It's a Cupcake....no wait a DONUT!!!

Thats right a DONUT... 

ANOTHER BOY

B.O.Y!!!
Here he is flexing for us! 

We went in for our ultrasound today and they were running behind. The anticipation was killing Chris and I. Honestly a lot was riding on this baby being a girl. My Nanny even calling me saying, "please let this be a girl, I need one before I die..LOL!" Ok no pressure. Then my SIL calls me and says, "Oh I just know its a girl this time, I have a feeling!" Let face it most of my family were ready for us to have a little girl but I have to say its not so. Chris and I honestly were for sure this one was a girl by the way I was carrying it and how small I am. Also why I say "its a cupcake, no wait its a Donut" is because during our ultrasound the baby was being uncooperative. He was curled up in a little ball and not wanting to show his parts. His hand were up by his face and he just did not want to be messed with. This was very different from my other boys. I have known within the first 2 minuets what they were. When she started checking the ultrasound tech said, "I am betting and pretty positive that this little baby is girl!" She kept looking there and we could not see anything. Chris and I got so excited, my heart was pounding so hard and I was just ecstatic that finally we would be parents to a daughter. I wanted to be 100 % positive that it was a girl so she said we would get some better shots. She had me switch positions about 6 times to try and get a good photo since he was being so defiant. Finally he decided to open his legs just a little and low and behold it was NOT A GIRL. It was a BOY!! He sure had us all fooled! The ultrasound tech said, "I am sorry I spoke too soon but you have a baby boy not a baby girl!" I asked her to check again just to make sure and yup, BOY! It did not look like my other 2 boys gender photos so I said "you are so positive?" She said, "Yes, I totally thought it was for sure a girl but these are defiantly boy parts!" I still not convinced  because it just looked so different then my other boys, I mean I could kinda see it but it was not extremely obvious like it was with my other two. Honestly all the excitement went to lots of emotions. I kept telling myself, "it;s OK, hold it together Kerri!" I could see Chris's face and he rubbed my leg and said "it's OK we are good boy makers I guess...LOL!" He could tell this was hard for me. I mean its hard not to be disappointed when you totally think is something different. I don't think I would have been so upset if she had not said it was a girl at first. I know we tried to get a girl but my ovulation was off so I know it could go both ways but just to be all gone ho a girl then boy was hard. So it's not a cupcake this time, we have our self a very healthy DONUT cooking! Who knows maybe it will end up being a CUPCAKE since I heard of that happening....LOL!  

Here is the Gender reveal!!

 Boy Parts....

I also got checked by my midwife and she was shocked as well that it was a boy. She said that I don't even look like I am carrying a boy but totally a  girl. I honestly lost it at that point and just starting crying! I mean, I am human too. She said "I know your a little disappointed but he could not be more perfect and healthy!" It's true, any baby is such a blessing and its health is all that matters. I know there are some women who can not even have kids, or have lost one, have complications or abnormalities or women who long for a baby boy....and there I was in the midwife room crying my eyes out because I thought it was a girl at first but it ended up being a boy. What kind of a mother does this? Then after that I started crying because I was crying because of those reasons, I mean I should be happy right? What a wreck! Christian comforted me and said, "I know babe, we will get our girl eventually but he is healthy and strong and that is all that matters, I love you!" My midwife assured me that these feelings were normal and not too be too hard on myself. I also then started to feel sorry for myself thinking that Heavenly Father did not think I was worthy to raise a daughter or that I would never be a mother to a baby girl. I have always felt I would raise more sons then daughters but I have felt strongly that there is a daughter up there for our family, actually more then just one. We will just have to try again for our girl! Obviously that time is not now and we are going to be parents to 3 wonderful little BOYS!!
Here he is looking right at us saying, "Cheese!"

I was able to talk to my MIL who has all boys and she made me feel better, that it does pinch for a little bit but then you become excited and happy for a new baby. She is right and I can say that now that I have had my 2 hour pity party that I am excited to bring this baby boy into the world come spring. He seriously is so perfect, perfect in every way. He is healthy and strong and even flexed his little muscle for us at the end...that's my BOY! Looking back at the pictures just made me think how blessed we really are to be having another baby boy. As I said before I am still not totally convinced but I will take another boy for now. Maybe you can take a look at the pics and assure me that it is another boy....LOL! 3 little amigos for the Price family for now!  Each one of my boys are so special and different and I know this one will be the same. I am already wondering about what he will look like and what kind of a baby he will be.
He so precious!  

Waving Bye Bye!

