June's 4th Birthday

Our sweet June. Where do I start? This girl keeps the whole family laughing and/or pulling our hair out. She's got an amazingly developed sense of humor and can be so clever that I can't believe what's coming out of her mouth. For example, I told the girls not to use the word "butt" and she gets around it by calling everyone "-utts" while looking at me with a grin. I wrote on Instagram that around her birthday she told me that she feels "ready for real make-up now." She loves to sit on my bathroom vanity and pass me each make-up item as I request it when I'm getting ready in the morning. She also loves to put my lipstick on me. Two days ago I was putting some play make-up on her and she puckers her lips just right doing the lipstick. When Ryan got home from work she ran out to the garage with lips puckered to show him all her make-up.

Her birthday came two days after we got home from Disneyland, so she got to celebrate a few times. She got presents from us, my parents, and her cousins at Disneyland (her first birthday, as she calls it). On her actual birthday at home, Rebecca and Brandon came over and she got more gifts. I love these photos of her with her cupcake and ice cream. She has always been such a beautiful little baby and now little girl.

The next day, we met two friends at Chuck E Cheese in the morning. It was nearly empty, so I got everyone lots of tokens and they rode the rides, ate pizza, and did presents. June really wanted a friend party, but with Disneyland being so close, I just didn't have it in me to plan something. Plus, it felt like we'd already done tons of celebrating. So I talked her into inviting Lyla and Annie to Chuck E Cheese and she loved that idea. I wish we still lived close to these two girls. We don't have any girls June's same age in our new ward. These three get along so well together.

 Ahhh, so cute!

June is looking older and older to me. I think I've just kept her a baby in my mind because she's the youngest, but she really is turning into a little girl. She's gotten very opinionated on what to wear and how to do her hair. She loves snuggles and attention. Lately, her favorite thing is to sit with me at the computer and scroll through her old baby pictures. Seeing her all newborn gets me excited for the new baby and I hope it's preparing her a little too. She was such a cute thing! She loves preschool and her gymnastics class. She's just my best little buddy right now with Willa in school. She's at the age where she is reasonable and can be talked through logical solutions to problems. She's happy and chipper on most of our outings and it's so delightful. She loves to help me bake and cook and is getting good and adding the ingredients and even making scrambled eggs (with me right there). I don't think I really got to enjoy Willa at this stage as much because I was caring for baby June. So everything Willa might have or was doing, was tempered by caring for a baby/toddler. Whereas right now, June gets undivided attention and doesn't have to share with younger siblings when we are at home. The baby is going to be a hard adjustment for her, but she's getting ready (though, she often cries to me that she doesn't want to be a big sister and what's she going to do when the baby cries, and what if she gets hurt and I'm holding the baby and can't help her). But, I think she's ready to be full of love and be very helpful with him too. I'm just so glad we've had this time to be just the two of us.

The most adorable baby!!

Disneyland, pt. 3

For our third day, Shannon and Scarlett came down to meet us. It was very crowded and a little hot, but we managed to do a few things together. The princesses was definitely a highlight. The line was long, but once we got inside the girls got some nice one-on-one time with the princesses and LOVED it.

 As I wrote earlier, the girls LOVE Elena and when she happened to be on of the princesses there, they were on cloud nine.

 My favorite part was when Ariel was talking to them. She asked if any of them liked to swim and if they ever pretended to be mermaids. Willa was totally into it and immediately said, "Yes! I have a mermaid fin that I wear in the pool every time!" Then Ariel asked them all the colors of their fins and Willa responded. It was just so cute and innocent.

 That night we met my family and did all the Bug's Life stuff in California Adventure. Most of it was just the right pace for the girls and I wish we would have had time to do it before. Carrie's kids got June a little birthday bubble wand as a present. She's opening it in the photo below. We had seen these ALL around the park the past few days so she was very excited to have her own.

 We capped the night off with one more ride on Small World. It was getting late and I think it was our third Small World of the day, so we were getting tired. But it was fun because it was the first and last time Carrie's family, us, and my parents were all together.

After the ride, I meant to go straight back to the hotel, but the Electrical parade was JUST starting. It seemed too sad to not stay and watch. Plus, I'd showed the girls videos of it at home in preparation. They really enjoyed it and at one point, one of the workers grabbed the girls and took them to the very front so they could wave and curtsy as Alice in Wonderland passed by. She looked and waved right at them. It was such a sweet little thing and one of the types of things that makes Disneyland special.

We got home after a very late night. Both girls fell asleep in the stroller and stayed asleep as we transferred them into bed. Willa even fell off the bed in the middle of the night (we scooped her up and put her back on) and had no memory of it the next day when we asked her. The next morning we cleaned up and headed out.

