "help" me with the chores. I'm more of a home body...I don't mind staying in doors...and I think Morgan may be that way as well. However, you never know...kids change. But for now, it's very apparent who is more like Ryan and who is more like me.

Yesterday it was a cold, wet, rainy, snowy day. But of course that didn't stop Haley, she was out there as usual. I peek out her every so often to check on her. I peeked through the window at one point and saw her just laying in the middle of the yard...it was starting to rain/snow. I poked my head out to ask if she was okay. She said yes. About 10 minutes later, I peek out the window again...she's still laying there...getting soaked! I poke my head out again and ask if she's okay. She says back, "I'm fine Mommy. I'm just trying to enjoy Winter!!". That's my Haley!

At one point I looked out to see a neighbor walking past with his two kids on the other side of the street. He kept looking over at Haley with a concerned look on his face. I think he thought something was terribly wrong with her. I couldn't help but giggle a little as I watched him walk by. Move it along Mr., it's just my daughter trying to enjoy Winter!! No problem over here!

She eventually decided to come in. A quick cup of hot chocolate, and then she was right back out there playing.

Congratulations!

My little brother is engaged!!!

Congratulations Andrew and Nicole!

A Little Christmas Cheer

In between illness we are managing to enjoy the month of December. I wanted to share before people started to think a permanent cloud of darkness hung over our house...okay, over me.

Last weekend we finally got our tree and decorated the house. I must say, once the house is decorated I feel much more in the spirit! I also did quite a bit of shopping which helps relieve some stress. Today I went out again, and I think I'm finished! Just a few more little things, but nothing major. Oh, I do have a few returns to do. I'm very indecisive, so I'm in the habit of just buying it, and then making up my mind later. Maybe our first Christmas at home will turn out okay!

The girls with their Gingerbread houses they made last week. Unfortunately, the dogs managed to swipe the the snowmen off each of them...those sneaky dogs...I turn my back for two seconds!! But the houses still look great and make nice decorations for the living room.

Our beautiful Christmas tree.

Haley loves taking pictures of the dogs. Most of the time its of their rear ends or really blurry since they don't hold still longer than five seconds. But I thought she did a good job with these two.

Belle

Etta

I took these two. The dogs love to keep tabs on what's going on inside the house. So to stay out of the snow and still be able to see through the back door they opt to sleep on the little picnic table. Pretty clever. No we don't keep them outside forever...but sometimes I need a break!

So there you have it...it's not all bad this month. We're trying to have a bit of fun in between all the barfing.

Beware...more complaining.

I feel that's all I do these days...complain. So here I go again...

I thought Haley was getting back on track...but I thought wrong. She went all day just fine, eating a little here and there and drinking normal, she even took a nap.

Well, at about 11:30 last night she wakes up yelling "Daddy! Daddy! (yeah, she calls for Ryan...never mind the fact that I stayed up with her all night the night before and nursed her back to health, I thought, all day...yeah, but I'm not bitter about it or anything) Daddy, Daddy! I think I'm going to throw up!!!". Well, it's a good thing she did call for Ryan! He jumped out of bed and got to her in super sonic speed!! Grabbed her off her bed (top bunk) and got her to the bathroom in time for her throw up in the toilet...no mess! By the time I got my pregnant self out of the bed she was already practically finished! So, I was very impressed with Ryan's fast reaction!

So, now I'm devastated. My little Haley, still sick. I try so hard...I'm almost turning into a paranoid mother! I've gotten all the flu shots (seasonal and H1N1) for everyone, which consisted of waiting in line after line. And I'm the mom who washes hands constantly throughout the day, I carry the antibacterial ointment in my purse and apply it to my kids after they do anything...play in the kid area at the mall, I apply it when we leave church, I mean I practically bathe them in the stuff. I use the antibacterial wipes to clean the shopping carts off before I use them. I'm constantly cleaning the bathroom and disinfecting doorknobs, mopping floors, laundry to clean any infected clothes and sheets. I could go on and on! I know, I'm turning into a crazy lady!! I laughed at mothers who were like that at one point...now I'm turning into that mother!! What's the point?! I might as well let them eat off the floor, put their mouths on drinking fountains, pick off the gum under tables and eat it, touch a public toilet seat and then let them pick their nose...I mean what's the point...it seems they get sick no matter what precautions I take. Very frustrating.

So there you have it...more complaining...woe is me!
But seriously...come on...I deserve a break!!

Recovery Day

Well, it's supposed to be a recovery day for Haley...you would think after a long night of vomiting her little body would need lots of rest today. Wrong! At this moment both Haley and Morgan are building tunnels with the sofa cushions, and jumping around (on the sofas without the cushions) while Handy Manny plays on the TV. What happened to a day of cuddling and napping?! I'm exhausted...I totally got jipped!

So last night was pretty tough. Around dinner Haley started showing signs of being sick...as a mom, you just know...you know when it's not gas...you know when it's not a side ache...you just know when it's really nausea. I knew I was screwed. She started vomiting around 8:00 and didn't quit until around 1:30 in the morning. But although she's very sick and very uncomfortable she has a way to entertain me with her dramatics. I don't laugh at the time, but later when I think about the things she says...I crack up.

She was in complete agony right before she threw up the first time, and then finally she threw up. I told her how sorry I was that she was going through this. Her response, "Oh Mommy, don't be sorry, I'll be okay...it really didn't hurt that bad." Talk about pulling my heartstrings!

