Quick Birth

I don't have a lot of time to post this so I will be quick. Things have been hectic around here for the last bit. It all started when we had a date night. TiAnn and Paul watched John for the night so we could spend some time together. The next morning Paul dropped John off on his way to work. John was a royal butt the whole day. Around 6pm. Marissa had some strong contractions and we went in to check them out. On the way we dropped off John at Marissa's friends house who offered. We couldn't get a hold of any of the usual babysitters. Well it went downhill from there. Total time from when we went in till we had the baby was about 5 hours. At 11:13pm. The baby is a conehead cutie. Here are a couple of pictures.
Like I said before I really don't have tons of time to write things. You know how it is when there are baby's to take care of. So I will leave with a couple of closing things. We are just pulling your legs. We didn't have our baby yet. In other words, Just kidding. Ha ha. We thought that this was about the right time to do this. So the top picture is of me in our apartment when we were babysitting our friends little girl Paige. I took a blanket from our stack and put it over her pink one. The second picture is of Marissa and John. The third picture is of John. I thought that if you were to compare that picture to what he looks like now it would not look nearly the same. So I hope I was able to trick some of you. I have to for the record one more time, It was a joke. Parents don't book flights or start driving down here. Trust me. We will call when it happens. ha ha. I guess I better start thinking of new things to post for y'all till the real baby comes. Hope your all doing well.

-Brad-

Tagged by a Weller

Well it happened again, I was tagged. I think there is some government web page where you can register to not be tagged but I haven't been motivated to put my name on the list yet. So until then lets get going on this tag. This is the 3 things tag. It will become self explanatory as you read.

3 Joys:
1. Being home with my family. It's always fun to hang out with Marissa and John. We had my mom visiting this last week and that was tons of fun too. John loved it too because Grandma always takes him to parks and lets him run everywhere.
2. Shooting with my Dad. It's not something that happens every week or month but when we go out to shoot or hunt I always have fun. Some of my best memories as a child is camping, shooting, or hunting with my parents.
3. Watching my family have fun. This is close to my number one answer but there is a difference. I love to see my son or wife having fun. I don't really care if I am but watching the joy in their faces as we are doing something or going someplace means a lot to me. If this is too close to number one let me know and I will sub in another.

3 Fears:
1. This is where I can see a difference between girls and boys most of the time. My #1 fear is losing my job. I can do a lot of things but taking care of my family comes first in my mind. This can keep me up at nights and send chills up my spine more than any horror movie could.
2. Failing in school. This is a temporary fear. I am sure once I graduate that it will go away and I will not have to face this one again for the rest of life...hopefully. So for now it is in my top three.
3. My wifes driving. No just kidding. I am going to get a punch for that one i'm sure. ha ha. Ok, it is really losing my wife or child in an accident. I am not sure how I could go on if they were not here to be a part of my life.

3 Goals:
1. To graduate in my program.
2. To get a great job here in Idaho.
3. To arrange the marriage's of my children to those who's daughters have a excellent dowry.

3 Current Obsessions:
1. Gaming. I love to game on my computer ect... This has been a life long obsession from the time my family got the original NES. Currently I am playing a few games but COD4 is up there right now. (*Take a look at the picture here to the right. If you can remember this movie than I will be impressed.)
2. Gummies. I love to snack on gummies of all kinds. I like the bears, worms, fish, rats and every form they can take. Yum!
3. A new computer. I like to go online and custom make computers for fun and dream of clicking the "buy now" button. That and a nice hot tub. I would mix the two but I'm sure there is some picture diagram in the instructions with a picture of someone playing on his computer while in a hot tub and a big X over the whole thing. Oh well.

3 Random Facts About Me:
1. This is directly related to me being a police officer before, but when I watch the tv show "Cops" my heart rate goes up. Really it does!
2. I am a fast reader. My wife always comments on how fast I read a book. For me it's just normal.
3. My Birthday falls on the opening day of Deer season here in Idaho.

