What will baby be?

20 Weeks

It is always exciting to reach the half point in the pregnancy, 

mostly because you get to find out what baby will be
through the gender ultrasound.

Shea guessed baby would be a SHE, 

and I guessed baby would be a HE.

We waited eagerly for our visit. And when the time finally arrived we were thrilled to see our baby up on the screen squirming around. The hiccups made baby very active. Not a fan of the hiccups it seemed. We counted 10 fingers and toes and watched baby wave and turn all around. It was so fun seeing our little one and feeling that much closer to the time when we will meet our little one.

And as for gender ...

That is right Shea was right! Again, he has been right with each child
 (and I've been wrong every time). 

22 Weeks and COUNTING ...

Baby Center estimates that at 22 weeks, baby is progressing like this: 

"At 11 inches and almost 1 pound (about the size of a spaghetti squash), your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment." 

Get Ready, Get Set

It is only days till we head to Maryland for Christmas. And as excited as we all are, there is a lot of prep going into our trip, (I am trying to record this information for a reference for the future).

If it wasn't for my parents we wouldn't be able to come, because 4 plane tickets is a heavy burden on anyone's budget. But my parents came to the rescue, not to mention the amazing deal on tickets my Mom found. I am so grateful for the blessings that have come our way so far.

Now as the time gets closer we are getting more ready for the trip trying hard to plan how to keep two little ones busy on the plane, while trying to account for unforeseeable
complications.

I cannot say enough how much I love having a fully potty trained child it is life changing. Considering Bella rarely needs to be changed, she has a large bladder apparently and when we are on trips she usually holds it most of the way, so we are not to worried about her changes since she is pretty good anyway with them. And since this is the case we have decided that all bathroom breaks need to be done on the plane. It might sound weird but I think it will be easier then having to rush everyone through during the layover. Which will also allow us some time during the layover to grab food, which we rarely get to do when we fly with children.

I also remember from last time while flying that I need to dress the kids in cool comfortable clothing, maybe layers. Bella gets overheated really fast, and last time it didn't go well when that happened. So I am hoping to avoid that this time around. In hopes that her tough time last time was not airsickness. So I am thinking light sweats with a jacket. It is so hard to determine the temperature on the plane. I used to think planes were so cold, when I traveled alone. But I guarantee it is hotter with two children squirming and crawling all over you. I always have to have the fan on blowing air in my face, and the kid's faces.

We are bringing only carry-ons, since we are going for Christmas this may seem crazy, but we are, crazy carry-on people. And we'll take full advantage of my Mom's washer/dryer.

It is also really important that my carry-on/purse is extremely organized. Considering everything we will need on the plane needs to be in it. So I usually pack a blanket, jackets for everyone, snacks, empty water bottles, coloring/sticker books, and the electronics the kids will be using. So far we are planning on using the portable dvd player and my smartphone to occupy the kids for the most part. It sounds bad but technology seems to be the easiest form of entertainment without any mess, so were opting for that. We are hoping to buy the kids an early Christmas gift, kid headphones to use and share on the plane, to help with the noise level.

I am also planning on packing gum, for the take off and landing. Both kids love it and they rarely ever get it, so they will be stoked.

that's what he said

My Mom has been telling me how I need to write down the things Connor says, I usually call her with a few each week, because they just make me laugh. I keep meaning to get a journal to write them all down in, for him to keep one day. But I never have, and Shea was talking about how he'd love to have them online so he can share them with his friends and family from time to time. So I decided to start recording what Connor says in a monthly "that's what he said" set of posts. 

This is the first installment:

C: There is a giant spider attacking.
     Hello Hello?
(Picks up Bella's play phone.)
     Mom Bella's phone is broken, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?

(He saw a man with a tattoo.)
C: Oh look that guy was just like me when I was little.
     I painted on myself too. So I could be a monster and run away.

M: You need to eat some dinner.
C: No Mom I am too fat.
M: What? Your not fat.
C: Yes I am I ate a whole pig yesterday.

