Success...

Well, Thanksgiving dinner was a success. Cathy's boyfriend John was working away in Edinburgh, so she brought her friend Katie instead. Everything was ready at roughly the same time (shock!) and it all tasted really good. My father-in-law didn't start to get annoyingly drunk until just before they left, which was also nice. Dylan was a super star. He stayed up a little bit later than normal, so he slept until after 8 this morning, which was the best of all.

I was SO tired by the time we were done cleaning up and everyone was gone. Martin and I both went to bed at 10 pm, and slept for 9 1/2 hours straight. Pregnancy really takes it out of you!

So the fridge is full of leftovers, the house is reasonably tidy, and Dylan is sleeping soundly in his crib upstairs. I am indulging in some relaxation time, and have jsut finished my delicious lunch of Turkey, mayo and cranberry sandwich. What a fantastic day! Martin is working tomorrow night (private party) but he has the day off. It's the Barton Christmas Fayre, and we'll be taking Dylan 'round it. We're also going in to Scunthorpe to pick up the last bits and pieces for making Christmas gifts. It's been a good week, and it's going to be an even better weekend.

Life is really good right now!

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all my American readers, may you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Obviously, it's not observed here in the UK. After all, why would they want to celebrate the successful harvest of the people who left the mother land and broke away completely? I think they're still a bit bitter that we left and become more successful (sorry Emma).

I celebrate it, though, and force Martin's family to celebrate it with me. I know I am still quite young to be doing my own Thanksgiving feast, but I am really an old hand at this by now. I hosted my first Thanksgiving when I was just 22. It was the first year we lived in England, while we were applying for Martin's green card, and it was a DISASTER!

We were working at Winteringham Fields at the time, and didn't make it to the supermarket during opening hours to get a turkey since we were at work ALL the time. So our turkey was still frozen solid and we had to have ham hock instead. Delicious, but not quite the same. I made banana cream pie, though, and that turned out perfectly!

Since then, I have steadily becomre more confident in my hostessing. I have learned to make pumpkin pie from scratch (made it last night, and it looks perfect) and this year am even doing a floral centerpiece (chrysanthemums in a pumpkin surrounded by ivy from my back garden). It's only a meal for 6 + Dylan, but I am doing home made stuffing and roast sweet potatoes instead of candied yams. I have altered the menu slightly to cater to the English palate, but it should be a good meal.

I always miss my family at Thanksgiving, but it makes me happy to host a dinner over here. Martin's family are the only ones I've got at the minute, and they'll do in a pinch. I love them, and they are happy to humor me in my silly American traditions.

I'll let you all know how the dinner goes. Last year I knew that I should be thankful for my many blessings, but I was still depressed and not liking being a mother. I tried so hard to put on a cheerful face for everyone, but life wasn't that happy for me. This year, I feel as though my cup is running over with blessings. Even though we are poor and have had some bad luck recently, I have never been this happy in my whole life!

And the best part is, in 2 1/2 weeks we will be visiting MY family in Utah!!!

A snowy day...

We've had a really nice weekend, even though Martin worked on Saturday!

Dylan and I got to hang out with Nanna for quite a while on Saturday afternoon and then she came over and gave him his bath and put him to bed. Martin and I went over to Hull for the Stake winter ball. It had a chinese theme, and Martin decided on Friday that he didn't want to go unless we dressed up, so I pulled together some very last minute costumes for us...



My costume was simply all black with a chinese print wrap and some pretty awesome make-up. Hardly worth posting a picture, to be honest. Martin's costume, on the other hand, turned out brilliantly!

We went with the Mundays, which was extra nice. We adore that family (don't get jealous, OK Nick and Michelle?). They also drove, which was even nicer. Not having a car is such a pain!

Anyway, so a good time was had by all. Christine spent the night at our house, and I made breakfast for all of us when we got up this morning--American style pancakes (from scratch since you can't get instant mix over here). We enjoyed our breakfast, as well as the snow that had fallen during the night!

Yes, that's right, it snowed in England. It doesn't happen very often, which makes it even mroe nice. It was gone by around 1 pm, but I did manage to get a nice shot from the train station...



Since we couldn't get to church today (bus schedules didn't work out) we went to Hull and spent the day as a family. We got plenty of fresh air and a few necessities that we've been needing--like pajamas for Dylan that actually fit him and fabric to make Christine's Christmas present.

