Can't Catch my Breath

The last five or six months have forced me to slow down.  At first I really fought this slower pace but then the pregnancy came and I welcomed it in a way.  Now I am feeling better in many different ways and I feel more apt to go out and to fill my calendar.

Apparently, I'm no longer used to this.  Yes, I dropped the ball!

Friday night Shay arrived and you know what that means.... SUSHI!!!!!!!!  It was so delicious and so relaxing, but ended an already busy week and started a way busy weekend.

The purpose for Shay's visit was all in honor of Baby Dexter!

As most of you know, we played a baby version of Family Feud.  It turned to be a lot of fun and even more interesting to see everyone's answers.  Thanks again for all those that participated!

*See bottom for results!

Directly from the shower I met up with my family at a birthday party.  Sadly, we don't have pictures of this but don't worry, there are many other times the kids will be sporting their Halloween costumes!  (We have our ward party, we were invited to Mint Cyn.'s ward party, then also invited to the Agua Dulce ward party and then of course - HALLOWEEN!)

From there, we headed back to Acton to enjoy the rest of the evening with Shay.  This included taking many, many ridiculous pictures!

The Shake 'N Snap is probably my favorite!

Try it, I'm sure you'll love it.

The kids were so cute when they decided to come show us their pregnant bellies.  All their idea!

Have you ever played the "emotion" game?

Uncle Chris has a style I do not feel Andrew could ever pull off.  We began discussing skinny jeans and it just so happens Chris was wearing some.  What better entertainment than to see Andrew try on Chris' skinny jeans?!?!?

The next time we see Shay she will hopefully have her son in her arms!!!

But just because Shay left, that doesn't mean the chaos ended.  I had a chance to get together with some friends for the first time in SO very long.  We saw eachother at Kristen's wedding last year, but we haven't had a chance to casually visit.  It was wonderful catching up and reflecting on all we have endured through the last 14 years!

I was gone most of the day so Andrew took the kids to church.  When I got home I was again reminded how awesome my husband is and how wonderful our friends are.  Sarah sent me home with a horse, Ben and Becky got these awesome cars for the boys, Laurel put Andi to sleep at church (seriously a miracle), and Kristen drove nearly two hours just to visit with us.  

So, what's the problem you ask..... Near the end of boot camp Monday morning, I realized I should have been at Ryan's doctor's appointment instead of working out - OOPS!!!!!  Seriously, I couldn't believe I did it.  But after rescheduling and calming down, I realized that I am simply no longer used to going, going, going.  I haven't done it in so long, it takes time to adjust :)

The result of Ryan's appointment with the ear, nose, throat specialist is that his adenoids are normal.  His ears seem fine but a referral was put in to check for any hearing loss.  So really, nothing new developed yesterday.  We wait, again.
Oh well, all ended well :)

*

Sleep Through The Night *6-9 Months (13 votes)                    3 Months 6 Weeks                                                  4 Months	Get Used to Nursing *2 Weeks (17 votes)                                 1 Month Never                                                              3 Months
Color of Infant Poop *Mustard (15 votes)                        Yellow Green                                                   Green & Yellow	1st Tooth *6 Months (17 votes)                                 5 Months 4 Months                                                       9 Months
Favorite Diaper Cream *Desitin (41 votes)                                    Butt Paste A&D Ointment                                         Aveeno	Popular Boy Name *Jacob (11 votes)                                          John Michael/Mike                                                 Matthew
Favorite Brand of Diapers *Huggies (22 votes)                                 Pampers Costco                                                         Luvs	When Do You Stop Nursing *1 Year (31 votes)                                      6 Months 9 Months                      When they pull up your shirt
When Do Diapers Decompose (500 years) *Never (12 votes)                                          1 Year 20 Years                                                           5 Years	Recognize Father’s Voice (2 weeks) *at Birth (11 votes)                                    2 weeks 1 Month                                                          No Clue
Missing Body Part (Kneecaps) *Kneecaps (15 votes)                                 Teeth BellyButton                                                  No Clue	How Many Diapers Do You Change (8-12) *8-12 (28 votes)                                              6 7                                                                            75
When Do They Eat Solids *4 Months (20 votes)                              6 Months 5, 7 & 9 Months tied	Favorite Flavor of Baby Food *Sweet Potato (12 votes)                      Banana Applesauce                                                 Pears

HALF WAY THERE!

