newport beach + a month at home + chad goes on a mission

Way back when (time to play catchup).... We took a family trip (we missed Mike!) to Newport Beach. It is one of our favorite places! It was one last hooray with Chad before he left on his mission. We had the best time riding bikes, surfing, laying out, playing basketball, having game nights, stuffing our faces with the best food... the works. We stayed right on the beach and had a party!

 Yes, we were that hillbilly family that decided AFTER we left the beach, to go to Capital Grill. We got lots of lovely stares :)

We rode bikes everywhere and I LOVED it!!

As hard as I tried, I just couldn't keep up with these two on our runs!

 Rocking a 27 week baby bump! I had a great big growth spurt right before we got to the beach, just what I wanted :)

 I still can't believe Steele is the same height as me now 

(well, I think I still have about half an inch on him!)

Apparently my siblings got all the ABS genes!!

 My brothers are STUDS! I can't believe how much they have grown up.

Our trip wouldn't have been complete without a trip to Rain Forest Cafe. Yes, the food isn't that great, but it is so fun! We surprised Chad (who had his 19th birthday a few weeks before) with a birthday cake. He was in shock and it was hilarious. I was so disappointed that I missed him putting his face in the cake though!

We thought the muscle man represented him well ;)

We couldn't pass up the opportunity to go to the Newport Beach temple while we were there. It's stunning. There's no place I'd rather be than at the temple with my family!

On our way home we went through the temple together as a family (we're just waiting for you Steele!). It is a day I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was the first time I went through with Chad. We had an unforgettable experience. I can't wait until we get to go again when he gets back from his mission! 

 Tryg and Shelb were married in the LA temple three years ago.

 Tryg's parents, Ole and Marty, were so sweet to join us. We had a great day at the temple and then capped it off with Ruth's Chris. Our favorite! Ole shared the best mission advice with Chad.

Those close to me know how dear I hold my brother to my heart. He is everything in my eyes!

The next day, Chad gave his farewell talk. He did such a wonderful job! I wish I had a copy of it. It was more than just a "I'm going on a mission" talk. He uplifted, inspired, and edified all of us. As he has his whole life. 

Tryg and Shelby had to go back to Provo, but Mike traded places and finally was able to come out. We had a great last week with Chad and enjoyed one last 4th of July with him. 

The week came to an end way too fast and it was time to go home. Chad was entering the MTC on Wednesday so I decided to stay and fly back to Provo with him then, while Mike had to get back on Sunday. Tuesday night came and I decided I needed another couple of days with my mom and Steele. My mom was in charge of all the food at our 4-Stake Youth Conference that weekend (yes, just the DAY after Chad left!) and while she could have done it all along, I wanted to stay and help drive Steele around while she was busy (we live 30 minutes out of town). She did an incredible job by the way, the best food those kids have every eaten I'm sure. Everyone kept complimenting her on it. My mom is wonder woman. 

The day Chad entered the MTC I saw this most beautiful sunset driving home. I know it was Heavenly Father smiling down because one of his elect was answering His call to serve.

My silly little cousin was being so funny one day at the office. Of course I had to capture some of his faces and he wanted to see them after. All on his own, he goes "Send this one to Chad!!!" It was so sweet. But the one he picked just absolutely cracks me up. The second one is my favorite.

I had my flight to come home on Sunday but Mike decided to go to Florida for work. So.... instead of going back to Provo and being alone for the week, I figured another week at home wouldn't hurt anyone :) My two-week vacation turned into a full month (plus a couple days) at home. BEST "babymoon" ever. Thanks to my mom and Steele for letting me invade for so long!

Finally at the airport heading back to Provo.

pregnancy update: week 32-33

Week 32

Spent this week still sick, despite being on antibiotics. I started getting a terrible cough and it made my stomach contract so much each time and let me tell you, it hurt!

My acid reflux/heartburn started making a reappearance, along with minor backaches.

Baby boy is one active little dude! I love it though because it reassures me he's still in there doing good! Sometimes he jolts so much that my whole body sort of compulses. It kind of makes me laugh.

The heat is killing me, I feel like I'm living in a sauna!

My rib cage feels like it's been turned into a punching bag. It is so sore!

No contractions, braxton hicks or anything of the like (at least that I know of). Occasionally I'll get a short bout of pain/cramping but then it'll go right away. I think this is just round ligament pain?

