Update on Life

Boo!

Did I scare you with a new post?

I know it's been a while, but we BOUGHT A HOUSE so things have been a little busy.

I wrote the following family update in April to send along as a substitute for our absence at the Gin-Loo, a family gathering named after my grandma (Nanny) Virginia (shortened to Gin), and her twin sister Looie (real name Lois). A little more name trivia...their baby sister, my Great Aunt Pat, was actually named Florence, but having been born on St. Patrick's Day, she was always called Pat.

And now you know.

I thought I'd share the update here as it more or less encompasses everything I've simply not posted here. I've left out some details, such as names of businesses, but if you know us, then you can fill in the details for yourself.

Enjoy!

Hello to all Gin-Looers! We're sorry to miss the gathering, but Justin and I have recently decided to try Adulting. It's true; we've put on our big-boy pants and are buying a house. No, that doesn't necessarily mean we'll be in Arizona for a long time, it simply means we've decided it's time we had a place of our own.

Justin is still working for the same large retailer, covering all the stores in the state of Arizona. He still occasionally oversees his old district, extending from eastern Washington over northern Idaho and all of Montana. It keeps him busy, to say the least! Justin received, in March, a regional recognition at a conference, an award for which he wasn't present to receive as he was off earning his daddy of the year award -- an honor bestowed upon him for his coming to my rescue when the boys and I were all struck with a terrible stomach bug (a bug which Justin himself suffered the previous week/inflicted upon the family in the first place). 

I, Christine, am thankful for Justin's hard work, which allows me to stay at home with the boys. I do still work a few hours a week for the specialty foods and produce grocer for which I did marketing in California. The market has allowed me to stay on as recipe developer and (amateur) food photographer since 2012, seeing me through two sessions of maternity leave, as well as our moves to Washington and Arizona.

Rolin, who has been dubbed Relentless Rolin, is a full-blown 2-year-old with a passion for popsicles, the library, playing with the neighbor kids, the outdoors, "Big Hero 6," rocks, "Uptown Funk," bicycles and popsicles. Did I mention popsicles? If I didn't, he will. And then he will again. Someone give that kid a popsicle already! Wait, he already had one today? Yes. Well, he'll ask again for one within the hour anyway, and he won't care what you have to say about it. Either way, the rule is one popsicles a day, OK? 

Rolin can act bashful at times, but won't hold back once he's warmed up. He has a happy personality and is usually game for going with the flow. He talks a mile a minute and constantly surprises us with new words and phrases. This zealous boy is chomping at the bit to play with brother Emmett, while Emmett seems perfectly happy to sit and smile whilst Rolin screams, "Baby Emmett!!" in his face and pokes at his eyes. Emmett nearly outweighs Rolin, however, so I'm sure Emmett will have his payback one of these days.

Sweet 9-month-old Emmett is now pushing four teeth all at once, but is taking it like a champ. He already has two bottom teeth; the newcomers are all on the top. He's nearly crawling, and there is money on the table saying he'll be completely mobile by the time of the Gin-Loo. Emmett, too, has a cheerful, go-with-the-flow disposition (thank you, God!), and is usually happy to share a big gummy grin with anyone who offers him a grin first. Though he's had his fair share of ailments, from a slightly enlarged kidney to a cow's milk and soy protein allergy, and from the dreaded RSV to a terrible stomach bug, he is overall in good health and we couldn't be more grateful. He has, however, given my mama heart a good workout! 

If you want more updates, check out our family blog: theteamthompson.blogspot.com. This blog, unfortunately, has been neglected as of late, but not without good reason. Yes, some of you have more than two children, and, yes, I'm sure that makes you feel more crazy and busy than people with only two children, but two is still enough to make me feel like I'm living in crazy town/slowly turning into the Wicked Witch of the West. As a result, my bloginess isn't as blogful these days. Hey, if someone asked you for a popsicle at least 27 times a day, you might feel the same. I'm sure my updates will become more frequent soon. Well, maybe as soon as I'm done reading the "Outlander" series. 

