St. George Baby Shower

My dearest friend Chrissy (who is probably reading this at 2am, HI!!!) threw me a shower down in St. George for the family and friends that I still have down there.

OH MY GOSH!!! You guys! She is amazing!! The decorations were adorable, food was delicious, people that came were/are amazing. Gifts were beyond generous, for example I received two handmade quilts that are gorgeous! Once the nursery is set up I'll post pictures, at least of one my cousins made since it matches the colors and is soo gorgeous. Makes me really want to learn how to sew and use a sewing machine and be all crafty.

Here's a few pictures, but thanks to those who came and again to Chrissy, her lovely mom, Tyler, Tiffany and my mom for all of their help! So blessed to have her as a best friend in my life.

These girls in the picture below... yeah I used to babysit them. They are the cutest girls and I cannot believe how much they've grown up and how tall they've gotten! 

Bumpdate: 29 Weeks

29 Weeks!!!

Baby Girl is the size of a: Small Cabbage... their measurements are weird. She's about 3lbs and 17inches...probably smaller since she's always measured smaller at Ultra Sounds.

Total Weight Gain: 12 *insert wide eyes here*

Stretch Marks: None yet, they're hereditary so no matter how much Mama Bee's I put on I'm sure I will get them.

Maternity Clothes: Nothing but! Well sweats still fit and some dresses/shirts but for work then strictly maternity and same with jeans. 

The Bump: There's no questioning if I'm pregnant or not :)

Anything make me sick or queasy: Negative

  

Cravings: None really. 

Sleep: No complaints... I slightly miss laying on my belly though. 

Wedding ring on/off: On.

Movement: Tons! I feel her kicks on my side and punches around my belly button. Last night felt some body rolls so she'll be quite the yogi I think. 

Mood: Great! No crazy mood swings, no crying for no reason. Pretty mellow! 

Best Moment this Week: All the movement lately for sure, it's crazy to experience how much stronger she's gotten the last few weeks. Oh, and Kevin coming home from being in Boise all week for work was THE BEST!

Randoms: The FedEx guy at work; "You're pregnant! How long have you been pregnant?" 29 weeks, "Oh, I never noticed, but I wasn't looking" Thank you??
Oh and some people are really rude and just need to shut their mouths. An acquaintance we'll call her was commenting to me how she has lost 20 pounds so of course I was saying how awesome that was and such. She then goes on to say "But YOU sure have gotten A LOT bigger lately." Well, idiot I am growing a human being who needs to go from 2 pounds to at least 6-7 in 10 weeks. I didn't say that, just made the comment of yes, there's still some growing that needs to be done.

Word to the wise, don't say anything but "You look great!" to a pregnant woman. I'm more than positive I've said some rude things without meaning to and I want to kick myself in the butt for them. If you are one of those then I apologize.

Looking forward to: Hm... right now Prenatal Yoga on Wednesday. Best thing ever! We'll be getting a few more things set up this week as well. Slowly, but surely! Nothing too exciting happening this week that I can think of. 

Bumpdate: 27 Weeks! Hello 3rd Trimester!

How Far Along: 27 weeks

Baby Girl is the size of a: Cucumber (According to What to Expect) 2lbs and 15inches.

Total Weight Gain: 10lbs,  hit quite the growth spurt these last few weeks with the holidays!

Stretch Marks: None yet

The Bump: She is out there! Almost officially cannot fit into any normal pants. Maternity pants are the best and I'm not complaining! I may or may not have bought 2 pairs of the same skinny jeans because I LOVE them. 35" around!

Anything make me sick or queasy: Negative

Heartburn or other symptoms: Heartburn, but only when eating crap food.  

Cravings: None

Nesting: Only since 13 weeks!

Sleep: I do get up to use the bathroom.. and wake up to move positions since subconsciously I don't want ab separation so doing what I can to prevent that.... But sleep is still fine.

Wedding ring on/off: On.

Gender: Female, no names yet.

Movement: Beginning of this week I didn't feel her too much, think she was going through a growth spurt and sleeping more. She is definitely my daughter since she hiccups constantly! She also does this crazy patter thing like she's running or punching with both hands. Kevin felt it yesterday and was stunned. She moves a TON after I have a good workout. So right now kicks are happening all around.

Accomplishment for the week: We bought a stroller! First big purchase and so excited for it!

Looking forward to: First baby shower down in St. George next week!

Any other random facts: Glucose test on Monday!

Power of Prayer

Power of prayer is an amazing thing.

If you didn't know Kevin finished school this December and the next step was "Big Boy" job.

