last week of summer

With taking the kids out of school early for our move, this summer has been LONG. I am ready for school to start next week.

As this week was approaching I kept vascillating between what kind of a week we were going to have. Was I going to get my nose to the grindstone and have the kids work work work all week to make the house all nice and spotless or was I gonna just relax and let them relax and have fun. My "what good mommy's SHOULD do" radar was telling me to do the first. But my "Erin" radar was telling me the latter. All in all, I decided somewhere in between. We spent yesterday at the zoo and Monday at a park and I think I will take them to a museum this afternoon. But we do need to clean bedrooms first because as it is they won't be able to find anything come the first day of school. Ana, through diligent teethbrushing earned getting her ears pierced. She had been begging and so I figured we could compromise and she could earn it. It does look pretty cute.

On Tuesday Dave got off work early so he could go to my doctor's appointment with me. I ended up waiting for FOREVER because I guess I wasn't checked in, even though I thought I was and so that was a pain. But it was pretty exciting because we found out:

So, that's pretty exciting. I was thinking girl, so I was surprised. It definitely makes the sleeping arrangements easier because Ana was really petitioning to move upstairs with the baby. But now it is settled nicely.

The kids found out who their teachers are for school and are exciting because they each have a good friend in their class. Dave and I were reflecting last night about how blessed we have been to find this neighborhood. When deciding our rank list, I was especially worried about finding a good neighborhood here in Utah that would fit our needs. One of our main concerns was the social aspect for Ana. In Vermont, we did not go to church with even 1 little girl her age. She had great friends at school and church, but we lived so far away from them that it was hard for to really form good friendships. We prayed that we would find some place that had good friends for Ana: kids her age that she could run around with all summer and still see at school and church and have that continuity of friendships. Finding this place has been perfect. The kids in the neighborhood are kind and fun and they want to play with her.  Not all of them go to church and not all of them go to the same school, but they all have welcomed her.  The ward is great. Everyone we talk to really likes the school. Plus it is a short commute for Dave. I know that we could not have found such a perfect place without God's guidance. We were led to it.

We have a few more fun activities planned for the weekend. (Since Dave has the WHOLE WEEKEND OFF! Hooray!) and then school starts and it will just be me and little Katie for a few months before little brother joins us in January. Things have a way of working out just right.

our summer

First of all, there is this:

So naturally, there has been a lot of this: 

Because I am dead tired and nauseated all. the. time. But that's how it goes.

There has also been this:

Which I never get tired of. Even if our swamp cooler is marginal at best and it is stinking hot. I am not complaining.

And there is all of this:

So overall, I am not complaining. Life is good, my friends. Life is good.

what i did today

I had a baby today. That makes me happy!

7 lb 12 oz, 20.5 inches, 7:39 p.m.

More to come.

pillow talk

I've been feeling a little anxiety about having this baby. For the last 3 years we've had this perfect balance in the house. Not that everything goes perfectly, but it felt balanced anyway. I worry that the new baby will throw that off, and I'm about to be whacked by a pillow unawares - like this, but metaphorically:

(Hopefully I can just laugh it off like Jack did.)

And my kids. Oh, how I love my kids. I think they can already sense the changes coming. Poor Ana - Mommy's not quite as energetic, Daddy's home all the time, a new baby is coming, and the uncertainty of Kindergarten is looming. It's rough being 5 around these parts, and she is starting to show it.

And then Jack is turning into a rough-housing little kid. He tackles Ana all the time. He's a little wild and crazy and has been running circles around me lately.



The doctor says the baby may come this weekend. I think I'm going to put my list of "should-do-before-the-baby-comes" aside and just be Mommy for a few days.

The floor will get mopped eventually.

And my kids are pretty darn awesome.

(I found Ana asleep like this the other night.)

a few things about the baby in my tummy

(Photo Booth snapshot. I have resigned myself to the fact that I am either non-photogenic, or just funny looking. Oh, well.)

*I am 32 weeks pregnant.

*She is super wiggly. Not so much in the way Ana was - Ana was aggressive with hard punches and kicks - but more in a "I can't get comfortable" way. My tummy is constantly moving. Dave thinks it looks like an alien is about to burst out of my stomach covered in goo - very x-files/independence day/any other alien show-esque.

*I am measuring about 4 weeks behind. I was only 2 weeks behind, and 2 weeks ago they did an ultrasound and everything looked fine. But today I went back to the doc and not only have I not grown at all, but I've lost weight. My total weight gain at this point is 6 pounds. If the trend continues, they will do yet another ultrasound next time I go in. I am also anemic.

