Confirmation and 3D

We had the neatest experience today. We were able to do a 3D sonogram!! We took the girls with us now that they are old enough to understand and appreciate it. They had such a blast!! They asked so many questions and you could just see the amazement in their eyes.

We were able to FINALLY get a clear shot of the baby's private parts on 12/22/10 and the sonogram today confirmed the same thing. So we finally know that we are having ANOTHER GIRL! I am so excited. I love having my little girls. I'm grateful we were blessed with at least one son who is definitely mama's little boy!

We announced to my family on Christmas day what the sex was. We had everyone there! It was great! We handed everyone a cupcake that had a pink or blue question mark on top. The night before I piped the pink icing into the cupcake for the big reveal. Each person bit into the cupcake at the same time and the announcement was made! Everyone seemed to think it was a cute and fun idea.

Here are some pictures of how we announced the gender and some of the 3D sonogram.

                                                                         Boy or Girl?

                                             
                                                                           It's a Girl!!

                                                                            Smiling

                                                                    Most of her face

                                                               Hand covering her mouth

The 25 week mark....

So, we have made it to 25 weeks today. I am getting so anxious and excited. It seems that everywhere I go there are brand new babies! I see them in the store, at work and on TV. I cant wait to hold my new little one. We still don't know what the sex of the baby is...but honestly..I think Joe and I have come to an understanding that it really doesn't matter. Its our baby. Another addition to our already beautiful family.

The girls are getting very excited. They both want a brother, but I know that they wont care either way once he/she is here. Hailey and Megan are excellent big sisters and I know they will have a blast with a new baby around the house again.

Joseph doesn't know whats going on and I think he will be the one to have the most trouble. He is a MAMA'S BOY to the letter. If he could find a way to be connected to my hip...it would have been done already. I don't think he will take to kindly to another little person stealing his time away. I do think that he will truly benefit from having another little person around 24 hrs a day. They will be able to go through so many similar phases together, I hope it will have a good impact on him.

Christmas time is FINALLY here. I look forward to this season starting Jan 1st. I just love the look and feel of everything with the lights, decorations, trees, cookies, treats and gifts. Its such a fun time of year. This year we had the girls participate in a "Blue Santa" event at school. The girls were able to bring small gifts of their age group to contribute to needy children. We had a good discussion about the families who need help during the holidays to have a happy Christmas. They were so happy to know that their gifts would be given to little boys or girls on Christmas day. It made me proud to see their excitement.

Other than those few things not a whole lot is going on. Just the usual hustle and bustle of family life. Here is an up to date picture of the belly at 25 weeks. :)

A Baby Reveals Nothing!

So, we had our sonogram a little over a week ago. Naturally I was very excited and anxious to see my little one on screen. My doctor started moving around the little wand, going from angle to angle and then he asked "Do you want to know the sex?" Now I have had mixed feelings about this from the beginning. With this baby to be our last, I had been pushing to wait until the very end. Joe on the other hand did not share the same thoughts.

Deciding that its still a surprise at 20 weeks, we told him "yes". He again moved his wand around to get in place to view the baby's goodies.....AND......My little prince or princess had its legs closed so tightly the doctor could not see anything. :) So he said "We will come back and check again after I get some measurements." We were able to see a perfect heart with 4 chambers, a perfect spine, a perfect little head.....everything looked perfect. Just what mommy needed to hear.

It was almost comical to see Joe beside my bed completely on pins and needles. Of course he wants a healthy baby as much as I do, but this appointment was not for health in his eyes....this was the moment of truth! haha. So after a few minutes the doctor circled back around to try his search again for some goodies. This time the baby's legs were not closed tight....but crossed so perfectly in exactly the right position. **Big Smile** Joe literally could have tripped on his own jaw. In a last ditch effort Joe and the doctor decided to give my belly a shake to see if it would cause a position change....but no. My little guy or girl held its ground!