It was really a great trip. I'd say that the crowds really surprised me. We purposely planned the trip after President's Day but before Spring Breaks started, and on a Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday. I thought the parks would be fairly empty and enjoyable. Instead, it was probably the second busiest I have ever been there in my entire life. We never even really got to Adventureland or Frontierland. The crowds made getting over there pretty taxing and we just wanted to do what the girls were most interested in - thus, LOTS of Dumbo rides and Fantasyland :). When we were driving home, it was actually a little relieving not to be walking over with the crowds and waiting in line to get in. But looking back, all we really remember are the happy memories and I'm so so glad we could finally take the girls there and that we could go before we are back in the baby season of life.

Disneyland Pt. 2

After realizing how busy Magic Morning could make the park, I had also read online somewhere that someone recommended going to the opposite park of where Magic Morning was being offered. So our second day we decided to start at Disneyland again since Magic Morning was going to be at California Adventure. The lines were so much better and we were on Main Street waiting when they finally opened the park. It was so great to just walk through and then have most of the morning with very little wait times. We did Dumbo first off, and let June try it since she was sleeping in the stroller the night before. She was nervous, but as soon as Ryan showed her the knob to make Dumbo go up and down she grabbed it with both hands and loved it.

We did a few more Fantasyland rides that we knew would get busy later, and then we headed over to California Adventure around noon to watch the Frozen musical.

In line for the second day and in HIGH spirits.

She got the purple Dumbo!

 Right around this time they really pepped up and were super excited to be there and super happy. It was a nice contrast from the first day when they were mostly frightened and were also tired of dealing with crowds.

Being silly in the Finding Nemo line.

June and Grandma on a double decker bus.

 The Frozen musical was good if you like the movie Frozen. The girls LOVED it. I mainly wanted to go because I was so impressed by the musicals on the Disney Cruise and I had heard that these ones in California Adventure were similar. It was about an hour long and it was nice to sit. After, we headed straight for the Ariel ride, which they also LOVED. When we came out of it, Judy Hop and Nick were outside from Zootopia. My girls probably wouldn't have cared too much, except that morning in the hotel they had been watching the movie. They BEGGED to stand in line for a picture and hug. We were towards the end of the line and the characters were getting ready to go in, so they hurried down each side of the line to give each kid a quick hug. It was perfect. My girls don't need a long conversation, just a quick hug and picture.

By then it was time to head back to the hotel for our R&R. We headed back to the park around 5 pm for the Bibidi Bobidi Boutique. It was a birthday present for June. One of the best things I did was to go to the Disney Outlet in Vegas and bought a few birthday presents for June. She got to unwrap them the second day and was thrilled to receive an Elena of Avalor dress that she could wear to the boutique. The presents were perfect because then the girls didn't ask for anything to buy at Disneyland and June got to enjoy her Disney presents there.

They both fell asleep on the way to our appointment. We woke them up when we got there only to find that after we signed in we still had a 30-45 minute wait because they were behind! The girls were so tired and miserable. I felt bad because it was really unpleasant. When we got in, the experience was fun but wasn't nearly as fun or magical as on the cruise. June had a good time and didn't know better, but the cruise was just so special. They took so much time and talked, this time they just rushed them through like a conveyor belt.

Willa was pretty crabby after being woken up and then waiting forever on a hard bench. Plus, I had her wear a princess dress from home instead of buying one there. I'm so mean.

She cheered up by the end and managed a smile.

June is 110% girl and LOVED getting pampered and wearing a beautiful dress. She got a special birthday sash and even though it was chilly outside she didn't want to put on a jacket or change out of her dress. She's very careful about all things like that.

 We were rushing out of the boutique because we had fast passes for Soarin' over California. We hurried there and the girls had no idea what to expect. Willa loved it and June was a little nervous. Afterwards, we stopped for a much needed hamburger and then headed home to the hotel for bed.

The entire trip we ate breakfast in our hotel room. They didn't offer a breakfast, but they had a small fridge so I had packed some milk and cereal, bread, cream cheese, gogurts, and lots of stuff like that. I would pack a small cooler bag with food for during the day, and then we'd eat a real meal for dinner. I was shocked at how well the girls ate without complaining compared with how they do at home. At home, it's a whine every morning about what to have for breakfast and lunch. On the trip, I just got the food out and they ate. Honestly, I think a lot of the time when they were unhappy or grouchy was because they were hungry and didn't realize it. They ate a lot less than normal and wouldn't normally ask for snacks. I usually instigated eating by handing them something from the pack. It saved us a ton of money, though :)!

