September 22, 2009 by Ashley.

On Friday we had the famous 20 week ultrasound (baby’s first physical). With Lydia we had such a horrible experience because of our ultrasound technician that we asked the doctor specifically who she would recommend for a positive fun experience. The place I go is such a large clinic that they have 12 doctors you can see and 2 office locations. We ended up having to go to the office that’s further away from our house (because that’s the only place that technician worked), but it was well worth it.

Our technician talked through the whole thing telling us what she was looking at and what she found. She said the baby looked perfectly healthy so far. We told her we wanted to know the gender of the baby too (I can’t handle surprises), and of course in the beginning the baby had their legs crossed right where you need to see. Luckily the ultrasound is really long because later on the baby moved and we found out we’re having another little girl!! I must admit I was a bit surprised because I totally thought it was a boy. I was WAY less sick this time around and it just felt different (plus Leah predicted on her Chinese calendar it would be a boy ). But I was secretly hoping for a girl so I’m happy about it (I won’t have to get a bunch of boy stuff and Lydia will have a friend to play with - of course they’ll probably be complete opposites).
Pat was secretly hoping for a boy because we’ve noticed a serious lack of boys in the grandkids on both sides of the family, but oh well. He’s also said he was hoping for a boy with Lydia, but he has SO much fun with her and he just loves her so much, that he’s really excited for a girl too.

The only thing is that the technician said the baby was measuring a week ahead of schedule and it’s up to the doctor to see what to do about that. And because of scheduling conflicts, I have yet to see the doctor yet. So either my due date will move up a week (which is doubtful since I had an ultrasound to determine it in the first place and the earliest ones are most accurate) or I guess the baby is just REALLY big (which I’m dreading!!).

But overall Pat and I are excited for our little girl and now just need to start thinking of names!
Profile shot

Little foot

This is my favorite. Do you see those 2 “bubbles” to the right? That’s her tiny hynee!

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September 17, 2009 by Melanee.

I got to care for Lydia last week. Ashley and Pat planned a vacation to Las Vegas and asked me to watch my granddaughter who is 15 months old while they were away. I was a little apprehensive having her for 6 days with her being so young. Ashley has put her on a schedule that works well. She goes to bed about 7:30 pm and doesn’t wake up till 9 am. Now that’s a dream in itself. Then she goes down for a nap from 1-3 pm. Her facial expressions are so cute as she plays with you. She loved our dog, Katie, a small Yorkshire Terrier. Katie didn’t like having a baby around bothering her, but Lydia took it all in stride and followed her and played with her. Lydia would say da, da woof, woof or cat, cat, cat or duck, duck, duck. She loved playing with the neighborhood kids-she would go up and give a friend a toy to share and try to play.
We took everyone to the cabin along with Lydia on Monday-Labor Day. Last minute we decided to hike Donut Falls. All of us took turns carrying her on the mile long hike. She enjoyed it. Lydia does not like the car ride, so Ashley has a portable DVD player to keep her occupied. We now know Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Shrek, and Shining Time Signing very well. Randy, Natalie and Michelle were a big help with caring for her. We enjoyed having her.
She is so cute and sweet I can’t complain about taking care of her. BUT, it took a long time to recuperate.

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September 15, 2009 by Melanee.

So sad that those who have known my husband Kevin know more about pancreatic cancer. I guess it takes celebrities’ hardships to get the word out about this cruel cancer.
My thoughts and prayers go to the Swayze family as they try to start a life without someone that that they love dearly. Why does pancreatic cancer takes such good people?
All those that have contracted the cancer in the three years since my husband’s diagnosis and passing are gone. My husband would have turned 52 this Saturday. He never got to see his 50th birthday. Can I be mad at pancreatic cancer? YES!
I just pray that more funding and research is done to help slow this cancer, then cure it. Scientists have made huge breakthroughs in breast cancer and prostate cancer because there is a huge money machine behind it. There isn’t for PC.
This task is so daunting. I don’t want to see anyone lose their loved one to this cancer anymore. I don’t want to see the look on doctor’s faces when you tell them you have PC anymore.
Is there hope? Yes! My faith still tells me this.

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