Latest OB appt.

Today we went in for our 3rd OB appointment. We didn't get to see the baby this time, but we were able to hear the heartbeat. She told us they still are not sure if the ultrasound machines have any negative effect on the baby so they don't want to do one every time we go in.

To finally answer the question: "what's the difference between the machine they use in the office, and going to radiology?" Our Dr. told us the machines are the same, but in radiology, there are trained professionals who measure the baby and check for certain things. In her office, we just look at the baby and get a picture, but she doesn't do anything else.

In 3 weeks we go the radiologist for an official ultrasound, and we may be able to find out the gender of the baby.

Your pregnancy: 15 weeks

See the big picture

How your baby's growing:

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

Saturday BBQ

Since Lacey and Rob were in town from Missouri, Pop wanted to get us all together for a BBQ. We drove up, and Faith was flown in from Colorado so the whole family could be together, a very rare and special occasion.

Mom with her boys, Peter and Levi.

Mom with her girls, Lacey, Hope, Spring and Faith.

I love how Molly wandered into this shot.

All the siblings in age order.

Tracy and Molly.

Before the BBQ, Gregory had a baseball game, so many of us went over to watch him play. It was a close game. The final score was 5 - 6, Angels (that's Gregory's team). Gregory hit the ball twice, and got 2 outs at second. It was nice to be able to get to one of his games.

Disneyland for Tracy's b-day

Disneyland is letting annual pass holders in for free on their birthday this year (if it's blocked out), or they will give you a gift card in the amount of an entry ticket. Since Tracy's b-day was a block out day, we decided not to fight the crowds, but to avoid them, so we waited a week and went on the 24th instead.

BIRTHDAY DINNER SURPRISE!!!
Peter made reservations for dinner at the Blue Bayou Restaurant. For about an hour, we were part of the scenery for many boats in the Pirates of the Caribbean. Surf and Turf! Tracy got lobster and steak...yuuuummmm! It was a very nice meal, and the atmosphere is unbeatable!

Peter outside the Blue Bayou.

Had to get our Castle shot.
We were standing there waiting for the Disney cameraman to take our picture but he suddenly disappeared. Then, a nice lady who saw the whole thing, offered to take one for us.

Storybook Land is always fun. I love seeing all the miniature houses and castles. Even the plants are miniaturized in there.

The clock comes to life at Small World.

We didn't go on any of the 'big' rides, but we had a very nice time. We started our day off at California Adventure where we went on the new Toy Story ride at Paradise Pier. It has a bunch of places you stop and play different carnival games. It was very fun. Tracy scored 140,000 points, and Peter got 94,000. We'll have to see who wins next time.

One At A Time Bpatist Church 4-19-09

On April 19th, the whole family was invited to go down to One At A Time Baptist Church in Downtown LA. Peter's dad pastors the church, and he wanted us all there together. Tracy was asked to sing a couple songs, and the grand kids sang a couple as well. The church is in the lobby of the Ford hotel on 7th street. To learn more about the church and their ministry, please visit their website, www.oaat.org.

Alvin, practicing the piano before the service.

Lacey and her youngest, James Kenneth.

Pop doing a sound check before the service.

Peter and Tracy at Clifton's for lunch afterwards, with the whole family. They also ordered a yummy carrot cake for Tracy's b-day.

Tracy's B-day '09

Tracy's parents came over and spent the afternoon with her on her birthday. They went to lunch, and cruised the lovely town of Hemet looking for a steakhouse that Dad remembers from 25 years ago. We didn't find it but had a good time driving around anyway. We ate at a lovely little Italian place called Datillo's. The Lobster Alfredo was outstanding! After lunch we went to the house and had a fun time playing Uno Attack. When Peter got home, he joined us for a few rounds until my parents went home, and the two of us went to dinner.
It was a great and very relaxing birthday.

The painting in the background was painted by a friend of the family
and given to us just recently as a wedding gift.

Easter - Resurrection Day '09

We all had a great time this Easter at mom and Pop's. After a wonderful dinner of ham and peas, potato salad, etc. we all went out back for the egg hunt.

Looking for the prize egg.
Each year one egg is designated for a special prize to the one who finds it. They seem to know where it is, but now have to dig for it.

After much searching, Abigail found the prize egg.

Gregory and Adam

Alice
'look what I found, mom!'

Out front, before the festivities began.