The Baby

We got to go to the Dr. today for our 10 week appointment. I am actually closer to 11 weeks but who is counting right?? I got to hear the heart beat for the first time!! I was so excited. The little one (Richard AKA Rickie if it is a boy and Hailey if it is a girl) seems to be right on schedule. The doctor asked me if I wanted to try to hear the heart beat and of course I said yes!! She said that it can be hard to hear the heartbeat until 13 weeks or so, but that we could try and see if it was possible. I knew that if this one was like Jacob it would be loud and easy to find. Jacob was very, very healthy and at the top of the charts with everything, so I just expected that this one would be the same. She told me it could take about 10 minutes to find it and then placed the Doppler on my abdomen. She poked around 2 times and then on the 3rd try, success!! The heartbeat was loud and fast. She was surprised and happy that it went so fast. She said it was the heart beat of a 14 week old baby but I am sure it is only 10 weeks.!! That is a good sign of health for the baby so I am excited.


(Here is what the baby would look like if we could peek inside of me. Kinda looks like an alien baby huh. So cute though. It moves it's fingers and toes now and has most of it's essential functions.)



It never ceases to amaze me that I have a little child in me. It is incredible to think that Rick and I co -created a life that we love as much as Jacob. I cant wait to see it grow and develop so that we can start calling it by it's name. We will get to see it in about 6-8 weeks on the ultrasound and determine it's sex. Cant wait!! I will keep you all informed as we go. I am just so grateful for the blessing of this child. I don't take it lightly and I know that there are many that seek for children and do not receive. We try everyday to be worthy of the blessing of our children and fall short so many times. I cant wait to welcome baby #2 into our home though.

Seeing our Friends.

Well, one of my favorite things about visiting Utah is getting to steal a way a few minutes with long time friends. I got to see 3 of the many but really enjoyed what times we had. I have been sick for much of the time and feel bad that I was not my usual self though. I loved seeing Kendra

Dunger (previously Birch) after so much time away. It has been years since our last visit but she was just as adoreable and wonderful as I remember. Jacob loved her. No surprise since she was a teacher and knew how to entertain him, but he really liked her. Jacob also loved her little girl Tory. She is such a beautiful baby!! Again, no surprise there (Just look at her momma & Daddy!!). We went to lunch and hung out at her place for a few hours and it was so nice to get away and catch up. Cant wait to visit again soon someday! Kendin, you are always welcome to visit here should you feel the need to come east!!

Next I got to visit Kelly Harker. She remains to be a favorite friend of the family. She was hysterical as usual and a pleasure to dine with. We went to Macceroni grill since she is Prego and I am Prego and that just sounded like we could both be pleased there. The food was fine but my favorite thing was seeing her and her son Linus!! I adore that little guy. He seems so sweet and shy and I love kids like that. Jacob loved him too. They got along great and laughed all through lunch and the ride home. I find it amazing that Jacob can get along with children of all ages with little problems if any. He just wants to love other kids and play. I am always glad that the does get along with them because then the moms are always excited to come visit or let me visit them. It sucks when a friends kid picks on your kid so I am fierce about keeping Jacob in line with friends kids. I never want to be the mom that does not stop her kid from picking on others kids! Kelly had the camera that day so I will get pics from her site and post them later.

Finally, I got to see Jenn Lambert!! I love seeing her too. It is like we are 21 years old again and working in the mission all over again. I love talking with her about anything and making her laugh. She cracks up at most of what I say and I love it. We talked about everything we could fit in and I am always amazed at how smart she is. Not because she is blonde (just kidding Jenn)! Ha, I'm gonna get it for that one! No, she is just smart about things that I am not always smart in. I get a kick out of her and all of her thoughts. I guess that is the mark of a true friend. We can get together after years and it feels like no time has passed. Things are different for us both no doubt, but the core of the person is the same great person you befriended in the beginning. I have been very lucky with friends and have many that feel much the same way. I wish I could have seen you all!! Here is a picture of Jacob with Maddie (Jenn's gorgeous daughter. Maddie is a spitting immage of Jenn to me!!

Online Find.

