week 20

So not much has happened this week. Last Friday at my ultra sound the dr. said my placenta attached to the front of my uterus so I might not feel the baby's kicks as much as my others. So it sounds like the placenta is a cushion between the uterus and my abdomen. She was just warning me so I don't panic if I'm not feeling the baby kick. I do feel the baby kicking so that's good news. I'm trying to ween myself off the Zofran. I haven't had that pill for 2 days. Still feel a little sick, but I hope it wears off. Since there's not much to say I thought I'd list the benefits of being prego in Arizona as opposed to Alaska. I had Levi two weeks before I'm suppose to have this baby so it's the same time frame.

Benefits:
1. I don't have to worry about slipping on ICE--major plus.
2. I can wear skirts. Maxi skirts and dresses are this pregnancy's choice of clothing. I remember with Sydney it was those gaucho shorts. BARF.
3. I don't have to push shopping carts, practically creating a hernia, across slushy snow and gravel covered on the parking lots. The costco ones were the worst because I had a ton of weight from all the stuff and the kids in the cart.
4. I can wear flip flops.
5. I go on walks at night.
6. The hospital and dr. office is just a few minutes from my house and weather will not be a worry when driving to the hospital.

Oro Valley

As most people I have heard say this past weekend, I echo the same thing: I'm most grateful for my freedoms in this country and those who have and do serve for this great country. I know when something is deep down meaningful to me because I can not put into words my love, appreciation, and gratitude and this is one of those things.

This past weekend we stayed in Oro Valley. What you've never heard of it?! Neither had I but it's about 10 miles north of Tucson. Jeff's grandparents generously let us stay in their time share there. Now, most of our vacations seem to be very busy and exhausting and I expected the same this past weekend. However, it was very relaxing. We slept a lot, took family naps, and lounged around watching movies. Had we been home we never would have taken a nap on a Saturday, but when you're on vacation you can do whatever you want and not feel guilty because you don't have work that surrounding you. It was just what we needed apparently. We did manage to do a few cool things. We went on a hike, a hot air balloon glow festival, and went to Old Tucson Studios.

 Of course my kids have to rock climb and check everything out. Once the girls do it, then Levi thinks he can climb just as high.

 The 3 stooges--I mean the cutest kids around

 Found this cool hole in a dam for some photo ops. The temps were perfect for a hike mid 50's and sunny.

 Posers! It's our interpretation of posing like a cactus

See didn't I mention it was relaxing vacation? I even got some yoga time in.

That night we went to a hot air balloon glow festival. I had never been so close to a hot air balloon and I hope to one day post an actual riding of one, but we just looked. They didn't go in the air, just glow up at night. Now the temps were in the 40's so we were pretty cold towards the end. 

 Isn't so pretty. We stayed close by the balloons to get some warmth from the fire

 We drove to Tubac, AZ for this. It's on the way to Nogales, Mexico and for some reason on fwy 19 it changes to the metric system. Not sure why. So if you're ever on your way to Nogales just expect this.

They ran out of hot chocolate so we bought kettle corn to enjoy our time. We ended up trying to throw the popcorn in each other's mouths, mostly unsuccessful but lots of laughs.

Sydney woke up the next morning with a fever and had thrown up so she slept most of the morning. Once she had taken tylenol she was feeling like herself again so we thought we'd go to Old Tucson Studios. This was definitely our favorite.

 Yes, I think we'll keep these two cowgirls and their sidekick.

 America's Most Wanted.

 In this saloon we watched clips from all the John Wayne movies that were filmed here and some singers sang some of the most popular songs from these movies. Other movies that were shot here that people my age may have actually seen are Tombstone, Young Guns 2,  The 3 Amigos, and others.

 It was a cool place. We all loved seeing the old buildings and wagons and learning what schools and deputies/marshalls were like back then.

 The women of the time

 Yumminess!

 They also had some gun fight shows we watched. During the first one, Levi got all scared that they were going to shoot him. It was pretty cute and sad at the same time.

