James 2nd week!!!

Here are a few pics of our 2nd week! We did manage to get James to the doctor this week. He is now 7lbs 14 oz and still 21 inches. No he didnt lose length...I was just misinformed as to his length until I was unpacking and found his measuring tape with all his stats on it. Ooops... and be sure to check out those boots!! Those were a gift from Auntie Kristin...I thought they would never fit him...they are so tiny! But...they are too big!!! He kicks them off....but they are so sweet!

BLUE... is the new pink in our house!!

Here are a few more pics from the past few days! We are loving all the blue!!

A Picture by Paige

Paige drew me this picture the first day I was home. Hopefully you can see it. I thought it was so sweet! It is a picture of me..holding baby James.

Introducing.....

James Michael Dunham!!

Finally, we decided on a name! I know..pretty lame that we cant decide after knowing for so long that we were having a boy. But the birth was pretty dramatic and we werent in any condition to make such a huge decision. We needed time to calm down and get to know this little guy. He was known in the hospital as trouble maker, mr. noname and buddy. We brought him home yesterday and we are thrilled to be together as a family again. Thank you for all the help that we have had watching the girls over the past week! It was so nice to not have to worry about them. They are just thrilled with little James and so happy to have him home. Paige loves his little nose and his little clothes. Steff loves that he is so good and CUTE. Emily loves to just hold and watch him. Mike and I love that he is finally here safe and sound. We already cant imagine not having him in our family.

First Pictures.....

Here are some of the first pictures of our new addition! He is so sweet and we fell in love instantly after quite a traumatic entrance! He weighed in at 7lbs 11oz and is 21.5 inches long. We are still debating a name...yes we know...last minute. Sorry about the black and white not sure why that happened..but I dont have time to correct. We will try to get some better pics up soon. Thanks for all your love and support!!

He's Here!!!!!

I just wanted to post for Lisa & Mike and let you know that their new baby boy is here!! He is one for the drama... after a dramatic pregnancy he made a dramatic entry into the world also! Her placenta ended up causing Lisa to hemerge so she was quickly taken in for a c-section! My mom said it was pretty scary for a few minutes. He was born a few minutes after 3:00pm and weighs 7lbs 11oz. He is doing great! Lisa is doing better but I don't think we can say great quite yet... hopefully their will be more updates soon and possibly pictures!!! We have all been so anxious to meet this little man!!!! Hope you recover well Lisa.. LOVE YOU!!!
Love Kristin

Baby is COMING!!!!!!!!!

Ok..here is baby update...FINALLY!!! I just saw my doctor...she is so sweet....she didnt have a clinic today and is off to Jamaica but wanted to check me before she left. So due to a few past concerns (placenta previa and transverse baby)..and present concerns (high blood pressure)...she wants to get baby out in a controlled circumstance. So she scheduled me to be induced this weekend....I just have to wait for a bed. So Im thrilled that we finally get to meet this little guy that we have worked and waited for!! Now if i can just finish up some more boxes before we get the call!! Crunch time now!! So Im just hoping the induction goes smoothly and baby just slips out!! Wishful thinking I know. Oh and I guess we should come up with a name...we have procrastinated that as well. Put in your bids now.....

Finally...my favorite song...on video!!

I was waiting for Daughtry to come out with this song on video! Finally! I went to his concert...which was awesome..but he didnt play this song! Huge disappointment! Love this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We DID it!!!!!! We have moved into our FIRST home!!

First, I have to say...for Calgary we have had a very mild winter. We had one short cold snap while I was on bedrest...but other than that...nice temps and hardly any snow. Well all that changed on Sunday as an arctic blizzard blew in. Not only was there snow...and crazy wind...but the temperatures PLUMMETED!!! All Sunday night I kept getting up and checking out the window..thinking we were crazy...no INSANE... for even attempting a move the next day..I was ready to back out and try again when the temps were a little more sane. In the morning, I turned the news on...the temperature was -33C but with windchill felt like -48C!!! I could hardly believe my ears. School was still on...and Mike wanted to move as we are on a bit of a time crunch. So we did it! Thanks to all those who braved those truly insane temperatures to help us accomplish this task. (For you US people...my dads vehicle at one time said -19F but that doesnt include windchill) It was a brave soul who showed up and I am so so so thankful!! I am hoping no one turned into an icicle or received any frostbite...it was bitterly bitterly cold and an unfortunate time to move.

