My sister-in-law showed me this YouTube video and I thought it was HILARIOUS! If you are wondering...yes, this lady is totally 38 weeks pregnant! Quite impressive - make sure you listen to the words and watch the people in the back ground, it is great!
***Make sure you mute my music at the bottom!
Well, apparently our baby isn't quite ready to make his grand appearance. I am officially 40 weeks today. Going 8 months with the date of "July 24th" in your head - and then that day comes and you still don't have your baby, well...we think it is a little frustrating. But that's okay.
We went to the Doctor again on Thursday and I was dilated to a "1+" - whoa! HeHe.
However, we know that this little guy will be here by Friday per Doctors orders.
Even though we REALLY want this boy here, I feel extremely blessed that we have carried him as long as we have. We had a scare at 34 weeks because of my blood pressure, swelling and water retention - The doctor told me that we will probably have to deliver the baby Monday because of my blood pressure. Casey put me on strict couch rest and I didn't do a thing all weekend. It worked. So here we are.
The nursery has been done for quite some time and I cant believe how many things we already have for him. The brick wall isn't done yet - we are adding one thing to it (which I am not telling you what it is yet) but Casey painted the wall, and I am totally impressed. What do you think???
As for me - I absolutely LOVE being pregnant. I think it is the most AMAZING thing I have ever experienced. I actually think I will miss it. However, I have gained a whooping 59 pounds - so don't think I haven't had it that rough. My doc says he thinks a lot of it is water, which I am hoping he is right. But every pound, the restless nights, being uncomfortable and extremely hot all the time is totally worth it. And the payoff is coming soon.
Today...
I do have to throw in...that my husband is absolutely amazing. He rubs my feet every night and has cooked almost every meal the last 2 weeks and hasn't even complained. I love him!
Monday night, Casey made me dinner. Then we headed out to the park where I read a book and he ‘practiced’ soccer with his 3 vs 3 soccer team (which takes place this weekend). Then we headed to Lindon for an 11:25 PM indoor soccer game of his. I actually did really well, I was sick of sitting when the game ended and ready to crawl into bed when we pulled up to our house at 12:45 AM!
I opened the car door and our fire alarms were blasting off. Casey and I gave the “what the heck?” look and went inside. This wasn’t the first time those suckers had gone off, and they sure are loud!!! Casey had to get the ladder and one of the alarms were at the top of our vaulted ceilings. He tried to reset them as we clearly found that our home was not on fire, but they kept going off…I started reading the back of one and it said something along the lines that ‘if this thing is beeping 4 times it is the CO2’ – sure enough, they were beeping 4 times.
After about 10 minutes in the house and discovering why the alarms were going off (one of the burners to the stove was ‘off’ but not all the way off, so it was letting out all the gases) I went outside with the laptop – I was getting worried about the toxins and the babe! Casey opened all the windows and doors, brought us some otter pops to enjoy on the front porch as our house vented out and made a phone call to the local Fire Department.
The Firemen came, the Paramedics came and they didn’t want to turn off their ‘lights’ or engines upon arriving at our house. There were a couple of them that were bright eyed and chipper – just a couple, the other literally looked like they had just been hit by a bus. They were SO happy to be at our house at 1 in the morning (-:
The Paramedic tested Casey and I for Co2 – we both had some in our system, in fact .4% less than what would have made us have to go to the hospital. The Firemen went into the house. They came back to report that they were getting reading for the Co2 at “ZERO” in the living room and kitchen. Then another Fireman came out and reported HIGH volumes of Co2 in the “baby’s room and the basement” – what the???? How scary is that? Sure, we had the windows and the doors open in EVERY room for about 15 minutes before they arrived, but it was the worst in my baby’s room??? SCARY!!!
Needless to say, they stuck around till all the rooms came back at a ‘zero’ and told us we would be okay there if we wanted to stay. Casey and I slept with ALL the windows and a door open, just in case. I always thought those Co2 alarms were over priced and not nearly as important as a fire alarm – but I stand corrected, and I AM SO GRATEFUL for ours!!! We had only been in the house for 10 minutes and our Co2 count was already that high, imagine if we would have stayed an extra 5 minutes!?!?!?!
More for me than anything... But someone suggested that I make a list of things just about me before our baby comes...we are 4 weeks out, so I decided now was a good time to complete it!
100 things about me.
1. Me least favorite day of the year is Day light savings in the spring…there is nothing worse than losing a hour of sleep and than waking up when it is still dark outside.
2. I am completely obsessed with MEK jeans.
3. If someone is wearing a pair of name brand shoes – like, Jessica Simpsons, BCBG, Steve Maddens, Guess, Chinese Laundry, Anne Klein ect…I can tell you what brand they are just by looking at them.
