We are the Laylands

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Gratitude Journal

I have been at a loss of what to put on the blog. I don't take pictures too often and I don't really feel like my life is that interesting, you know?! Well, I thought I should just log the things that I am grateful for. I guess it seemed like a worthwhile purpose.

I have been thinking about this one all week...I am so grateful for my husband!

I never doubt that he loves me (he tells me often and quite sincerely).
He often tells me I am beautiful, especially when I am not looking particularly smashing.
He repects my opinions, ideas, and time.
He listens to me and makes an effort to help.
He supports me while I try to improve my Mary Kay business.
He loves my cooking (when I actually do it, that is).
He lets me take naps and sleep in when I can (especially since I have been feeling quite drugged lately).
He strives to be the best dad he can be.
I feel valued when I am with him.

I may not have known him for a very long time before we got married...but I can say that I am a lucky woman. Heavenly Father must have known that he was the right one for me!

Love you Nick!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

I heard something today...

...that will change my life FOREVER!

I heard the strong heartbeat of Baby #4! Yep, it is true...I am pregnant. I know I swore it would never happen. But I guess all I can say is: it did! We are all so excited! Going to the doctor and hearing that heartbeat made it all so real! I had all the symptoms: positive test, sore boobs, hound dog scent power, nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion. But now...since I heard the heart beating...it is all official! And all I have to say is: PHEW!

We told the kids several weeks ago, and they all shouted and screamed for joy! Here is a video of their response to the news.

So here are the answers to some of the questions you may have...

- No, it wasn't an accident. A while back I had a weird thing happen where it got me thinking about it. I mentioned it to Nick (who responded with a Heck NO!) and then he softened quite a bit to where he convinced me it could be ok.

- I am 11 weeks along.

- I am starting to show, my pants are to tight in the waist (so I can't hide it much longer).

- I am crazy sick. I was lucky with the last 3 to not experience much of this. But now...whoa baby! I have felt nauseous about 75% of the day. Yes, it sucks!

- The general hope is: it is a girl. Austin (the cute nerd that he is) wants even numbers- 3 boys, 3 girls. Sydney just wants a girl. And Kaden just wants to agree with them.

- The due date is April 2.

- Yes, we will be moving with a newborn next summer (per our poorly planned family tradition)!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Sydney Rides Without Training Wheels

We thought this would never happen. At the beginning of the summer she learned how to ride her bike just fine (w/o training wheels). And then one day she flat out refused to do it ever again. As many of you remember...Sydney had quite a traumatic bike accident over a year ago. She seemed okay about it...that is until she realized she could get hurt. For the remainder of the summer, she refused to do it. I have argued with her about it, reasoned with her, and even bribed her. But as you know, Sydney is STUBBORN! She refused...until Monday! She said she would try it, if we promised to hold on to her the whole time. Although it was hard for me to promise this (because I encourage independance), I complied. She did great. And then all week it rained. And then yesterday, she got on again. She did it. She was so proud and happy...and rode around and around! She did great!

School Starts!

Can you believe that school started on August 20th?! Although it seemed too early, the kids are so happy to be back in school! They love it! And frankly, so do I! Here they are on the first day! And yes, it was necessary to document the new backpacks! They are so important to them! :)
Sydney (5, Kindergartener) and Austin (7, 2nd Grader)