Friend Christmas Party {December 20, 2012}

We went to an ugly sweater party over at Abee and Brady's. Alicia and Abee were in charge and threw such a fun party. Sam hadn't been feeling good, so we didn't know until last minute if we were going to make it or not, so we didn't go get an ugly sweater (lame, I know). We had blast playing silly games and eating all kinds of treats.

We LOVE getting together with everyone. We need to do it more often!

Salt Lake {December 22, 2012}

We went up to Salt Lake to see Ms. Kati and to get some last minute Christmas shopping done. I was so excited when Ash agreed to come with us. We got up there late on Friday, spent the whole day Saturday shopping and enjoying downtown, then picked up and left Sunday morning. It was quick, and so good. Justin was so nice and made us an AMAZING breakfast on Saturday morning.

We shopped most of the day at City Creek. It was so fun and festive. It felt like Christmas. The candy windows and Macy's were AMAZING! We got to meet up with Aunt Kim and Liz for a bit at the mall. and then we met up with Ali and Lukas at IKEA. We got some really fun stuff for the baby and for Ali's bridal shower at IKEA. I also got the baby some really cute jeans at H&M. Its weird to buy things in so many different sizes, I just have no clue what size he'll be, so I have just guess and hope that they work.

Sam had a hard trip. He got dragged around a mall and then IKEA for hours. He made it pretty clear he was not happy about being there. Then, poor guy got sick on Saturday night and was pretty miserable. I am guessing he will probably never come to Salt Lake with me again. Hopefully if we have to go up again he can find something else to do during the day than go shopping.

I finally broke down and bought some maternity clothes. I got some crazy printed jeans and a maroon top. My sisters talked me into it. I must have looked crazy trying to squeeze into my old clothes, and they were embarrassed for me. :)

On Saturday evening we walked around Temple Square and saw all the lights. It was AMAZING, and SO busy! It was incredible to see all the lights and nativity scenes. So beautiful.

All in all it was a good trip, and I was so happy to see Kati and Ali. I miss those sweet girls.

23 Weeks {December 24, 2012}

Merry Christmas Eve! Whoo hoo for being 23 weeks! I feel like my tummy is doing lots of growing. Its pretty fun. I can feel this little guy move a lot more than before and I absolutely LOVE it! I love that I can be somewhere and no one knows that I can feel my little guy wiggling around. I feel like its just something special that him and I get to share right now.  I found this sign that I think says it perfectly:

Isn't that so sweet, and so true!

I have been feeling really pretty good lately. I think I finally have a little more energy than I have in the past. Its been pretty good.

{Week 23--- December 24, 2012}

Dear Baby:

Merry Christmas Eve! I can't wait until next year on this day. It will be so fun to have you in our family and to enjoy the holidays with you here. We got your room started finally! I am so excited for you to play in there. I hope you like how I am decorating it.

Because its Christmas, and we celebrate the birth of Jesus I can't help but think about how Mary must have felt to give birth to Jesus. I think about you all the time and I know that you are extra special. I am sure that Mary couldn't even imagine the impact that her sweet baby would have on the entire world. I guess that the crazy thing about you babies, we have no idea the greatness you will achieve. You will do great things too baby.

We went to Salt Lake over the weekend and got you lots of fun stuff. I bought you lots of clothes and stuff for your room. I couldn't decide on a crib, so you still don't have a bed. I promise we will get you one though. We got to go walk around Temple Square and look at all the Christmas lights. Do you want to do that next year? I would LOVE to take you to see all lights and the temple. I can't wait to show you so many amazing things around the world (especially if you name ends up being Hudson, I will have to take you to see the Hudson River in my favorite place, New York City!)

I hope that you are growing healthy and strong. Love you little one!