4. I will not eat at a place that I come out smelling like it.
5. I have known my husband since I was 9.
6. My first real kiss was in the back of my bishops van at a ward campout.
7. I never ‘snuck’ out of the house without asking permission from my mom.
8. Once a month I get a pedicure – I love the look and feel of freshly painted nails.
9. If I had an extra $40 a week to spend on myself, I would spend it getting pampered.
10. I LOVE plain cheerios that I can douse in Sugar!
11. I get a thrill from cleaning and organizing.
12. I love photography and capturing sweet intimate moments between family members.
13. My favorite snack is Edamames and I eat them everyday at work.
14. Casey purposed at our favorite “get away spot” and the place we use to go to “make out” at in High School – The Draper Rodeo Grounds.
15. My favorite day of the week is Saturday mornings, Casey makes me breakfast in bed and then we snuggle up and watch a movie.
16. I graduated with a degree in Behavioral Science.
17. My favorite holiday is the 4th of July.
18. I look forward to the joys, blessings and trials of motherhood
19. I dream of the day where I get to stay home with my kids, be the room mother and actually enjoy the time I cook.
20. I would rather pay a hefty price for a shirt I love, that I know will last, than get 3 cheaply made ones for the price I paid for that 1.
21. I dream of capturing beautiful pictures of my little ones.
22. I love the look on my honey’s face when we see each other after a long day apart.
23. I love that I can ask my dad ANYTHING and he always knows the answer!
24. I played soccer at Southern Utah University.
25. I’m never “on time” – I’m either extremely early or late.
26. I really enjoy ‘entertaining’ our family and friends at our home.
27. I get sick to my stomach thinking about being away from my husband for more than a day.
28. My mother is truly my best friend.
29. I love to decorate.
30. I love shopping for little kid shoes (My soon to be son, always has 12 pairs)
31. If you had to buy me a present and didn’t know what to get me – I would tell you a gift card to Buckle.
32. I can multi-task like nobody’s business!
33. I absolutely LOVE to learn new things. And cant wait to learn how to quilt as good as my mom.
34. I enjoy making and dropping off “desserts of the month” to my neighbors to let them know someone was thinking of them. Especially those we meet for the first time doing so.
35. Of our tour of Europe starting in Rome, ending in London and visiting every country in between, Switzerland would be my choice of home.
36. I could eat a banana, peanut butter protein shake for breakfast everyday and not get sick of it.
37. I love laying on the floor with a blanket atop of me over the heater.
38. My favorite candy is pop-rocks.
39. I seriously have the littlest bladder and I wake up 3 times a night to go to the bathroom after not drinking anything past 8 o’clock. Its quite annoying. (even when I am not pregnant)
40. My best time at Computer Solitaire is 42 seconds – my dad and I have competitions, his best time is 62 seconds.
41. I take pride in beating my Aunt Renee in any game known to man…and if I’m not around, then shell win. Sorry Auntie Nae, you know its true!
42. I had never had stitches until I was 19 when I had to have my appendix removed.
43. Some of my dream jobs include: a criminal profiler, a lawyer or a Medical Examiner
44. If money allowed, I would go to school the rest of my life.
45. I had a goat named Lewis.
46. My choice of beverage is a Dr. Pepper with a lime.
47. I have never drank alcohol or smoked a cigarette.
48. I served a LDS mission in Lubbock Texas and truly found out who I was and wanted to become.
49. I knew I was going to marry Casey since my Junior year in high school.
50. I would rather hang out with my husband than go out with anyone else.
51. I have ‘swam’ with a shark.
52. I could sleep 12 hours a night if time allowed.
53. I love making desserts.
54. Family road trips are one of my best memories growing up.
55. I absolutely hate using public restrooms.
56. I know what my husband is thinking by his ‘eye’ expressions.
57. I believe a true a friend is one that doesn’t judge you and one that you could honestly share your darkest secret with and it would never leave their lips.
58. I was born three weeks late and had the brightest red hair.
59. I honestly think that my husband has the BEST butt ever!!!
60. Ever seem Tombstone? My dream would be to live on room service.
61. I bite my nails.
62. I hate brushing my teeth at night.
63. I am completely spoiled rotten by my husband.
64. I believe that my mother has done every aspect of parenting absolutely perfect.
65. I think woman who have confidence are the most beautiful.
66. I can remember how I thought and viewed the world when I was a child.
67. I was born in Irving, Texas and moved to Utah when I was 9.
68. I married my soul mate.
69. I truly believe that if something is meant to be, it will happen.
70. I am an awful speller.
71. I go by my middle name.
72. I currently have 49 pairs of shoes in my closet.
73. My first ‘boyfriend’ was Efrian. He kissed me behind a wall in our Shady Hollow neighborhood when we were 7. And I still remember to this day my Aunt Patti making fun of us and me running to my bunk crying because I was so embarrassed.
