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Halloween Festivities

2009-11-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

Halloween is definitely one of our most favorite holidays. I have always loved Halloween because my birthday is on the 27th, and I often lumped my birthday party and Halloween together. My mom used to go all out. I remember one year, she turned our garage into a virtual haunted house and made homemade root beer in a big black cauldron, complete with spooky dry ice mist. She has always made holidays special, and I look forward to keeping up her traditions.

Pumpkin Carving:

Here we are carving our pumpkin...sort of. We hollowed it out, and Brandon got started, but our pumpkin carving knives are in storage, so he never finished.

This year we attended two Halloween parties: one that I helped throw at my friend Ali's house with some friends from our ward, and one I helped my sister Joy throw at her house.

Party #1:

We played several games, including Donut on a String, couples style (the only way to go). It always makes for good pictures.

I like this one before the starting buzzer rings...Ali just had to get a little taste. Can't blame her.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd places overall

If you're wondering where we and our costumes are, that's a good question. I dressed up in my costume (which is really just an accessory to Brandon's costume), and Brandon showed up late because he was coaching at a football game. Well, he was supposed to go home and change, but he thought I was bringing his costume to the party, so in the end, he was dressed as Coach Fox at the Soiree.

Party #2:

The next evening was Joy's Halloween Hunt. It was a scavenger hunt all around town. There was a lot of planning and preparation involved for this party, taking 4 people to plan it. There were six different teams, each with a captain. We made stops at five different locations:

Stop 1: Park where there were hundreds of tiny glow sticks scattered in the grass. Each team had to find the glow stick with their team name attached to it.

Stop 2: An abandoned Circuit City parking lot

Stop 3: In-n-Out where one team member had to eat a "Scary, Hairy, Monster" (burger animal style) in 2 minutes

Stop 4: A cemetery where the clues were frozen in a block of ice

Stop 5: A semi-constructed house (this one was spooky!)

We came in 5th out of 6 teams, but had a fun time in the process. I didn't get any photos from this party, but my friend Ali did here.

Trunk-or-Treating, Halloween Day:

And now, the unveiling of Brandon's costume...(as he is getting ready)

The Lunch Lady

It was priceless to see Brady and Lucy staring at Brandon as he got all dolled up. Brady thought it was so crazy that his dad was dressed as a girl.

My 3 babies

Lucy couldn't grasp the concept of only one piece of candy. She would keep grabbing handfuls of candy out of people's bowls.

As we were leaving the church, Lucy was fascinated with this guy dressed as a gorilla. When she saw him in the street taking off his mask, she went up to him and commented on how he wasn't really a gorilla. She is too cute.

Showcasing the new smile

Lucy made herself right at home trick-or-treating. As soon as the door was opened, she'd let herself right in.

After trick-or-treating, we watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and went to bed.
We were exhausted!!!

Walk for Haley

2009-11-01T23:31:00.000-08:00

This is the fourth year we've attended the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome in honor of my niece, Haley. It is a day our whole family looks forward to each year. This could be Brady's favorite day of the year. You'll see why.

First we take a walk on the trail around Lake Cunningham. The first year or two, we were worried about keeping pace with everyone around us. Now that we're old pros, we take our time and enjoy the walk, letting the kids stop and play if they wish.

Poor Brooke is pregnant and SICK. Daenen gave his mom a push in the stroller!

Aunt Jessie snuggled with Clark along the way

Uncle Mike's famous expression

Chasing Grandpa

This is Avery, a mascot for the local hockey team. Lucy was absolutely enamored with him. She had a hard time moving along once she met him.

Brandon's shot, of course

Now the real fun begins...

Lucy workin it to Haley's singing

Ooh...ouch

The Buddy Walk is especially special because it is always held in October, and Haley's birthday is October 17th. Her party is always at the Buddy Walk.

My dad's photo of Lucy's shoes...so him.

One of my favorite things from this year is when my dad told me about an incident in the bounce house. Lucy and Haley were jumping around, and one little boy started hitting Haley. Lucy went right up to the little boy, pushed him, and said, "Don't hit my cousin!" Aw, Lu, you're the sweetest!

See? That's why we wait all year for the Buddy Walk.

We can't wait until next year!

