30 Things- #20

20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

1. This may sound strange, but one significant memory from my childhood is when I was about 8 my sister's extremely abusive alcoholic boyfriend came over to the house. He was really mad and was yelling at everyone. My dad would not let him in the house so he was just yelling and swearing at my dad from the front door. My dad was calm and kept telling him he needed to leave. I remember my sister was in her room crying and upset. Me and Ash were in our room trying to go to bed (I distinctly remember is was school night). My bedroom window at the time was right by the front door, and my bed just happen to be right next to the window. I remember being SO scared. I remember whispering to my sister Ashlee and begging her to come let me sleep in her bed. She finally agreed. It was pretty traumatic. I remember worrying he would try to get into our house through my window. The funny thing is I had no idea what it meant to be drunk or that he was the one hurting my sister and that the reason she was crying because he had hit her, but  after that day I hated him, and I knew that he was a bad person. I am grateful that my little brain did not comprehend what was really happening. I wonder to this day what I would have done if I really would have understood the situation (or why no one called the cops on him). I am grateful for the insight I have now, and to be able to look back on this incident and no matter how much of it I understood, I knew I did not want to have that kind of chaos in my life, and I did not want to date someone who treated me (or my family) the way he did. I honestly consider that night a pretty life changing night. It was the night I knew I would not allow someone into my life that brought that much chaos, anger, and created so much fear. I am scarred from, and grateful for that night for so many reasons.  

2. I remember having the most fun in the summer time. All of the neighborhood kids would get together and play games, go to the swimming pool, have popcorn and punch sales, walk to Little Nisson's and get treats, build huts in the weeds, run through the sprinklers, have sleep overs on the tramps, and get into lots of trouble. I feel like I had the best childhood summers. I don't think I could have asked for a better situation: plenty of friends, lots to do, and freedom. 

3. During the summers as a child I loved to go to the horse races. My grandpa raced horses and I remember loving to go and cheer and bet on them. The smell of cigarettes, beer, horses, and cooking hamburgers will always be extra special to me. Here's one of my favorite pictures to prove we were die hard fans: 

That's us picking out the horses that would win in the other races (we obviously always picked my grandpa's horses on the races they were in). 

30 Things- #19

19. How did you feel the moment you became a parent?

I'll let you know. 

30 things- #18

18. What do you think your spouse loves most about you?

What an interesting question to ask, I have never actually thought about that. I would guess that Sam loves that I am spunky, funny, and try to be thoughtful. I honestly wonder what he would say it is... hmmm maybe we'll have to ask him :). 

30 Things- #17

17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

I wish I was good at a lot of things that I am not. Here are few:

1. Singing
2. Dancing
3. Listening
4. Keeping my mouth shut
5. Staying calm
6. Sports 
7. Saving money
8. Doing hair and makeup
9. Cooking
10. Studying 

Baby Update {January 30, 2012}

Today I got my Rogam shot. It wasn't bad AT ALL! (I may regret saying that later because I feel like the injection site may be sore, but the shot itself was easy). I passed all my tests, and found out my iron level actually went up! I can hardly believe it! I have ALWAYS had low iron, so any sign of my levels going up is amazing. When I was in 9th grade I decided to become a vegetarian and cut out all meat and eggs from my diet. I was obviously very immature and did not realize how much I needed to compensate for those exclusions. I got pretty sick and I don't feel like my iron levels have ever really recovered from that. (Until now hopefully).

I honestly feel so incredibly blessed to have things go so smoothly so far. I am hoping and praying they continue to go well, and after each good visit I have a little celebration that we have one more good visit under our belt.  (I say our because me and this little one are currently sharing a waistline :) ).

We may have also come up with a new name for the baby. Sam said he likes that much better than Hudson. So, if it wins this little one may be names:

Hayes Ricky Weldin 

We'll see what happens. I still haven't given up in Hudson. :) 

30 Things- #16

16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

1. Running marathons. 
2. Buying a house when I was 22.
3. Working up slowly and becoming a paralegal (and a good one). 
4. My family (marrying Sam and starting a family). 
5. Getting my associates degree (hopefully in a few years I can say Bachelors, and then masters degrees too). 

30 Things- #15

15. Describe when you knew your spouse was the one or how I fell in love.

I don't really believe in love at first sight. I think you can lust someone at first sight, or have a connection at first sight, but deep real actual love I think comes a lot harder and slower than that. I would not say that there was one big moment where I just felt like he was the one, but a combination of little moments. I remember watching him with my nieces and nephews and thinking that he would make such a great dad. 

While we were dating I worked at Steamroller and I remember he would bring me lunch when I worked all day on Saturday, and would bring the girl I was working with lunch too. I loved that about him. 

We trained for and ran a marathon together before we go married and I think that was one of the best things we ever did. He helped me when I was tired and we pushed each other. My knee was hurt that year and he would always stretch me out when we stopped. He checked on me and cared about me, and I could see that. I knew that I didn't want to let that go. 

I remember when we were engaged I spent a lot of time praying and trying to get huge confirmation that I was doing the right thing. Then, one day I realized I wouldn't really ever know it was the right thing until I did it, but I did know that I didn't want to be with anyone else and I didn't want him to be with anyone else either. It was as simple and as complicated as that. 

30 Things - #14

14. Describe 5 and weaknesses strengths you have.

Weaknesses: 
1. I am quick to get upset and loose my patients faster than I would like. 
2. I have no coordination.
3. I give up too easily.
4. I have a hard time forgiving.
5. I have no self control with candy and sweets. 


