Memories I Will Treasure- Grant 16-18 months

I have to put some little videos up to remember this cute personality. He's so fun.

Okay this is something he's been doing for a while-

So he's learning body parts and he loves saying "knee" and pointing to his knee or whoever's knee is around.

So one night he wakes up at 3 and instead of asking for some bananas or toast (our staple midnight snacks) he just starts saying "knee!" and I feel in the dark and his hand is on his knee. And he just repeats and repeats this over and over and we all ended up just cracking up- it was soooooo strange and funny.

This video is one way we have fun with this word:

This is something he has been doing for...who knows how long....but every time he does it, I run to grab the camera and he doesn't do it again! I don't know where this came from- I have tried to figure it out and my best guess is he feels tall and important and he's just telling everybody about it. 

And another dancing video because he just can't get enough music and dance parties:

Quarter of a Century

Weird.
My mom called and asked how old I was turning...
uh....
Is it 24?
Does this happen every year? I seriously never know. I just don't think about it anymore-
I was talking to Nicole and we agreed that from 15 to 21ish, every year is HUGE- then after you are married and start having kids it just kind of meshes together.

So my mom and I did some math and figured it out: 25!! I was in disbelief. Why do we even have to talk about age? Come on- birthdays are for splurging on a couple of gifts maybe and eating cake right?

Well, anyway I guess I have to start practicing right now that next year I will be 26. I feel as if I am changing my name every year. What is your name this year? It's part of me anyway and it just feels weird to change it- I know it happens to everyone but really- it's just so foreign having it be a way to describe yourself and changing that. I don't mind changing my favorite color- I wonder why it's been so hard with the age thing?
Okay, I am done with my rant.


So Jay got home from work at 10 on Thursday and we prepared some food for the next day so I would just have to stick it in the oven! Yay! Check.

Birthday morning I woke up to the most beautiful snow falling out the window. Then as I opened my present (The Michale Buble CD) and put it in the CD player, something happened. It looked and felt so magical. The snow falling with Micheal's voice resonating throughout the house (and I'm sure the neighbors could hear the magic too- it was pretty loud but it was my birthday so I thought it was okay one day to blast it).

Also, my in-laws gave me spending money to spend on me! And guess what arrived on my birthday? Exactly what I wanted:

AHHHH!!!! I now own the best movie on earth!!!!!

We ate amazing German pancakes with an apple pie filling that Jay prepared. Then we got all bundled up and headed outside. Jay asked if I wanted to take a picture- no way! I wanted to eat it, it looked way to good to pause for that!

The snow was PERFECT snow-man making snow. Grant's first play in the snow that he understands a little what's going on;)

Say "cheese". I love this face.

Off for a ride in the sled!

Total face-plant!

Not too sure about going back on that thing....

Jay's finished snow man. 

Later that night, Sushila made me some food! (No cooking!!!! It was amazing)

I wasn't looking forward to spending the evening alone on my birthday since Jay has to work late and I got the best surprise! My family drove down to see me! They brought pizza (again- no cooking!) cake and ice cream and had fun dancing with Grant for a while.

Grant saw Grandpa's Dr. Pepper and kept taking breaks to do this:

My mom hates that my dad drinks the stuff but she thought this was hilarious.

And Jay stopped by during his dinner break at work and brought me these beauties:

 I loved the phone calls and emails and sweet letters and presents from everyone. What a good day to get older. Thanks so much!!!!

23 Weeks of Pregnancy

How far along: 23 weeks

Total weight gain: no idea...seems like I'm gaining though so yay!

Maternity clothes: My awesome sis-in-law just sent me some more! I thought I was good, until I realized that last pregnancy I could use a bunch of my dresses for church- I have since not used those dresses because I'm still breastfeeding Grant. So now I need breastfeeding access/maternity church clothes. Oh thank you, thank you Nicole!!!! The things you sent work wonderfully!

