37 Week Pregnancy Update

I had my 37 week check-up yesterday. Looks like my blood pressure is higher than they'd like and I have a trace of protein in my urine. This is sounding all too familiar. The doctors induced me 2.5 weeks early with Kaden because of toxemia, and I think that's what they are worried about again. So, I go back in to the doctor on Monday to have my blood pressure checked again. Until then, I'm supposed to "take it easy". Someone please tell me how that is possible with 3 small kids running around. Impossible! Aaron's gone all day and laying on the couch all day isn't an option. Anyways, to tell you the truth, I am crossing my fingers that my blood pressure is high and they want to induce me early. I'm ready to be done. So, I'll let you know what I find out on Monday.

Love Notes

My 5 year old kindergartener, Ashlyn, has been coming home daily with notes and drawings from a little boy in her class. First, it started out with him saving her a seat on the bus (morning and afternoon) and then I would see her at church waving to him and saying hi and getting kindof goofy around him. Then in January she came home with a piece of paper with a phone number on it and told me that Carter (love interest) gave her his phone number and she didn't know hers to give back to him (thank heavens!). She was also instructed to draw him a picture of the 2 of them exchanging Valentine's cards...and to put her phone number on the picture.

Let me just tell you a little about this boy. He is also 5 and is deathly shy (unless you ask Ashlyn, then she'll tell you he isn't). He is super cute...dark hair, glasses, cute little timid smile.

I just can't figure out how this started! Where in the world do they learn to have boyfriends at such a young age? FOR HEAVEN SAKE! SHE'S ONLY 5!

Anyways, to continue the story....she came home from school last week with a "big secret" and didn't want to tell anyone but grandpa. So, after much convincing, this is what I found out....Carter had written her a note and I was going to be so mad and I was going to scream. He had also drawn her a picture (that she would show me) of the 2 of them inside a house. I called my dad begging to know "the secret", but he said his lips were sealed. Later that night I asked Ashlyn again to tell me and she agreed. She said, "Mom, Carter wrote me a note that said I Love You and he told me he hasn't decided if he wants to marry me yet and I haven't decided if I want to marry him either." I told her that people don't get married until they are old like me and that she shouldn't have a boyfriend when she's so young. She agreed and went to bed.

Today Ashlyn came home with more notes stuffed in her backpack (she doesn't know I have them). When she walked in the front door she said, "Mom! Carter said he wants to kiss me and I've always wanted to be kissed by a boy!" I just about passed out! SHE'S ONLY 5!!!! I reminded her that she is too young and shouldn't be kissing boys. She then said, "I know. I hope I still know Carter when I'm older so I can kiss him."

It's my BIRTHDAY!

The spa was WONDERFUL! It was so nice to be pampered and to just relax. First I got a massage, then a facial and last a MUCH needed pedicure. Unfortunately, the pedicure didn't put me into labor (like I was hoping)...but it is so nice to have pretty toes again!
My friend Merilee took me out for a birthday lunch to Applebee's. The food was great and so was the company! Thanks Merilee!
Aaron thinks I'm a big dork because I LOVE parties. I set out the streamers the night before and told the kids that they could decorate the house for my birthday the next morning. Well, Aaron thought that was "childish", so I did it myself! Who says that we have to be boring when we're older? Not me! If I could, I'd have streamers, balloons, candles, clowns, and anything else that made me feel young. I LOVE birthdays!

A new store opened up recently. It's called "The Cocoa Bean" and they sell gourmet hot chocolates and cupcakes. I haven't tried the hot chocolate yet, but we did get some cupcakes for my birthday. They were wonderful! The store was packed and they were selling out of most of their cupcakes, but we did get: pretty in pink (raspberry filled), oreo, better than "whatever", key lime and coconut, carameled apple, and my favorite...marbled cream cheese and chocolate. This is definitely a "must try" the next time you're in Rexburg!
Again...Aaron thought I was being childish...but I got my way.

Best cupcake EVER!

Aaron thought the cupcakes were too big to eat without a fork...I showed him! Some things you just have to pick up and eat with your hands...pizza and cupcakes are just a couple!

Aaron NEVER drinks milk...but on my birthday he thought it would be funny to drink it right out of the gallon (like me). It grossed me out! I don't think I'll be doing that again (I think that was his plan all along).

I had a wonderful birthday filled with lots of pampering, relaxing, laughing, EATING and the ones I love most! Thanks everyone!