That being said...I am truly ECSTATIC!! I was in tears driving over for our possession time of 10am. I have been such a stressed out emotional basketcase in the past few weeks (well ok...months)...but all of a sudden...Im following Mike pulling a little trailer with our first load and reality hit. We were FINALLY moving into our first home! Things then went crazy as we signed papers...and got our keys. I meant to get some photos before move in began...but our dedicated helpers were bundled and ready. They worked fast and furiously inside and out to help us accomplish this move. And we did it. By 4pm everything was in the house and everyone was trying to return their bodies to normal temperatures. We still have a LOT of work to do...but we are in!! Thank you Thank you Thank you to everyone who helped us with this move. We feel so blessed to have such great friends and family who would brave this weather to help us. We are truly thrilled and 15 years have been worth the wait!! I will post pictures as soon as we get some sort of organization happening.

I was very saddened to hear the news of the passing of our Prophet President Hinckley. I heard only by round about rumor..and for 15 or 20 minutes could not find anything to confirm the news. I wondered if it could possible be true. Shortly after hearing rumor...the news was confirmed on CNN and LDS.org. After 12 years of listening to his testimony and feeling of his love and strong testimony...it is hard to let him go. I loved so much about this man....who tho small in stature was a rock for us each to follow. I loved his cute sense of humor and will miss his cheery smile. At the same time that I know we mourn for our prophet...I can only imagine how thrilled he is to be with his sweet wife and dear friends who have passed before him. A happy reunion!! His life was one of service to the church. It will be an emotional week as we say goodbye to a loved prophet and honor him...we will also welcome a new prophet and sustain him in his new calling.

Stephanie's Baptism!

Stephanie was able to be baptized on her birthday! Just like Emily was...it is becoming a bit of a tradition. It was so nice to have so many family and friends attend! Both her grandmothers spoke and did such a beautiful job and made it so personal for Stephanie! Stephanie was BEAMING the whole day! It was so fun to watch her! Later, we went for Chinese Food. Stephanie leaned over and asked me...if she was still pure from her baptism. I asked her if she had done anything wrong since 10am this morning....she said..nope...and was beaming again! So cute! She has been reading from her Book of Mormon and watching all the new Book of Mormon videos we got for Christmas. She just loves the stories and cannot choose a favorite story. Ill often find her and Paige snuggled together reading the stories together and she will explain them to Paige. She is such a fun girl and great sister! We were so excited to share this special day with her!!

In need of a laugh today.......

Just for fun...these had me laughing....

Q. Should I have a baby after 35?A. No, 35 children is enough.

Q. When will my baby move?A. With any luck, right after he finishes high school.

Q. How will I know if my vomiting is morning sickness or the flu?A. If it's the flu, you'll get better.

Q. Since I became pregnant, my breasts, rear-end, and even my feet have grown. Is there anything that gets smaller during pregnancy?A. Yes, your bladder.

Q. What is the most common pregnancy craving?A. For men to be the ones who get pregnant.

Q. What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?A. Childbirth.

Q. The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me. Why?A. 'Cause you're fatter than they are.

Q. My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.A. So what's your question?

Q. What's the difference between a nine-month pregnant woman and a model?A. Nothing, if the pregnant woman's husband knows what's good for him.

Q. How long is the average woman in labor?A. Whatever she says, divided by two.

Q. My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?A. Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q. When is the best time to get an epidural?A. Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q. Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?A. Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q. What does it mean when the baby's head is crowning?A. It means you feel as though not only a crown but the entire throne is trying to make its way out of you.

