Nana Time

It was so nice to have Nana here while I was in the hospital. She made her time with the boys a blast for them. Each day she had a new little present for Adam and Zachary to open which entertained them for hours. They loved it. Cookie making was also part of the fun activities that they got to do with Nana. Fozen cookie balls are Zachary's most favorite treat so he was in his own littel heaven. It mad me feel so good to know that while I was down for the count my older boys were happy.

Bath time with nana became a spray festival. Nana gave the boys spray guns and they had a blast spraying eachother with them. Nana sat out side of the bath tub and squeeled every time the boys sprayed the door. They LOVED it!

Andrew David Engstrom

Welcome Andrew David Engstrom to our family.

Born: March 21st, 2011

7lbs. 5oz. 20"

with a full head of hair

Contractions started Sunday morning as I was getting ready for church. The plan for that day was that I would take the boys to church while Josh went to the airport to pick up my mom. Josh convienced me not to go to church and it wasn't too hard to convience me because I was very uncomfortable. We ended up not going to church at all, Adam told me how he was so disappointed that he didn't get to go and that he missed primary. I never thought that I would hear those words pass the lips of Adam's mouth but he never fails to surprise me.

The contractions kept on coming but my mom told me that it was probably just braxton hicks contractions. They kept me up all night long and they were getting closer there wer about 3-5min apart. It was about then that I thought I should call the dr. and ask what is the protocall. He told me that he would meet me at the hospital. So we went and when the nurse the checked me I was diolated 7cm. After that things went pretty fast. I asked if I could continue and have a vagital birth but after 2 sections they told me that it was too risky. So I signed all of the paper work and went to the operating room around 6:00am and by 6:46 am Andrew David Engstrom was born. After I came out of recovery they brought Andrew to me and he latched right on and snuggeled. He is so sweet and perfect.

Adam's first one-on-one date

Back in January we started a responsibility chart with Adam. We came up with a way for him to do some daily tasks and by the end of the week if he performed then he would get a reward. One of the rewards is a night out with mom and that is the one that he picked first.

It made me feel really good that out of all of the rewards he would pick he wanted one on one time with me. We ended up taking a Saturday afternoon to go get lunch as our favorite bagel shop. We had a nice time together. I feel like his confidence is growing and he delights in the praise from his mom. He is such a good boy. He really wants to please.

I am now a MVM

Yes, I am now a MVM (mini van mom). After searching on the internet, calling, going to several dealers, and a couple of date nights I found the one. In our search we had been burned by some people scooping up the cars that we had appointments for. One time we drove a long way to see a couple of vans just to be told that they had sold them the saturday before. So when I saw this odyssey '05 EX-L with only 75k on it I decided not to wait until the weekend. I forced the whole family out there on a Thursday evening. Everything was right about it: the automatic doors, leather interior, over all cleanliness and the warranty. I really liked it but I was hesitant to fall in love. After Josh talked with the salesman and saw all of the records etc..... he made the deal! I'm really REALLY glad that I forced my family out the door that night because on Saturday when we went to go pick it up the salesman told us that he had three other people come in and ask to see that odyssey.

What a relief to have this big chore done. Now I feel like this little guy can come. All of the big stuff is out of the way.

The boys were so excited. We had been talking about getting a big car for a long time and Saturday the boys finnally got one. They call the auto doors magic. Zachary wanted to stop by his friend's house to show off his big car. I love that they are so happy...I'm really happy too.

Valentine's Day

It was a tiring day. I started laundry, went to the store, & grabbed juice boxes for Adam's class. then dragged Zachary to Adam's school where I was carring in a heavy load and having contractions the whole way into the school and to his class. I discovered that Adam had forgotten to tell his teacher everything that we talked about this morning including his lunch money.

From there I ran home to put groceries away and then ran out to regiester the boys for swim classes, came back scarffed some lame food, and went to the Dr. I found out that everyone is healthy and that I lost a pound since the last visit. That was a bonus!

This whole time I'm having braxton hicks and just getting really worn out. I had a few minuets before I had to go and pick up Adam so I turned on the TV for Zachary and I layed down. Ahhhh.

I'm picking up Adam and I see him coming out upset and crying. He didn't want to leave his star student items in the class and I of course wanted him too. We had a little friction and he won but it took everything out of me. From that point on I saw all of the hurtels that I had to get through (ie: homework, dinner making, serving, and trying to get the boys to eat, clean up, FHE, video games, bedtime, etc.) and just caused me to get emotional. Feeling that I needed a break I excused my self to my room where I was followed. Thanks Kathryn for talking with me and listening to all of my complaints.

I got some really nice v-day surprises. Adam did his homework with out giving my any guff, I just warmed up some leftovers and gave the boys some hot dogs, and Josh came home with all of the v-day things. He came in with a dozen roses, chocolate, & a card that made me cry. I've never considered myself a sucker for these goodies but after the day that I had it made me melt. No matter what day it is I really do feel loved and my boys genuienly think that I'm pretty. Just tonight Adam was telling me that he loves my eyes and my beautiful eye lashes. I'm a very lucky mom and even luckier wife. Even though I had a tiring day in the end it was a very nice v-day.

Moments to be remembered

Sunday morning Zachary came into our bedroom with his filghty hair wagging and sassy kitty under his arm. I knelt down to greet him with a good morning hug and sweet kiss. Then after I got my greetings he went to my belly and gave it a hug and a kiss too and declared "I love babies." I know that he will be a very attentive older brother.



As I was getting ready for church and putting my make-up on Adam was on our bed. He called out "let me see you mom" I peeked around the corner and Adam said "you look pretty mom."

What a sweetie!



Ok, here is a belly picture. I can see why I haven't handed Josh the camera and made him take my picture lately. Oh well, it is what it is.

Pregnancy

So yeah, I'm about 33 weeks pregnant. We are having another little boy and we are expecting him to come into our family March 24th, 2011. We plan on naming him Andrew David Engstrom. We are really excited for him to be a part of our family.

For the past couple of Sundays I've been away at other meetings for the stake and so no one at church has seen me. So today I guess I surprised everyone at how big my body has gotten. The comments were many. I can't believe what comes out of people's mouths to a pregnant woman. The best comment that was said to me today was "Wow, you look more uncomfortable than someone who has swallowed a whole elephant."

What do I say to that? I think just smiled and said "yep." and laughed uncomfortably.