Zebra prints and Tutus

With all the ups and downs that I've experienced with this pregnancy I wanted to take a chance to celebrate the beauty of carrying a new life. Yes the beauty....that sounds contradictory since I've been feeling like a moose. But I wanted to do something fun that would really reflect my personality and capture for the last time my experience in bearing a child.

This is my absolute favorite shot. Jason has been wonderful through everything and has treated me like his queen. I know this picutre will be something I'll treasure always.

The rest of these shots were just so fun. I can't thank my photographer and photo director (Steve Mead and Jen Carlson, check out their blog justshootmephotography.blogspot.com) enough. They really made me feel beautiful and I couldn't be more happy with the results.

Yes I'm rockin a zebra print top and a red tutu. So fun!
A blue tutu, cuz my sweet baby is a boy.

Splish Splash!

My parents volunteered to take Kaden and Jase to Las Vegas for the last 2 weeks of summer and after a little reluctance, Jason and I agreed. This has been a very long summer for kids. School let out before Memorial Day and won't begin again until just before Labor Day. That really is a long time for the kids to be at home and away from their friends. For the last month Jase has been asking me how many more days of summer are left because he's, "OVER IT!" I figured they may as well spend the last 2 weeks of vacation some place different and play non-stop with Grandma and Grandpa Marley.

While the older boys have been away Ethan and I have been really enjoying our days together. It's crazy how laid back and relaxed our home is when it's short 2 very active boys. Monday night my friend Ashlee and I gathered up the kids and took them all to Ross Park for half price family night. Ethan, who has always been shy near pools, really dove in and enjoyed himself. I was shocked. I had so much fun splashing with him and watching him swim.

It's classic Ethan to sip up water and spit it out. Yes it's disgusting I know!! Nasty pool water.

I love that little face. Ethan has always been so mild and happy. It's been great to focus my attention on just him for a little while and really enjoy his sweet personality.

Lizard Friends

A few days ago Jase and his friend Seth came running into the kitchen to tell me they found a lizard in the front yard. Sure enough practically hidden among the rocks was a tiny lizard. How they spotted him I'll never know. I think boys have a 6th sense for things like this.

Luckily Jason came home early from work to do some work on the basement so I called him out to catch it. (As if I was going to catch the nasty thing...yeah right!) The best part was when it slipped out of Jason's hand, landed on his shoe and then shot straight up his pants. Frisky little thing! Finally Jason got a hold of him and like magic he settled right down and curled himself around Jason's warm finger.
It took a bit of convincing to get Jase to hold it. He had watched his mother dance around like a princess trying to stay away from it and some how that made him think it was unsafe....weird I know. I reassured Jase it was ok and Jason handed the little guy over.

Since Monday had been a cool and rainy day I think the little lizard was happy to find something warm to hold onto. Jase held him for quite a while. He was much braver than me that's for sure.

When Jase tried to let him go he just stuck right to his hand. After a few minutes he jumped down and ran under the bushes. The next day we found the lizard on the drive way sunning himself. He scared the crap out of my mom, which was hilarious! I just hope he doesn't find his way inside, because I will have to quickly end our friendship!

It was the best of times....it was the worst of times....

That essentially captures pregnancy. As I was laying in bed last night, awake at 2 a.m. because I couldn't sleep, popping Tums like candy in the vain attempt to relieve some pretty fierce heart burn and trying to stretch out a sudden intense leg cramp I was rethinking this whole pregnancy thing. When the pain in my leg slowly subsided I got up for the second time in as many hours to get a drink and hit the nearest bathroom. I climbed back in bed and wrapped my arm around my belly and felt my precious angel kicking away inside me. I won't deny the thought of, "Great it's 2 a.m. and this baby is wide awake. That will make for a good time in a few months." But I let that thought pass and was completely enveloped in amazement and love for the miracle I am carrying. At peace and content with my world I finally drifted off to sleep.
While millions of women have millions of babies all over the world, that fact does nothing to magnify the incredible miracle each new life brings to each new mother. Every pregnancy is special and every woman's experience is unique only to her. This is my fourth pregnancy and the wonder still astounds me. So many things seem to get easier with practice, however pregnancy sadly is not one of them. Each pregnancy has brought its own set of problems, discomforts and even dramas. I patiently waited out an awful first trimester in hopes of the fabled glowing, energy infused second trimester you read about, only to find that as I just moved into my third trimester I'm still waiting for those promises given me by all the baby books. I'm doing my best not to complain, though this blog entry seems less positive than I've intended, and enjoy this last adventure in growing a new life.
The greatest blessing I've received through this process has been the emotional tidal wave I've been riding. That sounds partially crazy, and maybe it is, but the lows I've experienced have served to elevate the highs beyond simple pleasure into total joy. One minute I'm frightened beyond all rationality at the thought of adding another child to our family with all the responsibility that carries. And the next minute I'm imagining what this child of mine will be like and how I cannot wait another second to meet him and introduce him to his 3 brothers. My heart nearly flows over with love for my eternal family every time I think about holding our child who is coming straight from Heaven. Few experiences in this life can compare to being united with a spirit you've loved since before time began and sharing that moment with your co-creator and eternal companion. It's a moment I look forward to with so much eagerness.
Those are the thoughts I try to keep in mind with every discomfort. My latest doctor appointment confirmed my concern of having a hernia. It can be quiet painful when the kids sit on my lap and lean back against my stomach, or when the baby decides to ninja kick me, or sometimes my entire core just hurts and aches. There isn't much that can be done for it at the present time and my doctor just advised me to wait six months after I deliver and have it rechecked to see if surgery will be necessary. So for now, no squats or leg lifts and I should limit packing my toddler all over town. I can handle that!
I'm trying to enjoy every moment of this last pregnancy, because I'm sure one day I'll wish I could feel the sensation of a baby moving from within again or the thrill of having two hearts beating inside me at once. I've got a few short months left and this chapter of my life will be closing so for now I'll strive to stay positive and take every event in stride.

