Learn to Laugh

The other night Megan decided she wanted to eat every hour for the first four hours of her night time sleep. Then, after sleeping for two hours - in her waking up mode - she pooped. I got up, put her on the changing table, and upon hearing that she was gassy decided I would wait a bit longer to change her. I left her on the changing table (it has railings - she wasn't going to fall) and went to the bathroom to give her some time. In the mean time Mark - seeing that Megan needed to be changed decided he would be the heroic husband and change her for me.

Just then Megan pooped while Mark wiped her. He was able to catch it in the diaper and felt very proud of himself. This victory was short lived. He lifted her legs to wipe her again when all of a sudden the largest force known to nature exploded all over the table, Mark, and the floor.

That is exactly why I was waiting! Upon looking at the disgusting mess that I now would need to clean I mumbled, "thanks for helping and creating more work for me." Then I remembered a talk by I think Elder Wirthlin where he said, "learn to laugh." I then looked at Mark's shocked face, poop covering his arm from his wrist to his elbow and all over his shirt and bottoms and I couldn't help but bust up. It was the funniest sight I had ever seen! I only wish I had a camera nearby. All the next day I couldn't help but laugh - it may have been the sleep deprivation but it truly was hilarious! I am so glad Mark changed that diaper! Although he's not so eager to help anymore. :(

Life is Full of Surprises

When we first moved to ABQ our swamp cooler was broken and we went without it for the two hottest weeks here. A couple of weeks ago I turned on the swamp cooler only to hear a loud thud. I knew something broke so turned it off and waited for Mark to come home. Funny that it always brakes in July. The wheel had fallen off of the axle of the motor. I told Mark just to buy a new motor, but Mark was determined to fix it. After alot of pounding he was able to get the wheel back on. AND it is still working!

Things break quite often with us. We bought a wheat grinder about a year ago - one that you crank and doesn't require electricity. My idea was to use it in case of an emergency. Well, now that I'm baking with oat flour I need to grind oats with my grinder. Mark set it up and cranked for about 30 seconds before it broke! Seriously? AND the really stinky part is that it has a warranty, BUT you have to send in the warranty card within 15 days of purchase for it to be valid. Well, at least it broke before we really needed it.

Meggie has reflux and takes prevacid each day. I hate giving my little tiny infant medicine, but I hope it helps her. Along with the prevacid I have had to completely change my diet. I have taken all allergens out, (thus the oat flour). I can eat meat, rice, oatmeal, potatoes, etc. No dairy, eggs, wheat, etc. I have learned that dieting really isn't hard if you find something that is motivating enough. But then again, it's only been 4 days since I've cut everything!

Most people who have young infants nap when their baby naps. I'm amazed at how functional I am without naps because I really am tired. If Kendra takes a nap (which she usually doesn't) then Meggie's awake. If Meggie is asleep Kendra is awake! AND on the off chance that they are both asleep (like once a week) I usually only get 10-15 minutes before one wakes up crying!

I decided that Kendra no longer needs a paci to sleep. I told her that when she threw away her pacis that we could go to the disney store and buy whatever princess dress she wanted. She was so excited that she immediately got rid of them. The paci fairies came and picked them up and took them to paci land while she napped that day. This is the dress she picked out:

This is the only time she wore the dress! It was too scratchy and she didn't like it! I am so glad I left the tags on! We took it back the next day and she decided she wanted a Jasmine doll instead. Which was fine with me because it was significantly cheaper!

Meggie is now 8lbs 9 oz and 21 1/2 inches long. Do you see how ginormous she is compared to me? I am so glad my babies are small! A larger baby would not fit in me. Kendra is giving her sister kisses in this picture. She is so sweet to her.

Doctors and Diets

For the first time in three years there were no tears at the doctor's office!! Meggie had her two week appointment and Kendra had her three year check-up on Tuesday. There were no tears, no gagging, no vomiting, screaming, etc. This was a historic day!! Kendra has always hated the doctor. And I do mean always - ever since she was two weeks old. She would be fine until we went into the exam room and the screams would begin. Her pediatrician couldn't believe how well behaved Kendra was! Mark was surprised that with all of her patients she remembered Kendra. Trust me, with a kid acting like a hysterical caged monkey, you would remember. As soon as her doctor was finished examining her, Kendra asked, "can I have a sucker now?" Meggie hasn't had any shots yet - maybe that's why she likes to see the doctor.