Please feel free to come visit us anytime! 

Our love to you all,

Christine, Justin, Rolin & Emmett

Emmett's birth story

My midwife asked me, at a postnatal appointment, what I remembered most from Emmett's birth. I chuckled a bit, but took a minute to think back on the day that already seems ages ago, yet just like yesterday at the same time.

1 week

I'm so glad she asked. I could sit here and quickly type out what happened, but it's different to list off a couple moments I remember most. I think I'm even more thankful she sat and listened intently, allowing me to recant a few precious and memorable moments from the birth of my second baby. Since the dawn of time, women have been giving birth; doctors, midwives and husbands who drive too slow have been catching babies just as long, but each birth is different and each birth is special. I felt honored that she, especially being the one who was there, gave me the opportunity to tell her my story again without seeming bored or rushed. She's in the right career, my midwife.

The three things I remember most:

• Leaving massive puddles in the ER and no one seemed to care
• Me laughing when my midwife told me they deliver lots of babies in the shower
• The delivery team saying, "Here, take the baby!" to me within seconds of him being out

Now, here's the rest of the story (and there are pictures at the end):

Emmett Robert Thompson was born at 12:59 a.m. Friday, July 25th, just 59 minutes shy of sharing a birthday with big brother Rolin. He weighed in at 6 lbs., 12 oz. and 19.5 inches long. Though he has since lost much of it, his hair was dark brown, almost black, and he has dark blue-steel eyes.

As you know, Thursday, July 24th, was Rolin's birthday. He turned two! We spent most of the day at home because we had celebrated his birthday the weekend before at the Phoenix Children's Museum. I also wasn't feeling my best; I was experiencing lots of cramping and pressure, all part of of being three days away from your due date. I had made a run to the midwife's office that morning, too, because I had received a phone call from our local grocer telling me I'd purchased either peaches, nectarines or plums that were part of the listeria recall...thankfully all was fine, but I was nervous considering I'd eaten my pregnancy weight in nectarines the last month or so.

I was hooked up to monitor the baby at the midwife's office for a while because his heart rate was a bit on the low side. This is apparently is normal for how early it was in the morning, he was a boy and almost due, but we all wanted to be on the safe side anyway. Things were fine after the monitoring session; we learned the baby was still heads down and I was dilated to about 3 cm (woo! I like a head start).

Back at home the cramping continued. Some were extreme Braxton Hicks contractions, some were just from pressure of baby being so low and about due, but some were intense enough I had to focus and breathe through them. Nothing was consistent or gaining frequency, the two factors which indicate true labor contractions, though I still kept track of them, just in case.

I didn't think much of it, see, because this same cramping and pressure happened exactly three days before I had Rolin...

I took it pretty easy the rest of the day, and had let Karen take over in the kitchen by that point, especially considering it was about 112F that week. Standing in the kitchen for any more than 10 minutes made my ankles swell dramatically. After dinner we had ice cream cake, went on a walk, opened a couple more presents with Rolin and Facetimed with a few folks. I also thought to ask a few friends for last minute labor-management tips. One reminded me to make sounds like Dory speaking whale on "Finding Nemo" as low-pitched sounds helps keep you relaxed, whereas high pitched sounds result from being tensed.

Around 10 p.m. it was time for bed. Around 10:30 p.m., as I settled into my pregnancy sleeping nest, made up of approximately 86 pillows, I felt a POP-POP-POP...splush.

"Justin!?" I said, in a calm, yet alerting, manner.

"It's time, isn't it?" he answered back from the shower, having understood the tone of my voice.

"Yep. Water broke!" I said.

Then the chaos began, just as it did with Rolin. Of course I had half washed-off mascara all over my face, I was wearing my ever-fashionable pregnant sleeping shorts (yellow with pink flamingos) and some shirt...I don't remember. I quickly threw on different clothes, made a quick trip to the bathroom to access...things...grabbed a towel, threw my slippers in our hospital bag and headed for the stairs. Justin alerted his parents and off we went.

