My Pregnancy

You all know what this is!

The flowers that Scott brought home for me the day we found out I was expecting.

I know I haven't updated this blog in like, forever, but it's probably for the readers' own good. I would've spent the last eight months complaining about every little ache and pain associated with my pregnancy. Although I truly enjoy being pregnant (growing a little human being inside of me), I am, in fact, a miserable pregnant person. My husband has not failed to remind me of that. So I write this post in hopes of looking back at it in a few years when myself, or Scott, desires to have another child. Hopefully, it will change our minds.

My first trimester actually wasn't that bad. I did have some nausea, but nothing too debilitating. I do, however, remember a few mornings where I didn't know how I would make it to class without puking all over my much loved minivan. But I made it through without one episode of vomit. I know I was really tired, but not as bad as other pregnancies. I had a lot going on that kept me very busy- the kids starting Kindergarten, myself in school full time, and planning the next nine months and beyond.

My second trimester was miserable, contrary to what "they" say. It's supposed to be a time of increased energy and what-not. Not for me. I was incredibly tired and I had so much pelvic pain and discomfort that I just wanted to stay in bed all day. I couldn't of course cause if I could've, I wouldn't have been so tired. There were a few occasions that I could barely walk because of some kind of musculoskeletal pain starting in my hip and going down my leg. I couldn't roll over in bed because the sciatic pain in my lower back and butt was so intense. Oh yeah, how can I forget? The constant peeing! It started way back in the first trimester and "they" say it's supposed to let up in the second. Well, again, not for me. The peeing finally decreased late in the second trimester where I had a couple of weeks of actually feeling good.

Then started the third trimester. What fun. More fatigue, more peeing, but less hip, back, and pelvic pain. More achiness, more leg cramps, less sleep. I won't even get into the varicose veins. Oh, and have I mentioned that during this entire pregnancy I have been incredibly irritable. Like, chewing-my-kids'-heads-off irritable. And my doctor has the nerve to tell me to go for walks. Are you kidding me? Yeah, I know the vitamin D from the sun will help my mood, but if you think I'm going to waddle around my neighborhood when I can't even sleep for two hours straight, you're on crack. My strolls to the bus stop are just fine for me. School hasn't been fun for me either this trimester. I have no desire to study or even go to class. I only have two weeks left, so I know I can press forward and finish up, but I would still rather stay home and plan for the arrival of my little girl.

I won't bore my readers with the mundane details of all of the other stressors in my life throughout my pregnancy that made me miserable. Just know that it hasn't been a fun eight months and I really have no desire to do it again. Scott is already talking about number 5 and I just won't have any of it. Pregnancy is a wonderful thing. There is nothing like it. But there comes a point when your body just can't handle it anymore and my body is at that point. I will soon have two boys and two girls. Jenny will have the sister she has always wanted. Life is good, right?

Updating the Blog

"Well, it's about time", you are probably thinking. I know, I know. It's been a while. My friend, Devanie, left me a message a while back saying, "So what have you been doing since school started?" Well, getting pregnant for one. I don't feel the need to make an official blog announcement about it cause if you're reading my blog, you probably already know about it. Plus, the little baby bouncing around on the side of your screen probably gave it away. So I'm due June 1st, but I think the date is a little off. I'm thinking more May-ish. I'm hoping for a girl, but it will most likely be a boy because Scott wants a boy and he always gets what he wants- as far as children goes.
What else have I been doing you may ask? Getting used to having two children in Kindergarten- in two different classes with two different teachers, one of which is retiring this month so I'll have to get used to a new teacher. Isn't that crummy (sp)? Poor Cameron finally gets used to his first real teacher and now she retires half way through the year and he has to adjust to a new teacher. He seems to be handling it well though. I guess both teachers have been working together the past month to get the kids transitioned. Both Cameron and Jenny are doing really well in school. It's amazing how much they are learning. And of course, I think my kids are the smartest.
Ah, and my school. Anatomy and Physiology. Yay. Gotta love it. I'm such an idiot. At the beginning of the semester I was like, "Oh, I know this class is going to be hard but I love the human body. I'll ace it." Yeah right! I will be totally overjoyed if I get a B. And next semester, I have to take A & P 2! It's freakin' torture I tell you. This class should come with a disclaimer- it will take over your life. It will stop you from blogging, it will stop you from cooking and cleaning, it will stop you from doing anything you enjoy because if you do not dedicate your entire existance to it, you will fail. Yet I go back for more. ::sigh::
Oh, and need I forget to mention the fact that my children have been plagued with every illness under the sun this fall. I swear, they have missed more school so far than most kids miss in a year (or two). What's up with that? Colds, pink eye X 2, pneumonia, sore throat virus thing, and, gulp, the stomach flu. The much dreaded, Kristina feared, stomach flu. We all got the sore throat virus thing right after Thanksgiving so I thought we'd be fine til after Christmas. I thought wrong. The stomach virus took over our house one child at a time for over a week. It was very strange how there were days in between each child getting it. In my experience, when one gets it, the others follow with hours of the initial puke. This was a flu of a different breed. I'm afraid to say it, but so far, knock on wood, I'm the only that didn't get it. My friend, Marissa, attributes that to my pregnancy super-antibodies that are protecting myself and the fetus. Let's hope so cause you don't want to be anywhere near me if I get it. I would rather have diarrhea for two weeks straight than throw up once. Yuck. Sorry if that's too much information.
Oooooh, ooooooh, late-breaking news...Cameron has his first loose tooth!

