Halloween Festivites

 It has been a LOOONNNGG time sing my last blog so I hope I am not forgotten about in the blogger world amongst my friends and family. Between pregnancy, moving into a new house (I'll blog about that later), planning a boutique with my MOMS Club, church, friends and trying to keep up with my two year old....I've been a headless chicken. It is nice to find some time to recap a little and hopefully I can keep it up!

Hank has also been busy but as a family we managed to find some time at the start of the Halloween season to visit a giant pumpkin patch. We had a really magical day. Looking at that picture makes me realize how attractive the boys in my life are! No wonder I want to be around them all the time!

This was Sam's reaction as we wondered through the preliminary pumpkin patch: "tats a pumkan (points) ....tats a pumkan (points)...tats a pumkan (points)...tats a big pomkan...tats a yucky pumpkin...tats a pumkan (points)etc, etc, ect" we did this for a while. He talked about going to the pumpkin patch for days before we went, so I think he needed to soak up the reality of actually being there.

I tried feeding the goats after this picture was taken and I had the same expression on my face.

Oh its so nice to have Daddy time. One time I made Sam laugh and after we giggled for a while he stopped and said "no Mommy, Daddy's funny", I guess I overstepped my boundaries.

This is prime Mommy time; snuggling on the tractor ride. It is awesome but a little scary and its nice to have a mommy nearby. He still managed to point out to us that there were pumpkins "tats a pumpkin...tats a pumkan!"

So the tractor ride took us out to the real pumpkin patch where we got to search for our own. Strangely enough most of the pumpkins were nasty or rotting so it really was a search, Sam described most of the pumpkins as "yucky'. It made the hunt that much more fun and in the end we found a family of pumpkins.

This pumpkin is "Sammy's Pumkan"

It was such a fun experience for all of us. We have our three pumpkins outside our front door and every day when we go outside Sam goes through his pumpkin routine; "Mommy's pumkan, Daddy's pumkan, Sammy's Pumkan!(pause) take Sammy's pumkan" then he picks up Sammy's pumpkin and begins carrying it out to the car before realizing he doesn't want to carry it anymore and sets it down in some random location.  We have to be careful not to mention pumpkins in our house otherwise he'll want  to "go to pumkan patch and pick a pumkan!"

I am somewhere around 6 months now. I'll get a more accurate day at my next ultra-sound. I went from measuring at 19 weeks to 26 weeks in a 3 week period. Milo had a bit of a growth spurt and now I have no idea what my due date it. I do have to say I enjoy looking pregnant. It gives meaning to the misery, though I am do so much better..so no complaints here!

Well I had to quail his love for pumpkins! We went to a smaller less eventful pumpkin patch with my MOMS Club.

"tunnnal!!"

I love find little surprises, like how entertaining a wheelbarrow can be. I need to store that little nugget away.

That cheesy smile never gets old to a mother.

Getting ready for our ward Halloween party. Looks like Elmo is a little sedated from "op-e-na" or oatmeal, but I think a little sugar fix will pep him right up.

I love that Sam is getting older and can start participating during events like this one. He got his face painted, played games, marched in the parade and went trick or treating. It also makes me miss my little baby Sam. They grow so fast!!

These are two of Sam's best friends. He has a crush on the smaller one and often talks about her and then giggles to himself afterwards. His social nature is already showing itself in spades especially with the ladies. He also has such a tender heart for his friends and for babies. Today he was singing to himself in the car, something made-up and I overheard him say to himself "I  'uv babies...(sign)". I hope that love keeps up when Milo comes and he has to share his Mommy!

Ultra-sound (s)

I am usually such a consistent blogger but this pregnancy has really taken it's toll. The big news is that we went in for the 20 week ultra-sound. Here is what happened: the ultra-sound technician was really dim. I could barely understand anything he said. He seemed nice enough but should probably not have a job where he is interacting with pregnant women. He was so focused on getting measurements and the right picture he barely explained what was going on. I felt like I was getting my leg x-rayed, not having the ultra-sound to see my growing baby! Then I felt like my world came to a crashing halt. I am measuring at 16 weeks not 19 weeks. The technician told us it was too early to tell the sex. I felt pretty disappointed after that. It is difficult for me to feel sick constantly and to know that I have to go through it a month longer than I thought is a bit discouraging. I have to admit I am feeling much better now but at the time I was doubled over with sickness probably from the disappointment. Here are some pictures...it is an absolute miracle that my body is creating this.

