Home Again

I'm frustrated. I'm at home... still. I was supposed to take my 3 hour glucose test Monday morning, but couldn't because I was too sick to fast. However, I went in to work for most of the day on Monday- but had to leave early because I felt so crappy and couldn't stay. Nor did I want to torture my coworkers with my nasty germs and constant hacking. My boss insisted that I go to the doctor and I also felt like I should, so I left work and went there. Well, she basically told me the same thing I assumed- just a bad cold, but this cough that has been lingering for over a month was what was really exhausting me. So the doc gave me 3 prescriptions; one generic Robitussin with Codeine in it, a decongestant and then an antibiotic. Well... that night I took the Robitussin with Codeine and it did nothing but make my cough worse. So I ended up waiting until I could take something again and just took my regular Robitussin for night time and it worked MUCH better. Poor Ryan got kept up because I was coughing my head off until after 2am. I stayed home yesterday too... there's no way I would've been able to go in- I was still pretty drugged up and sleepy and stuffy and coughing by the time Ryan got up to go to work. But during the day, I felt more energetic than I have in the last 5 days and felt like I was getting better and was happy because that meant I could go into work today. Well... I took my night time cough medicine at like 8:30 last night, but it didn't actually "hit" me until 10:30 and then I felt like my head wasn't screwed on tight and so I went to sleep. Well, that "not screwed on tight" feeling has really yet to leave me today. I was up through out the night coughing again... and having weird dreams. Anyway, I woke up not in a state to stand or drive or anything and was completely frustrated because I had EVERY intention of going into work today. Now, I have only about 2 days of sick time, and it's only the second week of the year. BOO. Luckily I have plenty of vacation time.
And speaking of plenty of time... I've been watching a Baby Story the last couple days. At first, it made me emotional- now I consider it as more of a preparation of sorts. Don't get me wrong, I still cry everytime that baby comes out! And let's be honest, I am REALLY not looking forward to the giving birth part, for the exception of him coming out and seeing him for the first time and hearing his little baby Ben cry for the first time. Anyway, I'm just looking at it as a warning of what to come and expect. After all, it's easy to take care of him while he's still inside of me... but what's it going to be like when he comes out!?
I also have to say that I'm grateful for answered prayers, even very small ones. In the middle of the night in a drugged stupor which I hated, I suddenly got scared that because of how I was feeling that something wasn't right with the little one. I hadn't really felt him move a lot and I started to get worried. So I said a couple of prayers and asked that I could know that he was okay with just a little kick or movement and about 5 minutes later, he was moving around AND kicking. It was just a really good reassurance (and a small but important one) that Heavenly Father is mindful of me and my little guy. Even if I really didn't have much to worry about since he was probably just sleeping.
Oh and I've also realized that Billy Mays has WAY too many products to sell. And I don't understand why he has to YELL everything at you. Sure I like his products, but don't yell at me! FINE! I'll buy it!

Okay, well I think in my dizziness I'm going to take a nap.

Well, sadly- today is day #2 of staying home from work. I'm fine, don't you worry. I just have an annoying and exhausting cold. I think that I got one again because the beginning of the week I wasn't getting enough sleep and my immune system wasn't as tough as it should be- plus in just about every group of people I've been around lately someone has been sick or getting sick. Including coworkers who have been sick. So it was inevitable. BUT luckily (I guess) now that it's the new year, I have time off again including sick time. I don't know how I would've functioned or IF I could've functioned if I would've had to go to work. The rest and laying around has been greatly needed . I am pretty bummed though that I had to use two days already. I feel like one of those little Puff's Pals kids with the red sore noses... every time I blow my nose my whole body and face hurts. I told Ryan that whoever said it was okay for a woman in her third trimester of pregnancy to get a cold was just mean.

Okay, this blog entry wasn't to complain. It was really to update those who are interested on my latest and greatest doc's appt. I had my 30 week appt yesterday. Can you believe it's already 30 weeks? Anyway, I like the doctor we saw yesterday as I go to a group of several of them. I don't even know if I could count how many I've seen. Let see... okay, only 5- but out of all of them, she's been our favorite. I always feel rushed and a little in the dark when I leave my appointments. Yesterday I went in with questions which I'm glad I did because I felt a little more enlightened this time. She, the doc, didn't seem all too concerned with the blood sugar level I had. She goes by 135 instead of 130 so my score of 138 didn't seem something to worry about for her. BUT, I still have to take my 3 hour test on Monday. And it will suck. No ultra sound this time, but his heartbeat was strong and we found it right away. My blood pressure was a tad bit high at the beginning of the appt but then they made me lay on my left side and retook it and it decreased A LOT. That always seems to happen, it's high when I check in and then as soon as I get in the room and they take it again- it's back down. Also, I think I lost 3-4 lbs since my last visit. She was a little concerned about that- but my appetite hasn't been too great lately, so I'm trying to eat smaller more often. All in all everything is good and he's healthy and hopefully these next glucose test results will show that I am too.

