I have been such a slacker at taking pics of this pregnancy. I should have been more on the ball, but I guess some are better than none, right? Here is me at 24 weeks...I can't believe there are only 16 weeks left til this little man makes his arrival!
December 19th is kind of a solemn day around our house. It's the anniversary of Justin's dad's death. He was killed in the Wilberg Mine fire. This year marked 25 years since it happened. They held a memorial for the 21 people that were killed down in Emery County, and we were able to go at the last minute. We drove up to the memorial that they have down there. It is a beautiful stone listing all the names of those lost that day. It sits at the bottom of the canyon where the mine is. You could just feel how sacred of a place it is. (I wasn't sure about taking pics there, so we didn't). Then they held a memorial service at the Emery County High School. They were going to have some of the national MSHA officers there to speak, but due to the bad snow storm back east they were unable to make it. They had a few other speakers there, one of the guys from back there made it in and spoke. He actually flew out and was in charge of watching the chemical levels inside the mine while the rescuers were in there trying to find them. It was neat to hear him recount those days and what everyone went through. Then they had a lighting ceremony. They had 21 mining hard hats lined up across the stage with everyone's name on it. They turned out all the lights and as they read the names of those lost they turned on their mine light. Afterward they gave the hats to the family members that were there. It was such a neat experience and I am so glad we were able to make it down for it. I really wish that I could have met Justin's dad, Vic. From what I hear from stories he was such an awesome guy and everyone seemed to really love him. In a way he is still around and defintiely not forgotten. We have decided to name this baby after Justin's dad, and I know that means a lot to Justin. Below are the pics of the hat that had Vic's name on it.
As you can see we had a great Christmas! Jaxon was spoiled for sure! The funny thing is he had asked Santa for a monster truck this year. Well, Santa brought the monster truck, but he hid it towards the back of the Christmas tree so when Jaxon came into the living room to see what Santa brought he was sure that Santa hadn't brought the monster truck. Then when he saw it, all was well.
It was also funny when he would open a gift, say how cool it was, yet when you asked him what it was he would tell you "I don't know." Too funny!
Justin and I decided that this year has definitely been the most fun with Jaxon. He seemed to really get the whole Santa thing and was really looking forward to Christmas Day. It's hard to believe that this was our last Christmas with just the 3 of us.
Merry Late Christmas Everyone!! We had such a great Christmas this year. It was a busy few days but we enjoyed every minute of it. It was full of eating, visiting family, eating some more and waiting for Santa to come! I will post pics and more details in a later post. Until then, I need some feedback. I am thinking of starting a chore chart for Jaxon and am curious as to your thoughts on it. Is he too young (he is 3) what kinds of things would you put on there (brush teeth, pick up toys), and so forth. Leave me a comment with any thoughts on this, if you have done it, know someone who has done it, anything. Thanks...can't wait to hear your awesome feedback!!
Can I just say that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year?! It has to be my favorite, despite the cold weather. I love the snow, the excitement, the decorations, the food, I love it all. I copied my friend Ashley's idea about posting favorite holiday traditions. Here are mine, in no particular order.
1. Driving through the Festival of Lights and around Salem Pond.
2. Opening pj's on Christmas Eve.
3. Eating all the yummy food and treats!
4. Watching Jaxon get just as excited about Santa coming as I do.
5. Watching the Christmas Story over and over and over with Justin.
6. Shopping for and wrapping gifts.
7. Putting up all the Christmas decor on Thanksgiving weekend.
8. Making sugar cookies with Jaxon.
9. Laying around in my pj's, eating and watching movies on Christmas Day.
10. Spending time with family.
I seriously feel like a little kid every year, and I love that Jaxon inherited that trait from me! On a side note, I have to tell you all something funny about that...so the other night when I was in the tub having contractions, I hear the sound of wrapping paper ripping. Yep, Jaxon had gotten under the tree, picked out a present and opened it. It was a 'Ants In The Pants' game and he had the game tore open ready to play. I couldn't be mad, it was too funny!!