Strengths:
1. I don't usually let people sway me one direction or another. 
2. I work hard. 
3. I am fairly creative. 
4. I can usually learn things pretty quickly.
5. I can memorize things pretty well. (except for lately I have been pretty forgetful). 

30 Things - #13

13. What’s the hardest part of growing up?

This one is easy to answer (but seriously the WORST part about growing up) more responsibility (and therefore less time and money to play). 

30 Things- #12

12. Describe a typical day in your current life.

Currently my life in kind of on autopilot. I just have enough energy to really sway much from my routine. Its sad how simple the routine is too: Wake up, eat a Pb&J and drink a glass of milk, work, lunch, home, gym, eat, bath, sleep. Repeat. 

During the summer time (and when I'm not so pregnant) we loved to take Gator swimming after work, or go to the lake and swim with him. We loved to go run in the evenings, or head to the gym for more than 45 minutes. The weekends are a little better, and not quite so mundane. I love to go to Target with my mom and sisters on Saturdays. We also love to go get doughnuts and get a SWIG and go walking. 

I can hardly wait to see what our days look like once baby Weldin gets here. It will be fun to see how different they are. 

30 Things- #11

11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

1. I hate whining.
2. I hate when people are entitled.
3. I hate when people are mean just to be mean.
4. I hate when people don't want to work hard for things they want. 
5. I hate slow/distracted drivers.
6. I hate when you are talking to someone on the phone and they start talking to someone else- or if you talking to them in person and they start talking to someone on the phone. 
7. I hate laziness.
8. I hate when people discount someone else's hard work. 
9. I hate clutter.
10. I hate when people repeat what I say back to me. 
11. I hate when people say the same thing twice (even though I do it ALL the time).
12. I hate when people are unwilling to try new things.
13. I hate when pants are just a little too short.
14. I hate when girls dumb themselves down. 
15. I hate when guys say anything mean about a girl -- another girl can say something mean, but it drives me crazy when guys say mean things-- even if I don't like the girl. 
16. I hate heavy cakey makeup.
17. I hate long finger nails. 

(Oops, I guess I have a lot of pet peeves)

28 Weeks {January 28, 2013}

Hello Third Trimester! I can't believe I am in the home stretch! This little guy is a moving machine right now. The other morning I woke up and felt him move and kick me like crazy for almost ten minutes. My mom and Kate have felt him move now. I can see him kick my stomach when I am just sitting at my desk sometimes, and it always makes me laugh. I feel pretty big and am having a harder time finding things to wear as far as pants go. I am still doing ok on shirts. I tried to put my normal jeans on the other day, luckily I could get them up, but doing them up wasn't happening. I have started to think about buying a belly band, because if I would have had one, I could have totally worn my jeans, and probably my skirts and dress pants too. If I ever find one on sale, I'll buy it.

My ribs, back, and hips have been hurting pretty bad lately. Luckily if I can get up and move I feel much better. I am grateful the pain doesn't last for very long. I have been sleeping REALLY good lately (knock on wood). It takes me a minute to get comfortable, but I can usually sleep through most of the night and I feel like I am getting a pretty restful sleep. I am so grateful for that.

I feel myself wanting to get back into shape already, and I can feel that the bigger I get the harder thats going to be for me. I have been pretty content to get bigger and bigger, but I am starting to miss working out hard and I can feel myself wanting that back. I hope that lasts, so after I deliver I will be extra motivated to get back into shape. I do not want to be one of those moms that takes two years to get back into shape.

{Week 28  January 28, 2013}

Dear Baby:

I absolutely love feeling you move around. You are getting so much stronger, and I am THRILLED about that. You like when I work out and it feels like you do your own work out in my tummy after I get done. I love it and it makes me think you are going to be an active little one when you get here.

We have thrown out a few different names for you. The ones I said were:

Lincoln 
Nixon
Hudson
Krue 

Your dad threw out:

Jay
Benny
Ricky
Parlee 

We came to an agreement that your dad is going to try to come around to Hudson, and I will try to be more open to names he throws out. Naming you has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. I wish you could tell us what your name should be.

Only 12 weeks until we meet you!

Love, Mom

Update:
-I still have my rash/breakout on my neck, chest, and shoulders. It seems to be doing a little better than it has in the past. Just one of those I hope just goes away after I deliver.
- I feel extremely large and wonder how on earth I am going to get back to a normal size.
- I haven't noticed swelling yet, which is so nice.
- I have started reading books about breast feeding and raising boys. Two of the things that scare me the most (besides the actual delivery).
- I am so scared that because my pregnancy has been so mild, that means I am going to have a horrible delivery. I worry most that something will go wrong with him. I feel much better when people tell me that my doctor is the best one for complicated deliveries.
- Sometimes I wonder what it will be like when I go into have him- will I be calm and ready? Freaked out and crying? Scared and anxious? Ornery and  irritable?
- I have started to think about a hospital bag, and what I need. It makes me a little nervous, but I am excited to get a cute new bag.
- I can be pretty irritable lately, but luckily it doesn't last too long.

30 Things- #10

10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.