And the then later that night when she had nothing left in her belly, she started begging for water. Now I knew from when Morgan was sick that giving her water wasn't a good idea. It just made her throw up for another hour. So, I told Haley she had to wait until morning, because it would just make her sick again. She pleaded..."Mommy, pleeeeeeese! I neeeeeeed water...it's my only hope! It's the only thing I want in this whole world!"..."Mommy, water is soooooo cold, and tasty...I just neeeeeeeed it soooooooo bad!". Now, how can you say no to that?! I caved...and gave her a little. She vomited for the next hour.

I had to clean her up several times, which I know is no fun when you're achy and have chills. And she kept saying as I'm washing her, "Oh, Mommy....this is NOT a good night for ME!" Yeah, tell me about it.

So she seems like she's doing a lot better today. Fortunately, this illness is short lived.
Now...again...we wait. Three down...two to go.

Here we go again...

I know that I've been neglecting the blog lately. It seems any time that I'm online I'm searching for gifts...frantically. I'm doing pretty good with family members, it's the kids that I'm having issues with. I'm desperately trying to find a horse stable set for Haley. I've bought one, but may return it (this will be the third one that I've returned). I read really bad reviews on it. So the search continues. And I still have to get some stuff for Morgan. This will be the first Christmas we celebrate at home, our home...and I desperately want it to be a good one for them.

On another note...Haley's sick tonight. Her turn to vomit all night long. I can't believe this...I can't believe that this entire Winter has been surrounded by illness. I'm so tired of it. It's been TWO weeks since Morgan was sick...why now...I thought we were in the clear. What about Christmas?! It's next week! I don't want Ryan or I sick for Christmas! And what about our trip to CA?! More paranoia...more worry...more sleepless nights.

Haley's Christmas party is tomorrow. I was supposed to go and help out...I was going to read a Christmas story to the class. Haley was so excited about it. I'm so bummed. I'm bummed that she's going to miss out on it when she's been so thrilled all week.

I'll be glad when Winter is over.

Christmas Spirit...where's mine?

This month has been kicking my butt!! It's been going way too fast and I feel I haven't been able to soak in the joys of the upcoming holiday. Everyone (it seems) is full of Christmas spirit... decorations are in full swing, people have their shopping done or nearly done, menus are planned, and traditions in place. Everywhere, but here.

Lets see, since we've come home from our Thanksgiving trip...I've cleaned up a lot of barf, then lived in fear for the next week waiting for the next person to come down with it...so that included basically being a hermit, and cooking lots of light meals/dinners not knowing if that would be the night someone would harf. Then lets see, I got Morgan her booster for her H1N1 vaccine finally...so that's good. Then when I finally felt safe that no one else was going to be sick and decided I should leave the house, we got hit with a massive cold front (temps in the single digits) complete with a huge dumping of snow. Who wants to drive in that?! Not me, is the answer. So yet again, I become a hermit, living in my sweats and sipping decaf all day. So you see...the month is slipping away. What have I got done?...NOTHING!

I should be listening to Christmas music, baking cookies, wrapping presents, trimming the tree, hanging stockings, lighting the fire in the fireplace...okay, we don't have a fireplace...but that sounds nice. I should be dancing around with a huge smile enjoying the wonderful spirit that Christmas brings. Because honestly...I LOVE Christmas!!! I love this time of year!!! But these past two years I feel like I'm drowning! I can't think of any good gifts, I stress about it more than I should, and I procrastinate like you wouldn't believe. Why?! Why do I do this?! I have got to get my act together!

So, starting this Saturday I'm getting myself in gear. We're getting a tree, decorating the house, and I've told Ryan I need part of that day for shopping. So Christmas spirit, here I come!!

Big Scare

Now that Haley is in school, I have a whole new set of worries. It's so hard for me to let go...have faith in her to make the right decisions for herself. And to also have faith in her school to help her along the way.

Haley's bus arrives about 10 minutes before her school starts. The kids are to get off the bus and go straight to their classroom or play on the playground if the weather permits. I got a phone call from Haley's teacher yesterday...Apparently Haley did not come into class until 20 minutes after school had started! Apparently when Haley got off the bus, she went the opposite direction from the school and went to the nearby field to play in the snow and "look for horses" (her words). For about a half hour she was out in this field BY HERSELF wandering around! No one went looking for her, no one saw her and her teacher had already marked her absent! Luckily, she decided to go back to her classroom after she started getting a little cold. What if she didn't go back? What if she had gotten lost? What if she got stuck in the snow? Or worse things?

I am FURIOUS!!!! When I put my child on that bus, it is the school's responsibility to make sure my child is safe!! Where were the monitors making sure the kids get off the bus and go where they need to?! These kids are FIVE years old!! I admit my daughter sometimes gets distracted, and what kid wouldn't want to play in a perfect untouched field of fresh snow? This absolutely terrified me!! TERRIFIED me!! I got on the phone immediately with the principal. I hung up unsatisfied. He told me he was out there that day. She must have started in the right direction and then did a u-turn when he wasn't looking. IT IS NOT MY CHILD'S FAULT!!! Why couldn't he have just said, "We messed up. I'm so sorry. We are going to put some things in place so that won't happen again!". Why? Instead, he just kept saying that he was out there watching...he didn't know how she got past him. Whatever! YOU DROPPED THE BALL MR. PRINCIPAL!! I started getting a little fired up on the phone. I just kept saying that there needs to be more people outside watching and that I expect my child to be safe and protected at school!! And that better not ever happen again!!

I've talked with Haley. I think she realizes that what she did scared us. I'm pretty sure she won't do that again....but that didn't stop me from calling her teacher this morning to make sure she got there safely. She did.

But I'm still shaken up.

