kjells and cheese

22 weeks

2012-01-28T00:20:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy highlights

How far along: 22 weeks 6 days

Size of baby: A papaya, 10.7 inches and 12.9 oz.

Total weight gain: I'll find out at my appointment next week.

Gender: Boy! Kjella definitely has a favorite name picked out. She also likes the idea of calling the new baby Kjella, big surprise.

Movement: Lots of swimming around going on in there. He's especially active in the evenings, I'll feel lots of kicks at work too.

Sleep: Kjella's sleep has been no good this week which means mine hasn't been either.

What I miss: Nothing this week.

Cravings: Still loving lots of juice, preferably from concentrate. Weird.

Symptoms: Last week after I showered I noticed a bruise on my upper outer thigh. It was still there this week and after looking a little closer I realized it's not a bruise at all but a patch of spider veins. Blah.

Best moment this week: Sunshine! After being cooped up in the house all last week it was nice to get back to our routine.

school days

2012-01-26T17:34:00.000-08:00

After the holidays, MLK Jr day and all that snow it was nice to be back to school this week.

Kjella has a lot of fun in class. She especially loves painting and playing with her favorite buddies. The teacher always tells the kids in so and so minutes it'll be time to start cleaning up before we head to the gym. Kjella always runs to find me "Mama, clean up. It's time to go to the gym!" She likes holding hands with her classmates when we walk outside and has definitely gotten comfortable with the routine. I think she'd be fine without me there on Monday's but I really do enjoy spending the time with her.

A little girl in her class made the comment that "Kjella just loves rainboots". Made me laugh but it's true, this girl never wants to miss a puddle.

jimmy rigged

2012-01-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

This happened.

things she says

2012-01-23T12:15:00.001-08:00

After seeing me toss a toy across the room "Mama, don't throw that. It's dangerous".

Pointing out what Chip and Dale episode on youtube she wanted to watch and John told her to hold on while he found one that had better quality. She looked at him dumbfounded and asked "quality?"

"Just a minute. Just a minute". And "I am NOT ready yet". When we're trying to get out the door.

"Oh, wait. I forgot my purse". Having to run back into the house.

Two weeks ago we were talking about animals and Kjells said she wanted to go to the zoo. It was raining so I told her we'd go when the weather was nicer. When I opened the blinds yesterday morning the sun was out and Kjells promptly declared "time to go to the zoo!". She was not to happy when I told her it was a school day. This morning while I'm still in bed she peeks out the blinds and sadly tells me "oh, no zoo today. It's raining, maybe tomorrow."

She'll pick up a piece of random conversation and disagree's with it. I say to John I thought something was kind of spicy and she yells "It was not spicy!"

While taking a bath or reading books she stops and says "I hear something" when I ask her what she tells me a pig/rooster/mouse.

When we lay on the couch together she'll pat my head and tell me "your hair is beautiful Mama." Never gets old.

I love listening to her play with her ponies. The conversations are too cute. "Be careful Fluttershy, your hair is getting wet". "No you can't fly. Only I can fly, you have magic". She knows all of their names and if you get one wrong she is quick to correct you "that is NOT Twilight Sparkle, she's Radiant".

snowbunny

2012-01-20T23:41:00.000-08:00

We made our way out to play in the snow some more this morning. The snow was much wetter and we were able to make an impressive snowman. A snow plow had made it's way up the driveway and around our parking lot so even though there was less to trek through the ground was much more slippery. All around us we could hear the trees dripping and snow falling off of branches.

Right when Kjella told me she was cold and ready to to go inside we started to feel sprinkles. The rain started and after a few hours turned most of that snow into slush. Not sure how long our poor snowman will survive.

21 weeks

2012-01-20T12:30:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy highlights

How far along: 21 weeks 5 days

Size of baby: A banana, 10.5 inches and 12.7 oz.

Total weight gain: The bump is growing.

Gender: Boy! I love hearing Kjella say the names we like, even if she veto's most of them.

Movement: Finally! More and more movement over the last few days. We even saw the belly jump a few times when he was rolling around.

Sleep: I've been going to bed earlier this week. Not sure if it's being cooped up in the house because of the snow but I feel tired.

What I miss: Nothing this week.

Cravings: Nothing I had to have but I did make another batch of pecan chocolate chip cookies last night.

Symptoms: Random one that I forgot about having the first time is my leg hair grows much slower. Instead of shaving every other day it's only needed every five or six. Not a bad one!

Best moment this week: Feeling the baby move and spending some snow days with my girl.

snow days

2012-01-19T19:59:00.000-08:00

We've been seeing snow since Saturday. The weekend and Monday/Tuesday there wasn't too much but we saw a lot Wednesday and despite predictions of rain today all we saw was more snow. Since we don't get all that much snow around here basically everything shuts down.

Getting Kjella out in the snow is a little tricky because it involves getting dressed. But once she's out there she loves it. I must have asked her twenty times yesterday if she wanted to go out and play and was only met with "no, thank you" or "it's too cold" and my favorite was when she didn't say anything just crossed her arms and pretended to shiver. But today I was able to talk her into getting dressed and going out with promises of snow angels.

Not sure where she saw or heard about these but she loves them. Between us we probably made a dozen. "Your angel is so beautiful Mama", made me smile.

Snowballs were thrown.

We tried to make a snowman but failed miserably, the snow was way too powdery.

Thankfully I've had the last couple days off so have been able to stay home but John's been heading to work. That guy loves to drive in the snow, I'm sure he had to test the handling of the car by doing some donuts. He was able to get off early today so we were able to make a run to the store for milk and stop for some pho for lunch.

Best lunch on a cold day.

The backroads of our neighborhood were pretty empty besides some kids sledding and this guy who didn't want to miss his daily jog.

Who knows how long it will stick around?

we have movement

2012-01-17T12:53:00.000-08:00

And we both felt it! Sunday evening John and I were watching a movie and I finally felt the baby. I grabbed John's hand and placed it on my belly and he got to feel it too. The baby is very low and we must have felt him flip because both of us could feel a small hard bump (head or rump?) before he moved again. Crazy to think there's a baby doing flips in my belly! I'm very happy to have finally felt something, makes it seem much more real. And gives the worrier in me some reassurance that everything is okay in there.

party girl

2012-01-14T23:12:00.000-08:00

Lots to do this morning! We had Kjella's party today since the clubhouse was booked last weekend. I made the reservation last month but wasn't able to get a hold of the woman in charge of renting it this week to get the key. When I got home from work last night I frantically cleaned the house envisioning having to have everyone jammed into our condo. Thankfully I got a phone call this morning to meet up and get the key, that would have been a packed house!

It was nice to see friends we haven't seen in a while. Despite the snow everyone was able to make it!

Avery is such a good big sister.

All week we've been talking about her party and I was a little worried that Kjella might not be that into it. She helped me make the party bags and when I told her they were for her friends she told me "no big party, we stay home". But I could not have been more wrong, she was in the best mood and had so much fun. Theses kids did so much running! You could hear pounding feet and out of breath toddlers the whole time.

Avery helping Kjella open her presents. And yes Kjella is barefoot, she kicked her boots off before anyone even arrived, I'm just happy she kept her clothes on!

She received so many great gifts. And true to kid form was totally disappointed when she pulled clothes out of a bag!

After blowing out her candles about 8 times (she let her friends have turns too) and letting us sing to her we cut into the cake. My brother picked it up on his way over, best part about having him living in Ballard is delicious deliveries from Larsen's!

sweet kisses

Safeguarding B's cake, she was totally serious about it.

Just like last year my parents stayed and helped clean everything up. Poor John got stuck carrying everything back up the 3 flights of stairs.

Kjella went up with John and was passed out by the time we got upstairs and after my parents left I joined her. All that fun wore us out.

20 weeks

2012-01-13T22:43:00.001-08:00

Pregnancy highlights

How far along: 20 weeks 5 days

Size of baby: A cantaloupe, about 6.5 inches long and 10.6 oz.

Total weight gain: Not sure about weight but feel like the bump got a lot bigger this week.

Gender: Boy! Lots of names being thrown around, so hard to pick one!

Movement: Not yet.

Sleep: Pretty good, despite getting up at least once to pee.

What I miss: Feeling some movement. With Kjells I had definitely felt something by now.