Sorry, it's another prego comic. I think they are so funny cause they totally apply to pregnancy!! I can't believe that we are 22 weeks along today! It is finally starting to go by quickly, I am sure due to the holidays. We had a little scare the other night. I was out running errands and started having contractions. I called the OB floor and she told me to drink some water and take a warm bath then lay down. I did that and called her back cause they weren't stopping. They weren't regular or really painful, just enough to make me worry. When I called her back I also told her that he hadn't been moving much that day either. She had me continue laying down (which about killed me, I have the hardest time just sitting) and drink some juice and count his movements. Luckily he moved the 10 times like he was supposed to, making his last 3-4 movements in the last 5 minutes. Justin and I both agreed that he is definitely our kid, being a procrastinator already!!
I think I just need to remember that I am not super woman, at least not every day, and that I need to take things easy. It's a hard thing for me to do, but I know it is important. I think we have also settled on a name. We are leaning toward Anthony Jay. Anthony was Justin's dad's middle name (he has since passed away) and Jay is Justin's middle name. It is a very Italian name, but I love that it has meaning to it. It's so funny Justin and I picking names, we really have a hard time agreeing on one. Then when it comes down to it, we don't have 2 or 3 to choose from, it's 1 only and so it sticks. That's how it was with Jaxon, we really couldn't agree on anything else, so Jaxon it was.
Really fast I just want to mention how cute Jaxon is being lately about this baby. He loves looking at the ultrasound pics hanging on the fridge, touching my belly and talking about Baby Anthony. He is going to be such a great big brother!!
Nancy Marie Stone Lawrence James
1942 ~ 2009
Nancy Marie Stone Lawrence James, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2009 in Goshen, Utah. She was born on October 2, 1942 in Denver, Colorado to Dean Alma and Dona Marie Warner Stone.
She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, Goshen Sr. Citizen Center, Book Club, cooking, and canning. She loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren and found great joy in serving them. She's back with the love of her life, dancing the night away!
Nancy is survived by her five children, Morgan (Terri), Brenda (Mark), Joe (Rachel), Jennifer (Steven), Jacob (Trinity), 23 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Susan, Ann, and Dean. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Dean and Dona Stone, and her husband, Star James.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Walker Family Mortuary, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. Family and friends may call on Thursday evening, December 10, 2009 at the mortuary from 6:00-8:00 p.m. or on Friday morning from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
This was my Granny, my mom's mom. It was such a shock to receive this phone call Sunday night. In fact it still doesn't seem real that she is gone. I have so many great memories of spending time with her, and I am grateful for that time.
Another thing I am grateful for is I was the last one to see and talk to her. She stopped by my house after grocery shopping Friday afternoon and we chatted for a while and made plans to have lunch on Tuesday (yesterday).
The only thing I find comfort in right now is knowing that she is with her sweet hubby, Star, who passed away just over 2 years ago.
Apparently when eating E.L. Fudge cookies eating the whole cookie is optional, and eating only the frosting is acceptable!
Yep, totally decided we couldn't wait the three more weeks til Christmas and found out we are having a boy!! We are super excited!! Jaxon keeps carrying around the ultrasound pictures letting everyone know that it is his little brother. I am not as disappointed as I thought I would be. Not that it matters either way, as long as it is healthy, but I wouldn't have minded a little girl. I am excited though for Jaxon to have a little brother. Everything looks great on the ultrasound and all the right parts are there. He weighs just about 12 ozs. and I think is super adorable!! Finding out it is a boy makes me even more excited to meet him in late April!!
Our ultrasound is tomorrow and I can not wait!! I think it is just the fact of taking a peek in there and making sure everything is ok. We have decided to ask the ultrasound guy to write down what we are having, boy or girl wise, and put it in a sealed envelope. Then I am going to give my dad the sealed envelope along with a pair of blue slippers and pink slippers and he is going to wrap up the appropriate color and give it to us on Christmas morning. It's going to kill us to wait another three weeks to find out what we are having, but it will be a fun Christmas suprise!! Everyone keep your fingers crossed for a girl! I can't wait to let you all know the results!!
Lately I feel like I have so much on my mind and things I want to accomplish that it is making me crazy and throwing my anxiety into overdrive! Throughout the day I have these random thoughts of things I want to accomplish before the baby comes, things I want to do through the holiday season, making goals for 2010, and other everyday stuff. I know some of it can wait, I mean I still have 20 weeks left til the baby comes, but these are the things that weigh on my mind. I am a good list maker and I think that will help; I think I just need to find a balance for everything. Does anyone else do this or have any great ideas on dealing with it? I would love to hear your thoughts!!