Since the ultrasounds were running way far behind today I did not get my flower orders in time to give to Christians Mom and My Grandparents. I was really bummed because I had already set it up a couple days before but they needed me to call and tell them the gender. I did not even know the gender by the time I needed to have it in to be delivered since this baby was not cooperating with us today...LOL! No one lives with them either so it was hard to find someone to do it for me. I did however get my little sis Tay to do something special for the Cutler fam. She just got a blue balloon and wrote, "It's a boy!" I guess I am following after Cutler's foot steps anyways with 3 boys first:) All of my family is way excited after I called them even though some of them were maybe hoping for a different gender and my plans fell through to surprise them. I am so grateful for the love and support from all of our families. This baby is going to be very blessed!    

Cheers to being Parents of BOYS!!!! 

.thankful.

 This Thanksgiving was pretty low key. We just went to the Thompson's in our ward like we did last year. They invite all the Palmer students every year and we just bring a side to share. They are a sweet old couple and it was nice to be able to have somewhere to go for Thanksgiving. Our home away from home. I have to say that my prego belly was sure craving my Nan's Thanksgiving and my heart was longing to be around family, but nevertheless it was a great Turkey Day. My belly was sure full of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and all the trimmings...oh and we can't forget dessert. The boys enjoyed the food especially the rolls and they love all the fun toys that the Thompson's have.  We spent the rest of the day playing outside since it was so nice then just being lazy and watching football. It was nice for Christian to have a break and just to spend some time together before he had to go back to work.

Me and Mine, Thanksgiving 2011.
Don't ask about the face Christians making...LOL!

Here are the boys enjoying themselves at Thanksgiving and the wonderful whether outside after we got home.  

 Porter and his cheesy smile. His pants kept falling down but it sure did not stop him from playing!

 Treyson and his constant laughter! He was sure enjoying running about with his sticks like a cave man!

Lot's of people are doing the 31 days of Thankfulness and I have really wanted to do it for the past couple years but sometimes I don't get to my blog or fb everyday. I just decided to it in one entry. I am not sure I can narrow it down to just 31 things since there is so much to be thankful for but here goes...

 1. The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Everything that has to do with it...scriptures, prayer, fasting, the Temple, family history, missionary program ect.  Honestly, I can say that I don't know where I would be without it because I have lived without it. The happiness that comes into my life by just being apart of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ work is remarkable. My testimony is grounded in their teachings and I can say with a surety that I know that the Gospel is True and for that I am truly humbled.  

 2. My OWN Eternal Family. I am seriously one blessed girl. Let's face it, this is what I live and breath for is for my family. I am so glad I get to spend FOREVER with them. Glad to call them ALL MINE!!  

 3. My children. I am so thankful to be Treyson's and Porter's MOM! They bring out the best in me. I am completely smitten over these 2 little boys of mine. I also can not wait to add another child to our family. All of my children are such blessings. Everyday is not smooth sailing but there is never a dull moment with my children. How grateful I am for their sweet spirits.

4. My husband. Never have you ever met a genuine hard working man who is so full of love and compassion, one that would do anything for his family. He goes to school full time, play Rugby, works part time or overtime if needed, is in the Elders Quorum Presidency...not to mention he is the best Dad and husband. Our marriage is like no other. No it has not been "peaches and cream" 24/7 but its wonderful to have an eternal companion like him. I can tell you he probably does the dishes and laundry more them me..LOL! He does this all with no bickering or complaining. I love him HEAPS. The Lord could not have gave me a more perfect companion.

5. Our Dog Jax. Some days I want to give him the boot but other day he brings so much fun in our lives. My boys just love him and its fun to watch them play everyday. He puts up from a lot from the boys and he has never snarled or barked at them. He loves them and you can tell. He is really a great dog. 

6. Gift of Motherhood. Something about you changes when you become a Mother. It's something so surreal yet powerful. I fail miserably at it so much but everyday yet it makes me a better person. It's has made me really know what service and sacrifice really is. It's funny how something such as motherhood can bring out so many emotions, one minuet you are frustrated and going crazy and the next you are filled with so much joy and happiness that you feel like your heart will burst. So thankful I have the opportunity to be a Mother.   

7. My family. I love my Nan and Pop's so much. They do much for support us and little things to help us get by. I love receiving their unexpected packages in the mail. They are truly my idols and hero's. If it were not for them who knows what would of happened to us kids. My siblings on this side are awesome too and I am so thankful for the strong relationship we have with each other. 

 8. Cutler Family. I am truly blessed and so grateful to be apart of their wonderful family. I love them all so much. They are the parents they did not have to be but they are. They are always there for my family and it's just a wonderful thing. I also love my siblings in the family especially the close relationship I have with my sisters. 

 9. Christians Family. They are truly such an amazing family and I happy to be married in to the heritage of the Price's. All of their trails and experiences have strengthened me in to being a better person. I could not have asked for a better family for my husband to be raised by. I am so thankful for my sister-in-laws on that side and how close we are. With a family full of boys its nice to have that girl time.

