kindergarten, new bed, and allergies

Friday I took Kyla to story time for all the new kindergarteners coming in the fall. Kyla hasn't been excited about kindergarten so I think this was really good for her. She really enjoyed it. They also went on a tour and got to play on the playground. She still has an IEP and will get a little help throughout the week on her goals. I think the public schools do an awesome job!! It looks like Kyla is ready for kindergarten and has exceptional math skills.

When we got married, we had no money. But we did buy brand new mattresses, advice we got from Jonas' mom. But we have never had a bed frame. We always just had our mattresses on the floor or on cinder blocks. We always had other things to spend our money on. For our 8th anniversary we decided it was high time we had a bed! We already had it picked out so we went to IKEA on Saturday. I would have loved to get the matching bedside tables but maybe in another 8 years. JK. :)

We love it! It feels so great to have an actual bed!

Monday I got a skin test from the allergist. She tested me on all the nuts, fruits and vegetables. I got positive for almond, sunflower seed, corn, cantaloupe, orange, and raspberry. The night I had the horrible reaction, there was almonds and craisins in the salad. Dr thinks that the combo of those 2 are what set me over the edge. She didn't have a skin test for cranberry but since it's in the raspberry family, I am probably allergic. I am also getting a blood test to see what matches up. Dr also said that if I have another reaction, it will probably be worse so she wants me to have epinephrine. And since that is not so great for baby, I am trying to be extra cautious while pregnant. I was a little surprised that peaches and apples didn't show up. So we are thinking it is more of what is sprayed on the fruit. So I need to make sure everything is clean and buy organic when I can. She said that the allergy has probably been there, but pregnancy has kind of set me off. So maybe I will only have to be really careful when I am pregnant. Who knows! But I definitely don't want to go into anaphylactic shock and have to use the epipen!

our baby

This morning I got to hear my baby's heartbeat again. :) And in 2 1/2 weeks I get the ultrasound where I get to find out boy/girl! Yay!!! I think we'll bring the kids to that appt. And also, I met my dr today and he seems really great. He is totally pro VBAC!!! Everything he said was exactly what I wanted to do. He even said we could use some pitocin if I needed it. I will schedule a c section at 41 weeks and hope I go on my own before that! Yahooo!!! The only thing is the hospital that he delivers at (as well as his entire team who is pro VBAC) is 1/2 hour away so here's to hoping I make it there!!! And let's just ignore the part where I hit my normal 9 month pregnancy weight today, UGH!!!

8 YEARS!!!

We had such a good anniversary date last night. We went to do sealings in the temple. We saw Bro. Whipple who sealed us and then we got to do sealings in room number 5, our room. I felt the spirit so strongly going back into that room with Jonas and doing sealings. May 10, 2003 was one of the best days of my life. The feelings in that room were so unbelievably strong. I loved it and couldn't have asked for a better wedding day. Marriage isn't perfect but I am so so so happy to be with Jonas. After we went to the temple we went to BJ's to eat dinner. We got the perfect booth and the food took forever so we had lots of time to talk and laugh and just be the 2 of us. It was really great. The food was AMAZING as well! It was seriously a perfect date.

fish, trains, and mother's day

Here are the cute kids and cute Jonas cleaning out the fish tank. The kids are doing awesome taking care of their pets!

Friday night some friends invited us to a community event. FREE train rides and bounce houses and snow cones and cotton candy and popcorn. And then we watched Tangled in the park. So fun!

The girls were so excited for mother's day. They have been making me pictures all week. I love the cute things they made me at school. Jaxon and Kyla made me a card with their picture on it. They both looked so happy in the pic and that made my heart happy! It's good to see them happy at school and know that they are ok when they are away from me. Friday morning I went to muffins with mom at Maelie's school and then we went to her classroom and made a placemat together. I love that girl and it was so good to spend some time alone with her. I love each of my kids so much and just want them to be healthy and happy and kind. I love being a mother (most of the time)... I also love this little one inside me. I got to hear her heartbeat on Thursday at Urgent Care, such an amazing sound. I went there to get checked out since I was still having chest pain from my scare on Monday. For now, I am staying away from apples, peaches, cranberries, and packaged fruits and veggies. I am also making sure my fruits and veggies are washed very well. I am trying to stay away from preservatives. The dr at Urgent Care was very helpful and I'm glad I went. My allergy test is next week. On Mother's Day, the kids and Jonas made me yummy french toast and gave me flowers, PB M&M's and cards. The girls were so cute, sending me on scavenger hunts, putting on parades and shows for me. and making lots of pictures. Maelie sang to me at church and I got more cards after church. We went over to my parents for dinner. I love my mom so much and am so grateful for her. She is such a kind, loving, and giving person, a great example for me to look up to. Happy Mother's Day!