74. The old man across the way growing up, called me Strawberry Shortcake.
75. I believe in life after death.
76. I am amazingly good at Sudoku puzzles.
77. In high school I got my belly pierced at some nasty place in Vegas over Spring Break. Each of my girl friends pierced something different.
78. Casey and I have been to Cancun 3 times and seriously know the best places to go.
79. I love slow dancing. I think it is romantic. – In high school, Casey took me to a park and we blasted our favorite song from the car while slow dancing under the stars next to the swing set.
80. I believe a person’s spirituality is a private thing and just because they believe something different, doesn’t make them any different.
81. I was a seriously a BOY Scout. My mom was in charge of all that growing up, so I took an active part.
82. My parents thought I FOR SURE was a boy before my arrival. My crib even said “Matthew” on its end. My name would have been “Matthew Ryan Mayo”.
83. I honestly think that anything bad that could happen to anyone, that my mother has been through it.
84. I have never had the chicken pox.
85. I think going to a baseball game is relaxing.
86. I have been punched in the face by girl.
87. I honestly think, that the most amazing person I have met…is my little sister.
88. I am my mother’s favorite child.
89. I can do multiple back flips in a row on the trampoline.
90. I worked as a pizza delivery driver for 2 weeks at college and made enough just from tips to pay for my books and housing for the next semester so I quit.
91. I danced with Steve Young when I was like 14 at his pre wedding party for maybe 45 seconds (my mom worked with his fiancés father…they never did get married).
92. I think plain milk is disgusting.
93. I cannot take a shower that is less than 15 minutes.
94. I currently have over $300 dollars worth of gift cards in my wallet.
95. I would rather read than watch TV.
96. I have kept a book of baby names I like since 9th grade.
97. My idea of the perfect vacation involves a beach and some serious roller-coasters.
98. My first car was a 1977 Mercury Cougar – it was hideous…but I was the first to drive between all my friends, so we had fun.
99. I believe that goal setting is essential to becoming who you want to be and to accomplish even the little things in life.
100. When my husband grabs my hand to hold it, I still feel as giddy as I did the first time he did it in 10th grade.
I will be the first to admit…I’m spoiled. I am spoiled now, and I always have been! Our baby, he is spoiled too! His sweet Nana (my mom) loves buying him things just as much as she loves buying me things, and she loves planning out daily activities that we will get to one day enjoy with him.
Today for lunch, she took me to Babies R Us to buy me a ‘big’ gift! She has already bought us PLENTY! But she insisted…So off we went to Babies R Us. I have that entire store memorized, I can tell you where everything is, I think it is a little too early for me to know these things, but hey…it happens.
Anyway, we pulled up and I had a ‘flashback’ to the first time my mom, little sister Alyssa and I came to Babies R Us….So I have to write down what she said, just because I think it is funny…
I was 5 months pregnant, with a baby bump and 18 pounds to show for it…You know those reserved ‘Expecting Mothers’ spots that are in front of the mall and of course, in front of Babies R Us? Well, the 3 of us pull up in front of Babies R Us and are looking for a spot, low and behold, one of the ‘Expecting Mothers’ spots was open! Sweet! I navigated my mother to that spot and proudly proclaimed that “this is the first time I have got to park in an ‘Expecting Mothers’ spot”, my mom kind of bit her lip, looked around and after a little hesitation finally pulled in to the spot. She asked “Are you sure we can park here?” She was kidding but I could tell there was some seriousness in her voice. As we are getting out of the car, she turns around and boldly says to me “LOOK PREGNANT!!!”. What? All I said was…I am pregnant!!! My little sister and I thought it was hilarious! You probably don’t think it is as funny as I think it is – but it was funny!
Every time I see my dad he asks me how many days we have left. I never know. I know the weeks, not the days. Today he told me – we have 74 days left.
Within the past week, about 9 people have said “hopefully he comes early!” It makes me want to put my hands on my belly where I think his tiny ears are at and cover them up so he doesn’t get any ideas! I don’t want him to come early, I want him to come when he is ready! I don’t want his eyes, or lungs or brain to be under developed. I want him healthy!!! I know many of you moms are saying to yourself ‘oh, in a couple of weeks you’ll want him early!’ – but I don’t! We tried for too long to get this little man here and I want him to take his time!
I may be delivering quite the large baby. I was 9.8 pounds and Casey was 8.4. I don’t know if that has anything to do with the size he will be but at our last appointment last week he was measuring 1.4cm bigger than the ‘average’. I really think he doesn’t have any more room to grow – I can see his little appendages run across my tummy every time he moves. And, he is turning like crazy – I wish I could say he is going to be quite the soccer player, just because that is what Casey and I love so much…but recently, it’s more like he is a swimmer. I can’t wait to see what his ‘loves’ in life are.