At this point, unless there is another need for a sonogram before birth....we would be waiting until the very end. How many of your think that Joe is perfectly okay with that?? If you guessed  No, you are correct. My intent is around 28-30 weeks to do one of those amazing 3D sonograms. I was just looking forward to some face shots, but I think that appointment will take the same turn as this one did for Joe and he will yet again be on a mission. So, for the time being we still don't know the sex of the baby. :) I will update again about the sex after the 3D appointment. Until then, here are a few pictures from the appointment.


                                                                              Face Shot

                                                                             Profile Shot

                                                                         Feet above head

Almost to the half way point!

We are are just in the beginning of the 19th week. This pregnancy is flying by! I feel like it was just a month ago that we announced the big news to everyone. This little baby will be here in no time. We still haven't picked any names. I think once we have the sonogram on Friday, we will start thinking more seriously about it. Joe can't wait to find out. I tried my best to talk him into waiting but he just can't seem to do it. Most of my friends and family thinks it will be another boy. For Joseph, that would be wonderful. Its hard to picture him as a big brother though. I don't mind either way. We have at least one of each, so I will feel blessed with whatever we get.

Here is some interesting facts about the baby at 19 weeks:

By pregnancy week 19, your baby may be as big as 6 inches long and may weigh up to 8.5 ounces! About the size of a Mango. The nerves cells for each of the senses: hearing, smelling, tasting, seeing and touching are developing in their very own parts of the brain now. Your baby's bones are beginning to harden and the muscles are becoming stronger.

We are getting very excited to meet our new little one, but a little more nervous about having 4 kids. I think most of the nerves come from what it will be like having Joseph and a new baby. He is still developmentally at about a 6-7 mo baby. So, for a while I guess it will be like having twins. People do that all the time though, so we can too, Right?

Anyway, my next post will probably be after our appointment this Friday. Here is a quick look at what the baby looks like at 19 weeks! (the sono at the bottom is not of my baby, just a random picture from google)

Sweet 16!

We are now at the 16 week point and my ever growing belly is HUGE! I cant believe how big I am for only 4 months. I suppose my body knows exactly what to do and is wasting no time doing it. Here are some interesting facts about the baby's development...

How your baby's growing:

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

It makes me excited to know the baby is growing rapidly. Even with this being my 4th pregnancy, the miracle never ceases to amaze me. Every once in a while Joe will ask me to get something for him and sometimes I cant help but respond with "But I'm making a baby right now. It's taking all of my extra energy so I cant do that for you. Sorry!" Naturally he doesn't seem amused by it but will humor me anyway. :) I have an appointment next Wednesday which will just be the routine visit. The next appointment however is the one Joe has been waiting for. We will have a sonogram to see the growth of the baby and possibly determine the sex. I'm still trying to convince Joe to wait it out since its our last one, but he just can't seem to do it. Sooooooo...we might just have to make everyone else wait instead!!!

"The Devine gift of Gratitude"

So the past 2 days we have had the pleasure of enjoying General Conference. It is something to be excited about considering it only comes twice a year. We are sooooo blessed to have church leaders who care enough to set aside this time to speak to us. The topics are always spot on to the things we need and want to hear. I always enjoy the talks, but look forward to the prophets words.

I was able to listen to President Monson speak about gratitude today. The tenderness in his voice was so comforting and peaceful. He described it so perfectly several times throughout his talk. Honestly, whether you are a member or not, you can benefit from this.

"Let us not wait, until it's to late to express that gratitude"

"Often we feel grateful, and intend to express our thanks, but forget to do so or just don't get around to it.  Someone has said that feeling gratitude is not expressing...its like wrapping a present and not giving it"

Just some of the many quotes from his talk, but a couple of my favorites. You can see the majority of his talk here.

I tried to have my girls sit with my downstairs as I watched the first Sunday session. Naturally it could not keep their attention so they began to color. Hailey decided to draw each speaker and write their name below it. I wanted them to at least see the Prophet and hear his voice. It was good for them to see something other than just a picture.

