You Know Your 9 Months Pregnant When.....

Just when you think you have something figured out, life seems to throw a surprise. At least that's what I've experienced these past 9 months.  Having done it 3 other times, all of which were very similar, I thought I knew what was in store when pregnancy #4 began. But I have been proven wrong!!  This time around has been a new experience.  I've learned to truly appreciate women who have many children, not just because they love, nurture and raise them but because they endured all those pregnancies as well.  I've come to the realization that yes indeed, some people are physically sick the entire 9 months and they're not being complainers or over-dramatic. I've learned that pregnancy does slow you down.  Most of all, I'm experiencing the "9th Month Syndrome"...when everything (and even sometimes everyone around you... at least that's what it feels like) reminds you that you're 9 months pregnant! 

So I've been thinking, you know your 9 months pregnant when:
1. Tums become a staple at your house and routinely appear on the grocery list. 
I've never had to buy Tums and now I can't live without them

2. You can't make it up and down the stairs without feeling winded
This is so depressing!

3. People you don't know continually make the comment, "You gonna have that baby any day now?"
Even at 35-36 weeks, I was getting this comment. Not very encouraging.

4. Even worse... when people say, "You've got the waddle!!"
Just as a sidenote, do they really have to remind you? Pregnant women already feel uncomfortable, fat and unattractive. Do we really need to be reminded that now we walk funny too? And another sidenote, men should never ever ever be allowed to make this comment. Especially when they really don't know you!   

5. You can appreciate the kankles. 
I've discovered that just when shaving my legs gets akward, now at least I don't have to worry about knicking my ankle bone with the razor.  The swelling protects this!  Yeah for Kankles!

6. The idea of a newborn waking at all hours of the night is no longer dreaded.
Because I'm already awake for several hours during the night because of discomfort, I feel like at least with a newborn I will have a few restful and comfortable hours during the night.  Even more so, it is much easier waking up for a sweet newborn rather than pelvic pain just trying to roll over, or terrible heartburn that won't allow me to lay down.

So yes, I'm ready for the pregnancy to be over.  But I think we are given 9 months of pregnancy for a reason.  We are prepared to get to the point of not fearing labor and delivery or all of the adjustments that newborns bring to our lives.  For me, it means many changes I haven't experienced for quite awhile. Like being sleep deprived; having less "me" time; toting around all the baby accessories, like a diaper bag and stroller; spending lots of money on diapers and wipes and everything else; and not being able to just walk out the door with just my purse but instead having to allow for much more time to be prepared to go anywhere.  But in exchange, I am receiving such a blessing. A new baby to cuddle and love and watch my children and husband dote over.  It's been awhile since we've experienced this and it's time to soak it all in again. We are all so excited.  We have been anticipating this for awhile.  So yes, we are ready. Especially me.

Cowboy Up!

Last week was Jalen's birthday. For some reason, this year and this birthday was a real challenge for me. I couldn't get motivated or excited about planning a party.  So with not even a week left until his birthday, my answer then became that we wouldn't do a party but instead would plan something fun for our family to do...maybe a Diamondbacks game, Chucky Cheese, or the Children's Science Museum.  (So much easier for me!) But I failed at this...miserbly.  At the end of our conversation, I had a heartbroken little boy with crocodile tears running down his cheeks, who was set on having a party, and me, experiencing a very guilty conscious.  I began to think, there's not going to be too many years left that my little boy wants his mom hanging out with him or his friends on his birthday or that a party at our house is cool.  So I better just get with it and plan something!!

When Jalen's birthday came, I couldn't believe how emotional I felt all day about it....Jalen turning five.  And although he was so proud, mentioning it all day to almost everyone he talked to, reality hit that I am not ready for my baby to reach this age.  I love so much the moments that only a little boy creates that makes me smile and laugh.  I don't ever want them to be outgrown.  Here's a few examples of what I love so much about Jalen:

* He is a loveable little guy; always has a kiss for his mom; loves to cuddle; and still (not sure if this is a good thing) likes to come and sleep in my bed at night

* He is a peacemaker; always on the lookout for his sister and brother; and will easily give up or share something to make them happy

*Jalen has such a fun personality. He continually keeps our family entertained and laughing.  A couple of stories to share....