Ryan started to paint the baby's room this week too, which is exciting. We need to refinish the OLD beat up dresser we have in there, and my poor big brother who has been really sick the last few days is going to ship us the crib and changing table they're giving us soon. Ryan's parents also got us the bedding set we registered for and so hopefully it'll start to all come together soon. We got a couple gift cards for Christmas to get the bassinet for the baby too. I, like Bobbie, feel like there's still SO much we need to get him. Ryan's sister is giving us a bunch of clothes which is SO nice. And we still have a little time, 10 weeks tentatively. I guess it all depends on how much bigger he keeps getting.

We'll also have a full but happy house next month, my sister Delinda is going to come live with us for a while, not sure how long yet- but it'll be nice to have an extra pair of hands. And we love having her with us- we all laugh with each other and make fun of each other and it's fun. So come March, we'll have my mom here for the birth, Delinda, possibly TWO dogs and then the arrival of little Ben! Full house! All with people we love though, so it's great.

Couple of things

-My dog LOVES ice, every time someone gets ice from the fridge ice maker she runs to it. So we try and give her little pieces to chew on and she loves it. So strange.

-We saw the movie Juno the other night and loved it. It's not for the overly sensitive though.

-I'm so glad that Ryan's last night of working late is tonight.

-Sleeping positions that are comfortable are becoming very difficult to find nowadays.

-I'm tired and need to go to bed now.

I want a free diaper bag. Please? http://flipflopmamma.blogspot.com/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's already 2008! Last year was such a good one, I hope that this year brings the same happiness! I got to thinking, it's going to be weird when we get to 2010 in a couple years, are you going to say "back in twenty-ten..." or "back in ten..."???? For New Years Eve, I had to work until 3:30 and then we met up with our friends Michael and Lori and also Candace. The five of us went to dinner at a fancy-schmancy place called The Geisha House in a new little trendy area of town called Atlantic Station. We were definitely under-dressed but not one of us cared. The food was good and actually a lot better priced than I thought it would be.

Anyway, after that we went over to Candace's house and ate cheesecake and pie and played some games. Well, I was so tired I laid on the couch and watched.

We decided after much deliberation that we were going to go to our friend Ashizzley's house (which I was really happy about) and ring in the new year with the folks there.

Okay, I'm aware this is a random and weird video. But I like it.

My right pointer finger wont stop twitching.

This just in... I got my blood sugar test results back for the second time, and this time my blood sugar levels were 138 and the "safe" range is apparently 60-130. So I'm over that range, but I'm not too much higher than average, especially because just this year they changed the range from the high at 139 down to 130. But I think they're mostly concerned because he's a big baby already. SO, what does that mean? It DOESN'T mean that I have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes...yet, however it DOES mean that I have to go back on Monday and do a THREE HOUR test. BOOOOOOO!!!! That means they give me the nasty drink again and then the take my blood every three hours. Here's an explanation...Although, this isn't completely accurate to what my doctor's office does- but it's close. And by the by, I'm really glad I listened to my "motherly intuition" and told them that the first test went over the time limit and I'm worried that my little guy is so big. Hopefully it will end up I don't have it, but in case I do- I don't know that they would've caught it in time!

So that makes an appointment every week, four weeks in a row. I have one this week for my 30 week appointment. I think we might get to see him again, but I'm not sure. I do love seeing my little muchacho. I forgot to attach his last picture we got, keep in mind this is just a picture of the ultra sound that I took with my cell phone- so it's not exactly cripy clear. If you can't tell, he's looking forward like right at you, and his right arm is up by his face. Look at that belly!!! I think he looks kind of funny... so I'll just say he looks like his daddy in that picture! HA!

I have an issue... what's new eh? I have an issue with women who take their sons into the bathroom with them. No... not the sons who are like maybe 6 years old and under, the ones that are like 11 or 12 and know how to go to the bathroom on their own. Twice in the last month I've seen women who have taken their 10-12 year sons to the restroom with them. Come on...

and a partridge in a pear tree...

