it's that time again.....

"My Homeland, Territory, and Element...."- me

My 13th trip to Lake Powell!!

What greater way to spend it than with Aubs :) This is Aubs 3rd time with my family. Her and Jamie are in the running for most times gone with my fam :)

Peyton was a complete angel the entire time. He just loved every minute of it! A natural boater! He'll be skiing by the age of 5!

yes, i'm HUGE! so..i don't know if i would recommend going so far along. I still went on the tubes but due to my size felt a little uncomfortable...the only things that were a little challenging was the heat- especially when there was no air circulation in the house boat...and this trip, there was not a whole lot of food to munch on...and prego in 3rd trimester..no snacks = no bueno. :( This heart burn is killing me...i'll consistently have it throughout the day especially when I'm not snacking on something at least every few hrs. I've gained 9 lbs...so that's better than just a few!!

To think of a new little boy sitting next to them :)

We had so much fun!! I love how much Steve loves my Family. I love how much he interactes with everyone and that he is truly interested in their lives. He and my Dad get along so well with each other....i love how he truly feels like they are his family. I love how much my famly loves him and describes his as a natural member of the fam. From Day 1 he has always felt like he can call my parents- mom and dad. Well, on the trip I heard him call my mom- "hey, mommy" ha ha!! it was funny. I love doing such fun summer activities with family :) So many more Lake Powell memories to come in the next years!!!

To Bradyn

(may be cheesy, but i love it)

Dear Bradyn,

We just can't wait for you to come into our lives!! You have an amazing dad who will do all sorts of fun things with you :) Besides having an incredible Dad- your older brother Peyton already just loves you so so much. Not an hour goes by in the day that Peyton comes up to my belly and says- "baby" and gives you a kiss on my tummy and then lies down on my tummy pressing his check to try to feel you :) Your mommy and daddy are so blessed to both work in areas of love and passion in which we have worked so hard to accomplish in our earlier years. We live in such a warm place and have so many fun things to do outside. We will have you swimming in no time! We are so excited to take you on walks and to the park. You have so many little buddies just waiting to be with you (most of them live far away, but we see them often) We are so anxious to see how much you look like Peyton or if you will look very different from him. And I am so happy to plump you up! You have, in my opinion- an adorable room that is waiting for your arrival! The animals in your room are so happy to play with you soon. Get ready to learn how to pose and smile at the sight of a camera. We have trained your older brother, Peyton quite well. Your Daddy and I will help you achieve every dream you can imagine. Your Daddy and I both had the opportunity of serving missions and are so excited to watch you follow in our footsteps. We are so excited to see you smile, hear you laugh, and watch you as you grow in all stages of life. We can't wait to kiss every inch of you. We love you and just can't wait for you to come into our lives in just 9 short weeks...

Love, Your mommy Brooke, Your Daddy Steve and your brother

(best friend for life) Peyton

Weekend Fun!

Last weekend Joyce, Nic, and Jack came to play! We went to see The Little Mermaid at the Tuachan. It was so fun!! We spent the weekend at the Splash pad, swimming pool, and Dixie Rock. We missed Jamie, Bryce, Stockton and Aubree!!

Amanda and her kids then came to stay a night as well :) We love when visitors come! So many fun things to do here in St. George. Happy to live in such a hoppin place!

As far as a baby update- I'm 30 weeks along! 10 more to go! From here on out I'm being seen every 2 weeks. My first physical therapy appt for my sciatica is on Friday. Hopefully that will diminish soon....

Touching

Peyton's Heart Surgery Day seems such a long time ago. That day was a complete blur. I do remember feelings of worry and stress. I came upon this excerpt in an Ensign article.....so so touching.

The article is called- The Atonement Covers All Pain

by Elder Richards.

Of all general conference talks- this one stood out to me most.

Thirteen year old Sherrie under went a 14 hour operation for a tumor on her spinal cord. As she regained consciousness in the intensive care unit, she said- "Daddy, Aunt Cheryl is here....and....Grandpa Norman...and Grandma Brown...are here. And Daddy, who is that sanding beside you?...He looks like you, only taller....He says he's your brother, Jimmy." Her uncle Jimmy had died at age 13 of cystic fibrosis. For nearly an hour, Sherrie described her visitors, all deceased family members. Exhausted, she then fell asleep. Later she told her father, "Daddy all of the children here in the intensive care unit have angles helping them."

This brought tears to my eyes. Peyton had his own guardian angel in his room with him that day. At the time of his surgery my parents described that the spirit was very strong in the room....and that he was being looked after.

"Fear not, Little children, for you are mine.....wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd."

He goes on to say- "I have noticed that children are often more naturally accepting of pain and suffering. They quietly endure with humility and meekness." I find that so True! Peyton was home in four days on only Tylenol.

What a day that was. So happy it is in the past. It has helped Steve and I to appreciate Life and the blessings we have.

I am so grateful for those who visited and supported us during that time...who helped relive my mind from stress and worry.

We love You! :)

2 Year Appt

Our Little Boy is Growing, Growing, Growing!!!

Weight- 24 lbs 6 ounces - 12th percentile (BIG YAY FOR US :))

Height- 36 inches- 74th percentile (taller than 7/10 kids his age)

We are so excited to hear how he's doing so well!

I learned from my Pediatrician that boys potty train between 2- 2 1/2! I had no clue it was that early! Any good tips, please!!

No more whole milk..we are moving on to Pediasure. Hope he likes it.

His 1st Dentist appointment is on Wednesday!

To enhance him learning more words- our doc gave a good suggestion on just rotating through 4 books instead of a big variety. Also there is a very good speech center here in town that if we are concerned we can take him to.

He had just one shot :)

GO PEYTON!

Steve and i were talking- as much fun as he is...we are SO SO SO EXCITED to have a New Baby soon!!! We are so ready and just thrilled! I want a tiny little baby I can cuddle up with again. It will be fun! and stressful lol

My Little Boy is 2!

Peyton Turned 2 on May 13th! We drove up to my parents house to be closer to friends and family during this celebration :)

We went to the Zoo

Jack and Peyton ate some Birthday cake together

I did everything Sports themed for his party. The party was suppose to be a park party, but it was pouring by the time the party began. So we did cupcakes and gifts inside and then headed on out to the park to play.

It was a Blast! Thank you all for Coming! :)

Updates!

I had a doctor's appointment on Monday. I found out that my Due Date is

August 17th..not the 13th

like I thought. Making me exactly 26 weeks today!

But something a little interesting...I have gained 4 lbs thus far, but I'm measuring bigger than I should be. My doctor told me at the rate I'm going I could have a 10 pound baby!!

Peyton turns 2 in 2 days!!!

We are so so excited! I love going all out for Birthday Parties, it should be a lot of Fun!! Just hoping it's good weather up North! I'm excited for all the fun plans this weekend has in store. Way excited to get together with all my Utah State friends and have a little reunion as well! I'll post pictures when all is said and done :)