Labor day weekend and other fun stuff

We had originally planned to head further north to see all of James' boys that are just recently home from missions and also to see my mission president who was having a get together, because he has just recently moved back to Utah from Argentina, but instead we went for less traveling and a more relaxing weekend in St. George/ PineValley. It turned out to be a much better plan. I am just four weeks away from my due date, and James had lots of homework to catch up on. Overall, when we planned this trip months ago, we were not thinking at all about our current situations. So to all of you that we missed seeing, I am sorry, but to all of you that we got to see, we had a great time in your company.

This is her new thing. She plugs her ears ALL the time. 

My favorite buddy. 

We drove up late Friday night, stayed the night in St. George. Early the next day, I was ready to head up  to Pine Valley to bask in its fresh air. It took us awhile longer to get up there, but once we did, it was so nice to sit on the porch, chat, and really do very little more than that. I hadn't been up there since my mom's wedding, but really hadn't spent a significant amount of time up there since who knows how long. I really want Lucy to have some memories of Pine Valley like I did growing up. She loved being free to run around open yard and come in and out of the cabin as she pleased. It was so good to see her in that setting. We are still out a decent camera so I didn't take pictures. The collage you see I stole from my mom's blog. Thank you mom for recording our presence there. That is probably the only pregnant shot you will get of me this pregnancy as well, so thanks for recording that as well.
In the evening we all gathered for a delicious BBQ. It was all fantastic and we all ate way too much, but that did not stop anyone from scarfing down the cookies that I made for dessert. I had to push people away, as they were gone straight out of the oven and devoured hot off the cookie sheet. It was just like old times.
We were the last to leave and headed back down to St. George late that night to put Lucy to bed. The next morning we visited the St. George Temple and visitor's center. I snapped a few pictures and it was weird to think that only a little more than two years ago it was just James and I taking pictures on these same steps. Now, we have this little family that has been so fun and brought us more joy than we could have imagined walking up those steps so long ago. I sure do love this little girl and her daddy. I can't wait to meet her sister and see what joy she has to bring our home as well.
We stayed the day in St. George so we could enjoy Cake and Icecream at my Grandma's that night. It was a lot of fun and we stayed a long time there as well. We didn't even start heading home until about 8:30 pm. It was good to be home, especially because we had Monday off, so we had a day to recover from the mini vacation.

So there you go. We can't wait for this new baby girl, I for one am so excited to have this pregnancy end. It has been interesting, the differences between this one and Lucy's. We have done very little to prepare for this one's arrival. With Lucy, I think we were out every evening purchasing something new in anticipation for her arrival. I am sure I had a hospital bag packed by now and the car seat was belted in my car for at least 2 months before Lucy's due date. The extent of preparation I have made with this one is a box of diapers and a new diaper bag. The first diaper bag we had was a hand-me-down from my sister and I really needed a new one. I did a lot of research, but in the end I ended up getting the same brand and a similar style as the one we have been using. I have loved it and it has been good to us, so why not? Plus this particular bag got only great reviews from mom's who have used it.

First day of NURSERY!!