I have had a lot of embarrassing moments, so I will just share the most recent awful one. Its kind of a long story, but to make it short I wore a flowy dress one day to school and everyone walking into my class saw that I wear G's, and of course it happened just as I walked into the class and had to spend the rest of class with all those people. :) 

30 Things- #9

9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

1. My mom. My mom's voice is one of three voices that are usually in my head when I make decisions. She has shown me how to forgive and be unselfish. She has shown me an amazing example of a strong woman, but one that also enjoys her roles a s mother and wife. She has shown me true compassion and forgiveness. I honestly believe that she is the reason that me and my sisters feel like we can be accomplished in a professional environment as well as at home. 

2. My dad. My dad's voice is one of the other voices in my head when I make decisions. My dad is strong and kind and one of the most giving people I have ever met. He is always serving others and seems to be the one that so many turn to for help and advice. My dad never accepted less from me that what he knew I was capable of. He was always the one pushing me to study more and to make sure I went to class. I have always hated disappointing him. 

3. Sam. Sam really has influenced my life in so many ways, and so many of those ways I don't think I ever imagined would be impacted. He calms me down. He is helping me learn to soften my voice and to watch me tone. He helps me take off my hard exterior. He has helped me learn to never judge on first appearance and that people are capable of change. He is the least judgmental person I know. He is so likable and has taught me to just relax and enjoy where I am. 

4. Alyson. My sister Alyson has influenced my life in more ways than I really would like to admit. She is very good at paving her own path and helping me see things I want and don't want in life. She has taught me what unceasing forgiveness looks like. 

5. Kati. Kate has always been someone that I have looked up to. She has shown me how to be myself and how to be comfortable with that. She is such an amazing listener. She has helped me see that I can be my own person and still fit in with people around me. She has also been a big influence me trying to get my education. 

6. Ashlee. Me and Ash have always been close (mostly because we shared a room growing up and had no choice). Ash is the one has helped me see how what I do affects other people. She is taught me more about emotions and relationships just by watching her than I ever learned on my own. She has shown me what courage and adventure look like, and that doing hard things is the best thing ever. 

7. My grandparents. I have the sweetest Grandma that has influenced my life in so many ways. She is another great example of a hard working woman inside and outside of the home. My Grandma Mack influenced my life by showing me that you are never too old for adventure. She also taught me how to be a spitfire. My grandpas both showed me what hard work looks like and that giving service is the best way to be remembered. 

8. My friends. I have had a best friend since I was only a few months old. She has been such a great influence in my life. She has shown me such undying loyalty and friendship. She has always stood up for me and looked out for me. I would also say that I have had other friends in my life that have shown me exactly what I don't want in life, and I am equally grateful for that insight. 

9. My sister's ex-boyfriend. This may seem crazy but he showed me exactly what I don't want in a boyfriend and spouse. He taught me all the signs of what an abusive, controlling, manipulative person looks like. Almost to a fault I avoid everything that looks like him now. I am grateful to be able to see that so early in life  what I do not want, and was able to avoid a lot of heartache because of it. As much as I hated him, he did impact me life. 

10. I can't think of any one else right now. :) 

30 Things- #8

8. What are 5 passions you have?

1. I love exercise and nutrition. I am not always the best a following a strict diet or exercising all the time, but I love to do it and I love to learn about it and share the information I learn. 

2. I love to plan parties. I love to put things together and to try to make the vision in my head come to life. I love being able to plan something for someone that they could never really do for themselves- but really want. 

3. I love to decorate- and redecorate my house. Its a lot the same as the party planning of that I love to dream things up and see if I can make them come to life. 

4. I really actually love to write. I am not always very good at it, but I love to put my thoughts down on paper and to look back over what I have written and either remember fun times or look for ways I have improved, or look for ways I need to improve. 

5. This one is kind of lame- but I really love to shop. Its therapeutic for me and I love find new things. 

30 Things- #7

7. What is your dream job, and why?

I have actually put a lot of thought into this one. My dream job is a combinations of things. I would to work almost as a sub-contractor for a number of different types of businesses and spend my time doing a number of different things. So, I would like to do a little bit of event planning and hopefully work through a florist to do it. Just come in and help people that are planning showers or parties get things together and come up with really creative new things to decorate with. I don't really ever want to do a ton of wedding planning just parties and showers. 

Then I would like to work part time as a dietitian. I have about talked myself into going back up to SUU to finish my degree in nutrition and I would love to go on and get my masters. I think it would be fun to have a few select clients- or teach just a few classes a week. I don't want to work with people that really don't want the help, and I don't want to do a lot of post-op counseling. Just the fun weight-loss or family counseling groups. 

I would also like to write a few demands on the side and still do a little bit of paralegal work. 

I also thought it would be kind of fun to get my secondary ed certificate and teach a class or two in a high school or at a college. 

The key to my dream job is flexibility in my schedule and doing a variety of jobs- not being tied to a desk or to one particular thing. I would love to be able to pick and choose the people I work with and the jobs I do. The good thing about my dream job is that if I can go finish my school and get a few certificates, it may be a real possibility. (dare to dream). 

30 Things- #6

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?

Wish 1- I would wish for lots of money. I would love to have lots of extra money to go to school and to vacation as much as I wanted. 

Wish 2- I would wish for all my friends and family to always be healthy. 

Wish 3- I would wish for violence in the world to end. (Sounds a little pageant-ish but I think if violence was gone the world would be a so much nicer place.) 