I have replayed has talk several times today just to hear bits and pieces. I hope to live his words and not just enjoy them. I hope to teach them to my children. Not just in lessons, but by example. Gratitude is such a big part of life. We each have so much to be thankful for. As the fall season sets in, and the holidays approach us, I hope we all remember to express our gratitude.

It is HUMAN!

We have made it to 13 weeks and doing MUCH better. I had a quick sono at my last appointment just to make sure everything was going well. It was pleasing to see there really is a human baby in my belly and not some life threatening parasite! My sick days are finally coming to an end. WOO HOO!!! I rarely lose my cookies anymore and the nausea has really gone down too.

I not only have a baby bump...but one that looks as if I'm 5 months instead of 3! My body wasted no time in remembering the next steps. I have heard the heart beat a few times now and of course it never gets old. Its like that favorite song you will always enjoy.

The girls are getting really excited. They change their mind daily about wanting a brother or sister. I love that the girls can understand this time instead of wondering why Mommy is getting fat! It will be fun to see them with a new baby. They do so well with Joseph and I know they wont have any trouble with another sibling.

Soccer started today. Joe and dad are coaching again this season. We have 8 great players! My new nephew Kaleb is a new member to the team and plays great! The girls get better each season and are really learning the game. This season will go until the end of October.

I have been back to work for 2 weeks now and doing great. Its nice to be back around my co workers again but naturally...I didn't miss the work part! I love that I have a job though, that pays me well and treats me right. Hard to find both of those these days.

That just about wraps it up. Not to much more going on around the Fling household. Will update again soon.

Emesis.....

Emesis...AKA...Vomiting.

Doesnt the word just make you want to do it? Lets get one thing straight right here in the beginning of this post. I love my baby. I am grateful to be able to concieve on my own and participate in such a miracle. Now....with that being said.

****CAUTION-VENTING BELOW****

I cant stand it....seriously! What on earth can make someone feel this sick?!?! People with food poisoning get past it much faster than I am. Never in any of my previous 3 pregnancies did it ever occur to me that this was possible. I have heard of it...but never ever thought it would be me.

I hate all smells right now. I hate ground beef, eggs, raw chicken, salsa, potatoes, and mac and cheese. All foods that I previously loved to indulge in. PLEASE!!! MAKE IT STOP! I love food but cant eat food. I love to smell food but cant be around it. IM STARVING and cant EAT! I love to have a bowl of cereal as a late night snack...MILK makes me sick. I am fed up with crackers. I HATE crackers now. But its all I feel I can eat and not get sick with.

Foods that have managed to stay put....Gushers, Fruit by the foot, Been and cheese burrito, Pringles, Watermelon, Peaches, and....yep thats it. Needless to say the first couple items I am already tired of...but they gave me a temporary pleasure.

I am headed to the end of week 10. I am told that by the end of week 12 this should be gone or just about finished. This is a must for me. It has to end. I cant possibly keep this up for longer than 12 weeks.

Ok...Im done. Thank you and goodnight.

9 Weeks

So today makes 9 weeks into our 4th pregnancy. It still seems to surprise me when I think about it. Its amazing to what changes happen week to week.

For example this week our little one is busy growing. Her/his face looks more baby-like each day—her/his eyes are developed but concealed, and the nose, lips, and ears are becoming more defined. He/she is also starting to exercise her/his expanding muscles. Her/his fingers and toes are looking less like stubs. Although he/she is a wiggler—and you could see that on an ultrasound—he/she is still so small that you won't feel these movements. Her/his reproductive organs are developing, but even if you sneaked a peek you wouldn't be able to tell if its a boy or girl just yet. At this point the baby is about the size of a large grape or a quarter.

Here is what he/she looks like right now:



We are still deciding whether or not we will find out the sex of the baby. Joe is desperate to know, he wants another boy. I on the other hand just want a healthy, happy, beautiful baby. We have atleast 1 of each, so a surprise this time might be nice. We have until week 20 to decide.

