IT'S A MARSHMALLOW WORLD

The kitchen is cleaned, the floor swept and mopped. Brian is out in the garage trying to assemble and then attempt to install a garage door opener, Addison is playing on the laundry basket, telling me she's got muscles in her stomach that make her strong and strong bones. She's also doing LEG UPS. I think she means sit ups. Liam is lying on the couch next to me screaming, and I am blogging, listening to Christmas music, and thinking about how much I love my family and this time of year.

On Saturday I took some quick pictures for Angie's family to send out Christmas cards. It really was quick, like less than an hour, and thank goodness because it was freaking cold.

It's always a hoot taking their pictures-I have the funniest nephews around. Bryant is a mini Angie, he'll do anything for a chuckle. Gots to love him!

Sissy Lindsey just posted about her favorite Christmas memories, which was a blog of mine in the making, she just beat me to it.

So here are my favorite Christmas memories, in no particular order:

-1995. I was a sophomore and Ginger was a senior at Olympus. Our loving, trusting, very naive mother let us drive her car, the beloved Silver Bullet, God rest it's soul, after school to our jobs or hanging out with friends, and sometimes, to school. It was the night of our choir Christmas concert. Ginger and I drove the silver bullet up to the school for the performance, mom and dad took the van. Mom had been Christmas shopping all month long and just keeping all of the purchases in the trunk of the car. "DON'T open the trunk!" Rrrrriiiggghhhht, do you know who you're talking to? After we sang Ginger and I popped that puppy open and dug through all our presents. It was then I got one of my BEST presents ever! Doc Marten greased black boots. I was in heaven. Mom stopped shopping at Kmart & shopko that year as well, and we found all our Old Navy clothes, which we thought she was the coolest mom ever.

-I don't know the year, but it had to be around 1990 maybe? Sisters, help me out. Grandma Hansen always mailed our presents early since she lived in Logan and we didn't see her til the day after Christmas. Mom was against putting presents under the tree unless they were from people outside our immediate family. So Grandma's presents always went under the tree and they sat there, for several weeks, taunting us. Our cousin Krista, also from the Hansen side of our family, was over, and she taught Ginger and I an art that would come in handy for many years to come; opening the presents with such precision, and carefulness, as to not rip the paper, peeking at what you got, and then re-wrapping them and no one would ever be the wiser. It was this year that we found out Grandma had bought us a Nintendo and slipper socks. Grandma, why even bother with the slipper socks, the Nintendo is good enough.

-1992. I was twelve. Angie had been dating Boyd. We knew they might get married, and Boyd popped the question on Christmas eve while they were at his family's christmas dinner. They drove up to my Aunt Diane's house up little cottonwood canyon where we were partying to tell us the good news. When they walked in they were hand in hand and Angie had her other hand behind her back. They said they had an announcement and I just started bawling. And they weren't tears of joy. I was really mad and really sad that I was going to be losing my sister. Little did I know I was going to get the best brother and the best nephews.

-1992. Same christmas as above. Mom and Dad knew in advance Boyd was going to ask Angie to marry him and a wedding would be coming up. Christmas day we all take turns opening presents. We start with 1 kid and then go either up or down in birth order, each person opening 1 present at a time. Mom and Dad always open their presents after we're all through with ours. Our presents are all piled under the tree, so usually the youngest would search through the pile (it was huge-there was 7 of us kids), find presents with your name on it and pass them out. Oh, don't worry, my mom decides she wanted to be funny and pull a prank on us. Don't ask me why. She came up with a system in her head of switching tags on presents. So, for instance, if the tag said to Angie, it was really to Laurel. If it said to Laurel, it was really for Natalie. She tried keeping it straight, she thought she'd written down her "system," but failed miserably. So that Christmas I opened up pots and pans meant for Angie. Angie opened up a Karaoke machine meant for me. Ginger opened up little boys under pants. She was roaring with laughter-we didn't think it was funny. I remember near crying when I opened up pots, thinking, "What the hell is this?" Ok, I didn't think that back then, I was only 12, but really. It would have worked once we got into it, we would have figured out the system, but mom got confused at some point wrapping all those gifts. So when we opened a crappy gift, Mom would have to say, "Now wait a minute, wait a minute, that was for Natalie."

