Yellowstone & July 4th weekend

So, about 3 weeks ago my friend Lindsey and her hubby Jared came up to visit Luke and me and we all went camping in West Yellowstone... We love that place and it is always an incentive to anyone who comes and visits us! It was just beautiful though (probably because of the snow it had when we were there a few weeks prior)! The camping wasn't all that bad and I think I actually slept better that night than I had in awhile and that was all being 34.5 weeks prego. Luke and Jared were being stinkers and spraying bug spray into the fire (I admit I told them to be careful b/c it was flammable and that is what got them going) but I am just glad nothing bad happened -- like an EXPLOSION! We also did this murder mystery thing on BYUI campus... it was pretty fun but if they would have planned it out better, it could have been tons better, but thanks to Luke, Jared, and Lindsey for going with me, because overall it was fun and I had always wanted to do something like that! Next time, I should plan my own and have a dinner with it.
My favorite thing about Yellowstone is that the bison just roam up and down the road - following the yellow dotted line. It is quite funny. In one of these pictures the buffalo decided to take a leak and we got it on camera - yeah for us!
The next week was the 4th of July weekend when my little sister, Aubrie, came up from P-town with her friend Hillary. Also, Toonce, Joel and Dallin made the trek as well and we had a smashing slumber party when they got here in our humble abode! It was fantastic and we stayed up till 3 am playing risk. The next day we went to the 4th of July parade and toured the fair at the park (which was lame compared to last year). We then went off to Idaho Falls and had a big ol' party with Luke's familia and enjoyed the evening and watched the totally awesome fireworks that Idaho Falls puts on (I have never seen better and if you are on the water it is even better). The pictures don't do the fireworks justice... I really need a tripod for my camera... one day. Plus, I kept snapping the picture at the wrong time. Better luck next time. We had another big slumber party at Luke's parents house and the next morning had quite the morning with the ladies in the fam. We went to Perkin's where we had a baby shower for this little boy who is about to pop and had such a great time and enjoyed many gifts that are so cute -- thanks to all you wonderful sister-in-laws and mother -in-law. This boy is going to be mighty stylish.
Later that day we decided to head to Island Park, a bit north. Luke's friend Brian and his wife have a cabin up there where we stayed. We went kayaking and canoeing in the river (where Luke kept trying to tip people over - namely his prego wife) and then enjoyed some might fine tostadas and then went swimming in the pool. It felt really good to go swimming actually and I wonder if this little guy could tell he was a bit lighter for me. Brian's daughter like pointing to the different pools when she wasn't in it and meaning she wanted to go to a different one. She would go to everyone in the pool with her except Luke! Luke seems to scare kids until they get used to him. Poor guy... maybe it is his facial hair. We played more games that night and Luke, Aubrie, and Brian stayed up late again playing Risk (Luke's new favorite game). The next day we went to church with like 2,000 other people. You could say it was a little packed and dang hot! Afterwards, we drove on home but detoured to Mesa Falls on the way home. It was beautiful and very enjoyable! I absolutely love waterfalls!
These last few pictures are the two updates of me and my belly. He continues to grow and squirm around like crazy... I'm telling ya, this is going to be one active fellow! People still tell me I am small for how far along I am, but I just hold him in more (my theory but what else would it be). My stomach continues to stretch and be poked and prodded but that is life and we are getting very excited for that life to come about (not the delivery part though). So, the first picture was last week (at 36 weeks) and the striped shirt picture is tonight (at 37.5 weeks). Laurel, my older sister, is coming this weekend and I am very excited to see her and Jeremy (her hubby) and their baby Hunter. He is now 3 months old and "talking." Have a good week everyone!

OH BIG PS! I passed all my tests for the CNA (certified nurse assistant) certification so I am no officially a CNA! One down and now we just have to keep progressing towards that nursing degree... I also got all A's in my classes for summer! YEAH!

The month of June (and a little of May)!!!

Well here are a few pictures to show you what we did for the month of June. It was an eventful month as most months tend to be. As Luke's dad says, we are always on the go. Lisa (Luke's sister) has a Special Olympics day here in Rexburg so we went to that, but unfortunately I missed seeing her in the events she participated in but she did very well and we are so proud of her. We went down to Las Vegas at the beginning of June to see Laurel's baby blessed. He is growing so much and he is so cute! There is a sister picture with Hunter and then the proud parents and grandparents. Our family has just begun but we are excited to now be 10 people, soon to be 11 in my immediate family. That doesn't quite compare to Luke's 30 (soon to be 31) people in the immediate family. But we are just beginning.
Luke's sister Linda and Maggie threw me a baby shower in May and that was totally a blast. I got lots of neat things for our baby boy and it was SO wonderful to see friends from Utah that I haven't seen in awhile. It was fabulous and I really appreciate them for doing that for me!