30 Things- #5

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

1. Sunshine

2. Sees Candy and a diet pepsi from Swig

3. My family

4. Exercise

5. Gator 

30 Things- #4

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

1. The whole world does not revolve around you.

2. Go to class, all the time. Its way easier than making it up.

3. Save some money.

4. Watch out for people that are getting bullied, and always try to be their friend. 

5. Stop being so self-conscious and just relax.

6. Name brands do not equal cute clothes. 

7. Don't be afraid to try something new, and take every chance you can to try new things.

8. Study for all your tests. 

9. Talk to people, you may have more in common that you think. 

10. Enjoy every minute of being a teenager. 

11. Enjoy filling up your car for $1.10 a gallon- its not going to last. 

12. Enjoy driving a free car. 

13. Exercise more. 

14. Your parents are not the enemy

15. Don't let one person's opinion of you change how you feel about your self. 

16. Dye your darker- you look much better with darker hair. 

(Ok, so I did more than I should have, I just really needed some advice when I was 16). 

30 things- #3

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse.

This one is a little strange to write about because I feel like a lot of things in my relationship are pretty private (and I like it that way). So, I guess that's a good place to start, I feel like Sam and I are pretty good about keeping a lot of our relationship between the two of us. We don't really involve our friends and family in decisions we make or arguments we have, and I love that. We are pretty silly and we laugh A LOT together. I feel like we have a really strong friendship first, and a romantic relationship second. I feel like we are a good balance for each other. He is really laid back on somethings, and really uptight on other things, and it seems like the areas where he is laid back that's where I am up tight and the areas where I am uptight he is laid back. He is the fix man, and I am the idea lady. He is the practical one, I am the dreamer. He is hands on guy, and I am problem solver. He is the best forgiver and has started to teach me how to do it better. I am the go-getter and he is so good to just let me go and do all my crazy ideas. I don't feel like we have "gender roles" in our relationship, which is good because I don't think I could handle that. There are certain things that I always do, and certain things that Sam always does but I feel like those are more based on our likes and dislikes and weaknesses and strengths verses male verses female. 

I love the relationship we have, and I am glad that is continually changing and growing. I think the relationship we have now is the best its ever been, and I hope that it continues to change to the the new best. 

30 Things- #2

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

The term "legitimate"  really throws me on this one. I think if you are scared of something is pretty legitimate, even if its completely irrational. So, I am just going to write three of my biggest fears (besides the obvious ones of loosing my family). 

1. I am terrified of getting crushed. I will never go down into a tight cave or crawl space because it scares me way too bad, but I would not say that I am claustrophobic. I have no idea why I am so scared of it. 

2. I am deathly scared of snakes, and luckily I have only ever seen one out in the wild. It was ironically during the marathon this past year and they only reason I saw it is because I turned around in enough time to see it cross the road. It was tiny and probably way more scared of us than we were of him. They still scare me to death though. 

3. I am pretty scared of getting attacked while I am jogging or going to my car at night. Because of that I always practice all the self defense tricks they teach you and I always park under lights when I know my car will be somewhere after dark. 

30 Things- #1

I posted this list of 30 things your kids should know about you, but since it going to take me some time to get through the whole list, I decided to post each item as an individual post (and partially because when I print the book for baby Weldin it will be easier to pull these posts out). So, here goes: 

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.

1. I am the youngest of four girls.
2. I have been friends with my best friend since she was born almost 26 years ago. (I'm older than her, so our friendship had to start after she got here :) ) 
3. I like to learn, and wish I could go to school all the time. 
4. I have been a paralegal for almost 6 years.
5. I don't really like law stuff, I just like doing something I am good at, and apparently that's paralegal work. 
6. I love to exercise and especially run. 
7. I have run 8 marathons, and plan on running a lot more. 
8. I am short, and I like that I am. 
9. I think my mom is the sweetest person on earth. 
10. I take almost everything my dad says as fact.
11. I feel like I am the same person now, as I was when I was in kindergarten (and I honestly feel more like myself than I have in my whole life). 
12. I love color. 
13. I love to travel more than just about anything. 
14. I love to travel with my sisters most of all, but having my whole family there is a close second. 
15. I love New York, and feel like me and my sisters were meant to live there one day. 
16. When I was growing up, the life I imagined I would live looks more like the life my sister lives, and I thought that her life would look more like what mine does. (does that make sense?). (and that sister is Ashlee). 
17. Most things I buy are because I like the way they packaged it. 
18. I love candy and  I always have some with me, some at my house, and some in my desk, ALWAYS. 
19. When I first met my husband, I didn't like him at all. Now I think he is one of the coolest people I know.
20. I wish I lived by the ocean (but still in St. George, so I guess I just wish St. George was by the ocean). :) 

30 Things {January 25, 2013}

I found this post on Pinterest about 30 things that your kids should know about you, and I thought it was incredibly interesting. Here is the list:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your spouse.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. What’s the hardest part of growing up?
14. Describe 5 and weaknesses strengths you have.
15. Describe when you knew your spouse was the one or how I fell in love.
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What do you think your spouse loves most about you?
19. How did you feel the moment you became a parent?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. Describe your relationship with your parents.
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. What’s your favorite holiday and why?
24. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about parenthood?
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What’s your favorite quality in your spouse?
29. What are your hopes and dreams for your prosperity?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

I love these types if things, and so I couldn't help but want to write these things down for little baby Weldin. The only thing that bothers me about these types of things is that I feel like he'll probably want to know about more than just me, I am sure he will want to know what his dad's answers would be and even his grandparents. So, I printed off the questions and hopefully everyone will comply and I can get Sam, my parents, his parents, and my grandma to humor me and fill it out. I would LOVE to be able to put all of our answers in his baby book, and to be honest I would love to know how our parents would answer. I think it will be so fun to have around. I think this is one of those things that is constantly changing though, so we may have to do a repeat in 5 or 10 years and see how we have changed. So, wish me luck, but hopefully I will have at least 6 lists of answers to share put into this little one's baby book before April. 

