Lincoln's Crib - September 6, 2011



When Kristen and Clay gave us this crib, months and months ago, they mentioned that there were also colored cribs at Ikea.  Kristen was partial to the pink one, but since we didn't know our baby's gender, they thought the plain pine finish would be best.  Since then, we've been planning to paint the crib.  I was thinking we'd paint the entire crib an olive green.  But James brought home paint 'chips' in blue, green, yellow and orange for us to choose.  We finally chose an ocean blue, light blue and a sage green.

We used the dining room table as a platform to paint on and put out a plastic drop cloth.  We started by painting all the crib rungs.  Every other rung was light blue, every other rung was green.  I painted all the green rungs and James painted all the blue rungs.  The drop cloth turned out quite pretty!

A couple days later, we painted the 'edges' of the crib the darker ocean blue color.  Then had to touch up all the rungs where I'd accidentally painted ocean blue on the rungs.

A couple days later, the paint was dry and assembly was required.

(We signed the crib platform - it really was a family masterpiece.)

And then put the bedding into place.  Ready for a baby!  Any time you're ready Lincoln!

Bike Fest - September 03, 2011

Every year, Life Flight supports the Miller Motorsports Park through being the emergency medical provider.  And in return, we usually get some fantastic tickets for events.  The only event that occurred after James got back to Utah is "Bike Fest".  Basically a motorcycle love fest.  Some races were professional, but some were amateur.  There were tons of classic motorcycles and specialty bikes to check out.  The garage space was basically open to the public, so we wandered around and checked out the action.  We watched a few races too.

New this year was the Zip Line.  With seats for one or two people at a time.  We had three free vouchers, so James got to go twice.  We watched several groups go to see how violent the 'slow-down' at the end was.  And it wasn't violent at all.  In fact, some kind of braking system activated before the seat even hits the springs, so we decided the ride was pregnancy friendly.

It was fun to get a 'birds-eye-view' of the race track and the pull backwards to the top created some great anticipation prior to the ride.  Pretty fun, and grateful that it was free for us!

And of course, James got to check out the motorcycles.  It was a fun outing and we'll call it our September date.

Oktoberfest - Snowbird - August 27, 2011

Last year we made it up to Snowbird once for "Oktoberfest" and were determined to go again this year and call it our August date.  The weather is beautiful and the mountain air a nice bonus.  We explored the booths.  Kuhl has an 'outlet' tent up there every Oktoberfest with great deals on their pants/shorts.  So we bought a pair of pants for James.  Then checked out the food - James still wants to try a bratwurst, but not this trip.  Instead we bought some kettle corn.  There are tons of beer booths, which also sell water, and the summertime attractions at Snowbird, like a trampoline and a zip line.

And Snowbird makes a pretty backdrop for a 'baby belly' photo.  Jessi at 38 weeks pregnant.  At my appointment on Wednesday (8/24) I was a "fingertip" dilated (less than 1 cm).  James thinks he'll come a few days early, I think he'll come a few days late.  Dr. says he can come whenever he's ready.

James is HOME! - August 17-21, 2011

James flew back into Idaho at midnight and the airport was packed with cheering families, some expecting soldiers and some expecting other family members.  So there was cheering for everyone who came out through the airport security area.  I had just driven up from Utah, so I was too tired to cheer, but not too tired for a kiss hello.  Yay!

We spent the weekend at my parents' home in Eagle and visited with family as much as possible.  This is Jake and Kurt.

Ellie decided that James was her "Best Friend." and she would talk to him and tell him, "You can't catch me." and then take off running.

One afternoon we drove up to Bogus, checked out the disc golf course and took a little hike.

I am so happy to be in the same state / city / house as my husband!  Welcome home James!!

More of James' Adventures in Alaska - June, July, August 2011

James really, really enjoyed his summer in Cordova.  He was able to make a little money, be his own boss, spend time with his family and enjoy the Alaska summer.

Playing on the Water
Canoeing

Taking the boat down Eyak River (Captain James, Brian, Tiffany and Kathleen)

Hiking
View from Mt. Eyak

Mt. Eyak ski lift

Swinging

Haystack Overlook (Dick, Sharon, Kathleen, James, Nick, Brian, Tiffany and Kinley)

Wildlife
Rare Blue Seagull

Bear in River

Short video of Bear (:19 sec)

Family Time
Sibling Group Hug (Kathleen, Brian, James and Beth)

Vegetables at the Fair (Nick, James, Kathleen)

Shooting

Mt. McKinley / Denali

There are many, many more pictures and stories.  James would LOVE to tell you about his 2011 Alaska Adventures.

Two weddings, a family reunion and lots of babies... Jul 31, Aug 3, 6, 10, 13 and 16, 2011

Sunday, July 31, 2011 - My cousins (Glen and Rachelle Simpson) gave birth to their son - Faithful Andrew Simpson.  He had a knot in his umbilical cord and didn't survive birth.  Their situation (carrying a healthy baby to term and then losing him in childbirth) is painful and sad and very, very rare.  While I am so sad for them and pray that they'll be comforted, I also pray for the safe, healthy and uncomplicated delivery of our son.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 - My cousins (Jordan and Danielle Monson) gave birth to their daughter - Grace Monson.  I took a day off work to play with their two older kids (Thais and Skyler).  A big bonus for playing with two busy kids is being one of the first to hold their new baby sister!

Skyler sitting on the sign to their complex - Thais climbed up, so I spent half an hour lifting Skyler up so that he could also jump off.  We rode bikes, climbed on things, ate breakfast and lunch, played on the hillside behind the neighboring homes (tromping through bushes and dirt and rocks in our flip flops) and then washed Skyler's feet in the sink, watched a movie, took naps, and finally went to see their baby sister.  It was a good, busy day!