C: Look Mommy you bought me a puppy.
(referring to Bella, as she sticks her tongue out, and pants)
    Lets put her in the closet?

Because Shea and I are lazy bums we love asking people to get stuff for us when they are there, it is an annoying habit and I hate it, but poor Connor is getting the gist it seems like. He now has picked up on our little comments we joke with one another about and during the day when I ask him to grab something from the fridge or something alike I get excuses like this:

"My legs are broken"
"Don't you need exesising?" (*exercising)
"But I am bizzie" (*busy)
"I am too tired" (Said sluggishly with his tongue hanging out and slunched over.) 

Connor talks about "tree monsters" a lot and "ghosts", tree monsters is from an episode of a lego cartoon and the ghosts are from playing and fighting ghosts with Grandpa Stanger. After he sleeps he tells us he had nightmares, about tree monsters. He does this constantly, I have no idea if he really does. Mostly I think its just having something to say, because after a bad spout of night terrors for days Daddy would always ask "Did you have nightmares?" and since then he ALWAYS says he does. Anyway were trying to talk more about good dreams but we will see.
One day after nap he told us:

"I had a nightmare ... it was a ghost and it chased me and attacked me and tickled me ... and the ghost laughed and made me laugh too" (All said with a big smirk.)

Lately he loves commenting on "our parents" Shea's and mine, with comments like:

"Are your parents home today?"
"Your Mommy is going to be so mad!" (After I spilled a whole bunch of soup on the floor.)
"Listen to your Dad."
"Is that your parents? They forgot us." (After someone knocked on the next door neighbors door.)

I sure love this growing talker.

Santa

Last year Connor had no idea who Santa was or really what was coming on Christmas day. But this year after seeing a few Christmas movies year round, we are hearing lots about him. And not all good. 

(This picture brings back memories of old Christmas cartoons we'd watch.)

Daddy:    "Do you see the moon?"

Connor:   "I see it, it's really high... " "OH I see CHRISTMAS!"

Daddy:    "You mean Santa?"

Connor:   "Santa I see Santa. He's coming to our house with presents right now."

Daddy:    (laughing) "Well it is going to take him awhile to get there, like a few months. But nice try buddy."

Connor:   "Let's go to Joe's house. 

Mommy:  "Were going to have Christmas at Joe's house. 

Connor:   "I don't want to have Christmas at Joe's house. 

(A fit ensues. After he is calmed down, I ask him why?)

Mommy:  Why don't you want to have Christmas at Joe's house. Santa will come.

(He starts to cry again.)

Connor:   "I know I know

               "If Santa comes he will take me away in his bag and I don't want to fly.
(I had to smile and keep my laughs inside as I comforted him that Santa would not take him.)

Mommy:   "Do you want to brush your teeth? Look this is a new one!

Connor:    "Wooooow, did Santa bring it?

Mommy:   "Nope, Mommy bought it, silly.

(This happened when I bought him new socks too.)

Connor     "I want green boots!

Mommy:   "Well we should ask Santa to bring you some for Christmas. 

Connor:    "He won't. 

Mommy:   "Why?

Connor:    "Because I am too naughty. 

Mommy:   (mustering a laugh) "Well we better try really hard to be nice and let Santa decide then. ...Go kiss Sister, Santa loves when your nice to Sister.

(kisses ensue)

Connor is such a silly and I love hearing him talk and knowing what he is thinking as he tries to figure things out. He makes me smile. And I am kinda in love with this picture, hand on his hip, half closed eyes, and him making his sister grin without even trying. I am so excited to share the holidays with this boy. His excitement and love for life is exhilarating and hilarious!

