Happy 4th of July..at the zoo

Today Gracie, Lilly, Emily, Jordan, Jake, Becca and Bayley all went to the zoo (with parents Me Blake, Lance & Kristi) Its was a lot of fun. We bought a year pass so it was nice to wander around and not have to see everything all in one stop. The best thing the girls really liked was the bird show. I think Kristi and Lance had more fun watching Lilly than the birds. The weather was nice and hot until the end and we got rained out but over all we had a great time. Here our some pictures of our trip...

Going to the Zoo Zoo Zoo...how about you you you?

The First few pictures are of Lilly at the bird show. She was having a great time. And I love that you can see Kristi laughing at her...I think the kids really had a great time. We'll have to go again. Thanks to Lance, Kristi and family for hanging with us today...

Art of Painting

Here are a few pictures of the girls. We went to the arts festival last week and Gracie got here face painted ( a butterfly). They had a nice time. This week we started painting our deck. The girls had fun painting and the did a really nice job. They actually got more paint on the deck the themselves.

Happy 37th Birthday Blake!!

On this day in History 37 years ago a strawberry blonde baby boy was born. What a cutie. I just wanted to wish my husband a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! And let him know we love him and we are glad he is in our life!!

In Loving Memory of Princess Molly 10/93-06/24/06

Our Beloved Dog, Molly, passed away peacfully in the arms of Blake after 13 years of life. She was called home to be with our Heavenly Father and Grandpa Lynn in the morning of June 24, 2006, after courageously struggling with much pain and illness. Molly is survived by Blake, Shanna, Gracie, Lilly, Emily, Kelly, Troy & Grandma LaRae. She never married but helped raise many other dogs. She loved playing outside, camping, long drives, eating and getting lots of hugs, kisses and rubs. She also loved to travel and see new places, although in her last years she was limited in her activities. Molly had an amazing spirit and huge heart. She will be truely missed but never forgotten.

Utah Utes

Here is a Picture of Happy Emmy in her Ute gear.

Spagetti'O's and first real Bath for Em

We had Spaghetti-O's for lunch today and Lilly seemed to really get into them. She has them in her hair, face, tummy and even down to the tip of her diaper. She loves Spaghetti-O's. Also, here are some pictures of Em's first "real" bath. It was nice to get her in the tubby and really clean her good. Her cord fell off the other day and so I couldn't wait to put her in the tub. She actually really liked it. All my girls love the tubby. Here is a picture of Emmie sleeping. I love when my kids sleep. They are so heavenly. We Miss Daddy

sweet bliss

Its been one of those days. It took us 2 hours to go to the bread store and pick up diapers at walmart. But, now that we are home, the girls are napping, I can check my email and write on the blog. Nothing much to write. I just am glad I am home, spending time with my girls. (sorry, i am nursing and typing at the same time.) I could get used to this. I am tired, my house is messy, I am behind on my laundry, my bathroom has gone one day to long for cleaning, but as I hold my sweet babies close and veg out to spongbob all that doesn't even matter. Here are the girls in what I call "Sweet Bliss"

water park photos

more pictures of the girls

Here are some new shots of the girls. Emily is getting big and eats and sleeps a lot. The two pictures of the girls in the chair was taken about 10 mins ago. They love their new sister. I love this picture of Lilly asleep in her high chair...she had a very busy day. what a cutie.

Here's Emily........

Here is our sweet Emily Jill. She was born 06/07/06. She was 9 pounds 3.5 Oz. She is 20 1/2 inches long. She has darker hair red or brown hair..not sure as of yet. Everyday its gets lighter and reder. She is a good nurser and a great sleeper. When she came out she needed a little h2o but is perfect now. I love the picture of the girls first holding Emily. They were both pretty excited. Look at Lilly's smile. How cute. I'll add more pictures later. Just thought i would show you our newest addition. (check out the utes outfit...got to teach her young)