Lindsey pointed out that since mom got confused, she ended up not buying enough gifts for Ginger and took her shopping the next day to make up for her crappy Christmas.

*Really, it wasn't crappy. Obviously, because I wouldn't be writing it as being one of my favorite Christmases. It just shows how funny my mom is.

-1996. Mom wised up and stopped keeping all our presents in the trunk of the car, and hid them in her closet under a blanket. Really? Really? When my kids are old enough to be little you-know-whats, I'm going to put the presents under lock and key. So Mom was at work, I got home from school early, went into her room and pillaged all of the presents, which included me trying on all the clothes she bought me.

Wasn't I the biggest brat? It makes her sad to hear that we peeked at all our presents. I don't know why. I would just be angry at my bratty kids, not sad. They were still surprises to me, just a little early.

This Christmas I think will be another Christmas I will always remember. Not only because it's another Christmas with a new baby, Liam's 1st Christmas, but we may be having a funeral for my Grandma Savage. In a way I don't want her to die. But like my Dad said yesterday, "If we knew what was on the other side for us, we'd all be killing ourselves to get there." I really think that's why we don't know what it's like. So many people are afraid to die and don't want their loved ones to die. But it's a relief for the soul. "what a wonderful thing is death, really, when all is said and done. It is a majestic, quiet passing, from this life, to another life, a better life. We go to a place where we will not suffer as we have suffered here, but where we will continue to grow, accumulating knowledge and developing and being useful under the plan of the Almighty made possible through the atonement of the Son of God." Apparently I shared this with my mom. But I have no recollection of it. It's nice. I don't know who said it. But I like it.

So there are a few of my favorite Christmases.

NOW EXCEPTING YOUR LETTER OF RESIGNATION

I have a problem with misspelled, misused words and grammar errors. It's fine if it's me, because heaven knows this blog is full of them, but I'm not a professional blogger and getting paid to do so. I do have a problem when companies make mistakes and pulish it for all to see.
Like the local Holiday Oil on 5400 South and 5600 West. Mmmmm, I think I'd fire that employee. I ALMOST went in to the store to tell them the error of their ways, because that's just something I enjoy doing (like at the movies, I am the first to run out to the manager and tell them the sound isn't matching up with the actor's lips-must come from my days of working at Movies 10 in sugar house)-but I had the wee ones in the car with me. I didn't want to drag them into the convenience store or leave them in the car like and get arrested for child endangerment.

I then took the mini for a sudsy. Apparently someone didn't want their headphones OR their shorts.

I took Addie to the mall last week to get her picture with a cross eyed Santa. I considered scanning the photo and share with the rest of the world the goofy looking Santa, but it might be rude to make fun of the man who spreads joy to little girls and boys. For once, I am erring on the side of caution. I know-what's becoming of me? Anyway, they gave Addie free cotton candy. She was in heaven and I was covered in sticky pink stuff the rest of the afternoon; she kept rubbing up against me while we were shopping.

Side note: remember your stroller at the mall when you want to go shopping with a 5 week old and a 3 year old. Needless to say, I didn't do much shopping, my arm was about to fall off from the car seat.

DIRTY SOCKS PART DEUX

At least they're just dirty socks. So are you ready for it? I am a former, well, semi-former, bum pincher. Blame it on my Grandma Ginger, who would always do a little 'Burk, Burk!' on our hinies if ever we were in front of her. And from there, it was just a massive snow ball effect. Giant I'm telling you. Just ask anyone person from the Olympus High Student body from the years of 1995-1998 who got their cabooses goosed in a crowded hallway. Well, not any student body, just the male variety.

I love to pinch bums, especially to unassuming, unsuspecting people. It gets the greatest reaction and I get the biggest thrill as I try to act innocent and keep from busting out laughing or even just a smile from spreading across my face. The look on goosee's face really is the best present because really, what are you thinking? "Wow-that felt great!" "What the-" "Who?" "I knew someone liked my bum as much as I like it!" And also, the look of their eyes darted back and forth, to and fro, hither and thither, trying to figure out who just got a handful of their backside.