 Old buildings

Another great and short trip. I love exploring this country. As I've gotten older I appreciate and find interesting American history. I also enjoy the beauty of this land wether it's desert, frozen lakes, dust storms, or whatever. There is beauty all around us.

We're having a .....

 GIRL! They were so excited. I'm just not sure if it was because they realized it was a girl or the fun balloons coming out of the box. It was both!

 YAY for more pink in the house.

 We needed pictures with the box and balloons too! I have a wonderful hubby who goes along with some of the cheesy stuff I put him through

My real, live reaction: double chin, crows feet and all. (Remind me not to get a picture of me taken when I'm lying down). I'm so excited to finally know and even more excited to add another girl to our fam. Levi was right this whole time, even before we knew we were pregnant. Jeff really wanted and felt we would have a girl so he is happy too.

19 weeks

So today I am 19 weeks. I'm finally feeling like a human being and definitely looking pregnant so I should probably start journaling baby #4's journey. This is a good week to begin because I have finally felt the baby kick this week. It doesn't feel like a kick so much as just movement. They're small and cute. Give the little guy, or girl some more time and they will be kicks that even Jeff and I will be able to see. Nonetheless it's a good feeling and makes it all seem real and draws me closer to the baby now that I can feel him. Speaking of all the gender business, on Friday we have out what we're having. We're all so anxious around here as to what it is. Levi wants a girl, Jordyn wants a boy, and Sydney says we'll have whatever we're suppose to have (she's very wise). My gut is telling me girl, but I think a boy would be fun. I have a little cyber scavenger hunt idea to break the news to family and friends. I'm not craving anything. I never really have. I currently do Zumba twice a week, a yoga/pilates class, and a water resistance training class I do on a weekly basis. I bet I'm starting to look pretty funny and awkward at Zumba but I still go all out, not in a sexy club way like some girls do. I still take the anti nausea pills cuz if I don't my stomach still gets to feeling yucky, but I'm definitely done throwing up. Levi tells everyone, "mommy baby tummy." Jordyn kisses belly and Sydney is more curious about how big and heavy the baby is.

stuff

JORDYN
After 3 months of wart bandaids and cream, and a dose of liquid nitrogen from the doctor, her WART finally came off. That should save us from at least 10 minutes of whining per week.

Jeff: Did it hurt when your wart came off?
Jordyn: No. It didn't even tickle either.

Jordyn: My legs hurt
Jeff: Well now your back's gonna hurt cuz you just pulled landscaping duties-movie quote.

Jordyn: If we have a boy he'll be "Jeff." A girl, "Eleanor"

Jordyn says to Aunt Luisa after examining her chest, "I want boobs. BIG boobs."

LEVI
Had a bloody nose yesterday. He always wants to wrestle with anyone willing. Loves candy, legos, puzzles, drawing (even staying within the lines), counts to 10, and is very independent. Levi (and the girls) love taking family bike rides in the evening. It has been really nice since Levi has been riding a bike with training wheels, we can all go together and stay together. He's been doing this for several months so he hardly falls now. He's learned what it takes to go up and down driveways and curvy curbs w/o falling.  Levi has also learned how to drink from a water bottle without back-washing. That is definitely a life skill that everyone should know.

SYDNEY
She received Student of the Month. Her teacher said, "She is a respectful, attentive, and diligent student! Sydney treats others with kindness. She listens and follows directions quickly. Sydney always tries her best on assignments. Sydney is a joy to have in class and I am glad to have her in my class!"
Sydney was most excited to get a free coupon for ice cream, to be the line leader ALL day, and of course the recognition. Yesterday she started her homework in the car on our way home from school. She's always on the ball in the school department.
This week Sydney has caught the independent reading bug. She's already read 2 books this week. They are the Junie B. Jones books and although I don't particularly like those books, I'm just glad she finding joy in reading. We're working on finding a new series she will enjoy. I love this though because it means less fighting with her siblings. Win/Win!