Not So Little Pieper #2

Just as a follow-up, the ultrasound last Tuesday went very well. The Tech actually took a very significant amount of time and painstakingly (to me...) tried her best to get some good shots of the little tyke. Unfortunately, the little bugger did not want a 3D headshot taken, put his/her hand over the face... Oh well. The baby is developing perfectly, if a little on the larger side for my projected due date, but that is fine, so long as head and shoulders are not above average, I'm good! Isaac and this little one both have smaller than normal head sizes, so we'll keep our fingers crossed about that! We are not finding out the baby's sex this time either (I know, I know...) I just love that feeling of surprise and uncertainty. I guess we'll see around June 1st what we have! I really hope it's a girl, though Ikie having a little boy playmate would be great, and Ben really doesn't care either way. So, here's to a little suspense!
Our week was full of fun, warmer than usual days here in Laramie. We actually jogged to the park almost every day last week, which is a real treat for Laramie! On Friday it cooled off, so I finally got some things done... I made a hair pretty holder for Macy's 2nd birthday-- hopefully I can get Joni to take a picture of it b/c I think it's a fantastic idea for little girls. I am also, constantly, in the process of going through things and purging unnecessary items... Then, I tend to try to give them all to Joni so she can pass them on... Sometimes it works, sometimes not, but the sense of accomplishment makes me so happy!
So, this weekend we made the great trek to Pinedale for Macy's 2nd Birthday! What a fun time! Ike and Macy love each other so much and play together so well, it's quite the sin we don't live closer. I guess it makes for even sweeter reunions though! Macy had a very special fish birthday party. I think Isaac's favorite part was playing with a huge assortment of seashells and the new blocks Macy got for her birthday. He also became a little Elton John this weekend wearing a princess tiarra while he played Macy's pink piano and sang "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Book of Mornin Stories." It was really cute... He would come into the living room and say "Hey guys, don't you wanna come to sing on the piano?" It was too cute to pass up... Now I'm just regretting not taking video!

His other famous quotes from this week:
We told him to say "are you out of your mind?" to which he replied, "Are you out of MY MIND??"
He also overheard me say that grandma would freak out, so now he says"Gwahma is gonna fweek out!"
I told Isaac he was special. He said, "No mama, I not pecial, I'm Isaac!" -- SO cute!!

You should check out Joni's blog for some really cute birthday party moments www.clonikennington.blogspot.com