*I am way more uncomfortable with this pregnancy than I ever was with Ana or Jack. My pelvic bone feels like it's going to crack, I hobble around for the first 15 minutes after I wake up, I toss and turn all night, and I have been getting very bad lower leg cramps. (Though I generally use them as a reason to practice my breathing). Those things make me feel like a whiner, so usually I tell people that I feel great, which is mostly true.

*I am anxious to set up the crib, sort all my baby clothes and get everything ready for the little angel. But I am resisting. Mostly because we want to paint her dresser and the girls' room and I don't want to carry everything up from the basement by myself, and Dave gets done with school on Friday.

*We are super excited for our little girl!!!

*** this sat in my draft for a while. I don't want to forget the moment, though the thought is incomplete ***

I was in bed this morning, in the semi-conscious state between awake and asleep, and I felt the baby kick. I mean really kick. For several weeks I've felt her move around most evenings, but this time was different. Very Chuck Norris-esque. My eyes came open and I lay still for several minutes, hoping to feel it again. A few more times, and then she stopped, and I drifted back to sleep.

I'm 22 weeks along. In some ways it seems like it's going quickly, but I feel so anxious for this little baby to be in our family, and really August can't come soon enough. Ana and Jack like to hug and kiss my belly and tell the baby they love her.

a visit from grandma and grandpa

Dave's parents have been serving a mission in West Virginia for the last year. Last week their term of service was up, and they started their trek home to Idaho. But first they came up to visit. Hooray! Ana and Jack were so so so excited to have Grandma and Grandpa come. They were only here for two days, so we were sure to pack those days full of fun. Sunday after church we visited the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in Sharon, Vermont. On the way home we stopped at the Round Church in Richmond.

Monday Dave played hooky and we went Ice skating, out to lunch on Church Street, then to the Echo Aquarium and Science Center. They thought it was fun to see Ana so attentive to the worker who was feeding the frogs. She sure soaks up everything there is to know about animals.

Tuesday morning Ana had a dentist appointment, so they stayed with Jack. When we got home they got ready and left. The kids (and me and Dave too) were sad to see them go so soon, but we know they have lots of family and friends anxiously awaiting their return back home.

While we are on the subject of in-laws: I know a lot of people have complaints about their in-laws, and I guess I am one of the lucky few who doesn't. Dave's parents are wonderful. They are generous and kind and are always willing to help. Dave's mom never complained about my housekeeping (or lack thereof) when we were living with them. She was always supportive and respectful of my decisions in parenting too. I can't think of a better family to have married into. I love them all so much and I felt right at home from the very start with all of them. Happy Birthday Mom L!!!



Oh, and one more thing.....

We are having a GIRL!!! (And we have one very excited big sister!)

this time around

I'm feeling pretty good. Yesterday was my 13 week mark.

Here is a summary of my first trimester with baby #3:

*I'm craving: steak, pizza (although it never tastes as good as it sounds), citrus fruits (clementines, grapefruit and pineapple, specifically) and once I had a donut craving that hit so suddenly and so forcefully that Dave ran to the nearest 24 hour Dunkin' Donuts at 10 pm just for me.

*I have an aversion to: chocolate, and most "sweets."

*Though my tummy hasn't shrunk at all, all my pants feel looser. Maybe its the aversion to sweets?

*Every day I eat Frosted Mini Wheats first thing in the morning, a popeye egg for second breakfast, and for lunch a pb and honey half-sandwich, chips, some sort of fruit and a glass of milk. After that, I feel pretty good the rest of the day. Especially if I get a nap!

*Ana is super excited about having another baby. She talks about it a lot and mentions it to everyone.

I think I was sicker with Jack than I am now, but its hard to remember for sure. Maybe the two kiddos are distracting me a bit, but I'm pretty sure I remember throwing up once or twice every day with him, if not more. With the exception of the week before Christmas when I felt miserable, I've been feeling much better. Maybe it helps that I'm not changing any stinky diapers. Or maybe it means we're having another girl.

for reals

Today I saw a happy sight: A little flicker of a heart beat.

Baby #3 is on its way - for reals. Another summer baby. :)

I've been sick, which is promising. I've never been so grateful for barf.

Ana asked if I can ride a donkey now. Jack told me he doesn't want my stomach to get big.


I think 2011 will be a great year for our family. (Resolutions coming soon!)

number three

About 6 weeks ago I found out I was expecting #3 in January.

This week I found out that I am not.

This is my 3rd miscarriage: one before each of the kids. Each one has been harder than the one before.

But a series of events have brought me comfort and peace from a loving Heavenly Father. I know that He has a plan for me and for our family. I have been amazed at the outpouring of love from friends and family that have come our way. I know we are going to be okay.

