Pumpkin Patch

For the month of October I really wanted to get into the fun of Halloween.  September was kind of a throw away month with all the sickness but I feel so much better and am back to myself again so Shortstop and I try to get out every day and do something fun.  He knows he has his mom back and is a different kid...we are such best buds!  Plus, last October, he still wasn't walking so going to pumpkin patches or corn mazes just didn't seem worth it...but this year is a whole new ball game.
SInce the first time he saw a pumpkin on someone's porch Shortstop has been asking if we could go buy one and when we could go and what he was going to do with it.  I remember going to a great little pumpkin patch on Geneva road with my sister and niece a few years ago and then my neighbor said something about it so I wanted to go again.  Monday Mark had the day off and the weather was gorgeous so we headed out.
Shortstop loved all the pumpkins and the Halloween decorations.  We picked out a family one and a few little ones to carve/ decorate and then we decided to do the little corn maze.  They have a corn maze, animals to see, toys and little houses to play in and on and then a dark room with lights and fun decorations.  With our bag of popcorn in hand we headed through the maze.  (Ok, we took the outer path cause we didn't feel like going through a maze but it was perfect for Shortstop...and the sweaty pregnant lady.)

 Little red wagon ride

"Seriously...I can pick on of these for my own?!" 

Lately he always walks with one or two hands behind his back...so cute! 

Trying to pick it up.  After I took this he said "It is just too heavy mom." 

Wrong way buddy 

 There was no one else around to take a picture of all of us...I was sad not to be in it but these boys are sure cute pumpkins!

 I called the duck "Ducky Lucky" and Shortstop did NOT like that.  He is telling me off here.

Fun house mirror.  A pregnant woman should NEVER look in one of these.  I wanted to cry.  

 Such a stud

 "Come on dad and mom!"

 He loved the chickens

 Trying to figure out which side of the curtain to be on for the shadow puppets

Love this picture

These two are my world...and soon I will have three boys to love!

On that note, baby boy #2 is doing great.  I am measuring right on schedule and feeling pretty good.  According to babycenter.com he should weigh about 4 lbs and be 17 inches.  Sleep is becoming more of a challenge to get comfy but I am not hurting just yet.  Loving the cooler weather of course and having fun buying baby clothes and going through Shortstop's old stuff.  Can't believe it is next month!!  We are so excited to meet this little guy and just love on him.  I asked Shortstop the other day who his best friend was, expecting him to say "dad".  He thought about it and said "I think it is going to be baby Yuke"  (Hard time with his "L's).  He then said "Let's go get him and bring him home!"  He loves babies and is so excited when we talk about having one sleep at our house and be with us all the time.  Let's hope that enthusiasm stays once the crying baby arrives!

An anniversary, a hospital visit and a birthday

This is going to be a post mostly for journaling and also because there is not much else I can do but sit and type in bed at this moment.  But I will get to that later.

First part:  Anniversary
Last Saturday the 15th was Mark and my 6th anniversary.  6 years!  I love it!  We decided to have a low key day and no real presents because, well, we just got back from Disneyland and were feeling kind of spoiled.  But of course he broke the rules and got me roses and chocolates.  Like he said though, those aren't gifts, those are just obvious givens on an anniversary. :)  Love him!  That night we got dressed up and took Shortstop to my sister's house in Kaysville for my niece to babysit.  We wanted to go to a restaurant in Salt Lake so it made sense to have him up there so they didn't have to watch him as long as someone in Provo would have.  Mark researched awesome restaurants and came up with a surprise to go to a steakhouse called Christopher's.  Oh man!  It was soooo good.  I think he chose it because they serve Kobe beef and he really wanted to try that.  What a romantic evening by candlelight.  It was so nice just to catch up and visit... and flirt of course.  The restaurant gave us a complimentary creme brulee and then a $25 gift certificate as anniversary presents.  Nice right?  I am so going back there.
When we got back to my sister's we got to hear how cute Shortstop was...sometimes you need to get away from the 2 year old to realize how great they really are. :)  He entertained them and of course was in love with their dog.  My niece even spiked Shortstop's hair which was pretty cute.  We visited for a bit and headed home.  Pretty low key but so needed.