Love, Mom

Dr Appt. {December 19, 2012}

Today I got to have another ultrasound. Because we paid to do the gender check, and because I did it so much later, we decided to push my regular "20 Week" ultra sound back a couple of weeks. I liked that better because then we got to check on him twice. It was so fun to see him again. He is such a funny baby. He was all curled up on my side and didn't seem interested in moving around for the tech to get good shots of him. He moved his legs around and crossed his ankles again, but was pretty content to just lay there. I asked the ultrasound tech to keep checking his heart to make sure he was ok, since last time he was wiggling every where. It made me worried at first, but he would wiggle his feet or move his arms around and let me know he was ok. I hope since he was pretty comfortable all cuddled up that means when he gets here he will want to cuddle with me all the time too. The other selfish part of me hopes that maybe it was just too early and he was still sleeping, and that he will like to sleep in the mornings :)

Since he was all snuggled up she couldn't get a good picture of his heart, so she had me jump around and wiggle around to try and get him to move, but no luck. I guess he's use to me doing that kind of stuff at the gym so it doesn't bother him. Finally I just had to turn on my side and the tech had to go in from all these weird angles to be able to see his heart. What a funny boy he is.

Sam wasn't able to come to this appointment, so my mom came with me. I was really glad to have her there. I think it was fun for her to see him too.

I met with the doctor after and she said that everything is looking good, what a relief. She said that he is measuring normal and that he has all the parts he needs, and they are all in the right spots. She said that I am measuring right on track too. I could not have been more happy. I still always get a little emotional when I heart his sweet little heart beat. It has got to be the sweetest sound in the whole world. There is nothing better than hearing the beating heart of your child.

I am so grateful that he is doing so good and that things are going so well. I feel extremely blessed.

Not too many more of these appointments before this little one comes (if everything stays normal I think I have less than 10 appts until my due date). It seems like a lot, but I have learned that they come and go faster than I realize.

Today I feel very grateful for modern medicine and the fact that they can move this little wand on my tummy and get a picture of my baby. How grateful I am for that.

Even though my little guy isn't here yet, I still love being his mama! :)

This is the side of his face, and it kind of looks like he is rubbing his eye. 

His sweet little crossed ankles. I can't wait to see him do that in person. 

His spine. 

Baby Stuff {December 15, 2012}

We have started getting more things ready for this little guy. I finally sewed my first blanket. Its just a recieving type blanket, but I think it will be nice to have. The aqua color pattern on the back is all about travelling and has planes and boats and different landmarks around the world. The front is navy blue with aqua polka dots.I have two more to sew, but I need someone smarter than me to show me how to add some rick rack to the edges, so they are on the back burner for now.

Sam got the rest of painting done in the baby's room. I LOVE how it turned out! It is exactly what I wanted. I am excited to start getting things on the walls and furniture. Yay for progress!

December 16, 2012

Every year my Grandma Cardon has a Christmas party, and it is seriously so fun. We always eat a delicious dinner, and chat for hours. We also act out the nativity scene. Its so fun to see all the little kids up there and we always love to see who ends up as Mary and Joseph. This year Staelie really wanted to be Mary, so of course, Stock had to be Joseph. They were so sweet.

At my Grandma's party we usually try to decorate Gingerbread houses. This is one of my FAVORITE traditions and one that I look forward to every year. The kids did such a good job on theirs this year and made sure the whole thing was COVERED with candy! On our way out of town we stopped and took a couple of pictures of Main Street. Cedar City does such a good job making their Main Street seem like a story book. After my Grandma's party we all agreed it felt more like Christmas!

December 15, 2012

Brandi came down for the weekend because she won't be able to be in town for Christmas. Unfortunately, because of crazy planes and delays she didn't get into town until late on Friday, and then had to turn around and catch a flight home by 3 on Saturday. Well, luckily we were able to make the most of her time here and went to a long lunch a Paradise Bakery. It was so fun to see her and to have almost all of Sam's siblings together. We really did miss Ali! We just love Brandi, and we love that Luke is here for a little while too.

Yay for amazing families and time we get to spend together! 

22 Weeks {December 17, 2012}

I am 22 weeks and feeling pretty good. Its a little weird to read my tracker and see the time remaining getting smaller and smaller. I am getting so excited to meet this little guy, but I feel like I am running out of time to get things ready. I guess it won't really matter if I am ready or not, he'll be here when he decides its time. One more example of the fact that I have no say in what happens. Just lucky to be a part of this whole thing.