Stretch marks: I know I've said they are gone thanks to coconut oil- I still don't see them anymore but I guess I should be careful saying they are gone- because they could totally still be there and I just can't see them- so I guess we'll see after the baby comes what is visible.

Sleep: More!!! I need more sleeeeeeep. But it's my fault. I tried explaining to Sushila why I am tired (She notices everything) and I finally got the point across using the word "mature". I am not mature I said- I need to go to bed earlier instead of staying up late and pretending like it doesn't matter for the next day.

Best moment of this week: Gran'ts been sick this week which has been sooo sad- he's not himself. So cranky. But I guess the best part has been watching lots of movies! It's kind of fun to have some lazy days and watch tv all day.

Miss anything: Sometimes I just miss my body just being mine. I know that's sounds selfish and it is- so I'm grateful to have this opportunity to giving of myself for someone else- to learn to give everything to someone I love and don't even know yet. What an amazing experience and I really am thankful everyday that I get this opportunity to be a mother! So amazing.

Movement: I love feeling the movement and it kind of freaks me out when I don't feel the baby moving as much but then I remember the baby does sleep a lot and I like what a nurse told me one time during the last pregnancy, "You know, babies are just like us- they have some days where they are going, going all day and some days they take it easy." So that gives me comfort knowing that.

Food cravings: Sugar sugar sugar. Blah!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nah.

Gender: Surprise! And I finally got someone who was excited about that- I love when people are excited about the baby and go with my joy on keeping the gender a surprise! It's so fun.

Labor signs: Stretching, stretching, always stretching.

Belly button in or out: It's that weird "outie" that actually is inside a dip still but poking out- so weird.

Wedding rings on or off: on

Exercise and preparation for birth: I am really trying to walk- yoga really isn't happening yet but I love going outside so the walks are great and Grant usually gets to go somewhere fun so I get 2 birds with one stone.

Happy or moody most of the time: Lately I've been moody. Bummer huh? I guess it happens though. But I think I'm finding reasons why I am moody. I am learning that our emotions really are a product of our thoughts so I'm really trying to track what I'm thinking so that if I am feeling negatively, I can stop my thought process and change it! It's such work at first but sometimes it can be easy. Just working on it.

Looking forward to: Finding a doula! I think no matter where I end up giving birth, I know I want a doula and it's going to happen somehow- I am going to find someone perfect who can be with me and guide me through a wonderful birth.

Brooke's Pizza Crust

I have to say I am a fan of all pizza and pretty much all bread and crust but this one is especially yummy.

When I visited my beautiful cousin a few weeks ago she had some pizza she had made and I LOVED it. I felt guilty eating it because of yeast but it was worth it- way more worth it than recently eating Halloween candy. Bleh. I would way rather cheat eating this stuff than that junk any day. I called her up when I got home and she had it memorized she makes it so much- and she says she's still tweaking things and trying different things to perfect it but I think it's perfect just the way it is:


Brooke's Pizza Crust
Makes 2 medium pizzas


1 c. warm/hot water
1 pkg yeast (2 and 1/4 tsp)

Mix and set aside to bubble while combining the rest of the ingredients

4 c. flour
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp italian herbs
1 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar

Mix together well. Then add yeasty water and knead with hands for a few minutes. Let rise for an hour or so or put in fridge and cover for a day. Pound it back down and roll out.

Bake at 400 or 425 degrees F-
1 topping usually bakes in 15 minutes-
Supreme bakes for 18 minutes


*Tip- put oil on the pan of course- but also on the bottom of the crust so it doesn't stick.


We absolutely love this recipe and because all the spices are in the bread, you really don't need your sauce to be spiced- I just mixed up some tomato paste and water and put it right on the crust with cheese and toppings and it was delicious.

Pretty sure this will be a staple in our home on pizza nights. Love love love.

Story of Baby #2

Once upon a time Jay and I were very confused in life and unsure about a lot of things.
We were in a situation that isn't ideal for doing much of really anything- survival mode is what I like to call it.
We were just about to move to a new town so Jay could finish school and any change is stressful. Big changes...

