Fishing With the Kids!

Last Saturday we decided to take the kids fishing. We had originally planned to take them to Pine Valley because it's so pretty up there and cooler. However, our car decided to give us problems that day. So, we went to a couple nearby ponds. Although we didn't get lucky enough to catch anything, we still had a great time! Between fishing, chasing ducks, feeding ducks, eating lunch together, and just being outside, it was a great day!!!!

Answer the Question Poll!!!

For fun I added a poll to our blog, to see if you think we'll have a baby boy or a baby girl! Fill it out! It'll be fun!

The Monthly Pregnancy Update - 25 Weeks

I'm now 25 weeks along, as of tomorrow. Crazy to think that in 15 weeks (technically 14 w/ c-section) we'll be welcoming another cutie into the McGinnis clan! There's not a lot to update or share this month. The Dr. appointment was just the usual. This was my first appointment that I didn't get an ultrasound. He found the heartbeat right under my belly button at a rate of 155. I'm measuring right on and doing well. My ribs aren't bothering me much at all anymore so, that's a huge plus. However, my carpal tunnel has worsened but, it's all good. I'm wearing a trusty brace when I'm either sleeping or not in public so, that seems to be helping a lot.

As I've mentioned before, this pregnancy has been so much different than the other pregnancies I've had. Just so many interesting, weird things happening. Well, yesterday I was able to add to the list, although not in a way I would've wanted to. Here's the story: As I was driving home from picking up Connor and Aliyah from school, I noticed my the left, middle side of back started to hurt slightly. I didn't think much of it, except maybe I slept weird, turned wrong, or stretched weird. So, I continue driving but notice the pain begin to worsen. It doesn't let up but, continues to get progressively worse. I was about 10 minutes away from dropping off Aliyah and the pain became extremely intense and at that point I couldn't breathe well, was in tears, and trying to get a hold of Mike to tell him something was very wrong. I felt so bad because the kids were all nervous, wondering what was wrong with me but, I could barely talk and was crying so hard, and began to scream a little. Luckily, I made it to Aliyah's home and had her run in and grab Brittany. At first it probably appeared as if I was waving goodbye to Brittany or waving for some reason but, Brittany caught on something was wrong and ran out to help. There wasn't much she could do for me though. It hurt to stand, walk, breathe, lay, talk, etc. So, Brittany grabbed my phone to call Mike and I just wanted to die! My first thoughts were that I was in labor and I was scared to death! So many thoughts and fears ran through my mind as to what was wrong. Brittany was great at calming the kids down, making them feel at ease, and took them into her house while Mike and I headed to the E.R. While on the way to the E.R., Mike called my O.B.GYN to explain what was going on and to see what he recommended. He had us come directly to his office to quickly examine me. By this time I was basically screaming, crying, hyperventilating and in a fetal position. We got to the Dr. and he quickly got me into an examination room. First thing he checked was the baby. We were blessed and so grateful to learn our baby was completely fine and not affected by what was going on. After examining a couple other things and talking to me, we learned that I had a kidney stone. After laying in his office for about 15 minutes, the pain began to calm down. I think it helped knowing that the baby wasn't in danger and that helped me to calm down and relax a little. So, the Dr. recommended that I go home with some strong pain meds. and try to pass the stone on my own. So, we headed home. For the next 20 minutes the pain was very mild and very bearable so, I thought the worst of it was over. Well, we got home and the pain hit again but, harder. This time the pain lasted for 1 hr. 30 min. before the pain meds. finally kicked in and I was able to relax a little. So, from that point on I drank A TON, and I mean A TON, of water! Then just slept as much as I could so I could relax and pass the stone. Well, somewhere around 11pm, I must've passed the stone because the pain disappeared and I was finally able to rest and sleep all night long. I learned a few things that night. #1: I'm so grateful that the pains and problems I was having had NOTHING to do with the baby. #2: Natural childbirth is for the birds, or for women a lot stronger than me, because I could never do it! I am so lucky to have a friend who just stepped up, stayed calm when I was freaking out, and made me and my kids feel at ease and everything would be alright. It meant so much that I could leave my kids with her and not feel guilty or worry the whole time! Love you, Brittany! I am also so grateful to my hubby for his amazing driving skills to get me to the Dr. so fast (ha ha!), for stepping in and doing what he could to make me feel relaxed, for letting me sleep and rest the way I needed to, and for getting up with Connor this morning and he getting him off to school! So grateful he was also able to give me a priesthood blessing! I didn't even have to ask. He came to me, ready willing and able to do so! He really took care of me, made sure I water the entire time, and made sure I was taking my medications. Now I just hope and pray that I never have to go through that AGAIN!!!