Just as with Rolin I didn't experience any contractions en route, but it was definitely clear that my water had broke this time!

The check-in process at this hospital was quite different than with Rolin's birth. Everyone in labor, day or night, checks in through the ER. So, I waddle in, causally walk up to the counter and tell the receptionist, "Hi. My name is Christine and I believe I'm in labor?...My water broke...It's actually getting all over the floor!!" Justin brought over a wheelchair; sitting down caused more water to escape..like, a lot of water. Gallons, by my estimate. I was sitting in the wheelchair, in the middle of the ER room, giggling because I was leaving puddles on the floor and no one batted an eye. They brought me a sheet to put over my lap and continued to CASUALLY and SLOWLY ask me a series of check-in questions...WHILE I WAS LEAVING PUDDLES ON THE ER FLOOR.

As luck would have it, we had "the new girl" checking us in, so she just sat there smiling and staring at me as I breathed through contractions. I, politely as possible, asked her if she was quite finished yet when a labor & delivery nurse burst through the door. Oh, I was happy to see her. Again the check-in gal just starred as another contraction rolled through, so I asked her again if she was quite finished with my insurance and ID card so I could go. After a bit more fumbling, she wrapped it up, I think I signed something and we left. .

The ridiculousness of that whole thing is funny. Now.

Upstairs in triage I worked through a couple of contractions, was told I was at 4 or 5 cm dilated, got assigned a L&D nurse and then went to our delivery room. I opted for no epidural or IV since I knew I had done it once without, but I did sign a consent form for an epidural, just in case. Contractions were already just a couple minutes apart, so I figured (prayed, hoped and wished) it would be another quick one.

Once in the birthing room I opted to sit on a birthing ball (just a big exercise ball) at first, but then my midwife suggested standing in the shower. I poo-poo'd it at first, mainly because of how uncomfortable I was in the jacuzzi with Rolin, but decided to try it because I know warm water feels good on a crampy, achy back.

"We've delivered several babies in the shower!" said the midwife, with a smile.

"Ohh, haha," I replied, as I shuffled to the shower.

It did feel nice. Justin stood outside the shower, counting through contractions and holding my hand to apply pressure to the meaty part between my thumb and forefinger (Nurse Tom did with Rolin and it was awesome).

We stood in there about 30 +/- minutes when all the sudden the contractions changed from intense to party time. About that same time a hospital staffer came in to draw my blood. WHAT?! NOW? SERIOUSLY? was all I could think, but whatever. She asked me to sit down on the stool in the shower and I told her no. There was no way I could sit at that point. She just looked at me and blinked a few times, so I finally made an effort to sit.

Justin asked the blood-drawer to go get the midwife because it was baby time, but he says he watched her walk the opposite direction (we were not pleased with this person, to say the least).

Things had moved so quickly I was already at the point where I couldn't help but push with the contractions. I wasn't sure if I would make it out of the shower!! Justin pulled the emergency cord in the bathroom, which brought in a team of four people rushing to the shower. One of the ladies who came in running got down low as she approached and slid down in between my legs, as if sliding into home plate -- it was impressive -- to check things out (and catch the baby if necessary, I'm sure). No baby quite yet, so they helped me over towards the bed.

I made it as far as the side of the bed and decided that was far enough. As I leaned over it during a contraction, my midwife asked if I wanted to get on the bed, but all I could manage to do at that point was shake my head.

She must have said that position was just fine for delivery because that's where I stayed: leaning over the bed in a sort of standing/squat position.

I was channeling Dory big time by this point. It was definitely go time.

Justin was on the other side of the bed so we were head to head. He was encouraging me and holding my hands/arms as he continued to count me through contractions and pushing.