27 Weeks {January 21, 2013}

My most favorite things of this past week- getting woken up by Baby Weldin kicking my stomach- hard. At first I didn't fully notice that is what had woken me up, but sure enough he kicked again, and again, and again. I laid there and just felt him kicking and wiggling for quite a while. It was the best thing in the whole world. I even laughed out loud at some points because my whole stomach moved with him. I guess that means he's getting bigger, and nothing makes me happier. I feel like he is going to be such a sweet heart. I feel like every time I start to get nervous that think "Have I felt him move lately?" "Is he doing ok?" He wiggles or kicks and reassures me that the is still doing good. I feel like he just knows what I am thinking and wants to make sure I know he's ok ( I hope that always lasts).

The name battle has been getting pretty heated lately. We are both SO stubborn. Sam wants me to come up with more options, and I don't want to because I already like the name I have chosen. I told him that if he doesn't like what I picked, he needs to do the leg work and find a different one. I am perfectly happy to name this sweet little one Hudson. In fact, I may or may not have started ordering things with the letter H on them (don't tell Sam).

I have overcome my fear of having a baby shower, and plans have started for one. My sweet sisters have offered to throw it for me. We are thinking the end of March will be best. I am actually pretty excited to get everyone together and hopefully get some good mommy advice. I have gotten so overwhelmed by all the baby products out there, that I really just need some good solid advice on whats important and what sucks. I have been asking people along the way, but it always seems like in our conversations they bring of up some new gadget or item that I have never heard of, and I leave say "What the HELL is that for???" There are A LOT of products I am going to avoid until for some reason I get to the point that I am desperate and go looking for it.

I sewed curtains for the baby room this weekend, but sadly forgot to take pictures. I guess we'll just have to take pictures of a completed nursery instead. (Part of me thinks I will like the curtains more once the room is finished anyways). We only have a few little projects left and the room should be done. We need the name sign (but again the whole name issue is still pretty heated), a chair, and some blinds. Other than that I think things can wait until he's older, or at least here.

This week I go in for my glucose test and the rest of my labs, then I have to get my shot (since my blood type is negative). My doctor told me the labs and test will take a while, so I have am kind of dreading going in, plus you have to be fasting (which does not really go that well with me right now). I guess I need to just knuckle down and do it.

{Week 27  January 21, 2013}

Dear Baby:

I LOVE feeling you move around and wiggle. I can tell you are getting stronger because you can move my whole stomach now. I am guessing you like it when I take a bath, because you just wiggle like crazy every time I get in there. I am hoping that means you will like the water.

We are getting more and more excited for you every day. I can't believe how fast time is going by, and how soon you are going to be here. I can't wait to see what you look like and to get to know the things you like and don't like. I know I tell you this every time, but I love to imagine what life will be like once you're here.

I am almost finished with your room, and pretty excited for you to see it. I am guessing you won't really get to enjoy it for quite a while, but it still fun to make sure its ready for you. Your aunt Brandi sent you such a nice gift this week. Its a monitor so we can see you in your room, even when we're not home. I can talk to you through it and even turn on music for you. I think that will be so fun.

How is everyone in Heaven doing? I hope you are learning a lot from them and enjoying the time you get to spend with them. Make sure you tell them we miss them and we love them. (even though I am sure they already know that).

I love you little baby!

Love, Mom

Update:

-I literally live in leggings- and only a part of me feels bad about it.
-I love spaghetti o's- the the point its almost embarrassing.
-I am back to really liking soda- but am trying to limit myself to just a few a week
- I also love sweets too- and people are getting all kinds of Valentine and Easter candy out. Its awful.
-I love to go walking and have been doing better about going to the gym.
-My low back, bum, and hips hurt a lot when I sit for too long. (I can totally see why they tell you to stop traveling later in your pregnancy, I really can't imagine being in a car for four hours, even now).
- I take a bath almost every night. It helps SO much to relax me and stop all the little aches.
-I still have break outs on my neck especially. Its weird and starts to clear up and look better, and then gets worse again.
- I started buying T-shirts from the Men's section and absolutely LOVE them. I think they are better than maternity shirts. They are long and looser fitting, and worse case scenario I will wear them to work out in after pregnancy (although I may still wear them with leggings and boots because they are just that fun).
- All of the shirts I have bought have something to do with NYC.
- I am starting to feel my travel itch coming again, and I feel like the next little while may get pretty rough. Its like an addiction, and I am jonesing to go somewhere, but probably can't go anywhere for the next 8 months. (maybe even longer depending on how Baby Weldin does).
- I pray he's a good traveler so I can just take him with and go.
- I may have started to plan a trip to Cali for August or September with the hopes that he will be awesome and we can go play on the beach for a weekend.
- I registered for my baby shower and it felt very strange to think that I am going to need all those baby related things.
- I still weirdly love my growing tummy, and love to show it off.
- I have days when I feel so irritated and moody, and other days where I am super happy and content.
- I am getting more and more blunt with people. It can be good, and it can be REALLY REALLY bad.

