It's Official

I have become a crazy pregnant lady who dances on the x-box kinect and bounces on an excerise ball all day.  I went to my doctor yesterday and got the unfortunate news that baby is not coming anytime soon, so now my life consists of dancing and bouncing on a ball.  I might try some old wives tales tonight to induce labor but who knows, I guess this is just another chance for me to learn that I am no longer in control and that he will come when he is ready. Oh well for now I will just wait and continue to bounce on my ball and wait for the green light.  Hope your Christmas break is going great!

The Little Things

This week I am particularly grateful for a couple of things....

 1. That I am officially considered this! Going to school at BYU has had its challenges but the pros of going to this school have FAR outweighed the cons.  I feel extremely blessed to have parents tell me they would only pay for me to attend school here.  Although BYU isn't for everyone it's exactly what I needed in my life.  I will forever be grateful to parents who helped jump-start me on a path to a successful life.  One where religion and school go hand-in-hand.

 2. These lovely things

I know what you are thinking, I am a total freak to be grateful for these.  However my two things go hand in hand.  This week my morning sickness has decided to strike back with full force and I have spent every single day throwing up.  I tried leaving the house yesterday only to find myself throwing up in the Taco Bell parking lot...sorry to anyone who saw.  Therefore I am extremely glad that I am done with school so that I can run down the hall/ live in the bathroom until my body decides to stop getting sick or this baby comes.  I personally am hoping for the later.  Anyways I am greateful that I can be sick in the comfort of my own home and I am not a pioneer who has to dig a hole or visit an outhouse. 

So today I am choosing to see the joy in the little things, because it helps me from going insane wondering when this baby will decide to show his face.  Good news is that he has a week to decide if he wants to come on his own before they force him so let the official countdown begin!

The True Meaning of Christmas

I have been wanting to write this post for awhile but I didn't really have the time with student teaching and I honestly didn't know how to bring it up.  However last Thursday I stayed up till 11 (a lot later than my 9pm time that has ruled my pregnancy) but I could not put this book down. 

Literally I bawled throughout the entire book.  Now I'm choosing to chalk this up to the fact that this short story is amazing and filled me with the spirit as opposed to the fact that I am pregnant and literally tear up at everything most things.  But this book presents a sweet reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and what matters most.

Although most people know that the true meaning of Christmas is in the name, Christ.  However this story presents something about Christmas that I hadn't ever thought about.  The first thing that the angel says to the shepards is found in Luke chapter 2, verses 10-14.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you ^agood tidings of great ^bjoy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is ^aborn this day in the city of David a ^bSaviour, which is Christ the ^cLord.

12 And this shall be a ^asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 ^aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth ^bpeace, good will toward men.

Verse 10 holds the key...fear not.  What a simple yet profound phrase.  Because Christ was born each of us has nothing to fear.  I have nothing to fear because I know that he knows and loves me.  I am never alone, he is always looking out for me and will never leave me.  As long as I remember this I truly do have nothing to fear, none of us do.  When this thought hit me I was filled with a immense sense of peace and joy.  How can you know this and not be happy or full of peace?

This book helped solidify my appreciation for Mary and Joseph and all the challenges they faced bringing the Savior into this world.  It also helped ground me to what matters most this season, my relationship with my Savior and giving to those around me.  It also brought me peace on a topic that has continually come up and is at the forefront of my mind these days.    

Throughout this pregnancy the topic of having a baby so close to Christmas has constantly come up. In the beginning my due date was Dec. 29th so people would ask me if I was worried I would go into labor early and have his birthday on Christmas.  Then once we found out that the latest I would go is Dec. 23rd the questions changed to if I was worried about him not feeling special enough with his birthday so close to Christmas, and if I was worried about there not being enough difference between his birthday gifts and Christmas gifts.

From the beginning Jake and I have not been worried at all about this issue. We have  had a lot of talks about how magical we think it is to have a birthday in the month of December.  We both have a strong belief that you make a birthday special but that a birthday doesn't make you king/queen for a day or mean that the world centers around you.  Sometimes that means celebrating it on a different day or receiving gifts that count for both birthdays and Christmas.  Growing up in the church you realize that the world doesn't celebrate Christ's birthday on its actual day.  We choose to celebrate with the world at Christmas even through we know it is likely sometime in April.  I guess I don't feel too bad if we happen to celebrate his birthday on a different day and plan to remind him about Christ if it is a issue for him.    

