36 weeks Pregnant

Time is ticking by, and I am getting very close to having a baby. Life is about to change for us, and we can't wait. Lately my minds is having a really hard time realizing that I don't just have a condition that looks like pregnancy, and that this is just who I will forever be, but that I am pregnant and there is an end in sight. I looked at pictures of our family from over this last summer, and I kept telling Rob I can't believe I looked like that. I am excited to have him here, but I feel content with just being uncomfortable, and pregnant.

Well, with that I have almost convinced myself that I will have a baby soon. Very soon, possibly in two weeks. Worst case senario is 3 weeks, and that is Ok too. I am getting things done, and ready for him. The boys are starting to realize that they understand that he is coming soon too. Cole said, "I have a field trip in two weeks." I then told him that is great, I won't be able to come because it is so close to having the baby. He couldn't wait to see the calendar, and realize that the time is getting close. Cutler has discussed that he is the first one that gets to hold him, and he has had a deep discussion about how old he is and that he will be able to watch him while I do hair. He also wants to make sure that Dad understands this too...Ok we can talk about it more when he gets here. I think he remembers that Cole could do more with Kiley then he was able to do, and this time he doesn't want to miss anything.

We are excited, and we have been through all of this pregnancy. This pregnancy has challenged us, and I grew bigger then I ever have. But oh, well...we know that through all of this our newest blessing will be worth it.

This is the first time that I have ever taken pictures of me being pregnant...so here I am 36 weeks pregnant. (It was freezing cold outside, and I am suffering from an awful sinus infection. Rob would get set up to take the picture, I would then throw my jacket to the side, and try to stop violently shaking from being so cold. It was all worth it, I have a little document of me while pregnant.)

Our Date!!!

Well, finally after a very long a couple of weeks of sickness from Kiley and Rob we got to go out. We dropped our kiddos off at my sisters house, and we didn't even have to pick them up until the next night...YEAH!!! We were celebrating both our birthdays, and our soon to be 8th anniversary.
We had looked at lots of resturants in the area and decided on the Melting Pot. We absolutely loved it. It was a two hour, 4 course meal!!! We had our own little corner (which is the only reason I even have a handful of pictures to show, because Rob was embarrassed enough everytime the flash went off.)
We loved the cheese fondue...which included spinah, and artichoke. We enjoyed the salad. Loved trying Lobster for the first time, and I loved the shrimp...oh plus we loved the filet mignon. Oh, we were stuff, but who could resist chocolate marshmellow fondue dessert. I know it sounds yummmy!!! IT WAS!!!
Plus the company was great!!!

Cheese Fondue' -- this was probably my favorite course.

Yummy!!! I can't wait to go again.

This is the main course...if you can tell there are five sauces to try from, and we had to cook our own vegetables, and meats.

This was our first time trying Lobster, and we both loved it.

We must have been so excited for dessert that I didn't get a picture until the very end.

A Birthday Present

Well, my birthday was quite the day. We spent the day at the ER with Kiley, and then I spent the rest of the day trying to survive her being sick, me being tired, a house to clean, homework to do, dinner to serve, and on, and on. I was blessed with good friends who kept sending messages, and a husband who apoligized several times in hopes that my day was going ok. It did, and it was ok that today on my birthday I spent the day loving, and caring for our little ones.

But I would soon learn that my little Cutler would think about again and again and again. Admist the running out the door to the hospital, Cutler said "Happy Birthday Mom, I thought of waking you up in the middle of the night, but decided to let you sleep." Thanks Cutler.
Later while on the phone Cutler handed me a bunch of hangers, and said "Happy Birthday Mom." Hmmmmm, Ok. Thanks Cutler.
The next day he asked Dad why didn't we do anything fun on Mom's birthday???
And the later he asked me, "Do you love your present?" I din't even know that I had gotten something from him, I must've looked confused. "Did you know what is was?" "What was it, Cutler?" "You know those things on TV where you have one hanger, and then you can hang up a bunch on things on it."
(here is an example of what he is talking about.)

