About a hundred million...

Pictures - 

and reasons we loved our week at Newport Beach.

Especially Noah.  The kid was in heaven.  The entire week.  Loved the beach, the water, the sea creatures.  The family, the attention, the junk food grandma kept giving him : )

Alex wasn't quite a beach babe.  She liked it for the first hour or two everyday and then she'd had it.  With the sun, the sand the wind.  So we'd bury her in towels and she'd fall asleep under the canopy to the sound of the waves.  But I think her favorite part of the day was going back up to the beach house for her bath : )

Me?  Well I'm not gonna lie and say it was easy.  Being 5 1/2 months pregnant with baby #3, having constant Braxton Hicks contractions, suffering from Plantar fasciitis, dealing with 2 jet-lagged children, and being without my husband was no piece of cake.  Not to mention the traveling, about 12 hours door to door (but I'm not even gonna go there).  Lucky for me, I've got great in-laws from Grandma and Grandpa to the aunts, uncles, and cousins who helped out and were of course fun to be with.

To be honest with you, Noah alone would have made the trip worth it.  It was so fun to see him having the time of his life.

Noah, Alex, and Cousin Jack our first morning in Newport

Noah, of course, was immediately searching for sea creatures among the rocks

And he took to the waves like a pro.

The kids loved building sandcastles with Grandma

and just chillin' together on the beach.

Noah and Jack in their sandpit.

Grandma took Noah down under the pier early one morning to catch starfish - a highlight of his week, he can't stop talking about it.

His other favorite activity?  Catching crabs - with pinchers (he would want me to specify)

He was brave - got pinched a couple times by some big ones, and one tried crawling up his arm under his swimshirt

And let me tell you, he was good at it!

He was also a pro at digging for sand crabs - even managed to impress some girls he met on the beach one day : )

Noah tried to teach me how to play tennis, but decided I wasn't very good at it.  He also learned how to throw a frisbee, thanks to his uncles.  I'm NO help in the sports department...

Just enjoying a diet coke on the beach

Kidding - it's mine.  Although I'm sure he stole a sip or two...or three or four.

And here's me and Alex, warming up after playing in the waves.

We have to thank Aunt Ginger for our beautifully painted toenails and for doing Alex's hair.  The "paint nails" was a highlight for Alex.

In the mornings and evenings we'd sit outside the beach house, blow bubbles with the kids and watch the grown ups jumprope.

Yeah, I said that right - but I missed out on those action shots.

Noah was pretty easy on this trip - Alex, on the other hand, was a little crazy.

Can you tell?

That's what I felt like too by the end of the week with her.

More fun in the waves - Alex got braver as the week went on.  But her favorite was when I held her in the waves.  She squeezed my neck, kissed my face, and said, "Mommy you're so fun!"  The next day my back was killing me, but it was worth it : )

Alex in action.

And then there's Alex and her infamous naps on the beach.  A few times I think she slept for at least three hours - I kept checking to see if she was breathing.

Yeah, that's her under there.

And of course she's hanging on tight to "Little Deery"

Traumatic incident of the week - which occurred on the first day of the trip before we'd even arrived - Alex losing her blanky for good when she dropped it over a ledge at the Denver airport during our layover.

"Little Deery" (her affectionate name for one of her favorite stuffed animals) has become the replacement.

And here's a belly shot for you - it might be the only one you get.  I wish it wasn't me in a swimsuit but - who am I kidding?  I've been to the beach, the lake and the pool enough times already that way too many people have seen me pregnant in a swimsuit for me to care that much anymore.

Rolling in the sand - a great way to warm up, give yourself a rash and get sand in your eyes and so you cry for the next hour.  A daily occurrence.  

Noah being super cooperative for a picture, as usual.

How cute is she?

And I love the look on this kids face.

Walking the pier one evening.

Searching for more crabs and starfish - he also loved sticking his fingers in the sea urchins.  He made me do it once - ew, so creepy.

I told you Aunt Ging was good at hair didn't I?  

I love it!

Last day at the beach...

