Getting Ready

As I have been cleaning my house, I came across my little boy clothes box.  It was a small box, but Todd's mom helped me set it aside when Karla was born, a girl.  Normally, I wouldn't touch the box until I was about 7 1/2 months along.  But I was put on bed rest with Kaylyn at about the time I thought I would do all those little things. So with my house looking pretty good, I pulled the box out.  I then pulled out my infant box and pulled out my few boy clothes and neutral clothes that I put my little girls in.  I now have them ready to take with me on my next laundry day.  My co-worker and good friend, Katie found me an infant carrier. I am so excited because I have loved my infant carriers, but in deciding what I could store and what I didn't have room for--I did not keep my infant carrier.  The girls have also decided they want to do their clothes differently (we are trying bins), so baby boy gets the girls old dresser.  I am starting to get things in order.  And I feel ready for our little one to come.  I am no longer nervous--mostly.  I keep working and praying that I will not be put on  bed rest, but this way, if I am, I am ready.
My mom has been so good to help me prepare too.  Most of my blankets are girly.  So she is making me a few boyish blankets.  So for those special trips out to church he is cuddled in pirates and toy story instead of butterflies and princesses.  It has been fun getting ready for this special spirit.
Kaylyn has even weaned herself from her crib and has started sleeping in the girls old bunk bed.  I like keeping the crib up for nights like last night or for naps.  But she is even, unknowingly, getting ready for her little brother.       Since she came to my ultrasound, she has told me "mom, my baby hurts.  I need a drink."  She will also tell you the baby is in her tummy not mommies.  She struggles some with the idea of not being the baby.  I think that she like Karla will want to steal the babies bottles.
We are only half way there--4 1/2 months, but we are getting ready.  Now to get off the computer, since I've had a break, and go and clean my own room.

Random fun pictures!!

This is a song Karla wrote while we were out at Grandma Cook's house.  She also played and sung it for us.       I was so impressed that she wrote the notes!!  She is a very talented little girl.

 This is a picture I have of my sister Cyntha and I.  She has always been one of my very bestest friends!  I would be lost without her.

Look what we found!  Kylee's school kindergarten pictures.  These are cute enough that maybe I would have ordered had I found them on time.  Isn't she adorable?  I sure think so, and she also has spunk too!

Baby boys picture day!

Part of having a high risk pregnancy is that they like to look at the baby alot!!  And so far--amniotic fluid looks good.  Baby is developing right.  And we even doubled checked--yep still a boy.

Superman's Mom

Last week I fought a dragon strong
Then climbed a castle wall.
Too bad I fell from the roof
Mom's flower broke my fall.

Yesterday I sailed to sea
With pirates at the door.
Too bad the tub was just too small
To keep the ocean off the floor.

Today I launched a rocket to
The moon for Mom to see.
Too bad the wheel came flying off
And so I skinned my knee.

But mom was there to pick me up
And make me feel alright.
Then sent me out to save the world
And put my cape on tight.

Someday I'll grow and fly away
Little doesn't last for long.
But when I'm big I won't forget
Even superman needs a mom.

A shout out: Dating Divas

I know, I should be in bed.  But tonight--I never really ate dinner.  When pregnant, this is not a smart idea.  So when I had to get up and use the restroom--I also HAD to eat, or my stomach would not let me come to bed.  SO here I am playing around on the computer.  After this post, I promise, I'm going back to bed.

But while on facebook--many of my friends recommended this site http://www.thedatingdivas.com/.  There is a facebook page too--but I think I like the blog better, at this point.  Anyway--it is Utah based so some of the ideas just don't work up here in Washington, such as their comedy night tickets for $8.  But a lot of their ideas do.  I'm going to try their fake eye lashes idea for our next date!!  I also like their ideas on candy...

I have only read a few posts, but I liked what I read--so I thought I would pass it on to you!!  On facebook I just shared a button: "You may think the grass is greener on the other side, but if you would take the time to water your own grass, it would be just as green."  I have also often thought of Scarlette O'hara from Gone with the Wind.  The biggest tragedy was not  the circumstances she was dealt,  but that she wanted what she could have and lost what she had just as she was realizing it was what she really wanted.  If I write a movie screen, I've thought that I would write a mormon, modern day version of this story: kind of like the Beauty and the Beast version.   I have done a lot of brain storming on this project, but I need more time before I actually put words down to paper or computer!

Anyway, back on subject, I have added it to my blog list--so feel free to check it out yourself.  Maybe it will give you an idea to strengthen your own marriage!!

