The New Kid on the Blog

Baby Paisley is here to play! She joined our family on Friday, June 13 at 14:14. After a smooth labor and delivery, I have a renewed appreciation for epidurals. Once reaching the point of enough pain, I got the miracle drug and was able to relax while I fully dilated. Too bad my nap kept being interrupted by the screams of the first-time mother down the hall who, according to my nurse, repeatedly refused the epidural. Poor thing. Once I reached 10 cm, I gave just two long and hard pushes and Paisley appeared! She was 6 lbs 8 oz and 19 ¾” with a full head of long dark hair and absolutely beautiful.

Why did we name her Paisley? Because it sounded better than “Polka-Dot” or “Plaid.” Seriously, the main reason was because we just liked the name. But we also thought it was kinda special to take the “ley” from Bradley and get the “Pais” from the fact that we found out I was pregnant with her right before running my first marathon last October and she was with me to “pace/Pais” me all the way!

What a blessing to have Paisley here with us and everyone healthy. She is already an important part of our family that is now starting to be not so little. Welcome to the world, sweet P!

My Little Guy--He's "Finn-tastic"

Magnus Finn hit the 18-month mark on Sunday and I just can't believe how big he's getting! Here are a few "Finn-isms:"

*He loves to play with his cars. He's totally content sitting at the kitchen table or laying flat on the ground pushing them around and making sound effects. He also likes to play with trains and balls and is developing quite the arm--just yesterday he got a few good shots on Galla.

*He would prefer to always be outside. He can't get enough of digging in the dirt and throwing rocks. He cries at our sliding door everyday to go on the patio, but since we live in Oregon and it's June and still cold and rainy, he doesn't get out nearly enough.

*He is a tidy guy, always cleaning up. Galla will walk around the house eating a cracker and dropping crumbs and Finn will follow behind picking them up and giving them to me. He is also very polite and always says "eeesh" and "deet-dum" (please and thank-you).

*He likes to eat with a fork and will use it on everything from fruit to a PB&J. He's quite coordinated with using it and prefers his left hand. Yes, Dad, we do believe he is a lefty!

*He is so sweet and loving. He gives me lots of hugs, kisses and cuddles and I'll take all I can get! He looks up to Galla and loves to play chase with her and mimic her. He is a good little brother and I know he will also make a "Finn-tastic" big brother in about a week (due June 12)! We love you Finny!

What a Weekend!

We kicked off the party weekend early with a trip to the Children's Museum on Thursday morning. It was our first time going and we loved it! So much stuff to keep the kids entertained.

Finn totally dug the dig pit. He couldn't get enough of these little rubber bits and I found a few stashed away when I undressed him for nap.

Galla took her doctor duties pretty seriously.

Friday afternoon we went to Asher's 4th birthday party at Chuck E Cheese's. I think Brad and Finn logged enough video miles to make it half-way to Mexico.

We don't even know this kid. Galla will jump on the back of any guy's motorcycle without a second thought--let's hope that habit doesn't carry on into her teenage years!
Saturday Galla and I went to Amber's princess party. All the girlies got dressed up and ate castle cake. Then they did this pinata where you pull one ribbon off at a time and when the "magic" ribbon is pulled the whole bottom busts open--much more lady-like than swinging a stick.

Monday our bishop had us and some other young families in the ward over for BBQ. It's crazy how much the kids loved playing in the yard. Someday we will be a real family with a real yard. Until then we'll have to stick to our tiny patio. The kids licked up the long weekend with a lolipop in dad's lap. I love my little family!

Isn't it Ironic?

Galla wears her whole Cinderella ensemble pretty much every day. A while back she was jumping while wearing the slippers and one of them cracked. A couple days ago she was just walking around when it finally gave way. She looked shocked and started to get really upset. But my quick thinking cut off the melt-down as I excitedly announced that it was just like the real Cinderella's slipper in the story! Then I pointed out that she had the other slipper. It seemed reasonable enough to satisfy her and she's just been wearing one of her many other pairs of princess slippers since.

Little Trouts Playgroup

Last Wednesday marked the ending of an era. Since we moved to Oregon (almost 2 years ago) we've had Little Trouts Playgroup every Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9-11. For the past year I have been one of the "teachers" in charge of coordinating playgroup to include circle time, snack time, an activity and a craft. In exchange for my efforts, I earned $100 a month off of our rent. The reduced rent has been great, but it seems like a low price for selling my sanity. So, for several reasons we've decided to take a break for the summer and see what happens with starting up again in the fall. We'll miss seeing our friends every Monday and Wednesday mornings, but we'll still get together often under sunnier circumstances (you fellow playgroupers know what I mean)!

Blogger's Block

It seems I've had some blogger's block these past few weeks. We've just been doing the same 'ol stuff and it's all mostly a blur. I'm 36 weeks along and I think time is speeding up as I continue to be comfortable and somewhat in denial about the coming events. Before Baby Girl arrives I'm trying to get a few things done like organizing pictures, sewing baby blankets and, of course, reading the Twilight series. But I am excited to add to my collection of cuties. I mean, seriously, just look at these kids:
Galla continues to cling to her princess paraphernalia and enjoys playing with her "pretties," moving them from one purse to another. She assigns all of us to our Disney character of the day. I'm usually either Snow White or Elastigirl (from The Incredibles), Brad is Prince Charming or Buzz Lightyear and Finn is always Jack-Jack (the baby in The Incredibles).

