Crazy June

June is one of those months that, if you're anything like me, it seems like there's not enough time to take a deep breath, let alone get everything done! This year has been no exception, with the added bonus that now I do everything with a toddler AND an infant. Fun fun. Everything takes twice as much time now... not that I'm complaining. I love my girls! Here is just a snippet of what I've gotten to do SO FAR this month: We got Anthony registered for school at SLCC in the Automotive and Related Technologies major. This includes applying for financial aid and figuring out how we're going to make his school schedule work with his work schedule. June 3rd was "Little Valley's" blessing followed by a luncheon at our house after church. June 7th was Michelle's 30th birthday. June 9th we threw a surprise party for her. June 13th was Mom's 50th birthday. June 16th we threw a surprise party for her. Every Friday so far has been a "field trip Friday" where we go with my kids and Michelle's kids somewhere fun. I've been to the Gateway more times than I can count. I hope to start going to the gym in the evenings on most days, but I also hope to start having outings with the kids and Anthony. I would like to be able to go on bike rides, hikes and other such outings with them. I know it seems ridiculous that we don't already do those things... but like I said, it seems like there's never enough hours in the day. Now it will have to be something that we schedule, if we ever want to do it. June 28th is going to be Richard's 25th birthday and I am on the watch for dairy-free creamcheese so we can make him what he wants for his birthday... a dairy-free cherry cheesecake. Yum. All of this combined with fitting in the normal day-to-day activities of life. June is one of those months. I love summer!!!

Family Resemblance

I was looking through photos from my childhood and I came across a photo of me at 3 months old. I thought the comparison between me and our "Little Valley" was impressive... impressive enough to ask what you think? Do you see the resemblance or is it all in my imagination?

I also thought it would be fun to compare photos of both of the girls at about 2 months old. Have a look! Guess which is which. (for Amberlee, who obviously would know which is which... shhh! No telling. ^_^ )

I also wanted to let all our friends and family know that "Little Valley" is doing fine. She has gotten the all clear from her doctor. Now we're all just waiting to get over our colds. Alida, Valley and I have had colds for about a week and a half now. It was that cold that sent "Little Valley" to PCMC last Wednesday night. She was there until Friday morning. The only thing she tested positive for rhinovirus (the common cold, to you and me). It was enough of a virus and she was still young enough that it wreaked havoc on her immune system, lowering her white blood cell count and giving her a fever of 102 for a couple of days.

The last 2 days, Alida has been sick beyond her cold. She spent some time throwing up and she has had an upset tummy with the runs. My poor babies haven't had a very good time lately. I hope it gets better soon.

TAAA DAAA!!!

It's times like this when I regret getting rid of Facebook... but I digress. I've decided that I'm ok with sharing the baby's photos now. I don't really know why I wasn't before. Mostly, I think it was Anthony not wanting "too much information shared unnecessarily"... and I wasn't going to argue. Now, however, I've come to a point where I'm ok with her photos being posted. So, without further ado, Introducing: VALETTA PEARL HUNTER

I love my kids! (all 3 of them. ^_^ )

Perfection?

Today is one of those days that I would categorize as very nearly perfect.  It's not that nothing went wrong today or that everything we did would be considered desirable... On the contrary.  I took care of most of the laundry, cleaned alida's room (which badly needed it) and we had to run several errands, including a doctor appointment for the baby and a breastfeeding counseling appointment for me, all of which, I had to wake up early for.
All of that, however, pales in comparison to what I am doing right now.  Anthony and I eventually got tired of the days activities and we decided to change our evening.  We got the girls ready, strapped the baby to my front in the baby carrier, sat Alida in the bike trailer and then rode to Liberty Park where we are currently playing.  It was NOT an easy ride, especially considering I was transporting both girls with my bike, but the ride was so invigorating and refreshing and the weather is so perfect that the 55 extra pounds didn't matter.
It's nights like this that stay in my memory when we've moved and make me miss where we were.  It's nights like this that I hope I never forget.

WELCOME!!!