Diaper Liberation Part 2

For the first time in over a month, our little family has nothing of life-altering significance to post on our blog! We truly are savoring the blessings of our family and the opportunity we have to be here in Laramie at this very minute. We have seen so many instances where we have learned the things we have learned because of the special and extraordinary moments of our lives. I am so glad that the Lord has these special plans for us.
On a lighter note, in an effort to encourage Ikie's diaper liberation, I have recently resorted to "new lows..." I know, my educational "expertise is in Child Psychology, but really... I'm feeling the desperation setting in! So, Isaac has been going on the potty for several months now, for me only, but over Christmas break he decided that was overrated (sometimes in the middle of the night, I wish I could wear a diaper too, don't get me wrong)! Anyway, so this week I decided to resort to Nerds candy (just a few...) So, it really has worked, actually, but along with is has come a game for the car, or any other seemingly boring moment in our day... Isaac will ask "Momma, what I get when I sit on da potty?" To which he will reply "A new toy? Nooo; A new truck? Nooo; New shoes? Nooo; Shrimpies (his very favorite food) Noooo." This can go on for an hour, as it did today in the car! Pretty funny, but in reality, he gets about 6 nerds or what he calls "special candy." Does this make me a bad mom? I would argue desperate and successful, but not "bad..." right??
Beyond the potty, Ikie has made some major breakthroughs in child psychology and dealing with his feelings in a productive, though not necessarily successful way. One of the boys he plays with in the mornings has come upon a "mean streak" of taking toys, grabbing faces and generally hurting kids feelings. One day this week when I went to pick up Ike, this little boy took the "froggy" Ike was playing with, to which my ever so vocally active child replied, "No (boy's name) I'm not done playing with that but, you can play with it in a minute" Then Isaac, who is a year older, took the toy back and the little boy looked at him, confused (he doesn't speak yet), and walked away. I'm sure he was thinking, whatever buddy! Then, that night as we were reading scriptures, Ikie kept replaying the whole scenario and repeating over and over what the little boy did and what Ikie said to him (for about 45 minutes)! He actually put himself to sleep in his bed talking over the scenario over and over. I was so proud! He's using his words for power, rather than screaming, physical violence, etc... Now Ben's new worry... will he get beat up?? Just kidding! This new little sibling (and his cousins) will help him out in the toughness department, we're sure! I tried to get it on video, but will try again. It really was precious!
We were also blessed this weekend with weather in the 50s and low 60s-- it was awesome! Ikie and I went jogging outside on Friday to two different parks, that's how excited we were to get the nice weather! I think I would've jogged all day, had the sun not started to go down--brr! Then on Saturday we "dug down" to our Cowboy roots and went to the National Western Stockshow in Denver. It was fun, and as my friend Jamie put it, "we've never seen such pretty cows in all our lives!" We also watched my brother play basketball and found a new, expensive addiction for Isaac-- shrimp, and lots of it! This kid really is a bottomless pit, which would be much better if so satisfied with bread or water:)
This week marks another week in pregnancy history. Though I haven't started wearing maternity clothes yet (except to a Board meeting for my school in which I wanted to gain sympathy-- it worked)! I am 21 weeks and will have my ultrasound this week. We're pretty excited or "estited" as Ikie says (at least he's not "fwustwated" anymore:) So, we'll keep you all posted... For some reason, I've been having this "panics" like what if there are twins or something and I just don't know yet-- b/c I'm starting to feel huge-- even though I know I've got a long way to go and that that's not the case:) Wish us luck!!

And Finally The Really Big News!!

Why you may ask is Isaac's nose all red? Because he insisted on looking like Rudolph for about 3 weeks before Christmas (off and on...) and Christmas day for sure! This year, his pride and joy was receiving a "baketball hoop" and tools from santa, and an awesome combine, though I'm sure he'll grow to love the clothes and electric toothbrush he received as well... Ha!

So Christmas is over and we're all feeling the post-holiday-partum blues, but never fear, we have saved the best news for last! We are going to add a new little Pieper to the world June 1st (or hopefully sooner!!) Yes, that makes me 20 weeks along, and no, you are not the last person on earth to find out, though I'm sure some of you are starting to feel that way! We actually decided to wait until Christmas so that we could tell Ben's family in person about the good news. Some of you may be thinking that we are insane to wait until we are 18 weeks to tell our immediate family, and you would be right. Though everyone is now excited, I am not sure excited was the word to describe everyone's initial emotion! Some were a little more than disappointed we had waited so long:) But, we had good reason, and it was actually kind of fun to be able to deliver such great news.

Isaac was able to tell both of our sets of parents and siblings with a t-shirt we had made for him. It says "Big Brother 09 Isaac" It's really cute, I should definitely take a picture of him with it. Then, the most observant person in the room got to find out first.

Other than that, our break was great. We really enjoyed being together and are starting to feel like all these big plans are actually taking place. It will be an interesting 6 months of preparation and extreme craziness, but we can't help but feel so blessed! Certainly everything happens under the Lord's timing and plan.

(new vibrating toothbrush... very exciting!)

We did have the opportunity to travel to Pinedale to spend some time with Joni and Clay in the frozen tundra- brrr! And then on to Rexburg for more coldness:) I never thought I would refer to Laramie as a "warm location," but at times it's seeming more like that! It was really great to spend a week in Idaho and really have a chance to be with the family.

Now, this week has been our wake up call back to reality! We are working on finding a sense of normalcy and I'm sure we will soon, but getting back in the groove is tough. Anyway, we'll keep you posted on what "normal" is going to mean for us this spring, but so far, it just means really busy!

