Every once in a while....

I get the over whelming feeling of how blessed I am to have two great kids.   I sometimes get a great feeling of the luckiest mom that Kendyl was my little girl who made me a mom.  I must have done something right to get such a sweet, tender hearted, hilarious little girl.  She genuinely cares about anybody and everybody.  She is quick to find me a blanket if she thinks I may be cold.  She insists that I eat with her in our living room picnics.  She is always giving hugs and kisses.  She makes sure to tell Cinderellas mice not to eat me at night. 

The morning after the race, she had woke up pretty early.  She came in to snuggle, she watched the school kids get on the bus yelling for them to have fun at school. She was dancing, singing "let it go" from the top of her lungs and being a great little girl to let me rest a bit longer.  When I woke up from my in and out of consiousness there was something next to my face.  She had drawn the best picture of Olaf, with arms 3 x his size.  Next to Olaf she had set a nice pointy carrot. 

The imagination of this little girl is incredible.  She can transform from little mermaid, to cinderella, to Elsa in a matter of minutes and NAIL their characters. 

The other night she was eating grapes and making us eat ours as well.  Jase was on his third or fourth grape when Kendyl said, "Dad, dont eat too many, these will make you poop."

She tucks her baby doll into Eastons cradle.  She feeds her baby a bottle, changes her bum, swaddles her, puts her to bed with a little toy then literally tiptoes out of the room and whispers the rest of the night. 

I think the thing I love to watch most is how she loves her brother.  In the car she holds his hand.  She is first to want to feed him a bottle.  She checks on him while he is napping. She reads him books.  She is careful of who is "allowed" to hold him, or even comment about him.  I know she cannot wait for him to grow up and play.   

 

So sweet Kendyl, never forget how much We love you. Stay a little girl forever! 
ps, arent these pictures amazing by Renee Jacobsen Photography?  We love her and she did such an amazing job!

Disney Princess Half Marathon 2014

While I was pregnant with Easton I made the decision to run a half marathon.  I have always wanted to do one.  Plus I gained more then enough weight with him, I thought it would be great motivation to lose some LBS! I knew I ALWAYS wanted to run a Disney race. All the stars lined up because the race sold out rather quickly.  I found a way to buy into the race through a travel agency  ( runwiththemouse.com ) (thanks Jim).  I rounded up my friend Cassie to do it with me and we did it. 

Everything that could go wrong while training did.  I already couldn't train until 3 months before the race because I was still recovering from Labor.  I caught cold after cold.  Then I got a stress fracture in my foot. UGH.  Then I have had some major pelvis/uterus pain.  Still need to go to the Dr.  Anyway, training was less than ideal and I was getting really worried.  I had heard about the "Balloon Ladies" and getting swept and not finishing.  To say I was nervous was a serious understatement.

The corral placements went to P and I got amazingly lucky and scored C.  For Real?  I was the 3rd leg to start the race!

We woke up at 1 AM to get going.  I had to pump, makeup, hair, get ready, eat and then it was an hour drive to Disney.  I thought I would be dead tired, but i wasnt.  I didn't even nap when I got home!

 

 Getting to the race wasnt bad at all.  We read everywhere that traffic was going to be awful.  I dont know if we got there early enough or what, but it wasnt even backed up.  There was a big party going on when we got there and it was so fun.  I have never seen so many port a potties in my life.  ha ha.  Of course it is Disney and you have to stand in lines, so we picked one and took this picture.

Everywhere you looked there was a Sea of people.  Over 25,000 runners!  To be honest, they make YOU feel so special, like it is YOUR big day.  Plus Disney is so used to tons of people that it didn't feel like there were that many there.  It sure showed in the energy and excitement though.

 The Fairy Godmother did her bibbidy boppidy boop to send us off...Not to mention the fireworks as well! 

 Here I am before the race!!

 See those spots in my pictures?  It was beyond humid. I almost cried when all my pictures were starting to do this.  My hair did not stay straight at all!

 Running through Magic Kingdom I think was my most favorite part.  I would dare say it was a favorite for most.  I either ran fast through it, or I wish it was longer through the park.  Running up mainstreet I could feel the magic of Disney.  Every emotion was right there.  THIS right here is why I chose to run this race.