We are happy to announce that we have added a new addition to our family!
We welcomed a beautiful baby girl over the weekend.
She came after 14 hours of labor at 5:04am weighing 7lbs 11oz and measuring 20.5 inches long.
Mommy and baby are doing fine.  More info will be posted soon. :)

29

Happy birthday Anthony!  That's right.  Anthony is 29 today!
We were hoping that he'd get to share his birthday from now on... And we're not ruling it out... But after our "false alarm" last night and being sent home, I think we're starting to think she'll never come out!  *sigh*  Prodromal labor.
Here's hoping that Anthony still might have to share his birthday and if not, let's hope we can get her out soon!!

The Hunters

Take a breath

When I was woken up this morning at 7am, an hour earlier than I planned, I wasn't sure what to think.  You'd think I was woken up by my jumping belly or heartburn or some other pregnancy related reason, but when it was my husband waking me up, I didn't know what to think.  He had been awake for several hours, unable to get back to sleep due to his anxiety.  This is a relatively new concept for him.  Though we have one child already, this one is apparently very different.  He has been pacing and worrying, not sure how to handle everything, partly due to the "waiting game".  He can't decide if he wishes it would end sooner or wait until later. 
So, after a morning like this, when he is finally able to relax and forget what's on his mind, at least for the most part, I smile.
I caught this little gem this afternoon.  One of the first moments of quiet today.  It made me giggle at how cute it is.
Thank heavens for quiet times.

Preparations

Well, I guess the general concensus around here now is that we really need to start getting everything ready for the inevitable D-day.  After Anthony's heart attack this weekend over nothing being ready, we started trying to organize, clean and put everything together that needs to be... But it has been slow going.  We don't yet have even half of what we need to do done.  We have begun working on getting our bedroom ready mostly... And I think our slow pace is starting to unnerve both of us.

We have also been slacking off a ton though!  We have had plenty of time to get things done (well, more than we have) but we keep taking care of things that take us away from home or things that could definately wait... Case in point: a blessing dress.  We ventured to DI Saturday to see if we could find a piece of furniture that would work as the bottom half of a kitchen hutch (we have a top half...) and while there, we found an adorable little blessing dress.  It was kind of plain (not in a good way) and had a few ugly features that needed to be removed, but I figured that with a little creativity and a needle and thread, I could make it into something really cute.  So, instead of packing a hospital bag or cleaning the house, as I should be doing, I have spent this morning fixing and changing a blessing dress that we won't even need for at least 2 months.

At least I'm happy with the results.
Dress: $3
Ribbon and bling: $4
Having an adorable blessing dress for our daughter: Priceless

Oh, and on the side, I am hoping to find a little white bonnet to go with it.  If anyone sees one or knows how to make a simple one that I can "personalize" as well, let me know! :)

February 18th

I know I am posting this a day early... But a day early depends on where you are!!!

To my wonderful hubby, Anthony, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!  It has been 6 years of adventure, joy and love with my best friend.  I love you so much!  You are such a wonderful husband to me and father to our daughter(s).  I made the best decision of my life the day I said yes to you.

To my Jessica D.S.T.A. Furby living in Japan A.C.T.G.W... Who, judging by the name, is still currently living in Japan (hense the reference to time differences)... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  I hope your day is SUPER FANTASTIC FUN!  I loveses you and misses you and can't hardly wait for you guys to come back state-side and then come see me and my honey and FINALLY meet my girls!!!

PARTIES ALL AROUND!!!  *throws confetti*

Sympathies

I just wanted to post a message to my mother's cousins, Kendra and Brian and their families and to Mom's uncle Larry.  With the passing of Aunt Betty, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.  We love you all.

Valentines

I know this post is a couple of days late, but better late than never, right?
The last few days have been interesting, to say the least, and we're not done yet.
As most of you know, Anthony and I were married on February 18th, 2006.  This Saturday will mark our 6 year annniversary!
This has made Valentines day kind of obsolete between the 2 of us.  That might sound strange, but we would rather focus our attention (and money...) On the anniversary.  However, having children, we want to make Valentines Day all about loving them.  This said, we do want to get them something special or do something special with them on Valentines Day.  We don't want to be one of those "get the kids some candy and a generic stuffed animal" couple.  That just doesn't say "I love you" to me.  (Though I know, kids aren't really picky... It's just me.)
This year, we got Alida some candy (cause she is still only 4...), a pink shirt (her favorite color), a "Go Fish" game for kids and the game "Candy Land".   This is the kind of unexpected "special" stuff I mean.  Not your typical valentine.
I also did an activity with Alida and Michelle's little Sweetheart while her kids were here that day.  We made a chocolate cake, frosted it, put pink sprinkles all over it and then used heart cookie cutters to make chocolate heart cake stacks.  The girls each got to make their own and helped me make them for their parents.  They seemed to enjoy it!