At this point I am just feeling tired and a little sick. Nothing to serious, but occasionaly I lose my cookies. :( I havent had any experience with "Morning Sickness" in the past so this is a new adventure. If you can call it that. Other than that everything seems to be just perfect. :)

Surprise!!!!

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Mom's cant get sick....

Lately I feel like my body is falling apart. We had such a nice trip to VA and then we all came back sick. I had to go to the doctor for a very bad cough and chest congestion. While I was there she decided to take some blood to test for a few other things. Turns out...I have an issue with my thyroid.

What is a Thyroid??? I remember hearing the term at some point in my life but never though it would ever apply to me. I have an appointment tomorrow too. To go over the results of the test. I really hope this is something that can be treated quickly and painlessly. I don't take to well to doctor offices or bad news.

My doctor is really sweet though. She could see my concern and decided to call me the same night to make sure I was doing okay. At my appointment earlier that day I had a fast heart rate which concerned her. I have never had so many issues all at once. She decided to do an EKG just to make sure there wasn't anything abnormal. It turned out okay..but she wants to see a slower heart rate for someone my age.

I guess I now have a slight glimpse of what Joseph goes through daily. I never really thought about it before. Here I am complaining a little about going to a few appointments, when he does this on a regular basis. He never seems to mind either. Unless of course there are needles involved. But who could blame him for that??

I just want this all to pass quickly so I can get on with my life. I don't have time to be sick or spend so much of the day on me. I have a household to run, Kids to feed, and stories to read. There is no time for a mom to get sick. Especially when it is so foreign and I don't know how to fix it on my own. I am officially worried about me.

Prayers are always appreciated. I have such wonderful friends and family. I know I am thought of often, and that makes me smile. Your support and strength REALLY do make a difference. I will update again when I know more.

Trick or Trust?

Have you ever had something happen to you where it seemed like the end of the world at that moment? It seems life isnt fair, its picking on you, and occiasionally you might feel that even God is against you. But after careful thought, and time...it turns out to be just fine.

I have had these feelings on more than one occasion in my life. Some of them easy, some of them at one point seemed like the end of the world. Somehow though, we always pull through don't we? Suddenly all of the drama we created in our mind...goes away. We take it for what it is and move forward. We even learn to enjoy it!

Over the last few years I have become a firm believer in the saying "Everything happens for a reason". It really does. I cant imagine all of the good, bad and ugly always being a coincidence. I have come to realize that God is aware of us. Each of us. It seems impossible doesnt it? How can he possibly take care of me..and billions of others all at the same time? I can remember numerous times not getting the answer to my prayers that I wanted or even felt I deserved. I remember one specific time when I was in highschool. I was in my rebellious phase and actually had the nerve to challenge God. Me!! Who did I think I was?? I knelt down in prayer after having a bad week and said "Ok Heavenly Father...you want me to believe in you? You want me to believe that you answer prayers?? Then give me a sign right now. Show me that you are there and that you hear me"

Guess what happened...nothing. Absolutely nothing. The lord knew that it was a pointless request and refused to participate in my shananigans. I began to doubt that prayer was even worth it. After all, I was losing out on good sleep waiting there for a response. However, then there are the times when he answers our prayers. I remember getting down on my knees again when I was 20. I asked God if moving back home with my family was the right thing to do. I expected some sort of grand response. A true Ah-Ha moment. My answer was nothing grand. It was just an overwelming feeling. My thoughts left me and the only one that stayed was "Go home, and dont look back". I did..and 1 month later I met Joe Fling. I had no idea why I needed to go home. It didnt make sense at the time. But it sure does now.

Sometimes it is just all about faith. Believing without seeing. Trusting in the lord with all our hearts. There is a grand plan that I believe in. It doesnt have to make sense for it to work. We just have to trust that the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. We need to push forward. Take the good with the bad, and thank him for his help. There will never be a last time...just a next time. Its up to you how it works out.

Thoughts upon Thoughts

Okay, so today my crazy thoughts and anxiety got the better of me. I have an hour commute on the way home from work each day. It gives me alot of time to think and ponder about life and its blessings and challenges. I'm not sure how this thought even surfaced, but when it did...it hit me kinda hard.