I've been thinking a lot lately about the different trials everyone has. I have friends and family that have lost parents, lost jobs, lost children, struggled with infertility, and have children with disabilities. And I feel very blessed. I kiss my beautiful children extra these days. What a wonderful blessing is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jack David Larsen

Was born yesterday at 10:00pm

For pictures go to Dave's blog post here.

(Erin is still in the hospital, everything went very well. She will be home tomorrow.)

No news is good news

Well, still no baby. But the doctor said I can get up and do whatever now that I'm full term. More importantly, Dave is done with the MCAT! Yay! He felt he did well enough, so we'll see in 4 weeks what his score is.

Ana has been such a happy little girl lately. Must be all the attention from all the family we have here. She knows almost all the cousins around here by name, and loves to play with them. She, of course, still loves playing with her daddy. Here she is being thrown up in the air. She asks for this game by name: "ceiling."
I never thought she would be so fearless! We often go out to Rick's place to check progress on the apartment, and she loves all the animals out there: the kitty, Trix (their dog) and the cows. She follows Trix around or wants Trix to follow her ("c'mon Trix," she says.) Recently she felt brave enough to pick the kitty up herself. A few days later we were at Amy's seeing their new kitties and Ana loved them. Though now all she remembers is "kitty poke dress." (The kitties nails kept getting caught on her dress.)
She loves to sing, too. I still haven't caught it on video yet, but some of her favorite songs are "Twinkle, Twinkle", and "You are my Sunshine." The other night she requested that I sing the "temple song" (I love to See the Temple) at bedtime. She talks all day, and pays attention to anything we talk about. She understands so much, too! She's so smart.

36 weeks

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. I'm down to the last of this. Actually, baby might be coming sooner than we thought. The doctor told me to try to take it easy for the next week or we'll have a baby by the weekend. The baby has dropped and I am really feeling it in my lower back. I can barely life my legs to get dressed. Mostly I feel pretty good, though. I did want the baby to be a little early so that is exciting that I'm already starting. Dave takes the MCAT next Tuesday and he's been studying hard. Just as long as the little guy can wait until he's done with that, I'll be satisfied. I definitely didn't think the baby would come before our apartment was finished. It would be nice to be in our own place, but I think they'll be a lot of good things about living with Dave's parents when the baby comes. Luckily, the baby stuff, though not with us, is very accessible, so I'll probably go over and get it soon.

28 weeks

I can't believe I'm actually posting this picture, but here you go. This is how big I am right now.

I like to think that I'm not really as big as this picture makes me look. Mostly, I've been pretty dissatisfied with my body the last few weeks. Not so much how I look, but how I feel. I don't really feel sick, and I don't really feel tired. I just feel... blah. I never felt like this with when I was pregnant with Ana. I think I've gained a little more weight this last month. It probably has something to do my CONSTANT sugar cravings. With Ana, I ate fresh fruits and veggies all the time. All I want right now is candy and sweets - starburst jellybeans, Reese's Pieces eggs, cookies, ice cream, etc. I'm usually pretty conscious of what I eat, but not the last few weeks. I also think it has to do with my lack of exercise. With all the snow just starting to melt, its hard to get out and about. Its still pretty cold and really wet. With Ana I was going to school so I walked around campus a lot. Now I just stay home or drive. So, I think I need to start cutting out the sugar, eating more fruits and veggies, (even if they don't sound good) and getting out for walks more. I think I'll feel much better if I do.

Tomorrow I have my 28 week doctor appointment. Its the yucky glucose test. I'm not really looking forward to drinking that stuff again.

little baby boy

So, knowing that we're having a boy, I always go and check out the boy clothes everywhere. I went through all of Ana's old clothes to see if there was anything we could use for a boy. I did find a few things, but mostly we gotta start all over. I've bought a few things here and there to start our stock, and my mom and others have also given us some adorable things. I've also noticed that I don't really love the little white blessing outfits for boys. I think the dresses for girls are so pretty and there is such a variety! But when looking for boys, there isn't much. I'm not really in love with the white tuxedos - they look cute, but not really our style. So I decided I wanted to find a white sweater vest. I know its a little pre-mature, but we found this sweater vest at Old Navy and knew it was perfect. So we ordered it yesterday. We already have a little white polo to go under it, and then we'll just make some white pants. I think its going to be adorable! Plus, he can wear this vest more than just on his blessing day. I loved Ana's blessing dress, but she only wore it the once and it makes me a little sad. Anyway, to make the $5 shipping worth it, I also ordered this hat for the summer and this onesie set. I bought the onesies in 3-6 months, since its long sleeved and we don't have anything that size yet.


















I'm having a hard time getting "boy" in my head. I call our baby "her" or "she" and I've even dreamt it was a little girl. Of course, the ultrasound couldn't have been any clearer. Its probably because 3 of my siblings have had little girls this winter, and I am used to having a girl now.