I've been having a hard time sleeping, but I think that's due to being sick more than pregnant right now.

Week 33

I have elephant feet. Nice, big, swollen elephant feet :)

No stretch marks. But my belly has gotten BIG. I had another "growth spurt" this week. My belly button is slowly flattening out. My sister finds it hilarious for some reason haha

Someone had a dance party on my bladder one night this week. I'm not exaggerating when I say I had to get up and go to the bathroom every 15 minutes for an hour and a half. 

I sleep fine. I toss and turn but nothing like earlier in my pregnancy. I'm noticing with each day I get more and more tired as the day goes on. The evening hits and I'm ready to sit now and never get up.

No cravings. I'm just hungry. all. the. time.

I'm noticing there aren't quite as many kicks coming from him lately. He just "wiggles" around. We like to play hide and seek :) I love feeling around my belly and finding where he is. It's never hard. I'm pretty sure he is one big boy.

I'm finally feeling so much better. I still have a cough but I can handle that.

I'm a girl. And I'm pregnant.... which means there's definitely some emotions flying around and a need for some extra loving! Luckily Mike is on top of that :)

I have definitely had pregnancy symptoms/pains, but overall, I can't feel grateful enough for how well things have gone.

pregnancy update: weeks 23-31

Oops. Time to play catchup after my month-long vacation in California and being sick! I wasn't keeping track or writing down anything during the weeks so here's just a condensed, mashed-up version of some symptoms the past couple of weeks (two months!).

Weeks 23-31

 My back pains aren't as bad as they were! But I've traded it off for bad leg cramps at night.

My little boy hiccups like crazy! And moves, and dances, and does cartwheels, and kicks :) I wouldn't have it any other way. I love feeling (and watching) him move. It makes everything so much more real to know he is there right with me. It's a crazy (and amazing) feeling. He is one STRONG boy.

My four-year-old cousin came up with a nickname for my baby. "Me gunna call him dragon! He gunna be sooooo cute!" haha I love that little kid!

I started getting heart burn/acid reflux around 27 weeks. It's gotten better now thankfully and it's pretty much gone away!

I was on my feet for three days straight helping at Youth Conference while I was at home. My feet and ankles got SO swollen! Now I know why they suggest taking it easy when you're pregnant! My feet and hands are getting more and more swollen. I retain water to begin with so I knew this was going to be a little bit of a problem. My wedding ring is starting to get tight in the mornings and when I workout :(

I'm starting to feel the tiredness kicking back in.

My bump doubled in size over the last month! I'm starting to grow a basketball. Around 25-26 weeks it went crazy. I gained a few pounds and it grew a ton. I felt humungous. But I haven't gained any weight since then and I feel like I'm staying around the same size, so I'm starting to get more comfortable with my basketball belly.

I don't think I ever mentioned this before... one thing that has stood out during my pregnancy is how carsick I get. When I was younger I use to get it bad, but then it kind of just went away. It's BACK!

Baby boy is starting to smash my ribs and lungs... and they hurt! I'm really starting to feel the stresses and strains of my stomach, with everything moving around in there and getting a little cramped.

I finally got REAL morning sickness at 30 weeks, more than just a brief stint of it (or at least I think that's what it was ha). At least that's what I think it was. It started one night and I could NOT sleep at all and kept getting up because I felt so extremely nauseous. It continued the next day and all I wanted to do was sleep (which is what I did!). My whole body ached, I had a headache, I couldn't eat or drink anything, I was getting the chills... I just felt miserable. Thankfully it only lasted a day and a half. I'm so happy I didn't have that during the first trimester!

Week 31 was spent with no pregnancy symptoms! They were all washed out by being extremely sick. It's funny to me how I've had the best pregnancy except I keep getting sick-sick. Dang it low immune system. 

Some days this whole thing doesn't seem real to me. Other days I start to panic and can't believe that our baby boy will be here before we know it. But one thing is for sure, I'm so excited (and Mike is too!) that I could burst with happiness. Here's to a great big new adventure!

 

I think he was sticking his bum out for the camera or something :)

Yes - my bum and thighs are the recipients of a lot of the weight I'm gaining!