Whenever we head outside and Jalen spots a landscape worker, he has to run over to them and say, "Hola!" He will even wait for them to come closer if they are driving the lawn mowers and are some distance away. The workers usually grin, laugh a little and nod and then Jalen rides off on his bike with a very proud smile! One day while at the park, Jalen was leading a group of 4-5 little boys chasing down and running after a lawn mower.  I ran after them to explain the danger in that and how they needed to leave the workers alone and let them do their work.  Jalen's response, "But Mom! I just want to say 'Hola' to them!"  At first I didn't know if I should be embarrassed or embrace his efforts in identifying with culture differences and trying to relate to them.  Whether it's appropriate or not, I'm not sure. Regardless, Jalen loves trying to communicate just that one Spanish word he knows!

One day after watching the garbage truck go through our neighborhood, Jalen turned to me and said, "Garbage truck drivers are the smartest people in the whole world!" I said, "What makes you think that?"  "Because they have to know how to do lots of things...drive that big truck and not hit other cars or people and they have to pick up all those cans without dropping them.  Maybe when I get bigger, I can be smart enough to learn how to do that, too!"

During the summer we took the kids to a rodea, the Ute Stampede in Utah.  We had a blast! We had great seats, right next to the bull pen, where all the horses and bulls were let out.  We closely watched the riders saddle up, their preparations before the gates opened, and the cowboys who led the horses or bulls out of the arena.  So Jalen had a very up close and personal experience with cowboys, horses and bulls. The next day, Jalen was talking to his Aunt Meagan.  Here's how their conversation went:

Jalen, very seriously: Do you ever wish you could be on TV?
Meagan: No, not really, do you?
Jalen: Yes! Someday, I'm going to be a cowboy and ride those bucking bulls and be so good people will all come to watch me and I'll be on TV, too.

I love his insights about life!

It wasn't too big of a surprise when Jalen wanted a Cowboy Birthday Party.

Jalen had a very fun day. His favorite cowboy games we played were shooting squirt guns at plastic snakes and hitting empty pop cans with nerf guns. Typical boy!!

Towards the end of the party, I was sitting by the table while the kids were eating cake and ice cream.  They were all being so cute and funny...talking about Halloween and saying some of their favorite cowboy words, like Yeehaw! and Ride 'em cowboy! and Giddyup!  I couldn't stop smiling at how adorable they were.  And then I realized, this is why I do birthday parties.  It may be a ton of work and take many hours, (especially when thrown together at the last minute) but it is so worth it!  These kids are all so worth it!

So Happy Birthday Jalen! You are a sweet, good boy and we all love you so much!

Mama's Big Belly

The past week has been quite entertaining as my little ones try to figure out this thing called "pregnancy." There have been quite a few conversations and remarks that have sure made me smile.

When we announced the news and Mason first realized that I was going to be having a baby, he instantly looked at my tummy. And he wouldn't stop.  The first thing he did was walk over and lift up my shirt to check out where this baby was. He did this all morning long. When his ride came to get him for school, he ran out the door yelling (sharing) our news. I walked out to talk to my friend and with a van full of kids, Mason says "Mom, show them all your big belly!" Ya right, I'm going to lift up my shirt! But so funny because just the day before, my tummy wasn't so big. Now because Mason knows there's a baby there, it's all the sudden BIG and he wants to share and announce this to everyone!

Madelyn's reaction has been so cute. She has anticipated this for a very long time, and even consistently started praying for a new baby several months ago.  To her, this is "our" baby. Just as much hers as mine.  Madelyn was so intrigued with the fact that I've known since July that I was expecting.  This was just mind boggling to her.  She continues to ask, "But mom, how did you know you were pregnant?" I continue to say, "Mommy's just know these things." Or "Mommy started feeling really sick, so I just knew."  These answers will satisfy her for a short time and then the question is asked again. I'm not sure what else to say....

I've been able to hide the sickness (in other words, throwing up every night and morning) pretty well. But this last week I've been caught a couple times.  After one occassion, I was lying on my bed and here's how the conversation went:

Mason: Mom, are you sick?
Me: Yes, I don't feel so good but I will be fine.
Mason: How come?
Madelyn: Because she's pregnant, Mason.
Mason: How come that makes you sick? Is the baby sick?
Me: No, Mommy's body isn't used to a baby inside, so it makes me a little sick.
Mason: Oh, so you probably just throw up when the baby hiccups, right? Or when the baby spits up, that makes you spit up, too. Right?

All the things they're figuring out. Too funny!

Another time I was caught by Jalen. He wouldn't leave the bathroom. He just wanted to stand over my shoulder. Of course he announced it to everyone else so they all had to come in too. Then his response was, "Oh mommy! You're so sick! You just need to drink some sprite and lay down."