Love Mommy

Dear Connor,

You are growing into childhood and as you linger on to toddler-hood I can't help but smile. You are at this fun age where you make me laugh constantly with the things that come out of your mouth. Sometimes you surprise me with how much you know. You still are independent and I must say I am so grateful for that nature, especially recently. I have needed a lot of help lately (due to pregnancy sickness) and have been spending too much time on the couch. But you are only too willing to put on movies or get snacks and toys for sister. But as much as I love that independent drive in you, I miss kissing your boo-boo's and holding you close to make your pain go away. You'd rather run in a corner and deal with the pain inwardly, with stifled words of "I'm okay" or "I need privacy" in a mantra type tone. But I like that your so strong and brave all the same. 


I will take a minute to brag about you too, in reference to potty training. I have been so impressed with you. From the beginning you wanted to do everything on your own and still do, I rarely have to help you and I have been so grateful for the relatively easy transition you have made.You are happiest when your busy being active. You yearn for that sport outlet I hope we can give you someday soon. When your at home 90% of the time your throwing yourself onto all the furniture, jumping off it, or climbing up to the tip top. 

I also am amazed by your love for your sister. Yes, you have your tantrums or fights where Bella and you need your own space. But as you ask for Bella to come with you to preschool, "Is she not big enough yet?", you make me grin a little with love for your big heart. I see hugs all day from you two, and you ask to snuggle with Bella every time she's sleepy. It is all the little things right down to your protective big brother nature when Bella is in harms way, that makes me love your love so. 
You are still your Daddy's best friend and you want to be just like him (school, work or play). And you always run to Daddy in the mornings with "I forgot to give you your kisses... and your hugs", not to mention your huge running start hugs when he gets home. Daddy is SO close to finishing this stage of "school/part-time work life" that all the little things you do make every day a little easier for Daddy to get through knowing how much you love him and miss him when he is gone. Mommy gets a little jealous sometimes but mostly it just makes me smile watching father and son. I remember one time in particular that made me laugh. Daddy decided to make Mommy's bourbon chicken recipe for dinner (I have made it a bunch of times and the kids wont touch the meat), but Daddy makes it and forgot about stirring it and it burned... BAD! Black chicken. But he salvaged some of it for Mommy to eat. The kids begged for the "meat", so Shea gave them some of the black chicken with their rice, and they devoured it and wanted seconds. I laughed so hard. I couldn't believe it. What little sillies. Connor went on to say how much he loved it and how Daddy did a really good cooking job, "mmmm TASTY" is what we heard all night. 

I remember reading the words from Shel Silverstein as a kid and loving them, there is one little quote I ran across recently that made me think of you ...

“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me … Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” (A classic quote from Shel Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends.”)
I can see the big dreams in your eyes. I hope they continue forever. Because your love and determination sure makes me think you can do anything, anything you set your heart on. I hope to inspire that in you forever, as you encounter all the adversary has set out for you. Sometimes the only thing that can keep us from falling into the traps the adversary has set for us is to remember that with the Lord anything can be made possible. 

I love you Connor and I see so much light in you it makes me swell with pride. And my favorite words you say are the out of the blue "I love you"'s.  


Love,

Mommy

Our big secret ...

I am 15 weeks pregnant! We are expecting baby #3 in early May. We are beyond thrilled and more than ready to have another little one join our family. We will find out baby's gender right before Christmas, Dec 18th. I already scheduled the appt. in case they got overbooked. Can you tell I am excited? Shea has been telling practically everyone we meet, strangers and all, so I thought it was time we let our news out.

Bella has got no idea what is coming but Connor is the sweetest little boy and asks to see my belly and look through my belly button "I can see baby... he's growing!" He loves telling me this. I also have an app on my phone that we look at each week that tells us info and shows a picture of what baby looks like at this stage. It is so fun having another little person get excited about "new baby". Right after we told him, (the day we found out), he asked me "1 baby or 2?" I said "1", (even though we hadn't officially found out yet), then Connor went on to ask "Maybe 3?" He is so funny. We used to pray for a new baby to join our family in our prayers and Connor would always substitute "new" with random numbers so we would get "Bless us with 5 babies" or "14 babies". It was hilarious considering he could think of some really high numbers :) We also got to babysit for my friend and her baby was only 3 months or so, Connor was convinced that this was his new brother so he was SO excited! As we babysat he was so gentle, so soft and quiet bringing him toys and listening to every word I said. Bella was crazy. She loves babies and went insane wanting to poke his eyes out and hold him and feed him and just pull his hair, anything she could do to touch him. She was also a little jealous, when she couldn't feed baby or be held by Mommy she fell apart. No surprise to be honest. When I sub for nursery it's usually Mommy war. But we have some time till baby arrives. And Bella will be 2 1/2 then and Connor will be almost 4. We have lots of plans to get these two ready for a new baby (mostly Bella), but we know that things will fall into place with time.