Other things we loved about the beach:

The morning walk to the donut shop

walking the pier every evening and stopping for ice cream

corn dogs

The Crab Cooker (sans kids)

my first taste of Pinkberry

Alright, it wasn't ALL about the food...

Although Noah did say at one point, "Mom, why is Grandma just giving me all the junk food?"

This was not a complaint, just confusion, happy confusion.

The trip was equal parts

Family

Beach

and Food

And it was awesome.

Thanks Gunn Family, we love and miss you!

For your Consideration

FACT:

The kids and I had a great time in Newport Beach with Paul's family this past week.  Thanks everyone!  I couldn't have done it without all your help.

FACT:  

I am never traveling alone with both of my kids (and soon to be third).  Ever.  Again.  [Complaints about my kids from surrounding passengers on 3 out of my 4 flights - seriously???]

FACT:

Paul is officially DONE with intern year and at this very moment is experiencing his first day on the job as an ANESTHESIA RESIDENT.  Hurray!

FACT:

Life is good.  I'm happy.  

T-I-R-E-D

I do not remember it being this hard.  Probably cuz it wasn't.  But with 2 kids, summer break (which means I need to provide constant entertainment), making it to the gym, and Paul's schedule I am DYING.  

For reals.  After lunch I want to go to bed.  For the night.  Course I can't.  Today was the first day since who knows when that I was actually able to sneak in a short nap.  

Today Paul sarcastically reminded me, "Only 4 more months!"  And then I get to give birth and get up every night with a baby.    

Heaven help us.

So for now, no pics or updates.  The biggest news around here (and get ready, it's life changing)...DVR

Hallelujah!

Your Attention Please

Department of Internal Medicine Residency Program

Excellence in Internship Award

The third year Internal Medicine Residents confer upon

Paul W. Gunn, M.D.

the Best Preliminary Intern Award in recognition

for his outstanding Internship for the academic year 2008 - 2009

We couldn't be more proud.

Congratulations honey, we love you!

That's what she said

"It sure is a nice day for snuggling a daddy."

Time

There really are not enough hours in the day for a pregnant woman...or the night.  I could sleep forever.  

I know I'm behind.  I still haven't posted about our anniversary (or gotten a pic of me and Paul together).  Nor have I posted a belly pic - because I still don't have one.  I should probably get on that since (in 2 days) I'm halfway through this pregnancy.

Speaking of which...

Today was the big ultrasound.  Except (remember) we didn't find out the sex of the baby.  And I didn't see anything I wasn't supposed to see, which I was a little worried about.  I didn't want the surprise to be ruined!  Especially since Paul wasn't there.

Other news:

Paul is currently on his last rotation of intern year.  Hip Hip Hooray!  It's a little rough though (Pediatric ICU).  Call every fourth night, sick dying kids.  Sad stuff.

On a lighter note, Paul and I had a WONDERFUL time in Chicago last week.  Seriously so much fun.  More about that later...

The day after we got back was my birthday.  The big 28.  Exciting, huh?  Actually, it was a great  day.  One of the best.  Because I have so many amazing people in my life who made me feel loved and appreciated.  The day went like this:

Breakfast with my friends in Lake City (the cutest little town on a beautiful lake) at Chickadee's (the cutest little place with the yummiest food).  Even better - no kids : )

When we got home...Paul was home!  He suggested we head to the mall so Noah could get me the gift he'd decided upon and I could spend some of my birthday $.

The kids were starting to fall apart (still exhausted from a 3-day sleepover with friends) so we brought home some Chipotle for dinner and spent the evening at home together.  

I loved every minute of it!

And don't forget the many calls, texts, and thoughtful gifts from friends and family.  Thanks to everyone for a wonderful day : )

Let's see what else?  I (along with some friends) set some goals for the month of June.  It's a point system kind of thing.  It's been 2 days...and it ain't goin' so well.  Like I said, not enough hours in the day for this pregnant woman.  But I'm gonna hang in there... 