I told a friend about my experience and she said if I am really anxious to know the sex of the baby I should go to another ultra-sound technician who will tell you the sex as early as 16 weeks. So that is exactly what I did. Hank and I were just thrilled about the whole experience. Her office was comfortable with a big screen TV displaying the imaging. She was kind, friendly and could tell the sex right away (it was a bit obvious). We smiled, laughed and got teary eyed. I told Hank from now on we are having our own 16 week ultra-sound before we do any other ultra-sounds. Maybe I am picky but that experience really helps me get excited about my pregnancy and so it better be a good one! So now are you ready to know?

Those are cars PJ's. We bought them right after we found out, a little tradition. I am beside myself with joy. I am going to have two little boys! This is one of those times where I love modern day technology. Happy day!

Pregnancy Update

I am 17ish weeks along now and even though people say I am not showing that much I feel like I obviously am! I have already gained the same amount of weight that I gained my entire pregnancy with Sam (I was so sick :( ) I must have had a really good day the last time I posted because the morning sickness definitely didn't leave me. I have been constantly nauseous throwing up nearly everyday sometimes several times a day.  Fortunately I feel like the last few days something has been lifted and I am starting to feel a bit better. I really don't want to jinx it though because last time I thought I felt better everything got almost worse! Lets just hope if I am sick the entire time like I was with Sam I will a good attitude about it and keep my head above water. My husband and my son have been my anchors during these last few months of sickness. Seeing Sam grow and talk really puts things in perspective. For example the other night I was putting him down for bed and told him I was going to go. He requested another kiss and I told him I would give him three "one, two, three..goodnight" his response "four?", oh alright and I gave him another, his next response "ten?". In those moments I just realize it's all worth it. Hank and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary a week ago and I just feel so grateful to be creating a life with him. He is my hero and my angel. 

I have felt the baby a bit but it's slight and sometimes I have a hard time knowing if it's the baby or the war that is constantly happening in my stomach. I know I felt a definite "pow" a few days ago. I am so anxious for all the movement soon to be felt. It makes it so real and exciting at that point.

Other than that no major changes (at least none I want to publish on the web). The next time I do a pregnancy update I will probably know the sex of the baby. I am hoping to find out in a least three weeks. So go ahead and guess, it's fun! Hank and I are prepared for names either way and I honestly have no inclination if it's a boy or a girl so give us your ideas!

I have a lot more updating to do that isn't pregnancy related so we'll see if I can get enough energy to get to that!

Big News!!!

I have begun the journey! and in my opinion the worst part is almost over...the dreaded morning sickness. I can't believe how mild it has been compared to Sam. Yes I threw up 1-3 times a day and constantly felt nauseous, but believe or not it can be so much worse than that. Basically I am so grateful to have that phase almost be over. Even with the sickness, my heart has been in a constant state of gratitude for this pregnancy. Knowing what comes at the end of this journey makes everything I go through so enriching and spiritual. My current high does have it's own consequences, in that I cry all time. I have what I like to call a mother mind at the moment. To me there really isn't anything more important or more worthy than  raising children. I am in absolute awe of my body and it's abilities and in even more awe of the process of caring for children. I used to envy people who had creative abilities oozing out of them. I graduated in art and the whole time I was at school I was in constant awe of other people and wished I could create something worth while. I have still felt that since of awe when I see artwork, movies, posters, crafts, statues, scrapbooks etc etc where there is a statement of creativity that just engulfs the viewer. This pregnancy has reset my ambitions and I realize more than ever that there is nothing more creative than creating a family. I feel a power within me that promotes my position as a mother to the top rank of importance in society. Recently I find myself sort of unamused by the once unreachable status of those who have found success in their creativity. We were watching the spectacular blue ray extended editions of Lord of the Rings and Hank commented on how spectacular the movie was as far as creativity goes. I just thought, "ummm...my son just learned to sing his ABC's...this is ranks as "quaint" in comparison" Obviously Lord of the Rings is a spectacular movie, it's just my mother mind that puts everything in perspective.