Well, it's Ryan's first [night] of work. And I'm here alone with Ally. I miss him already. I know, I know... it's only the first night. But I'm used to coming home and seeing my man waiting for me at the door with the doggy ready to give me a kiss. Luckily it's not a permanent thing, because frankly if it was- I don't think I would've encouraged him to take the job. I am glad he has this new opportunity though, and I KNOW he was ready for the change which I know will make the adjustment for HIM a lot easier. He's such a good man and he has so much faith that he doesn't even know he has! In the meantime, this is what Ally does to keep herself occupied because she doesn't have her dad to run around the house with.

It's also the day after Christmas and we had a really good day! It was quite a different day for me, but not bad in any way. I missed my family at times, but kept my thoughts occupied otherwise and Ryan had a good idea to help me feel better. He suggested that we do a web video with my parents and Delinda. So even though the sound didn't work (thank goodness for speaker phone) the video did and it was good to see them when I'm so far away. We had a wonderful time with each other in the morning doing our own little Christmas celebration and then a very wonderful time with his family. We got spoiled and got to watch his nephews and niece get spoiled as well! The food was good and so was the company. It's so good to have good families to be apart of on both sides... we are very fortunate. Because honestly, the presents are great- but being with family is all that matters to me on Christmas. It's so important. It even sleeted in the morning which made it a little more Christmas-y for me and not so jealous of the wonderful snow everyone in UT got! We also got to spend Christmas Eve at Ryan's Aunt Vicky and Uncle Lanny house and other family as well and exchanged gifts after a YUMMY lasagna dinner. They spoiled us too!

Today I went in for the second time for another glucose test. The experience this time was remarkably better and I had NO problems whatsoever. Although I'm glad I said something because the lady that couldn't find a vein last time was the only one working in my doctor's office lab and I requested that someone else do it this time. So luckily there was a lady across the hall at another doc's office that was willing to do it. She got me in her lab right on time, maybe even a little early, I told her the right arm and she found one right away! I praised her for being so good. So, we'll see what the results say in a couple of days.

Here's a couple of picts from our Christmas Eve and Day!

It's Christmas Eve... and I'm working. BOO. Luckily there's NO ONE but a few of my coworkers and I here, so I doubt we'll stay very much longer. Or at least I hope not. I'm not sure why it was required for us to even come in. If people call us, well then they're retarded. Sales reps shouldn't be selling or even thinking about work today... they need to be with their families. Just like I do.

Anyway- I reckon that after this we will be too busy to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

We hope your time today and tomorrow and any other time you get to have with your family is WONDERFUL!

Lack of Communication!

Ryan here.....

So, lack of communication is one of the big reasons i just quit my job after almost 7 years. Now since the doctors, nurses, and idiot labtechs dont communicate, Heather has to take the glucose test again and get poked with a needle again. You would think that a labtech that takes blood for a living would have no problem finding a vein.. argh....... ok bye

you think YOU'VE got problems...

28 Weeks

Tuesday Ryan and I went to the doc for my 28 weeks. This was for my glucose test visit. First things first I got my drink and swigged it down in like 2 minutes (they give you five) and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It was Fruit Punch flavored and just reminded me of a very sugary kids drink that I wouldn't normally drink. So exactly ONE HOUR after you finish drinking it you're supposed to have your blood taken. After a few minutes in the waiting room we got called in and got weighed which for ONCE in my life I actually am curious about every time I go. I gained 4 lbs in the last month, which is fine. So over my whole pregnancy- I'm still in the negative. I lost 11lbs my first trimester and then gained one or two then lost again... so I'm not complaining! I've got plenty of chubbiness to go around. Anyway- after we did that the ultra sound tech was waiting for us (which is a first) and we went right in and saw our little guy. It was good to see him again and he wiggled a lot and we got a couple cute pictures. He's still a boy too! The tech said "nope, nothing fell off since last time!" I asked her how much he weighed and she told us he's already 3lbs! She said that for the percentile for how far along I am he's in the 95th percentile. Which... if you don't know what that means (and we didn't- I had to have the doc explain it to us), 50% is average. So at 95% he's big for his "age" and so she said that could be a sign of the gestational diabetes. After the ultra sound was the visit with the doc. Well, after we had waited for her and then visited with her- we were getting to be over our time limit for them to take my blood for the test. Finally when that was through we rushed to the little room where they take blood and this is were the crap hit the fan. As soon as I sat down in that wretchedly uncomfortable chair I told the woman that my veins are hard to find and that it's best to just go ahead and try my right arm as opposed to the left where they usually try and draw blood from. So where does she try? The LEFT arm... and so we're pressed for time, and here's this lady literally poking and prodding around on my arm (luckily just with her finger) for like 5 minutes and obviously not finding a vein. So then she proceeds to tell me that she would probably have to through my hand... painful! And with out even trying my RIGHT arm first like I suggested! ARG. Ryan was getting so mad he had to leave the room. So before she tried my hand I asked her to try my right arm, so she poked around on my right arm and didn't find anything...still! Keep in mind, THE CLOCK IS TICKING! So she pokes my hand- and if you've ever had a needle or IV in your hand you know that IT HURTS! And guess what? She couldn't find the vein there either!!!! So finally, thank goodness, the other person in there asked her if she needed help. By the time she got to me, she checked my right arm- twisted a little and found the vein... it was now 20 minutes over. So we were just pretty much bugged that first no one knew why we really had the ultra sound and that they took like 20 minutes to draw two little bottles of blood from me! And now I have a pretty bruise. Anyway... they called me today and said I passed the test! YAY! Except... Ben is still 3lbs... and they went 20 minutes over. So I told her that and she said she'd call me back. I haven't heard back from her, but I'm thinking that if I was something to worry about- we'd know. Anyway... I've got another appt in 2 weeks. So we'll see what happens then.

