{An Update On The Babe}

Sorry these are so dark, it's hard to take a picture of a picture. This is the Baby's face with a hand in front of it. 'No pictures please!'

This is it's cute little profile. I can't believe it already has legs, arms, and a face! With facial features! (How could anyone doubt this is a life?????)

The baby was soooo active. The ultrasound pictures are a little blurry because our little peanut wouldn't stop dancing.

So after a scare last week, I called my Dr and asked what they wanted me to do and they immediately made an ultrasound appt and a follow up dr appt. The ultrasound came up clear. The baby look fantastic, and is growing so much, I think the doctor was even surprised. They bumped up my due date to the 25th, but after the tech said that my NP (Nurse Practitioner) said lets call it the 21st because of the crazy growth just in the last 2 weeks.

They did spot a small 'pool' of liquid in my sac. My NP said they see weird things like this all the time and they always just go away on their own. She even suggested a 'disappearing twin,' though there is no way of knowing.

She gave me a great explanation for the spotting (which is why I went in). She had said that this early in my pregnancy my cervix is really swollen with blood (so swollen in fact that the cervix looks blue-ish purpley because there is so much blood.) So the smallest thing I do/did (like picking up a 2 year old, or exercising) could have caused a slight tear or leak and I could spot for weeks after it happened.

Which makes perfect sense, we did just move (hello trama!) and up until recently I was working out everyday. I thought that was fascinating! So assuming everything goes smoothly I will get another ultrasound in 8 weeks when we find out gender!

Any guesses???

{The Work Goes On Despite Illness}

(Can you spot our missionary??? He's on the top row, 4th from the right)

As most of you know, Dusty, my brother is serving a full time mission for our church in MX City. And, as most of you know, there is an outbreak of Swine Flu there. There have been 150+ confirmed deaths from it, and confirmed cases of it in CA, TX, NY, and even as north as Canada. The deadliest thing about this string is it exhibits all the same symptoms of the regular flu, so without a blood test it is impossibe to know if you have it. The scary thing is there is no vaccine just yet.

They are still working on THE hybrid of vaccines to cure this thing!

The missionaries, along with all the people of MX have been instructed to avoid contact. No shaking hands, hugging, etc. We will hear from Dusty tomorrow to see how things are!

We're anxious to hear from him on Mother's Day!

Can you believe it's been just about 11 months (on May 25th)???

Not to mention there was a 6.0 earthquake in Aculpuco...It's like the end of the World!

{Can't Shake The Feeling...}

(During the Great Depression, photographers travled from NY to California hitting every town along the way. Their camera captured the stories of desperation, depression, and the break down of human society. These are a few I can relate to...)

It finally caught up with me. After a rough year, a rough move, a rough pregnancy, and a rough day, I threw myself a well deserved pity party. To sum things up, the job hunt isn't going well. There are plenty of CNA jobs out there, the problem is no one wants inexperience. Not to mention, thanks to our crappy government who is taking their sweet time getting Ryan's CNA license to us, no one wants him without his license number. So, we're going into our 4th month of no income...

Yeah.

And to make matters worse, my body aches in every inch of every joint. So sleeping is impossible.

Which is, as you migraine sufferers know, just asking for a miserable headache.

So after venting to some good friends, and my mom, I just felt worse. My body ached, my head throbbed, and my kids, of course were being difficult. I put them to bed early. It was either that or go on a shooting spree.

Not here. But somewhere. Hmm, I need to get out now!

Seriously, how much can one person take??

I drug myself off the couch. got into my car and hit Sonic for dinner.

(Hey, gotta cheer up myself some way, right???)

I ordered my favorite off the value menu, yuck, but at least its something.

I drove into a neighborhood close by, which are only million plus dollar houses of course, talk about salt in the wound, parked out front one of the prettiest and ate, thinking about how hard I have it. I imagined the family who lived there, what kind of car(s) were in their garage, and hated them every second longer I stayed.

Than, I imagined them coming out of the house and pounding on my car window, demanding I leave, got nervous and left.

'Hmm, where to go, where to go?? I can't go home, I'm so sick of being in my brain right now.'

I know! I'll hit the Walmart. We need diapers and Tylenol for this migraine.