My baby turned 18 months yesterday! Which means today was the very long awaited first day of Nursery. Believe me, it was not just long awaited for James and I, but probably more so for Lucy. She can scout out the nursery room in any church meetings. She will just wonder the halls until she hears the one with the kids playing and toys clanking, and she will start banging on the door. I am not exaggerating in the least. She has known the location of the Nursery room since our first Sunday here and has been banging on the door ever since. Well, today she got to enter that sacred room and play her heart out. She had no problem leaving us behind and her teachers said that she loved every minute of it. I am sure she did too. We have been singing all the Primary action songs every Monday night for FHE for the last couple of months and so I am sure singing time was a hit. Also she loves food, so snack time... no problem. And playtime... come on, what kid doesn't love to spend hours playing with toys that are different than the ones they see everyday at home? Even though church is right during her nap, she was a champ and had no problems whatsoever, but boy was she exhausted when we put her in the car. She went straight to bed when she got home. This is going to be a great arrangement. I LOVE NURSERY!
As for other updates in this Stewart home, come Tuesday I will have reached my 35 week mark with this baby I am carrying. I am very excited to be done with this pregnancy, but even more nervous about giving birth than I was with the first one. I think it is much more scary knowing exactly what's coming, rather than being oblivious to the entire bloody process. So yes, I am extremely nervous about all of that, but I did it once, I can do it again. I haven't been really happy about my OBGYN that I picked here in Henderson, but luckily I didn't start with her until just a few weeks ago, so I don't have that much longer to see her before I am done either. I was a little spoiled with my last Dr. I received Lyndt Mint Chocolate truffles after every visit. I loved and looked forward to my visits there. Plus, Dr. Judd was a crack up, so mostly I would just go and be entertained for 15 minutes and then receive chocolate as I made another appointment and walked out the door. When I look for my next OBGYN, I may just call up all of the offices and find out which gives chocolate after every appointment. Because I think it should be standard procedure.
Oh and by the way, I think I have made mention in previous posts that this baby will for sure be named Molly, but we have had second thoughts and now, we are torn between, Molly, MaryJane, Mary, or Annie (which is my new favorite, but we will see). If you have an opinion, we would love to know. We really can not decide. I think we are just a little frazzled because with Lucy it was so definite from the beginning. We thought it would be the same with this one.
James started a new calling this week. He has been called as a primary worker to work with a young man in our ward who has Autism. I have been impressed with his preparation and willingness to take on this calling. We met with this young man's family for FHE this last week and Lucy had a ball, playing on all of his sensory toys that they have around the house. This is a more severe kiddo and mostly the people that have worked with him in the past have let him do whatever he wants, wandering the halls and such. James has been pretty determined to make sure that they start working towards some inclusion in the primary for him. His comments after the first day working with him, "I am pretty sure he loves me and hates me at the same time, because I actually make him do something." I am so glad that he has a chance to use that degree that earned and it is fun to watch him be so involved with this kid's life. James would've made a great Special Ed teacher but working one on one is why he is pursuing a higher degree with Occupational Therapy and I know it is even a more perfect fit for that reason.
Also just as a side note, from a proud wife, James had a solo today in our ward choir number and he did fantastic! Great Job James!

That's the update. We have enjoyed some rain and cooler weather down here which has been lovely. We look forward to another week going by and then just one more month until we are a family of four. Woohoo!

Another week in the Stewart home

If you can believe it, James had midterms this week. Half way through the first semester and still loving it here. I just can't believe how fast it is already going. Lucy and I are still enjoying our time at home. We have been busy this week as well. Lots of swimming, visiting, shopping trips, and preparing for company this weekend. We have James' sister Anna visiting this weekend and we love the extra playmate in the house. We also celebrated my Birthday yesterday, in true fashion.... doing exactly what I wanted to do. We woke up and went swimming early. I was excited to finally have a babysitter. I haven't been brave enough to leave Lucy with anyone down here yet, so when Anna decided to come I knew we needed to take advantage and make a temple trip, James and I, together. It will probably be the last for awhile. After the temple we all went to the Cheese Cake Factory and gorged ourselves with delicious food and took home our personally selected pieces of cheese cake. It was all very delicious. After dinner James and I left Anna to put Lucy to bed and we went to stake conference. It was a delightful day. Filled with a spiritual break that I needed.
The truth is this Birthday I have been reflecting a lot on the great life I have had here on this earth. I have met so many wonderful people, seen various parts of the world, had the opportunity to bring another life into this world and thrill in her sweet disposition and daily development, and so many other wonderful experiences including being sealed to James with whom I will share the entirety of this life and the eternities after. I could not be more grateful to a Heavenly Father who sent me to such wonderful parents and a family that really allowed me all this joy and happiness that I have experienced. I really do owe so much to my wonderful parents who not only brought me life but also, my father who taught me so many valuable lessons that would shape my every being. And a mother who supported me in every crazy idea I brought to her. I was a very spoiled child. That's what happens when you are the last to get married I guess. She supported me on a mission, through out my entire education, on 2 trips to Europe and a 3 month excursion to Mexico. I mention this not to brag, but only to let my mom know that none of it has gone unnoticed. I have learned so much through all these experiences and they really gave me the life education that I needed become the wife and mother that I am today, which isn't perfect but one that will continue towards progression and the hope of perfection one day through the Lord's Atonement. So thanks mom. You deserve lots more than that.

