Week in Review

This week was another one that went by so quickly! Baby Adalie is now 25 weeks and Doc N says she is measuring 2.5 weeks ahead. No, this does not mean that she will necessarily arrive early just that she will be HUGE. Hmm...let's see. Ellie always measured spot on, came two weeks early and was 8 lbs 10 oz. AM I REALLY GOING TO HAVE A 10 POUND BABY?? Given all of the contractions and such I am on restricted activities, which is fine by me but let's face it...as a Mom there is no such thing, agreed??? Doc said baby cakes has got to at least hold on until 28 weeks.

The kids had swimming lessons again this week with Natalie. Luckily Mommy Amy helped out in a pinch as I was with my friend Michelle who has MS. The kids have been doing well and seem to enjoy learning to swim although they still make me incredibly nervous! Dayton insists that the baby's name is really going to be Natalie (after his swim teacher) and we'll just call her Adalie. Good thinking, champ ;)

I ordered some embroidered burp clothes from my Sister-in-law with 'Adalie' on them so that Mark can stop vacillating and let me have my way! I'm starting a baby book after being inspired by Micci's wedding book that she put together! this way I can keep track of all kinds of ideas and the like.

Dayton has been staying with his Dad more overnights and I am adapting. Again, ironic that I am the one growing up here in this situation! Ellie's tears seem to have lessoned for now so that's a huge relief as well. I met with Christian this week without the children and am working on the unity in our home to help provide security for the children.

Wednesday I was remote from Mike and Michelle's to help care for her while Mike was in the office. Unfortunately she had yet another exacerbation. They have been hitting every two weeks and just won't quit. In the afternoon I took her in for part of her series of steroid treatment. While I got plenty of work done the day was also filled with plenty of tears and a butt load of giggles! I really enjoy helping and am slowly adjusting to the rapid changes that occur to her poor battered body.

Last night Mark and I went to the Melting Pot for dinner. It's been my fav since it hit SLC and is the only thing that even comes close to my love for fondue that developed while traveling! It was nice to have a 'date' and spend time with my husband free of distractions and at one point he even stopped talking about work! He insists that we go to a movie tonight but we'll see if either one of us has the energy.

Today is a full day of being pampered by Shell Bait at her school. She's doing my hair (cut and color) complete with a facial and a pedicure. This is at her request (poor me, I know right?) as to avoid random customers and let's face it...I am so not opposed AND it falls right in line with my new marching orders from Doc N. PERFECT!

Things are slowly moving along with our house. The renters are in the process of wrapping things up for the sale which will enable us to get settled. I AM SO EXCITED! Mark's been working his butt off to make this all happen while I'm busy trying to simplify things by selling that which we do not need and have no desire to move again!

Dayton has another loose tooth and got to bring Sumi home from school. This was definitely the highlight of his week! I've been meaning to post Ellie's math for some time now as she is a total rock star but was slightly dismayed that Miss Molen spelled her name wrong! Here's our little 4 year olds recent work...

Anyway, I am off to relax with my favorite beauty school drop out wanna be!

On the B Side: I love life. The good, the bad. I love the quiet moments and even the chaotic ones. I love the aches, pains and tears (usually more so in retrospect) as well as the simply joyful moments!

Birthday Bashing!

Marky had his 26th birthday on Sunday. It was more fun when he was 23 and I could sing, 'Nobody likes you when you're 23'! He has offically entered his late twenties! The kids and I made a heart shaped pizza complete with sparkling cidar. We *tried* to make him a heart shaped double decker cake...um that didn't work so well. I ended up buying a cake with a 'Robots' theme on it. This was the first movie that the 5 of us watched together while we were dating. He had a home theater and the kids would all dance together and have a blast so it seemed like a tender reminder of our beginning.

We had a nice dinner at his Mom's complete his favorite meal. The kids each got to write on the cake and we added some sprinkles. I'm sure the kids won't soon forget this birthday as Rodney Copperbottom caught on fire! They didn't know if they should laugh or if they should be concerned. It actually solved the on going dispute about who was going to get Rodney!

After we ate cake Mark took Rodney and the kids outside to further light him on fire! Kayla had mixed emotions about this. When they were unsuccessful in their adventurous endeavor (complete with all kinds of safety instructions and warnings) Kayla thru Rodney in the creek! They all made sure to say goodbye to him before we left.

On the B Side: Despite the fact that the cake was a huge flop and Rodney caught on fire I love the memory making moments we share together!

Quiet Heartache

I miss my babies. We've made a decision to allow Dayton some additional control over the time he spends with his Dad. While I am excited that Dayton is eager and excited to make choices and also spend time with his Dad I would be lying if I didn't say it is hard for me.

Never in a million years would I make this known to my DD Cakes but as a parent and as a Mother my heart quietly aches. Hopefully this will get a little easier for me as I really do think it is good for him. I supposed tat I am the one with the learning curve here.

More than anything we want our children to be strong, secure and confident. We want what is best for them and we make all kinds of efforts to always put their best interests first. Ellie will be home tonight and I look forward to our time together particularly given that I won't see either of them tomorrow morning.

On the B Side: I haven't cried in almost a week so I don't feel too bad about today. It started earlier with Shellie's latest blog entry and now I sit in a puddle of tears thinking of my children. Can we just blame it on the hormones and call it good? I believe that all of this beats being numb and for that I am grateful.

My Favorite Kiss and Wakeful Bliss

This morning I awoke to a tender kiss on my left cheek from my favorite little boy! He gingerly gave me a soft kiss and quietly explained that he kissed me to wake me up. Does any day start any better than this???

On the B Side: I am grateful for these tender moments that just make my heart melt. It is during these moments that everything in the world seems perfect and time stands still. Dayton has such an honest, caring heart and teaches me so much everyday! I love learning about love and life all over again through my amazing children. Sweet dreams tonight D!