Happy Birthday from the Kids

Yesterday was my birthday, and when I finally got out of bed (8:30am), the kids had made me birthday cards and had started to clean up the house. They had also set out what they picked out for me at the store...my favorite cereal (for now...it changes monthly) Blueberry Morning. Aaron was also busily making me one of my favorite breakfasts...breakfast burritos! After breakfast Aaron also did the dishes. What a great start to a perfect day!
Ashlyn and Morgan made their cards without any help from daddy. They sounded out the words all by themselves and were so proud!

36 week Baby Update

I had a doctor appointment yesterday and had my fingers crossed that he would give me some good news (basically that they would induce me yesterday)....but no such luck! Everything looks good....I am measuring a week bigger, but other than that, everything is right on. I asked to be checked for dilatation (which normally they don't do until 38 weeks) because I have been having contractions and I wanted to see if it looked like I'd be going early (since my mom is coming to watch the kids and it takes about 10 hours to drive here). Anyways, here's the news...dilated to a 2 and 60% effaced. Not terrible...but honestly I could be dilated to a 2 for weeks! So, I have my next appointment next Thursday and I'm hoping for some progress. Last night I had some really strong contractions that were very regular, but they stopped after about an hour, so maybe that means we're getting closer.

There is just nothing better than having your baby and making sure everything is ok. I can't wait to see what she looks like! If you haven't noticed...I don't "wait" well. Patience is NOT something I was blessed with.

Anyways, so here are some questions for you (that HOPEFULLY will be answered SOON):

How much will baby Peyton weigh?
(Ashlyn-8.7, Morgan 8.3, Kaden 6.7)

Will Peyton have hair...if so, what color?
(Ashlyn-bald, Morgan-dark brown, Kaden-light brown)

When will Peyton be born (due March 20th, induction on March 13th)?
(Ashlyn-3 days before due date, Morgan-7 days before due date, Kaden-2.5 weeks before due date)

Will I be lucky enough to have Peyton during the day or will I have her during the night?
(Ashlyn-10:48pm, Morgan-1:24am, Kaden-1:59am)

Oh, and Aaron just told me that tonight he has arranged for me to go to Sage Day Spa. My birthday is tomorrow and he wanted me to be pampered....so he got me the Mother Nature Package....Mother-to-be Massage, Chocolate Cream Pedicure and Quick Fix Facial! I can't wait! I have the sweetest hubby ever! This is just what I need!

I'm DONE!

Last night I woke up at midnight with some serious back pain....quickly I discovered I was having contractions. This isn't the first time I've had contractions this pregnancy. About a month ago I had contractions for about 6 hours, but they weren't severe enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. Anyways, last night I was up until 2 am with these contractions....and I was actually getting excited, except that it was in the middle of the night and that makes everything a little more complicated (kids asleep, Aaron snoring, no babysitter, etc). Anyways, I just kept saying (to myself because Aaron was totally out of it), "Ok, either my water needs to break or these contractions better stop right now!" Well, 2 am was the last time I looked at the clock and then I woke up at 5 am to use the bathroom. So, next time I think I'm going to tell myself, "My water needs to break RIGHT NOW!"

Anyways, tomorrow I will be 36 weeks. I have my induction scheduled for March 13th (39 weeks) and I'm seriously counting the days! I can't take this anymore! Does anyone have any tips/suggestions on things that have helped them go into labor? I've never actually gone into labor on my own. I've been induced every time (early), so I don't actually know what it would be like to do it on my own. I have tried the basic things (and to no avail)....eating spicy food (that's a pretty normal thing for me), driving over the railroad tracks, castrol oil (take my advice, don't EVER do that!), going for walks, etc. I'm needing something more advanced. I do take Red Raspberry Combination Herbal Supplement, and I think that helps once you're actually in active labor, but my problem is getting to that point. If you haven't heard of Red Raspberry Supplement, it's something I found at the health food store. The lady said to start taking it when you have 6 weeks left, and start by taking 1 a day, and every week increase it 1 pill (so 5 weeks left you take 2 pills, 4 weeks left you take 3 pills, etc). It's supposed to help your uterus contract and help you have a quicker labor. I've used it with Morgan and Kaden and I would have to say my labors have been LOTS quicker.

Ok, so that's my dilemma. I know....every pregnant mom feels this way the last 6 weeks....and luckily I only have 3 left. Just needed to vent to someone else.

Info About Beds

Several of you have asked about the bunk bed and quilts...so here it is.

