My Mom is the BEST!!

I want to send a HUGE thank you to my mom!! She has so graciously put this week of her own life on hold to stay with us and help me to take it easy still and get used to having the 2 girls. She has gone above and beyond this week too. Mom has kept busy...she made Mike a blanket, sewed blackout panels for Payton, cooked us dinner, ran errands with us, and cooked us delicious dinners....just to name a few! It was so nice to have her here with us and I think that she is going to miss us when she is back home. Well miss Riley really since she helped her brush her teeth, take her pills, and remind her of everything while she was here. Oh and keep her busy. We love you mom...THANKS!!!!

Sisterly Love

I am sure that all of you are wondering how Riley is doing as a big sister and the answer is FABULOUS!!! She loves holding Payton and snuggling with her too. As soon as she gets up in the morning, she checks to see where she is and gives her a kiss. It is also too cute how Payton turns her head and "looks" at her big sister. I guess all those months of Riley talking to my belly got her used to her voice. It is so cute to see them interact and cannot wait for all the special moments they will share in life! (And I am sure that there will be may moments beween them that we wish wouldn't happen...I know....I have 2 big sisters!) Here are just a few pictures of them cuddling on the couch.

Touch a Truck

For the past 2 years, Riley and I have gone to Touch a Truck. This year, with the help of mom babysitting for Payton, we were able to do this again. It was our first outing just the two of us since Payton was born. I thought Riley would love it being just us two and never want to go home, but she actually did not last that long. Maybe because Lucas and Chrissy have gone with us the past 2 years and it was just us this year. We still had fun though. The only vehicle she really sat in and enjoyed was the school bus, but she did get a fresh baked cookie, some rolls, a balloon, and a tattoo. When she was really ready to call it quits, we headed home and stopped on the way for a lunch treat for her. I think she had fun and Payton slept the entire time we were gone pretty much....guess she did not miss her mommy.

Payton's Photo Shoot

Last week one night, I think maybe Wednesday, Payton had spit up all over her clothes. She was disgusting and taking a bath soon, so I just wrapped her up in a blanket with just her diaper on. She looked so cute and peaceful that I could not resist snapping a few pictures of her.

First Real Bath

Yesterday Payton's cord fell off, so she was able to take her first real bath:) She cried a little, but overall did not seem to mind it. Here are just a few pics from her tub time.

Meeting Friends

Payton has had a busy week/weekend meeting all of the people in her life that love her. Today was no exception when the Ensign's came to visit. Chrissy, Dave, Lucas, and Layla brought us lunch(and dinner..thanks!) and we had a great time visiting. Lucas and Riley played together...and also apart....having a blast and well the girls will play together one day soon. Chrissy is my "blogging buddy", so of course we couldnot resist taking some comparison photos of the kids. They will all have a blast growing up together!

Stay Tuned....

Over the next few days, I will probably be doing lots of updating. I don't want to be a pest, so bookmark the website and check back often:)

Our girls!

When Payton was born, we really thought she looked like her own little self and not like Riley (well besides the dark hair). After mom directed our attention to a certain photo of Riley, turns out we were wrong. They definitely are sisters! See for yourself... (the top is Riley and the bottom is Payton)

She's Here!!

Many of you already know this, but in case not.....Payton Shea was born on July 19th at 12:32 am. She weighed 7lbs. 6oz. and was 20 inches long. We came home yesterday, about 36 hours after her birth, and are all doing well and adjusting well too!