We also went to Yellowstone in May and it rained and snowed the whole time. The buffalo tend to like to walk down the middle of the road and follow the yellow line (as if they are being tested for being drunk). It is quite funny and there is one picture of Luke eating a chip and the buffalo is just walking right by our car. It is quite fascinating. We also saw a white coyote and he was just walking along all the cars. The lake in Yellowstone was still a bit frozen over and looked somewhat like waves, it was very beautiful but still chilly and surprising for May. I mean it snowed! We thought this winter would never end, until June and July hit and now it is quite hot, but nothing like Mesa (which I am very grateful for).
Another thing we did was go to the Annual Air Show that Rexburg has with my dear friend Kelli and her mother. Unfortunately I forgot my camera but Kelli got some good ones, but I don't have them yet, so just imagine some cool old planes flying around. And maybe I will add them in later.
You will notice one picture of Luke with a paper with the world drawn on it. He has been on a RISK thing, ya know, the game Risk. He loves it and when we went to Vegas he decided that he wanted to play so much so he made his own game with my sister Aubrie and brother in law Nate. They never got to play however, but it was cool nonetheless. haha
The last two pictures are of my big belly. The blue shirt was week 34 and the gray shirt was this last week - week 35. I think I am growing and changed quite a bit in just the one week, but people still tell me how small I look for being due so soon. Well, the doctor says I am doing just fine and I think I just hold him inside more. I had my appointment last week and I am already dilated to a 1. I am not taking that to mean anything because I could be at a 1 for the next few weeks.... we will see what happens. Thanks by the way for all the wonderful advice you all gave about what to be prepared with. I appreciate it so much and you have somewhat calmed my fears. It still seems unreal this little guy will be here in a few weeks, but we are very excited and starting to put things together.

I will write again soon to tell you about the last two weekends... they were eventful and fun! Until then... adios!

Freaking out...

So, as I sit here and ponder our baby boy is coming in less than 8 weeks (time has been zooming past) and I don't know if we have everything and I am freaking out (like this lady). Okay, I am not freaking out but I am a little nervous. We have the basics like a crib and travel system/car seat and some clothes (but how many clothes do you need), and some other random stuff, but really do we have everything we need?
So my question to all you parents out there -- or anyone who knows about this stuff -- I ask ... WHAT DO WE REALLY NEED? What were some of the essentials that you thought you couldn't live with out or were a lifesaver for ya or great to have on hand? I would love your input in the matter because I am feeling unprepared and I know there are some things that are more fun to have but give me all your input.

I'm not the only one

I was just thinking how I am not the only one who hasn't been that great with updating my blog.... it seems like almost everyone (not all but a lot) on my list is lacking in the posts, so therefore I don't feel so bad.

There and back again!

