ICP, PUPPPS, and other pregnancy news

I was originally going to e-mail out an update, but figured this was an easier way to share all of the info with inquiring minds. 

First of all, a little refresher, (if you've been updated lately, you can skip down to the paragraph starting with "Then, last week"), back in December, while I was in the hospital because of a gallbladder attack, I was diagnosed with Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy.  This was NO surprise, as I've had it with each previous pregnancy.  In simple terms, the high amounts of hormones in my pregnant body cause my liver to malfuntion and bile isn't secreted properly.  Thus, bile backs up into my blood stream and causes intense itching, mainly on my hands/forearms and feet/lower legs.  And by intense, I mean that I want to rip off my skin and scratch my bones.  The main complication this causes is increased risk of stillbirth in the last month of pregnancy.  Because of this risk, my babies come a little earlier than most.  The good news is that there is a medication that lowers the bile levels in my bloodstream and reduces the risk to the baby.  So, upon diagnosis, I started the medication and moved on.

While things were far from perfect, (including a couple of gallbladder attacks, drastically increased bile acid levels, and adjustments to my medication), we finally found a balance that worked.  I was relieved to see my bile acids drop WAY down in early Februrary.  At that point, we scheduled a c-sec for March 24.

Then, last week, I developed a new symptom--a severely itchy, red rash all over my uncomfortably-stretched-belly.  I thought it might have been a reaction to some lotion I used the night before, but it turned out to be PUPPPS, which is an acronym for something, but basically means "itchy rash caused by being pregnant".  This complication is not at all harmful to the baby, but severely annoying to the mother--as you itch like crazy ALL THE TIME.  And, there isn't really much I can do about the rash.  I've been trying pine tar soap and some essential oils, which seem to be helping a bit--but the itching can still reach killer levels pretty quickly!  I'm just glad I know the difference between the itching that's bad for my baby and the surface/rash itching that doesn't indicate harm to my child.  I spent last weekend in a little bit of a funk trying to deal with the crazy itching that comes on at all hours of the day and night.  Anyway, for those who are keeping count, I have now been diagnosed with TWO severe-itch-causing pregnancy issues.  Lovely.

Today, I had another non-stress test and appointment with my dr.  The non-stress test, (which happens weekly at this point), went great--as it has for the past few weeks.  But, my bile acids are up again.  They're not super high, but high enough to make us think this baby may need to come sooner than later.  So, this afternoon, I had the first of two steroid shots that will help my baby's lungs mature, so he'll be able to come anytime in the next few weeks.  I will have the second one tomorrow.  If my bile acids continue to rise, there is a possibility that this baby may come in about a week and a half.  If they hover where they are, I have an ultrasound scheduled for March 16--at which point the radiologist will determine whether it's time for this little one to arrive.  (Or my dr. did mention if *I* was done by then, I could still deliver on the 18th.  I'm done now--so I doubt I'll have a sudden change of mind 2 weeks from now...)  I will have an NST in the hospital on the morning of March 18 and deliver that afternoon.  While it is still possible that I will make it to the 24th, I honestly don't think that's going to happen. 

So--there, in a very large nutshell, is the update.  I'll probably post again after my appointment next week--or sooner if any changes happen before then.  I guess the good part of all of this is that I'm feeling renewed energy and motivation to get everything on my list done in the next week or so to make sure we're ready whenever this little guy is!

SURPRISE!!!

Last night, I arrived at the church for our Young Women's activity about 10 minutes late.  I'm not usually that late...but last night dinner somehow took longer than usual.  I thought about going with my post-nap hair as-is and with pieces of chicken from dinner still stuck in my teeth.  But, I decided to take a few extra minutes to brush my second-day-hair back into place in its ponytail.  It wasn't fancy, but it looked a ton better than it did before.  And, I flossed and brushed my teeth.  I put on a stained maternity shirt and put a thin non-maternity hoodie over the top.  I figured if I didn't take off the hoodie, no one would ever see the stain.  It was fine--we were only having game night.  Looking back, I'm glad I took those few extra minutes!