Q. Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?A. Yes, pregnancy.

Q. Does pregnancy cause hemorrhoids?A. Pregnancy causes anything you want to blame it for.

Q. Where is the best place to store breast milk?A. In your breasts.

Q. Is there a safe alternative to breast pumps?A. Yes, baby lips.

Q. What does it mean when a baby is born with teeth?A. It means that the baby's mother may want to rethink her plans to nurse.

Q. How does one sanitize nipples?A. Bathe daily and wear a clean bra. It beats boiling them in a saucepan.

Q. What are the terrible twos?A. Your breasts after baby stops nursing cold turkey.

Q. What is the best time to wean the baby from nursing?A. When you see teeth marks.

Q. Do I have to have a baby shower?A. Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q. Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?A. When the kids are in college.

And a favorite....

A man took his pregnant wife to the hospital to give birth. The doctor told them that they'd developed a new machine and asked if the couple would like to try it out. The machine could take some of the pain of childbirth from the mother and give it to the father to ease the mother's burden.Well, they thought that was a good idea, and decided to give it a try. The doctor initially set the machine on 10 percent, telling the man that even 10 percent was probably more pain than he'd ever experienced. But the husband was surprised at how little pain he was feeling, and asked the doctor to raise the level.The doctor increased it to 20 percent, and when the man still felt fine, he raised it to 50 and finally 100 percent.After it was all over, the man stood up, and stretched a little. Both he and his wife felt fine, and they shortly left the hospital to take the baby home.It was then that they found the mailman dead on their doorstep.

30 DAY EVICTION NOTICE!!

After tenant forcefully took over the premises....

I am issuing 30 day notice for EVICTION. Tenant will have 30 days in which he can either gather his belongings and promptly vacate the premises, or wait until the final day. After which, he will be physically removed from the property. He's being evicted due to breech of contract and destruction of property. Expansions only to the FRONT of the house, within reasonable limits, were discussed. Not only have these limits been exceeded, but additions to the back of the house were also made! Remodeling and gutting of the home was never approved, nor was changing the initial layout and base structure. And due to property damage, there are now leaks in both the upper AND lower levels of the home. On top of which, the landlord has received numerous complaints about nightly disturbances. After 30 days from this day that he doesn’t comply with the notice will result in immediate and forceful removal at my discretion. Tenant is required to leave the premises exactly as he found them!!

Exception: He cannot leave in the next 8 days!! LOL

Glamour Girls!!!!!!

Steff had her birthday party today!! Due to some tight scheduling at the end of the month...and the fact that this was the only day available at Beaners for the next two months...we decided to celebrate a little bit early! She had a Hawaiian Luau and all the girls were glammed up! They looked adorable...most were curly and some went straight....and one wanted a mohawk...but we wont name names. It was a fun party and she received lots of cute gifts...she came home and enjoyed them all!! Thanks girls for helping us celebrate Steff's special day!!!

Family Dance

Last night was the annual family dance! It was also the first time I have been out (other than doctors appts). It was so fun...and an even bigger crowd than last year! All the kids had so much fun dancing the night away. The chicken dance, macarena, ymca and cha cha were the favorites this year. Like last year, I didnt get the greatest pictures it is a hard environment to capture on film. It was so fun to see family and friends and catch up! I had to drag the girls off the dance floor when it was time to go. I even broke out for one dance....maybe a little much coming off bedrest...but oh well! It was a fun time for everyone and we look forward to it again next year!

First SKI DAY of the Season!!!

Mike took the girls skiing today to try out all their new gear!! The girls had a great time and remembered all the ski rules from last year! They were off and skiing in no time and all had a great time!!

A GREAT Day!!!!

