The Nielson Family

Glass cutting

2011-10-06T22:46:00.005-07:00

Ok so I saw this project and thought it looked cool to do.

The idea is, you take yarn or string around the bottle and put nail polisher remove on the yarn. Light it on fire for a few seconds and put it in cold water. Equals two pieces! It took us a few tries! But we did do it. Now I just don't know what to do with them. Well I have a few ideas!

Shower Paint

2011-10-03T20:02:00.013-07:00

I want to eat it! It looks so pretty and colorful!

My little Drama King!

I think he had a good time!

Picnic in Suitcase

2011-10-01T17:49:00.006-07:00

Heart Shaped

2011-09-29T21:21:00.004-07:00

So I tried making heart shaped Cinnamon rolls for my friend's birthday. Maybe better luck next time!

McKay Chalk

2011-09-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

Week:20

2011-09-04T21:41:00.002-07:00

Ugh, I hate how fat I am and look. I have gained a lot of weight this time around.

Want Baby Sister!

2011-08-30T19:50:00.005-07:00

Well, the truth is: we were told this baby was a boy several weeks ago while Christina was having some additional testing done. At that time, the doctor said he was about 95% sure it was a boy. A few days later, however, Christina was holding McKay on her lap, and the following conversation ensued:

Christina: Oh, baby! There isn't going to be room for you on my lap when baby brother comes.

McKay: No brother! Sister! Want baby sister!

This was a surprising development. We hadn't attempted to sway McKay either way. We had simply told him a new baby was coming. Truthfully, we weren't convinced he knew the difference between a brother and a sister until that point.

So, we held out on the gender predictions, just on the chance McKay might have gotten some little glimpse of what was to come. We even considered NOT rechecking. In the end, the suspense was too much, so we took another peak. The "turtle sign" was crystal clear. The percentage is now more like 99,9999% that the new baby is, in fact, baby brother.

McKay has a tendency to be stubborn, and still frequent insists that baby sister is coming, though now, after all our explaining, it has become baby brother-sister.

Personally, I don't think he is wrong. I think he is just looking further ahead than us! 3 boys in a row, we will have to see.

Arm: We are having another long child, his arms are a week ahead.

His already in the 90%

Little Foot

Big Head

Big tummy, 2 weeks ahead, boy this kid already eats a lot.

Boy parts

We've having a turtle, look how cute!

I guess we are having another big boy. Most of his stats are above 75%. I just hope he is smaller then McKay was.

Baby Poll- boring I know

2011-08-20T23:08:00.004-07:00

Ok I put a poll up for fun. If you already know, no cheating. We already have a pretty good idea of what we are having this time around. We found out about 7 weeks ago. But you never know things can change.

I need to post the side story of about how this all came to be. We went from thinking we couldn't get pregnant, to not being pregnant, to finding out in the ER we were, to wondering if we get to take this baby home.

Enchanted Island

2011-08-19T22:40:00.001-07:00

We went to Enchanted Island tonight, because it was only $5 and we never have been.

Don't drink the water.

Pepsi anyone?

They were giving out free Pepsi. They were having some Pepsi event.

Taking one for the team.

2011-08-10T19:50:00.002-07:00

Ok, really more like two for the team, every day.

Warning: I won't lie -- these pictures are gross. So, if you don't want to see them don't look.

Pictures of my gross fat and bruised tummy. These bruises are from my shots that I have to get in my stomach twice a day. Pretty cool!
I really have nothing much to say, I am mainly just documenting a part of my life.

Only 320 shots left! That is only $20,800.

Just for Fun

2011-08-06T21:09:00.003-07:00

Here are some pictures we took for McKay's 2-year-old birthday. Mostly, just for fun.

"I didn't want to have to do this, but you've left me no choice. Get ready for the smolder."

What Do You See?

2011-08-01T21:15:00.002-07:00

Here is a crappy cell phone video taken of McKay "reading" Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? In addition to being taken on a cell phone, Christina was trying to be discrete during recording, because as soon as McKay thinks he's on camera, he refuses to do whatever it is we wanted to record. That is why there is so much background noise. But, I had to share, because I am indeed a proud papa!

Happy Birthday Connor! We miss you!

2011-07-22T03:05:00.000-07:00

This are my sister's little girls. So sweet!

She made this really cute blog post for us!

Also if you have no idea who I am talking about, here is the back story.

McKay playing in the pool 7.18.11

2011-07-19T21:16:00.001-07:00

Just some pictures of McKay playing in our little pool. McKay did have a diaper on but then he wanted it off. Yes, in Arizona we run around naked.

We did finally find his swim shorts.

McKay playing outside

2011-07-13T21:39:00.004-07:00

Some pictures of McKay playing outside, making a mess with some green paint. I was trying to get the rest of the paint out and it went, kaboom, all over McKay. I thought it was funny, he didn't think so.

Painting with Grandma Nielson

2011-07-10T21:52:00.004-07:00

Grandma Nielson came to stay with us for 2 weeks, to help Christina out. We had to come up with a lot of activities we could do inside.

Grandma and McKay's dinosaur/dragon they painted by blowing the paint.

Dancing Elephants

2011-07-05T20:38:00.004-07:00

OK, I know it has been months since we've posted anything. We offer our apologies. Now, with that out of the way, I have three things I would like to update everybody on.

First, I finished my second year of medical school and my boards last month. I took both the USMLE (MD licensing) and COMLEX (DO licensing). I have heard many people say that the COMLEX is easier. I just wanted to say, from personal experience that I don't think that is true. I found both tests to be a quick punch to the stomach. I do think the USMLE required more depth of knowledge, but the COMLEX seemed to cover a broader knowledge base. Both made me feel fairly stupid, which I think may be the ultimate goal of the test writers.

Second, Christina is pregnant! The back story on that is too long to blog, but I will say this: We found out in an urgent care clinic...

Third, and most important, the blood clot -- or brain clot, as Christina often calls it. Sometime around the middle of June, Christina got a headache. But not just any "ache." More like an elephant sitting directly on her brain. We tried to manage it ourselves for a few days, but nothing seemed to help and we gave up and went to the ER. After a mind-numbing four-hour waiting room sit, we finally saw a doctor who thought it was a combination of dehydration and pregnancy hormones. He gave Christina IV fluids, and even though the headache seemed to get worse with the fluids, he sent us home with a prescription to treat the UTI he found incidentally.

About this time, Christina noticed she wasn't seeing as well as she is accustomed to, so she convinced me to take her the eye doctor. He found the her vision was only slightly less than perfect, but because the headache persisted, we decided to get a pair of glasses and try it anyway.

Fortunately, Christina seemed to feel slightly better for a few days. Unfortunately, the headache came back ferociously the day before she had planned to fly to Utah. We discussed cancelling her trip, but she couldn't let go of the credit card miles we used to book the ticket, so she and McKay boarded the plane. During the flight, the elephant got tired of sitting and started dancing around on Christina's brain.

The first day and a half of her vacation consisted of an extra dose of couch-laying, while trying to figure out why the people on TV seemed to be somewhat blurry and horrendously out-of-proportion. Eventually, Christina's sister Melissa drove her to the ER and dropped her off so she (Melissa) could watch McKay while Christina got checked out. While the waiting room visit was much shorter, the doctor took the same course. He chalked up the symptoms to pregnancy-onset migraines and sent her home with Lortab.

The Lortab did not help much, and desperation began to set in as the first elephant recruited some friends to continue the dance. Everybody she knows offered a solution to handle migraines. Christina tried most of them (but dodged some, because she hadn't told anybody she was pregnant yet). She even drank half a generic cola -- her first-ever caffeinated beverage.

She got some minor relief from Excedrin, but it was short-lived.

The next day, Christina got a priesthood blessing from her dad, and an interesting thing happened: the headache moved -- but did not go away. All of the elephants seemed to team up to stomp on the area directly behind her ear. And her vision seemed to get worse. After another day like this, and a tearful phone call to her husband, she made the decision to return to the ER again.

This time, the doctor listened to her symptoms, especially the pain behind her ear and the visual changes. The doctor suggested a CT scan, but told Christina she wasn't sure it was the best thing to do, because of the pregnancy. Christina opted for the scan, which led to a MRI and a free ticket to the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit. I got the word at 2:30 a.m. and left Phoenix for Salt Lake at 6 a.m.