Cravings: Can't think of anything that I had to have. But I did make a batch of chocolate chip with pecan cookies and and made sure they didn't go to waste.

Symptoms: Leg cramps, I got them with Kjells first thing in the morning when I would go to stretch my legs. This time around I've been getting them in the evenings after laying on the couch, almost fell over the other night.

Best moment this week: Getting ready for Kjells party.

over before they began

2012-01-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

Kjells started swimming lessons on Tuesday. I was very excited for her because she loves being in the water and lit up as soon as she saw the pool. Now that she's a big three year old she's placed in a small class with a swimming instructor...... and no Mama. I was a little worried about this because she's shy but thought that the excitement of the water and me being five feet away would make it okay. Wrong, we were out of that place in five minutes flat. We'll try again in a few months until then thank goodness for refunds.

week in iphone photos 25

2012-01-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

So happy to be home with Oslo. Gingerbread house love. I spy Mt. Rainier.

Chugging stolen creamers on the ferry boat. Grandparent sandwich. She's a princess.

Taking pictures of E with her "camera" while he's napping. She asked me to take a picture of her and Princess Celestia. My bathing beauty always makes me smile.

Came home to find her passed out with her pony. Snapping my picture. Chowing down on a cookie.

a good life

how we spent your day

2012-01-09T23:55:00.000-08:00

Even though Kjella refused to believe it was her birthday (or she was anything but 2) we still wanted to make it special and do something that'd she like to do. We headed downtown for breakfast where Kjells throughly enjoyed some freshly made mini donuts and then to the Seattle Children's Museum.

Birthday girl was in a great mood.

She had a lot of fun exploring all the different exhibits.

She loved the little store and filled her cart with fruits and veggies,

Wish she'd be as excited about real ones!

The bus exhibit had a chunk missing out of the seat and when Kjella asked John what happened to it he told her that Elbo ate it. Which made me laugh because when we were kids my brother did take a bite out of the car door on our Mom's civic right down to the metal.

She loved the art room. Painting and clay and coloring galore.

Trying hard to stay in the lines.

After we'd explored all we could Kjells told us it was time to go home. She fell asleep in the car pretty quickly.

When it came time to blow out her candles she gave the cupcake one look, said "no, thank you" and walked away! After a little coaxing she agreed to blow it out as long as we didn't sing. And then wanted to do it again and again. Around the 15th time she said it would be okay for us to sing and then went for another dozen or so rounds. There wasn't much of the candle left when she was done.

I have a feeling we'll be doing the same thing at her party next weekend.

Such a great day, I still can't believe she's three!

19 weeks

2012-01-08T01:03:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy highlights

How far along: 19 weeks 6 days

Size of baby: A mango, about 6.5 inches long and 8.5 oz.

Total weight gain: Up 7 lbs this month (bringing it to 8 total).

Gender: Boy! My doctor wanted to guess based on the heartbeat and she got it right.

Movement: Still haven't felt anything, hopefully soon.

Sleep: Much better. This night owl has been calling it early lately.

What I miss: My jeans and bras fitting like they should.

Cravings: Nothing I had to have but I am loving juice. The frozen concentrate kind that I really water down. I think my thyroid medicine makes me thirstier then normal.

Symptoms: My skin is terrible!

Best moment this week: Finally being able to breathe/hear again. That sinus infection was keeping me down but I'm starting to feel a lot better.

three!

2012-01-07T23:57:00.001-08:00

Dear Kjella,

It's crazy to think that we've already had you for three years. Your Papa and I still watch you sleep between us and whisper things like "she's so beautiful", "I love her so much" and "can you really believe she's ours?". Just like we did when you were a brand new baby.

You are such an opinionated girl and not afraid to make it clear what you want and there's a stubborn streak in you for sure. I'm always amazed at the things that come out of your mouth. All the time you blow us away by knowing more then we thought you did. You make us laugh and smile everyday and lately have started to laugh at me when I say something that you might not agree with "oh, I don't think so Mama" and it always kills me.

You're still a shy girl, not a fan of strangers talking to you or even people you do know sometimes. Big groups of people can weird you out especially if all the focus is centered on you. I just wish that others got a chance to see all the personality you have. Despite being a total Mama's girl you have really opened up to your Papa this last year and I know that he loves when you choose him first and I really love it when it's in the middle of the night!

We are so happy and blessed that we get to be your parents. Happy Birthday baby girl. We love you so much, Mama and Papa

some things about my dad

2012-01-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

Edgar

He and my Mom celebrated 31 years of marriage last month.
I've never seen the man without a mustache.
When we were little kids and he'd come home from a trip my brother and I would jump into his arms and he'd act like we weighed a ton. He'd ask us if we'd been eating rocks, which I always thought that was too funny.
He hates mushrooms.
In his early twenties he got two bullets in his belly and one of them is still in there. He must have been a pretty wild and crazy guy.
He has no middle name.
Turning 58 today makes him one year older then his Dad was when he was born.
He's a lefty.
People always think he's a cop because of the crew cut and towering build.
He chews up medicine like aspirin so it'll work faster. Gross.

Happy birthday Dad, we couldn't love you more.

last few from nola

2012-01-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

Dinner with my Dad. Sick bunny. Baby brother!

Up all night coughing, she can't sleep means I can't sleep. Favorite breakfast ever, Norwegian pancakes. Miserable girl.

Hello. Swimming with B, definitely the hight light of the trip for Kjells. She loved every minute. Craft time with Papa.

"It's you Mama." Trying to win a prize. Anybody have the time?

Sleeping angel. Finally feeling like eating again. Coloring on the plane.

Home!

new years day

2012-01-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

We spent yesterday at my parents celebrating a belated Christmas with them and my brother. After stuffing ourselves with Thai food we sat around the living room and opened gifts. Kjells got her hands on a whistle (thanks Elling) and was pretty happy with that, it took lots of coaxing to even get her to open a gift. When she did come around her first present was Princess Celestia (My Little Pony) from my brother and that was it. She spent the next hour or so making my Mom lay on the ground with her, holding the pony and pointing it my Mom saying "this is you". That princess is bossy.

Despite feeling not so hot (this head cold feels never ending) it was such a nice relaxing day. We scored lots of great gifts, time with some of my favorite people and some wonderful news.......

Sandy was home from the hospital! A perfect day to start out a new year.

2011

2012-01-01T05:06:00.001-08:00

18 weeks

2011-12-30T22:32:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy Highlights

How far along: 18 weeks 5 days

Size of baby: A sweet potato, about 5.5 inches long and 6.7oz.

Total weight gain: Not sure but I'll be finding out at my appointment next week.

Gender: It's a boy!

Movement: Nothing yet. There have been a few times where I wondered if maybe I felt something but then I convince myself I didn't feel anything.

Sleep: Between Kjella being up all night coughing or crying in her sleep and now me having a cold sleep hasn't been too great.

What I miss: In the morning I have to wait at least 30 minutes before I can eat after taking my thyroid medication, I miss not having to do that.

Cravings: Hot and sour soup to help with this cold, I can't taste anything else.

Symptoms: Still breaking out like crazy. And sensitive to food smells, not that they make me sick just really gross me out.

Best moment this week: Finding out at my ultrasound that today that we are for sure having a baby boy.

big girl

2011-12-30T22:06:00.000-08:00

Kjella saw this little train at the mall and told us she wanted to ride it. Knowing how shy she is I made sure to tell her she'd have to ride it by herself thinking that would make her change her mind. After telling me that was okay I thought for sure she'd want out as soon as she was in the seat. But she surprised us. She handed her dollar to the train lady and climbed into her seat and happily rode that little train around the track half a dozen times. I was so proud of her.

She kept her hands folded on her lap the whole ride.

And this small smile on her face that was just too cute.

John and I were both blown away and said "oh my gosh, look at her. Look how cute she is. Can you believe how big she is" over and over to each other. This girl is getting so big, I'm so happy to be her Mama!

things she says

2011-12-28T22:19:00.000-08:00

Trying to give her the antibiotic and cough medicine she needs the last couple of days have been tough. John told her it was time to take her medicine and she ran and hid in her little playhouse. When he called for her again we heard a "I'm not here" come from inside. We've cut out the cough medicine and just made sure to give her the antibiotic the last two days and she is much happier with this deal.