As I pull up, I am frightened by this homeless man I see wandering near the entrance of the store. He's dirty, talking to himself, and scary looking. Probably high, I'm sure.

'Gah!!, Now what?? Should I still go in? What if he talks to me? What if he grabs me? Alot of these people are unstable....hmmm, better go in anyways. Ryan will start to wonder why I've taken so long...'

Gather my things, quickly in and out, that's the trick! I make a mental note to mention this maniac to someone inside, maybe they can do something??

'What is a homeless man doing around here anyways? The cars parked in the lot cost more than we made last year...oh wait, I guess I could be considered homeless....hmmm better not judge, better press on Lynette.'

I got in and out with no problem. In my car, no problem. Around the corner, no problem...oh wait..

'Crap, is that him on the corner? Standing next to me?? I can't breathe...panic panic.'

The man left me alone. I got home safe. While in the shower later that night, I couldn't shake an overwhelming feeling of guilt. Here I am, feeling sorry for myself all day....I wrap myself into a clean towel, put on clean clothes and lay in a warm clean bed, pulling our new comforter up to my chin.

Gezz. I'm a terrible person...

This man will probably pass out somewhere in a gutter after he comes down off his high. He'll awake starving and thirsty, and hungry for satisfying his unquenchable addictions.

And I thought I had it rough...

{We Hardley Knew Ye...}

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend,

Common Sense,

who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
"Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
"His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

"Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

"It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
"Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
"Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
"Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
"Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility and by his son, Reason.
"He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers: I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame and I'm A Victim.
"Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing."

***Saw this on Glen Beck and thought it was fantastic!***

{Too Funny Not To Mention}

Over the last several nights, things are have been pretty interesting around the Bergen house!

Take a look at these plants, do they seem scary?

No.

Right.

In every window well here in the basement, there are these hanging plants.

Alenna has developed a very irrational fear of, oh yes, these plants!

She won't sleep on her room. So....

we took out the plants from her room.

She won't cross the living room alone because of these "Spider Plants" as she calls them.

We can't remove all of them, it's not even our house for goodness sake!

She walks around talking and crying about "Alenna scared! No spider plants!"

I fear we are raising a wimp!

I mean, come on...plants??????

What next, paper? Diapers? Air?

{Well Behaved People Rarely Make History}

If you have talked to Ryan and I for longer than 5 minutes, you know how we feel about politics. On Wed. April the 15th, all over the nation Tea (Taxed Enough Already) Parties were held to voice to the government how out of line they are!

We, among thousands, came to support the rally!

This is the crude sign we made in 5 minutes on the way to the Rally that was held at the State Capitol.

Ryan put Alenna on his shoulders and she held the sign proud.

They walked through the crowds that way too!

"Obama's Change Does Not Make Cents"
I am posting alot of the signs I liked.

Alot of these people really invested some time/thought into these signs!

There were alot of kids!

We felt silly for dragging our kids, but they just fit right in!

Everyone was so nice! Ryan and I really had good time!!

"Party Like It's 1773" With Tea Bags Attached to the sign.

There were alot of these signs. I like them.
Mind you, this wasn't an anti-Obama rally. Even though there are lots of anti-Obama signs.
It was a "stop spending our money!" rally.

Liberal or Conservative, I think America has had it!

It was really cool to seen Ryan and Alenna in the crowd of protesters!

Aw, proud moment!

I hope our children always stand up for right, and don't just go along with whatever.

"Pelosi can't stimulate my package."

Enough Said!

There were so many people!

Probably around 4 or 5 thousand! I just wish we could've been in Wa marching on the Capitol!
And even with such huge numbers, everything was very calm.

That's what you get when you gather conservatives opposed to liberals though.

"The Solution To Our Problems Isn't Government, The Problem Is Government!"

It was all too much for Brady...

"Change=Fascism...Who Knew?"

This is us leaving.

Everyone thought Alenna was adorable, which ya know, she is.

We taught her to say, "It's Not My Job!" Which she said a billion times there and made everyone laugh.

We finished with ice cream.

What a fun night!

{Zoo Trip}

So, just like every other mommy in the World, I have a year membership at the Phoenix Zoo.

