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.