Since many of you may want to know the details, I will quickly give you the run down. My water broke at home about 5 pm and once Riley and Diesel were picked up by mom we headed to the hospital and got there about 6:45ish. When I arrived they checked me and I was barely a 1. They also said that my tests for amniotic fluid were inconclusive, so we walked the halls while we waited for the ultrasound. After my ultrasound, my levels were low so they decided to keep me and my doctor was going to come in and begin a procedure that would hopefully have me ready for pitocin the following day. The procedure was not working and the doc discovered why...I was already at a 4! (The procedure's goal was to get me to this point.) So she said I was well on my way and could get an epidural when ready. I labored for a bit longer through some strong contractions (nurse said I had been contracting like I was on pitocin since arriving) I said when and asked for the anesthesiologist to be paged. He arrived, not soon enough, and after receiving my epidural I was already at a 7. I got a little relief, although still felt some pain, but then I really started to be in pain again. At this point, I was an 8 1/2 and they felt that I was going too fast to have time for the doc to come back. The rest is a pretty painful blur but fortunately it moved along rather quickly (maybe 40 minutes or so) and she was here! She also gave daddy a scare when she was born. As the doc was shocked to find the cord pretty tightly around her neck and they were talking about her needing oxygen. Fortunately she pinked up rather quickly and did not have any other problems. (Total time from start to finish, about 7 1/2 hours. Not too bad for showing up barely at 1 cm....the same as the previous 2 doctor visits.)

Here are some pictures that Mike and I have taken since her birth. Dad took some awesome one's when they brought Riley to meet her and I will add those once I have them, plus so many more to come I am sure!

And for all of you wondering...Riley loves being a big sister and always wants to hold Payton! She is settling amazingly well into her new role:)

39 week Pics

Well I took this 39 week picture on Sunday just before heading to the grocery store. All morning we had been joking about what if my water broke at Walmart?! All just joking though...and Mike was coming with Riley and I this week. We got home from the store and put the groceries away and decided that I would finally install her seat. Not even an hour after I was done with all that, guess what? My water broke! It was a big surprise and then a rush of emotions and energy as I got everything ready. So here is me at 39 week....not many hours before the arrival of our new little princess!
(Final progression to be posted soon...website is being temperamental!)

39 Week Appointment

Today was a mixed feeling appointment. I gained only 1 pound this time and my blood pressure was still good. However, I have had zero change since my last appointment, which bummed me out. Doctor said that she is still high and seems to be in no hurry to come out. He also said that she would be bigger than Riley but that is no surprise since Riley was a peanut and already a week old at this point. So I guess I will be seeing him next week and then maybe some progress. Or if not, I will ask the question of our next steps since it will almost be my due date. So please keep your fingers crossed that baby has a change of intentions and decides to get this show on the road....mommy is getting very uncomfortable lately.

New Pictures and New Decade

Here is me at 38 weeks and some of my last moments in my 20's. Today I begin a new decade...30! I guess I am not really bothered because it is just a number and all about how you feel. And I do not feel old:) I am excited about the journeys and adventures that are in store for us....one hopefully very soon. Oh and for those of you that predicted I would be in labor on my 30th birthday...I think you were wrong, although there is still time left I suppose. Having a great day...pedicure, relaxing, and soon enjoying homemade lasagna by mom and dad! Cannot wait. I know it sounds silly to say, but Happy Birthday to me!

38 Week Appointment

Yesterday I had my 38 week appointment and nothing to report really. I gained 2 more pounds (how?) and my blood pressure was still good, 122/78. They checked me and I guess things are beginning but not that much progress yet. I am thinking that people's predictions for a baby on my birthday will not come true, but I guess we will just have to see. As for now, still pregnant and trying to take it easy....my energy level is slowly draining...

37 Weeks

Still growing and moving right along. I do not know how it is possible that I keep growing, but I do. Tomorrow I go back to the doctor and we will see if anything is happening. I am still feeling pretty good although my ankles and feet are more swollen then they have been and are pretty sore too. By the evening, this extra weight is also taking it's toll on me and getting out of bed in the middle of the night would probably be entertaining to anyone but me. All in all though, I cannot complain. Mike has restricted my activities:) He has told me that I need to rest more and take it easy. I have also been banned from vacuuming and strenuous cleaning and absolutely no more zoo trips:) Funny, but I have a hard time sitting around doing nothing.... We will see how much longer it is until she arrives. (Riley was actually born at the point that I am today.) And for all of you wondering, the car seat is in the car and I am going to finish packing my bag today (most likely).