I got my 2 best girl friends in high school to get the same thrill out of goosing as I did. It was always fun riding in Heather's car if you were in the back seat. You could always goose through the driver's (or passenger's for that matter) seat from the back. Just goose through the crack in the chair where the back of the seat and the seat of the seat meet. All time surprise for the driver! Just be careful not to goose when the driver is following closely behind someone on the road, because the reaction is the right foot hits the gas pedal just a little harder, accelerating the car just a tad.

I'm telling you, I goosed throughout my entire 3 years at Olympus, always with a vow to goose a teacher before I graduated. And goose a teacher I did-on graduation day! Not only was it just a teacher, it was my math teacher I'd had for the past 2 years. It was planned-not like I stalked him through HS and planned my attack with precision. We were lined up in the hall of the Huntsman center getting ready to march. We were packed in their like sardines! Lots of teachers were pushing through the seniors, trying to yell instructions, and there he was, my teacher, within pinching distance of my fingers. I just had to reach through the crowd a bit-and BAM! I did it! He looked all around and couldn't figure out what happened or who it was. Was it deliberate, and accident? He'll never know. But I did it, mission accomplished. I got terrible grades my senior year, failed a class, had to do extra credit just to barely graduate. But if nothing else, I pinched my teacher's bum-all was right with my high school career.

Come to think of it-I think I get where the FEELS-R-US man is coming from. Sorry, Nat, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

DIRTY LAUNDRY

So my little sister aired some of her dirty laundry, or her dirty little secrets on her blog and encouraged the rest of us to share theirs as well.

We all have our little things we do or watch or say that we don't want the general public knowing, and by general public, anyone outside of your home. So why would I be blogging about it? Because it's funny to share yours and in turn, your friends share theirs.

It it a common known fact around my close family and friends that I love trashy television. Namely, MTV trashy television shows. I have watched REAL WORLD, ROAD RULES, LAGUNA BEACH, NEWPORT HARBOR, THE CITY. I love DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, GRAY'S ANATOMY. At one point, it was a long list of DVR "Set to Record" programs on my television. And every night, after Addison would go to bed, my shows would begin. It was an addiction. And I would cycle through these addictions. In addition to my trashy tv, I also had/have other programs on there as well, including ER when it was on, SURVIVOR, UGLY BETTY; really, the list goes on and on.

Through the years my "cycling" of the addiction would be me deleting recording because the show didn't do anything for me, it was just a time waster, and really, the shows were just that, trashy. So I would delete them, only to cave several weeks later and maybe just record 1 show, or completely cave and re-set the series recording. Pathetic, I know. But I've gotten better lately. I have completely deleted all of my MTV recordings, and only now have DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (I blame my sister Natalie on this one), GRAY'S, SURVIVOR, UGLY BETTY and LAW & ORDER SPECIAL VICTIM'S UNIT. Since having the little Liam, I've also added OPRAH & ELLEN. That's just what I do when I am at home with the new babies. I watched these 2 programs when I was home with Addison as well, but I will delete the recordings as soon as I go back to work.

So, there is just one of my many dirty little secrets. Stay tuned for my next one, it was spurred on by my sister Natalie's recent post on her blog found here.

And I can't post without adding some pictures.

Thanksgiving at my parent's house last week. Nice and relaxing, only 2 of my siblings and their families. I heart everything about Thanksgiving because Thanksgiving dinner is my favorite kind of meal.

From Left to right, Bottom row: My stunning mother, Linda, my husband, Brian, Ryan Martineau (married to Lindsey).

Top Row: Camie Hansen (married to Ryan, my brother), Ethan, Ryan, Hannah, My Dad, Lynn, My Addison, Me & Liam, Ben, Lindsey & Ellie.

Camie is pregnant with her 3rd baby, a girl, due in March, and Lindsey is pregnant with her 3rd as well, due in February. We don't know the gender of her baby because they want to be surprised. They are lame. I tried convincing her to get the gender of the baby put in a envelope and for her to just let me see it, but she wouldn't do it. I HATE surprises!

Gobble Gobble

To gear up for Tukey Day, Addie and I did several crafts, including a pilgrim hat, her Indian Princess feather headdress, and a turkey hat.