 Magic happened more because I have never got a picture with them both at the same time.  More magic happened when the himidity cleared up and I got no spots in my picture.  I think I will frame this picture. It means so much to me.  Am I getting too sappy?  #sorrynotsorry!

 After Magic kingdom you came around to these handsome fellas.  One of them was in the middle of the road singing magical songs to the runners.  Seriously, is this real life?

 I loved the army guy.  He was so in character.  He kept yelling move move move and was very entertaining.

 They had trumpets playing at the castle.  they played the royalty entrance thing.  Seriously, still real life is going on here.

 Sophia was in Epcot.  I knew Kendyl would be so sad if she found out I didn't stop at her.  So here is ms Sophia the first.  (Ironically, were watching this show right now!)

 Running through Epcot was so fun.  I have never been there.  This ball was HUGE!  I never thought it was really this big.  It was also quick in this park too.

 THE FINISH LINE!!!  My time was 3:18  not bad for stopping at characters, and walking a little more then I wanted from the achillies flaring up.  This is not a race to want to PR in anyway.  It is all about the magic and nothing to do with time.  Just cross the finish line and that is ALL that matters.

 They then sprinkled you with magic fairy dust, because we are all PRINCESSES.

 They had row after row of these Medals. 

 I earned my medal through and through. When I crossed the finish line I started crying like a baby.  Never in my life have I done something so hard.  Never in my life have I wanted to accomplish something and I did it.  The Disney magic was amazing.  I hurt like crazy and all my emotions just flowed out. 

Then I finallly found Cinderella!  She was at the after party where everyone was taking pictures.  I wish I would have known that because I kept saying, I wont stop at this character because I want to wait for the princesses. 
There was woody, buzz, the Heroes, Pirates of the Caribbean, Snow White, Mary Poppins, the Genie etc.  I never did see Ariel, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto. 
I would 100% recommend this and any other Disney race to ANYBODY.   They even have Diaper Dashes for the babies.  Disney magic is so real and it is the best.  I cannot wait until I can do another race.

Disney Christmas party

Well, we FINALLY got to take Kendyl to Disney World.  We went to Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party! Im telling ya, this is the way to do Disney!  Plus you get all the free Hot Chocolate and cookies you want!  This year we got rained on the entire time.  Good thing it wasnt a down pour, just a steady rain.  Since we were at disney, the rain was magical, and i have never enjoyed getting rained on until this day!

Kendyl about died in excitement!  During the parade I thought her arm was going to fly off from her waving so hard at all the characters.  Her favorite ride was the carousel.  When we were getting off she turned and laughed and said, my horse just pooped!  (what the!?) 

She was a little scared of Belle at first but then warmed right up to her.  Our favorite was when she ran and gave Minnie the BIGGEST hug!  Seriously it could have been a commercial! 

We rode a few rides and met a few characters. We watched the parade, the castle light show then the fireworks.  I of course had to ride space mountain...solo!  It still makes me giggle.  I secretly think Jase had the time of his life, even though he wont admit it.  Easton was a trooper and just soaked it all in! 

We didn't even get to do everything we wanted to do.  I already cannot wait until we go back!  After all, we have to soak it all in while we live close! 

So here is our trip in pictures!

 

                                                        First arriving to the castle!

                                                    After Kendyl warmed up to Belle.  She was Chip in the play.

                                                     Jase was a guard.....he knows he loved it!

                                                   Kendyls magical minnie mouse moment

                                          I was star struck and a little teary eyed myself

                                             kendyl on the carousel...that is her horse that pooped.

                                                    Here was Easton being a trooper!

                                                 Castle Transformation

Us on Main Street.  AHHH we love Christmas

 

One month update

I cannot believe how incredibly lucky I am to have the family and friends that I have.  We were granted a good week with my mom in town taking care of us, then Jases parents.  Kendyl misses having pals to play with and have sleepovers in her room.  My neighbors here are amazing and are always quick to make sure im still sane in the blue house. 