Super Busy Weekend!

Happy 4th of July to everyone!!! We hope that everyone had as great of a weekend as we did. We packed so much into the past 3 days that the weekend felt like it was so long....Saturday seems like forever ago. I will just give a quick overview and share a few pictures. Sorry...the camera seems to be coming out less and less....maybe I am just losing my photographic energy right now:(

Saturday Riley had her 4th swim lesson. She continues to LOVE them, even if she never wants to get ready to get out of the house. I will take some more pictures before she is all done, but it just feels that almost every week would be the same shots. After swim lessons, we got cleaned up and then met Auntie Bika who took her back to mom and dad's. They all had a blast together. Grammy and Papa took Riley to the carnival and then shopping for snacks for when baby arrives and she has her slumber party there. In between all of that there was a lot of cuddling with Mason! For Mike and I it was off to check out (and make) our big purchase...see below. Then we were able to go out for a great dinner just the 2 of us, to celebrate our anniversary. It was soooo delicious, but I was so stuffed after.

Sunday we headed to Beecher to celebrate Ryder's first birthday! It was a great day spent with Mike's family and the kids had a blast playing together. Ryder enjoyed the day...I guess as much as 1 year old can tell you they are enjoying it. There was also great food, fun with family, and lots of time spent in the water by the kids. Happy First Birthday Ryder!! (Who share our anniversary as his special day!) Then we headed home, had a little R and R and were back out to see the fireworks. We had a fun time watching the fireworks for the first time as a family. The bugs were not too bad and we think Riley had fun...although she said some of them were too loud.

Monday we headed over to Papa Larry's and Tara's for some fun in the pool. These are actually the only pictures I took this weekend:) Riley once again had a blast jumping in and using the slide. As well as running people over with the float and squirting them. It was a wonderful day to be together and enjoy the pool. All the grown ups also had a fun time catching up and Riley got to enjoy some more cupcakes in honor of her birthday.

What a busy but fun weekend spent with the best people in our lives....our families!

New Ride

For months it seems, Mike and I have been debating whether or not to upgrade our truck. We really didn't need a new truck, but it was just a wish:) This weekend we found exactly what we wanted and at a great deal, so we did it!! If you don't use the internet to shop for cars....you really need to! It takes so much of the hassle out of it all and gets you the best deals:) We are LOVING our new truck and with a super busy weekend have had a chance to really use it a lot.

Looking back on our truck purchases....we got a Trailblazer before Riley was born, now a Tahoe before this baby comes, and people are wondering, if we do have a 3rd, what will we get?? The answer is probably that we would need nothing bigger! Just wanted to have the option to carry more people than simply our family. This vehicle will also allow Riley to not give up her coveted spot and most likely mom or dad could also fit between their 2 seats if need be. Neither of these would have been possible without the upgrade.



(And for all of you wondering...yes it does fit in the garage! We actually have 2 cars still in the garage due to Mike's excellent cleaning and organizing!!! I just had it partially out for the pictures.)

Happy Anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband!! 5 years ago today, we were getting ready to become Mr. and Mrs. and what a great 5 years it has been. In 5 short years, we have moved, had (almost) 2 kids, and both changed jobs just to name a few of the exciting things. I couldn't imagine spending it with a better man or having such a wonderful immediate or extended families!!! I can hardly wait to see what the rest of our married years have in store for us.....

On our wedding night.....

At a friend's wedding this past weekend....

Mini Photo Shoot

On Tuesday night Riley and I were playing outside and she started posing in the grass. I asked her if she wanted me to get the camera and she said yes. She was just too cute!! You will see that some of them get kinda silly, but hey, that's our girl! She came up with all the posing on her own...she can be such a ham when she wants to be....