Maybe pictures of the nursery will come shortly…I couldn’t find fabric I liked for the LONGEST time. I finally found a crib skirt I liked, so I bought it! It should be here tomorrow!
Casey surprised me with my first Mother's Day gift! I didn't expect one, not this year - even though I am 29 weeks pregnant and my boobs are doing more damage to my back than my sweet baby boy is - I still didn’t expect anything.
Last night however, Casey drove me to 2100 South and surprised me with a Belly Bliss 60 minute pre-natal massage. It was heavenly!
She ONLY does pre-natal massages and has these AMAZING orthopedic pillow/cushion things that actually let you lay on your tummy (the cushions have an opening where you slip your belly and boobs into...and waaaalaaa...no pressure! I would have been content just lying there without a massage!
She focused on my back, hips and neck with a little legs, arms and feet at the end. When I got up – I didn’t even feel pressure ANYWHERE on my body anymore. Seriously, divine!
Thank you honey for my gift!!! You are the BEST!!!
PS – I know LOTS of you a pregnant, so look her up if you are interested! She is absolutely darling and her website is http://bellyblissmassage.com/default.aspx
I wish I had an updated picture of him (my hubby) cause I am completely obsessed with him. He is currently in the middle of fixing his car, so we only have one drivable car - yesterday I was a hour late picking him up from work and I found him juggling a soccer ball in front of his building. I sat there and started counting each juggle. Every once in a while he would get this huge smile on his face and let out a little laugh as he kept going. I counted 97 consecutive juggles and I didn’t even start counting right when I pulled up. After about 6 minutes of watching him he just grabbed the ball and ran to the car – he got in, and I was a little upset. I asked him why he stopped and he said “I didn’t want to make you wait any longer!” HELLO!!! I wanted him to keep going to see how many he could get! I asked him what he was up to and he said 300!!!! Yes that’s right! My husband totally juggled a ball 300 times in a row with his feet! Freaking amazing!
And then we went home – he worked out, I made dinner and then we went for a walk.
We got home and I took my shoes off and stated “I hate when my toes aren’t painted, they look like man feet, gross!”
I’m at that point that it is uncomfortable for me to bend over for long periods of time, so painting my toes doesn’t even appeal to me.
I washed my face and jumped into bed.
Casey came in with some fingernail polish and said “I’ll paint your toes for you!”.
He picked out the color and everything! I seriously, have the BEST HUBBY!
He did a really good job, I was impressed – and I got to wear sandals today!
So I did a little research...I had to vent okay? I really do think it was those dang deer! Remember my post last year about how much I LOVE deer? Both homes that Casey and I have lived in are surronded by deer and I LOVE seeing them everynight as I drive home. So, I guess I can forgive them this one time...I didnt understand why my Hyacinths and Daffodils werent eaten, but it is because deer do not like them. So, atleast they saved those for my enjoyment!
I found an article about what plants/flowers deer like. It said to "keep them away by hanging bars or soap or bags of hair around your yard" - okay white trash! No thanks!
So, my friends, if you live near me - do you mind planting some Tulips in your yard so the deer will come eat yours instead of mine? They are one of their favorite treats!!!
Seriously? Casey and I had a WONDERFUL weekend! We didnt get one minute to get anything done that we needed to - but it was filled with family and friends and included some of our friends getting sealed in the Temple. It was perfect!
Until last night...I have been anxiously awaiting my tulips to open. They have been a little confused as to when they should actually open, but they had about an inch more to grow and their bulbs were just about ripe! I knew it would be sometime this past weekend...Then, on the way home from my parents house for dinner...Casey asked "did you cut the tulips or something?" I thought he was kidding, he knows that I LOVE my tulips - they really are beautiful, year after year and grow HUGEand they always recieve compliments!!! He wasnt kidding! We pulled into the garage, I jumped out and went to the front of the house...and sure enough - SOMEONE CUT THE TOPS OFF ALL OF MY TULIPS!!! SERIOUSLY???? WHAT THE HELL??? Excuse my vulgarity, but seriously?
Not were just the tops cut, but many were cut all the way down so that only about 2 - 3 inches of the greens were showing. Who the freak just goes into someones yard and cuts their tulips off? After I examined each area where my spring best friends should have been shinning, I noticed that on top of our rock wall that leads up to our house, that ALL of my beloved purple flowers have been cut OR PULLED (ROOT AND BULB) OUT!!! I am seriusly in shock - I have no idea who would do this - and they have left me seriously saddened. Im not kidding when I say that one of my favorite things about coming home from work in the Spring, is seeing my Tulips! They stand taller than a foot or two high and are so vibrant in color, they just make me smile! I wont get that this year. Now I have empty patches of perrinals where no flower will grow, My Hyacinth (which only bloom for about 3 weeks) and my Daffodils are all I will get to see.
