it's going on

So my dad's heart is fixed!!! There was a large hole he'd had since birth and they were going to try this very new procedure where they go up through a vein in his groin and have this umbrella-like plug that opens up and completely seals the hole. But if the umbrella isn't big enough because the hole is too big, the person isn't a canidate and they have to back out, wake him up, and schedule open-heart suregery. But it worked!  Everything went perfectly!!! Prayer works. He's at home recovering and happy to be in his own bed instead of at the hospital. What a MIRACLE. What a difference from last time....also miracles and working prayers, but so much more up, down, up, down, complications, waivered faith, fear, "what if," etc. This time we were all firm in our faith. We were totally together and supporting each other and him. We knew that whatever happened, everything would be alright. My dad was courageous.

My kitten, Dottie, had her surgery yesterday as well. She is now spayed. I was super nervous about it because Monte had the worst time with it (plus the nervousness from Dad going into surgery), but the vets and techs at the AZ Humane Society were so kind and gave lots of comforting words. After hanging out with my dad all afternoon while he had to lay flat for hours after surgery, I went and picked up Dot.
She's all shaved on her tummy with an inch cut in her lower abdomen, now all stitched up, and it's all flabby down there from the procedure. Poor little one. She's doing well now. Last night was very stressful keeping her and Monte apart (meaning one could be in our room with us and one had to stay out in the living room alone...SAD) so they didn't play fight and keeping her from licking her stitches. We tried to put a cone on her, but she flipped out like she was POSSESSED and was running into things and hurting herself. Oh my goodness. So I just keep watching her. She understands, "no-no, Dot!" when she starts licking, and has pretty much quit trying. But I still have to keep an eye on both kitties at all times. We all listen to hypnobirthing together and then they just go to sleep. It's great. :)

Had an appointment today and apparently little Skittlecore is posterior at this time. I'm going to work my hardest at being a human hammock and sitting forward at all times to get him/her to flip, but make sure to send your "turn your back and face my bum" thoughts our way. :) Mary the midwife says not to worry and that she's sure everything will work out the way it's supposed to. I'm really not worried. I feel confident and excited about birth.

I had one of those crazy experiences today that really make you grateful and really make you think. Some people are born into situations that are really hard and that they can't do anything about. I'm really blessed. I need to do more service, think of others more, be more motivated. I want to. I even complain about my phone. Some people don't have a phone.

In other news: it's hot out there, but the sky sure is pretty.

Check out this sweetness from labor day:

Skittlecore at 38 weeks.

Dot on her way to certain doom

Real Pirates at AZ Science Center. It's a REAL PIRATE SHIP from 1700s! It's coming in Oct and going to be amazing. Collin's heading up the whole thing!

Waiting for Dad to get out. Didn't take long!

Poor baby girl.

Montgomery turns 1

Last October we went to Martinsburg, West Virginia and

brought back this little bundle of joy. He forever changed us.

Montegomery Jack-O-Lantern Smith

hehehhehehhe, awwwwwwwwww.

Yesterday, August 13th was his first birthday. 

He's officially a cat!

Good Morning, Monte, it's your birthday.

Pretty big tummy!!!

birthday play fighting

Birthday guests

Dot gives me this look all the time. 

Her eyes are so pretty but it's sort of scary.

Nap time in each carrier

BIRTHDAY GIFTS!

more fighting. 

Collin's office

Volunteering at AZ Science Center. 

King for a day (well, every day)

They got a special pack of food for the birthday dinner.

They hated it. Left and went to eat

their dry food, hehehehe. 

Now Monte, you know we love you. And we know you love us.

Then Collin and I went out to celebrate together at Windsor, a 

delicious restaurant near our home. We're 2 for 2 with trying new

places out here. The food at this place was super adventurous, inventive,

crazy flavors, delicious, awesome. And great service and atmosphere. 

Collin is the best date ever. Even though I can barely get out of the car,

I'm a happy lady.

MAZES at AZ Science Center!!!

My Mom, her sister, Susan, and I went to the az science center again today. While I was at my prenatal appt, they saw the Tahiti 3D movie which is AWESOME (and I usually hate 3D movies. This is just so well-done and interesting.) Then I joined them and we went through MAZES and Forces of Nature. It was so much fun. I feel like such a happy kid when I'm there. 

Sistas.

Me....finally made it out the MAZE of illusion.

Yes, I'm really huge, but notice my back is super arched. How do I get it to stop? It hurts! More yoga.

the storm simulator is so cool. Wind, rain, heat, lava, hurricanes, earthquakes, lightening. YIKES!!!!

YEAH!



Ps. My camera is SOOO possessed and so bad. We are going to get a new one before the birth. Then I'll get back to taking lots of pictures again.

pretty little gal

Dot wakes up in a yoga pose.

It's Friday! The weekend! That means so much more these days. 


Also, the Arizona Science Center is having a LEGO event this Saturday and Sunday 10am-2:30pm with a Lego building contest and even a master builder! SO COOL! Can't wait!