It's in the pushing phase where fear kicks in; fear of delivery issues, fear of the pain, fear about the condition of the baby, fear about not being able to do it. You do get to a point where you think you won't make it, that you can't do it. But you do. If it wasn't for my husband, my midwife, her assistants and the grace of God, I would have let the fear take over.

"Don't be scared, Christine," I remember my midwife saying.

I wondered how she knew I was suddenly fearful.

It's because she's a rockstar of a midwife, that's how.

It was in the middle of a push when my midwife encouraged me to keep pushing because if I maintained that would be the last push. I remember saying/grunting out loud, "I'm not sure how I can...," but strength came from deep within...I remembered Nurse Tom from Rolin's birth telling me, "You can do this; your body was made for this!" and then...

Boom. Baby.

Sweet relief. Euphoria. Emmett was born.

Total time from water breaking to baby in my arms was 2 hours, 29 minutes.

Remember I was standing? As soon as he was out, the delivery team told me to look down at the baby and take him.

"You want me to hold him now?" I asked, legs shaking furiously.

They handed him to me and I said, "I think someone else should hold him for a minute!" That wasn't possible, though, because they hadn't cut the cord yet and wouldn't for a while. They helped me up onto the bed and began cleaning up baby, right there on my chest.

Our first thought was that he looked nothing like Rolin. We didn't think he looked nothing like anyone in the family, which was so strange because Rolin came out looking EXACTLY like my brother Matt.

Anyway, more on that later!

After you deliver the baby, you have to deliver the placenta. This brings back some contractions. It was a little more intense of a placenta delivery than I remember after Rolin (something people just happen to fail to mention -- afterbirth pains are more intense with each subsequent birth. Wheee.) I actually looked at the placenta this time: it is smooth on the side facing the baby, bumpy on the side where is attaches to the uterus. The amniotic sac was still attached to it too, and my midwife showed me how it stretched to encompass baby. A beautiful miracle all in and of itself. Thank you, placenta, for helping create little Emmett.

As soon as placenta was out, my midwife said, "You are officially unpregnant!"

Justin and I were then proud owners of two babies. It's really crazy if you stop and think about it.

Fresh from the womb!

We thought he didn't look like Rolin, but he does look a lot like Rolin in this picture, haha!

My awesome midwife!

Proud daddy.

Look how little!!!

Happy and proud papa.

Sweet Emmett.

Ready to go home!

I felt so much better after this delivery than I did with Rolin. I think having done it once helped, but I didn't have a great need for ice packs (if you know what I mean) this time around either, which makes a HUGE difference. I chalk that up to the position in which I delivered and the patience the team had with the pushing portion of delivery.

Next up: Rolin meets Emmett (sorta).

Grand Canyoning

The day after the Tuzigoot and Montezuma business, we drove into the Grand Canyon National Park. Planning a trip of your own? It should be noted that it's best to do a bit of research on food options before going to the park without a picnic lunch. 

While we thankfully ate a large breakfast, our arrival was poorly timed, specifically in regard to walking certain distances between available food sources, times we would like to be eating and when these food sources were open (things close in the afternoon, folks). 

However, as I said, thankfully we all ate a large breakfast, so everyone was in good shape. That, and I had packed snacks for Rolin, which also doubled as adult snacks toward the end of the day. 

Details, details.

Lee and Rolin walking to the park from the parking lot. 

Justin with his sweatshirt on. 

Justin with his sweatshirt off.

It was a nice day for a visit -- clear, temps in the low 70s, a weekday so we weren't trampled by weekenders.

Because this is my blog, so I can say what I want to say, while grand, I was expecting more grandeur. I mean, it is a fantastically huge, colorful, mystifying work of art in the surface of the earth, but I think my eyes had been spoiled ahead of arrival by photographers' edited pictures.