Well thats about it. I think I covered it all. I am not too good at tagging people so this will be like testimony meeting, if you feel prompted then your tagged. :-)

Am I Done YET??

False Labor!?!

1. Well here goes. We had some family in town this week. Marissa's Mother, sister, and grandmother flew into town and spent some time with us here. I also had my Mother come and stay with us. So we had quite a few family members down here having fun with us. It's been great to have them here. My mother has had fun watching and playing with our little John. Tonight John was crying at his door because he didn't want to go to bed. John will cry every name he can think of to get out. He was crying for Grandma Cheryl and my mom came up there and had some good one on one time with him. She talked to him and rubbed his belly till he fell asleep. That was cute. We have had lots of fun so far. Today we even had to drive under a tree because it began to hail some huge ice balls. I was worried the car was going to get some dents. Then later it rained so hard it almost reminded me of a southern rain. Hard to drive in. It was fun.
2. Marissa had some contractions yesterday. Her family were here and I told them that she didn't need to go to the hospital. All of a sudden I had a multi-generational assault of women all chatting at me at the same time. I had to take a few steps back and submit. I guess joking was not right at that time. We were excited to think that we would have the baby when the parents and family were already down here. (by the way the baby is not due officially till June 12) We went into the hospital and they hooked her up and looked at her for a bit. They ended up sending us home. It was a false labor. Bummer. Oh well, we will keep waiting.
   
3. I went to my 3rd official Chiropractic appointment today. I will be going there for the next 180 days on the schedule they set up for me. They took some x-rays and we looked at them. Even before the doctor came in I was able to point out the problem area. I have this 12 degree angle after one of vertebra. My neck has been a problem since last summer when I went tubing and took a big wave. I flew about 10 feet and landed on my face. I came out of the water thinking I had a bloody lip. My neck didn't feel the same after that and this last few months it was getting worse. After the first visit I felt I was able to get the full range of motion back in my neck which was great. I am glad I can get this fixed. (picture is not my neck x-ray)
   
4. Marissa is really looking for ideas to induce labor. So anyone who has any ideas let us know. She is ready to get this baby out of her. ha ha.
   

Well I hope you all are doing good. I will try and keep you posted on whats going on.

Hiccupotamus in the Belly

I think I have one of these in my belly. Our baby gets the hiccups at least three times a day and they last for up to 30 minutes at a time. This child hiccups more than anyone I have ever known. I am hoping that all these hiccups are strengthening his lungs so well that he can come early. I am hoping that the baby stays in for one more week and then decides to come. 37 weeks is technically full term and the baby is just getting fatter after that. So, hopefully by next week he will decide that he has had as much fun as a baby can have inside and come out and play. No action yet but we will keep you posted. Most likely if there is a long absence in posting you will know that the baby has come. Have a great day!

ABC Tag

Carri and Josh tagged us and I need to kill a few minutes so here we go!

Marissa
A- Attached or single: Attached
B- Best Friend: Brad
C-Cake or Pie: pie, unless it is cheesecake!!
D- Day of Choice: Any day that Brad is not working
E- Essential Item (s): Diaper bag, without that we go nowhere!
F- Favorite Color: Pink
G- Gummy Bears or Worms: worms
H- Hometown: Hayden Lake, ID
I- Indulgence(s): chocolate, sleep (i wish)
J- January or July: July
K-Kids: John and one coming soon
L- Like or Love: I like and love Brad! Both!
M- Marriage Date: August 16, 2002 (6 years this summer!!)
N- Number of Siblings: 1 full brother, 2 full sisters, 1 half brother, 5 step brothers, 3 step sister (I know!! A lot!)
O- Oranges or Apples: oranges
P- Phobias or Fears: Someone robbing us when Brad is gone and I am in the shower, I am afraid of the dark!
Q-Quote(s): Don't fret my pet!
R- Reason To Smile: Brad and the boys, sleep, pink roses, Brad
S- Season: Late Spring when there are flowers on the trees and it is 70 degrees!
T- Trip of Your Dreams: Ireland and all over Europe
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I am mean when I am pregnant. Sorry Brad! Who likes to be pregnant anyway?!?
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Can I get that steak medium well?
W- Worst Habit: Being grumpy when I am tired.
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds!!
Y- Your Favorite Food: PIZZA
Z- Zodiac: Sagittarius