Dylan is asleep now, and we are just relaxing. Martin has another 6 day week coming up, and then he has several weeks with lots of Christmas parties. He's going to be working some really long hours in the next 3 1/2 weeks, so it was good that we got a chilled out day.

GOOD news...

Martin heard yesterday that the Place is not going to close after Christmas any more. So when we get home from our visit with the family, he will still have a job. He's still keeping an eye out for other options that will bring in more money, but it's a relief that things will be stable when we come home.

We're doing well over here. My asthma gets a little bit better every day. I've only had to use my inhaler twice today, which is a BIG improvement. Dylan is walking like a champ--crossing rooms and standing up on his own without pulling himself up using furniture. Martin is still a bit sore from his accident, but he is doing really well.

Hopefully this latest good news is the beginning of a trend!

extra info on my james bond stunt...

So I just thought I would say hi just so you know I am doing okay. I have a few things to say about the incident just so you know how weird it was. Jamie did get the details of how it happened about spot on, but strangely, when I got out of the car, I didn't call the police first. Instead, I called our friend Lewis. I still can't figure out why, but it was probably to tell them what was happening and to have them come get me.

Weird thing no.2. We cannot figure how the car came to end up where it did. The car was on its side across the road, with the top of the car pointing back the way I had come. But as I run through what happened, it just seems so strange as I would have had to spin right around, but I don't remember doing that. But then I don't suppose I would.

No.3. I find it quite odd how calm I was. Once I got out of the car, I didn't feel panicky or worried, just thought how we needed to get the car out of the road. Afterwards I was sat in the ambulance (always good to have just in case, right?) I had my blood pressure and pulse taken. And they were 130 over 78 and 64bpm. 64!!! that's a resting heart rate, not that of a person just involved in a car accident. But I guess I am one of those people who doesn't get too uptight about things I can't affect, or worry too much after the fact.

that was all I had to say really. I am very irritated by it all, but the car was insured, I am fine, and the insurance company is being very good (so far)

Martin and me...

1) Where did you meet?
Martin and I were both working at the Grand Canyon. We met at a bonfire out in the forest, and were properly introduced by a mutual friend a few days later. I still remember what I was wearing the night we met. Even what underwear I was wearing. How sad is that?

2) How long till you got married?
14 months. most of that time was spent in seperate countries, as well. If we'd been living in the same country we might have waited a bit longer. But who knows?

3) How long have you been married?
It was 7 years in September.

4) Your favorite feature of his?
So many to choose from, but in the end it has to be his bum.

5) Your favorite quality of his?
Martin is the most kind person I have evermet, and he has an incredibly good work ethic.

6) Does he have a nickname for you?
Martin doesn't do nicknames.

7) His favorite food?
Anything sweet. He loves Eaton mess and bread and butter pudding and Christmas pudding and chocolate.

8) What is his favorite sport to watch?
Anything that happens to be on, but mostly football (that's soccer to you Yanks).

9) When was your first kiss?
First date. How embarrassing!

10) Whats your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We love to go to movies and we also love to people watch. Not doing as much of either, now that we have Dylan, but that's OK. We also really enjoy cooking together.

11) Do you have kids?
One gorgeous little boy and a surprise on the way.

12) Does he have a hidden talent?
Martin can do all sorts of "manly" things that constantly surprise me. He can do architectural drawings, basic plumbing and electrical wiring, build stuff, use most power tools, stuff like that. He doesn't look the type at all!

13) How old is he?
28. I am 1 1/2 years older than him. Before we had our baby I was his sugar mama.

14) Who said I love you first?
Not really sure. I think it was me, but I honestly don't remember!

15) What do you admire most about him?
Martin is never mean to anybody and he has almost boundless patience--especially with our son!

16) What is his favorite type of music?
Martin doesn't really have a favorite type of music. He like most everything except for cheesy dance music and country. But he does have a peculiar penchant for whiny Brit pop/rock.

17) Do you think he will read this?
Maybe--if I tell him I posted it. He is a very infrequent blog writer.

18) I tag: Velecia and Angie

Bad things happen in threes...

So I really hope we're done now. With my tumble on the stairs last week, my asthma, and the latest in our series of drama, we could really use a break!