Asking if she wants to sit next to me on the couch, "no, it's too stripey".

John offering her the watch she just dropped after playing with, "no, no watch. It's to watchy".

"Papa's scary". Obviously when he's suggesting something she is not interested in or trying to get her dressed. When I was trying to get her dressed the other day (this kid hates being clothed) she hid in her little playhouse and popped her head out the window to let me know "you're not being nice Mama".

I saw her packing her backpack up and asked her what she was doing "going to my birthday, I'm going to blow out candles".

She was taking a bath tonight and said to me "hey, let's go get a snowball". I thought she might have gotten this from seeing Christmas shows and books with snow. Then she told me "I get a pink one and you get a purple one, okay? Let's go". I started laughing when I realized that she meant a SNO-BALL, the icy sugary goodness that we always get when we visit. Sadly they're closed for the winter but I cannot believe she remembered them.

acme

2011-12-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

My Mother-in-law Sandy hasn't been feeling well since Sunday night (she flew in from Houston where she received chemo last Thursday) so we all got out of the house today to give her some peace and quiet. We ended up going to lunch and running some errands with my parents and Aunt Brit. John makes it a point to make a trip to Acme oyster house every time we visit so that's where we were headed.

This guy? He loves himself some oysters. And the charbroiled ones at Acme are some of his favorite. No joke, he could probably polish off 3 or 4 dozen in a sitting.

love these ladies

and this guy too

Kjella was feeling so much better today, finally. But was in no mood to be out to lunch and a photo? She was having none of it.

After lunch John's Dad called and let us know that he'd taken Sandy to the hospital just to be safe. Since she is on chemo she has no immune system and can get really sick, really fast. It turns out she does have a mild case of pneumonia so she'll be spending the next couple of days there. We just hope she starts feeling better soon.

those mom's were right

2011-12-25T21:52:00.000-08:00

Our big ultrasound is scheduled for the 30th. John mentioned that it was too bad we couldn't find out a week earlier when our families would all be together. After checking out google it turns out we could. I found a place in New Orleans that does ultrasounds and made an appointment for the 23rd. While we were sitting in the Urgent Care waiting room I was worried we wouldn't be able to make it but the timing worked out perfect. Kjells fell asleep on the way there so John stayed in the car with her, but he'll make sure to make it to my appointment next week.

I felt nervous/anxious/excited as the tech took me back, having an anterior placenta I haven't felt the baby move and still wonder/worry everyday. It was great to see the baby squirming around and I loved hearing the heartbeat. The tech felt like she knew but wanted me to go pee and give the baby a little more room to stretch out to be sure. When I got back she poked a little more and told me she saw what she needed to see and it's a...........

boy!

John and I are both shocked and just so excited to be having a baby boy. We wanted to do something special to tell our family (none of them knew we'd be finding out early) so we wrapped up a big box of blue balloons and gave it to our Mom's to open on Christmas Eve. They were both a little confused how a gift was for the two of them and did not know what to think when they opened it up and the balloons floated out. It took maybe five, ten seconds before someone got it and then everyone did, lots of happiness followed. Those "feelings" are Mom's had were right.

*I still can't believe it's a boy and half expect our ultrasound next week to tell us it's really a girl. Either way I'm just happy to get to see our baby again.

christmas eve

2011-12-25T00:15:00.000-08:00

This girl was feeling a lot worse today then yesterday. She was beyond tired, walking around saying "I'm so tired" over and over. But could not fall asleep for a nap. I think being in a different place and a house full of people makes it hard for her. So she and I went for a drive and she was out like a light.

I hit up Sonic during happy hour for a sweet peach iced tea for my drive to nowhere.

Cheese!

Sandy and Brit cooked up lots of yummy Norwegian fare. After all this, last nights seafood gumbo and the many many bowls of risengrot goodness I feel like I'm going to burst. John, my Mom and I ate in shifts so someone could stay with Kjella.

This girl was so out of it she could care less about opening gifts. She ate maybe a few bites of waffle for breakfast but nothing else all day and threw up after I gave her a dose of amoxicillin. After laying down for a while (again could not go to sleep) she declared "let's open my presents!" and was up for a few. Poor girl is feeling awful. Red ringed weepy eyes, runny nose and a mean cough. I'm sure her throat is killing her too, probably why she doesn't want to eat.

Having a sick girl made the day a lot different then we thought it would be. Still a lot of fun spending it with our family, I just wish Kjells could have enjoyed it more.

tonsillitis

2011-12-23T22:51:00.000-08:00

Besides an ear infection and normal coughs, colds and stomach bugs Kjells has always been very healthy so we've been able to make our trips to the doctor pretty infrequent and mostly for well child check ups. Last night she told me that her tongue was hurting and we noticed she had a wheeze when she was crying, then was up for most of the night tossing and turning. She had a deep cough this morning and I had her take a long hot shower hoping the steam would help. I had a feeling we should take her in to see the doctor and we made our first trip to Urgent Care. While waiting for the doctor she and I were playing ponies and her voice got hoarse she looked up at me about to cry and said "Mama, I can't talk". So sad.

After looking at her throat the doctor thought she had strep but the test came back negative so we were sent away with a diagnosis of tonsillitis and a prescription for amoxicillin. She'll have her 3 year well child check next month but her stats today were 34 lbs and 3ft 4in tall.

travels

2011-12-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

We're happy to be here in New Orleans and have our day of travel behind us, until next week at least. Our flight to Denver was easy but once there we had to run and just made our connecting flight. Then we got to taxi for the next hour and forty five minutes while we waited for the plane and runway to be de-iced. Kjella was none to pleased to be stuck on the plane not going anywhere, neither was anyone else. After our flight got in (over 2 hours late) we went to get our luggage to find it wasn't as quick as we were and missed the connection. A long day and sleepy girl later hopefully we'll see our suitcase sometime soon.

getting close

2011-12-20T23:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas is only 5 days away and we're almost all packed for our trip. I'm so excited for all the fun this next week is going to bring!

last few weeks in iphone photos

2011-12-18T23:55:00.000-08:00

Playing on her "puter". Loving on Oslo. Helping me shop, she always goes for the most shiny shoe ever.

The box is the best part. Play time with her Papa. Our favorite part about Target? The popcorn.

She passed out on the way to take my car in and slept through the unloading/wait/reloading. Lots of books on the potty lately. Papa's girl.

This dog gets no personal space. Entertaining ourselves at the tire place, boo to flats. Love lunches with my brother.

Top Pot treat while we grocery shop. Potty ponies, bribery works. Neighing while she attempts to ride the dog.

My vikings. Most awesome gingerbread house ever. Babes in the backseat.

Sunny skies in Edmonds.

a good life

party at the bai's

2011-12-18T21:56:00.000-08:00

Patricia and Simon had the baby group over to their house for a Christmas party last night. They are the best host's and even had a big bottle of Dr. Pepper ready for me! Kjells fell asleep on the way over and was a little cranky when we got there but as soon as she warmed up she was chasing the boys through the house. We all got to eat together at the table (at the same time!) while the kids entertained themselves, usually everything has to be done in shifts. There was a ton of food and a whole dessert table, which I enjoyed way too much.

The kids even got to decorate their own gingerbread man.

The boys lined up on the couch for a photo but Kjells was having none of it. Love how Henry and Matthew are holding hands.

Kjella spent a good 30 minutes hanging out in baby Jonathan's exersaucer, she looked pretty silly with her long legs curled up underneath her. By the end of the night she didn't want to go home. Such a fun night.

yellow amber necklace

2011-12-15T23:08:00.000-08:00

Kjella asked me to take her necklace off yesterday, maybe two or three times in the last two years she's asked for it come off. As soon as that thing comes off I feel like she looks so much older.

warming up to her uncle

2011-12-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

July 2011

December 2011

Major improvement

oh baby

2011-12-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

We could not be happier that we're expecting another baby! I've been apprehensive about putting it on here mostly because it still doesn't seem real. Getting pregnant a second time was very different then the first and I am just so grateful that it finally did happen.

