3 Weeks and Counting

Well we are in our final countdown. I'm feeling almost ready to have the baby, but then my list of things I want to get done before hand keeps growing. Why do I do this to myself? My sister says it's because I'm a Type A. I never was one of those before, but I'm starting to believe her. Control, control, control. Ok, that's a little scary.

This last week was spring break and we had a lot of fun with the kids. It was just nice having them around and I'll admit I was a little sad to see them go back to school today. Both Em and Nate learned how to ride their bikes so we spent lots of time outside watching them race up and down the court.

At my last appointment my doctor said my blood pressure was a little elevated (maybe I am becoming a Type A.) But everything else was pretty good. I'm trying to use the blood pressure thing as a way to get to sit around more, but it doesn't seem to be working. Mostly it's self inflicted. I guess it serves me right. ;) Well that is all from here. I wanted to add a cute video from Ryan's birthday (yes I know it was a month ago). It was too long for my camera so you don't actually see him blow out the candles, but it was pretty funny. Someday I'll learn to edit these things. Add it to the list right? Then there are some pictures from Easter. Lots of fun!

Alright the video didn't work. Stay tuned.

Happy 10th Anniversary--almost

In a rare move, Geoff and I had a weekend all to ourselves. Thanks to my wonderful sister and brother-in-law who took our kids, Geoff and I were able to escape and celebrate our 10th anniversary. Our actual anniversary is in June, but since their is a new addition on the way we thought we'd celebrate before she got here.

We stayed at a cute little B&B in Mendocino and did close to nothing. We did hike down to Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and saw whales on their migration to Alaska. I've always wanted to see a whale, so that was pretty cool. It was a nice escape. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since we've been married. So waxing a little mushy, I feel very lucky to have such a great husband. I can honestly say I married my best friend. I could not have picked a better father for our children or a better companion for myself. Yes, it is amazing that he puts up with me sometimes, but in turn I haven't run over his Blackberry either so I guess it all works out. I'm grateful for the good, bad and boring times-you have to have balance right? :) Here's a few pics of when we were young and cute and then of our latest escapade. No that is not a whale next to Geoff, it's me.

Look Who's Two!

I can't believe it, but Ryan is two years old tomorrow! It's cliche, but it honestly seems like yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital. He was the most mellow baby ever! My how times have changed. He has become exceptionally skilled in the art of tantrum throwing, but we love him anyways.

Here's just some of the reasons why we love him:

1. He repeats everything you say, that includes foreign languages.

2. He loves his puppy.

3. He loves taking naps! Hooray for this one.

4. He almost always says "Peas" (please) and "Dank ew" (thank you)

5. He's friendly to anyone, including people he's just met at the park (we do have to keep an eye on him)

6. He's almost always willing to give a hug and kiss (mom's favorite attribute)

7. His mad scientist hair

8. Nathan says he's the best brother he's ever had and that Ryan is his hero because he chases his sister away

9. Em says he's nice (?) and she likes that he goes crazy.

In Memory of the Bronze Beauty

You have been a useful car and tolerable to drive though not very far.

With a greasy windshield and hot vinyl seats, a ride in you was not much of a treat.

But the boys, how they loved you and you got Geoff to BART, seeing you leave may have broke their hearts.

And each day that goes by that I have to pick Geoff up, I'm ready to go reclaim you from the dump.

Not really.

And so the end of an era. The Bronze Beast, Beauty, Piece of whatever has finally died. The kids are going to miss it as they loved playing it. The only thing I miss about is the that I have to pick Geoff up at the end of the day.

Have You Seen This Stroller?

This is the Phil and Ted's double sport stroller. I'm contemplating getting one (even though they are insanely expensive) and wanted to hear if any of you have one or know of someone who has one and what they think about it. My only justification for getting it on the last baby is that I'll sell it on Craigslist when I'm through with it (I'm generally one to give things away, but for this I will make an exception). Opinions, anyone?

Excuses and Update

I must admit I am the lame blogger. It's not that I don't think about adding a post, I just never do it. Either I don't have time or the concentration level at the appropriate moment to do it. So here's a little update about what we've been up to.

We traveled to Utah for a quick trip. Geoff's brother Joe got married and we were glad we made it. The day we left Monticello to head to the wedding was a blizzard! I haven't drove in that kind of weather for a while, so it made for an exciting trip. The kids had a wonderful time playing in Monticello. Even though the snow had become hard and icy they couldn't stay away from it. Then Big Grandpa (aka Great Grandpa) took them to the ranch to go sledding. Now they are sold on snow. All they could do for the next week was talk about going back or hoping that it would snow here (thank goodness that generally doesn't happen).

We convinced my dad to come back with us from Utah and work on our house a bit. It's been so great. I have a new closet where the furnace used to be, the kids rooms are switched and painted, with closet organizers installed (we've been functioning on one closet between the kids for a while-it wasn't working very well). Let's just say I'm thrilled.

Geoff has been the world traveller--literally. He was in Miami the week before we went to Utah and the day after we got back he flew to New Zealand for a week--must be tough? He's happy to be home for the time being, but before long he'll be spending a week in New York. He's probably more thrilled than I am with everything my dad has done. It's meant less work for him. ;)

There's my update. We've got about 10 weeks left until this baby makes her grand enterance. This is the first pregnancy where I feel like it's going to happen way too soon. Not that I'm feeling great, I look like a beach ball has been implanted in my stomach, I'm just wondering how to handle these four kids. Even now my two adorable boys, whom I dearly love, but want to post on Craigslist are fighting--but mom I didn't hurt him, I'm just provoking him til he screams. I really do love my kids.


These kids have no idea how good they had it. Grandpa would tow them up the hill with the four wheeler after every ride. No wonder they want to keep going back.


Here is the happy couple--yes those are our kids, we thought we'd send them on the honeymoon with them. What better form of birth control could you ask for?


This poor kid keeps losing teeth, but fails to grow any new ones. Notice the nice upside down U her mouth has become. She can't drink water out of a bottle because it leaks out the side, she has to use a straw.

Tis' the Season

It was another fun Christmas, mainly because we didn't go anywhere or do much of anything. Anytime we can do that is considered fun, at least by me. Here are some silly shots from before, during and after Christmas.

It's always fun to try and capture these shots.


I'm not really sure why the kids were doing this, but it was funny looking enough to take a picture of. You go dudes!

This year I thought I would get real creative and make matching pajama bottoms for the whole fam. This was an adventure in sewing. Nate's actually fit pretty good. Ryan's are about two sizes too big and are as wide at the bottom as they are the top. Geoff's are nicely tapered at the bottom, I'm just glad his foot was able to get through.

Yes, even the girls got matching jammies. Em's fit good. However, with my expanding waist and other lines, mine had a tendency to split everytime I bent over or stretched too far. I can't believe I'm admitting that.