Pregnancy Details

We are due October 20th and are now at 18 weeks. We go in for an ultrasound next week and have been counting down. I really want to know what we are having so that we can start trying to make it a little more real for Tae (who is convinced we both have babies in our bellies). And I want to decorate-but need to know if I can keep it all pink or if we need to add some other colors. When anyone asks what I want, my response is ‘a baby’. We really have no preference. We’ve just been praying for a healthy baby.

I’m surprised at how baby hungry I got before getting pregnant. I’m so grateful for that; otherwise, I don’t think I would have been able to get over my fears and jump again. Really, I was the holdup on adding to our family. Jon was ready for another one the day we brought Taelyn home.

I’ve been asked a lot how this pregnancy is different than the first and if it was harder or easier. I honestly don’t know. I don’t remember a lot from the first time around…which is totally why I’m pregnant again. I haven’t been nauseous, but have been dealing with morning sickness. Yes…still. Every. Single. Morning. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve gotten sick later in the day. Seriously, mornings are easy: I’m at home, proper facilities are very accessible, and I haven’t eaten anything yet. I do remember getting sick – at all times of the day – the whole pregnancy – in every location imaginable – the first time around. Really, mornings are easy.

I think I'm far more exhausted this time around. Jon says I was more tired the first time around. Who knows. ‘Baking’ a baby is terribly exhausting work! I’m sure having a toddler to chase adds to the exhaustion. The first time around was nice because I could go home after work and crash for as long as was needed. I’ve learned I can’t do that now. I wind up with a little hand (two of the cutest hands in the world – might I add) on each cheek, her nose an inch from mine, with her loudly telling me “MOMMA. WAKE. UP.”

We've had a few bumps along the way. During the first prenatal exam, the midwife found a couple lumps in my breasts. Because of being pregnant, they couldn't do a mammogram. It was an emotional few days before we had the ultrasound and found out that everything is fine. About a week later we found out that I have anti-antibody issues, which can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (a condition in which antibodies in a pregnant woman's blood cross the placenta and destroy her baby's red blood cells). For now I go in every 4 weeks to have the anti-antibody levels checked. I’ll have to go in more often as I get farther along. As long as I stay below 1:16, whatever that means, we are fine. If not, I have to be referred to the Maternal and Fetal Medicine clinic. If I understand everything correctly, if that happens I have two options: deliver early (if I’m far enough along), or blood transfusion into the umbilical chord. Because of the way I am, I want to know what my levels are. Apparently that isn’t how the blood tests work. It only lets me know if I’m still in the safe range…or not.

I think I’m more excited about the ultrasound next week because of the anti-antibody issue. I just want to know that everything looks good and the baby looks healthy.

Happy Anniversary

It has been Five wonderful years for Tamaran and I.
Here is Jon's short recap, for those who are unfamiliar with
the whirlwind romance of Jon and Tamaran.

It goes a little like this:
A little over five and a half years ago....
T and J met at the institute in roosevelt. As Jon tries to make a hasty retreat from the building aunt Ann yells out the door " don't leave there is someone I want you to meet".
Jon reluctantly comes back inside. Aunt Ann yells to T across the activity room " there is someone I want you to meet" . Rather sheepishly J and T cross the room... " so" J says to T "you just got off your mission huh? where did you serve?" T replies "North Carolina where did you serve?" "Alabama" says J. well it was nice to meet you.....see you later they say to each other.
It was a less than dramatic first encounter. It got better from there. A short time later ( I think a month or so) T asked J to go on a group date ( there was no group, just one other couple I think we call that a double date...tricky tricky). J says yes. They go ice skating J wears his ugly wool sweater that is to big for him ( it's very warm). T has second thoughts about asking J out. J informs T that he is working in a bicycle shop, has next to no college, is approaching twenty seven and living at home. T informs J she is nearly finished with a degree in engineering. T has third thoughts about asking J out. They have fun ice skating. J doesn't really expect to see T again. J teaches a sunday school class. J calls on T who wasn't paying attention. J emabarasses T. T stops J after class to talk. T pauses for breath in conversation. J thinks T is done talking and walks off. ( J struggles with social etiquette ). T has hurt feelings. One week goes by T calls J and bravely asks J on another date. J says yes. T says she will be in roosevelt and askes if Friday or Saturday would be better. J says both. J tells T " I will take you out since you took me out last time...my car is broke can you drive?" T bravely says yes again. J and T go to the movie and dinner. They go out again the next night. Sunday comes J is thinking alot about T. T is thinking alot about J. They go for a drive. J thinks " wow T is pretty incredible" J boldly tells T "I think we should date"..(paraphrased) T..."uh alright". (paraphrased) they talk every night for a week. Sunday comes again J meets T's parents officialy at the institute. T is in SLC. J and T talk sunday night. J thinks " I can't wait to ask her to marry me" he tells T he will be out on monday to spend some time with her. J pops the question. ( it was really awkward, remember the bit about social etiquett?). T Very Very bravely says...Yes. ( there's more to this story perhaps not to be blogged about ).
Five years, alot of tears, a whole lot of laughter, a good bit of compromise, two cars, three residence, and 1.5 children later...what a ride. I look forward to an eternity and five years.