So dear tulip and my purple flower that I cant remember the name of snipper - you ruined my day!
And if you thought you were trying to help thinking that 'maybe they have already bloomed and need to be snipped back' - you were wrong...why? well, 1. Because they have not bloomed yet and 2. Keeping the greens well into summer letting them soak up the suns rays helps them grow better the following year. So you didnt help...AND, STAY OUT OF MY YARD!!!
PS - At first, we thought maybe the dear or an animal has been enjoying our flower garden, but upon examination, they were indeed clipped, by scissors!
Yesterday, I cleaned out our baby's closet. It was packed full of ski and soccer stuff and years of collecting baby things/clothes. Casey and I finally decided on what colors the nursery will be, so he sat in the room with me and designed the main wall of the room on Photoshop. I cant wait to actually get the walls done!
I grabbed a box from the basement and piled in ALL the girl things I had.
I have a confession, until I found out we were having a boy, both my mother and I have been buying girl outfits FOREVER.
As it all started piling up, and the closet became less and less NOT PACKED I realized how incredibly grateful I am, that I am NOT having a girl!
And then, I found a box. FULL of BOY things, including, 6 pair of shoes for him! They all start at size 4, but I now remember where they came from and the killer deal I got on them! I am SO glad that I didn't resist! I must add, he already has 8 pairs of shoes.
For those that know me, I am NOT a procrastinator. In fact, it drives me CRAZY when others are. I am a detailed person and like things how I like them. Nor, do I like my own things out of order. That is why I am surprised that I still carry my license around that expired last July (yes, my license expired 8 months ago!!!) Casey and I have gone to get it renewed. By the time we get there after work, it is already 5. We wait for a hour and then we are told to come back tomorrow. It is very discouraging, but doesn’t matter cause my license is STILL expired.
So, Casey had a soccer game last night at 9:55. We walked into the garage and I told Casey that I would drive so he could get his gear on (thinking in my head, “I should grab my purse” – I didn’t. We went and picked up Dan and took the back roads to the Timpanogos Indoor Soccer arena. The frontage road to this place, is the same frontage road you take to the dump by Utah Lake. It’s pretty desolate, and you hardly EVER see a 2nd car – last night we did. The road has pot holes all over it, I swerved back in forth dodging them and saw the car behind me doing the same. I was proud of myself, I didn’t hit one!
I made a slight right turn and immediately, red and white lights starting flashing in my rear view mirror.
I looked at Casey and said “Was I speeding?”
He responded “No, but you just ran that stop sign.” With a grin on his face. – I love that he cant get mad at me.
I horrifically looked at him and said “I don’t have my license!”
So, Casey got the registration out of the dash and the officer approached the car.
I rolled down my window and he asked for my license and registration.
I bit my lip, handed him my registration and embarrassed, stated “Unfortunately, I don’t have my purse. Do you want my husband’s?”
He looked at me like I was an idiot.
I deserved that look. I was the driver. Not Casey.
He then reminded me of that – whatever.
Then the Officer kindly informed me that I was pulled over for running the stop sign.
Off he went.
Dan, in the back seat started saying how easy it would be to NOT have to pay for the no license ticket, that I just needed to prove that I had one. That’s when I informed him, that my license expired 8 months ago!
Then I called the officer a D-bag – I know attractive right? Then, I said the “S” word cause I KNEW that my not 1 ticket, but the 2 tickets I was about it get was probably going to take at least half of the bonus I just got at work. But seriously, he followed me for more than 4 miles and 15 yards before the arena I make one little mistake , that I didn’t know I made and I’m busted – it was rude.
I am surprised I didn’t start crying – the whole hormones being out of whack when you are preggo, totally doesn’t apply to me. And how grateful I am for that.
The officer came back, he asked if I have a license in a different state. I reassured him that I do not. And that’s when he thought he was informing me for the first time that my license has been expired since July.
I went along with it, and the only thing I could get out was “OH!”
Then he told me how much my tickets were going to cost me, and when he saw the saddened look sweep across my face he added, “If I felt so inclined to give you those tickets!”
I told him that “I hope you don’t feel inclined!”
Then, he said “Promise me, you will go get your license renewed tomorrow, and next time – stop at that stop sign.”
I promised, and he walked away.
Dear Mr. Police Officer, I would have got out of the car and gave you a HUGE hug if you would have let me. I wish I could have seen your face instead of the horrific bright light from your flashlight beaming in my eyes so that I could recognize your face the next time I saw you. I wish you knew that I was pregnant and was hoping to take my lover on a romantic getaway with my bonus I just got and that if you would have given me those tickets, it would have put a damper on our plans. Thank you for being kind, and giving me a warning!