WORST.DAY.EVER!!

Wow! I think I experienced Anaphylaxis last night! It was so scary. We didn't call 911 or anything but I was about to tell Jonas to. The next appt for an allergist isn't until May 16th. So I am scared to eat, not at all sure what I am allergic to. I am thinking now that I had a more minor version at Disneyland where my face was swollen up, my airway swollen, and really itchy! Well, last night was awful, I can't ever remember feeling that bad in my entire life. K, probably I have in labor or something, but it was horrible! My body got rid of all the food I just ate in all ways imaginable and that was just horrible. I remember thinking I am getting my tubes tied because this pregnancy is killing me. Well, then the itchiness set in, (and I realized then that I was having an allergic reaction and this wasn't morning sickness) horrible itchiness all over especially my hands and feet, I had a rash on my neck. And then my airway constricted and it was really hard to breathe, but I was still breathing. I jumped in the shower for only 2 seconds to try and relieve the itchiness but then I got really lightheaded and dizzy and I thought I was going to pass out. So got out of the shower, lost more food both ways. Jonas had me lie down because I was starting to freak out and he had me breathe in and out slowly, kinda felt like I was in labor, haha. I was soooo itchy! The best was to have Jonas put pressure on my legs and feet. Jaxon was still awake thru all of this, poor kid, looking at me with wide eyes. Anyway, I finally went to sleep and woke up without any itchiness, oh the relief! The only lingering symptom is my airway is still a little swollen. Anyway, I never ever ever want that to happen again! It was horrible. Last night for dinner I had craisin salad. Right now I am thinking it was the craisins. Several years ago, I peeled a whole box of peaches and had an allergic reaction so I have never peeled another peach. I get heartburn sometimes when I eat peaches and apples. In Disneyland I had the reaction after eating packaged apples from the kids meals. And once I ate a honeycrisp apple and had some horrible heart burn and swollen airway. So until my appt with an allergist, I am staying away from apples and probably most fruit and every ingredient in that salad last night, probably because I don't ever want to do that again!!!

And I am ok now. Just a little scared to eat!

more fish

We got fish because we thought we should start small with pets but I never realized how interesting they would be or how much I would care about them. Blacky the Black Molly fish has been being pretty mean to the 2 platy's so we asked Petsmart what we should do. They thought it might help to have a couple more Molly's in the tank. So we got a Silver Molly and a Spotted Molly. They are both bigger than the black Molly and pretty awesome looking. This pic is horrible but here are all 5 fish. Blacky is doing a little better but he is still kind of a meany!

Blacky is in the top right corner, Shiny (Silver Molly) is in the top left corner, that golden blur is nothing, then below that is Mickey, just to the right is Spotty (Spotted Molly) and just under that is Sunburst. Maelie has been the most worried because whenever Sunburst tries to eat, Blacky goes after her. Jonas thinks Blacky is either pregnant or its her time of the month. :)

Easter Saturday

On Saturday morning we heard Maelie and Kyla at 4:58 am, they had found their baskets!!! We sent them back to bed and told them atleast 2 more hours! When we finally let them go they were sooo excited! I love the pic of them running down the hall to find their baskets and eggs. Saturday afternoon we went over to my parents to dye eggs with cousins and have an egg hunt. They all had a blast. We then went to a nearby park and launched rockets! It was a fun day!

Easter Sunday

Isn't my mom amazing? She made these beautiful Easter dresses. Jaxon didn't want to be in the grandkid pic so Grandma had the awesome idea to let him drive the car in the pic. :)

I am thankful for my Savior this Easter Season. His atonement and resurrection was a miracle and because of Him we can be with our family forever. It was a wonderful Easter with much to be thankful for.