I think another reason for my (I don't want to say disappointment, it wasn't that) lack of awe was because I was on edge and slightly terrified of Rolin escaping and slipping and falling, whether it be on his own or while he was on someone's back in the carrier. I mean, just a week or two before we arrived, someone tragically slipped and fell near where we were walking! I can't say I really stopped much to absorb the majesty of the Grand Canyon.

Don't get me wrong, it is pretty awesome. A few times I imagined being a pioneer, riding along on my horse, wishing someone would invent mosquito repellent already, and randomly coming across a completely impassable, colorful, enormous hole in the ground that no one had ever seen. But, after a while, everything started looking the same. And we had a long way to walk before we got to the (closed) restaurant, which would have cost us about $65 per plate, and 9 p.m. would have been the earliest we could get a reservation.

Plus, eventually Rolin didn't want to be in the carrier anymore. He wanted to run free. He wanted to show other visitors at the Grand Canyon that, yes, it is possible to walk the trail and cry for about 45 minutes straight.

Walking the trail, pushing Grammy and Mama forward with his screaming. Is he a future drill sergeant? 

Can you see the veins popping out in my hand? Death grip, peeps. Death grip. 

Justin, me and B2T2. 

Grammy making friends with another squirrel. 

Lee and Karen.

The view from the Desert View Watch Tower, nearing sunset.

We'll definitely go again sometime. Maybe when our kids have babies of their own (like, have to be strapped-in-a-stroller, can't-yet-walk babies), so I'm not responsible for fearless teenagers who think they can jump between rocks or scamper out to teeter on a cliff edge. Their spouses, not their overprotective mother, will then be in charge of threatening them with bodily harm if they're being ridiculous daredevils. If my kids are parents of their own by the time we go again, maybe I'll take some time to sit and stare at the world wonder.

Grand Canyon in 2042, anyone?

B2T2 is growing

B2T2 is about 18.5 weeks baked as of today. I've already done a terrible job documenting the new baby...

But, here are some pics to watch Christine the baby grow!

14 weeks.

17 weeks.

Yes, it's the same shirt. 

Yes, my posture is poor here.

Yes, I am wearing different pants.

Yes, I am 35 times bigger than three weeks prior. 

Yes, the letter blocks on the wall are crooked.

Yes, the majority of my growth is likely due to cheeseburgers and granola bars.

Yes, I'm carrying a lot higher than with Rolin. 

Any cravings? Yes...beer. And there is nothing I can do about it. 

Also, a lot of people around here use their outdoor grills, so by 5 p.m. the delicious scent of sizzling steaks is wafting through the air in our neighborhood and I find myself craving a burger or other type of BBQ-able food. Sometimes I give into this, sometimes I just go eat white cheddar popcorn while I heat up leftovers for dinner.

I also find myself gravitating toward spicy foods or pulling the tapatio out of the fridge to spice up my lunch. 

I am always starving (like, really starving) right after I brush my teeth and settle into bed for the night. I keep granola bars in my nightstand for this reason. Sometimes I try to go to sleep as quick as I can so I don't eat a granola bar. This is usually only when I've run out of granola bars. Plus, giving into my hunger pangs would mean leaving bed and going all the way downstairs to the kitchen. Justin is never happy about this request, but he has been a good sport and is kind about going to fetch me a snack. :)

I am feeling much better than I did in the first trimester. I have more energy, I can function in the mornings, I'm not *as* hungry. I'm still lazy. I still hormonal-cry (thank you P&G, for your super emotional Olympics-themed mom ads....AGAIN!). I still hormonal-yell (or head-scream). I still forget things...like words and proper punctuation. 

Here is a sweet moment between Rolly and B2T2:

Kisses for Baby.

Yes, I have a strange bellybutton. 
Yes, that mole was smaller before I got pregnant the first time.
Yes, yes. Thanks for noticing.

Visitors

Whew! We had a busy end to January, which flowed over into February.