Casey and I want to go on a MINI vacation…somewhere not too far away, somewhere completely relaxing and romantic. I fear we may end up in St. George or Vegas…which is fine – but I am ready to explore my other options. Any ideas?
***Clarification: None of the below statements are concerns of my own, they have come from blogs that I have read and find it entertaining...so, I don't really need them answered, I was just curious if you had anything you worried or thought about before your babe came.
Is it true that you really forget who you really are once you have kids? Do you really forget what you and your lover did BEFORE that most amazing gift was given to you? Are you really too tired to make love? Do you really need short hair? Do your boobs really get stretch marks and become saggy? Is it really too hard to walk in my darling stilettos at 30+ weeks, or is it more hard or impossible while carrying your child? Is it true that it is hard to travel or just get out of the house? Will my boobs really mean something totally different to my love once I start breastfeeding?
I dont know? Some I dont care much about, others I pray would never happen, and the rest - I am DETERMINED that it WILL NOT happen.
However, I am aware that things are going to dramatically change in what Casey and I think is our PERFECT world. But we are so ready! We are so ready for our son to come into this world, to teach him things, to watch him discover and learn new things. To introduce him to different foods and different point of views and we cant wait to see what extracurricular activites he will choose to do. Will it be soccer, debate, football, cheer???, who knows...but there is a world of possibilities awaiting him and I can't wait to meet him.
So, as I have read the above questions; some on blogs, some shared by family and friends, honestly, the list could go on. I find it entertaining. What were some of your fears/concerns?
Seriously, I have some of the sweetest friends! Thanks everyone who called me yesterday to see how the 'big' photography day went. It went really well, and the pictures have already been chosen for the magazine! However, I did have a camera malfunction and all of a sudden my camera decided that it didnt want to work - so I had to use the company one, good thing I brought it along and good thing it held the same battery as my camera cause it was dead! HAHA - But, it was all worth it...and I even found a pair or cute slacks to wear...SUCCESS!
However, last night was even better.
Casey and I went to the Temple with my parents, we hadnt done an actual endowment session in about 5 months. I love getting dressed in white, even though I had to rent a parachute dress cause mine currently doesnt fit, I still felt beautiful. Honestly, I dont think there is anything in the world that makes me feel as wonderful as the Celestial Room does standing there in white with my eternal companion. I love him so!
When we got home, I had a REAL letter in the mailbox, ya know - it wasnt a bill, a magazine or a postcard. A hand written letter.
It was from a missionary. I haven't got a letter from a missionary in a little over 3 1/2 years now. In fact, this month marks the 4th year Ive been home from my own mission.
A letter from a missionary is unmistakable. The 4 lines in the left hand corner with your name written oh so perfectly. It was from a sister missionary. A sister I tought on my own mission. She is now teaching the same message that changed her life 5 years ago. It was 3 pages long and I cried as I read it - she reminded me of the times we took her along to 'help' us teach that sacred message. TMI - I read it in the bathroom and the spirit couldnt have been stronger. I am so happy for her. Sometimes, I really miss being a missionary. I cant wait to be one again some day, and have the same companion for the entire time.
Then, I harldy get on facebook. But I did. I had a message...just from me. It was from Sister Chris informing me that she needed my phone number - because her sweet husband, was finally getting baptized. I served in Lubbock Texas. My mission covered all of west Texas from the border of Mexico, to the top of the pan-handle and then all of east New Mexico. We had TONS of areas...and three times I ended up in the city of Lubbock. I know why. And one of the reasones was for this family. A married mother of 3 and she was the only member in her family. They reminded me of my own little family. He wasnt ready when I was there. But we connected in a way that I cant describe. Here it is 4 years later - and he is getting baptized. I couldnt be more excited for his family.
So cheers to yesterday! For lifting my spirits, for filling my cup, for having my honey and my little 'fluttery' baby and two of the other most important people in my life in the celestial room with me. I couldn't have asked for a better day.
I love taking pictures. I love watching families together and I dream of our little baby and capturing the special moments in his life...However, I do it just for fun and to make a couple extra bucks here in there.
But, I was invited to have lunch with the executives of our company and Governor Levitt tomorrow. I have been asked to take pictures that will be published in Profiler magazine. I'm pretty excited about it. So please wish me luck.
I have not bought a new thing to wear in the past 5 months. I tried on a pair of my slacks last week. They were a little TOO tight on my bum for a professional appearance...I need to go shoppping TODAY!
Last week? Well, the most exciting thing is that I can actually feel the little butterfly movements of our baby in my tummy…they are SO comforting! They help me realize that 1 – My baby is still doing good and 2 – That those feelings are actually our baby moving and not gas bubbles (I’ve been mistaking them for those for 2 weeks now!)
I mostly feel them sitting at my desk at work or late at night laying in bed with Casey watching a movie. I grab Casey’s hand and put it where he is moving, but he still can’t feel them…I can’t wait till he can and he can’t either.