So now I just need to post "then and now" pics of me and Paul for our anniversary, a belly pic, pics of our trip to Chicago.  Anything else?  Sorry there are no birthday pics.  

Stay tuned.  

(It may be awhile.) 

Life

Life is BUSY.

Which feels sooooo good.

Good to be doing normal things like taking care of my house, playing with my kids, going to the grocery store, making dinners.

Good to be able to help out my friends who took such good care of me and my family while I was out of commission.

Life is good and we're still just trying to catch up.

A few updates - 

Noah finished preschool and it is now officially "summertime"

That same week Noah also got banned from the tv

Which left me with A LOT of time to fill.

Not that the kids watch that much tv, but with no preschool either and a kid like Noah who cannot self-entertain...

I'm exhausted.

But it's been good.

In fact, Noah has been happier and better behaved.

And I feel like a better mom.

Albeit an exhausted, pregnant mom.

We've done everything imaginable to keep busy this week.

Playdates pretty much everyday, picnic at the park, bike rides, games, outside activities including but not limited to sidewalk chalk, painting the deck with water, climbing the wall, and picking flowers.

And don't forget the art projects

(Alex is painting a roller coaster, in case it wasn't obvious.)

And last but not least, lots of puzzles.

At 6am.

Yep, no more turning on the tv for my early risers.

Paul has a week of vacation - starting today.  We're so excited.  We'll spend the first part of that week here at home, with the kids.

But on Tuesday Paul and I are headed to Chicago for a few days, with NO kids.

We can't wait.

As for me...I never seem to be done complaining.  I'm now suffering from a horrible case of Plantar Fasciitis.  In case you don't know what it is...my foot hurts.  A lot.  Like I can't put any weight down on my right heel.  So I've been limping around on my toes and putting most of my weight on my left leg.  Yeah, not so good when you're pregnant and carrying around extra weight.  So now the toes on my right foot are sore and the knee on my left leg is hurting.  

I've been to the doctor.  But I need to go to the Foot and Ankle Clinic.  

I have an appointment in July.

Which is great since Paul and I are supposed to be walking the streets of Chicago in just a few days.  We might be touring the city on segways instead.

Just kidding - I'd feel like Gob (for all you Arrested Development fans out there).

But really, we're thinking bikes might be the way to go - I don't have to put pressure on my heel to do that.

I just have to be able to pedal around my growing belly.

I'll let you know how that goes.

I also seem to catch every little bug that goes around.  I asked Paul the other night why I always seem to be falling apart and he said,

"Because you're pregnant.  Pregnancy is the root of all evil."

So there you have it folks.

For those of you who have asked, I will post a belly pic soon.  Maybe now that Paul is around I can get a decent shot of myself (is that possible when you're pregnant?)

And maybe, just maybe, I'll post about our anniversary, which was last week.

I've been putting it off until I could get a picture of Paul and I together - because I realized we don't have any recent ones.

But getting Paul to pose for pics is no easy task.

(Hence, no recent pics of us together).

And...that about sums things up around here.

Hope life is good for you too : )

2-Wheelin' It

It finally happened.  Noah let Paul take the training wheels off of his bike.

Paul had promised Noah that he would be riding a 2-wheeler by the end of the summer.  But Noah tends to take things literally - and kept telling us he wasn't going to take his training wheels off until the end of the summer.

Then, one night last week Noah made an announcement.  He let us know that Monday was going to be a "special day" because he was going to ride a 2-wheeler.

So that night, when Paul got home, we all headed up to the elementary school just a few blocks away.

And...you can see the results for yourself : )

I know what you're thinking - my videographer skills are out of this world, right?

P.S.  Noah has spent several more evenings practicing since then and is improving by leaps and bounds.  

We're so proud of you Noah!

Little Miss

Alex Olivia

{Photo courtesy of brookeoldroydphotography}

This beautiful little girl is growing up fast - and making us laugh along the way

A few recents:

Alex came to me one morning upset because she couldn't find her "tick-tock shirt."  I was confused.  She doesn't have a shirt with a clock on it, or anything close.  I asked her again, thinking I'd misunderstood her.  Nope.  She was insisting on her "tick-tock shirt."  So I asked her to describe it to me and this is what I got:

"It's kind of yellow and it has lines and skinny arms"

And then I knew.