I feel like my tummy just popped out all of the sudden. I don't mind it though. I like the fact that its growing, because that means my little guy is growing too. Its weird though because when I see pictures I feel like I look a lot bigger than I feel. Maybe I am just use to my weight fluctuating so this isn't that weird for me to feel bigger? I am sure over the next few months I will notice it more than I do now. Finding clothes has started to be a bigger problem. I have LOTS of tops to wear, but I am running short on bottoms. Almost none of my skirts fit now (probably because I have a hundred tight pencil skirts that zip up). I am left to about 4 things I can wear on the bottom that still fit. I found some dresses at Old Navy that will be fun though. I think I will be able to wear them for a while with leggings. I am starting to think I may have to cave and buy at least a black maternity skirt, just so I can actually look somewhat professional at work. I think my boss may have a come apart if I keep showing up in my red skinny jeans.

I have started to feel this little one move more! It is one the best feelings in the whole world. I always thought it would freak me out a little bit to feel something moving inside of me, but to be honest I just love it. I feel like little wiggles and kicks are my signals that he is still ok in there. I am SO grateful for wiggles and kicks. I feel kind of sad for Sam. I get to lay down and feel this little guy move around, and he hasn't been able to feel that yet. I am so excited for him to be able to feel our baby move. I know he will love it.

{Week 22-   December 17, 2012}

Dear Baby:

We got your room all painted this weekend and ready for furniture. I think you are going to love how it turned out. I hope that we can spend a lot of time in there reading stories and playing with toys (and hopefully you will sleep a whole bunch in there too). This weekend we are going to buy your crib and dresser and bookshelf. I am so excited to pick out all the that stuff for you. Your aunts Kati and Ali are going to come and help me. They are so excited for you to come.

Your Aunt Brandi was here this weekend. She is BEYOND EXCITED for you. She lives far away, but is going to come out and see you when you're born. She loves how big you are making my tummy and couldn't help but try to feel you move. I bet you will just love Brandi.

Your uncle Luke is here for a little while too. He lives far away, even farther than Brandi. He is pretty excited to be your uncle. He bought you a nice warm winter coat (its from Alaska where he lives). He said you will stay nice and warm in it, and you could wear it if we go see him up there. Isn't that so nice of him? You are one lucky baby to have such nice uncles and aunts to watch out for you.

I get to see you again this week. I have another ultrasound. I hope you are just as wiggly as the first time we saw you. This time the doctor is going to make sure that you are growing and that you have everything you need. I am really excited, and hope that they will tell me you are doing great in there.

We love you little one and hope that you are getting all the things you need in there, and that you will be healthy and strong. I am so grateful to be able to carry you and feel so honored to be your mom.

Love you!

Love, Mom

We got, well Sam got the rest of the baby's room painted this weekend. It turned out AMAZING! I am getting really excited to get it decorated. Hopefully this weekend we are going to buy some furniture for it. I want to at least get the crib, dresser, and a bookshelf. I think I will try to keep looking for a glider.  I found one I like, but I want to make sure before I order it. I also need to find a rug.

One of my friends is such a talented graphic designer and is making the cutest custom wall art to hang in his room. I am so excited to see it. I also have another friend who is going to help me get my vinyl lettering cut out to put a saying on some canvas. Then, another friend offered to sew all of the crib bedding! Isn't that amazing! She said she can sew sheets, a crib skirt, and a quilt. I am so lucky to have such talented and generous friends. Sam's mom and family have also offered all kinds of help and support where ever we need it. My family has also been beyond kind and generous. I have been overwhelmed by how kind and thoughtful and generous people have been. So many people have given kind gifts, offered to make or do anything I need, and been extremely supportive. We have even had people offer to babysit him already. I seriously could just sit and cry because I feel so blessed to have such amazing people around us. I am so grateful for the love that we have been shown. I know that this baby will come into a world filled with good people to love and help take care of him. I am very aware it takes a village to raise a child, and I have no intention of trying to do that all on my own. I know I am completely inadequate on my own to raise this sweet child.