We went to visit Danielle and family a few days later (between wedding festivities), so that Grace could meet her Grandma and Granddad Price.  Here is Granddad Price and Grace - just 3 days old.

Our friends (Chris and Diana Elexpuru) also had their baby daughter - Lilly May Elexpuru on August 3, 2011.  A good day for healthy baby girls!

Saturday August 6, 2011 - Ashlee and Jordan Price wedding.  Shelby, Michael, Granddad and Grandma Price, Ashlee and Jordan, Doug and Suzie, Grandma and Grandpa Walker.  Married in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Wedding lunch in American Fork. Reception in Alpine.

This was a busy, fun day!  I got a ride to the temple with U.Roger and A.Lynnette.  Then took over driving duties for GandG Price to get them to the luncheon and then to Danielle's condo for a visit.  Jordan (Monson) drove us up to the reception and then U.Roger and A.Lynnette were our ride again.  THANK YOU everyone for the rides!  It was really fun to visit with family all day long and Jordan and Ashlee just glowed.  Michael turns 17 on Aug 7th - Happy Birthday!  And everyone asks how my James is doing.  We all miss you Honey!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 - Emily and Trevor Shuman wedding.  Married in the Bountiful Temple. Wedding lunch in Brigham City. Reception in Willard.

Another busy, fun day!  This wedding was a little closer to home and a weekday.  I went to the wedding and then to work for the rest of the day.  I missed the luncheon, but enjoyed the reception in Willard and a pretty sunset over the Great Salt Lake on my drive home again.  Trevor and Emily are honeymooning on a Mexican cruise - that sounds so fun!

Saturday, August 13, 2011 - Wunderly Family Reunion at the West Valley City Rec Center.  U.Glen and GandG Price picked me up and took me to the potluck lunch where we visited with Grandma's cousins and their kids and grandkids and great-grandkids.  The 'focus' this year was a celebration of the first Wunderly to immigrate to the United States - Rudolf Wunderly (Jr).  It was neat to hear stories about "Uncle Rudy" and realize that Grandma and her cousins knew that generation.  They weren't just names and dates on a family history sheet.  Next year it is Meta's family's turn to be host (that's US!).  Put the 2nd Saturday in August on your calendar!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 - Little Bandito update!  I had my 36 week appointment today.  I'm measuring 35 cm fundal height, gained 4 pounds (too much ice cream (I love ice cream) and wedding cake these last two weeks.  Oops.), have a great blood pressure and Lincoln's heart beat is a steady, strong 135 bpm.  I get a little bit of heartburn - mostly after dinner.  Lincoln still kicks me every day, but he hasn't changed positions much lately.  I think I had a Braxton Hicks contraction last week and I know that I've been having lower abdominal cramps, so I think my body is prepping for labor just fine. Dr. Knowlton also checked my cervix for the first time today.  Lincoln is head down (yay!) with his little butt up against my ribs.  She says that I'm not dialated at all yet.  Which is good news because he's still got 3-4 weeks to go.  On Sunday (at 37 weeks) our baby will be considered full-term and whenever he chooses to come, he can come.  But even if he's ready, I'm not.  At the very least, I need my husband to be home (THURSDAY!).

• Buy some perfume/dye-free laundry soap and wash all the receiving blankets, towels, and newborn/0-3 months clothes.  - DONE
• Paint the crib - that's high on James' "To-Do" list when he gets home (THURSDAY!).
• Pack or write up a "Hospital Bag" list.
• I'm certain there is more to do for the baby, but I keep getting stuck on my "To Do Before James Gets Home List" and my "Back to School List" for James
• HAVE JAMES FIX THE WASHING MACHINE

 

Hooray for Mom! - August 1, 2011

A billion years ago when we announced our pregnancy (February), I asked Mom if she'd come down and help me de-clutter our spare bedroom for the baby.  Finally, finally she got to come visit.  We've had two baby showers, church, a little shopping, a little more crafting and a lot of de-cluttering. 

The baby's closet...  She also vacuumed the entire room and we rearranged the furniture.  I think the crib will fit.

She brought presents!  Car seat cover, blanket, 'run to the store' diaper bag, binkies, emergency outfit.

And a cousin quilt!  I love this!  16 squares.  One for each of the cousins (as of Sept 2011).  Top Half:

Bottom Half:  I'm still amazed by the detail and work put into this quilt.  The older kids were able to 'help' with sewing or drawing and writing their own names, but the littler kids needed a bit more assistance.  I LOVE IT!  Makes me smile and think of these cute kids and their great-big personalities!

 McKayla's Butterfly

Jake's car

Hannah's Sun Flower

Lincoln's Transportation

Bree's Rainbow Girl

Aspen's sock monkey

Stella's green face

Carter's Tree

Emma's soccer goalie

Rachel's Heart

Tucker's skiing penguin

Tyler's "Zebra"

Zoe's Dragon

Ellie's Fairy (fairy drawing by Hallie)

Hallie's Bear

Christy's sheep (gotta love the rainbow grass!)

I needed a little girl baby shower gift for later in the week.  I had already bought a little package of baby girl tights in pink, yellow and white.  So I just needed... something... to go with the tights.  Mom did a little web-surfing to get the pattern for a tiny size 'flirty skirt'.  A stop by JoAnns for some fabric and poof!  A reversible skirt. 

Thank you, THANK YOU, thank you Mom for a fun weekend!  And for all the help!  And the ice cream.  And the presents.  And everything!