I LOVE my kids!

Last night as I was preparing to go to bed I got the overwhelming feeling of love for my children. There was an incident in the hospital with Thomas that scarred me that day, but I honestly haven't thought much about it since. But last night as I was saying my prayers I got so freaked out by the fact that I could have lost Thomas and I couldn't help but run in to check on him. I had to look at him, touch his feet and rub his head. With tears in my eyes I then made my way to Lucy's room and kissed her lovable cheeks. I feel so grateful to have such wonderful children. They are sweet and deserve more of my attention. I made a promise to myself last night that my house doesn't have to be perfect. If it is between clean floors or putting together puzzles with Lucy, I almost always NEED to choose playing with my adorable daughter.

So today I have gotten a few loads of laundry done and have cleaned the dishes and such, but I have spent most of my time thus far on the floor with both of my children. We have done everything from reading stories and playing make believe. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. And now they both nap...heaven on earth.

(look hard at the pile of toys on the couch)

Lucy was showing me how good she is at sharing her toys with Little Buddy. How kind.

Halloween came and went. I tried to get pictures of my little Tinkerbell but Lucy is almost impossible to get a good picture of! She is either trying so hard to smile or she is a moving target (mostly the two combined). This little fairy princess, Tink, got the award for cutest costume at our Church Halloween party. She hammed it up when her name was announced and she pranced across the stage, showing off her costume and holding up her skirt like a princess would. She even stopped in the center of the stage for a little while when most kids just ran to the other side as fast as they could. Do we have a little Drama Queen (several meanings here) on our hands???

Pumpkin Patch

Last week we went to the pumpkin patch with my mom and grandpa. I got a few pictures of my little guy. I didn't think I would be one of those parents who takes less pictures of their second child, but I so am. I have a bunch, but I don't take them multiple times a day, or even every day like I did with Lucy. I will be sure to show you more...

Isn't he adorable? I just love him and he finally has some fat on him. For the first couple months of Thomas' life he had skin hanging from his limbs. I guess that's what happens when you are born 23" long (we posted 21.5" but the doctors remeasured and it was 23") and only weigh 9lbs and 11oz. While that is heavy, it's not heavy enough for a long baby like he was.

I uploaded all my pictures onto my computer so I can pull from a bunch of them and post some stuff. A lot has happened in the last four months since you heard from me, but my computer got a virus and we had to reformat it and such...it pretty much took forever. Plus, being a mom of two is a little harder and more time consuming than one-go figure. I know my sister and mom have been quite vocal about "poor Thomas, all you have are his swollen hospital pictures up on your blog" or "I am sick of looking at the same pictures, post something new." So here is to you Amykay and mom.

It's a Boy!

Thomas Parker

Born: Tuesday, June 15^th at 4:22pm

Stats: 9 lbs 11 oz and 21.5 in. long

Week of Updates

STILL PREGNANT

Last Tuesday, the doctor didn't think I would make it another week. This Tuesday he was surprised that I was still around. Being the great man he is, he stripped my membranes...I am still pregnant and it is Friday. The thing is, when I was almost positive that I would have the baby Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, and started to feel the pain, I freaked out. I no longer wanted to have the baby then. I am not so good with pain. So I am okay waiting now. Yesterday I started feeling better than I have in months! While I can't get up easily and the trips to the bathroom have become more frequent, something I didn't think possible, I am okay with carrying my little guy around in my rather large tummy. My doctor will brake my water on Monday if my little guy hasn't come by then. This may be the best way to go because then I can get the drugs before I really start to feel much pain. But it is still just a waiting game.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM

Tuesday was my mom's birthday. Isn't she still so beautiful?!! She didn't want a cake or anything (only my baby to come), but a birthday just wouldn't be the same to Lucy without dessert. So Lucy helped her blow out the candles and was very adorable when she sang 'Happy Birthday'.

PRETTY BIRD

The other day I was in Tyler's office and we saw a bright yellow bird in a tree in our front yard. We looked it up and I can't remember what it is called, but I thought it was beautiful and worth sharing.

LUCY'S IMAGINATION

If you have been around my little princess for more than two minutes, you will know she has a very active imagination! It is not the normal imagination for a girl turning three in September, or even a much older child for that matter. Some days Lucy plays for HOURS on her own. I sit at the bottom of the stairs and listen to her go on picnics, to the beach, feed her made believe friends, clean the playroom and run from certain animals (animal is always changing). She has had an imaginary friend "little fella" for many months now. Her pediatrician said this was the behavior of a child of 3 or 4, not 2. She loves the ocean right now and 'nice sharks' are all around us constantly. Our nursery leader even commented on how she made everyone think there was a shark in the nursery room on Sunday. Lucy had all the kids swim away from it while screaming. Did I mention she is bossy too, so for the most part, kids just do what she says.

Anyway, two days ago Lucy decided she was going to the Mountain and got dressed for the 'white snow.' I did not get a picture of me too, but behind the camera I am also wearing a hat and scarf to the mountain. We got up there and little did I know, there was sand instead of snow. She made me take off my hat because it is hot at the beach, not cold.