I have had a few really good nights sleeping, like I didn't even have to wake up and go to the bathroom. Sometimes I wake up with my hips or my side hurting.

I still am breaking out like crazy, especially on my neck and chest. Its gross.

I have started drinking a little more soda, and I don't feel quite so turned off to it now.

I have really made an effort to start walking more each day, and I really think it is helping how tired I feel.

I am still stretching every night and started doing some stretching on my aerobics ball as well as some stomach exercises. All of those things really help how tight I feel.

I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with a glass of milk. It always sounds good.

My little cheese obsession is starting to fade (thank heavens).

I still getting pretty tired, and cannot force myself to stay up past about 9:30.

My little primary kids love my tummy. They told me on Sunday that they can tell my baby is getting bigger and that he is such a good baby. :)

Growing {December 14, 2012}

I love to take pictures of my growing tummy. It seriously blows my mind that it can change so much in such a short period of time. Here are some comparison pictures of how much I have grown in just a few weeks:

If I compare too far back it makes me a little crazy, but I LOVE to see the changes. 

Currently {December 13, 2012}

Listening: To Christmas pandora
Eating: Candy from Sees that someone brought to my office (oops)
Drinking:WATER
Wearing: A cotton striped dress and leggings (because I am running out of things that fit)
Feeling: Tired but happy
Weather: Cloudy and cold (hopefully going to rain soon)
Want: To take a nap and relax at home
Need: To get a plan together and make Christmas candy and treats  this weekend, to take my Christmas gifts around to friends and neighbors
Thinking:I actually have a lot more I need to get done and that I can hardly wait until my ultrasound next week.
Enjoying: Christmas time, feeling little baby kicks, and being pregnant

Dear Future Self {December 13, 2012}

Dear Future Self:

Kiss the ones you love.
Tell the ones your family that you love them.
Forget those that are mean.
Don't let anyone ruin your day.
Be grateful for bad examples.
Go for a walk.
Remember how blessed you really are.
Try to count your blessings.
Laugh.
Enjoy where you are right now.

Love,
Someone who needs to remember these things. (hopefully that's not still you) :)

Telling the Family {September 26, 2012}

We told my family and Sam's parents the big news last week and it was so much fun. I am trying to remember everyone's reactions:

My Dad "Its about dang time" "So I guess we don't need to talk about where babies come from?" haha I either get his sense of humor more as I get older, or he's getting funnier in his old age :)

Ash: "I thought you might be, I mean you stopped drinking soda!"

Alyson: "Oh, I thought you were! You have been looking so tired lately." haha

Mom - even though she already knew- "Kac we need to tell people soon, I am dying to tell DeAnn!"

Kate-even though she already knew- "Yeah! Congratulations!"

Sydney: "I am so excited for you guys! I won't tell anyone until you're ready! You guys will be great parents!" "I can't believe you could keep it a secret from Sam for so long!" "The girls are going to freak!"

Ali- "Are you serious?? I am just so happy"- and crying. It was SO sweet

Brandi: "I am so excited! I am coming down for sure, when... April? Ok, I'll be there!" Brandi was THRILLED, and it made Sam even more excited

Brooke: "Oh my gosh are you serious!? Congratulations! I am so excited for you guys!" Brooke texted later and asked if she could tell Alex. :) We love that everyone is as excited as we are!

Sydney reminded us that this will be Grandma Susan's first great grand baby. She will be so excited!

Sam is being the sweetest lately. He started reading all the books and pamphlets they gave me at the doctor and has looked at my pregnancy tracker app too. He is so excited and can't wait for the whole world to know. I am so lucky to have him. He seriously has given me all the reactions and excitement I had hoped he would and is really taking the whole thing seriously. He wants to come to the appointments, and wants to read the books. I am so glad he is such a good guy. He checks on me through out the day and is willing to do whatever I need or want him too. I think with the excitement of everything I am getting extra spoiled, but I'll take it even if its just for a little while.