My mom got us our crib and changing table…I am so excited.
My sister-n-law Stacy gave us her Pottery Barn rocking chair… I am so excited.
I just need to get it recovered or a new slip cover – anyone know someone who knows how to do this for a reasonable price? I would love their number! 
On a downer note, finding cute boy bedding, is not an easy task. They all have fire trucks or animals or something ‘gay’ on them…my husband is a very manly man and anything somewhat fruity will not be allowed. I decided that I was going to make my own crib skirt and bumper…I’ve already been to all of the shops around town with no success in fabric choices, Ill find 1 fabric I like and the rest of the line is SUPER feminine…nice. Ill keep looking. But seriously, I think I need to be hired to design cute boy stuff!
Casey was positive the baby was a boy, I was pretty certain it was a girl, but kept going back and forth. How fun it would be to buy big bows and boots and leggings. But deep down inside after all the cutesiness pushed aside I thought it was boy.
However, at my 12 week appt, Baby V only had 8 fingers and little stub legs, so I really didn’t care if Baby V decided on being a boy or a girl, I was the typical mother-to-be and wanted to make sure the baby had the rest of her/his fingers and that the little stub legs stuck out a little more than last time.
Casey and I anxiously sat in the room waiting for the Dr to come in…he walked in with the ‘Doppler’ and asked, “Did you just want to hear the heartbeat or did you want to do an ultrasound?” shocked, I answered “I am hoping you can tell me the sex of our baby today” – he started laughing and said “I knew that’s what you’d say!”
We went to the ‘high tech’ machine and it was fascinating. Baby V was asleep with her/his hands stretched up above his head, SO CUTE! There they were, 10 little fingers! I must mention that Baby V was also being very shy…legs crossed and then tucked under and wouldn’t wake up. Dr. Barton thought he saw a quick peek of an ‘extra part’ and then quickly said, “however, that may have been the umbilical cord” – That didn’t do us any good! After about 15 minutes of nudging Baby V around we checked the heartbeat and called it good. We knew we had a healthy baby growing rapidly and that’s all that mattered. Until…we got in the car….
We talked about it for a minute and then decided that there was NO WAY that we were going to wait another 4 weeks to know if Baby V was a boy or girl – so we took a pit stop at Fetal Fotos…they were booked, except for RIGHT THEN, so we didn’t have time to call family to come join us or anything. I am pretty sad about that – I would have loved for my mom to be there with me. Anyway, in we went.
Baby V was still sleeping but this “OBGYN from Europe” promised me that I would walk out knowing what the sex was. He wanted to tell us first thing, but he was having trouble waking the baby up so he did some measuring first…but Ill come back to that.
The ‘Dr.’ started pushing the little ultrasound thingy up and down on my tummy, it made the baby look like she/he was on a raft in the ocean, still no budge. Then he took his finger and very aggressively started pushing up and down on my tummy, it kind of took me by surprise….but the funniest thing happened – Baby V pulled all her/his arms and legs really tightly in and leaned back like he was on a lounger, then with all the might baby had, started kicking both legs against where the tech was poking him…it was hilarious! I laugh every time I think about it.
And then there it was…
The tech didnt even have to say it out loud, both Casey and I knew EXACTLY what that was! Casey right then said "That's my boy!!!" He is very proud.
I love this picture because it is the EXACT same position he was in with my 12 week ultrasound with his hands up on his face.
Can you see his cute little foot?
Here we are measuring the baby. A 'typical' 16 week old baby measure between 4.5 and 5 inches...Baby V...was measuring 7 inches! And, I know I dont change my due date based solely alone on what ‘Fetal Fotos’ says – but this guy told us he is measuring at least a week bigger and put the estimated delivery date to July 17th – my birthday. 
I love this one! - 
So there you have it...we are having a little boy!!! I was a little shocked at first, even expecting a little boy. But once I was actually told thats what he was, I got a little scared. But after we got home and I started daydreaming about this little one - The excitment settled in and I am so excited to bring him home with us!
A lot of people think that Valentines Day is 'SOOOO OVERRATED'. I, on the other hand, love it! So...In honor of this beloved holiday - I plan on doing something wonderful for the love of my life EVERYDAY this week (it's a surprise) and I know he'll love it. So stay tuned for our Valentine week love story (minus the 'pleasant' details for you sensitive readers).
TMI - This week is SUPER special for my sweet Casey, my mom and my mother-n-law for it is the week their parents were 'celebrating' and making some of the very most treasured people in my life!
- Today's surprise, is not a surprise for just him but for the both of us! So, if you havent voted on if you think Baby V is a boy or girl...put your vote in!
