For all those who come to this happy place, Welcome!

Paige made these adorable crowns for her, James & Abbey. She kept coming in my room to measure the baby's head so she could get it just right. No more "poop" on her tummy. James said her dried up umbilical cord was poop on her tummy & it was gross. He asked us numerous times to get it off her. But luckily it came off - so more looking at Abbey's "poop". Isn't she a doll. She makes the silliest little faces. Sisters!! I love my sisters so much & I'm tickled that Paige has her own little sister to boss around. Nothings better (right Leslie & Megan) than to have an older bossy sister.

The nice thing about my Thursday appointment was knowing the end was in sight. Sunday morning 5:30am I was scheduled to be induced. So we cleaned our house like mad on Saturday and my kids spent the night at their grandparents. We were up and ready to go. Paige drew me this picture before we left. Right to left: New baby, me, nightstand with cookies & candy (does my daughter know me or what?) When we got there - I needed some serious help to get ready to have the baby. I was dilated to a 2 and my cervix was really thick. So they gave me some internal gels that caused me to contract, I went through a series of 2, which means 5 hours of hell. It hurt & was a crappy 5 hours - but then my best friend came along, the anesthesiologist and gave me the epidural. Then they started the pitosum , which caused additional labor to set on... I couldn't care less. I felt wonderful (I love modern conveniences) - I love the goofy pictures of me & Jason just waiting around (don't we...

Gavin or Abbey ? Barring any miracles... our new baby is scheduled to arrive on Sept 21st - not sure the approximate time. But this would make Buchanan Baby #3 a Sunday's child. I always liked the days of the week child poem and it will be interesting to see if it plays out with the personality of our new addition. Does it apply to the already established members of our family? Monday's child is fair of face. Tuesday's child is full of grace. Wednesday's child is full of woe. Thursday's child has far to go. Friday's child is loving and giving. Saturday's child works hard for a living, But the child who is born on the Sabbath day, Is bonny and blithe and good and gay. Paige Paige was born on July 9 th - she is a Tuesday's Child. Paige is full of grace . Grace means: a charming or attractive trait or characteristic. A pleasing appearance. Ease and suppleness of movement or bearing. Paige is charming and has possesses numerous wonderful traits. J...

Look at my little girl go! I think if there is anyone who can play the piano, (out of sheer determination) if not anything else. It's gotta be Paige.

It's my favorite time of year - not just because it cools down here in Arizona, but I love leaves changing, the spices in the air, Disneyland at Halloween or Christmas, sweaters, warm blankets, and snuggling in with a good book or movie (also Nov 26 th marks my birthday) - anyway for those of you fellow lovers of fall, I thought I'd share my favorite seasonal recipe thanks to my brother-in-law Lloyd who introduced me to this scrumptious delight. Pumpkin Pancakes 1 cup flour 1 Tbs. sugar 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 eggs, separated 1 cup milk 1/2 cup solid pack pumpkin 2 Tbs. oil Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl, set aside. Whisk egg yolks, milk, pumpkin, and oil in a separate bowl. Stir wet mixture into dry ingredients until moistened. In a mixing bowl beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into batter. Pour onto hot grease griddle & enjoy! yield: 8 - 12 pancakes. Serve with Apple Cider Syrup Apple Cider Syrup 1 cup water 1 c...

Well, yesterday I had my last ultrasound . I am at 39 weeks today and have 1 week until I reach "full-term" (aka ready to pop - status). My last two actually came at 41 weeks. Paige came on her own, while James had to be yanked out. I think this one might be a yanker . The Dr. did reassure me that they won't let me go longer then 40 & 1/2 weeks - so 10 days right? Can I be patient? Can I be rational? Will I cry every day until that day comes? Do I have a choice? Not really, right. I need to just suck it up and ride out this storm. It's amazing how much you body changes over the years and how each pregnancy is so different. I wasn't as emotional or had as many mood swings with the other 2 at the end. I've also gained almost 18lbs. with this one, where I gained 25- ish with James & probably 35- ish with Paige. They said the baby is really healthy and weighs about 6lbs 14oz. (which means no induction this weekend)... oh well, there is always stuff I nee...

Well, I'm happy to report that after a bumpy start James is having a great time in preschool and "not fighting" with other kids in his class. The first full 2 hours rocked his world & he came out swinging. After a conference with the teacher and working with him all weekend - yesterday he had a great day with no problems. He is such a great kid & I know that because I'm with him all the time. I just want other people to realize how much fun he is & how smart he is. This picture was taken last week before church. The tie lasted about 20 seconds. Oh well, we'll work on that next. As for Miss Paige she is on count down baby mode. Everywhere we go & everyone we meet gets told that I'm having a baby (not that it's not painfully obvious) - she is the most excited kid & I'm so glad. I know she will be such a huge help. She still says she wants one of each if you ask her if she'd rather have a boy or girl. At first she had her heart on...

James starts preschool today!! Actually it was an open house/meet the teacher day. This is his first year flying solo (yeah!) He has done preschool at Miss Maren's Monkeys for the last 2 years and he has been so desperate since Paige started back up that I figured it was time for him to branch out on his own (actually I decided last year when he was driving me bonkers). He goes to an elementary school 3 days a week for 2 hours. The cool thing is our little friend Elle will be in his class as well. I've had her for 2 years of preschool, so he's got one friend ready made. Mrs. Johnson has 24 years experience teaching preschool & so I think she will be able to handle my special blend of snakes, snails & puppy dog tails - that we lovingly call James. She does have 25 kids to contend with so my hat is off to her. I only have 6 this year and I'm just about spent.