Brad
A- Attached or single: Attached
B- Best Friend: Marissa
C-Cake or Pie: pie, unless it is cheesecake!!
D- Day of Choice: Whatever day Game Night is!
E- Essential Item (s): Awesome gaming computer with high speed internet!
F- Favorite Color: Green
G- Gummy Bears or Worms: Both
H- Hometown: Moscow, ID
I- Indulgence(s): Mt. Dew
J- January or July: July
K-Kids: John and one coming soon
L- Like or Love: Love
M- Marriage Date: August 16, 2002 (6 years this summer!!)
N- Number of Siblings: 5 Sisters
O- Oranges or Apples: oranges
P- Phobias or Fears: Unemployment
Q-Quote(s): Can't think of one
R- Reason To Smile: Babies
S- Season: Summer
T- Trip of Your Dreams: New Zealand
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I get hypnotized by PBS kid shows.
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: I eat meat.
W- Worst Habit: Mt. Dew
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: X-Ray
Y- Your Favorite Food: Meatballs
Z- Zodiac: Libra

Nesting

I think we might be getting close to the end because a huge desire to nest has hit me. I don't remember feeling it so strong when I was pregnant with John but maybe that was because I was more organized before I had a toddler. Yesterday Brad and I rearranged John's room and purged a lot of unwanted or unneeded things. I also organized our closet and have been on one long cleaning spree. I am sure that most of the cleaning spree was brought on by the mouse attack this weekend. This morning I packed the hospital bag so I will be ready if the baby comes when all the company is here. I think that I am just getting nervous because John came at the day of my 36 week appointment, which is tomorrow. Hopefully the baby will stay in at least until next week when all the family is in town. You never know.

Brad is done with three classes so far and only has two finals left. Today he is enjoying a rare day off. Usually he has school Monday thru Friday and works Saturday and Sunday. Today he doesn't have to do anything but study some for his next finals.

John is being a cute boy. He loves that we rearranged his room. He just wants to play in it today which is fine with me. It gives me time to write this post. Well, time to go play with the new tiger toy. Have a good day

Mother's Day and Mouse Traps

Happy Mother's Day to all of our mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, and friends! We love you all. I am very glad to be a mother. John has been such a joy and I am sure that this next baby will be just as amazing. I am looking forward to becoming a mother again in a few weeks. I love being a mommy! Brad got me beautiful pink roses today because he will be working and sleeping all day tomorrow. I am lucky to have him! Happy Mothers Day!!! We love you!

I guess that it is just fitting that the week before your mother-in-law, mother, and grandmother come for a visit that mice would choose to infest our apartment. We haven't seen any signs at all of mice until last night when one ran across the floor from the living room to out pantry. This evening we bought six different mouse traps and have declared war. We found evidence of the pesky rodents in two places and we know that they are in the pantry too. I hate mice!! If any snap tonight, they are staying there until Brad gets home from work tomorrow. Wish us luck! Wish them death!

Edit to post: VICTORY!!!!! Not 15 minutes from posting this tonight we heard a SNAP!!! We got one little one. Hopefully this was the only one, but we still have 5 more traps set. We will get them if there are any more. Congratulations go to Brad for his bravery and skill!! He is one amazing mouse killer!

Catch a Tiger by the Tail

Today we went to a semi-annual sale at this store called Other Mothers. Every month they have a quarter sale on their used clothes and twice a year they have huge sales on strollers, cribs, toys, and car seats. They dump bags and bags of clothes onto six big tables and you have to scavenge through everything to find clothes for the size and gender you are looking for. We went with a friend and got a bag of clothes and this huge tiger for $4.50. Pretty good!
Since the first second John saw this tiger he grabbed it by the tail and carried it all over the store. Over the course of 45 minutes John defended the tiger against other children who wanted to take it from him. He was pretty possessive. I figured since it was only $1 and since he defended it so well I would get it for him. It is an early birthday present. Sorry for all of you who were planning on giving him a giant stuffed tiger, I already did.
John loves his new prize. Just don't try and steal it from him. He might have to defend himself!

