And We're Back

Well, apparently we took a summer hiatus from blogging (not necessarily intentional, we just got busy).  July was a special month.  Abigail was able to spend time with all of her grandparents and great-grandparents.  We saw Great-Gram Furse on the 4th of July. The next weekend we had a family reunion--the annual Saxey family Ice Cream party--with Great Grandma and Grandpa Lord and Grandpa Kenny and Grandma Kim.  Later in the month we went to Star Valley, WY for Oma and Opa's 60th Wedding Anniversary celebration.

The last weekend in July/first weekend in August, we went to Ramah, NM for a Johnston/Galligar family reunion. Abigail loved playing at the pavilion/campsite and being in the great outdoors.

August we had a few medical adventures.  Abigail had to have some cavities filled, so at this age she had to be sedated.  We were able to have it done at Primary Children's.  She actually did really well.  The hardest parts were when Steve and I had to leave her after she was sedated (yeah, we both cried), and when she was coming out of the anesthesia.

Later that month, while at a family gathering, Steve fell through a glass top coffee table and had to get stitches. It was a little scary having to take him to the ER and having to wait forever, but we were very grateful that he wasn't more seriously hurt and that no one else was injured.

At the end of August, Abigail was playing at a local park and broke out in hives.  It started on her face, but by the time we got home and gave her Benadryl, it was all over her body.  Needless to say I freaked out and called the doctor to go in for an appointment. By the time we got to the doctor her hives were cleared up, but we got some good information about hives and what to watch for. She had break outs a few more times that week, but now she is doing good.

We had some other fun things happen in August as well.  My sister Jenni's family came to visit from Colorado. We were able to go hiking around Silver Lake and have some family dinners.

We were also able to attend the Ogden Temple Open House.  Abigail enjoyed going in the temple.  She spent most of the tour feeling each of the floors in the various rooms.  At the end of the tour she got to hug Jesus in the reception area :)

As far as other news, we were able to get our grass in with a lot of help from family and neighbors.  Steve had to do most of the work since I am pregnant. He's been such a trooper. After getting our grass in, he painted our deck, fertilized the lawn twice, and has been helping with the house too.

We were able to paint furniture for Abigail's new room and she officially slept in her new bed last night.  She chose a ladybug comforter for her bedding, so that is the theme of the room.  I was able to modify some drapes and make handles for her new dresser using beads.  It fun to be able to be a little creative.

And lastly, the pregnancy is going well.  We are so excited (and a bit nervous) to welcome Bethany in the next 2-3 weeks.  She is a mover, which is fun to feel and watch.  I have been a bit more uncomfortable this time around, perhaps because of this being the second pregnancy, or I'm getting older, or I am trying to keep up with Abigail.  Overall, I try to remain ever grateful that we are able to have kids and that Bethany appears to be healthy and growing well.  Here are a few pregnancy pics from various weeks.

Well, ta-ta for now. I assume our next post will be about the birth of our sweet Bethany, so lots to look forward to.

A Day in the Life of a Two Year Old

Well, believe it or not, our little Abigail turned 2 a couple weeks ago.  We had a fun week of celebration, though it was slightly hampered by Abigail having a stomach bug.  During her birthday week, mommy and Abigail went to the Aquarium with some friends.  Abigail loved seeing all the different fishies.

For her gift, we got her a mini trampoline.  She has been loving to jump, walk around in circles, play Ring around the Rosies, and sit to watch movies.

Daddy took her birthday off from work, so we were able to go to the Thanksgiving Point Farm to celebrate.  Abigail loved all the animals, the wagon ride, and especially riding the pony (she rode twice).  During the pony ride, she would say, "Hi horsey," neigh, and pet the pony.

The next day we had her party.  Mommy was a little frazzled trying to greet people, help Abigail open presents, and do cake.  And Daddy was exhausted from being in Abigail's room since 3 AM helping her sleep and getting everything set up for the party.  But all in all, the party turned out well.  It was a Zoo themed party that we held at the neighborhood park.  For decorations we had some of Abigail's stuffed animals in cages with corresponding snacks.  There was Elephant Snacks (peanuts), Tortoise Food (Swedish Fish), Hare Treats (Cadbury Mini Eggs), and Monkey Chow (dehydrated bananas). We had a young man from our ward doing balloon animals.  I made a zebra cake and giraffe cupcakes (very amateur looking, but still was fun).  So many family and friends were able to come and it was so great to see them.  We are so grateful for all the fun gifts and time spent with us.

Since her birthday, we have had some fun water play dates.  Abigail is becoming more brave when it comes to getting in the water and splashing around.

We also had a fun 4th of July celebration at Great-Grams (Alison's Grandma Furse).  We went to the local fair, where Abigail met one of her favorite Disney Princesses: Ana of Arendale.  We played at Grams and Abigail even got to stay up and watch fireworks.  While watching she would go over to Grams and ask to sit with her, which was so sweet to see.  She also clapped and said "yay!"  When the fireworks were finished she said, "Again!"  All in all it has been a busy, but fun month.

The Circle of Life

A few weeks ago we had our 20 week ultrasound for baby number 2.  The ultrasound technician took her sweet time looking at all the organs and so forth before revealing the baby's gender.  Everything looked like it was developing well and baby had a strong heartbeat. It was such a miracle to see that little heart fluttering away.  Our little one was very active--moving around, waving, and making it a bit challenging to capture all that needed to be seen.  But in the end, we were able to find out...

It's a girl!!!  Here's how we announced it via picture:

We are each holding up the type of chromosome that we gave to baby #2 (i.e. XX=girl).  I was a bit surprised to learn that we were expecting another girl because I kept getting boy vibes.  But, we are so excited to be having another girl.  We love the idea of Abigail having a sister and hope they will be the best of friends, roommates, and sisters.  It's also nice to already have all the girly basics, because we totally went all girl when buying for Abigail.  We have decided on a name for baby also.  We will be naming her Bethany.  We are still deciding on a middle name, but some of the top contenders are Kae (to rhyme with Abigail's middle name of Mae, and also as a tribute to our 3 wonderful mothers: Shirley Kay, Kathy, and Kim), Kate, or Rose.

The same day we had our ultrasound, we also received the news that our dear Great-Grandma Luella (Steve's great grandma) had finally passed away.  She was 97 and had lived a long and happy life.  The past few years have been a struggle for her as she has suffered with Alzheimer's. Of course it was sad to hear the news that she had died, but we were mostly happy for the reunion she was having with her loved ones that had already passed years ago.  Thankfully we were able to travel down to Ramah, NM for her funeral.  It was a beautiful weekend spent with family as we remembered her life.  Many of Grandma Luella's descendants were able to come.  It was also Abigail's first trip to the little town of Ramah, where Steve spent many childhood summers.  It is a special place to our family, especially to him.  Here are some pictures of the weekend:

Laughing in the car

Sleeping in the car

Fun with cousins in Grandpa and Grandma's trailer

Some of the boys (L to R: TJ, Steve, Nick)

Abigail playing at Papa and Grams

Our family in front of Papa and Grams house with the beautiful blue sky

And for those of you who want to see, here are is the weekly progression of my belly (minus week 20, when we were too busy/forgot):

 
  

Is it just me, or did my belly totally pop out at 23 weeks!