Here I am at 27 weeks:

See that is one of my men's t-shirts. Its the BEST! 

Dr. Appt Update {January 16, 2013}

Today we had another appointment with the doctor. I get weirdly nervous before each appointment. I think I worry that he is going to tell me there is a problem, and that scares me a lot. Luckily, we are doing really good. I am measuring exactly right on and the baby's heart beat was good a strong. Since I am pretty much in my third trimester (my tracker says it starts at 28 weeks, but the chart at my doctors office says it starts at 25 weeks) so I will start going every other week. We literally set all my appointments for the rest of my pregnancy today- and it was weird. I have 7 appointments left. It makes me a little nervous to think about that.

The one thing we did find out today- no wedding for me and the baby. Sam's little sister is getting married in Salt Lake the end of March, and I talk to the doctor about it today. He said I shouldn't travel that late in the pregnancy. He said he likes when moms stop traveling around 34 weeks, but really nothing after 36. If we calculated right, when Ali gets married I will be 37 and well in to the "no way" zone. I was pretty sad. He explained that this biggest worry with traveling later in pregnancy is that sitting in one position for too long, in conjunction with being so pregnant really increases your risk for blood clots in your legs. He said its just way safer to not. I am pretty sad to miss such a big day for Ali, but I also really want to make sure that the baby and I stay as healthy as possible. I felt horrible when I called and told her this morning. So, I am determined to make her shower extra special and fun. (maybe more for selfish reasons, but nonetheless).

I love being able to report good doctor appointments, and hope that just continues throughout! Yay!

Regular life Update {January 14, 2013}

I realized that I have been documenting all kinds of pregnancy things, and not much from our regular life. (probably because this pregnancy is pretty consuming, but still). I feel like we are in a pretty boring cycle of work, eating, sleep, repeat. We live for the weekends, but by the time we get to Saturday both of us are so tired and have so much to do that we just run all day on Saturday, then crash on Sunday. I guess that's just how it goes sometimes.

Sam has been snowboarding a few times at Eagle Point and absolutely loves it. He tried to go this past weekend, but couldn't find anyone to go with. He was bummed, especially because he got stuck doing all my little errands around the house. Sam has been working so much, which is so good. The only problem has been that is all of the sudden got SOOO cold here and he absolutely freezes everyday. Poor guy is such a trooper though.

Gator is just doing the same old thing. He is such a funny dog. I feel like I am constantly just waiting for him to start talking to me because he feels like such a person. The other day was he was outside, and usually when he is ready to come back in he jumps up on the door and looks in the window, then we know he's ready to come inside. Well, apparently we didn't come fast enough after he jumped up, so he knocked. He literally took his paw and hit it again the door three times. I instantly started laughing and asked Sam if he heard it too, he was already laughing because he had heard it. We love how much a part of our family he is and how happy he makes us. We just love our little Gatorlicious.

I have just been working and being pregnant. I have started to get things ready to hopefully take a few classes in the fall. I am really close to finishing my degree (and actually really close to finishing two different Bachelor's degrees, Human Nutrition and Psychology). I am very tempted to finish both, and to have two bachelors. I just need to decide which one to do first. I enjoy Nutrition much more than Psychology, but I will have to go back to SUU to finish Nutrition and I can finish Psychology at Dixie. The cost and the time commitment are completely different. I have also started looking at what it would take to get my Secondary ED certificate. I wish I had someone who just wanted to pay me to go to school and I would do it all right now, unfortunately, that's not the case so I have to prioritize. Eventually I will do all the schooling I want to do, because I also think it would be a lot of fun to go on and get my Masters in Nutrition. At this point that would mean moving at least to SLC. Hopefully with Dixie going to a University it will only be a matter of time before something closer pops up.

Its weird having Kate be gone all the time. We miss her on Saturdays when we run our errands or go walking. Ash just moved into a new townhouse with some roommates. Her place is really cute and will be a lot of fun in the summer because it has a pool. I think she is really happy to be out on her own. My mom is pretty sad to see her leave though. :) Mom and Dad are both doing really good. Dad is really liking driving a bus and staying busy. Mom is still the same sweetheart she always has been and staying busy poking people with needles. Alys and the kids seem to be doing good. I feel like they are all growing up and doing their own thing now, so we don't get to see them as much as we use to. Luckily she sends us pictures of all the things they are doing so we can stay in the loop.

All in all life is pretty good. Here are a few of my favorite things right now:

1. Good music ( I have especially been loving The Starting Line, Carly Rae Jepson, and JayZ) 
2. Talenti Gelato Ice cream-- its seriously so fattening but so delightful. I have tried the coffee flavor and the peanut butter kind and I am totally addicted! 
3. Good drinks from Swig
4. Interior decorating 
5. Making plans (for school, for trips, for baby).
6. Going for walks with my mom on Saturdays 
7. Baby Dr appts 
8. Work out clothes 
9. Durangos salad 
10. Fresh fruit from Costco   

26 Weeks {January 15, 2013}

I feel like the posts just continue come around so quickly, it is blowing my mind. Well, we are moving forward on the baby front. I have almost everything I need for the nursery, and the rest of the stuff is just a shopping trip or two away. I like that his room actually is starting to feel like a room, instead a storage area. Its fun to see it take shape. I still have not buckled down and bought the fabric for the crib skirt, sheets, and curtains. I just feel way too cheap right now. I will do it though.

