Workout

This just arrived in the mail (I bought it):I think it comes with a guarantee my body will look like this in three weeks! I'm still officially in my "six week recovery" period, but boy am I ready to get working out. Locals, you're welcome to join me at my place!

Thad Has Arrived!

Thad Aiden Gilstrap is here!!

He was born Saturday, August 22nd at 7:19am weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces and measuring 21 inches.

doesn't my mom look so pretty here?

Looking back I was in labor all day Friday with contractions about 15 minutes apart. With family in town, my mom and I dropped off Kate and Jim in San Francisco in the morning, then ran a few errands on the way home. Since it was our five year wedding anniversary, Evan and I went out to lunch since I wasn't sure I would make it to dinner!

Being Kate's birthday as well, something got in me to decorate my whole place. Thanks to Martha Stewart for the inspiration. Evan thought I was crazy, but what's a women in labor to do with herself?? (my mom would say nap)

At 2am we headed to the hospital to learn I was dilated to a 3, almost a 4. Everyone kept saying "well, you're right on the line, you're right on the line..." Bottom line, they sent me home. I wasn't surprised or really even disappointed since this happens so often. Looking back, it was a mistake.
We got home, I labored all night. At 6am I woke Evan and we were admitted to the hospital by 6:40am. They did a quick check and I was at a 7. They quickly got things in motion--lots of people were flying around the room. After getting changed, the IV and a quick epidural, I literally laid back down from the drug and they said I was at a 10 and the baby was at a +2. All of this was within about 20 minutes of walking in the door! So, three quick pushes and Thad was born!

We had a bit of a scare which required us to be in the hospital a bit longer. Thad stopped breathing four times so they monitored him longer. It was very emotional, quite draining, etc. but it made coming home with him that much more anticipated. Without the beeping of machines and constant noise and lights, home was a heaven sent! He is doing perfectly well now. The Dr.'s dismissed it finally as a newborn immaturity meaning he would stop breathing when having spit up or reflux. Apparently they grow out of this in days.

I've decided that I have very cooperative kids...at least initially...when it comes to the date they are born. I did not want this baby born on our wedding anniversary and I wanted an even number (weird, I know). Thad obliged. With Dallin, I needed to be done with finals and I wanted an even number and the first day of spring, and, well, he obliged as well.

Thad has been a dream baby so far! He is eating well and gaining weight rapidly. This is sooooo much easier than it was with Dallin! I am just in love with this little guy. Pictures/stories to come. Thad is waking!! (and Dallin just peed on the floor...)

39 Weeks and Thankful

I'm grateful for a healthy body that is able to carry a new life. And I'm so so grateful that everything with the baby appears to be healthy. Just read a friends blog which is a good reminder of what I have to be grateful for..

My Dr. says rarely do women go past their due dates for their second children, but if I did I could be induced any day after. So that means for sure by Monday August 24th this little guy is going to be here! I'm dialated to a two and having contractions (not the real ones though).

Evan is putting up with me. He decided that today was a good day to fix the dead HDMI cable in the wall that we've been living with for six months. With rotozip? in hand, I insisted on following him with the vacuum. And then when he wanted to sit down for five minutes, I nearly broke down in tears reminding him that we have a new baby coming who cannot be subjected to sheet rock dust, not to mention my sister and mom coming into town!!! These feelings are very real in the moment! So, we are still in a bit of a construction zone, but I plan to meditate a lot (and hire a cleaner Tuesday!)

We did the biggest Costco trip ever today. Best purchase: $18.99 Ironman costume for Dallin. What a happy boy. I'll have to take a picture. I wasn't going to buy it because all along he's wanted to be Buzz Lightyear for Halloween and I thought this three year old would have Ironman regret, but when the tears at Costco escalated to sobs, well, I folded. I'm hoping that I haven't purchased five costumes before Halloween actually comes!

Sign of a True Mom?

Need I say more? I drive one of these now. Who thought? (For the record, Evan wanted this more than me, but it is nice I have to admit)

Double Stroller Advice Needed

Okay, with nesting in full force I have been a busy girl! Promise a better update later..

Moms--need your help regarding my stroller purchase..(or if I need a new stroller??) Dallin is just about 3.5. I use my stroller for walks and trips to the mall--he really doesn't use it that often. So, do I even need a double stroller? I ordered a Phil & Ted and now I'm having doubts.

Help!

Catch up

The last few weeks has been a whirlwind of fun times with family and friends!!

First a fun camping trip with Kate, Jim, and Billy and lots of friends. We headed south about 2 hours to Pinnacles National Monument. It was a bit chilly at night, but Dallin had a great time with all the other kids. He loved sleeping in a tent.

One morning Dallin woke up, looked at me and asked, "mom, is it good morning time?"

"No honey, you can go back to sleep."

"Okay, thank you." And with that sweet Dallin closed his eyes and was off to dreamland in seconds.

This picture of Dallin makes me smile. He loved all the other kids camping. He was in heaven!
Kate, Jim and Billy!
Because Kate & I never take any pictures, we got this one right away.

I almost forgot another most memorable event--meeting curious george!!! This was like a rock concert for little kids. The line was about an hour long, but oh was it worth it. Dallin was SO excited. While standing in line, he'd spontaneously yell out "Curious George" with his arms high above his head. The anticipation:

While in line we practiced what we were going to say to curious geoge. When it was finally our turn, Dallin froze. He wanted to give him a high five and also give him a cookie. After snapping this photo, Dallin started crying because he didn't give him five. We managed to sneak back in there, but had to explain that Curious George couldn't eat cookies.

Then, it was GIRLS WEEKEND! That's right. The annual event had arrived. Amy, Caren, Jenny, Kris and I all convened in the bay area for a fly-girls reunion. What a blast. I didn't have my camera, but Amy did. Check out pictures here: http://www.thewiederholdfamily.blogspot.com/

I always come away from these action-packed weekends rejuvinated, refreshed (well, a bit sleepy too) and so grateful to have good friends. We started this tradition in 1998 with a trip to San Francisco while juniors at BYU.

Too much for one post, more to come including Seattle!

Yet another home project

I'm realizing there's becoming a theme to my posts. Home improvement has come up several times and...drum roll please...here is the latest:

First, a before shot:

Now, the final project!

Here's Evan trying to figure out if he put the toilet back on correctly. So far so good!! I've really come to love decorating. Poor Evan is going to be busy with my visions the rest of his life :)

It hasn't been all work and no play lately. With Evan taking some time off, we headed to the Monterey Aquarium. They have a great new exhibit about seahorses. Dallin loved the huge tank with sharks! But he's just like his mom who still gets a little scared when those things get close to the glass wall. (what if there was an earthquake, right NOW?)