Introducing:

Ammon Douglas McGregor



Tuesday, March 29, 2011
12:39 p.m.
8 lb 13 oz.
20 inches

Pictures and details coming soon.

Ohh baby!

Not yet!

I had good intentions today of walking this baby out, but was unable (unwilling) to carry out those plans after Logan fell off his bunk bed last night (2nd time in like 2 weeks) and I spent the whole night worrying about concussions and how to keep him from falling out of bed.* So I was too tired this morning to walk further than the mailbox.**

I also tried to plan the menu and grocery list for the week, but found myself wondering what would happen if/when I wasn't there to make the food because I would be in the hospital. Whoever is with the kids will figure something out, right?***

My next dr. appt. is on Wed. I will be 39 weeks, which is when the dr. is willing to induce (if my body is physically ready, which it wasn't last week). I can't decide, really, what I want to do. I've never gone into labor on my own, and I would like to experience that. At the same time, I am really worried about how big this baby will be. PLUS it would be really nice to be able to send the kids off to school, have babysitting lined up (Joe's mom), and go into the hospital well-rested (I would probably ask for a sleeping pill the night before because otherwise I will be up all night thinking/worrying about what is going to happen). I have a few days to decide, I guess. In the meantime, I am praying that I will just be able to go into labor on my own, at a wonderful time of day, before I have to make that decision. Don't worry, I will still have a testimony if this particular prayer is not answered the way I want!

*We really don't know what to do. We've put up the bed barrier thing, and somehow Logan still pushes against it so hard that he just falls out anyway. I don't think he's fallen out of bed for 5 years... so it's weird that he is doing it now. Deep, deep sleep?

**Let's be honest, here... all those labor-starting suggestions?... they've never worked in the past. I don't know why I think they will work now..... Desperate?

***I've come to the conclusion, though, that there is never really a convenient time to go into labor. I was thinking about what would happen if it was this day or that day... and there is always something going on or something that needs to be done. I guess we'll work around it, eh?

Grant speaks!

I think he's so cute! Of course, when I hear other 3 year olds talk, I realize that he sounds/talks more like a barely 2 year old--but he has made so much progress over the last 5 months with his speech teacher. Turning 3 means he no longer qualifies for ECI (early childhood intervention).

But... he got tested at the school district... and he is in the bottom 7% for speech (although he is over 100 for communication, which is wonderful). This means that he qualifies to start speech with the school speech pathologist every week. I know... 7% sounds horrible, right? It is probably the only time in my life that I will be happy that my child scored so low... had he been any higher he would not have qualified. Needless to say, we are thrilled!

He starts speech with his new teacher, Miss Sarah, on Friday.

#3 turns 3

Picture taken by Ashlee Jenks

Why it's nice to be the third child:

• You always have friends.
• Parents know a little bit more about parenting.
• You know how to do "Eenie Meenie Miny Moe."
• You know all about Star Wars and Transformers.
• You get more attention than the older kids.
• You get to play with all the older kids at the playground.
• You are pretty dang tough.
• You have more unsupervised play time.
• Mom lets you eat more sugar than the other kids got to eat.
• You get to watch movies that other 2 year olds don't get to watch.
• You get mom all to yourself when brother and sis go to school.
• You have so many people to love you, take care of you, and talk for you.

Why it's not so nice to be the third child:

• You have to share. Everything.
• Fewer pictures.
• You learn phrases like, "You're not the boss" when you are 2.
• You also learn that you should always, always blame it on someone else--who no doubt "did it first."
• You have more unsupervised play time.
• Other parents might think you live in a very violent household because you want to play Star Wars with the other 2-year olds; everything is a light saber. Or a gun.
• You have to watch everyone go to school and other fun activities. You still have to take a nap.
• You don't have friends over that are your age unless Mom is babysitting.
• You don't get a birthday party. Or a nice cake. Luckily, you don't care. Yet.

Well, these are just a few things, off the top of my head. Maybe I will continue to add to this list as I think more about it.

Grant, we LOVE you! Madison and Logan have been waiting for you to open their presents for weeks. They woke you up early this morning so you could see the 15 balloons scattered across the floor (which you have all popped by squeezing them to death). They couldn't believe we were making you wait until after church to open presents (because Dad had early morning meetings). The most heartfelt gift was Logan's gift to you: a stick.... I mean, a Harry Potter magic wand. He made sure it had a notch in just the right spot, he wrapped it for you himself, and then he taught you how to hold it. You thought it was awesome.