Official diagnosis: dural venous thrombosis in the right transverse sinus. Interpretation: a blood clot blocking the venous drainage from her brain. The good news was that her arteries were not blocked, so her brain was still receiving the oxygen it needed. That means there should be no lasting damage. The headache and visual changes were caused by an increase of pressure inside her head.

I arrived in Salt Lake City around 7 p.m. I sat with Christina for a couple hours, trying to piece together all the details from a somewhat foggy recollection of the previous 24 hours. Since Christina seemed to be doing very well, I decided to go to my in-laws for a good night's sleep (as I had gotten less than three hours the night before). Unfortunately, nearly as soon as I hit the pillow, I was rocked back awake by my phone ringing. It was a nurse at the hospital. My blood turned very, very cold. Why couldn't Christina call? What was so important that a nurse had to call in the middle of the night?

It turns out that Christina had had a seizure. Less than 40 minutes after I left the hospital. I did eventually get to talk to her over the phone. She said she was fine and told me to wait until morning to come down. She doesn't remember talking to me at all.

As best as she remembers it: a nurse came in, insisting on starting a second IV (ICU policy). While the nurse was working, Christina remembers feeling very hungry, then she had a strange sensation similar to receiving some kind of strong drug through an IV line. It hit her whole body at the same time. Then the headache returned -- stronger than ever. She tried to explain her feelings to the people in her room (three people at this point). One of the people pulled down an overhead light and turned it onto Christina's face. That is the last thing she remembers, except hearing someone asking if she was OK, to which she tried to say "No. No. Help me." -- only nothing came out.

I didn't return to the hospital until about 8 a.m. the next morning, at which time I miss-communicated information from the previous night, leading to several people thinking Christina had two seizures. She only had one.

An EEG performed the next day was normal. An EEG is a test that measures the electrical activity in the brain, and is the best predictor of the recurrence of seizures. The doctor said he thought the seizure may have been caused by Perkoset, which she was taking for pain, and switched her to Lortab.

Christina spent the next four days in the hospital, and (thankfully) they were rather uneventful. During that time, Christina was switched from the IV blood thinner Heparin to injections of Lovonox. She will stay on the Lovonox for the rest of the pregnancy -- two shots every day, given either by me or her. The blood clot will take months to fully resolve, meaning the headaches and visual changes will be with us for awhile longer.

The first MRI showed what the doctors described as a "small area of possible cortical infarction", or a small area of her brain that had died. The second MRI showed no such lesion, and the doctors renamed the questionable area on the first MRI "artifact," meaning the "possible" infarction most likely never existed. Her latest MRI still showed fluid in her optic nerve, which can be caused by increased pressure, can cause the visual symptoms she has described and, most importantly, should completely resolve.

So, after a some very scary nights, we came out with this: everything will be OK, as long as Christina can muster up the courage to continue giving herself two injections a day. Apparently, they are quite painful. And, because of the seizure, her driving will be restricted for awhile. That may prove to be quite challenging, as she will have to follow up with doctors in Arizona, but cannot drive herself to appointments -- and I start rotations next week.

And, to the few valiant ones who held on through this very, very long post, I reward you with this: the priesthood blessing proved to be pivotal. It didn't directly cure her headaches, but it gave her the courage to return to the ER, and emphasized the "red flag" symptoms that helped the doctor to finally make the tough call to send Christina to the CT scan. And, as for the previous two ER visits, where it seemed the doctors didn't catch something important? Both -- BOTH -- of those ER visits came on the day/night before one of my previously mentioned boards. Perhaps it all had to go the way it did, just so I could get through it all... And, maybe, just so Christina would be in Salt Lake City, surrounded by family, when we would need the most help.

Whatever the reasons, I am sure of one thing: Heavenly Father never stopped watching over us.

4th of July

2011-07-04T22:28:00.001-07:00

We had a pretty good 4th. Nothing to fancy.

Blanding parade

Getting candy

Taking a break

Later we took McKay to watch the fireworks. He fell asleep half way through, so we just packed up and went home.

Birthday party for Christina and BBQ

2011-07-01T23:20:00.000-07:00

I have no idea why McKay has a bike helmet on. All I know is he wanted us to put it on his head. Goofy kid.

Christina's sister Lisa made this for her.

McKay loved watching the fireworks, he was really funny to watch.

Here lizy, lizy

2011-06-05T20:53:00.005-07:00

So I was picking up my bedroom, when I found this lovely. We have a huge sliding glass door in our bedroom and our laundry basket by is right by the door. So I'm really not all that surprised this guy found his way in, he was only 2 feet from the door. I thought if I could get him to move 2 feet to the right, problem solved. Well he went the wrong way, and Bella got called in.

(From this picture you really can't tell how big he was, he was a good size about 10 inches long.)

He ended up in the hallway closet. I opened my front door thinking we could get him to go that way. I sent Bella into the closet and she got him. She was holding him very carefully in her mouth. I'm yelling at her to take it outside. She just stands there. I do have to remember she is just a dog. The lizard was moving a lot in Bella's mouth and she dropped him. The lizard went back into the closet. Bella went hunting for it again, I'm screaming and she is trying to catch it. I went to go get my phone in the other room. When I got back this is what I found.

The tail was moving, like a snake, I know lizards tails come off. I just never thought they keep moving. I had called Michael, I am now screaming in his ear as me and Bella watch this tail move across the floor. It got blood on the carpet. Finally I just shut the closet door and put a towel in front on the crack so he couldn't get out. McKay was napping the whole time. I can't believe he did with all the barking and screaming going on.

Well Michael got home and the sister missionaries showed up. I knew they where coming over, that is why I was cleaning. They needed to burn some CDs and our computer is in our bedroom. I told them about the lizard and that is why my house was ripped apart because I took most of the stuff out of the hall closet. Well Michael was burning the CDs, one of the sister missionary said I'll get the lizard for you. we had nothing else to do. We took everything out of the closet, he wasn't there. We started to look next to the closet and moving stuff we found him. She picked him and took him outside. Her hands had blood on them, I felt bad for the little guy. She said he didn't even look that hurt just his tail, so Bella didn't even hurt him.

Michael came out of the bedroom and was surprised we had caught the lizard, he said he didn't hear any screaming.

Picking Peaches

2011-06-04T20:27:00.002-07:00

We went to Schnepf Farm to pick peaches, it was fun but very hot. About 100+.The pictures aren't that great because the lighting wasn't great and there were lots of trees.

McKay was dirty in the first 3 minutes.

Michael looking for the perfect peach.

McKay was finding other things, like trash.

Then he started picking the rotten peaches off the ground.

The peaches were really good, a little expense. And it was a sort of a long drive out. Also McKay got car sick on the way there. Poor kid, he started to tell us his mouth hurt we didn't understand at first. We understood real quick.

More messes

2011-06-02T13:10:00.001-07:00

McKay got into our rice bucket, need I say more. I think I fell asleep on the couch because I have been so sick lately.

Luckily he didn't get into our 25lb bag.

I even found it in the couch.

I love when this kid is asleep, he looks so cute!

McKay reading

2011-06-01T13:03:00.003-07:00

McKay is getting so big. I found him reading the cub scout book.

I asked him what he was doing.

He thought he was in trouble.

McKay's cute face

2011-05-26T12:55:00.002-07:00

I love this cute kid's smile!

Trip to the Phoenix Zoo

2011-05-24T23:34:00.018-07:00

We went to the Phoenix Zoo, because we got a free culture pass from the Library. We had fun, saw lots of stuff and didn't even look at everything. We tried to get some cute pictures of McKay, but this kid does not sit still.

Looking at the elephants.

I love his face in this, he wasn't to sure.

Goat petting zoo

Petting the cows

They have a huge pond that goes through the Zoo. And there are tons of turtles.

Giant Tropical Cockroaches. They where only about this long ________________________________

Cute little monkey.

McKay at the splash Zone.

Not sure what this little critter was.

Mountain Lion

Day trip to Payson

2011-05-23T22:48:00.014-07:00

We took a day trip towards Payson, AZ.

McKay eating lunch, we stopped to eat lunch by Strawberry, AZ. It was a little chilly, mainly because of the wind.