Until then, I've got a chunky monkey in my belly.

because I love this picture

Ryan, Me, Delinda and Brookey

this has taken me forever to write...

I think I'm coming out of it. I think I'm doing much better with this. No, not the cold- still got that. I've been in a freak out and stress mode the last oh maybe week or more about becoming a mother. I know this is normal, but I feel very worried about being able to take care of him. I know Ryan will be great and that we'll be great together, but it's really been a stressful thing for me. I've never had a problem with kids, I've always been quite good with babies. But I really haven't been around one for a while and I'm afraid I've lost my touch, and that when it comes to my own kid how different it will be. I've tried to read books about being a mommy and what to do and what not to do and it seriously stresses me out. I'm so afraid I'm going to be walking around with him crying and think to myself "the book told me to do this or that!" and stress out even more. It's been quite heavy on my mind. I haven't really talked about it because I don't want to seem like I'm not excited or anything. I am, very excited. I've also been really stressed and kind of sad that I have to go back to work. At this point, we don't really have a choice, and luckily there's a daycare in my complex where I work. More than anything though I wish that I could be home with him. It scares me to think of someone else taking care of him, especially when he's so little.
BUT... I'm coming out of it now and I'm getting excited to see him and his little feet and knees and nose and all his cute little baby body parts. And I've also decided that I'd much rather have him out of me than in me. I've still got three months... and it'll get worse... but I hurt and I feel awkward and like they all say- this body is not my own. I'm tired... and I realize that will never change. I have years of being tired to look forward to.
My tummy is finally looking like I'm pregnant. Today though, I went downstairs to our little cafeteria type place and got a bagel, a banana and some juice and this lady that works on my floor was going up the elevator the same time as me and said "you saving room for lunch?". Now, she could have meant that because we were having our company luncheon today she hoped I wasn't eating too much too close to when it started... but still. I was like "oh no, I'm eating for two". Things people say... I think some people still don't realize that I'm pregnant and that my stomach doesn't just stick out further than my boobs for fun. Oh well...
Also, we had a couple tough decisions to make this last couple of weeks too- but we made it through and prayed a lot and exercised our faith. And Ryan has given his two weeks at a job he's been at for almost 7 years and will start working for a steel company with his best friend the day after Christmas. It's steady hours plus overtime and benefits and all. It's a big change, but one that I'm sure he'll welcome because he's sick of his current job. I think this will be a much better fit for our little family and will allow him to make more money and have better opportunities. I'm SO proud of him for making this change, I know it's been a hard decision for him.
We have our 28 week appt on Tues and hopefully I can get some remedy for this cough, because seriously- it sucks. I'm hoping to get some good rest this weekend. I'm not making any commitments until I know I feel rested. Peace out y'all.

It's hot. Okay, maybe not "hot" but it's too warm.