Last night I went over to the Mundays so Martin could move furniture around and give the bedrooms a really thorough clean. I got a lift with Lewis as he was already in Barton for work, and Martin was going to join us later.

At about 9:30 last night we got a call from Martin. Lewis asked him if he was alright, then where he was. Then he said he'd be right there. He hung up and told me that Martin had slid on some mud. He said he was OK, but the car was on it's side. We drove out as quickly as possible, and it was so scary!!!

Martin had been coming down a hill with a bend at the bottom of it on the back road between Barton and Wootton. It's near a farm, and the farmers had left some mud on the road without putting up warning signs or cleaning it up. Martin hit it, lost control of the car, over-corrected, ran into the hedge at the side, and tipped the car over onto the driver's side. He never lost consciousness, had his seatbelt on, and was fine. He switched off the engine, opened the passenger side door, and climbed out of the car. Then he called for help.

Lewis and I got there about the same time as the ambulance. The crew checked Martin over and were amazed that he was so calm and collected. He is sore and may have whiplash, but he is back at work today. The police were called, of course, and they took his statement and tested him for alcohol. Apparently, they were pretty surprised that he had none in his system at all. It was a good night to be Mormon!

So we are all fine, but the car is most likely totalled. The good news is that we have full coverage on it, but the bad news is that we have a £250 deductible to pay and just BARELY forked out over £300 to have the repairs done on it. We are carless again! But we are coming to visit the family in just under four weeks, and will be there for 3 weeks, so we don't REALLY need a car for about 2 months. We just won't be going to church.

So that's the drama, and us hopefully done with bad luck for a while.

On a positive note, my asthma seems to be improving a lot. Emma and Lewis kept Dylan last night since it was so late by the time we got everything sorted out, and I slept for 7 1/2 hours, only waking once with a really bad coughing fit. I'm using my Ventolin inhaler a lot less now, and the steroids have really kicked in. I still can't do much by way of housework or anything like that and am pretty much trying to stay on the sofa as much as possible with my feet up, but I'm not in pain any more unless I try to breathe too deeply. And the baby is moving like crazy, so I know everything is OK there.

Oh yeah, and Dylan is now taking about 10 steps at a time on his own without any coaxing from us. He's doing brilliantly.

Like a broken record...

Well, another weekend and another trip to A & E. Same problem--sinus infection leads to asthma attack that is out of control, leads to nebulizer, steroids, antibiotics, and pain.

I'm so tired! I have only slept for 8 hours total over the last two nights because I can't sleep sitting up but I can't breathe lying down. Martin's mum has taken Dylan for a walk so that I can get a little bit of rest. She also had him last night while Martin took me to the hospital. We went to Grimsby instead of Scunthorpe since we had to drop Dylan off in Ulceby and the care was the same but the facilities were much nicer and newer.

I've also been to the doctor today. I've got a steroid inhaler to use daily for the rest of my pregnancy. Apparently asthma symptoms become worse for 1 in 3 women during pregnancy. I guess I just got lucky with Dylan. It might be the time of year or the fact that my body is exhausted from a pregnancy and 13 months of breast feeding and then another pregnancy on top of that. Either way, I'm going to have a rough week or so trying to get this under control. The nebulizer treatment wasn't nearly as effective this time. I went to the hospital because I sincerely could hardly breathe at ALL! I don't think I've ever had an attack this bad in my life.

Dylan has aslo been to see the doctor. We have both been sick off and on for about 6 weeks now, and I think we just keep infecting each other. I figured we should try to get both of us healthy at the same time, and go from there. We just share EVERYTHING, including all of our little germies. So Dylan will be having his first course of antibiotics at the tender age of nearly 15 months. I don't like it, but I can't have both of us getting sick all the time.

Martin has been a super star through all of this. He worked 7 days last week as there was a private party at the Place on Sunday, and he still took me to the hospital and was relatively patient and understanding about the whole thing. We didn't get to bed until 3 am, and he went to work at 9 this morning. He doesn't have a day off until Sunday (maybe Friday--it all depends)and will be taking care of me and Dylan when he gets off work. I married the best man in the whole world!

There is nothing in this world more terrifying than not being able to breathe. I hope it doesn't take too long to get the stupid asthma under control. I need sleep and air.