One of the hardest things for me when we moved the first time was knowing all my family was together celebrating at most holidays, birthdays, nice weekends, Cougar games or simply just because, and I wasn't there. That was how I grew up -- we always got together with family. I was shocked to learn that what we did wasn't really the norm when little country mouse (me) went to the "big" city (Pullman) and met lots of different people. I couldn't understand why their mom didn't make spicy cheese dip for tortilla chips when an aunt, uncle or cousin would come by, or why they didn't sit out on the patio for hours after the sun went down, eating that dip and chatting. I thought everyone did that??!! You don't play nerts with everyone at Christmas until it's almost the day after Christmas??! You don't you all live about a mile away from family??!!

When we moved to California, we didn't know anyone. Well, save for a couple people in San Francisco, but that was like a two hour drive away, even though it was only about 25 miles away. Our first New Years was spent in a cheap hotel with cheaper pizza and the cheapest champagne. Our first California Easter was just the two of us and too much ham (again). Same for 4th of July, Halloween, birthdays, Christmas...I can't even remember what we did that first Christmas. It must not have been very exciting because, according to this blog, I just made Elf Yourself videos and never even blogged about Christmas.

This repeated itself over a few more holidays, but then we found the Bracketts and our lives changed forever. It still feels weird not to celebrate a holiday with the Bracketts. But I digress.

What I'm trying to tell you is we had a lot of family come visit this January and February. More than ever came to visit us when we LIVED IN WASHINGTON. Go figure ;)

The best part? They all came at once!

The worst part? I really failed at taking many pictures.

Plus, most of the pics were taken in the early-morning time frame when no one should be photoed.Also, the weather wasn't as warm as it had been or as it is right now, but those visiting from Chicago thought anything was better than -6F and the "polar vortex!"

Drew was the first to arrive, though it was just for dinner. He was in town for a business trip, so he came by to say hi and treat me to Jimmy Johns :) WOOT!

The Olmsteads were also here in their RV, but on the other side of Phoenix. Rolly and I made a trip over for an afternoon outing where he went swimming with Rah Rah for almost an hour. He loved being in the water, especially after we took off that dumb rash-guard shirt that made him freeze.

Rahrah and Rolly swimming.

Next came some of the Rabes and the rest the Chyterboks, sans Drew this time. Maggie brought her two little bugs, James and Owen (who was just 2 months old at the time). Mags and the boys stayed here while the Rabes stayed at a hotel a few miles away. I was excited to see Rolin and James together, especially because James is a year and two days older than Rolin. They got along pretty well for the most part, especially considering Rolin kept swiping James' toys, which more or less forced James to share his goods without being asked. He was good about sharing his trains, the most prized possessions of them all. In short, we've since purchased a couple Thomas the Train trains for Rolin as they've been the latest requirement for nap time (wheee).

Pajama pals cleaning up after breakfast.

What Rolin is really saying here is, "James, take this awesome duster..." So I can go play with your train by myself.

Dinner time!

Hugs!

Rolin was also really interested in baby Owen. He kept a close eye on him and made sure we remembered he is, in fact, a baby. "Baby! Baby! Baby!"

 Rolin making sure Owen knew he had a nose. "Nose!"


Making sure Owen's swing was swinging and playing music...

Cousin Laura joined us Friday night, after driving about seven hours to get here (wowza!) and stayed at our house. Maggie's friend Maggie, her husband and baby girl came down from north Phoenix for an afternoon at the park -- we were going to hit up the train museum and farm-themed park, but opted for the park in our neighborhood for logistic and food reasons, ha! Kids have a way of derailing (no pun intended) the best laid plans from time to time, right?!

Daddy and Rolly at the park.

Laura had to leave early Sunday to get back home, but we're so glad she made the trip to see everyone! The kiddos were glad to have a non-parent adult around to play with them, that's for sure!

One of the early-morning shots before Laura hit the road. 

Sunday afternoon was the Super Bowl, and Team Thompson hosted a viewing party. Everyone brought snacks, we enjoyed a chili bar with all the fixin's, and finished with football cookies and these cute "Seahawk Nests" Maggie and I made.