It wasn't food poisoning.

We've come to that conclusion about Jeffy's illness since we were up all last night with Morgan. She started throwing up at about 9:00 in the evening and didn't quit until 5:30...poor little thing. It's been a great long while since I've pulled an all nighter...and let me tell ya, I'm hurting today!

Morgan is feeling a bit better today, she's come down with a fever and is sleeping on the sofa this very minute. I even got a little nap with her while Haley had some quite time in her room after school.

Actually, I'm not as panicked now. Basically I know we're all doomed in this household, it's just a matter of who will be next. We bought the 24 pack of 7-UP and the mega pack of Popsicles...we're ready!

So our newest diagnosis of what this illness is...Norovirus. We're pretty definite on that.

I'm tired. I'm tired of sick children. I'm tired of cleaning up barf off my child, the sheets, the floor, the bed, myself. I try so hard to keep everyone healthy! What I'm doing wrong?! I even disinfected every doorknob in the house after Jeff was sick...along with the ENTIRE bathroom, top to bottom. Morgan doesn't deserve to be sick AGAIN.

Now, it's a waiting game.

Post Vacation Funk

I've had four days now to get back into the swing of things and I still feel like I'm in a post vacation funk. Although I have managed to get to the grocery store and got the laundry done and did a bit of cleaning...hmmm, maybe I'm not doing so bad. Let's ignore the fact that I've wore the same sweat pants and shirt for the last two days, and haven't done anything with my hair nor have I put on any make-up...but whatever.

Jeff spent his Thanksgiving back home in Long Beach. On Monday I picked him up from the airport and then took him directly to my parents' house to pick up his car and then he went straight to class. Later that day when he pulled up outside, I told the girls that Jeffy was home and go out and say "Hi". They go running out to greet him only to find him vomiting in the street by his car. Yes, lovely...I'm sure the neighbors loved that. The girls just stood there, not knowing what to do. I call them back into the house giving Jeff a little more privacy to take care of his business (although, there's not much privacy when cars are driving past). Poor guy. Anyway, the rest of the evening did not go very well for him. I went into panic mode to say the least...no mother wants her children sick (fever I can handle...barfing is something I'd like to avoid!). And of course no mother has time to get sick herself! Luckily, his illness was short lived and surprisingly he got himself up at 7:00 the next morning and got himself to his work orientation at Sundance (he's going to be a ski instructor there). The orientation lasted ALL day...I'm just so impressed with him and that he was able to get himself going, as he looked like crap the morning he left. We've narrowed it down to food poisoning from a sandwich he ate Sunday night. However, that didn't stop me from disinfecting everything Jeff touched while he was gone...I went into super cleaning mode. So anyway, he feels much better today! Good thing! We don't want Jeffy boy sick!

So as you know, I take care of my little nephew during the week. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was scared about the fact that I'm having a third baby. But having Jett around (although not always easy) gives me a piece of mind and excites me for the arrival of our own new baby. The girls just adore Jett, and I think Morgan likes being older than another child...she gets to be in charge of Jett when Haley is at school. She sets up little play things in front of him, and she likes it when he laughs at her when she does something silly.

This morning I was messing around with the video mode on Haley's camera. When I lay Jett down in the living room he immediately zeros in on the girls' room...he knows where all the toys are. So Morgan and I were having fun cheering him on as he made his way down the hall.

Please, ignore my voice, I realize it's slightly high pitched...sorry.

Thanksgiving in Sedona

We went to visit Ryan's mom and her husband in Sedona, AZ for the week of Thanksgiving and lucky us, the weather couldn't have been better!! It must have been in the low 70's the entire week...at least that's what it felt like! My sister-in-law and her family came as well, all the way from Boston...her two boys are the same ages of Haley and Morgan so they all made fantastic playmates. Of course we still got the occasional WWF smack down in the living room or the screaming over toys...but then it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a little ruckus...right? Thanks to Sandy and Ken for hosting two families for the entire week!

During the week we went hiking, visited Montezuma's Castle and Montezuma's Well, went shopping at the outlets, took the kids to the park, went for walks, fed the ducks and of course we ate and ate and ate and ate!!

The kids with Grandma and Grandpa.

Afternoon TV watching after some good outdoor play.

(notice all their dirty knees)

Hiking West Fork.

This is our traditional PJ picture.
We have one for every year!

Chad, Beth and their boys.

Our family picture at Montezuma's Castle.

What a bunch of cuties!!

A few days before we left my camera decided to crap out...again! I'm beginning to hate that thing. So anyway, I decided to take Haley's camera instead. But as soon as I got to Sedona I realized that I left the memory card for the camera in my computer at home. What a BUST! So yes, I had no camera the entire week. But luckily Beth and Chad had brought theirs. So thanks to them for taking tons of pictures! I stole these from Beth's blog...thanks Beth!

The Big News

It's a GIRL!!!

However, I received some concerning news. They found two cysts, one on either side of her brain. I basically freaked out...silently. The tech or nurse or whoever she was told me that it is common to see. She said that it could be a sign that something else is wrong with maybe the heart, spine, kidneys, or be a sign of some type of syndrome. So it took her close to an hour to complete the ultrasound...she examined everything very closely. I even had to move into different positions constantly to try to get the baby to flip around to get better views (the baby was not cooperating). But everything looked great. The heart was excellent, she has both kidneys, her lungs are good, spine good, limbs...everything looked perfect. So apparently these cysts can just absorb back into the body and eventually disappear on their own. I may be sent to a specialist to analyze it further, or just have a follow up ultrasound later on to monitor them...it's up to my doctor. I guess he'll let me know during my next appointment.