Here is my list of things I still need to get before baby comes:
1. Car Seat/stroller
2. Chair
3. Rug
4. Fabric for crib skirt, sheets, and curtains
5. One more box of wipes
6. Outfit to bring him home in
7. Play pen/ portable crib
8. Changing pad (with covers)
9 . Lotions, powders, shampoos
10. Nursing pillow

I think that's it. I hope I have everything else. I guess if I don't we can always go get it after he's here. That is the one thing I keep forgetting is that I can still buy stuff for him after he gets here, I blame it on a combination of hormones and my OCD tendencies.

Here is the stock pile of diapers and wipes I have been working on:

{Week 26 - January 14, 2013}

Dear Baby:

I absolutely love feeling you move around. I was laying down the other night and could watch my tummy move around. It was so fun. Your dad finally felt you move the other day. He was pretty excited about it. We both love knowing that you're in there growing so big and strong. 

We are almost done with your room, and I really like it. I hope you do too. Its gray, red, navy blue, and a little bit of yellow. Lately at night we have been finding Gator sleeping on the floor in your room. I think he knows you'll be here soon and getting excited too. Your dad and I both agree you will probably be Gator's favorite person. I kind of think you will be everyone's favorite person. 

I haven't been eating very healthy the past week or so, and I feel awful about it. So, I went grocery shopping and got some really healthy snacks and things to eat. I always feel really guilty when I feed you unhealthy things, so I promise to do better. 

I took you running this weekend, and you did really good. I however, did not do so great. I only ran a mile or so, but it was a lot harder than I remember (ok maybe not harder than the marathon you and I did). It felt good to get out and run instead of walk the whole time. I am going to try and jog a little more with you. After you get here I hope we can go jogging together all the time.  Hopefully you'll like going with me and Gator. 

Ash moved into her new house over the weekend. At her new place there is a swimming pool, and I already told her that you and I will be over there a lot in the summer to swim. She is excited to hang out with us and go swimming, so get excited for that. We will do lots of fun stuff when you get here.

I just love you so much little one. 

Love, Mom

P.S. I think your dad is coming around to naming you Hudson!! Whooo hooo you almost have a name!

Pregnancy Update:

I am still doing pretty good. I have started feeling pretty tired again, but I think its because I am going like crazy trying to get stuff done. I went like crazy on Saturday and got so much stuff done, but then I paid for it on Sunday. I was completely exhausted and took at 4 hour nap, then went to bed at 8:30. 

My hips and lower back hurt when I lay down for too long in the same position, and my pillow trick isn't quite as effective as it once was. I have just had to start turning over through out the night. 

I have started getting up in the night again to go to the bathroom.... I think I just don't have quite as much room as I did before. I know its probably just going to get worse too :) 

I crave spaghetti o's... and when I eat them they taste AWESOME

I also really love sweets again, and its a problem. 

I have also started really liking soda again, and its also a problem. (all my bad habits are coming back) 

It felt so good to jog a little bit and actually sweat. I need to do more of that, I am getting pretty bored with walking all the time. 

I am beyond excited to start my third trimester soon, and to meet this little guy in 14 weeks! 

25 Weeks {January 7, 2013}

15 weeks (or less) until we get to meet this little one. That is SO crazy to me. I swear these weeks are just getting faster and faster. I feel really big lately. It doesn't necessarily bother me, I just feel big. (Does that make sense). I have really made an effort to walk more lately, and I really do feel so much better after I walk. My goal is every day for more than 30 minutes. I know I will always have excuses, but I swear if it wasn't so cold I would go so much longer. Oh well.

I haven't really done a lot of baby prep lately. I feel like during the week I kind of get into my routine and I don't really deviate from that, then the weekend comes and its time to recuperate from the week, then by the time that's done its Monday again. Its a vicious cycle. I really don't have too much left to do though. I can't finish the wall art until the photos I ordered get here, and until we pick a name for sure. Then we need a crib mattress and the bedding. I have to wait and save my money for fabric for the bedding, because of course the prints I like are like $13.00 a yard. Other than that we need a chair for the baby's room and I think that's about it. I am sure there are few little small things I will think of that I need to do, but almost all the major stuff is done. I am going to try to go back up to SLC one more time and hit up IKEA. I need some stuff for the baby, and for Ali's shower, and it will be good to see Kate one more time. So, hopefully after the February we will have everything done. Oh, I have been looking at car seats and strollers and I haven't found the one I like yet, so once I find that we will be good to go.

{Week 25-  January 7, 2013}

Dear Baby:

I LOVE feeling you move around all the time. I was out running errands over the weekend and I felt you wiggling and kicking all around. I had to stopped and laughed because I can feel so much going on inside of me, and no one around me knows about it. Its just our little secret. I like being able to share that with you.

You are such a funny baby. Your dad has been trying to feel you move, but every time he puts his hand on my tummy you stop moving. He said he thinks its because he makes you feel calm, and that when you know its him you just settle right down. I think you are just playing tricks on him. Either way its funny to me. You always kick a lot when you know Gator's head on my tummy. I think you are trying to play with Gator. Gator doesn't mind, I think he likes to feel you move and hear you.

