So, my favorite photographer ever is linked down at the bottom of my blog (Canlas Photography). He was in our old ward, and I always dream of being able to afford a session for a family sitting with him. Today, I tried to take some cool pictures of my own since that day is far, far away. And then I tried to edit them. But then, since I was washing dishes, making dinner, and playing princess in between, I didn't really learn how to do anything too specific with my pictures in my new photo program. I don't know when I'll get the patience for that. Still, the kids are cute. So, you can't ruin that...

On the Way to the Car

Says E: Mom, there's a bug in the backyard. Will you come see if it's a good bug or a bad bug?
Mom... looking, and wondering if I should get out something used for smacking purposes: Oh, that's just two flies... repopulating the world.
E (in a very serious tone): Yes, they are making the world a more beautiful place.

On the Subject of Parties

Says E:

Mom, since it's March shouldn't Aunt Becky have another party at her house? It could be a green party. We should call and ask her when it is.

All Hail to Dee's Automotive, the Aura of Coach Nielson, and the Traveling Grandma Taxi

A long time ago I had a Thunderbird.

It was Rust Orange.

It was built by my father.

It had an engine in it from some other vehicle (I don't recall) that had been turned on end to make it work.

Pretty talented.

I parked it on the roads of Provo. An amazing feat. I may not have much prowess, but parallel parking prowess is truly mine.

But it died on the road.

A lot.

And, traumatized, I applied for a new vehicle.

This was a Nissan Sentra.

We call her Viv. As in, Vivaldi. As in, the Four Seasons. As in, she makes a new sound for every season.

For the past two years, she has determined to make Safety Inspections as difficult as possible.

Along with the dealership. I think they were in cahoots.

So, last year, under Coach Nielson's advice, we took her to Dee's Automotive. And she passed by the skin of her teeth.

And this year, I took her again.

And I worried.

And I fretted.

And I contemplated disavowing all knowledge of her when they called to say they'd fixed her without asking me about any prices.

"Um, a Nissan Sentra? I don't have a Nissan Sentra."

But when I walked up to the counter they handed her over to me with a pass grade, and for only $150 (which, when you consider the dealership's $100s, and complete inability to produce a pass grade, is a lovely idea).

Sigh.

Yes, sigh.

Sigh of relief.

I am so happy.

The Results

I would post the picture. But once again, I'm lazy.

So...

it's a boy.

Ta da!!!!

First Photos

Yes, indeed, I had my first visit at the CNM's office today. It actually went quite well. They took my blood, but didn't tell me in advance so I didn't have to traumatize myself. (With E I went home afterward and told my mom I was dying because they'd stolen all my blood. It felt very true.) I didn't have to have THE EXAM because I'm already 20 weeks and they didn't want to mess around up there. I've never going before 20 weeks again! And, when they did the "quick" ultrasound to check on the due date, I got to see a full version baby.... no little monkey face. I even found out.... what the baby is. Too bad for Justin and our actual ultrasound appointment on Monday. Apparently I have no self-control. I will let him call people before I announce here though. And yes, Libbi, you can go downstairs and have Mom tell you.

Below are a few photos. If I use the flash, I get glare. If I don't, you get the following. Oh well. They look like most ultrasound photos when you could right down to it. The first two are the profile, the second is the leg.

Sequel

Says E, after receiving a sucker at the Doctor's office today:

"Now I am happy... because now I had my treat."

The Correct Use of If Clauses

Background Information:

Yesterday, at Grandma's, E made the following statement:

"But Mom, if I eat all my toast, there won't be room in my stomach for my treat."

To Grandma this made perfect sense. After all, she is a Grandma. So, the treat magically appeared.

This Morning:

"Mom, I am not hungry for real food. I am hungry for a treat."

"Well, we don't have treats for breakfast."

"You are not being nice. Nice people are people who give their children treats. Mean people don't give their children treats."

"Well, you're not having a treat."

"Then I will not be happy."

"That's your decision."

Later, as we all waved at the door to say goodbye to Daddy, E continued to moan. She then yelled across the backyard.

"I will NOT be happy until you give me a treat."

Well, then....