Just a little date with dad!

Ever since last year when the girls watched a very exciting ice skating movie they have been bugging me to go ice skate. At first my excuse was that it was too cold, then it was spring and summer, now I am a fall risk! So over Christmas break dad stepped in and took the girls for me and they had a blast. Isa stayed very close to Brian but layla went off more on her own and walked along the outside chatting with her. 

As you can tell Isa wasn't so sure she liked it at first!

Layla on the other hand tried to balance perfectly just as she does with her dancing and gymnastics!

By the end we had two very tired but happy little girls!

I think everyone had very sore feet (even mom) but were so happy to say that they can now ice skate. It was just what they needed to get them ready for.... roller skating!

christmas morning

Christmas Morning in the bergstrom Home!

This would be one of the adorable doll beds that Brian made for the girls, they are so cute!

The other bed plus a bunch more gifts!

No chimney here so we make due!

Just a little something something for the busy guy, his reindeer, and santa mouse!

Present time!

 Note the kinect for the 360 yeah that was for the girls and they got the new Disneyland adventures game. THEY LOVE IT!!!

 I love the smiles and the showing off the dolls, we didn't need any new barbies so that is why they bought them for each other and thankfully santa didn't buy more than what came with the furniture for their house.

Last but not least Mom and Dad! We took a quick photo at nana and papa's house before we changed into new clothes and eat our random christmas dinner! 

getting ready for our new addition

After months of searching and hating everything I found we finally decided on a theme for our little boys half of the room. We are going to make quilts for both him and isa and then tie in all the rest with coordinating fabric. For now this is the sneak peek into what we have in store for our little man! 

Our Christmas Festivities

We saw Santa! We decided after much debate and little time to fit everything in that this year we would just do a quick visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause at the church. The girls were great and told them secretly what they wanted. They didn't want to tell us parents and ruin the surprise. Great plan right!!!!

Every year we have a pancake breakfast at the church and then have a visit from the north pole so we headed on over there just in time to miss all the food, boo, and enjoy all the festivities, yeah! Of course that meant that the kids were starving so we headed over to Denny's and got breakfast there and then headed out downtown.



Another tradition we have here is going to visit the Grinch. The girls were a bit scared the first time but now they love it. They had a blast and even smiled in the photo! Here are my little who's waiting! 

Seriously I am impressed they are so happy!

My little girls are growing up just in time to have a little man who might freak out next year for our picture traditions next two strange people dressed up!

One of the girls favorite parts of going is the crafts. they are suckers for a good craft and getting to dress up in what they make!

These hats were so cute and they were so proud they made them. All in all it was a great visit until we made it back to the car and found that someone stole our school magnet off the car which is how the girls new my car from the LINES of silver cars in the pick up circle. The bad thing is that you have to invest in the school to get one (I do this gladly because then you do not have to do any of those money raising events guilt free!) and it only cost me about $150 dollars to earn that stupid magnet so we will have to wait till next year to get a new one. I am on the hunt for a good one to replace him. I will probably get a march of dimes one when we register for the walk this year.

Next up is Christmas morning/ afternoon photos but right now I am headed out to visit the chiropractor which is keeping me sane because this little man LIVES in my hips and there isn't much room in them since I can now start to fit into my smaller jeans I put away after last year's big weight gain! Yeah for getting smaller where it counts but it does make me waddle a whole lot more then I thought possible and I am just now hitting the third trimester! I think I might be huge!

Christmas Update

This Christmas season snuck up on us so quickly! I can't believe that it is only a few days until Christmas and I still have a half dozen sewing projects to complete! We have been super busy this year and now are trying to sneak in a lot of overdue family and play time. (not to mention much needed sleep when we can!)

Layla-

This little girl is keeping up on our toes. She is about 7 going on 17 and thinks the world is against her on many days. But thankfully we are learning to apply all our learned parenting skills and can make it through most days without too much drama, (or at least on our end!) She is however doing fantastic in school this year. She is loved by all those that know her and received another award for being such a kind and caring friend. She really looks out to make others feel good and be happy. That is such an amazing trait to have. She is charitable to those around her. She thinks of others feelings and really has empathy for her classmates. It is fun to watch her grow.


