Cousins Visit!

My sister, Erc, came to visit for a few days in August, and the kids loved being able to play with their cousins.

One day, they came over to Cheyenne and we took the opportunity to go to the Children's Village at the botanical gardens.

I didn't get any pictures of all of the water wading we did (it was HOT), but did snap a few of the puppet show area.  The kids have a bit to learn about how the whole thing is supposed to go...

Group shot to prove we were there.

 

Then we went for some Hawaiian shaved ice.  The coconut ice cream addition was divine!

We had a great day and love spending time with Grandma, Aunt Erc and the cousins!

34 weeks

Things sure have livened up in this pregnancy.  I went in for what I would call my 34 week* appointment and the doctor I saw that day (there are 7 in the office, and you don't choose who delivers you) measured my uterus and I was measuring at 32 weeks.  She wanted an ultrasound to check the baby's movement and measurements and it so happened that the ultrasound was open right then.  So, Devynee** and I made our way to the ultrasound room and proceeded with a 30 minute ultrasound where they were looking for specific movements (both body and lungs) as well as measured the baby's head, femur, belly (around the outside of her body) and stomach (organ).  Her head, femur and belly were all measuring within days of where I think I am, but her stomach (organ) was only measuring at 30 weeks. They also checked my fluid, which looked good and my placenta, which had normal calcification. During the 30 minutes, the baby did not try to exercise her lungs (not concerning) and also was not active at all (concerning).  That is not normal for this babe, but nothing I did would convince her to move.

Next, the doctor sent us to a non-stress test (NST) room.  I was hooked up to monitors and had to sit for another 30 minutes.  During this time, the baby did fantastically.  Her heartbeat was steady and accelerated several times and she was moving around like crazy.  That helped to ease both the doctor's and my concerns.  The doctor then came in and said that due to the stomach (organ) size, the baby may not be getting the nutrients she needs from my placenta.  They wanted to start seeing me twice a week (Monday and Thursday) for NSTs and then an ultrasound every Thursday as well.  If things continue to look okay, they plan to induce me on October 11th*** so that they will no longer have to worry that my placenta won't last for the entire pregnancy.

Since that appointment (Thursday, September 11th), I have had my first NST, and the baby did great again.  Great heart-rate with accelerations and great movement.

Aside from general concern for the baby, my biggest stress is that my estimated arrival for this little doll has moved up about three weeks!  I am now constantly paying attention to movement as that will be one of the first indicators that my placenta may be starting to give out.  I have had great support from friends that have offered to watch the girls while I spend an extra 3 hours in the doctor's office every week. :)

Let's focus on some normal stuff, shall we?  I continue to feel good, just more sore and achy after doing things like cleaning the basement. I am sleeping pretty well and have even slept through Devynee coming into our room in the night (she goes to Ron's side, bless her little heart).  We continue to discuss names, but right now, the ones that remain on the list (in alphabetical order) are: Angilee, Brynlee, Eislee, Hallee, Kamree and Kimber. We're always on the look out for new suggestions!

*You may remember (but probably don't) that my doctor and I have differing due dates.  I think I am due October 27th, which would put me right at 34 weeks.  They think I am due October 18th, which would have put me a few days past 35 weeks.
**Devynee was an ANGEL during all of this.  She played quietly with the toys in each room and cleaned up after herself. It was like I had brought I different child with me.  I was so blessed!
***They would like to induce at what they think is 39 weeks.  My concern is that according to me, that would really be inducing at 37.5 weeks. Obviously we will see how things continue to look and I don't want to endanger the baby by keeping her in, but also don't want to take her out unnecessarily early.

Other baby4 updates: 30 weeks, 28 weeks, 24 weeks, 22 weeks, 20 weeks, 16 weeks

Wanna compare?
Devynee at 34 weeks
Kendree at 34 weeks
Easton at 34 weeks

Crib Bumpers for Baby #4

Again, I've now made six sets of these bumpers, and yet every time I have to re-make the calculations on how to divide the pattern to let me have three patterns for the inside of the crib. I wrote them down this time. :)

The pink flower fabric will be on the outside of all of the bumpers.

Now these are safely packed away until we actually put the baby in a crib (around 4 months after the baby is born).

Everyday Quilt for Baby #4

As with the other kids, I kept this quilt very simple. I even made Ron happy and used a "pattern" instead of my usual quilt randomness that drives him crazy.