McKay pushing the stroller. He thought he was really strong , he would push it, and so would the wind. The stroller went far, McKay thought that was great.

Going on a small walk around where we had lunch, of course Bella found a ball. We have no clue where she got it from. Michael getting after her because she kept putting the ball right under his feet.

We then drove farther up the road past Strawberry but not to Payson yet, we went on a longer hike.

Yes, McKay was put on Bella's leash. McKay kept wandering into the bushes and was not keeping up. Problem solved. Michael thinks I'm nuts.

McKay's little hands.

We finally made it to Payson. It's a cute little town, we stopped at some stores there wasn't much open, pretty much everything closes around 4:30- 5pm. We went to the park and had dinner.

Cactus

2011-05-11T21:48:00.004-07:00

Welcome to Arizona, where everything is pokey!

Went on a walk around our neighborhood.

Father and sons

2011-05-08T08:54:00.011-07:00

Michael took McKay to fathers and sons on May 6. I like they had a lot of fun.

Oh the things this boy gets into!

2011-05-02T21:12:00.003-07:00

Memo to self: Do not fall asleep until you know for sure your little one is sound asleep!

So proud of his mess.

Luckily it was only stuff you put on the carpet to help your house smell good. McKay saw me put it on a few times. The box is now empty.

Cuts for kids

2011-03-15T14:34:00.019-07:00

I got my hair cut yesterday, I don't like the pictures because I look so fat. Well that is because I am and with my hair so short it didn't help. I have gained a lot of weight with everything going on in my life right now. I really just needed a change. I also pulled some weird faces.

Morgan Pants is coming

2011-03-14T00:59:00.002-07:00

My 3 1/2 old niece is coming to town. She comes up with the funniest things. Like calling everyone by their name and ending with pants. Don't know why.

And she is bringing her little sister Jayda-Boo, I'm excited to have her come and rip my house apart, with McKay. I doubt there is much damage she could do, that McKay hasn't.

So McKay: Froggy gets dressed

2011-02-25T22:46:00.003-07:00

This isn't the whole story, but it is most of it. You can probably check it out at your local library.

If your wonder why I

posted this check out

these other posts.

McKay pants

McKay rain

Rain, Rain go away, why don't you snow instead!

2011-02-20T22:26:00.002-07:00

It's raining and McKay was ready to go!Trying to explain to an 18 month old that you need to put on a little more then just a coat to go outside. Doesn't work.

This story is to fitting. Froggy gets dressed.

Wild Painting

2011-02-14T23:30:00.003-07:00

Painting Valentine cards.

It got a little wild! I wanted his foot print but this kid is heavy. I tried getting him to walk on the paper. But dancing on the table was a whole lot more fun!

That's our friend's dog. When Bella hears water running she is gone. Buddy thought it was great.

That is all paint. It did wash off pretty easy.

Brrrrr.... It's cold???

2011-02-05T22:17:00.001-07:00

McKay is obsessed with his snow clothes, I try to hind them from him but he still finds them and wants me to put them on.
I tried to show him it wasn't cold enough for snow pants and you don't need them in Phoenix.
Good thing we are going to Utah in a few weeks! Hope there's snow!

Coat.. Outside...

2011-02-04T22:07:00.004-07:00

McKay I think your missing something! This story is so fitting!

McKay's rash- day three

2011-02-03T21:43:00.001-07:00

By the third day we could rule of bed bugs and diapers. We also noticed when we bathed him it got worse. We finally took him to the doctor. Not so much for the rash but because McKay was not acting his grumpy self at home. I know most people think this kid is the happy go lucky kid, spend a day with him at home. 2 days in a row he woke up screaming from his nap.Mom stop taking pictures of my bum!

The doctor didn't know what to think about his rash. I told her I thought he had an ear infection because every kid he has been around this week has had one. Sure enough he had a small ear infection. Cool our first ear infection OK not really. He never even had a fever. Michael later did some research, and found out some things about McKay's rash basically it's hives. So instead of getting fevers, McKay gets hives.

McKay's rash- day one

2011-02-01T21:33:00.002-07:00

So Mckay had this nasty rash that would come and go all day, it would be there in the morning when he woke up and then gone. Wake up from his nap rash couple minutes later it would start disappearing. We thought maybe it was from his diapers, but then we started finding behind his knees. We we're to worried.
It's all over his arms and face.
It looks like big bug bites.

Rub-a-dub-tub

2011-01-31T21:17:00.001-07:00

Rub-a-dub-tub reading in the tub.

18 Weeks! It's a boy!

2011-01-20T00:37:00.008-07:00

The doctor asked if we wanted to know. Of course! But Michael always said if it's a boy we will know because he would be hanging out in all his glory and if it was a girl she would have her legs crossed. I was in a little shock that it was so easy. Cause their he was hanging out in all his glory. Michael and the doctor gave each Hi-fives. I’m just lying their wondering what is going on and wondering what we got ourselves into.

22 weeks later we had our little boy, OK really big boy. Right on his due date. It was a short fast painful labor. He wasn't breathing when he was born which was scary. But he soon came to life. And ever since then he hasn't stopped.

18 months later he is still going! We love this little guy more, and more each day. Some of the things he thinks of makes me wonder what we got ourselves into. He has really turned into a little man the last few weeks.

2 weeks old and we moved to a new state.

At 5 months old he could sit up without support.

At 7 months old he started jumping like a frog. He would get his legs under him and push. He looked like a little frog.

8 months he was done frog jumping. He started to crawl, which is funny Because he never got up on all fours and rocked like most babies. He just started crawling one day.

On April 1^st he got his first tooth.

His first word was Bella at 9 months old. It’s the dog’s name.

Also he gave up his pacifier. Michael was teasing him one day by putting it in his mouth. McKay took it back and shoved it Michael mouth and we could never get it in his mouth again.

May 30, 2011 Hanging out in Blanding.

He started running at 10 ¾ months old, he never really took baby steps. It was like it just clicked one day. I remember we were at my grandma Meier’s house in June and he stood up all by himself. Ever since then he hasn't stopped.

June 23, 2010 barely walking and ready to ride. When ever he got the chance he was on grandpa Meier's four-wheeler.

At 12 months we celebrated his 1st birthday and we lost his baby brother.

At 14 months he was done with the morning nap. That was a sad day.

Halloween Super hero

Daddy has a matching outfit!

At 17 months McKay had his 2nd Christmas! He was so fun!! He loved ripping the paper.

And now he is 18 months and going to nursery!!!

He loves stuffed animals! Anything soft.
He loves dogs and animals.
He says lots of words.
and is Very busy

We love you McKay!! Keep on growing but just not to fast!!

You vote.

2011-01-18T10:19:00.003-07:00

So I haven't blogged in a while. I've been a little busy working on some things. Right now I'm working on a little project and having a hard time deciding which color to use. These aren't the best coloring, but they where colors that we could afford, and that might last with a kid and dog.

Ice cream. Reminds me of sherbet, yum! Michael is not a fan. I guess he does have a point it looks like it belongs in an Ice cream parlor.
Tan
Grey
Red
Olive green ( picture does not show the color very well.)
Tan

Oh your probably wondering what I'm making. I really don't want to say unless it doesn't work out.

Shoe Sugar Month: Day 13 SIZZIX BIG SHOT GIVEAWAY!!

2011-01-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Shoe Sugar Month: Day 13 SIZZIX BIG SHOT GIVEAWAY!!

I so want this!

I miss

2010-11-15T13:05:00.003-07:00

I looking through some old documents and I found some of my old photos. It made me miss photography

Oh wook!!

2010-11-13T15:25:00.005-07:00

This is McKay's new phrase of the week. It's pretty cute. As he points to everything, "Oh wook!" He has been saying this to the fish a lot too. "Oh wook, fishy" (Speaking of our fish, we threw most of them back into to pond, because they just kept dying. I know they are just going to drain the pond next month and they are going to die anyways. But at least they have one more month to live. As for the tadpoles they are doing very well, getting big and leggy. )

McKay has really started to talk, and it is so fun. He yells Mommy all the time. Our conversations go something like this. "Mommy, Mommy!" Yelling "What McKay?" "Oh wook"

What a goofy boy we have!