Hangman

2009-10-25T01:06:00.001-07:00

Brady and Brandon have been playing Hangman lately. It's pretty funny to see the words that Brady chooses (or should I say gibberish, since he can't read very many words yet). Here are some photos of the first game the two played together:

Brandon's word:

(Brady's middle name)

Brady's "word":

Needless to say, it took Brandon a long time to guess Brady's word. One thing that made it a bit easier for him was when he realized that Brady was guessing the same letters he was looking at in his own word. So, Brady would ask, "Do you have a P?" Brandon would say, "No...do YOU have a P?" Got 'em every time. Since then, Brady has learned to spell actual words, not just random letters.

My favorite is when Brady came to me and asked me to spell his next word out for him. He said he wanted it to be "garbage". So, I spelled it for him and sent him off to play. Brandon later told me that he dropped his letter B in the letter pile and was trying to remember which letter belonged back in the word. So he asked Brandon, "Dad, is there a B in the word 'garbage'?"

Brady boy, you make us laugh.

Genius!

2009-10-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Raise your hand if you DETEST those thick, plastic packages we often purchase items in (like at Costco). They're called clamshell packages, and I considered blogging about them earlier because I think they're an awful idea. I have sliced my finger a time or two on their sharp edges, and scissors can never seem to be strong enough to cut through them.

Real Simple Magazine to the rescue! I love this idea I just read in their November issue:

I'm excited to try it out and see if it works. Pretty clever, huh?

My Favorite • Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon

2009-10-12T22:12:00.001-07:00

There was a time that I used this product only when straightening my hair, mainly in my single lady days when I actually straightened it. So this bottle sat lonely on my shelf for quite some time until I realized it is equally useful on my curly hair.

This is the perfect finishing creme for hair. It is not greasy or heavy. When I straighten my hair, it transforms it from looking parched and slightly frizzy to hydrated and smooth. I use it on my curly hair on day two (or sometimes day three, don't judge me) to erase the frizz and reign in straggling hairs. Keep in mind that this is a finishing creme, not a styling creme.

I love it!

Lucy's #3

2009-10-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

Our little Lucy turned three in August, and the poor girl had to wait a month for her mommy to be ready to throw her a birthday party! I suppose having a newborn is a bit of an excuse, but really, it was summing up the brainpower to think of what to do that was the difficult part. Lucy had seriously been talking of her birthday since Brady had his birthday (in April), and I wanted it to be a special day for her.

We were inspired by our trip to Apple Hill the weekend before to bring the party there. We invited family and a few close friends to join us.

Jackie and Tessa

The cake turned out pretty cute, thanks to a few nifty tricks from my mother-in-law. You could see the knife marks from applying the frosting, so she recommended dabbing it with a dry paper towel, and it smoothed it out nicely.

She had been talking about this VERY moment for months

She took her cake over to a table all by herself. Hey, it was her party, go for it sista!

This was probably the most heartwarming part of her party. My dad bought Lucy a glass nightlight in San Francisco. My mom said he looked and looked until he found one with a heart on it. He told her it was his heart, and she should think of him every time she turned it on. She loves it and does think of her Grandpa. So sweet!

I love this picture. I know it's just her looking at a card, but I love her little body and I can feel her wonder and excitement looking at Tinkerbell.

Cousins Leah and Ella

A stop at the Fudge Factory

Who's that handsome boy looking at me?

Lucy and Leah are two in the same - both literally think they're princesses.

Lucy had a special day. We love her so much, sometimes it feels like we'll explode with adoration.

Precious

2009-10-01T23:31:00.001-07:00

Love him.

On a side note, I'm excited for Conference weekend. Since I am still establishing traditions for our family, I would love to hear what your family traditions are for Conference weekend.
Special meals, treats, activities?

Trip to Apple Hill

2009-09-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

Life around here has been good. We love having little Clark around. He is a great baby - great sleeper - but doesn't really love being in the car. He smiles at all of us on a whim and even laughed for the first time (at Lucy) yesterday. I can't get over how much he looks like Brandon to me. It's pretty fun since that was what I wanted.

I am so excited for Fall! But I'm not so thrilled that it dropped from 100 degree weather straight to like 68 degree weather. Where are the nice, pleasant temperatures?

Fall means Apple Hill. We took a trip up two weekends ago and let loose. We had caramel apples, apple donuts, tri-tip sandwiches (which attracted a swarm of meat bees, I freaked out), fresh apple juice, and even pony rides. We had a great time.

Showing a little crack. She gets that from her Dad.

