Lagoon Fun With Our Niece and Nephew

Last Friday, our niece, Ashlyn, invited us to go with her to Lagoon.  She was involved in the D.A.R.E. program, and for completing the program, she, along with tons of other sixth graders in Northern Utah, was able to get a Lagoon discount for that day.  Since Lance and I have season passes, we took her and her younger brother, Connor.  Whoever was with the D.A.R.E. student got the discount, so he got the privilege of going too.

We had a blast!  Lance, Ashlyn, and Connor went on almost every ride.  Since I am not able to ride most of the rides because of my . . . ahem . . . condition, I was the documenter/photographer.  People probably thought I had lost my noodle, because I kept laughing at them while I was all by myself.  They were so funny to watch, I couldn't help it!

The park was a little crowded.  It threatened to rain, but never did that day, so the temperature was nice.  Some lines were long, and some were not so long.  They got to ride everything they wanted, so it was a pretty good day, crowd-wise.

Ashlyn and Connor's favorite rides were: Wicked, Colossus, Space Scrambler, and Tilt-a-whirl.  They both liked the same ones.

I ended up taking over 100 pictures.  I won't show them all on here, because that would take forever!  But here are a few of my favorites.

I stayed in line with them until they got to the gated part.

First loop of the Colossus.  They really were on this, you just can't see them.

Musik Express

In line for Screamer

They're on there.  This is still the Screamer.

Our yummy homemade lunches.  Sandwiches, chips, and berries.

On the train.  I can go on that one!  The tiger roared at us, and the lion and white tiger both growled.  They were very active that day.

In line for the swings.

 

Lance and Connor getting on Wild Mouse.  Ash didn't want to ride that one, so she stayed with me. 

I can go on the Sky Ride, too!  Ash was terrified!

Chinese Dragon.  This one looks so fun!

After the big drop on the Log Flume.

Rattlesnake Rapids.

Showing off how wet they got on Rattlesnake Rapids.

Night time view of the Swings.  Yes, they were on this one.  I just can't tell where they are.

Pretty view of the Ferris Wheel through the Tilt-a-Whirl.

We stayed until 10:00 PM.  They slept-over at our house that night.  I spoiled them in the morning with pancakes, because we were out of cereal except for Rice Crispies which I like to make treats with.  They were able to get the last of our leftover strawberry syrup I had made earlier that week.  Yum!

Halfway There, Baby!

Hey guess what!  I'm 20 weeks, which means I'm halfway through my pregnancy!  At times it seems like it's gone really fast, but other times it seems like it's been forever since I found out.  I'm sure that the next 4 1/2 months will fly by, since we've got a lot to do before our tiny dancer comes out.

I had another ultrasound last Thursday, and everything is still going great.  Baby Girl is healthy, and I'm also doing well.  I won't post pictures, because they're kind of dark this time.  They also said that the due date has changed by a few days.  It's the 6th of October instead of the 9th.  But we all know how accurate due dates are...  She will come when she's good and ready, but around the first week or two of October is our goal.

So, how has my pregnancy been so far?  Great!  I'm definitely glad I'm through with the first trimester, though.  I had slight morning sickness, meaning I was queasy, but I never threw-up . . . well, except for one time, which wasn't morning sickness related.  I dealt with the queasiness by sucking on candy canes.  Did you know that peppermint is great for soothing tummies?

The biggest symptom I noticed before I even took the pregnancy test was food aversions.  I had bought a ham about a week before I found out.  A few days later, I couldn't stand the stuff.  Even now, just thinking about ham makes me nauseous.  Other foods that aren't appetizing to me are bacon, sausage, and other pork products.  I've also had a few cravings, but no worse than I had before I became pregnant.  Although, I do enjoy spicier foods now.  And any sandwich with red onions is a definite winner in my book.

The hormone situation hasn't been bad at all.  There have been a few mood swings, but nothing like a year ago when I was on the injectable hormones.  This stuff is like a vacation compared to that!

The second trimester has been a breeze!  Sometimes I forget I'm pregnant because I feel so good.  But then my abnormally convex mid section reminds me, or the fact that I get fatigued easily, or the little nudges my baby gives me from time to time (which is the one of the best feelings in the world,) or my decreasing flexibility, aching hips, and sporadic pain in my abdomen (nothing to worry about, it's just ligaments stretching like they're supposed to.)  I've also noticed that it is very difficult to put on socks.  Who knew that such a simple task could be so painful?