Emily Jill Watkins....we think...due 06/07/06

WELL,
YESTERDAY DAYS DOC APPOINTMENT WENT REALLY WELL. WE DECIDED NOT TO DO THE AMNIO AND JUST DELIVER THIS BABY. SO WE ARE SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW 06/07/06. WE NEED TO BE AT THE HOSPITAL AT 9-9:30. THEY WILL PREP ME AND GET ME READY AND I HOPE TO HAVE THIS BABY BY NOON AND BE OUT OF RECOVERY AND BACK TO MY ROOM BY 2. LET US PRAY. THE BABY LOOKS REALLY GOOD. I'VE HAD SOME HARD CONTRACTIONS THE LAST FEW DAYS MORE SO LAST NIGHT AND TODAY THEN EVER. I HAVEN'T SLEPT FOR A LONG TIME AND SO I AM NOT ONLY TIRED BUT EMOTIONAL AS WELL. I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG I AM GOING TO HANG AROUND WORK TODAY. I MIGHT JUST TRY TO LEAVE EARLY AND GET A LITTLE REST BEFORE TOMORROW. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT SHE LOOKS LIKE. I THINK SHE'LL HAVE RED HAIR (I HOPE)
GRACIE IS EXCITED TO SEE THE BABY AND SPEND A FEW DAYS WITH GRANDMA. SHE HAS BEEN PACKED FOR ALMOST A WEEK NOW.
ALSO, I THINK WE HAVE FINALLY AGREED ON A NAME...EMILY JILL WATKINS WILL BE HER NAME....WE THINK. ANYWAY, WE'LL KEEP YOU POSTED AFTER I GET OUT OF THE HOSPITAL. I'LL PROBABLY BE IN THERE FOR 3 TO 4 DAYS SO THE BLOG WILL BE A LITTLE QUIET.

JACKSON FAMILY: I GOT YOUR LETTER YESTERDAY AND AM SO HAPPY EVERYONE IS WELL. I'LL TRY TO WRITE WHEN I CAN. YOU CAN ALWAYS LEAVE A POST HERE AND I CAN GET INTOUCH WITH YOU THAT WAY AS WELL. LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GIVE BROTHER CERET MY LOVE.

Due Date..let us hope

Well,
We went to the doctor on Tuesday and things are great. Miss Watkins is getting big. Dr. Russ did an estimated weight and height measurement and he says that she is at least 8 pounds...hello...!! Her height is at 41 weeks, meaning she might be a little tall. And everything else looks okay. He wasn't too happy with me for not coming in when I took my tumble down the stairs and basically said I was lucky nothing was wrong with the baby. Phew! We have a scheduled c-section for Wednesday June 7th (2 weeks early) but first thing that morning they want to do an amniocentesis to check the baby's lungs. If her lungs look mature enough then they will take her that day. if they look immature then they will wait a week. So, the Watkins house hold will have 3 girls by next Wednesday (we hope) Mom is going to take the girls the day we go in (thanks mom). We are delivering at Alta View again so everyone is welcome to come up and visit since I'll be there for 3 days.

Gracie is getting pretty excited as well. She said she had a dream that the baby had dark brown hair and purple eyes like her cousin Baylie. I thought that was cute. Baylies hair and eyes are very very dark brown is all. She is funny. She is doing a count down for this baby. 2 days with mom, 2 days with daddy, baby comes then 3 days with Grandma...I personally think she is more excited to sleep over at Grandmas than the baby. Well, that is all for now.

GIDDY UP LITTLE DOGGY....

THANKS FOR ALL THE PHONE CALLS OF CONCERN FOR ACCIDENT PRONE ME. ALL IS WELL. I CALLED MY MOM AND CHATTED WITH HER ABOUT MY LITTLE FALL AND I FEEL MUCH BETTER AFTERWARDS. SHE DID GIVE ME MOTHERLY ADVICE THAT WENT SOMETHING LIKE THIS: "MOM, I FELL DOWN THE STAIRS THIS MORNING...YADDA YADDA YADDA" MY MOM REPLIES, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT FOR?" "WELL ITS NOT LIKE I MEANT TO." MOM, "WELL YOU KNOW YOUR PREGNANT..." AFTER THE SARCASMS LEFT HER VOICE WE CHATTED ABOUT HOW I FELT, IF THE BABY WAS MOVING AND IF I WAS SPOTTING AT ALL. THE BABY WAS ACTIVE LIKE NORMAL AND NO SPOTTING OR CRAMPING. I AM JUST A LITTLE OK A LOT SORE. I WALK WITH MORE OF A COWBOY WALK. "GIDDY UP LITTLE DOGGY." TODAY I AM MORE SORE THAN YESTERDAY (WHICH IS TO BE EXPECTED.) ALL IN ALL, I AM FINE.
THE GIRLS ARE GLAD TO BE HOME WITH MOMMY FOR THE LONG WEEKEND. ITS RAINING TODAY SO WE HAVE SPENT THE DAY INSIDE WATCHING SPONGE BOB AND EATING OTTER POPS. WE DID VENTURE TO TARGET AND FOUND SOME GREAT DEALS. NOTHING FOR ME BUT THAT IS OKAY. BLAKE JUST GOT HOME FROM WORK AND WE'LL SEE WHAT THE REST OF THE NIGHT BRINGS. HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH EVERYONE.
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY EVERYONE.

