Tuesday, September 30, 2008

So I went to the doctor today for a follow-up. She said everything looked great and gave us the green light to try again when we feel ready. She said that she didn't expect there to be any problems, but of course, she said that last time, so we will see. Keep your fingers crossed for us! In a semi-related note, I think pregnant teenagers should go to a different doctor than 30-year olds who want to get pregnant, but are having some difficulties. Not to judge (which means I totally do) but sometimes it doesn't seem fair.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

What do you think of Lily's new friend?This is what happens when you forget to check the garden for a few days.

My sister Mandy graciously agreed to adopt him. She took him home and used 1/4 in zucchini brownies (which amounted to 6 cups of grated zucchini), and then the girls at the Academy used the rest for fried zucchini. It was nice knowing ya, Zuke!

Friday, September 26, 2008

I love peaches! They are just about the best fruit in the whole entire world, and I love this peach crisp recipe. It is super easy. I even had to make some tonight, even though I am supposed to be "taking it easy." Luckily, Matt was kind enough to do the dishes!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

So, it has been almost two weeks since I have posted, and I have oddly missed it. I have been wanting to write something for a while now, but haven't quite known what to say. I know my blog has been like so many others, light and fluffy, full of "this is what we did today," but I feel I need to say something, if only for me, and to record what happened to my little family. As I previously posted, we have been expecting baby #2. I went in to get an ultrasound on September 15, 2008, when I was 9 weeks, 6 days, pregnant. The baby was measuring small with the traditional sonogram, so the tech decided to go in the other way. After several tense seconds, she said, "I am sorry, there is no heartbeat." I was stunned, but not surprised. I had been feeling for several weeks...something. I don't know what. I was having a hard time connecting with the fact that I was pregnant for some reason. I was excited, we told lots of people, we were planning how to pay for the delivery, we talked about names, but there was something nagging me. I kept thinking something was wrong. But, of course, I felt that way with Lily, and she turned out perfect. If this baby had been healthy, I am sure I would have forgotten all about these feelings, but this is one of those "looking back" situations. Or maybe I am just looking for things to answer the question, "How did I not know?" How did I not know my baby had stopped growing 3 weeks before I knew? What did I do wrong? What is wrong with us? What will it take? How old will Lily be? How old will I be?

About 18 months ago, Matt and I decided it was time to have another kid. With Lily, it was so easy. The second month we tried, I got pregnant. Things were great, she was healthy, we had a little scare early in the pregnancy, when they thought she was too small, but we had an ultrasound and everything was fine. After she was born, it was a while before we even wanted to think of another one. We have always wanted several kids, but it was so easy, we didn't feel a need to rush it. I guess it is true what they say about the best laid plans, that somehow theyseem to go awry.

Towards the end of September of 2007, I started to have some weird bleeding over a weekend.I called the on-call doctor, and she told me I should take a pregnancy test, and if it was positive, to call my regular doctor on Monday. Well, to my surprise, it was positive, but after several days of worry, hope, and tests, it was determined that I was no longer pregnant.

Fast-forward 10 months later, to August of 2008, when I was at my sister's house in Colorado. She had just had a baby, so Lily and I went to visit, and while I was there, I took a pregnancy test. It was finally positive! We were so excited, but you have seen how that has turned out.

This past Monday, the 22nd, I got a D and C. I am no longer pregnant. The strangest part to me is that if I hadn't gotten the ultrasound, I would still think that I am pregnant. I had no bleeding, slight cramps (which I had with Lily), no real reason to be alarmed, other than my vague worries.

Yes, so, for those of you who are counting, this means we have had two miscarriages in a row. My sister, Mandy, said I should look at it as we are now 1 for 3. I am infinitely grateful for the one, my beautiful Lily, without who I would possibly be completely and utterly distraught, but the fact of the matter is, we want another baby, and I am devastated. We are looking into our options right now, but as we have "only" had two miscarriages, the doctor won't do a lot of testing. I am possibly looking at being part of a research study. I go in for the initial interview next week, and I am crossing my fingers.

My mom came up for a few days, my aunt has taken off work, we have had many calls, visits, and well-wishes, and I thank you all for that.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Hi, all! Thanks for your congratulations and well wishes on the pregnancy. Unfortunately, I had an ultrasound today, and there was no heartbeat. I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers for our family at this time. Thanks for everything.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Lily is addicted to macaroni and cheese. It is true. She likes all kinds, whether it is the cheap Western Family brand, or the expensive gourmet kind my dad brought her for lunch today. He had gone to lunch with my grandma (not the one we live with), and brought us some food from Z'Tejas at the Gateway. This is the description: Jack’s Five-Cheese Macaroni & Achiote ChickenMade with bleu, Jack, cheddar, Parmesan and Romano cheeses, finished with toasted bacon gratin.I found the recipe online if you would like to try it for yourself:Z Tejax Macaroni and ChickenSome of Lily's other favorites are:This is where the term "Hop-hops" came from, because, obviously, there is a bunny on the front, and bunnies are actually "hop-hops" in Lilian (a new language I will post about later). These are quite good, and she and I can sit down and eat a whole box (okay, we eat the whole box everytime). So good!