The girl closes her eyes when she says 'cheese' for the camera

Oh, I thought this was cute too. I was at the optometrist the other day picking out new sunglasses and getting new frames for the glasses Lucy broke. Lucy decided to rearrange their kiddy furniture. When the doctor asked her about it she looked at him and said "ssshhhhhh, we at the movie theatre. Got to be quiet" He laughed and she said sssshhhh once again. Then she started to tell him, in a not so soft voice, all about the dragons on the screen. She asked the doctor to sit down and watch the movie with her (aka, the wall of glasses). I am glad he found it amusing because sometimes that girl has people walking around with big question marks floating over their heads.

Grandma's Birthday

Today was my Grandma Bernice's Birthday. Last year we celebrated by taking a day to drive up the Columbia River Gorge, had a picnic, stopped by the fish hatchery, Dam and Multnomah Falls. Today, seeing as how I am uncomfortable and don't really want to venture too far from home, we went out to the Taco House...Grandma's favorite. I bet she was looking down from Heaven and wishing she had a little herself! Then we went up some Mountain in Portland, I am so bad. I was there just two hours ago and now I can't even remember the name of it. Rock something or other...it was beautiful to see the city, the river, the whole airport (we saw some fighter jets landing, quite impressive) and really all around the area, from every side. I LOVE a good view!

My little bossy child...oh how her little brother will love her!

So Grandma, we miss you and you don't have to worry, we had a great Birthday for you!

Watch this and you will see why I rarely get a decent picture of Lucy!

Itsy Bitsy Spider

Another Week?

I don't have a picture...I know, so lame. I had to make a post anyway because we have officially reached the month I am been dreaming about and looking forward to for 9 months now. June, it's music to my ears, the only body part that doesn't scream for relief. The 13th is my official due date, but I am hoping for a little sooner. If you are reading this and were one of my Utah friends going through my first pregnancy with me, this is a TOTAL change of pace for me. I didn't want Lucy to come out. I wasn't ready to be a mom and figured I would be even more uncomfortable and stressed with a baby than I was with the alien in my body. But this time I am singing a different tune. I want this baby boy out of me. I am already a mom, my life has already been changed forever and I can't wait to meet the little guy! I had my first dream last night about this baby, took long enough. It got me even more excited to hold him for the first time, to look in his eyes and let him know he is safe and will always have a mommy that loves him and would do anything for him. Being a mom is the best!
Yesterday the doctor said I should go sometime next week, but that it really could be anytime now. So exciting!!!!!

California (Part 2 of 2)

I know am doing a little catch up before the baby comes. I may not get on too often afterwards, depending on his sleeping patterns. Pray I get another Lucy when it comes to sleeping, I could do 10 hours strait at 4 weeks again for sure!

So this was the first half of our trip to California last month. We had a lot of fun with Tyler's family, and some good quality time with just the three of us. I loved it!

Hanging out at the House

My sweet loves in the freezing cold pool. I did not join them, but had fun taking pictures with a sweatshirt on.

Jessica, Kristen and Lucy playing in the hot shower out in the backyard.
Brothers...what more can I say?

Disneyland Day 1. Just the three of us.

Can you tell me why over half of our pictures, Lucy is making this "CHEEEESE" face?

This is Lucy, so excited to go on her first roller coaster!
This is Lucy afterwards...Tyler said that as they went up the big hill she had her hands above her head and was saying 'weeeee,' but as soon as they started going down she got in this position and remained there for the entire ride.

No, I am not trying to stick out my gut. I'm just leaning against Pluto's house.

This was the best! Lucy is usually so afraid of characters, but she just ran right up to Mickey, sat down and smiled. She was SO in love!
I know I am putting a lot of candid shots up, but I love it when you can see the sheer excitement of a child! It makes everything worth it!

This ended up being our favorite ride. I don't know if you can tell, but Lucy is belly laughing in this picture, and did so the entire time. She loved driving the car and crashing it up against the sides of the track. Mommy and daddy got a little sick, but again, it was worth it to hear her so happy!
I see you mommy!

Teaching Lucy how to shoot. She was actually pretty good with daddy helping her aim.

Disneyland Day 2: The Hornibrook Family

Hornibrook Planning Session (this picture made me laugh out loud)"L" is for Lucy. Isn't she adorable!

We posed with Cars characters while the adults went on Sorin'. I got my turn later:)
We are going through a bit of a sunglasses stage. She can't be in the car right now without them. Cute, but a little much if you ask me.

As good as it gets when trying to take a picture of 5 little girls.

The girls just LOVE their grandparents!Yes, I chose to wear a poncho for the rafting ride. Everyone else was wet on a not so warm day. I was happy with my choice! The rest of this day is on my first California post.

Rainy Days

It has been a rather productive day. I got the June budget underway, balanced all of our accounts, went to REI for new BOB double jogging stroller and went to Home Depot for glue/caulk to fix our toilet. I have also been working on Primary organization, I unpacked two boxes of random home decor stuff (yes I know we have lived in our house for 10 months), and we just finished eating a nice homemade BBQ dinner.

I started to organize the shelves above my computer when Tyler and Lucy went outside. It is raining so I got curious as to what they were up to after about 20 minutes. Isn't this a beautiful site! They went on a really long jog together today and now they are playing outside. I would say they are just talking and using their imaginations, but what you can't see in this picture is Tyler's ipad. Well, at least it is quality time together right? I think it is adorable they love each other so much! I also love the time I get to be productive without someone on my heels every second. It is a win-win situation for sure!