She was looking for her tanktop.

tanktop, tick-tock

whatever.

By the way, it's cream (yellow)

ribbed (has lines)

and sleeveless (skinny arms).

Not bad for a 3 year old : )

I overheard Noah and Alex having a conversation about dying and going to Heaven.  Noah was saying, "But Alex, when you're in heaven you'll be dead."

Alex's response?

"That's ok, I'll just ask Heavenly Father to kiss me and then I'll wake up."

We practice the religion of disney around here.

And Alex's new favorite phrase?

"Alright, whatever."

(with a lisp and more attitude than you'd believe a 3 year old capable of)

We love you babe!

Mother's Day (sans pics)

Because there are no pics.

Mother's Day went like this:

Paul was on call.  Major bummer.  So it was just me and the kiddos.  They woke me at 6:30am, just like this - 

Noah (jumping on me in bed):  "Mom go look in the freezer!"

Alex (also jumping on me in bed):  "No Noah, we didn't say Happy Mother's Day yet!"

Me:  "Aww, thanks Alex."

Alex:  "No mom, I didn't say it yet!"

Me:  "Oh, ok.  Sorry."

Alex (with a huge smile):  "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!"

So the three of us ran to the freezer, where I found a Cold Stone Ice Cream Pie waiting for us. (Paul took the kids to pick it out the night before, while I was out of the house.)

So at approximately 6:35am we all had ice cream pie for breakfast.

I also got some great cards from Paul and the kids.  Cards are kind of a big deal around here : )

The rest of the morning was a typical Sunday morning.

Hectic - me trying to get everyone ready for church, and the kids fighting me (and each other) tooth and nail.

I asked Noah if the primary kids were going to sing to the moms in sacrament meeting that day and he said, "I don't know.  But if they are I'm NOT doing it."  I asked him why and he insisted he was too scared.  Ridiculous, because this is the kid who loves to give prayers, scriptures and talks in primary and who complained that his part in last year's primary program wasn't long enough.

I tried everything I could think of.  

"All your friends will be up there doing it"

"I'll be so sad if you don't sing to me on Mother's Day"

And a whole lot more.

Without success.

All I got from that stubborn kid of ours was, "I will NEVER do it.  NEVER!"

When we got to church and they announced the primary kids would be singing that day I whispered to Noah, "If you don't go up and sing I guess me and Alex will have to eat the rest of the pie by ourselves."

Noah just stared at me for a moment and then said, "Alright.  I changed my mind."

Success!!!

Not really.

When the primary kids went up to the stand to sing, Noah made sure he was in the back.  I could see the teachers getting the youngest kids up to the front where they could be seen but Noah just stepped right back behind the others.  But, by adjusting my own position I could just see his face.  And what a face!  Through the whole song, "Mother I love you" Noah barely moved his mouth and he frowned and glared at me the entire time!  I'm not kidding you, the kid was mad and making it very clear.

I found the whole thing hilarious.

The rest of the sunday was a typical sunday.  The kids were naughty in sacrament meeting and naughty at home.  I kept reminding them, "Don't you know you're supposed to be nice to me on Mother's Day?"

We did, however, go visit Paul at the hospital that afternoon, if only for a short while.

But don't feel too sorry for me.

My real Mother's Day took place the Friday before, on Paul's day off.  He made arrangements for our friends to watch the kids (thanks Jacksons and Schafers!) and we spent the day in The Cities, at Mall of America, where I got some much needed maternity clothes, a delicious lunch, and time alone with my husband.  It was a wonderful day.  

Thank you Paul!  You're amazing and I love you.  

Wishin' that were me

BUT...

I think I turned the corner this past week.

I can't say I feel great, but it is a HUGE improvement.