First Day of School

Preface: For those of you who don't know, Cameron and Jenny are a mere 11 months apart (thanks to the Ortho Evra birth control patch that I happen to be allergic to). Cameron was not ready for Kindergarten last year and since he's an October birthday, I had the option of holding him back. Jenny, on the other hand, was most certainly ready this year, so off they go. My Irish twins. And yes, they are in different classes.

My two happy Kindergarteners!

At the bus stop with Mama. Eric just had to wear a backpack too.

At the bus stop with Daddy. I love this picture...minus Eric's binky.

Walkin' to the bus. They were so good getting on. I really thought one of them would freeze and break down into tears, but they were awesome! I just wish my wide butt wasn't in this picture.

Can you tell how happy Eric is to not have his older siblings around? Actually, he cried when they got on the bus and it drove away. All three days.

Right after they got off the bus that afternoon. They didn't even see each other on the bus! I was like, "Cameron, where's Jenny?" "I don't know. I didn't see her on the bus." Nice. Way to look out for your sister. Jenny didn't even know to get off. I had to get on the bus to get her! Nice. Way to pay attention to Mommy standing outside of the bus nervously awaiting the arrival of her young, innocent children.

The second day of school. The kids are just as excited- if not more- than the first day. I, on the other hand, had a wicked cold and was absolutely miserable. My wonderful hubby got them up and ready and off to the bus stop. He even took care of breakfast. I did, however, do Jenny's hair. Scott later told me that that was what he was most afraid of, so he was thankful when I got up to do it.

I love my little boy!

And later that day...

Belle Island

Belle Island is this beautiful place in Richmond that you have to walk over a footbridge to get to. When the James River is low, you can walk out on the rocks which is what we are doing here. It's a great way to tire out the kiddos! Plus, it's somewhat sentimental to Scott and I. We went to Virginia together when we were dating and visited Belle Island. It was actually where Scott wanted to propose to me, but because I was pregnant with morning sickness and all, traveling wasn't exactly an option. So he took me on a shorter journey to Shelbourne Falls in Massachusettes instead, which was just as beautiful, and he popped the question there. I hope to someday revisit Shelbourne Falls with Scott and take some pictures. The only picture we have is the drawing of the Falls that is hanging in the living room. Memories. ::sigh::