At the beginning of 32 weeks, I still look somewhat like the last picture. Like I said above, I doubled in size from 24 to 26 weeks and now have stayed around the same. I'm curious to see what the next "little" growth spurt is going to have me looking like!

trip home

I've been falling behind on life outside of pregnancy (although that is pretty much it lately). We hosted the MPSF conference volleyball championships and won [way back in April]! We earned the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and I went with the team to UCLA for the national championships [in May]. It was a neat experience being down there with them. I love those guys! Don't get me wrong, I love working with the football team but the guys on the volleyball team are incredible. They are always brightening my day! They are the friendliest and so accommodating to all my requests (even though I'm sure I drive them all crazy). Anyway, we won our Final Four match and made it to the National Championship, but unfortunately lost a hard-fought, and heart-breaking, battle. I've never seen a sadder sight that than guys. They worked so hard and deserved it, but still accomplished so much and had an incredible season. I couldn't have been more proud to work with them this season!

I got to spend a lot of time with these two superstars and they have such bright and promising futures ahead. You'll see Taylor again in the 2016 Olympics, and there's a good chance Ben will be teaming up with his former teammate once again! These two are the reason I'll be a lifelong volleyball fan. I can't say thanks enough to them for making my job so easy all year long.

Because I was already down in LA, I got to go home for a couple days (which turned into a lot longer luckily!). There is no place like home. Mike came out too. Whenever we go home we never want to leave. And always stay a few extra days :)

This perfectly describes us. Chad goofing off. Me drinking water. Steele being perfect. [actually, he's usually the one goofing off :)]

pregnancy update: week 19 - 22

Week 19

I'm starting to notice strangers staring at my bump! Like I mentioned in a previous post, I'm not the best at trying to "conceal" it so my bump is showing through my tighter shirts pretty bad.

I was talking with the people I work with and they were commenting on how small my bump is and I think they are crazy! I feel HUGE! Either they are just being nice, slightly crazy, or I just feel the changes more because it's my body.

After days of waiting.... I finally felt baby boy move! People described it as "flutters" and it's kind of true. As the week went on, the feelings got stronger and stronger. I absolutely LOVE it. It's always different times of the day that I feel him. Sometimes in the morning, sometimes during the day, and my personal favorite, during the middle of the night. {pretty please baby boy be a night sleeper}

The week was off to a great start in terms of being better about my exercising, and then I got a sinus infection! Terrible timing, especially with just getting back from being gone for 12 days. Of course I haven't gotten sick because of my pregnancy, I just get a "normal" sickness :) I was absolutely miserable and finally got an antibiotic. I hadn't taken any medicine since I got pregnant and I hated to take any, but I was desperate and got the ok from my doctor. I'm happy to report I'm much better now!

No cravings. The same foods sound good to me as before. I just crave food in general haha it's a rare moment when I'm not hungry. I'm just grateful soda has stopped sounding good to me! That was freaking me out for awhile. I'm back to my water-only and couldn't be happier.

My bump has been a little itchy this week {random}... and my back is still bothering me. I know it's a little early for that to be happening, and am definitely in trouble if this keeps up!

Week 20

HALFWAY THERE!

People say this is the easy part of pregnancy and that all the yucky symptoms should be gone by now. I definitely agree. Life is great! Besides the bummer of feeling big just in time for summer, I'm doing great.

I finally had someone ask me if I was pregnant - a friend I haven't seen in a long time. The baby is bumping and here to stay. It is crazy though how much it was changing from day to day (as seen in the pictures below).

I had my 20 week ultrasound and he was curled up in a ball with his feet over his head ha the technician was saying how flexible he was and my only thought was "he definitely doesn't get it from me!" He finally sprawled out and laid face down in my stomach. It was so neat to see all the organs and just how developed he is. He's a little person! I could stare at him all day. He weighed 1 pound, which the technician said was a big accomplishment (you go baby boy!), and while they aren't changing his due date because things fluctuate so much during pregnancy, they said there's a good chance he'll be early! I would love that! And so would Mike, especially since he always tells people I'm due the end of September anyway haha

All I want to do is buy baby stuff! I'm proud to say I haven't bought one thing yet though. I'm trying to hold out until we move, which will hopefully be within a month. It's killing me though. It's my nightly activity, looking online and deciding what I need and things I want to get. There is so much! I don't even know where to begin. I love getting advice from others because that's the best way to know where to start!

