The Mickelson Clan

Here is my humongous family. From left to right: Deanna, 14; Alexis, 27; Christopher, 29; Max, 9; Me, 24; Mandie, 21; and Ariel, 17.
This was taken after Ivy's blessing. We all hate this group shot tradition because there is inevitably going to be a melt-down. It used to be Mandie who wore the "I-don't-want-to-be-here" face, but the past few years that face has belonged to Max. (Doesn't every family photo have one of those?)
Deanna, Christopher, Mandie and Ariel are all used to Max's tantrums and so it doesn't even phase them (hence the perfect smiles) but Alexis and I see him on a limited basis, and as you can tell our smiles are forced. Now if Max could just get used to himself maybe he could look normal in a family picture. He is going to kick himself when he looks back at these in his later years.

Ivy Girl

We blessed Ivy on Sunday, Jan. 6. It was so nice to have all my family here to celebrate Ivy with us. She is such a blessing and such an angel!

I loved Ivy's dress. It was a heavy knit, appropriate for the winter weather.

I just had to share this picture of Millie and Ivy. They are so cute together. Millie has been a bit jealous of her little sister, but she has her moments of sweetness when she wants to help and love her little friend. Lately she calls her "Ivy girl." I love it. All-in-all, I'd say she is adjusting very well. And I love my girls!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Last year, Millie was terrified to sit on Santa's lap!

But this year she did so much better! She was happy to tell him that she would like a pair of slippers for Christmas (which she got!)

Here she is trying to show Santa that she is two years old. She loved that candy cane from Santa and blew him kisses as he left. What a reversal from last year. After experiencing Christmas this year, I think she is going to be even more excited for Santa next year! Now that Christmas is over she has finally learned the words to several Christmas songs (mostly about Santa) and insists that we sing them every day.

My Big Fat Pregnant Birthday

I wish I had Christmas photos to post, but they're still undeveloped in my camera. So here are some older pictures from my birthday. In this one, Mark and I are getting ready to go to dinner. I wanted to go to Iron Gate Grill (I was craving their sweet potato fries) but it is closed on Mondays! So we had to change our plans and we headed to Fire House. Then we hurried back for a little cake and ice cream with Mark's family. Oh, and as a side note: Mark hates that sweater, he only wore it because he knows I like it.

Here we are posing with the beautiful birthday cake Mark made for me. You can't really see it in the picture, but it's covered with huge coconut flakes. It was delicious to boot! I was 37-weeks pregnant in the picture. Ivy was born 8 days later.

Mom's girls

I'm not feeling so great at this point (hence the pink puke bucket at my left) but I was so happy to have my sweet baby.

Mark brought Millie to the hospital to meet her little sister. She was so cute to just hold her and love her. I hope they always love each other.
The other day I was snuggling with both Millie and Ivy and said, "My girls." Later Millie laid her head on my lap and said "girls." I think she really liked the idea. Now I think I want four girls, just like the March family in "Little Women." I love that movie (the Winona Ryder version). I really think of it as a Christmas movie because of all the snow and the Christmas scenes. Anyway, Millie can be "Meg" and Ivy Josephine can be "Jo." Now we just need a "Beth" and an "Amy." So feel free to suggest "B" and "A" names :)

Here is a head shot of our sweet Ivy. You can really see the jaundice in her coloring. Luckily she doesn't have it anymore. She changes so fast. I just love this girl. It's amazing how much you can love a little person who can't even talk (or smile) yet. Actually I'm glad she can't backtalk me yet. Millie is getting good at that!

It's a girl!

Ivy Josephine Weston was born Tuesday, Dec. 11 2007 at 8:43 p.m. She weighed 6 lbs. 1 oz., was 19.5" long and has a head-full of black hair. Mom and baby are both happy and healthy and came home on Thursday.

I didn't plan to have this little one so early, but my doctor decided to induce labor after Ivy failed to grow over several weeks. She said the risks of having a premature baby pale in comparison to that of having a still-born baby, so we got her out of there! Luckily she wasn't premature and is just fine.

I am so happy to have another girl, she and Millie are going to be so cute together. I hope they are always the best of friends. I am thrilled to have a healthy baby. Millie was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) when she was born, and so I am so happy we didn't have to do that again with our tiny Ivy.

Just feel like blogging

I don't have anything specific to write, but I just feel like making an entry. Too bad I don't have any pictures today.

So, Monday was my birthday. I am now 24 years old. My mom called to wish me a happy birthday that morning and while she was singing to me I got all emotional. I know it's because I'm pregnant, but anyway, while she was singing I couldn't help but think of how she gave birth to me on that day 24 years ago and how special that must have been (at least I hope it was special).

I am getting really excited about the birth of this little one. I am 38 weeks today. Millie was born at exactly 39 weeks, so we're getting close! I can't believe I don't know the gender! That will really give me something to look forward to during labor.

Tonight is the second annual River Heights Holiday Home Show. It's kind of like the Parade of Homes, but it's old homes and new homes decorated for Christmas. People buy tickets and tour the homes and all the money goes to charity. This year the money is going to the Cache Community Food Pantry. Last year it was such a difficult process that I almost didn't do it again this year, but a good friend of mine talked me into it and did a ton to help me out. I sure hope all goes well tonight and that the snow doesn't keep people away. I'll have to update you on how it all turns out.