HUMPTY DUMPTY HAD A GREAT FALL

THIS MORNING, RUSHING ON MY WAY OUT TO THE BABYSITTER, I SLIPPED AND FELL DOWN OUR STAIRS KNOCKING INTO GRACIE AND NEARLY BASHING MY HEAD INTO THE WALL LANDING IN A HEAP AT THE FOOT OF THE STAIRS. GRACIE AND LILLY FREAKED OUT. I CAN STILL HEAR GRACIE'S SCREAMS OF TERROR. "MOMMY ARE YOU OKAY???? MOMMY!!!! NO MOMMY....MOMMY!!!" I DON'T THINK SHE HAS EVER BEEN THAT SCARED. (OR ME EITHER FOR THAT MATTER) I THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS OKAY. I GOT UP, WIPED MY TEARS, GRABBED MY MAKEUP BAG (SINCE I HAD JUST LOST WHAT I JUST APPLIED DOWN MY FACE AND ONTO MY WHITE SHIRT) DUSTED OFF, PICKED UP CRYING LILLY, UNLOCKED THE VAN AND HEADED FOR THE BABYSITTERS. IT WASN'T UNTIL I GOT TO WORK THAT I FEEL NOT SO GREAT. I AM HAVING A LOT OF BACK PAIN, NAUSEA AND I CAN'T WALK REALLY SWELL. I CALLED BLAKE AND HE IS FREAKING OUT. I MIGHT JUST GO HOME AND LAY DOWN FOR A WHILE. I CAN'T HAVE THIS BABY YET. I JUST CAN'T. I HAVE TOO MUCH TO DO. SHE ISN'T MOVING ALL THAT MUCH AFTER THE FALL WHICH SCARES ME TO DEATH. I NEED TO GET A COKE AND TRY TO WAKE HER UP. I'LL LET YOU KNOW IF I END UP GOING HOME.

THE MONTH OF MAY

Much has happened this month. first off,
May 10th-our 3rd anniversary. I can't believe we have been together for 3 wonderful years. I can't seem to remember not having Blake a part of my life. He is my best friend, my lover and my eternal companion. What a wonderful father he is to our children, a worthy priesthood holder and my dearest treasure. My life would not be complete without him in it. He had to work on that day so we set aside a weekend to be together.
May 14th: Mothers day-The girls and Blake got me some really pretty Willow Tree Carvings. I love them. They made me a card and I didn't have to change one nasty diaper all day (happy day) We got the traditional flower in church and I also received a home made (well church made) book marker that I love. I love being a mom!!
May 17th, 30 years ago my brother Jeffrey was born. Its always nice to share birthdays with him. I was five when he was born and even though I said I hated him for spoiling my birthday, I love him to pieces now. Happy Birthday Brother.
May 18, 1971 My parents were blessed with their first and only daughter. Yes, it was my birthday on the 18th, I am a whooping 35. My husband sent me a beautiful arrangement of roses to my work (I was surprised) and he and the girls took me to dinner at the Mayan. I think the girls had more fun dancing to the Latin music and watching the divers. It was a fun night. After dinner we went to Smiths and bought a Gazebo for our deck. Its pretty.
May 19th: 2 year anniversary of when Blake adopted my sweet Gracie. For 18 months she was known as Marjorie Gracie Olsen. But, then my sweet husband choose to Adopt my daughter and give her the name she should have had in the first place; Marjorie Grace Watkins. That is one of the most special days of my life. Thank you honey for loving Grace and giving her a name. I love you!!
May 20th: spent the weekend at the Inn at Temple Square for my birthday and anniversary. Went and saw a movie (the Davinci code) it was really great. Went to dinner and played video games (one of my favorite things to do.) What a nice weekend and we didn't even have the kids (thanks mom and Kristi)
May 22nd: Had our doctors apt. It went really well. The doctor said I can pick a day to have this baby...I'll probably go in on the 9th of June!!! Only 16 more days. Everything thing looks good. I am just tired and sore. I can't wait to see if this baby has red hair.

