Happy 4th from Mobile

This 4th, we decided it would be as good a time as any to make a trip to Mobile, AL to see Anna's dad and Kathy. We got down here yesterday (after a WONDERFUL stranger helped with a screw in our tire). This morning, we went downtown to eat brunch at one of dad's favorite restaurants called "Spot of Tea". Downtown Mobile always seems to have something going on and this morning was no exception. They were having they usual Saturday morning Farmers Market. After breakfast and walking around a bit, we picked up a few veggies and I got some home-made cheddar and jalepeno bread. (I'll let you know how it is later.) After driving around Mobile looking at the sites, we stopped at a little park on the bay. It was quite hot so we promptly came home to play in the water. (Nanay took her usual Saturday afternoon nap...) Here are a few pictures from the events this morning with more to follow soon.

Happy 4th!!!

Love and hugs,

Steph, Anna, Jaiden, and ???

Friday night, driving with Lolo...

A Spot of Tea

Jaiden's World

For Jaiden's 3rd birthday, he got a digital camera from Aunt Emily and Uncle Evan. He was very excited about it and after about a week, we checked to see what we could see and alas, nothing but black pictures and a few feet. Recently, we tried again since he was showing a lot of intrest in my camera phone. (one evening at dinner, he took 30+ pictures with my phone...) The camera is great for him because it does still and video pictures even thought there is no sound, so here is what we found... Life according to Jaiden...

Now I know why they call it the Emergency Room

This weekend, we had some great plans but as plans go, they often have a mind of their own. We were planning on heading to Ashville, NC for the weekend right after my class on Saturday and spending some time with Anna's friend from high school. My silly body had something else in mind. Let me start off by saying Jaiden is great! So Saturday morning about 5:30, I woke up with a lot of pain in my lower right back. No big deal, I just thought I slept wrong so now I'm awake so I have to pee... After that, something just didn't feel right so i thought I'd go downstairs to put the heating pad on my back but before I got to the stairs, I got very sick to my stomach so I went into the other bathroom to sit (and pee again). Anna came in to check on me and then helped me downstairs. I just couldn't get comfortable and the pain just kept getting worse. I started to get worried because things weren't getting any better. After throwing up, I decided to call my sister. She said if I was in that much pain, go tot the er. (I didn't want to.) After writhing some more, I decided to call my ob and they concurred so off we went. Anna grabbed Jaiden then helped me to the car. We got to Northside and they were wonderful. Needless to say, after 2 shots of Morphine, I could still feel the pain but I just didn't care. Then, after I had an ultrasound, I finally started to feel human again. I told Anna it was like someone turned on the light and I was me again. In the middle of all of that, Aunt Rosie came to get Jaiden who was as always, wonderful. They ultrasound came back normal and the dr said since I was feeling so much better, they would let me go home. They think it might have been a kidney stone or some other irritation but the bottom line for me is, whatever it was, it's gone now. I don't think it will come back but to be sure, I'm drinking a LOT of water. I can honestly say I have never been in that much pain before and i hope to never experience it again.
Jaiden got to spend the day with Aunt Rosie, his cousin Charlotte, Jen and Jonathon. They had great fun swimming, shopping and going to Monkey Joe's.. He even went down the slide all by himself; alot!. We went to Rose's house or dinner, after a wonderful nap, and just had a relaxing evening. I'm not sure if Rose will ever understand how much I appreciate her taking such great care of out little one. Thank you so much Rosie!!! She did take some pictures and when she sends them to me, I'll post them here.
Anyways, our other little one was also quite the trooper. Through everything I was going through, her heartbeat was strong and steady. We have any appt with the midwives on tues just to make sure.
Today was much less exciting. We stayed at home and just rested. We got to have dinner with Pops and Nana and earlier we did watch Wall-E. While we were watching, Anna took a few pictures. No post would be complete without a few pictures of the little one so here they are.
love and hugs,
Steph, Anna, Jaiden and ???

One of our family photos...

The 20 weel belly picture

So, as promised, here is the latest picture of our smallest one. To day, I am 20 weeks and 2 days pregnant with lost of fun still to come. I will keep you posted as to how things are going. We have our next appointment with the midwives next Tues so we'll keep you posted.
Love and hugs,
stephanie (anna, jaiden and ???)



And here is just another random and adorable picture of Jaiden...

A little catch-up

I know I have been quite remiss about updating the blog lately and since I finally found my camera, I thought I would add a few things. This is from a few weeks ago. We decided to make an impromptu stop at the park up the street. They have a great water park/ splash pad that is great for the kids in the summer. Since it was spur-of-the-moment, we didn't have a bathing suit for Jaiden so... We all had great fun and it was well worth the delayed dinner.
As far a baby 2 goes, we are both doing very well. We are just past 20 weeks now and I promise to get some updated pictures of me too. We are still not going to find out if it is a girl or a boy but everyone (except my sister) thinks it's a girl. I guess we'll find out for sure when she is ready. I'm feeling really good so I've started tackling the room switch project. (We are taking the guest bedroom/craft room and turning it into Jaiden's big boy room and the nursery will stay just that with some updated decor. It's a REALLY big project but I'm making some progress.) I'll post some pictures when I have a chance.
Business is finally picking up so we are all staying really busy. Anna is still holding her Law of Attraction meetings and she is also starting a improve comedy group. My classes are going good even if they are not as full as I would like and our wonderful son is just that; completely and utterly amazing. His latest thing is playing the air guitar and fishing of the back deck. I hope to get some good videos soon so I'll keep you posted. For now...
Love and hugs,
Steph, Anna, Jaiden and ???

Blowing out the candles

Here is a quick video of the birthday fun... If you look closely you can see momma (steph) in the background just-a-crying. I thought I did great by only crying twice. Once during Happy Birthday and the other when he opened a "Big Brother" shirt from Aunt Cathy....
Enjoy!

Jaiden's 3rd Birthday

This past weekend (the 29th), we celebrated Jaiden's 3rd birthday. It was a small but awesome party. I decided that we would keep thing low key (as much as you can with 4 kids in the house). For the entertainment portion of the afternoon, we decided to let the kids decorate their own cupcakes. I thought it could be a mess but they all did GREAT! We set up a table in the kitchen (just in case) and stocked it with lots of decorating supplies

Before...

During (with lots of smiles)...

and the prize. Eating their spoils!

Jaiden got lots of great presents. The hit of the day was this Black and Decker tool set. All of the kids got in the action and since then, Jaiden has been "fixing" everything.

His favorite tool: the drill!

Even little Sammy got in on the action.

He got a new soccer net from aunt Essie (Alyssia) so he got to use his tools to help put it together.

Afterwards, he got LOTS of hugs and kisses from everyone, especially Aunt Rosie!

Thanks to everyone for making Jaiden's 3rd party the best one yet...

Love and hugs,

Steph, Anna, Jaiden (and ???)