My Mom {December 6, 2012}

I am so lucky to have such a good mom. She is the best thing. Words can't even begin to describe how much I love and appreciate my mom. She is my best friend. I am so lucky to have such an amazing example in my life. My mom is so considerate. She is so humble, and kind. She loves to serve other people, and does it all the time. She is compassionate and thoughtful. She relates to people, and genuinely loves her neighbor. She is sacrifices her wants and needs to meet the needs and wants of those around her. I just love her.

I am so glad she is my mom.

I love you mom!

21 Weeks {December 10, 2012}

Things have been going pretty good lately. Still growing and still get pretty tired, but all in all doing really good. I think I can feel him move, its still hard for me to tell whats me and what is the baby. Most times I just assume its him because I like that thought a lot better.

I have started buying him a few more things. It hard to know what to get and what size to get. I think it will be much easier for shop for him once he's here. Then I will know what looks cute and what will fit him. I found some really cute moccasins. I bought them in two sizes so he can wear them for a long time. I also found this really cute Halloween costume. I know that sounds crazy, but Old Navy was having a way good sale and I had coupons, so I got this adorable tiger costume for 2 dollars. You can't beat that!

I have still been breaking out in weird places (like the side of my neck). It doesn't bother me, only when  I see it in the mirror, then it bugs me a lot. Other than that things have stayed pretty much the same. Not a lot of changes other than just growing.

{Week 21-- December 10, 2012}

Dear Baby:

I am just getting so excited to meet you. I watched a show the other day about a couple that had a baby. They filmed going to the hospital, being at the hospital, and then after they took the baby home. It was fun to think that in just a few short months we will be doing that with you. We are so excited to be able to do bring you home and have you in our family.

I can't wait to meet you and learn about you. I wonder what your favorite color will be, or if you like sports. I wonder if you will be loud like me, or quite like your dad. I wonder if you will like trucks and cars like Stockden, or if you will find something else that you like more. I wonder if you will be a mama's boy, or daddy's helper. I wonder if you will be crazy or chill. I wonder if you will have dark hair or light hair. I wonder what color your eyes will be. Its fun to wonder what you'll be like, but I think I will have more fun when I can finally answer all those questions.

If there is one thing that I hope you know right now, and that you never forget is that you are wanted, you were planned for, and you are such a blessing. Those things are just as true today as they will be in 50 years. You are such a blessing. We feel incredibly lucky to be your family. We love you little one!

Keep growing strong and getting big!

Love you!

Love, Mom

Here's the tummy at 21 weeks:

Thankful {December 5, 2012}

I did a horrible job at taking pictures at Thanksgiving this year, and I never really posted very much about what we did, slacker. I guess I just love writing about this baby more. This year we were with my mom's family. I absolutely love going with them. Bailey drove down from Wyoming and it was so fun to see her. We decided it had been at least a year from the last time I saw her. That's just too long. Stockden and Kelsey's little boy Ryne played together and were so sweet. They just instantly became best friends and never really left each other's side the whole day. We tied a quilt, mom and DeAnn love the new tradition they started of tying a quilt every year we're together. It really is fun to sit down and do that for a little while, and with all the hands we have it goes pretty fast. This year it was for one of Bart's kids.

This time of year is one of my favorites. I love that there is a whole day dedicated to being thankful and acknowledging our blessings. I am HORRIBLE about getting into my same routine and forgetting just how blessed I really am. So, here are a few things that I am so grateful for this year.

