All are welcome to attend!

We will be blessing Hannah in church on Sunday December 26th, at 9:00 am. I know it's early, but with a little girl this cute, you won't want to miss it!

This is her first smile caught on camera, and I love it. 

At six weeks Hannah weighed in at 11 pounds 6 oz (90th percentile).  The girl knows how to eat!

Somebody tell her to slow down, she's going to outgrow all her cute 3 month clothes before we even get a chance to enjoy them all!

more Hannah

Someday I'll post about something other than Hannah, but don't count on it for a while.  She turned one month old on the first, and gave me the best gift a new mother could ask for: a smile while she was awake!  It makes me think she actually likes me, and it melted my heart and made my day.  I love this little girl and can't get enough of her.  I weighed her on the 1st cause she doesn't have an appointment for a while, and she weighs 10 lb. now.  I can't believe it...such a chunk already!  Enjoy some more pictures!

mo

A Hannah update

I uploaded a bunch of pictures of Hannah to facebook a couple of days ago, but for those without facebook, here's a picture of my darling daughter!

At two weeks old, she weighed 8 pounds, which means she gained a pound in less than two weeks.  It makes sense, considering how often she likes to eat.  I love to see her plumping up, so I don't mind too much.  It would be great however, if she would sleep on her own.  She loves to be held, and I love to hold her, so we're trying to find a balance between cuddling and sleeping on her own during nap time and at night.  It's still a work in progress, but she's still so new to life that I have to remember she's still just adjusting and learning.

At three weeks, she loves to lay on the floor and talk.  She especially loves to talk to her Grandpa.  My dad has always been so good with babies, and I can already tell Hannah is going to love him.  Daniel and I left Hannah with my parents a couple of nights ago so we could run an errand, and when we got back, my dad was reading a baby book with Hannah, and she was so intent on the experience. 

I don't have a lot of experience with newborns, but as far as I can tell, this one's just about perfect...(assuming she'll get night time sleeping down eventually!)

Thankful

If you're tired of reading thankful posts, you should probably skip this one, because it's about as thankful as it gets.


Today I'm thankful more than ever for so many things.  At the top of my list is my family.  I'm so thankful for Daniel and our sweet little baby Hannah. I'm thankful for the baby spit on my shirts, the sleep deprivation, the messy diapers, the sweet little smiles while she's sleeping, her happy sighs after feedings, I'm thankful for all of it. 

A year ago, on Thanksgiving I began miscarrying my first pregnancy.  It was a devastating thing for me.  I felt abandoned, hopeless, and miserable.  Life carried on as usual but it took me a long time to feel happy again.  I would get home from work after holding back tears all day long, get in the shower and cry. Eventually time passed and I felt better each day, but I never forgot the sorrow I felt.

Now, a year later, I have a healthy, beautiful little baby girl.  I'm so grateful for Hannah, I can sincerely say she's the best thing that has ever happened to me. Each day I feel like more of my selfishness is stripped away, and I become more of a mother, and more the kind of person I should be. 

Of course I'm not grateful for the miscarriage, but I am grateful for the perspective it has given me.  It made me look at pregnancy as a blessing.  I enjoyed being pregnant with Hannah.  I remember being thankful for the nausea because it meant things were going well, and each kick was reassuring.  It has also made me endlessly thankful for Hannah. I feel so blessed to have a healthy baby that's thriving.  I'm so grateful that that trial turned into a growth experience.  

Looking back over the last year, I'm grateful for the growing and stretching I've done, both physically and spiritually.  It has all lead me to this point, where I now sit with a sleepy little girl on my chest.  So on this day of Thanksgiving, where we all pause to think about what we're most thankful for, I'm truly thankful for my family, and the growing we've done to get here.

hiccups

Here's a video we took of Hannah with the hiccups on Wednesday.  She's just about the cutest thing ever, and we love her more each day!  Over the last 24 hours she has been going two and a half hours between feedings (instead of one) which has made catching up on sleep more realistic. 

We took her to her first Dr's appointment yesterday and at 4 days old she was
19.75 inches long (54%),
7 pounds 2 oz (29%)
and her head is 14" (63%)

I'm so thankful to have a healthy baby girl!

A birth story

A few months ago I started keeping a pregnancy journal updating it with my own thoughts/feelings experiences as I was pregnant with Hannah.  It's formatted as letters to her (someday years from now, she'll enjoy reading them).  It seemed fitting to add her birth story there. I started it when she was first born, but as I've learned, mothering comes before documenting...so it has been written slowly in a few spare minutes over the last few days.  I've copied it here, for those that are interested.

Dear Hannah,

Today we finally got to meet.  I want to first say how much I love you, even though we've only been together such a short time.

On Sunday evening we were playing games with my parents and Kevin like we usually do, and we ended the night looking at baby pictures of me.  It made me so excited to meet you.  That night, when your dad and I were in bed, I prayed that you would come quickly, maybe even that very morning.  We had had such a good weekend, just the two of us once more, that we felt super ready to welcome you to our home and family.