Our week...

My newbie with the perfect profile!


Proud as can be that he's walking on his own--sort of.


Big dozy smiles for the camera


Less than pleased to be wearing a crown!

Baby steps...

Dylan is walking! Sort of.

He has started taking steps on his own. He'll take about 4 or 5 steps on his own, and then he either grabs something or drops down on to his hands and feet. It's so much fun to watch him toddling around, and he looks so proud of himself.

Unfortunately, he had his first walking accident today. We were up visiting Martin at the Place and he was walking to me from Martin. He fell on his face and cut his little lip. My how he howled! But he's sleeping peacefully now, so I am watching Gilmore Girls and putting my feet up. Still a little bit sore from my tumble on Monday, so I'm taking it real easy.

Anyway, that's the latest update. Once he starts taking more steps I'll try to get a little video of him walking.

Pregnancy drama...

I fell today. I was coming down the stairs with the laundry hamper fullof dirty clothes and forgot I had the stair gate up. I tripped over it, and landed on the edge of Dylan's toy chest. Unfortunately, my baby belly bore the brunt of the fall, so I ended up going to the hospital to make sure everything was ok. The baby is fine, thank goodness, but I am going to have some sweet looking bruises and I feel like I just got beat up. In effect, I did. It's just that I did it to myself.

I've been to the hospital more times in the past 10 days than I have in the past 10 months. Thank goodness for the NHS!

The week in pictures...

Dylan really enjoys my home made blackberry jam!


Resting after the wallpaper scraping in the nursery.


Dylan's room--almost looks like a proper nursery now!


Our dining room in transition.


What was the dining nook is now the music room!

Hooray for Saturdays!

Well, hooray for the ones that Martin has off work anyway. We've had a fantastic day today!

We drove to Ikea (in Leeds) first thing this morning to pick up a few bits and pieces for the nursery and dining room. We met a friend there--one of Martin's ex-girlfriends named Charlotte--and had lunch together. Then we came home and dropped Dylan off at his nanna's house for the night. Martin and I rushed home and started working on the nursery. We stripped wallpaper for over 5 hours, and man am I feeling it! We got a lot done, but it looks worse than it did when we started. I hate that, but I know that it has to get worse before it can get better. Anyway, I will post a few pictures tomorrow.

We took a quick break from DIY to pick up a cheeky Chinese for dinner, and got to see all the fireworks going off around Barton (it was bonfire night on Wednesday). It was lovely, but made us very glad that Dylan is spending the night in Ulceby.

By far the best part of the night was the shower. Nothing feels better than a hot shower when you are really filthy dirty!

Tomorrow is Cathy's birthday, and we are all having lunch as a family in the afternoon. What a busy weekend!

Working girl...

Just a lightening quick post--I gave a massage tonight!!! I spoke to the owner of the Pamper Place (salon next to the Place) last week when I booked Dylan's haircut and told her I could do massages if she ever needed someone to do one for a client. She called me a few days later and had some work for me. They had issued a gift certificate for a neck and back massage several months ago, but no longer have a massage therapist on staff. So I made £10 for 45 minutes of work, and got a £5 tip in the bargain.

I feel so awesome--it's the first time I've contributed financially for months! Hooray!!!

Guess what? It's a...

...Baby!

We went to the ultrasound this morning. It was a bit stressful getting into Scunthorpe for the 9 am appointment and Martin and I were on less than loving terms when we left the house, but all was good once we got there.

In the words of the sonographer, "I saw everything I expected to see."

This baby is so cute. It was waving, covering it's ears with it's hands, bending double and stretching out, pounding against me with it's tiny fists, and waving. The spine looks great, and it has long legs (though not outside of the normal range). I still think it looks like it has the Priestley nose, but Martin thinks I'm crazy.

I must say, I enjoyed this scan much more than my 20 week with Dylan. The sonographer was way better--more friendly and helpful. She explained everything and got more detail than on the last one.

And, by the way, I think it might be a girl. We told her we didn't want to find out the sexof the baby, but the first view when she started the scan was bum cheeks and legs, and I didn't see any bits. Of course, it could have just been a bad angle. But I'm sitting here thinking to myself that I could have a daughter in 19 weeks. Kind of scary!!!