"Well, I didn't have the money to buy you one so I made you one. I thought it would really help you." "Do you love it?"

**Now imagine with me he had brought in one hanger, full of serval others hanging from it. Do I love it..."YES, I do."

Mr. President

Cutler got to be president for the week in his Kindergarten class. He attempted to become president of our home for the week too, but his Dad laughed and refused to become his servant. Rob and Cutler spent Saturday coming up with his poster. Rob took pictures of Cutler, and Cutler got to do whatever he wanted in the pictures. Cutler knew exactly what he wanted to tell the class about him, he had a list of his favorite things, and a few more items to share.


Cutler VIP
-Birthday June 21, 2004



Favorites:
Toy: Ben 10
Color: Black & White
Show: Ben 10
Drink: Apple Juice
Treat: Big Gummi Bears
Sport: Baseball & Soccer
Superhero: Ben 10

I love to play the Wii, ride my bike, and I want to learn to do a front flip. I like school and I love to act in a play. I have never been to the hospital and never broke a bone.

If I had a $100.00 I would buy lots of cotton Candy. I have one older brother and a younger sister. My Mom has my baby brother in in her tummy.

When I grow up I want to be a police office.

We were invited to go to his class and talk about his poster and the things we love about Culter. Grandma and Grandpa Ingles came, plus Mom, Dad, and Kiley. We absolutely love how his teacher Mrs. Wells treats her class, after we spoke to Cutler she then gave Cutler a compliment--"He is always happy, and fun to be around, and he has great ideas." Following his teacher each of the kids in the class got a turn to tell Culter why the like him, at the end of all of this Cutler said, "I have a compliment to give to you guys. He told the class that he liked that everyone was so nice to him, that they all worked so hard, and that they were smart." Mrs Wells later asked if we told him to do that. We chuckled and said no. She told him you are the first person to have ever given the whole class a compliment, you are a very nice boy. We agree, and we too were so impressed by his kindness to everyone.

***To my Culter--
You are full of life. You are always laughing, and playing. Just so you know, you know how to work hard. You have become one of my biggest helpers. The other day I was overwhelmed by trying to get things cleaned and you said, "Mom I am sorry that you are having a hard day, can I help you." Wow!!! You are always looking around you to see if anyone needs any help, or even just a big smile. When you were a tiny baby you started laughing...you would laugh so hard you could barely breathe. I don't remember the exact time, but it was before your Grandparents returned from a mission, so you had to be only 3 months old or so. You have always been full of Joy. But with energy and laughter came much business...we have found you at the top of a light post just being spiderman for the moment, pillows placed at the bottom of the stair to soften the landing when you jumped from the top, you have tricks were you can climb my walls, hang from the bed, and much, much more. We love you, and everything about you. Thanks for being a great kid.

Love Mom

I'll do that day again!!!

Do you ever look at pictures and think? I want to do that day again. I want that moment one more time. While looking at blogs today I found a quote that I just love:

"Don't cry because it is over. Smile because it happened."
--Dr. Seuss

Well, don't mind the tears...they are happy ones for the life I have been blessed with. Most of the joys in the my life come from my best friend,Rob. I can't believe that all I have ever dreamed of I have. I love my family, and I will smile for the many memories that our little family has.

I would love to do get married all over again...same person...same place...same time. I loved our wedding day.



This was Mother's Day and I would repeat this day all over. I would take this walk with my boys again, and again.

Does life get better than this? Enjoying the day with my little friend.

Don't you want to know the conversation we were having? I do!!!

I remember this Sunday with all of us. We were just laughing together. On Sunday our little ones seem to all find their way into our room, making their way into our bed with their little laughs and giggles.
I would take a few more thumbs up days too!!!

A Favorite Quote

"For what we love determines what we seek.

What we seek determines what we think and do.