 I feel like Oct. 7 (or the end of September) is soooooooooo far away. But at the same time, I know it will be here before we know it (or at least I'm hoping!) I seriously cannot wait. I'm definitely nervous/anxious/scared and a whole lot of other emotions, but I couldn't be more excited. It's crazy how everything really does work out how it's suppose to. Mike and I didn't plan this, and were a little shocked at first, but now we couldn't imagine our lives without our little boy. It is perfect and we are beyond blessed.

See what I mean! My belly changes every day.

Week 21

I think my thighs might be getting bigger than my stomach. AHH! I'm gaining weight everywhere unfortunately, not just my stomach. Some days my belly is huge and others I actually don't think its too bad. I know I sound ridiculous when I say I'm big now, because I know I'm only going to get bigger and bigger! I don't have anything to complain about yet. If I think this is bad, I'm in for a rude awakening!

I've been much better about working out than I had been. Don't get me wrong, I feel terrible during because it's slightly depressing how out of shape I am compared to pre-pregnancy. But I constantly remind myself it's worth it to work out, even if walking makes me just as tired as running use to. Something is better than nothing!

I've always guzzled down the water, but for some reason, this week it's been more than every before. I can't drink enough. I'm talking by the gallons. There have been days that food sounds nasty and I just want water. Never thought I'd crave water more than I usually do!

All last week (20 weeks) I wasn't feeling the baby move as much as I was the week before, but he's back at it this week. I'm starting to feel more prominent kicks and not just movements. It's my favorite thing! They usually come really late at night or first thing in the morning so I'm laying in bed. Not the ideal timing buddy but I'll take it! Mike finally gave in and put his hand on my stomach to feel them. I think it kind of weirds him out :)

I have no idea what it was, but one morning I had the WORST pain on the lower left side of my stomach. I'm talking cramps X 100. I'm not sure if it was just some random thing or maybe Braxton Hicks? I don't know what I'm going to do when I have ACTUAL contractions!

I was sleeping SO much better throughout the night for awhile there but I've started to wake up again during the night. It's not as bad as it was in the first trimester luckily.

Another pregnancy "side effect" I'm having - congestion. I can barely breathe at night.

I've always had a high pulse, but being pregnant has sent it through the roof. I can feel my heart beat just about anywhere on my body.

Week 22

Michael has been cracking me up lately. He is SO ready to be a dad (even though he's going through a little bit of a "mid-life" crisis and wants to be a young college student again haha) He told me the other day all he wants is a friend. I kindly reminded him that I was his friend. He said "Nooo... I want a little friend. You're my big friend!" haha He wants our baby here :) Luckily our nieces moved back so he has them to play with. His cousin also has a little boy that has quickly become Mike's best friend. He pretty much stalks this little boy and begs to hang out with him! He also has a new little girlfriend.. our neighbor's daughter. I love seeing him with kids and am so happy to see how excited he is to be a dad! He's going to be the BEST.

Sleeping is starting to get a little hard. I just toss and turn a lot and struggle to not sleep on my back. My hips and back hurt because of how I lay.

The heat is on in Utah! I love the sun, but I will say I start to melt rather quickly with an extra person in me. I try to stay hydrated and cooled off because I start to feel a little sick when I get too hot.

I've had a great pregnancy, but really felt my hormones in overdrive this week. I was a tad bit on the emotional side and needed lots of extra love.

I get tired during the day, but have been able to stay up later (to my husband's complete and absolute joy!)

My stomach still itches me! I use stretch cream/lotion morning and night so it's staying moisturized.

No cravings still. Besides food. The smell of certain things is too much for me though and makes me sick. Mike bought these top ramen noodle things (it's some random kind with lots of spicy stuff in it) and I could not handle it.

Gone are the days when I look in the mirror and think, "Well, maybe I'm not THAT big." When I sit down it's the worst... hello belly!

My belly feels SO full and tight. I don't know how it's going to stretch more. It feels so full all the time.

He moves around AAAAALLLL the time!

Mike took me to Taylor Swift. It was amazing!

Mike's new girlfriend... I've been replaced!

He said he was "practicing" having a baby haha 

[I'm posting a little late - I'm only a couple days away from being 6 months pregnant! I can't believe it!]