That's where faith and a lot of prayer come into action.
I saw miracles happen in my life- wonderful things I never could have imagined.

And then we knew we wanted another baby.

The big question was when?

Of course after we move and get settled.
And of course we must wait until we have a secure job and know we can afford another baby.
Maybe we should just stay close to my parents so my mom can help with the first trimester (remember my pregnancy with Grant- so sick- my mom saved us because I really couldn't handle food).
Let's make sure Jay can be home with me and help with dinners during the first trimester even- that would be good to plan on.
Oh and what about Grant? Is he old enough to have a sibling? He's still so little and needs so much attention- can I handle having another one?

I thought once you started your family, that you would just know naturally and easily when the next baby was to join your family. Maybe it's because we are a student family and finances really do have a big part to play in our decision...Well, there were just so many questions and so many thoughts as I'm sure many people go through when they start a family or question whether or not it's the right time to have another baby.

This is what happened:
We prayed.
And received an answer that we were not expecting: not to wait.
We both knew it and we both felt it was right even though we had no idea how this was going to work out.

So here I was, pregnant and so sick. We were moving.
Things weren't perfect- we ate kind of poorly, I could barely help with packing- Jay was still working.

But it seems as if everything worked exactly how it was supposed to.

We moved,
Jay was home as he signed up for classes and started looking for a job.
Classes started and I started feeling better (around 14 weeks).
Jay got a job as nausea totally subsided (16 weeks). How did this work? How? I was able to have Jay help with things until almost exactly when I started feeling better again.
And even though it looks as if we have to use medicaid again, I am so grateful.
Grateful that even though it's not what we wanted to happen for paying for the baby, that I got an amazing doctor who is respectful of natural childbirth and supports this endeavor that I have.
Grateful that we didn't wait, grateful that I had help from Jay, even in the midst of moving, and that he got a job right after I started feeling better.

And every time I think it might not work or get scared or fearful, I remember that prompting and I know that somehow this little one is supposed to come right now and so far things have worked out just fine. There is a plan and Heavenly Father makes things work when we put our faith and trust in him.

Nana and Papa visit- Baby Pictures- The Face Comparison

Nana Banana and Grandpa or "papa" came and visited! Why do we never get pictures? Come on! Next time remind me and we'll snap a few with you guys.

Grant lovvvvvves nana and papa!
They brought so many wonderful things too.
A big box of stuff from Nicole! (Um...THANK YOU!) And I felt pretty and COMFORTABLE at the same time at church wearing one of the skirts and shirts you sent- it was wonderful.
And my early birthday present:

Waaaay better than the one we saw out by the dumpster the other day...glad I held out for this one:)

And Nancy and Garr brought a washer and a futon! Wahoooo!
This washing machine will save me trips to the laundry mat as my belly grows and it gets colder and more slippery, it would have been tough so this is going to be sooooooo nice.
And I'm glad to have a place for visitors to sleep! Why isn't every piece of furniture multi-functional? A couch plus bed....a dresser plus play fort? I don't know, I just love using one space, one item for more than one thing.

And it's come in handy this weekend as we found BLACK MOLD in our bedroom right next to our heads. Where we sleep. And breathe the deepest and longest periods of time...no wonder my mold problem in my body has not been progressing very fast- cause every night I get a big dose of more of it. yikes. So I'm grateful we found this and will get it taken care of. For now, we've been lucky to sleep out on the futon in the living room.

Well as we chatted we joked with Nancy about how Grant must take after her because he cleans up his toys after he plays with them and likes them neat and organized. Then he seriously eats at least 2 bananas a DAY and his favorite color is yellow. He can say "yellow" so well. I ask him what color something is and he'll answer "yellow" first but after that he will say the correct color if is green or blue, red or purple, pink, black and grey...orange is one we're working on.