I keep having dreams of what its going to be like once you're here. Some times my dreams are scary, but most of the time I am just so excited that you're here. The other night I had a dream that I kept forgetting to feed you. It was so awful. I am sure you won't let me forget, but its just one of those things that I worry about because I am your mom (and because I have never been a mom before).  Yup, you are going to make  me a mom for the first time! Thanks for making me a mom! You're first day in the world, will be my first day as a mom.(even though I know I am already you're mom right now)  Hopefully we can both remember that neither one of us has done this before, and we are both going to need a lot of patients with each other. I will try to remember if you do. Sometimes when I wake up in the mornings I think about what waking up will be like once you're here. I can hardly wait to have you. I think you are going to make our house feel so special.

Keep growing big and strong.

Love you.

Love, Mom

Pregnancy Update:

- I still am breaking out like crazy on my chest and neck. Its really gross to me.
- I can sleep all the way through night and not have to get up and go to the bathroom- that's nice.
- I don't feel that crazy hungry feeling when I wake up as much any more. Its depends on the day though.
- My hips and ribs hurt when I sit or lay down too long.
- My low back does too.
- I started getting some small stretch marks on my side, and I absolutely hate it.
- I get minor heart burn, but I decided it not bad enough to take anything for it.
- I have been very lucky and have not taken any kind of medication through my entire pregnancy- my goal is to keep it that way.
- I am RELIGIOUS about taking my prenatal vitamin
- I feel like I get irritated pretty easily lately.
- I really love sweets again
- I have been craving Mexican food ALL THE TIME!
- I also think that hamburgers sound good most of the time too

Here I am at 25 weeks:

Ms. Ali's Bridal Shower {January 7, 2013}

 I am helping throw Ali's bridal shower in March and it seemed like I had SO much time, but now I realize that invites have to start going out in about 4 weeks. That doesn't seem like very much time at all (luckily Syd and Brooke are helping a TON and I have already ordered a bunch of stuff). My next big project for the shower- glitter dipped jars. I am thinking this weekend I will make my first attempt. That should be interesting. Here are some my inspirations for the shower:

I think for the thank you gift, we will put white gumballs in a little clear bag and tie it with a ribbon:

The plan is to serve a little sandwich and a soup or a salad. We will also have cut up fruit and veggies along with some treats. I was thinking chocolate dipped marshmallows, oreos, and cupcakes would be fun. (I like the idea of oreos because it brings in the black and white theme). We were also thinking that old fashion glass bottled soda would be super cute. 

I already have the black and white straws

I have ordered the lanterns

I have the frames for the sayings

I have the pattern for a bunting banner

I know where to get the striped runners (I just have to wait until I am in SLC next time)

I have the jars (and plan on glitter dipping this weekend) 

I think any flowers we do will just be white roses that we will get the day before

I feel much better about how much I have done for this shower than for Kate's. Unfortunately I just don't know if I will still feel good come shower time, so I have to plan well in advance. The next big task: INVITATIONS!

(my least favorite part because I am not very talented in graphic design, and way too cheap to pay someone to do it). Wish me luck. 

2012 Recap {January 4, 2013}

I love the idea of re-capping the year by month-- what a great way to look back and see what we did and what happened this past year... So here goes:

January:
I started back at Dixie College for my first full time semester of school since I was at SUU.
Spent time with family.

February:
I went to Orlando with my sister for my 25th birthday and had a BLAST at DisneyWorld and Universal Studios.

March:
Threw Brooke's bridal shower and loved every minute of it.

April:
Brooke got married!
Celebrated Staelie's 8th birthday!!
I went back to work as a paralegal and helped open a new firm.

May: 
Sam turned 27, and spent most of his free time wakeboarding at the lake and the cable boarding park.
Ms. Jentrie turned 11!

June:
Brandi graduated from Pharmacy School. We LOVED being able to celebrate with her!
Staelie got baptized!
Kati got engaged!!
I went to St. Louis with my sisters for Ash's birthday. It was SO much fun. We loved that we were able to drive to Nauvoo and see the temple as well as Carthage Jail.
Sam and I went to California to celebrate our 4 year anniversary. We did almost all the same things we did for our honeymoon. It was SO much fun!
Stockden turned 4!

July:
Went wedding dress shopping in Vegas with McKall at Kate.
Sam competed in first cable boarding park competition and did AMAZING!!

August:
Marathon training got into full swing
I found out I was pregnant, but decided not to tell anyone for a while.
We enjoyed summer in St. George
We celebrated Alyson's birthday and went shopping in Vegas

September: 
We spent the Labor day weekend in Cedar and stayed at the cabin
Santa Clara flooded
We finally put grass in our backyard and started to get all the landscaping in.

October:
Poor little Gator got attacked by another dog at the dog park, and we almost lost him. We are SOOO happy he's ok!
I ran my 8th marathon!
We told everyone that we are expected!!
McKall turned 14!
We celebrated my dad's birthday.
Sam and I took such a fun vacation to Miami, the Caribbean, and then met my sisters in NYC.

November:
I got to help throw Kati's bridal shower- it was so much fun!
Kati got MARRIED!!
We saw our baby on the ultrasound for the first time.
We found out we are having a BOY!
Ali got engaged!

December:
We went to Salt Lake and saw Kate's place and enjoyed Temple Square all decorated for Christmas
We celebrated Mom and Kati's birthdays
We had the best Christmas with our families
We bought a crib and started getting the nursery put together.


We had SUCH a great year! We are so blessed to have such great friends and family and to have been so blessed this past year. We are so excited for 2013 and for the amazing things coming. We can hardly wait to see what new adventures we will have in 2013. Happy New Year!