What's Up With This Baby?!?

The night before last I started having contractions about ten minutes apart. The Dr. said to go to the hospital when they got to ten minutes apart so when it was almost an hour of contractions I said "One more and I'm going to the hospital." So of course it was a half hour before the next contraction. I decided to go to sleep and was awakened every hour or so with a killer contraction. Early in the morning, more close contractions, so I called my mom to let her know I think I'm going into labor. She drove all the way down here and they stopped yet again! Yesterday I had more contractions in the afternoon and evening like every 20 minutes.... sigh....not close enough. So here I sit today thinking "What's up with this baby?" On the bright side when I went to my last appointment on Tuesday they told me I was dilated to a 2 and they're going to do an ultrasound on Monday to make sure the baby's not too big to deliver. If it's too big, c-section. So, one way or another this will be over soon. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I really don't want another c-section. I'm so excited to hold my little baby, though, so as long as she's healthy that's the most important thing.

I'm 31!

That's right. 31 years ago my mom went through excruciating pain to bring me into this world. 10 years ago tomorrow I left on my mission. 13 years ago I turned 18 and left for college 7 months after that. 15 years ago I was old enough to date and drive. I'm old enough to be the mother of any of the girls in my activities days group. And I was realizing that in some cultures girls get married in their early teens so there are grandmothers out there that are my age! Not only that but the next big birthday celebration won't be until I'm like 50 and that's only a big deal because your life is half over. P.S. I'm laughing as I type this. I love having my birthday at this age because I still get special privileges like Julio took the kids outside so I could have some quiet time and he changed Bubba's stinky diaper, not to mention I don't have to cook dinner and I get cake and ice cream. And lots of calls from friends and family. I've been bombarded with love today. Overall, not a bad deal at all. In fact it's great! Hope you all are well as well.

Good News

Julio got a temp job networking computers and being the on site tech support for the network. It's only for a week but it's great pay and we're excited that this blessing has come our way. Woohoo! And I have less than four weeks before this little baby comes out! So the time for long walks, cherry pie, (and any other wive's tale that I've heard gets your body working toward labor) is fast approaching! If anyone needs any heavy furniture moved let me know and I'm there!

Happy 80th Birthday Grandma

My grandma just turned 80 years old and we had a big family party. Family came from all sides of the country to celebrate with her. We had everyone send us video clips of themselves wishing her happy birthday and Mom, Grandpa, Uncle Craig and Aunt Alison pooled together every picture they had of Grandma and they had Julio make a video presentation for her. He put a lot of time and thought into it and the end result was a beautiful video that made a lot of people cry. I don't have any pictures of the party yet but will post them when I do. It was great to see everyone and to let Grandma know just how much she has touched all of our lives. She went to so many of our games and recitals and church things like baptisms and missionary farewells even though she's not of the same faith. And she was an adorable little girl! We love you Grandma and hope you had a wonderful birthday.

Nesting Nesting Nesting

That's what I've been doing....nesting! Like crazy! I got out the baby clothes this week, washed them and set them up in their drawer. We set up the baby swing in the corner and put the baby toys in a box underneath. We got a board for across the top bed of the bunk bed and Julio screwed it in place so Eliana can sleep up there without rolling off in the middle of the night. She's slept up there for the last four nights and Tavian finally decided to sleep on the bottom bunk bed for the last two nights. So now the crib is open for the next one. I've been cleaning out closets and corners, you know, all the the places where a little pile can gather and trying to get rid of as much excess as possible. We organized the embarrassing corner in our room where our food storage and Julio's computer stuff are. I've been shampooing the carpet today and needed a break for my back, otherwise I'd still be cleaning like crazy! Anyways, hope everyone had a great New Year's. We had a quiet evening at home watching a movie and eating ice cream and popcorn. It's one of the great things about having toddlers that we can make treats and watch a new movie and suddenly it's a party - Woohoo!

Happy Anniversary

Five years ago I married the most handsome guy the world has ever seen. And tonight we went out for a nice little dinner and remembered all sorts of funny things from when we were dating and earlier in our marriage. I remember thinking he was too cute to not be stuck up. Lucky for me, Alyson made me go with her to say hi to him and I quickly realized what a nice guy and what a catch he really was. We were friends for almost a year before we started dating. And dating Julio was so much fun! We've had even more fun since we've been married and I've realized many times since then how lucky I am. Julio, you are my best friend, the most talented and motivated artist I know, a great spiritual leader for our family, the hardest worker, a loving and attentive father, a great example for our children, my perfect match, the funnerest person ever, rediculously smart, and the hottest guy I know! I don't know what I did to deserve you but I'm thankful and I'll keep you. Happy Anniversary Babe!

A Time of Miracles

As many of you know, my husband has been searching for work for the last few months. He's had several good interviews and several responses to the effect that companies are cutting back on the number of people they're hiring. It has definitely been a test of my faith. I am fortunate to have a husband who fixes computers, designs websites and logos and business cards, and knows how to network computers together as well as the 2d and 3d animation he's been studying. Because he has so many talents and skills we've been able to survive on side jobs that have often miraculously come his way. The other day I was driving home thinking about how blessed we've been to be able to survive so far and how worried I felt about paying this next month's bills. I said a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for all he's already done. I said "I know you've already given us so many miracles but we need one more." A few minutes after I got home, yet another person called looking for Julio to do some work for him and it will work out to be a little more that what we need. I don't tell this to get anyone's sympathy because I don't feel like it's a trial anymore. I want anyone who reads this to know that God answers prayers and looks out for our needs. I know it. He has blessed us time after time. We have seen so many miracles these last few months that it's been truly humbling. And what a blessing to have it happen at Christmas time. I hope we all remember at this time of year that the reason we're all going crazy shopping and running to parties and wrapping presents is because a little more than 2000 years ago God blessed us to have His Son among us. We can't bake Him a birthday cake or wrap a present for Him. All we can do is give the gift of loving others. I think that's why we give gifts, donate for those less fortunate, and gather together with friends and family. And isn't it amazing that this time of year seems to bring out the best in most of us? I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and that you will be as blessed as we have been.

Alma 7
"9 But behold, the Spirit hath said this much unto me, saying: Cry unto this people, saying—^aRepent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in his paths, which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God ^bcometh upon the face of the earth.

10 And behold, he shall be ^aborn of Mary, at ^bJerusalem which is the ^cland of our forefathers, she being a ^dvirgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and ^econceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and ^aafflictions and ^btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ^ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him ^adeath, that he may ^bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to ^csuccor his people according to their infirmities."