We have a couple names picked out, and I just want to decide so we can start calling him that - mostly to get my mind used to the idea. I'm starting to get really baby hungry, and some days I even feel like I'm "nesting." I've been cleaning house all day today. I've gone through all of Ana's clothes and labeled her girl clothes boxes. We even bought a dresser for the kids' room. I feel this anxiety over getting things ready for the baby. And I still have 3+ months!

So, now we know...

that we're having a BOY. We're really excited. I thought for sure we were having another girl. Almost all my siblings thought it was gonna be a girl, too. I was all ready to get out Ana's pretty little dresses. So now I've had to totally adjust. (But thats why its so great to find out now instead of waiting.) We went to Wal-Mart yesterday and bought a little boy onesie that we like. I like to have Ana say hi to the "baby in mommy's tummy." She comes over and rests her head on my stomach and says, "hi, baby." Today I've been pushing "hi, brother." Its cute when she says it. She doesn't really get it though. She has also done it to my hand. I think she just thinks its a fun game. But now it'll be fun to pick a name, find some cute clothes and all that fun stuff to get ready for our little man to come. Yeah!

Pink or Blue #2

In two days (Thursday) we find out if our baby is a boy or girl. Yay! We're excited. We found out with Ana and they were positive she was a girl. We figure its a surprise either way - you're surprised at 5 months or at 9. Besides, I like to choose a name, and buy a special "this baby only" outfit. Feel free to post your guess. Those who are right can have the satisfaction of knowing they guessed right. You've got a 50-50 chance.

Dave is afraid that if this one is a girl, we'll never have a boy. You have to understand that girls run in my family. I have 7 sisters and only 1 brother. My oldest sister has 5 girls and another due any day - no boys. Now I know from biology that it is the husband that carries the gender, but studies have shown that the wife has certain biological influences over the gender.

As for preference, I don't have one. It would be cool to have a boy. Then Dave would have a little buckaroo and we'd have one of each. Plus then I could dress him in little polo shirts and khakis and buy all sorts of cute boy clothes. It would also be cool to have a girl. I love some of the little dresses Ana grew out of so fast. And I could keep her room pink. And Ana could have a younger sister to be friends with. So, really I don't mind either way.



Now that I have a baby bump, or as my sister said, "starting to look pudgy," (I took it as a compliment.) I am getting really excited. I suppose the fact that one sister just had a little baby in Dec and my brother just had a baby girl yesterday (see picture) and my oldest sister is due any day with a baby, I have babies on my mind. Also the fact that had I not miscarried last June, I would be having my baby now too.

So, guess away. Is it a pink or blue #2?

Things I am loving this pregnancy

*Starbursts and Tootsie Rolls
*Target brand "Wildberry" fruit leather that my friend introduced me to and then gave me a whole bunch of them.
*When Dave gets up with Ana and lets me sleep a little longer.
*Pretty bland foods - Steak and potatoes, chicken and rice, turkey sandwiches
*Apples, (but I can't just bite into them. I have to cut off chunks with a knife) and grapes
*Potato Chips
*Ana's nap time (aka my naptime)
*Eggs - I eat one every morning and sometimes I hard boil one in the afternoon too.

Things I don't like that I liked when pregnant with Ana:

*Pretzels
*carrots and ranch dressing
*mexican food

I've also been craving Italian food for a couple days now, but I have yet to eat any

I feel so different this time than I did with Ana, it makes me think we are having a boy. But I really can't imagine having a boy. I'm so used to girl stuff. We'll find out in a few months I guess.

At the doctor

Wow, two posts in one day. I had my first doctor's appointment today. Everything looks great. What a relief! We saw the little heartbeat and everything. They did set my due date back a few days (which I figured would happen). I'm due June 15. So, I'm about 9 weeks along. Dave thought (or ate least joked about it) that we were gonna have twins. But there is only one in there and it looks good. Yay! If it goes like it did with Ana, I only have about 3 or 4 more weeks of feeling icky. I hope its not longer than that. I'm tired of being sick.

a little random

*pregnancy brain is starting. last night while dave and i were playing "5 crowns" (a card game), i dropped a bowl of salsa and it got all over dave. then as i was sitting here, i spilled my water and my salad within about 5 minutes of each other.

*Ana can say "key" and "coat." she learns new words every day. its really cute.

*this weekend is stake conference. i always like it, but i'm having a hard time getting going before 12 or 1, so we'll see how it goes tomorrow.

*dave cleaned up the front room and vacuumed tonight. that was nice of him.

*i still need to do dishes and some laundry and clean the laundry room tonight. how fun!

*i better go get busy.

*here is another pic of Ana playing outside the other day.