Disneyland pt. 1

We went to Disneyland!!! I can't believe we actually did it. I remember once in Houston just having a hard day and feeling like our old life in California was completely gone and lost to us. I thought we'd never have stability, we'd never have the means to take the girls to Disneyland, or just to revisit our old Los Angeles stomping grounds. Even as I was sad and depressed back there, I knew it was a little ridiculous - but still, sometimes it's the little things that make you even more sad.

Since we've been in Las Vegas we've wanted to go, but the timing hasn't been right. This Christmas my parents decided to give everyone a 3 day park hopper pass. My sister and I planned the trip so that we could go together. The girls were very excited even though they really didn't know what to expect. I tried showing them little youtube videos of different rides and parades. We decided to go during the weekdays of the first week of March. Ryan worked Monday and then we drove off in the afternoon when Willa got home from school.

Carrie's sister-in-law works for Marriott and got us a deal at the Marriott right across the street. Originally, we were going to try one a little further away that would have been bigger and nicer, but in the end Ryan and I really wanted to be within walking distance with our girls. We knew that we would need a rest every afternoon and didn't want the hassle of the Disney parking garages and driving back and forth so much. It was so nice to stay that close. I highly recommend it with kids.

Getting ready for the first day. I also highly recommend a stroller. I wasn't sure if I should be no stroller, a single stroller, or the double. I ended up packing the single and the double just in case Willa wanted to walk more than ride. Let the record read that she did not wish to walk more. Plus, the seats could recline and they had a big sunshade. The girls fell asleep multiple times in this puppy.

Waiting in line to get through security. My my, how things have changed. I forgot about the security lines and I was shocked at how long they took to get through on the first mornings, even though we arrived about 30 minutes before the park opened.

Disneyland actually started out a bit traumatically, we tried to get there as early as possible, but got held up waiting in the security line (see above). Then, we didn't realize that that day was a Magic Morning at Disneyland, so we immediately hurried to Fantasyland only to find out that it was already packed with people. The girls recognized the teacups and the line wasn't too long, so we go in. Unfortunately, it was a little faster than June's tummy could handle and both girls were a little nervous the whole time. It's sad to see the happy expectation turn to genuine fear. After the teacups, we headed straight to Alice, since the line is right there. Unfortunately, this was a bad decision because neither of the girls had seen the movie and they both chose to sit together in the front with Ryan and I sitting behind. Those Fantasyland rides can get a little scary and about halfway through they were both crying. We felt so bad! We hurried over to Dumbo, but by then they were spooked and didn't want to go on it. It took a lot of coaxing to do the next few rides even though they were very gentle. Ryan and I realized that we needed to each sit with a girl on the rides to help keep them calm.

Happy before it started.

 Happily the Carousel is pretty much like every other carousel - except June didn't get the bench seat that she prefers and was nervous on the horse going up and down. Her poor tummy.

 They didn't dare go on Dumbo right away, it looked to fast, but they were happy to get a photo on the Dumbo sitting outside of the ride. Ryan and I kind of kept to the mantra of not forcing them. This was their trip - we would push and urge them a little, but we wouldn't force them on things they were scared of or that they wouldn't like. We also didn't force them to stay in the park. Every afternoon they were done and begging to go back to the hotel and swim, so we would abruptly stop where we were headed and just go back to the hotel for a couple hours of R&R.

We are getting on the Casey Jr. Train and you can see Willa's fresh anxiety after Alice in Wonderland.

 I also realized that even though they liked the rides, my girls probably would prefer more of the shows. So we took time the first day to watch a little Beauty and the Beast play that was about 20 minutes. I think they liked just sitting and laughing and relaxing. It was strange to get out of the mindset of "how many rides can we get on" and just take in the atmosphere of the park and the other entertainment.

After swimming the first day, we headed back to the park around 6 pm and the girls were in much better moods. June slept in the stroller for a bit while Ryan coaxed Willa on Dumbo. Willa LOVED Dumbo, they might have even done it twice that evening. But every other day she begged for it and we did it at least once or twice. We did a few more Fantasyland rides and then ended the night with Autopia. They were so excited and thrilled to have their cars. Willa drove with me and June was with Ryan below.

June asks for and receives another "short cut"

 Meanwhile, we've just had normal days. June had been complaining about her hair again so I asked if she wanted a haircut again and she was very much in the affirmative. I get a little sad, but it really does look cute short and it's so much easier to do. She likes to say that she looks just like her Grandma Knoles with her short cut.

Shannon sent us some matching dresses that her girls grew out of. Willa love them and posed, but after admiring them for days June then refused to wear them and match her sister. I have no idea what she'll like from one day to the other.