Brady wouldn't listen and obey, so he had to sit in the stroller.
He's embarrassed that we took a picture of him in it.

Waiting for the pony rides

Lucy panicked when she got on the horse. We didn't see that coming.

Brandon held her hand for the first go around and then she was good to go.

That's a McKinley expression

Sweet and Salty Pumpkin Seeds

2009-09-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

While reading the latest issue of Real Simple (my favorite), I found this recipe and I actually think I'll try it this year. I love roasted pumpkin seeds, and this variation sounds so good and would be the perfect ending to pumpkin carving.

Sweet and Salty Pumpkin Seeds

2 cups fresh pumpkin seeds (from 2 medium pumpkins), rinsed and patted dry
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

01. Heat oven to 300° F. Spread the seeds on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until dry throughout, 50 to 60 minutes.

02. Increase oven temperature to 350° F. In a large bowl, toss the seeds with the butter, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Return the seeds to the baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

Serves 8

Blessed

2009-09-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

We blessed Clark in church last Sunday. What a special day blessing days are. I love having so much family together for the sake of a new baby.

Brandon gave a very sweet blessing, as always. Below is a photo of almost all of the Priesthood holders who gave the blessing, excluding Brandon's Uncle Bill, Uncle Kenny, and cousin Brett. My brother Michael isn't old enough yet to give the blessing, but I liked him being in the photo.

He looks like a mini-Brandon. People think Brady is a mini-Brandon, but Clark definitely outdoes him.

Brandon and I have a special feeling for Clark, since we're both the #3 child in our families. We feel for you, Clark! The third child just tries to keep up with the older two. For my sake, I hope he doesn't try to keep up with them. :)

So sad, and so cute

Brady managed to get a big cut above his left eye the night before by jumping off of his bed and hitting his head on the edge.

Cuddling up to Uncle Will

I have about 20 photos of Lucy with her food. She was in heaven with a smorgasbord of food, all for the taking.

Picnic with cousin Abby

4 Fox generations

Soccer Boy

2009-09-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

After a few practices, Brady had his first soccer game on Saturday. His team name is the Cougars - how perfect! I've always had a thing for soccer players, so I couldn't wait to see little Mr. in his uniform kicking the ball around.

Brady was pretty aggressive at his practices (it's soccer, not football, Brady), which I was afraid might be an issue during the games. Then I found out they play three on three at a time, so there weren't so many kids to push through to get the ball. Good thing. He ended up scoring 5 goals (we're so proud), with one for the opposing team (still proud).

Score!

How classic is this photo? I love the three opponents just standing there watching. Good thing that little girl has a sweatband on.

Meanwhile, back at the playground...

Playing with her boyfriend Ben

Aftermath of playing hard...dirty girl

Mmm...

2009-09-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I definitely love newborns. I forgot how much.

My Hero

2009-09-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

I felt so loved at the shower for me and Clark. My sister Joy and my mom threw it at Joy's house, and it was simply wonderful. They played off of Clark's name and made it Superman themed in honor of Clark Kent. Joy spent so much time on so many creative details, it was difficult to take them all in. She's good at rearranging her furniture to provide a streamlined party.

It was special to have a variety of faces at the shower from different phases of my life.

That baby bottle with ribbons was a really cute idea Joy put together. Each guest wrote a note to Clark on a little tag and threaded it onto the ribbons coming off of the bottle-wand. Those were fun to read after the shower.

This was the setup outside with umbrellas for shade (that attached to the chairs - cool!), and it was a shame we didn't get to utilize them because it was too flippin hot outside.

The food was the main attraction. And my favorite part. Of any shower, really. I really like to eat.

I'm getting sidetracked...I've got my nursing appetite.

Joy and my mom made paninis, along with fresh fruit, chips and hummus, and "kryptonite" (Andes mints). The parting treats were marshmallows dipped in chocolate and pecans.

Suzette & Jen - friends from Elk Grove

My Sisters

Sisters + Mom

With Sarah & Shilo - my two very good friends from high school. They surprised me with their trip all the way up from the bay area.

With Kristy and Bethany

My mom is too funny. She had my dad design a "C" cape and onesie. Then she played the Superman theme and had Clark fly out.

Will that seem vain to have Clark wear? Aahh, who cares - it's so cute, Bethany.

Clark with Cousin Ashley (who was pretty hot after coming home from her soccer game)

Isn't this magnet/chalkboard so cute?