Easton (Figaro as Kendyl is adament his name is) has colic or something like that.  He may have a milk allergy, but it has not been "diagnosed" but for the mean time im off dairy.  Oh how I miss my morning cereal!  All we know is he likes to cry.  Other than the crying, we love the little guy and we think he is so cute and a perfect fit into our family!  Kendyl loves the heck out of him and loves to give him hugs and kisses.  She also loves to wake him up, because I guess having a quiet house is not up her alley.  Me on the other hand, I feel like I get a fresh breath when its quiet....unless its too quiet, then I know miss bug is into something she isn't supposed to be.

I hate to admit but Kendyl has been watching a little more tv than I would like her to.  Heck, I am too.  Something to help drain the crying noise, and the nonstop feedings!  Im lucky to get a shower.  I struggle during quiet time if i should shower, clean, rest, do dishes, wash clothes, etc.  Im lucky to get one chore done a day, whether its a load or two of laundry to getting us breakfast lunch and dinner at a decent time.  Seriously, how people have twins or more than 2 kids or kids super super close in age, I have no idea.  Maybe Im missing to secret.  If you have it, pass it this way. 

Easton is a little piggy and weighs in at 10 lbs 3 oz at his 1 month check. I have no idea what percentile that is because my doc said as long as its going up thats all i really care about.  I do know its somewhere around 50%tile.  I love her pediatrician.

We were also able to get our pictures taken by the INCREDIBLE Renee Jacobsen Photography.  She did such an amazing job.  Money well spent!  Seriously Florida friends, get on her! 

Oh and....its time to say goodbye to our blue smurf house.  Im a little sad to say goodbye.  Im a lot happy toget more space.  Kendyl HATES the idea of leaving the blue house and wants nothing to do with it.  As bad as this house sticks out as a sore thumb, I secretly hope they never paint it back to a color that isn't so....out there. 

Jase and I are doing great.  He is busy working and hunting.  Im busy being a mom.  I just signed up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon at Disney World.  I am beyond excited.  I chose my princess to be Ariel.  Now if I can only find the time to train!  :)

Below are just 4 of our pictures....

 

 

Easton Archer

Easton Archer

September 8 2013

 

These past 9 months have flown by if i look back on it.  During, not so much.  Throwing up daily, heartburn, aches, tiredness, the whole 9 yards. Pregnancy is NOT for me. I am so glad it is over! It makes it all worth it though right?!

So Thursday September 5th I had my 39 week appointment. I was just ready to be done. Lets be honest, Kendyl was born already.  I had the Dr strip my membranes and I understand it either works or it doesnt within 24 hours.  I didn't even have as much as a single cramp after. I thought I would be pregnant forever! I was telling people I was going to give birth to a toddler. UGH!

Friday went by, Saturday went by, went to bed all ready for church the next day.  I was woken up at 4:30 am from a  mild contraction.  The next one came 10 minutes later....this went on about 4 or 5 times then I decided I had to pee. Then I couldn't sleep, so I was getting Kendyls church clothes all laid out when BAM a contraction hit me like a ton of brick. 2 minutes later...there was another one. Again and again i let this go on for about 10 minutes. I woke Jase up and told him I was going to take a bath to calm these down but that I thought it was time. I didn't evenget to dip my toes in the water before Jase said get ready were going from me screaming cause I hurt so bad. 

We threw what we could in the car, and drove Kendyl to the sweetest neighbors house ever, Tarah's! (I owe her beyond belief). We left our neighborhood at 6:33 and Jase was literally driving 100 mph. We called the hospital and said get the dr there now! The hospital is about 30 minutes away, without traffic and the awful long stoplights. How we didnt get stopped at a single light ill never know!

We got to the hospital and I was screaming to get me an epidural. The nurse checked me and said sorry, your a 9, no epidural for you! I broke down and started crying and telling them that I didn't even read about a non epidural birth and that I didn't know how.  It didn't convince them.

The nurse grabbed one of the doctors that was there to stand in the room until my Dr got there. All the while, nurses were drying the barely mopped floor, throwing things together and trying to get me not to push. (There is NO stopping the urge to push!).