I'm pretty upset, and worried...but everything will be okay...it will.

Almost half way!

I'm at 19 weeks...just under the half way point. I can feel a lot of little kicks now...I love it!
I'll find out what the gender is this afternoon, so I'm sure I'll be posting that news later this evening.

How do you like those pj pants...pretty cute, huh?

It's Road Trip Season!

So tomorrow is the big day...I get to find out what the sex of this baby is! I'm surprised to see that the majority of the votes are going for a boy...myself, I voted girl. I would love to have a boy this round (nice to mix things up), however, this pregnancy feels very much the same as my others. So, girl. And don't get me wrong...I'm excited either way, boy or girl!

When my mom was pregnant with Jeff, I was soooooo hoping for a sister. I would always ask her what she hoped it would be. And she always answered, "I want a healthy baby." That would always drive me nuts, she never would answer a girl or boy. Now, I understand...health of the baby is always the most important thing. Oh, and I never did get that sister. Although, I did have fun dressing Jeffy up in tutus and painting his nails...what a trooper!

In other news...It's road trip time! We're getting ready to head out for Sedona in a couple of days. I'm trying to get last minute things done, although I always manage to forget something. Morgan and I went on mission this morning to find things for the car ride. I think we did pretty good! Hit up the dollar store and got some workbooks, tablets to color in, and pencil cases. Then to the library where I pretty much cleaned them out of every horse book I could find, along with books on tape for the girls, and music CD's. I have a few other things that I've been saving; activity books, stickers and such. We are a DVD free car, and I plan to keep it that way. As a kid we went on numerous road trips every year, and I always looked forward to the travel kits my mom would put together for us. But no matter how much stuff I get the girls to keep them busy, we still always hear the dreaded, "Are we there yet?". But then, I guess it's just not a road trip if you never hear those words. Now, if the weather would cooperate Saturday, that would be nice.

Funny story:
Lately Morgan has been sleeping in until about 8:30 (I know, crazy! And totally opposite of Haley). Anyway, after I dropped Haley off at the bus, I wanted to jump in the shower to get ready for my errands, but Morgan was still sleeping. Now, any other person would just get in the shower anyway. But Morgan has a tendency to wake up grumpy. She likes things a certain way: she calls from her room, and then I usually have to go in and carry her out, she needs her milk, and a cuddle while watching cartoons. She's very particular. So I thought this might disrupt her morning routine. I decided to take a shower anyway. I got her milk out, blanket on the couch, cartoons playing on the TV before I got in...just in case she got up while showering. Well, she ended up getting up while I was showering. She comes into the bathroom crying (obviously upset that no one was waiting for her) saying that she had to go potty. So I peek out from behind the curtain with a very happy and enthusiastic "GOOD MORNING!!". She stopped crying immediately, and gave me a very puzzled look. From the shower (yes, I'm still peeking from behind the curtain) I instruct her one step at a time to go herself. Amazingly she does without complaining all the while giving me the same puzzled look. Finally, she finishes and I tell her to go get her milk and watch some shows while I finish up. I figured she would cry and want me to go with her and the whole, "How dare you leave me by myself!" attitude. But she didn't! She just turned and got out of there. Weird, I thought. So I finish up and get out as quickly as I could. I face the mirror, wipe the steam off and instantly realize why Morgan was so cooperative and gave me such a puzzled look. My face was streaked with mascara! I had forgotten all about that part of my showers! No wonder Morgan cooperated...she was probably freaked out, "What happened to my mom's FACE?".

So now I know what to do when I want some cooperation around here, I'll just smear mascara all over my face. And then I'll talk in a very enthusiastic and slightly crazy voice, "PICK UP YOUR TOYS!!". Maybe they'll actually do it!

Weekend update

We had a very COLD weekend...in the 30's and snow! Brrrrrr! Still had fun though. I left the kids with Ryan and my mom and I went shopping Saturday morning. I was on a mission for a maternity sweat suit...yes, I HAVE to have a good pair of sweats!! The ones I have now are starting so show the elastic in the waistband...not cool! Anyway, so sweats and I needed a new pair of pajamas. There is nothing more unflattering and unsexy than the pair of 15 year old flannel pajama pants and an over sized T-shirt that I've been wearing. For summer pj's, I have quite the array of cute things to wear. But as Winter approaches, I slowly have to cover more of myself up. First with socks, than pj pants, then I pull out the long sleeve shirts, until finally not one inch of skin shows. So anyway, if I'm going to be all covered up, I might as well cover up with something cute. Luckily, I was able to find both...sweats and pj's! Yay!

On Sunday, we had our Primary program at church. This is Haley's second year doing it. She was a bit freaked out in the beginning...she didn't want to get up in front of everyone. But we coaxed her a little, and maybe bribed her a little too (who wouldn't want a big piece of coffee cake when they got home from church?). She warmed up to it, and it turned out she was quite the ham...waving and blowing kisses to us. What a cutie! And she did great! Next year we'll have both Morgan and Haley up there singing...what fun that will be!

Time for a poll!

I have a week until my ultrasound! Cast your votes now! Girl or Boy?

Finally, a Diagnosis.

I was supposed to wait until today to take Morgan back to the doctor...that is, if she still had a fever. But I just couldn't wait that long, I wanted to her to see the doctor this time (the day before she saw the nurse). Something was wrong...I just knew it...mother's intuition I guess. The doctor came to the conclusion that she in fact has H1N1. And because her cough has lasted so long he wanted her to get a chest X-Ray to check for pneumonia. What a trooper she was! I had to take her to the hospital for the X-Ray. She had to wear a little mask, which she kept on the entire time, she never complained about it once. And since I'm pregnant I couldn't stay with her for the X-Ray (I watched through a little window), the techs had to get her in the correct positions and she did exactly what they said. She was just the sweetest little thing for the whole ordeal!