Random Pictures

My new experiment/try on Rylie's hair
The back final-product of my new experiment on Rylie's hair.

Grandma M. bought a cute little fairy dress-up outfit.

24 weeks along

(Mike took this "amazing" picture! I asked him to quickly take it and he did just that. He didn't warn me, give me a count down, or anything before he took it. So, I look like somewhat of a dork).

Connor's First Day at School & First Lunch at School!

Connor, standing outside of our house, before we headed off to school.
Connor & his teacher Ms. Jones

Connor & Aliyah giving a "Woo hoo!" shout!

Connor & his classmates playing with playdoh a few minutes before school started.

Connor standing in line with his classmates, in the lunchroom.

Connor cheesin' it and Aliyah eating her favorite part of lunch, the pickle!

Connor & Aliyah enjoying lunchtime!

Connor & Aliyah in line before they leave the lunchroom & head back to class.

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School got off to a great start for Connor! The week before school started he had kindergarten testing. The teacher he tested with, Ms. Jones, was so great with him and made him feel at ease. Well, when we came to Meet & Greet night, at the school, we saw the class lists and found out Connor's teacher was Ms. Jones! I was so excited and relieved about that! At least he would already know his teacher. THEN, on top of that excellent news, we learned that one of Connor's best friends, Aliyah Staheli, would be in his class! I was grateful for that also! They really get along well together!

Connor started kindergarten on Monday. He was so excited and has been counting down for a very long time! We have to leave for school at around 7:50am so, we get him up at 7am to get ready for school. He is so awesome at waking up and each morning he acts like it's Christmas morning. I know this will eventually wear off but, I'm grateful for it while we have it! The night before Connor started school he told me he didn't need me to take him into school, that he wanted to do it alone. I thought that wasn't supposed to happen until the 2nd day. Anyway, I veto'd his request and still walked him into school and to his class! He seemed very content and just seemed to be watching everyone & everything going on around him.

They also allowed the parents of the kindergartener's to go to lunch with their kids one day. I thought Connor would be over-the-top excited about Mike & I showing up for lunch. He was happy but, I think we were more of an accessory to his lunch, not a big deal for him. It was fun to sit with him and Aliyah and watch them during lunch. While I wish he missed em more, I am grateful and so happy that he doesn't struggle going to school or being without me all day.

I can't believe this time has come. I knew it was coming and was excited but, now that it's here it's so weird. I thought life was hectic with my kids running around me all day but, now I realize that things were a lot more simple when Connor wasn't in school. I'm very excited for him to be in school. He loves to learn and has been so bored at home! I'm happy for him to be taught new things and to be excited about school! Such a fun time in his life!

Baby McGinnis Update at 20.5 Weeks Along!

View #1 of Baby McGinnis
Baby McGinnis's foot
View #2 of Baby McGinnis
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So, as of today, I am 21 weeks along! We had a Dr. appointment on Wednesday, August 11th to have the big 20 week ultrasound. Kind of funny side note: that exact date and day of the week, 11 years ago, I entered the MTC. Kind of funny and interesting, I thought. Anyway, moving right along, ha ha! The baby looks great! The Dr. was very pleased, happy, and excited about the growth of the baby so far, everything (baby, placenta, etc.) are in great positioning! So, was so relieved and excited to see and hear that!!!! As with all of our pregnancies, we didn't find out the sex of the baby. The technician said she knew but, she was EXCELLENT about not letting on one way or the other! She wouldn't even tell my Dr. the sex of the baby. It was so fun seeing the baby move all over the place. Mike was albe to come to this appointment, which was special for us both! There were some fun moments where a couple times our baby was holding onto the ambilical cord, like it was holding on for dear life! It loved putting he/she's hands into a fist, up by his/her face, as if getting ready to box or fight someone! A couple times, while we were looking at the top of the head at the brain, you could see fingers, almost as if strumming the top of his/her head, like he/she was bored or something! Kind of funny! So, it looks like we'll be scheduling the c-section on December 17th, unless something else comes into play. My Dr. gave us a choice of the 17th, 18th, or 19th. The 18th and 19th are a Saturday and Sunday. Mike didn't want our Dr. to have to work on a Saturday or Sunday if he doesn't have to and we'd like to have the baby as far away from Christmas as we can so, we shall see. As far as changes in my body that I've noticed, here is a list:

