The 5 weeks before Ashley's Arrival

The fourth pregnancy was different from all the other three.  More nauseous than others, like I was completely dysfunctional after 9PM.  Sleep was the only medicine.  The biggest difference was I had gestational diabetes.  I couldnt believe I had to prick my fingers 4 times every single day for the 8 consecutive months.  I did and it's over.  I wish I took a picture of the mason jar of all those needles and strips before I threw it away.  Alice was the best at keeping me in line with my diet.  She was like my diet coach, didnt let me eat any pizza and reminded me that I will fail if I ate rice.  

The 4 weeks before Ashley came was the hardest and most awkward.  I didn't fit into any other clothes anymore and my belly was unconcealable with any type of clothing I wore.  Since all the maternity clothes I had were gone, I only really bought 3 pair of pants and 1 pair of shorts which thankfully lasted through my whole pregnancy.  Even the maternity shirts I got was getting too small!

So the weeks prior to Ashley's arrival, we did as much as we could.  

Weekend of my birthday, we camped at Newport Dunes with Brenda and her family.  We put up our tents in what felt like was an RV campground since we were the only ones sleeping in tents.  Amber fell asleep first by 9:30PM and the rest of the kids slept shortly after that.  I just remembered how clean the bathrooms were.  It felt like a 5 star hotel type of bathroom.  

The next morning, we ate 85 degree breads for the breakast and went to the waters.  The kids had a blast getting on the obstacle course and spend about 2 hours in the water before we left for lunch.

The following weekend, we set up the crib and went to my sisters for the pool with the kids before the summer is over.  I think this might have been the last swim of 2021.

Then, the hottest weekend came.  My sister planned a whole extravagant picnic by Pasadena Picnic Company at the Michilinda Park. It was very dreamy and the whole setup was over the top.  Too much food and we tried to save it from all the flies that were attacking us.  

The day after continued to be SUPER hot.  I forgot where Scott and Adam went but it was so hot that i decided to take the girls to Seal Beach for ice cream.  It was SO worth it because it was 20 degrees cooler there.  It also happened to be a craft event so the kids had so much fun.  When we walked back to our car, we even ran into a Mermaid! She was dressed in a costume and she looked so real.  

The weekend of Sept 17, 2021.  We participated in the Camp out with the city of Monrovia for the 2nd time.  We went in 2019 and it was the best first time camping experience because the rangers cook and served us with food and end the night with a hike and stargazing.  We did it again with some of our kid's friends - Iris, Penny, Stewie and met some new families along the way.  There was another family with a pregnancy mom who brough a rottweiler with them. 

Adam finally started with AYSO.  Best decision ever! I remember we picked up the flyer at the Old Town streetfair and I signed up with them.  I told Adam to go on the first practice and see if he likes it.  I told him if he doesnt like it, we won't go again. (Really this wasnt an option), but he just has to try and see.  Sure thing, after the first practice - he gave me a thumbs up. 

The last weekend of September - we signed up for the Kid's Rush at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.  We were the only ones who signed up and Logan and Camilla were able to join last minute and then also Dora at the VERY last minute.  Adam was hyped up to get his 2nd medal and the girls were super excited to join this time to get their first.  

We ended the morning at Kura Revolving Sushi for lunch.  The kids eat sushi like it's free!