For those of you who know me, you are aware of the overwhelming amount of guilt I used to(and sometimes still do), feel when Joseph was born. I tortured myself wondering what I did wrong. Is it something I could have prevented? What did I do differently this time that I didn't do with my girls? Is my body broken? Could I have changed anything? Is it my fault? I don't know that there is anything worse than feeling helpless as a mother when you child is hurting. Seeing the countless tests, needles, and surgeries was almost more than I could take. But above all that, there was one thing that got me worse than anything else. And that was leaving my baby behind every night for 2 months.

When I was driving home, the thought took over me like a dark cloud. All I could think of was my new born son, laying in the hospital....alone. Even now the thought brings tears to my eyes. I hated the hospital staff for not having a better plan or accommodations for mothers with sick children. Yet I was so grateful for the near 60 nurses who cared for him 24 hours a day. Having 2 other children at home made it impossible for us to stay there around the clock. I wanted to live at the hospital until he could come home. I literally cried myself to sleep for 2 months straight. It was all I could do, to push the thoughts from my mind. He was well cared for and never left all alone...but he didn't have his mommy. And that KILLED me.

The only and I mean ONLY piece of comfort I had was when he was just 3 days old and my dad gave him a blessing. The blessing mentioned that Heavenly Father was aware of Joseph and wanted him to know that he would never be alone. He was sent here with 2 spirits to comfort and protect him. What a beautiful thought. It could never fully take away the pain and torment I felt each time I had to say good bye and drive home each night empty handed....but it was still a comfort.

But as I drove home, I kept thinking over and over and over..."He was all alone in there. Wondering where his mommy was. And wondering when I would come back." I don't know why I torture myself that way or why the thoughts even take over my head. But today they did. I of course got past it..and reminded myself I did the best I could. I know Joseph will never know about or remember those 2 months. But for me it seemed like an eternity and will never be forgotten. They say you have to feel pain before you can feel happiness. I have felt both. Maybe one day I will have a better understanding of "Why". But for now, I just push forward and don't look back. I take comfort in the fact that after 2 months Joseph did come home. I have been fortunate to be with him each time another surgery took place...and I didn't have to leave without him. I suppose I am stronger for it...but I would give anything to have those 2 months back.

Anyway, Just thought I would put into writing the day I had. Its a sad one no doubt...but I came out on the other side. I came home, picked up my little boy and gave him a big hug and kiss from his mommy.

Home Sweet Home

Have you ever thought about your favorite place to be? When I think of all the places in the world, places I have been or would like to go...there never seems to be a happier place than Home. Growing up, my childhood was very normal. We had a HUGE family of 2 parents and 7 children. There was always something to do and always someone to talk to or play with. Sure we had out moments where we all wanted to kill each other, but it was still home. It was comfortable and familiar.

Now that I have my own home and my own family, I still cant think of a better place to be. My husband and 3 children are my whole world now. I am always thinking of ways to bring my good childhood memories into my own kids lives. I want our home to be their safe haven..their break from the world...and their favorite place to be.

You can decorate your home with the nicest things. You can build the biggest house with the fanciest upgrades. But that is not what makes a house a home. Its the people, the sounds, the smells, the pictures, the laughs and the memories. You can always build a new house or redecorate..but you cant replace a family. I am so grateful for the life I have and the life I can provide my family. We don't need fancy things...we just need each other.

I am fortunate to live only 10 minutes from most of my siblings and my parents. Even though my parents house is not the house I grew up in, its still home. My parents are there along with all the memories they brought with them. If I feel sick or sad or ever lonely..I know I can stop by and there will be a smiling face and someone very happy to see me.

I know that eventually we will all return to our last home...in heaven. It will be familiar. It will make us happy...it will be forever. I cant say I am ready to be there just yet. I want my time here, with my kids and my husband. I want to make more memories and have more adventures. But the idea of going to my heavenly home with my family...thats something I look forward to. But for now..im comfortable here...in my happy place...OUR home.

