Just Because

You don't really have to have a reason to take pictures of your cute kids, right?

Fishy

I got a few fresh fish from a co-worker today and Chandler was so, SO excited. He helped Marshall fillet and cook them. Well, maybe not the fillet part. ;) Chan was watching a video on youtube and instructing Marsh on how he should cook the fish. Quite cute. It turned out super yummy!

Answers

Here are the answers to the pictures. I was actually surprised at how well some of you did. Especially you, Camille. ;) Taking into consideration that everyone is different and scans differently, these pictures are ones that you can see fairly well. Not everyone is this clear cut.

BLADDER

PANCREAS

AORTA

GALLBLADDER

RIGHT KIDNEY (some of the r lobe of the liver can be seen too.)

Uterus and 1st trimester baby were also a few guesses, so here are some pictures of that:





And for good measure....a scrotum. Yes, I just said scrotum on my blog.

Let's Play a Game

In the short 3 months that I've been scanning, it's unreal how many people say, "How do you know what you're looking at?" Lots of practice people. Lots of practice. 210 clinical hours down - 1490 to go. Another misconception? That ultrasounds are only for babies. Wrong! There is so much diagnostic screening done with ultrasound anymore, and it's incredible what you can see. Another misconception? You can see so much on a baby with a 3D ultrasound. Wrong again. Yes, it's a bit of a dog and pony show. Pictures are cute, you could see cleft palate or lip if the baby had it, but that's about it. Everything diagnostic is done with 2D because you can actually see into the body. And word to the wise - if you are pregnant and go into your 20 week ultrasound, while it's important to you to know the sex of the baby, remember that all of that boring stuff is to ensure your baby doesn't have abnormalities or defects like Trisomy 13, Anencephaly, Down's and MUCH more.

Now let's play a game. I'm going to post pictures. Pictures that you would find in the abdomen and pelvic area of regular structures you would see. Can you guess what they are? (I'll post the answers in a few days.) And I know this will be totally boring to some of you. Knowing my sister Jeralee, she will research to find out exactly what they are. ;)

I Can Only Imagine

Imagination is a big part of any kid's play, would you agree with me? Lately, the boys have found great fun in hiding in their duvet covers. I don't understand the novelty, but then again maybe that's why I'm the parent and they are the kids. They'd play in their room for a long time, talking, imagining, etc. Savoring these simple moments.

ipad

Sometimes I wonder who gets more use out of this? Marsh and me...or the boys? :)

Thankful Post

I've been feeling sorry for myself the past few days. I did something seriously bad to my back and really need to get into a chiropractor. I've been trying to ride out, but I think I need to get adjusted, massaged, something! My treadmill that I've been so excited for came on Wednesday. The UPS freight guy said he couldn't bring it inside my door, so he left a 225 lb treadmill on our doorstep. It was in a huge box, and I mean huge. That evening, I attempted to help Marshall bring it in. I'm not the strongest person in the world but I figured I could try. He turned it at an angle, and asked if I could lift the corner just a bit. Famous last words he said to me?
"Lift with your legs and not your back."
I didn't listen and lifted as hard as I could with my back. I felt kind of a crunch/pop, and it sent me to the floor. I was hysterical and I don't think Marshall could tell if I was laughing or crying at first. I had the sharpest shooting pains just barely to the right of my back. I sat on the floor bawling, unable to move. We were supposed to watch a baby for some friends in our ward and he showed up to drop her off right about then. He helped Marshall bring in the treadmill like it was nothing. It took me another 15 minutes to get up on the couch. Getting up the stairs later that night was no treat, and I woke up so much. Marshall tried to talk me out of going to clinic the next day but I wasn't sure when I would make up the hours, so I went. My clinical instructor had me keep ice on it all day and the pain was alleviated a bit while I was walking around. It was feeling better and then I bent over in the shower yesterday and it almost felt like something went out of place to the right again. Hard to explain. Anyways, my back is super sore again, and I'm going to hopefully get into a chiropractor and get a massage on Monday. That's my sob story. But wait - this is a thankful post right? So among all of my griping, complaining, pain, and feeling sorry, it's nice to remember the people and things to be thankful for, so here goes:

1. I'm thankful for a great husband who spoils and loves me. He does so much it's ridiculous. Sometimes I wonder how I lucked out.

2. I'm thankful for 2 sweet boys who call me mama and can melt my heart with a simple glance.

3. I'm thankful for this sister who listens regardless, is a second mom to my boys, and is just plain wonderful. And I'm thankful Dr. Google MD who always knows what's wrong, how to fix it and always gets me.

4. I'm thankful for Jason who would help me at the drop of a hat, and lets me sleep in his guest bed, Clint who's witty sense of humor always makes me laugh, and the Raptor who's always entertaining.

5. I'm thankful for my mom that's up at 6 am to talk me through my drive home from work, always gives a listening ear, and loves unconditionally. Also a dad who is quick to compliment, encourage, and sends notes and card unexpectedly letting me know he cares.

6. I'm so grateful for Sara who lives only a mile away and is more amazing than she will ever know. She's been a listening ear, a helping hand, and my much needed adult interaction.

7. I'm also grateful for Camilliaflower whom I was supposed to be visiting tomorrow but plans fell through. (Fingers crossed for May!) Talked to her on the phone tonight for the first time in a long time and it was easy to pick up where we left off. That's a friend.

8. I'm thankful for church, a warm home, good health, food on the table, jobs, school, and laughter.

I sure have a lot of people and things in my life to be grateful for, don't I? I think this post was therapeutic for me.

Rockstar

Home Baked

I was craving some serious sweet carbs tonight. I debated between making banana bread with my old bananas, or chocolate chip cookies. I settled for both. Too bad I added an extra 1/2 cup of butter to my banana bread. It's not staying together quite right, but it tastes awesome.


And the cookies? Compliments of Chandler who did 70% of the work. If they look a little doughy, it's because they are. Those are the best type of cookies. The ones that aren't cooked 100%. They stay softer longer.