Wish me luck with the rest of my pregnancy!  I get to go all summer long, and it's already turning out to be a hot one.  My left ankle has already started swelling a tiny bit, so I'm sure I'll be doing the "barefoot and pregnant" thing as much as I can.  Ha ha ha!  No really, I'm excited to experience all the things motherhood brings, even if it makes me uncomfortable for a while.  It's worth it, and I've been waiting for this for a long time.

Sorry if you're expecting a photo of the baby bump.  That's not really my thing.  I'll take lots of pictures of the baby when she's outside of me, though.

Lance and I are still very excited to be parents.  It's amazing how I haven't even met my daughter face to face yet, but I already love her so much!

Drive-in

Saturday was probably one of the most fun-filled days I've had in a while.  It was packed with fun activities that Lance and I did together.

After teaching piano lessons, we went to Lagoon.  We got each other season passes for Christmas, when we thought I'd never get pregnant.  Lance goes a lot, but since I can't ride most of the rides, I usually wait until there's a smaller group so that we can just ride what I'm allowed to, instead of having me sit around all day, waiting for everyone to ride the fun rides.  Almost all of Lance's family got season passes as well, so we can get a pretty big group.  I'm hoping that I'll enjoy lounging around at Laguna Beach all summer.  Hopefully I won't look too much like a beached whale.  Ha ha ha!

After a few hours at Lagoon, we went to a BBQ with some friends.  We had a blast!  We met some new people and caught-up with others.  The food was delicious!

After the BBQ, Lance and I went to the drive-in.  This has been a VERY long awaited date for us. 

He got our truck, "Big Red," from my dad three years ago.  He loves it.  He had always wanted a Dodge Ram truck, silly kid.  I told him that he could have it on one condition, that we go to the drive-in.  Well, this was the first time we have gone to the drive-in since before we were married.  I demanded that he take me now, because he is looking to sell Big Red. 

 

 Big Red

He is very sad about selling it, but we just don't use it that often.  It's more economical for us to attach a truck bed trailer to our Nissan Pathfinder instead of loading up Big Red.  The truck doesn't get very good gas mileage, and Lance, being of an accountant mind, is all for practicality. 

So, as sad as he is to see it go, he has put it up on KSL.  I, personally, don't care either way.  The main thing I'll miss about that thing is the fact that it acts as a barricade to the neighbor's backyard, who has tons of junk back there, and is an eyesore compared to our lush, green, backyard retreat.

Anyway, back to the drive-in.  So, after all that, we didn't even take Big Red to the drive-in.  We took the Pathfinder.  I warned Lance that SUV roofs get in the way of the screen, but he didn't believe me.  We had to scoot down pretty far to get the full screen in our view, but it wasn't bad.  At least I had some leverage to get him to take me, right?  After all, he did promise to take me three years ago.  We just hadn't gotten around to it.

We had a blast!  We saw Dark Shadows, the new Johnny Depp movie where he is a vampire, and Hunger Games (FINALLY!!!) 

Dark Shadows was kind of dumb, but it was funny as well.  Johnny Depp was amazing, as usual.  The story was kind of all over the place.  However, it is a fun, spooky, Halloween-type movie, if you're not into much substance.  Oh, and it's not a scary horror movie.  I detest horror movies and avoid them at all costs.  This was a comedy that happened to have a vampire, a witch, a werewolf, and ghosts in it. 

Hunger Games was what we mainly wanted to see.  I know, it's been out for about two months.  We were initially waiting for it to go to the dollar theater, which is actually $3 a ticket, not $1, but it's much cheaper than new releases.  But we jumped at the chance to see it now, since it was at the drive-in.  There were a few little things that were different from the book, but overall, they followed the book very well.  I thought it was great!

In our Pathfinder, we spread out blankets, a sleeping bag, pillows, and my bean bag couch cushions.  And what is a drive-in without treats?  We brought popcorn (Lance had a bucket of kettle corn, and I had a bucket of slightly buttered, salty popcorn,) cookies, Nutty Bars, and orange pop.  Yum!  We obviously didn't eat everything.  If we had, we probably would have gotten sick.