At 12:54 on November 1st, I woke with a pop and a sudden gush of warm fluid.  The first thing I said was 'Daniel, we're having a baby in the next 24 hours...my water just broke'.  I then wandered around our apartment gathering last minute supplies we'd need at the hospital.  The contractions started almost instantly and were coming hard and fast.  On the way to the hospital they were about two minutes apart, and I was really uncomfortable.  Since it was after regular hours, we had to park by the emergency room and walk all the way through the hospital.  We had to stop several times so I could breathe through the contractions.  Once we got to the family birth center, I sat down to do some check-in paperwork (which seemed to take forever, even though I was already pre-registered).  As soon as we were done with the paperwork, I stood up and there was an even bigger gush that soaked through my pad, pants and even my shoes.  I apologized, feeling bad I'd leaked all over the floor, but I'm sure they get that quite regularly.

Since I was clearly in labor (the wet pants made it pretty obvious) we got to skip the initial exam, and went straight to a labor and delivery room.  I changed into the hospital gown and then they checked and I was already dilated to a five.  This was probably only 45 minutes after my water broke, so I knew we were making progress fast!

Your dad was so great during labor, he held my hand and helped me remember my breathing techniques, and reassured me we were doing well.  They checked my cervix again after another hour or so and I was between a seven and an eight.  At this point, I was pretty miserable and asked for an epidural.  They had told me earlier that the anesthesiologist was in an emergency c-section so I'd have to wait an hour to get one.  After that hour, they said it might be another half an hour, and I got a little worried.  Thankfully it came more quickly than that. It was the completely right decision for me.  It allowed me to get a little break from the pain, and also make it through the next two and a half hours.  After the epidural things slowed down just a little, and we were at a ten and ready to push around 4:00 in the morning.  I spent the next two hours pushing and pushing.  I got so tired we had to take a break for a while.

During the half an hour break, I was able to rest up and prepare to continue pushing.  The epidural didn't numb my legs completely and I was still able to feel the contractions, so it really enabled me to push effectively without as much pain.  It was perfect.  After spending about an hour getting you past my pubic bone, things began to happen fast.  They got the warming table ready and called in your nurse.  When they told me it looked like you had at least an inch of hair, I wasn't really surprised, but it made me so excited to think about how close we were.  Once we got your head pushed out, your body came right after and they called out 5:58 and placed you right on my stomach.  You started crying really quickly and just looked up at me with your big eyes.  In that moment, it was just you and I.  The rest of the room was a bustle of activity, I remember hearing that you were still attached, and they asked me to push a couple more times.  I followed instructions, but I was completely wrapped up with you.  Sweet little you.  

                                                                       ***

Now somehow, it's four days later.  We've had lots of ups and downs with feeding and sleeping.  You seem to be quite the night owl, enjoying meals every hour of the night instead of every two and a half like during the day.  When you're eating you make the sweetest little squeaks and sighs, and when you're done, you make the most adorable faces.  I know babies don't really smile at 4 days old, but some of your faces sure come close.

Hannah, I've never felt more love for anyone than I have since having you.  Your dad and I are completely in love.  We sit and watch you for hours, completely fascinated with all that you are!  I've never seen your dad so happy.  He's the best new daddy around.  Even though we've had a couple struggles with feeding, It's so rewarding being able to know that I'm supporting you.  As your mom, it's my job to provide what you need, and I am so willing.  I will do everything I can to make sure you're healthy and happy.  Hannah, I love you so much already, and I'll love you forever!

Love,
Mom.

Hannah

Hannah is here! She came quickly on Monday morning and weighed 7 pounds 6 oz. I'll post more of the story later, but for now we're just loving this little girl and wanted to share a picture!

Happy Halloween

Halloween this year has been pretty uneventful, which is good, since I do not want a baby born on Halloween.  A couple of weeks ago we had the Halloween Party we go to every year.  Our last minute costume attempt was to go as a pool shark and an eight ball.  This was our one and only picture of our costumes, and our first successful attempt at using the self timer on our camera.

I'm ready.

some of the ladies from the church baby shower

a beautiful baby blanket

my mother-in-law and mom at my church baby shower

the hair bows, onesies, and 'H' which were lovingly crafted at my baby shower

the crib quilt I designed and my mom created!

38 weeks (and no signs of imminent labor)

the bassinet my mother-in-law decorated

the beautiful blessing dress my mom made with leftover wedding dress fabric

one corner of the nursery

the car seat with snugly pink thing for keeping baby warm

bouncer

the 'H' they made at my church baby shower

Boppy cover I made all by myself!

 The 'H' is for Hannah, by the way, and yes we're still eagerly anticipating her arrival.  After three hours of contractions coming every 5 minutes Sunday morning (which sadly never got very intense, and faded away during sacrament meeting), there's been very little progress to suggest that she's in any hurry to make her arrival. 

Right now I'm feeling relatively patient with the whole situation (although that changes hourly!).  The way I'm seeing things, each day she waits I get one more night of decent sleep, and another day with just Daniel and I.  In anticipation of what may have been our last baby free weekend, we spent Saturday relaxing.  I slept in till 8:30, had breakfast in bed (fresh pineapple and fruity pebbles) and then read Catching Fire till 1:00.  It was perhaps the best Saturday I've had.  Ever.  I didn't even feel guilty for spending so much time relaxing!

Tonight for Family Home Evening, we decided we should probably figure out where the Family Birth Center is at the hospital.  As part of our child birth classes, we had been on a tour, but we'd gotten there from a different building on the hospital campus, by walking through a tunnel that connected the two buildings.  So we had no idea how it get to  it from the parking lot or main road. We determined that when I'm in labor, we're not going to want to drive around guessing if we're headed in the right direction.  It's nice to have that taken care of now.

nostalgic, hormonal, thoughtful, emotional

I'm currently feeling all of the above, all at once. 