I love you Tamaran.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

In the Last Month We

This post could also be called "I'm a Slacker" or "Things I Didn't Make Time to Blog About". It really is just going to be a photo dump so that I feel caught up.

Got Tae a big girl bed. She sleeps so much better in it.

Went to Temple Square (Thanks, Malissa, for taking pictures).

Went to the park to feed the ducks. (Yes she is eating the tortillas we were feeding the ducks. Slightly grossed me out, but what do you do?)

Helped cook at the ASCE BBQ...ok, really I volunteered Jon to cook and Tae ate and played with Nova (Jenni's dog).

Made lasagna. I had to include this because Tae helped. The second picture shows what she did most of the time. She ate nearly two whole noodles by herself. She loves pasta.

Now I just need to cover Women's Conference and Tae's birthday to be caught up!

Yay Jon!! One more class down!

Jon just finished up his second biology class and lab. Happy day! And even better than that, he got an A!

Last Weekend with Cousins

Last Sunday Jon didn't have any meetings, so we made dinner and took it down to visit Jon's sister and her family. Here are a few pics that if I don't post now, won't get done. We had a blast and love spending time with them. Tae loves her cousins and loves being one of the 'big kids'.

I lauged when I looked over and noticed that they had squished together on the three bar stools so that they could all be big kids.

Then they decided to take their dessert outside. Tae thought it was the coolest thing that she got to go too.
Kirstine, thanks for having us down!

You Were There

**I wrote this several weeks ago, so Fast & Testimony meeting wasn't really last Sunday**

Sunday was Fast & Testimony meeting (open mic for people to get up and share their thoughts on Christ, the Gospel, and basically anything they want to say). Half way through Jon got up to share his testimony. I caught most of it, but I missed a few parts while I was taking care of Tae and listening to the 5 year old that wanted to sit by Tae. I remember thinking it was beautiful. Then it was over and I continued to try to keep Tae quiet and entertained. I didn't think any more of it until I got to Primary (I teach the kids singing time). One of the teachers asked if Jon had announced in his testimony that I was pregnant. I stuttered and quickly said I didn't think he had said that. She apologized and said that she and her mother had both taken it that way. I then quickly ran to find Jon to find out just what he had said.

He was in Nursery with Taelyn, 2 other toddlers, and another father (the Nursery Leaders didn't show up). I cornered him, and with fire in my eyes-I'm sure, the whispered conversation went something like this:

T: What did you say during your testimony?

J: You were there.

T: Jon, I have a kid. I miss 50% of what is said in Sacrament Meeting.

J: You looked at me and smiled after I said it.

T: Did you really announce to the ward that we are expecting?

J: Well, yeah. I thought it was time.

T: And what about what I think?

J: I thought you had said you wanted to wait until after we heard the heartbeat. We did that.

T: . . .

After I stewed about it a bit, finished singing time, walked home, started making dinner (we were feeding the missionaries), stewed about it some more, called my mom to complain and had her laugh at me, I started realizing I was being slightly irrational. I had mostly calmed down when Jon got home...and it all came back again. I won't share that conversation, except for the end, because it makes me laugh:

J: Are you really upset, or is this just hormonal?

T: I don't know! (accompanied by tears-which pretty much answers the question)

Baths, Dress-up, etc.

The first time I put bubbles in Tae's bath, she freaked. I had to drain the tub and wash out the tub. She happily told them "Bye-bye" as they went down the drain. We've now decided bubbles are great.

We've also decided Taelyn is a girl, through and through. When we are at home she is either taking her clothes off or putting more clothes on. I've heard it only gets worse from here.

On Saturday, Tae and Jon were on their own while I went to violin lessons and a Stake RS Activity. When I got home Jon made me close my eyes. When I opened them he was holding a Taelyn sized dress. He informed me that they had gone shopping and when he picked it upto look at it, she immediately loved it and he just had to buy it. At this point in the conversation Tae looked at me and said "La-la. Dress. La-la." He said it was a confirmation that he had to get it. It does make me laugh because I can never get him to look at dresses with me. Apparently it has become a tradition because daddy has been the one to buy her Easter dress both years she has been alive. Because Easter falls on General Conference weekend this year, we let her wear her dress on Sunday. I tried to get some pictures after church. Most of them turned out like this:

But some of them worked. [I'll just throw in here that I LOVE digital cameras. It takes 30+ pictures to get a few good ones. I'm glad I can take the 30+ pictures and not have to pay to get all of them developed! What did people do before digital cameras?!]

Talking Up a Storm

**WARNING: DUE TO MY LACK OF POSTS SINCE THE FIRST OF THE YEAR, I HAVE GOTTEN VERY BEHIND ON SOME IMPORTANT MATTERS. BECAUSE TALKING IS ONE OF THESE, EXPECT THIS POST TO BE EXTREMELY LONG.**

I vaguely remember a time when Taelyn didn't talk...but not really. She is getting really good at linking her words together to get her point across. Most of the time we understand what she is saying, but there are times when we haven't a clue. Most of you won't care enough to read for the list, but I'm sure that in the future I'll be glad I wrote it down.

