Jeeping at 5 Mile Pass

As per the trend this summer, we are marking off our list of things to do before baby gets here.  One of those things was to take M jeeping, real jeeping, like an all day excursion.  So we drove out to 5 Mile Pass which was close enough and low key enough in case Myer didn't like it or if all the bouncing around put me into labor. (ha!)  Myer LOVED it.  He would get too impatient if we had to reverse or take obstacles slow.  He would yell, "This way!' pointing forward.  And he loved getting dirty, exploring the hillside, watching all the jeeps climb the rocks, and his bag of chips that never left his hand.  I, on the other hand, was a stupid pregnant person.  My back feels broken.  Not to mention I forgot to factor in all the bouncing around and a baby on my bladder...silly me.  But Jake was pumped to break in his jeep and I wanted to see how she would do too, and naturally our little family had a blast.  As a Morse, I'm destined for these kinds of adventures so I might as well like them, pregnant or not.

Guest Post: Heather Von St. James

I am 44 and a mother to a quirky little 7 year old, Lily. She is my only child, and my whole world. When Lily was just 3 1/2 months old, I was diagnosed with Mesothelioma; a type of cancer that kills 90-95% of those who have it. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, and I was unknowingly exposed from my dads work clothes when I was just 9 years old. As I’m sure you can imagine, the first thing that came to mind when I was diagnosed was my baby girl and how I wasn’t going to be able to watch her grow up.

 

After intense treatment and recovery, I’m still here 7 years later and cancer free! My journey with cancer was a terrifying one and I'd like to turn my pain into purpose and become someone that other people can look to for guidance, inspiration, and hope in situations like my own. I’m trying to raise awareness of this horrible little known cancer that is such a deadly killer (and sadly, 100% preventable).  

 

For more information or to read more about my story please click here.

Thanks Heather for sharing your story with us.  We admire your courage and strength.  We wish you well on your journey in finding treatment and a cure for others.

P.S. isn't her hair fantastic?!  

30 weeks

This pregnancy has been so different than Myer's.  She is so low.  Myer was always up in my rib cage and pushing against them with his feet.  I hardly ever feel her up there.  She likes to hang out on my lower left side.  At night, when I lay down to sleep on my side, she has a tap performance or a kick boxing match against the mattress.  Because she is so low, my back hurts all the time.  I can't sit or stand in one place for very long.  Sometimes at night I wake up gasping for breath if I accidentally roll to my back.  This kind of stuff didn't happen until the last few weeks with Myer...so I'm just loving that it's already started.

I'm still craving anything lemon.  And everything has to be cold.  Ice has been my best friend this summer.  I love ice! Also, t-shirts and jersey knit skirts all the way. 

But as we are only 2 months away, I'm getting anxious, excited, and nervous for her arrival.  All I really want is for her to be healthy and for labor to go just a little more smooth this time.  I'm not going to lie, I'm scared.  My dreams make it worse, but I know what I could be in for this time so I'm going in with full awareness.  I'm getting a baby out of this so that's the best motivation I need.  I just want to meet her.  And I can't wait to be a family of 4.  We're so close, 10 more weeks!

the outdoor movie

Now that we are AFer's we took part in Steel Days.  Only one event, however, as it's hotter than ever so Friday night we hung out in the shade of the trees at the Amphitheater and played simple free carnival games. Myer's favorite was the cow train at the Chick-fil-a booth.  As soon as he was done, he would get right back in line.  The lady running the booth at first knew him as the "cute little red head" and then she knew his name by the end of the night.

Then, once it got dark, we sprawled out on our blankets and got ready for the outdoor big screen movie.  We watched "Wreck It Ralph" and we actually lasted through the whole thing.  Myer set up all his cars in a row right next to him and just sat contentedly.  He was such a good boy even if it was 3 hours past his bedtime.  Maybe we can start doing some more adventurous things...

We didn't see the parade or the fireworks, but that can be added to next summer's list.  We're just so excited to be a part of another city and it's week of celebration.  Feeling more like home already.

the weekend run down

*played the free games at the Ampitheater for AF Steel Days
*died in this heat
*let Myer stay up past his bedtime for his first movie
*attended a baby shower for a little Hopi Princess
*got my first taste of Lemon San Pellegrino and fell in love
*Myer helped Jake rotate the Jeep tires
*sprayed weed killer on our poor little lawn for the 3rd time
*made home-made rootbeer floats
*treated myself to organizing our first ever file cabinet as a married couple
*thought we rented The Dark Knight Rises, but actually brought home the Batman cartoon...
*bought our double stroller

Although hot, it was busy weekend.  I'm going to need a lot more of those Lemon San Pellegrinos to keep myself cool.  Hello Monday!

thacker family reunion

On Saturday we had our big annual Thacker Family Reunion (my side of the family).  We toured Salt Lake City's Welfare Square and then colored the packing boxes that food would be delivered in to families in need.  Myer got a lesson from my dad and my Grandpa Thacker how to trace your hand, and well, that's all he wanted to do.  Then we finished off the day with ever so entertaining Talent Show then a BBQ at a park.

Myer rarely sees my extended family since they live in Bountiful, and some out of state, so I didn't know how the day would go.  I really should put more trust in my chatter-box of a social kid because he loved everybody.  He always found Grandpa Thacker (his Great Grandpa but let's not confuse him) and thought my little cousins were his.  I'll let him claim them all.  Every one was so sweet to help the pregnant lady out and just dived in with Myer.  I mean, he is their second cousin, but they all treated him like close family.  Love you all Thackers!  What a great day!

Where we've been all summer

At Seven Peaks of course!  Our summer has consisted of the wave pool, beach towels, and sunscreen.  We leave the house at 9 to get a close (free) parking spot at 9:30, play for a few hours, and then when the park gets too crowded, we pack up and leave by noon all in time to eat lunch in the car and then home for a nap.  Both of our naps. 

Did you know that my mom did this with my sisters and me when we were little?  We got Cherry Hill passes every summer.  And almost everyday we played at the water park at Cherry Hill.  Those are some of my favorite childhood memories.  So I'd to think I'm doing the same with Myer.  And I'm trying to get in as much Mom and Myer time before baby gets here.  It's been so fun.  I'm sure there's lots to be done around our new little place, but the heck with it.  We are playing this summer!  Just me and my boy.  Some good memories are being made.  Thanks Mom for the inspiration.