The party-planning queen. Thank you for everything, Joy!

Brandon came to help collect us and our gifts.

Starfall.com

2009-08-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to a really helpful website to teach kids how to learn their letters and to read. A few local moms told me about Starfall.com. I have been looking for a good site such as this, but wasn't finding one. I thought some of you might appreciate it, too.

It has 4 different levels to teach at, from ABC's to advanced reading. Brady played around on the "Learn to Read" section and had an easy time navigating around the site. Check it!

Daddy/Daughter Campout

2009-08-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

Lucy has been looking forward to this campout since Brady went on the Father/Son Campout a few months ago. They all love one-on-one time with Daddy.

Brandon was excited to be able to sleep in the van this time instead of a tent. What a fief! He got it all organized and comfy in the back of the car before leaving, just in time to enjoy scraping up our whole front bumper on a wood pile as he backed down the driveway. The car was actually suspended off the ground with a huge log stuck underneath it. Luckily, the damage is on the underside of the bumper, so you can't really see it unless you try to find it. (Let's not fester on the fact that I hit the same logs about a week later...I really DID try to avoid them!) We're definitely breaking it in quickly!

All ready for bed/flirting with Dad

They didn't pack enough blankets, resulting in a shivering Lucy who ended up with most of the blankets. Poor Brandon.

Happy to be taking photos first thing in the morning

I can't quite describe the spell Lucy has over the Young Women in our ward. It is as if she is their age and is the most popular girl they all want to hang out with. Here she is with Brandon's cousin Morgan floating on a raft. Work it, Lu!

Brady really wanted to go camping with Brandon and Lucy. He kept asking when the next "Son's Campout" is. While they were away, he and I went out for a "date" (with Clark in tow) to Target and then yogurt. I think he had a fun time with good old Mom, anyway.

New Boyfriend

2009-08-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

I've always thought of Brady as my little boyfriend, and now I have another one. He is so sweet. I am enjoying him so much.

Big Girl Haircut

2009-08-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

A few days before having Clark, I realized that I needed a haircut. And Lucy sure needed one, too. I was sad my friend Jessie wasn't closer to give us one, she is the best. We went to a hairstylist I had been to before. Lucy was pretty nervous. "It's scary," she would say. She was used to seeing her brother get a haircut with clippers and all, and she thought she'd be getting the same treatment.

She ended up realizing what all we women know - getting your hair cut is one of the best forms of pampering there is.

Waiting

Not so sure what to think

Oh yeah, this IS nice

She's such a cutie, and it was fun to have a girl's day out with her. Now that we're outnumbered, she and I have got to stick together!

Back to School, Back to School

2009-08-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

"...to prove to Dad, I'm not a fool."

2 points if you can name that movie.

Brady is officially a schoolboy. What an exciting time in our lives, welcoming one new boy into the family, ushering another off to school. It has been good timing.

We started it all off with the traditional father's blessing the night before.

Brady and Lucy (she often lives vicariously through her brother) were so excited for the first day of school that they woke up at around 6:30 hoping it was time to get ready. That is quite early for our family. He doesn't start until 11:00, so back to bed they went. They both ended up in the same bed, which hasn't happened before. It was cute.

Lucy was way ahead of Brady. I think she's ready for high school, forget kindergarten.

His "I'm trying not to smile" face

Part of the class already

I promised Lucy she could play on the playground when we picked up Brady

I didn't have the opportunity to get sentimental or emotional when I said goodbye to Brady, between controlling Lucy and holding Clark. It was just a kiss and a quick goodbye and we were out of the classroom. He had a wonderful first day and is excited to have his friend Garrett from church in his class. I can't wait to see how he grows and matures - he is definitely ready.

Meeting Clark David Fox: My POV

2009-08-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

I suppose it's time to come out from behind the postpartum rock I've been hiding under. It sure is nice to have a little down time and a good excuse for it.

Brandon was so cute in his blog post about Clark. I was grateful that he took a few moments to update all of you since our hospital didn't have good cell phone reception or wi-fi.

I'll go back to the night before our scheduled C-section. I was a mess. Really, I was scared, even though I'd been through the surgery twice before. This was the first planned surgery, so it was definitely a different experience. I was worried about the baby, worried about the recovery, worried about any complications that might arise during the surgery (there's always some sort of side effect to deal with).