Finn loves to ham it up for the camera! He's so playful and just a funny little guy. His vocabulary is really starting to increase and I'm hoping that translates into a decrease in the tantrums that he has mastered. But usually he's content laying on the kitchen floor pushing toy cars around.

As much as she would like to, we don't actually let her wear those shoes to church.Here's Finn's sly half-smile. So handsome!

Happy Mother's Day

Get ready to laugh your low-rise pants right off!
Hulu - Mom Jeans: Saturday Night Live

"My bump, my bump, my bump. My lovely baby bump!"

I guess it's about time I post a pic of my "bump." Whenever I hear people refer to a pregnant belly like that I think of the song "My Humps" by Black Eyed Peas! It makes me laugh...and I get the urge to dance! Anyway, this picture was taken just over a week ago when I was 32 weeks along. I've been planning on taking a different picture to get a better belly shot, but that doesn't seem to be happening so this will have to do. The cardigan really accentuates the obvious! And look at that cute little man holding my hand...I'm one lucky mama!

This third pregnancy is going great and I have no complaints. I love feeling my little girl squirm around! I look forward to meeting her face-to-face, but I'm feeling so good that I'm in no hurry. I'm just enjoying this special time and trying not to notice the "you must be crazy" looks that I get when I take Galla, Finn, and my belly around in public. It's going to be tricky to fit all 3 comfortably in a shopping cart!

Finn likes to give my belly kisses. Galla insists that she has a baby girl in her tummy, I have a baby boy in my tummy (who she refers to as "baby Finny"), and daddy has a "baby daddy" in his tummy. Looks like we've got some more 'splanin' to do!

The Barbeque and the Birthday Party

Friday night we went to Brad's school for the BBQ they do the first Friday of every quarter. Galla lives for these (see quote on the right) and talks about them near daily. She can't get enough of the hot dogs, chips, soda, and cookies and we just let her indulge. This time she actually complained afterwards that her tummy hurt--that was a first! Hmmm...I wonder why? She also loves running around and playing with all the kids there. She is one social butterfly!Meanwhile, Finn maintained a steady diet of Doritos and Dr. Pepper. This modified sippy cup was Brad's genius dad idea. I think it's hilarious!There was a jumpy castle for the kids and sumo wrestling for the guys. Brad took on his friend Steve. Steve won the fight (that's Brad flat on the mat), but in the process hurt his foot.Only at a Chiropractic school party would you see them adjusting each other after wrestling.Saturday we went to our friend Carter's birthday party where there were plenty more treats to eat and fun to be had. Say, "nacho cheese!" He loves those Doritos!

Decorating cupcakes--YUM! We had so much fun at the party. Thanks for having us, Carter, and happy birthday!

While I'm posting, I'd like to mention that our car got broken into last night and our Mio GPS is MIA. While I assume (and hope) that the thief doesn't read my blog, I still want to say shame on you to the meanie.

Up to the Highest Heights

Nothing makes you feel like a kid again more than flying a kite!

With Mimi and Opa

What an action-packed week with Mimi and Opa! Here are the highlights:I know what you're thinking: we look really cool in this picture with Brad talking on his phone and me talking on my imaginary phone, but Finn makes up for the lameness of his parents with the awesomeness of his red shades. Here we are going to Portland's Saturday Market. It's, like, one of the largest outdoor markets in the nation--or so I've heard. But I'd believe it because they have so much cool stuff there and it's so fun to look at everything and want to buy everything but then end up buying nothing because you just can't decide. Someday I'm going to get some art or a necklace or a big wooden bowl and then I'll blog about it. The kids loved feeding the chickens at the bed and breakfast where Brad's parents stayed (after we were done using them for their babysitting). It was such a nice place up in the Columbia Gorge. Brad and I got a sitter one evening and went with his parents to dinner at their restaurant. We had the most amazing 7 course meal imaginable! We happened to be the only people dining there that night, so we also got incredible individual service with the chef himself coming out to tell us about each dish. What an experience!Here's Finn looking through the coop--a cool pic.We walked around the temple one afternoon to enjoy the beauty and the spirit. The Portland Temple is so pretty, I'd have to say it is my second favorite (Oakland is #1). Finn thinks it's fun to fly up the stairs...Mommy and Mimi think it's tiring.This is Galla's idea of posing and smiling for the camera. I think it looks more "monkey impression" and less "top model."Galla and Finn's most favorite thing to do with Mimi is watch videos on her laptop. She finds all kinds of silly clips and cartoons on youtube of doggies and princesses. Finn's a big fan of the headphones. Mimi is so fun! Thanks for the good times...we already miss you!

Kidless at the Coast

Mimi and Opa came to play for a week and gave Brad and I a chance to cruise over to Cannon Beach for a night. We had way too much fun walking on the beach, checking out the shops and perusing the galleries sans stroller. My favorite? The fresh salt water taffy--candy stores are way more fun without little grabby hands and greedy demands!

"Dreams Come True!"--Galla

Buckingham Palace, here I come! But do I need a bigger crown?The whole nine yards--she's a princess right down to her panties.One special cupcake for Galla and one for her little friend, Amber, who came to party with us.The green blobby one in the middle is a frog for Finn, made with love by Brad.

Galla is now three and as "princessed out" as can be! We've had non-stop celebrations and Galla has loved every sparkly-sweet moment. Brad and I thoroughly enjoyed decorating cupcakes while the kids napped . Maybe someday, when the kids are older, we'll include them in the fun!