It used to be a good 45min -hour long drive to go there, but now since we've moved, it's only about 10-15min away.

Too close not to go...

We decided we'd better go before its gets too hot! Ok, it was freezing!!!!

Totally un-Arizona...

I was glad we only stayed a couple hours.

I couldn't believe there were kids playing in the water features!

Insanity!!

It really was a cold day, with an insane cold wind to match.

Why would you let your kids than play in water???

Mine were dry and warm!

We made probably the best investment of $2 and rode the train that takes you all over the park.

I cuddled with my sweetest man, to keep him warm, of course!

Alenna and her friends, Katie & Sariah sat together. I love watching the three girls together!

What a hoot!

Of course, the girls were being 2 and being loud.

I didn't mind, they make me laugh!
It was great fun!!!

The girls than played on this big boat thingy.

Alenna had a blast!!!
Maybe it was the cool weather, but all the animals were out.

The girls could have cared less, but I enjoyed seeing all the animals out for the 1st time!

Here's lookin' at you, kid!

{Easter Eve & Day}

Since our life moves at such a quick pace, I fear I will need to condense several things in our life!

Ok, Alenna has this obsession, yes "obsession" with making juice. Though she had never made it, until this night, she always, always, always pretends to.

And than we all need to pretend to enjoy it as she dishes it out to us all.

So, Ryan and Alenna trudge out to the backyard, pick 10 or 15 oranges off the trees, and Ryan begins to teach Alenna how to actually make juice.

She was thrilled.

It was all she talked about!

Ignore her 'white girl fro'. Mommy's a little tired these days...

But they made enough juice for all three of us!

Pretty good!

Ah, the sweet taste of success!


It began raining. Saturday was so beautiful.

Alenna, Brady and Daddy played in the rain.

Mommy rested.

Easter Morning is finally here!!

After sleeping by her door in anticipation, morning finally came!
The Easter Bunny found Alenna, and, boy, she did well!

The Easter Bunny did a really easy job hiding eggs this year.

Literally.

She found all of them though!

Ok, this one make me laugh because she is literally screaming on the top of her lungs,

"THANK YOU EASY BUNNY!!!! I LOVE YOU!! I MISS YOU!!!"

Where does she come up with this stuff??

Later than afternoon, my family came over for Easter Dinner.

My favorite. Roast!
This is Alenna in MeMa's shoes.

Yup, she's all girl.

Alenna and uncle CJ cuddling watching "Bolt".

How cute is that??

{First Ultrasound}

Well, I got an ultrasound yesterday and from everything that was seen,

the baby looks great!

I still am spotting, but we're blaming hormones. Since I did it with Brady, I'm sure it will stop. The baby measured at 8 weeks, though I am 9. Which would make me due around Thanksgiving. Both Alenna and Brady measured a week early too with the first ultrasound, and than more than caught up for their 20 week ultrasound. So, I'm sure this baby is the same and I am still counting on the 15th unless my Dr changes it.

We saw "it's" cute little heart beating, such a beautiful sight!

That's all I wanted to see.

I think "it" looks like an alien, Ry thinks "it" looks like a frog.

Yes, we are finding out gender, we've had everyone ask, seeing as how we have one of each already.

We're 'finder-outers.' No waiting please.

Ry (who calls "it" him and he, though he claims he doesn't care) and Alenna want a boy,

which I do have "it" named if it is, in fact, a boy.

(I'm not telling names, don't ask!)

I remain undecided on what I want gender-wise...

(like I have a choice, right???)

{Egg Hunting}

So on Wed. my friend Danielle invited us over for lunch and an egg hunt.

Alenna had a blast!

This is Alenna & Jocelyn eating together.

How sweet are they??

When it came to the whole hunting for eggs part, Alenna was very lost.

I was afraid she wouldn't end up with any. She would follow other kids around and put eggs in their basket, and I would follow Alenna around and place eggs in her basket for her.

I ended up putting the majority of her eggs in her basket.

Oh well, maybe next year she'll get it!!

After a little while, she kinda started to understand and began putting eggs in her own basket.

I can't tell here if she is taking an egg out of, or placing a egg in this little boy's basket.

Either way, she was confused...haha. And clearly, was doing both.

Silly girl. At least no one accuse her of not being entertaining!

