Noah: “Mom, you make my heart feel so happy!”
The baby is kicking
For the last 10 days Daria has been telling me the baby is moving and kicking. Yesterday, that same baby kicked hard enough for me to feel it. Which, of course, brought a big grin upon my face. I still find this whole experience exciting. There is something magical about a new life, and I’m so grateful for this baby and the palpable sign that he or she is alive and well. That little push meant so much to me after watching what Daria has gone through this year.
Daria also had an ultrasound this week and the little baby looks pretty cute in profile. I counted fingers and toes and we’re all good. Unfortunately, the radiologist technician wasn’t willing to try and identify the baby’s sex so we are still in the dark there. Perhaps a follow-up ultrasound or a private ultrasound will help us out. I’m having difficulties even trying to pick names without knowing which gender we are having. Boy’s names are easy but a girl name seems much trickier. We feel so blessed to be having our last child.
Vancouver
I’m headed to Vancouver this week for the Pacific Dental Conference. I’m excited because I’ll be taking courses in Sleep Apnea, Botox, and Invisalign. It is also a great chance to spend with some of my team, learning together.
Just as exciting (okay more exciting) is the opportunity to see my British Columbia family.
My two dental assistants have never been to Vancouver and one of them has never been on a plane! I’m excited for them to see all there is to see, and for them to have their first big conference experience. I really believe in trying to help those around me grow and reach their potential and goals and it is wonderful to have assistants that really are eager to grow.
Hanging with Liz and Kent
Last night we traveled to Calgary to stay with the Cranmers and be with our soon-to-be daughter Serenity. It was great time together. I really enjoyed watching the cousins play. The adults stayed up late just talking, reminiscing and laughing. Saturday we just hung around the house stopping for eggs benedict and pizza structured around games movies chatting and play. Now we are off to see Australia leaving the kids with sitters.
UPDATE: Just returned from Australia and it was superb. Had me teary about ten times. I was very impressed with the themes and story the performances direction and cinematography. Oscars are on the way.
Painting
The past couple of nights I’ve stolen an hour or so to paint a room with my four boys. I love the feeling of working alongside my family on a project. The boys are all quite proud of their handiwork and the paint job turned out great. It was quite adorable when Brigs and Joshua painted their names on the wall. A classic moment.