We also grew up going to school on our birthday, working on our birthday and doing everyday things that go with growing up and everyday life and plan to raise our children with the same understanding and expectation.  With Jake having a birthday Nov. 29th, he frequently got larger gifts that counted for both his birthday and Christmas.  My birthday is 2 days after Valentines day so the older I got the more I also got large gifts that counted for both my birthday and Christmas.  So both of us have the understanding that it is ok to give large gifts that count for both Christmas and Birthdays.

This is just how Jake and I feel about birthdays.  I understand and know people who feel completely opposite, but for me this is why I am more excited about his birthday being close to Christmas than I am worried.  This book helped me find comfort in my belief about having a birthday close to Christmas.  There is nothing better than sharing the celebration of your birthday with the one person who will never let anyone down.  Having a birthday close to Christmas keeps the emphasis on what matters most in life Christ, being charitable and being surrounded by family.  Maybe I should strive to have all my kids birthdays close to Christmas...for now that is way to far out in the future I just want my first baby here before I think about another one.

I think everyone should read this book and think about the true meaning of Christmas, their relationship with Christ.     
 

Tis the Season

This week has been an extrememly interesting week for us...no, unfortunately no baby yet but I'm hoping he decides he wants his birthday sooner rather than later so fingers crossed!!!

 Monday started off with Jake developing Kidney stones and finishing decorating the outside trees with Christmas lights because the weatherman said we were supposed to get a ton of snow-which we didn't. 

Tuesday was Jake's Birthday so we decided to go out to dinner even though he wasn't feeling too great.  I felt guilty because we ended up going to my favorite place to eat, but I didn't suggest it so I don't feel too bad. Great news is that Jake found something new that he loves so now we can go as much as we can afford I want!

  Jake hates that I make him takes pictures but I am trying to get in the habit of taking way too many just enough pictures of our life once the baby comes. So here is a picture of the birthday boy at Zuppas.

Wednesday consisted of Jake not leaving the house because of his kidney stones, and me researching ways to induce labor because I am sick of being pregnant and just want to meet my baby already!

Thursday was pretty much the same with Jake not leaving the house and me dancing to try and get the baby to come out. The major plus to this day was Jake wanted Zuppas again so I got to eat at my favorite place twice in once week! Being this pregnant the only thing more epic then going into labor is eating my favorite salad.   

Friday was a some what disappointing day.  Jake still sick so he couldn't leave the house and I had been secretly praying, and wishing that at my doctors' appointment she would tell me I was in labor and had to be admitted right away to l&d or that my water would break and she would still send me to l&d; those were the only 2 acceptable outcomes.  Instead I didn't see my real doctor because she was delivering someone elses' baby (jealous) and I came to the hard reality that Heavenly Father was not sending my baby to me while Jake was drugged up and in so much pain he couldn't leave the house.  So I decided to change my prayers from the baby needs to come now to get rid of Jake's kidney stones as fast as possible so then the baby can come.  At 10 I decided that I needed a cheery limeade from Sonic so Jake left the house and we both got one because you can't share those and then we looked at Christmas lights!!! So far its only been 2 days of my new prayers and nothings happened but I'm going to keep trying...

Saturday was a great day! Jake woke up smiling which meant that he was feeling a lot better.  I had an amazing baby shower.  Everyone was so nice to go to so much work for us.  I am always in awe of people's generosity.  Between my amazing shower in Hemet in October and the one I had in Utah we literally have everything we need minus the actual baby.  Jake and I went out later that night to look for Christmas gifts for each other and ended up only buying the baby things for Christmas which is pretty typical these days.  We intend to get something for ourselves and instead buy the baby stuff.  But we did find these cute things to put in his stocking!

We went to the Disney store because what child doesn't like that store and found these little soft animals.  Jake loved these two animals as a child and since I refuse to buy our son princess dolls we go with what Jake liked as a child.  But I have decided that I am going to need to cut Jake off from buying stuffed animals for this child. It was like puling teeth to get him to only buy these, our child is going to have more crap than he knows what to do with.  Which at times doesn't seem like such a bad thing.

Sunday consisted of Jake waking up in more pain...I think we pushed the limit going out and walking around the mall and me trying to finish washing all of baby d's clothes (wishful thinking).  But I did find a Christmas gift I plan to get once the baby has come

These lovely green jeans. They are not like anything I normally wear but I can already think of 10 things I can wear with them and the idea of being able to wear normal clothes again so soon has me feeling extremely bold!
Since it is literally impossible to go to church this pregnant we both just stayed home.  Last Sunday ended with me in tears because I was so uncomfortable sitting for so long.  So I decided that until the baby comes I can no longer sit at church. My guilt lasted about 3 seconds until I talked with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law who both confirmed that going to church in the end never happens because its so painful. So we are going to take the day to watch Christmas movies, finalize everything we can before the baby comes and to spend the day wishing Jake's kidney stones would go away so that this baby can come!