So, I realize it has been more than a month since our last post and I apologize, it has been a crazy month in half. I will briefly give you an update on what we have been doing. Well, end of April, we went to Provo to watch Maggie graduate from BYU in Sociology. We are very proud of her for sticking it out and finishing her degree. Rachel finished her last week of school and took finals and she got all four A's and one B (which was so close to an A-she's bummed), Luke had a conference in St. George so Rachel tagged along and hung out in the hotel and finished a blanket for Hunter (the new nephew) while Luke was at a boring conference which he presented a lovely presentation at. After St. George they decided to continue down I-15 and see Laurel and Jeremy and Hunter in Las Vegas. It was a short but sweet trip and then they were off to Eagar Arizona to see Rach's grandpa and aunt. It was also quite fun to visit with them and spend a few days just sitting around. After that it was off the Grand Canyon which was fabulous! They spent a few days camping and hiking around that huge canyon! It was quite fun and such a pretty sight! Definitely a place to go back to. We didn't get to hike down to the water because of Rachel's condition with the big belly and all but we plan to go back and especially to the Havasupai Reservation and see the Supai Falls. We then drove back to the north part of where the Grand Canyon starts and saw the actual water that runs through the canyon and yes, even stuck our feet in. It was freezing!
Then we drove up through Utah and camped out some more and went to Goblin Valley and the Coral Reef National Park. There are sure some pretty sites in this country! Since we have been home school has started again for Rachel where she is taking a medical terminology class, a math class for health professions and and CNA class. They pretty much take all her time (just the CNA class is M,T,W,Th 2-7 and and longer once clinicals start which is going to be an interesting experience). She was subbing until last week because now school is over and well she is pretty excited about being done for the year. Luke continues to work and try to catch up since I take him all over the place. As he says, I am all over the place and I am even pregnant! In May alone we have been to Yellowstone, back to Utah for a Dave Ramsey show (a financial guy that Luke likes and he does have great advice!), and then back to Las Vegas again for Hunter's baby blessing. But Luke has 4-H camp next week that he is hoping it will stop raining so they can have an enjoyable time... it is his time to enjoy the kiddlings again!
It has been exciting and lot going on. We are counting down the days till we have this baby. We only have 9 more weeks to go, so it is really getting close. We are ready but not... as I am sure most first time parents are like that. Rachel is finally realizing this baby has to come out and is scared for that process. She is still pretty comfortable most days, or maybe we should say not too UNcomfortable. However, the belly is getting tighter and sleepless nights are becoming more frequent. She also has to learn to stop eating such big meals, but she is starving. haha The joys of pregnancy! This kid sure kicks a lot though, I think he is super active. Whenever he is in a position that is not so comfy, Rach pokes at him to move him and Luke tells her to leave him alone.... BUT SORRY! If he pokes me, I will poke back! Here is the last picture I took and I am definitely getting bigger that is for sure but people tell me I am small for how far along I am. In this picture I was about 29 weeks, and I will take another in a few weeks or so and post that. I think I have grown even more since this picture was taken. And I have gained about 18 pounds, it is finally coming! I had a baby shower last weekend thrown by my beautiful sister and sister in law... Toonce and Maggie! It was great fun to see all my friends from Utah and thank you so much for coming and the cute gifts! It made it even more exciting that this baby is coming! Love you all! Ok, so this is a long post, longer than I planned because I have a math test tomorrow, but enjoy and I will try to post sooner next time!

Lots going on

Sorry it has been so long... a lot has happened in the last month or so. We were planning on moving just down the street to a two bedroom but that didn't work out so I had to find a place to live quickly so we knew what we were doing. We found a place and moved in the past weekend (see picture, you will get some of the inside when it looks decent). Thanks to Luke's family, they were a huge help this past weekend and we can't stress how much we appreciated their help, even if they did push it! It seems some people were not up to the task but did it anyways, due to their stubbornness. Luke's dad was sick, then Luke got sick on Sunday, then his mom on Monday and then I got it yesterday. We think it might be the same bug but we all kind of got it or so it seems. I am the only one who has thrown up though and it might be due to the pregnancy, but today I am feeling much better (and that is only the 3rd time I have thrown up this whole pregnancy). It has been really nice so far and we hope to find a place for everything, but the more it gets organized the more it seems feasible. We are also getting rid of a bit of stuff to declutter. We have already given away our old stationary bike, a table, the weight machine and have sold our little portable dishwasher and hopefully a little vanity soon. It feels good to get rid of things that you really just don't use anymore.

I am now 25.5 weeks along. It is moving along but is a lot slower than the weeks at the beginning. It is hard to believe I only have about 15 more weeks though. Looking back at my first trimester I never realized how sick to my stomach I really was. I knew I didn't feel the best all the time but now that the queasiness is gone, it is much better. I just have some serious growing pains. I ache all the time in the whole stomach and pelvic region. Junior (as we have started to call him) is quite the kicker. He kicks pretty much all the time now. He takes breaks but for the most part he is always kicking. The last few days he wasn't quite as active oh but that didn't last long. He is back to his non-stop kicking and it is getting harder and harder.
Here is an updated picture of my tummy. This was taken last week so at 24 weeks. Some shirts make me look bigger than others, it just depends on where it is tight on me, because other shirts make me look quite small. I am excited about my tummy though... it is finally getting bigger but still seems small to me. I am not really uncomfortable and I am enjoying being pregnant, it has its moments that aren't so fun but really I think I am lucky and have had it fairly easy. Clothes are a little annoying because I am not quite big enough for the maternity clothes but too big for my normal clothes. It is okay though, I will survive! My biggest complaint is that the pants aren't quite long enough and the bum area is too big, but I hear that is how it is for almost all women so I am glad I am not the only one with the problem.