I quilted this one parallel to the seams and did not pre-wash the fabric for a little shrinkage.

30 weeks

10 weeks to go! I continue to feel really good.  I am sleeping pretty well and have minimal aches and pains.  What aches I do have seem to change on a daily basis.  Sore hips one day, sore leg the next, etc. I haven't really had any food cravings with this pregnancy.  In fact, I feel that food in general is just okay most of the time. If I've eaten anything semi-consistently, it is cheerios and ice cream.

The kids are very funny and love telling me about everything they will do for the baby when she gets here. I think I will be running a pretty constant defense around the house.  My appointment went well and things continue to look good with both the baby and me. She moves all of the time and is usually the most active between 10 and 11 p.m. I know that the weeks will fly by now, especially with school starting next week.

Other baby4 updates: 28 weeks, 24 weeks, 22 weeks, 20 weeks, 16 weeks

Wanna compare?
Devynee at 30 weeks
Kendree at 30 weeks
Easton at 30 weeks

Crib Skirt for Baby #4

I'm working away on my projects.  Little by little I'm determined to whittle that list away!

As I was sewing up this crib skirt, I started calculating how many I have made.  This was my 6th, so I'd say that I about have the pattern memorized. Clean lines and simple, just the way I like it.

Random pictures from July

Cute cheesy girl!

I went in to help Kendree make her bed and she had tucked Dor-fee in for a nap.

Ronnie's work BBQ had an ice cream sundae bar.  I let Kendree make hers totally by herself.

She got a few red-sugar sprinkles...

Devynee enjoyed the props and wouldn't hold up these glasses until we took off her real glasses.

Another cheese grin.  We just can't resist documenting this.

Easton Rides His Bike!

This has been a long time coming, but Easton can finally ride a two-wheeler!

Due to Easton's more timid nature, both Ronnie and I thought that our first time trying would be painful.  Both for him (falling) and us (frustration-wise). We decked him out in long pants and a long sleeved shirt and put pads on this elbows and knees as well as gloves on his hands.

Turns out he didn't need any of that stuff, since he got it down right away!

Enjoy the videos:

Videos from July

Easton jumps off the diving board:



Kendree "jumps" as well:



Devynee swims:



Kendree and Todd play the piano.  It's a little hard to hear, but she is singing a combination of "Let It Go" and her own song, "The Church is True."



A little taste of the Thunderbirds airshow:



Devynee "rides" her bike:



Kendree rides her bike:

28 weeks

Third trimester!  Crazy town. Physically, I am feeling great and I actually mean that.  I continue to sleep through the night (hallelujah!) and aches and pains are minimal.  I am starting to be winded if I walk up and down the stairs a few times in a row, or if I bend over to weed my garden for a while. I informed Ronnie on Saturday, that it was my last time weeding.  We'll see how that goes over.

Mentally, I am trying to remain calm, while freaking out a little bit.  I am almost done with quilt #1, but still have another quilt, a lovey blanket, crib bumpers, and crib skirt to make.  I have to figure out where to find room for kid #4 (well, not the kid really, but the swing, clothes, other equipment, etc.). I know it will all work out and if I don't get my "crafts" done it will not be the end of the world. Really. In other news, I bought the kids their Halloween costumes this week (yes, bought them) and it made me feel infinitely better. Thank you Sams Club.

Baby continues to look good and I am measuring right on, so I don't know that they will do another ultrasound like they originally thought to check the baby's size.  Heart rate is good and my blood pressure is good.  I even passed my glucose test! I have gained the least amount of weight with this pregnancy, but started about six pounds heavier than with the other three kids, so I think that is the reason. ;)

I'm down to an appointment every two weeks, which means that the rest of this pregnancy will fly by!

Other baby4 updates: 24 weeks, 22 weeks, 20 weeks, 16 weeks

Wanna compare?
Devynee at 28 weeks
Kendree at 28 weeks
Easton at 27 weeks (scroll down)

Cheyenne Frontier Days 2014

Ronnie's parents came to visit at the beginning of the festivities.  We took the opportunity to take them to the Cinch Rodeo (my parents were there too, but I am not as good of a child and didn't get a picture).

We were four rows above the shoots (my favorite way to watch the rodeo - and not just for the nice looking wranglers. :) )

A few action shots.

The next evening, Ronnie and I were able to take advantage of the free babysitters and hit the Lady A concert.