My aunt buys these, so more often than not, this is what Lily will eat. Two-thirds a cup of water, 3 and a half minutes in the microwave, mix the sauce in, and that's it. They taste terrible though, and aren't very nutritious, but she loves it, and when I don't feel like eating or cooking anything, it is a life-saver.

And then the other day I found these at Whole Foods:

You would have thought Lily had died and gone to heaven. Hop-hop hop-hops! And the box is pink! We had to eat these the very next day. She wanted to eat them the day I brought them home, but she had already eaten dinner.

*If you are ever with Lily, be aware that hop-hops can also mean lollipops or popsicles. If you aren't sure which one she is referring to, look around, you can usually spot the object somewhere nearby.

I went to the Farmers' Market this morning in the Murray Park (near 5300 South). Matt and I always make it a point to go at least a few times during the end of summer, because they have great produce. Today I got a bunch of peaches--not enough for canning, but definitely enough for eating, and maybe a fresh peach cobbler, my favorite! I also bought fresh tomatoes, and it reminded me that I hadn't had a fresh tomato sandwich in a long time. My mom used to make these in the summer. Here is the recipe:1 ripe, fresh tomato (best when straight from the garden, still warm from the sun)*2 slices of lightly toasted white bread (store brand is great)A dollop of mayonnaiseSalt and pepper to tasteCut the tomato in slices, spread one slice of bread with the mayonnaise, lay out the tomato slices, add salt and pepper, and top with the other slice of bread. Enjoy!That's it, so good, so easy, and so yummy, and can only be enjoyed in summer when tomatoes are at their peak.*Don't even think about trying this with store-bought, hydroponic tomatoes. It will just leave you disappointed.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Yes, it is true. We are expecting our second baby in April (great month!) I went to the doctor yesterday and everything looks great. We didn't hear the heartbeat yet, but I go in for an ultrasound on Monday.

...And to make things more exciting, my sister Alicia...well, check out her blog and see for yourself!Club Paradise

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Well, we already went, so you will have to go without us, but we had a great time and I would definitely encourage you to check it out. We like to go to the Utah State Fair every year, including last year when we brought a group of our girls. We went on opening night, which is always nice, because it is only $2 a person (Lily was free), and all the people and animals aren't all tired out yet. We saw a lot of fun things, some weird things, and some things I could do without.

First, a few of the fun things:

1) The butter sculpture. This is a must for us every year. It is a massive sculpture made entirely of 700 pounds of butter and is something different every year. This year it was a display of animals enjoying all that the fair has to offer. I didn't take a picture, and I can't find one on the internet, so you will have to go see it for yourself! It is in the same building this year as in years past, but it is no longer with the produce. This building is now also displaying crafts like scrapbooking and other large crafts. Be sure to check out the large boat,near the butter sculpture.

2) The animals. This is Matt and Lily's favorite part. We saved it until very last so they could spend all the time they wanted, and I wouldn't have to miss out on anything else. We saw pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, horses (just the little ones they use for the pony rides), and cows. Lily even pet quite a few of the sheep and goats, but she didn't want anything to do with the pigs.

Here are a few photos:

"Am I smiling? I think I am. Why are these pigs so close to me? I'm glad I'm in my stroller."

At first, this is the closest she would get. You can't tell, but she was half crying to be even this close.

Getting a little closer, but still not quite sure what to think.

Looking through the bars.

She finally did it! Here she is with Mom (ignore the fat belly), petting a sheep. She actually touched a couple of others before this picture, but they were all blurry, so Daddy took over picture duty for a few minutes.Touching a goat with just the tip of her finger.

"We don't have to pet the cows, do we Daddy?" Actually, you can see by the rope that you couldn't get very close to the cows.

"Maybe if I listen hard enough, I can hear what the chickens are saying."

3) The tigers. These were so out of place at the fair, they deserved their own post. These tigers came from a reserve outside of Panama City, Floriday. There were 7 of them all together. We watched them for a while, and they were very beautiful, but I couldn't help but be a little sad that they were all cooped up. We didn't stay for the show, but I talked to a guy that works with them and he said that they do 8-10 shows a year, so not too many. I didn't get to ask him where they got them from.

4) This exhibit:

It was a whole interactive exhibit for kids that let them experience in a small way what life is like on a farm. This is the second year we saw this exhibit, and Lily enjoyed it much better this year. The best part is that it is free (with admission to the fair). Make sure to check this out.

Farmer Lily. She didn't want to get off the tractor. If you saw one of my earlier posts, you know she can be crazy behind the wheel.