We took chocolate cupcakes to nursery for your friends (probably to your teacher's dismay). Mom had a crazy moment that made dad worry. She only made you half a cake because she didn't think we needed any more sugar (the other half was made into the cupcakes). She was too tired to do anything fancy.... well actually, your mom just isn't that talented or fancy to begin with. She did, however, let you decide where to put your candles. Logan and Madison thought it was sad that you didn't have a cool cake, so they got some Star Wars characters, washed them, and stuck them in the cake (they asked you if you wanted Transformers or Star Wars--you chose Star Wars). When mom went to put the cake on the table, they had all fallen over and looked quite dead. Madison came to see what all the noise was about and stuck the people in very deep so they wouldn't fall over again. Mom laughed hysterically for about 3 minutes, which turned into tears. You said, "Mom, you crying?" She then actually burst into tears and had to leave for a few minutes to save face.



Being the third child is wonderful in many ways, and hard too. Hopefully next year I am up to doing a little bit more for your birthday. But I don't think you minded today. In fact, you had a very good day. I think that Madison and Logan sang you "Happy Birthday" about 20 times just today.... that's not including the many, many times they have been practicing and getting you ready over the past several weeks. When we asked you why you got to open presents, you would say, "Because I'm good?" And you are! We can't wait to see how you grow and progress this next year. I know you will be a wonderful big brother!

Thoughts of the Week

*Thank you, Logan, for letting me know that I "throw fits."

*If you want your 2 year old to poop on the toilet, reward him with McDonalds.

*Plan on going to McDonalds every day. (Note to self: Send McDonalds a thank-you card.)

*It's probably not the best idea to let your children crush hold the store-bought loaf of bread in the car.

*If this baby were Logan, I would have a brand-new baby in less than 24 hours.

*Thinking about how baby arrives: Scary.

*If you can't figure out why you have no options when writing a blog, check to make sure you're on "Compose" instead of "Edit Html." Unless, of course, you know Html.

*Google is a (mostly) wonderful thing.

Have I Mentioned....

About a year ago I discovered The Friend on-line. For any of you who don't know, The Friend is a magazine published for children by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the church we belong to). Anyway, one of the links on this site leads you to some podcasts based on scripture stories for children, which you can download for free. We burned them onto c.d.'s and put them on our ipods. The kids get to listen to them anytime...in the car, while they play, even when they go to bed! Not only are they learning scripture stories, but they are learning songs and they also enjoy hearing discussion about the scriptures from other children. When we have our family scripture study during breakfast, the kids understand/know what we are reading about and we are able to have wonderful conversations--I think because they have memorized the podcasts! The kids ask to do FHE and will base their lessons and questions on topics they have heard on their burned c.d.'s.

The reason I bring this up (besides because I LOVE them!) is because tonight I've been grumpy and tired. Joe had to go to a stake meeting, and I was struggling to make the evening enjoyable while trying to get dinner made, cleaned up, homework done, kids showered and ready for bed. Bedtime is supposed to be a happy time, right? Hugs and books and desserts... not "Clean up. Hurry up and get in bed. Stop playing." As usual, Madison turned on her C.D. player right before I tucked her in. I hurriedly kissed her good-night and almost ran to the computer to relax (maybe that's my problem right there!). I heard her singing along to the song "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus," and my mood and the atmosphere just changed. What a sweet sound to hear your child singing songs that testify of Christ! I guess we should have turned the music on about an hour ago. :)

Anyway, I feel like our family has really been blessed by these podcasts, and I wanted to share them with you... just in case you hadn't heard.

Reflections or Looking Back

Today has been a busy and productive day. In fact, after only 4-5 hours of interrupted sleep, I am feeling pretty good. I don't know why, but this has been my easiest pregnancy by far (I'm knocking on wood); I am still almost incredulous that there will soon be another baby to take care of. So while I cleaned the pantry, organized a cupboard, cleaned bathrooms, switched laundry, made lunches, parent-teacher conferenced, and went grocery shopping (just to name a few things I did this morning), I have been thinking about the different natures of each pregnancy.

Logan: I was working/going to school/student teaching in Idaho. The last 2ish months I was very, very sick and sore. I went on bed rest for 2 weeks until I hit the 36th week so that I could go back to student teaching. 4 days later Logan was born. We had to hurry and buy a car seat (when I went on bed rest). A friend gave us a hand-me-down white, metal crib that was broken; we zip-tied it together. I did not have any baby clothes/diapers/sheets/blankets. Thank heavens for loving parents who sent a box full of treasures that would help us get through the first few months. While I was on bed rest, a neighbor brought over a bag with 2 baby sheets and some receiving blankets. Another friend came by a few weeks later with a bag of hand-me down clothes. I went to the hospital with a bag that contained a change of clothing for me. I guess I thought the hospital would be like a hotel with shampoo and soap. While I was in the hospital, Joe went to the store and picked up feminine products, baby supplies, and anything else we needed to get Logan home from the hospital (What to Expect When You're Expecting was a big fail, apparently). I'm surprised they let us take Logan home.