1. After explaining some symptoms I've been having the Dr. came to the conclusion that I have pregnancy onset carpal tunnel syndrome. He said that once in a while it happens with women because of the amount of water they retain. Good news: it should go away after the baby is born. Bad news: I'm barely half way along and it will only get much worse. So, for now he would like me to wear a brace to bed at night, to prevent me from sleeping with my hand in a claw or curled position. If it gets too much worse he'll have me start wearing a heavier brace all day.
2. The Dr. examined me, because I've been having some extreme pain on the side of my chest, just below my armpit. Come to find out, my ribs are jabbing me on the side quite badly. It just comes from my body making room for the baby. Good news, sort of: If it gets too bad he can give me shot that will numb the pain. Bad news: Again, I'm only 1/2 way and it could get a lot worse.
3. They discovered through my blood tests that I'm no longer immune to German Measles. They were surprised that no one caught it in my other pregnancies. So, after the baby is born they'll give me a booster for it and I'll be immune once again.
4. My baby bump is growing and I love it! We measured me to compare how big I am now to my other pregnancies. Width-wise I'm still about the same as my others. HOWEVER...as far as how far my bump is sticking out.....I'm only one inch less than when I was 9 months will Rylie!!!!!!!!
5. I feel the baby move quite frequently, especially at night! The last couple of days have been so fun! I finally have gotten to the point where I can put my hand on my baby bump, and can feel baby either kick or punch my hand! So fun!!!!!! Mike likes this point too!
6. The all-day sickness is getting better! I still have my moments but, there are not as many of them! Happy days are here once again, almost! Ha ha!

Baby Bump @ 19 Weeks Along!

Connor saw me getting a profile picture of my baby bump so, he decided he needed one taken of himself with the same pose, almost. His profile picture is much cuter.

This is me at 19 weeks long. Keep in mind, I had just woken up and was getting ready to go to the lake so, I had no make-up on, half asleep and just looking icky. I have never liked my profile picture when I'm pregnant but, this time I am showing must faster than I ever did with my other 3 pregnancies. I love it and would love to have a ginormous preggo belly. Go big or go home, right?

Long Lost Friends, Reunited!!!!

Connor & Sky
Rylie's infamous "Cheeeeese!" face

Connor, Sky, Rylie

Tiffany, David, and Cassandra

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Some of my best friends, from Michigan, were in UT a few weeks ago. I happened to be up north visiting my family at the same time they were in the Ogden area! I am so happy and grateful that we were able to work out a day that we could get together and hang out! I have many, many fond memories of the Arrington's. I have missed them IMMENSLY! We met up at McDonald's, like the good ole' days, and let the kids play while we caught up and just jabbered. I got to meet Tiffany's adorable new baby boy, Cammon! What a sweet, perfect, tiny little guy. It was so great to just hang out again! After lunch we went over to David's parents house to swim and cool off a little! It made me realize, even more, how much I miss them! However, I am so grateful we've been able to keep in touch and see each other a couple times since we moved back! I can't wait until the next time we see each other!

Hyrum Parade-July 5, 2010

Looking for the parade to come!

Ready for candy!

She's already got the princess wave going.

The fireworks crew at my parents house.

The campfire!

We went to the parade in Hyrum this year. I have to say that it was the longest, boring 2 hours of my life in a long time. It was a pretty lame parade with hardly any candy. It's okay if it's a lame parade but, you do need a lot of candy and it was lacking. After the parade we went to my Grandma's house for food and fun and hanging out with family! We then went to my parents house and had a swim party in the backyard, ate more food, and just enjoyed the afternoon. Later that night we had a campfire, made smores, and set fireworks off!

Logan Fireworks - July 2, 2010

We sat in front of the football stadium to watch the fireworks this year! We had a GREAT spot and it was right next to the Jamba Juice tent! Mmmmm! My brother Matt and also my brother Greg and his family met us there to watch! The kids had a great time and I just love the Logan city fireworks! Such a good time! One of my favorite moments was the airplane flyover! That plane was HUGE! So glad we were with my family to celebrate the 4th of July this year!

17.5 week Ultrasound/Check-Up

Went in for a check-up today. We had a scare for a few moments. My Dr. was unable to find the heartbeat. He checked for a few minutes and couldn't locate the heartbeat. Scared me to death!!!! So, he found the ultrasound tech. quickly and had her do an ultrasound. Luckily and thankfully, she was able to find the heartbeat just fine. We found the baby's head is currently located just above my belly button and it's legs towards my hip bones. Every time I took a breath he/she would move so they think that is why the Dr. had a hard time finding the heartbeat. They looked at the baby's brain and you could see the baby's hand popping up and down, as if he/she was waving at us. So grateful and relieved that all is well! No more scares for me, PLEASE!!!!!