It's weird how I am starting to show already. So I am 13 1/2 weeks along. I had my first appointment on Monday and got to hear the heartbeat (remarkable). Hank and I have decided to go with a mid-wife and have a home birth this time around. I am absolutely blown away by the kind of care I am getting with my mid-wife. I have a birth team consisting of my mid-wife, her birth assistant and a mid-wife in training. Our first appointment lasted over TWO hours. The team was extremely thorough on knowing everything about me from my mental to my physical health. They said they want me to be in optimal health when I deliver this baby and so I can be a healthy happy mother of two. I am to keep a food diary and then in a month I am meeting with a nutritionist. They let me listen to the heartbeat for so long, so long. It was such a neat moment for Hank and I. They care about my concerns, my past experiences and are preparing me to have the birth experience that I want. It was such a great experience, I wish I could have an appointment every week! When we left it was hugs all around. So neat!

Anyway, we are very excited around here. Sam likes to tickle and kiss my tummy while saying "baby, baby" and then he shows me his baby in his tummy. I hope he doesn't get too disappointed later on. Hank tells everyone he meets the news. In fact he bore his testimony at church on Sunday and announced it. I didn't even attempt to ask him to keep it secret, he can't help himself. We feel blessed.

Hank's Birthday!

For Memorial Day we roasted marshmallows with Hank's 2nd cousin Chris and his family. They were so sweet and bought Hank a birthday cake!

...all the cake info was just a prelude for this picture.

I'd say Sam is getting pretty good at puzzles.

Hank had his birthday on Friday but we celebrated it the day before. At first we got a babysitter but then after some thought Hank decided he wanted Sam to be there. I am so glad we brought him along, he was so fun. Lets just say after this restaurant outing Sam goes around the house saying "suuuushe, suuushe" with a big smile on his face.

After "suuuushe" we headed to a family fun fair where we enjoyed checking out all the vendors, pony rides, bounce houses and especially the live band.

Sam captivated everyone with his dance moves. He went at it for maybe 20 minutes. By the end he was getting pretty tired but couldn't stop the beat, so he would lay around on the ground twisting and turning until he got enough energy to get back up again. It was so cute. Everyone commented.

 

That evening after getting Sam down we watched a movie and enjoyed pumpkin pie (Hank's favorite). Hank's birthday was probably more enjoyable for me because it was a time for me to reflect on the life I have with this wonderful man. He is such a tender, loving husband and father. The quality and richness of  our life (Sam and I) is greatly attributed to Hank's constant care and devotion to us. I really feel blessed everyday to have him.

He is also really funny.Our home is always filled with laughter. I am so blessed. Happy Birthday Hank!

Puzzles, motorcycles, paint and fairs

So I needed to get something done and so I threw a few three part people puzzles on the coffee table to get Sam occupied. I literally come back 20 seconds later and all fours puzzles are complete and he is placing them size by size. You draw your own conclusions... yes I know, he's amazing.

What could be better than a safety fair?!! Police cars, motorcycles, fire trucks, ambulances and any other vehicle you can think of come together to show case and show off. I don't think Sam could have expressed himself any better than what this picture captured.

Bliss, pure bliss. The only sad part was we made late in the day and a lot of the venders and vehicles were packing up. Next year no other plans will be made on this day.

This is one of our favorite activities. I really suggest it to anyone who has a toddler. It's so easy and despite how it looks, it's not that hard to clean up. Spill water on the floor and add food coloring or water colors. Keep a wet cloth nearby so when it splashes everywhere you can easily wipe it off. Sam loves swirling all the colors around. It's a great way to learn how colors mix. We took his cars and drove them in the water to make cool designs, we uses brushes and painted ourselves, and it was fun having a "big helper" wipe it up when we were done. Oh gosh, I love it so much I'll have to do it again tomorrow!