1. My mom. She is such a sweetheart and one of my best friends. I am so lucky to have her. She is so caring and giving and considerate. She shows me the best example of compassion and constant service. She is such a huge blessing in my life. 
2. My dad. I am so grateful for my dad. He always makes me laugh and has the best way of balancing laughter and fun with wisdom and kindness. He is the one I turn to with all of my questions and dilemmas. He always has the best advise. I trust him completely and know that he always has my best interest at heart. He is such a hard worker and has shown me a great example of being humble and never giving up. He really is the rock of our family. 
3. My sisters. I am so blessed to be so close to my sisters. They are my best friends. I enjoy spending time with them and have been so blessed to be able to travel to amazing places with them. Each of them brings their own set of strengths and talents and I am so lucky to have each of them. I am so grateful for their friendship, kinds words and actions, and listening ears. 
4. Sam's family. I feel so incredibly blessed to have married into such an amazing family. I have felt so much love and acceptance from them and their kindness has never ceased to amaze me. They are so kind to one another and show so much consideration for each other. They are one of the kindest families I have ever met. I am so grateful for their welcoming arms and love. I am so blessed to have such a sweet, generous, considerate mother-in-law and father-in-law. I am so grateful for their examples. I am so grateful to be able to learn from them. One thing that I really admire about Sam's whole family is how expressive of love they are. They are always telling each other just how much they love and care for each other. I really admire that about them. 
5. Sam. There are so many things about Sam that I am grateful for. I am grateful that he is my best friend. I am grateful that we can laugh and have fun together. I am grateful for his example of forgiveness. He forgives, and asks for forgiveness so quickly. I am grateful for the hard worker that he is. I can honestly say that being married to Sam has made me a better person. He is so sweet and complimentary. He is so willing to help and do whatever I need. I feel truly blessed to have him in my life. I am also so grateful that we get to have this little boy together. I feel so lucky to have him as my partner. I am looking forward to seeing him as a dad and feel so grateful that he is this little one's dad. 
6. I am grateful for work, our home, and for having our needs met. 
7. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to be pregnant. I feel so humbled by the experience and am truly honored to be able to carry this sweet baby, and to be able to welcome this sweet little guy into our family. 
8. I am grateful for our extended family. We feel so much love and support from all sides of our families. We are so lucky to have so many amazing examples and friends that we get to call family. I am so grateful for each person on every side of our family. 
9. I am grateful for the church. I am so grateful for the knowledge that it brings. I am grateful for insight that I have because of it, and the knowledge and faith for something so much greater than myself. 
10. I am grateful for prayer. 
11. I am grateful for eternal families. 
12. I am grateful for primary, and especially my primary kids. They bring me so much joy and share so much love. I am so thankful for my calling in primary. 
13. I am so grateful for St. George. I love living here and enjoying just how beautiful the area is. I am so glad that I get to call this area home. 
14. I am grateful for our dog Gator. He really has been the best addition to our family. I love seeing him when I get home and I am so grateful for his companionship. He is such a sweet dog. 
15. I am grateful for modern medicine and the ability I have to see my baby before he is born and to hear his heart beat. 
16. I am grateful for education and knowledge. I love to learn and am so grateful that I have had so many opportunities to learn in so many different environments. 
17. I am so thankful for my friends. I have been so blessed to have such great friends. I have been blessed in so many different ways and at many different times be each of my friends, and I am so grateful for that. I am so lucky to have my friends in my life. 
18. I am grateful for bad examples. I think I more just as much from people who have shown me what I don't want as I have from people showing me what I do want, and I am thankful for the guidance and direction I get from seeing what I don't want. 
19. I am grateful for my nieces and nephew. I am grateful that my sister has allowed us to be such a big part of their lives. I am grateful for each one of them. They bring so much to our family. I am grateful for the experiences they gave me, and how it has hopefully helped prepare me to be a mom. 
20. I am grateful to live in the United State of America. So blessed to have freedom and the ability to pursue my dreams and goals. 

I just love this bump {December 5, 2012}

I wish there was a better way for me to describe just how lucky I feel to have this sweet little boy in my tummy. I feel completely honored to be able to watch my tummy grow and know he is in there getting bigger. Even though our little guy isn't here yet, I still feel like being a parent is the best thing ever. I am also really aware of how inadequate I am, and am very humbled that my heavenly father still trusted me to take care of this little guy. Feeling incredibly blessed and grateful for this bump today.