How far along am I? 16 weeks as of yesterday! We found out I was pregnant September 18th, only 11dpo. I went in to have my beta's drawn and they also tested my thyroid because I've been borderline for hyperthyroidism for the last six years. The blood test revealed that my thyroid levels were WAY off but in the other direction, hypothyroid. Being that my levels were so off I was placed at a higher risk for miscarriage. I am so grateful that this pregnancy was monitored so early because I was able to start medication at only 4 weeks compared to going in for my first appointment at 8 or 10 weeks and finding out something was wrong. My thyroid levels are now right where they want them.

Am I showing yet? The bump started to show so much sooner this time around. Especially later in the day I feel like I look huge. Probably going to be a lot bigger this time. I need to start taking photos.

How am I feeling? Great. I am one of those lucky women who does not experience morning sickness. Definitely felt the fatigue kick in around 9 weeks, I would have done anything to lie in bed all day. Hard to do when you have a 2 year old to take care of. John would probably say (just not to me) the mood swings started around 9/10 weeks as well. Even though I'm just a few weeks from being half way there I still have a hard time with feeling like it's real and the fear of something going wrong is constantly in the back of my mind.

When did we tell our families? With Kjella we waited to tell anyone until we were out of the first trimester so we decided to do that this time as well. It was much harder to keep the secret this time around. We ended up spilling the beans on Thanksgiving and to our friends that weekend. I still haven't told anyone at work but plan on letting them know when we get back from Louisiana.

Are we going to find out what we're having? Hoping for a boy or girl? We have the gender ultrasound scheduled for December 30th, the day after we get back from New Orleans. I certainly don't have any "feeling" like it might be a boy or a girl. But both my Mom and Mother-in-law are willing to bet money it's a boy. I would be so happy to give Kjells a sister but on the other hand I'm the oldest and have a little brother so I know how fun that is too. I'll be more surprised if we go in and they tell us it's a boy but only because this pregnancy is so similar to Kjells. Either way we'll find out soon enough.

Any cravings? Dr. Pepper, all day everyday. Normally I'm a sweet tea kind of girl but lately I cannot get enough of the pepper. I try not to drink soda normally because it's not all that good for you which just makes it funnier to me that it's all that I want.

Does Kjella understand what's happening? I don't think so. When I tell her I need to go to the doctor she tells me they're going to look in her belly, from tagging along to the ultrasounds. We have lots of time to prepare her and she'll be almost 3.5 before we bring the new baby home. It is a lot of fun to ask her if she wants a baby brother or baby sister. Little sister usually wins.

baby Kleven due May 30th 2012

twinkle twinkle

2011-12-09T23:30:00.000-08:00

As we were headed out the door today Kjells was ~~playing with~~ admiring the ornaments on the tree while I was searching for a missing shoe. In her softest voice I heard her singing twinkle twinkle little star.

"twinkle twinkle little star how I wonder where you are. Up above so high, like a diamond in the sky."

And then I died from too much sweetness.

one more month.....

2011-12-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

Until you're 3! Love you Kjells.

a christmas meme

2011-12-07T00:12:00.000-08:00

Love me some Holidays....

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate with almond syrup is my favorite. I don't think I've ever actually tried egg nog but I know I wouldn't like it.

2. Does Santa wrap the presents or just set them under the tree? Wrapped. Who doesn't wrap their gifts?

3. Colored lights on the tree/house or white? Since we've had out own tree we've done white lights but I remember having colored ones growing up. I wouldn't mind mixing it up. John is a stickler for white light on the house (not that we do in our condo) but I love it all, the more tacky the better!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope, never have.

5. When do you put up your decorations? Any time in December, the earlier the better.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? I have too many! Some favorites are my Mom's pistachio pudding and my Mother-in-law's gravlax.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Every single year my brother and I would fight over who's stocking was who's before they got stuffed. Besides one having a red toe and the other a green they were identical but we both HAD to have the green one. I still laugh when my Mom pulls them out.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Cannot even remember.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? My family opens all the gifts under the tree on Christmas Eve and our stocking and big gift from Santa on Christmas morning. Thankfully John's family does too!

10. How do you decorate your tree? I have a few ornaments my Mom gave me from when I was younger that I love (hoping to talk her out of a few more of those) and we've started our own collection over the years. Now that Kjells is getting older I'm excited to start hanging some of her creations on the tree.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? Love as long as it doesn't impede our plans and it must melt quickly, it's bad for business!

12. Can you ice skate? I went once when I was 10, based on my coordination skills it's probably not something I should try again.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I love any gift!

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family. Since John's parents live all the way in New Orleans we flip/flop the holiday's between our parents. Thanksgiving with mine, Christmas with his. My parents are coming with us this year and I am soooo excited. It will be the first big holiday we've all gotten to spend together.

14. What's your favorite holiday tradition? Chinese food on Christmas Eve.

15. What's your favorite holiday dessert? Quality Street Candies, my Dad would always bring home a tin from Canada. Now I can find them at Cost Plus, half price after the big day!

16. What's your favorite holiday tradition? Chinese food on Christmas Eve.

17. What tops your tree? An angel.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I can get really stressed about gift giving, it's a lot of pressure. Now receiving has never caused me any stress.

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Love them.

20. Favorite Christmas show? Have to watch A Christmas Story at least once a year ( John didn't watch it until he was 30!) and I adore Elf.

21. Saddest Christmas Song? The one about Christmas shoes. I always skip it.

22. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Anything by Stan Boreson.

santa

2011-12-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

Trying to explain Santa to Kjella is proving tougher then I thought. Our girl is not into strangers at all, especially large men with beards. She doesn't care if he might bring her presents. After seeing a commercial for something she liked she asked if we could go get one. I told her that if she was good maybe Santa would bring her one for Christmas. She looked at me and said "no, Mama. We go to Target and get one, tomorrow." Who needs Santa? This girls already figured it out.

boys, boys, boys

2011-12-03T23:26:00.001-08:00

Seriously? How cute is this little face?

On Friday Sharee invited everyone over for tea, since the kids started school our weekly get togethers have been too few and far between. It's nice to catch up on our RHO of where ever and other random celebrity gossip. And I got to see the babies! Jonathan is getting so big and compared to brand new baby Cameron he seems so solid. Sharee found out this week that she's going to be having another boy as well so come April our little group will be at 6 boys and one girl. Kjells will have lots of options when it comes to the boyfriend department!

oh christmas tree

2011-12-01T22:49:00.001-08:00

things lately

2011-11-30T23:50:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago John had to go out of town, Kjells saw me pulling out the backpack for him and asked me if we were going on an airplane. She is too smart because it is the bag we always use as a carry on. I told her that Papa was going on a trip but we were staying home. She replied with "no, Papa stay home. I go on airplane."

Potty training is still slow going around here. Kjells is more then happy to pee on the potty, running to the bathroom singing "potty time!" and only has a handful of wet diapers a week. She is not too keen on wearing underwear most the time and feels more comfortable in a diaper but I've been pushing for when we're home she wears underwear. She refuses to even try to poop on the potty. The mere mention is met with a grunt and scowl. She does let me know when she needs to go and asks for a diaper. I asked her if she wanted to try sitting on the potty with her diaper on (I'll try anything!) and she cut me off with a "tomorrow! Not today." We'll see.

There is lots of My Little Pony love going on over here. Kjells collection was mostly acquired as rewards from a potty chart, she has a their names down and it is so cute to hear her say "no Radiant, sit down". You'll find mini pony brushes and random accessories everywhere. I'm kicking myself for not holding onto my own My Little Pony collection. I remember having a plastic carrier that held all the ponies and opened up as there barn when I wanted to play, cannot find something like that anywhere.

Kjella has three voices. The normal most the time voice, the really high playing by herself or talking to Oslo voice and the deep grunting "I'm saying no" voice.

At least once a day John and I ask Kjells if she looks like Mama or like Papa. 99% of the time she replies with a "I like Papa!" John cheers and I act flabbergasted. She thinks it's hilarious and so does her Papa who loves that she's a mini him.

i love this girl

2011-11-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

week in iphone photos 24

2011-11-30T17:59:00.000-08:00

Get it girl. I spy the space needle. Love these two.

Airplane! You find ponies everywhere in this house. Homemade cranberry sauce.

Dress up at B's. Her Thanksgiving dinner. Ready to ride the ferry boat to Grandma and Grandpa's.

