Getting Ready for Baby

This baby is coming any day now : )  It is so exciting for me, I love the anticipation of a new sweetheart joining our family.  I decided a while ago that boys could be fun to create for too, and decided to make him these little things.  Here's what I have been working on the past few weeks.

 His car seat canopy, with an elastic top (to keep the cold wind out), and a peek-a-boo- flap to check on him easily. 

After making a diaper holder and wipes case for my sister, I had to make one for my little one.  I also did a changing pad (still need to do the binding though) complete with a mini pillow (the blue minky thing) for his comfort.

 I decided against making a diaper bag and found this one I liked.  I was so excited to find it more than half off it's regular price on Amazon.  Not bad for $22 : )

And here was another task brought about by the effects of nesting.  I finally cleaned out and organized Ka'imi's closet.  We found this perfect dresser on KSL to keep baby's clothes in.  Now I can actually find things : )

And here is my belly at 37 weeks - getting there : )

I have only a couple things left to do, but it wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't get to it.  With having gotten through Kyle's defense and officially full-term, this darling can make his appearance whenever he wants.  I can't wait to meet him and cuddle him and serve him.

Dr. Reyes

Today was a day we've been anticipating for 4 1/2 years - the day Kyle would pass and receive his PhD.  This morning at 11:00, he meet with his entire dissertation committee and endured a 2 hour oral defense.  He didn't hesitate to say he got grilled by his committee.  But with all his hard work and preparation, he was able to answer his questions and defend his research.  He still has a couple finishing touches to complete before it is published, but he can officially add the PhD to the end of his name.
I couldn't be more proud of him.  Sure it has been a hard sacrifice for the kids and I all these years, but Kyle has worked extremely hard to earn this degree.  He is amazingly talented and we look forward to the many doors of opportunity that will open with this great education investment.  We are so, so excited to have that much more daddy time back in our lives!

Wall Pics

We are two weeks away from having baby join our family. A weekend away from Kyle defending his dissertation and becoming Dr. Reyes.  I thought I better get a bit of blogging in.  Here are some pics I took of the kids.  I try to take some very year that I hang up on our walls.  It took me a bit to get these done, but here they are  :)   I love knowing that the background is wood from their great grandparents summer home.  Just seems nice and helps me remember them. I don't know if it is an extra dose of maternal instinct from being pregnant and getting ready to deliver or what but I sure love these kids with all my heart and soul and feel so deeply grateful to be their mother : )

Happy Birthday Sweet Sepa!

We have been counting down the days to Sepa's 4th birthday.  He has been so excited.  I always try my best to make it a happy and memorable day for the kids.  Here's a bit of what we did today.

Below: Here is Sepa's non-traditonal cake.  He wanted a watermelon cake, but I was unsuccessful in finding the jello to flavor it, so we did something different to make up for it - Cake Pops.  Sepa loves gumballs so we filled the cake holder with them.  He wanted a Kung Fu Panda theme and this was the extent of it - good enough yeah?  He loved all of it and that was what mattered : )

Below: For his big activity we went to Nickel City and played games.

Below: Lunch was at Pizza Pie Cafe - all you can eat buffet  - everyone was happy.

What Sepa wanted most for his birthday was this "Zoom-Zoom Bike."  It's this bike that has a little part attached that makes a sound like revving up an engine.  He loved it so much when we saw it at the store a couple times.  With a pitch in from Aunty Celeste and a sale at the store we were able to get it for him :)  

 I love my Sepa.  He is such a sweetheart. 

Once Upon a Time . . .

 . . . I as a good blogger, recording a bit of the everyday.  Well, now I am lucky if I get birthdays and holidays recorded.  I don't know what my deal is, but I know I'll regret it.  So here's to not forgetting the little things.  Tonight as we did our family scriptures, song and prayer, we had Ka'imi offer the prayer.  Kyle helped her.  She sounded so cute as she asked Heavenly Father to bless each of her brothers, Mommy and Daddy.  Her amen was a "ma-man." She is now starting to really say words.  It is so cute. 
We love our little Imi girl and love watching her grow up.