Wonder Woman

If cleaning were an Olympic event, I think I'd have a serious shot at a medal. I think I'm having a pre-baby energy surge because for the past few days I have been cleaning like a madwoman. I'm not sure why the urge to power clean strikes right before the baby arrives--the rational part of me knows that 1) the baby couldn't care less whether or not my baseboards are clean; and 2) the chances are slim that the house will stay in its present state of cleanliness once the kiddos wake up in the morning. Nonetheless, I feel compelled to furiously clean. There isn't a dirty sock in the house, my toilet bowls shine, you could eat off of my kitchen floor, and every surface is sanitized. I do love me a clean house. Now tell the baby to hurry up and get here already!

Family of Soon-to-Be FIVE!!!

Although today was more or less just an ordinary Sunday, we had such a great family day together. This morning, we worked together to get all of the baby gear washed and cleaned and ready for baby. Hank listened to my tummy and watched the baby kick and he seemed to grasp the idea that something really exciting is about to happen.

On our way to church this morning, Hank told us (totally unprompted) that he was being reverent because he was getting ready to go to church. Its simple moments like that that make all the trials and hardwork of parenthood worthwhile. During sacrament meeting, Hank got to join the primary in a special Easter song on the stand for the very first time. Initially Hank was a little shy to go up in front of the congregation, but once he got up there, I guess he felt a little more confident because he found his way towards his little playmate, Harper, and leaned over and planted a huge smooch on her! When the song finished, Hank proceeded to hold her hand and lead her back down the stage and then pointed her towards her family. I don't know what to think about his little romance! He's three for goodness sakes and is already putting the moves on cute babes!

After church, as per Sunday tradition, we all threw on our jammies and had a yummy Sunday dinner. After dinner, we watched our family home videos together: the boys' births, family vacations, holidays, the kids' firsts, and tender family moments. So many good memories, so much to look forward to.

39 weeks! Among the many slightly offensive/ignorant comments people make while you're pregnant, today at church I walked past a little girl and overheard her say to her mom, "look, mom, she ate a baby!" I'm not really sure what to make of that comment exactly, but I'm pretty sure if small children are pointing and staring at me I must look freakishly large and in charge.

With baby number three due any day, I feel such a multitude of emotions: excitement, anticipation, joy, a little anxiety and trepidation, but mostly just gratitude. I look at those two cute boys in my arms in the photo above and can't believe that I could be so lucky to be chosen to be their mother. How can I ask for more? It feels too good to believe that I get to have another sweet baby boy. I love him already and feel overwhelmed with the blessing of being his mother. I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for trusting me with these three special spirits. My heart is full. I can't wait to meet my new son!

Mad Skillz!

I admit, I've got an addiction to couponing. Its exhilerating! I often walk out of the supermarket with bags of groceries and feel almost giddy about the savings! I just can't believe this kind of shopping isn't stealing because I feel like I made out like a bandit!
Today I reviewed my sales ad, made my grocery list, clipped my coupons, made my game plan, and then hit the supermarket.

What I bought:
2 boxes of diapers (Pampers!)
8 boxes of cereal
4 gallons of orange juice
3 gallons of milk
2 boxes of Capri Sun
4 bottles of shampoo
3 board games

Total Out of Pocket: $42.13

Total Saved: $107!!! Seriously, you can't even buy 2 boxes of Pampers for less than $40, people!
cha-ching! A penny saved is a penny earned, right??

stats and such

Max turned 18 months old last week and I have been waiting to post his stats until I got a decent picture, but thats not happening, so....

Max is in the 95% for each of his measurements--just an all around big guy!

Weight: 31 lbs
Height: 34 inches
Head: 19.5 inches

Some things about Max:

- He loves to say "No!" Unless you ask him if he wants a cookie, his response to every question is 'no' whether he means it or not.
- Max is still a momma's boy, but I am noticing a little independent streak emerging. He wants to do things by himself: eat, brush his teeth, put on his shoes, etc
- Max loves to play at the park and can go down the slide all by himself. He can literally spend an hour just climbing up the equipment, sliding down the slide, and repeating the circuit over and over.
- Max is not a fan of nursery. Due to time constraints with our callings, we've adopted the 'drop-off' method. Within a few minutes Max will have worked himself up into such a fit of hysteria that the nursery leader brings him right back to us.
- In the evenings, Max loves to go wild, chasing after Hank, marching in place, and dancing like he's got ants in his pants.

Max is an absolute joy to our family. While I've seen a glimpse of those terrible twos, he just has such a simple, happy spirit that makes it impossible not to love him. I love you, Max!



In the spirit of equality, I couldn't not post about Hank. Hank is my number one best buddy. I just love his company. From the moment he wakes up until the moment he goes to sleep, I am constantly amazed at Hank's thoughtful comments and questions. He is such a bright and complex little boy. I have to say, he is an able opponent when it comes to negotiating and bargaining. I love you, Hankie boy!