Has anyone ever had to order online? I usually order random swimming stuff that I cant get anywhere else but never really clothes. I have searched high and low for maternity pants that are long enough for me and finally had to turn to the online search. I so prefer just going in and trying things on getting out the old card and walking out with my prize. I guess it is the instant gratification that appeals to me. Maybe I am just a procrastinator and don't have time to wait for shipping? Who knows. Anyway, my regular pants ain't gonna cut it much longer. They fit but they are starting to bug my belly and I hate that feeling. I would rather just do maternity and not worry about it. Anyway, I placed an order and finally will have some sent. I sure hope they are cute and that 34 inch inseam will cut it. Sad, I know when 34 inches long could leave me stuck in flats but at least I wont look like there is a flood in town. Anyone want to make a million bucks?? Make long and petite jeans and pants. There never seems to be anything available for super short or super tall chicks. Maybe even a custom order jeans co. Wouldn't that be awesome. Anyway, just an idea. I've had a few that finally got made and made someone a few million bucks, I am sure. Wish I could do it but I would just be the brains of the opperation.

What we are up to (W/ Major Announcement)

Gosh, I cant believe it has been 2 weeks. I am definitely better at blogging when I am back at home on a schedule. So, what have we done so far?? Well, Jacob had such a great time on Halloween! He got to get dressed as Mr. Incredible and he was thrilled. We went over to Grandmother Shumways and ended up trick or treating in her neighborhood. He got plenty of candy and spend the evening talking to Grandmother and Aunt Jooey about all of the candy he got and about his super powers. I think they got as much of a kick out of him as we did. It was nice to see Grandmother and Jake together.

There is no doubt that there is love and legacy there!!

So, there is a lot of other stuff going on right now. First off, Rick is only here for another day. He flies back to Pittsburgh in the morning and gets in just in time to vote!! Yeah. I am sick that I cant vote (Dang voter registrations office sucks for not getting me my absentee ballot in time) but Rick will cary on the family vote for McCain/Palin ticket. I think anyone is better than Obama so far, but I hope that people actually think about what our country will become if he wins. I have faith that people will get it right. not everyone, just about 51%. That is all we need.

Rick has been so sweet with Jacob, as ususal, and I love to see them together. They were adoreable on Halloween when Jake led us from house to house talking about how happy he was to have mommy and daddy with him. We love to be wanted.

Other news, Jacob is doing great with his cast. He has now adapted so well that he actually uses it to cary things, etc. He rarely complains and just figures that is how it is. I could not ask for a better little boy. He keeps me on my toes, but he knocks me off of my feet with his love and intellect. I think I prefer that combination if I had to choose one.

MAJOR NEWS ALERT:

I have been fairing pretty well. Most people don't know yet that I am pregnant but we finally told family, so I guess it is onto the friends. I am about 8 weeks along now and have been super sick since about 6 weeks. For those of you doing the math, that is about 1 day after I got to Utah. Awesome huh?? Nope! I feel horrible most of the day and wish that the first trimester was over. You ladies with the baby bellies know what I am talking about. I got a prescription called in for me here so I am hoping and praying that it will help. I don't have to feel great, just not like I am on a rollercoaster all of the time!

I have my first doctors apt. when I get home and we get to hear the heart beat. I am super psyched. I just love this little one already. Jacob is really excited too. Each morning he says, "Hello little baby, it is your big brother Jakie and I am going to love you so much." He will be a great big brother. I am hoping that after I get some relief that this pregnancy will stay positive and fun. I look forward to the kicking and moving stage, but that is a ways off. Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know our great news.

There is so much more to say but I am feeling queasy from watching the cursor move on the screen. I will have to finish other updates later. Love you all!! I love reading your blogs too so have a great week. I am sure it will be about that long before I get back to updating things.

Yeah, We Made It To Utah!

We made it! Anyone wondering what I am talking about can refer to the previous post. We got in late on Wednesday evening. Jacob has already spend every moment with Grandma and Grandpa, Katie and Cam. He loves when everyone gives him attention and lets him do as he wishes!! We have done Jacob centered activities for most of the evenings and Jacob has loved every minute of it!!