Fun at the Park!

We found this awesome park right by our house that John LOVES! Boise parks are so amazing because they always have toddler friendly play equipment that big kids can play on too. The weather has been so nice and John has been so restless at home that we have been trying to get out to a park more.

This slide is so steep and at first it freaked me out when John would just fearlessly go down it, but he is a pro and loves how fast he can go. He will switch it up and go down on his belly (feet first).
John is always quick to make friends every time we go to this park. Some older kids seems to adopt him and take him down every slide. One time he had two sisters following him all over the playground with their arms held out so they could catch him if he fell. He never did but I thought it was super cute. He was their living doll. He's sure cute enough.

5 or Less Weeks to Go!!

Here is another slide show of the baby making process. You can tell why I have been so tired lately!

Flowers and Finger Painting

We had a fun day yesterday. After dropping Brad off at school John and I came home and I tried to introduce him to the fun world of finger painting. He got his had covered in green paint and then started to cry. He wanted nothing to do with getting his hands dirty with paint and wanted me to immediately clean him up. I was expecting him to go crazy and love it but that was not the case. John hates to finger paint. I will try again later because I spent $6 on a case of finger paints. Don't be surprised if you get future cards with his works of art attached.
After picking Brad up we went to the store and got some flowers to plant in the dirt outside out apartment. Shopko was having a one day sale and we got 20 starter plants for $5. I picked the flowers out and Brad, being the gardener in our relationship, planted them all while John and I watched and gave encouragement. Thanks Cheryl for teaching him how to garden. I have always wanted to be a good gardener but Brad has the skills and he always does a great job.
My poor flowers look a little sad now, but hopefully in a couple days they should really perk up and start to flourish. Keep your fingers crossed. Some of the plants were a little pathetic but we planted them anyway. I am hoping that these few pansies and snap dragons will grow and make our walk way beautiful this summer. We will keep you posted.

I Was Tagged.

About Us Tag!

1. Favorite Food

Brad

Marissa

2. Middle Names

Brad
Marissa

There was no picture for MACHAELA (Ma-shay-la)

3. Favorite Holiday

Brad
Marissa
4. Favorite Place to Be...

Brad

Marissa

5. Bad Habit

Brad

Marissa
6. College Major

Brad
Marissa
7. Favorite Color

Brad
Marissa
8. Name of Past Pet

Brad
Marissa
9. Place I'd like to Visit

Brad
Marissa
10. Age at Next Birthday

Brad
Marissa
Hope this worked out well. Do I have to tag someone? Marissa says I do...Well Rachael and JorDAN. Your up to the plate.

Look forward to the Summer!

This summer is going to be busy and exciting. Here are a few things that I am really looking forward to:

• New baby!! Hopefully he will come when Brad is not working and after finals are done!!
• Brad not taking summer school and being home more!! This will be the best part of the whole summer!
  
• Family Reunion in Utah. Last time we went we had no kids. Now we will have two to show off.
• Fun events in Boise almost every week and FREE!! Boise is such an awesome city for fun family activities.
• Camping and swimming!!!
• Visiting Family and getting the Finn's and Miller to hang out with us as much as possible.
  
• New books and movies coming out!!
• August: Breaking Dawn: Last book of Twilight series!!!
  
• September: Brisingr: Next book in Eragon Series!
• Movie: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
• Movie: Iron Man
• Movie: Hancock

Anyone else know of anything super exciting coming up this summer that should not be missed? I just can't help thinking about summer when it is 70 degrees and sunny for the next week. I think that we will go have a picnic in the park this afternoon and let John run around the playground and get even more bruises. It should be a fun time.