While getting ready to go and decided on which hat she would choose, she also had a tough decision to make: what type of braids to wear with her hat? Indian Princess braids, a Princess Fiona Braid (from SHREK, it has to have TWO elastics, 1 at the top and 1 at the bottom), or another set of braids to go with her turkey hat.

Well, she opted for the turkey hat and as I was getting ready to braid her hair, she informed me, "Mom, you have to make turkey braids." Ok, turkey braids it is, which is identical to her Indian Princess braids, which happen to just be 2 braids.

With no nap she fell asleep on the drive home, with chocolate pie smeared across her face. That's my girl.

Can you tell they're siblings?

Above 2 photos are Liam at 3 weeks. The bottom 2 are Addison at 4 weeks. I can tell they're siblings from the nose down. Liam has different eyes and a bigger noggin I think. When I'm feeding him his bottle at night and then burping and rocking him, I sometimes am transported back 3 years and feel like it's Addison I'm doing those things with. What a weird feeling.

Beautiful Morning

We're finally getting to the point where the little Liam is awake more, so we get to enjoy snowy mornings in my bedroom, on the floor, just hanging out. I am anticipating the time when he becomes playful. Smiling, cooing, being able to track objects, etc. But I will be patient, I also enjoy this time right now too!

This video was shot at 10 a.m. Yes, Addie and I are still in our pajamas. BUT! I was in the midst of cleaning the bathrooms and doing laundry. I have an excuse. This is only the 3rd time in the last 3 weeks that I haven't immediatley gotten in the shower and ready for the day. Cut me some slack.

For Nat & Reese, since they won't get to meet the Liam for a while. Reese gets home on Dec 11th from the Army, and Nat-who knows when she'll get down from Oregon. Soon I hope. Love and miss you guys!!

"REMIND ME AGAIN AS TO WHY I AM TAKING HER?"

Brian asked me this question the morning of Disney Princesses on Ice. My response, "Because I bought the tickets a month ago, the show was for 2 days after my due date. I knew I'd be in no condition to take her myself." Really and truly, I was in condition to take her, but am glad I got out of it A) it's a princess show B) it snowed something terrible the entire time they left C) I got to stay home and cuddle with the 12 day old baby.

Ok, now I sound like a mean mom, that I didn't want to take her. Really, as I was getting her ready to go, I kind of had jealousy and wished I'd bought 3 tickets and had sent baby to Granny's house. She was so excited to go. But it was all that more special because she got some much needed attention from 1 of her parents, and it was a great Daddy-Daughter date. She couldn't have been happier to have her dad take her.

They sat on the 3rd row and I would have LOVED to see Ursula. The favorite part of the show for her was Tinker Bell, go figure. Brian loved the castle, go figure.

LEAF DUTY

Got home from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon, these pictures were taken on Saturday morning. This was the 3rd day of raking leaves from the time we came home from the hospital. We've got a giant willow tree, a smaller willow, and then the neighbors 2 Maple trees that drop leaves into our yard. It's a chore for some people around the house.

Fast forward to 1 week later. I got Brian out of bed and warned him, "The weather man was wearing his sexy, white blazer again last night. You'd better get out there and get the last of the leaves before the snow flies." And sure enough, 10 minutes before he was done the snow starting falling, and furiously. Just in time for Brian to take Addison down town on Trax to see Disney Princesses on Ice. More on that to come.

COME ON IN

This is Little Liam's room. The wall color looks off in these pictures. The color is more like a pumpkin puree. It's really delicious. Addie calls it "Pumpkin Spice."

Obviously, it's not done yet. I've got empty picture frames that will be filled with pictures of the little guy and his sister. And I've got some more craft ideas to do. Particularly a mobile that hangs from the ceiling to the right of his crib, something to keep his attention while being changed, since he loathes being nekked.

We ordered bi-fold closet doors but have yet to install them. Oh well. And of course curtains. I also have some type of Alphabet art I want to do on the wall, or a shelf with his WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE stuffed figures. We'll see if I get to any of this while being off from work. It's just too easy to snuggle with the kids all day than get any real work done.