coming up:
Memorial day. We are planning to spend some time up in Heber. Blake's father passed away about 8 years ago and so we are going to head up there and do the cemetery thing. Its so pretty up there I think we'll spend the day. Maybe on Monday we'll do a bbq with family.
Phew what a month!!

ANOTHER NAME CHANGE VOTE...PLEASE POST

WELL, WE MIGHT HAVE ANOTHER NAME CHANGE ON THIS BABY. SO, PLEASE VOTE ON YOUR FAVORITE NAME...YOUR CHOICES ARE..

PHOEBE 3
LEAH 2
EMILY 11
EMMA 5

Conversation with a 3 1/2 year old-Birthday Wishes

I was telling Gracie that my birthday was coming up. We have been practicing the birthday song and everything. In mid practice she asked me, "What do you want for your birthday, Mommy??" I said, "Honey, I would love to have lots of kisses and hugs from my girls and maybe go to dinner somewhere fun." She looked at me very seriously and said, "I think I'll just buy you a Barbie."

I love her!!!

EIGHT MONTHS ALONG

HERE IS WHAT WE LOOK LIKE AT 8 MONTHS...FYI

Stressed or Non Stressed...that is the question.

The other day I noticed that I couldn't feel the baby moving around like she usually does. I did a kick test (counting how many times she moves with in an hour) and noticed I hadn't really felt her which was so unusual since she has been kicking my from the moment of conseption. I called my Doctors office and they asked how long it had been since I felt her move? I said not since the night before. They told me to drink a lot of water and then something sweet like orange juice or a coke and if she doesn't move within an hour to come in. Well, she didn't really move but she did have the hic-ups so I took that as a good sign. So, when I went in for my doctors appointment yesterday I had lost a pound but the baby had gotten bigger. I told them of my concerns of her movement and they said, "Just to be safe lets send you down to the labor and delivery area and hook you up with an ultrasound and a Non-stress test." So away I went....The hooked me up and slapped some gooy jelly on my tummy and checked out the baby on ultra sound. She looked so cute. You could really see her facial features. She likes to suck on her hands it was really cute. She has a nice plump tummy. The fluids all look great, she has turned and is heading down (which I knew she had) and is just a big baby. Then they hooked me up to the monitor to watch her heartbeat and my contractions. This big baby loved to sleep. They had to keep zapping her awake. Her heartbeat stayed about 130 (normally she is about 150. Both numbers are in the normal range) Anyway, after all was said and done they want me to come in twice a week to do the same type of testing until I deliver. They just want to make sure that the Fluid levels stay normal and that the baby is okay. Its really relaxing to sit and listen to your babies little heart beat. I actually loved it.

Other than that, baby and Mommy look fine. Both Fat and Tired...

Now I know my ABC's

In our great state of Utah there are many things that may be considered a rival. For instance, there is the war between Coke and Coffee, Mormons and Non Mormons, Alta snow vs.. Snowbird snow, Tastes Great vs.. Less Filling ect. In our house the biggest rival we have is Brigham Young University (aka: BYU, Big Blue or the Y) vs.. the University of Utah (aka: the Utes, Big Red or the U). Now our families blood runs very Red. My husband is a huge...Huge HUGE Utah Ute Football fan. He has season tickets, his truck is covered in Ute STUFF (ie: stickers, flag ect) and our children have been taught since the moment they came out of the womb that the U of U is the only college to attend...and that the families favorite color is red AND that you have to hate BYU!! Now I know hate seems like a harsh word...but then you don't know my husband very well...As a result, my girls have sweat shirts, t-shirts, blankets, bottles, pom poms, pictures, stuff animals all with Utah Utes on them. Ask Gracie what her favorite color is and she will say Red (99% of the time). The first words my husband tries to teach the girls is, "Go Utes!!" Gracie will see someone in Wal-mart with a Ute Hat on and she yells out to them, "Go Utes!!" with her little arm and clenched fist stretched out in victory. Yes, we love the Utes.