Being pregnant, then we stressed about him finding a job that would support us so I wouldn't have to work if I didn't want to. Support a family, a job he loved, do we stay in Salt Lake? Do we move?? So many questions, options, you know how it goes.

Well, a few weeks ago, finals are coming to a close and I had a day where I was stressed about this. Normally, in our relationship I stress, Kevin is calm. With this job situation I was calm and Kevin was stressed, he does a good job hiding it though. Sunday night, I was just pleading that he would find something soon. I was a little nervous we'd be in the delivery room and he'd get a call about a job. You know stuff like that happens so I was just prepping myself.

Monday evening a classmate of his contacts him about a position that is open within his company and to see if Kevin is interested. Sure, why not? Tuesday he goes to lunch with classmate and his co-worker. Wednesday he goes to a company function and meets more people. Thursday he goes to the company location for another little function and to meet more people. Friday, he has a more formal interview with the VP and a few others from the company.

Next week is Christmas... He has a phone interview with a head of sales person in the main office.

After the holidays Kevin sends an e-mail as a follow up to see if there is anything he can do. The next morning I said a quick prayer that he'd hear SOMETHING from them... Kid you not, 30 minutes later Kevin sends me a picture of an e-mail saying he'll be getting an offer letter shortly and when could he start!

Are you kidding me!?!?! My testimony of prayer and that Heavenly Father hears and answers us shot up about 1,000 points! We are so incredibly blessed. He starts on Monday and this is going to be a great thing for our family. I am so excited and so proud of him!! We'll be staying in Salt Lake for the foreseeable future and I am 100% totally and completely fine with that!

Yay to growing up! I love the Gospel I belong to and know that our prayers were answered. Our family was praying for him, our home teachers were praying for him. We really are so blessed and so thankful for everything.

Pregnancy

I'll do a fun little survey but wanted to recap the last little bit shortly...

First off, I made the decision months prior to us getting pregnant that I wanted to have a positive attitude. No matter what, I wanted to try not to complain, keep stress to a minimum. Basically, happy and healthy pregnancy. 

Can I just tell you how much having this state of mind helped me and keeps helping me! I was never sick all day everyday. I had a few days that I described as running a marathon, with the flu then getting hit by a truck. I was completely exhausted and felt depressed, but I was good. I did throw up about 10 times within the 7-13ish weeks but I'd throw up and be done. From some women I hear that I'm lucky, with others I hear that is awful. Honestly, I had nothing to compare it to so I think it went pretty well! 

Plus, the whole "no complaining" thing... I have cousins and friends who have to be hospitalized when they are pregnant and felt I had NO right to complain about how I was feeling. 

We have friends, too many friends, that are dealing with the trial of infertility. Why in the world would I complain about pregnancy when I personally know SO many woman that would do anything to be in my position. Again, NO right to complain. If I could do anything for these friends so they wouldn't have to go through this trial I would. In a heartbeat, surrogate mother, fly to Africa for an adoption, pretty much anything. 

I'm just saying that I have been blessed, very blessed with this opportunity and am so grateful that things have been going well. 

It is a miracle, if you know me, that I have not stressed as much as I thought I would. Up until recently there has been no stress. NONE! Again, if you know me then you know that this is just NOT me! I stress about anything, everything and nothing all at the same time.  

Kevin has been quite lucky as well in my opinion. You hear about all the crazy pregnancy hormones and what not. Well I think I have been quite good in that aspect, had a few moments of course but nothing crazy. 

No cravings really. Food in general just didn't sound good for the first 4 months or so..now I'm just hungry ALL THE TIME. For example, I had salmon, a side of broccoli (big side) then a bowl of cauliflower for dinner...now I'm super tempted to find something else in the fridge/freezer. 

Anywho, 2nd trimester. Holy cow, that thing really was the "Golden Trimester." I had loads of energy, hadn't started showing too much, everything was purely fabulous! Oh, found out we were having a girl! Felt her move around 18 weeks, little flutters here and there. Now flutters are gone sadly, and get some kicks and hiccups. Which are so fun! She's sometimes a little pill and stops moving as soon as her dad tries to feel. Stinker. Love her though.

When people asked Kevin or myself what we thought we were having we both said boy. Always said boy. Thought for sure we were having a boy... The night before the ultra sound I had been feeling like it was a girl. Wasn't sure if I was just preparing myself or if I knew... Ultra sound came and what do you know! It's a GIRL! I was shocked, I'd be lying if I wasn't. So scared. For some reason raising a girl just scared me! At first anyway, starting to get used to the idea. Oh heck, I am BEYOND excited for her to get here! Who am I kidding?! Kevin later told me on his way to the appointment then he had the feeling it was a girl too. So I guess we were both shocked but really not since we were prepared...if that makes any sense.

