Welcome Spring!

Spring is officially here! We are not seeing the beautiful weather ole Roland Steadam predicted, but atleast it is not 20 degrees. Tuesday and Wednesday were actually beautiful! Ash and Tony got the dead grass all raked out, and Ash has beenn riding her bicycle, trying to master the art of turning. She had a run in with the camper, and crashed into one last snow bank. But the injuries were only emotional! We are getting so ready for baby brother. Tony got all of the baby gear out of storage, and I got everything washed up and disinfected. It all looks like new. We also got the cradle put together. Any day now! 37 weeks and counting. My luck, this baby will be late. After all of the worries of a preterm delivery and I will probably go over! Tomorrow is the baby shower. Thanks to my friend/visiting teacher, Jen. As always Tony is enjoying his job, running into some fun animal encounters. He now knows how to catch minks and peacocks, and has a good time razzing the neighbors about their barking dog. The kids in the neighborhood think that he is pretty neat. And what can I say, so do I! Some photos of Ashlie's tumbling finale! She did well, but I opted out of the spring session. Figured I would be plenty busy! Pretty soon we will bust out the stroller and get moving! Take care. Hope to have baby boy photos by the next post!

Funny faces! I just love those funny faces!

Ashlie is the queen of funny faces. She gets a real kick out of her own, and out of mine and Tony's. Maybe she'll teach baby brother how to make some seriously funny faces! The snow is melting and guess what? I just found a really cute stocking hat and new mittens for Ashlie that were bought at the end of winter last year on sale for her to use this winter! I guess the trait of buying, storing, and forgetting is genetic (Mother!!!). I just bought Ash some jeans and long johns for next winter/fall, so hopefully I don't forget about those! I must include an Ashlie quote in this blog post. We were laying on her bed reading the other day, and I was quite uncomfortable, which is pretty standard these days. She says: "Mom, you are getting really, really, really, really, huge. Almost like a giant!" Yes, she used four reallys. And just to throw this out there, who really cares what baseball players used performance enhancing drugs??? Aren't there better things that Congress has to worry about and spend time on, like health care??? An FBI investigation?? Give me a break!

Splish! Splash! I was takin' a bath...

Hailey and Ashlie had a fabulous time in their bubble bath when we went to Bountiful for a sleepover! To qoute Ashlie, "These bubbles are unbelievable!!!" Sierra sat on the sidelines to watch, and even Charlie got in on the action! Ashlie and I are fighting colds! Having a killer cough is no fun when you are big and pregnant, and your heavy uterus is putting much pressure on your bladder! I now know how it feels to have urinary incontinence! Bring on the Depends! I went to the doctor today. All is well. 33 weeks and counting! Tony and I are still debating betwenn Max or Andrew for this little guys name. They are very different, but we like them both. I am having a serious case of "nesting". Tony said that it is very annoying! What, he doesn't like my daily projects? Clean Ashlie's toys out, go through the kitchen cabinets and drawers, and today was moving the living room around. I would like to tackle the laundry room, but... that may have to wait for spring. Sarah is raising money for the March of Dimes, so go to her blog, click on her link for the March for Babies, and donate. Her goal is $200. So much of the research done by the March of Dimes is credit for our little man Rocco being able to survive such an early arrival into this world. So donate if you can. Hey if I can, anyone can. Good luck to Sarah!

Just sitting here watching 30 mph wind gusts blowing snow. I can't wait for this winter to end! It has been a good one, but you know what they say about too much of a good thing...! It was blue sky and 40 2 days ago. I was ready to bust out the lawn chair, although we are still no where close to seeing any grass in the yard. We went for a ride up Logan Canyon to enjoy the blue sky. Yesterday, Mom, Ashlie, and I went to Bountiful to see Cathy and the gang! Ashlie was so excited to play with the kids, and I really wanted to see that little Aspen. She is such a sweet heart. Ashlie and Hailey are quite the playmates, with little Sierra trying to stay caught up with them. Hunter minds his own business, with his "No girls allowed" sign on his bedroom door. It was a fun visit for everyone. Only 8 weeks to go until I am 40 weeks! It has gone by quickly, all things considered. But, this baby can come anywhere after 37 weeks and all should be well. So... I am betting on March 27. That would be perfect because it is Tony's long weekend at work that week and then he would not have to take any time off. I received 2 injections of betemethasone Sunday and Monday. It is the steroid that gives the baby's lungs a "jump start". Because of my history, Dr. Kirkman decided that I should get the injections as a precaution incase I were to deliver the baby early. I feel that I have done everything in my power to sustain this pregnancy and have a healthy baby, and it is out of my hands. Some new photos of Ashlie playing around, and one of my pregnant belly for all who are interested!

Happy Birthday Payton!