Second part:  Hospital visit
Anyone who knows me knows I was one of those annoying people who said how much they loved being pregnant.  And I do love it.  I don't know if it is because it took two years to get pregnant with Shortstop or what.  I was sick with him and had the normal non fun pregnancy "stuff" but I really enjoyed the experience.  This pregnancy has been a little harder but I have tried really hard to still enjoy the blessing it is.  First trimester was pretty much non stop throwing up.  It was not fun.  I didn't tell too many people because really, what can they do.  Or I downplayed it.  Second trimester was better but I was much more tired than I thought I should have been.  Third trimester has knocked me out cold!  And I mean that physically, emotionally and mentally...but mostly physically.  A few weeks ago I started feeling just blech.  Food caused a gag reflex no matter what it was, every time I ate I got sour stomach and drinking anything at all was a joke.  I knew I needed to try so I kept trying.  Every day I would make a goal to drink more water than the last but I couldn't without gagging.  The doctor was not too happy about me not gaining weight in six weeks but what could I do?  I told her I wasn't eating and I was honest but she said to just keep trying.  Well about a week ago I couldn't keep anything down...no way no how.  I was up every hour being sick in some form or another (you catch my drift) and it was obviously tiring.  It caught up to me to the point I could not really move.  Mark had to take a few days off this week to take care of Shortstop and to carry me from bed to bathroom.  Not fun.  Not fun at all.  I was hoping it would pass but I obviously was losing a lot of fluid.  We called the doctor and she sent me to the hospital to get an IV for dehydration.  They gave me one liter and said I would definitely have to pee right after.  Nope.  Not at all.  Well, that tells me this was some pretty severe dehydration.  I tried to see that one liter as a kick start and to just start over and try drinking.  But that night I was up every hour again just praying for some sleep after each time I was sick.  Poor Mark was so worried.  And again, I didn't really know what to ask people for help with.  I know I needed it but how do you ask someone to come over and take care of your son while you puke?  So I downplayed it...a lot.  Growing up with migraines (which a lot of people may not understand) you learn how to "function" while sick.  I wish I could learn how to swallow pride and accept/ask for help.  My mom might be coming into town next week if I don't start feeling better, more for Shortstop's sake than mine.  He is really missing his mom and having someone to play with.  So what comes in to play?  Guilt!  Don't you hate that word?  But anyway, that was my week leading up to...

Third part:  30th birthday
Today is my 30th.  My 30th birthday people!  Not one I was thrilled about but I LOVE birthdays.  Ask anyone.  So I had hoped to be better and I knew if anything could give me the will power to push through, it would be a day about ME. :)  But I wasn't better and I am not better.  And I am sad about that.  I have cried a little but I don't want to waste too much fluid on tears so I try not to. :)  I know Mark had a 2 hour prenatal massage appointment set up for me today but we had to cancel.  I will be cashing that in soon though, don't you worry.  Plus shopping, presents and dinner at Tucanos.  Since I don't think Tucanos is a great idea at the moment and I can't get out of bed for shopping I am choosing to celebrate on another day.  I won't make everyone else do it...just Mark and Shortstop.  He put away all the gifts and cards since I hadn't opened them and we will just pick a day I am feeling good and try again.  On that note though, my goodness I have felt loved today.  Facebook posts, texts, calls, fruit bouquets sent.  I am surrounded by so many great people.  So even though I am in bed and starting to get a little weak from sitting up so I will go lay down now, I have enjoyed part 1 of my birthday.  Thanks to everyone who knew I was sick and called to check in or offered to take Shortstop and thank you to everyone who has wished me a happy birthday.  I hear the 30's are great and we know it can only get better from here!

My last note...I am so grateful for my husband.  He has waited on me hand and foot and has never argued or complained or even acted put out.  This was a particularly stressful week at work, and he had to be home with me, but he was happy to do it.  He has run to the store for anything that sounded good, any medicine we could think of, gotten me cold rags and bowls in the middle of the night, and has been Mr. Mom to a tee.  He has cleaned up the house and dealt with a two year old who you can tell is struggling with the situation with mommy.  He has given me beautiful blessings and sat by the bed holding my hand when I didn't want to be alone.  I am in awe of the amount he can take on his shoulders and never complain or waiver in his never ending love.  And this in a week where BYU lost two games and they were both ridiculous. :)  So  big shout out to by far the best husband in the world a girl could ask for, healthy or sick.