I was thinking, I would love that! But then who would finish cleaning up breakfast, make lunches, help Madelyn with piano, finish helping Mason with his homework, comb 3 kids hair, change the laundry, shower and get ready, drive the kids to school and be ready to go visiting teaching by 9 am????

Sipping on sprite and laying around would have been nice, but the reality for Moms is that life continually demands our attention. There's no time to slow down, give in to what our bodies really want, or ease up on schedules and responsibilities.  So we deal with it.  We hide the sickness.  We carry on.  And for the most part, we do it well. Because really, there's no other options!  So to all of you mothers, Kuddos to you!! You are amazing and courageous and give me strength knowing I'm not the only one to do this before!

Alan's Birthday

Today I want to say Happy Birthday to my sweet husband! He is an amazing husband and father and always works so hard at everything he does. We all love him!

We want to share a little of the birthday surprise that took place in our home this morning...

Madelyn's Special Day

Madelyn had a very special birthday this year, turning eight and getting to be baptized. She has anticipated this day for a very long time as she has watched many of her friends have their own baptism day. We were so fortunate to be surrounded by many family members who participated in the program and made it such a wonderful and special day for her.

My brother Jake and his wife Natalie sang "What Heaven Sees in You" and put together this slide show of Madelyn. It was amazing. After the song, there were few dry eyes in the room. Here's the link.

Fancy Delma Day

Some of my greatest childhood memories were made in "The Big Blue Room" of my Grandpa and Grandma Dyreng's home.  It's here that many dinners were held...Thanksgiving feasts, regular Sunday dinners, Easter and Christmas, and really everything in between. 

It's where the magic of Christmas Eve or Christmas day unfolded when surprises like Grandpa bringing in a Honda motorcyle for the grandkids and starting and revving it up, with smoke and exhaust kicking out right in the middle of Grandma's beautiful living room! Or when a present was opened and out flew real, live pigeons!

It's where I learned the art of quilting.  Many times when stopping in to visit, I would find Grandma with a quilt set up in her big blue room, either tying or quilting away and patiently teaching me how to do it, too. 

In this room I also learned how to play Rummy, a must know in the Dyreng family and over time, hours and hours have been spent in the blue room around card tables with cousins, aunts and uncles playing all kinds of games...rummy, hearts, hand and foot, spoons (the list can go on and on!)

The big blue room was always welcome to my friends. I even had a big sleepover with all of my fellow beehives! Grandma not only had the space for 12 silly little girls, but more importantly, had the patience, kindness, sense of humor and love to enjoy it with us.

I was surrounded by the most important women and girls in my life during my Bridal shower in this room. 

And one of the most special experiences for me in this room, was when my Grandpa gave me my patriarchal blessing.

To say the least, there is much memory and emotion for me when thinking about Grandma's Blue Room. And recently, I added another special memory to the list....Fancy Delma Day.
This event was created by my extremely talented sister, Kristyn.

Our most clever and brilliant host, "Captivating Kristyn"

She had a thought to have a fun luncheon, for all the girls in the family, using many of Grandma's beautiful China dishes.  But what developed from her simple idea was an extraoridnary day, honoring our adored Grandma Delma and learning more about our ancestors, namely Great Grandma Nettie May and Great Grandma Vera. It all began with the invitation:

Your presence is requested for a

deliciously splendid gathering.

Fancy Delma Day

Place: The Blue Room at Delma's Palace

Be sure to wear your fanciest accessories

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a book to sign in, a fancy name for the day, and a red feather boa. We sipped on frappe and listened to "Clair de Lune" (Grandma's favorite) while mingling with cousins, aunts and of course, the lady of honor herself "Darling Delma".

"Darling Delma" and "Exquisite Emily"

"Marvelous Mandi", "Lovely Queen Kera", "Adorable Cute Kelsey" and "Nice Natalie"

Through several tributes given by cousins, I learned what strong, faithful and amazing women my Grandma and her mothers were. It is so interesting to learn how they lived their day to day lives...baking their bread, growing large gardens and then harvesting everything from them, sewing all their clothes, washing clothes by hand, gathering eggs from their chickens, feeding the chickens, tending to the needs of all their children, having sick children die, doing a lot of this by themselves because the men were away from home so much.  Wow. They were busy. They were amazing ladies.