 And for those that don't read this blog a few pictures. We are still waiting for our camera replacement, so we  don't take a lot of pictures but a few of note. Lucy seems to only get more creative with her messes at meal time even though I thought using a spoon might help with that.

Staying cool in the Henderson Sun

We are currently out a camera and a laptop, since we dropped our camera in the pool at Laynee's birthday party and our computer crashed this week. Luckily James' school made him buy a new laptop when he started school, otherwise we would of been in a world of hurt. Unfortunately, there is a reason he was required to buy a laptop, because he uses it for all of his classes, and homework. Therefore I have access to a computer on Sunday's. That's it. Monday night for FHE we organized our files and found a replacement plan that we had bought for our camera nearly 2 years ago, that is still valid, so we will be getting a new camera soon. The computer however was a lucky hand-me-down from mom, and we did not buy a replacement plan with her.  We will see if a computer is in the budget in the near future. I did pull out my old camera- which works, but it is really slow. I think this one was one of the original digital cameras that were made and they have certainly come a long way. I am not even sure why I kept it but its been nice to have something to snap a couple of photos on.
James is 4 weeks into his grad school program and continues to enjoy it. He is actually a very good at school. I am always impressed how he can maximize the quality of his study time so that he still has plenty of time to be at home with Lucy and I when I need him. He is very good at separating work and school and I really appreciate that about him.
Lucy and I have gotten in the habit of waking up and swimming early in the mornings most mornings. If we don't swim than we will make a trip to the Library or to hang out with our friends Gavin and Rachel. Sometimes I just take her to the mall and let her run up and down the halls and go up and down the escalator (supervised of course). Whatever the activity, my primary purpose is to wear her out so that she takes a good nap in the afternoon. I have been surprised lately how much I wear my self out as well. I have been laying down after I put her down, and I am zonked before I even realize it. I guess I am 7 months pregnant.
Lucy is a great eater. She loves food and never has a problem getting into the high chair when it is time for a meal. She is proficient at drinking from a cup now, although we do have to monitor on occasion because she likes to spill it out on to her tray when she is done eating for the pure pleasure of playing with it or lapping it up like a dog. We still give her a sippy when we don't plan on monitoring her. We have also been working on using a spoon or fork. She is getting better, but still has a hard time scooping food onto the spoon. It's a work in progress as you can see.