This is our forecast for the week. It's December 10th today and it's 75 degrees. Not only that, but one of the "chillers" is broken in our building here at work. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I do know that it's HOT in here. All morning I was having hot flashes like no body's bidness (that's the Atlanta coming out in me) and as soon as I got out to my car for lunch I BLASTED the A/C... IN DECEMBER!!! 15 days before Christmas! What's going on here!? It's supposed to be COLD! I'm wearing a short sleeve shirt and sandals today, and NO coat! Ryan likes it... and I'm not saying that weather isn't nice, but for the Holiday season I prefer cold. I need the cold to cuddle up in a blanket to, and to wear gloves and scarves and jackets... it doesn't have to be FREEZING or anything. Anyway... I guess I shouldn't complain and just enjoy it. I think I would if it wasn't Christmastime. Fine if it wants to be warm after January. But not only do I want it to be colder and rainy or maybe even snowy (I know, that's stretching it) for the Holiday's, we REALLY need it since we're in such a drought! I'd like to have water please. Is that too much to ask?

On another note. I'm still coughing. And it's ticking me off. I'm done with it.

I love the Sweeney Sisters

I forgot to mention that we're registered for the little boy at Babies R Us. Our registry number is 67339806. If the registry number doesn't work, you can search by my maiden name too. You know, just in case you're interested...

Pregnancy Complaints... I mean updates.

• remember that one time i said colds suck when you're pregnant and already REALLY tired? still holds true. and to throw in a cough just isn't nice.
• little guy is starting to kick so hard you can see it outside of the belly. but only if you watch really hard for a while. i mean, i see it all the time because i can feel pretty much when it's going to happen. luckily Ryan saw him do it the other night.
• he also is starting to recognize his daddy's voice too, at least that's what i think. today he was quietly active and then Ryan came to pick me up for lunch and as soon as he started talking to me and baby heard him- he was kicking HARD. i think it's a sweet sentiment, so don't ruin it for me if you don't agree!
• my lower back and left hip or apparently sciatic nerve is becoming more and more of an issue. especially after sitting for an extended period of time on a hard/wooden unsupported chair or surface. holy monkey's on fire it hurts to get up and walk around after that!
• i'm snoring now. i'm used to Ryan snoring and waking him up, but now the tables have turned and he's waking me up! it just started like two or three weeks ago though. and sometimes i wake myself up doing it. i hope it goes away after bambino is born.
• luckily i'm still sleeping pretty much through the night besides the potty calls. although i'm feeling him kick me in my sleep and he wakes me up in the morning now.
• i still feel pretty self conscious about not looking completely pregnant yet- but i'm getting there. some people at work still don't realize i am unless i tell them.
• i'm starting to get some wicked pains in the lower parts of my stomach, some cramps too. i'm really only hoping that he's just elbowing or kicking or doing something to some nerves and it's not something i should worry about, even though it doesn't make it hurt less.
• we have our 28 week appt in two weeks and i'm not excited about the sugar drink- but i am excited to see the little guy again. i want to see his cute nose! that also means that in two weeks i'll be in my THIRD trimester! yowza!
• last night, i woke up to go potty and on the way back to my bed i all of a sudden became incredibly terrified of being a mother. like a wall of bricks hit me and i almost started to cry. what if i do it all wrong? it's a good thing i've got Ryan. he will be an AWESOME daddy. i know... i'll be fine. it was just a moment i had.
• i shouldn't complain... i've been VERY blessed with my pregnancy. these things i'm complaining about are all completely normal. and i guess i'm not complaining really- i love feeling my little baby moving around inside of me and kicking me, and to know that i'm the only one that can do this is amazing to me and a great privilege. my sister in-law and i just agree that being pregnant is joyous, but not necessarily "fun".

How Our Weekend Was Spent.

One of my favorite people got married this past weekend! Congrats to them! She was a beautiful bride and I am excited for their new life together! We helped set up and decorate for it all. It's good to know that the decorations I used for my wedding can be used over and over again! This was round 3 for them!
We went out and bought our Christmas tree! It smells SO good! And it's so pretty! We had fun decorating it. I love a lit up Christmas Tree with all the lights off!
We put the lights up on the house! We have a house to put lights up on! I've been waiting for this day! I think they're pretty stinkin' cute too!
Ally doesn't like the vacuum. So she sat on me. Just like this. Look at her legs! She looks like she's about to do some gymnastics or something. She stayed there for quite a while too! And yes... she totally has an "emo" haircut.

Slide Show of Our Trip!

This is sort of long, but it's for posterity's sake...

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our Little Thanksgiving Trek-This will be long.