Madison: We were living in Provo; Joe was going to Law School. I had a few health issues, but mostly I was just swollen, hot, and uncomfortable because it was the summer and we lived on a 3rd floor apt. with no air-conditioning. She was born 1 day late, so we were a little more prepared. At least we had a car seat. Joe and I had picked up a few girl clothes from a garage sale, but we were planning on just recycling the boy clothes we had. Again, thanks for parents who bought us a few cute girl dresses so that she looked like a girl most of the time. I splurged and bought a baby front-pack. Several friends made us girly-blankets. This time around we knew to pack some baby things in the hospital bag.


Grant: We were in Ohio; Joe had a real job working at a big law firm. We were trying to get by with 1 car, so either I had to go and pick him up at the bus station every night or I was car-less and incredibly lonely and stuck in our home in the freezing cold with 2 kids under 3. I don't remember being sick, but just very, very tired and emotional. I told my OB I needed medicine and he told me to start exercising. :) We had given away our broken crib and Graco carseat to people who would need them before we moved, so I got to buy a nice carseat and crib. I also chose a $35 Cars-themed bedding set that would match the boys' bedroom for Grant. For the first time, I bought some *new* cute clothes for the newborn baby. The kids took a big brother/sister class, and I wrapped gifts for each of them to open while we were at the hospital. He came 1 1/2 weeks early.

Baby #4: We are in TX. I am not sick, I'm not incredibly tired, and I have a surprising amount of energy, and for the most part I am not emotional (I've been bawling the whole time I've been writing this, though). I have 3 adorable kids who help me with everything! Joe's started his own practice, which has been a monthly roller-coaster, but I keep telling myself that we've been taken care of for 10 years--I know Heavenly Father is watching out for us. Money is tight, but we still have our nice crib and carseat. I used a gift card to buy a decent bedding set for the baby for $12. We have blankets and clothes, so the baby will be adequately dressed. Each previous pregnancy I have had contractions for the last 2 months of pregnancy (which is why I was on bed rest with Logan), but this one the contractions have been less frequent and alarming. I have the crib all set up, the clothes and blankets washed, the car seat cover washed and disinfected, we toured the hospital yesterday, have had family home evenings on the importance of families, getting bodies, the pre-existence, and how to hold/wrap/etc. babies. I have the presents ready for the kids (still have to wrap 'em). I'm pretty set.... except for that hospital bag. And that? Well... this time I am including a bathrobe and slippers.

I've learned a lot over the past 7+ years that we've been parents. I assume we will keep learning and growing. I'm very thankful for the opportunity to be a mother. I'm also incredibly glad that our children are so forgiving and love us despite our many, many, many failings. I'm happy and grateful for the gospel.... I really believe that our families are so much more valuable than the money and experiences that we sacrifice in order to take care of and love these little people.

This just in:

The doc has been telling me for weeks that I am measuring small. Like 2 weeks small. I very seriously and earnestly have been telling him that I have big babies. So today we had an ultrasound to see just how big that baby is... and with over 6 weeks to go he/she is measuring over 5 pounds. FIVE POUNDS!! I'm guessing that another 1 1/2 months of cooking will produce a very big baby. (Grant was 8lb 12 oz... and I was induced 1 1/2 weeks early! According to previous OBGYN's, I'm kinda' small down there... hence the reason I have to get episiotomys every time.) The sonographer mentioned that maybe the baby would be born at, like, 37 weeks... I told her it wouldn't.

I'm working up a good way to ask the Dr. just how willing he is to induce early.

p.s. Baby is healthy and in perfect position to deliver. I shouldn't complain.

Mess With Texas, But Don't Mess With Jenny

If you’re reading this blog, it’s probably because you know Jenn. But how well do you really know her?