Fishy, Fishy, Fishy

2010-11-10T19:08:00.003-07:00

Christina and I went to bed around 11 p.m. last night. It is somewhat unusual for both of us to be in bed that early, so the night already started off strange. Then, at 12:19 a.m. (I remember specifically) the doorbell rang. I don't know if I've ever even heard the doorbell before that. Bella, of course, went crazy with the most ferocious bark I've ever heard her make. Nobody visits us during the day time, now in the middle of the night?

I managed to find some pants and stumbled to the door, still wondering if I had dreamed the whole thing -- and wishing for the first time that I owned a handgun. I was still hoping there wasn't really anybody there when a flashlight beam went across the window next to the door. Now, I was officially terrified (as if I wasn't before). I peaked through the blinds, and, believe it or not, felt yet another wave of adrenalin pump into my blood stream, further increasing my terror. It was a police officer.

I did a mental checklist to make sure the I KNEW McKay was in bed -- and then wondered if someone could have gotten in without me knowing. In retrospect, it was a strange thought, since even if something had happened to McKay, I have no idea how they would connect him to us. (As a side note, I am now considering having our names and phone numbers tattooed on his butt...)

I cracked the door just a tiny bit, and the officer asked if I owned the pickup in front of our house. Finally, the rush began to subside. Imagine being relieved at this thought: "Whew, its only that somebody ran into my truck." But it wasn't that, either. He just wanted me to move my truck, because, well, because the whole road had flooded, and the water was creeping its way up our driveway.

Turns out a water main had busted, not 15 feet from our driveway. I rolled up my pants and waded through water deeper than my ankles to move my truck into the high part of our driveway. (Thank heavens I drive a pickup and not a small Honda or something...)

It took awhile to fall back asleep, as I stressed about them demolishing the entire road in front of our house, and me not being able to get out to go to school in the morning to take my exam, and debating calling one of my friends in the middle of the night. Finally, though, sleep came, and carried me through the night -- until about 5 a.m., when the backhoe showed up. I monitored the situation for awhile, making sure they weren't going to block me in, and then caught another hour of sleep from about 6 to 7 a.m.

The damage seemed to be minimal, except for not having water for most the day and mud deposits on the road. We do live next door to a little pond, though, so that complicated the flood somewhat -- like all the little Coy fish that got washed out into various mud puddles around our house. Thank heavens, though, that our one-woman rescue team (Christina) jumped into action, grabbing live fish with her BARE HANDS and carrying them back to the pond.

She also netted hundreds (without exaggeration) of minnows and a handful of tadpoles, complete with little legs just starting to form, for her own collection. (Since a very stern man with a quiet voice came and told her not to put the minnows or tadpoles back in the pond.) Because they are draining the pond in a few weeks to get all the mud out. Now, what are we going to do with them? I am wondering the same thing...

So I guess it's our anniversary ?

2010-11-08T23:24:00.002-07:00

So Michael came home with a plant and a card that said "Happy anniversary!" Missed the memo. We have this debate every year. When did we start dating? Well it was sometime between the middle of Oct and the end of Nov. Because right before I left home for Thanksgiving break, he told me he loved me. I thought he was crazy. I barely knew this kid.

So I guess we picked a middle ground 6 years ago. Nov. 8

It wasn't until January we had our first kiss.

In March he told me, "I will marry you." I laughed, "What ever." It took me a few years to realize I wanted to marry him and he was right. I guess it's good i'm so forgetful, so he can surprise me each year!

Instead...

2010-11-07T23:54:00.000-07:00

I should up because I'm taking care of a newborn, instead I'm up in the middle of the night because I can't sleep but whats new.

I should be so dead tired because I have two kids.

I should be wondering how I'm going to make it with two babies under the age of two, instead I'm wondering how I'm going to make it without him.

We should be buying two sizes of diapers.

We should be late to things because we have two kids.

I should be happy and not care that my friends and family are pregnant, but instead it hurts and I get easily hurt by how insensitive people can be to me.

I should be happy and grateful that I have two healthy boys, instead I get to wonder what I did to deserve this.

Instead I get to worry about if I'll ever want to get pregnant again. Because it will be the longest 9 months of my life, hoping and praying that I'll even get 9 months with my baby.

Bye Bye Mommy/ New house pictures

2010-09-16T09:28:00.014-07:00

My mom left yesterday. I hope she had a good time. We didn't do a lot of fun things because it was just to hot. It was great having her here, she helped clean, put away stuff, unpacked boxes, made dinner, played with McKay, babysat McKay and even played with Bella. I realize we didn't take any pictures of my mom being here or her with McKay. So I guess I will just post pictures of my new house and some things we worked on while she was here.

Kitchen

Breakfast nook, where we eat

part of the living room

Door to the back yard

Other side of the living room

front door/ McKay's play area. I tried using totes to keep McKay in his play area, he's not to sure about that idea.

Laundry room

front door

McKay and Bella's bathroom

McKay's room

Hallway to master bedroom

Master bed room

Master bathroom shower

Walk in closet

More of the master bathroom

Backyard more like the porch

More backyard

I put up all my Willow Tree angels up. We have to be careful because McKay loves to climb up my shelves and knock everything down. Looks like we will have to build higher!

My mom helped put Connor's shadowbox together.

2010-09-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

Well... I got selected to stay in the West Valley...

Does it ever end???

2010-09-08T09:18:00.003-07:00

So my mom went to the cemetery to see Connor's head stone. It wasn't there....It's been 2 1/2 weeks since it was finished and dropped off. After doing some calling around she found out, there was a big fat fee waiting for us to pay....Yuck!! $245 + $90= $335 Seriously? It will be a miracle if we make it through this school year without taking out another loan, which I don't even think we can. We are already short more then $1,200 this month.

My mom to coming!!

2010-09-07T09:41:00.002-07:00

My Mom is coming tomorrow!! My mom had already booked her tickets before everything had ended. So hopefully we can have a good time. I hope it will cool down some so we can have a good time!!

Sunday Afternoon Fun!

2010-09-05T17:50:00.005-07:00

OK, so I wanted some grand blog post. This isn't really it, but it's time to post something new. I just keep getting further behind.

We have had a lot of new things happen in the last few weeks. We went back to Arizona, we moved into a house, we had to pay a lot of money to get out of an apartment, Michael started his second year of Medical school, and we still have to decide if we are going to be moving again in 9 months (that has to be decided in the next 4 days). That's just to name a few things.

Anyway, I will start off with today:

We went to church this morning. Going to church has been really hard lately. It's an emotional roller coaster every week. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but very draining by the end of the day.

That aside -- on to the cute stuff! So there's not much to do on Sunday afternoon. We got spoiled in Utah with cousins every Sunday night. I really wasn't going to let McKay get to wet, because it's Sunday. Bella, McKay and I were just playing in the backyard. I got a Tupperware tub and filled it with water. I thought McKay could just splash in it and I could put my feet in -- because it is HOT!! Well, McKay had other plans, he hopped in and thought it was a pool party. Oh well!

I was done being outside and McKay was soaked. I started taking his diaper off, but it was too late. Michael informed it was poopy. So I really couldn't put it back on. I didn't want to carry a bare-bottomed poopy boy back in the house, either. So.........

I just sprayed him down with the hose! The best part: He thought it was fun. By the way, hose water in Arizona is NOT cold.

Little Robbie's birthday

2010-08-17T23:30:00.005-07:00

We had fun! I think it was the first time in a month we had a great time!

New family picture!

Morgan having a good time!

Birthday boy!

Colton and me, he wasn't to sure!

I think this was the first time I had laughed in a long time, it felt good!

McKay loved the water slide. He could barely climb up the stairs.

posted: 8.28.11

Puppy Face

2010-08-10T23:24:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when mommy gets bored! My mom had this face painting kit, so I thought I would try it out on McKay. The paint was oil based, so it didn't work so well and this kid would not sit still.

13 months and he still barely has teeth!

posted 8.28.11

In the tub with cousins & McKay's new trick

2010-08-07T23:48:00.005-07:00

The boys splashing the girls!

Such cute kids!

McKay eating with a fork.

Wait for it.

It's the little things you get so excited about. You have a right to be goofy, you're a parent!

posted: 8.28.11

Strawberries for me!

