Happy Halloween 2009

We started Halloween evening off with carving pumpkins. Liam is too young still to participate with the actual carving part, but we had him watch us cut them open and take the guts out. He kept saying 'Ewe' when we showed him the insides. The way he says 'pumpkin' is soo cute too!

We gave him his pumpkin to play with, and then gave him a glow stick since he just LOVES lights, and we figured he would get a kick out of a glow stick.

Then we got him dressed in his Elmo costume so that he could go trick-or-treating...

The trick-or-treater's had already started to show up while we were taking his picture. He wasn't too sure what to make of everything. He seemed a bit shell shocked, so we were able to capture a few pictures with him being cute and calm. I took him out first, and we ran into some neighbors just outside our house. He was talking up a storm about his Elmo costume and how he had shoes on. The first house we went to he was hesitant to say 'trick or treat' , but he grabbed a piece of candy out of the bowl. I was fairly surprised that he knew just what to do.

We just went to a few houses, then dad wanted a chance to take him out, so he took him to a few more...he did end up saying 'Trick-or-treat' at least once, and 'Thank you' too.

When he got home he did NOT want to let go of his Elmo basket. We had to pry his hand open to take his costume off and wash his hands...then we let him carry his stash around the house. He really seemed to enjoy this Halloween...although I think next year he will have a much better understanding what all the fuss is about.

Baby Bump #2 (35 Weeks)

So Rowan is about 18 inches long, and is about 5 1/4 lbs. about the size of a honeydew melon. Only one more week and I'll be in my 9th month. Also if I make it till then I will be further along than I ever was with Liam. I do have a feeling that she won't be AS early as he was, but do think she still might be a little early...but who knows?! All I know is I want her to come when she is ready and healthy. I have been a bit lax on the exercise program since I was sick a few weeks ago. Taking a week off just ruined the momentum, and it's been hard to get back into it. Plus I have been feeling a lot more tired and sore, and would rather just take a nap if given the chance. But I have been doing a little bike or yoga once or twice a week, and it does seem to help. Being 8 plus months pregnant is what I imagine getting old feels like...it's hard to get up, bend over, lots of aches and pains all over. And I only have one little one, I can't imagine how hard it is to carry multiples! Anyway, I kinda have the whole nesting thing going on, but probably not as strong as some women do...maybe because I work and when I get home I just want to sit down and relax. A few days ago we moved Liam to his new room, and decided to keep his bed as a crib for now until he's a little older and used to being in his room. We know that he is probably capable of getting out, but he really hasn't shown an interest in doing it yet. So now that he is out of his old room, I'm starting to transition it to Rowan's new room. She will be in our room at night for a while yet, but I do want to have a place to nap her, and have her things organized on the 2nd floor for when we are up there. Anyway, I will be having an ultrasound later today and will update this post when I find out if she is still breech. And also will post a picture later too...so check back.

UPDATE: So just got back from the Ultra Sound. She is head down, all set to go! Fluid level looks good, and no cord around her neck (which is a relief)...she also has hair! Also confirmed the body part that has been moving around on my right side is indeed her foot. We are so excited to meet her!!

Halloween? Feels more like Christmas!

So, we had a storm blow in yesterday, and it has been snowing and bitter cold! It feels more like Christmas time rather than Halloween. Hopefully it will warm up for the kids to go trick-or-treating. We were planning to take Liam to a few houses just for fun, but if it doesn't warm up, then he'll just be staying in with us to hand out candy...Anyway, not a whole lot going on...Today I am one week away from when Liam was born at this point in my pregnancy. I will find out tomorrow if Rowan is still breech or not...crossing my fingers she's head down. Will post an update and new picture for 35 weeks...in meantime enjoy this cute dog in a costume : )

Sequoia Update

(I found this picture of Me and Sequoia taken 4-3-03)

So it's been a few months since we found out that Sequoia has cancer. At the time she had had the runs for several weeks, and was vomiting, and not eating much. Her tumor was swollen and also put off a fowl smell. We didn't think she had much time left. The vet gave her a shot of steroid, and shortly after her symptoms started to improve. Although, her tumor is more swollen and continues to smell, and bleed. She often falls on the hardwood floors and has a hard time getting up, and often needs help. She also has a difficult time with the 4 stairs when she goes out to the backyard. She has fallen trying to go up and down the stairs, and often needs help getting up. Over the last couple of months she has also been pooping in the house which is something she didn't do before. Yesterday I came home to see her laying down where she had pooped on the floor! Mike has been trying to tell me for several weeks now that it's time, but I have been avoiding the decision. I just HATE making that decision, but as much as I am sad about it, I'm starting to think that he is right. We are thinking that we will have to make that dreadful appointment within the next month or so. I hope to make her feel happy and comfortable and loved in her last days.