I know with only one child right now, it may be a little easier to think of things to do.  We'll have to see what happens next year when we have 2!!!

Also, just an update, we have just 1 1/2 months until our due date!  (6 more weeks!!!)  We are so excited!  I think I am still in denial though.  We haven't gotten anything ready yet.  We are seriously slacking off.  I hope she comes early...

The bump

I figured that, since it's common knowledge that I am pregnant and I am almost 31 weeks along, that perhaps you'd like to see the bump.

On a side note, it has been brought to my attention that a couple of my cousins are also expecting.  Congrats ladies!

Photoshop fun

I've been having fun with photoshop the last couple of days turning pictures into "paintings".
It has been really interesting trying to figure it out.
I just thought I'd show you the 2 I've done. (and love!)

Progress

I just wanted to post a quick update about how things are going here.
Alida is growing smarter every day.  She and I are working on writing her letters and spelling her name.  She is catching on quickly and tells me often that she "wants to learn".
Anthony is still working for Napa auto parts and he enjoys it.  He loves getting to drive for work.  We are still planning on getting him into school this year, but it probably won't be until after the baby comes.  His work has approved him taking his first week of paid vacation starting when the baby comes.  I am glad we will have a week together when the baby comes.
I am at nearly 30 weeks and it shows.  Simple things like walking around are becoming harder and leave me in more pain than I remember having with Alida.  I also find that my energy wanes more, though that is normal, but it makes daily tasks harder to accomplish.  To anyone who's been pregnant, that will come as no surprise.
Our doctor tells us that the baby is growing perfectly.  She's exactly the size she should be.  My weight gain is on track (so far), and I'm hoping it stays that way.  I dread gaining even one pound and have to constantly remind myself that right now, it's necessary and it's ok. (It doesn't make me feel any better about it though.)
I have recently reintroduced myself to Zumba via the Wii game.  It has a setting on it to do just a single song and they have beginner routines.  Each individual song lasts between 4 and 6 minutes, depending on the song.  It makes them really easy to do just one.  I have to sit down after one song, though I can generally do 2 or 3 in a day and call it good.  (Fear not.  It has been approved by my doctor.)  The other funny thing is, though walking is especially painful, I can do a little Zumba and not be in any pain afterward.  In fact, I generally feel better.
Well, that's about it for now.  I hope to keep everyone updated as much as I can.
Love from,
The Hunters.

A Grand Day Out

Yesterday was one of those days that was fun enough, that I'll overlook how much I hurt and how irritated I was by the end.

The Sheets family invited Alida and I to join them at the Discovery Gateway yesterday while Brian went to see a movie.  The Sheets have a year pass for up to 6 people to get in. I am so glad.  We'd NEVER go if it weren't for that pass.  I mean, it's fun for the kids and all, but it is NOT worth the price of admission.  We can go to the zoo for the price they're asking.  But, I digress.

The kids had a blast.  They got to play with balls and in a house "supermarket" and a "farm" and in the water.  They got to play in a life flight helicopter and on a KSL 5 news set.  They got to play with science concepts like tornadoes and earthquakes. 
It was a jam packed couple of hours.  I can honestly say I have never been so grateful for elevators!

When we were done playing, it was time for Alida and I to pick up Anthony from work.  We walked back to the car, I put Alida in her seat and I loaded the stroller into the car.  When I tried to shut the tailgate, however, it wouldn't close.  I tried and tried, but it would not work.  The rubber covering over the locking mechanism had shredded and would not allow it to move like it needed to in order to close.
I got out Anthony's pliers but that only led to me pinching my fingers and cussing (oops).  Eventually, I was, however, able to remove enough of the shredded rubber to get the tailgate to close.  15 minutes later (and more than 30 minutes late) we arrived at Anthony's work to get him.
After we got home, Anthony took a look at the mechanism and naturally, he said he couldn't see anything wrong.  It was working *fine* for him.  (Grumble *expletive* grumble)
I'm glad we went, but I'm also glad the day is over and done with.  *sigh*