T minus 4 Days

I really don't know how people just "wait" to go into labor. I think it would be really hard. In some ways I would rather go into labor on my own because I think it would be easier but I love knowing when it is going to happen. I can be all ready and plan everything. This week is a week for the hospital. I get to spend Monday and Tuesday hooked up to an IV for 8+ hours each day, Wednesday I get to be home and then Thursday back to the hospital at 6 am for the big induction. Anyone know of a good fast paced book to read while I am bored out of my mind Monday and Tuesday?

My mom wasn't going to be able to come out until a week after Laela was born but she so wonderfully pushed around her busy work schedule and so she will be able to come on Wednesday through Friday and then back the next Wednesday. That takes a lot of the stress of figuring out what to do with the girls. Thanks Mom, I can't wait until you get here. Also, thank goodness for great friends who are taking the girls for me all day Monday and Tuesday. Thanks Kim and Elizabeth! Thanks to everyone else who has offered, I feel really blessed to have so many friends who would happily take them.

In other news, my great friend, Kim took some photos of me and my big belly. It was a super windy, cold and rainy day so my hair is everywhere but I guess that kind of adds to the look. If I pretend they are of someone else I think they are awesome. You know, it is just so easy to be critical of yourself. I am sure I will love them when I am not pregnant anymore and I know they will be great to have years down the road. I really appreciate her doing it for me. Thanks so much Kim!

Zoo and other news

Yesterday I had my last doctors appointments before the big induction date next Thursday. They were both downtown and since it was going to be a couple of hours because I had to meet with my OB and then the hematologist Brad took the girls to the zoo. Brad said they had a great time despite it being a little chilly. After the zoo brad picked up lunch at our FAVORITE place, Aubergine. In my opinion a whole blog could be dedicated the the amazing sandwiches and soups at this place. It is run by an awesome little lady who sure knows food. You must try this place if you live in the area. It is in an old strip mall and you would never know it was there. If you go, our favorites are tomato basil soup, the parisian baguette sandwich and the eggplant panini (which is only a special sometimes) and her brownies are THE BEST you will ever have.

I have so many pictures of the girls on this little tiger, it is kind of a tradition I guess.

The Zoo recently acquired a couple of giraffes but we haven't been really lucky seeing them. I guess they will be out more when it warms up. This statue will have to do until then. Also as you can see, Ayden has been into carrying a purse around. Kinda funny.

The girls are such great friends. It is so nice that they have each other. It will be really nice when this baby comes and they can entertain each other.

Also I wanted to post of picture of one of Brads latest creations with our Kapla Blocks.

I am grateful for my cow

Today's grateful post isn't a very traditional one but I am grateful for the cute brown and white lonesome cow who lives off of Ten mile right before you get to Franklyn. There is something about this cow that makes me smile. When I drive by and see him I really get a happy feeling and can't help but let out a little giggle. I am really not sure what it is about this particular cow since I see cows everywhere that don't give me the same reaction. I think it might have something to do with the fact that he doesn't seem like a very typical cow. I have seen him head butting a telephone pole, running around chasing his back side and galloping across the field. He just seems like he has some personality. So thank you Mr. Cow for making me smile!

Some birthday pictures

Alex wanted an Ariel cake this year. I know it is nothing fabulous but it made her happy!

She had so much fun opening all the presents. Ayden helped her open every single one but Alex was happy to have the help. They are such great sisters.

Checking out all her loot.

Alex's birthday wasn't a huge event this year but I know she felt special on her birthday and that is what matters. We had a nice family breakfast and then she got to talk to her grandma and grandpa Mammen and grandma Marsha on the phone. Later we opened presents and she blew out the candles on her cake. We also got to go to lunch and spend some time with Brad's brother Travis and his wife Becky and their daughter Kaybrie who were in town for a cheer competition. That evening we had fun with friends. I think she had a nice day and she loved all her presents.
Happy Birthday!

Health

Today I am grateful for my health. This week I started feeling sorry for myself because I have a cold on top of the aches and pains of pregnancy that recently started becoming harder to deal with and then I found out at a doctors appointment Friday that my platelets are getting lower then they ever have before at this stage of my other pregnancies. That of course caused some concern and added more worry to the outcome of this pregnancy but I also knew that treatment would be eminent which means prednisone and possible IVIG. Both of which have uncomfortable side effects that I don't like dealing with. I headed to my appointment with a hematologist/oncologist kind of feeling sorry for myself but as soon as I entered the building I was immediately humbled. How can I feel sorry for myself that I have to be uncomfortable for one month when there were people all around me battling much worse problems for who knows how long and many of them would probably end up dieing from them. And I am sure they would trade my health issues and the side effects of my treatments for theirs any day. On top of all that, these people generally have such a positive attitude that really puts me to shame. I am also going to be blessed beyond words expressed with a beautiful baby in the end. I am going to be able to hold my little daughter and everything will be worth it. Perspective is everything and I need to keep this in mind this last month because it is only a month and there is a reward in the end.

Happy Birthday Alex!

1 day old

6 months old

1 year old

2 years old

Three years old!

Alex is three today! I can't believe it has been three years since she came to our family. Alex is such a special girl. I really think she is unique and doesn't really follow a mold. She is unpredictable and still surprises Brad and I with things she says and does because there is just no telling what Alex is going to do. She has a great heart but at the same time can change from loving you to saying she doesn't like you within seconds. She is also pretty stubborn and won't change her mind for anything. I like to think that this will be a good quality later in life. I just don't see peer pressure ever being a problem with her.
One of my favorite things about Alex is her hugs! Her hugs are really unbelievable and can make me happy any time. I also love that she will play with my hair and it actually feels good!
We love you Alex! Happy birthday.

gratitude

Gratitude helps you grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you. - Eileen Caddy

Today at church our new Relief Society president gave an amazing lesson on gratitude. It reminded me that when you have an attitude of gratitude life is so much better. I am happier and my family is happier. I can honestly say that in the year 2008 I made huge strides to becoming a more positive person but of course it takes time and constant effort to really become that way naturally (at least for me). A couple months ago I did a post on gratitude and thinking positively and decided that I was going to do a weekly gratitude post and quote but I have never done one. So today during the lesson I once again committed myself to do it.

Today and I grateful for my family- I think it is so easy to get frustrated that my kids are always whining, my husband is always working and my house is always a mess but not today...

I am grateful my husband it such a hard worker and provides for our family so well. I am grateful he plays with the girls when he is home. I am grateful that he always likes to be doing something and isn't happy sitting around because it has created a lot of fun adventures. I am grateful he is generally really happy and goofy. I am grateful he is such a nice and friendly person to everyone. I am grateful he is leading the family in scripture reading every night because it has brought the spirit into our home like never before.


I am grateful for my girls. I am grateful they are both so smart and fun. I am grateful for their individual personalities and the qualities they each have. I am grateful they are best friends and play so well with each other. I am grateful they are forgiving and make me want to be a better mom and person.

I am grateful for River. He really is a great dog and I am grateful my girls have him to play with and form a relationship with. I am grateful he is so patient and sweet with kids. I am grateful for the energy he brings into the family.
I am grateful for little Laela on the way. I am grateful I am pregnant and that we are going to be blessed with another little girl to brighten our lives. I am grateful this pregnancy has gone so well and that I have felt good and have been able to stay positive about they little aches and pains.
I am grateful our family can be together forever. I am also grateful for my wonderful friends. Kim made me this beautiful sign for my birthday. It helps remind me daily how blessed I am to have an eternal family.

(isn't it awesome?)