2010-08-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

Michael made these for me because he know I was having a hard day! They were good!

posted:8.28.11

NILMDTS Pictures of Connor

2010-08-06T20:38:00.005-07:00

Two miracles occurred the morning of Connor's delivery. First, Christina's mom, Larna, woke up unexpectedly around 2:30 a.m. This was the same time Christina was struggling through the last, and most difficult, part of her labor. Larna quickly got dressed and was already on her way out the door by just after 3 a.m., when we called to tell her Connor had arrived.

Second, Julie Williams, a photographer from Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep was notified of our situation, as was on her way to the hospital in that early hour, just moments after the delivery.

Larna arrived first, followed shortly by the Julie. And here is the real miracle: Both of these wonderful women saw Connor as a perfect and beautiful Child of God, a fact that I had not yet brought into full focus.

As Larna held him, and as the photographer posed him, Connor came alive to me.

I don't feel as if I've explained my feelings very well, but suffice it to say that Christina and I needed help and love and support that morning, and we got it -- some of it coming from a complete stranger (Julie) who quickly earned a cherished place in my heart.

My mom, Sylvia, was also able visit and to hold Connor, as were Christina's sisters Kathryn and Melissa.

Still, the point of this blog is to thank Julie and Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep for an AMAZING service, which is performed with no compensation whatsoever -- and to share the special gift they gave to us: These beautiful pictures of Connor.

As I Lay Me Down to Sleep is a totally non-profit organization, and an amazing one. Should anyone feel the desire to donate to a charity, this is a great one. Also, if anybody knows someone facing a similar situation, I hope you can find a photographer who can help you in the way our photographer helped us. The website is http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/. These people are truly amazing.

Also, Julie also operates Impressions Studio & Gallery. If anybody in the Salt Lake City area is in need of a photographer, I would completely and fully recommend Julie for any job. She is as amazing as a person as she is as a photographer.

Too Perfect for This World

2010-07-23T21:45:00.002-07:00

Connor Richard Nielson, our second son, was born at 3:05 a.m. on July 22, 2010. He was 4 lbs. 10 ounces and 18 inches long. Unlike McKay, he was born with a head full of gorgeous wavy dark hair. He seemed to be absolutely perfect, except one thing. His heart wasn't beating.

We found out we lost Connor on Monday, July 19. On Saturday, Christina and I spent some time on the couch, feeling the little tike move around inside her tummy. Sunday afternoon, Christina mentioned she hadn't felt the baby move for awhile. We decided he must be having an extra sleepy day, but decided to pay close attention. Midday Monday came, and there was still no movement, so we decided it was time to see a doctor to be sure. Even up to this point, we felt no urgency. For some reason, the most dominant feeling was peace. Still, we left McKay with Christina's mom and headed to the hospital, fully expecting to get sent right back home.

Once we reached the hospital, it didn't take long for those feelings to change. A momentary flash of panic on the face of our first nurse was enough for us to realize something was amiss. A student nurse was the first to assess Christina. She used a doppler machine to attempt to detect heart sounds. Nothing. "I'm not very good at this," she says, rushing for help.

Her mentor nurse. Nothing.

The head nurse. Nothing. She collected two different ultrasound machines. Nothing on either machine.

A resident. Nothing.

Finally, the attending physician, who introduced herself as a "high-risk OB". Nothing -- except while pointing at the ultrasound screen. "This is where we expect the heart beat to be. We can't see anything. I'm afraid your baby is still-born."

Our world crashed down -- but it did so slowly. The whole situation was too unexpected -- too anticlimactic -- to seem real. Numbness took over.

It got worse. Christina still had to deliver the baby. The resident suggested we start right away, but we just couldn't do it. It was now only a few hours from July 20, 2010, McKay's first birthday, and party preparations had been buzzing feverishly for several days already. Invites had gone out, the cake ordered and food prepared. The thought of missing McKay's birthday, or of forever associating with it with tragedy, overwhelmed us. After some discussion, it was decided that Christina's health wasn't in immediate peril, and the delivery could wait until after McKay's birthday.

The next day, we compartmentalized our emotions, struggling with all our might to slide such a heavy burden to the back, and allowing the excitement of McKay's milestone to show on our faces, at least temporarily.

McKay's party, which was both combined with and a cover for a surprise 60th birthday party for Christina's father, went quite smoothly. Christina's sister Kathryn (and her family) touched down early in the day on Tuesday, flying in from Pennsylvania to spend a short vacation in Utah. The day was a flurry of activity while decorations were finished, food was prepared, the house was cleaned and kids were chased. We had serious discussions about cancelling the party, especially the larger surprise party, and holding a smaller party focused just on the family. Christina and I resisted the cancellation, insisting that the party go on. For McKay, for all those who had worked to plan the party and for us -- we were enjoying the distraction. (McKay's first birthday will be covered in more detail in another blog.)

Through some miracle, sleep came easily Tuesday night, and we were able to get some much needed rest. And still, Wednesday morning came to soon, and we were back on our way to the hospital, carrying heavy hearts and filling the air with prayers that our baby would suddenly start moving. It wasn't to be.

Christina's induction was a slow moving process. Wednesday passed slowly, emotionally and rather uneventfully. We spent time staring at the TV (which we never could get to work right), filling our paper work and selecting the proper clothing and blankets for our son. At about 10:30 p.m., the resident decided Christina's cervix had finally dilated enough to begin Pitocin and start contractions. Four and a half very busy hours later, our baby was laid delicately in the bassinet. We hadn't previously been able to select a name, but as soon as I saw him, I felt strongly that he was Connor.

We held Connor, and inspected his tiny hands and feet the way new parents always do. We took pictures and carefully dressed him. We hugged him, whispered our I Love You's and kissed him. Finally, we sent him to finish his short journey on Earth.

And we cried.

Earlier today, we dedicated the grave that will protect his body until a time when he will need it again.

Tomorrow, we will start to move forward. I expect it will be a slow start. Healing will take time. Especially for Christina. It seems, at times, that her very heart was torn out. And while she would have done anything -- ANYTHING -- to save that baby, I would have done anything to take even a measure of the pain, both physical and emotional, that she was forced to endure. Only Christ can do that.

I have my own pain. My heart hurts. My tears have fallen -- and will continue to do so. It will take some time for me to heal. But still, I -- who held Christina, who cried with her, who joined with her to create life, who held her hand as we learned that that life had been taken from us -- can't understand the pain that Christina has endured. Her tears have fallen freely, but her faith remains. In every step, she has been beautiful. She has been a champion. She is my hero.

We will miss our dear Connor, but we know it will only be a short time before we hold him again.

We love you, Connor!

McKay and his 4-wheeler

2010-06-23T23:04:00.000-07:00

What a goofy kid! 11 months old and already thinks he can drive the 4-wheeler. He tries so hard to climb on that thing when ever we are outside.

posted: 8.28.11

Update on walking

2010-05-19T13:52:00.002-07:00

So I know this really isn't a big deal to most because all kids walk who can. But as a parent you think everything your kid does is great. So today took McKay on a walk like always. We I got home I got him out of the stroller and set him on the ground, or I guess more tried. He wouldn't sit down he just stood their getting mad at me because he wouldn't to push the stroller. I was trying to put the stroller away and he starts walking all my himself to the stroller. I just stood there wondering what just happened. I wanted to call Michael and tell him but was 8:56 am and his test was starting in 4 min. So the news had to wait. He walks when we coach him, and somebody is on the other side, but I guess we really wanted the stroller. He is a funny boy. And very stubborn.

2010-05-18T19:16:00.003-07:00

Crappy, broken cell phone video of our little big man's latest accomplishment...

Four more tests this year...!!

My little big weed!!!

2010-05-17T17:40:00.002-07:00

So today we took McKay to his GI Dr, for his last appointment. (Yeah) We took him off his medication last month, so we were just following up. I'm so happy is he doing better with the throwing up. Anyways back to my weed, this kid just keeps growing. Since he was born he has grown an inch every month. I think it is funny, even when he's not gaining weight his going up somewhere. At this appointment he was 30 inches tall (86+ %) and weighs 21 lb 11oz (50%). He is getting to be a big boy, OK not really.Because when I think of big boy I think of rolls of fat and McKay does not have that. He still only has 2 little bottom teeth.