Seahawks nests for the Big Game. 

It was a great game, and having everyone here made Seattle's victory that much sweeter.

Thanks to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Lou, Mags and I were able to sneak away for (desperately needed) pedicures and some time to ourselves. It was a great treat! My parents got in late Monday, then everyone hit up the aquarium Tuesday. James and Rolin loved it, particularly the "water spot" on the floor, made by projectors, smoke and mirrors. We could hardly get them away from it. The underwater tunnel was also a hit.

Swimming in the "water," aka "the spot on the floor."

A little hesitant about stepping out onto the water!

James and Rolin checking out the shark mouth!

"Swimming" in the tunnel

The Rabes and Chyterboks left Wednesday, but mom and dad were still with us for another five days, so we weren't going to be all alone all at once.

Another early-morning shot before the Rabes and Chyterboks left for the airport. 

All the visitors kept our schedules packed, and I loved every minute. Mom and Dad's trip included a weekend getaway to Sedona, by way of Prescott, which we'll save for another post.

Stay tuned for more!

January so far

January has been busy so far, and I didn't really expect it to be so. That's better than boring, right?

Rolin had a really runny nose for about three weeks -- I mean really runny. We'd wipe it, turn around to throw away the tissue and then within seconds it'd be running past his chin again. I tried to pretend it was no biggie for a while, but when it showed no sign of clearing up, and he spiked a 101+ fever for a few days, we went to the doc. I had my suspicions of a sinus infection, and the doc agreed. I went home with a prescription for amoxicillin...Rolin barfed up the first dose -- I mean really barfed it and all of his lunch. Wheee! 

The next day his nose stopped running. Hummm. Would it have cleared up on it's own the next day anyway? Probably, considering my luck.

The rest of the dots are hard to see on his torso and legs, but they're there :(

Anyway, a few days later he started getting red spots on his torso, then legs and then his face. I asked a couple friends and my neighbor for their thoughts and expert parent thoughts, and then called the doc to see what they thought. By the time we went to the doc his "rash" was all over his body. It didn't appear to bother him and he was acting normal, but the poor thing had red blotches and dots all over :( We stopped the medicine and gave him some Benedryl, which seemed to help clear things up in about three days. He more than likely has an allergy to amoxicillin/penicillin. I also suspect roseola. But I'm no doctor.

He's fine now!

I've also been to a doctor or two myself because my body is building another baby! Yes, I'm pregnant; about three months along. Holy moley!

Best BIG Brother Ever, it should say... couldn't find a shirt that just said Big Brother. 

"B2T2" about 12.5 weeks baked.

This new little peanut is due July 27. For those of you who need a reminder, Rolin's birthday is July 24; our wedding anniversary is July 26; Joe and Brianna's anniversary is July 23; two other family birthdays are July 22. We always thought it would be nice to space our children about two years apart, but we did not intentionally plan them to be exactly two years apart! Nor did I really intend on spending another Christmas season laid up on the couch with the first-trimester ickies. All the same, I'd do it again, of course. I mean, look at that adorable profile:

All in all, this pregnancy has felt much the same as the first. I've been starving out of my mind, felt blergy from the moment I woke up until about 1 p.m. and I lacked energy or desire to do much of anything. Thank goodness for "Dinosaur Train," granola bars, apples & cheese, Costco trail mix and a husband who is happy to help. I'm in the second trimester now and things are much better. It really is almost like flipping a switch...I'm still hungry most of the time, but feel much better and have a bit more energy. 

In more doctor-related news, some of our friends in California have also seen their fair share of doctors after a series the triple Bs: blood clots, back surgeries and babies. After a long period of extreme back pain, our friend ended up in the hospital with blood clots; just days later, the need for emergency back surgery became apparent. A few days into recovery, his wife found herself in labor and soon delivered a precious baby boy. There has since been a second round of back surgery, and the recovery continues.