This morning on my way into work, I almost started tearing up, and I'm not sure why.

We all know how much I love my job.  I've been looking forward to leaving this job for a long time, and now that it's getting closer I'm still excited, don't get me wrong, but I'm having weird little surges of emotions (hormones?) that are confusing.

My current plan is to work until I'm in labor, so really I don't know when my last day will be.  For all I know, it could be today, or I could still have 2-3 weeks here. 

My mom had all of my siblings and me 1-3 weeks early, so I was raised hearing how the only way to get to your due date was with a baby in your arms.  This has given me some expectations. Even though there's no reason for me to have this baby early, I've been hoping for/almost expecting it.  Today, I'm 38 weeks, and as far as I can tell, I'm no closer to going into labor now, than I have been in the past week or two.  But then, who really knows.  Apparently these things can change in minutes. 

Also, I can't imagine myself having a baby.  It's such a foreign concept to me.  I get that I'm pregnant, and each kick, or hiccup means there is in fact a baby in there, but somehow it's still so unreal.  I haven't spent that much time around newborns, so I'm really hoping I'll know what to do when all of a sudden I have one of my own. Somebody please tell me it comes naturally!

At this point, I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be.  I've got my hospital bag packed, tiny baby clothes washed and neatly folded, the carseat is ready, camera battery is charged, I've got my thank you cards written (need to get stamps still), I guess I'm just going to enjoy waiting somewhat patiently for the big day. 

An update of sorts

It's the middle of October.  I'm not sure how, but it is.  My baby count down says 21 days to go, which means we've made it full term.  It's a joyous thing, being full term, just waiting for the arrival of our baby girl.  It's also relatively draining. 

After working all day I'm tired.  I get home, and set small goals for myself.

Last night for example, I plopped down in the recliner for a brief sit, and decided I could do three things:

1. Get out of the recliner
2. Take off my ring and put it in the bedroom for safe keeping (my fingers look a bit like sausages at the end of the day)
3. Grab my suitcase from our storage room outside our front door.  (I have not yet packed for the hospital...this weekend perhaps?)

As laughable as these little goals were, I completed them.  I also did a sink of dishes, and made dinner, but its so unlike me, to need to make 'get out of the recliner' a goal.  Even though I feel lazy and tired, I'm still so grateful to be pregnant.  Each week I'm more ready to meet this little girl.  Each week also seems to slow down a little bit.  I know it's just me feeling that way, but it seems like my due date will never come.

Even though it feels like time has stopped, there are several things which suggest that it has not.

• The milk in our refrigerator expires after my due date.  I've been waiting a lot of months for this to happen. 
• I go to the doctor's weekly now. 
• On Monday I was already 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. (is it too awkward to talk about my cervix on this blog?)
• I've been having irregular contractions since my appointment on Monday.  who knows if this means anything, but I guess we'll see. 
• I'm in the process of training my replacement at work. She's been here for 2 weeks now, and I feel like I need a lot more time to teach her everything. 
• Realistically we've got anywhere between a couple more days and a month left.
• It's Halloween time, which in and of itself is weird.  Wasn't I just posting about our July activities???
• The Halloween party we go to each year is on Saturday and we're scrambling to come up with creative costume ideas for a super pregnant person.  Last year we won 'Best costume', this year we'll be lucky to show up with costumes!  I had seen the idea of going as two garbage bags, mine would be labeled 'I'm heafty' and Daniel's would say 'I'm Glad'...my idea has been vetoed, so now we're at a loss.
• I'm teaching Relief Society this Sunday (the last time before I have a baby!)

I'll post pictures of my baby showers and hopefully the nursery and maybe a 37 week belly shot when I'm home, with access to my pictures :)  For now though, I'm looking forward to getting Jamba Juice for lunch, sleeping in tomorrow morning, and the rest of the weekend.

Hope you all have a good weekend too!

For Nicole

One of my oldest and dearest friends, Nicole, followed her dreams and moved to Hawaii with her husband this summer. While she's enjoying life in paradise, she has requested some pregnancy pictures...


I suppose I've put it off long enough, so here you go Nicole, enjoy a bit of the progression of the belly!

17 weeks, and convinced I was already showing!

21 weeks and actually showing!

26 weeks and still growing!

34 weeks, 5 days and not sure how much bigger I'm going to get!  I think I should stick to taking pictures on Sunday instead of after a long day at work...I'm looking less than cute, and larger than ever here!

Things are still going very smoothly for this pregnancy and I am so grateful! We had our last night of child birth class last night, which included a hospital tour. While we were there, we heard a brand new baby cry for the first time. It was a very surreal experience. I can't believe that in about 5 weeks, that will be us.  I expected that these would be the longest 9 months of my life, and they've basically flown by.  I just need somebody to assure me that the next 5 weeks will go quickly too!  I'm getting so excited to hold this little baby in my arms.  We've got her nursery set up, some clothes washed and folded, the car seat ready, all we're waiting for is the grand arrival of our little baby girl!