This past month I have been reflecting on what I am truly thankful for this year. Not that it really changes from year to year, but I think as we experience different things, the perspective might change a bit. This holiday season is different from last year. Justin was out of work last year and I feel like it really was a wake up call to what I am truly thankful for and what REALLY matters most. I won't bore you with a super long post, I just feel like I need to get it out.
*First and foremost I am thankful for my family. My devoted husband who works so hard to support our family, my son who reminds me what life is really about, this unborn baby who reminds me how precious life is and what a joy it is to be a mother.
*I am thankful for my parents for giving me a different perspective on life and for my two sister in laws and their families for accepting me into their family and loving me as if I was one of their own.
*I am thankful for good friends, otherwise known sometimes as my therapists.
*I am thankful for good health.
*I am thankful for a roof over my head, food in my pantry, and a warm home at night.
*I am thankful to live in a free country where we can come and go and live life as we please.
I know it seems like a list of little, or common things, to be thankful for, but I think they are the things in life that get taken for granted and sometimes forgotten.
We had a great Thanksgiving this year. We spent it down in Price with Justin's two sisters and their families. There is 16 of us when we all get together so it was quite the houseful, but the weather was nice so all the kids got to play outside. Jaxon LOVES playing with his cousins, and kept asking all week when was it time to go down to play.
Then we decided to try a little Black Friday shopping. Neither Justin or I had been shopping on this crazy day, and thought maybe we should try it once. That was all it took for us to realize that we will never do that again!! Not only did we have to drag Jaxon out of bed to go with us (lack of babysitter) but I was literally getting pushed around at Target and of course they had already run out of what we wanted. We tried our hand at Toys R Us and had a little better luck, then on to Wal Mart. We got about half our shopping done, but decided that the getting up early and dealing with crowds was SO not worth it. Maybe when our kids are older and they want that hottest thing out there we MIGHT go, but even then...
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!!
I love tags! My good friend Misty tagged me, and I have to say I really had to think on these!!
Five North American Cities I Would Seriously Consider Living:
1. Price, Utah
2. Konnapolis, North Carolina (for Nascar reasons!!)
3. New York, New York
4. Savannah, Georgia
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Five Songs To Which I Know All The Words:
1. "Then" by Brad Paisley
2. "Welcome to the Future" by Brad Paisley
3. "Teardrops on my Guitar" by Taylor Swift
4. "Best Days" by Kellie Pickler
5. "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins
Five Foods I'd Wish To Have In Unlimited Quantities On A Deserted Island:
1. Smothered Burritos from Los Amigos
2. Chocolate
3. Pepsi
4. T-Bone Steak
5. Doritos
Five Chores I Should Be Doing Right Now Instead of Blogging:
1. Laundry
2. Bathrooms
3. Changing Bedding
4. Cleaning up the backyard
5. Organizing the closet under the stairs
Five Childhood Friends I Would Love To See Again:
1. Amy Haws (sorry Misty, I totally copied you!)
2. Aliece Buys
3. Celeste Moos
4. Catrina Stanton
5. Amy Waters
Five Friends To Tag:(play even if you didn't get tagged!)
1. Ashley
2. Alexis
3. Tammy
4. Kim
5. Katherine
FINALLY...we are back with the technological world!! The computer that we used to use died on us and so we went out and bought us a laptop computer. This is something we have been talking about doing for a while, and finally just did it (not that we didn't have a gentle shove from the other computer crapping out on us!!)
Anyway, I can't believe how disconnected I felt from everyone. No checking Facebook or blogs or being able to read my e-mails. I am SO glad to be back on!!
So Halloween has come and gone. We had fun and Jaxon made a haul as far as candy collecting goes. Needless to say Justin and I have enjoyed the fruits of Jaxon's labor, and am pretty sure I have been running on sugar for the last 2 weeks! Jaxon dressed up as a football player for Halloween this year. He looked pretty cute in his costume! Justin had to work the day of Halloween so I took Jaxon over to the Provo mall to Trick or Treat. I can not believe how many people were there right as it started!! We covered both levels of the mall and his candy bag was pretty full! This made it nice cause then we didn't have to go to so many houses out in the cold!(what can I say, I am a wuss when it comes to the cold!) When Justin got home we took him to my parents and grandmas house then met up with some friends. We ended the night with some yummy Los Amigos take out. I had been craving a smothered burrito all week, so this was a welcome treat!! (It amazes me what little things make a prego lady happy!!)