Our Baby

So I went in for an ultra sound at 15 weeks.  Part of having high risk pregnancies is that they like to look at the baby often.  I was still debating on whether or not to find out, but you can't find out until 20 weeks anyway.  Todd wanted to wait.  We've waited with all our other kids despite having many ultrasounds (except Karla).  But since I was boarder line, I figured I wouldn't find out where Todd didn't want to.  Well I was shocked but at 15 weeks it was very obvious--we are finally having a boy!!  I tried to keep this news from Todd since he didn't want to know--but he found the ultrasound pictures.  And he saw our little man's ... little man before he saw the tech's neat little "boy" typed on the picture--it was just that obvious.
His first words "well a girl would have been easier."  And in a lot of ways, he's right.  But my mom says you should always try for a boy--different type of experiences: boys pass the sacrament, go on missions, and football--maybe.
I have also thought: I finally have hair bows!!  I bought them when Kaylyn's hair was cut so short about a year ago.  And now I have a boy.  I have also thought that Todd and I just march to a different beat.  When Kylee was born--she got three boy cousins.  And now that we are having a boy--within the last year--he will have gotten 3 girl cousins.  Go figure!!  We have boys when they are having girls and girls when they are having boys.  I'm just glad to be having kids the same age as their kids!!
If you know Todd and I--we don't usually pick a name until we meet the kid in person unless it's obvious what we are suppose to name them.  If Kylee had been a boy she was going to be Kaydyn Darrell after her great grandfather who just passed away two weeks earlier.  Kaylyn let me know she wanted to be named Kaylyn Ruth--although at the last minute I tried so hard to name her Joslyn instead.  But she just wasn't having any of it!    Come to find out Kaylyn means "little warrior."  How appropriate.  But our top names at this point is Beau William after Todd's grandfather who helped us out so much when we moved here.  We are also thinking about A. J. Nef.  A after Todd's best friend and little brother Devin A, and J after Darrell J his other grandpa--who if asked I admire more than most men.  We miss him dearly.  Todd use to run off to hang out with Grandpa Nef when he needed some perspective or a breath of fresh air.  Grandpa Nef had a way of making everyone feel better about themselves.  Before we left, he always told me how wonderful my husband is.  I also really like Cody--but I haven't sold Todd on that name yet.  Maybe Cody Darrell or Cody J?  Karla says we should use Cody so the baby doesn't feel left out not having a K name.  We also like Kinnen.  But as I said--the jury's always out until we leave the hospital.
Either way, I'm a week away from being half way there!!  And that's if I go full term.  I'm betting about June 1st--although my mom votes June 8th--her birthday.  She voted that with Kaylyn too, but Kaylyn just wouldn't wait.  Either way, I'm am still doing really well.  I am taking my high blood pressure meds, but my doctor hasn't had to up the does yet.  I have a sneaky suspicion that he might need to next appointment.  We will see.  I'm still controlling my diabetes with diet, but again, I think that might change come my next appointment.  Either way--I'm tickled pink with all well things are going.
I'm also tickled pink with my new doctor: Adam Smith.  He is in my old office.  But he was the doctor on call when they started me with Kaylyn.  I like how he handled things then.  So far, I've liked how he's handle things with baby boy too!!
We are very excited!

funny things my kids said

Today Karla and Kylee was playing I spy.  Karla said "I spy something by me."  

Kylee wasn't getting it.

So Karla "I'll give you a hint.  It starts with a W."

Kylee promptly told her "No letters."

Karla offered "it sounds like wa-nd."

Kylee "Wand!  I spy something by me that sounds like fr-idg-er-ator."  

My kids are great.  Don't you sometimes need hints that aren't hints.  Todd often says "little hints don't work; big hints don't work."

Christmas Card 2011

I have a stack still to send out--but in case I don't send them out, here it is electronically.  Enjoy.  It probably isn't anything new for those of you who keep track of us.  But they are still fun to look at.

Christmas 2011

Kaylyn's stocking

The girls got a lot of second hand dresses--they are enjoying it!!

Dot's and Jonathan's beautiful tree!!  And look at all those presents!

Todd's stocking

Santa brought me a very small package--I was very excited about it: an hour and a half massage!