Finished part 2 Changing pad

2010-05-08T14:07:00.005-07:00

I finished the changing pad. Don't ever try to sew plastic. It's hard to sew. I guess unless you know what you are doing. It kept sticking to my sewing machine and getting stuck. But it is done. Now I just need to send it. It's not great or prefect. But hey it's a changing pad designed to get pooh on it.

The edges are the worst part, I was going to do somthing fancy but it wasn't working out and it was becoming to thick for my sewing machine. Better luck next time.

McKay's music

2010-05-02T14:47:00.003-07:00

We had stake conference today, and it was a rodeo with McKay. To make it short, we started in the chapel but McKay didn't want to stay still, so we moved to the Relief Society room with the rest of the cowboys. There was a live video feed and audio to a TV, on one of those huge rolling TV carts.

McKay was crawling around and then he spotted the TV stand. He crawled over there as fast as he could and starts banging on the bottom tray. Michael goes to get him. We finally let him free again he goes racing right up there again. This times he climbs on it. I wasn't too worried at this point, because there wasn't much noise.

He crawled all over the bottom shelf and then sat up and looked at us like: "Aren't you coming to get me?" and thinking what he could do next. Then he starts flapping his arms and moving his feet. That's when he discovered he could make a scratching sound with his foot -- and his face just lit up.

I still safety pin his socks together -- weird, I know -- and sometimes the safety pin gets left in one of the socks. That is how he was making his music. I started laughing too hard, and, because McKay had been successful, Michael had to hustle up back in front of everybody to get him. Oh, what a funny little boy.

It finished!!

2010-05-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

I finished this hideous blanket. I know it's not very cute. But it is done.

Matching burp clothes. I have a red one too. Now I'm trying to making a changing pad. Not as easy as I thought it would be. Mainly because the plastic keeps getting stuck. And I realize, I don't know how to sew. I get all the fabric to make all these project. And when it comes down to it. I realize I know nothing about sewing. Once again another class I need to take if I ever get the time.

Happy birthday Michael!!

2010-04-19T22:13:00.002-07:00

So on Saturday the April 17, we had a pool party for Michael's birthday. It was a lot of fun. I'm sad because I didn't take that many pictures. It was great that are friends came to swim in our nice heated pool. I of course didn't get anyone swimming plus it was dark.

The cake I made. I know it's hideous. I first didn't have a lot of time and also it was so warm that day my frosting kept melting. It looks girly, I know but it's a Spring cake. But it is an upgrade from last year's cake. Maybe I'll take a class sometime if I ever get a chance.
The food table. Michael grilled hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill.
Helping daddy cook. Michael needs a hair cut.
Singing happy birthday.

The inside of the cake, on it's side. It fell over. With raspberry filling. It did taste good.

Thanks to everyone who can to the party and the gifts.
I hope Michael had a good birthday, I tried the make it special but I'm not very good at it.

For his birthday dinner we went to the Old Spaghetti Factory!! It was good. I got him The Book of Mormon of CD. So he can listen to the scriptures on his way to school and new scriptures. I know boring. I did send him on a scavenge hunt for it.

Happy birthday dear!!!!

The results are in!

2010-04-05T16:55:00.004-07:00

Alright, here are the pictures from our ultrasound today. Let's see who can figure it out...

Our first tech had a really hard time getting a decent "diaper area" shot, and she finally came up with this:

Now, is anybody out there (who isn't a doctor) willing to place a wager on the gender of this child? C'mon, let's get some guesses..

The doctor came in next and got this:

This is definitely more clear, but I'm not giving it away just yet. More guesses?

Alright, alright, here are some hints:

Since the second "hint" said it, I guess I'll say it now, too: IT'S A BOY!

We have a second little Y chromosome headed our way...

Now, two things... first, how many of you really figured it before the hints? ... And second, name suggestions? We are at a loss...

Easter Morning Part 2

2010-04-04T23:02:00.009-07:00

Easter morning, McKay's first Easter Basket.It looks like we totally spoiled the kid. But really we didn't.
Most of the items came from the Midwestern Easter egg hunt and Grandma Nielson's Care package. Lucky for us he is only 8 months old cause I just showed him the things in the care package and put them away for later. We did my the books and baby "junk food snacks".He loves to smile for the camera, it is so cute.

I know I have tons of pictures that are pretty much the same. But I love his big blue eyes and smile.
He had to taste everything of course.

I love the picture!! Bella looks so sad. She is wondering why she doesn't have as much as McKay. Last year Easter basket was so much better.
Eating her dog biscuit.
Animal crackers. I think mom and dad ate most of them.
I thought I did such a good job in hiding Michael's basket. But boy was I wrong. Michal humoring me.
He could barely reach it.
I put little thoughts he his eggs. I really didn't have much. Oh and he got the Toy story movies in his basket because they wouldn't fit in McKay's.

Easter Breakfast
This is something we have been doing since we have been married. And I love it!!! One thing we didn't do this year was color Easter eggs, we have been Coloring Easter eggs together for the past 5 years. Even before we were married. I'm still bummed.
A chick and an egg.
McKay's first pancake, he doesn't look very happy.
He ate the whole thing.
A bunny??
It's a pig.
Michael always does such a great job. It was also so much fun to watch conference from our computer. We had a great easter, even though we were far from family.

Happy Easter.

Come and vote on our little Surprise Surprise!!

2010-04-03T22:19:00.002-07:00

But you better hurry ends Monday!!!

Easter in Phoenix Part 1

2010-04-03T21:56:00.009-07:00

Here are some pictures from Easter.Easter package McKay got from Grandma Nielson on Friday.

Bella always has to check things out. There might be something for her. Or she will just steal McKay's easter eggs.

He got a new bunny! He loves soft animals.
I gave him a goldfish cracker, this is his dislike face.

Saturday morning we went to Michael's school, every year they do big easter egg hunts for the kids. It was a lot of fun. I love their events.
McKay was so funny. While we were waiting for the' grabbing' to begin, he kept crawling for all the eggs. When it was time to actually go he crawled a little sat down and started bawling as the 2 -3 years ran pass.
His bum says Lil' Chick!
This little boy is in our ward. He kept running in the middle of the eggs, like most of the kids.

A surprise in Surprise!

2010-04-02T07:20:00.004-07:00

It seems we need to offer some clarification.

First, I am going to be the father of two babies, but the first is already born. The second is coming this fall. (There are no twins, but one real little baby, growing like crazy in Christina's tummy.)

Second, there is this term we have used -- unplanned -- that I would like to retract. Our second baby was planned, even if it wasn't us that did the planning. This baby was a surprise to us (our Surprise surprise!), but it is clear to both of us that this baby is supposed to come to our home at this time. There is no doubt that our Heavenly Father "planned" this addition.

It didn't take us long to realize -- after all that happened when Christina first got pregnant with McKay -- that we didn't have nearly as much control over things as we thought we did. I don't know why, but McKay was SUPPOSED to be born in July, less than two weeks before I started school. Heavenly Father monitored the whole situation, and we got our two-week-old son to the Valley of the Sun safe and sound, despite car trouble and triple-digit temperatures.

Before McKay was even born, Christina (who is often MUCH closer to the spirit than I am) told me that she felt strongly that our second should come soon after the first. It didn't take long after McKay's birth for the feeling to come back to her. She shared her feelings with me often, and we had long talks about it. I was resistant, and each time we'd decide that "soon after" probably meant within three years or so. But the feeling would return, and we'd talk about it again, each time coming to the same conclusion.

Before long, Heavenly Father took control again.

We were surprised. We were unprepared. Maybe even nervous. But never -- NEVER -- did we feel like it was a mistake. Or that it shouldn't have happened. Or even that we didn't want it too. Despite all our talks filled with human logic, I think we both knew, somewhere inside of us, that this baby was coming.

Again, as before, I don't why. But I do know we will have a place for the new one, when he or she is all ready.

We know we will have to make some sacrifices. We know that vacations may have to be postponed. But I'm sure that Disneyland will still be there in three years -- or ten years -- when we are ready to go. We know we may have to spend some time clipping coupons, eating at home, and passing on new clothes just to make ends meet. But I am sure those ends will come together somehow. There will probably be long nights home and short trips out. There will dirty diapers and dirty bedrooms. There will certainly be tears, from the new baby, from McKay and from two tired, frustrated parents. And still, despite all this, we know that this -- all of this -- will work out just fine.

