Here we go again!!

On Wednesday, March 4th, I started monitoring the contractions I was having. They were coming very consistent at about 1 hour or less apart. While talking to mom on the way home from work, she strongly convinced me to call my doctor and let him know about the contractions. I called the doctor and told them that I have had 12 contractions so far that day (it was about 2:30 pm). They told me to go to the Labor and Delivery center at the hospital to be monitored. I was definitely not ready for this. I spent many long hours, days, weeks..... in Labor and Delivery with Ian. I do not want to do it again with Garrett. Nathan had already left for work. I called him sobbing and he left right away to go with me to the hospital. I called mom and she was ready to get on a plane to come up to Washington. D'Orr called Brother Anderson to come over to give me a blessing. They gave me a blessing before heading off to the hospital. Nancy and D'Orr drove me to the hospital and Nathan arrived at the same time. (I think he was speeding a bit in rush hour traffic. He also took the carpool lane, but I was glad he was there.) I checked into the hospital and the memories came flooding back. They hooked me up to the fetal monitors. Garrett was very active. It was nice to hear him moving and hear his heart beating. They monitored me for about two hours. Then they checked my cervix to make sure it was still closed. They explained that I needed to follow up with Dr. Mitchell, but to continue with the modified bed rest until I saw him. I go in to see Dr. Mitchell on Thursday. He will be doing the fetal fibronectin test every two weeks from here on out. This is going to be an eventful last three months. (if I make it three months!)

"Tag" you're it

Yesterday, I arrived at my in-laws to pick Ian up after work. He was sitting on the chair in the corner without a shirt and his arms folded. I dared to asked what happened...

Apparently, Ian and Tyler found a can of green spray paint. Being a five and six year old boy, they decided to give it a try. They were in the back yard and began tagging. They painted the swing set, the grass, the wall. Ian spelled his name on the back of the shop. They sprayed each other as well. Ian had paint all over his shirt, jeans and shoes. Tyler had a nice green spot on his rear end. The dog, Jackson (a chocolate lab) is now camo dog with green spots all over his coat. Ian knew he was in trouble when the dog was spotted by Grandma...

The next morning, Ian and Nathan had a man-to-man about the incident. Ian told Nathan that he kinda had a little fun, but he knew he was in trouble when he saw the look on grandma's face!

Dakota

We found out on Wednesday that Dakota is in the hospital. He has been having some issues with his liver and his red blood cell count has been really high. He has also lost a lot of weight in the past month or so. He went in for an upper and lower GI on Wednesday and when they brought him out of anesthesia, he was not cooperative. The Dr was very worried about his response and admitted him into Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital. They are running a gammit of tests to see if they can determine what is going on. So far we don't know.

It's a ............... Well, maybe

Yesterday was the big day. ULTRASOUND. I have been looking forward to this appointment since I scheduled it on December 14th. Finally, we were going to see the baby and know what the sex is. Mom and dad flew up from Vegas. Ian ditched school. Nathan took a vacation day. I left work early. This was a big deal. So we arrive at the office and the sonographer said that the big ultrasound machine went down so we were going to be in the smaller room. Mom, dad and mom-in-law waited outside while Ian, Nathan and I went in for the ultrasound.

Of course, she took a ton of pictures and measurements to make sure of the progress and that all was well. We got to see the heart beat and hear it. Ian was facinated and asked a ton of questions. The baby was so cute... Towards the end of the ultrasound, the sonographer told Nathan to get the parents. We crowded inside the room and waited for the pivotal moment of the between the legs check.

Down she went..... Hmmm. The baby was not as cooperative as we would like. The baby decided that it was going to keep it's legs closed and be modest while the audience was gawking. The sonographer did a couple of other angle shots to see if she could catch a glimpse. Finally, Nathan asked.... "What do you think, boy or girl?" She said "I would definitely not go to Vegas to place a bet, but I think it's a boy." I just watched as the huge grin crossed Nathan's face.

So at this point in time, we think the baby is a boy, but.....

All I care is that the baby is looking good. 10 fingers, 10 toes, beating heart and as cute as the dickens!

Thanksgiving weekend with the family

Las Vegas here we come.... Ian, Kelsey and I left for Henderson on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It is awesome to be able to visit my family as much as I can. Ian was excited about seeing Grandma and Grandpa. Kelsey was a little nervous about meeting her "new" family. Here are a few pictures from the car ride home from the airport. Ian got a hold of my camera.







We were able to see everyone on Thanksgiving, except Ginger and family. Nathan flew down on Friday night.
Saturday we had an adult birthday dinner for Smitty and me at Macaroni Grill.

Sisters pic! Nice look Ginger!Kelsey made the ultimate hook up. Vance is Harlen's son that is 17, just about a month younger than Kelsey. On Thanksgiving, they began talking and she went over to Amber's house for the evening with Vance, Leslie and Kara. She ended staying at Amber's until Sunday. She and Vance hit it off pretty well. They are still calling and chatting online with each other.... Oh, to be 17 again (PUKE!)

Nathan took me out to dinner on Monday for my birthday. We went to Benihana. I love that place. Than he took me to Brighton to pick out my birthday present. I went a little crazy with the jewelry. I received a locket to put Ian's picture in. Inside it reads "You are always in my heart". He has been having a really hard time with Kelsey being here and the new baby coming. He has always been mama's boy and he is starting to feel a little neglected. He is afraid that when the baby comes he will not have the attention that he normally gets. It really breaks my heart to see his pain and worry. I just keep him involved in things and spend quality time with him. We have "date" nights on Friday while Nathan is at work. We usually go to a movie and dinner or we rent a video and play games at home.