After our opening exercises, I started talking to a few people and making my way to the door.  During this time, I found out that the Mia Maids were going to be judges for the Laurel's "Iron Chef" activity.  A few of my girls hurried me along and we went down the hall to start our games--and await the moment we'd be called back in to judge the dishes.

We got into a fun and rousing game of Apples to Apples.  When I've played before, we would say that the green apple cards we collected during the game described us...but, playing with the girls, they said the cards they collected described their future husbands.  I loved that twist on the game! :)  After a little while, the YW President, Jenni, came into to tell us that they were ready for us.  We cleaned up the game and the girls headed down the hall while I had a quick conversation with Jenni about an upcoming fireside.  We walked down the hall and opened the door to the YW room.  As I looked inside, my first impression was, "Why did they decorate Iron Chef night with onesies?" And just then, everyone in the room yelled, "SURPRISE!!!"  There was no Iron Chef--it was a baby shower for me!  I was completely blown away.  Like COMPLETELY.  (My next thought was, "This is SO going on facebook!" LOL)

I don't think I could do much more than stand there in shock for a while. I don't think I can accurately describe how completely surprised I was.  Honestly, I felt so loved and appreciated by all of the YW, the other leaders, and all of the other women who came to participate.  Not sure if anyone could tell, but I was almost in tears. Through the course of the evening, I found out that this had been in the works for a couple of weeks--and, to top it all off, all of the YW had known it was happening for about that long and NO ONE spilled the beans!  (I'm glad they didn't. People who know me know that I LOVE a good surprise--and that it's very hard to surprise me. In fact, when I told my mom, she gave them major kudos for keeping it from me--since I usually tend to catch on to things...)  The Laurels worked on the decorations, (they decorated those onesies and sewed a cute bunting), the Mia Maids planned the game, and the Beehives planned the food.  I absolutely love that the girls were involved with it all.  (Can you tell how much I love the YW in our ward?) :)

It was a perfect shower.  For very personal reasons, the surprise shower was JUST what I needed right now.  I was the recipient of many generous and thoughtful gifts for this little boy. I am so blessed to be in such a great ward with such wonderful friends.  I don't think they realize that they truly made my month!  Just thinking about their thoughtfulness and love will definitely carry me through these remaining weeks.  I am so grateful for all of the hard work (and secret-keeping) that went into such a fantastic event.

A Jumble of Thoughts

I have a lot going on in my head right now...almost like facebook statuses, but more detailed.  Here they are in no particular order...

I decided last Saturday that, come Monday morning, we'd be having a TV free week in our house, (and in the car).  I was extremely hesitant to jump into it--some days it's my sanity.  But I am SO glad we've done it!  I anticipated that Monday would be the hardest day with the most withdrawl.  But it wasn't.  Tuesday, Clayton begged all day for a movie.  Wednesday wasn't bad, but we were gone most of the morning, so it was hard to miss it.  Today, Clayton did ask a few times to watch a show, but was mollified by distractions like reading or playing "chickies" with his sister.  Just before dinner, he turned on the office TV and happened to see a snippet of his favorite show.  (How this didn't happen earlier in the week, I don't know...)  Ryan walked in the door at just the right time and the budding tantrum ceased.  I have to say, if all non-TV weeks were like this one, I don't think I would ever turn it on again.  My kids have been better behaved, happier to help, more prompt in taking care of their responsibilites, read more books, and been kinder to each other.  That last part may be due to the fact that if they're not nice, they are bored and have no one to play with.  I've loved watching their creativity blossom as they come up with new and different things to do each day.