I've got a baby shower at work on Friday, and then a church baby shower on the 9th.  I'll make sure to take pictures to post.  Lots to look forward to in the next few weeks!  I suppose I'll have to be better at updating this old blog of mine!

once upon a summer evening

When we were in Idaho, Daniel and I had a chance to sneak away from the family reunion festivities and catch a double feature at the drive-in.  We saw Despicable Me, and Robin Hood.  We both loved Despicable me, and of course, I slept through Robin Hood, but Daniel says it was a good one.  I was looking through pictures this evening and had to post this.  Please excuse the double chin and grainy exposure.  It was pretty dark out, but it's a fun picture to remember our date to the drive-in.  With a baby coming in less than 10 weeks, I kind of doubt we'll be pulling late nights like this for a while! 

thoughts on protein, weather, and pregnancy.

• Work has been so busy for the last week, that my days have flown by.  I have to say, it's a nice feeling to be productive all day and have time move quickly.  I know this is a normal thing for a lot of people, but my job is the type where there is more down time than actual work required.
• Yesterday was the most beautiful rainy day.  I don't like days of rain on end, but a rainy day after weeks of warm sunshine is quite refreshing.
• Daniel and I planned a month long menu of meals for September.  I'm hoping this will mean less cereal for dinner and more real food...specifically protein.
• I've been noticing weird things about being pregnant.  I think it's something to do with the third trimester, because up until this point, I haven't had any complaints.
• a week and a half ago I was out on a Saturday morning shopping with my mom.  In the middle of a store I started getting really light headed and nauseous. We left the store and went to sit in the car, where I proceeded to pass out a couple times.  This was kind of a scary experience (perhaps more for my mom than me) and I ended up in the emergency room (which for women who are more than 20 weeks pregnant is labor and delivery).  I was told that I was dehydrated and needed to eat more protein.  They didn't run any tests or labs, but determined protein was the answer.  I'm now on a bit of a protein kick and have had to change my eating habits.  Of course I'm grateful everything turned out fine, but it was a weird occurrence.
• about a week after my little Saturday morning jaunt to the hospital I woke up at 2:00 in the morning with my mouth bleeding.  I can't figure out what would have caused this, other than pregnancy...or maybe it's tied into the lack of protein as well.  I've heard weird things happen in Pregnancy, and it seems to me like my body has saved them all for the third trimester.
• I decided to break out my cashmere polka dot scarf today.  I know it's technically still summer, but after yesterdays rain and the grey sky this morning, it sounded like the right decision.  Also, I'm getting bored with my seven maternity shirts, so this was a good way to mix it up. 
• I'm done with work in 8 minutes and on tonight's menu is Baked Potato Soup.  Can you tell I'm feeling fall?

Saturday

It was a great weekend, even if it was so busy that I've got a dryer full of whites waiting to be folded (they've been there since Thursday night).

I've been thinking however, that one of the best parts of summer is the busyness.  I love having lots to do and enjoy.

We needed an oil change and tire rotation, and I had this idea that if we didn't have our car at the shop right when it opened, wouldn't be able to get anything else done that day.  So I dragged Daniel out of bed at 7:45 to make it to the shop by 8:00 so I could make it to the triathlon by 8:30.  We were the only ones there, but it was nice to get that out of the way.   

Early Saturday morning, I helped with this years triathlon.  Directing biker traffic was so, so much easier than participating.  A couple of people actually asked if I was participating.  I would have thought the 28 week pregnant belly would have been obvious, but perhaps not.  I enjoyed cheering for all those who did participate, because it made me remember all too clearly the emotional aspect of such a race.

My busy day had a quiet interlude where I had a quick lunch and prepared my Relief Society Lesson on the Church during Christ's time.     

After lunch Daniel and I did our grocery shopping (got some great produce at Fred Meyers), picked up our car from the shop, and then retreated to my parents pool.  There's nothing better than swimming on a hot summer afternoon.  The rest of the evening we spent enjoying the pool and their air conditioning.

We ended the trip with a second trip to Fred Meyer after a helpful tip-off from my mom that they had men's shorts on clearance for $7.00.  Daniel was down to one pair, so this wasn't something to pass up.  He's now got a couple more pairs and should be good for the rest of the summer. 

It was 10:30 when we finally got home, and I decided a root beer float was necessary for putting the finishing touches on my lesson.  It was an easy decision really.  I'd been having a couple days of near constant hunger(which leads me to think this little baby is starting a growth spurt!), and who knows the next time I'll be able to justify carrot cake after dinner, and a root beer float before bed! (Thank goodness I passed my gestational diabetes test!)

Camping part 1

The weekend after we got back from Idaho, we joined our good friends Joey and Brianne on a little camping trip.  This was something new for Daniel and I.  In the five years we've been together (our 4th wedding anniversary is coming up in a couple weeks) we'd never gone camping.  I actually didn't think we'd ever go camping, as Daniel is the kind of guy that really prefers being comfortable to being outside sleeping on an air mattress. 

Anyway, we couldn't turn down the invitation to try camping with our friends, and it worked out to be a really great time.  I was hesitant about camping at 25 weeks, seeing as I usually have a couple trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night and at a State Park, you never know how close to the bathroom you'll be, or ow scary/sanitary the bathrooms are.

We ended up camping at Sequim Bay State Park, and had a site that was almost right across from a surprisingly clean restroom.  It worked out perfectly, and I had no complaints. 

I'd never been to Sequim before but I'd heard it was the driest spot in all of Washington.  When we got there, it looked more like we were in California, and it was perfectly sunny and warm without a cloud in the sky.  I can definitely see going back there maybe in the winter, for a break from all the rain we get!  Here are some pictures from the first part of our adventure!