I can't tell you how excited I am to being half way done with this pregnancy.  It's no secret, I'm not a fan of being pregnant and not feeling like myself.  But, it's all worth it in the end right!?!?  Of course!  So, here it is, my half way picture.  It's funny, when you're pregnant with your first, and sometimes even your second, belly shots are so fun.  Yeah, not so much when it's your fourth in four years.  Oh well, it is what it is :)

*Actually, I could be further than half way considering my kids are usually early!  So... let's see if this kid is just as nice to mommy!

Lombardi Field Trip

93 degrees!  Really???  That is SO not FALL weather.  Fall is my favorite - but NOT when it's 93 and we're out enjoying a PUMPKIN PATCH.  But, it is what it is.  The kids had fun despite the red cheeks and dire need for water!

After waiting a bit for late arrivals, we headed out to see the rest of Lombardi.  It was nice to see the changes they have made.

 Do you ever wonder if a kid has ever fallen from the top?

Before lunch, the kids had a chance to head over and pick out their pumpkin.  It was so cute - Leah and Jackson were browsing for a bit and then Jackson spotted the pumpkin sitting atop the hay.  "This is MY pumpkin!"

I brought this babies with me and they did a pretty good job staying out of the way.  Andi got a bit tired, hot, and hungry which resulted in her being needy.  But Ryan had a blast running around with Carson and Julio!

Where's Ryan??

Maybe when we go back as a family there will some sense of FALL!

The Good Things In Life

My mom volunteered Andrew to give a Spooky Strawberry demonstration at her Tuesday Night Relief Society! The cool part about it was there were some left-overs!

Andi is such a cuddler.  That's really why she hasn't been sleeping through the night - or so we think.  She always wanted to cuddle with daddy and I think she still does.  Usually around 6am or so, she'll come in and snuggle for a bit before morning.  But now, it seems as though she's using her big brother for that comfort!  Luckily he's so knocked out he doesn't mind.  Because really, Ryan isn't much of a cuddler.  We will see how long this lasts!

A Case of the Mondays

This is what I found when I got out of the shower, my second shower, Monday morning.  The kids did so well while I worked out at boot camp but as soon as we got home, THEY looked like they just worked out for an hour.

Sunday Activities

Morning: Outdoor Play

Afternoon: Dress for Church

Evening: Living Room Picnic

My Friday Night Date

Friday night Andrew and Matt went to the Vasquez Homecoming game.  I thought about going but got too lazy by the end of the night.  But, I wasn't lazy enough to to out for a couple hours; I just didn't want to stay in the cold, with three tired kids, until 10pm or so.

Anyway.... considering I had Carl's Jr. for lunch - ugh! - I needed some REAL food for dinner.  Something light and fresh and healthy.  I packed up the kids and headed over to sushi.  They were so excited because as you know tofu and steamed rice is a fav around here!

They did a wonderful job being so good for mommy!  Near the end of our meal, Michalle and Allie met up with us and Andi was so pleased.  She's seriously beyond obsessed with "babies", even thought Allie is getting past that "baby" age, but she doesn't care.  She fed Allie a bowl full of tofu and the two of them were so very happy.

Needing something to counteract all the salt sushi has to offer, we met up with Becky at Menchies.  It was such a fabulous night just hanging with the girls and the kids.  There's something about nice girl chat to help you wind down from a busy week!!  And really the best part of all this is I was able to do it.  I love it when you make your way into the middle of your pregnancy and you start to regain SOME energy.  Not all of it mind you, but SOME of it!

Continue in Patience

Continue in Patience

Potty Head

It started out as a hat, and turned into a necklace that wouldn't come off!

My laughter soon turned into visions of calling 911 to have them remove the toilet seat from her head.  She was FREAKING out.  And trust me, this girl knows how to FREAK OUT!  Andrew kept trying and trying to get it over her head, but it just wasn't budging.  He left us so he could go to the garage and find a solution.