10. The military. From the bottom of my heart I am so very thankful for the troops and Military. They sacrifice for us in behalf of our freedoms. Some of them make the ultimate sacrifice and I always stand so amazed and humbled when I hear a story like this. I could not say thank you enough to the men and and women who fight loyally for this Country.

 11. Friends. I really have some of the best friends whether its right here in Davenport or only through fb or blogging for now. It's very comforting just to have people their for you or going through the same things you are.

12. My calling. The young women's program is so amazing and I just enjoy my calling so much. There are times when it is very demanding and hard but I would not trade it for anything. I love the yw so much and this calling has blessed my life so much.

13. My health and families. I honestly believe if you don't have your health you have nothing and that is why I hold such a high standard when it comes taking care of myself and family. From the food we eat to the cleaning products we use in our home, I want it to be the best because that is what my family deserves when it comes to health. I am not sure I can remember when I took my kids or myself to the Dr. for anything serious or little for that matter. We no longer have over the counter or prescription drugs in our house, not because we would not take them if it was an emergency but because we have not needed them, or because we use more natural means (homeopathics, herbs, and oils) to take care of aliments if we even get them. Health is everything to me and this is why I am such a Nazi about it.  

14. Exercise and Working out. The gym is my second home. I love it there, everything about it. The atmosphere, goal setting people, sweat, determination...love it. Zumba is one of my new passions and I always leave that class feeling like I did an HIIT (high intensity interval training). My heart rate is always threw the roof and I am drenched in sweat by the time the hour is over. Lifting weights is another one of my passions. Its just feels invigorating to lift weights. I feel strong and healthy. Some days its a love hate relationship when I am sore but like I always say, "choose your hard!" I am a better Mom if I get my work out in for the day, my mind is clearer and I just feel like I function better. I am so thankful I have made this apart of my life.

15. Chiropractic and Nikken. These 2 wellness concepts just go together. These have really put my health and families at its peak. Both of  them has strengthened our thresholds so much that we feel so vital and alive all the time. We have honestly never felt better. It makes me sad when people are always complaining about their illness, sickness, or aliments especially if they are in Chiropractic. Also just people in general saying how they or their children are suffering with something that is causing so much heartache in their life. Its not all about the adjustment but I will say that having the nervous system working at its best helps every other aspects of health including in your children. Nikken is the best company and we feel so blessed to be associated with it. We get to bless so many people lives and change them for the better. It's amazing, not to mention where it has take our knowledge of health and our overall bodies Wellness. It has really taken us to a whole new level.

 16. ICAA. This organization I am the president of has really been challenging yet rewarding at the same time. Trying to balance being a mother, wife, yw, and this is really crazy at times. I love it though and have been able to be really involved up on campus and in what my husband is doing in Chiro School. I have learned a lot from the position that I am in. Am I the best at it, no way! My board is amazing and we have really pulled through this year despite all our set backs.

17. My hair cutting trade.  It's nice to make a little money on the side with doing something I love. My kitchen turns into a salon most nights but I love it. Its keeps me busy, plus I feel it saves us so much money being able to do this for my family as well.

18. Government Programs. It is rather pathetic how poor you are while your in grad school but this is why I am so thankful for government programs such as student loans, wic, medicaid, heating assistance, food stamps, ect. I know that after we are done that our tax dollars will be paying for other people to be on the same programs so I have no problem of taking advantage of every opportunity to help us get through his financial trying time. I know there are lots of people who abuse the system and this really upsets me. It's really there to help people who are helping themselves. I know we would not be able to make it without being on these programs and for that I am truly thankful.

 19. Material Things. Our home, cars, furniture, clothes, shoes, belongings. Just so thankful we have all of these things. They may not be the nicest things but at least we have them and lots of people never have the luxury of having any of these things.

 20. A camera and video camera. I love taking pictures and videos of our lives. Capturing moments that make you smile when you look at it or watch it over. These are the things I hold precious because I know when I am older they will mean more to me then they do now. I really do believe you can never have too many pictures or videos.

21. Technology. Blogging, facebook, skype, iphones, computers, email, pinterest, i pods, ect. All of these things are amazing and it boggles my mind on what they come up with. How instant and fast life is getting. They can be very addicting so I have to limit how much time I spend on them but they all have blessed my life in some way.

 22. Everyday things. Floss, toothpaste, toilet papers, showers, beds, sinks, washer and dryers, electricity, silverware,  Ect.. let face it all these things make the world go round!

23. Inspiring TV shows. Biggest Loser, and extreme homemaker our my favorites. I love watching something and feeling better after its over. There is probably never an episode where I don't end up crying. I just love shows that change other peoples lives for the better and I feel like both of those shows do.