So, may each of you enjoy the new year and find some peace (oh, and when you find it, help us get there too!!)

And Finally The Big News!!!

A little poster Isaac and I made to help our neighbors find out about our good news... We have had so much help in getting to this point. So many prayers, fasting, etc. that we wanted everyone to know:)

It occurred to me that in all of our ecstatic rejoicing, we have failed to mention that Ben was accepted to Dental School!! He was accepted to Arizona on Dec. 1st, first thing in the morning. I think both of us were crying and laughing. It's definitely a funny feeling, I'm sure everyone can relate, but we had been praying and hoping and putting our trust and faith in the Lord for so so long- with this matter in particular- that to finally have that prayer answered and to be supported in our decision to pursue the course was really overwhelming. It's like praying for something for 3 years and wanting it so badly and knowing the whole time that that is absolutely the path for you, but being "shot down" for years in a row, regardless of your hard work, etc. We are so grateful for the opportunity to go now and know that the timing is finally right and the place will be right too. We trust and have felt that the Lord needed us here for the past 3 years. We have seen so much growth in our personal lives, our spiritual experiences, and Ben's professional development that we know we needed Laramie. We also know that we have been able to experience things and experience a trust and faith so strong in the Lord and His plan that we may never have had to do otherwise. So, though it was trying at the time, we know that it turned out exactly the way it needed to and we are, once again, so grateful for the journey and the Lord's plan.

So, from here the plan will be interesting. We are thinking we will be moving somewhere outside of Phoenix (around Glendale, where Ben will be going to school) around July. Should be interesting, as always, but this cold spell has made us love the thought of Phoenix, that's for sure!!

Ben also finished his immunology class last week. To his astonishment, and thanks to lots of hardwork and the help of the Lord, he was able to pull of the highest grade in the class! It was definitely one of the most difficult classes he has had to take and along with another 4 credit course, and 40 hours of work each week, he has definitely felt the load! This spring semester, Ben doesn't have to take any classes, so we are going to really enjoy the calm before the storm!!

As for us, Ikie has been battling little colds and I actually found out that I had strep throat, though I didn't know it and had no symptoms-- lucky me, a day off work! Anyway, it has given us a couple of chances to be home together and relax a little... Something that doesn't happen too often! We are in the midst of a wonderful Christmas season. I love this time of year and the special spirit we can feel when we stop and take a minute. We are also taking great joy in making gifts for lots of friends and family (beware!!) and teaching Ike the same. So, while we make it through this last week of school and work, we will remember these special times and look forward for a great break and an opportunity to catch up with many of you. May this week be blessed for you all!

"It looks like guacamole!"

***Disclaimer: May be a little graphic for the faint of heart***

If ever you hear these words uttered from your two year old's mouth while sitting in the bathtub, "It looks like guacamole!" Know that you have a catastrophe at hand! Apparently, Isaac has a stellar imagination already, though I'm not sure I appreciate the link between a little poo and guacamole. I think it'll be awhile before I can eat chips and guac again! It does make for a great story to tell his girlfriends when he gets older!

This week has been great. Though Ben and I both feel like we are being pushed to our limits and staying busier than we ever want, we know that we are headed in a good direction and that the things we are doing are worthy causes. Ben is about to finish his two classes (8 credit hours)! Whoa! All the time he is working full time. We are so looking forward to this week with some friends and family and the opportunity to watch my little brother (who is much taller than me) play basketball for Regis University. (http://www.regisrangers.com/) It promises to be a great week of eating and basketball (and maybe a little black friday shopping...) So, here's to another great week in what we like to call paradise! May we all take a minute to give thanks and to realize the truly wonderful things in our lives.

The Indiana Diary

Ben, Isaac and I left for Indiana on October 28th for Ben's dental school interview Oct. 29th. He had a great interview and really feels like this would be a good place, if it's where the Lord wants us. While Ben was interviewing, Isaac and I went to the Indianapolis Children's Museum with our friends, Ashley and her daughter Lily, and Emily and her daughter, Lexi. We had a great time! I think this is the best Children's Museum ever... certainly on a different scale than the ones we are used to! I think Isaac's favorite part was the haunted house and a pool ball maze (difficult to describe, but a very intricate design that took balls up and down and through loops, etc.) He could've stared at it all day trying to figure it out!

