Life's Lessons

Something I was very fortunate to learn at an early age, during the most trying times of my life,

is this:

Surround yourself by those you love. who make you happy. who understand you. who accept you. who make you a better person. who are loving. who inspire you. who have your best interest at heart. who you can trust. who you can learn from. who don't judge. who you know are real.

All others aren't worthy of being a part of your life.

Life is too short to waste time on those who bring you down.

34 Weeks

and only 6 more to go...

Despite my "geriatric-like" symptoms (random rises in blood pressure, and some pressure on my nerves that make me hobble/limp around for a few minutes) everything has been GREAT!

I have gained about 20 pounds so far...

Our little one now takes up my whole tummy and she is very very active. She feels so big that at times her movements kind of hurt;) Especially those unexpected jabs to the rib cage!!!

Through ultrasound pictures we know she has LOTS of hair!

We got some great pictures of her in 3D sucking her thumb, and sticking out her tongue! Priceless! Technology is amazing!

Baby turned about a month ago, and she hasn't rotated again, so chances are she will stay this way til she is born.

We have finished her nursery!

Part of her Christmas has been bought...

and we are very anxious for her arrival.

Just a pic of the proud soon-to-be parents...;)

GIRLS WEEKEND- Take 3!

Mom was so nice, and planned another girls weekend down to St.G to see Tarzan at the Tuicahan and of course we fit in some shopping!

We had an amazing time...with LOTS of laughs!

And...CONGRATULATIONS to Cole and Heather on the arrival of baby Lillian Marie Sorenson!!! She is absolutely beautiful!

While I played with baby Lilly, cute lil' Bry Bry painted uncle Dustin's fingernails.

If any one would like a good laugh just take a look at this next picture...We went to Taco Time a few weeks ago for lunch, and the girl asked for my name...I said "Matasha", emphasizing the "Mmmm" as I always do, and this is what she got out of it...

ha ha ha ha! I have NEVER heard that one before...

Thanks for laugh girl at Taco Time!

I love it!

A camping we will go..

Dustin and I did not go camping 1 single time this summer:( Come to think of it, we never do, because anytime we go to the mountains, it's to the cabin (WHICH WE LOVE) with Mom and Jerry. So, as far as camping goes, we haven't been in probably 2 or 3 years... This past weekend, we got together with our friends Josh and Allayna and took a 1 night camping trip out to Maple Grove...We had a great time.

PJ TIME!

Dustin and Josh went fishing the next morning without us, so...we decided we would try to show them up, and we snagged a pole, and went out looking for a good fishing place...

This is what we found;)

And we each caught a fish!

Yes, we even gutted them ourselves! Impressive, I know;)

28 Weeks

Only 11 weeks to go!

Baby is healthy and full of energy. She kicks all day long! I can't say I mind, though, cause every time she kicks it's just as exciting as the first time I ever felt her. Dustin probably feels like I am a broken record, I am always having him feel my stomach or watch her move. She seems to be getting stronger by the day. I love to just sit and watch my stomach bulge and jump as she moves around.

I had an ultrasound last week, and we found that baby has definitely got some hair! That's a relief considering I had a TON, and Dust was a toe head! We weren't sure who she would take after, but so far I take the lead...;)

My stomach is huge! Bending over has become next to impossible. I have to turn my toes out and bend with my legs instead of at my hips. I am sure it's extremely flattering, but whatever works right?!

I am starting to feel tired again, like I did the first trimester. I try to make sure I get plenty of rest so I have the energy to make it through work and school. It seems to be working, but the minute I walk in my door I crash...I turn in to a big blob and stay on the couch til bedtime. I do, however, fit in eating, a hot bath, and talking to Dustin on the phone.

Some new symptoms:
*I feel short of breath: I have to take in long, deep breaths often to feel as though I am getting enough air.
*I find that I spend approximately 90% of time in the restroom...I just can't get that part under control...baby is getting bigger and sitting right on my bladder;)
*I can't eat near as much in one sitting. I get too full, too fast, and that is a huge contributor to my shortness of breath, so I have resorted to grazing...smaller meals more often.
*My clothes are definitely getting tighter. Mainly just my shirts. I am still in my jeans and I have not bought anything maternity at this point. Hopefully I won't have to considering I only have a couple of months left.
*I have noticed a red tint in my hair. I try to dye it really dark to get rid of it, but it just doesn't disappear. I actually noticed it at about 4 or 5 months in to my pregnancy, but I thought it was just the brand of dye I was using at the time...nope, it's my hair...lovely...;)

Labor Day Weekend

Labor day weekend we spent our time up at the cabin with mom and Jer! We watched TONS of movies, ate LOTS, and went on a 4-wheeler ride!

Thanks Ma and Jer for the fun weekend...it was great!

It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home.

Awww...

Our house is just getting better and better. We spent all spring working on the landscaping (my input was dictating where things should go considering I have a "bun in the oven"), and we have also been working on some projects for the inside of our house.

(Notice our new shutters...they defnitely gave the house a more "finished" look.)

John Bar and Dustin made our cute mailbox, and I LOVE it. They did a great job.

We re-finished this desk that we bought at a yard sale a while back. $30 was all we paid for this beauty. I would say that's fair considering the spiders, spider eggs, and gross-ness that came with it. YUCK.

Thanks to Tiff for her generosity in sharing this wonderful site that has great ideas for re-finishing furniture! I used this "glazing" technique for my next two projects, and it turned out great! It was exactly what I needed to brighten up my living room. It just needed...something...and I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

Chas gave me this cute shelf....BEFORE

AFTER;)

END TABLES- $15 each off of KSL...I love bargain shopping!

BEFORE
(before glazing that is)
My sweet hubby had them painted for me when I got home from work so that all I had to do was glaze. Thank you babe! We didn't get a before picture cause we completely spaced it, but they had that 70's-80's look to them...a dark brown, wood look with bright gold handles...no so cute. But, now, they are just perfect;)

AFTER!

I LOVE OUR HOME!

Next, the babies room, and finishing our basement...;) Can't wait.

6 Months and Counting...

First off- Thank you to everyone who had such kind words about my last post. I was so nervous for everything to change and your sweet remarks meant alot. It's nice to know that people care... Dustin has really enjoyed his time up at post! He has done well in PT, and has enjoyed learning about the field of corrections. He took corrections classes in college and loved it, so this is right up his alley! School has been great for me. I love the people, learning, and actually being on a schedule for the first time in a long time!

PREGNANCY

I hit my 6 month mark a week ago from today. (I still don't have a charger for my camera battery so I am a little late posting pics...) This pregnancy has gone by so fast. Our little one is still as healthy as ever. I was able to get another ultrasound about a week ago, and she was squirming around and kicking like crazy. It was so cute... she was also sucking, and you could see her little mouth moving!

My pregnancy thus far...
*She is now about 13 inches long. (according to babycenter.com)
*Dustin and I played music for her the other night, and she responded immediately.
*My belly has really grown during this past week... along with the "girls" that have decided to "fill up" a little bit earlier than expected...I must say, weirdest part of being pregnant...
*I have had a cheeseburger almost every day this past week! Mmmm. Appetite is defnitely healthy.
*I ordered a belly belt for a little more support while I am at the hospital. This growing belly is killing my back! I can't wait to try it out. I hear they're amazing.
*Tummy butter has become a part of my daily routine. I haven't got a stretch mark yet...and I am hoping to prevent any in the future.
*I am still a little tired, but nothing I can't handle.

Only 2 months and 3 weeks til our due date! I am so excited I can hardly sleep at night. She is already so loved...