Kyla gave a talk today in primary and she did awesome!!! She only needed help a couple times. I love watching my kids doing anything!

fish, etc.

Not a very good pic, but introducing Kyla's fish Blacky (black molly), Maelie's fish Sunburst (Sunburst Platy) and Jaxon's fish Mickey (Golden Mickey Mouse Platy)... they were so excited! Monday night we had an FHE on the creation and loving and taking care of God's creations. Then Jonas brought out the fish tank, they had no idea! We got it ready for the fish and then Tuesday night Jonas brought home their fish. They have created pictures, songs, dances and parties for their fish. Maelie and Kyla have changed their fish names a few times... Repunzel and Eugene, Flower gleam and Glow and Kyla's other name has slipped my mind....

We got a kiddie pool and some water balloons!

We went to the park several times to enjoy the remaining of the good weather!

a very random post full of jumbled thoughts

Life has been pretty good to us. Jaxon is getting used to preschool and they say he is adjusting well, which I am a little surprised but glad he is doing good. I know he is ready to be seriously potty trained. He complains about his diaper alllll the time. But isn't too excited about going potty. He had his ENT check and still has his tubes in but does have an ear infection. And today he has a sore throat and runny nose so we kept him out of nursery. I went to Sunday School so I could be there for my calling and now Jonas is there for YM for his calling. I wasn't supposed to teach today but my usually very dependable partner wasn't there. I tried to split them in to other classes but they wanted to stay and have me wing it. It went pretty good and a couple of the kids were a big help. I think my calling is getting easier, I'll admit it. We had a good conference weekend last week. In between Saturday sessions, Jonas headed to Phx to get a couch off craiglist. He would have had enough time except for the hour worth of traffic he got stuck in and ended up missing most of the afternoon session. Our couch is very comfy tho and we love it. On Sunday in between sessions Maelie made a hat for each Disney Princess and the kids had fun wearing them. I'm not sure which one Kyla is but Jaxon is Repunzel and Maelie is Sleeping Beauty. I love conference weekend! I love going to church on my couch, hehe. But no really, it is great to get 8 hours of counsel in one weekend. It seemed to me to be a lot about preparedness, being grateful for trials that make us stronger, marriage and family, and temples.

I love this picture of Jaxon. Occasionally he is being a little more agreeable about getting his pic taken. We all miss Disneyland and can't wait to go back in like 10 years, haha. :)

Kyla being a cute little goofball. This girl has decided she doesn't want to go to dance class anymore. Actually I think the only thing she wants to do lately is occupational therapy with her favorite Miss Becky. She isn't too thrilled about preschool, or church, or speech, but I can usually convince her to go and she does have a good time. But dance... is another thing. I want to give my kids a variety of interests but Kyla says she just wants to stay home and play and I am thinking we will do just that next year, except for kindergarten and therapies of course. Maelie on the other hand loves dance!! She really enjoys it! We are trying to decide about next year. I want her to do soccer in the fall and baseball in the spring and she wants to too. But I do know that she loves dance. She is also still enjoying piano lessons. I can't believe she will be a 2nd grader in a couple months!!!

We joined the world of smart phones and we are pretty much addicted. I didn't have mine for 1/2 day this week and I almost died. hehe. I think the kids like our new phones too.

Yesterday was a fun cleaning day. Mopping is always the dreaded job between Jonas and I but the kids were fighting over the opportunity, too bad they don't know how to put their back into it. Someday... :)

Jaxon wearing a tie, it's a miracle! I think he looks sooo handsome!