This last week has been eventful with truck issues. We found out that Justin's truck needs a new heater core...only $700.00 to replace! We found someone who will do it on the side for $200.00 plus the cost of parts...a much better deal! Then on Friday night Justin calls and tells me that his truck will not start. Yeah the battery is dead. So I drag Jaxon and myself out of bed to go get him and today we are headed out to buy a new battery. Can I just say that auto issues really irritate me!!
So thats the low down at our house...not much new and exciting. I am happy to report that I haven't had a migraine/headache for a while now (knock on wood). This pregnancy is so different from when I was pregnant with Jaxon. I hope that means it is a girl!! I see the doc again this Wednesday so that should be fun. I am hoping to schedule the ultrasound for the end of the month.
Right now I am giving any one who hosts a Scentsy open house or book party a warmer of their choice for FREE! Right now is a great time to host a party cause Christmas is around the corner and people are starting their Christmas shopping. Scentsy also has a new Holiday insert/catalog that has all our new warmers/plug ins that are availabe for the holiday season, and let me just tell you they are SUPER cute. Let me know if you are interested!!
So I have to admit that I am a little vain and wanted our family Christmas card picture taken before I start showing more and my face gets fat. I know, I know, it's crazy, but I guess it's just me. Here is a preview of what my amazing friend did. Note: she had to deal with one ownry husband, one 3 year old who was more interested in the creatures around than photos, and one pregnant lady...this girl should win an award!!
In case you all were wondering about our baby world, here is your update. I am almost 14 weeks along and feeling better physically but my headaches/migraines have started. I had them for a good 4-5 weeks when I was pregnant with Jaxon, but they didn't start until I was about 16 weeks, so they are kind of early. It really sucks cause they never fully go away. The pain dulls but never really leaves. I am hoping they only last 4-5 weeks again cause anything longer than that and I may hurt someone!!
I went to the doc last week and everything looks good so far. I got to hear the heartbeat, that is always the fun part of the visit. I was suprised at how relaxed my doctor was at this visit. He asked how I was feeling, told me everything looks/sounds good and sent me on my way. I guess he figures I know what I am doing this time around! The fun part of clothes not fitting has started as well, and I notice laying on my belly at night is a tad uncomfortable. I have felt a little something in my belly, not quite sure if it's the baby or not. I can't wait for when I can feel it move. That is probably my favorite part of being pregnant!
So there once was a point when we were worried about Jaxon not talking. We had him evaluated and everything checked out ok, he was just being stubborn and taking his own sweet time (he comes by this honestly!!) Lately he is such a jabber box and some of the things he says seriously crack me up! I have to laugh at some of his mis-pronounciations too. Here are a few that make me chuckle every time I hear them:
Megos = Legos
Magets = Magnets
Tumkin = Pumpkin
Macadonald = Old Macdonald
He also has started with the 'why' phase. You tell him something and he asks why, you explain it and he asks why again. Sometimes I could seriously pull my hair out giving him explanation after explanation. The best is my response 'because I said so'...if that doesn't make me sound like my mother!! I have to say though, I really am enjoying this age (3). He is becoming Mr. Indepedant which is fun to watch and he is so inquisitive about things. I love having this little man in my life, I don't know what I would do with out him!!
So the last 2 weeks I have not wanted to do one stinking thing...I think I am in a funk, but on my way out. I am hoping that the dishes get done today and that the laundry that has been folded and in the basket for the last week gets put away also. I don't know what is going on, I just don't feel like doing anything. I get like this every once in a while and then I start beating myself up over not having things done, and Justin has to remind me that I just need to take care of the important things(Jaxon and myself)and that the other things can wait. I am so glad that I married such a patient and understanding man. I don't hear one complaint about him having to go digging through the laundry basket for work clothes or having to ask if the dishes in the dishwasher are clean. He is so good to remind me to lay off myself and just relax. For some reason I feel like my house needs to be as clean as a show house sometimes. Probably cause that is the way my house was growing up. Dishes have to be done, nothing out of place, beds made, etc. I need to remember that I am only human, 11 weeks pregnant, and chasing/entertaining a 3 year old and that stuff doesn't always matter. Dr. Laura said it best one day, "as long as your house is clean enough that DCFS doesn't want to take your kids from you, thats all that matters, and that for the next 18 years your house is a toy box." She also said that "if people don't like the way your house looks then they don't need to come over." I really agree with what she said that day and have tried to remember these words when I start to get down on myself.