Ryan and I went to Utah this year for Thanksgiving to visit my family. After waking up at 2:30am Wednesday and having our dear friend Cecilia so willingly come pick us up at around 3:15 to get us to the airport, we got on our 6:15am flight with no problems or lines (although, we JUST missed the lines, they started right as we got through). When we got to SLC, we met up with about half of my family for lunch at Rubios in SLC. After that we really just spent the rest of the day hanging out at Greg's house down in Highland and spent some good quality time with each other. I feel like I'm missing something, but I don't think I am. By the time we got to bed that night though, we'd realized that we had been awake for approximately 22 hours... I was a tired little pregnant lady! Thursday we woke up fairly early and went to the store for some extra stuff, like some Mac and Cheese for Ryan to eat with his Thanksgiving dinner. Let me 'splain for those who don't live in or know what Mac n' Cheese is to the South. It's seriously considered a "vegetable" here. You pretty much can get it anywhere you go here and it's eaten with everything. And Ryan just loves it... so we knew he'd miss it since our traditional meal doesn't include it. But hey, the kids loved it! After our meal we hung out for a little bit and then we sent all the little kids downstairs so the grownups could talk and help my parents decide how to move on to the next chapter in their life. It was really cool to be there with my siblings and parents and figure out how to help our parents who have done SO much for us. After we talked for a bit and came to some conclusions and starting points for them- some of us went to see Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.

It was pretty cute... it had a really good message, but it was missing something. Not sure what- but it didn't completely satisfy me. I didn't really want to see that one- but all the kids did. It was fun to go with them though. After the movie we went back to Greg's and had dessert; apple pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie and red velvet cake- and sang happy birthday to my dad since his birthday is tomorrow. Then we sat and talked some more while the kids played. It was just really cool to all be together and laugh and have a good time. Bed time followed shortly after that!

My sister in-law Sam and I had planned to go shopping EARLY the next morning at Gymboree for good sales on the clothes there for her girls and my little guy too. So I rolled out of the bed at 7:30am, brushed my teeth, brushed out my hair, wiped the residue mascara from under my eyes and threw a sweatshirt on over my ugly pregnant lady jeans and she came and got me at 7:45am! I know! Ryan asked if he could go, but I told him no- it was kind of a girls thing. So we set out on our way to the mall and Sam said Delinda (my sister) wanted to meet us for breakfast around ten because she was going shopping. So we went and did our thing and drove over to Mimi's Cafe where I saw Delinda... and then my sister Shauna and her partner Randi... and my mom... and, and, and... ANDREA! I was so surprised! Then realized that my friend Kate was there too... then saw another friend Bobbie... and then her mom... I was like "What the heck is going on!?" Delinda just looked at me and said "it's called a 'pssshhhh' (hand motion like a shower)!" Sam and Delinda had gotten together and thrown me a SURPRISE baby shower! I was SO surprised too! I had NO clue! It was so sweet and fun, and I felt SO loved and honored! So we had The Maxwell Girls including Linda, Bobbie, Trish and KK, Melissa, Kate, Andrea, my mom, Sam, Delinda, Claudia, Shauna and Randi! It was so great! Thank you to all who came and "showered" me with gifts! After the shower we took family pictures in the FREEZING cold wind, but it was fun. And it was the first time in a LONG time we've had everyone together.

After pictures we said our farewell to John's family and Shauna and Randi. That night Delinda and Ryan and I hung out with Andrea and Travis Green. Pretty low key.

Saturday was spent mostly with friends, in the morning we said goodbye to my parents and then had breakfast with an old friend of mine. Afterwards we SEARCHED for a large enough box to ship the crib, mattress and changing table in that my brother and Sam are so GENEROUSLY giving us. No luck, but it'll get here somehow! Then that night us and Delinda met up with Andrea, Travis, Mark, Ryan & Kate Webb and went to dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory at Trolley Square and then went to see the lights at temple square. It was lots of fun. Well, it was cold and we weren't there for long- but it was just right. Poor Delinda was feeling horrible and little did we know that she was suffering from bronchitis and a sinus infection poor girl!

Sunday was filled with sacrament meeting to listen to Greg's beautiful solo (that made me cry and the baby go crazy moving all over the place), cleaning up the place we were staying, resting a little, and a ride up to American Fork Canyon just before going to stay over at the Green's. We watched Hairspray (which I was a little skeptical about) and it was really funny! The next day we ate breakfast, thanks to Andrea's mom, and flew home! It was good to get back to our COMFY bed and little Ally and ... humidity! We had a REALLY good visit. One of the best I've had, I didn't get to see some friends I'd hoped I could- but there will be a next time, and our home is always open!! Only if I know you of course... :)

Tomorrow, when I have more energy and time I will post a slide show for more picture viewing. time for beddy bye!