Seeking Sunshine

Spring Break...*sigh*

The first couple days were spent nagging, begging, urging, and pleading for my kids to get some work done around the house. not really very fun.

And, the weather was chilly to say the least...wind, snow, rain...

Then we packed up the car and headed to warmer weather and some days of fun with cousins.

{Nate's cousins}

We stayed with his beautiful aunt and her family...3 kids still at home.

It was a lovely change in pace for us. Things just slowed down a bit.

We went to the zoo

had a picnic at the park

went on a date to the temple

dyed easter eggs

played football

had a couple egg hunts

helped with Josh's Eagle Scout Project

flew kites

went for walks

got ready for Easter, laughed at Henry who loved the fish, baked cookies, watched movies {some better than others}, swam, ate In-n-Out...

ok, so that sounds like a lot to do in just 4 days. But it was rejuvenating, refreshing, and inspiring to spend time with such good, kind family. We found all kinds of sunshine:)

Chicken Pox?!?!

So I'm changing Henry's diaper the other day and I notice some funny spots on his little tush.

Cleaned that baby up and didn't think again about it until the next day. Changing his diaper the next day there are spots going down his legs and up his belly. uh-oh

I call the doctor. WOW the nurse says...that kind of sounds like it could be chicken pox. I think we need to look at that.

Quick scramble...get the kids dressed and ready, make myself look presentable, convince Ryker that he has to wear his shoes and not his slippers, switch the truck for the car at the dealership since it just barely got worked on, got Ryker's car seat, drive an hour in less than an hour.

It was strep.

Feel a little silly, like a bad mom, really because I'm thinking now that maybe he's had this for weeks.

On the bright side I got a little Olive Garden goodness and a new dress to fit my expanding belly:)

And the kids were good:)

The Big One-O

Clay....

You just have to love this child.

He is kind and tender hearted.

He is inclusive of everyone.

He smiles that lovely smile, and his dimples just melt my heart.

He loathes work, and loves to play.

He reads, reads, and reads.

He likes to build things.

He could be severely addicted to video games...{if we had them in the house}

He loves football...watching it and playing it.

He is never in a hurry to do anything.

He loves his little brother and adores his big brother...working on that with the sisters.

He's gonna go out on a limb here and say Spaghettios as his favorite food.

{In my defense...I have not bought those things in over a year, and just bought some in a desperate attempt to find something new to add to Emma's repertoir of soft foods}

With some birthday money that he got this year he bought a little football and poptarts because he had some money left over.

He designed the cake that he wanted for his birthday. {huge, elaborate, and quite specific} But of course, Greenbay Packers. I modified it to fit my skill level.

I asked him a couple of weeks before his birthday if he wanted to have a birthday party with his friends.

"no" he said. "i just want to go to {bowling place} with Dad and Sam on Saturday before my birthday"

A couple days before his birthday. "mom, i want to have a party on Saturday with all of my friends."

I laughed {at him}

They went bowling, watched a movie, and had dinner with Clay's bestest friend, cousins, and 2 siblings.

He had a great birthday!!!!!

{silly computer...this post won't let me do pictures now}

Tonsils

Emma had her tonsils out on Friday. {phone pics...not so great}

The previous Thursday we had gone to see our ENT because Emma had been having bouts of strep since January...just didn't stay away for very long. Every three weeks we were on another round of antibiotics or in for a shot. Funny though, she never complained about it. I knew something was going on because she started talking as though something was in her throat...and she would snore at night. Anyway, she was positive for strep again.

She was really funny about having her tonsils out. She asked lots of questions about how it would happen, what she would feel, how long it would take, what they would use, and how they would get to her throat to take them out. Did the countdown for this one too. When the Dr. mentioned the laser, she seemed to be contented. I think she envisioned the cheap little flashlight Sam has with a red laser light attached to it. Whatever contented her little heart...

Now it's what can I eat? Can I have my medicine? Do I have to take my medicine? When will it be better? Why can't I have my favorite food? {pretzels and ranch or hummus} Will you buy my three different kinds of ice cream? {i did...} Mia got me a puppy, Clay got me a coloring book, Mom got me a movie...Dad, why did you not get me a present yet...I want the doll with a cup and food. {he did...}

She was so brave!!! She has not complained about the pain...a few cries in the middle of the night is all. She's quiet. She feels decent if she has tylenol or advil consistently. If not, it's still not good yet. But she's eating...popsicles, ramen, bread, ice cream, pudding, eggs, raviolis...she's almost eating better than she would on a normal day...she's ASKING to eat...amazing.

Love that chick.

The Big Announcement

March 30... the day Emma was counting down to

March 30... the day Nate was going to have a secret (ya right)

March 30... the day Sam was going to rejoice or cry in distress

March 30... the day I would know if I could use my name, or struggle for the next 4 months figuring another one out

March 30... the day I could make a trip to DI or to Gymboree

March 30... the day we had our ultrasound

I know that many people look to this day as the day to know the gender of their new baby. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't anxious to know. But after Amelia's "disaster" and having taken a thyroid medication that is not compatible with pregnancy, I went into this with a little cautious optimism. I hope for the best, but prepare myself for any issues that might appear.

Thankfully, everything looked good. And we found out the answer to that ever pressing question...boy? or girl?

Emma and I made cupcakes the day before, filling half of them pink, and half of them blue. It would stay a secret until the kids bit into the cupcakes.

Sam dove in with a ravenous desire to find out. He started jumping up and down, pumping his fist into the air. If anyone was still wondering, Sam's obvious desire for a baby brother was just verified. In fact, the day before, I told Sam that he needed to prepare himself for the fact that it just may be a girl...it was a 50/50 chance.

"Mom..." he says to me with his eyes wide..."shhhhh...just think positive"

I laughed.

Clay shows his delight....

The girls were less than impressed, and the following day Emma said that she was just mad, and Mia thought it was creepy to be having another baby brother.

Nate, well we know that he was thrilled. Henry needs a wrestling partner...couldn't do that with a girl.

Lexi thought that as long as he dances like Henry, it'll be ok to have another boy cousin.

I'm happy to recycle all Henry's old clothes, shoes, bedding, and toys...no starting over again on this one. Now, to come up with a name. Eliza Jean will just not fit a baby boy.