24. Life's little things: Laughter, jokes, hugs, kisses, funny faces, smiles, saying I love you, ect. These little things make your heart grow bigger everyday.

25. Music. I love all kinds of music. I really listen to all kinds besides like really heavy metal and satanic stuff.  It's just makes me feel good. Some music makes me want to get up and shake it when others just make me feel calm and collected. The power of music is amazing!

26. Everyday working people. Cashiers, tellers, people who pick up the garbage, waitress/waiters, policeman, firefighters, news reporters, ect. People like this make everyday things easier. I am thankful for people who do these kind of jobs.

27. The outdoors. I love being outside, my whole family does. We miss the mountains so much and everything that involves them like rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, river rafting, camping, ect. Most of the time the outdoors leaves us in awe on how beautiful it is sometimes. Right now we are enjoying the corn fields and Mississippi river:) Even though its not are fav we still love the outdoors.

28. Toys,  Disney Movies, puzzles, books, coloring, games, puppets, play dough. These things make my kids happy. They keep them occupied when Mommy has to get something done. These things also expand their imagination which is fun to watch. I feel like these things make a kid a kid.

29. The Holidays. The holidays are just the best time of year. The spirit of the season is just amazing. The music, decorations, snow, family, friends, giving, food, ect. The holidays just bring out the good in me and just make me feel warm and cozy inside. I love this time of year.

30. Our Circumstances. I might complain about them but I am grateful for this time in our lives. Christian getting through school at Palmer with raising our family in love and faith. I would lie if I said it was not hard and I cry a lot with just being so overwhelmed at times. I know that these trying times will make our family stronger and help build us up for future. I am just enjoying the journey because I know that we have been given much by our Father in Heaven. Thankful for this time to grow and learn together.

31. Life in general. I love life. Just to be alive in this time, to experience the things I do, the people I meet or come in contact with, doing everyday things, waking up everyday, knowing who I am and where I am going.

There are so much for I am thankful for but I hope all of you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
From our Family to yours....

Love and Thanks,
Price Family!  

Details and Update on the BUMP!

First, I have decided I am calling this baby either a donut if it a BOY and cupcake if it a GIRL. These are the 2 things I have been craving so horribly this pregnancy. Yes the most high calories sugary food out there, I want it and I can't just have one...LOL! I have been doing pretty good but I have indulged those cravings more then once! Thus from here on out they will either been known as our little donut or cupcake!
Pink or Blue? 

YUM! 

I guess it's about time for me to update and give you the detail on this little wee on of ours. This was a planned pregnancy. Our first actually planned pregnancy. Kinda weird for us since niether of our other 2 were at all...LOL! It happened a lot sooner then we thought, on our first try actually. I actually did not believe I was prego for the longest time because I had NO SYMPTOMS, nothing notta, zip. I also had a little bit of a period the month after I conceived which is normal. I was in denial for a long time and so was Christian. He was actually set on that we were not pregnant and ready to try again the following month. Since my period was weird I just had to know so I took at home pregnancy test w/o my husbands knowledge. Both of them somewhat looked positive. I needed a for sure answer so I went to planned parenthood where they give free pregnancy test and sure enough it came out positive. I did not tell Chris until a couple weeks later. I surprised him with a sweet card when he came home from work telling him even though he did not believe it "he did succeed in getting me pregnant!" Of course he was excited and it was perfect timing since the plan was to have this baby in 8th tri.
Here is the bump at 16 weeks.

Here are some FAQ that people have been wanting to know....

How have you been feeling?

Like I said, I did not have ANY symptoms for the longest time. Around week 12 I started to notice the tiredness start to creep along, OK extreme tiredness. There are times I have felt really fatigued with this one. Other then that I am fine. No love hate relationship with food and no sickness. It has almost been weird and I actually was still denying it until I heard the heart beat a couple times. I am still working out and loving it with this pregnancy. I do cardio and lift about 3-5 days a week depending on how I am feeling. I listen to my body and if its too much then I cut back. My boobs hurt extremely bad. They are very swollen and tender all the time. They itch a lot so if you see me scratching don't judge!..LOL! I am already have thick colostrum and they are already just getting big. Here's to having some "Dolly Partons" when the baby is born! LOL! This one does not move as much as it did with my boys. I feel very small thumps here and there but nothing tremendous like I did with my boys.  This one has been different then the last 2, well all three of them have been different on the way that I felt with each one.

Do you have any names?

Yes. We like to meet them first but we usually have the top three and pick the one that fits. 

BOYS: Kreed, Ledger, or Roman.

