Brayden is not so little anymore!

With a "To Do" list the length of my arm and a deadline I cannot avoid, things have been rather busy around here. That, and being pregnant in the heat of the summer is not particularly enjoyable for me... We are trying to transition Brayden to becoming a big boy before the baby comes. This includes the passing of the binki (hooray for success!) and moving to the toddler bed... Its been very exciting to have him grow up and I love to watch him learn new things, but at the same time my mommy heart breaks to see it happening so quickly. Where is my little boy? He is getting too big!

Story Time at the Library with Mother Goose. He got to wear the birthday hat. 

Sorting blocks by color? No problem!

Helping build his "big boy bed"

First pony ride at the petting zoo with Grandma

Despite the heat, we have been having fun! Brayden has always been a water baby... and he loved playing in the kiddie pool at the work party. We have been going to lap time at the library every week with a friend and our favorite weeks are the times Mother Goose comes to visit. A highlight from our summer was the trip to the petting zoo with Grandma S. Brayden was a little nervous about the pony ride but he sure didn't want it to end.

I love this little man so much!

Its a...

Brayden is expecting a little sibling... what will it be?

In Other News...

Our top story today is one of apprehension and excitement! We bought ourselves our first house! The market is fast these days and so while we have only known about the house for about a week and a half, we are likely going to close in another week! What does this mean for me? It means I am up to my ears in boxes again as I unpack our belongings into our new place. We are excited to start this next chapter of our lives together! I have a strong feeling there will be some DIY home projects in the near and distant future...

Our family is also growing in more ways. Little B was wearing this a few weeks ago to see what his grandmas would have to say. (it is very difficult to get a good picture of it while he is still wearing it...)
{Elusive Picture of T-shirt goes here when I can find it again!}

So, yes, we are expecting a sibling for Little B to arrive mid-September. This is making the moving process more difficult for me as I can't lift anything too heavy, and I am in the middle of the morning-sickness-phase (which is lasting more of the entire day...). We were going to wait to officially announce it, but by now most of the world knows anyway... and hey, this is my blog, I can write what I want.

Then there is Sunny. She is our new puppy!!! It was a tough decision to make initially, but after a week of weighing the pros and cons, we have decided that she belongs in our family. Bryce has never had a dog before, so it will be an adventure for us. (I think he is as excited as I am about her!)

And in other news... my SIL is headed off to serve in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida Mission. She'll be gone for 18 months. I am going to miss her a whole lot! But I am so very excited for her all the same! I have my envelopes and stamps waiting to send her letters... and

My brother, too, is on the missionary track. He is currently waiting to receive his mission call. I am so proud of him and the decision he has made to serve for 2 years. I know he will be a better man for it, and I know it will bless him and his family (current and future). Update: Elder Scribner is called to serve in the Jacksonville, Florida mission; English Speaking. He reports to the MTC April 17th!!! So proud of him!!!!

Future Missionaries

My Little B is 2 years old! I can hardly believe it! Time sure flies and I wish it would stop. He makes me laugh every day with the new things he is learning and the words he is trying to use. We have told him there is a baby in Mommy's tummy. So when I tell him to be gentle to my tummy he cries, "Bebe!" and lifts my shirt so he can see. Sometimes he waves to it, sometimes he will kiss it or lay his head on it, and then when he is done he says "bye" and pull my shirt back down. It makes me smile. He is liking the "pup" too. They chase each other in the yard and he thinks it is the best game ever.

We do a lot of "McQueen" around here. We watch Cars and Cars 2. He got quite a few Hot Wheels for Christmas and we play with those everyday. Those too are "McQueen" (translation=car) His newest word is "' 'Mon" (translation=come on) with a wave of his hand. He will call for "Daad" and then yell "MON!" or pull my hand or leg and tell me to "mon".

I never thought I could love another person as much as I adore this little guy! He brings me such joy and makes every day an adventure! It is hard to imagine being able to love another one as much as I already love him. Its amazing to me that love can grow without bounds if you let it. Yet the adventure continues, and what can be more fun and exciting than that?!

So, in summary... not much going on around here! Thanks for reading!

A New Year Begins!

I believe I have a little drummer boy! He has taken a great interest in banging things with sticks recently. We found this at the local liquidation store. Little B. had a blast!

It has been snowing like crazy around here. Daddy got home from work and went straight out to shovel the driveway. As could be expected, our little mad wasn't too happy about being left behind. So we bundled up and headed out to help Dad with the driveway. 

Good Times!

Post-baby Pointers

I was asked a few weeks ago to talk about how my relationship has changed with my husband since having a baby. Little Man is one of the oldest children in the ward (yes, married students). I gave my little spiel at a Relief Society activity brunch. It was difficult for me to know what to say... its hard to pin-point exactly what has changed, how it has changed, and make it coherent enough that someone else can understand. I worked it over in my head and it came out a little differently on paper. But I thought it turned out rather well, considering...