I got the bunk bed from a local furniture store. I did LOTS of looking around on the internet to find the exact bunk bed that I wanted, then I called around and found what store carried it. The bunk bed is made from a company called Lea Furniture and the line is called Carolina Retreat. If you google Lea Carolina Retreat bunk, then you'll get all the info you need. Also, we got it cheaper through the furniture store than we could online.

Also, the quilts are from Pottery Barn Kids. We got the Pink Daisy Garden and the Green Daisy Garden quilts...which worked out perfectly for my girls because Ashlyn's favorite colors are green and blue and Morgan's favorite color is pink. A lot of the time, you can get great deals on the Pottery Barn stuff on eBay (new or used). I do a lot of my shopping on eBay and it's fun and I get good deals.

Anyways, I hope that answers your questions.

Potty Training & Punishment

Well, about once a month Kaden decides he thinks it will be really fun to go to the bathroom in the "big boy toilet". So, he drags it out of his closet, strips naked and sits on it for a few minutes. After about 2 or 3 minutes, he is totally bored and starts pushing it around the room so he can be close to someone (so he has someone's attention). Saturday morning, this is what he did.

Also, happening at the same time....Morgan said a naughty word (I really can't remember which one it was this time...probably butt or poo poo-head or something like that) and because we've threatened so many times, we thought this time we should probably follow through. So, out came the hot sauce and the drama began.

Of course, Kaden didn't want to miss a minute of it, so he pushed his toilet into the kitchen to get a better view. Also, Ashlyn (who had her first experience with hot sauce just a month before and who has been wanting the other kids to get to try it too) came running out of the bedroom to get a front row view of all the action.

After a few minutes, it was over and Morgan was screaming for water. I have to say, I remember my parents telling me "Oh, this is worse for me than it is for you."....they lied! They were secretly enjoying it. Not all the time...but times like these are sometimes pretty comical! Aaron and I have to make sure the kids can't see us laughing.

Anyways, so now Kaden has been on the toilet for about 5 minutes and still hasn't done anything. So, once again bored, he runs to the closet and gets out the handy-vac and sits back on the toilet. I look over at him and notice what's going on and can't help but laugh. Kaden then turns on the vacuum and while still sitting on the toilet, starts vacuuming the floor! Pretty soon he notices that he can't get much work done on the toilet, so he gets off the toilet and finishes vacuuming in the nude. What a goof-ball!

Fat Feet

Sorry about the scary photo. Try to ignore my fat feet...they are alittle swollen. Anyways, I have been begging to get a pedicure, since I can no longer reach my feet...so yesterday after I painted the kids' nails (yes, KIDS...including Kaden who wouldn't leave me alone until I finally gave in), the girls painted mine! As you can see, they had fun. Luckily it's not summer and no one actually has to see my feet (most of the time, not even me!). But I do want my toes to be pretty when I have the baby...is that crazy? Not like the doctor and nurses are even going to notice my toes...but I think it will make me feel since I have little control over everything else that happens at the hospital. Oh, and only 24 days until my scheduled induction (March 13th)! Hurray!

First Night in the New Bed

So last night was the girls first night sleeping in their new bunk bed. The mattresses came in the afternoon, so they spent the majority of the afternoon and evening just playing on their beds. When 7:30pm rolled around, Ashlyn told me she was ready for bed....so we got the kids all in bed early! The girls were so excited for their mattresses to come, that they didn't take their afternoon naps. But by about 3:30pm Morgan fell asleep, so of course, she wasn't ready for bed when Ashlyn was. So, after Ashlyn fell asleep, Morgan sneaked out of her room (pretty normal for Morgan...she's our night owl) and came and watched Food Network with me for about an hour.By the way, aren't the girls' quilts the cutest things you've ever seen?!? Grandma Yount (with the birdie) got these for the girls' birthdays last summer, and they've been sitting at the top of our closet since then. I've been DYING to be able to use them...so I'm thrilled that the time has finally come! Thanks again Cheryl!So, the night went well. The girls woke up bright and early this morning (6:30am) and continued playing in their "tree house" and soon Kaden was up causing problems. Nothing new there!

Bunk Bed

Valentine's Day was a big day in our house. Not only did we get to celebrate with the normal candy and gifts, but the girls' bunk bed was also delivered. We've been wanting to get them a bunk bed for well over a year now, and finally we were able to do it. The girls had no idea they were getting one, so that was even better. They were kept in suspense all day long until Aaron was able to come home and set it up. And boy were they excited when they finally found out!