We have more but those are the top 3 for now. We actually agree more on our boys names then the girls. His middle name will be Cutler after the Cutler fam. We switch off on doing family names for middle names and this time its my turn and I love Cutler for middle name. We still have Christian and Daniels to use on Chris's side for future kids as well.  

GIRLS: Jandee, Nevaeh, and Hadleigh. 

We have more as well but those are the top 3. Christian actually only likes one of these names an that Nevaeh. He wants to call her little Nevi. Her middle name will most likely be Galea which is my maiden name. I know it does not really fit with either of these names but I really love it for a middle name.  Others we could use are Nan, Patricia, Marion, or Elizabeth (on Chris's side.)

What have you been craving?

Like I said before, donuts and cupcakes. Anything sweet really. You might find me drinking out of the honey jar...LOL! Specific things like sweet potatoes, tomato and cheese or pb and banana sandwiches, beets, ginger snaps, honeydew, hummus. I also like hamburgers with this one as well. Something about them when I am prego...LOL! I have actually been doing pretty good. I am not worried about calories any more just nutrients. I am trying to keep my raw food intake up and taking lots of omegas, pro-biotics, greens, ect. I take a good organic whole food multi-vitamin that has all the iron, folic acid, and other goodies you need for pregnancy. I figure since I am prego though, I get more cheat days then normal right? I honestly can not wait for the holiday food since now I can really stuff myself silly!! 

Are you nervous to have 3?

Yes. Who wouldn't be. I also feel so very blessed and thank my Father everyday for my Children and the opportunity I have to be a MOTHER to these special little spirits. 

Do you plan on doing a natural child birth? 

Yes, as natural as I can. I am not doing a home birth for many reasons....cost and I just feel like I need to work myself up to it. I am not sure a home birth is if me quite yet. I have never had a baby with out pitocin so I would like to see if I can do with out it this time as long as it does not require me going 2 weeks overdue. I do not want a 9-10 lb baby. The last one was hard enough on my body. I am going to try hypno birthing this time to see how it goes. I am currently seeing midwife who is awesome. I am also currently seeing a Chiropractor plus one that specializes in pregnant women. My hope that with all the natural stuff we do like magnetics, oils, and Chiropractic that I will be able to have a natural childbirth. If  things work out where I can't then I have already promised myself that I will not beat myself up about it.

Do you plan on breastfeeding? 

Of course. Not sure why people have been asking me this a lot. I love Brest feeding. Everything about it. It's actually something I look forward to after the baby is here. I love what it does for my baby and me health wise. It is just one of those awesome things that comes with having a baby:)   

Do you have any feelings on the baby gender? 

Like I mentioned before, all 3 of my pregnancy have been very different. Treyson, I was sicker then sick. Porter I never threw up but I had a love hate relationship with certain kinds of food and I just did not feel that good at times. I also got super big with him fast. This one I almost forget I am pregnant at times. I feel wonderful. No food combo bothers me or smells. I am super small with this one and carrying it different then I did my boys. I feel like its way higher. My instincts tell me girl but my brain tell me another boy. I want to say girl because its so different but then so was Porter pregnancy. I did have a dream and in the dream it was a girl. Most of you know that I had been reading the Shettles Method when we got prego with this one. I borrowed the book from a friend since my I had so many people tell me that it worked for them including my Mama Cutler. I did not do everything Nazi, but I did calculate my ovulation for 3 months prior to pregnancy. You can do this by taking your temperature everyday right when you wake up which I did not do or checking your cervical mucus (CM) every time you go to the bathroom. I just did the CM method because it seemed the easiest. They say if you do temperature and CM together it will be very accurate but I just would forget to take my temp. I am not going to give you the details on how to check CM. If you want to know you will have to read the book. Tricks are if you want a boy you need to have intercourse closer to ovulation or right after and if you want a girl you need to have intercourse way before ovulation or 2-4 days before. The theory is that boy sperm are faster swimmers and less resilient and the girl sperm are slower but live longer. Dr. Shettles has lots of research backing this theory up so I am not just putting this out of my back pocket. I know Heavenly Father will give you what he wants but like a wise women told me who did this method. He himself has to obey the elements he created. As mentioned, I did not do EVERYTHING to get a girl. I figured if we try this and get one then YAY but if not then we will have to try more stricter things next time. The month we tried I had a very odd period. It was 3 days early which thew me off on calculating when I was ovulating. According to my CM my body was going off of when I was supposed to start (3 days later) then when I really did start. If I was correct and followed my CM properly then its most defiantly a girl. According to the computer where I charted my periods and ovulation, well it says it was closer to ovulation which leans more towards boy. Who knows. My Midwife thinks its a girl. The heartbeat says its a girl but she says sometimes that does not matter. She says she just has a feeling. I can honestly say yes it would be so fun to have something different and be a Mother to a daughter but I would be so happy to be another mother to a beautiful son as well. My hopes are for a girl this time but if not then it's fine. God has blessed our family so much and it would be a blessing to just have another baby in our home no matter what a gender is. Secretly I am praying for PINK though! LOL!      