Result: she has pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs. The doctor has prescribed Tamaflu for the H1N1 and some antibiotics for the pneumonitis.

Boy, do I feel better to have a diagnosis finally. And let me tell ya, I'm glad I didn't wait another day to take her back to the doctor.

Now, I'm worried about the rest of us. Will Ryan come down with something? He hasn't been vaccinated for anything. And what about Haley...is she safe since she's gotten her N1N1 booster. Morgan missed it since she had a fever that day. And my vaccine is going to really be put to the test...will it work?! And Jeff, will his vaccine work? And what about my parents, they have already been around Morgan this week...are they going to be okay? And Thanksgiving is right around the corner! We plan on going out of town to be with family...I certainly don't want to infect anyone there!

Worry, worry, worry...that's what I do.

Okay...back to cuddling with Morgan.

My Morgie...still sick.

Morgan STILL has a fever...we're on day six now. I took her in to the doctor yesterday morning. Unfortunately, we left without any explanation of what she has. She tested negative for a few tests...they took a nose swab and a throat swab, checked her ears...but it was negative for everything. They didn't check for H1N1, nothing they can do for that anyway except treat the symptoms, and her lungs sounded good. But I'm beginning to think that is what she has. They said if she still has a fever on Thursday to bring her back in for some more tests...blood work stuff. But last night her fever jumped to over 102, I gave her some Ibuprofen, but this morning it was back up to 102.4. So I'm thinking I'm going to call the doctor again today. I want answers!

I do love love the extra cuddle time with her though. After I took Haley to the bus stop, Morgan and I cuddled together for over an hour watching TV in our jammies. When kids are sick anything goes...jammies all day, cartoons all morning, lunch on the living room floor while watching a movie...that's fine with me. And of course, all my chores get thrown to the wind. Hmmm...do some laundry or cuddle with Morgan...hard choice.

It's almost over.

Morgan has had a fever all weekend, and was up most of the night (in our bed) with a really nasty cough. Not sure what she has, she seems a little better today...at least her cough doesn't sound as bad. Of course with those two symptoms H1N1 pops into my head. She's only had one dose so far (at her age she needs two...a month apart). So she's not fully protected yet! However, that didn't stop me from standing in line this morning for 45 minutes to get their H1N1 vaccine ticket for the week. The Health Department is doing a ticket system or appointments to get the vaccine, I guess to lesson the lines and mess of people everyday. But the only day to get the tickets are Monday mornings...if you miss it, you have to wait until the next week. Both Haley and Morgan are due for their second dose this week. So by tomorrow afternoon (that's when their appointment is) I'll be done with this whole H1N1...NO MORE LINES!!

In other news, my parents are coming back into town today! They're staying for two weeks...yay! So I need everyone healthy in this house!!

Telos Turkey Tri

Yesterday morning Ryan did his first ever Triathlon! I never thought I'd see that happen! But just to be clear, he doesn't want to be referred to as a Triathlete...he is a cyclist who has participated in a Triathlon. Although, with the result he was able to get, he may be doing quite a few more! Out of about 500 participates he came in SECOND overall!! Yeah! How proud am I...VERY! I'm so impressed that he stepped out of his comfort zone (referring to the running and swimming).

He did pretty well in the run, around top 40. During the bike he gained all the ground he lost, and was in second entering the swim. He held it (although at times I thought he was going to drown) to the finish...Second Place!!

Ryan's biggest fans.

He must not be too tired yet if he has the energy to wave.

Bike transition.

I think we might be seeing a few more Triathlons in the Spring.

Time for a new doctor!

I had my four month appointment yesterday morning...yea...I won't be going back to that office.

My appointment was at 9:00 and I got there right on time. They were pretty prompt with getting my blood pressure checked, weight check (I've gained three more pounds), pee in a cup, you know...all the stuff you do before you see the doctor. Then, it's back out to the waiting room...so far, very normal. They had a little movie playing in the waiting room, so Morgan was very content. But then 10 minutes turned to 20 minutes, which turned to 40 minutes...FINALLY, an HOUR later, yes at 10:00 I finally get called to go into a room. So I'm already a little irritated, but relieved to finally get to see and meet my doctor. I get Morgan situated with some books, a little notepad (luckily I had in my purse) for her draw on...she was happy. Me...not so much. 5 minutes turned to 10 minutes, which turned to 20 minutes. FINALLY 35 minutes of sitting in a very uncomfortable room, guess who waltzes in the room...the midwife. Now if you've kept up, you know I'm not a fan of her. I must have had a look on my face that said it all, something like, "What the blank (you can fill it in) are you doing here, where is the doctor?!" She immediately keeps repeating "I"m so sorry, I'm so sorry." Then she goes on to say that the doctor isn't there. WHAT?! Now I realize that doctors have deliveries, however, they usually tell you when you check in that the doctor is out and have you reschedule. Fine, I'm cool with that. But he obviously did NOT have a delivery that morning. They just stuck me in a room hoping that he would show up...he didn't. So they probably started feeling sorry for me after I had been sitting there for an hour and 35 minutes...send in the midwife. Here I am, nearly half way through my pregnancy, and I haven't even met the doctor that will deliver my baby!! I've just met a crappy midwife! I left pretty upset to say the least.