She is picking up on signs faster than we know what some of them mean. I am glad for that but can't wait for it to translate a little bit more on words and verbal communication. She will jabber with you all day long, answering any number of questions you wish to ask, but other than the occasional head nod a midst the jabbering not much of it is intelligible. She does pair some sounds with signs which gives me hope that verbal is coming real soon, but we will see. She understands so much, and will follow several different commands, especially the ones she likes.
One activity that never gets old around this house is reading books. Lucy will pick her favorites and we will read for an hour at a time. I love it. I am not a great reader, but James is and I would really like my kids to be as well. I saw this great idea on pinterest not too long ago that a family wrapped up 25 children's book and for the month of December they got to open up a new one each night to read before bed. I got really excited about this and I have been collecting books ever since. (Because 25 children's books is a lot to buy all at once). I also didn't want to just go out and buy random books, I wanted them to be ones that Lucy liked. So we have been using our library card to check out lots of books to see if they pass the Lucy test. Others are by authors that we already know we like and some are just because they were on sale. Either way I am excited about this tradition. We are a pretty new family still and working on developing these traditions. I think this would be a fun one to keep up.
I have my first Dr's appointment this week. It's kind of crazy but I just had my records sent to me and I didn't realize that other than the ultra-sound at 20 weeks, I actually haven't seen a Dr for over 4 months. I haven't been too worried though, because this baby is a non-stop mover and shaker. Unlike Lucy who scared me on several occasions by her lack of movement. I have no doubt she is in there, and doing well because she moves and kicks everything around her. It's been a harder pregnancy than Lucy but I am doing quite well considering. I look forward to the next two months passing by quickly,... because I am sure they will... and can't wait to hold this baby in my arms instead of my guts. I really am looking forward to Lucy getting to know her little sister as well. I am sure it will be tough at first, but I can tell that Lucy will love her with time.

Feeling Sentimental

I am feeling extremely sentimental today. I can't believe in a little over two short months I will be bringing home another tiny baby. Although I haven't forgotten that this little one is growing inside of me, (she reminds me daily with her constant kicking and rolling around) I have been so occupied with my Lucy time that I don't always think about what it will be like to have two. I am grateful that I am now at home and get to spend all this time with Lucy. I love it. And I can't tell you how much I love to just watch her play, eat, read books, whatever it is she is doing. There are days when I accomplish nothing except when she is sleeping because I am so distracted watching and following her every move. I love her so much. I can't believe how much she has grown. I don't ever regret working to support our family for the first year of her life, but it sure has helped me to appreciate this time at home taking care of more eternal matters. 

I am glad for two more months of strictly Lucy. I will love it and cherish it. I also look forward with great anticipation for our sweet Molly that will be joining our family. She will be loved like she could never have imagined. I know Lucy will love her too. She does not get whats coming, but she sure loves watching babies at church. For the most part she is careful with them. I think she will like having a baby sister of her own. 

My Dad: Random thoughts

Eleven years ago today my Dad passed away. I have lots of good memories of my childhood that involve him. I love talking about him. To remember him this day, here are a few random memories that have popped in my head as I thought about him today. 

When I was younger I remember sitting on my Dad's lap a lot. I was old enough to remember him say to me one day as I sat on his lap, "Lauri, one day, when you are older you will not want to sit on my lap anymore." I replied, "I don't think so dad." Even when I was older and no longer sat on my dad's lap, it wasn't because I didn't want to. Another thing he used to ask me a lot while I was sitting there on his lap, "Have I ever told you that I love you?" I would giggle, because he told me daily that he loved me. 

I don't remember how old I was, probably a teenager, but my dad, sister, and I started taking walks up to the temple every other night. My dad would head out the door faithfully every other night at the same hour, if you weren't ready he would leave with out you. I loved it. We walked the same path every time. Frequently we would continue walking past the temple up to grandma's house (his mother), again cutting through the same streets every time. I prayed when we made those walks up to grandma's that mom was home to come get us after we got there because it felt like such a long walk. I also remember lazily skipping out on these walks a few times. I always felt so guilty when I did, because I knew that he mostly was doing it for me. He wanted me to be more active and healthy and he was faithful and diligent even when I did not comply. 

My dad really liked a good foot massage. I promise he never paid for one in his life. Instead he had his own personal masseuses aka my sister and I. He didn't even use words to ask for a massage, instead he would just lay back in his lazy boy, kick off his shoes and wiggle his toes until he got our attention. We would lay down under the leg of the lazy boy and rub his feet until we felt he was satisfied, or until we were just done. I swore I would never touch another man's feet, except maybe my future husband's. I've been true to that. I'm not so bad now, but I really hated feet back then. 