My fabulous Dr came in and immediatly got to work.  Jase was busy fanning me because I was sweating like a crazy lady. All of a sudden at 7:30 on the dot our baby Easton was born!  ALL NATURAL BABY!! woo!  And to top it off, all that crazy pain was gone!  He was healthy as an ox.  He weighed in at 8 lbs 3oz and 20 inches long.  I actually got to hold him unlike Kendyl! 

He ended up having Jaundice so he had to go under the lights just like his big sister.  I handled it a lot better this time around.  We were released and all got to come home together!

 

 

 

 This is the amazing Dr. Tobia!  I am so glad he was my dr that delivered the little man.

 Kendyl was so excited to meet him.  She said ohhh he is so cute!  Then immediatly asked if I could play barbies now! (I guess I was a lousy barbie player the past couple weeks). She also picked him out a birthday cake, we sang happy birthday and ate ourselves happy!

 This is right after giving birth! Dont mind my nasty sweaty bed head hair!  :)

 Here he is!

Kendyl is such a proud and happy big sister.  She said he doesn't have to sleep on the porch anymore!  She also is convinced his name is Easton Figaro!? 

We are all adjusting to life with 4 at home.  Between the no sleep, constant feedings, bug still grasping potty training, deer hunt opener and shipping season, were learning!  Were So happy our MIMI could be here to help us out! thanks mom!

Going private

Ever since my ever so famous giraffe(the one where I'm photo bombed and I have a thousand chins) photo made it very public around the country I've decided to go  private.  Please don't be scared to leave your email. I don't care if we have never met, but if your read this blog just leave your email! I just don't want any creepers! Thanks! I will make the change before my next post.

Utah part 1

We have been having a blast in Utah. I cannot believe it has been going by so fast.  I am so happy I chose to come earlier then I originally thought.  We have spent many days at the pool, at the park, eating ice cream, going to fireworks, and hanging out with family. Kendyl loves hanging out with the dogs and I think its safe to say that Baxter is her favorite.  Poor dog is miserable with being mauled by her, but he is a trooper and hides only half the day. 

Here are a few things we have been up to lately thanks to instagram.

 

 Kendyl got these awesome straw glasses.  She has the hardest time drinking, so anything that helps her to drink I am all for it. She loves strawberry milk through these!

 I have loved playing with my most amazing friends.  Were growing up so fast! :)  These girls are irreplaceable and I often miss them so much!

 While Kendyl and I were here in June, Jase stayed in Florida and worked his hiney off.  All the boys decided to go fishing and he caught some sharks!  Im beyond jealous.  Kick off to shark week!

 Kendyl loves to look at pictures of the temple so I decided to take her to the cream of the crop.  She loves the castle, smelling the flowers and walking around. 

While here Jase and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary.  Im such a blast to be with these days so we just went to Cheesecake Factory.  We walked around city creek and he even took me to Tiffanys.  Can you believe I found NOTHING to buy?  Im so ready to get out of this slump.

 I think my moms favorite thing she has done with Kendyl is going to feed the ducks.  Im sure the ducks loved all the yummy bread.  Layton park will go down in history as being a stick in the mud!


As far as pregnancy goes....Im over it!  My nausea is coming back!  waaaa!  Im so beyond uncomfortable. 
HOW FAR ALONG: 32 weeks
SYMPTOMS:  no sleep due to my hips killing and it being so hot. Nausea is back. Heart Burn is awful.  Still have a hard time wearing a bra, or any tight clothing. I get tired quick. My right leg is started to swell on a daily basis.
CRAVINGS:  cheeseburgers, celery, peppermint salt water taffy.
NAMES: We have 2 we like but aren't set on.  So if you have some cute name ideas, any at all, send them my way.  Im convinced we might have a name by blessing day, if that.
BIG SISTER:  She is still convinced she has a girl baby in her tummy.  She doesn't want a brother to come live with her and she thinks his name should just be baby.  I do think she will warm up to him once she sees him.  She is so good tho and still tells me to be brave when im barfing.  She is ready for me to not be a whale anymore.  Me too Kendyl, Im over this!