Now this doctor might be really great, I've only heard good things about him. But, bottom line...I HATE that office. I don't really like the staff so much, and I can't stand the fact that they never answer their phone...it always goes to a recording. The office is too big, with too many patients! I don't feel that they CARE about ME. And someone needs to tell the girl that works the front desk that she wears waaaay too much make-up and that she looks like a clown!! She should not be the first person you see as soon as you enter the office. Whew...okay, I'm feeling better. I'm sorry to the people that love this office, maybe I've just had bad luck. But both times that I've been I've had bad experiences, so I can't waste anymore time.


I miss the smallness of my old office. I miss the staff, I miss my doctor.

I decided to change my doctor and try again...made an appointment for Tuesday...I'm really excited about it!


On a different note: The Utah State Trooper passed our Jeep...Yeah!

Wrangler Problems

Sometimes...just sometimes...the state of Utah drives me crazy!

Our Jeep Wrangler needed to be inspected so we could register it. Okay, no biggie, we have to do it every year...and like always, every year it fails in something. This year, however, the state inspection was totally out of line!!

Let me explain: When we moved here 6 years ago the Jeep failed the safety inspection because the wheel fender flares were not big enough, they did not cover our tires. Also, we didn't have mud flaps, another fail. You would think they would be strict in CA and called us out on these things already. But no...you can drive the biggest piece of crap in CA and they wouldn't care. As long as it's runs, you pass inspection. So we learned quickly that here in Utah they are not so loose when it comes to car inspections. Anyway, 6 years ago we did as they asked and replaced the fenders and added mud flaps. Problem solved.

Every year since the car was inspected, and although it failed at other things, the fenders and mudflaps were never an issue. Until this year. We ended up going to another place (big mistake) and they failed us on the fenders and mudflaps!! They say the fenders are not big enough and the mudflaps don't go down far enough...say what?!! We tried to explain that we've already had them replaced...blah, blah, blah...gave our sad story, but they didn't care. So, today I called the main inspection place in Salt Lake and had a Utah State Trooper come out to our house and inspect the Jeep himself. That's right...two can play this game!! I ditched the sweats, put on make-up and pulled out my womanly charm...I know, I'm pulling all the stops...but I'm desperate! So the Trooper came (I'm sure the neighbors were curious as they drove by) and he was totally on my side!! However, he said he needed a second opinion. He took some pictures and is going to show them to his superior or something, and he'll let me know tomorrow if they pass us. Please, please, please!!!

Halloween Pictures

We had a great Halloween. The weather wasn't bad at all so that's a plus! It was nice enough for Jeff and I to sit on the porch to hand out the candy. I definitely prefer to sit on the porch, since the doorbell rings about every 30 seconds if I don't. I can't stand that.

Everyone busy at work carving their pumpkins. I bought these cookie cutter type things that the girls could just stamp out stars and bats into their pumpkin. However, I wasn't a big fan of them. First of all the stamps were too small and didn't actually go through the entire side of the pumpkin (or our pumpkins were too big, whatever). Plus the stamps are a pain to get out. And then the mallets that they use to hammer in the stamps kept flying off. So everyone had to watch out...you never know when a mallet piece would go flying across the room. So anyway, the girls opted to carve their own faces instead...with a little help.
Not sure if you can see it, but Haley carved a little face herself. Pretty cute.

Morgan's design...our help carving.

My little ballerinas.

Ryan and Jeff's wigs cracked me up. Rock on!

All I want is fifteen minutes!

I have been in just a really wretched mood all day. Maybe it started because of my early morning wake up call from Haley at 5:55 AM! Since Ryan wasn't there I let her sleep a little longer with me...yeah right...there was no sleeping going on. She wiggles so much, and then she starts singing, or talking. Then Morgan stumbled in bed with us at about 6:30. At that point, I knew it was hopeless...we got up. They skip down the hallway happy as clams. Me, grumpy.

I figured since they got up so early they would have a good quiet time later after lunch. I've really been trying hard to be consistent with this one. I read them a few stories, then they pick out a bunch to take onto their beds to read for a while, or rest, whatever they want to do. I usually put on their primary music to help set the mood. Everything was going well. They picked out their books and were reading nicely. Yes! Now to get my little nephew Jett settled down for a little nap, and I'll be sittin' pretty! He wasn't into the idea of sleeping in his crib, I needed to speed this process up before the girls' music ran out. I decided to cuddle with him on the sofa (that always works...he's a sucker for cuddling, and always falls asleep). I layed down on the sofa with him all cuddled up with me and with a blanket over us. Perfect! Within minutes he was asleep! Girls quiet, Jett sleeping, ahhhhh, heaven! WRONG-O! I just started to doze off when the doorbell rang. NOOOOOOOO! Solicitor...an EVIL, AWFUL solicitor!! Well, that did it. The girls came running out yelling "who is it?", Jett woke up...and all hell broke loose.

I tried again. Got the girls back to their room, got Jett settled down again...thought I was going to get that fifteen minutes of peace that I so desperately wanted. Wrong again. From the girls room I started hearing lots of laughing, jumping around, gradually getting louder and louder. Then I start hearing things like, "Knock, Knock" "Who's there?" "POOP!" "HA HA HA HA" Yeah, funny stuff. I have a bunch of comedians. Well, at that point it was no use. Bye, Bye fifteen minutes. Grumpy again.

I pull out a bunch of puzzles to get them to do.

Haley says, "Oh, not right now...I'm kinda tired." She curls up on MY SPOT, with MY BLANKET to "nap".

I can't win.