At the beginning, the kids get an apron and a basket. I liked this picture of Lils. We were waiting in line to go to feed the cow. You can see the corn in her bucket that she helped scoop.

Here she is picking an apple from the orchard. I have no idea who those other people are, but they were very agressive with their picture taking and posing. Lily had to jump in to get that apple.

Lily holding her carrot "seed" while Daddy digs a hole.

Lily having her turn digging.

Picking the fully grown carrot.Taking the wagon to deliver hay to the sheep.

Gathering eggs. You can't really tell, but she had her eye on that chicken the whole time.

Daddy and Lily as FFA students. Don't they look great?

Lily and Mommy with the harvest. At the end, she had to put everything back in baskets, and she received her wages, $1 (not real) to spend at the country store. She chose some milk, because she was so thirsty from all that hard work.

5) Free water. One of Matt's friends was working in the water tent. We didn't know he would be there, and we hadn't seen him for a while, so we caught up a bit, and drank lots of free water. We thought it would be a little colder outside than it was, so we dressed a bit too warmly, and really appreciated water. Thanks, Ike! It was good to see you.

The weird:1) All the side tents with the biggest, oldest, and fattest animals. Whenever we pay for them, they just lay there and don't do much. Besides, I saw the alligator already this morning on Good Things Utah.

2) The picture made out of bee pollen.

3) The square dancers. Gotta love them. Where do they practice?

4) The emergency prepardness race. I must have really wanted that free first aid kit.

5) The girl who accidentally drove the monster truck backwards into a tree. I don't think she was supposed to put it into gear. Talk about crazy drivers.

6) All the great booths for stuff you don't need. They are fun to look at, just don't get sucked into watching a 15 minute demonstration for cookware. One year we did, and we finally walked away over an hour later. Fun to look at from a distance, but beware. Make sure you do see the chamois demo, that thing really can suck up water.

Things I could do without:1) The reptile tent. Matt likes all things wriggly and reptilish, and Lily likes whatever Matt does, so I waited outside while they checked this out. There apparently was an anaconda that was slithering up its cage, among other creepy crawlies.

2) The wax hands holding a rose. Who buys this, and what would you do with it? The worst part is that it cost $30!*Not an actual photo from the fair, but creepy nonetheless.

3) Deep fried PB&J, covered with chocolate sauce and powdered sugar. Ever since we had a funnel cake years ago at the fair, and had a not so pleasant evening afterwards, we steer clear of the fair food. This sounded particularly nasty.

4) The beer gardens. Why do people leave empty (or not so empty) beer cups around where little hands could get them?

5) The rides. I wasn't feeling that great, and just the sight of these twisty turny rides was enough to turn my stomach.

6) The mean man in the parking lot. "If I catch you back here, I'll have you thrown out!" Relax, buddy, we didn't want to park there in the first place. We'll take that spot right up close.

If you have never been to the fair, you definitely should, and if you have, you should go back! It's always a lot of fun. It goes this year until the 14th, so make sure you don't let this pass you by. As for us, we'll see you next year at the fair!

Friday, September 5, 2008

So, I am looking for a picture of my sister Mandy that I can post on her Facebook page that I created for her. She didn't really want to sign up, but since I have had fun finding long lost friends, I thought she would enjoy it too. She complained, but she has almost 50 friends, so she must not hate it too badly. In the process of finding a picture of her, I found a few other pictures I never blogged about. So, in case you missed it, we went to California for a mini-family reunion with my siblings (except for Angie, who just had a baby in July) at my dad's house. We went right before school started and we had a great time.

So, on the first full day in California, we took the Palm Springs tram to the top of the mountain and did a little "hiking" up there. It was about 25-30 degrees cooler at the top, which my dad said is really noticeable when it is 114 degrees in Palm Springs, but I noticed it quite a bit with the temp only being 100. It was nice to walk around. They had lots of pictures of people playing in the snow (in the winter of course). I hadn't really thought about there being snow in southern CA, but I guess they have everything there, right?

A dog, Elmo, and a ride that doesn't move too fast! Lily was in seventh heaven when we went on this ride at Sea World in San Diego. The picture isn't the best (it was getting late and dark). She waited all day to see the new Bay of Play, starring all her Sesame Street characters. This was a ride that went in circles and up and down (think the Dumbo ride in Disneyland). It was a flying fish ride, and all the cars were Elmo dressed up. This was the dogfish Elmo.

Here is our crazy girl with Grandpa behind the wheel of a boat! She loved driving it, although Grandpa said she kept pulling the wheel to the right. I bet if the police had pulled us over then, instead of a few hours later, they might have been a little more upset than they were when she wasn't wearing her life jacket. This was taken on the Colorado River when we went to California. We later heard this is where they filmed the first Girls Gone Wild, but this was as wild as it got for us!