Well, we know where some of his personality traits come from and I just couldn't resist doing another photo comparison.
I know I've done a lot of these, but I just keep hearing "he looks just like Jay!" and I know when I look at Grant, I see me and Jay so I just couldn't resist.

So here's out baby faces side by side:

Hair: my color, jay's hairline ;) He has more hair than me, but less thickness than Jay- good mix.
Forehead: Looks like Jay's to me...mine looks really big...I was a cone headed baby so maybe it is still a little stretched out? Or maybe I really do have a big forehead?
Eyes: his own dark chocolate brown- maybe more Jay's shape with a little twist of Aubreyness.
Eye brows: he has good eyebrows- neither of us really have much there but I think the shape looks most like mine.
Chin: my chin!
Face shape: I think it looks like my face shape on bottom and Jay's on top.
Ears: he totally has Jay's ears- they are exact replicas! How cute.
Nose: mine.
Lips: Jay's lips and mouth- the way he smiles curves downward- I know this picture of Grant he is being cheesy so it's probably a little more pronounced than normal.
Teeth: I have no idea- it looks like he has way more teeth than either of us but maybe he's older than either of us in these pictures? All I know is we are all babies here so it could be quite a few months difference.

21 Weeks of Pregnancy

How far along: 21 Weeks

Total weight gain: 13 lbs

Maternity clothes: love 'em

Stretch marks: You guys, they are totally gone- I don't see them anymore. I love you coconut oil!

Sleep: I can't get enough of it. Jay let me sleep in today until 10! I love fridays.

Best moment of this week: Jay felt the baby kick! And hard! She's getting stronger.

Miss anything: Yah, actually, but today as I was rocking Grant to sleep he didn't want "Eye-die-dee-die" he wanted "Prayer" so I said about 3 prayers before he fell asleep, which was actually awesome because it made me really think today what am I grateful for? I am grateful I can carry my own babies. I love knowing that my body can do that and I know everything that I miss will soon be forgotten as I get to know this new little one.

Movement: Tons! I love feeling the kicking- So she kicks whenever I eat-anything- even snacks. I absolutely love feeling that.

Food cravings: Sugar. Good thing I'm really having to work at that or I might be all over that.

Anything making you queasy or sick: You know I was looking over Grant's pregnancy and realized water was really hard for me- hallelujah it's not for me with this one- or at least not yet- but I am enjoying drinking plenty of water.

Gender: I'm still guessing girl this week. I've had a few spiritual experiences that make me think this will be a girl- but if not, I feel strongly I will have a girl someday.

Labor signs: I have experienced Braxton hicks! I now realize I never had them with Grant's pregnancy. I felt a lot of stretching and muscles cramping up when I walk but this was different and I was almost scared because it did kind of feel like I was in labor and I've had a few friends go into early labor so I was worried- but I rested and they went away so that was weird!

Belly button in or out: Okay, this is kind of funny and maybe you really don't want to know the details of my belly button but it goes in like it's going to be an inny then it curves back out. So it's not really popping out yet, it's in but sticking out- does that make sense? It's strange.

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Exercise and preparation for birth: Yesterday I got the workout of my life. We walked so far! I thought I was going to die. I was so tired and my feet literally were throbbing by the time I got home. I think Sushila was happy about it though because she knows that walking is good for pregnancy and I told her we should walk more so I can get in shape! I hope we can, even when it snows.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy. Just tired. But happy. Actually the doctor's office called today saying I was low in iron but it wasn't from not getting enough in my diet? What? So that makes me think somehow my body just isn't absorbing it enough or something- they said they would call back- but now I'm going to make sure I'm getting some vitamin C in my diet and see if that helps me absorb the iron because I know being anemic makes you so tired. Hopefully we can get that straightened out and I can function like a normal person (as in a normal pregnant lady).

Looking forward to: Holding my baby. I am really excited to cuddle with a newborn. And really looking forward to taking advantage of wraps so I can see how much I can do if I just carry the baby around with me. I know I have a ways to go before this day but that's what I am really looking forward to.