Luke has been busy with work taking trips for conferences (another one next week to St. George, I am tagging along and afterwards we are going to drive to Vegas to see my new nephew and then to Arizona - Grand Canyon- for one last big trip before this baby comes). He has had such a busy schedule recently, I feel like I never see him anymore, plus I am in Idaho Falls 3 days a week finishing up school. I only have about one more week left and then three classes this summer which end in July then I can apply to the program. I found out new information about the program which was not good news but hopefully it still works out for the best. Life is just grand for us but busy for sure. One more thing, I wanted to say congrats to my sister for having a cute baby boy named Hunter. He is the first grandkid on my side so I was really happy about that. I stole this picture from her blog so enjoy. I can't wait to meet him!

Life as we know it...

Well, since recently all I have done is post things about being pregnant so I thought I would post a few things about what we have done recently, but then I realized that I only have a few pictures because the rest are on Luke's camera which is at work so I can't get those pictures, so here is the one thing we did do that I have pictures of.
There is a cool place called Black Swan Inn (blackswaninn.com) that has themed hotel rooms. Luke and I stayed there for a few nights after we got married and so it was fun to go back and see another room. We stayed in the Sea Cave room. It was pretty cool. There was a seashell bed, huge screen tv, heart shaped jetted tub with a fish that is the faucet... It was neat and we enjoyed it. Hope to stay there again sometime in the future...
Now onto the pictures of my stomach. Here is the newest. I have grown quite a bit recently, but some days I could swear it is bigger and other days it is smaller (I think a lot of it deals with how tight the shirt is that I am wearing). This picture is me about 21.5 weeks. Enjoy!

It's a....

BOY!!!!So, there is the big news... I know I didn't want to find out, but then once Luke knew after a few hours I wanted to open the envelope and look! It was just too hard if one of us knew. Luke was fighting me on it though and saying I would regret it, well I don't! It was like 55% wanted to know and 45% didn't want to know, so because the wanted to know more, I found out. But I did wait 3 hours, which were pretty hard! haha He is really a cute baby, I must say so myself. He is a cutie and we are way excited for him to come. Luke keeps saying for him to come out and play, but I tell him to just stay put for awhile longer.

At the ultrasound the baby kept putting his hands in front of his face and the profile shot isn't him looking straight up so there is a bit of a shadow on his face (and he has a huge tummy). So, the ultrasound tech kept shaking my belly (which is already in pain from growing) to get him to move and so he would just put his hands up over his face and then all of a sudden turn his whole body so his spine was up instead of his profile. You can only see that on the video (and I am debating about putting that on here, would people really watch it, it is like 10 minutes). He seems like he will be a funny guy. Ever since I found out the sex he seems to be moving quite a bit more and kicks all the time now. He is an active fellow that is for sure! I am actually going to be switching doctors really soon because I am not thrilled about the place I am going and have heard some horror stories, so wish me luck in that endeavor.
Everything is going well with the pregnancy. The morning sickness it mostly gone as long as I keep a full stomach - it was never that bad to begin with and I am very lucky for that. And now my only problem is really the growing pains, because man sometimes they really hurt. Still waiting on the belly to sprout more. Although I have gotten bigger and my shirts and pants are definitely getting tighter, I am still not humongous. I keep forgetting to take pictures, so I will try to remember today and add them later tonight.