Baby Sprinkle

Last week two of my girlfriends, Liz and Brittani, were so sweet and hosted a "Baby Sprinkle" party for me. Since I'm expecting my third boy, I've got most of the baby gear covered, but it was still really nice to feel the support of my friends--and I scored tons of diapers! Wahoo!
It seems that babies come in waves in our ward, so this is a picture of a few of the other expecting mammas, in order of impending due dates: me, Lanette, Liz, Mindy, and Brittani. I'm excited that my little guy will have so many close playmates:)

Thanks to everyone who came, and especially to Liz and Brittani--thanks for making me feel special:)

Men Are From Mars

So, today on our way to church I had one of those fun, pregnancy-homone-induced, little emotional meltdowns, where I felt like my entire body resembled a small whale. Specifically, I was complaining to Aaron about how I felt like my ankles were swollen and gigantic looking. Aaron takes a look at my ankles, and in his characteristically sensitive manner (note sarcasm) replies, "Well...do you have any longer dresses??" Fantastic. Thanks a bunch. I feel so much better about myself now.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

How can this boy not make you smile? Max is my ray of sunshine. He is an absolute joy to our family. Max is just hands down the happiest little boy I know. He wakes up happy, he's happy most of the day long, and he goes to bed happy. Lately, when Max sees me coming with my camera, he pulls his binky out, and gives me this great big open-mouthed smile.

I guess its because Max has such a happy-go-lucky personality, that I find it kind of comical that he also has a little temper. Up until now, I've just found it funny that when Max gets upset or frustrated he throws his own binky. Today he threw his first official fit and I got a small glimpse of what those terrible-twos have in store for me. I was missing a few things for our dinner, so Aaron made a quick run to the grocery store while I stayed home to work on the meal. Max couldn't make up his mind if he wanted to go or stay, so Aaron ended up taking Hank with him and leaving Max with me. Max was so upset that Aaron left, he screamed, threw his binky, shook a couple bar stools, slammed a door closed, threw some toys, and finally flung himself on the floor in a full-on fit. If it wasn't such a frightening look into the future, it would have just been funny.

the AZ

I think I'm definately ready for my vacation from my vacation! Don't get me wrong, we had a blast on our week-long family vacation to Arizona this past week, but, man, I AM EXHAUSTED! Here are a few highlights from our trip:

1) Enjoying the FANTASTIC sunshine!
Hank, Max, and I loved playing with my sister, Bobbi, and her kids, Aleah, Alex, Genevieve, Juliette, and Ian outdoors. We played at several different local parks, fed the ducks at a little pond, dug in the sandbox, and played in the backyard. The kids loved running around outside and I couldn't get enough of the heat!

2) In 'N Out

It was so yummy we ate there twice! Of course, one of my favorite parts of any vacation is the EATING!


3) The Mariners

This picture says it all. Aaron was literally in heaven to fulfill one of his lifelong dreams: to watch the Mariners' play at spring training. We parked ourselves on the lawn, sat on blankets, ate snacks and treats, watched the game, and soaked up that wonderful Arizona sunshine. Max even got in a little snooze!

4) The Fam

The vacation turned into a bit of a family reunion for the Grover family. We got to spend time with Aaron's parents, his brother and his family, Aaron's aunt and uncle, and four of Aaron's cousins and their families! We played at the ballgames, the kids ran wild, we went swimming, we barbequed, and we caught up and visited together. Its always fun when the Grovers get together. Sadly, I didn't get a family picture taken with the Cooks (my sisters' family). Living a few states away from each other, I don't get to see my sister very often, so I just loved simply spending time with her and her family and getting to know each of her kids a little better. The Cooks were unbelievably hospitable in letting us stay with them, feeding us, making us feel so comfortable, and treating our kids like one of the bunch. Thank you!!

5) The Workout

Fun, food, and family aside, the vacation was a workout! Keeping the kids happy on a four hour airplane ride by myself (think four sacrament meetings!) with Max sitting in my virtually non-existent lap was a major accomplishment.

I know the boys had a blast, but by the end of the week the lack of naps, the lack of schedule, and the massive amount of junk food definately caught up with them and caused a few major meltdowns.

Baby boy gave me a run for my money, threatening to make his arrival in Arizona. A combination of pushing my nine-month pregnant body a little harder than I should and a reaction with a bad antibiotic, set me up for some serious queaziness and fierce contractions, causing me at one point to even have to stop for a little IV rehydration. Thanks, Paul!

All in all, the vacation was such a wonderfully needed break from our daily routine, a lot of fun, and a great time with family....we're thinking about making the AZ trip a new spring tradition!?

March Madness

My "To-Do" List This Month:

- enjoy a sunny week visiting family and scouting the Mariners in Arizona
- 2 weeks of teaching joyschool with five crazy three-year-olds
- plan sharing times for primary
- attend 40 hours of mediation certification in Olympia
- babysit 8 month old nephew for a week

...oh ya, and, if I'm really feeling like an over-achiever (and luck goes my way), deliver our baby boy!