 

We went to Red Rock one beautiful Saturday. The girls were climbing and scampering all over and it was all a little beyond my skill level at this point in my pregnancy. Still, it's hard to believe how beautiful it is there. When I look back at the photos, I'm always surprised.

I went out on a limb and purchased these swim suits that have the rash guard and a separate bottom layer. I just always think it would be easier for them to use the bathroom, etc. Plus, the ease of not sunblocking the shoulders! They begged for them, we'll just have to see if they actually want to wear them swimming. The downside of the rash guard is that I think it makes the kids colder. It really sticks to their bodies when they get out of the water. I'm hoping that this won't be an issue for them in 115 degree Las Vegas weather  :).

 I love to hit the grocery store the day after Valentine's Day and stock up on discounted candy, flowers, and balloons. June is holding a little teddy bear sucker and the balloon lady gave her all the leftover balloons for FREE. Then she told me to pick whatever flower arrangement I wanted and she would discount it too. Score! I would probably be annoyed if Ryan brought me flowers on the actual V-Day because I know I can get them so much cheaper the next day. So romantic :).

The girls finally had their first every dentist appointment. I can't believe I've been so bad at getting them in. Willa cried, but June was a trooper. This pediatric dentist was so great. The office did so many things I'd never thought of - like giving the kids sunglasses so that the bright overhead light wouldn't bother their eyes when they were laying in the chair. June had SO much tartar around her bottom teeth. I've noticed it for a long time and brushed really hard. The dentist said that if she drools a lot or sleeps with her mouth open it can make it worse, so I think maybe the pacifier exacerbated it. They also had this cute dragon with real dentures for June to practice brushing on with a giant toothbrush. Willa is ready for Sealants - how did she get so big? So we are scheduled to go back for that in two months. I think she'll be okay next time, it was just the unknown that scared her.

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33 Weeks and more

Ahhhh, I'm so behind! I've got drafts started and I've honestly been trying and wanting to blog, but whenever I would try on the iPad or phone, it would shut down. Finally, I did a little google search and read that Blogger hasn't updated its app for quite a while and it's not working well on recent system updates. So that's what has been happening!

I hit my 33 week mark on Saturday. It's been smooth sailing like my other ones except for one thing: major hip pain. I mean, major. I can't really explain how it feels, except it's like someone grinding my bones together. By evening, I would be hobbling around and sometimes the throbbing would keep me up at night. In the morning, I would crawl out of bed stiff as a board and hobble some more. Finally, I broke  down and bought a support belt. It came a few weeks ago and it's been amazing. I was kind of skeptical of them, I just couldn't believe that any benefits would compensate for the uncomfortableness of having one more thing confining your belly. I'm so glad I was wrong. It sits just under the belly and I hardly notice it (I shopped for the one that got the "most breathable" reviews). I was even able to run a little again and not be totally incapacitated for the rest of the day. I love it so so so so so so much.

Running. For the last two girls I ran the whole time. This pregnancy it isn't going to happen. I think I must just carry super low (see above: hip pain). A friend was telling me that all the support belts she tried pushed up into her lungs and were super uncomfortable. But for me, I don't notice anything like that. And I've never really had heartburn or reflux or anything like that. I think it's a symptom of all my ab muscles being similar to wet noodles with regards to strength. I'm nervous to not run because the studies show that if you exercise vigorously in the beginning of your pregnancy but not through to the end, you will actually end up having a bigger than average baby. When you exercise early on, the placenta gets more blood flow as it is forming - thus, more food for the baby. So if you stop, the baby keeps getting extra food and you aren't doing anything to help him slim down. I'm trying to walk and do a lot of hills by our house, but I don't know how great it is.

I now outweigh what I did when I delivered June and Willa. I have SIX more weeks to go! This is equal parts depressing and not interesting to me. I'm mostly just shrugging it off, but the funny thing is that a few weeks ago I've ripped TWO of my favorite pairs of maternity pants bending over or squatting for something. I wore them almost everyday when I was pregnant with June and a lot this time around, so I'd like to just say that they'd had their share of wear and tear. But...if they hadn't been so "strained" in other areas maybe they wouldn't have gaping holes in the rear :). The second one happened at the library when I was squatting down to get a book. I didn't know how big it was or if anyone could see it, so I had to shimmy sideways with my back against the wall until I could grab my jacket to wrap it around my waist, ha ha. There are worse things that could happen.

I hate to complain because really, we are so thrilled and excited for this baby. But I just wanted to write a few things down so I remember. Note to self: try to repair abdominal strength before embarking on another pregnancy.