I'm sure I have more to say, but if I've learned anything this pregnancy it is definitely Attitude is Everything. It only took me 24 years to figure that one out. Guess Kevin has been right all along when he's told me but ssshhh don't tell him!

I have also learned pregnancy is a big competition, or feels like one at least. Not so much for me, I  don't feel the need to compare myself to other women but the comments I get from others just make it seem like a competition. Every BODY, every one and every pregnancy is different. That's my attitude, again I have been blessed so far and I will acknowledge that completely. But I will not make myself feel like like I am competing against every other expecting woman out there. For example, size for how far along you are, weight gain, items purchased, names, symptoms.. ugh you name it.

Attitude is everything. 

2014 Recap

Well hellloooo world! It's only been over a year since I've updated. Blogging to me has just become a thing of the past. But I have been wanting/needing to publish things somewhere and it's much easier to type on this then get out my journal or save a document somewhere on my laptop. Plus, I figured there's family (mostly mine) that know nothing of the goings on in our lives. Unless my Grandma tells them of course.

Here's to a few highlights!
January
-Kevin started working for Delta Airlines; hello FREE flights!
..Yep that was January haha

February
-Broncos made it to the super bowl and we hosted our own little party...well sad day with lots of food.
-Kevin took me to see Sleeping Beauty by Ballet West for Valentine's!
-First free trip to AZ to see family and friends. Flying stand by was probably the most nerve racking experience of my life!

 March
-3 Years of marriage!

April
-I went and spent Easter with my family in St. George

May
-Visited my best friend Chrissy in San Antonio, TX for 4 days. It was pretty awesome! We went to the Alamo, Riverwalk, swimming, shopping at some awesome outlets! It really was just so fun to hang out with her, and see a new place. I definitely needed some best friend time!
-Flew to St. George for the heck of it :)
-Flew to AZ again to see my brother and his family. Swimming, nephew time and relaxing!

June
-My parents came to visit us kids up here and we went to the Aquarium and Seven Peaks. I met Derrick Favors and they stalked him on all of the ride :)

July
-I saw Carrie Underwood with my friend Elise at Stadium of Fire! #girlcrush
-Bear Lake with Kevin's family for the 4th of July where I had a pretty epic tubing experience. Just wish it was on camera!
-I took a day off in the middle of the week (Kevin's days off were Wed & Thurs) and we went hiking, to lunch, had pedicures and spent the day together. It was and still is one of my favorite days with him!
-I flew to Vegas to meet my fitness idols on a Saturday, drove to St. George later that day, then was at church by 1pm Sunday for Sharing Time with the kiddos!

-We went to NEW YORK!!!!! Ah, such a fun trip! We only had a few days but we packed A LOT of things into those few days. Sadly, we only have my crappy pictures since Kevin's phone broke over Christmas :( We really did not sleep that entire weekend. We took a red eye Wednesday night and arrived around 7am Thursday I think? Scary taxi Russian man took us to our hotel, we ate breakfast at a diner near by then headed into the city for the day. Subway=gross, scary, confusing, but so fun at the same time. We went to the top of the Rock first and sat there for a good hour. It was extremely peaceful at the top and made for some great people/selfie watching. We walked around town a ton, Time Square, had some food off a cart, hung out in Central Park then had dinner with our friends parents who are the mission presidents in the NYNYN Mission. Friday we went on the Staten Island Ferry to at least get a picture of the Statue of Liberty (too cheap to actually visit) we biked across the Brooklyn Bridge for some pizza (Kevin wanted to kill me for the tandem bikes)  We went to China Town and Little Italy, scored a new purse, sunglasses, watch and a shirt. That evening we went to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum..absolutely breath taking. If you have a chance to go to NY then that is my biggest suggestion of something you should do. We went to McGhee's pub which is the inspiration for the Bar in How I Met Your Mother, we were going to eat there but changed our minds and went back down town. Tried staying out as long as we could since we were catching an early flight home Saturday. Like I said, crazy and packed 2 days.