I've been trying out a lot of new recipes this week.  I will admit--I'm a pretty good cook and it's something I really enjoy.  This time, however, I'm trying new things as a result of a malfunctioning gallbladder.  I have voluntarily changed my diet to avoid any further issues.  And, it has been a lot of fun.  Some days, it seems my kitchen is a stage for a comedy of errors.  That's what happens when you're trying new things, (and when you thought you bought a certain ingredient, but you didn't).  But, overall things have turned out pretty well.  I'm enjoying the challenge of cooking high-fiber, very low-fat, low-sugar foods while avoiding dairy and tomato-y sauces.  (For some reason, cooked tomato acid is killer, while citrus or vinegar acid (so far) is fine.)  I feel like I'm succeeding and helping myself and my family enjoy eating in a healthier way.

Life seems to have slowed down a little since the holidays ended.  (I should do my next post on "What I Did Over Christmas Vacation...)  I'm glad it has.  I've had time to be HOME.  And, I've been able to make progress on a few personal goals that I've had since...well, since I got pregnant.  I can't tell you what a difference it's making for me.  It just feels so good to feel better about myself and more in control of my life again.  It has nothing to do with resolutions--it's just time to finally make progress in my personal life again. 

Along these lines, I've had to be a little more disciplined in my YW lesson prep now that we have early meetings.  I used to read the lesson sometime during the week before, then put it together on Sunday.  But now, I'm kind of forced to get it done sooner.  In fact, today, I was able to get it all ready while the kids were napping.  (Except the handouts...)  It's nice to know that all I need to do is review it before Sunday and put together handouts in the next couple of days--instead of feeling that pressure to get it all done that morning.

Speaking of napping, Clayton has been horrible about settling down for his naps this week.  He's not giving up naptime, (because he's gone to sleep every day)--he just hasn't been settling down like he normally does.  Today, he was hitting, squirming, etc. and I finally said, "Do you want bed or rock-a-bye?"  He selected bed...and upon being placed there, proceeded to throw the biggest tantrum I have ever heard him throw.  Maybe he's reached a new cognitive level?  Maybe he's readjusting to our daily routine (reference the forth-coming Christmas post...)?  Maybe it's because it was a full moon?  I have no idea.  I went in a few minutes later, after he had calmed down a little, and offered to rock and sing again.  This time, when I asked him to be still and quiet, he decided to listen.  (Whew!)  It took twice the normal amount of lullaby time for him to really settle down, but I was happy to return to some sense of naptime normalcy.

I have a few other things on my mind, but I think they deserve posts of their own.  So, maybe I'll actually get in a few more tonight.  For now, it's bedtime--and it sounds like my kids are REALLY ready for it.

Baby #4

As I was writing the previous post about Clayton, I realized that I never wrote about the big 20 week ultrasound that happened on Monday.  (I did post about it on facebook, though.)

First of all, that morning was a little crazy.  We had to leave the house 30 minutes earlier than usual.  And by that I mean, I had to be dressed and put together enough to go out in public.  Not just enough to go to the bus stop in a car that I never leave.  So, really, this was pushing it for this overly-tired pregnant momma.  But, I will say I was INCREDIBLY glad that my appointment was first thing in the morning and I didn't have to anticipate it ALL DAY LONG.  (I believe that would be a severe form of torture.) 

Somehow, we made it.  I got Kallie dropped off at a friend's house so she could catch the bus to school 30 minutes later.  I dropped Whitney off at another friend's house so she would be able to get to preschool.  And, Clayton came with us.  (I had a good friend offer to watch him, but he had an ear infection and was still a little on the clingy side.)  I was a little concerned about his attendance and hoped it would be one of his good days.

We arrived at the appointment at about 8:35--10 minutes earlier than the 15 minutes early we were supposed to be for our 9 a.m. appointment.  I have NO idea how we got there so fast.  It usually takes about 35 minutes from my second friend's house--and it took a little less than 30.  We took our time getting up to the office, filled out paperwork, and were waiting in the ultrasound room at 9 a.m.  After about a 5 minute wait, the radiologist came in and started things off.  Knowing that we definitely wanted to know the gender, he did a quick look at the basic structures of the baby and then went straight for the goods. 