Carter Mountain Orchard

So let me tell you about Carter Mountain Orchard...We had just left Monticello. We were all tired and cranky. My sister-in-law turns up this road with the sign for the orchard on it. We were following her and I was like, okay, she probably just wants to get some peaches. So we drove. And drove. And drove. "Where is she taking us?" Scott asked as I peered over the edge of the road which led down to who knows where. "I don't know, but they should really have guardrails on this road," I replied. But soon enough we were passing vineyards full of grapevines and apple trees and finally a little shop where they sold fresh fruit (you could pick your own, of course), ice cream, and THE BEST slushies you have EVER tasted in your life! We decided that we would pass on the peach-picking and just buy a bag of peaches. My bro-in-law, Drew, was like "you guys should really try the slushies here. They are really good." I just kind of brushed it off cause I'm not crazy about slushies. Scott ended up getting a grape one before we left and oh my gosh! It was heaven! I would totally drive eight hours to get one. Well, an hour from my sister-in-law's house. You're probably thinking, this girl is nuts! Why would she write an entire blog post about a slushie? Well, you haven't tasted one! If you are EVER in Charlottesville, you MUST stop at Carter Mountain Orchard and get one. They make them with fresh fruit- whatever is in season at the time. I swear, you will write a blog post on them too.

Monticello

The view is quite spectacular when you get to the top of the estate.
The front entranceway of Thomas Jefferson's home. The privy, which the kids got quite a kick out of.

Larkin, Jenny, Colton, Eric, Oakleigh, and Cameron

Our family

Thomas Jefferson's grave

While visiting in Virginia, we spent a Saturday at Monticello in Charlottesville. It was beautiful. I've always been fascinated by Thomas Jefferson so it was really interesting to see how he lived. We took a bus up the mountain and then walked down. I was really wishing I had worn sneakers that day!

Twins!

My niece, Eva Kristina
My other niece, Anna Margherita

My onion twins.

So isn't this the coolest thing you've ever seen? I had to take a picture. And ofcourse, it made me think of my twin nieces, Anna and Eva so I just had to put up recent pics of them that I took when we visited this summer. Cute, huh?

The Zoo

While my sister-in-law, Kristina (yes, we have the same name- freaky, huh?), and her kids were up visiting for a wedding, we took all of the kids to the zoo. From left to right, Larkin, Cameron, Jenny, Colton, Oakleigh, and Eric.

Jeff's Wedding

Scott and I don't have many pictures of the two of us so I had my sister-in-law take this one at their cousin's wedding. He actually looks slightly taller than me in this pic.
This one's for you, Kristina! Love ya! I'm so glad we got to spend time together this summer! Should I frame this pic and give it to your mom?

Jenny's Haircut

What was left of my little girl's curls.

I've heard horror stories about kids cutting their sibling's or friend's hair and I've always been like, whatever, not my kids. Yeah right! During the last week of my microbiology class (ahem, finals), Cameron decided to stealthily sneak a pair of scissors downstairs to the playroom and give Jenny a "trim." Why? "'Cause she needed one." He put the chunks of hair in a bucket and brought it upstairs to show me. I was on the phone with the phone company for the third time that day and let me tell you, they ought to be thankful I was on the phone. I was livid. I certainly couldn't take her to get it fixed that week, so I told her she'd have to walk around like that til our picnic that Friday when my cousin, the hairdresser, could even it all out. Jenny blamed it on Cameron and I know it wasn't just his idea. She was the one fixated on getting a trim and in order for him to get all of that hair cut off of her, she would've had to sit pretty still. Needless to say, they didn't do much for the rest of the day. I think they were kind of scared at that point cause they had never seen me that mad before. I can laugh about it now, right? Haha. Not!

The Closure Procedure

Well, today I had my long awaited, much anticipated leg surgery on my varicose veins. I got my right leg done. It was an in-office procedure, but it was surgery nonetheless. It was a little more painful than I expected it to be, but not too bad. So this is a relatively new procedure called The Closure Procedure where the vascular surgeon inserts a catheter in the diseased vein which delivers radio-frequency energy which heats and kills the vein. So I was thinking that I would go in and get poked and proded a bit and then I'd be done- kind of like the sclerotherapy that I'd tried in the past. I did not expect the doctor to be decked out in a gown and surgical mask and blue sheets placed all around me and whatnot. I really felt as if I was in an operating room. The thing is- I was waiting so long for the insurance company to approve this surgery that I kind of lost the excitement of it and I didn't get nervous until this morning. So when I was being "prepped", I was kind of freaking out a little. I started to think, hey, maybe I should've gotten a blessing yesterday. Maybe I should've made a will. It all turned out okay though. I have several punctures throughout my leg- ankle to groin and I'm wrapped up like a mummy. I'm in a bit of pain, but it's nothing I can't handle. My 31-hour labor with Cameron makes everything seem minor. So we shall see in the coming weeks if the surgery was a success and then- onto the left leg! Fun! If you are reading this and are plagued by these awful, nasty veins, you can go to www.vnus.com for more information on this new procedure.