Besties for life.

a good life

kitchen table fort

2011-11-26T00:08:00.000-08:00

trifecta

2011-11-23T23:39:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family and friends. Eating deep fried turkey for the first time (delicious), making my first batch of cranberry sauce and coming home with a ton of leftovers (thanks Mom!). My family is by far the thing I am most grateful for and mostly I'm just happy I got to spend the day with them.

Today is also my favorite mother-in-laws birthday. And her and Bjornar's 40th wedding anniversary. We are so happy that Sandy is responding well to treatment and can't wait to celebrate Christmas with both sides of our family in just a few weeks. I love this time of year but with so much going on it flies by too fast.

Happy birthday Sandy!

little painter

2011-11-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

Her favorite part of school.

photo fail

2011-11-21T23:53:00.001-08:00

On Friday I thought I'd be crafty and sneak Kjells in for a photo with Santa because you know the lines get crazy after Thanksgiving. We talked about this quick picture with the man in the red suit for days and she seemed okay with the idea (ha ha) as long as there was a trip to Daisy's house, aka the Disney Store, after. Oh no, instead things got bad real quick. When we got to the Santa setup there was no line but as soon as Kjella saw a big bellied bearded man greeting her from a giant green chair she started to freak. She started crying and yelling "I want to go home!". The elves were offering her stickers and Santa promised her a present (coloring book) but she was having none of it. I'm all for the kid crying on Santa's lap photo but it's a little different if your kids already hysterical pre-lap. So we bagged it and threw pennies in the fountain instead. And then went to visit Daisy.

week in iphone photos 23

2011-11-19T22:54:00.000-08:00

Big cart, little cart. My little kitchen helper. Enjoying the fruits of her labor.

Sick bunny. Oh, when isn't it an Edmonds kind of day? Sleeping with one leg on her knee in the car.

Gonna snow today? Let's go get slurpee's. My sick girl is giving extra loves lately. Santa photo fail. Headed to the Disney Store to right her world once again after that traumatic experience.

Won't sit with the man in the red suit but more then happy to ride an orca.

a good life

it's getting cold!

2011-11-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

There were predictions for snow today but besides a little on the bushes and grass this morning we didn't see much in our neck of the woods. It's been cold enough though we've been breaking out the mittens all week.

little brother

2011-11-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Elling! We love you!

sick girl

2011-11-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning Kjells woke up congested and coughing. I wasn't that surprised seeing how half her class was out sick last week. We laid low all weekend and stayed home from school yesterday. She's feeling better but I hate hearing her cough, you know she's not feeling right when she tells you "I tired. I go lay in bed". Poor girl.

baby dinosaur

2011-11-15T12:45:00.001-08:00

The last few weeks Kjells has been putting shoes on her hands and feet and running around the house proclaiming "I'm a dinosaur!". Cutest dinosaur I've ever seen.

cookie monster

2011-11-14T22:46:00.000-08:00

My girl loves herself some oreo's. Which is no surprise to me since both her Mama and Papa are big fans too. Double stuffed for me, regular for John.

Kjella likes to pull the cookies apart and scrape the filling off first and then dip the cookie part in milk.

A little messy but very yummy.

week in iphone photos 22

2011-11-12T00:28:00.000-08:00

Fought that nap so hard. Cheesing it up at the dinner table.

Crackers and squints on the Hyak. So cold and windy on the deck of the boat.

Loving herself some braids. Just like her Mama's.

Playing at the museum. Girl's working hard, got her tongue out.

a good life

don't want to leave the house

2011-11-11T23:43:00.000-08:00

Today has been a particularly grey gloomy Pacific Northwest day. There was sideways wind fueled rain that pounded on our windows, sprinkly soft rain and misty rain. It's been 4 pm dark all day and I don't think I'll change out of my pajama's until I have to go to work.

homebody

2011-11-11T23:39:00.000-08:00

Lately it's been harder and harder to get Kjells out of the house. I'll ask her what she wants to do that day and she'll think for a minute and then tell me "oh, I just stay home". Most days if we don't have to go any where I'm fine with just staying home too. Two places she never says no to going are the zoo and B's house. The biggest obstacle to getting out the door is that she never wears clothes at home so to go any where you need to wrangle her into an outfit. Then she's going to throw out something like "I no go, I stay here" or a "I'm tired, I lay in bed". But the other day she saw some pictures from the Children's Museum and let me know that's where she wanted to go "come on Mama, get dressed. I go to use-eum"

She played for hours and raced from one exhibit to the next. I can't remember the last time we were there but she seemed like such a big kid, able to do everything by herself.

top pony

2011-11-09T12:55:00.000-08:00

Those hairs in the front aren't quite long enough to be pulled into the back pony so they're usually in her eye's or clipped back. But they sure do make a nice little pony on there own.

week in iphone photos 21

2011-11-06T20:48:00.000-08:00

Lipstick lover. Fall at Greenlake. Story time with Papa.

My princess terrorizing Target. Kjells and Oslo wrapped up in her "fort". Trick-or-treating loot.

Shard of glass I pulled off my eyeball, dangers of unloading the dishwasher. Shy girl at school. Hide and seek.

Lovey time with her doggy.

a good life

close

2011-11-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

Me: How old are you?

Kjella: Two!

Me: How old is Mama?

Kjella: Six.

Me: How old is Papa?

Kjella: Six.

Me: How old is B?

Kjella: Um, four and five.

baby Cameron

2011-11-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

Our friends Katrina and Dean had a baby boy two weeks ago and Kjells and I went to visit them after school today. He is so sweet and tiny! Kjells was passed out in my arms when I got there and when she woke up I was all about holding that baby and didn't get a chance to snap any pictures. Their older boy Noah looks more like his Dad but I think Cameron looks more like his Mom. I love that we have another baby in our group!

happy halloween 2011

2011-11-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love Halloween? Kjells was all about dressing up like a princess for school. And so happy to see her buddies dressed up too, all the outfits were just too cute!

Later in the evening we headed downtown to pick up my parents from the ferry boat, Kjells hadn't napped and was looking pretty tired so we picked up a sweet tea and small fry for fuel.

I was so happy that both my Mom and Dad were able to come trick or treating with us!

Edmonds is the best, they shut down Main Street in a T-shape 2 blocks each way from the fountain and the local business's pass out candy. Good thing we got there early because it got crowded fast. My little monkey caught onto the drill really quick and was more then happy to hold out her bucket for candy but refused to say trick-or-treat. I did hear a couple thank you's. She was so tired by the time we got done she was waking around like a drunk monkey.

After dropping my parents back at the boat Kjella passed out but woke up as soon as we got home. She dumped out all her candy in front of Oslo's bed to show off her loot, "Oslo, look at all my trick-or-treats!".

how to eat a donut

2011-10-31T15:04:00.000-07:00

Step one: Place finger in donut hole for best hold.

Step two: Devour.

week in iphone photos 20

2011-10-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

Waiting for the ferry boat. Kjells came back from my Mom's in orange and black stripes and was happy to tell anybody and everybody she was a "tiger!" Patient girl coloring while she waits for her lunch.

Boots are perfect for splashing in the waves on a chilly day. Girl in a box. First Reese's peanut butter cup, I think she liked it.

Glo-sticks in the tub, I thought she might explode from excitement. Fall at the zoo. Shadow girls.

A "hurry up and take the picture Mom" kind of face. Little handprints on the glass.

a good life

goat love

2011-10-29T23:26:00.001-07:00

In between the blah grey rainy days we've been having we had a break of sunshine and headed to zoo. While the we might have to wear our jackets and walk fast to stay warm, mid week during the school year is the best time to visit. No crowds, no big kids pushing my little one out of the way and easy peasy parking.

A few of our animal friends were getting into the halloween spirit and feasting on some pumpkins. Kjells thought that was the funniest thing ever.

This was the first time we've ever seen the otter's in their den. It has a viewing hole right at Kjella's height and when I pointed them out to her she quickly grabbed my hand and told me "be careful, no hands Mama. They bite the fingers". Always looking out for me that girl.

pumpkin night

2011-10-27T22:56:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago Kjella's school had a pumpkin night get together. We missed the memo that it was a special thing for the kids to do with their Dad's and it was earlier in the evening then John was able to make so my girl was stuck going with her Mom, not that I think she minded. She was a little ballerina which she loved, the box of her ballet shoes had a photo of a real ballerina on top and she carried the thing around all day "look Mom, a ballerina. I a ballerina too".

