Pizza Party

Last night we went over to Eric, Michele and Aiden's so Lucas could help Eric mount their TV on the wall and Eric made homemade pizza. The kid's love helping Eric make pizza and Lucas always ends up with heartburn......you'd think he would learn to eat less than 6 pieces at a time. I can't blame him though, It is sooooo Yummmmmmy!

Feeding the Horses and Fainting Goats

Our friends, the Watnes, went to Montana for a wedding over the weekend so we are horse and goat "sitting". Friday afternoon we drove up to beautiful Liberty and had a blast feeding the horses and goats and spending some time in the "country".

Playdate at the Kelley's

After a couple of weeks of rain, rain, rain, and a few moments of sunshine, we had a really beautiful Friday and we spent a fun morning and lunchtime at the Kelley's home playing outside. Thanks Kathy, Luke and Josh!!

Grandpa and Grandma Gunderson Visit

Last Monday evening Grandpa and Grandma Gunderson were able to stop through, have dinner with us and spend some time seeing what the kids are up too. Unfortunently, our camera batteries died and we were only able to get one shot. I was a really nice evening so we were able to spend some time outside. It was great to see them!

Ava's due date has changed-

I had a baby appointment and ultrasound today. Ava is 2 lbs 7 ounces now and growing on schedule! During our appointment, my midwife, Machel, Lucas and I discussed labor and delivery options and based on my past history (shoulder dystocia with Emma, a crazy speedy delivery with Nathan and meconium with both) she will induce me at 39 weeks if our little girl doesn't decide to come on her own before that time.

This pushes Ava's estimated time of arrival to around September 7th instead of September 14th.

In efforts to help me obtain a natural and unmedicated birth like I was able to with Emma and Nathan, Machel will start a very slow Pit drip, then shut it off when I reach 5 cm and see if I can progess naturally from there...if not she will break my water etc.

Although the "natural" mom side of me is not excited about any talk of induction, I know it is a responsible medical decision based on my past experience.

Morning sickness linked to smarter babies

My girlfriend Jenny sent me an email with a link to this article the other day.

Morning sickness linked to smarter babies
Thu, Apr 23, 2009
(HealthDay News) --
Children born to mothers who have morning sickness may be smarter than those whose moms don't have nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, suggests a new study.
Researchers found that the children of mothers with morning sickness scored higher on tests designed to assess children's IQ and mental acuity, the Canadian Press reported.
But while this difference was statistically significant, it doesn't mean that children born to mothers who didn't have nausea during pregnancy are developmentally slow, said senior author Dr. Gideon Koren, director of the Motherisk Program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. It's just that the other children scored higher on the tests.
The study appears in the Journal of Pediatrics.
Nausea has long been recognized as a sign of a healthy pregnancy, according to the CP. Pregnant women who have morning sickness are less likely to have a miscarriage and less likely to have babies with congenital cardiovascular problems.
-- HealthDay

I wrote her back saying......"Does this mean all that torture I've experienced 3 times now means they'll get scholarships and pay for their own education!!!!! I may just think it's worth it~" ...........I vomited at least 3 times a day with all 3 pregnancies for about 14 weeks each time......my kids will be geniuses! LOL!

Hello 3rd Trimester!

On Monday the 15th, I finally hit my 3rd trimester! Only 3 months to go which is exciting and overwhelming at the same time. As you know, I was a sick chic for the first 14 weeks of my pregnancy to say the least and then I was a tired mama my second trimester. But the momentum is changing.... I have had more energy over the past week and a half and that makes me feel much better because I have been able to keep up with my house better! Chaos makes me anxious! Now I feel like I'm getting caught up and will have the motivation to get the last few things in order for the baby......paint the girls' rooom, look for a new crib and infant car seat, etc. Here are some shots from over the weekend.
Mommy and Ava

Mommy and Nathan

Mommy and Emma Grace

Daddy and Emma chillin'

Our Mama Llama

Just up the road from us is a field of sheep and their watchful Mama Llama. Everytime we pass the field (everyday) we all watch for the Mama Llama to see who can spot her first and see what she is up to. She was close to the road the other day so we were able to snap a close picture of our Mama Llama.

Emma in my wedding dress.

I brought my wedding dress home from my Gramma Nola's about a month ago and Emma has been asking to see it ever since then. This morning I finally took it out of the box and told her she could actually try it on too. She was a giggling silly little girl and had so much fun. Here are a couple shots of my darling little girl...Maybe she'll want to wear it when she gets married.


Me in 2003

Garden Progess

Wow! Look at Lucas and Emma's garden. It really is growing and looks great- we can't wait to harvest it. I came home from running errands last week and Lucas had assembled a paint palette for them and they were painting the garden box. The last picture was taken this morning!

Trip to Hogle Zoo

We spent this morning at Hogle Zoo with our friends, Nanette and Mikayla. It was a nice morning to walk the zoo, not too hot or cool. The kids enjoyed the reptile building most of all.....their mom - not so much. I enjoy the outdoor exibits in the fresh air!
Nathan on a Rhino

Emma and Mikayla

Our Tour Guide

Nathan turns 3!

On June 2nd, our little boy, Nathanial Lucas Gunderson, turned 3 years old! He had his B-day party with friends a few weeks ago so we spent yesterday doing what he likes to do best......playing outside.

Goodbye Storch Family

On Saturday evening May 30th, our cul de sac crew had a goodbye cookout for our friends and neighbors, the Storch Family. Steve, Michelle, Dane, Jude, Katharina and Cole will be missed dearly. We have enjoyed getting to know their family over the past 2 years and wish them well in Fort Brag, NC.