I had been telling people for MONTHS, (even before I was pregnant), that I had a feeling this next baby would be a girl. And, I really felt that.  Since I'd been pregnant, I had thought about this baby as a girl, thought about girl names, and even bought a DARLING little pink outfit because the feeling I had was SO strong.  Within a day or two before the appointment, I even called the baby "she" a few times.  So, you can imagine my SHOCK when what showed up on that black and white screen was NOT female anatomy!  As soon as the radiologist got to that area, I looked at the screen and said, "That is a BOY."

The radiologist, (who is seriously one of the nicest people ever), did a more detailed check of the structures he had quickly looked at before and found everything to be in the right place, healthy looking, and properly functioning.  Finding something wrong is my biggest worry before the 20 week ultrasound--so I was quite relieved that everything was in order. 

Oh--and this little boy is not so little.  He's following in his brother's prenatal footsteps and is quite large at this gestational age.  In fact, he was in the 93rd percentile for size.  My girls were not that big--so I wonder if it's a boy thing? Or just that my body has changed the way it grows babies since my first two were gestating?

After my ultrasound, I had an OB appointment to review the ultrasound and do the monthly growth check.  In the time between my ultrasound and my appointment, I called family members, emailed friends, and told just about everyone I talked to how SHOCKED I was by the news I'd just received.  I honestly think I would have been less surprised to find out (after 2 previous ultrasounds so far) that I was having twins or something.  I was QUITE suprised by the gender news.

When I saw my OB, I told him that I had thought for SURE this was a girl.  And he, with a completely straight face, said, "So, it sprouted something?"  I laughed.  Yes. Yes it did.  (I just have to say that my OB is the greatest!  I would send any and all of my friends to him. He is just great at what he does!)

I think it took a while for me to get over the shock that I'm having a boy.  It was a total paradigm shift to relate to this little person as a male--to start thinking in blue instead of pink.  But, it's been two days now and I think I'm getting used to the idea.  I don't want this little boy to think for a second that I'm disappointed he's not a girl.  Because I am not at all!  I am thrilled to welcome another sweet little son into our family--I can't wait to snuggle him in a few months! 

Now the biggest hurdle we're encountering is the name.  We have NO idea what we're going to name this little guy.  While we do have a few more months to figure it out, I'd be happy to even have a list of plausible names at this point...

P.S. Clayton had a very good day. He wasn't allowed to eat or use my phone while the ultrasound was going on. Even without his two favorite forms of distraction, he was a little angel! He simply sat in his stroller and watched the screen without making a peep! Then, once we got into the OB's office, he snacked and chatted, and didn't complain a bit. Ryan and I were both amazed. We ended up giving him our secret weapon/last resort Lightning McQueen Pez dispenser as a reward for being so good once it was all over. He really could not have been better behaved!

Clayton

I know I somewhat recently posted about Clayton.  But there are so many things I want to remember about him right now!  He is just constantly doing such cute and funny things!

For example...

Clayton sits next to me at our table.  He has recently discovered that if he makes a scooting motion while in his high chair, he can navigate himself around a little.  So, he will scoot himself closer to the table, and then pull on my chair until he's right next to me.  He will pull on my arm, (which I'm usually trying to eat with), and lay it across his tray.  Then, he'll lean his head down to snuggle with my arm.  It's at this point that he will start blowing raspberries on my arm.  He will also try blowing on different places to hear the different sound results.  He LOVES the reactions he gets when he does this, so it has become a very common occurrence--in fact, pretty much nightly.  I decided that I could fight it, or I could laugh and enjoy it.  So I laugh along with everyone else.