Disneyland!

Disneyland...truly the happiest place on earth.  We had such a great family vacation this last weekend and I am so glad we did this with Shortstop while he is the only child.  We have been planning this since Mark and I went last September and I can't believe it has come and gone.
We left Provo on Wednesday after Mark got off work and drove to Vegas where we stayed for the night.  It was a nice, very cheap, very clean hotel off the strip and the price was incredible!  We crashed and waited until Shortstop woke up (which was earlier than we wanted) and we headed the rest of the way.  I was SOOOO impressed with how well my little man did on the drive to and from Disneyland.  He never needed to watch the iPad and just read his books, talked to us, listened to music,  or slept.  We had maybe a half hour meltdown, in total, with 20 hours of driving.  I am so grateful he does so well in the car.  Makes it a lot more fun to go places.
We met up with Mom and Dad Elkington at the Grand Californian where we got to stay.  (Thank you mom and dad!)  My in-laws LOVE Disneyland as much as we do so I knew it was going to be an awesome trip.  At the front desk they asked if we were celebrating anything and we told them our anniversary (this coming weekend) and Shortstop's first time.  So they gave us each a pin and a picture from Mickey.  Mark and I wore the anniversary pins and every cast member who saw it wished us a Happy Anniversary, Shortstop loved his "1st Visit" pin and the baby even got an "I'm celebrating" pin, which I chose NOT to put on my belly.

We had connecting rooms which made it nice at nap time and bedtime for us to hang out in their room until Shortstop fell asleep.  That is the other thing, he slept so incredibly well!  Took 2 1/2-3 hour naps and slept from 8pm-7am each night.  It was such a relief.
The afternoon we got there, Thursday, after Shortstop looked at everything in the rooms and deemed them acceptable (video is of him saying "Nice room!"), he took a quick nap and then we all went to Downtown Disney to walk around and get dinner.

We ate at the Jazz kitchen...delicious!  The only times Shortstop had a rough time were really the restaurants.  He got a little overwhelmed in Disneyland or in lines but as long as he could hang out in the stroller he was fine... but meals were not as relaxing as we had hoped.  But with a great drive and great sleeping, I cannot complain.
We got up bright and early the next day since we could get into the park an hour early from staying on property and we hit California Adventure Cars Land first.  It was really cool to walk down the street but the rides were not totally impressive.  Shortstop and I couldn't do most of them so we enjoyed our time relaxing at Flo's Cafe, watching Mater drive up and down the street, and visiting his petting zoo.

I love pictures like this one of my boys walking together.  

The rest of the trip was just great, going back and forth between lands and meeting characters.  He loved meeting characters!  Every time he would walk right up to them, say hi, hug or kiss them and say "I love you so much!"
We enjoyed treats and meals throughout the day, including of course my favorites, the Monte Cristo sandwich and a pineapple Dole whip.

We all rode so many rides and Shortstop loved all the attention from Nana and Grandpa.  (Cannot believe I don't have a picture of the three of them.  Guess we have to go again!)  He never whined about wanting a toy or a treat and really enjoyed just taking it all in.  Sometimes he would ask for something and when we would say no he would sweetly ask "Are you sure?"  If we confirmed we were he would say ok and that was that.
I am just going to put up all the pictures and end our vacation tales with that.  It was a great trip and it was sad to see it come to an end.  We came home Sunday and did it in one shot with an awesome toddler and great driver...Mark drove the whole way there and back!!
Being 28 weeks pregnant and with a toddler at Disneyland was way easier and more enjoyable than I had expected.  I stayed hydrated, never swelled and made sure to take lots of little breaks.  Mark and I got some great souvenirs and of course a few toys for Shortstop and we loved spending so much one on one time with his parents.  The nice thing was Mark and his dad were able to go on all the rides while Nana, Shortstop and I took breaks (since two of us couldn't go on them anyway).  One of the fun stories was that Splash Mountain broke down with Dad and Mark on it so they had to get out of the log, walk through the ride and all the animatronics and out a back secret entrance.  Pretty cool stuff!