Speaking of real work-I actually cooked dinner tonight! My mom brought me over about 4 meals that I just finished off last night. They were so good: cheesy broccoli soup, white chili, Chili Verde, breakfast casserole. Mmmm. Brian's mom brought dinner into us on Sunday and my lovely visiting teachers brought in dinner last night. It was all so delicious. I feel bad having people come in and feed us. It's just not in my nature to let people take care of me. I love to do it for others but I have a really hard time having people help me. I don't know why. It's not like it makes me feel like a weenie, I just feel uncomfortable. I even feel bad having my mom come over to help out. My little sis came over last Friday for a visit and she wanted me to lay down and she'd take over, but I just could not. I would not have been able to calm down and sleep. I think I must take after my Grandma Savage. If she knows people are coming over to help out or clean, she goes out of her way to clean first before they come over. And she stresses and worries herself. Yea, I definitely get that from her.

MY CUTE KIDS

Isn't it amazing what a little swaddle will do to an over-tired, wailing child? Magic I tell you.

While being on Maternity leave I get to pretend I'm a real mom and do crafts with this cute 3 year old all day. Really, we've already had 2 days of crafting and I'm already out of ideas. Yesterday we made pilgrim hats, today we made Indian Chief head dresses. Addison insisted on having all pink feathers. Initially I'd just cut out the feather shape for hers, but she saw my lines on the feathers I'd done and had to make her own. She also did the lines on the head band itself.

I think these are the cutest smiling pictures I've ever captured of her yet. Thanks to my sister for suggesting the camera with the smile recognition on it. It does wonders!!!

Oh yea, some were wondering: Baby Liam is officially Liam Scott King. 7 lbs 12 oz. 21.5 inches.

Little Leelers Is HERE!

Liam arrived safely and soundly. We checked into the hospital on Sunday night around seven, to start a drug called Citodel (I think). It prepares your girl parts and in the morning they were to start the Pitocin drip to induce labor so this child could be born. We did the exact same induction routine with Addison, exactly. After spending the night with the drug and starting the drip the next morning, we didn't have Addison until 5 pm that night. Our night spent taking the Citodel was miserable, neither Brian or I slept because the "beds" were so uncomfortable. So THIS time around, after I got checked in, the drug started and my Ambien kicking in, I sent Brian packing so he could rest up for a long day ahead of us.

Fast forward to 3:30 in the morning. My contractions started and BOY did they come on strong-I'm talking big peaks that barely dipped and were 2 minutes, sometimes less apart. I knew I would go through this for a long time, figured my nurse could see my contractions from the Nurse's station and she'd come in when it got serious. So I labored through this in silence (well, with some groans and gripping of the bed rails), but alone, for about 2 hours. Finally my nurse came in and said, "WHOAH! You've been having some contractions here. Let me call your doctor, I'm pretty sure she'll want to break your water in the morning (around 7 I was thinking). So she left, and I called Brian. I told him of the heavy and hard contractions and breaking my water and told him he'd better get here.

After I got off the phone with him the Nurse decided to check me for my progress. I was hopefully but knew I should expect that she'd probably say, "Well, you've got a while to go." Nope-I was at a 5. She asked, "Do you want your epidural?" I said, "Well, do you think I'm far enough along to get one? Will it be worth it now?" "Uh Laurel, have you seen these contractions? You're at a 5, let's get him in here." I'm getting a little anxious here. It's all happening so quickly! So I called my mama at 6, the anesthesiologist came in at 6:10, epidural was in by 6:20, Brian rolled in at 6:30. I'm starting to feel really good right now, BUT! I felt like my baby was trying to push it's way through. I tell the nurse, she checks me yet again, I'm fully dilated and he's right there. "Whatever you do, don't push. I'm calling the doctor." Seriously? I feel like a giant poo is sitting there, at the door, and I can't push? Oh boy! I call my mom-she thought I had hours to go, she was fussing around at home, prettying herself. So she dropped everything and sped to the hospital.

7:00 - Mom flied through the door. I'm sitting up in bed smiling, Brian's smiling, she starts crying. Did I miss it? NOPE! Just waiting for the doctor to come so I can push. She cries even more because she's so relieved she didn't miss it.