Rest in Peace Codi

(Codi is the dog on right)

Shortly after my family moved to Utah from New Hampshire, I finally was able to get my driver's license at the age of 18. One of the first things I did is take my little brother to a pet store and pick out a puppy. I know, not the brightest thing to do without getting permission from the parents first, but all little boys need a dog right? Anyway, he was a really cute Australian/Brittany mix and we set him up in our RV area on the side of the house since dad would not allow an indoor dog. Eric named him Codi, and he was a really great watch dog and he LOVED LOVED LOVED chasing and fetching balls. Of all the dogs I've had since, he has been the ONLY dog that loved to play fetch, and he was really good at it too! He had several friends live with him over the years, Nicki and Sequoia and Wolfie. Nicki had to find another home because of the dog limit law, and Sequoia moved in with me when I moved out. And Wolfie was his best friend until he passed. Shortly after Wolfie passed, Eric was in a position to bring Codi to live with him at his new home. And Codi must have thought he died and went to heaven because he was trained to eventually be an indoor dog! Anyway, I just wanted to write up a little blog about Codi because after 16 years on this earth his health had gone down, and had to be put to sleep last night. He really was a sweet wonderful dog, and I don't regret getting him for Eric (even though I now know you should always ask permission first!) Rest in peace Codi, you were loved by many!

Pumpkin Land 2009

We took Liam to Pumpkin Land today, and got some more pictures of him with the pumpkins. He is 22 months now, and has grown sooo much since last year. He was 10 months last year, and wasn't even walking yet. Let's just say it was so much easier to get pictures of him last year. He had a blast running around checking out the pumpkins, and trying to lift them. He would try to lift them and say 'Heavy'. He loved the Elmo blow up display too. He also liked to climb on and over the big pumpkins. He decided after a little while though that he was ready to go. We are hoping next year he will enjoy our trip there a little more...and maybe will even want to do the activities there.













Compare pictures from last year's trip to Pumpkin Land 2008

Mom and Liam Pumpkin Land

Liam Pumpkin Land

Baby Bump #2 (32 Weeks)

Well it's been 32 weeks now, and Rowan is about 3.75 lbs. and about 16.7 inches long, about the weight of a large jicama (bit obscure, but if you're wondering see picture above, it's a turnip and apparently kinda heavy). I definitely can not complain about not feeling her move anymore. She is moving a lot now, and it's obvious. In fact, sometimes I will hold my hand to my belly if I start to feel her move, and she will give a good kick and it startles me, it's kinda funny, and it's definitely a relief to start to feel her move. For the last week or so her movements have been at 3 and 9 o'clock (on sides) instead of at 6 o'clock (bottom), then yesterday for the first time I felt her move at 12 o'clock (top), sooooo, I *think* that she might have moved head down, but we will not know for sure until the Dr. checks her. I'm not as nervous about the labor this time round, although subconsciously I think I am a bit because I've been feeling a bit of anxiety lately. But that also could just be the whole idea of having a newborn, and a 2 yr old at the same time. I will miss the one on one attention that I was able to have with just one baby, but at the same time it will be fun to see how Liam is with his sister.



(sorry Ma, if you are embarrassed by a bare belly, but this was my favorite picture.)

Happy Birthday to My Hubby

I'm usually not one to get all gushy and sweet, especially in a public way, but I just want to say 'Happy Birthday' to my hubby. He is a great husband and he works very hard, both in a professional way and at home. He does a wonderful job at supporting his family in many many ways, and he is also a wonderful father. I am such a lucky wife to have a husband that comes home from a hard days of work, and does most of the cooking, and helps clean and does yard work too. He takes great care of Liam, and plays with him, and has incredible patience with him too. He absolutely loves and adores our little boy, and is also very excited to have a little girl. We have had our ups and downs in the last 14 years, but I am so grateful that we are still together and we have our own little family now. I just can't imagine life with out him...Love you!