Praise Pregnancy

I have never been one of those women who just love being pregnant. As a matter of fact I actually have a difficult time coping with the fatness, hormones, stretch marks, and comments from others. But this pregnancy I have decided to embrace it. I think that one main reason is because I know it is my last pregnancy ever! I have always wanted to have a professional photographer take those really nice 'belly' pictures of me when I was pregnant but was always too em brassed of my big belly, and stretch marks, not to mention too grumpy. Well for valentine's day this year, that is just what Richard bought me. Last night we had our pictures done and it was a great experience for all of us. I love the photos and wish I could post them all but here are a few of my favorites. (Isn't my husband the greatest?) Halie was insistent that we take one of just her and my belly.

CANCER FREE!!

We got the official word that Halie is cancer free! It is what we have been waiting for since she was diagnosed. When I told Halie that she was cancer free, she burst into tears. This is the most emotion she has shown about any of this. I just held her and told her how proud her Daddy and I were of her. She is an inspiration. This morning there was a radio-athon for St. Jude Children's Hospital, and people were telling stories of their children's battle with cancer. Many of the stories ended in death and I was moved to tears. I am so thankful that healing was a part of Heavenly Father's plan for Halie. I am thankful for the faith that all of you had and the many prayers that were offered in her behalf. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us all. When Halie was first diagnosed I couldn't figure out why it had to be Halie. Going through this ordeal has taught our family, and especially me, so many things about love, faith and compassion. It has changed me forever. Thank you all.

Family Time

We finally got some time to hang out as a family. It was really nice. We were also celebrating Halie's good news at the Pizza Parlor, and then went to get some ice cream. It was a really nice day and long overdue!

What's up with that?

So...at church today, I walked into a conversation between Richard and the Bishop. Bishop Nelson was telling Richard about how his wife had twisted her ankle and it was just massively swollen. Then he says, and I quote, "It was so big,it made your wife's legs look small." What's up with that? Richard and I just looked at him blankly not knowing what to say. When he realized his huge foot was in his huge mouth he quickly said, "That's a compliment." Hmmmm...... Probably not something an 8 1/2 month pregnant woman wants to hear.

Preliminary results

As most of you know Halie had a CAT scan on wednesday to make sure that she is cancer free. Her oncologist, Dr. Zwerdling, called me today and told me that the preliminary report looked great and that there was no sign of any cancer left. The final results will be in on wednesday and we will let everyone know. But for now we are so hopeful and encouraged! I'm attaching a picture of Halie showing off her new hair growth. She is so happy about it.

AND IT'S A.......

Those of you who know me, know that I have no patience at all. Richard was really wanting the sex of the baby to be a surprise since it's our last. I was all good with that until I realized that I really wasn't! So I had an ultrasound yesterday. The ultrasound was so cool. It was displayed on a 60 inch flat screen TV right in front of me. I was amazed by the 4D images. I saw the baby sucking on it's hand, and smiling. The baby was sleeping and the ultrasound tech kept pressing on my belly to get the baby to move. Finally after about 30 minutes the baby stirred a little and made some really cute faces. It was a great experience. I went in knowing that we were having a boy. I was proven wrong when I saw without a doubt that we are having another girl! I wasn't as sad as I thought I would be and I think it's because of the 4D images. I suddenly feel like my Aunt Kim and Uncle Lee (who also have 4 daughters). We like the name Natalie, but are not positive yet. I took a few pics off of the DVD so they are not the best, but it's fun to see. By the way, this baby is following in her sisters footsteps...literally. She has huge feet like the other 3!

Single mom?

It was amazing how many people approached me at church today to tell me that they had seen my husband last week (at applebees of course). My response each time was "Oh how nice that someone saw him!" He has been working so much lately and I have taken for granted how much he really does help me. It's so nice to have a break from "mom - she hit me!" and "mom can you do this for me!" and "mom, mom, mom, mom!" I salute all the single parents. I have never thought that would be an easy job and since having a taste of it I understand a little more. I can't wait normality to return to our house (just in time for it to be turned upside down again with a new baby). Here are some cute pictures from the park day yesterday. They are from Bidwell park in Chico which is one of the largest parks in the country, next to central park.

Halie's wish!!

So Halie is getting a wish granted by the make a wish foundation. We learned several months ago about this but it has been kind of a slow process. Her wish is to go to Disney World in Orlando and stay in the princess castle. Finally yesterday I got a phone call from her wish coordinator Maria. I learned that the princess castle (for whatever reason) is out of the question until 2009, so Halie could wait until next year or choose to stay at a resort called 'Give Kids The World.' When a Disney World wish is granted the kids normally stay at this resort. She sent me a link so Halie could see it and instantly forgot about the princess castle. It is an amazing place. We would stay in a 2 bed/2 bath villa. There is a movie theater, an ice cream palace, a restaurant where you can dine with any of the Disney characters, pools, arcades, and so much more. And it's all free. As many movies as you want, all the ice cream etc... So that is the tip of the iceberg. Maria told me what the wish en tales and it's unbelievable. It's a 6 night, 7 day vacation. Someone will pick us up at our house and drive us to the airport. When we arrive in Orlando, there will be a greeter there at the gate with a huge sign for Halie! The greeter will have a rental car for us. We will have passes for magic kingdom, epcot center, animal kingdom, sea world, universal studios, and Disney MGM. There are shuttles that run every 15 minutes to and from the resort to all the park which is really convenient with kids. They also will give a check for food and souvenirs for everyone in the family. $60/per day per person (including the baby) for food. And $60 per person for souvenirs. They will also develop all of our film, and have a scrapbook made for Halie! I was moved to tears that there are organizations like this for kids. Halie deserves this. There will be a wish granting party 3-5 days before we leave. If Halie's scans come back clean next week we would like to go at the end of May. So keep your calenders open for the party! by the way...these pictures obviously have nothing to do with Halie's wish but wanted to add some. And the picture of Richard was hilarious. He went through a mustache phase just to annoy me. It only lasted one night!