It was so funny.  Dot and Jonathan graciously offered to help Todd with the paper route, since I was sick and not going to help.  But poor Jonathan threw up with all the twists and turns.  So they  called my mom and asked her to pick them up.  They did finish folding all of our papers--so Todd finished in 3 hours instead of his normal 5 hours for a Sunday!!  Thanks guys.  The hard part was that Garth was woken up when they called.  Atleast stockings were at Dot's house.  So they locked the door and told Garth he couldn't come down until we turned on lights.  When I heard Dot start moving pans around I got up to make sure it wasn't my kids.  I think we wore them out--they were still sleeping.  But I peaked out the window and there was Garth with his nose plastered to the glass door--watching for lights.  He later came and stood outside because he caught me trying to peak at him.  Plus I had turned on the tree not knowing...we shortly woke everyone up since we wanted to be on time for church too.  But I wish I could of gotten a picture with Garth's nose against the glass door watching.

Stockings

Karla on the left, Kylee on the right.

 Todd wasn't sure he wanted to wake up--and I don't blame him.

 Garth usually gets impatient with Mom.  So he pulls the stuff out of her stocking "see momma."

 Dot made us an amazing breakfast!!

 Even Toto got a stocking.  He likes his bone candy canes!

 After stockings and breakfast, we attended church with Grandma.  It was a very nice program.  I was reminded that although these children my children--they are really His that He is entrusting to me to care for. I am recommitting to doing a better job.  And I am so grateful that God would entrust me with such precious spirits.  We then came home and everyone was excited to open presents--but I ran to work so my boss could go to church too.  They were not pleased with waiting.  When we got home we opened two presents--and then ran to Grandma Tingey's house for brunch.

Garth likes his new TV, and he's not convinced yet that he has to share it.

 Dot no longer has to borrow mom's iron and ironing board!!  Was that for Dot really or Mom?  But it does make it easy to know what she needs :).

 Jonathan had to go out to the garage to find his new big ladder.  He can now take better care of his new house!

 Todd got a new pair of scrubs and a bookcase.  We now can move MY box of books from next to his side of the bed.  YEAH!!

 Mom got me a new sewing machine.  No more having to borrow her sewing machine to have to do my projects.  This is another one--was it really for me or does she not want me to ruin hers too?  Either way--I'm excited.  Last time I got a new sewing machine I made a jean quilt for Todd's mom. What will be my first project for my new sewing machine? ... watch further posts.

 The girls loved their new purses and dress ups from Aunt Cyntha.

 Dancing to Grandma's Santa.  We had a very nice brunch at Grandma Tingey's house.  It was nice to see everyone!  And to get to visit.  I love my family.  But I either relaxed or took care of kids--so not a lot of pictures.

 Dot is going to drop her gym membership so we gave her a new work out video to help add to her variety at home.

 When asked Kylee's favorite gift--she said it was the princess stuff Grandma Julie gave her--but in truth, it was the walkie talkie cell phone toys Grandma Julie and Garth gave the girls.

 Mom, as in me, gave the girls new books.

 Oops.  These didn't get turned.  Sorry.  Karla's favorite gift was a little camera.  Now she doesn't have to steal my expensive camera I won't let her touch or daddy's phone anymore.  She is very stoked.  Her pictures soon to be featured on blogger---if mommy is good about doing it!!  I'm excited that she is showing an interest in one of my loves!

 Todd got some air soft guns.  They aren't great guns.  But he is excited about them all the same.  Does anyone want to go play with him?  He got a few extra and wants to go have fun!!

 Todd spoiled me further and got both the cell phone I needed--which is still not working for us, we ended up returning it yesterday, and my pregnancy support I needed.  He even got me an ipod, so I don't have to check out books with due dates. Now I can download them and not owe the library money.  He paid off a lot of fines the other day for me....I was spoiled.
But despite everything that we did receive--and we were richly blessed--the girls played with the big box!  It was too good to not get a picture.  Here is Kaylyn.

 And here are all three.

 They also played Dot's don't eat peat game several times too.  It was a nice day all in all.  And we are so grateful for ALL our MANY blessings.  Most importantly our Savior who has made it possible for us to come home to our Heavenly Father and be a forever family.  And secondly, His day to day help and aid. I don't know how I would survive if it wasn't for all He does to lift us and bless us.
I am including these pictures of the girls reading their new Christmas books on this fort  they made out of their new bed that was in the hallway.  My sister got a new bed--so we took her old bed while we could.  We now have a big kid bed for every child and expected child in our house!!  The girls love sharing this queen size bed for now.  And we still have the bunk beds for the younger children.  We also have a decent bed I can put guests in.  So Momma Nef when do you want to come back out and visit?  Oh right--how about June just after the baby is born.... :)

Merry Christmas to you all!!  We appreciate your support and friendship as well.