I'm still on a diet! I was so happy after I gave birth because that meant I could have more fats in my diet. Well, Meggie might have reflux. She spits up a ton. So I can no longer eat dairy products or ethnic food - including pizza. Her pediatrician put it this way, "eat steak and potatoes." So I'm going back to my up bringing and eating what I did as a kid - except this time I will not have butchered it.

3 Years Ago

Three years ago today we moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and into our first home. *sniff* Before we left Provo, Utah the air conditioning in our '94 Camry was temperamental. Sometimes it worked, other times it didn't. We decided to add a can of freon to see if that would help. We drove around for awhile and enjoyed the cool air. But just in case it stopped working on our journey Mark bought water bottles with motorized fans on them.

Somewhere between Green River and Moab the a/c became warmer and warmer until finally it didn't work at all. At this time it was noon and about 100 degrees in Moab, not a cloud in sight, and no breeze. We were each hot and sweaty. Mark and I both worried about baby Kendra who was three weeks old at the time. I used the motorized spray bottles on everyone trying to keep us cool. It was just too hot and the water seemed to evaporate before it hit us. Mark and I both said a prayer and pleaded with our Father in Heaven to help us.

As we drove out of Moab a slight breeze picked up and clouds began to fill the sky. By the time we hit Cortez it was cloudy and rainy. We were able to make the rest of our trip without worrying about our little girl.

This was a testimony to us that we are watched over, that God hears and answers our prayers, and that if something matters to us, it matters to Him. We have often felt his hand in our lives before and after this. How grateful we are for his matchless love.

A Baby Story

Last Monday, (June 22nd) I had to get an ultrasound to ensure that Megan was growing properly. There was some problem (heart rate I think) so I was then sent to the hospital for fetal monitoring. Mark met me for the ultrasound but then returned to work. I didn't expect to go to the hospital so I had Kendra with me. "We'll just watch tv" I thought. Well, in the room where they monitor their patients at Lovelace, there was no tv! I asked the nurse how long it would take and she said 20-30 minutes. I could entertain Kendra for that long. So after an hour and a half I was running out of ideas. Luckily my doctor came in to release me. I said, "Dr.Connors, feel free to induce me whenever you want." He then said, "hmm...maybe Wednesday." "REALLY?!?!" His nurse called me later that day and told me that they would give me some pills on Wednesday and send me home.

On Tuesday the nurse called again to tell me to go straight to Labor and Delivery on Wednesday at 2:30. I asked her what pills they were going to give me. I can't remember what they are called, but with Kendra they put me into hard labor. I told her I couldn't be sent home after having those pills put in my cervix. She said she would talk to the doctor and call me back. That afternoon the nurse told me she misunderstood Dr. Connors. He was going to induce me on Wednesday and that I would not be sent home. YAY!! I called my sister and asked if she could come the next morning for a couple of days to watch Kendra. We had friends who generously offered to watch her, but I knew I wouldn't give birth until that night and I worried about leaving her overnight at someone else's home. We were very grateful that Shoni could fly last minute and was willing to watch Kendra while I was in the hospital.

This is us just before we left for the hospital. Mark can't wait to be a daddy again but see my face? I know the pain that's coming!

When we arrived at Labor and Delivery the nurse's station did not have me down as coming in for an induction! I was near tears - we had flown Shoni down for this and I wasn't leaving until they induced me! At 3;30 pm Dr. Connors said they had some emergencies that had come in but had just sent someone home so a room was free for me. Thank goodness! I was admitted at 3;30 pm, but didn't get the pill in my cervix until 5:30 pm. I had to lay down for two hours and then at 7:30 pm they wanted me to walk to get labor going. Yeah, like I needed to walk. I was already having contractions that were every 4-5 minutes apart. I got up to walk but bled all over. Now, having done this once before I knew the horrific pain was just around the corner. At Lovelace hospital you have to ask for you epidural at least 30 minutes before you'll get it. So at 7:30 pm I asked for it. By 8:15 pm I wanted it. At 8:30 pm I asked when I would get it, and finally at 9:00 pm I got it.

