Baby Face

It's amazing how technology has changed since Hayden was born in 2000. Here are some pictures taken today of our baby "girl". The gender-view picture today looked even less convincing to me than the one a few weeks ago. The tech and doctor today both said it's a girl (as did the others a few weeks ago), but honestly the picture just doesn't convince me. Doesn't the face look like Emma? Baby looks healthy and is growing on track.

PS - I think these super sharp elbows are the same ones that have been punching/kicking on my stitches. Don't they just look like they're aiming for something?

Breathing Free!

I'm SO glad to have that pesky cyst gone! It had worked its way up to 10cm in size, about the size of this pretty grapefruit. I feel much better having it finally removed. The surgery went well, the baby was closely monitored before, during and after - including every 2 hrs throughout the night - so much for resting in the hospital! In fact, I think this little baby is so excited to have the extra room to spin and kick - she's never been so active. She definitely wants us all to know she's awake and well. I actually wish she was a little less active, as kicking on my stitches is mighty uncomfortable, but I'm glad to know she is awake in there.





As soon as I woke up from surgery I could feel a difference in my breathing. It's wonderful to be able to breathe again. I still have some pain and swelling, but hopefully within the next week I'll be back to normal routines. Thanks to all of you for your concern, prayers, babysitting, meals, etc, etc. We appreciate all your love and support.

Cat's out of the Bag!

Yep, we're expecting a baby in September!

Here is a picture of how we told the kids.

We ordered them a cookie delivery, treats AND good news go together. We told them before we went to Disneyland in March (since we had to explain why Mom wasn't going on any roller coasters).


The kids are both really excited. Emma has been taking extra good care of her dolls. Hayden is hoping for another sister, as he says "Emma is so much fun". At our 20-week ultrasound the tech voted it was a girl, but the baby kept crossing its legs so we couldn't tell for sure. We'll go back in a few weeks and maybe we can tell better then.


The ultrasound (and MRI) also revealed that the stubborn cyst we've been watching since week 7 has not been behaving itself. It's growing instead of shrinking, and doing it's best to be difficult. Prevailing wisdom is that it needs to come out, probably in the next week. We'll keep you posted as things progress and we make some deciisons.

Happy Birthday Emma

Lunch at McDonalds with a "cool" playland.

Afternoon at Jumpin Jacks (she loved it once the first 30 minutes of fear wore off)

Banana pancakes for breakfast, balloons from Daddy.
(Yep, it's the same dress as the day before... 3 yr olds apparently LOVE to dress themselves)

Emma and her favorite guy!

Mommy's attempt at a "princess dress" cake. Not too bad!

I think Emma liked the cake!

And she loved the doll that came out nice and clean :)

Happy Birthday Emmie :)

Movie Day

Hayden loves to plan activities for us to do together. In March he made us an invitation to a "summer party" . We ate a picnic in the family room next to a blue sheet Hayden had set out as the ocean. We had sand pails and even an umbrella (sorry, no pictures).


A few Saturdays ago he spent hours down in the basement working on a special surprise for "the family". On Sunday he revealed the surprise - a Movie Party! Hayden had cleaned out the entire playroom to make a Movie Theater (all the toys and games had been moved to the back hall, we'll talk about that later). He'd even darkened the windows by taping up sheets.





There were signs of coming attractions, and each "theater" was clearly labeled (our movie was in theater # 10).




Hayden prepared snacks, and the seating arranged with low chairs in the front, taller chairs in the back, and blankets for us all.


There were remote controls for lights and for the movie.

We were asked to silence our cell phones and avoid talking.


The movie was great! The company was even better :)

He's Back!

Randy's back from Iraq! Arrived at his base in GA late last night/early this morning. Yay! Best news I've had in forever. Welcome home Randy, hope to see ya soon!

To read why he's my hero... click here

Hurty Eye Brows

Emma is sick today...


She says her cheeks are hot and her eye brows are hurty. Isn't that just the cutest way to say "headache"?


She's just so cute with her pink pillow and blankie and water bottle, but when I tried to take a picture she said "Oh Mommy, not now".


Maybe later.


Feel better soon, Emmie!