There was pumpkin decorating and lots of pumpkin goodies. I think every feather she could get her hands on went on top of that thing.

And playing in the gym.

For a girl who absolutely hates bugs she surprised me by being okay with them in jewelry form.

A pumpkin to bring home to show Papa.

princess kjells

2011-10-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

Off to school.

seriously?

2011-10-23T23:25:00.000-07:00

When did this girl get so big?

week in iphone photos 18 & 19

2011-10-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

My two loves. Bath time fun. Homework is so much fun.

Checking out DSW. Bike riding at Babies r Us. Cheesin it up.

Trying her tutu on Oslo. My little ballerina ready for pumpkin night. Dressed by Dad.

Chompin on her toes. Passed out. Groovy baby.

Lunch time. Silly basket head.

a good life

zoo fun

2011-10-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

Despite the weather starting to get colder we had a beautiful sunny day Tuesday so Kjells and I went to the zoo. They're working on hwy 99 and traffic was horrible so what should have been a 15 minute drive was closer to 40. My backseat driver was not happy with the hold up and must have asked me 30 times where the zoo was.

Once we finally got there she was off and running. She knows just where to go "the hippo's this way!" and what she wants to see. We ran into John's friend Dairy and his little boy Troy, I can't believe how big he's getting.

This one cracks me up because that face and she's telling me "no camera Mom". I think our zoo trips we'll be fewer and far between as the weather continues to change. Lots of museum days in our future.

swan trails time 2

2011-10-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning fun. After breakfast we had the whole day open and decided it would be a good time to drag John out to Snohomish and visit the pumpkin farm again.

Girl was a grump when we got there.

Things were a lot different from the day Kjells and I were there a few weeks ago. Last time maybe 8 cars in the lot? This time hundreds. There was tons of people (we ran into John's old buddy Garett and his family) and so much more to do. Hayrides, duck races, fishing, face painting, a corn maze, and tons of food. I kicked myself for eating such a big breakfast because I wanted one of everything they had.*

There were duck "races" set up with old water pumps. Kjella obviously couldn't operate the pump as quickly as some of the older kids** and it was funny to step back and see how two boys treated her. One pushed her out of the way and the kept stealing the duck out of her lane while a few minutes later another boy helped her fix her sleeve and went and found her a duck.

I love dahlia's and looks like Kjells does too. She made sure to stop and smell each one on the walk to the car.

* Go hungry next year!

**Kjella could care less how fast her duck went.

things she says

2011-10-16T23:16:00.000-07:00

"You're so funny". Kjells tells me I'm funny all day long. She thinks Oslo is pretty funny too.
When she hears me say ouch she'll ask me "you okay Mom?" And if she's the one who caused the ouch she'll say "it's okay, I kiss it."
"I'm hungry, let's eat lunch". No matter if it's 8 am or 7 pm. And whatever time it is she'll request pickles.
She's always asking me what animals eat "um, what do cow's eat?" I tell her hay and she says "mmhmm, I love hay".
"What do you wanna do" Usually when we're laying down for the night.
She can read my mood right away and if she see's me getting frustrated, whether I dropped something or can't get the door open, she'll tell me "it's okay, Mama. No crying, okay?"
After I put her hair up in pigtails or a pony she'll inspect herself in the mirror and declare "I so cute!"

school update

2011-10-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Kjella is loving school. We talk about class the night before and she knows "when the sun comes out I go to school". So she's usually pretty happy to get up and dressed and out the door, she is a night owl though so there are some mornings where she'll tell me "I no get dressed! I lie down!". But once we're on our way she's very excited to see her friends. Henry, Matthew and Noah are still her besties.

The projects have to be her favorite part. She gets to paint to her hearts galore, I've been saving every masterpiece and have something special in mind come Christmas. She loves the ever changing sensory tables and exploring all the toys there are. Sharing can be hard but as Teacher Patti says "they don't know how to share at this age". It's funny because she does seem to be okay to share more with Matthew and henry over the other kids.

When John get's home she loves to tell him all about her day and is so proud to show off her artwork hanging on the fridge.

I love that she's getting a chance to make some girlfriends too.

This last week was the first time she's participated in circle time. It happened on accident, she was chasing Henry trying to tickle him and the poor boy was trying to listen to the teacher. There were flying scarves and music and before you knew it she was distracted enough to enjoy what was happening. She's still my shy girl but it's been very gratifying to see her opening up.

some more from our trip

2011-10-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

in a fairytale

2011-10-12T19:26:00.001-07:00

Last year when visiting New Orleans we stopped by City park and John's Mom pointed out a cute place they had called Story Land, toddler sized displays of fairytales in a beautiful setting. At the time we thought Kjella was a little too young but this trip she was the perfect age. She happily ran around getting more excited with each story character she saw, never mind she had no clue who must of them were. The day was HOT and we loved it but the water fountains and misters were visited quite frequently.

She loved that everything was perfectly sized for her.

Mother Goose!

Eye see you

So much fun. Hopefully on our next trip Kjella will be interested in the little amusement park next door and Sandy will be well enough to go with us.

week in iphone photos 17

2011-10-10T03:32:00.000-07:00

Fairy friends joined us for brunch. Buttering her Mama's pancakes.Diva baby shades and Dr Pepper lipgloss in the back seat.

Passed out in a little chair. The Gulf. Waffle House pitstop.

Wish I could nap like that. Playing the "nano" with Grandma Sandy. Barbie Blackberry drives me nuts!

The best pralines EVAH! So much fun. Late night snoball run.

Blurry sleep cuteness. Airport popcorn. Why does it feel like it takes 18 times longer to get home from a trip?

a good life

zoo day

2011-10-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

With Sandy home and feeling better we decided to get out of her hair and take advantage of the sunshine so we headed to the zoo. Audubon Zoo has so many different animals then we see at our zoo at home rhino's, white alligators and land turtles that live for hundreds of years. Kjella was being a huge grump and was happy to see the animals but not so happy to have to deal with her Papa and I.

Besides the animals Kjella's favorite part of the zoo were these misters. Looked like she was going through a baby carwash.

After walking around in the sun for a few hours we were hungry and close to Magazine Street so we went in search of food. We've driven past Mahoney's dozens of times but never stopped, there was a parking spot right in front so we pulled in and I'm so happy we did. We found a place we'll be going back to.

This girls mood brightened after some ketchup with fries on the side.

After lunch we went to Pinkberry and it was just as good as I remembered. I so wish there was one closer to us.

Kjella pushed around this box of chalk like she owned it. She'd share with the other kids but wanted to be in charge of passing it out.

chalk covered booty

How do you know you had a good day? Your face is covered in sunshine, chalk, frozen yogurt and ketchup. A nice combo.

happy 3 years

2011-10-05T21:59:00.001-07:00

Just last week I couldn't imagine we'd be spending our anniversary visiting where we got married.

going to gulfport

2011-10-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

After a trip to visit Grandma Sandy (she was feeling good and waiting on some x-rays) this morning we hit the road for Mississippi. One of our favorite things to do in Gulfport is grab lunch across the street from the beach at our favorite spot, which was the plan for today. But we were sad to learn it had closed! So we tried something new and while lunch might have been kind of a disappointment the beach was not.

dancing girl!

The water was nice and warm. Kjells would let me dip her toes in but did not want to walk around, she has not been a fan of sand this year. Perfect day at the beach.

Things got even better on the drive back, Sandy was coming home! She was very tired but we were able to have a nice dinner and a relaxing evening with her. Hopefully we'll be able to have a few more of those before we need to head home.

impromptu trip

2011-10-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Hello from Louisiana!

My mother in law Sandy's bone marrow cancer has been in remission for a while but recently she started to feel some symptoms and sure enough tests showed it was back. She started treatment this week and by Friday things got bad quickly. Bad enough that we thought it was best we get down to to New Orleans as fast as we could. We were all very scared, I've never seen John so worried. By the time we were able to see her Saturday afternoon she was already recovering. Thankfully she only had to spend one more night in the ICU.