After lots of rearranging and disassembling and reassembling, we finally got started putting the bunk bed together. What a big ordeal! We now know why they charge a $50 setup charge....it would have been worth it....but we thought we'd save the $50 and do it ourselves. I think we forgot that I am 8 months pregnant and not much help. Anyways, after a few hours, it was finally done. As you can tell, the kids were a big help (not!).

Oh, but I forgot to mention....the mattresses won't be here until today....so after all the work of setting it up, the girls couldn't even sleep in it! So, the girls had a "camp out" on the floor and Kaden got to sleep in his new "big boy bed". He did really well! He didn't come out of his room until about 3am this morning, and after trying to sleep with him in our bed, Aaron took him back to his room, where he slept the rest of the night.

Today the mattresses will be delivered, so this project can finally be finished. The girls are so excited and can't wait to play in their "tree house". I'm just excited to finally be able to use the bedding that has been sitting in the top of their closet since last June (thanks Grandma Yount!).

Happy Valentine's Day!

What an exciting day! First of all, when I woke up, I was pleasantly surprised that my sweet husband had a surprise waiting for me. He made me a sweet message on the computer and had gotten me an enamel-coated cast iron dutch oven (I know...what a mouth full!). I've been wanting one for a couple years now, so I was very excited to finally get one. And, best part, it's RED! He also surprised the kids with a little candy. Then for lunch, he brought me home a Dairy Queen hamburger, fries and blizzard. What a great hubby and father.

Next, Ashlyn had been anticipating this day for atleast a week...school Valentine's parties are always exciting! She woke up early and got dressed and ready for school and was actually excited to go (not always the case). When she came home she told me "Mom, school was TERRIFIC!" She got lots of Valentine's cards and candy...so of course it was a great day.

Sweet Valentine: Morgan

Today is Morgan's Valentine's Party in preschool. She has been so excited for today....and last night she kept coming out of bed and telling me that she couldn't sleep....I know she was definitely ready to get out of bed this morning when we told her it was time to get ready for school. Morgan was even more excited when she remembered that she could wear her Valentine's shirt and bows. She is pretty lucky....she gets to celebrate Valentine's Day 2 days in a row this year!

Can't Get Enough

My girls think riding on the snowmobile with dad is the best thing ever! They can't get enough! Every day they ask if they can go for a ride....luckily we still have enough snow. The snowmobile has been broken for a week, and for the girls, that was an ETERNITY! Today, we got the part in the mail (thank you Grandpa Yount!), so Aaron came home from work early and fixed it. As soon as the girls heard the snowmobile start, they were begging to go for a ride. Those 2 aren't afraid of much when they are on the snowmobile....you can hear them from inside the house saying "Faster!" or "I want to go over the big jumps!". As much as we are praying for spring, I think the girls will miss riding on the snowmobile when the snow is melted.

New Quilting Project

I just started sewing this throw quilt this morning....and the whole front is already finished! Hurray for jelly rolls (pre-cut 2 1/2"x 44" strips)! This has been lots of fun, and super easy to do. I actually didn't even have a pattern to follow....I just grabbed a strip and started sewing. This fabric is called Moda Shangri-la and I got it 1/2 off at Fat Quarter Shop....only 1 jelly roll and then fabric for the back and binding. I'll let you know when I get it totally finished...which at the rate I'm going, might be a while. Seems I can get the quilt almost done...but putting the batting in between and quilting it...now that's where I freak out. This is about how far I have my baby quilt too. It sure would feel nice to finish something!

Rexburg, ID Temple Dedication

Well, the dedication was today. It seemed today would never come...after years of construction and then the dedication being postponed for a week. This morning Aaron and I went to our stake center and watched as the new president of our church, President Thomas S. Monson, dedicated that sacred building. It was really neat to see how he has already started to fill the very large shoes of Pres. Hinckley...which I'm sure is a very daunting task. Pres. Monson was very funny...cracking jokes about everything. It was a very special experience that I am glad I didn't miss. To find out more info on the Rexburg temple, click here.

Hair Bows

Girls! So, I told you a little before about these bows that Alea Nielson (David Nielson's wife) makes....well, I got some more pictures to show you. She is so talented and I am so glad I found out she makes them. If you want more info on the kind and price of the bows, email her at: missblondey82@aol.com or check out her blog: http://sugarandspiceforgirls.blogspot.com/. She can make them into clippies for older girls or headbands for babies.