Hope everyone else had a wonderful week and a great Sunday!  

Turkey Day

I love Thanksgiving.  I love that it is fall in Utah, that the leaves are all beautiful colors, I get to wear all my favorite sweaters and you spend an entire holiday stuffing your face with family.  I am particularly excited about this year's Thanksgiving.  My family did a surprise last minute trip and came to up to Utah!  So my week of thanks has improved beyond my dreams :)

So this year I am particularly grateful for my family.  They have done so much for me not only throughout my life but especially being pregnant.  I think they are as excited as Jake and I are for this little boy to get here.  I am grateful for this sister who is lovingly giving up her december to be on my beck and call incase I go into labor and Jake is in a final (since he doesn't get cell service lol).  I love all my sisters and couldn't imagine a life without them.  I know 4 girls is a handful but I couldn't imagine any other life than one full of shopping, talking about clothes, hair styles and colors, and gossiping about what is going on in our lives.  I am so excited that I get to spend forever with them!!

loving salt is a requirement to be part of this family

The next thing I am particualry thankful for is being 37 weeks or full term! 

I am so grateful that I am considered full term and if this baby boy decided to come any day he would be fine!  However Jake and I have a day in mind that we want him to come and it is at least a couple weeks away, so we're hoping this boy isn't too stubborn or eager to join the world anytime soon.  Although he would be welcomed to a family who can't wait to meet him!   Although this pregnancy has had its full share of privileges I wouldn't trade it for anything.  The fact that Jake and I get to meet our sweet baby boy in a few short weeks is so exciting!  I am grateful Jake and I finally decided on a name!! We are keeping it a secret expect for a few people we are telling because I honestly can't keep my mouth closed.  I   

In addition to being full term, I am so grateful to be pregnant in this day and age with all the knowledge and technology available.  I am so grateful that I can go to any hospital in any city and that get information that my sweet boy is ok and everything is healthy and if it isn't they have the knowledge and the means to make it ok.  I have a whole new appreciation for Mary and Joseph and the challenges they faced bringing the Savior into this world.  I have decided I would have not known what to do if I had to travel this pregnant on a donkey to a land I didn't know, then give birth in a stable with no-one I knew except my husband who was as clueless and scared as I was.  I know they had helped and that Heavenly Father was watching them, but this holiday season I have gained a new, profound love and respect for Mary and Joseph and all that they did.  

I am also so grateful for the sweet friends I have.  I have some of the best friends and family in the world.  They constantly are uplifting me and making me a better person.  They are so kind and I am so excited to be able to introduce my little boy to them.  I am grateful that Jake and I have surrounded ourselves with people who we want our boy to look up to. 

I am so thankful to have married into a great family.  I love spending time with my in-laws and their children.  I am glad that our son has the opportunity to grow up and developing lasting relationships with his cousins.  I am grateful for sister-in-laws who answer all my pregnancy questions and who are genuinely excited for Jake and I because they know the joy that awaits us.  I feel extremely blessed to know all these people and to have them be a part of this baby's life and to be a part of their life.  

I am thankful for a sweet husband who is always willing to rub my back when it hurts, or get me food at 2 am.  He doesn't complain or make me feel like a burden he is willing and always wanting to help me.  I am thankful for our relationship and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.  He makes me better and everyday we laugh.  I am excited to add a new dynamic to our relationship with a baby.  

I could probably continue with a million other things that I am thankful for, but for now I'll leave it with these couple of things which make me realize how truly blessed I am.  Happy Thanksgiving!! 

Gaining A Little Perspective

In some words you could easily classify this weekend as the weekend from hell.  What started out as a quick trip to St. George to get away and relax quickly turned stressful and EXPENSIVE.

1. The baby was being incredibly stubborn and not moving at all on Friday. 
2. We were supposed to leave at 4 for St. George and instead ended up leaving at 7
3. We got a speeding ticket for going 88 in an 80 zone but the cop dropped it down to 85 (although it costs the same...)
4. 1 am hospital run to Labor and Deliver to make sure the baby was ok because he hadn't moved in over 2 hours
5. Making a large hole in the newly landscaped lawn on the way to the hospital
6. Jake getting super sick
7. Spending over an hour at Jiffy Lube trying to figure out what is wrong with Jakes' car only to have the computer not bring up anything meaning the car still flashes warning signs at us and seems as if it is just a quick mile away from breaking down

Even with all the problems and the costs that kept piling up at a time when we really can't afford them I couldn't help but look at this weekend and see the glass as half full instead of half empty.  For every number listed above we knew there were countless things that could have happened and been even worse. At the end of the whole weekend I was so incredibly grateful that we only had problems 1-7 happen and not more.  I knew that although nothing went the way we planned it this weekend we were supposed to learn something from each situation.  I think that the most important lesson came from going to the hospital.  