She had her Christmas party Tuesday and of course Isa tagged along with me and joined her sister for the festivities. They are adorable in public together. They hold hands, whisper constantly in each others ear and giggle at who knows what at the same time. I know they fight at home and sometimes I think the drama might make me gray at 30 but you know they are the best of friends. Layla is loved by her teacher which always means a lot. She is loving school and really getting amazing at her spelling. She has been taking a test every week for about 5 weeks now and has only missed two words so far. She does not get her spelling ability from her mother that is for sure! We can thank daddy for that part of her brain!
Anyways here are a few pictures from her party that I just adore!

 

Isa-

Even though this little one is not the drama queen her sister is she does constantly keep us busy and ever so crazy in her own special way. Her night time drama continues and every night she ends up on the side of our bed on the floor by Brian. He is getting the hang of walking around her to get in to the closet, dresser, and bathroom with our squishing her, which is quite the task! We still don’t quiet know what to do with her but have learned that letting her sleep the last few hours on the night on our floor guarantees us least a few hours of sleep without interruption. And with medical school and pregnancy cutting into sleep those hours are precious!
Isa is totally in love with kindergarten. She is so serious when she talks about it and is very business like. When we get her in her element we see a side of her that we rarely see outside our home, She is confident and caring and looks for chances to help others. She is simply a doll and everyone just adores her. She has a bunch of friends and just lights up when she steps out of the car.
It was a touching moment for me when we left her Christmas party and walked past Layla’s class wall art. I said to Brian, “I wonder which one is Layla’s?” Isa quickly pointed out everything on the wall that belonged to her sister. I asked her how she knew and she told me that they show each other the work all the time when they walk to class. I know they see each other a bunch a school and chat at the water fountain at least once a week. And they still walk hand in hand most days to school. It just means so much to see them so close! I love it!

Brian-

Well our little doctor in training has finally reached the semester break and did fantastic in all his classes. He is doing so well and it is amazing to watch him light up when he talks about many of the things he learns. It might be hard, and takes more studying than I thought possible but he loves it so much. I am really glad he has found something he enjoys so much and doesn’t mind the work because he loves what he does so much.

Hopefully the next semester is even more exciting as we have heard it is quiet a bit easier and he has more time to study than before. Less labs is always a nice switch! And above all I am amazed at the time he finds to take care us his girls! He is home most nights for dinner and helps get the girls into bed after playing a bit, reading books, cleaning up, reading scriptures, and saying prayers. He is home for the routine and that means so much to all of us. There are weeks when he is gone until midnight for most of the week but he tries really hard to make that a rare occurrence. And he has learned how to drop the world to be there for us and it has only helped his grades.

There was one night when I simply sobbed after getting off the phone with him because I was so stressed and overwhelmed and didn’t want to burden him and just tried to keep it under wraps. 20 minutes later he walks in the door and takes over letting me hop into the bath. I sobbed a little bit more because it was just what I needed. I don’t know how he knew but he did. And then the next day when he took his test he didn’t study for as much as he hoped, he came out with a big smile and a 100% score. It reminded me that the Lord is definitely on our side helping us along this journey giving us little blessings for doing our best and putting the most important things first!

Marilee-

I am very grateful to say that the first semester back at school full time is over! And even more exciting is that I passed all my classes with a 4.0. that is huge for me! I was more proud of myself then I have been in a long time. Other than that I am just growing a very large little man. I am now at 26 weeks and 5 days today. Yesterday I took a little look at him again and found he is more adorable by the week and I am in love this his face! I mean really isn’t he cute!

 

Anyways he is now up to 2 pounds and 8 ounces which puts him in the 90th percentile. Normally doctors would be a bit concerned I am going to have a ten pound baby but in my case they are so excited he is growing so fast! They are really hopeful that he will do well no matter when he comes because he is on the fast track on growth. I think it is our little miracle and that he knows he has to prepare to come just a bit more than most babies!