Tony Snow

So I'm still mouring the loss of one of my favorite actors, Heath Ledger. Now one of my favorite news anchors (and the former White House Press Secretary) passes away from cancer. We are a big Fox News family and Tony Snow was one of the first anchors that I really enjoyed watching and listening to. Everyone else I could always find something irritating about. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, I sent him a get-well e-mail and he actually e-mailed me back! I thought that was so nice of him. I heard this morning on Fox News that he was a very religious and spiritual person who felt very close to God, especially in the past few years. I know he is at peace and I pray for his family who is devastated at the loss of such a young and vital man who had an incredible life and career. I know I'm not alone in saying, I'll miss you Tony!

Finally!

Finally...We got a minivan! It's a 2008 Nissan Quest in Majestic Blue with gray leather interior. We named her Lizzie. I love Lizzie. She's so good to me and I, in turn, am very good to her. I've wanted this car for over a year now and my wonderful husband, who preferred the Kia Sedona, gave in to me. He's glad that he did though. He admitted to me that he likes the Nissan better. It's roomier and has a lot of cool ammenities. I'll post a picture soon.

Finally...Microbiology is over! Okay, so I know that a month-long class doesn't sound like a long time, but to me and all of the other students, it was an eternity. It started off awful. I didn't like the professor, I did awful on the first exam, and there was so much studying and work that I didn't have much time for anything else (that one I kind of expected). Once I got used to my professor, however, I came to really like her. She was very passionate about bacteria, fungi, protozoans, helminths, and viruses. She wanted us to love it too. Her sense of humor emerged within a week or two and I found it hard to not pay attention. My grades went up and (thank the Lord), I got an A-. I'm going to miss that class in a sick, freaky, gross sort of way. I learned a lot.

Finally...I bore my testimony for the first time in Fast and Testimony meeting! It was three and a half years in the making, but I finally gathered the guts to get up in front of the church and tell everyone how grateful I am to my Heavenly Father for all of the blessings He's given me and my family. I was shaking the whole time and my voice was cracking from fighting back tears, but I knew that bearing my testimony was one of the only ways I could show Him my gratitude.

And Finally...I can blog again!

The Word of Wisdom

I had a spiritual experience last night in my microbiology class. Maybe it was just a realization. Anyway, the professor was lecturing about bacteria and got into good and bad bacteria and so forth. She mentioned that there is more good bacteria in fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs and that there is more bad bacteria in meats. I began thinking about the Word of Wisdom and how it says to eat meats sparingly, but eat fruits and herbs with prudence and thanksgiving. Section 89 of Doctrine and Covenents was written in 1833. The discovery of different bacterias- namely good and bad bacteria- wasn't until years later. This just proves that Heavenly Father knows so much more than we do and wants us to have healthy bodies. It's comforting to know that by not drinking coffee (which I still crave everyday of my life!), I am keeping my body safe from something that we don't necessarily know about yet. Also, 99% of bacteria can't even be seen! Can you believe that?! We can only see 1% of all bacteria! That's just scary. Especially with what I've seen through the microscope this week. Yuck! FYI- make sure you clean your ears really well. You have know idea what is growing on and inside your ears and I don't think you want to know either.

And It Begins Again...

Today I begin my month long intensive summer course in Microbiology. My two-week break was just too short. I got some stuff done, but not nearly as much as I wanted to. It's only four days a week for one month, so I know that it won't be bad. I'm actually looking forward to it, believe it or not, but I really enjoyed my two weeks of no school. There shouldn't be too much work cause it's only one class.

Onto other news, Scott got a new church calling that I'm finally allowed to speak about. He's the new Elders Quorum President of the "west" division of our ward. I'm excited for him. His prior calling as second counselor was such a blessing to our family. It really helped build his testimony and strengthen his love for Christ. I think his new calling will be challenging for him and stressful, but I think it will be good for him. I hope I can support him the way he needs to be supported. I mean, I know how I would want to be supported, but that may not be what he wants. He's a different breed. He'll do fine though. I have complete faith in Heavenly Father and I know that Scott was given this calling for a reason. And I know that Heavenly Father would never give any of us anything we couldn't handle. Good luck, Scott! I love you!