Have you done any gender prediction or old wives tale things? 

Yes. I had never done them until this one. Some are so funny. Peeing in baking soda, red cabbage test, ect. I have only done one which is the ring test and it said girl. Christian did it and got girl, and then I had my friend do it just encase and got girl.  We also tested with applied Kinesiolgy an got girl. I usually do the Chinese gender chart but I found out that there is 2 and one says one gender and the other says a different one. Right for one and wrong on another. 

This one says BOY

This chart says GIRL. 

I am not getting my hopes up for a girl. Another Boy would be fun too:)

Well I think that is it for the BUMP details and update. We are so happy to be bringing this little life into the world come spring time. We find out what we are having next week. What is your vote?
Here is the bump at 18 weeks.

 Took forever to show but we defiantly have a baby cookin'!!!

Bumbage! 

Here is a cute poem that just warmed my heart. We can not wait to meet our donut or cupcake!

"I can't wait to meet you,

I can't wait to see,
I can't wait to feel all the happiness you
will bring.

I have such big plans and dreams for you,
I will sacrifice anything to make your own
dreams come true.
 

You will be happy and healthy and free,
So baby I love you .

I can't wait until the day we meet." 

Big Boy Underwear

I normally would not blog about such a thing as Potty Training but I felt it deserved its own post. Treyson will turn 4 in December and the other times we have tried it has been a complete disaster and I gave up. This time I promised myself no matter how hard it was, I would not give up for anything. I know this was going to be a hard thing for my son. It's hard for him to focus, he is go go go all day long and he just does not want to stop for anything especially to go to the bathroom. I honestly feel as adults we take going to the restroom for granted. We don't even think twice about it, it comes naturally. I think our parents went through the same things potty training us. I mean who would of thought that going pee and poo in the potty could be such a hard thing? Let just say it was pretty much a very difficult week for us. I cancelled all my activities, events, ect so I just could focus on Treyson and mastering the toilet training. He really loved his sideman and transformer underwear, he would wear a pare on his head everyday. I know, kinda weird but I let him because anything to get him to at least put the big boy undies on and sit on the toilet. The only problem was explaining to him that he could not wear them on his head in public...LOL! He did the one time we had to go out during training because of no groceries and it was very fun to get the looks we got. I just said 3 words when they would start staring..."POTTY TRAINING WEEK!" You will do anything to keep them interested! 

 We started with the little potty directly in front of the tv and him sitting on it for hours at a time. I made him down lot's of fluids just so he could feel what it was like to actually go. Every other time we have potty trained he has never wanted to sit on the potty or he was scared of it, so this to me was much progress then before. You have to know that Trey could care less if he is messy or dirty so I knew if there was an accident that it would not be a big deal to him and it wasn't. Porter was in constant copy cat through the whole progress. After Trey would sit on the potty then so would Port. He never did anything but he would say, "I did it, I did it!" just like Trey. I was going to do them at the same time but it got too stressful. We will defiantly start with Porter in Jan. Potty training is just one of those things of parenthood that you dread but you know it has to be done. I promised myself I would have a good attitude about it and just get it done. Treyson did ok, meaning there were many accidents the first couple days but at least he was trying and just excited about being a big boy. He felt he needed to strip down completely to go to the bathroom. This is something we are still working on. You don't need to be completely nude to go pee right...haha! There were days I wanted to scream. My carpet had so many pee lines in it, my couch suffered some accidents, as did my table, hallway ect. Oh how I love cleaning up poo off the table and seeing all the finger painting poo marks on my walls. It was great having my house covered in feces.  AAAHHHH!!! It was hard not to get discouraged but I was a least going to give it a week in half and if he was not doing better then we would try something different. 

Treyson really loved his spider man toilet seat and we take this with us in public. Let me tell you have fashionable it is to be carrying a toilet seat around with you everywhere...LOL! He prefers the little potty over the big one but I know that will come with time. He is going more and more on the big one. I had a lot of support from my family and friends. All the advice was awesome, some worked and some didn't. Here is what worked for us. 

Every 15-20 min I would dry check him. Toward the end of the week I could go longer. I would ask him, "Are you dry?" If he was then he would be rewarded. He really loved putting pennies in his piggy bank so that what he would get to do if he was dry. We then will cash that money in so he can buy a great big toy from the store as his potty prize! 