The view along Hwy 101 on the way up the Peninsula

Apparently Sequim is known for its lavender fields.  This was a lavender farm we stopped at.

Yes, we tried Lavender Ice Cream...it tasted good going down, but burping lavender essence hours later wasn't so great.

There was a wedding going on at the farm.  It was such a nice day and a beautiful backdrop.

I don't have anything to say about this picture, except I was camping...not my most glamorous moment (and still feeling frumpy)!

Daniel was putting his Eagle Scout skills to use monitoring the fire...ha!

Camping part 2, our excursion to visit the Dungeness Spit coming soon!

July activities part 1

Did I mention that Daniel and I went on a road trip a couple weeks ago?  No? How clumsy of me.

Not that I post regularly enough for my absence to even be noticed...

Anyway very early a couple Wednesday mornings ago, we got all loaded up and drove with my two younger brothers to Driggs, ID.  Our route looked a lot like this...and took about 14 hours.

Even though we made good time, and had no traffic it was still a long day! When we pulled our tired bodies into Grandma Green's driveway in Driggs, it was such a relief to be there.  My Grandma Green is the sweetest little lady, and it had been three years since I'd seen her last.  One of her traditions is to make a quilt for each of her grand children that get married.  There were several weddings in 2006, and she had just finished our quilt in time for us to take it home with us.

 

This quilt is so beautiful and I know how much time Grandma puts into a quilt.  I'm pretty sure I'll always love it!

The next happening on our road trip was when Daniel and I ventured to Rexburg. I should explain that we moved from Rexburg 3 years ago, and it took me all three years before I was ready to go back, even for a visit.  One of my best friends and former roommates still lives there, and was kind enough to take some time off work to hang out with us.  When we moved from Rexburg, they hadn't completed the Temple, so I knew it was going to have to be one of the first things we checked out. 

After checking out the temple, we gave my little brother a quick tour of BYU-I, where he is thinking of attending in a couple years.  There have been so many changes on campus that I hardly recognized a couple of the buildings.  It was neat to be back, and I remember why I loved going to school there.

We finished our little trip to Rexburg with all you can eat pizza at Craigos.  It was to die for.  I have missed that pizza more than anything else about that town.  I had way too many pieces, so if you think I look pregnant in the pictures above, I'm sure it was exemplified after stuffing myself with lunch.  We also picked up Sonic happy hour drinks on the way back to Driggs.  I love that place.  We got three huge drinks for $2.69. 

Clearly the high points of my trip involved more food than should be consumed in one afternoon.  I had to pack it all in though, because we don't have either a sonic or craigos in Olympia, and it's hard to justify a 14 hour road trip just for pizza.

The next couple of days were spent at a huge Green Family Reunion in Teton Valley, and because I'm not the greatest blogger ever, I didn't take a single picture and don't have much to say about it.  It was very fun to see cousins that I haven't seen in years, and I got an awesome farmers tan.  I think it comes with the location. 

I'll have another vacation post of last weekends activities coming up soon, so stay tuned for a camping trip at 25 weeks pregnant!

a lesson learned

Don't you just love it when things work out? 

On Monday evening, I had my first moment of panic about becoming a mother.  I'm not sure what set it off, but I was momentarily terrified and anxious.  I know that six and a half months into a pregnancy isn't the time to start second guessing ones decision to start a family, but I was nervous.  Daniel, calm as always, pointed out that nobody is ever really ready for a baby, and you make it work ready or not.  As true as his words were, they didn't help too much, and I still felt worried about all the prep work that hadn't been done. 

I was overwhelmed thinking about all the options and decisions that need to be made.  What will she sleep in, where will we put her, the list went on and on, eventually spiraling down to my potential ability (or lack thereof) to mother.  In my prayers that night I specifically asked to be blessed as I try to prepare to be a mother and that things will work out.

The next day I felt guilty about these negative thoughts, like somehow our baby would know that for one night, I was worried, that I questioned whether we had made the right decision.  It left me feeling shaken most of that day.  Like I was living in a fog.  I didn't like it.

On Tuesday, I set out to do what I do best when feeling unsettled.  I whipped out an excel spreadsheet and made a list of what I had determined to be baby essentials and their cost both new and used.  (Something about that excel page just puts my mind at ease...)     

On my list I had:
Bassinet/co-sleeper/cradle
Crib
Swing
Changing Table
Dresser

The next step in my plan was to take that list and try to visit some yard sales this weekend and see if anything came about, when my mom called me at work this morning.  She and my dad, (both work for the public schools and have summers off) had been out at a yard sale and found a crib, changing table and dresser all for $35 and they were in good condition and pretty new.  Even my used, low cost estimate for these items was at least four times that much.

After a couple cellphone pictures and phone calls exchanged Daniel and I made a quick decision that this is going to be the best deal we'll find, and that we'd be crazy not to snatch it up.  Yes, the crib set is white, and we'd been looking at a cherry/espresso finish, but that doesn't really matter.  Heavenly Father knew I was worried about being prepared, about finding a good deal, about getting these little details figured out, and he prepared a way. 

I'm trying to be better about acknowledging His hand in my life.  Seeing that He actively guides me and watches out for me, and this was a perfect example of that.  I'm grateful for this experience and grateful that my parents were in the right place at the right time looking out for me.