The Substitute Teacher

Yup, that's me. I subbed at Cameron and Jenny's preschool a few weeks ago- right in the middle of finals actually. Anyway, we had so much fun! Preschool aged kids are hilarious! Maybe that's why I have so much fun in my Sunbeam class. They make me laugh. It was really tiring though. Eric totally passed out in the car and then again when we got home. He was tuckered out, man.

Bluefish Game

Scott gets season tickets to the Bluefish games through his work, so we went to a game a few weeks ago for Family Home Evening. My parents came with us. The kids had a blast and were very well behaved. Cameron got a foul ball and they got their picture taken with the mascot. It was a fun night and a good night for some yummy hot chocolate.

School's Out for the Summer...

Well, not really. School's out for me for two weeks and then I start a month full of intensive Microbiology. Fun. So I know you are dying to know how it all turned out. I am pleased to announce that I got all As! Actually three As and an A-, but whatever. I am still in shock. I knew I did excellent in Biology, okay in Chemistry and Sociology, but Art History- not so much. I aced the assignments and the exams that I did, but I also missed a lot of assignments and discussion boards (it was an online class). Apparently, that didn't matter cause my professor gave me an A-. Yay! I am so not stressed right now. It's wonderful! Scott and the kids took me out to dinner last night to celebrate. We went to Longhorn's Steakhouse. It was muy yummy. They have this fried cheesecake dessert that I wanted so bad, but I was way too full. Maybe next time.

So obviously I haven't posted in a while for obvious reasons, but I have tons to blog about and lots of pictures to share. However, my darling hubby has the camera today at work, so I will try to catch up tomorrow. I love ya'll and thanks so much for supporting me this semester.

Mushy Arms

I was sitting next to Cameron at dinner last night when he grabbed my arm and said, "Mama, your arms are mushy." "Thanks!" I said with all enthusiasm. The truth is, I have been meaning to start the Jillian Michaels Powersculpt workout for a few weeks now, but I've been procrastinating as usual. Well, thanks to my poison ivy- covered son, I started it today. It's pretty intense for a 15 minute workout. My sister swears by it and she said if I do it five days a week, I should be good to go by the summer. We shall see. Oh, and Cameron and Jenny were both watching me and telling me what to do during the workout. Lovely, huh?

I got into the oh-so-dreadful habit of taking catnaps in the afternoon on the couch. Not good. I was hit with the realization that the semester will be over in three weeks and I need to buckle down and stop putting off my assignments. I am behind in two of my classes and I have a few papers/essays to do too. So I have resorted to energy drinks to keep me up during my afternoon slump. Is that bad? I'm not sure, but they are working. At least in my head they are. So feel free to post your opinion on energy drinks and similar energy-enhancing products.

Sunbeams and Poison Ivy!

So yesterday one of the Sunbeam teachers called out sick at the last minute and the substitute did not have time to plan a lesson. So I had two Sunbeam classes! Let me tell you- I had so much fun with them! When I found out about all of this nonsense, I was like, "Heavenly Father, you are really challenging me today, aren't you?" But it turned out not to be a challenge at all. They were so into my lesson and so well-behaved and so much fun. I am still amazed. I love those Sunbeams. They are amazing and precious little souls. They are cute and smart and funny. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with them and teach them and get to know them each week. So I'd like to give a shout-out to my Sunbeam class: Ryan, Dallon, Katy, Leah, and Madison and my add-on Sunbeam class: Chloe, May, Carsen, and Rachel. I love you guys! You make me smile!

While I was teaching my awesome Sunbeams, Scott was taking Cameron to the doctor because of a mysterious rash on his face. It turned out to be poison ivy which I think is in the woods in our backyard. Poor little man. He's on prednisone now which is making him hyper which is driving me nuts! You should've seen him running around BJs today. People must of thought he was off his medication if you know what I mean. His face looks a lot better now, but he's still very itchy. I feel bad for him, but he did know to stay out of the woods. We warned him several times not to go in there. Hopefully this will be the last poison-ivy experience for him, but I kind of doubt it.