Obligatory family picture in the front entrance.  I don't feel as huge as I look! :)

Nana and Grandpa

Three Elkington men walking down Mainstreet

Meeting Mickey

Kisses!

No fear and no hesitation.  Just walked right up to Pluto.

These two crack me up!  I told them to smile and show their excitement...so they did.
Shortstop got to ride Dumbo with Nana but my phone won't let me download the picture I took.  He loved being high in the air but was glad to have her there to hold him...just in case. 

We got to see Mickey and Minnie dance which was a highlight for Shortstop.  Music and his favorite characters.  We always had to stop and listen to any band that was playing, for the toddler and the Grandpa.  They love music in this family!

Waiting in another line...don't they look excited?

Mickey's house

Breakfast at the Storyteller's Cafe...he loved all the characters just walking around talking to people while they ate.

Who says characters are just for kids?

Mickey waffles!!

Shortstop trying to feed the raccoon.  These two were so cute with each other.  At one point Shortstop put his whole waffle in the raccoon's mouth and he kept hugging him and asking him questions.  It was really cute!

 But at the end when the raccoon gave him one last hug, it looked like he ate his head!  We were cracking up at this picture. 

On the drive home with him newest friend.  

The awesome driver!  This man spoiled me this trip and really made sure I was ok and taken care of.  I live a charmed life, I know it and I am not afraid to admit it. 

Big bed and camping trip

This last week we finally did it...we put Shortstop in a big boy bed.  Let me tell you, it was hard!  Not because of him at all; in fact he loves it and does not get out at night until we come in to get him in the morning.  It was emotional for the parent-als!  He looks so little in such a big bed.  Mark was not happy with this change at all...he wants his little boy to stay a baby forever.  I keep reminding him we have another one coming soon and that seems to help but I am married to a man that does not like change.
We got a twin bed from IKEA and found a cute comforter at Kohl's and that was that.  While Mark was putting it together Shortstop found a screwdriver and "helped" his dad.  I wish I would have gotten a picture.  It was so cute!  Mark would rather I say manly but it was cute.  :)

Then over the weekend our ward had a father/son/man camp.  We had not planned on them going because we thought Shortstop was too young but little did I know Mark actually really wanted to go.  When we realized most of our ward has toddlers they were taking there was no question.  So he borrowed a tent and packed up and he and the little man went out camping Friday night.  I don't have a very busy life and my toddler is awesome and my little friend so it was not like I needed a break but it was relaxing.  This house gets REALLY quiet though so I made sure to keep music or the TV on until I fell asleep even if I wasn't in the same room.  I ate my Thai food dinner in silence and took a long bubble bath and then decided to read and go to bed.  I even got to sleep in.

My boys had a GREAT time.  Shortstop wanted to know what everything was.  He played in the dirt, the water, climbed over logs, found awesome sticks and rocks to bring home to me and loved looking at the fire.  They saw deer and lots of cows.  His night was not the greatest but it was about what we expected.  He slept ok until about 3 and then was up for about an hour or two.  Poor Mark but thank goodness the iPad saved the night.  Shortstop was just nervous waking up in a tent and who can blame him.  We tried to show him pictures of tents and explain what it would be like but still, a new experience like that would scare anyone.

"This is where we get to sleep? Awesome!"

"Bishop...you need any help?  I am really good at making fires."

"I found a stick!  And everyone needs to know it!"

Water...he found the one place that had the water running

"Mmmmm...so good"

Cutest boys ever

Found another stick to hold and one to sit on

"Hey dad, put the camera down and come play.  You are acting like mom."

They came home Saturday around 11 and smelled like camping and looked like it too.  It was so fun to hear everything and look at the pictures Mark took.  Naptime was very long for both of the boys and that was fine by me.  I was able to go through and clean all their camping stuff so my house didn't smell like campfire for too long.

I missed them a ton but I am so glad Mark gets to do this with his boy (soon to be boys).  My poor dad had to wait through 6 girls in order to go on a father/son campout with his son. :)