Every 30-45 minuets I would have him sit on the potty for a while and most of the time he would go. When he did go he got lots of praise, "spiderman" candy, and he got to pick a little toy out of the toy bucket (I bought some mall toys at walmart for 3 bucks. )  

When he had an accident, I would take him to the toilet 7-10 times and repeat over and over, "We do not go pee pee or poo poo in our big boy underwear we go in the potty!" It got old and sometime he would cry. He was quick to apologize. He would even tell me sometimes, "I need a hug mommy!" You could tell he was trying and it really was an accident. Sometimes he would tell me he had to go but already went in his underpants. I would repeat the process. Yes its exhausting!

He is doing much better this last week. Yes he has still had some accidents but they are few and far between and they are usually when we are in public. Now instead of carrying diapers with me I carry a set of clean underwear and pants in case he has an accident. Diapers are much easier to say the least. Oh the joys of potty training....

1. Constantly asking, "do you need to go potty?" 

2. Repeated telling him, "Make sure you tell Mommy if you have to potty. We don't go potty in our underwear." Also reminding him when he is at school or day care to tell someone if he has to go.

3. Dropping everything and booking it to the bathroom when your child says, "I need to go pee pee in the potty!" 

3. Having cleaning supplies on hand in case it gets really messy. 

4. Teaching them pay attention where the pee pee is going and that is actually going in the potty! (little boys like to shoot forward and up if yo know what I mean.)

5. Watching the time and tracking when he went last so I can make sure he does not have an accident. 

6. Cleaning up poop from underwear, especially in public...GROSS!!! 

The list could go on and on. 

I have to tell you about my most embarrassing potty training moment. It was an eventful Day at Sam's Club. I was looking at something when Trey takes off and I could not find him for a while. Then I see him with another women with his pants down buck naked! "I this one yours!" She just shook her head at me. Come to find out he went potty somewhere but most of it ended up on his pants. Whoops. I was completely speechless. I had just made him try and go potty too. UGH. Not sure if he was trying to find the bathroom or what, or he was just too lazy to tell me and really had to go...LOL. Needless to say I felt like the "Mother of the year!" 

It not perfect but it gets better ever day. Some days are better then others. Some days he will have just a little accident and then he will go the rest in the potty. I am fine with that. This is a struggle for Treyson and I know it's going to take some time. He at least has the concept down. I honestly did not think I was going through make it through the week of potty training but If I can do it, anyone can.  I am not a master or perfect at this but I am so happy that were getting through it together and that first week is behind us. My child was probably the most difficult child to train and he doing it. Heavenly Father truly helped me to have patients and long suffering with potty training. I am grateful. I am so proud of my big boy and that he wears his "big boy underwear!" 

Porty Pants is 2!

I remember 2 years ago telling my husband, wouldn't it be cool if we had an 11/11 baby? He looked at me so shocked and said, "no way you can not go that overdue!" Well I did and now 2 years later we celebrate Port's 2nd birthday on 11/11/11....

Our Mr. Porter Russel is the big T.W.O!! 

Most Handsome 2 year old!!! 

His birthday this year kind of crept up on me. My schedule has been super busy plus I have been potty training this week (post later.) I had big plans for a Toy Story Birthday but did not find the time to get everything done for it. I honestly felt so terrible, Mother of the year once again?!? I had a talk with a wise women that told me that children really don't really remember their birthdays until they are 4 so for me not to beat myself up about it. She exclaimed that most of the time having a "themed" bday party before they are 4 means nothing. She then asked me, do you really do it for Porter or just to show and tell how cool of bday party you can put on? She right, and it made me feel a lot better. He does not need a huge blow out themed party with all the trimming to have fun. I hope he knows how much we still love him even though we did not pull through a big party for him. We decided for his bday to go to the Children's Museum. Porter had a ball and actually so did Treyson. We played outside, drove the fun cars, played blocks and trains, ect. It was really fun for the boys. 

So much fun!! 

We took the birthday boy to Red Robin for dinner where he got a sundae and a balloon in celebration of him turning 2!. He was really super thrilled about the balloon. Of course Trey had to have one too and they played with them together so cute. They were laughing and giggling at each other and they really put on a show for everyone in Red Robin..LOL! Everyone just thought they were so adorable! 

Needless to say Porter left satisfied! 

Porter with a chocolate filled mouth still and his Mama who Cherish's him so much! 

It was late when we got home so the boys went straight to bed. The next afternoon we did candles and cake. We sang Happy Birthday which is one of Porter's favorite songs, he sings in solo all the time! He was all smiles. When he blew out the candles he was pretty much just spit everywhere...LOL! Trey helped him blow out one and he did the other. His concentration was hilarious! He kept yelling, "super hot, super hot," because of the fire on the candles. 

When he finally blew it out he was so excited and wanted to do it again. So we lit them again to give him a second try and he did awesome! 