Now with that said you will understand more fully this recent conversation with my 3 year old. We were traveling down to Provo (the home of BYU) to attend a baby shower when my 3 year old spies the big White "Y" on the mountain. She says to me.."Look mommy, its the letter E" (she is still learning her alphabet mind you) I reply, "No honey, that is the letter Y" Gracie's faces distorts in horror, "Mommmeeeee, we HATE THE Y!!!! But, we love the U." Blake, the proud father that he is, praises his daughter for her knowledge and is smiling smugly. Then out of the blue (or red which ever you prefer) she says, "But mommy, I love Play dough."

????? Huh????? I am not quite sure if my husbands brain washing for the Utes has really played off.. I guess we'll find

CONVERSATION WITH A 3 1/5 YEAR OLD

This was our conversation this morning:
Gracie yells from the other room...

"MOMMY!!!"
"What Honey?"
Gracie walks in with her pink panties in her hands
"Mom, these damn panties are not right."
"What did you say???"
"These Damn Panties, Mom, are not right."
"Gracie, please don't say that word its a naughty word."
"okay"
**sigh**
"Mommy?"
"Yes honey"
"Is it okay if I say underwear then?"

I see that the things I say reflect on what my children say. So in the wise words of my mother, "Be Careful what you say, your children pick up everything." Aint that the truth.


***later that morning she also said, "Damn Chair and Damn Sandals" I think I am the one that needs my mouth washed out with soap."***

CONVERSATION WITH A 3 1/5 YEAR OLD

Its snowed the other day (yes right after I posted that spring has sprung) Gracie, in panties and a t-shirt, comes to me and says,
"Mommy, can I go outside and Jump on the tramp?"
"Honey, you only have panties on, its too cold and its snowing."
with all seriousness (is that a word) in her sweet voice she replies,
"Mom, (duh) I will be wearing boots!!"

Oh to have the logic of a 3 year old

Easter Day!!

Happy Easter to All,
The girls had a great day today. The Easter Bunny brought them new dresses, hid Easter eggs filled with jelly beans and gave them bubbles to play with out side. We went to church and was up lifted by the spirt there. We came home, had some Ham and Potatoes and Lilly and Blake took naps while Gracie and I snuggled in bed and watched Ice Age. The weather was perfect and the rain that was promised didn't seem to show its face..Maybe later tonight. It was a good Easter. Here are some pictures of the girls in their new dresses. Lilly defiantly has some wild red hair. Gracie has spent today rehiding easter eggs. We are blessed!

April showers bring May flowers

I can't believe it!! Spring has finally sprung here in Utah! Sheesh, it seems like winter has lasted forever. Oh, we still have skiing going on in the mountains, but I don't care about that. I care that my Tulips that are starting to break from the freezing ground. I care that my girls can finally play outside in the sand pile and I don't have to worry about frost bite. It's beautiful here in Utah.

As for the girls, they are growing like flowers...Lilly had her check up the other week. She is tall and thin and perfect. The doctor was a little concerned about her broken tooth (due to a fall off of my bed) But we talked to Ashlee (new sis in law) who works for a dentist and she basically said that there is really nothing they can do but wait and if there is a problem when she is older we'll deal with that then.
Gracie is still so very sassy. She just got new bunk beds and loves it. I'll take pictures this weekend of them on their beds. Lilly tried to sleep in a big bed last night (vs. Her crib) but Gracie just wouldn't leave her alone. Lilly only has a few more months and she is kicked out of that crib. We are trying to transition her before hand.
Baby Phoebe is kicking my butt. She is a mover and a shaker that is for sure. I have heartburn pretty much 24/7 and leg cramps at night. (that is even with me eating bananas) The doctor said she seemed to be growing right on schedule. He did up my insulin at night to see if I can get better control of that. It helps a little.
Well that is all for now. Hope you are doing well.