Look What the Cat Dragged In

I had a totally awesome time last night at the Bret Michael's concert. I think the stars were lining up against me however in going. For the strangest reason I couldn't find anyone to go with me. Finally I convinced my friend Nichole to go with me if I paid for half her ticket. Then the day before the concert she sent me a message saying she was stranded in Costa Rica and wouldn't make it back in time to go with me. Luckily my dear friend Ashlee said she would go with me if Jason didn't want to, and if he would watch her kids. When Jason was given the choice between the Bret Michael's concert and watching 5 kids he chose to watch 5 kids. Crazy, I know!

Ashlee is not into music at all, but she was a great date. Pregnant and all I rocked my Poison t-shirt and dropped it like it was hot at the concert! I think a few of the people around me were worried my water was going to break or something, because they kept a close eye on my belly. Bret put on one dang fine show! He truly is a great performer. One of my favorite parts of the evening was when he busted out his harmonica and played, Your Momma Don't Dance. No one can ever tell this baby I'm carrying that his momma don't dance! I cut it up! Oh what a great time. And of course I never tire of hearing Every Rose Has It's Thorn, especially live. It's been 3 years in a row now and I have no intention of ending that streak. Hopefully next year Poison will tour together again. Cross your fingers!

I couldn't help but share a rad vintage Bret Michael's pic. Love love love his leopard print bandanna!

It's Nerf or Nothing!!!

Our boys have amassed a pretty substantial arsenal of weapons of war! Nerf warfare that is. I couldn't believe how many guns, ammo and accessories these two have stockpiled. Long live the 2nd Amendment. I have a feeling in a few short years these toys may be being replaced with the real thing.

No worries he's got a permit for that N-Strike Firefly Blaster!

After today's photo opp, an epic battle ensued. I'm unsure who the victor was, but we all got some good shots off. Jase threatened to disqualify me after I got him square in the forehead....it was an accident though I swear! Of course moments later Jason got me right in the nose while I was reloading and trying to crouch behind a chair (crouching is some feat when your 6 1/2 months pregnant!). I suppose all is fair in love and Nerf War. We were able to come to peace when Jason offered to take all his warriors out for ice cream. We had a super fun evening!

It's Great to Be 8

Saturday was truly a beautiful and sacred day for our family. Our oldest son Kaden made the choice to be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. When Kaden was asked why he wanted to be baptized he responded with, "Because I want to grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus." Such a profound statement for someone so young.

Grandma and Grandpa Byrd got Kaden a special keepsake baptism book. It has a place for his thoughts about the day and places to put pictures and things. It will be so special for him to one day pull it out and remember. I know it was a unique moment when I found my journal I started on the day I was baptized when I was 9. This gift will certainly become a cherished blessing in years to come.
Jason and Kaden before the baptism. They are so handsome.
Victoria and Kaden.
Grandma and Grandpa Marley with Kaden.
The baptism program was incredible. The week leading up to this day felt a little like Thanksgiving dinner. I spent hours making sure everything was just right, from the special musical number, to speakers, to making a video montage of Kaden's life, to printing personalized programs with Kaden's picture and his testimony inside. All for a half an hour program. Kaden is more than worth all the effort, and the spirit that was felt in the meeting was as close to heaven as I've felt in a long time. Seeing my worthy husband lead my son into the water to make sacred holy covenants with our Heavenly Father filled my heart and soul with divine love. Following the baptism Jason confirmed Kaden a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and gave him the special gift of the Holy Ghost. This was something I know Kaden was looking forward to. Jason also pronounced many blessing upon Kaden which I know he will live worthy to receive. Kaden countenance shown with the Light of Christ and the spirit he carries with him is exceptional. The peacefulness he exuded the remainder of the day brought tears to my eyes and a reassuring knowledge that this truly is Christ only true church on the Earth today.
Following the meeting we had a luncheon in the church's gym. It was nice to visit with all those that came to support Kaden. Oh and to EAT!!! I wonder if Kaden knows that Uncle Lane has been perfecting that choke hold for years!!!My brother Lane and his sweet little family, Serena, Laney & Ryan with Kaden.
Since my whole family made it we took the opportunity to get a family shot. I love those 5 handsome boys in the middle! They are one good lookin group!

Our dear friends Jen and Steve.

Jason always seems to think it's hilarious to take pictures of people while they are eating. Here are some of the best shots. That's Jason's sister Melissa with her mouth full of sandwich.

Nichole looks like she was really enjoying that piece of pineapple.

Oh Bret....so precious.

As a gift to Kaden, Jason and I bought him a new set of scriptures with his name embossed on the front. Kaden was very excited about the gift. He very carefully ran his finger over his name and gently felt the gold leafed pages. It was very sweet. He carried them around in the scripture case we got for him and showed every one. He couldn't wait for Sunday to take them to church too. I hope his desire to read and study them stays as rich as it was at the moment he first opened them.

Grandma and Grandpa Byrd with Kaden.

My beautiful eternal family.

Kaden's Testimony July 17, 2010

I have a testimony that the Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. I know Heavenly Father and Jesus are real. I know that someday Jesus will return to Earth. I know that when we pray Heavenly Father and Jesus hear and answer our prayers. I know the scriptures are true. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that President Monson is our living prophet. I know my mom and dad love me and I’m thankful for my family. I know temples are places where we can be sealed with our families forever. I know that by being baptized I am growing closer to Heavenly Father and following Jesus’ example. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.