Happy Birthday: Crew is 7

I am so happy that we have Crew! He is a great big brother, such a hard worker, very focused, aware of others, and a joy to be around. I am also happy that my parents decided to surprise Crew for his birthday weekend! Crew and Sawyer were definitely surprised and didn't know what to think when Grandma and Grandpa showed up at the door. 

We started the day off with some muffins, reading, playing, and working. For lunch we took a break and headed to Slanted Porch. Apparently Sawyer's gourmet PB&J looked so yummy that he decided that's what he wanted for his birthday as well. 

After we came home for a yummy cake made exactly as requested. Chocolate with caramel in the middle, green frosting on top, and cookies to look like dirt. I also had to search all over town for the right tractor to fit on the cake. It was a bit of a scavenger hunt. But, it did not disappoint. Crew said it was everything he wanted. 

Crew received money, a card picked out by Sawyer with a super hero bracelet, an older camera, and a box of activities to build.  I think he loves feeling grown up and using Grandpa's old camera to snap pictures of everyone.  Crew has already started making sure everyone knows they are invited for his birthday when he turns 8.

Always have reading in the day at some point as well!

Family

 It was basically like a family reunion today at church with uncle Mark visiting. Mark is Ernie's youngest brother. So of course they were all super excited to take a picture. 

Mark, Donad, Abe, Delva, Ernie

Bike Walk

Sawyer and I have been trying to get outside more that it's a tiny bit warmer and less muddy. He bikes, I walk. We usually go up Rattle Snake a little ways and ride down. He gets a thrill, and I get a kick out of what he says. Things like, "That was incredible!"

We went on another bike walk. The boys bike, I walk. This time we went to the top of rattle snake. By the time we got home, we were all beat! It was a lot of work!!

12 Weeks 6 Days

Today I saw my oncologist and my perinatologist. It was a full and busy day, but Abe was there to enjoy it with me. 

We received the best reaction at the oncologist office. After having my pokes and pushes in undesirable places, Dr Lim came in and was giving high fives all around. Several others that have helped us through this journey were also there to celebrate and give their congratulations. (They were probably just excited that I was there because I bring cookies every time.) In a place that can have it's share of bad news given, it sure it great to share good news and happiness. He gave me instructions that he didn't want to see me for 6 months, and when having ultrasounds done to also have them look around a bit.

Even if the staff at the perinatologist office wasn't as excited, we were thrilled to see baby Pepper (womb nickname) is still growing as he should. Yep, he had what was pretty clearly boys parts. Even this early. I do know they look similar at this stage, but the angle of everything indicated that it's most likely a boy. We will wait to be sure at 20 weeks, but I feel pretty confident.  

Happy Birthday: Sawyer Is 5

Today is Friday the 13th. Same day that Sawyer was born and I definitely consider Friday the 13th's a good kind of day. W, lunch at Slanted Porch, the most delicious peanut butter cake, swimming at the pool, and sharing exciting news with the boys. 

Sawyer has brought our whole family so much joy.  He is such a spunky, happy, and teasing little boy!! He is able to make anyone smile and is so sweet with his love. Of course we wanted to share a wonderful day celebrating him. We started the day out right with waffles for birthday breakfast. Then we gave him the choice of staying here or going to Reno for lunch and he was definitely going to stay here. He really wanted to have a gourmet PB&J at our local restaurant and swim as a family.  I think it was such a good choice and so much fun!

At lunch Sawyer opened his gifts while we waited for lunch. He received matching Abe's Hay n Feed hats for all the family and a lot of money from everyone. I would say that is a win. After lunch we went home and had the most delicious peanut butter cake I have ever tasted. I know I made it, but seriously, it was so yummy! After a little playing it was time for the pool. Before swimming Abe wanted to take a family picture and he said, "Everyone say a family of 5!" and we got a quick picture, they boys oblivious, and we swan ourselves silly.

After showers and getting to bed we sat down in the boys room and I shared the story of Sawyer being born. Then I pulled out an ultrasound picture. Crew guessed it was Sawyer in my belly, then himself, and then suddenly the boys' eyes lit up as they realized I currently have a new baby growing in my belly. It was such an exciting moment to share with our boys. There was a lot of jumping, hugging, kisses, and shouting for joy. 

It was a wonderful day. Just like the day Sawyer came into this world. 

A Special Gift

The morning of December 5th, I knew it was time to test. But I also had delayed a few days because I didn't want to be let down. This was a big deal. Our days of trying and testing I thought were over. I had had cancer, our family was to stay at 4, and that is what we would know. However, after being approved by my oncologist in September, we felt good about giving ourselves a year to see if we could grow our family. 

After taking the test I busied myself throwing away my garbage, and changing the trash can, all while the test did it's thing. Meanwhile Abe was waiting patiently outside the bathroom for his turn, not knowing what I was up to. (One bathroom household problems) Not able to wait any longer he peaked through the crack in the door, at the same time I glanced at a positive pregnancy test. Queue the most immediate ugly cry of all. Abe thought something was terribly wrong and not being able to say anything, I showed him the test through my sobs. He too was overwhelmed and we embraced for what seemed like forever or at least until the boys were wondering why Mom and Dad were just hugging in the bathroom and Mom looked like a hot mess. 

It seems surreal. Although, the initial intense appetite and heartburn, and now the constant morning sickness have made it a little more real. Today we had an ultrasound and my first appointment with a new OB/GYN. It went well. We saw our little "Pepper" and she has orders for me to also see a perinatologist until my 20th week.

Snow!!

We have been getting so much snow! It has made winter break fantastic and the winter boots they got for Christmas have gotten a lot of use. 

 This is pretty typical as of late. Crew doesn't want to have a touching picture by Sawyer, but Sawyer does. So there is always a little struggle before we can take a picture.... hopefully it's only a short phase because I miss the cuddle up, squeezed together pictures.