Of course there are still those things that induce the occasional dry-heaves: brushing my teeth (inevitable), smells (all kinds), food that for whatever reason just doesn't appeal to me at the moment, not getting enough sleep, waiting until I'm STARVING to eat (it happens faster than you'd think).

But things are slowly getting back to normal around here.  I've been grocery shopping, cooking dinner, playing with my kids, taking them places, doing laundry, taking care of the house.

Alright I haven't done any of the dusting, mopping, scrubbing kind-of-stuff yet.

I'm not feeling that good.

But you get the idea.

I'm exhausted.

BUT.

Life is...better.

(17 weeks and counting)

Easter Happened

About a month ago.

That's pretty much all I can say for Easter 2009.

And the past several months in general.

Things just "happen" to us.

Usually while Paul is at work and I'm laying on the couch dry-heaving.

Easter morning the kids woke bright and early.

6am.

Paul was long gone.

And so the indoor easter egg hunt began at 6:05am.

I laid on the couch and (you guessed it) dry-heaved.

At least I managed to take some pictures, right?

That's about all I managed.

Alex is wearing the Easter dress received the day before in a package from Grandma Gunn.

Yeah, she slept in it.

And the hair is just lovely, I know.

But the kids enjoyed themselves, all the same.

10 minutes later, the hunt was over.

I sent the kids downstairs to the tv with bucketfuls of candy.

And I went back to bed.

I was too sick to make it to church that day, but I didn't want the kids to forget what Easter is really all about.

So I planned a little Easter lesson for them - which left them both in tears.

I swear I didn't say anything scary, graphic, or traumatic.  I always keep it simple.  You know, because Jesus was resurrected we will all be resurrected too, and live together forever in heaven.  That kind of thing.  But it doesn't seem to matter.  Noah always starts crying about how he doesn't want to die and how he never wants to go to Heaven.  This time it was because he wouldn't be able to take "sharky" with him (his stuffed shark that he sleeps with).  And of course Noah's tears get Alex going too.

So I wrapped it up quickly, and ended with some stories from The Friend.

Oh Boy.

However...

earlier in the week we attended an awesome Easter Party, thrown by my amazing friends, whom I do not deserve.

The party included:

bazillions of kids

fun games

sugar cookie decorating

face painting

cute craft

AND

an easter egg hunt

Thanks again Girls!!!

(you made our Easter)

Happy Easter!

The post where I whine and complain

It all started at 3 1/2 weeks prego - seriously who starts feeling sick that early?  But that's how I knew  - or hoped I knew - that I was finally pregnant.

At first it was hit and miss, the nausea would come and go.  And it was manageable.

By 6 1/2 weeks it was debilitating.

And at 7 weeks I was puking and couldn't get out of bed.  That's when I couldn't remember why I thought I could do this again.  And that's when I called the doc and begged for drugs.  It went something like this:

(me struggling to talk through the tears) "I'm pregnant and I'm throwing up and my husband is a resident and I have two kids and I can't get out of bed"

They gave me the drugs.

But, the drugs did not turn out to be the miracle I was hoping for.  Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for'em.  But all they really did was turn the pukes into dry heaves.  Better than nothing but...

I'm almost 15 weeks

still sick

still miserable

And so somewhere in the middle of 7 weeks and now I just gave up.  No more trying to function.  

My number one priority became, and remains:

Reduce the misery

Do whatever it takes to reduce the misery

And so I spend most of my time on the couch, wearing the same black sweats everyday

My kids spend their time watching tv, eating too much junk food, destroying the house, and otherwise running wild

Thus, my busy/exhausted/burnt out intern of a husband comes home to a non-functioning, depressed wife, 2 stir-crazy children, a wreck of a house, and no food.

Luckily for us, Paul spends his one day off a week cleaning, shopping, cooking, and taking the kids to the park.

And luckily for us I have wonderful friends who've invited my kids over for many a playdate so they can do normal kid stuff and I can get some peace and quiet.

And luckily, I had another ultrasound today (one where the baby actually looks like a human baby) and I remembered why we're doing all of this.

And I'm grateful.

Even if I did dry-heave in the aisles of Target last week.