20 Weeks {December 3, 2012}

Time is seriously going by SOOO fast! I can't believe it. Sometimes I wish it would slow down, but then other times I am so glad time is flying by. We have started to get more things ready for this sweet little one to get here. Sam started painting the room, its not done yet, but we're on our way. Its a REALLY light shade of gray, I am trying to decide if I should do darker gray stripes or white ones on one wall. At first I really wanted white, but the paint color is so light, I don't know how well white will show up. I am going to get some white paint and paint the trim and see how I like the contrast, then decide. Sam's mom made a fun blanket for the baby, and then got him some other cute gifts. Its so fun that our families are SO excited too. I love enjoying this with them.

Last night was my family's temple party. Every year at Christmas time we go to the temple visitor center and watch the family movie and then walk around and see the lights, then go back to my mom's and have dinner. We usually do it with my mom's whole family, but this year it was just us. It was a lot of fun and I know my mom just loves going. Its nice to get together and just talk and eat and hang out. Its a really fun tradition.

Ali set a date on her wedding, March 30, 2013. We hopefully have a shower date too, March 2, 2013. My goal is to get most everything done for it in January so I don't have to worry if I start feeling awful later on. I really hope that I can have everything for the baby's room and for the shower COMPLETELY done by February. Its strange planning like that, but I feel like I kind of have to. I have no idea what the future will bring or how I will be feeling. I guess this is a good way to stop all my procrastinating huh.

{Week 20-- December 3, 2012}

Dear Baby:

You are getting pretty big in there. I think I can feel you move sometimes too! Its so fun to know that you're in there and wiggling around. We have started getting your room ready and I hope you like it. Its hard to know the things you will like once you get here. Your Grandma Sydney made you a cute blanket and got you some cute things to wear. We are so excited to use them with you once you get here.

We still don't have a name picked out for your for sure yet. I still really like the name Hudson, but your dad just is not sold on it. We also threw out the name Cash for you. I like that name too, just not as much as Hudson. Your dad wants to name you Ben now. He also thinks we should name you Ricky. I told him that your middle name is already Ricky, but he's still trying to make that you're first name. You talk to your Grandpa Ricky about naming you that, but I think he'll side with me and say that we need to have Ricky be your middle name. You let me know what he says.

I hope that you are loving hanging out with everyone in heaven, and that they are getting you all ready to come to our family here. You'll have to let us know how they're doing once you get here. Don't worry about missing them, we will show you lots of pictures of them once you get here. Make sure you tell them we love them though!

We are so excited for April and for you to come join our family. We can hardly wait to meet you.

Love you lots!

Love, Mom

Pregnancy is the strangest thing. All the changing hormones and constantly changing body, its like a new adventure every day, what am I going to wake up to today? Some of my least favorite thing are:

• Breaking out like crazy, and not just on my face. Its on my neck, arms, legs, and shoulders. Its crazy.
• Heartburn. I have NEVER had heartburn in my life before, but at night it feel like my throat is burning and my stomach is churning. 
• Random side and weird little pains. Randomly my back will hurt or my side will hurt. Its funny when it hits because it kind of scares me, and then I remember I'm pregnant and its normal to have weird little things happen. 
• Having to go to the bathroom all the time. Its just fun to have to go to the bathroom three times on a trip to the grocery store. :) 
• Sore boobs. I know that's a little personal, but its crazy how bad they can hurt. 

Some of my most favorite things about being pregnant:

• Watching my tummy grow. I love to wake up in the morning and see it get bigger and bigger. 
• Feeling movement. This one crosses out all the negative things about pregnancy plus a few more. One of the coolest miracles ever. 
• Going to my appointments and hearing the heart beat. It never ceases to amazing me when I hear it. 
• Watching my body prepare for whats ahead- its one of the most amazing things, its like watching a miracle happen everyday, having no control over it, but getting to enjoy a front row seat. 

I have been doing really good as far as sickness and such goes. I still get pretty tired lately but all in all its not too bad. I feel really lucky so far, I hope that means the second half of my pregnancy is going to be really hard?? Cross your fingers for me. 

Well, here is the 20 week bump. Its getting pretty fun huh!?