Team Thompson against painful and troublesome backs.

via

For their family, it's been a scary, emotional and trying time -- but it has been accompanied by the elation and pure joy a new baby brings a family. We thank God for watching over our friends and for his continued healing. We thank all of you who joined us in praying for their family, too!

In other January news, Rolin had his first haircut. If it were up to me we would have waited another couple months or so to cut it, but others beside just Justin thought it was looking a little shaggy. It was just hard to say ok to cutting off his baby curls!

Flowing locks.

Justin we tried to give him one at home, but we didn't have any hair scissors to give it a finished look (plus, it was a bit crooked, but that's just my opinion):

Then we ended up at a kids' hair cutting salon to make it look a little better:

Afterward, Rolin had his very first ice-cream cone that was all his own. He's had ice cream before, but never his own cone to eat by himself:

He looks like such a big kid with his new 'do.

Eating the entire cone himself proved to be a bit much as he vomited half of it up after gulping down a cup of milk at dinner. Ha! Gross.

As for the rest of January, we look forward to welcoming a lot of family visitors! Some are now in the vicinity in their motorhome, others are coming at the end of the month. Then my mom and dad come in early February. We're going to host a Super Bowl party at our house for everyone because the Seahawks made it! I can't wait to see everyone, even if it's really the 77 degree weather in Phoenix that was more of a reason for their a vacations than the Thompsons ;) (just kidding!). 

Baby Owen!

Something very exciting happened last week! Baby Owen was born to Maggie and Drew!

As soon as the name was revealed, I followed Rolin around the house saying, "Hi, Baby. Baby Owen. Happy birthday, baby Owen!" I tried my darnedest to get him to say it back.

I finally (sort of) succeeded:

Welcome, baby Owen! You're a very special gift to your wonderful, loving momma and daddy, and of course to your brother and extended family too.

Four generations!

More than a month ago now, the Thompsons three travelled across the state of Washington to go visit Justin's family in Vancouver. His parents came down to the 'Couv for the weekend and invited aunts, uncles, cousins and the like to come visit for the day. Here are a few (ok, a lot) pics of our days in Vancouver:

 Rolin with Great Grandma Grace Brink.

 Who knows what's going on here, but it makes me laugh. 

Great Aunt Lyn Brink and cousin Melissa's son Gage. 

 Introducing Rolin to Great Grandma Paula Thompson. She's 96! Grandpa Thompson stayed at home during this trip. He sadly passed away a few weeks later at the amazing age of 100!

Four generations of Thompsons! Justin, Rolin, Paula and Lee.

Sweet boy in a four-generation profile shot. 

 My babes. 

Cousin Megan Thompson and Rolly.

Cousin Molly Thompson and R-man.

"This used to be my playground..." Grandma Karen gives Rolin a tour of her childhood home. 

Holding hands.

Post-bath burrito. 

Grandpa Lee, Justin, Grandma Karen and Rolin.

Four-generation shot with a bonus Christine. 

Grandma Grace and Grandma Karen were so excited to be in the pic, they couldn't keep their eyes open.

Justin was so excited about being part of a four-generation pic, he couldn't keep his eyes open! (And I wondered where he got it...)

After a few days in Vancouver we went to Grandview before heading back to Spokane.

 Rolin listens to a story from Grandpa L.J

 Posing for our 6 week photo.

Gigi got home from work in time to play in the yard while the sun was still up!

Then we went to see 92-year-old Great Nanny Evans in Prosser. 

Four generations with Nanny, Gigi, me and Rolin.

Beautiful hands, old and young.

Me, Nanny and mom.

Pretending to whip our hair back like models gave us the giggles.

This pic cracks me up. Just look at his face! (Click image for a larger view.) It's like he's trying to say, "Gigi, the most terrifying thing I've ever seen is right behind you!!!!" Ha!

Rolin did great in the car despite a few breakdowns, but overall, our first car trip went really well and it was great to see everyone!