We enjoyed a fashion show of some prominent dresses

"Magnificent Meagan" wearing a dress of Great Grandma Nettie May's

Me, "Angelically Good Jennie" wearing Great-Grandma Vera's dress she wore on Grandma's wedding day

"Exquisite Emily" wearing Grandma's wedding dress.

"Nice Natalie" wearing Grandma's "First Nightgown" to be worn on her wedding night. There is a funny story to this...my grandparents were both serving missions and would be coming home around the same time.  Marriage had already been discussed and Grandpa was very anxious, to say the least! Not only did he have a ring bought by the time he went to get Grandma at the train station, but he also had bought this "nightgown" while he was a missionary and sent it to my Grandma while she was a missionary! Great-Grandma Nettie May thought this was scandalous! So inappropriate!!

And of course we ate delicious food off of Grandma's beautiful dishes.

"Sweetie Pie Sam", "Cutie Katie", "Magnificient Meagan", "Angelically Good Jennie" and "Exquisite Emily"

"Sweetie Pie Sam" and "Marvelous Mandi"

"Cutie Patootie Hallee", "Diva Diane" and "Adorable Miss Maddy"

We all received the surprise of our life when my Grandpa's twin sister Pauline and her husband Udel showed up...dressed for the occasion! When they heard about the fabulous party, they couldn't stand to miss out. They drove two hours in their costumes, even Uncle Udel...dressed like a woman!! When he came in decked out with pearls, high heels, and a dress so tight he could barely move, we about died laughing!!

The Dyreng Girls

This day was just lovely. Absolutely delightful!

Lovable, Furry Friend

For some time, our kids have been asking, pleading, and begging for a pet, more specifically a dog.  I don't blame them. It wouldn't take much to convince me to have one of these:

or one of these....

There's only one problem and that is this:

Alan's idea of a dog is one that can roam around the farm; jump into the back of a truck; play fetch with a tennis ball; can be taken camping, hunting or anywhere else in the rugged outdoors; and most importantly, thrives outside (in other words, would NOT be allowed in the house). Sure there are plenty of dogs that fit in this category. That's not the problem. However, reality for the Cox family in Arizona is that 1.We don't have a farm. 2. We don't even have a backyard big enough to play fetch with a tennis ball. and 3. It is HOT outside for a big dog.
So we find ourselves in a bit of a dilemma. I want a small dog, and Alan wants a Lab. Instead of Alan and I coming to an agreement, Alan and the kids have found some interesting substitutes that they call a pet.

Meet "Scorpy".

After sending Alan out to the desert to get some dirt, he came home with two very excited boys and a new pet scorpion, who was named "Scorpy". I know, very original. I couldn't believe he brought home a very poisionous, ugly insect.  I quickly insisted that they follow two very important rules. First, the lid on the container was NEVER to be taken off by them and second, it was to remain outside at ALL times. Easy enough, right? A few hours later, Jalen went outside to check on Scorpy. Jalen came back inside, trying to sneak past me and carrying the big container behind his back with those pleading eyes, "Don't look, Mom!" I jumped towards him, grabbed the containeer and insisted that he take it back outside. He knew the rule.  Jalen's pleading response, "But Mom! Scorpy is all alone outside. He wants to come and watch the movie upstairs with us! Please!"
After laughing with Alan about this, I explained that our kids want a pet they can love and bond with. They need a loveable, furry friend...not a poisionous insect that has to be kept locked up!
Gratefully, Scorpy only lasted two days.

Now meet Dino.

He is the result of a Father and Son's campout without me being able to insist on releasing the horny toad back into the wild when the camping trip was over. He too is an ugly, creepy reptile. I do have to appreciate that he's not poisonous but still, not a loveable, furry friend.  The kids are very fond of it. Jalen likes to carry him on his shoulder while petting his back and saying, "Hi boy. You're such a nice little boy." Mason likes to let him cling to his shirt and hunt for crickets and bugs to feed it.  T

    

                          

On our recent trip to Utah, at the last minute, Alan and the boys decided to bring Dino along. Insisting he would starve to death if left alone for 5 days, I reluctantly agreed.  While stopped at a gas station, Madelyn pointed out an adorable dog, with it's front paws and face hanging out of the front seat of a car.  After we both doted over the cute dog, I couldn't help but laugh to myself.  Here we are traveling with our pet, too. Only, he is an ugle horny toad. How entertaining would it be if we held it up to our window for fresh air and for passerbys to see!

Honestly, I was wishing I had the lovable, furry friend for my kids, not the reptile.