We had a peaceful day on Saturday, Jan. 26, remembering Payton. It would have been his first birthday. It was a beautiful, blue skyed, winter day. We shared some special conversation about Payton, the night that he was born, regrets and lost hopes and dreams. We realized how much that we have grown indidually, as a couple, and as a family over this last year. Heavenly Father knows what each of needs and can handle in this life, and I am thankful for the trials and struggles, the up and down emotions, and mostly for becoming a more patient, sweet, and kind mother to Ashlie Brooke. We went to the cemetery to leave a balloon, and Ashlie released a balloon up to Heaven for her baby brother. She is so sensitive and sweet. It suprises me how perceptive children are. Although she was so young when Payton was born, she still knows that we have a special baby brother in Heaven, and that Mom and Dad are still sad sometimes when we think about him. But she is excited for her new baby brother. I don't think that she realizes he won't be a very good playmate for quite a while. But a helper she will be! After spending a short time at the cemetery thinking about Payton, Tony took Aslhie sledding down the hill right below the cemetery. Ashlie had a great time! Tony did too. He decided that he needed to take a cruise down the hill, so he did a running start, plopped down on his belly, and away he went. He was going way too fast for me to get a photo! At the bottom of the hill was an embankment that would stop Ashlie, but Tony went flying right over it and slammed belly down on the sidewalk. Needless to say, it knocked the wind out of him as well as causing some other pains!!! It was really funny. So we came home and relaxed, taking calls and listening to messages from all of our caring family and friends. I am so thankful for brothers, sisters, and parents who care so much for us. I know that as the years go on the memories and feelings will not be as intense, but I do appreciate everyone's kindness on this first anniversary. At the hospital the nurses made these castings of Payton's feet and hands. One of his hands was totally making the I love you sign. Tony's Mom gave us this framed and matted photo of a little, chubby, child's hand making the I love you sign. It was very thoughtful, and is so special to us. I truly appreciate having her in my life. I best go and rescue Charlie from Ashlie. She is trying to clean the eye goobers off of his eyes. Earlier Tony helped her brush Charlie's teeth! What a lucky dog! We are heading to visit Grandma and Grandpa Wheeler in a few, and to have lunch at The Burg with Mom.

Brrrrr....

Here we sit, trying to keep warm and occupied as we look out at the 6 degree high. Ashlie is supposed to be grounded form TV for the morning, but we only made it until 11am. It is so hard to come up with continual projects when she can't go outside for even 3o minutes. We will survive. The end of this winter means the end of cold, boredome, and the arrival of a new baby boy for our family. I went to the doctor yesterday. All is going well. He was more interested in who cuts my hair so he could pass it on to his wife. I am now 29 weeks, only 11 weeks until the due date. But any time after 37 weeks would be fine. So I could only have as little as 8 more weeks. I am now starting to feel pregnant. The back ache, trouble getting comfy at night, Braxton Hicks contractions, and trouble tying my shoes. Tony is going to have to paint my toenails for me - SCARY! I am really ready for this baby. I keep thinking that there are so many things I should be buying and doing, but I learned with Ashlie that less is more for a newborn. I put away so many clothes of Ashlie's that still had tags on them. Ashlie started her tumbling class a few weeks ago and really likes it. She is one of the younger kids, but is doing good. It is good for her to interact with new kids, and to learn to take instruction from a teacher. Next fall we will look at dance, and maybe preschool. It is Hailey's birthday party this weekend. We are planning on going to Bountiful Saturday-Sunday to celebrate. Ashlie will have a great time with the kids. I can't believe Saturday, Jan. 26, would be Payton's one year birthday. The time has gone so fast, and has put so much in perspective. How I would be loving to plan a 1 year party for him... I think it will be a hard day, remembering how I felt a year ago when he made such a quick visit into our lives. But we will be busy with Hailey's party, so that should help focus on the positive. Tony really is enjoying his job with the police department. He is doing animal control, so he gets to scrape frozen cats off the road and tangle with stray dogs. You know what he says, the only good cats a dead cat! But he really does like what he is doing. He is so much calmer and not as snappy at home. It pays to have a job that you enjoy. We will try to stay warm!

Merry Christmas!

Indeed it was a Very, Merry, Christmas. Santa brought Ashlie many exciting things, from a Backyardigan's soundtrack to a new bed! She was quite taken aback Christmas morning when she walked into the living room and there was a new bed covered with presents waiting for her. Mom and Dad kept it low key, giving rather than getting. I actually can not say that we have not received this year. We are so blessed to be close to our families, to have such a sweet little girl as our daughter, to have Grandma Wheeler here after her close call at the beginning of the year, to have had our sweet little Payton LaNay with us for a brief time, and now to be getting so close to bringing a new baby into this world. Just under 3 months before Ashlie has to share her Mom and Dad. She is excited, and is going to be a real helper. It has been snowing a lot, which is just what we need. I love a snowy winter! Being cold with no snow is a real drag! This year is full of hope and promise for our family, and for our country. Tony is starting full time with Logan City Police Department on January 14, we will get a baby boy around Easter, and I can go back to being me, full of energy-running here and there-exercising-working part time at Filbie's for debt payoff money. What will this election bring??? I hope to see improved health care for our citizens, a solution to the war, and maybe some tax cuts for us poor folk (ha ha!). Happy New Year to all! And Happy Birthday to me!