The second Andi saw dad's solution, real panic set in.  I thought that before she was freaking out, but no, apparently that was nothing compared to her new sense of fear.  At this point, I knew I needed to stop getting ready for the day and step in to save my daughter.  So, I pulled and tweaked, and pulled and what have you - 15 minutes later, she no longer had a toilet on her head!

Instead, she now had a head covered in bruises.  Believe me, these pictures don't do it justice!!!!  And yes, the bruises are still there today - just more black!

She would not be left alone for some time after that.  I went to take her into the shower immediately because let's face it, you HAVE to shower after having a toilet on your head.  She clung to me like never before.  And when I handed her off to Andrew, again, she curled up in his arms like a little baby and would not be put down.

Let's hope she learned her lesson.

Remembering Grandma

Last night nothing sounded good.  I was hungry, and yet I couldn't fathom eating anything.  Except toast.  As I leaned over and asked Andrew to make me some toast, I laughed at the timing of it all.  Today is the second anniversary of my grandma's passing.  And yes, when I have toast, I think of her, I think of my childhood, I think of the ways she expressed her love to us.  Isn't it funny the memories one remembers after their loved ones pass?!?!  I am grateful for the things she taught me, I am grateful for the sacrifices she made for me, I am grateful she brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to me.  I am grateful for my grandma and on this day, I remember her, I remember toast, I remember love.

Today my parents flew to Arizona to remember her and to see her tombstone.  While there, they had the chance to also visit my Uncle Fred, my grandma's brother.

I was thinking today about the memories I have with these two.  They're precious and yet so different.  I love it!

• God be with you till we meet again,
  By His counsels guide, uphold you,
  With His sheep securely fold you,
  God be with you till we meet again.
• Refrain:
  Till we meet, till we meet,
  Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
  Till we meet, till we meet,
  God be with you till we meet again.
• God be with you till we meet again,
  ’Neath His wings securely hide you,
  Daily manna still provide you,
  God be with you till we meet again.
• God be with you till we meet again,
  When life’s perils thick confound you,
  Put His arms unfailing round you,
  God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you,
God be with you till we meet again

Good Night

Our evening without dinner guests including some weird chanting, dancing, and shirt hats.

But then things calmed down.  As I was walking down the hall, I caught Jackson putting the babies to bed.

It was adorable watching Jackson "read" a story to them.  And it's funny, just yesterday Grandma K (his preschool teacher) was telling me how she thinks he's going to be a creative writer.  He truly does have an imagination.

It was a loud, crazy, great night!

Our evening with dinner guests didn't include any chanting, but there were some sound effects that resulted from the yummy ribs.  And our evening with dinner guests didn't include shirt hats but instead, grown man bibs.  Awesome!

It was a loud, crazy, great night!

Rise & Shine

Our morning began at 6:45am, what about you?

Then we decorated for Fall - yes, Grandma Shopping helped us feel the holiday spirit!  (Have you figured out yet why she's called "grandma shopping"?)

After lunch all headed outside to play in the fresh, cool air.

When it got too cool, they headed inside to "play in their boats" while wearing their "life jackets".

Is it really only noon?  Thank goodness it's NAP TIME!!!

To Be Young Again

If I were young (er), I could take naps anywhere or in any position!

If I were young (er), I would dance like no one is looking!

If I were young (er), I would have been able to listen to ALL of this weekend's General Conference!

*Good thing I'm old enough to catch up online!

Friday morning was a bit of a rush because I had to get everyone ready and out the door early.  Now, I know those of you that have school age children, 8:15am isn't early, but when you're not used to it, it's rushed!  I wanted to try to hit up a 24 hr. Pharmacy BEFORE taking Jackson to school so I could get my inhaler.  I knew I was going to be out and about most of the day and I wouldn't have access to the breathing machine.  Anyway, after trying three, it didn't work out.  So, off to preschool we went.