In other positive news Jaxon and I have both been to the dentist and are cavity free. We also went to his 3 year old well check and he is right on target and very healthy. I went in to the doc, filled out some OB paperwork and had blood drawn (yeah I am still bruised a week later) and a pregnancy test (which Justin asked me if it came back positive! lol). I go in for my first OB visit on October 14th. I am looking forward to it, mainly hoping to hear a heart beat, but could totally go with out the nasty exam part. I will be 13 weeks along by then, I can't believe that we are almost 1/3 of the way through!! I had a dream the other night that it was a girl...hope that is a good sign! I feel pretty good for the most part, not so tired anymore and not as queasy. I am happy to say though that I have only thrown up once. Knock on wood!
Speaking of throwing up, Jaxon has a touch of the flu today. So I guess we will stay in our jammies and watch movies all day. Poor kid, I hate when they are sick, they are so miserable and there isn't much you can do for them!
Anyway, that's about all that has been going on. Watch for more updates to come!!
Dierks Bently...that guy has a ton of energy!!
The infamous Brad Paisley...mmmmmmm.
The coolest picture we took! We loved the movies he showed on the big screen.
He and his band singing about water. They are amazing together!
I am pretty sure he was singing to me on this one...too bad he forgot to look at me!
Happy Birthday Jaxon!! We love you!!
Jaxon & Austin playing on the playground
This picture is kind of blurry, but this is the scooter that Jaxon 'found' at the playground. I am assuming some kid left it there after school, and so Jaxon took full advantage of it! P.S. The fireworks were lame this year, hence no pictures of them.
On Saturday they had the firemans open house. Jaxon has been really interested in fire trucks and the fire station lately, so this was right up his alley. 
Jaxon in front of the fireman's lockers
Seeing one of the older fire trucks
Sitting in the drivers seat of the ladder truck. Notice the grin...he thought he was pretty cool!
In front of another older fire truck
After the open house at the fire station we headed over to the carnival. We had lots of fun, and it was great cause there wasn't a ton of people there. Last year Jaxon was really only old enough to ride the merry go round, but this year he got to ride lots more...another reminder he is getting bigger.
Riding on a motorcycle
Driving a 4X4 truck
He really liked this one, the dragon went up and down
Jaxon & Dad on the merry go round
On Sunday we had his birthday party. My family came over in the afternoon for cake and ice cream, and then Justin's family came over later for a taco dinner, which I totally forgot to take pictures of. I like to think I have a good excuse for forgetting though!
His magna doodle from Grandma & Grandpa. I know it's hard to read, but his shirt says "I'm going to be a big brother." That's how we told everyone we were expecting.
Opening more presents. Notice the pile of wrapping paper...yeah he is a spoiled kid!
His Spider Man birthday cake, which by the way tasted really good. 
Monday was the big parade. It's not a great picture cause the sun was right in our eyes, but we had fun and Jaxon got a ton of candy.I am so excited that I finally get to post this on here and start telling people our exciting news...we are pregnant with baby #2!!!!! We are so excited to be having another baby!! We are due in late April (the online calender says the 24th.). This just happens to be 5 days after my birthday. Nothing like being 9 months pregnant on your 27th birthday right?! Who cares though, we have waited a long time for this to finally happen and are so happy that it has finally happened!! I have felt pretty good (even better now that we can tell people!), just a tad nauseous and tired. Anyway, I will post more later on how we told family and all that jazz, for now just keep your fingers crossed for a girl!!
My entertainment center
My kitchen table
Never mind the fact that Jaxon is swimming naked, the poor dog hates the water and I don't think is a very good swimmer. Thank goodness there wasn't a ton of water in the pool.
This is Harley's look of 'I am so going to kill you kid' or 'Get me the @#$! out of here!' I am seriously suprised that Harley didn't bite Jaxon...these two are not the best of friends.
After Mom rescued Harley...I think he was running for cover!
Harley eyeing the bowl of ice cream.
At last Dad decided to give in and share his ice cream. Harley was so excited!! It was so stinkin funny, maybe you had to be there. I really think that Harley thinks that he is a human, I just don't have the heart to break it to him that he is a dog. These two are quite the ice cream loving pair! 