I love it when things work out. 

my plan of attack

For the first time all summer, it has been hot! I love summer, and I don't want to complain about the sunshine or heat.  So I've been creating a plan of attack for surviving the long hours stuck at my desk

For those who don't remember, I work in an old brick building and when the sun comes out, it's a lot like an oven.  On these warm summer days, it's hard to stay cool at work.  Yesterday I tried my luck with an icee from Target. It was good, but melted really quickly, and wasn't quite what I was looking for.  Today on my lunch break, I had to get gas, and since the Costco closest to my work, is conveniently close to Jamba Juice, and I had a $1 off coupon, and a gift card I couldn't resist.  I didn't even mind waiting in line for Gas at Costco, as I got to enjoy the air conditioning a little longer.  I'm also looking forward to a meeting in an air conditioned building in an hour.

More than any of that however, I'm looking forward to 5:00, when I can get off work and go swim at my parents pool.  I went last night for an hour and a half and it was quite refreshing.

Here's to hoping the sunshine sticks around for the weekend for more swimming!

On trying to convince myself that I'm awesome

I've been feeling frumpy the last few days.  I'm not sure if I need a hair cut, or if I'm still in the 'is she fat or pregnant' phase or what's going on, but it all boils down to me feeling frumpy.  So I decided to throw out my usual routine and get up earlier to spend a little more time getting ready.  See if it makes a difference.  I know 6:30 isn't that early, and it's not like I get dressed in the dark.  It gets light outside at what seems like 4:30 in the morning.  But today I had a surprised awakening of sorts.  It's currently 10:51 AM. It has been a very normal morning so far.  In the middle of a phone call with a rep. at one of the collection agencies we work with I looked down and noticed that in fact, I'm wearing two different shoes. I'm starting to think that this whole getting up earlier thing is doing more harm than good.  If it's not the solution to my frumpyness I'm at a loss as to what is.


For now though, I'm rocking mis-matched shoes...I did have a good laugh about it with my coworkers, and plan on going about the rest of my day like normal.  If people notice, maybe they'll think it's as funny as I do.  I'm going to chalk this up to doing my part to make somebody else laugh today.

Trust me, if  I had my camera at work, there would be a picture!

another letter

Dear Baby Girl,

Thanks for keeping me company last night.  We were both awake around 1:00 in the morning.  I was up for my first bathroom trip of the night, and couldn't quite drift back to sleep due to itchy eyes and a runny nose.  Allergies are so fun.  I'm not sure why you were awake... restless legs perhaps?  That would explain the kicks and somersaults (which I adore).  I rather enjoyed our first early morning session, and I'm sure it won't be our last.  I look forward to many more in the future.  If I'm going to be awake at night, I'm glad you're there to hang out with!

I love you!

Mom.   (doesn't that sound weird, yet wonderful?) 

happy is what happens, when all your dreams come true

Today Daniel and I went out to lunch and enjoyed delicious pizza, after the big ultrasound.  The deal went like this: If it was a boy, we would eat at the restaurant of his choice, and if it was a girl, we'd eat at mine.   If you remember from my last post, I was pretty sure it was a girl, and he was certain it was a boy.

When the time came this morning, I had butterflies in my stomach and was more excited than Christmas morning.  We waited patiently as parts were measured, questions were answered, and watched in awe at ultrasound technology.  


Over and over again I'd catch a glimpse of a little hand with perfect little fingers.  Each time I was reminded of what a blessing this is.  It's marvelous that without conscious effort on my part, my body has been supporting this little baby.  This sweet little baby which will change and bless our lives in ways we can't imagine.

Meet our little Girl!

Making her grand debut around November 5th, 2010!

If you can't tell, I'm completely in love!

is this asking too much?

Dear Birds outside my bedroom window,

If I wanted to wake up at 4:30 every morning, I would make sure to set my alarm.  As it is, I know you're happy to see the sunrise, but I'd rather sleep.  Maybe if it's not too much trouble you can make a new nest somewhere else?!  There's a wonderful forest just at the other end of the parking lot which I think you would find quite suitable.  Any objections to this request will be considered between the hours of 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM.

Thank you in advance,

Alicia

pink or blue

It's almost surreal that on Friday I'll be half way through this pregnancy.  Along with that 20 week milestone comes a little peek at the baby.  On Monday morning, we'll have the grand unveiling, if you will, assuming this little one cooperates. I'm hoping that once we're able to assign a gender, this will trigger the urge to get started gathering baby supplies.  So far we've been putting it off for later.  I have a feeling that later is now fast approaching. 

In true blogger fashion, I put a poll on my side bar.  Take a minute to vote on whether you think we're having a boy or girl.  I'm thinking girl, and Daniel's convinced it's a boy.  Of course we'll be happy with either, but it will be nice to put and end to the debate!

it's like a skunk attack, but green

This morning in an attempt to be a little more healthy than usual (and because the thought of vegetables no longer makes me gag) I packed some baby carrots and celery in a baggie to enjoy with my lunch today.

Now, 6 hours later I can't get the smell of celery off of my hands, and after smelling celery all morning, it doesn't even sound appetizing, in the least. The carrots were delicious, but don't even talk to me about celery.