Are you there God? It's me...Heidi.

Dear God,

I am approaching my 29th year here on earth. I have been pondering my life and its accomplishments. I can say that even though I may not have graduated college, or landed a CEO position at a fortune 500 company...I am so very blessed. I have so many wonderful blessings in my life. No really, I mean it. This is not sarcasm...I am blessed. In my adult life I have made the most accomplishments. Here is what I came up with....

At the age of 18 I was at the peak of my immaturity. I left home, put myself in the middle of things I knew were wrong and truly didn't care. I figured that was my life, a life I had made myself and I would have to live with it. Then one day out of the blue...I realized at age 20....I just might be worth a little more than I thought. Maybe it wasn't to late and I could perhaps make more of the life you had given me. So I did. I moved back home and decided to take myself more seriously.

Shortly after, my life started to take shape. I realized I was capable of making myself truly happy. I met and married the man who makes me the happiest I have ever been. We were married just 1 year after we met. You helped us find our way to the Houston temple where we were sealed for time and all eternity. Another great decision on my part by saying hello that day on the Internet. Thank you for helping me find him. About 3 months into our marriage..we found out our lives would change forever. We were going to be parents. You decided to entrust us with one of your most precious spirits.

On Aug 27, 2003...the cutest little person entered our lives. Hailey Elizabeth. My only thought the moment I saw her....Gorgeous! She was perfect in every way. I couldn't believe that I actually grew her inside my body! What a perfect plan you have. It's an amazing miracle each time it happens. She has been our pride and joy ever since that day. Of course now that she has become more independent and opinionated...I see alot of myself in her. She has an Amazing heart. So sweet and loving. She cares and truly enjoys each person she meets. She loves to talk and one day I feel she will use all that energy to do something AMAZING! I can't think of a better way you could have started our family. Thank you for such an amazing start to motherhood.

On Feb 16, 2005...another little joy happened. I created my second tiny person! She came into this world weighing in at over 9 pounds! We named her Megan Ashley. My first thought when I saw her....Gorgeous! Another perfect little person. Megan has the biggest heart of any person I know. Such a tender spirit. Her personality brings so much laughter and her smile can light up the world. She loves to hug and has such a vibrant outlook on life. She immediately was a perfect fit into our family. Thank your for trusting this beautiful little girl to me. I cant imagine life without Megan. This world is so lucky to have her. And without a doubt, I know she will leave her mark in this world.

Finally...on May 2, 2008 our baby boy joined the family. You sent us the most perfect son, Joseph Michael. My first thought when I saw him....AMAZING. He was soooo tiny. Only 4 small pounds. So many cords and medication. Yet he kept fighting. Such a strong will to survive. He has taught me patience, acceptance, gratitude and strength. He is so sweet. Although his trials in this life will be long, frequent and difficult....he smiles. He laughs. He endures. He has taught me more in the last 2 years about myself, about you and about faith than I have learned in all my years prior combined. He sings. And its adorable. He hums the cutest things. He ponders. I can see the little wheels turning in his head. He has spirit friends that you sent here to earth to be with him. He talks to and plays with them often. Thank you for sending them to protect and comfort him. I hope to one day thank them myself and to let them know how much I appreciate the moments of joy they bring to his life.

As I said before...so many wonderful blessings. I have no regrets. I have learned so much about myself through my mistakes. I am hoping to continue to learn more. I look forward to watching my children grow into amazing adults. I am grateful for the time you have allowed me to have on earth. These experiences will guide me when I return home to you. Thank you for the last 29 years...and counting. Thank you for your comforting spirit on the nights I feel it's to much to carry. Thank you for reminding me I am never alone. Thank you for sending me to a family that loves and cares for me. Thank you God for my life, my husband, my children and my knowledge of the gospel. I will be eternally grateful.

Love always and forever,

Playing Catch Up

Wow, I cant believe my last post was almost 2 months ago! Sorry to those of you who actually read this. So let's play catch up!