My dad taught me lots of useful life lessons that I apply all the time in my life now. While working for him, he always told me "The more you learn, the more valuable an employee you are to me." I can't even tell you how much I have applied that in my life. Not only in my various occupations that I have but even thinking more broadly in life. The more I learn here in this life the more valuable servant I can be to my Heavenly Father in the life to come or even here now, to further the work of the Lord. 

He also said to me on many occasions, "If you can't do any thing about it, there is no use in worrying about it. Focus on the things you can control." I have a natural instinct to "worry." I get that from my mother's side, and so this lesson is extremely helpful when I need to remember what I can't control is out of my hands. It will probably be most helpful as I continue to learn to be a parent. 

I love collecting funny greeting cards. This year around father's day, I found this gem, and I am not going to lie I was sad I did not have a father to present it to. I still bought it and kept it, because it makes me laugh. But the card rings true. My dad believed in me and was happy to encourage me in any of my dreams, as long as they were worthy. I sure am grateful I got to know him. I am so much the person I am today, because I got to know him. Love you Dad. 

Family Reunion, James starts school and other ventures...

James' first day of school. 

Our month off is over and it's back to business. James started school this week and we are both very excited to get back to real life. Well,... our "new" real life. Me, a stay at home mom and James, a full-time grad student.  Week one: I love staying home. I can keep a clean house, I always have time to prepare meals, I finished a book, I get to watch Lucy all day and I can take a nap daily if I want to. I have no complaints. I don't mind the added responsibilities of paying the bills and helping with the budget, it is great to play this role. I am not bored at all.

The whole gang in our favorite pool 

We got out the baby swing for baby Esther, but Lucy
occupied it more than the baby.

Cora and Lucy enjoying the splash pad. Take note of Lucy's
hair. I am getting more creative with hair do's these days. 

Lucy playing in the dirt. This is about 3 minutes before
the dirt face incident. 

The last couple of weeks off were spent with family. James' brother and family came to visit us in Henderson for a few days, so we showed them the sites and then we headed for St. George for a couple of days, before we headed further north for Duck Creek and the Stewart family reunion that took place before the East family reunion that we were all a apart of. Unfortunately, James had to travel back to Henderson in the middle of the reunion for a couple of days of mandatory orientation. Which left me, pregnant and alone with a toddler up in the mountains. The biggest challenge was that we were surrounded by dirt and sticks and rocks that Lucy thought were chew toys and delicious to eat. I didn't mind her getting dirty or playing in the dirt at all, but it was the moment that she stuck her face in a pile of dirt, inhaling at the same time, choking, then gagging and then throwing up her entire breakfast all over herself and I, that was just a little too much for this pregnant woman to handle. From that time on, she lost her playing in the dirt privileges until her dad returned.

James and Allen at the reunion. Again I will add more
pictures later. 

I wish we took more pictures up at the reunion, but hopefully we can get some from James' parents later and I will post them then. We had a great time, and it was so good to be surrounded by family that we rarely get to see. James' family is so spread out that it is hard to get together too often and this is the first time many of them had even met Lucy and likewise there were other cousins that we met for the first time. Overall, it was delightful and the weather was beautiful. Being on top of Cedar Mountain brought back so many great memories. My dad took us camping at all of the different places up there, Panguitch lake, Navajo lake, and even Duck Creek. I loved those times and it was tempting once or twice to ask if anyone wanted to join me in a good game of M&M poker, although I am sure that I would have been looked at as a radical having spit out those words in such company. Either way, it was beautiful and a great get-away before it was back to the heat and school for James.

Pudding painting. One of our favorite indoor activities.

At the park on a lovely rainy/overcast/cool day. 

I wish I was a better story teller. I feel like so often I am just recapping events and not adding enough content for this even to be interesting enough to read, but I have a hard time thinking in stories although there are many that could be told. I suppose we all have our strengths and writing has never been one of mine. I will add some pictures and let them tell the stories instead.