After visiting Grandma Sandy this morning we headed down to Jackson Square for some brunch at Stanley's. The wait felt like forever but it was a gorgeous day and we were able to walk around and people watch (no shortage of that down there) to pass time.

Kjella inhaled the most delicious croissant while we waited which was a good thing because the wait for food felt just as long as the wait for a table. But we left happy with our bellies full of good food.

We made another visit to Sandy this evening after she had been moved to a regular hospital room and we were so happy to see her and moving around free from all the IV's and machines. Finger crossed she keeps up the speedy recovery and she'll be able to come home soon.

week in iphone photos 16

2011-10-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Happy to see my girl after she spent the day at my parents. Ferry boat ride back to our side of the water. Chugging creamers like it's her job.

King of the mountain. Love finding pay phones."Hello? Matthew, hello".

Finding the owl sucker Sharee made in my purse. And 2 minutes later it's everywhere.

Tractor driving. Doesn't want to go home and calls my bluff when I say I'm leaving. A compromise with one more hand wash.

Happy girl waking up in Denver. Waiting for our second plane of the day to take off. We made it!

Visiting Grandma Sandy and the day caught up with her, passed out in her Papa's arms.

a good life

swan trail farms

2011-09-29T23:18:00.000-07:00

Kjells and I met Matthew and Patricia (and baby Jonathan too) up in Snohomish at Swan Trail Farms. This was our first trip since Kjella has been sick the last 2 years when baby group went to the pumpkin patch. I had dressed the girl and I for a crisp, sunny fall day and it was not . The sun was out and we were hot!

Since it was the middle of the day during the middle of the week there were definitely no crowds to deal with. The kids got to run around looking at the animals (donkey, chickens, sheep.... repeat) all they wanted. But we did miss out on hay rides and pig races since they're reserved for weekends.

Kjella was holding her arm in front of Matthew to keep him away from the fence telling him "no, chickens bite you".

hand holding

You can barely see Kjella in this one but if you look at her hair you can see how sweaty she was.

There was lots of hand washing.

Kjella made me laugh because she had no interest in picking out a pumpkin, but we did bring home a little one. Snohomish has a bunch of these farms and I plan on dragging John to one with us sometime and checking out another one.

picking her own outfits

2011-09-27T14:04:00.001-07:00

what a day

2011-09-26T00:11:00.000-07:00

Today I headed to West Seattle for Katrina's baby shower at the Tuscan Tea Room. I cannot wait to meet little Cameron and it won't be long because he'll be here in less then a month. Sharee set up the whole shower and it was beautiful. Lots of good food, funny ladies and of course tea.

Love theses tea pots.

This would be a great place to take Kjells in a few years for a tea party.

All through the shower it was off and on sideways raining and continued as I ran to my car. As I was going back over the bridge it let up and just as I was about to get off the onramp the sun came out and this happened.......

I rear ended the car in front of me thankfully no one was hurt but it was very confusing. Both the driver and passenger air bags deployed and my car was immediately filled with white smoke so thick I could barely see in front of me and the smell was suffocating (John says it was powder from the bags), this does not happen on TV. My car would not go into park but I had to get out. I could see the car that I hit was able to move to the side but in front of her were three other cars. My immediate thought was I had caused a domino effect of rear ended cars. Nope, there just happened to be another accident at the same time about 10 feet away from mine. That created some relief until I look back and see my car rolling back towards oncoming traffic. I thought for sure it was going to take out a few more cars but I got lucky again (haha) and it slid into the barrier wall. Sharee was just a few minutes behind me and was able to pull over behind me, I was so happy to see her. Having her there really calmed me down and kept me from losing it. Firetrucks, police and DTO were there next. At one point they thought my car was on fire from all the "smoke". After all the accident reports were written and the tow truck driver I finally got to leave. John and Kjells picked me up at the tow yard in........ West Seattle!

I am so grateful that this girl was safe at home with her Papa then in the car with me.

This week is sure to be filled with all sort of insurance craziness. Ahhhh, life's a beach!

week in iphone photos 15

2011-09-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

Washing her hands....... again. Home from the fair. Off to the pool.

Climbing on the ferry boat at the mall play place. Tiny toddler Dansko's. More swimming, we went to the pool 4 times this week.

Poor Oslo needs therapy. Giddy up. Cow milkin.

Tractor driving. Bounty of apples from Sharee, I see a crisp in my future.

a good life

birthday lunch

2011-09-23T23:13:00.000-07:00

Kjells and I met up with our friends this week to celebrate Sharee's birthday. Four Mama's, two pregnant, four toddlers and one newborn. I'm sure we were a lot of fun to wait on. After lunch we let the kids run around in the grass for a while to burn off some energy. Mostly they threw rocks off a bigger rock and followed one another around.

Then they thought it was super funny to all climb into the same stroller.

Privacy please!

good thing you're not alone

2011-09-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

John walked by the bathroom a while back when I was brushing Kjells teeth. Later when we were getting into bed he said to me "good thing I'm not her only parent because I would never even think to brush her teeth". While I'm sure there are many things that he might not think of (like pants for instance, he's forgot to put those on her before they've left the house.... recently) that one really cracked me up. And grossed me out, if you got teeth you brush em.

fall heat

2011-09-20T00:40:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post photos from this trip to Logan Park a few weeks ago. It was one of those days that turned out to be much warmer then I anticipated or dressed for. Kjells and her friends turned so pink from the heat.

It may have felt like a summer day but signs of fall were all over the ground.

It was so warm at the park that we didn't last long (we are Pacific Northwester's) and after a quick trip for Slurpee's we all cooled down.

fun at the fair

2011-09-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

I love a good Fair and the Puyallup is always the best. We almost stayed home because the weather didn't look good but I am so glad we didn't because Kjells loved it, probably because it had a few of her favorite things being bubbles, barns full of farm animals and an endless amount of mustard. She was mesmerized by the rides (but not interested in riding any) and made us wait in line 10 minutes to jump on an enclosed trampoline. The whole time we were waiting I explained that just like all the other kids before her she was going to have to jump by herself, no parents allowed. She gave me the sure, yeah, whatever but as soon as her shoes were off and she was in there by herself she wanted out. The trampoline man was nice enough to let me climb in there with her and bounce around for a minute.

We spent a lot of the time in huge barns filled with all sorts of farm animals. She loved the cows and I thought the baby goats were too cute.

Which means we also spent a lot of times washing our hands.

And then we got to my favorite part of the Fair, the food!

We didn't get to try this because they were sold out, maybe that was a good thing.

Kjells enjoyed some candy,

candy,

and more candy.

She also stuffed her face with some mini donuts (she learned the technique from me).

And enjoyed a few tablespoons of mustard with her fries. She seriously DRENCHED them in mustard.

We of course ended up purchasing the same bubble gun we had to get last year, the one that I hid under our kitchen sink for 6 months before it was rediscovered and promptly broken by overzealous 2 year old.

After a long day of walking around and seeing everything Kjells was so tired, 2 minutes after we got in the car she was passed out, still clenching that bubble gun packaging.

Even though the sky was grey and we had some sprinkles I could not have asked for a better day.

week in iphone photos 14

2011-09-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

Watching Kjells chug creamers brought back fond childhood memories. Passed out after consuming another milk product. Love the little smocks at the museum.

Driving the jeep, beep beep. She climbed the stairs by herself and went down the big slide 42 times. Totally scored the Missoni for Target ballet flats I coveted. Paid $30, they were on eBay that evening for $130. Ladies be crazy.

First day of preschool!!!! Now she's trying to escape. And why yes, those would be the super cute Missoni toddler boots on my girl. She passed out in the back of my brothers car and looked like a little angel.

My lunch date, she's asked for a bagel everyday since. Enjoying a cake pop because out Target now has a Starbucks ~~and we might live there~~. Trying to hide while she eats the stick the cake pop came on, I'm sad to say I think that was her favorite part.

Late night milk run, donuts were enjoyed. This girl napped so long I went in to check she was still breathing, can't remember the last time I did that.

Looking at these make might make you think my kid does a lot of eating and sleeping. Or that I might spend too much time in Target. (She doesn't. And I do.)

good life

house hunting

2011-09-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Kjells and I spent a some hours with my brother this week looking at some houses. He thinks he'd like to buy on this side of the water but his schedule (always gone) certainly doesn't make it easy. Elling didn't find anything he loves yet but we did have fun hanging out following a realtor all over town.

off to school

2011-09-14T23:03:00.000-07:00

Kjells had her first day of preschool this morning. We turned in some paperwork on Monday and she had a chance to play in the classroom with some of her new school friends so she was excited to go back today.