Many refer to her as sweet, nice, and kind. All that is true. Underneath that soft façade, however, is a tough woman and mother. How tough, you ask? Here’s how tough:

She once cut a knife with a stick of butter.
She does not sleep. She waits.
She doesn’t eat honey. She chews bees.
Bears play dead when they are attacked by Jenny.
When she cooks potatoes, they mash themselves out of fear of her.
She has already been to Mars; that's why there are no signs of life.
There used to be a street named Jennifer, but it was changed because nobody crosses Jennifer and lives.
Jenny does not need Twitter...she is already following you.
She doesn't flush the toilet, she scares the crap out of it
Jenny counted to infinity - twice.
Death once had a near-Jenn experience
When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Jennifer.
Jenn can slam a revolving door.
She can win a game of Connect Four in only three moves.
She once made a Happy Meal cry.
Finally, Jenny can kill two stones with one bird.

So it’s on this Valentine’s Day that I take this moment to let people know the REAL Jennifer, and the real reasons we love her so much. (Because if we didn’t, . . . .)

Freaking Out

WARNING: possibility of T.M.I.

So... 32 weeks here... and I'm starting to think about how this baby has to get out. In case you didn't know... it hurts. A lot.

I have only experienced natural childbirth. And while, now that it's been a few years, I can say it was great, I'm starting to think maybe it wasn't.

My doctor isn't overly supportive of natural childbirth and is encouraging an epidural. I wasn't very happy after Grant was born, and those stories about playing cards, sleeping during labor, and being rested and thrilled when baby is born sound pretty wonderful.

BUT: I just watched this video that explains epidurals and how they work and I don't know what is worse. Natural childbirth or epidurals?

One reason I like the natural childbirth option is because recovery has been pretty easy... but on the other hand, maybe I wouldn't have to get an episiotomy (each and every time) if I were more relaxed during the final stages of labor. So maybe recovery would, in the long run, be easier with an epidural.

Joe, smart guy that he is, supports either option (although he ran away in the middle of the epidural video).

Any thoughts, ladies?

My New Thing

Homemade yogurt:

Healthy. Cheap. Delicious. Versatile. EASY.

What can I say? I'm addicted. I've been making yogurt about once a week for just over a month. And I'm never going back.

What to do:
1. Set the crockpot on low.
2. Pour in 8 cups of milk.
3. Whisk 5-6 Tbs. dry milk (optional).
4. Heat for 2 1/2-3 hours.
5. Turn off crockpot and let sit for 3 hours.
6. Whisk in 1/2 cup store-bought plain yogurt with live cultures.
7. Put lid on crockpot and stick just the pot part in the oven (cold) for 8-12 hours.
8. Strain using a cheesecloth (I use a thin dishtowel). This step is also optional, but it makes the yogurt a little thicker.
9. Flavor as desired. (It's better if you do this right before you eat it.)
*Store for 1-2 weeks (you'll eat it before then).


What I've learned:
*Whole milk is the yummiest, but any kind will do.
*I add the powdered milk because it makes it a little thicker (and healthier). The stuff you buy has gelatin in it to thicken it.
*After the first time you can save out 1/2 c. of yogurt to use for your next batch.
*You can substitute it for sour cream in recipes. The kids and I like it on our food (like baked potatoes and Mexican food), but Joe won't try it. It is a little runnier than sour cream, but since it is plain, it really doesn't taste any different.
*Use the whey (strained off part of yogurt) instead of water in recipes. For example, I've been using it when I make bread.

What I love:
*Yogurt parfaits.... a new fav. family breakfast. Add some frozen fruit and granola and wahlah! If it's not sweet enough--add some honey.
*Pina Colada (without alcohol, of course). Add crushed pineapple, sweetened coconut, and some sliced almonds.
*Yogurt and fruit smoothies satisfy my sugar cravings.
*Add some cream of coconut milk. DELISH!!!
*Any frozen fruit, fresh fruit, or jam is good, too. We've also squeezed limes and added some honey.... there are so many things!
*My kids love a small bowl as an after-school snack. And Mom doesn't mind. :)

You should try it!

Day Three

In 3 days the calendar says I will be exactly 7 months pregnant. My face is filling out, my eyes are getting dark circles around them, and bending over is getting hard to do. Not much is fitting me lately--and what does isn't always very flattering, so when I find something that fits, is warm, and fairly decent looking I'm happy. Tomorrow marks our 4th "snow" day, and as you can imagine, we've been stuck in the house for most of the week. When I got out of the shower this morning, Joe looked at me and asked, "Didn't you wear that yesterday?" "Yes, but it fits and it's warm," I replied. When I started breakfast Madison commented, "Mom... I think you forgot that you wore that yesterday." "Yep," I said, "But I changed my socks and underwear. Doesn't that count?" Tomorrow it's supposed to snow.