Feeling big and bloated the night before. I wasn't sure how big the baby would be because I remembered being bigger with B & L's pregnancies.

We were a little late getting to the hospital. My doctor had told me I didn't need to get there until 6:30, but I guess the hospital wanted us there a little earlier. We got checked in and I got my IV. I really wanted it in my arm instead of on top of my hand, but the nurse wasn't able to get it in. So she went for the hand, which actually ended up not hurting as badly as it had in the past.

Hooked up, ready to go

I then got wheeled down to the OR. Still, pretty nervous, but the staff did a great job at calming my fears. They kept the atmosphere light and fun. Before I knew it, I was ready for surgery. Brandon got wheeled in beside me...they made him sit in a wheelchair in case he passed out. They didn't realize they were dealing with "Dr. Fox" who has worked with numerous cadavers and enjoys seeing his wife's insides. (Seriously, how does that not bother him?)

Within seconds, I heard suctioning and asked Brandon what that was all about, because such a short time had passed, I surely couldn't be open and exposed already! But they don't mess around. Right after the suctioning, the doctor said the baby had a lot of hair and then I heard crying. It was so fast. What a relief that cry was to hear! They showed him to me for a second and took him away to get checked out. I just lay there, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude that the surgery was almost over, the baby was healthy, and relief washed over me. I could finally relax!

Clark weighed 7.1 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. Our tallest and lightest baby.

I did experience a few issues that first day. During the surgery, breathing was heavy and strained, but the anesthesiologist was on top of it and helped me through it. Luckily that went away quickly, unlike with Lucy when it lasted 2 days. The worst part of it all this go-around was the sudden nausea that would come on throughout the day. I threw up several times, and if I opened my eyes, I became super dizzy. So, I got to sit there with my eyes closed when our family came to visit. Not so fun, but I could have experienced something worse.

Nope, not sleeping. I'm fully conscious. Just can't open my eyes.

The doctor said I looked good "inside" and that at least one more pregnancy was a go. I asked about maybe two more, just in case. :)

Immediately after I was all stitched up, I went into a recovery room for about 45 minutes while they monitored me. Brandon was with Clark, making sure they didn't do anything he didn't approve of! It was so peaceful and relaxing laying there...drugged up, consumed with relief, grateful beyond expression.

I loved meeting Clark for the first time. He is a sweet, calm little boy. We love to snuggle and give loves. For the first 2 days, I couldn't believe how much he looked like Brady. I called him Brady a few times, I just couldn't separate the two of them in my mind. But gradually, Clark began to get a look and identity of his own. He is a handsome little guy. Everyone says, "He looks like a Fox." I say, maybe he looks like a McKinley, right?

Throughout the next 4 days, I enjoyed every minute of being tended to, having one-on-one time with my new baby boy, and recovering. The hospital days I have spent with all three children are some of my most cherished moments of motherhood. I love sleeping and snuggling with these babies and drinking them in.

Brady and Lucy were so excited to meet Clark, and they were equally as excited for Granny and Grandpa McKinley to come visit. They were a little crazy (I wouldn't have expected anything less from those two), but luckily it was Shark Week on TV.

Lucy was anxious to see my "owie". I'm sure it scared her to death!

Brady has been SO sweet with Clark. He's very gentle and is infatuated with the little guy.

Lucy is...passionate...about being a big sister. She LOVES Clark, perhaps a little too much. It's difficult for her to keep her hands out of his face, but she's a good helper when I need her. (I especially like the photo on the upper left - with some sort of chocolate all in her teeth. It's so Lucy.)

Some of Clark's visitors

Ready to go home

Christmas in August

2009-08-07T00:26:00.000-07:00

The new arrival is here. On August 4th 2009 at 8:34am, Clark Fox was born in Placerville California. I apologize before hand about this blog, I am not as good as Brittany. But for those of you who are out of the loop I will post pictures, and then you will have to wait until Britty does a more professional job.

Brittany seeing her baby right after delivery.

This guy always looks cozy.

He is always opening up one eye to look around before he closes them to go back to sleep.

Looks like one of those glow bugs from the 80's

Brady and Lucy about ready to see Clark for the first time.

Brady was soft with him. He'll be a good big brother.

Lucy loves her brother so much she likes to pinch his cheeks
(she was just making sure he was alive).

Proud Dad with a crying son.