As number 1 said the baby probably moved 3 times all day Friday, which is really low considering you should easily get 10 in an hour.  So I waited till my dr apt to ask what was wrong.  I should have guessed that he would start moving like crazy as soon as they placed the heart monitor on my stomach.  So after he tried kicking or punching the heart monitor off my stomach I asked my dr. why he was not moving and what to do if it happened again.  She couldn't give me a clear or definite reason but told me to go straight to Labor and Delivery if he continued to not move like he usually does.  Which is how Jake and I found ourselves driving to the hospital at 1 am.  After driving to the 1st hospital and being told that L&D was located at the other campus and being given directions to said other campus and 30 min of tests we found out that everything was ok (actually all it took was them placing the heart monitor on my stomach to make him start kicking and punching as hard as possible) no-one still had any explanation for why he hadn't moved but said it was always better to be safe than sorry. 

As we left the hospital and got back home it ended up being about 2 am.  I think through this trip Jake and I realized that A: this is just the 1st of many times that this boy is going to scare the complete crap out of us and B: that all that matters to us now is that he is healthy and ok.  All other worldly things are completely pointless as long as he is healthy.  So I think that in a round-about way our little scare trip to the hospital helped us realize that as long as we are a family our glass is always more than 1/2 full. 

 

Fabulous Fridays

So I realize I am posting this on Saturday but I was too busy last night actually cleaning and planning lessons.  I don't know where the desire to clean came from but when you feel like cleaning just go with it because the likelihood that you will feel that desire again is slim to none.  I honestly had no idea how hard it would be to pick things up or scrub a bathroom with an extra 27 pounds and a basketball attached to your belly. On that note...

Friday's are my favorite day at school!  Not because the kids leave early, or because it is the weekend which means I can sleep-in an extra hour but because the funniest things always happen on Friday.  To start off I get to wear jeans on Friday!! Let me tell you this is one of the most exciting thing to happen to me student teaching.  I love dressing up jeans and then not having to change outfits as soon as I get home if I want to leave the house!  But my first Friday student teaching was not comfortable.  I realized that it is a little challenging to be 8 months prego and bend down to reach the little kids with tight jeans.  I was trying to figure out why my jeans were so tight and uncomfortable and I finally realized that although I might not have a big belly for being 8 months when you gain 27 pounds your jeans just are not going to fit/feel the same.  So I finally broke down and bought a pair of maternity jeans.  BEST DECISION EVER!!! I mean those are the most comfortable things I have ever worn.  So needless to say I was so excited to wear them Friday to teach.  The fact that they feel like wearing leggings all day makes up for the fact that I was annoyed that I had to buy them 8 months pregnant...oh well I'll just wear them like crazy for the next 6 weeks.  So I thought before school I would snap a quick picture to document the fact that I only have 6 weeks left and my belly is continually growing.  (please ignore the notes I make to myself on the mirror and the sewing machine in the background) 

34 weeks! 

Friday's are duty days.  So I get to stand outside before, during and after school to watch the kids.  This is honestly one of my favorite things to do.  In the morning those kids are so excited to be there and talking a mile a minute, when they are not chasing each other around like horses (true story).  So while I was out on duty before school this little girl in my class ran up to me.

Isn't this the best outfit ever!

I tried my hardest to keep from laughing as I saw her running up to talk to me.  I had never seen a coat or hat that this and it fits her perfectly.  So she runs up to me and says...
S: "I met Santa last night!  The real one!"

Me: "You did!  What did you ask for?"

S: "A guitar and a happy foot"

Me: "What's a happy foot?"

S: "I don't know but it sounded cool and I want one so I decided to ask for it"

Oh man I was dying when she ran away.  This is when it was confirmed that Friday was going to be a good day!  Every Friday the kids start out with about 15 minutes of free reading.  They can pick any books they want and read for the first 15 minutes of school.  During this time the Aviator of the week is allowed to read in a special place.  As I am quickly going through the homework folders my teacher grabs my attention and points to the Aviator of the week.  I turn around and this is what I found...

Yes he is chilling in a bathtub, holding some kind of blue animal and was talking to himself and the animal.  He is such a sweet kid but looked so funny just sitting there so I had to take a picture.  I absolutely LOVE 1st grade.  Those kids are so funny and fill my days with funny stories and laughter.  Although I love the break that my weekend gives me its always fun to go back on Monday and see what is waiting for that week.