I do not claim to know much about this whole motherhood thing. And I certainly do not claim that we have it all together (because we don't). But I decided that I wanted to be real, and honest in how I have felt, and what has happened in our experience. It isn't the same for everyone. In fact, it is actually different for everyone in their specific and wonderfully special circumstances. I thought that I would share my pointers with anyone who cares to read it.

1.       Have patience through the tough days. It may look bleak, but it doesn’t actually last as long as we think it will.

2.       Communicate, communicate, communicate. It is the key to keeping you and your spouse happy and on the same page. When you both know what is going on, it is easier to work together.

3.       Each experience is different. Embrace the joys, endure the challenges, and enjoy each and every day, because (cliche or not) they fly by and you will wonder how your baby grew so fast and where they all went.

4.       Be deliberate in your romance. Put dating back on the top of your priorities. Even if you don’t have a baby, if your relationship isn’t the first on your priorities, change it.

5.       It is important to get dressed every day. It seems like a silly thing, but it is so much easier to not care, throw on some sweats and go about the day. But I always feel much better about myself if I have put a little time and care into how I look that day. I am more confident, productive, and happy because I look and feel good.

6.       “Mommy guilt” is a very real thing. Remember that it is alright to take care of yourself. After you make sure your baby will be safe, it is alright to take the time to take a shower and get ready, even if he (or she) is crying. Take a break from your husband and child and go do something that you love. Your relationship with your spouse will be better for it, I promise.

7.       Finally, remember that you are not alone in this life. Heavenly Father loves you as his precious daughter. You are beautiful to him and to your husband. You are surrounded by a wonderful network of women who want to be there to support, encourage, and uplift you. Hold to that rod and put your faith in Christ and you will not fail.

And I really believe it. 

Eviction Notice

Today is supposed to be the day... this little guy is far from acting like he wants to come out anytime soon... I must just offer an environment far too cozy... Turns out, eviction notices can only be made for people who have been born... *sigh* I guess this mom-to-be will have to practice a little more patience... he'd better be cute...

Yes, the smile here is... slightly forced...

I was doing so well... almost through 9 whole months without catching the many bugs and viruses that float around campus all winter... So here I am, almost 3 weeks left and I suffer from the dreaded cold. I swear this is the worst cold I have ever had... made worse by the fact that I cannot take my beloved Ny-quil to help me sleep. Needless to say the last few nights have been rather long and frustrating.

However, my body was absolutely exhausted yesterday and that translated into at least 6 hours of sleep last night (breaking a record by at least 2!). I also got to sleep in today and I am feeling better (whether that translates into me sounding better I have yet to determine...). With any luck this will pass in the next day or so!

As inconvenient as this cold is, it has forced me to slow down a bit and I am grateful for that. I have found a little time to reflect and ponder and realize just how very blessed I am. I am grateful for my family and their support through all of this craziness of being pregnant. I am grateful for my mother especially. She has been busy at the sewing machine with some cute boy fabrics (I am way excited for them to become something cute!), but she checks up on me and even took me to get a pedicure to celebrate our survival of our latest break down... :) I have cute toes that keep me smiling when I can see them... :)

I am grateful for a thoughtful daddy who sends me little texts to check up on how I am doing. They have made some tough days happier and I know he loves me and wants the best for me. It is also very comforting to know he is so close by in case I may need him for anything.

My hubby does everything for me with patience and love. He makes me laugh when I'm upset and helps stand up when I'm stuck on the couch... I couldn't have anyone better by my side through all of this! I hope this little one grows up to be like his dad.

While she's not related by blood, she is just as close... My dear bestest friend has been an incredible support through this whole thing. Its a good thing she wants to be a nurse... or she may have quit speaking to me around month 2... She has been there with rides, love and support, and a sympathetic ear whenever I need her. She's the best! I love you!

My in-laws have been very supportive and excited for us as well. They are farther away but they keep careful tabs on our goings on. My mother in-law put together a wonderful baby shower on top of everything else that is going on in the family. It was so much fun to have the family there (even if everyone overshot fairly long on how big I am...) :)

Big Bird's grandparents live right next to the hospital we will be delivering at. They are so excited for us and have invited us to come to their house if the hospital wont take us in on the big day. They hosted the baby shower and have had us over a few times for a basketball game or two. :) We are grateful for their example, excitement, and willingness to have us over. Its always a treat to visit!

So many of our extended family have been so helpful and supportive. We are so grateful for the helpful advice, baby items donated to us, and encouragement from you all! We have felt your love, support, and prayers and are eternally grateful for such an amazing family that you are! Thanks for all you have done and continue to do!