Something I ADORE about Clayton right now is that he loves to give me kisses.  Often, he'll grab my face and give me a kiss--but if he can't reach me, he'll say, "Tiss?" repeatedly until I lean my face down next to his.  Today, at naptime, he said, "Tiss?" so I leaned my face down...and next thing I know, he's giggling and blowing raspberries on my cheek!  Silly boy.  I really just can't help but laugh at him--he thinks he's being so funny.  And, really, he is.

That reminds me--he has started singing along when we sing his lullabies at night.  It's so cute!  I seriously melt every time he joins in.  He'll usually sing along with his favorite parts of the song...and sometimes with the whole thing.  And I never know when he's going to join in or when he's going to just listen.  But I can't help but snuggle him a little tighter when he starts to sing with me.

One more bedtime-related thing...actually, this happens any time he wants to snuggle with me.  If my hair is in front of my shoulders, (or any other place that Clayton thinks it shouldn't belong), he will pop his little head up and say, "Hair. Way." Meaning, "Your hair is in the way.  Please move it."  Again, it's one of those little endearing things that I just love to hear him say.

Another very funny thing that he does, (which he doesn't know is funny), happens every time we get in the car.  Clayton loves to watch shows.  So, as soon as we get in the car, he requests that we push the button to pop down the DVD screen.  However, because of his cute way of talking, and his frustration that we won't always do it, he ends up yelling, "PUSH BUTT!  PUSH BUTT!" over and over again.  The b-u-t-t word isn't one that we allow in our family, so I've been trying to get him to say but-TON to no avail.  For now, buttons remain butts.  And we continue to laugh.

Clayton, for the past several months, has also been fascinated with babies.  Even before I was expecting, he was pointing out every baby that he saw and asking to hold them.  When we go into the Mother's Room at church, (usually when he hasn't had a nap), he will see other babies and ask me if he can hold them--and then gets upset because he can't.  Since Monday, I've been mentioning "baby brother" a LOT, trying to get him used to the idea.  Today, while we were shopping, he saw a tag with a picture of a baby on it and said, "Baby!"  And then, a moment later, while I was looking at tiny boy clothes, he said, "Baby Brudder?"  I melted again.

All I have to say is that if this next little boy is as cute as his big brother, then I will be one very lucky momma!

How was your weekend?

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to be sequestered in the home of another Young Women's leader and, with most of our Young Women and the other leaders, and take on the challenge of reading the Book of Mormon all the way through in two days.  Having read it countless times in my life already, my pride thought that this time around wouldn't be much different.  Sure, it's always uplifting, I learn new things each time, and it helps me focus on the Spirit...but I certainly wasn't expecting it to be such a powerful experience.  Without going into too much personal detail, my testimony of the Book of Mormon was strengthened.  I made connections that I haven't made before and realized several overarching themes that hadn't occurred to me before.  I better understand what I'm here to do and how it needs to be done.  In short, it was one of the most powerful spiritual experiences of my life.

Along with my personal experience, I have absolutely loved seeing the effect is has had on the Young Women.  I remember experiences when I was their age that helped me feel and recognize how I feel the Spirit--times that I learned and grew all at once (or so it felt at the time).  This was one of those experiences.  In the days since then, I have found so much joy in listening to the testimonies the Young Women have shared.  One Young Woman, who is on the shy side, even stopped me after church when no one else was around to bear her testimony to me about her experience.  I know that no matter what else happens in their lives--whatever choices they make in their futures--they will ALWAYS remember how it felt to read the Book of Mormon in two days.  How the spirit spoke to them.  How it felt to find or strengthen their testimonies during the experience.  And how they felt for days (maybe even weeks, months, years) afterwards.  I think there was nothing more worthwhile that these girls could have done with their weekend!