He is very active though the keeps me waddling most of the time as he loves to snuggle down low. But with only 8 extra pounds on me and knowing at least five is him and his snuggle home I am not complaining. I think this might be the only pregnancy I feel cute! I think I do have a bit of that glow people talk about and I never had before. Hopefully it lasts two more weeks until we can go get our family photos taken. I wanted to be pregnant and CUTE for at least one photo in my life and this might just be the year!

Tomorrow I meet with my OB again and we set up our next plan for keeping little man cooking. The specialist wants me to go in every other week from here on out to keep a close watch as we are approaching the danger zone for me. I go back for another ultrasound in 4 weeks as long as everything is going well. If not I will sneak in a bit earlier. I think popping in to check up is my favorite part. This week our little guy put on a show during the 3D ultrasound. he blew little kisses and waved a bunch. It simply made me melt!

Other than all of this our life as been a bunch of usually things and we love the normal crazy moments when we get to be together as a family. Mostly we are loving this Christmas season and the chance we have to focus our nightly scripture study on the savior. We have been reading the full Christmas story from all the books it can be found in every night. We are teaching all about every land and every people that knew about the Lord. The girls just love reading the scriptures every night. And I don’t think life can get any better than that! I hope that this Christmas season brings lots of love and blessings to you all. I know that our Father in Heaven is very aware of us all. He knows the very depths of our hearts and looks out for us each day. He sent us his son to set the perfect example of how to live, love, and learn and for that I am eternally grateful. May the blessings of the spirit be found in each of your homes and hearts, is my Christmas wish. Much love to all of you!

My dear little man,

Hey baby it's your mama. I thought I would write you a little note while your sisters are off doing who knows what but laughing all the way doing it. It seems that you never sleep and always want to be up on the go with us. Every moment I take to sit down you announce you are still there and give me a good kick of hello. I forgot how wonderful it is to have someone with me all the time. You are there in the middle of the night to say hello when your dad is busy studying. And when everyone leaves the house and all seems too quiet you remind me that you are still here to keep me company.

Today I got to see just what you do in those quiet moments when you do your exercises. You put on quiet the show for the first 15 minutes and then wore yourself out and needed a nap. This is the best shot of your face we could get since you decided that you were going to suck your thumb on one hand while resting the other on your face. Yes that is your hand there not a giant nose.

Little one you are growing by leaps and bounds. You are about 1 pound 3 ounces at 22 weeks and 3 days. That is great since your oldest sister was only 3 pounds and 11 ounces when she made her way out at 32 weeks.

All the doctors say you are doing well and that we are getting along great. So far there is no sign that my body wants you out anytime soon. You are growing away and I am staying small which we all are thankful for. I am excited to see you and know that time will fly but you know what buddy you need to stay in there as long as possible. Mama wants one thing for Christmas, new years, valentines, Easter, every holiday and moment when blessing might come, just one wish! That wish is that when you finally arrive I get to hold and see you right away. I want to hear you cry and then hold you tight knowing you are mine. I have never gotten to do that and you my little man are going to be that special kid I just feel it. Even to hold you the day you were born would be amazing. I have held other newborns just a few hours old but never my own.

So buddy you stay in there and do what you are doing. I will keep swallowing my horse size vitamins 2 times a day while drinking my green shake and downing more water than I thought possible. And you can thank you daddy who gives us our meds every night when we go to be no matter how tired I am and how much I want to curl up in bed. I have a 4 times a day pill schedule to get everything in so we can get all our pills in without messing up each other and after three times I just get tired and that is when daddy swoops in. Plus he is going to have to get me up and moving enough to take my blood pressure every day from here on out and that is quiet the task! But buddy we are working hard for you because we love you so much.

Your sisters love you too! They tell you good night every night before they go to bed. And if you are wondering what that bright light is every day at 8pm that is just them trying to get you to move around because I told them you might shy away from a light. It somehow became a nightly ritual so sorry about that. They just want to say hello and make sure you are okay in there.

Anyways little man I will see you again in 4 weeks and check up to see how much you have grown. I love you very much and will do my best to keep you cooking!