Right now I am looking forward to getting over the morning sickness stage and finding out if baby is a boy or girl! It is an exciting time for us!

9 weeks

15 weeks and my barely bump

Preschool Boy

Back at the beginning of October this little boy started preschool, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:20 - 10:40.

He loves playing with other children, he loves running around and being active, he loves new activities, and he loves discovering!

Which makes for his LOVE for preschool.

He wakes up asking to go every morning.

He does struggle with the sitting still during the lessons part or even most of the activities and we are working on breathing deep instead of hitting. But other then common 3 yr old dilemmas he is doing great. We are also working on "nice words", considering everyone is telling him "use your words" and then he usually shouts "Get Away!" or something else nasty. So it is a work in progress. But if we give him "nice words" to say then he will repeat them ... usually ;)

He also has a little girl that he fights with consistently and she apparently picks on him and only him relentlessly, he left preschool last week with scratches all down his face from her (they even bled a little). He was proud and said "A little girl hit me with her fingers but I didn't hit her!" After congratulating him he spoke up and said "But I TRIED!"

For awhile after Bella's birthday he kept asking "Is Bella coming too?" "Is Bella big enough?", this is probably because we made such a big deal about Bella being a big girl since she is 2 now! He misses his little sister when he is at school and always asks for her (and Daddy... but that's obvious considering the most common word out of our children's mouths is always Daddy, I hear it a thousand times a day). One day Daddy watched Bella so I could pick him up and he was so worried about her, I told him "She is sleeping at home", to which he replied "Sleeping, does she have nightmares?" "Is she scared?" "I want to kiss her". This was all right after the other in about 2 seconds so when he followed up with "I want gum." I gave in because I was smitten with his sweetness about his sister.

He has a favorite teacher that he buddys with a lot. Yesterday he came out telling her how much he loves his Mommy. It was so sweet.

A girl we know ...

Update:
Height- 32.3 inches (15%)
Weight- 23.3 lbs (11%)

Well other then turning two this month, Bella is finally getting big enough to get into new clothes. So out with the 12 months that she's been rocking since last year. And on to 18 months finally, and even some 24 months mixed in because were just plain anxious. She still is at home in a size 3 diaper. She is running and playing regularly with her brother, her balance has improved greatly in the last 6 months and she sure seems surer on her feet than before. She is so brave it scares us sometimes. Especially since she can be a drama queen when it comes to tumbles, trips and falls. Her thumb is still her favorite hero and she is showing no signs of giving up her beloved addiction. But doctor says no worries, yet...

Loving lately...
Babies and Dolls
Strollers
Pretties in her hair, everything from bows to headbands
SHOES! She steals mine constantly to wear around the house and hide in random kitchen cabinets.
Books, she will sometimes sit still for stories but mostly she likes looking at them all by herself.
Small spaces. She likes finding drawers and cupboards to hide in, along with corners, under tables and inside bottom shelves.
She loves playing with other children and animals she gets her excited shreik on. And runs around crazy, running to Mommy's arms regularly with giggles and big smiles.
Phones, she likes talking away and holding it up to her face for a silent conversation.
Super Why and Tinkerbell are her favorite things to watch on TV she gets excited if we even mention the name.