This and That

So Ryan is off to Minnesota today...actually he's probably already there...enjoying the weather I'm sure. Lucky him. He's there for business and of course some shopping at the Mall of America (just kidding, we all know Ryan hates shopping). Luckily, he'll be back tomorrow night...I think I can manage by myself for a couple of days.

No real news to report. Ryan took the girls to get pumpkins last night and they have been obsessed with them ever since. He bought four big ones and then the farmer gave the girls each a little one to keep. They have been dragging those little pumpkins everywhere. Haley has hers wrapped in a purple feather boa and has it sitting next to her watching a movie at this very moment...I kid you not. And at one point she told Morgan to sit down because her pumpkin couldn't see the TV. And earlier the two of them spent about an hour sitting on the porch cleaning the four big pumpkins. They brushed them with little brooms and wiped them with some baby wipes. They said they were getting them ready to be carved. It's going to be a sad day when it gets all moldy and gross and then we have to toss them.

Of course the girls are pumped for Halloween. Haley gets to wear her costume to school tomorrow. I pretty much have everything ready for them...they're going to be ballerinas. I just have to finish sewing some ribbon on their ballet shoes and then they're good to go. I just hope they don't freeze Halloween night...it's going to be on the chilly side.

On the pregnancy front...I have been very very anxious to feel this little one move! I'm approaching my 16th week so it is possible. I try to lay really still at night and really concentrate on feeling something...but no, just tummy rumbles. It's such a nice feeling when I start to feel the little kicks, it gives me a piece of mind throughout the day. I'll try to be patient.

First Snow of the Season

Really, it's more of flurries...but it still counts in my book. Kinda early for snow...I think. And as you know, I can be kind of a Winter hater. But in all honesty, I don't mind a cold stormy day once in a while. I'm a person who loves staying at home...I know, lame...but I do. I have tons of things to do, or can do, okay, should do...so I'm never bored. I love hanging out in sweat pants and skipping my make-up and pulling my hair back in a pony tail...just being comfy. Unfortunately, I can't do those things everyday...Ryan may get concerned. So when a stormy day comes along...I love it...I can hang out in the house all day, guilt free!

I also love this time because I can pull out all my comfort food recipes. I love dinners that have to cook for hours in the oven, or sit in a crock pot all day, or simmer on the stove. I love the smells that waft though the house and the cozy feeling it brings. Tonight is just one of those dinners...Ham Bean Soup, it has to sit on the stove for a couple of hours...and it smells so yummy. Plus, I plan to make homemade bread to go with it! Wow, I'm feeling and sounding very domesticated right now. Watch out June Cleaver!
The view from my porch. My little baby tree looks so pettily without it's leaves. Brrrrr!

I think the dogs love this time of year...they get to come into the house more...spoiled dogs!

Morgie and little Jett having some play time. They were being very cute together!

Fun Run and Random Photos

Haley's school held a 5k Fun Run at her school this morning...actually, I really don't think it was 5k at all, but I won't tell the kids that. Basically it was a fundraiser for the school. Haley got some donations from family this week and in return she had to complete the run. And depending on how much money was donated the kids get raffle tickets for a big drawing afterwards. Haley was super excited all week about it. And then when she found out that Ryan got the morning off to run with her...that was just the BEST!

She did great, held Ryan's hand the entire way. Morgan and I cheered her on. And at one point I didn't know where Morgan had gone...and then I realized she took off running with the kids. I had to chase her down. I would have ran with her but I had my little nephew in the stroller...and that probably wouldn't have worked out so well.

After the run they had the big raffle. Haley ended up winning two prizes!!! A digital camera and a football. WOW! The funny thing is she has been wanting a camera for a long long time. So, she finally got it! We've gone over all the rules when using it (because it's definitely not kid friendly) and she has already taken loads of pictures (that will be another post I'm sure).

Ryan with the girls after the run.

So I'm also including some random photos from this week.

This is something Morgan insisted that she wore to pick up Haley from the bus.

My little nephew comfy cozy in the stroller on one of our walks.

I know Haley's eyes are closed but I still love this picture. They take bags on their walks to put their "treasures" in. "Treasures" usually are leaves, cools rocks, sticks...and sometimes bugs.

Painting pumpkins. I think I'm gonna have two lefty's.

Funny story.

Haley has been having some attitude issues lately, and I'm trying really hard to get it under control. She has a tendency to become very demanding with Morgan when she comes home from school. She wants her to play a certain way, yells when she doesn't, so on and so on. Haley screamed at Morgan for something and I put Haley on chair in the kitchen to calm down. Well, she didn't...screaming, and screaming, "MOMMY...GET ME OFF!!" over and over. Just being down right mean. Oh and by the way, my little nephew is hysterical! He's laughing up a storm in Haley's expense. So I'm just doing laundry...ignoring her. I was standing right next to her chair pulling out clothes from the dryer...I turn my back to Haley to pick up the basket when all of a sudden Haley smacks me on my butt yelling "MOMMY LISTEN" really loud. I couldn't believe it!! I whip my body around to face her with the meanest face I could conjure up...and I wish I had a picture of what Haley's expression was on her face. Priceless!! It was a cross between pure fear and utter regret. I had to really concentrate not to laugh...it was tough. She immediately says, "I'm so sorry." to me, but I still sent her up to sit on her bed. We talked about it later, after I composed myself. I know I should be furious, but sometimes, it's just not worth it.

Update to the last post.

We just got back from having dinner at my parents house, and they gave me the BEST news EVER!

THEY'RE LEAVING THE HOUSE OPEN....NO RENTING IT OUT!!!!