My very best friend growing up (no, I am not referring to Casey thank you) and I have been spending a lot more time lately than we have in quite a while. Its nice to get ‘reacquainted’ and hear stories that the two of us may have missed out on in each other’s lives the past few years and even reminiscing things we did together…Her name? Well, for now it is going to remain disclosed until I seek her approval.
Last night, we went to Chipotle for dinner. We told the hubbies that we were going out to do a little Valentine’s Day shopping…Well at least that is what I told Casey. He knew exactly what that meant – VICTORIAS SECRET – as soon as I told him he said, “You better come back with something!!!”. My friend, told her husband that we were going “V-Day shopping” his first response was, “What is that? Like Vagina shopping?” --- FREAKING hilarious!!! I giggle every time I replay that conversation in my head.
Now girls, I must tell you – that if you are planning on surprising your husbands with a little somethin somethin, you better go shopping now, things are starting to get picked over. Just a little FYI. You are welcome.
Anyway, we first hit up Dillards. She bought some cute new shoes to go with a new darling dress she received for her birthday, I was jealous. Everyone keeps telling me, that my feet are going to grow. So I am trying to resist.
Then we were off, you know – to that place that is SOOOO dang good at making anyone feel better about their bodies. Well at least I think so and no, I wasn’t exaggerating. Minus the jumbo size half naked gorgeous models all over the walls that make you think – what if my legs looked like that? Oh wait, they’re all air-brushed anyway, so I don’t mind at all.
We picked out a few ‘sexies’ if you will – we couldn’t help but laugh at a few of the panites that matched. I found this DARLING hot pink one off set with this orangey-pink color. It was different and I loved it. I tired that one on last. Now don’t think I am a freak…I actually have a ‘wish-list’ to the beloved “VS” store, when I found one that was on that beloved list in pink I was all too excited. Of course I grabbed it. I tried this one on first. I couldn’t help but notice, looking at myself in the full size mirror with the HOT PINK neon letters lining the top of it stating “STRIP” (PS – I totally want one of those in my closet). That my body, already doesn’t look like it use to. My wish list item, remember, the first one I tried on – didn’t look like it did 4 months ago, you see…it pulled right under my belly button and in return was too loose on the sides – it was one of those monokini (not sure how to spell that) style waist ones. The best thing about it looking different (and when I say different, I mean not nearly as sexy as it once did) – Is that I loved that it didn’t. I totally checked myself out in the mirror.
I examined every inch in fact, if you want me to be honest. I first noticed my waist. I already knew I was getting bigger, I mean how can you not when your buttons on your skinny jeans are about to pop? I have these new found love handle type things that sit just to the left and right of my little 4 month baby bump. My thighs, they aren’t toned anymore at all and I have even been riding the bike, and they have a perfect porcelain color (as in, not a smidgen of tan or even fake tanner at all). At the front of my armpits, I have a roll – on each one of them. You know what I am talking about right? You put on your bra, the one that gives you a little lift and all of a sudden, BAM a roll by your armpit, the part that connects with your boobage. My bum cheeks are bigger but actually look a little perky. My face cheeks are a little chubby and I have this weird uneven skin tone thing going on with them. And last but not least, my boobs are already a full cup size bigger. Why am I telling you EVERY ONE of my newly discovered ‘flaws’ as some of you may be thinking in your head…well, it’s because I don’t think they are flaws at all. I am PROUD of every new pound and roll that I have put on in the last 4 months. The most amazing little miracle is happening inside of me and I can’t be more ecstatic about this baby joining mine and Casey’s family. The scale is going to keep getting higher and I swear that I am going to weigh as much as my six foot husband does come July – but last night, I have come to terms that I am completely okay with that. I am okay that every inch that I have always been proud to call mine on my body is changing (meaning getting bigger) and I even am liking parts more that I didn’t like 4 months ago.
I took off the first ‘wish list’ item and chose not to get that one. I didn’t like how it sagged on my hips.
I tried a black lacy one on next. I got a large. It fit perfect everywhere but where my boobs were to be perfectly placed, were like a -A cup size that wouldn’t fit anyone. They need to fix that.
Lastly, I tried on the DARLING one. And loved EVERYTHING about it. SOLD! It extenuated my baby bump and I felt completely and utterly beautiful in it. The only problem…the price tag read $78.
Casey came up behind me on Sunday as I was standing in front of the mirror getting ready, he carefully wrapped his arms around me and placed his hands tenderly on my stomach. He kissed my cheek and said, “I have been dreaming about you being pregnant since my mission”. He too, loves that my body is changing and I love him even more for that.
So to all you mothers out there and soon to be mothers...many of you are much to harsh on your beautiful bodies and I think - you should be proud of what you "NOW" look like. Your husbands, probably dont even notice your flaws and in fact, he probably thinks they are sexy until you start bashing and complaining about it. So dont do it and be confident!!!