long post

Okay so here is the update so many people have been bugging me for... just kidding, I am glad to put it up. But I will have you know I really haven't grown very much... Everybody I talk to says I am so small for 18 (4.5 months) weeks. Well, since I have never been pregnant, I don't know but also I was expecting to show a lot sooner and I am a bit disappointed because I have wanted this tummy. Right now, it basically looks like even bigger fat, because I have filled out my waist area and now there is nowhere else to go but out, so here it comes. I suspect I will really start to grow within the next few weeks, we will see. My doctor has said at the last two appointments, "Next time you come you will have to unbutton your top button on your pants." Well, I am two weeks away from my next appointment and my pants still have a ways to go until I have to unbutton them, but who knows, I might just get HUGE in two weeks. Also, the first picture is blurry and not that good to see, so I put up a bare stomach one, which don't expect that often cause I like my tummy in my shirt, but it showed my stomach a little better so I stuck it up.
In two weeks we are also able to find out what the sex is (and I will be half way done), but really I don't want to find out what the sex is... I want a surprise. But Luke definitely wants to know so I told him if he finds out then he is not allowed to tell ANYONE!!!! So don't even try to get it out of him. Of course there is a part of me that does want to know, but I am just eager for the surprise. I might just give in though because if Luke knows I am pretty sure it will accidentally slip so maybe instead of me getting mad when it does slip I will find out too but so far the secret side is winning... we shall see huh! Also, the past two weeks have been much better with morning sickness, although if I don't eat for awhile it all comes back, so I need to make sure and snack all the time. Also, people keep asking me if I have felt it kick... well I have no idea. I don't know what it feels like. People tell me gas bubbles but what do gas bubbles feel like. I have felt some tickles across my belly so maybe that is it, I have no idea!
What else to say since it has been awhile from my last post... Oh, I totally burnt myself about two weeks ago with the curling iron, but the funniest part was that it was on my chin, not normally a place close to hair. It hurt and scabbed over and looked horrible and people who didn't know what happen were always glancing at it and giving me weird looks. I took a picture but the day right after the scab came off so it looked much better, but I will post it anyways for the fun of it. You can still see a trace of red on my chin if you look closely so I hope that goes away with time, otherwise now I have a new scar. And Happy Birthday to Dallin!!!!!!!!!!!! He is the big 1 today and so cute. He is our nephew on Luke's side. Also, on Luke's side the 15 grandchild was born today so welcome to the world Riley! Can't wait to see you and congrats to Lane and Jodi and girls! And lastly, I just want to give my condolences to my friend Riana's family. She has had cancer for a few years and was in treatment when she passed away yesterday. At least she is not hurting anymore but we will miss her!

update soon

People are wondering when I am going to update about my tummy.... well I had an appointment last week (still no new ultrasound, that is next time). Well for being 17 weeks along, I am not very big, most people don't believe I am pregnant. But within this last week I have popped out a tad bit. I will take some pictures soon and upload them. Just to let you all know...

OH and PS- I had 2 tests this past week (plus getting over a blasted cold/maybe flu and ear infection) and 4 this coming week, so you might have to wait till I am done with those... sorry!

Husband Tag

What is his name? Luke
How long have you been married? 3 years and 1 month and 18 days
How long did you date? 11 months and engaged for 5 months = 1 year 4 months
How old is he? He is 29 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Who eats more? Oh, definitely me, I have always eaten more than most guys (but now that I am pregnant, I can't seem to eat so much otherwise I get sick).
Who said "I love you" first? Don't remember, but probably me... or Luke
Who is taller? Luke but only by 3"
Who sings better? I'd say Luke, I like the way he sings... he's got talent.
Who is smarter? Tough one, but I will go will Luke. Not that I am dumb but he is just super smart.
Whose temper is worse? Probably mine, but Luke definitely doesn't always let that stop him... haha
Who does the laundry? Me, Luke would if he had to but I always get to it first.
Who does the dishes? We switch off most nights which is great.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If you are laying in the bed Luke does now that we moved and the bed is against the wall... he doesn't want me to crawl over him cause normally I go to bed later.
Who pays the bills? He pays them but I have recently started the task of the budget.
Who mows the lawn? We don't have a lawn we have to mow right now, but probably him when we do.
Who cooks dinner? We swap nights cause it isn't my favorite thing but it will probably get easier for me to do when I am home all the time. Luke's food is better than mine though.
Who drives when you are together? Depends, I like to drive so it is fairly equal. He normally drives around town most often than me.
Who is more stubborn? We're both pretty stubborn on certain things.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? I would say me, but he does his fair share too.
Whose parents do you see the most? Luke's... they only live 30 minutes away and it is handy, but we miss mine.
Who proposed? Luke did and all to my surprise (for the most part), we hadn't even discussed it much detail, just the thought. He wanted it to be a surprise and I am grateful for that.
Who has more friends? I am just better at staying in touch with my friends, so me.
Who has more siblings? Luke does: 6 siblings (I have 3)
Who wears the pants in the family? Neither, we work together!
I tag Linda, Christine, Laurel, Andrea, and Lisa if you guys want too. If anybody else wants to got for it!