August
-I went to Pennsylvania to visit my friend Brooke who I hadn't seen in AGES! We hung out in New York again for a little bit, spent the day in Philly sight seeing. She was soo good to take me places that she had been to a million times with other visitors.
- Kevin stopped working for Delta to finish his last semester of school. I had a great summer, but he was working all. the. time. Never had an actual weekend which is why I went on so many trips with out him. He was luckily able to take a few and go to CA to visit his brother and was so so good to let me go and have these adventures!
-We found out we are PREGNANT!! Whole post on that will be coming
-Ran a 5k with some friends
-Kevin started his last semester for his undergrad at the U.

September
- Split up time during Labor Day weekend in St. George and Bear Lake to tell our families the good news!

October
- Went to California for our nieces baptism.

November
-My birthday
- Found out we are having a GIRL!
- Thanksgiving in Prescott Valley, AZ. My first time there and Kevin's first in 5 years, gorgeous place. I could see why Kevin loved growing up there. I told Debbie we can spend the holidays down there anytime :) Also, it was fun to go and hang with his family and finally meet Seth. He was the only one of his best friends from high school I heard about so often and had over heard conversations over the phone. Met his fiance too, super awesome people and can't wait for their wedding this year!

December
-Kevin's birthday
-Christmas in St. George

We're Pregnant!!

I'm not sure what I want to say in this post. Maybe just how we found out, excitements, attitude towards things. I'll just type and we'll see where it goes...

Beginning of August we met up with my Brother and his family at Seven Peaks, I went on a few rides and something just felt different... I don't know why, but sliding on my stomach just felt.. odd. I was late, we were wanting to start our family, so when we got home I took a test. Let me tell you, as soon as I took it I knew I was pregnant, that we were going to start our family. Yet for those 2 minutes I was SHAKING like crazy, so scared and so nervous then that 2nd line showed up... Kevin was in the other room and I asked if he wanted to know or not. Now, I had planned a way that I wanted to tell him and I've had this planned for YEARS! So in my head I'm debating whether or not to tell him, or lie so I can tell him the way that I wanted and had planned... I told him. Duh. I didn't cry, I was in complete shock! Like, are you kidding me? I'm actually pregnant, we're going to have a baby, we can't have a baby...Ah so many thoughts! I was shaking and my heart was pounding when Kevin was hugging me. He's so excited, the smile did not leave his face for days, heck weeks! The next day at work I was going crazy and just wanted to scream to the world. I didn't, but oh boy did I want to!

How my siblings found out: Again, so not how I had planned. I wanted to tell at least my parents before them. Anyway, my sisters in law and I went to this Aerial Yoga class (highly recommended) where the lovely instructor said, "If you have back pain, pregnant, something other etc. you CANNOT do this next move." Well crap, I'm not very far along so thinking will it really do any harm? Should I say something? But I need to tell my mom! Ugh! I went with the "better safe than sorry" approach. I raised my hand and my sisters of course were waiting for me to say something! At the end of class I told them they can't tell my brothers until I could the next day. With them I just showed them a picture of the test, they're brothers so they acted like my brothers would haha! So those 4 knew, I hadn't wanted to tell ANYBODY until at least the first Dr. appointment, we hadn't had that yet. Made them all promise to not tell mom. If I couldn't tell people how I wanted by dang I was going to tell my mom in a fun way. I worry about the little things if you didn't know.

Few weeks go by, go to our first Dr. appointment and see that little baby and a heart pounding! Amazing I tell you, this whole process. AMAZING!

Luckily, our appointment was early on a Friday before Labor weekend so we went straight to St. George to tell my parents the news! I made a "Work Order" form that said a few things about my mom making a baby blanket. Had a box with a FedEx package, stickers and everything! That night we hung out with Kevin's brother Rusty and told him, then told my grandparents the next day.

Sunday we left early enough to drive up to Bear Lake so we could then tell Kevin's parents! With them I totally jumped the gun and should have waited until everyone was completely out of the cabin but I was just too excited and couldn't hold it in anymore!! We (Kevin, Charlie, Debbie, Matt, Jeanae and myself) were sitting in the tv area and it was semi quiet. Which NEVER happens at the cabin, so I took my chance! My mother in law is a nurse so I asked a few questions about some symptoms and what she thought might be going on with me... They were pretty excited! I didn't get their reactions on video, because like I said. I jumped the gun and was dying to tell them! We then told his Grandma that she is busy in April and has to come see us. When Kevin's Grandpa came in from outside then Kevin just said "Hey Grandpa, I knocked Lachelle up." His response, "Well, better you than someone else!" It was quite hilarious. Needless to say, both of our families were very excited. Told the rest of Kevin's brothers and kept it to ourselves for a few more weeks. Had to get past the first trimester of course.