I live in the best community. Every month the mall puts on a family event where the kids get a free craft and snack. There is always a theme as well. This week was music and movement.After spending quite a while lifting and lowering the parachute on the kids, they rounded them up and trying bouncing a ball on top. Sam would not get out form under the parachute despite my various tactics. Fortunately the lady in charge sympathized with my dilemma and we all went back to lowering and lifting. I think all the kids had more fun with that activity anyway.

This is always his expression after one of theses events.

Sacramento County Fair. Here is the rundown: more life stock than your nose can handle and barely any community displays or commercial venders. I think it gets the shaft because the State Fair is in the same place. I was unaware how much people like their farm animals around here.

This is a great picture because Sam isn't troubled by the crocodile but instead wants the ice cream the unseen girl in front of him is enjoying.

Thank goodness for pink tractors.I think that made up for the lack of blue ribbon cookies and hand sewn quilts.

Yosemite. So magical.

The day after I arrived home from Southern California Hank, Sam and I headed to Yosemite! It was amazing!!! That place inspired me and now I feel re-energized because of our visit. It was incredible. Here we are in front of half-dome.

I leave it up to you to decide what Sam is doing here.

There was so much love being passed around our family while we were there.

This was at Mirror Lake. We tried hiking a bit but Sam just wanted to stop and throw rocks so we eventually gave up and just let him. That was more fun anyway.

Biking in Yosemite is just magical. Most of the trails have sequoias and pines towering over head and then every once in a while a majestic view opens up and you can't help but take a picture.

This was our first day there. We biked a lot and our last destination was at the Ahwahnee Hotel where we allowed Sam to roam free in the back gardens. He got very silly and passed this stick around to each of our mouths. His silliness was infectious and before we knew it we were running around singing loudly and tackling each other. There is something about Yosemite that just sparks happiness in you.

This is the hotel. It was built in the 1920's to house patrons of the park. Isn't it neat architecture?

On our way out we saw and deer and it wasn't afraid of us, we got really close. I guess it's used to people being around. I was so excited and yelled at Hank to get a picture. A lady who was an employee of the hotel was walking by and saw my excitement. She casually said "there's another one over there too" like it was no big deal. I guess I am not accustomed to mountain life.

Are you ready for the most incredible experience? Here we go; Hank and I did a tiny hike to the lower Yosemite Falls and after seeing how beautiful and powerful it was, there was no way we were going to stop. We headed for the top. Little did we both know how intense the hike was going to be.

Sam feel asleep at the beginning of the hike and took a short nap and then fell asleep at the end of the hike, that just shows how long this monster hike was. We started at 9ish and got back around 4ish. If I knew we were going to be crazy and spontaneous I would have packed more food. I guess that's the drawback of spontaneity.

The first view point on the hike, pale in comparison to the top. By the way Hank did the whole hike up 4 miles of steep switchback with Sam on his back and then basically 4 miles back because I am a wimp and didn't last very long with Sam on back. By the end his shirt was dripping with sweat.

The views of the falls kept us going and Sam's cute personality.

After hours and hours we made it!!! Sam was by far the youngest one at the top. Hank is amazing and so is that view!! Being in a place like that makes you realize how insignificant you are. I felt grateful and humble at the same time.

The view of Yosemite Falls. I feel tired just thinking about that hike but at the same time I want to go back. So often I find that some of the most difficult experiences are the most rewarding ones, they are always worth it.

Since Sam was a champion and allowed us to trek to the falls and back without too much complaining we bought him some dibs. I love that boy.

We also took him back to mirror lake where he could go swimming. Well that water is melted glacier water so he lasted about five minutes before he realized he couldn't feel his body. We spend the rest of the time throwing rocks in the lake.

This was one of my favorite moments (one of many) because Sam was so happy to be alive. He was being silly and we were laughing at him as well as helping find rocks to throw. We had had an exhausting day but oh so rewarding and now we were able to just enjoy each other. I love my family and man! I cannot wait to go back to Yosemite!