We had quite the trip. So I said before that the airline was charging us major $$$ to change the date, etc.. but, when we got to the counter on Wednesday afternoon, we ended up having the waved! Yeah!! I was so happy when the ticketing agent said," I can't believe that they charged you after what you have been through. I am waving all of the charges and here is your flight ticket." I seriously was so excited I wanted to kiss the lady! Never doubt that the Lord is looking out for me was the lesson that I learned. I learn it over and over on a daily basis, but after praying for $$ the whole night before and wondering how we were going to pay for the credit card next month, the Lord took one for the team. I love how that works.
So, the flight was fine. I was exhausted but Jake didn't slow down a bit! With medicine in him, a cast on his arm and a sling to immobilize him, he still wanted to play and talk to everyone. He told everyone that would listen about how he had fallen down 15 stairs and went to the doctor. Everyone felt sorry for him but he was in heaven. I think that little guy would have tried to play the whole time if I let him. Jacob even finagled great seats from the ticketing agent, free snacks and goodies from the flight attendants and a seat in the cockpit. The pilot on our flight from Dallas to SLC let Jake sit in his seat and wear his hat. I got a picture of him playing pilot and looking pleased. It is adorable though.
The best part was getting in and seeing the family waiting. I love that we have so many people that love us. I wish Rick was here too, but I get to see him in 5 days and he can stay for 6-7 days. I miss him and hate being away. Thanks to everyone that was sad for Jake. He is such a trooper and I am proud of him taking it as such a little man!

Un-be-freakin-levable!!!!

I cant believe my day!!! So, I told everyone that we were 3 hours from heading out to Utah. Well, now we are about 18 hours from heading out to Utah. Math???? 3 hours is now 18 you ask?? The answer is ...Yep! How does that happen? Well here is how it happens:

Your child (Jake in this case) tries to Carry a toy chest down the stairs 1 hour before departing for the airport and trips, falls, tumbles down 15 stairs and lands on his left arm. You go to pick him up as I did to comfort and check him only to find that his left arm is broken. You go to a thoroughly incompetent Hospital near by for 2 & 1/2 hours and then get sent to a competent but slow hospital. Even after you expressly told them that you were trying to make a flight that day. Then in the new hospital they spend another 6 hours testing, confirming and treating the broken arm. You miss your first flights, then miss the new ones re-booked for later that day and after a few major breakdowns, major bills, and major flight re booking fees end up with new days booked and set. That is how you end up 15 hours in the rear for leaving.

Can you believe it?? Just our luck. I have had it emotionally and physically. I wanted to rip someones head off when things were so slow and after we had been in ER's for 9 hours for a freakin' broken arm that from start to finish should have taken 3 max. I can see why people hate to go to the ER. I wish that they could just knock everyone out when the walk in and only wake you when things are done. I think I could have been a lot happier with the results that way.

In the mean time, Jakie is doing his best with his cast. It is dark blue and huge and heavy on his little tiny arm. He is so sweet and took it like a man. Actually, I am pretty sure that he did better than a lot of grown men would have done. Not many tears and Barney cured his aches and pains for the first 2 & 1/2 hours as we waited to see a doctor without medication. Sad huh?? I am proud of my little guy. I am so grateful that his little arm was the only thing broken. Anything else broken, especially his little spirit would have been devastating.

I wish I could get a handicapped chair lift for the stairs now since I am never going to feel good about him walking up and down on his own again!!!! Anyway, We will try again tomorrow to get out to Utah. If anything else happens I give up. We can't afford anything else to go wrong!!

3 hours and counting till Utah

Well, we are headed out today. We have spent the last day or two cleaning, shopping, packing etc. and at this point, if I forgot anything I will borrow it or buy it new. I think that my bag is a s full as it can be and I feel fine about it because I will be gone a month. I don't think I have ever been gone a month! I am sure I have packed more before, but this time I am justified! Rick is so excited to see mom & dad and Jake is soooooo ready to start getting spoiled! Everyone needs someone that will spoil them. I am the one that does that for me! ha ha.

We fly out with rick on one airline and Jake and I on another. Bummer huh. I am doing a full harness leash for Jake through the airport. I know that people think it is inhumane but so is me chasing him through the airport 1 step from letting a cuss word fly and threatening to take everything he owns away! Jake is so funny when we travel. He is so curious and alert. He talks to everyone (sound like anyone?) flirts with the ladies, gives high fives, charms the grandparents and ends up the center of attention. Rick and I get embarrassed as he tells about potty training, mommy being mean to him, begging for candy from others and trying to get in on others conversations, but it is pretty funny to watch.

I am excited to see the family and have some quality time with dad especially. Everyone else too, but since knowing about the cancer I cant wait to hug him everyday over the next month and let him know how much we love him. I think that he already knows, but we just want to express it as often as we can. We just want more quality time. Time with him laughing, talking, telling stories, playing with Jacob, picking on us, whatever. I plan to see friends, get some of my favorite Utah things in, but mostly I just want to spend time with family. I hope to do the same with my Mom & Dad too sometime soon. I just really miss all family right now. See you soon Utah!