Belly Photos

My sister was kind enough to put up with me and take some maternity pictures for me.

I'm really happy with how they turned out.

Bed Rest

Sorry this blog has been some sort of boring lately.

I have been on modified bed rest, which means I can't do much of anything.

My walking has been restricted as well as much of my daily life. I'm supposed to be lazy, which was my doctors word. Now, I'll admit that there are times where I would love to be lazy, but with that nesting instinct burning inside, lazy is exactly what I DON'T want to be.

The past two and a half weeks have been torturous for me. All I want to do is take care of my kids, but when there are times I can't even take care of myself, I know that they are in better hands with their grandparents.

How am I going to thank my parents and in-laws for the weeks of care they have given to my kids? How do I thank my grandparents for spending 3 nights in a row in the hospital with me? How do I thank Erik for giving up his time with our family so we will have a better life later? How do I thank my siblings for being "on call"? How do I thank everyone who has helped and even just offered to help? How do I thank everyone for all the prayers offered in mine and the baby's behalf?

I don't know if I'll ever find a way to properly thank everyone, but please know that I am truly humbled and EXTREMELY grateful!!

I'm hoping that as I visit the Dr. this week I'll be off bed rest. I know that if my contractions that I've been feeling for the last 2 and a half weeks ever decide to really turn into labor, my doctor won't try to stop the labor, but my body has to do the work. No induction.

I'm hoping I can get used to taking care of my kids again before this baby comes. I had both kids with help today and I'm exhausted!! I'm scared to just jump into being a mom of 3. I need a transition first.

I'm also hoping that this baby comes Tuesday. Tuesday would be perfect. Erik would be able to come out and spend almost a week ( maybe two, depending on what the university says) with only missing one or two days of classes for the two weeks.

I have my hopes, but I know that I'm not on my own time schedule. I am at peace with whatever happens. I know that things will work out in the end, and that I may be frazzled for the first little bit. But I trust my Heavenly Father. I know he knows what I need and what my family needs better than I do. Only He can truly give me the "perfect timing."

What would a post be without pictures? These are some of my favorites of the kids that haven't made it to the blog yet!

It's amazing how she's mine, yet looks nothing like me!

Haircut!

After making myself a promise to get better with this blog,

I've failed.

I'm not going to try to make excuses. It's just been a rough couple of weeks.

Mckinley was starting to look like a little ragamuffin because she's never had a haircut.

Friday was her day.

Here is the before. (notice the hair over the eyes, poor girl couldn't see.)

During. . . (She hated her hands covered by the cape)

After. Such a cutie!! Now she gets to see the world.

Back.

Christmas 2010

Here are the kids in there Christmas Jammies on Christmas Eve.

The next morning started really early! We were up at 6:30 so we could get to every stop on our list. It was a LONG day!

Hunter asked Santa for some skis . He was so excited to see them that he hugged them!

Mckinley wasn't sure what she wanted, but Santa spoiled her and brought a lot of toys!

Daddy got Hunter a racquetball racket. . .

and Mckinley a baby princess.

I made the kids blankets, but obviously they were not the favorite gifts.

(but they use them daily now!)

Hunter was so proud of his note that he wrote to Santa this year.

(all geared up)

We visited 5 houses on Christmas Day and were spoiled rotten by our families.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

We don't know what we'd do without you guys!

Here are the Smith cousins in their PJ's.

Next year there will be at least 2 more added to the group.

We're so excited!

Whoville

For our ward Christmas party we had a whoville theme. The activities committee dressed up as best as we could. This is what our family came up with.

Merry Christmas.

Temple Square

This year we took Hunter on a "trip" to Temple Square to look at the lights.

Mckinley got a babysitter to herself and was completely thrilled about it.

Hunter was under the weather and fell asleep as we were eating dinner, but he was a trooper and walked around looking at all the lights.

(the next day the vomiting and fever started)

It was a nice evening and not too cold. (I'm just glad I was able to squeeze my growing belly into my winter coat!)

4 Years Old!!

Happy Birthday, my not so little boy.

You are 43.5 inches tall, and 46 pounds.

Average for a 5.5 year old.

My best friend.

My biggest helper.

I'd be lost without you!

I love you!!