What we think and do determines who we are and who we will become."
--President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Potty Training

I am a mother that absolutely would love to avoid potty training. I don't know why because so far my boys where super easy. Both potty trained a little over 2 1/2 years old, and for the most part they just did it. Yes, I still did have encouraging rewards whether treats or stickers, but all in all they were just ready to make the adjustment. So now we are onto Kiley...and there are a few people who know that I am a little embarrassed to say that maybe I should've done this sooner, but she just seemed so little, and it seemed like a lot of work. I am not embarrassed by her age or anything like that, but because she has been able to do so many of the "signs" that say they are ready. Now that it is getting closer to the baby coming I decided I would definately wait until this summer before trying to make this adjustment too.
Well, tis not so...we are potty training this week, and so far she is doing GREAT!!! I should say that last week I realized that I was being ridiculous my little girl was getting her own diaper, wipees, taking off her pants, laying down, and holding her own legs ready and willing to be changed every chance she had. So now potty training is on my list of things to do. But like the boys we may be just as lucky. So far she has only had a few accidents, and for the most part she goes all on her own with little or no help. Now the treats are a little added bonus which she loves. Tonight she didn't want her diaper on, and last night she stayed dry so I said OK...we will hope for the best. We have gone shopping, to the park, out for ice cream, and other little outings and she has stayed dry.
I am so amazed at how quickly she is growing, and how amazing she is. I love watching her grow and change. I wish though that time would freeze and I could spend a little more time with each of them in these precious stages of life.

Update

Kiley is still in the two's, and we love it!!! She is full of energy and life. Everyday with her is a big surprise, with much to laugh about. Plus I can't believe how much she is becoming my littlest best friend. I love having her tag along with me. It is rare that I find myself wishing she would just let me be. I use to hate when people would play with my hair, strange I know I do hair, but now I am constantly her model. I love to have conversations with her and watch her learn and grow. I love that almost every morning she makes her way into our bed for morning snuggles.

Cutler is doing great!!! We are so proud of him. Today we met with his teach, and he is doing excellent. He is full of energy and ideas. His teacher is wonderful, she encourages him so much. Our new goals for this next term is to have him start writing his own books. His reading is improving daily, and he is constantly learning new skills. Way to go Cutler!

Cole is growing up to quickly. How is it possible that our first is 7 years old...crazy. We also met with his teacher today, and he is doing excellent too. He is very curious to understand and learn new concepts. I am amazed at how well he is doing in school from his reading to his math. His teacher had nothing but great things to say about him. Good Job Cole!!!

Rob is still working hard at Wells Fargo. Thanks!!! Plus in addition he has been constantly at work with his photography, and getting his office all clean out. He has been doing some great photo sessions lately, and I am looking forward to our own newborn session for Carson. He has a fun cross country skiing trip ahead in two weeks. Which sounds like a lot of fun, maybe next year I can do a couple of hikes, or things like this with him when I am back to myself.

As for me, I am very pregnant. I guess we can look at that in a good way that I am almost done. I am 33 weeks now, and am hoping that my Dr. still plans to take me at 38 weeks, but worse case scenario is at 39 weeks. I have started doing stress test once a week, and he looks absolutely perfect. Because everything is looking great they have cut down on the amount of visits that I will have to go too. The original plan was twice a week stress test, plus ultrasounds each week with the specialist, and OB visits. Yeah for me, I only go once a week for the stress test, I did my last ultrasound last week, and my next OB visit is still over a week away. So we have been very blessed, with an active healthy baby, and as long as things continue to look great we are smooth sailing from here to the end. So besides pregnancy, I am a busy mom of three wonderful kids. I have been much more committed to homework lately, and spend several hours each week working with each of the kids. I am still doing hair, and loving it!!! I plan to keep that going right up until 38 weeks, and lets hope for my clients sake I don't have the baby sooner because I already have lots scheduled for my last week. No worries I have never had a baby before 38 weeks. I have gotten many of my little projects done, obviously I am nesting. YEAH!!! It means I have a clean house, I have finished organizing clothes for all 4 kids, new shelves were added in downstairs for our toys, closets and books have been cleaned out and rearranged, and this week my sister is going to help me paint the nursery!!!

There it is a little update on us.