I've tried washing, hand sanitizing, and lotion, but no luck. I figured I could look online and see if there were any remedies for getting rid of the smell of celery that might work. When I googled "how to get rid of the smell of celery from hands" the only things that popped up were tips on how to get rid of the smell of onions and garlic, by rubbing celery on your hands. At this point, I'd almost rather smell like an onion!

Hopefully by the time I get home from work, I'll be able to kick this smell, or at least have found a way to fix it!

Thankfully there's nothing significant going on. I'm ready for a nice slow day after this last weekend, and if an attack of celery is the worst I have to deal with, I guess I'm good to go.

Scenes from a Sunday afternoon.

I have a picky husband. He won't eat a lot of things, even if they're totally delicious. Surprisingly, one of the things he's extra picky about are chocolate chip cookies. I like to try a variety of chocolate chip cookie recipes, one of my favorites calls for a box of pudding mix. I've experimented with pumpkin flavored pudding, to make special pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, vanilla, and even chocolate, and each time Daniel eats them, but doesn't love them.

A couple weeks ago while at a thrift store, my wonderful aunt Cindy (not sure if Mike was there too) ran across an almost new Bosch compact mixer. She got it for a steal of a deal, and gave it to us. I've always had a stand mixer on my list of things to purchase in the future, but that day of in the future doesn't seem to come. Thanks to Mike and Cindy, we're now proud owners of a Bosch!

What better to do on a Sunday afternoon than try out my new mixer, with a new cookie recipe!

Daniel loved these cookies, and I also thought they were delicious. For the record I didn't have bread flour, so I used regular, and it worked just fine. If any of you are looking for a chocolate chip cookie recipe that we both loved, here it is:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

shared by joythebaker.com

recipe from Alton Brown

2 sticks unsalted butter

2 1/4 cups bread flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/4 cups brown sugar

1 egg

1 egg yolk

2 tablespoons milk

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom medium saucepan over low heat. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda and set aside.

Pour the melted butter in the mixer's work bowl. Add the sugar and brown sugar. Cream the butter and sugars on medium speed. Add the egg, yolk, 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Chill the dough, then scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets, 9 cookies per sheet. Bake for 8 minutes or until golden brown, checking the cookies after 4 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet for even browning. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

So much for that Friday night

After a surprisingly good day at work, I was in my car leaving the parking lot. In an attempt to be grateful for the good day that I had, I said a silent prayer of thanks. Thanks that my Friday was productive, quick, enjoyable, and that my day was good.

Less than two minutes later an idiot pickup pulls out in front of me. (For those who don't know, Daniel and I own a Hummer 3.) I didn't have enough time to slow down for this careless driver, and I hit his pick up with my Hummer. We both acknowledged that it was his fault, but he doesn't have insurance. It's a lame situation. (don't even get me started on uninsured motorists)

It was more lame, sitting nervously in an urgent care room for an hour and a half (thankfully everything is fine with the baby!). Secretly I was hoping they'd have to do an ultrasound to confirm everything is OK, and that I might be able to find out whether this baby is a 'he-tus' or a 'she-tus'. Alas, for exactly a month more, it would appear that our baby will remain a gender neutral fetus.

To make everything more OK, and because it was 10:00 and I hadn't eaten since lunch time, Daniel and I got taco time. The realization I've come to, is that when a crappy time threatens to get the best of you, it's just fine to eat your feelings.

This is something I've never done before.

I'm going to share a recipe!

Are you excited?

OK good. First, a little background on this recipe. I grew up eating granola with my cereal, mixed in with yogurt, and even plain, long before it became known as a 'hippie' food. The granola I ate was home made and delicious. Now granola has a bit of a different connotation, but I still love it.

Over the last few weeks, I've been thinking more and more about this granola, and getting the itch to make some. So on Sunday, after a failed attempt at a nap, I pulled out the ingredients and a very large bowl and got to work. I wish I could bottle the smell of this baking granola and send it to each of you. I'm sure this would encourage you to give it a try.

Zoom Breakfast Granola
1LB (approx 5 cups) Zoom
4 cups rolled oats
2 cups wheat germ or oat bran
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups flake coconut
1 1/2 cups raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup sliced almonds (I usually add more)
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup honey
2 t. vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease well, two baking sheets. In a large mixing bowl combine first seven ingredients. In a small pan, heat oil, honey and vanilla until mixture begins to bubble. Stir constantly. Thoroughly mix the liquid with the dry ingredients. Divide and spread evenly between prepared baking sheets; bake uncovered 20-25 minutes or until coconut is browned. While baking stir 3-4 times, redistributing granola in an even layer. Remove from oven; Stir occasionally while cooling. Store thoroughly cooled granola in an airtight container. Serve in a bowl with milk or cream. Makes approx. 14 cups.

If any of you try this recipe, let me know if you like it! If you don't, I'll take your granola for myself!

More on that

Pregnancy this time...

Has been much less nerve wracking than I worried it would be. Not to say I haven't been worried and nervous. It just wasn't extreme. I figured I'd be a crying mess the majority of the first trimester. I really wasn't. I was surprisingly calm and peaceful about the whole thing. Except for when I get the results of my thyroid tests back. Each time they seem to get worse, and each time I worry. Each time the midwives assure me that the baby is fine, it's my body that's adjusting (slowly).