Making cupcakes with Lily-- this is post them throwing dry cake mix at each other in the two seconds we were turned around... great cleanup!

We spent the rest of the week in Indiana with our friends, Roger, Ashley and Lily (and their family). We had a wonderful time and especially enjoyed trick or treating with our two little pirates! We also enjoyed going to Rog and Ashley's ward (a little backwards!) While we were there, the only really funny thing was in Sunday School when a guy's phone went off and it was a country song about getting it on! We all had a good chuckle! Ike also had a dream come true! He was able to ride with Roger's dad (and Ashley and Lily) on a real combine while they cut soy beans! It was pretty much the highlight of his two years of life and he talks about it all the time! I think he may have a good future as a farmer!

We sent Ben back home to work and go to school on Sunday and then Ike and I spent another week "chilling" with the Whites. It was so fun to take a step back and just be with our kids enjoying each other's company and letting the kids play a ton. It certainly took care of my stress problem, at least for awhile and made me so excited for the day I can live next door to these special friends! (I'll keep looking on Craig'slist for our next house!)

Well, here's to another week of fun! Life back to "normal" is quite exciting too, especially with this two year old around!

4 Birthdays... Really?? Overkill? Maybe...

Isaac on his First BirthdayIsaac on his 2nd Birthday Each year I am taking his picture on his birthday in our rocking chair... sniffle... he is growing so fast. What a fun little man!

We have just celebrated Ikie's Birthday for the past two weeks! I don't know if he remembers a time when it wasn't his "birthday season!" It all started when we were in Kansas visiting my grandma and she made Isaac his first birthday cake (angelfood-- a longstanding tradition of Pokorny birthdays-- yumm!) After that we hit a hiatus for a week until his real birthday on October 19th. We had birthday waffles for breakfast (an adopted tradition that we love!!) I let Isaac choose what kind of cake he wanted me to make too. He chose lemon, just like his daddy! So, we ate lemon cake that night and he opened a couple of presents with Grandma and Grandpa and us. Then our fourth birthday celebration came this past Friday when we had a little "Spook-tacular" 2nd Birthday Party with a couple little friends and our family. It was a crowded little event, but so fun! I actually made homemade donuts ("spudnuts") and put candles in that instead! So, all in all, Isaac insists he is four years old when you ask him, he is an excellent candle blower outer, and I am about to be in a diabetic coma from all the sugar!! It was sure fun though:)

just a few friends and family at the party... Not enough room for everyone we love, but it was certainly enough to feel some love:)

If you couldn't deduce from my shotty attempts at keeping a blog, or any contact at all, we have been "bouncing around" the country this month with interview season. We started off going to Nebraska and Kansas to interview and UNMC Dental School and then went to see my family in Kansas. We had a great little weekend that went all too fast, but we sure enjoyed everyone. Isaac still can list everyone we saw from "Grandma Ponininini" to "Grandma Leafy" and "Aunt Rita," etc. Sure was fun to catch up a little!

Ben then took a trip last week to Phoenix to interview for dental school. He has felt good about every interview and comforted in that he did his best effort, but he really enjoyed this visit and the people he met. We'll see... We really have turned this one over to the Lord and know that when the time is right, we will go. No worries on this end!

Now we are preparing this week for a trip to Indiana on Tuesday and Ben's 3rd interview this year, at IU in Indianapolis on Wednesday. Ikie and I are pretty excited to go along to see our good friends and adopted "families" and to spend Halloween somewhere warm with lots of leaves changing colors:) We'll have lots to report I'm sure!

Anyway, as we continue on through interview season and this interesting time of life, we want to thank all of you for your never failing support and faith in us and on our behalf. It makes all the difference and truly has blessed us in everyway! Here's to a great week!