Brittany will kill me because she has no makeup on. But this is my favorite picture. They are both sleeping and are beautiful.

Love at First Sight.

The Night Before

2009-08-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

Last kisses for brother in-utero

The suitcase is just about packed, and I'm wiped out. My last day of pregnancy with this baby was probably the most tiresome, too. We tried to keep busy so I wouldn't think about things too much. We made a trip to Target. I think I was walking about 0.5 mph through the store. At least I got some good snacks for the hospital. We came home and I made dinner and topped it off with Rice Krispy Treats.

Brady and Lucy are really excited to meet their brother tomorrow. I am, too. Brandon ran to the drugstore to pick up a few blank video tapes (minor oversight on my part). It's time for a blessing and then I'm gonna crash.

The surgery is scheduled for 8:00 am tomorrow, and I need to check in around 6:30 am. My next post will have details of our new baby boy! Thanks for all the well wishes, they have been comforting. Until next time!

Travelin in Style

2009-07-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has taken me 3 weeks to blog about this, considering it is an event I have been imagining and anticipating for years and years.

We bought a NEW car!

New, new, new. Not 10-20 years old. Not a car with a lot of miles on it that is unpredictable and constantly faltering. A brand new car, unblemished.

We shopped around for a long time, making sure we got the car we wanted, needed, and was the best deal possible.

We decided upon a Honda Odyssey. Can you go wrong with this car? Of course an SUV, like the Buick Enclave or Honda Pilot, is a much sexier option. But come on, power sliding doors in and of themselves are persuasive enough.

We can't get enough of it. I don't feel like it's our car just yet. I'm grateful to Brandon for providing us with a safe, reliable, spacious, convenient car that will last us for many years to come. Now my little posse and I can travel wherever we want, whenever we want. Just in time for 3 kids!

The End of the Road

2009-07-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

...is where I'm at, folks. The last few weeks have been a bit of a blur. I'm a little checked out and numb. It's been a very different pregnancy for me.

Getting acquainted with Baby Brady

When I was pregnant with Brady, it was bliss and heaven, despite having a kidney stone lodged in my body for 5 months. I was so in tune with becoming a mother and it was such a special experience.

Me and little Lucy

When I was pregnant with Lucy, it was weird imagining a girl coming into the mix and stealing some of the attention from Brady. But, I was constantly thinking of my little girl and what she would look like in great anticipation.

But the third time around, already having one of each sex, it's been a little different. Throw in moving twice, starting a business, chasing two crazy kids around all day, and the knowledge that a pregnancy is a LONG 10 months long, I didn't think of the baby all too often. It was partly conscious because, as I said, I know full-well how long a pregnancy lasts, and I was trying to pace myself psychologically and physically.

As a result, I don't think I've appropriately grasped the fact that there is a new little boy joining our family in 4 short days. I have been doing lots of laundry and getting all of our baby gear out, so that is helping me to mentally prepare. The carseat is strapped in the car. I have purchased a few new items to help manage 3 children. Aside from packing my hospital suitcase, I believe I'm ready.

Having a baby never ceases to be a mind-blowing experience, does it? The fact that there is actually a baby inside your big belly is crazy to me every single time. I cannot wait to meet this little boy and watch him grow and develop a unique personality all his own. Brandon is sure that he will have brown hair and will be a snuggler (because Brady and Lucy were both too busy to ever snuggle with me). We just hope for a healthy baby boy and a safe surgery to bring him here.

Not Cool

2009-07-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

That was an obvious pun. But, seriously? Come on...Not a day or two of 90 degree weather for a "break"? It's not nice to do to a pregnant woman.

Found One

2009-07-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

I found a diaper bag that I really like - one that I think fulfills all of my desires. The only problem is that it is sold out everywhere. Everywhere. I plan on being patient, though, because I'm determined. Isn't it cute? Here's the scoop on the bag:

• The brand is BabyMel, which is a division of StorkSak
• It has LOTS of pockets, inside and out
• All of the material has a coating and wipes clean
• I like the hobo style
• There is one strap that can be adjusted to fit messenger style or over-the-shoulder, so I won't be fussing with keeping two straps on my shoulder
• It includes built-in stroller straps
• It is within the price range that I was looking for
• Includes changing pad

I'm excited about it, and I just hope I can get my hands on one. It's supposedly on backorder until the end of August, and I don't know if I can go one whole month without it. We shall see...