Martin had to take Dylan out about 10 minutes into the ultrasound. He was getting a little bit noisy and bored. As we were leaving Martin accused me of finding out the sex once he'd left. As if! I actually enjoyed having a surprise with Dylan. Although it would make a lot of sense to find out now, I have totally come around to the idea of having a surprise on the big day.

But I still think it might be a girl.

Anyway, that's the update. The baby looks completely healthy and normal-heart, spine, kidneys, bladder, stomach, brain, etc.

Can't wait to meet this one!

Dylan's first proper haircut...

Just hanging out and furniture walking--still no sign of the real thing!


Dylan is about to go in for his first real haircut...


I held Dylan while Sharon took the clippers to his fuzzy little baby hairs!


Very stylish and SO grown up!

What should I do with myself???

Emma and Lewis have Dylan at their house for the day and Martin is at work. I am home alone and rattling around my big ol' house. I am still not feeling great, but a lot better. I am so torn--I have gotten some housework done and have made my pumpkin puree for Thanksgiving pies, and I am trying to decide if I should clean the house or rest.

Rest is appealing. I'm still not sleeping that great, though better than I have for several weeks, and my lungs are a bit on the delicate side. But I have an opportunity here to get the house clean without ANY interruptions and NO BOYS under foot to mess it up as I go along. And I do love having a clean house. I think the day will be a combination of housework and rest.

I hope Dylan is good for Emma. He is in a very good mood today, so he should be alright. We have started weaning him off bottles now. He only has two a day anyway--one first thing in the morning and one at night. This morning he had his milk in a sippy cup instead of a bottle, and he was ok. At first he pushed the cup away and refused to drink. He threw a little paddy. But he got there in the end. We'll get him used to the cup in the morning, and then we'll work on the night time bottle.

I'm pretty pleased that we'll have a baby again soon, because Dylan is getting so big and grown up now. He's even having his first proper haircut tomorrow. I love his little personality and I love that he is becoming more independent, but a new baby is sweet and helpless and ever so adorable.

The car is getting fixed today. It needs a new water pump, some kind of cap, timing belt, exhaust pipe, and brake light. Ouch! But it's still worth fixing rather than getting a new car. Our little Clio is small but nice and economical, and it is pretty much perfect for us. It might be a little bit cramped when newbie comes along, but you have to love 40 mpg and very low tax. Plus, we do need a car!

Martin got a new calling. He is now the 2nd counselor in the Elder's Quorum presidency. I'm still calling-less in the new ward, but I play the piano for Relief Society and sometimes for Sacrament Meeting. Fun stuff!

So yeah, we're going to the Mundays for dinner tonight and that's the first time I'll see Dylan. I always miss him so much when I get a few hours off. Heaven bless Emma and Lewis--they are such good friends!

A & E...

That's Accident and Emergency, for all my American readers, and that's where I went last night.

I called the NHS Direct number to just make sure Volmax for my asthma was off limits during pregnancy. I've been having an asthma attack for about three weeks straight now, and last night I just reached my breaking point. I spoke to a nurse and told her all my symptoms, and she told me to go to the Emergency Room. Martin called his mum so she could sit with Dylan, and we drove over at around 10 pm. We were out of the hospital by 11:10 pm. Pretty impressive by anyone's standards!

Nothing radical in my treatment. I had a nebulizer treatment and they started me on a course of steroids. It's only for 4 days, so a pretty light dose, really. They also gave me antibiotics to clear up a chest infection that I have. I felt better almost immediately, and though I'm still not feeling good I am breathing better than I have in weeks. I only had to use my inhaler twice today, rather than about 6 times.

It scares me to take all this stuff while I am pregnant, even though it has been prescribed by a doctor. But I was reading up on the potential risks to an unborn child if you don't keep your asthma under control, and they're pretty severe. One of them was low birthweight, which wouldn't be so bad. But there can actually be brain damage if the asthma attacks are severe, because the baby will suffer from oxygen deprivation. And I guess it's just a matter of weighing the risks and making an informed decision. Luckily at this point in the pregnancy all of Newbie's body systems are formed and he or she is just getting bigger, stronger, and more refined.

So that's the update. A little bit of drama, but I'm on the mend now. If the insomnia will just ease up I will be so happy!