If you have not noticed yet Porter has the most cheesiest smile especially when he is really excited!

YAY for the bday boy! 

Time for cake now! We did give Porter a fork but he just picked his piece up and went at it. "Mmmm, Mmmm," he kept saying! He sure thought it was super yummy! 

Of course after he made a big mess, cake all over everything and him! He admired his messy hands for a little bit then thought it was so funny to show them to us. "Big Mess, big mess," he scram...LOL! Yep, it sure is buddy! 

We sure do love our Porty Pants heaps and heaps! He is such a spit fire joy in our family. I honestly can not believe he is 2. Time just flew right by me. He is our sensitive sweet little boy who always has to follow you wherever you go and be involved in what you are doing. I think he says my name about 50 times a day, "Mommy, Mommy!" He is starting to throw those big tantrums and he is really into saying, "I do it, I do it" when it comes to doing things like shutting doors, going up and down stairs, shutting off lights, ect. He wants to always just be right there, and I mean right there as in right under you so you run over him so much, or you have to stop what your doing because he is in the way..LOL! He is a little stinker at times. Most of the day he is joyful and full of energy. He will talk your ear up a storm and he is huge copy cat of his older brother. He wants to be just like him. He is always quick to say I am sorry if he got in trouble and kiss your owies better if you say, "ouch!" He has great manners and will usually say, "please, thank you, and your welcome all in one sentence! He loves to shake hands and say, "nice to meet you" as well. Porter sometimes wakes up in the night screaming our names until we come and get him. This usually calls for sleepless restless nights for us but he is doing better. He is are rise and shine early bird and wants to be happy and chipper first thing in the morning, so really how can you be mad at him for keeping you up all night? This boy of ours can eat. He shovels food in his mouth like he has never eaten before at every meal and will eat pretty much anything we give him. Even if he has just eaten, if he sees someone eating he has to eat too. He is so clumsy and comes to us many times in the day telling us that he, "bonkey!" He still his obessed with his binky and blanky and won't go anywhere with out them, especially his blanet, aka "kiki." He still asked to be "wrapped up" every night before bed. I am not sure what else I can write about this fella of ours. He just a stud. We love him to pieces and to all the galaxies and back!! Happy Birthday Porter! 

Here is some footage of his bday. 

Ps. Thanks to all the people who sent gifts, cards, and money. 

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More Halloween 2011

I know we are already past the first week in November but I still neglected to tell you about our other Halloween fun that we had. The boys got to get dress up again for the Trunk-or-Treat. Of course they look adorable. When we left Treyson yelled, "Autobots roll out!" 

We had a chili cook off dinner before the trunk-or-treat and then we had our 1st annual thriller performance. I was invited to do it the day before we preformed so I basically learned it in a day.  We only did the first half since its such a long song. We had so much fun doing it. We had people cheering us on and its was just awesome! 

 We had to really work on our Zombie looks and stance. I have to say coming from a cheer/dance background its hard not to smile while you are preforming. I will do better next year. Thanks so much to Brittany Hall for putting the whole thing on! 

 Next up was the trunk-or-treating and boy were the kids excited! They ran from car to car saying, "trick-or-treat!" I really wish I would have recorded their cute voices because they were so darling when they said it. 

 Happy Halloween From the Price's:) 

 Afterward was the big candy feast. They boys got quite a bit of candy and were just having a Hay Day! Pretty sure they might have been on a sugar high even though I did not let them have that many pieces before bed. I am just so happy that my kids enjoyed Halloween. Its so fun to watch them experience the holidays! 

 On actual Halloween we dressed up for Zumba. We did not get a group photo like I wanted but there were lots of cool costumes. I love my Zumba Gals! 

 That's night we went to the Davenport Halloween Parade. We got out the boys wagon which they love and not to mention it makes things easier for us. We took them for a little stroll down town since we had to park so far away.

 It was a cold night so we had to bundle up. The boys kept saying, "wee, wee!" They had a fun little ride in the wagon before the parade.

 We had to wait a little bit for the parade to start. 

Once it started it was pretty cool, some of the floats were awesome. I was not too impressed with it though. There were floats promoting same sex marriage (dead brides holding hands and saying just married) which I thought was very dumb for a little kid parade. Also one of the scary monsters from the floats came up to my boys and scared them on purpose. It was kinda weird and freaky. Luckily they only got a little frightened. Lets just say it was not my favorite parade. 

Good thing is, Treyson had fun collecting candy and he also liked when the High School bands would play songs. 

 Porter pretty much chilled in the wagon the whole time. He did hang with his mama for a while being attached to my hip but I am not sure he knew how to take the parade in. He just sat at watched but he was more focused on his sucker that kept him occupied during the parade. 

That sums up our 2011 Halloween!