Our Heavenly Father has cared for us tenderly throughout our lives so far. There is no doubt. We know that tomorrow, when we will need Him even more than yesterday, He will be there. He will not let us fail: at school, at home, at parenting, at life.

So, welcome, little one! We are excited to meet you! We already love you.

Twins!! Guess who's having twins???

2010-04-01T00:29:00.004-07:00

That's right! Two more little packages headed our way!

Here are the little buggers in 3D!

Happy April Fools Day!

Love,

Christina, Michael and McKay

Just kidding! (There's only one...)

Wild weekend

2010-03-21T18:02:00.019-07:00

So Michael's brother came to visit us expectingly on Friday, because all the kids wanted to do was go swimming. And we have a pool. But we also took them to a baseball game Friday night. (We used the tickets Michael won.)

The crew minus Michael...

Just let me get a quick drink and I'll be right back in there coach..

McKay and Kaleb sizing each other up..

McKay, practicing his dive back into first...( he crawls now)

Kaleb and Daddy at the ball game.

Then on Saturday we took them to the Desert Botanical Gardens. With our culture passes. Things are even better when they are free.

Carter and Sydney.

Some beautiful girls in some pretty nice scenery.

(Deb and Sydney.)

There were several painters at the Botanical gardens. The kids really enjoyed watching them work.

Finally the kids got to go swimming after we hauled them all over Phoenix.

Sydney swimming.

Carter Swimming.

Kaleb floating.

Michael and McKay swimming.

Then we had a little BBQ. It was a fun but very busy weekend. Hope everyone had a good time.

McKay being cute! This is from the day before.

Self-destruct

2010-03-19T09:20:00.006-07:00

What is this, my cell phone hits two years and it falls apart? It’s been fine! GRRR!! Michael and I have been talking about how we really don’t want to renew our contract. We thought we could see how long before we had to. Well looks like we got our answer!! Dumb phones!! I can’t even get a text out before it shuts down. Not happy not happy at all!!

UPDATE: 3/23/2010

So for the past few days my phone has been fine. It hasn't turned it's self off without warning since Saturday. Will see how long it lasts.

Whew!!

2010-03-18T21:37:00.002-07:00

Now that I'm all caught up with my blogs, that feels good. I realize we have been busy. Now I don't have anything to blog about. Ok that's not ever true. Biggest loser, my husband's great idea!! I'll tell you more later but not tonight.

Flirty Aprons GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-03-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Flirty Aprons GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's day!!!

2010-03-17T22:23:00.007-07:00

I didn't do much for St. Patrick's day this year. Put some treats in Michael's backpack. Played a few leprechaun tricks on Michael. Like having his toe nails painted green and finger. He didn't notice, good thing I told him before he walked out the door for school.Made my green bread. This is what was left of it. I didn't even get up and make breakfast, like I planned. I was so tired from staying up so late working on the boys shirts. I even forgot to make me one, duh!! I did buy lucky charm cereal the night before so at least Michael had something fun.
McKay's shirt and socks didn't come out. Maybe better luck next year. I'm not good at tie-dying.
This little boy did not want to stay still.
Some friends invited to have dinner with them, it was a lot of fun. We ate corn beef and cabbage, potatoes, rolls and Jello. and chocolate cake. I think we had a good day.

The only thing I'm disappointed about is not one of my sister's called and sang me the St. Patrick's day song. I know they are busy but I missed it.

Oh and I forgot to put out a little game for Michael. Maybe some other time!!

Cuts for kids

2010-03-16T10:24:00.004-07:00

Last night, Michael was helping with Cut for Kids: Locks of Love. You could get a haircut for $15 (or a free haircut, if you donated your ponytail). I think they got like 81 ponytails and 1,200 inches of hair. The students had booths up with free stuff --like toothbrushes. You could get a pepper plant (and pot it yourself!), popcorn, bottled drinks, snow cones, cotton candy, yogurt, and the list goes on.
They also had a raffle drawing, with tons of stuff, such as a bowling night, mini-golf, facials, hair-cuts, tickets to a baseball games, cooking stuff -- I think there was like 50 things.
We bought ten tickets, and I gave Michael one (how nice of me!). I put most of my tickets in for the mini-golf family pack and bowling. Michael put his single ticket in for a baseball game and ... he wins. It was tickets to a spring training game. He also won the State Farm drawing and won their gift bag. It had a soccer ball, baseball cap, a road atlas (that was pretty cool) and other State Farm tagged paraphernalia. No money, though... The funny thing is he was telling me how he never wins anything and he was the unluckiest person he knows. Whatever dear! It was fun. They even gave out Chipotle burritos.

Working on potty training??1

2010-03-15T10:17:00.003-07:00

Look out, look who found the toilet. I thought it would be at least a few more months!!
He always gets this big happy smile when I tell him no!!

Spring break!!

2010-03-14T21:53:00.007-07:00

Now that we have been home from Spring break for a week now --

We had a pretty good spring break. We didn't do much. We drove to Blanding on Friday, spent the night, and then headed up to Salt Lake for my nephew Colton's 1st birthday. The theme was Mickey Mouse club house. It was fun, and – my favorite part – there was a chocolate fountain (so good). I think I made myself sick.

We stayed in Salt Lake until Wednesday, with all these big plans to do stuff with friends, but of course you can't go on vacation and have a good time unless you get sick. Poor Michael was stuck at home with sick me. McKay even got sick.

We went back to Blanding Thursday morning. McKay got some nasty eye cold thing that wouldn't go away. The poor thing couldn't even sleep so that Friday morning we were lucky enough to get an appointment that morning. We made a doctor’s appointment with the doctor that delivered McKay. It was so good to see him. I wish there was more doctors like him, you know, that actually listens to the patient. Once we got some drops, McKay’s eyes looked so much better. Also it was nice that our doctor visit didn't even cost us our first born. Cause we had to pay out of pocket because we were out of state.

Then Saturday night we had a baby blessing, for Michael’s new nephew Hinckley, which included a nice cake and ice cream serving. On Sunday, we went to church and made the long trek home.

It was lots of fun to see everyone -- and play games, which is something we miss doing a lot. When we lived in Blanding we would play games every Sunday night.

McKay learned a lot, he got faster with his frog hop, and learned to feed himself very well just in one week. We didn't have a highchair so when we went to Grandma LarnaJeano's house and Grandma Nielson’s house, a whole new world opened up -- filled with cheerios and other great things for McKay to master putting in his mouth. So when we got home from vacation we looked and looked for a used high-chair and finally we just decided to bite-the-bullet and get a new one at Wal-Mart: the space-saver high chair. McKay loves it. OK, he loves when food is placed on his tray. And he loves to feed himself. Since we have been home he pulls himself up on almost everything and even has started crawling, but he is still much faster when he uses “the hop.”

Playing in the shower!

2010-03-13T10:26:00.004-07:00

What are you doing??
Just helping myself to the shower!! (He thinks he is such a big kid, going anywhere he likes!!)
What's the point in buying toys, he rather play with the shower drain.

Feb

2010-02-28T12:18:00.023-07:00

Children's Museum (it was free) 2/5/2010Michael winning us stuff!!
McKay playing

2/12/2010Ready for the beach!!
Crab bum!!
Valentine Care Package from Grandma Nielson 2/12/2010I'll just chew it open!
Ms. Nosey!!
Snuggle puppy!!

2/13/2010Looks pretty good!! I think to myself.
This is hard work.
Pat, Pat, Pat

McKay even did some toe painting.

He even painted Bella, I guess she got to close to the table.
And he got mommy too. I guess thats what I get for trying to help.

McKay has bee getting so big. I can't given kept up sometimes. This month he turned 7 months old and on Feb. 20 he was done with rolling (the McKay Maneuver) and just started frog hopping everywhere.

Jan in review

2010-01-30T23:45:00.003-07:00

January started off with lots of driving -- kind of boring. We didn't do anything fancy for New Years. We didn't even get to watch the ball come down on TV. However, this year was better then last year. (At least Michael wasn't the only one up, because I was sick.) This year we played Rack-o with my sister Lisa and her husband until about 1 a.m. while my niece stayed up watching Disney channel. And when midnight rolled around we toasted and drank our sparkling cider and kept playing cards. We did liven it up a little when we went around the table telling about bad New Year's in the past.