Love your very excited Mom

My dear Sweet Layla

Yes we had a party for Layla.... no this is not the party! 

We threw Layla a family birthday party the day before her big day! She picked out the cake and then we headed to Nana and Papa's for dinner and present! She had a good time and came out with her new favorite toy, her doll. She is so great to love her doll and understand that we didn't get an American Doll but rather a nice alternative. She still loves it all the same. Maybe one day on ebay I will find a good deal on the real thing but for now this medical student family can't afford one (and then it always has to be two!) $100 dollar naked dolls. They are gorgeous but nope. And you know what I never had one and came out great so I think we will survive!

Anyways we had our family party and then on Friday we had her friend party. I planned out everything down to the mini details. It was a beautiful hot pink, light pink, lavender, and purple glitter tulle decked out affair. We did a fancy Nancy theme. The girls loved it and we survived. I sent out 16 invitations thinking that there would be many that couldn't come on a Friday night. No no every one but two from church came. That meant that I had 16 girls all first graders (well make that 15 Isa was in that mix). 

The girls all did their own make up, nails, made necklaces and bracelets, and dressed all dolled up in their fancy dresses. Then they had parfait and opened presents. From the moment the girls began their activities until they sat down for presents we never stopped. I gave my sister a huge hug when it was over because it is wasn't for her I might have gone crazy trying to keep up with all that they needed. But every girl had a blast and Layla felt so special having everyone come to celebrate with her. 

Just to give you an idea of how the party theme was this is the invitation followed by the thank you note which we attached matching homemade bows for each girl.

trick or treating

It was a very dark night and I was very tired walking around in my non costume with Brian. We decided that this halloween we would take one photo capture the moment and then simply enjoy. I used to be that mom with the camera out taking photos every other second. Now we enjoy the moment and try to get one shot that reminds us of the night. This was perfect. It might seem silly to you but I will remember it perfectly. They rang the door bell and then peaked in the curtains. You can see Isa leaning in to get a good look.

You know that anticipation "is someone coming, what kind of candy do they have, are they going to be dress up?" It is wonderful. The girls did great and we parents just sat back and watched. They ran from house to house without a care in the world. They even went into the spooky haunted house down the street that we usually have to walk a block out of the way to avoid. They were two cute little witches that I love so stinking much! Next year should be exciting as we add to our caravan. We will probably have our little cousin Jheda tag along and then we will have Mr. Man with us in the stroller or wagon! It will be fun and probably a lot slower. Maybe the kids can go from one side to another back and forth while we take the little ones to every other house to keep up!

Layla's Halloween Party

This year Layla finally decided she was good to be something a little less glamourus and a bit more halloween. She was an ugly gray haired witch. I thought of course that she was darling but I am the mama. 

Since Isa is in the morning kindergarten class she is able to come with me again to the first grade parties for one year. It is nice since I am able to go to both girls parties the whole time. However next year I will split the time and do half with one and half with another while bringing along their baby brother. 

Layla had a wonderful time and didn't mind at all that her sister tagged along. 

This is Layla's class. Note all the girls because when we had Layla's birthday party (I have NO pictures of that night since there were so many girls and only me and my sister running the show) All the girls attended Layla's birthday. She felt so loved! 

It was so fun to watch Layla in her element. She is still a little quiet and shy but when they turned the music on for them to dance her true colors shined. She danced out there like a pro and it was simply adorable I couldn't help but giggle! I am so proud of Layla and how grow up she is getting. She is going to be an amazing big sister again and I am really grateful for how wonderful an example she is to others. Yes she is a drama queen at home and makes me think i might go prematurely grey however outside the house when she is being watched she is so kind and loving.

Last week she came home with another Elementary student honor, a kind and great example to others given by the school. I am so proud because that sums her up perfectly!

Isa's Halloween party

I know I am SO BEHIND on blogging it isn't even funny. I am sure grandma Kathy is dying without her usual weekly update on the girls and her Brian. But soon school will be over and I will have a long Christmas break from classes and can take time to blog. I also will hopefully get a head on the 12 novels I have to read for my children's literature  class next semester. 