Talkings

Bella was our quiet princess for a long while not wanting to let on she spoke a word, until about the end of June where she started in on some parrot talk, she'd repeat random words we said constantly. It was out of the blue and has continued going strong since!
Other than her parrot talk she is saying several words and phrases on her own daily, here are a few of our common talkings from Bella:
"Can't reach"
"Want more?"
"Pease" -Please
"Dance!"
"Look"
"Tickles"
"Tinkebell"
"Wyatt" -Super Why character
"No"
"Pretty?" -She loves to ask this after I do her hair, because Daddy does a good job making a big deal after her hair gets done (SIDENOTE: Props to Daddy who has learned to successfully take out her little tiny ponytails without her noticing, he is very proud!)
"Done"
"Dog" -Every animal is called dog or doggie by Bella.
"Hungry" "Thirsty" "Drink?"
"Get away" -Not my favorite current one
"SCARY!"
"Hide!"
"Daddy gone?" -This is always accompanied by tears
"Eese Stick" -Cheese Stick, her favorite snack

Bella is teaching us new things everyday and were enjoying watching her grow and learn as she begins this tough life of a two year old :)

Halloween

Connor's been excited for Halloween ever since his ninja costume arrived in the mail, at the beginning of the month. And he has been loving playing in it ever since. 

Our Halloween started early this year with a BYUI Trick-Or-Treat party for the kids, on Tuesday.

Thursday, we began our Halloween with hot chocolates (in hopes to conquer the colds we were fighting)  and a Halloween cupcake for fun.

Next on the list was our pumpkin carving, we hoped to do this earlier, but surprise the time came and went. Both Bella and Connor enjoyed the "slime" part of carving ...

After going to Season's Pediatrics to Trick-Or-Treat, meltdowns included, we headed for Jamba Juice for their free smoothies, Connor fully enjoyed them ... both :)

Then we had pizza for dinner and headed to a Trunk-Or-Treat and finished with some Trick-Or-Treating at a few family and friends. Snow and rain decided to join us off and on most of the time but it didn't damper our spirits. Although the cold hurried us along a little.

This sleep deprived ninja and over active tinkerbell were only too happy to head home and start in on our treats.

Pajamas, popcorn, pillows, blankets, Scooby Doo, and snuggles; put an end to our night.

Our Halloween was packed and not without toddlers in tantrums, but it made the perfect end to a busy October.
Were looking forward to some time to relax before Thanksgiving, wish us some luck!

five years ago

I remember this moment, leaving the temple, bursting with happiness. I held onto you so tight not willing to let go ... ever! And I am still holding on just as tight loving every minute of our ride together forever. 

Happy Anniversary Babe! You stole my heart 6 years ago and 5 years ago we entered the Rexburg, ID temple to be not only married for this life but sealed for time and all eternity. I cannot imagine anything more romantic or anything that I am more sure of than the day October 22, 2008 when we started our lives together.

After our anniversary plans fell through and Connor had been begging for some bowling we decided the kids could join us this year for our anniversary. So off to bowling we went, in the afternoon during Shea's break from classes. We got lots of smiles and giggles and sure made us happy for the past 5 years together. 

That night Shea brought me roses and "jackpot" vase filled with silver and gold chocolates, with a card that read "I hit the jackpot!" on the outside! We also enjoyed a dinner out just us, with a bookstore date to end the night.

Shea,

Love is quite the ride. Being in love is not just the ease of conversation or the anticipation of every touch, it's not just the loneliness you feel when their not there; it's the silence when times are hard and the firm grip that tells you they aren't going anywhere, it's the confidence in each decision you make together, it's the trust that is long and endearing, it's the hand in hand fullness that your match is alongside you for eternity, it's the love that fills your "body and soul" with each new step through life.

It's been 5 years since we've been married, 6 years since we've met, and in truth I feel more in love with you than ever. You inspire my dreams, your by my side always, you care for me unconditionally and your laughter brightens even the gloomiest of days. I love you for all the little things you do babe and for the much bigger ones that will amaze me forever. I am truly one lucky girl.

Happy Anniversary my Hottie Love!