With Kendra I felt alot of pressure and couldn't wait to push her out. With Megan it was different. I only felt a ton of pressure with the contractions. At around 11 pm I told the nurse this. She checked me around 11:45 pm and sure enough I was at a ten and ready to go. Dr. Connors had to finish a c-section, so I had to wait until 12:15 am to push. Megan Elizabeth was born at 12:37 am. When she came out she had a great cry even though she was blue. They had to syphon her tummy because of all the amniotic fluid she swallowed. But other than that and being so small (5lbs. 15 oz.) she was healthy. So far she has an easy temperament and is a very calm, happy baby. We are very grateful that everything went well and feel very blessed. Many friends and neighbors have offered support and love and we are grateful for their kindness and generosity.

The proud father

Baby Meggie

Sisters

Kendra doesn't look happy in the picture, but she really is a good older sister.

The Latest and Greatest

KENDRA'S BIRTHDAY


Kendra turned three this past week. We had a princess theme for her and Mark decorated the house in pink, white, and dark pink streamers along with balloons. We've talked about her birthday for months so when it was finally her birthday she said, "today is my birthday!?!?!" She wanted a princess cake but this is all she got from me:



She was a little disappointed until I told her it was a Snow White cake because it had Snow White's colors - red, yellow, and blue. Then she liked it.

Her Grandma and Grandpa Vickers sent her a few dollars for her birthday. We decided to let her buy something with it. She really wanted a Snow White doll. Those little ones with the rubber dresses. We put her money in a purse and I told her what she would have to do to buy it. Give it to the cashier and give her all of your money that's in the purse. I told her she had to do it by herself because I wasn't going to help her! Sounds mean, but trust me, it's a good experience for her. Kendra picked out the Snow White she wanted and did a great job. She talked non-stop to the cashier about her doll, gave her the money and then asked, "can I take her home now?"

As parents we give her 1-2 presents for her birthday. We bought a Belle dress last December at a 50% off sale and saved it for her. She looks like a little lady.

Kendra and I play a game called "Achoo." We pretend to sneeze and we have to give kisses to stop each other from sneezing. We go, "aaaahhh," "aaaaahhh," "AAAAHHH," and then instead of "choo" it's "awww."

As soon as Mark gets home Kendra eggs him on to chase her. She'll tease him, take things from him, anything. She loves to be chased by her daddy."

PREGNANCY

So baby Megan has actually turned! This is very exciting to me - her head is down and I'm dilated to a 2. I'm hoping that she'll come within the next two weeks. I'm getting anxious to be done with being pregnant. Here are some fun things I've experienced this time around that I didn't with Kendra:

1. I no longer can fit in the normal bathroom stalls in some public places and have to use the handicapped stall.

2. I have acquired stretch marks in each of the spots that didn't get them with Kendra.

3. I am no longer able to reach my toenails without a crazy acrobatic move. Therefore I am left to depend on a 3 year old or my husband to cut and paint them - both of which do about the same job.

Here is the latest and greatest picture of me.

Our Weekend

This past weekend was very exciting for us! Mark's employment had "family day" where employees get to take their families beyond the security markers. It was so fun to finally see where Mark works. We were also able to meet alot of people he works with in his building. Although we've met them before at the annual picnics. It made me laugh to see how many snacks Mark had in his office. How hungry can you get when you sit at a computer all day? Then he showed me his manager's office and he had even MORE snacks than Mark!

We learned last week that little Megan (or Meghan - we haven't decided on the spelling yet) is transverse. If she doesn't turn I have no choice but to have a c-section. I REALLY don't want to have surgery. For one, I hate being in the hospital and this would only prolong my stay. Two, Mark has up to 2 weeks vacation that he can take and I'm not sure how long it would take me to recover. Three, it bothers me to be dependent on others. Maybe Heavenly Father is trying to teach me humility.

I bought a number 10 can of pumpkin a few weeks ago. I love pumpkin bread and muffins and thought this would allow me to make a ton of items and freeze them. I was right! I still have about 3-4 cups of pumpkin in the fridge and am so sick of pumpkin!! I am also in the process of making freezer meals so that I can be somewhat independent after the child arrives.