Her friends Matthew, Henry and Noah are in the same class.

She can't get enough of the classroom, there's so much for her to do.

The kids get 15 minutes of playtime before Teacher Patty rings a bell and they sit in the circle and have an apple slice while she sings some songs (Kjella put her hand over my mouth in case I thought about joining in the song) and talks about their jobs for the day. The jobs are the different stations set up around the classroom that they can choose to do.

Kjells did not surprise me by not joining the circle and instead watching the action from the safe distance of the paints.

This little guy here, Tobin, he and Kjells actually already know each other. They met in the Mom and Me baby group when they were brand new babies. Despite the connection Kjells still wasn't sharing those daubers.

baby Jonathan was there too

We headed outside to play on the playground before heading back in for snack.

They encourage the kids to pour the water themselves which Kjells loved.

She didn't spill a drop.

But I did catch her doing this.

The end of class is more circle time with some music, Kjella laid face down on the ground and did some fake crying during this. And I missed the rest because I was busy helping my girl operate scissors in the corner. A few more weeks and I'm sure she'll be more interested in what's actually going on in the class opposed to what's there to do in the class.

A great first day!

miss you mom

2011-09-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

My Mom is out of town this week so Kjells and I headed across the sound last week to see her before she left. The plan was to grab something to eat and have a quick visit in Kingston. But Kjella was having none of that. I must have heard "go to B's house" 30 times on the boat and it's the first thing she said to my Mom. So instead we went to my parents and hung out for a few hours. And with my brother in town and my Dad just getting off work we were all able to see each other. We're getting lots of requests for B's house already, hopefully we'll get to see her this weekend.

Waiting for her surprise from B, I love the scrunched closed eyes.

baby big girl

2011-09-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we picked up a new book about a little girl who learns to use the potty. This is not the first one we've got but Kjells is much more interested in this one then the others. At the end of the book the little girl exclaims "Now I'm a big girl!". We've been reading the book every evening and today I asked Kjella if she was a big girl. She thought for a minute and said "no, a baby". I told her that she was Mama's big girl and she promptly told me "No big girl, a baby. Baby wears diapers".

At least she gets it.

blah

2011-09-12T00:57:00.000-07:00

Kjells has another cold. She's up all night coughing (one bout was so bad she threw up) which means nobody is getting any sleep and her nose is a faucet. All that makes for one grouchy girl.

week in iphone photos 12&13

2011-09-10T22:48:00.000-07:00

Work it! (Thanks MissesHoneysett). Good morning gorgeous. Donuts, our second round of the day. Yum.

Waiting for the ferry boat. I see Friday Harbor. Sleeping big and sleeping little.

Three little monkey's jumping on the bed. Home! We were all tired and needed a nap. Kjells puppy purse.

Reunited at last. Little Lady. P-town

First batch of pumpkin bread this year and it was 86 degrees out. Slurpees after we played at the park. Passed out.

My mini manicurist and her assistant. New zoo friends. Waiting for her turn to ride the carousel.

a good life

my little helper

2011-09-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

bff for 3 years

2011-09-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

2009

2010

2011

pack it up

2011-09-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

The long weekend flew by much too quickly and before we knew it we were headed home. Kjells was up late Sunday night so I got most of our packing done then and Monday morning she slept until the last minute before we walked out the door. The first thing she asked for was Oslo and was so happy when I told her we were going home she jumped right out of bed. Our sleeping beauty almost made us miss the ferry boat but we made it on with only 3 cars behind us.

baby bun

After getting in the ferry line we had time to walk around the Marina for a while. Boat traffic can be crazy on a holiday weekend.

We watched different boats come into port.

This fish tank was a highlight of the trip for Kjells. She got so excited when she saw it "ohhh, look fish!"

I don't think she really woke up until we were on the boat and then she didn't want to sit still.

Running around on deck.

It was sunny out but windy of course my girl refused to wear a coat. I love the fog on the water but it was chilly.

Kjells spots Matthew,

running,

and big hugs!

Mt. Baker

It was so nice to get away with out friends again and I'm already looking forward to what next year brings. By then baby Jonathan will have some buddies to play with too.

sunday

2011-09-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

We woke up to another beautiful morning, I couldn't believe the great weather we lucked out with. The Dad's had woken up early to get away for some golf. Kjells was loving waking up and having her friends right outside the bedroom door. Always someone to play with.

Trucks on the deck.

These two are too cute swinging on the porch. I loved the house and all the nooks and crannies it had. They might have gone a little overboard in the color choices (bright polka dots everywhere) but they had a vision and they went for it. And the yard was awesome.

Squirt fish. I love that look on Kjells face (and Matthew's), you can tell she was just about to spray me.

Kjells was napping when John got back and he snuck right in there with her. I love how I always find these two sleeping in the same position.

When they woke up we got in our cars and drove to South Beach. Once again Kjells was not feeling it so instead of torturing her we took a drive and headed back into town to walk around.

Cheese!

Making new friends at the ferry dock. And old friends, John also ran into a customer of his.

Family shot, 2 out of 3 looking is not bad!

After dinner we enjoyed smores around a campfire built by a genuine Eagle Scout! Jon Lowe.

My John walked into the house with a marshmallow, still attached to the stick, stuck to his butt. I think Kjells might have had something to do with that.

saturday

2011-09-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

The first thing Kjells was interested in waking up Saturday morning? A manicure. Well actually the first thing she asked for was Oslo, she missed her doggy. Since I was busy helping make breakfast John got to take his first shot a painting her nails. Falling asleep the night before was rough, Kjells was way over tired and being out of her element did not help. She was crying to go home and bolting for the door. But once she was out she slept great, all 3 of us were loving the king bed.

She absolutely loved baby Jonathan, she'd say "Mama, come pet him".

A little morning Madagascar 2.

Before heading out to play. They might want to rename this place Bee Island, they are everywhere! Which nobody likes but Kjells especially freaks out over flying insects.

The Mom's headed to town leaving the kids back at the house with the Dad's. Nice to get away for a few hours just us not having to chase after anyone. We got some lunch, sat out in the sun (and were swarmed by bee's!), got some ice cream and walked around town.

When we got back to the house we grabbed some buckets and towels and walked down to the beach.

There were blackberry bushes all over and I could not stop picking them. I must have eaten a couple dozen. Kjells was not into the beach so we didn't stay too long but it was really pretty.

Kjells and Henry sitting in a tree......

We could not keep this girl clothed to save our lives. If we were at the house she was undressed (just like at home) she was getting comfortable with the other parents that she was going up to them and asking for help taking stuff off.

tree swing

Mama's and babes.

stealing Katrina's shoes

Later in the evening it would get chilly and while I was in the kitchen Sharee put Kjella in one of Henry's fleece coats, you know because she wasn't wearing any clothes.

Group shot.

baby group trip

2011-09-05T22:38:00.000-07:00

We've been waiting all summer to get away with our friends and this Labor Day weekend was it. Kjells and I packed up and waited for John to get home before we hit the road for the drive to Anacortes.

I was worried about the wait at the ferry line but we were all able to get their in time for the 2 o'clock boat to Friday Harbor.

Cheese!

John told me to get a shot of the kids playing in the phone booth, he said Kjells would probably never remember seeing one. The ferry terminal in Kingston is the only other one I can think of.

Friends! Kjella loves herself some Henry.

First stop on the island? Ice cream!

Sharing with her Mama

Sharee set everything up with the house we rented and it was great. Lots of room, an open kitchen, big yard and super clean. There was even a little clubhouse in the back filled with toys for the kids to play with.

Kjells loved it. See those little flip flops peeking out of the flower box?

It didn't take my girl long to think those were just for her.

It also didn't take her long to get comfortable enough to ditch her clothes either.

After playing in the yard all night it was time for a bath. Henry jumped in with Kjells and they had a great time splashing around, until she dumped a cup of water over his head. It was too cute to see them laying in their bellies, kicking their feet "swimming" together. Love those kids.