Lance starting to set up our comfy spot

Lance still setting up our stuff.  I helped as much as I could, but I'm not as useful as I once was.

 Lance did a great job setting up.  I'm lounging comfortably, waiting for the first movie to start.

Can we do it all over again?  We had so much fun!

My First Official Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day!  I got to see my mom and Lance's mom.  I didn't make it to see Lance's stepmom, but Lance was able to get her present to her on Saturday.

When I woke up, I found a surprise on the table from Lance.  He very professionally displayed a bunch of my favorite candy bars, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  I found the display when I went into the living/dining room.  It made me smile, and they are delightful.

 I wasn't sure if he would get me anything or not, because I'm in that stage where some people consider me a mom, and some don't.  I, personally, consider a pregnant woman a mother.  After all, the baby is alive in there, and you have to protect, nurture, and provide for him/her.

 Anyway, Lance had joked all week, telling me I should get him a present for Mother's Day.  He's silly like that.  I told him that I'd get him something for Father's Day in a month, but not Mother's Day.  He said that he should get a present for both days.  Ha ha ha!  Good thing I knew he was joking, right?

I want to tell all the mothers out there how much I admire them.  I know it's a hard job.  I'm a little nervous about being a mother myself, to tell you the truth.  Ecstatic, but nervous.  I'm grateful for all of the examples of wonderful mothers that I have around me, and the fact that there are many women around to answer all my rookie mom questions.

Happy Mother's Day . . . a little late.

18 Weeks

I got to see my tiny dancer yesterday!  She wasn't much in the dancing mood, though.  I think she was sleepy.  Everything seems to be going well.  Her heartbeat was strong, we could see the four chambers of her heart, she is growing the way she should be with all of her organs in place, and she is definitely still a girl.

I'm really lucky, because I get three extra ultrasounds with my pregnancy.  I'm doing a NuMom2be study.  It's pretty much an extra appointment each trimester.  The only bad thing is that I have to get my blood drawn each time I go.  I just cringe and bear it, though.  Seriously though, if I can handle giving myself a shot (which I did last summer, MANY times,) then I can handle giving a little blood.  It doesn't mean I have to enjoy it, though.  Ha ha ha!

I actually enjoy going to these appointments.  While they can be rather awkward, as any prenatal/OBGYN appointment can be, they take more time and pamper me there.  I got TONS of ultrasound pictures!  Some were even of certain areas of my baby's body.  She waved at us!  You know how it's the dad's job to count the fingers and toes at birth?  Well, Lance gets it easy, because as you'll see in one of the pictures, you can see she has five fingers on her right hand!  The pinky finger is a little faint, but it's definitely there.  I'll only show you the profile and hand ultrasounds, because the others are a little hard to decipher without a guide, unless you're an ultrasound pro, or have already been guided through them.

 

 Her cute profile.  She's such a cutie!

 

 Cute little hand!  The blob in the back is the umbilical cord.

I love my baby girl so much!  I can't wait to kiss her cheeks!

Lance in DC . . . Again!

Wow!  There has been a lot of excitement around here in the past little while.  I think things might be calming down now, though.  However, I must tell you about Lance's last adventure.

Last week, Lance went to Washington DC.  This is his sixth time going there, I think?  I almost went with him, but the plane ticket for me was too expensive.  Lucky for me, though, it was rainy almost the entire time he was there, so it wouldn't have been much fun for me if I had gone.  Oh, and don't worry about me not getting the DC experience, because I went there with him three years ago.  It is an amazing place!

 

Cool view of Washington Monument (Lance's favorite) from WWII memorial

 

  Protesting in front of the White House.  There is often some type of protest there.  Lance didn't know exactly what this one was about.

Another reason why I am glad I didn't go is because there was lots of construction at the National Mall.  The pond in front of the Lincoln Memorial is being redone, and they're building a new museum.  They'll be nice when they're done, but the construction is kind of an eyesore.

 

Construction of a new Smithsonian museum

 

Pond construction in front of the Lincoln Memorial

He was really excited this time because his training was in the Treasury building.  He has wanted to go inside the Treasury building ever since his first time in DC, three years ago.  He got to go into the cash room for his training.  He said that the room was really fancy and ornate.  There were intricate little details in the walls and ceiling that were gold-plated.  Wow!  Why can't architecture be like that any more?  Now, it has to be clean, modern, minimalist lines, which are nice as well, but I wish some things were fancier.