Kendra had her last day of pre-school last week. She has already asked when she can go again. Today is her last day of the little gym. She gets to show off everything that she has learned in her class and then she gets a medal! So exciting!

One of the students that I taught three years ago passed away last Friday. Most children with his disorder die between the ages of 11 and 14. He was 14; his birthday is in November and I thought for sure he would beat the odds. He taught me alot and I am very grateful I had the opportunity to work with him and know his family. He loved to sing in my classroom and my favorite was when he got really excited over something. He would jump up and down and shake his fists.

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was Mark's 30th birthday! He went shooting in the morning and then we had some friends over for lunch and cake. Mark's favorite thing about the lunch was the size of the sandwich ring which I purchased at Sams Club. He took a picture of it while it was in our fridge so all could appreciate the largeness.

Our fridge/freezer is a side by side so it makes the sandwich look even bigger.

I bought some balloons and decorated the kitchen with streamers and "happy 30th birthday" stuff that I found on sale at Party City. Kendra was very excited that we got to buy daddy balloons. After the party she wanted to take the balloons for a walk. She and Mark walked in circles around our little tikes slide. She never got tired of this! All evening that's what she wanted to do - take the balloons for a walk.

Here's Mark walking the balloons!

A little over a week ago I hurt my lower back. Eventually it got to the point to where it was difficult to walk, but I had my doctor appointment last Friday so I just waited. I thought my Dr. would tell me to take Tylenol, but instead he readjusted my back! It felt so good! My joints aren't stable and slip which make my hips crooked and cause the pain. I'll tell you what, I can't wait to give birth!

Kendra began the Funny Bug program at the Little Gym. She gets to be in the gym with the instructor all by herself! Her teacher said she was ready for this even though she is not three yet. Funny Bugs are for 3-4 year olds. Kendra loved it! It was fun to watch her and not have to run around with her. Mark had taken that morning off to say goodbye to his parents who were passing through on their way to their mission in DC. So he came to watch her as well. As soon as he walked in Kendra said, "Daddy, Daddy!! It's my daddy!" She constantly looked over at the window where Mark and I sat to make sure her daddy was watching her

Kendra likes to make up songs and to tell stories. My favorite story went from Ammon to Abinadi to Jesus. It basically went like this, "And the king liked Ammon and the King was wicked and they laid him on the cross and there was a big storm." Well, at least she's paying attention.

Painting With Pudding

This past week I noticed that Kendra still has tactile issues. She has become so functional that I haven't taken notice until last week. It began at a birthday party. Each child was given a cupcake. I observed how messy children's faces and hands became as they devoured their treat. Except my child...she used one finger to scrape the frosting from the cupcake and then licked it from her finger. The other experience was at Ben & Jerry's free ice cream day. Again children had ice cream all over their faces...except mine. She stuck her tongue out to barely touch the ice cream - her face wasn't dirty at all. Yesterday after dinner Kendra had pudding for dessert. She had to eat it with her fingers. At first she used one finger. After much encouragement we got her to stick all her fingers in the pudding, and then we made a big deal about painting! This did it for her! Look at my messy child! I love it!

Life's a Hoot

My sister spent her spring break with us. She has been the only person that Kendra liked since she was a newborn. Kendra always wants to go to Utah to see Aunt Shoni. It was fun to have her here and to have someone else play with Kendra.

Kendra loves to be pulled around in her "shark pool."

Where's Kendra? She was hiding with her Aunt Shoni in the basket at the balloon museum.



On Sunday my car was hit yet again. Now the front bumper looks like the back bumper. The first time my car got dinged up was when Mark backed into a fence. Then a truck (the guy was seriously probably drunk) pulled out right in front of me and I couldn't stop or swerve fast enough. The last time I was parked and someone misjudged their turning space and got my front bumper. I guess I'm getting use to having my car hit because I just laughed - it was pretty funny. We had debated whether or not to buffer the back bumper so we could trade it in for a minivan, but now I think we'll just make do. No sense in buying another car that will just get thrashed as well! If I include Mark's car, which definitely had it the worst, our vehicles have seen 4 accidents in the last 9 months. That is craziness!