Clay Walker opened.  Ronnie started listening to country music about a decade after I did, so some of the older artists he doesn't think he knows until they start playing their songs.

The only blurry picture I got of Lady A.  Concert pictures are always so pathetic, but yet we feel that we have to prove we were there. :)

After a few fun days with Grandma and Grandpa Cali, we all (minus Ron) hit the Tuesday parade downtown. Thanks to Ron's co-worker for the secret shady spot and the perfect way to set up. I'd say that the kids were excited to be there, yes?

Grandma and Grandpa left later in the day on Tuesday.  The next morning, Chelsea (my friend) and I met at LCCC for the Thunderbirds airshow.  There was a 45 minute delay for cloud cover, so the kids tried to entertain themselves a bit.  I have no idea what they are doing here.

Thanks to some ear protection, the show was a success!

The next day, a good high school friend, Jodie, and her kids came over to hang out.  We love that they are forced to visit us every year. [no pictures of our hanging out, unfortunately]

That night, Jodie called to tell me that she had an extra ticket to Brad Paisley if I wanted to come.  I had to get a babysitter for an hour as Ron was at a baptism but thanks to good neighbors was able to pull it off and go! Our tickets got us into close, protected standing room.  We were about this close to Brad.

I love this girl!

After about 45 minutes, Kyle, Jodie's husband was able to sweet talk us into the VIP section and we were THIS close to Brad!  It was amazing. (Kyle is the track announcer for all of the CFD rodeos so he knows everyone. Seriously. Everyone).

While I was partying with Brad, daddy let Easton stay up until 10:30 p.m. to watch the Angel game.  He is way nicer than I am.

We were supposed to go to the rodeo as a family on Friday, but our free tickets from Ron's work were requested by a client, so we were bumped.  Ahh, the joys of free tickets. ;)

Instead, we went to How to Train Your Dragon 2 in the theater.  We were the only ones in there and it was so nice (especially because Devynee told me she had to use the bathroom no less than five times during the movie - each time was a false alarm.  The joys of potty training).

On Saturday, Ron and I were able to go to Tim McGraw!  It was a great show and a great time.

It was the 3rd most attended concert ever at CFD and the party zone was insane!

And our blurry Tim picture, for proof. :)

A lot of people in Cheyenne hate CFD, but I love it.  Fun, fun, fun for 9 days (just think of all those places with tourist seasons that are months long).  Can't wait for Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert next year!

Instagram: July 2014

A family tradition: red, white and blue drinks! (You'll have to excuse my late postings as we had no service the entire weekend)

Ronnie and Alayna having a swing-off.

There are MASSIVE swings at the cabin (so big, that even adults can get a thrill). This is the "baby" swing and Devynee loved being a big girl and pushing Brylen.

At 2 years, 7.5 months, this little one is finally getting her last tooth in. (The 2 year molars are no where to be seen yet).  The poor thing will be losing baby teeth until she is 16.

Her coach presented her with this and she exclaimed, "My FIRST medal!!!" Easton then asked her on the way home if she would play tee ball again next year or if she would retire.  She decided to retire while she is on top. Smart girl.

A little pre-swim lesson reading.  Having a reading child is pretty great.

Hot date at the Rockies game. Ron's work treated and even chartered a bus to get us here and back. Love nights out.

I taught Easton how to play Sleeping Queens yesterday. We have played 15 games in the last two days.  If you don't have this one already, go get it.  Short, fun, with a little bit of sneaky math built in.

Fabric for baby4's bedding? [check] Now to find the time to get to work!

Guys. It's CFD again. Be prepared for me to pretend I'm totally a real cowgirl.  Tonight? Date night at Lady Antebellum. I love these 9 days a year

Ready for the "parade of horses" (as we call it) to start! CFD fun continues!

Despite a 45 minute delay for cloud cover, the Thunderbirds were awesome!  More CFD fun!

A last minute ticket to see Brad?  Yes, please! It helps to have friends in high places. #CFD

High school friends reunited every summer.  Another reason to love CFD! #thetickethookupsaresweettoo

Marble track races on a lazy morning. #momkindalovesthatshehastobuildthetracks

Marble track 2. (It's best if the 2 year old has her own).

 We've spent the morning doing this...

Last hurrah of CFD (and possibly the best). Tim McGraw! My date is hotter though.