Hows that for a silver lining? :) Thanks for reading. I'll be back with better news soon... :)

The Art of Smuggling Watermelons

The whole process of smuggling the perfect watermelon is an art. One that will take time, practice, and a few tries in order to achieve. Each watermelon is different, with its own challenges and successes. While I am, by no means, a professional (more of a novice really...) I have learned a few tricks along the way... this knowledge could change life as we know it! (at least it has a great impact on mine...)
No one told me about the smells... it seems that watermelons heighten your nose sensitivity by about a thousand. This new sensitivity can trigger a quick visit to (my new friend) the toilet almost faster than brushing my teeth... I have also learned that there is a certain grace to puking and certain warning signs you should never ignore. These new skills have come in handy on certain car rides where I did not have a bag with me (I know, a rookie mistake.)
Always, always, always have a water bottle with you at all times... you just never know...
Now, the watermelon will become more pronounced as is grows into the 4th month or so. This is the time to embrace it... and do those things that you will not be able to come month 8... (like tie your own shoes... shave your legs... those sort of things...) Continue to enjoy pants with a waistband for a little longer... and shirts that are not the size of small tents...
Eventually your appetite will come back to you and you can start eating real food (not just cold cereal and Campbell's soup) again. Don't get too excited however, anything with any amount of flavor will be problematic as indigestion and heartburn will have you tasting your dinner 3 or 4 times... so if it is strong the first time... hope you enjoyed it!
With the new weight (and rearranging of your insides) I have come to know the importance of a close bathroom, soft seating, and a pillow (or in my case, my fluffy coat wads up quite nicely). My first week of the semester was spent figuring out what buildings are best for those hour breaks between classes... and what drinking fountains and vending machines offer the best results. I am fairly expert now... And no, not all bathrooms are created equal...

As bad as it sounds there are good things to this smuggling business. Some highlights for me:
The look on my husbands face when I said "Congratulations Daddy" for the first time.
Watching my mom's face transform from utter confusion to excited tears as she realized the album I gave her said "Grandkids" on it. Then watching her proudly show her mother that she was going to be a grandma too.
Peanut Butter has become a food staple... with everything...
Feeling the strange stomach spasms and then finally realizing that it was my baby I could feel... I love feeling him wiggle around... (despite the bruised ribs...)
Seeing the little person for the first time at my doctor's office... then again to measure his growth and figure out the gender.
Big Bird's attempt to hide a smile when the doctor told us we were looking at a little boy.
The excuse of the extra passenger gives me to eat what I crave... when I want... and I can eat as much as I want without having to feel guilty! I am supposed to gain weight... :)
I learned how to make myself a maternity shirt (and it is amazing if I do say so myself.).
I have been able to watch my husband. He takes such good care of me. He rubs my back when it aches, he lifts things that are too heavy or in awkward places for me to reach, he doesn't laugh at me when I make funny faces as my ribs are kicked... He is incredibly sweet and patient and I can see what an amazing father my children will have. I thank God every day for him and I do hope he knows how much I truly do love him. (I know mushy... but hey, I'm pregnant!)
There has been an incredible, overwhelmingly awesome spirit in our home among our little family. We look forward to becoming parents for the first time and the anticipation and questions that come with it are scarier than reason. We have felt such an incredible support from our families, our friends, and mostly from the Lord. We have learned a lot about the unknown and how much faith it requires. We practice our faith every day as we take it one day closer to "D-day."
Can you believe that we have just over a month left of this incredible journey? I have grown so much in the past 8 months... literally (Honestly, we have passed the uncomfortable stage and are now just trying to to burst or rupture everything.) and spiritually as I have undertaken the biggest step in my life thus far. I have learned to rely on the Lord in my insecurities, because lets face it, I'm not perfect (yes, I said it, you can sit back on your chair now). I have so much to be thankful for and pray that I can remember that as I finish the last leg of this journey...
Wish us luck!

The Bump

Mostly there are bumps in the road... sometimes we call these things road blocks, snags, detours... right now, life seems to be going rather smoothly, except for one large bump...

and its starting be become a blockade for a multitude of things I used to do very easily... Like tying my own shoes, picking up stuff off the floor, curling up in a ball to read a good book... all these things I can still do, for the most part, but are getting steadily difficult as the little guy inside me continues to grow. There are some perks though, I now look like I am pregnant which reminds me and my dear husband why I am achy and slightly miserable sometimes... and though its unpleasant sometimes our little guy will be worth it. (Mom keeps telling me...) When he gets a burst of energy I can feel it and what an amazing feeling to have a little person dancing around in your stomach... The body is an amazing thing and these little ones are such an incredible miracle. (although he would be so much cuter if he didn't kick until the early morning...)
We are at 25 weeks and 3 days today. Said the doctor as we met with him again. The next time I'll see the doctor will be in my 3rd trimester! Can you believe that? I can't... until this little guy kicks me again... then I can't wait! :)
Just thought I'd share a short update... more to come soon!