I have been more nauseous. I even threw up once (I know it's gross, but it's kind of like a badge of honor!) I still don't have much of an appetite, and I'm incredibly picky, but not nauseous anymore. I wouldn't however, recommend a cruise during the first trimester. Even if it's the tail end of the first trimester. Something about the rocking of the ship made the morning sickness much worse. I ate a lot of rice krispies on the cruise. My family enjoyed the food a lot more than I did. It's a mystery to me that I could train for and complete a sprint triathlon last summer and not lose a pound, but something about being pregnant for 4 months has helped me lose 6 or 7.

Even though I've lost weight, I'm starting to look pregnant, much more quickly than I expected. I went to Ross last weekend and got some maternity clothes. On Sunday I wore a cute new top and embraced my new look. Even if it's earlier than I'd planned, and let's be honest, it's not all that noticeable, I'm loving it. I think it's a relief for Daniel that I'm enjoying this time and these changes.

I'm very much looking forward to feeling this baby move in the next couple of weeks. I keep trying to pay really close attention to that general area, but I'm still waiting. Patiently.

I'm trying to remember that each day is a blessing, and I don't want to wish this by too quickly.

a bit of a funk

I'm feeling overwhelmed this week.

Lots of changes and lots to do.

It was manageable until Sunday evening, and then I could tell this week was sure to be a doozie.

So far I'm right.

Work has been chaotic, but I saw that coming. Each day I pray for a positive attitude, that I'll be able to make it through the day. Yesterday there were tears involved. I wish I didn't care so much. That would make it easier. Each day there is too much drama. It makes me wonder how much I am supposed to take. At what point do I draw the line and say enough is enough. How bad do I really need health insurance? and a paycheck?

I'm supposed to teach Relief Society on Sunday. Normally this is fine and I really enjoy it, but I'm feeling so busy this week, that it seems like it'll be a stretch to get my lesson ready and up to scratch by Sunday morning. Also, I've now been asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting. Like anybody wants to hear from me twice in one block of meetings...Please!

Next Saturday I'm in charge of decorations for a Stake Women's conference and I can't even begin to think about all of that yet, but I can't afford not to.

Thank goodness I've had a little more energy since coming back from vacation. Otherwise I think I might be drowning instead of just treading water. As it is, I'm managing to stay afloat.

But last night, as I was in bed, feeling sorry for myself and fighting back tears I made Daniel help me come up with a list of things I'm grateful for.

The list went something like this:

Our baby. (yes, we're expecting again. I'm almost 15 weeks!)

Wesley

The sunshine we got over the weekend

The lovely spring flowers I planted on our balcony

The Sunday afternoon nap I took in the sunshine on our balcony

Fresh fruit

Only working 8 hours a day

Not having a car payment

Good friends in our ward.

People being SO excited for my pregnancy. It really does buoy me up and make me happier!

Not living in Idaho anymore (I know it has been close to 3 years, but this still makes the list!)

Jamba Juice gift cards Daniel got me (got one this morning to help me through the day)

The perspective that all the drama at work really isn't huge in the eternal scheme of things

Having my whole family home and together

My sister Rachel has a really awesome boyfriend and I'm happy for her

Being able to afford to get my hair cut whenever I want.

Getting to ride the cable cars in San Francisco

At the end of this list, the tears were gone, and I was feeling better. It's amazing how counting your blessings makes life sweeter.

to hold you over

We had a great time. But it feels so good to be home. Being on a boat for a week has left me wobbly on dry ground. I am currently lying on the couch, and it feels like it's rocking like a boat. Not sure how long it will last, but until then, I feel like I'm still half way on vacation!

on what makes me.

I like listening to Lady Gaga while I fold laundry.
My laundry playlist is similar to my exercise tunes.
I also like Celine Dion. I always have.
A lot of people don't like her. I do.
Along the same line as Celine, I like Thomas Kincaid paintings.
I can listen to songs that I like over and over and over. For hours. For days. Until I get my fill, and then I move onto a new song.
I may have an unhealthy love for my cat.

This was last night. He hopped on for what I like to call a kitty back ride.

Pretty sure he'll miss me this next week.
I'm also pretty sure he'll survive.

Spring Survey

four shows I watch:
1. House
2. Modern Family
3. The Cosby Show
4. Lost

four things I've learned from the past:
1. Stay as far away from drama as possible
2. People are what matter, not things
3. I would rather spend time with family than anything else
4. Little annoyances in life aren't usually worth the energy spent on them.

four places I would like to go:
1. The South Pacific
2. South America
3. Hawaii
4. Africa

four things I did yesterday:
1. Worked :(
2. Had a birthday hamburger at Red Robin
3. Got gas at Costco. we have an endlessly thirsty car.
4. Had our home teachers over

four things I'm looking forward to:
1. Leaving on vacation on Saturday
2. Going to San Francisco on Monday
3. June 21st
4. Summer!

four things I love about spring:
1. Flowers, on the trees, on the ground, everywhere
2. Warmer weather
3. The beginning of fresh fruit season
4. Green grass

four things on my wish list:
1. A good haircut (hopefully tonight)
2. Good weather on vacation
3. A sunny warm spring and summer with lots of days off (definitely a wish!)
4. June to come quickly

four people I tag:
1. Nicole
2. Heidi
3. Lauren
4. Anyone who needs an idea for an easy post!

Scenes from a Sunday afternoon.

What's blue and brown and cute all over?

My latest sewing project of course. It took forever, but it's darling, right?

Skipper lounging in the sunshine

And Wesley itching his face on the screen door