• My favorite is that she refers to herself as La-la (that is what Jon calls her). I've called her La-lu a few times. I quit calling her that when she said "No-no momma", then pointed at herself and corrected me "La-la".
• Dropping her off at daycare each morning is one of the hardest things ever. Picking her up is one of the best. She has to tell everyone "Mommy's here". Except it comes out "Mommy seer". It melts my heart. She won't leave her room until every teacher in the room has acknowledged that "Mommy seer".
• She loves telling me about her art. I picked up the picture they did at daycare. I commented on how beautiful it was. She had to tell me "La-la paint. Hands. La-la."
• When she first started saying "Help me" it drove me nuts. She repeats it until she gets whatever help she is asking for. Then one night her blankey was stuck in the crib bars. She looked at me with the most desperate look on her face and said "Hewp me. Mommy."
• 2 weeks ago I forgot I had egg rolls in the oven on broil. When I remembered, I threw the oven door open and the smoke alarm went off. Now whenever we sit down at the table to eat she points at the smoke alarm and informs us "Beep-beep. Ears. Beep-beep." I think she is phased for life.
• She critiques my driving. If I accelerate or stop too quickly, my turns are not smooth or too fast, or if I hit any bumps I hear a "WHOA!" from my backseat driver.
• My mom and Taryn come out every other weekend for Taryn's league volleyball. We've taken Tae to several tournaments. Whenever someone mentions Taryn or ball or anything semi-related she says "Tear-n. Ball. Tear-n" accompanied by a repeated spiking motion.
• She loves singing. She's getting pretty good at singing along with "eat-sy beetsy" (Itsy Bitsy Spider) and "I God" (I Am a Child of God). She also often requests "Tempow" (I Love to See the Temple), "Pop-pop" (Popcorn Popping), and "Sees'us sun" (Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam).
• She loves the temple. We drive passed it on our drives. Occasionally we pull over, let her get out of her car seat and stand on the console so she can put her head out the sun roof. Two weeks ago Malissa watched Tae so Jon and I could go to the temple. Before we left I made the mistake of telling her where we were going and that Malissa was going to watch her. She had a total meltdown. Between her sobs she was pointing from herself to the front door and saying "La-la. Tempow."
• We had another problem with biting a few weeks ago. After realizing I had offended her, I felt strongly that instead of getting after her for the negative behavior, I needed to emphasize good behavior. I've been working on teaching her that 'Big girls are nice to our friends'. Each morning we go through all of the children and say they are our friends. We talk about being nice. Each night when I pick her up I ask how her day was. She usually responds with "La-la. Big girl. La-la. Nice."
• The last two days she has come home from daycare with stories like "La-la. Push. Awa. Push. La-la." or "Cher-sh. Pich. La-la. Pich. Cher'sh". We're not quite sure who is the offended and who is the offender, but we know who is involved. She makes sure she tells us several times during the evening. We're still trying to emphasize big girls are nice to our friends and big girls don't push or pinch.
• When ever we are out driving, she loves pointing out objects: bird, tree, balloon, bike, truck, etc. She always says 'hi' and 'bye' to new objects she notices.
• She hates the sun being in her eyes. Occasionally she gets really upset and yells "No-no. Sun. La-la. Eyes. No-no, sun." If daddy is in the car and mommy is driving, daddy blocks the sunlight. Over the weekend, mommy taught her that she can cover her eyes and it is much more effective than scolding the sun.
• She recently started saying "Hole-ju" (hold you) when she wants held. A few days ago while we were at home, Jon came up behind me and put his arms around me. I leaned back and was enjoying it until Tae burst out with a very loud objection, "No-no. Daddy. Hole-ju. Momma."
• A few months ago when we had sister missionaries, Taelyn learned to love hanging out with them. She calls them "Sissers" and signs 'missionary'. Now that Malissa is living with us, we have tried to get Tae to call her Malissa. She won't. She calls her "Sisser" and still signs missionary. Malissa left for a week. Every morning she was gone and several times each evening she would ask for "Sisser". Tae was sure excited last night when Malissa got back.

If you can't tell, I could go on and on about cute things that she says. Like how she struggles with her 's' sounds...except when she says Flip (Taryn's horses name). It very clearly comes out as "sip". Or that she loves her cousins Nick and Owen. She says Owen great, but Nick comes out as "Neek". I'll leave it at how much I love this age. I love the communication, the talking and learning, the funny way words come out and mostly I love how much more her little personality is showing through each day. I love being her mommy.

Our Nanny-House Elf

This is Malissa:

You may (or probably actually didn't) recognize her from this post. We sent her home in December. She will be attending BYU in May. She called us and asked if she could live with us for a month or so. She offered herself as a house elf in exchange. We are more than happy to have her. She is an incredibly happy person, her laugh is infectious, and we absolutely love her.

House Elf vs. Nanny

So if you had your choice, would you prefer having a house elf, or a nanny?

Ours is flying in as I type.

I'm slightly partial to calling her a nanny, because when will I ever have a nanny again?
I guess the same could be said of a house elf...