While I was gone, Ryan stayed home with our children.  I often joke with him that he makes a much better housewife than I do--because when he stays home, he somehow manages to get a-million-and-one things done.  I really don't know how he does it all!  This time was no different.  (Not necessarily in this order...), He went grocery shopping at two different stores with all three kids, took down Halloween decor and put up Thankgiving, installed doorway molding in our dining room, cleaned the Master bath, did the dishes, vacuumed downstairs, swept and mopped our expansive wood floor, fixed the keyboard tray on my desk, organized the office, purchased and replaced strings on a guitar (then tuned said guitar), went to a new hardware store to scope out other molding options (again with all of the kids), completed about 5 loads of laundry, made the bed, began repairing floating shelves to install in our family room, worked out (as if everything else WASN'T a workout!), and managed to keep the children dressed, fed, napped, and generally happy.  Just reading that list makes me want to take a nap.  The kicker is that he didn't even act like my being gone was a big deal.  And he listened as I chattered away at him when I got home.  Sometimes I wonder if the guy is Superman incognito.  Seriously.

Between the two aspects of my weekend, (the read-a-thon and my miraculous husband), I feel like life couldn't have been better.  Sure I was tired.  (It is exhausting to stay in once place and read for two whole days!)  Sure I got restless.  Sure there was some sacrifice.  But the results of this experience are SO worth it!

And then there were none...

I've shared a lot about our weekend already, so I'll spare you those details again.  Suffice it to say that within 24 hours, both sets of grandparents left.  There were certainly a few tears shed over the past couple of days.
It was so fun to have my parents here.  My kids enjoyed spending time with them, playing with them, helping Grandpa string up his Halloween lights, and just being able to spend time with them.  The comforting part of their departure was that we get to go see them at Christmas time.  My kids are already looking forward to and asking about that event. 

The other grandparents, Nana and Papa, left for two years!  They will enter the MTC this Monday to prepare to go to the Baltic Mission.  Since we moved into our home, we have been able to spend a lot of time with them--especially in the past couple of months, as they have needed a place to stay when they come back from their cottage on the weekends.  They have been so incredibly helpful and we have really enjoyed having them around.  I don't know that my kids will ever have a time like that again.  I'm so grateful we were able to create such strong bonds and memories when my kids are still so little.

Tuesday evening, my inlaws were set apart as missionaries.  Ryan and I got to be there with them.  It was such a beautiful experience.  As my mother-in-law was being set apart, I felt a bit of jealousy rise in me.  I wanted so much to trade her places and go be a missionary again--but just as quickly, I realized that I would miss my kids WAY too much.  So, I'm happy to stay home and have the joys and challenges of teaching my own little group of investigators. 

I really look forward to hearing all about the experiences and challenges that my inlaws will encounter in these next 2 years.  I know that their experience, as a senior couple and ten years later, will be very different than my own.  I can't wait to hear about those differences!  I also know that there will be threads of similarities--and I can't wait to hear about those as well!

I know that as time passes, we will certainly continue to miss them.  It will probably become a little easier, but there will certainly be moments we miss having them here...especially as the bigger events come around.  But, I know that there is no place I would rather have them be.  What a fantastic example to my own children of the faith to go and do, even when you are leaving behind your own children, grandchildren, and other very important family members.  I am just so grateful that we have been able to be part of their preparation process and that we get to continue sharing in their experience.

Joy: Day 31

Halloween was a fun day at our house!  After dropping Kallie and Whitney off at their respective schools, (and going to Whitney's preschool Halloween party), I got to go shopping with my mom.  I REALLY needed a new maternity dress, and we actually found one!  It is so hard to find maternity clothes that are long enough, cute enough, and don't cost a fortune.  This fit all three categories.  I was amazed! 

And, related to that, because of how the mirrors were hung in the dressing room, I had quite a good view of my back side.  It's not one that I see very often--so I took advantage of analyzing the view.  Really, for as not-skinny as I am, that perspective looks a lot better than I thought.  I was pleasantly surprised by that thought.

After shopping, I took a nap.  After the busy-ness of this weekend, I was EXHAUSTED.  And, I knew because of Halloween, I would be up later than I should be that night.  I seriously don't know why my bed is so wonderful right now!  But, it continues to be one of my favorite places.