I'm over the moon...I can't even explain how excited I am...finally, the day has come!! They'll be back in a few weeks to finalize some things on the house, so although they are leaving tomorrow, we'll see them again soon.

Such good news...Happy Day!

It's Going Around

My attempt to do everything possible so that my kids DO NOT get sick this year didn't work out that well...well, I shouldn't really say that, I'm sure things could be much much worse. I guess you just can't avoid everything. Something has been going around Haley's Kindergarten class the past couple of weeks and it was just a matter of time that Haley got it. She came down with a fever Sunday morning along with headache, slight cough, and a running nose. She missed school yesterday and today because of it. Actually, she's doing pretty good today, but I wanted to be on the safe side. I'm sure Morgan will be sick by the end of the week...it never fails.

My parents are leaving...for good this time (well, for a while anyway) on Thursday. The house goes back up for rent...I'm bummed to say the least. I was really hoping that it could be left open so they could come and go as they pleased, but they have to do what's best for them right now...I'm just having really hard time excepting that. I know...the selfish child comes out. But it's true...I WANT THEM TO STAY!!!! PLEASE STAY!!!!! I never ever intended to have all grandparents live far away from my kids. I moved here because I was aching to start a family and I knew my parents would be retiring here soon. Well, "soon" has turned into six years. and I realize that they have had their trials and road blocks (my mom's cancer being the biggest)...it definitely hasn't been easy. But I'm still holding on hope that they WILL be here one day for good...NO MORE RENTING! It will happen...one day.

Well, enough of my whining. I've got two days left with them...and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it!!

Maternity Clothes Analyzed

Over the weekend my mom and I went to the mall...our mission: finding maternity clothes for me. I love my sweats, I could live in my sweats, but I fear I'm starting to wear them a little too much and I'm coming close to being a shlumpy housewife. Plus, most of the maternity stuff that I do have are summer type clothes and that's just not going to work for the coming months.

Anyway, it's amazing how in just 31/2 years or so (about the last time I went shopping for maternity clothes) styles have changed quite a bit. I have a pair of maternity jeans from when I was pregnant with Haley...about 6 years ago. They are SO UGLY now...they seriously look like they are from the 80's or something. I think the biggest difference is they lack front pockets, I think that makes a big difference with jeans. Also, throughout the years I've learned what styles work best for me. A lot of women love the below the belly maternity jeans. For me...not so much. They can be alright when you're belly is still little, but as soon as you start to get big they just don't stay up! I always had what I call "droopy drawers" or the dreaded "saggy butt" when I wore that style. Plus, they pinch really tight when I sat down. Not a fan!

My favorite style...the very sexy over the belly jeans. And let me tell ya, they have changed the fabric that goes over the belly. Now they are made of a super stretchy, very thin material that is way more comfortable! Plus, you can roll the material down when you're belly is still little for the below belly look. Who knew?! Well, probably lots of people, but like I said, I haven't gone shopping in a while.

This is the new pair I bought. Not bad, huh?

I know this post isn't the most thrilling...and I'm sure men especially don't find it interesting. But I was excited to find jeans that work for me!

Cornbelly's Maze and Pumpkin Festival

The weather has been amazing the last couple of days, temps in the low 70's...the way early Fall should be! Anyway, my mom and I took advantage of it and took the girls to the Cornbelly's Maze yesterday. I'd never been there before. We got there before lunch and I'm glad we did because it was really quiet for the first couple of hours giving us free rein to do whatever we wanted. It didn't start getting crowded until around 3:00, and then I was terrified of losing my kids. They were like little ping pong balls bouncing from one thing to the next. There was a child size maze made of hay bales. It was completely enclosed...basically tons of tunnels. There were three openings to get out, all the openings were near each other so parents could easily see their children come out. So at one point Haley was in the maze and Morgan was playing outside of it on a playground. I realized Haley had been in the maze for a long long time. I was scared that she had come out and I didn't see her and she was lost somewhere in the mayhem of the park. So after quite sometime I decided to go in and see if I could find her. I had to crouch really low (practically crawling) through all these tunnels (I could barely see it was so dark) calling Haley's name. It was really narrow so kids coming the other direction could barely get through...I was a major road block to them! As I'm weaving my way through the tunnels yelling for Haley I ran into another mother also yelling out for her daughter...so I wasn't the only one who had lost their child in there! Anyway, I finally found her...she said she was looking for unicorns. And then as I was guiding her out she says, "Oh, mom don't go that way! That's the way out!". So she wasn't lost at all...I think she might have been in there all day if I didn't come in after her!

There was a Princess part of the park complete with a castle and dress-up clothes. Of course their favorite was the horse and carriage.

Cow Train Ride

The girls were given pig noses at the Pig Races. They loved them!

My little Piggies!

The main attraction is the massive corn maze at the park. I'm not sure if my mom and I are just bad at mazes or if that truly was a completed maze! We were totally turned around and basically found ourselves going in circles.

"Which Way?!!"

The girls started out strong, super excited to pick the way we all went. But pretty soon Haley started to get really discouraged. At one point she sat on the ground and cried, "We're never going to get out of here!". And yes, she wore her pig nose for most of the day.

We finally opted to ask a "Corn Cop" that we saw on one of the paths for help to get out. I know...lame. But when you have a crying child in the depths of despair, it's time to give it up. So he directed us out.

One of the girls favorites (and I think it was my mom's favorite too) was the huge "bounce pillow". It was a big hit!

It wasn't the cheapest outing, but there was so much for the kids to do I think it was worth it. I have a hunch we'll be going next year.