From there I had to head to Mission Hills to take Ryan to his new Opthamologist.  I figured it'd be a quick check-up because we last went three months ago, but I didn't factor in that he's a new patient at this office.  Yes, we had to do the entire three hour appointment.  Luckily they had a pharmacy there so I filled the prescription right before the appointment and then when we were waiting for Ry's eyes to dilate, we went down and got my inhaler - ahhh heaven!  Everyone in the office and in the waiting room loved the babies.  They all asked if they were twins - yes, poor Andi is having another growth spurt which means she is catching Ryan once again.  In the end, I had to leave before picking out his new glasses because the babies were exhausted and we were all hungry.  Yes, they fell asleep on the ten minute drive home = no naps that day :(

Off we went and we were all so very done.  BUT, I wasn't going to let that exhaustion ruin my night.  Friday night meant Girl's/Craft night!  Becky, Michalle and I all gathered at Laurel's to get going on our Halloween/Fall decorations.  Laurel and I had found a ton to work on, but in the end we just did the wreath.  It was actually easier than I thought it would be and I can't wait for next month's craft night.  I really do want more holiday decor because right now, the kids are so excited and yet I have nothing to reinforce the holiday spirit here at home.  By the time they're all grown and out of the house, I am sure I will have a spectacular collection :)

When I returned home, at the ever so late hour of 10pm, I noticed my house was silent.  So much so there was a second where I wondered if they had all left.  But no, everyone, including Andrew, was knocked out completely.  The house was dark and locked up and no one was up to see my amazing wreath.  But, it made for a cute picture.

Much Needed Time w/Jena!

UP NORTH
About six months ago I decided I would go visit Jena on her birthday.  She has been here so many times but I haven't been to her area since she got married back in 2003!  Yes, it has been way too long.  But when I booked the trip, I had no clue that she and I would be battling the side effects of pregnancy.  When the time came, I could barely get myself up and ready each day - there was no way I was going to go up there just to sit in misery in her house.

After rescheduling my trip, I couldn't believe it when the time finally came - AGAIN!  Originally I had planned to bring Andi but six months or so can really change your perspective on things.  Monday, there I was, flying solo - sort of; the little man inside joined me but he cooperated for the most part.

Jena and the boys were at the airport waiting for me.  They were a bit shy because I hadn't seen them for maybe a year (do you remember Jena?) but as for Jena and I, it was like we were back in college meeting up to go for one of our walks.

We had a low-key visit which is just what I needed because I didn't have much of a voice or much energy!  It was perfect!  The friendships that last years and distance really are priceless!  I am so grateful for Jena and for the friend she has been for almost nine years I think.  It all began one night after Institute at the Sorenson's - haha, remember that?  Love ya girl - here's to next time!

*And here's a shout out to Aaron for being a stud and encouraging us to go out and have some girl time.  Gotta love a good husband (and a fairly good photographer!).

BACK HOME
Monday morning we took J to school and then Andrew and the babies took me to the airport.  They got back in time to pick up Jackson from school but then the chaos began.  My in-laws got home from Utah that morning but by 2pm, they came to our house to watch the kids while Andrew took Ryan the doctor to get an x-ray of his adenoids.

The plan was that then that night, the kids would stay at the Anderson's so Andrew could tile my bathroom floor.  Well, he was swamped with work so he only got part of the floor finished.  Then, another twist was that he and one of his employees would make a day trip to Vegas Tuesday morning.  Apparently they found a tool they have needed and they couldn't pass up saving a couple thousand so off they went.  This then resulted in the kids staying at my in-laws again because Andrew didn't get back into town until about 8:30pm and he still had to work.

Wednesday Cosmo took J to school and then brought the babies back here.  He hung out and played with them while Andrew worked on the tile and on his bids for work.  It was so nice of him to stay here and help out Andrew until Andrew and the kids came to get me around 4:30pm.

OUR REUNION
It took forever for my bag to arrive so Andrew had to make many laps around the Burbank airport.  Once it did arrive, I stood on the curb just to see Andrew pass me up and go to the opposite end of the street.  This wouldn't have been a big deal if it hadn't been for the fact that I hadn't had a breathing treatment for HOURS!  The walk killed my lungs.  I couldn't talk the entire way home or that night or the next morning.  It was such a tough night because I felt like I was getting very little oxygen.