7:15 ish - Amazing Doctor Gemmell arrives. She suits up, legs go up, I give 3 sets of pushes and out comes my little boy.

What an amazing experience. The felt him as he started to come out, so kind of sat up so I could see him and emotions let loose. I bawled. It was the most spiritual and sacred experience-to be there when the most perfect and pure little spirit entered this world. To know and feel so blessed that Heavenly Father saw me fit to care for one of his precious children. This child, Liam. A moment I will never forget. The connection between heaven and earth was so pure in that moment he came into my life.

ISN'T HE LOVELY?

Two days before this little man entered out lives, Addison and I were talking about how beautiful she was. Conversation inevitably lead to her new brother that was going to be joining our family. I said, "Oh yes, and Baby Liam is going to be so beautiful too." Upon which she exclaimed, "Mom, he can't be beautiful, he's a BOY!" Apparently only boys can be handsome. BUT- I disagree, he is quite beautiful isn't he?

He reminds me so, so much of Addison, but on the other hand, he looks an awful like his Papa. Maybe it's the furrowed eyebrows that remind me of little Addie-or the fact that he's just the picture of perfection, much like his sister.

Speaking of sister, here is the Proudest Sis of all. The look on her face when she saw him for the first time was indescribable. I cried seeing her reaction to him. With all of the new hospital restrictions she had to wait to meet him until we came home. It was sad, but really, it was a beautiful atmosphere to have the new siblings meet for the first time in the comfort of our own home, just the 4 of us. A moment I don't think I'll ever forget.

And why didn't anyone tell me that after I had the baby I would come home to my child that is now roughly the size of a HORSE? How did she get so BIG in just 3 DAYS?! Everything about her is gigantic! Her eyes, her eyelashes, her feet, her hands, her legs-and she weighs a TON!

Unfortunately, when we brought our little jaundiced baby home, a cold came home with our Horse Child. So she's been quarantined. It's breaking my heart that we have to be separated until she gets well. Aside from crying the moment little Liam entered this world, I've only cried thinking about Addie and wanting to hold her and cuddle her. We don't want germs passing around the family and getting Little Man sick, so we can't get close.

RAPUNZEL, RAPUNZEL, GIVE ME YOUR CANDY

Nothing better than shoving candy corn into your mouth at lightning speed.

Addison with her cousin Azure, the Pirate Princess. "Princess" has to be added to the title of her costume, otherwise she wasn't buying in. She wanted to be Tinker Bell, but her mother had just 1 more year in her until she would also lose the battle of what her daughter would dress as for Halloween.

I'm glad their buckets were small-but maybe next year I'll go for smaller. She got so much candy and I've already got a monster on her hands. Last night before bed was a knock down, drag out battle of brushing teeth and putting jammies on. It ended in tears and her candy bucket in the garbage can (only to be retrieved later-it was for the dramatics-I was in a pinch). This morning she woke me up and the first thing she said was, "Mom, please can you get my candy out of the garbage and you can tell me "sorry."" Love it.

EVOLUTION OF A CANDY OBSESSED CHILD

2006 - Catepillar, 5 weeks old

2007 - Peacock, 13 months old

2008 - Elephant , 2 years old

2009 - Rapunzel, sans the braid at the moment, 3 years old.

I finally lost the fight and she was a "Princess" this year. It was worth it though.

BECAUSE I CAN

My little sister is 24 weeks pregnant. She posted the cutest picture of her belly on her blog. I am not a fan of the belly picture, or any picture of me in general. But really, Lindsey's was so cute. She took it because I guess her belly has become an oddity, since it's a heck of a lot bigger at this point than it had been with her 2 previous pregnancies. ANYWAY-she asked me to email her one because she hasn't seen me in a long time and she can't wait til Friday to it in person. Well Lindsey, too bad, you aren't getting one, but you will get this stunning 3/4 profile of me. Why would I post a picture that you can't see my adorable child's face? Because I am turned to the side, my neck is elongated (you don't get the fat face), and you can't see my planetoid stomach. That's why. AND it may have helped that I was sitting and my 6'2" tall drink of a man husband was taking the picture. No, no, you don't get the 38 week belly, but for your viewing pleasure you do get the twins upstairs.

