In Alaska...

So, a quick update because I think I should, but not long because I need to go to bed.  So no pics this time, you just have the melodious sound of my voice.. err... my written words...

We're in Alaska!  It was a huge drama getting here.  I managed to get the flu the day I was supposed to leave, and I was even going to change my flight to come at a later time because I couldn't imagine trying to get on a plane while puking, taking care of my inconveniently strong 21 month old, and being pregnant.  Really, the main thing that prevented that was that it was going to cost $100 to change the flight (ugh) and the only flights available would have left me in Seattle for a 16 hour layover.  The only thing worse than flying while sick is trying to entertain a toddler in an airport for 16 hours.  In some good news, I got some zofran which helped IMMENSELY, Clara was extra, extra good for our flights, and I happened to be on the same flight as my mother-in-law and sister-in-law from Seattle to Fairbanks.  I ended up not really needing their help, but just knowing there were there kept my nerves at bay.

And I'm SO glad I made it, because if I had changed my flight I would have missed being a bridesmaid (er, Matron of Honor?  Hugely pregnant matron of honor?) in my friend Katelin's wedding!!  It was SO beautiful and I was so happy be able to celebrate with Kate and Stefan.  I'm really sorry I was a probably a bit of a spoil sport.  I was having some pretty significant braxton hicks contractions because I had been sick and I was a bit dehydrated, and it was hot.  So maybe I didn't smile as much as I should have.  But I was really, really happy to be there.

Since then, it's just been enjoying the non-Phoenix heat.  Since we left it's regularly been 105-110 degrees in Arizona, and here in Fairbanks it's been between 60-70 degrees most days.  HEAVEN.  I have been staying at Jordan's parents house, but I get together with my family about 3 times a week, and on Thursday I'll go stay over there for about 10 days.  I'm really lucky, neither my parents or Jordan's parents ever make me feel guilty for not spending enough time with them.  They are friends, so they are good at sharing sweet Clara (and me, I guess, but I'm not nearly as interesting).  Clara is having SO MUCH FUN, and she loves playing with her cousins (on Jordan's side) and her young aunt and uncle (my 5 year old little sister and 3 year old little brother).  Let me tell you, 5 year old little girls are the BEST little mother's helpers EVER.  Hannah is 6, she's Clara's cousin, and Elyse is 5, my little sister, and they are such HUGE helps for me.  They love being little mommies and following Clara around and keeping her entertained.  It's such a relief.

For me, things are going well.  I miss Jordan like crazy, and we talk about an hour a day on the phone.  But I'm happy I'm here.  Today begins my 3rd trimester, which I'm happy to see.  Being pregnant isn't exactly my idea of fun, but having a little baby is, so the end (and the fun part!) is almost here (the fun part actually getting to hold the baby, NOT giving birth).  I'm feeling huge, which is ok because I'm getting to the part where I'm supposed to be huge.  My biggest complaint at this point are some pretty painful Braxton-Hicks contractions.  If I don't drink enough water, or if I over-exert myself (such as chasing a toddler who is running towards the road... yeah, I hit a full-on run that day), then they sneak up on me and they HURT!  No worries, I asked my doctor about them, and as long as they aren't consistent, then I'm fine (they aren't, I just have to lay down and drink some water and they go away), but they sure do annoy me.

I'll try to update on some specific adventures here soon, but there's the basics of our amazing, awesome time here in Fairbanks!  And I have four more weeks of fun coming my way!  WOOHOO!