First, The house is FINALLY in the works! I cant believe how much they have been able to do in the last week. They poured the slab and within DAYS had the frame started. Its looking great and getting us even more excited to move in. It should be finished by the end of April! YES!!!



Second, The girls are loving soccer this year. Joe and my dad are coaching again. They have all of the same kids accept for one new girl. They have all gotten so much better! Here are some pics of the girls! Aren't they cute!!





Third, I have a NEW NIECE!! Alison (Ali) Elizabeth Schoen was born on March 26th just after 9:30 am. She was 9 lbs, 8 Oz and 21 1/2 inches long! By far the biggest baby our family has seen! She is completely adorable and a near perfect duplicate of her father! We love having her around and it seems like she has always been here.



Fourth, CJ IS FINALLY GETTING HITCHED!! CJ proposed to his wonderful girlfriend Kim also on March 26th. Its so excited to finally see him going through this phase in his life. I never doubted it would happen, just have always looked forward to knowing how my sister in law would be. I honestly couldnt be happier with his choice. She is a wonderful girl and she truley loves CJ more than anything. She has a little boy named Kaleb and he is 6 yrs old. Perfect age for Hailey and Megan. The times he has been over to play with them, they get along pefectly. The amazing part is, this little boy look so much like CJ! Its obvious they were meant to be together. Im so glad they found eachother!





Fifth, Joseph has been surgery free since December!!! (KNOCK ON WOOD) He has been doing great. He has had a few follow up visits with the surgeon who worked on his hip and both were great appointments. He will see him again in 6 months to talk about taking out the metal plate and screws! He is getting such a great personality! He laughs all the time and is really starting to look like a little boy aside from being so darn skinny!!

That about wraps it up. Hoping to do better with this blogging. When I actually sit down to write it, I type like crazy! I just need to start convincing myself to sit down atleast once a week. Happy Easter Everyone!

Blogging...FAIL.

Lately I have been thinking about blogging...and then dont. Not because I dont want to, but because I am just WAY to LAZY these days. I have no sense of motivation for anything. I would much more prefer to climb into a BIG King size bed and sleep the hours away. I skipped the whole month of January! So, lets play a quick game of catch up.

First, On Jan 28th Joseph had what we hope will be his last surgery for a VERY long time. When we had them remove his G-tube the hole in his belly never fully closed. They had to close it surgically. This was a 35 min surgery and a quick recovery. He only had to stay overnight in the hospital.

Second, OUR HOUSE HAS STILL NOT EVEN BEEN STARTED!!! This is so frustrating. We have been living here with my parents since Thanksgiving. We expected to move into the new house in early March. Here we are 1 month away from that time frame and still NOTHING. They say they are waiting on permits...PERMITS! Seriously people, the holidays are over...NO MORE EXCUSES FOR DRAGGING YOUR FEET! (Im not really yelling, just stressing the point.)

Third, my job at USAA is going very well. Despite the issues with the economy USAA did VERY VERY well financially. Why am I mentioning this??? Because when USAA does well...that means a NICE performance bonus for me! The board of directors awarded USAA employees an 18.8% bonus!! This means I get 18.8% of my base salary! In addition to that, later this month I will get my annual evaluation and get another pay increase. :) We are currently saving as much money as possible for the new house and trying to pay of any debt we accumulated last year. Sometimes it seems impossible...but its happening.

And finally, My Meggy Boo turns 5 this month. I cant believe she will be starting kindergarten in the fall. How on earth did 5 years go by already?? She was such a little ham when she was born and is quite the girly girl now. She loves dressing up, playing house, playing mommy and loves to have her finger nails painted. She is still just as cuddly now as she was when she was born. She is still adjusting to being a big sister but will help when asked. She loves to tell stories and dance to any type of music. We will probably celebrate her birthday at Chuck E Cheese. One of her favorites places to go. Look out world, Megan fling is on her way!!!

That about covers it. I will try not to let so much time go between posts. It's not that Im busy...like I said...Just lazy!