If this isn't {PURE JOY}-then I really don't know what is. Sure, my kid gives the squinty face, chipmunk cheek smiles for me when I am trying to capture a decent picture to blow up and frame and hand out to adoring grandparents, but put her with her cousins and you get this PURE SMILE.

And this adorable face. From left: Ginny, Addie, Taylor & Reese (those are Ginger's kids).

We hit up Gardner Village with my sister before the weather went afoul, the witches flew away and this baby comes.

Addison was in heaven on the pony ride. His name was Prince. She was super shy and didn't want to get on. She had to have Brian go in and help her. On the 2nd to last trot around, she finally got a smile on her face and said, "Woo-hoo! Look at me Dad, I'm doin' it!"

And if this doesn't melt your heart, then you're a grinch. Don't mind the huge wad of gum this kid was chewing on like it was cud in EVERY picture. No wonder I couldn't get a good GLAMOUR shot of her.

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED-I'M YOURS

The 24 hour catch was a success. But don't ask me why they gave me 2 of these jugs-I didn't even fill mine up half way. When I dropped it off at the LDS Hospital's Lab, I saw some one else's "specimen" and their jug was FULL. DIS-GUSTING!

I haven't heard back from my doctor but I have an appointment on Wednesday. Here's to an induction!

I am home from work and not staying put like I should be. How can you when you've got a 3 year old that is constantly leaving piglet droppings in EVERY room? She follows me around and gets into mischief of one kind or another in every room. So around and around we go picking up her droppings, only to find more around the corner.

IF LOOKS COULD KILL

Oh man, how many times have I said this. Seriously, this girl can give the crustiest looks-always has been able to. She did NOT want me taking pictures of her. So what did I do? I just kept following her around, nagging her, bugging her, and snapping away. What a grouch. But I love her dirty looks. Eventually, I did get her to finally smile, after I told her to smile like a princess and then I showed her the end result.

This one was mid-scream. I love it. Like mother like daughter.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS?

If they're anything like mine, they'll include this funny looking bowl and jug. That's right-my doctor has me on a 24 hour Urine Catch program. Sick, I know. Ahhh, the joys of being pregnant.

Addie heard me telling my mom about it and as I unpacked my goods last night she said, "Mom, are these your pee things?" "Yup, they are." "Mom, you don't go pee in these, you put the pee pee in the potty." If it were only that simple my child.

I suffer from high blood pressure during my pregnancies, especially at the tail end, so I'm monitored for pre-eclampsia and hypertension. My BP has been really high the last several days so when I went in for my 37 week appt they brought out the big guns. It's a good thing work is off the calendar. Even if it wasn't I still wouldn't tote this into work. As a pregnant woman you're peeing ALL the time, especially if you consume the amount of water I do during my 8 hour stay at work. And to top it off, you have to keep it in a fridge or cooler. Can you just imagine seeing your poor co worker toting this around every hour? So gross. But also, I laugh at it. The lab technician who drew my blood and gave me my bag of goodies and I were laughing quite hard at my situation I am finding myself in today. It's gross, but it's also funny. Poor Brian had to wake up and go into the bathroom only to find these on the counter.

Better keep those Clorox wipes handy!

So hopefully things get moving along and my doctor will schedule an induction at my next appointment on Wednesday. And if she doesn't, then hopefully I know when I go into labor. That's my biggest fear-not knowing if I'm in labor. With Addison I was induced a week early, but had been having contractions and didn't know until I was hooked up to the monitor; I said, "OH, so THOSE are contractions...hmph!" I'm a little naive.

WILL IT ALWAYS BE THIS WAY

Nothing cuter in my world right now than Addison and her dad.

Here she is playing hide and go seek, counting to ten, or seventeen or eighteen. She gets to ten and then goes, "seventeen, eighteen, seventeen, eighteen...." And then she's off in search of her dad!

And then walking on their hands. Will his relationship with Addison always be this carefree and loving? Will he have the same loving relationship with our boy as he does with Addison, or will he have to be more "manly" with him? I hope not. I hope we love and hug the crap out of all our kids, and let them all play with dolls and dump trucks.