Looking Back

Happy Easter! Kendra had a great time this past week making bunny cupcakes, dying eggs, and having an Easter egg hunt. We decided that our Sunday would focus more on Christ and the other activities would be held on Saturday.


ACCIDENT

I haven't written for the past month so there is much to be caught up on. A few weeks ago I received a call from Mark at about the time he would have arrived home.

Mark: "There's been an accident."
Kristi: "Did you cause it?"
(I know, such a nice wife - all other wives would have asked, "are you okay?")
Mark: "The bus hit a car."
Kristi: "I'm so glad it wasn't your car this time! Are you okay?"
(I did ask, just a little later)

Traffic came to a stop on the interstate faster than the bus could stop. The bus swerved to the other lane just as the car behind them did and they collided. I think they sat on the bus for an hour or so while the police report was being filed.

PURCHASES

Mark bought a Benelli Nova shotgun a few weeks ago. He loves to skeet and trap shoot and this gives him the flexibility to do it without having to borrow a gun from someone. He actually does all right considering he hasn't shot one before. I think he has averaged about 13/14 out of 25. The next time he is planning on going to the shooting range is for his birthday.

We've been big spenders this month - we also bought a used 16 cu.ft. upright freezer. My rationale for this is that it is part of our 3 month supply of food. Everything I want somehow serves the family...Mark's rationale for the gun was to "protect his family."

LITTLE GYM

Last year before I became sick and pregnant Kendra attended the little gym. I finally enrolled her again. I'm so glad I did because she just loves it. Two weeks ago someone came up to me and said, "You probably don't remember me...but I remember your daughter." We had a class together last fall. The last day I was there I mentioned Kendra's SPD. Her daughter had issues and when I explained SPD to her she realized her daughter fit the profile. She had her evaluated and sure enough she qualified for services. Her daughter is much more severe than Kendra but they didn't diagnose her until she was 3 - Kendra was 18 months when I began therapy and 22 months when she was officially diagnosed. The mom had been looking for me ever since so she could have at least one person who would understand what she is going through. And I do! I'm so grateful we are past that stage and that Kendra is doing so well. It's amazing to have known her a year ago and to see her now. She's an incredible child who has taught us much.

I talked to Kendra's instructor at the little gym about programs for 3-4 year olds. Her instructor said that Kendra would do the best in the regular gymnastics class because she is so hyper. Ha ha ha. I use the term "active," but yes, she is a hyper or very active child. It's part of her temperament - high activity level, high arousal level, high excitability - that's my kid!

DIET

For the month of March Mark decided to go on a "dessert-free" diet. He wanted to prove to himself that he could go a month without sweets. For the most part he succeeded. Near the end he learned he was good at rationalizing what was and wasn't a dessert.

I have been on my low-fat diet for over a month and only gain a pound a week. Not too bad. Although I greatly miss my homemade chocolate chip cookies!



As we were spring cleaning we found water paints. This is one of Kendra's favorite activities.



Kendra dying eggs with a friend.



This is one of my favorite pictures. Kendra is wearing her Grandpa's glasses.



Kendra and her daddy.



Big and Chunky - 5 months with girl #2.



Tiny me - 5 months with Kendra.

We're A Happy Family

Kendra wet her pants two days ago. She has not had an accident for two months so it really surprised me! This happened just before Mark came home. When he came into the house this was the conversation between him and Kendra:

Mark: "Kendra that makes me sad you didn't pee on the potty."
Kendra: "But we're a happy family."

So cute. We are a happy family. Last night after Kendra went to bed she had to "use the potty." As she sat there waiting to go she sang the most hilarious song I've ever heard. She went through every item in the bathroom and put it to a tune. "Towel, towel, towel, soap, soap, soap, shave, shave, shave..." I wish she would perform like that in front of the camera - she always stops.

Last fall Kendra was enrolled at the Little Gym. I enrolled her to help her social development and sensory skills. She loved it, but unfortunately I was unable to take her after two months because I became so sick. I finally called the Little Gym to see how much money I had on credit, (we paid in full at the beginning of the semester). I was pleasantly surprised! I have the choice to enroll her now until July for free or she can have a birthday party for free!! Okay, it's not really "free" since we already paid the money, but it feels like it! I'm still debating what I want to do.