Flower Power

Do you remember the flowers we planted a while ago? Well...here is the result! Look at all of the zinnias!! Alia has told them to grow every day, and grow they have! They are beautiful! We decided to pick them this weekend, so they could keep bringing us flowers. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. Is she cute, or what?

Another year old...

Wow...it's hard to believe my little girl is 2 years old! Where did the time go? She growing up fast. We had a small family gathering for Alia's birthday. Her cousin, Avery, was in town-so Alia had a blast with her. Alia wanted all her favorite characters on her cake...so we made that happen-Dora the Explorer, Curious George and the Sesame Street gang. She enjoyed opening gifts...and after each one she looked at me and said, "Should we open this, mommy?" It was pretty cute.
So we now officially have a 2 year old. It's interesting how much more independent she wants to be...so I look for ways for her to do that-it works better that way. :)
Happy birthday, my dear little Alia! I love you and am greatful that you are my daughter.

Party animal!

Elijah was the life of Alia's little party...can't you tell? Daddy took this cute picture of little brother celebrating.

California girl

I took this picture this week when we were out playing. I thought it was cute...so I figured I'd share it with you. Isn't my little girl great? I sure think so.

Big sister, Alia

Alia likes being a big sister. Here, she is reading Elijah a book. This is probably Elijah's favorite place to be-when he's not in someone's arms. It's a baby papasan chair that vibrates and plays music. I haven't put the batteries in it yet-no need to. He just loves to sit in it. He is usually asleep within minutes of being in it. Too bad we all can't have a place so warm and cozy to cuddle into.

Naptime!

This is what Elijah does most of the day...aside from eating and pooping. He's a big sleeper at this point...doesn't do much crying except when he's hungry or getting his diaper changed. He just sleeps...and sleeps...and sleeps. Must have been a tiring journey to come out to the world.

Little feetsies

So here are the two sets of feetsies Jason and I love so much. Aren't they adorable? It's amazing how much one grows in two years.

Welcome!

Elijah James Backlund
May 31st, 4:19am
8 pounds 7 ounces
20 inches
eyes: blue
hair: red

So, our little boy is here. As you can see he came early Wednesday morning...and, much like Alia, we made it to the hospital just in time. In fact...the thing that took the longest was having to wait for the Dr to arrive before I could begin pushing. Then, three pushes, and 7 minutes later-out came Elijah James! And our lives are forever changed, again.
We came home Thursday and have been trying to readjust ourselves. He's a big sleeper right now...and eater...and pooper. Jason and I have already been pee-ed on...and Alia loves to talk about baby brother.
That's all I have time for now. I will keep you updated as I can...

Enjoy the pictures.

Capturing moments...

40 weeks, 4 days

Some action!
Yep...we've had a bit of action around here. I'll spare you the details (to which you would respond, "too much information, Trish") but a baby is on the way. We happen to have a Dr appt this morning too. The heart rate is good/amniotic fluid is good and there are some regular SMALL contractions. I did wake up about 2am with contractions that were 6 min apart for about 2 hours. But, lo and behold...they subsided.
Anyways...I am now 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced...and am officially in early labor. We are hoping to take a walk this afternoon to try to help things along. But, the Dr is hopeful for a baby either today or tomorrow.
We'll see...as we all know, you never know what might happen.
Keep praying!

40 weeks, 3 days

Still waiting.
Enough said.

40 weeks, day2

Still waiting....

So, I guess yesterday would have actually been 40 weeks-day 1. I think.
Anyways...we walked a few blocks this morning to breakfast, then down to the beach. Walked along the beach a ways...then I decided I had had enough, so we turned around.

And still, we wait....

Day 0 = 40 weeks prego

So much for being early...40 weeks is now here. I figured that I'd include a picture for all of you interested in seeing how hippo-like I am. *sigh* Keep checking back cause once he comes...we'll let you know. As you can tell...things are getting a bit tight. This kiddo needs to come out because pretty soon nothing is going to fit me!

-4 days

Went to the doctor today for my weekly checkup. Everything looks good. She did an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid level-there's plenty of that stuff in there. She also wanted to monitor his heart rate and that looks good too. According to her, I am officially 1cm dilated and 30% effaced. So, for whatever that's worth, that's where I'm at right now.

Is baby brother here YET?

Well...the answer to this question is, no, he's not. We're still awaiting baby brother Backlund. We technically have until the 27th but the DRs have told me week after week he'd probably come early. So, it looks like the Backlund children have minds of their own (Alia was a week late). Each day I wake up I think to myself "Shoot! Another night went by and nothing!". Someday SOMETHING will happen. But for now, here's a picture of Alia in their new stroller, wishing her baby brother were here. But for now, Elmo will have to do.

Lemonade comes from Lemons!

My parents have some lemons trees in their backyard so one day we all decided to go out and pick them. Grandma would pick them, and Alia would carry them to the big bucket. Then, what else does one do with lemons other than make lemonade!? So, Jason got out the juicer and he and Alia juiced the lemons. Alia had a blast. :) We were juicing lemons for days but we're finally finished.

Grow flowers, grow!

We've has some pretty nice days here, so we decided to plant some flowers. Alia helped rake the dirt and put the seeds in. We planted some real colorful Zinnia flowers. Every time we walk by them Alia squats down and says to the dirt, "Grow flowers, grow!" We noticed yesterday that they are starting to come up...little green sprouts are coming. Alia can't wait to see the flowers.

Future Cubbies fan

Some friends of mine threw a little baby shower for our soon to come baby boy. Jason's grandmother had this little outfit sent for him. Needless to say, Jason can't wait until he can wear it! Even though we're not in Chicago, he'll still be born a Cubs fan.

Happy Easter

The day before Easter we had a little Easter egg hunt with Alia, her cousin Avery, and her buddy (boyfriend) Jacob. They had lots of fun looking for the colorful eggs. Alia's favorite part was opening up the eggs to see what she could find in them...would it be stickers, cookies, parachute men, whistles, or play-dough molds? She loved them all.