Off Roading at 38 weeks??

Yes, I thought just maybe it might get things going. Anything is tempting these days. Plus I figured it's the last time we can all go off-roading in the Jeep together, with the addition of Carter, we all won't fit in there. We loaded up the kids and headed north to Lytle Creek. The minute the paved road ended and we started up the trail, I kept saying "Big mistake- I had no idea." Serious- it was so bumpy and I had to hold on to my bouncing belly with both arms. Aaron even had to lend an arm to keep it from flying around! Luckily we found a place to pull off and the kids had fun being the "leader" and taking us on adventures. It was 45 degrees up there! A fun family afternoon, but alas, I don't think I will reap the benefits I had been hoping for. I feel just fine tonight. Doctors appt. tomorrow- stay tuned.

The Kitchen- finally

I know, I know- it has taken me forever to put pictures up of our new kitchen. It seems like there was always something- dishes out, camera battery dead, no computer, etc. Well, the stars are finally aligned and here are the long awaited pictures. We are definitely enjoying our new kitchen and floors. It still doesn't seem like OUR kitchen, but we are all moved back in. The boys love it and give anyone that come over- a full tour. Jacob especially loves our new pull out trashcan and the flip down drawer underneath the sink- for holding sponges. I must say thank you to my wonderful husband for a brand new kitchen. I know that even though it's "our house"- this project was really for me. Thanks honey! Enjoy!

BEFORE:

This is the only before (post demo) picture I have. Sorry Aaron!
Before picture of white tile counters

Demolition
Our big helper



Here's a good before shot of our nasty floor- plus 2 cute kids


Try to ignore those cute, chubby feet- here is our lovely, old tile floor. The tile was in the entry, hall and bathroom. Yuck!

Before shot of our family room- as they were taking out the wood floor. This is the one point where I though we had made a huge mistake. It was such a mess and I just wanted to rewind and have our old (although clean) floors and kitchen back!

AFTER:

New tile (in downstairs bathroom) and new wood (hall.)



Ta Dah-here it is. . .


New island- we bought 5 barstools and we sit here all the time now. We even all sit down for breakfast together- I love it!



Our new sink and faucet


My favorite- pull out drawers. No more lost food and dishes! Especially convenient when bending over a large, pregnant stomach.

same

I wish I had some really great news for you, but I don't. I heard the dreaded words today at the doctor "Looks like things are the same." Ahh!! That's exactly what I DID NOT want to hear. Oh well, I guess this little guy will come out when he's good and ready. I have been having some pretty good contractions today- so maybe soon???

By the way- I took off that retarted baby ticker thing. It moved me from 37 1/2 weeks to 42 weeks. I didn't like looking at it, especially since the baby disappeared, so I deleted it. Bye, bye.

Easter Greetings!

Happy Easter from Tyler, Jacob and Addison!

1/2 cm, 70% effaced

I am not a fan of pictures during my pregnancy, but I realized that I hardly have any of my belly- so here's one. I had to do a lot of messing with it to disguise my stretch marks- I still didn't do a very good job- so just don't enlarge this picture please. Thank you! (Addie came up to me on the couch a couple nights ago, pointed to my tummy and then pulled my shirt up and started patting my tummy. She thought it was so funny to hit it and kiss it.)

I had a doctors appt last Monday and things are still looking good with the baby. I was only .5 cm dilated, but 70% effaced. The baby had not dropped yet. He said he thinks I should go into labor by myself- maybe the last couple days of March, first couple days of April. So I am really hoping for next week. This week has been so busy- I need little man to stay put until next week. I am going into hiding next week (no parties, birthdays, etc) and am going to lay low. I have an appt. on Monday, so hopefully a little progress had been made. I must admit that I did a little jumping at Jake's bday party on Friday. It was at a place called Jumping Jacks, which is 2 big rooms filled with jump houses and slides. I probably shouldn't have been climbing all over, jumping and going down the slides- but it sure was fun. I secretly may have been jumping around hoping to get the baby to drop a little bit. I'll find out on Monday if it worked- I'll let you know!

My Birthday Girl!

Yep, another Edmonds birthday! Our little Addie Beth is 2 tomorrow. It's going to be such a busy day, I wanted to make sure I posted tonight. We have our primary Easter party in the morning and then we are going to celebrate in the afternoon with my parents. She is getting a pink, sparkly tutu, a pink poodle backpack, a Hello Kitty bath towel, this adorable outfit from Janie and Jack and a bath time Barbie from her brothers. She is in for a fun day tomorrow!

I don't even know where to start with this sweet girl. She is a dream come true! Seriously. I love getting her dressed every morning and doing "girl" stuff all day long. We had our first tea party last week and it was more fun than I'd imagined. She is my little buddy and is content to follow me around all day. She's so easy and fun- that I miss her when I am out running errands without her! She loves her brothers and asks for them when they are at preschool. Her favorite thing to say is "Watch this, Mommy!" She is such a little chatter box and communicates very well. She has a special white, fuzzy blanket that she calls "monkey." She loves to rub the corner against her nose and suck her 2 middle fingers.

I love this little angel with my whole heart and I thank Heavenly Father every day that he has blessed me with a daughter. I don't know what I'd do without her! I was just telling Aaron how silly it is that after 2 whole years, I still love to just stare at her and watch her. She is so beautiful and I love her more than I knew was possible!

Happy Birthday, goose!
I can't believe you are such a big girl.
I hope your day is full of fun, happiness, cake and lots of presents.
You truly are my sunshine!

Love, Mommy

He's 4!

Tomorrow is Jacob's 4th birthday! Wow, it has been a long time coming. He has been patiently waiting since Tyler's b-day in January. In fact he has asked about it almost every day for the last 3 months! So tomorrow we will wake up early and have his breakfast of choice: "J" shaped pancakes with whipped cream and sprinkles, sausage, strawberries and chocolate milk and open presents. Then off to preschool. I will go to his school at 10:30 to bring brownies for the class and then there is an Easter celebration, including an appearance by the Easter bunny and an egg hunt. Then he's off for a quick haircut and then scooter/bike riding at the skate park. We'll come home and catch our breath and then Daddy is coming home early to finish out the day with us. We are going to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner and then to ice cream to wrap up the day. Makes me tired to just think off all those things we have to accomplish in the next 24 hours! Friday morning we are having a bday party at Jumping Jacks for his friends.

I can't believe my little Jake is 4! I keep thinking that I am sad he is not going to be 3 anymore- 3 still seems like a baby to me, but 4 is like a big boy! Jake is such a little sweetheart and definitely my little snuggler. He is always rubbing my belly, stroking my arm, touching my face or just kissing me for no reason. In fact on Valentine's Day he asked if I would be his girlfriend. I have to admit, I love being his girlfriend! Jacob is a great big brother and takes very good care of his little sister. He makes his bed every morning and does his chores in the afternoon. He loves preschool and is learning his letters and numbers and knows how to write his name all by himself. He is very thankful for the things that I do for him and always thanks me for the food I make and the clothes I buy for him. He is still obsessed with Ranch dressing and pasta. He is a great eater and is getting so big! He's off the chart for his height and the pediatrician says he should be over 6'2"! He is very active and loves his scooter and recently has been riding his bike with no training wheels. He also starts Little League next week and he can't wait. His favorite thing hands down is his blanket, which he calls his "baby." He still sucks his thumb with it and although I know it's terrible that a 4 year old still sucks his thumb- I don't really care, I think it's cute!

Happy Birthday Jake!
I am so glad you are my boyfriend and I hope you have the best day ever!
You are such a good boy and you make my heart happy every, single day!!

Love,
Mommy