Anyways here is my update. I was SO EXCITED to not have to plan a party for once. But then when i got there I realized they did not plan out as fun of games as our little class did last week so it is a win loose. Anyways the kids had fun and that is what matters. Isa was the only witch in class and was so stinking adorable. I was a proud mama for her homemade costume. It was the first time I made a dress so I was glad it looked as good as it did. And what doesn't look good on her, seriously!

Isa's Kindergarten class!

Isa is doing great in school. She is quiet and doesn't make too much of a fuss but everyone loves her. She makes pictures for all her class mates almost every week. She has organized a coloring group who meet during centers to work on their projects. I love it!

Don't you love the concentration on the prior picture!

And this cupcake was just the beginning of sugarland high that lasted two weeks! 

Sitting next to a buddy that she reads with sometimes!

It was a great party and she was so fun to watch. I am going to miss having her my little baby. After watching her I realized that she isn't a baby anymore she is so grown up. She has a whole world of her own where she is her own person apart from all of us. And that makes me so proud of her! 

Elfe

Friday after a long week Isa and I went to an elf on the shelf party. Santa came, read a book, and delivered elves for all the little girls. It was such an adorable party and a perfect time for it. We had planned on getting an elf for the girls this season so this was a great way for Isa to learn what it was all about. She was tired. Oh so tired at the party and pretty much wanted to take a nap which is about right because lately we take one together since this mama needs one.

Poor little Isa was exhausted and after I took her home settled her down she seems to just drag while we carried on with the day. That night when we tucked her in I felt that our luck of her missing the flu that Layla had last week would not last us forever. I fell asleep on the couch and Brian sat up playing his video game. Not an hour later I woke up to little Isa standing next to me puking her guts out all over her daddy. I took her back to change while dad cleaned up, did laundry, and showered. We finally got her to sleep at 4 in the morning but she woke up crying about every half hour.

Needless to say we were wrecked the next day. Isa started to feel better played so nicely with Layla all day. Brian continued the laundry and did about 8 loads plus those for the puke! I ducked out to a baby shower and then dove into homework all day long.

Saturday night all was calm in the house and we went to bed early. Sunday morning I had planned on staying home from church only going to teach my primary class in hopes we could all fend off the germs. Thankfully I am still feeling well despite my body fighting as hard as it can to stay up and going. Brian is exhausted but good. And Layla is all well. Isa on the other hand woke up last night sobbing through a barking cough and wheezing to get air. After getting some medicine she simply couldn't breath enough to calm down and sleep. So 1am I headed to our children's hospital er down the street. Thankfully we are there every year for the same thing and when they pull up her chart they give all sorts of care and concern. They know we are not crazy overly cautious parents who can't wait until morning to see a doctor. They know we need to get a head of the bugs before we have a little hospitalized kid with RSV.

Anyone who thinks I am crazy to plan on keeping our new little baby boy to be home until spring doesn't know what RSV is like. My daughters were home for a long time. Layla didn't go to church until four months AFTER her DUE DATE. So she was about 6 months when she went to church for the first time, which meant the first time our family attended together (Brian and I switched off to visit two sacraments each week for those months). Even with all that caution Layla had  went to the doctor every month for a big illness like croup, strep, RSV, or phenomena. We will be keeping our baby boy home until May. If I go on bed rest and have him in January as cautiously planned that is a long time.

Hearing my dear sweet Isa struggle to breath and bark so loud the doctor had sad eyes and said over and over you poor little thing, reminds me that no matter what others think mama knows best. This mama is thankful to have children survive birth and if that means I stay home for months to protect them then so be it. I hate seeing then struggle to live in the NICU why would I ever want to return simply because I need to get out of the house and back to life. So we are home fighting off croup. Isa is doing better but tonight should be worse than the last even with the mass steroids she was given. But thankfully so far no breathing treatments we caught it in time.

Anyways back to Elfe- He finally knew Isa was well enough so he headed to the north pole to report on the girls when Isa returned from the ER and he even brought a note and set up a chair to watch over them. Who knows what he will do tomorrow? Time will tell.