The Treasury building

While he was there, he was able to visit his cousin, Brian, and his family in Baltimore.  Lance had a blast hanging out with them, and getting to know the kids.  He also went to Arlington Cemetery, and learned even more information than he had learned previous times there.

Arlington Cemetery

The old Estate house at Arlington Cemetery

 An old Estate house and slave quarters at Arlington Cemetery

I'm glad he had fun, but I like it best when he's home.  :)

Raising a Little Awareness

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week!  We have all these awareness reminders for so many things, especially cancer.  You don't really hear that much about infertility, though.  I think it's because people who are aware of it either are experiencing it or have experienced it, and it is a very personal topic.  I'm sure the only reason why many of you know I've experienced infertility is because we announced we were planning to adopt a few months ago, and most people don't adopt at a young age unless they've gone through infertility.

Most people don't talk about their infertility.  Maybe it's because they are embarrassed?  Maybe it's because they tear up every time they think about it?  (I was a constant soggy mess for a few months straight.)  Maybe it's because a lot of people sort of recoil when they hear people talk about it because it makes them uncomfortable?  Maybe they're afraid of what people might think of them?  (I personally felt defective, and if I felt that way about myself, what would other people think of me?)  There are tons of reasons why it seems to be a "taboo" subject.

I won't tell you my story, because honestly, I don't want you to feel sorry for me.  I'm a very happy person right now!  I'm very grateful to have gone through infertility.  I'm a stronger person because of it, and I've learned so much!  I learned that I can do anything.  Really!  I can even give myself shots!  For those of you that know me well, you know that is a huge accomplishment.  You can do anything with the right motivation!  I learned compassion for others because we are all going through our own tough trials, whatever they may be.  I learned patience.  I learned tolerance.  I know for a fact that I won't take my children for granted.  There are so many blessings that have come to me from this trial.

Something I would like to teach you, is how to act around an infertile couple.  I know it's awkward for both parties when infertility comes up, so hopefully, this will give you a little guideline to follow so that nobody is offended.

-Never ask someone why they don't have kids.  That just creates an awkward situation for everyone, whether they're infertile or just waiting to start their family.

-If someone tells you about their infertility, just listen.  Show concern or support by saying things like, "that must be hard," or, "I can't imagine going through that," or, "I think of you often."  Sometimes people just need someone to talk to, and if you're the lucky one they choose, you should feel honored.

-Don't tell someone, "Oh, it's on the Lord's time."  We're aware of that.  What we're not entirely aware of is what action to take.  There are so many options to consider, and you really can't help with that decision.  Sorry.

-Don't tell someone, "Once you relax, you'll become pregnant."  There is no proof of that, and even if it were true, you can't simply relax when something is bothering you this much.
 
 -Never tell someone, "When you're pregnant, you'll understand," or "When you have kids, you'll understand."  Ugh!  I HATE this!!!  Honestly, in my experiences, I have been around tons more kids than many mothers who have said that to me, and it drives me nuts!  I know how kids act!  I understand that they aren't perfect.  You don't have to apologise to me when your kids act up.  I may not have had the 24/7 experience yet, but I am around kids . . . a lot!

-If someone tells you they're experiencing infertility, don't ask them what's wrong with them.  First of all, it's not really your business.  (Sorry for the bluntness, but it's true.)  Also, half the time, the infertility is unexplained, and we have no idea why.  It's the most frustrating thing, because the doctor is stumped just as much as we are, and there is no known reason why we shouldn't have kids.

-If in doubt, keep your mouth shut.  Silence is golden!  Still show support, but you don't have to have an answer for everything.

*If it is a close family member (like a sister or daughter) experiencing infertility, you may ask specific questions because you are a huge support to this person, and you need to know specifics to be of full support.  But if it's just someone you're friends with, let them be the one to talk and give out information he/she is comfortable with.

*Also, understand that what they're going through is very traumatic.  Every month they don't become pregnant is similar to having a miscarriage or a stillborn child.  Be there for them without judging them when they cry or lash out in sudden anger (I did that a lot.)

If you are experiencing or have experienced infertility, know that you are not alone, and you are much stronger than you think you are.  You're an inspiration to me and many people around you.  I hope you get your miracle(s) soon!

Happy Infertility Awareness Week!