Friday I went to a specialist and genetic counselor about my baby. I got to have an ultrasound and it was so great to see her/him. S/he was kicking up a storm, it was so cute! Then with the genetic counselor, I had to share my entire family history. And then he told me about how I could get tested to see if our baby had anything or to see if Jonas and I were carriers of anything. I have never been tested before and I still don't feel the need. There is definitely some history of some stuff in our family. Jonas and I have both felt for the past little while that a spirit was getting pretty impatient to join our family. We were struggling with if we were ready or not because sometime I don't feel like I have a very good handle on the kids we do have. But I kept feeling that prompting and we finally felt good about it that everything would be ok. Not always easy but ok. We are both so excited for this new baby coming in October. The counselor told me that most people get this test to find out if the baby is ok and if not to terminate the pregnancy. I feel that we are here to provide for whatever Heavenly Father wants to send our way. So here goes nothing! Oh, and the baby looks healthy. :) And tomorrow I get another ultrasound with my regular OB!

I got this off a friend's blog who has 2 kids with autism. This totally made me cry today...

The Very Special Gift
By S. Guevara

Once upon a time, three angels were busily working in the miracle factory. They were responsible for wrapping up all the little miracles and sending them on their way. Normally they wrapped each one in bright, sturdy paper with big, shiny ribbons. They stamped them with a delivery date and away they would go to the parents who eagerly awaited their arrival. Things usually ran pretty smoothly.

One day, however, down the conveyor belt came a little miracle that made the angels pause. "Oh my," said the first angel "this one's uhm...well...different." "Yes, she is unique" said the second angel. "Well I think she is quite special," said the first angel "but I don't think she will quite fit our standard wrapping procedures." And the second angel added, "And we know she's special, but will everyone else?" "Not a problem," said the third angel "obliviously a special miracle deserves extra special wrapping; and of course we'll send her off with our most heartfelt blessings. Then everyone will see how special she is." "What a wonderful idea!" replied the othims. So they searched the shelves high and low for their finest paper, and their most delicate ribbons.

When they were done, they stood back and admired their work. "Beautiful!" they all agreed. "Now for our blessings," said the third angel "for it is time for her to go." "I will bless her with innocence and happiness," said the first angel. "And I will bless her with strength to face the many challenges that lie ahead" said the second angel. "And I will bless her with an inner beauty that will shine on all who look upon her" said the third angel. Before sending her off the third angel, who was very wise, gently tucked a note inside.

And it said,

"Dear Parents:

Today you have received a very special gift. It may not be what you were expecting and you may be disappointed, angry and hurt. But please know that she comes with many blessings. And, while time may be pain, she will bring you much joy. She will take you on a very difficult journey but you will meet many wonderful people. She will teach you patience and understanding and make you reach deep inside yourselves to find a source of strength and faith you never knew you had. She will enrich your lives and will touch the hearts of all who meet her. She may be fragile but she has great inner strength.

So please handle her with care. Give her lots of attention and shower her with hugs and kisses. Love her with all your heart and she will blossom before your eyes. Her spirit will shine like the brightest star for all to see and you will know that you are truly blessed."

the BUS!

I'm kinda ridiculous! I cried on Wednesday, Jaxon's 1st day on the bus, because he was crying. And then I cried this morning when he got on the bus willingly and happily because it is so hard to let my kids go and see them grow up. It was also because I was so happy that he was happy and adjusting. I feel like he's grown up soooo much this week!

Jaxon's 1st day of preschool!!

Jaxon started preschool today! He didn't want to go and he wouldn't put his backpack on. It was so hard to take him out the door and put him in his carseat. He was crying and he wanted to go back inside. I was totally doubting myself, thinking maybe we should wait until next year! Maelie only had about 4 months of preschool and the only reasons Kyla and Jaxon are in preschool so young is because of their developmental delays. Jaxon is my baby and I don't feel like he's old enough to leave me! He is as much attached to me as I am to him! Anyway, Jonas said he sat with him at circle time for 5 minutes and then left him crying with one of the teachers. They said he got over it pretty quick and had a good day. They said he really liked playing with the trains, big surprise there. Kyla and I got there a little early to pick him up and we saw his class on the playground. He looked so little holding his teacher's hand and walking back into class. Right when we picked him up he wanted his blanket out of his backpack. And he was confused about why Dad wasn't picking him up since Dad dropped him off. Tomorrow we try the bus. So far he says "no" everytime I tell him he gets to ride the bus. Funny because I remember the first day Kyla got on the bus, Jaxon threw a fit because he wanted to get on too. Anyway, kids do grow up!!!