Halloween night was a lot of fun.  We got the kids costumed and sent them out to gather candy.  Clayton was impressed that people were handing the stuff out.  Both Grandpa and Papa got to go with the kids (and Ryan) to make the rounds of our smallish neighborhood.  When they got back, we bundled them in the car, (minus the grandparents), and headed over to our friends' Halloween Open House--where fresh, homemade doughnuts were being served.  Yum!  It was a great to chat with the adults while the kids ran around like crazy, working off the candy they'd already eaten.

After getting the kids to bed that night, I actually sat down and hung out with the grown ups for a few minutes before heading to bed.  I was quite surprised that I was able to stay up that late--and was pretty sure I'd be paying for it the next day!  (FYI: The next day wasn't as bad as I anticipated.)

It was a fun Halloween and I'm so glad both sets of grandparents were here to enjoy it with us!

Joy: Day 30

Sunday was actually quite a fun and joyful day, as it was the day of my inlaws' farewell talks at church.  We usually have church at 1, and their meeting was at 9--so it was a little more stressful than usual getting out the door in the morning.  But, we made it with about 5 minutes to spare.  Whew!  They gave great talks and it was a joy to be there with them that day.

When we got home, I set about preparing (and directing preparation of) a Latvian dinner.  Well, I should say Latvian-inspired dinner.  I served Chicken Anastasia, (chicken with apples, mushrooms, sour cream, and swiss cheese), Latvian sauerkraut, Russian beet salad, and homemade rolls, (which my mom mixed up the night before from the BEST and EASIEST roll recipe EVER!).  We had a houseful--10 adults and 4 kids for dinner that evening.

There was a lot of skepticism as to whether the meal was going to actually taste good--but in the end, everyone seemed to enjoy the chicken and rolls, while the sauerkraut and beets were enjoyed by a few.  I was so appreciative that everyone was a good sport about it and tried the new (strange) dishes!  It was SO FUN for me to be able to create in the kitchen again.  My feet were killing me by the end of the day, but it really was worth it!

After dinner, my inlaws headed over to their open house, which was hosted by a couple in their ward.  Ryan and I took the girls, while my parents stayed home and put Clayton to bed.  It was great to see/meet people who love my inlaws and were celebrating their mission departure.

I felt a lot of joy at having people over and being able to make dinner for them.  It just makes me happy to have a house full of people!  There is also a lot of joy in spending time with family.  And we have found a lot of joy in participating in my inlaws' mission preparation.

Joy: Day 29

In spite of appearances that would indicate otherwise, I have not forgotten about my final few days of joy.  I have just been SO busy this weekend--with many joyful events--that my normal blogging time was replaced by family time and sleep.  The last of everyone left this morning (for two whole years!--that post is coming later...) and while my kids are lunching in the kitchen, I am going to play catch up.  (And then I have an appointment with my bed.)

Saturday, I thought for sure all of our plans would be cancelled by my kids' sicknesses.  Imagine my surprise when they all woke up feeling FINE!  (In spite of Kallie's ear hurting so badly the night before that she woke up crying and ended up sleeping on the floor of our bedroom.)  I was actually quite surprised and felt a little unprepared.  I was sure glad my mom was around to help finish up the Halloween costume prep!  While the kids played and Ryan...I don't know what he did that day...cleaned, maybe?, my mom and I sewed and ironed and glued.  And then I made cupcakes for the trunk or treat.  After the trunk or treat/carnival (which was a lot of fun), my parents took us out to dinner at Bahama Breeze for my birthday.  That was fun, too.

There was a lot of joy in spending time with family, kids feeling well, getting the costumes DONE, baking (it's been a while!), going to a ward activity, and getting to go to one of my favorite restaurants.  Plus, in spite of the typical Seattle season, the sun was shining that day!