Then we spent the next 2 days in the car driving home. That wasn't fun, but everyone did a pretty good job until about the last 3 hours.

Before I had even gotten home from vacation. I was hunted down and was asked to sing in church the first Sunday back. That was on Jan. 10. I sang with 3 other wonderful ladies. We sang "."

Some pictures:

Christina was feeding McKay and it was going pretty good until she got up from the table. Hit the spoon and baby food went all over McKay's face. 1/4/2010

MOM!! 1/4/2010

McKay was really fussy, so we put in his Bumbo. He was so happy! He just wanted to see what was going on! 1/11/2010

Dad teaching McKay how to make Chicken Enchiladas. 1/11/2010

Cooking with Dad! 1/11/2010

McKay is growing up so fast. He loves this little ball. (so does Bella) He's trying to crawl. 1/13/2010

Almost got it! 1/13/2010

We forgot to take 6 month pictures, and well this is what we have. This is just after we brought McKay home from the hospital. They couldn't get his IV, so they tried every limb he had. They were successful in his foot. I'm so glad he was put out when they were trying to get his IV in. 1/21/2010

I realized I never really explained what happened.

This was an e-mail we sent to family. 1/20/2010

Remember McKay in your prayers tonight. He is going to the hospital tomorrow to get an endoscopy (they are going to look down his throat). The procedure is pretty simple, but they will have to put him under and his daddy is having a really hard time submitting his child to a course of general anesthia when he is so young.

McKay was 16 lbs 15 oz on Monday. I don't know the percentile, but the doctor was concerned that his growth seemed to be slowing significantly, so he wanted to do the endoscopy. We are not sure we want to, but we don't want to miss something important, so we'll grit our teeth and get through it.)

Other happenings:

During the week of January 18-23 it rained and it rained and it rained. Bella didn't even want to go outside.

It rained so much last week, we had lakeside property out on the porch. The water was foot than a foot deep. Bella was swimming. (This is in the courtyard of our apartments.)

1/21/2010

Playing with Bella. Feeling good after yesterday!! McKay and Bella are so funny together. McKay just loves watching her. 1/22/2010

She loves sitting by him.

Big Blue eyes!!

Can I have your number??

And the grand finale of the month ended with me in the ER, my sister having a baby and Michael and I speaking in church.

To be continued.....

My Hurt Baby! 1/21/2010

2010-01-26T23:30:00.008-07:00

McKay's boo-boos
This is how McKay looked when we brought him home from the hospital. They couldn't get his IV, so they tried every limb he had. They were successful in his foot.

2009 Reviewed

2010-01-17T19:53:00.004-07:00

Christina has been asking me to write a short review of what happened in 2009. This would essentially be the little letter in our Christmas cards, if we had ever gotten around to actually sending Christmas cards...

2009 began and ended at the same place: at the Meiers' cabin in Island Park, Idaho. The journeys between reached much further.

We were living in Blanding, Utah, where I did research for Recapture Metals. Christina worked part time as a substitute for the elementary school and Head Start preschool, when she wasn't taking care of our new puppy Bella. We were still processing the news of our new addition, who popped onto the radar in early November, 2008.

Bella, January 2009

I was also in the process of applying to medical schools. This process took us to Denver in February, where I was accepted to Rocky Vista College of Medicine. Even though we didn't have anywhere else to go yet, it didn't feel right and we declined the opportunity.

Christina at the aquarium in Denver, February 2009

In March, we passed through Denver again, this time on the way to Des Moines, Iowa, and Kirksville, Missouri, for more medical school interviews. During the trip, we slipped over into Illinois to see the Mississippi river and briefly visit Nauvoo. This little detour meant we passed through eight states in a nearly-week-long road trip (Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas). The results of the road trip (no acceptances) were more frustrating (especially considering the declined acceptance at Rocky Vista), is was a good bonding time for Christina and I, and the closest thing to a vacation we've taken since being married.

Michael and Christina at the Mississippi River, March 2009

My final medical interview didn't happen until late April, which meant I didn't hold out much hope, figuring most spots had already been filled. It was at Midwestern University in Phoenix, Arizona. We again loaded up and took a road trip, visiting my SUU friend Jeff David during our stay. I felt the interview went well, but the school's response came slowly, which meant only one thing: the wait-list.

Seeing that I didn't have seat in any school in the fall, we found a new apartment in Blanding and settled in for a longer stay than originally expected. We got an offer to attend a Master's of Public Health program in Philadelphia, with a scholarship, and that tugged at our conscience for a while, but again, it just didn't feel right.

We spent July getting ready for McKay's big debut, which came right on schedule: July 20 at 12:37 a.m. (and after only 6 hours of labor for his Mommy). He gave us a little scare at first, coming out looking limp and blue with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, and it took Dr. Curtis Black a very long minute or two to get the little bugger to scream (and since then, he hasn't stopped... just kidding!)

McKay, July 2009

Other than an unexpected move from the Blanding birthing center to the Monticello Hospital (space concerns, not medical reasons), all went well and we packaged up our little bundle and headed home on July 22. A quick check of the answering machine changed our plans again: Midwestern University had offered me a seat for the upcoming school year.

This decision wasn't as easy as most people expect. We had a lot to comprehend at that time. We had just moved, and just settled in for more time Blanding, and we had a brand new baby on our minds. Nonetheless, after some startling quick deliberations (we had 24 hours to make the decision), we jumped in with two feet and accepted the offer. Class started less than two weeks from that day.

A few days later we loaded our tiny baby into our tiny car and headed to Phoenix. We didn't get far -- just far enough to be stranded -- when the car quit. Two hours, a car ride with a stranger and an awkward call to my parents later, my amazing mom and dad showed up with a trailer and we loaded the car and headed back to Blanding.

We were able to get the car fixed, but we didn't make it back to Phoenix before school started. We followed a recommendation from some new-found friends and landed at the Canyon Ridge Apartments in Surprise, Arizona.

As time can often do, the months slowly dragged by very quickly, and I finished my first quarter. I was proud of my performance and enjoying medical school more than I expected too. Trips to Utah for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and then to Idaho for the week after Christmas topped off an eventful 2009.

I am still enjoying school, Christina is still trying to love Phoenix, McKay is still growing faster than the national debt and Bella is still chasing a tennis ball like a river chases the ocean.

We are health and happy and waiting for all the excitement a new year may hold.

Happy 2010!

Winter Break

2010-01-10T20:49:00.008-07:00

Here are the pics from our Christmas break. We had a great time on our fast-and-furious two-week break that spanned three states.

I won't bore you with all the details, but here are the highlights:

Two days "enjoying the Phoenix weather" -- One day of family photographs in beautiful warm sunshine, one day at the Phoenix Zoo in a monsoon-like rainstorm.

Two days in Blanding in the deepest snow San Juan County has seen in years.

One evening in Salt Lake City and eight days in sub-zero temperature and waist-deep snow in Idaho.

Two points of interest:

1) Not many people load up the van and head north from the Valley of the Sun because they actually miss snow up to their belly buttons.

2) In five months of life, our little McKay has experienced temperatures as low as -15 F and as high as 118 F.

OK, OK, enough rambling. Here are the pictures:

McKay and his best dog Bella.

McKay with his toes in the grass.

McKay and Christina enjoying the warm weather.

McKay meets his first calf, who actually seemed interested in meeting him. This was at the Phoenix Zoo. It seems weird for us to meet a calf at the zoo (zoo means lions and tigers and bears to me), but we were hiding from the rain in the barn and the calf was feeling friendly, so we snapped some cute pics!

Merry Christmas!

McKay getting dressed for his first snow experience. (Doesn't he look excited?)

McKay in the snow. This is less than a week after the picture of McKay in the green grass. (notice the similarity in the pose)

McKay and Michael snowshoeing.

McKay all ready for his sled ride with Christina.

He spent the first stretch of the ride sitting up and taking in the sights, but at some point it got overwhelming, so...

McKay closed his eyes and enjoyed the ride in his sleep!

And, of course, snow means sledding!

I'm clearing the track.

And Christina is looking graceful on her trip down.