For being so young, I'd say she did well for herself!

Especially seeing as how she kept giving all her eggs away to other kids. I tried explaining to her that there are sometimes, like at an Easter Egg Hunt, we don't always have to share.

Just grab what you see.

But I guess I should just be happy she wasn't trying to hog them all!

And these are the adorable baskets our kids were given at the egg hunt!

Thanks Danielle!!

Alenna stashing her eggs in a grocery bag so mommy won't forget any.

I'd like to be able to say there wasn't a need...but having babies has ruined my brain!
(anyone else agree??)

Alenna and Sevannah jumping on the tramp.

This was Alenna's first experience with such a thing and needless to say,

she was very was impressed!

I had a hard time getting her out!

I would also like to be able to say she napped well when we got home, but Alenna had another idea.

Alenna is very anxious for the "Easy Bunny" to visit tonight.

I'm so excited for her to wake and see what he left her!

1st Dr Appt

I had my 1st Dr Appt today. I am due on or around Nov 15th.

So I'm 9 weeks tomorrow. So, still in the danger-zone.

I have been spotting, which I did with Brady, and so they are ordering me an ultrasound to have done on Monday.

I insisted on the sooner the better.

Even though I did it with Brady and of course everything was totally fine, it still freaks me out. Its like giving a heroin addict some herion. I can't help but cave into worry.

My dr usually doesn't do a ultrasound until around 15 weeks, so I guess I should feel happy about being able to see our little peanut so early, but in a way I almost don't want to know.

I'm just being silly, right?

Hopefully some good news on Monday!

Now for the long weekend ahead! Wish us luck!

Ps. I forgot to mention the dr said the spotting could be anything from implantation bleeding to hormones and not to get too anxious.

Also, I am needing to stop breastfeeding. This baby needs all the nutrients he/she can get!

Alenna-isms

So, because I try and update my blog like I would a journal, I am trying to keep on track the cute things Alenna says. Seeing as how she is two and 1/2 now (can you believe it??) she is saying and doing funny things everyday. Its so hard to remember everything, but here are just some of the more recent ones:

"Loo-Loos:" She means Noodles

"Book-A-Morna-Teach-A-Me:" She wants to read her BOM and sing the Book of Mormon song

"La-Lers:" She means Water

"Pincess:" Which is Princess, and EVERYTHING that is her's is 'princess this and that'

"Gwa-Wa:" Grandma

We ask her where mommy's new baby is, and she laughs and say, "In Mommy's Side-Belly" She means, 'Inside mommy's belly'

"Nuk:" She means Milk

"Buler:" Butter, which she wants on toast with honey

"Dil-Et!" She means "Did It!" Which she says over everything. She always is congratulating me on doing the silliest of things, i.e. putting my pants on, blowing my nose, etc.

"Souch:" She means couch

"Shaka, Shaka, Shaka Booty!": Shake Your Booty, than she dances around the room shaking her booty

"Ick! Yucky Baby Sileal!:" Brady's cereal like really grosses Alenna out, she always says 'Yucky baby cereal!!' whenever he's eating, even if its not cereal

"Nummy?" She asks us over everything we are eating if its yummy, and than will say, GOOD!

We will ask her do do something like come downstairs, or throw away a diaper, and she always says either, "No, Thank You." Or, "Yes, Thank You." Over everything. At least she's polite right?

"Easy Bunny" She means Easter Bunny

And, yes, she still talks in 3rd person. Its hilarious.

I know there will come a time, and probably sooner than I am comfortable with, that Alenna will pronounce everything properly and no longer will provide side splitting comments and observations about life, so I like to record everything (even if its just on a blog) so that I can at least try and remember!

Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

So I decided the kids needed to get out and have fun today after the insane past week.

They had a blast, as usual, of course!

We made some new friends!

Yeah! Alenna loved them!!!

So, she has this huge play area with swings, and she spends most of the day in the sand.

Yuck.

Brady spent most of the day in the swing, he loved it!

Alenna going down on the slide...

Brady going down on the slide...Yeah, he wasn't a fan.

Of course, sand baby.

Mommy & Me.

It was such a crazy windy day!

But overall, a wonderful day with the two cutest babies in town!