BUT, what I will never forget is that one our way home, all the kids were asleep.  But one of my out of control coughs woke up Ryan just enough for him to say, "Hi mom!" and then fall right back to sleep.... for FIFTEEN HOURS!  Yes, he transferred back to bed and stayed asleep ALL NIGHT!

Really, I so missed my family and it was wonderful to know we were all home again under one roof!

So Not Worth It

Tori asked, "Hey, do you want to do a construction clean with me at a Panda Express they just finished?  It's about $600 that we'll split for a couple hours of dusting and mopping.  It should be pretty easy!"

Ok, so maybe this isn't a direct quote but I promise it went down so like that.  So really, who wouldn't say "yes"???

Saturday morning we loaded up and went to Acton for our nieces and nephew's soccer games and it was there I realized it would be possible for me to attend Shane's funeral (remember my friend lost her baby only two days after his birth??).  My dad met us and I took his car because the soccer games weren't over.  I quickly drove home, threw on a dress and headed out by 11:45am.  It was at this time I found out the funeral was to start at 12pm NOT 12:30pm like I had thought.  I luckily made it to Thousand Oaks without getting a ticket AND I had the chance to attend the last half of the services.  But really, I don't think my emotions could have handled the entire thing anyway.  Seriously!

From there I headed to Van Nuys to meet Tori so we could earn our quick mola.  Hahaha - we began and shortly after we realized there was no way in heck we were going to finish "quickly".  I had to call Michalle and cancel carpooling to the Relief Society Broadcast which was a real bummer to me.  I was so looking forward to that.  But, instead, I was cleaning like a mad woman in 100 degree weather with no air and a whole lot of contractor's dirt.  It was insane.

This is when the asthma began - oh boy!  That night Tori and I cleaned for about four hours and when we left, it looked like we never even showed up.  The next day Andrew took the kids to my parent's house and he came to help us out.  By this point, I was seriously struggling and simply could not take a deep breath!  But, we had to get the job done so off we went.  I did windows for close to an hour and a half.  I am telling you, this place was insane.  Our low-key weekend turned in to one of the most exhausting ones we've had in a long time.  We didn't get to pick up our kids until 8pm or so.  Ugh!

But really the worst part of this whole thing was that it really flared up my asthma.  I never really have an issue with my asthma unless I'm pregnant.  Well, with all the chemicals and dust, my lungs couldn't handle it.  Plus, I don't even own an inhaler so I was having to use the kids' breathing machine to give myself treatments.  I just regained my voice last night - a week later!!!

So Panda... You were SO NOT WORTH IT!

Around The House

Andrew has been doing really well playing with the kids outside every night.  They have loved playing baseball and basketball and they have also rekindled their relationship with the swing.  It's great having all three old enough to go out and run around and play - I can't believe there will soon be an infant again.

Luckily this infant will be sleeping in the bassinet for the first three or four months of his life so he would mind that we no longer have a crib in the house.  SERIOUSLY.... for the first time in 4.5 years, we DO NOT have a crib in the house.  It's fabulous!  Shortly after we moved Ryan to the twin bed, it was thought that maybe Andi would sleep better out of her crib.  Maybe she simply didn't like it - it would be SO like her to feel that way.  So, it's gone.

The kids LOVED rearranging their room.  I think Jackson especially inherited that gene of mine because he couldn't stop praising the room, the process and the result.  He still has to begin the sleeping process in our room because the babies DO NOT go to sleep with Jackson in the room, but he transfers well these days.

*The funny thing about doing this post a week or so later is that the room has already been rearranged AGAIN!)

Andi has more good nights these days.  So no, it wasn't magic, but it has been helpful.  Plus, if one of us needs to go in there often, we can just sleep in the bed instead of trying to console her in her crib.

But it's nice she's getting this extra sleep so she has that much more energy to sit in the "toy chest" and empty... no, and THROW... no, and CHUCK EVERYTHING out of the dang thing.  This girl is unstoppable!