Arizona State Fair 2008

We LOVE the Arizona State Fair, trashy we know but we can't help it! We NEVER miss the figure 8 races but this year would have to be the exception. My parents were appaled by the idea of missing and so they did what any grandparent would do, they took them themselves. What a killer time T & T had. They rode a zillion rides, ate corn dogs, petted the animals at the petting zoo, watched the figure 8 races, and had a marvelous time! Tatum was SO proud of herself for raising her hands in the air during the fast rides. They LOVED the ferrised wheel (that's how Tatum says it), they couldn't stop talking about it! They had SO much fun and can't wait to go next year! Thanks SO much Nonnie and Pops for taking them!

Hale Chris, King of a Woman's Sport!

It's back after many years, the much anticipated women's sport, church softball...for men. Chris of course wasn't going to pass up this opportunity to show off his skills, he proved a very valuable player. The Bishop seriously considered rescheduling a visit to our home just so Chris wouldn't miss a game. A tournament was held Saturday morning and between games there was a home run derby. Chris won, not by much but he was victorious. His prize? This fancy gold, jewel encrusted crown. Hale Chris, King of slow pitch, a women's sport. He was pretty proud of himself. He kept asking me if I was proud of him for winning. He wanted to know how it feels to be the wife of the winner. Hahaha!

The children enjoyed some little friends and Tuck enjoyed a little softball himself.

Tatum immediately took over the crown, that's the princess in her, and wore it for the rest of the day. They're enjoying some lunch while watching their daddy slug some balls. Well, until next years' show of athleticism, Chris is the home run King!

Update on the Update

We met with our pediatric cardiologist Friday morning so he could asses the extra fluid around her heart. He said it was noted before but they never said anything, so I suppose that's good as there didn't seem to be more. He also said her heart is enlarged and she has something called cardiomyopathy. Basically instead of a smooth muscular surface her heart's surface is more sponge-like. It's a result of her heart working to hard and can make her recovery after surgery a little more difficult. Just one more thing for us to keep in the back of our minds.

I also met with the perinatalogist Monday morning to assess the drop in my amniotic fluid. It measured just fine which is a relief. They did a growth check and she weighs 3 lbs, 11 oz which puts her in the 48th percentile. Her size looks great and everything seems to be going okay. We hope and pray things continue smoothly!

Jersey Update

I had an appointment with Dr. Ponkey (perinatologist) and she had wonderful news, we got back the results from the amniocentesis and everything came back NORMAL!! She only has her heart condition! The doctor said she was worried because Jersey had a 30 percent chance of having what's known as DiGeorge Syndrome but she doesn't and we're thrilled!!! We have no idea what comes with that syndrome as we refused to research it until we knew either way. The doctor said that unless there's some rare gene defect they don't test for her chromosomes are normal. Now we feel like we can breath a little easier.

There was a couple other findings. Two weeks ago my amniotic fluid measured more than normal, the number was 23. I guess the normal numbers are between 9 and 20. Today I measured at 9. She was concerned that I'd been leaking fluid since the amniocentesis but I haven't and she doesn't know why I have so much less. I noticed my stomach being smaller but I thought it was all in my head, guess it wasn't. I have to go back Monday for another ultrasound and depending on the levels depends on the next course of action.

The other thing found was a small amount of fluid around the baby's heart. In normal babies the number can go up to 3 without any problems, she said most babies have that fluid and it's not a worry. Jersey's was measuring at 3.9 which is cause for concern. I feel like we took a huge step forward with the wonderful results from the amnio but then took steps back with these other things.

I left my appointment and got a call half an hour later saying that the pediatric cardiologist needed to see us tomorrow and they were just going to have to squeeze us in to look at some new findings with her heart. Um, I wasn't aware of anything new except for the fluid which didn't seem to have Dr. Ponkey to concerned. It almost sounded like an emergency as our appointment is at 8 am. I'm realizing out lives will be lived with a little anxiety from day to day.

We have an appointment with our surgeon right after the cardiologist tomorrow, we're anxious to meet him and have loads of questions to ask. This surgeon operated on our good friend's baby and worked miracles, we're SO lucky he will also be on this journey with us.

I wanted to say thank you, thank you for the countless prayers and fasting in our girlie's behalf. We have never felt so loved or taken care of. Thank you for the beautiful flowers, all the yummy goodies, the books, the babysitting, the phone calls, and e-mails. We have felt an out pouring of love and nothing has gone unnoticed. In a time in our lives we so desperately need taken care of we have been able to lean on and cry with so many people. Heavenly Father will take care of us through you. He has given us so many things to be grateful for and although I very much want a healthy baby I wouldn't change anything.

Pumpkin Bars

There are SO many reasons we enjoy this time of year. For starters the weather is amazing, we can actually go outside without dying which means we finally get to see our neighbors! It also brings us closer to the fun holiday feeling. And it means we get to make these, are MOST favorite fall/winter treat, Pumpkin Bars! Here's the recipe for all you pumpkin lovers.

Pumpkin Bars:

2 eggs 2 tsp. baking powder

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin 1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 c. apple juice 1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 c. oil 1/2 tsp. nutmeg

2 c. flour 1/2 tsp. cloves

11/2 c. brown sugar 1/4 tsp. salt

In a large bowl beat ingredients at low speed until moistened. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Spread in a greased 15 by 10 by 1 in pan. Bake at 35o degrees for 20 minutes. Cool completely.

Frosting:

4 c. powdered sugar

2/3 c butter, softened

8 oz cream cheese

2 tbl. milk

2 tsp. vanilla

Combine ingredients and spread over pumpkin bars.

Winter Lawn

Tucker was such a big help putting in our winter lawn. He saw Chris mowing, ran to the back to get his mower, and then mowed the entire lawn right beside his dad!

Kiddie Workshop

We took Jamie's advice
and tried out Lowe's FREE kid workshop. They each got their very own goggles and an apron with their name. You can't tell by looking at their faces but they were thrilled!

They made these silly skeletons but the important part was the hammers and nails that were just their size! Tucker likes to think with his mouth open.

Ta-dah! The finished product!