Sorry for the bad picture..there were a few workers at the house today! Hurray! Mike went over to the post office this morning to pick up our awaited letter! Our walkthru is set for the 22nd and our possession date is JANUARY 29th!! We are so excited!!!! Paige, Kristin and Emily came closest with their guesses! However we may have to change to the 28th as Mike is in the OR on the 29, 30 and 31st....so we are hoping for some flexibility. I popped to the house today and the tilers are almost done and have done a great job and the hardwood was just being installed. Im shocked now at how fast things can actually move. We are used to quite a snails pace...but it is so fun to see the house come together! And we cant wait to move in and get settled....hopefully before baby comes!

Then I went to have an ultrasound and doctor appointment and came out jumping for joy. The doctor has taken me off bedrest as my placenta is now 'low lying' rather than a previa!! So Im supposed to still 'take it easy' but my risk for bleeding has significantly decreased! However, baby is laying transverse...like Paige was...and I may have to have another version at 37 weeks if he doesnt flip. But the goal is to now have a vaginal delivery in the OR...and avoid a CSection. So this was all great news...and Im hugely relieved. I now need to build back up my strength slowly each day and get ready for a baptism, a move and a new baby (in that order!!)

WE HAVE A DATE!!!!!

The first action on our lot...Nov 2006
Not the most recent photo of the outside..but the most recent I have taken.

We signed papers on our house in Sept of 2006, we first saw action on the lot in Nov 2006 and FINALLY...we can see an end!!! We have been waiting for an 'Official Date' from our home builder..they have to send it registered mail for some reason. Well the registered letter has arrived! In fact it arrived on the 24th..but the postman did not ring the doorbell for a signature! Turkey! I was here!!! The only bummer is...is that I dont think the post office is open today either....so we cant pick up our letter! Ugh...we are dying to know what our date is! Im going to take a guess of Jan 31st. Any other guesses before I post the date????

Our votes are in....Stephanie is voting with January 18, Paige tried January 32..but then changed to January 28 when I told her there wasnt 32 days in January, Emily says January 30, and I went with the 31st...Mike being the 'optimist' went with Feb 15th!! LOL We will find out tomorrow!! FINALLY!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!! We hope everyone had a very special day. We want to THANK everyone who made our day extra special! We missed being with family desperately this year...and we received so much from so many...we feel truly blessed! The girls were so fun this year...we sent last minute emails to Santa to put in our wish lists. Luckily Santa can pull through at the last minute...thanks to those elves! After a fun Christmas Eve filled with goodies and laughter (thanks to Home Alone) the girls settled quickly anticipating Santas arrival. They were not disappointed and were so glad that Santa could squeeze down the mini chimney to deliver the presents. Luckily he brought the flying Lightening McQueen for Paige. She has played with it all day and flies a barbie around on it. Santa was also able to bring the WII gaming system and a game for everyone! Another favorite!! Mike was thrilled to get us all skiis! We are so excited to bypass the rental line this year....and look forward to many fun ski days...ok...well Ill have to wait on that one. Mike also wins most creative gift award...he painstakingly hunted down our wedding photographer and had a portrait blown up for me! Im so thrilled! The girls hardly recognized me and decided that picture was taken a LONG time ago!! Auntie Wendy gave the girls barbies which they have SO enjoyed...as their collection has been packed away. She also gave us a collage of pictures which are so cute and we cant wait to hang! Nonna & Poppa spoiled us as always....and Grandma worked so hard to finish a most precious gift (which will remain secret...for now)! We were spoiled with many treats and fun gifts from friends! We hope friends and family every where have had a fun and memorable day!! We missed you all and are thinking of you!! Merry Christmas!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATIE!!!

Happy Birthday COUSIN KATIE!!!! Katie....is turning 14 today!!!! We can hardly believe it! We just LOVE Katie....we miss her terribly when she is not here and look so forward to our next visit with her! She has all these younger cousins so organized and does kids camps and activities with them whenever we are together. Their favorite game to play with Katie....is BEARS! They have been playing it for years and Katie is so sweet to continue playing with them! The last time we were together...they played Harry Potter which was very entertaining to watch as they all dressed for the Hogwarts Ball. Katie you are a doll...and we wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!