a name

Tyler and I have felt quite a responsibility in naming this little girl. And--it has taken us some time in doing it. We made lists, pondered names for months, crossed off names, added names, etc. We have had some very sweet experiences in naming this little precious angel and have felt quite led and directed in giving her the name Abigail Ella Rushton.

Abigail means 'joy of my father'/'my father's joy'. She has truly been her father's and her mother's joy from the moment we found out she would be joining our family here on earth.

Day after day she continues to be our joy---.

And Oh Were They Ever Happy

Practically Perfect in Every Way.

Delivered by c-section on August 14, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. 6 pounds and 10 ounces.

More details and pictures to be posted.

39 Week Update

At 39 weeks my doctor declared that I was a whole 1/2 cm dialated---which, since that isn't even an option on the charts, means I am still at a 0. All is still healthy and well as far as we can tell though and I'll go in for a follow-up appointment next week (I'm due on Monday) if she hasn't made her grand entrance yet....which is a large possibility. I guess she likes my tummy.In the meantime, please note the super cute colors and painting job that is serving as the background for the picture. Tyler has been working nights and weekends painting multiple coats of paint, hanging crown molding and chair railing, working on touch-ups and basically getting this little girls room all nice, cute, and ready. (more pictures to come).

He has been amazing about it all--what a dad!!

a random acquisition

we have been so blessed to have had many wonderful baby showers given for us over the past few months. yesterday, tyler's colleagues surprised him with a baby party at work. he walked in, prepared with notebook and all, for a scheduled meeting, only to be met with cupcakes and presents. imagine his surprise when he opened a package and found this:

he sat confused for a while until everyone just started laughing. a colleague explained that it was on the baby registry (how it showed up there is still a mystery) and she even made a special trip to toys-r-us to get it for us. they all figured tyler registered for the game as something for him---- late night feedings, etc. little do they know that both tyler and i have no hand-eye coordination when it comes to any type of video-game and are consistently creamed by mere 6 year olds on the wii.

"FEAR" anyone?

37 Week Update and a Texas Visitor

At 37 weeks this baby girl has dropped and is just hanging out. The doctor says if she drops any more she is coming out! While she was estimated a mere 3 pounds a few weeks ago, the doctor estimated that if we go full term, which I should, she should be around 7 pounds. I am 50% efaced (sp?) and not dialated at all (yipee--a bit more time to work on her room and other small projects). One such small project was accomplished yesterday--washing all "back of the house" windows, inside and out, screens off and all----only to have it thunder and storm last night and erase my hard work...oh well.

Becca escaped the Texas heat last week and came to visit, only to endure the Georgia heat. We had a grand time. Lots of hanging out, playing games, eating yummy desserts, swimming, sleeping in, shopping, taking walks, touring the Swan House at the Atlanta History Center, and enjoying the Laser Show at Stone Mountain...a Georgia MUST (pictured above, us lying on our blanket in wait for the show to begin). With visiting 2 years in a row, I think Becca may have started a new summer tradition.

Celebrating with Cake

Quick pregnancy update: at 35 weeks and 1 day the doctor says I am "good to go" anytime. Eeek--we are hoping much later than any sooner as we still have plenty to do around here. This precious baby doll is still measuring quite small, but we've been assured she is healthy and well. Her new favorite place to hang out her little toes are up in my ribs.

We began our celebration of the 4th, on the 3rd by having neighbors over for homemade chocolate cake, cookies, and games and then watching fireworks that night at the fairgrounds. We continued celebrating early the next morning at our ward party, and then again later that evening with a bar-b-que and fireworks with friends. Let Freedom Ring!

There's No Place Like Home

I was able to go home to California for a wonderful two weeks. Mostly I spent time with my parents at home sweet home. I am convinced that no matter how old you are, you like having the attention on you. It was quite fun to have all the "attention" on me and my belly for the first full week. We worked in the yard, went for walks, visited, watched movies, played games, and worked on a sewing project. There is no place like home.

This is one of the tablecloths Mom helped me to make.

One afternoon I went to lunch with Aunt Bev, Grandma, cousin Michelle, and cousin-in-law, Melissa.
Mom and I had all of the aunts, Grandma, and in-town relatives, over for a luncheon. We made a delicious salad, homemade rolls with homemade strawberry jam, chocolate dipped strawberries, and strawberry shortcake. It was so much fun to visit with everyone.

I was in charge of decorating and setting up the table. I made the napkin-rings.
Mom, Dad, and I went down to the LA area for the blessing of Chad and Christy's 3rd son, Craig.
Later that week, Chad and Christy came up to Merced. We spent time adoring, holding, and cuddling little baby Craig as often as we could.
The boys and I went swimming.
The boys helped out around the yard and house. You NEED a sword to help fight off the bad guys while mowing the lawn as Brent proves below. Davis was a super good helper getting the fresh grown corn ready for dinner.
We all went to Cambria for a wonderful weekend.

Brent and Davis in their "just the right size" chairs.
We spent time at the ocean searching for shells and throwing rocks.

The boys helped to celebrate my birthday.

And, last, but not least, I was able to visit with Jenny and Ryder. Our vacation paths overlined by a day we were able to squeeze in a quick visit.