Monday Musings

• First and foremost - the most exciting news of the day! Some of you know, but Josh has been looking for a new job. After sending out many resumes, he found one job that he was really excited about and really wanted. It's for a company called Ingenix. I'm not exactly sure what they do, but it's something to do with selling some product to help with medical billing. I believe they are owned by United Health Care. Anyway, he went in for an interview a week ago. They were interviewing several people for 2 positions, so they told him they would call him back for a second interview if he made it through the first. Well, he got a call back, and he went in on Friday for his second interview. And we got the good news today that he got the job!!! I know many of you were praying for him, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and support. I can't tell you how much it means to me. The company is a large one, and if he works hard he'll be able to start working up in a short amount of time. If all goes as planned, I will be able to be a stay-at-home mommy, and I can't think of anything I want more! He starts training on August 11th, so he still has 2 weeks of freedom. I'll be making a list of things I want done around the house before he is a working man again!

• I have to explain the picture above - proof that I have the most spoiled and funny dog. He sleeps in the bed with us, but he is definitely a bed hog. If he had it his way, he'd have the whole bed to himself! If one of us gets up in the morning and the other is still sleeping, he'll spread out on the side of the bed that's empty. This morning, I got up to go to the gym. When I got home, Josh came out and told me to quietly come look in the bedroom. It was still dark, but I just had to laugh seeing how he was sleeping on my side of the bed! I got the camera out and had Josh flip on the light quickly so I could take a picture. Not the best picture, but I got a good laugh out of it! (That's his feet sticking out - the rest of him is burrowed under the covers!)

• Speaking of the gym, I really need to get my gym mojo going again. We used to work out 6 mornings a week. Then we cut down to 5, taking Saturdays off so that we could do yard work all morning. But the last week or 2, I've been down to 3 days. Ugh. I'm just so tired, but I know I feel better when I work out and it's better for my pregnant body. So this week, I'm committing to 5 days! It's hard because I've been going by myself because Josh's knee has been so bad, but I guess I have to get used to it since he's going back to work!

• We've had our kitchen cabinet doors up for a few weeks now. I need to take pictures and post, but we need to put handles up still. I have them picked out, but we've been waiting for Josh to go back to work until we bought them. That will be one of the chores I have for Josh, and then I'll post some pictures!

• Josh got called to be a teacher in Primary yesterday. He was so excited yesterday morning, but after church, he commented on how this was going to teach him patience! He's cute, though, because he's started a list with all kinds of ideas and things that he wants to do for his class. Before I got called into Young Women's, I was really hoping we'd get called into primary together, but it will be good for him.

• Also church related - it looks like October will probably be the month that we will be sealed in the temple. I would push it back so we could go for our anniversary on November 11th, but I know Janell is due just before that, and I want to make sure all of my family is there. Josh will be ordained an Elder at the next Stake Conference at the end of September. (on a side note, I never knew that you had to be ordained at a stake conference...) We start temple prep classes in 2 weeks - this is a very exciting time for us!

Ok, I think that's all for now. It seems like I have tons to say one day, then nothing for weeks... I guess that's the story of my life!

Another Baby Question...

and then maybe my next post will be something not baby related!!

I seriously don't know why I'm so paranoid. I thought that after I heard the baby's heartbeat, I'd be able to breathe a sigh of relief. But I've been losing weight this week, and now that has me paranoid! I had myself all prepared to start gaining a pound a week (that's a mental hurdle to get over!), but then as I've been on the scale this week (yeah, I have a problem with weighing myself too much!) I've weighed less than my "official" weight I take each Sunday, even when it's been at the end of the day, after I've eaten.

So now my next "big" thing I'm looking forward to is being able to feel this little tyke. Maybe if I feel him/her kicking in there, I won't be quite so paranoid! Everything I read says that a first-time mother will usually feel the baby sometime between 16 and 20 weeks. Granted, I'm only 13 1/2 weeks, so I still have a few weeks to go, but I'm taking a survey:

When did you first feel your baby move? And what did it feel like?

I read some message boards where some people claim to be able to feel their babies at 8 or 10 weeks, but I don't know what to believe. And I know it's easier to spot it once you know what it feels like.

I'm eager for this milestone and just want to see how it happened for everyone else!

Opinions!!!

Ok, so I am a total first time mother. I'm kind of freaking out about everything, so I need lots of help and opinions - and I'm starting today! So please - all of you moms out there - please tell me what you what you think...

We've decided to just start buying things every week, from diapers to onesies to the big stuff, just so that we don't get closer to the end and have to buy everything. I figure if we buy it a little bit at a time, it won't feel like we're spending a ton of money all at the same time.

So on Saturday, I was walking through the baby section at Target. I wasn't planning on buying anything big quite yet, but this stroller/car seat combo caught my eye because it was on sale. I like the pattern because I think it would be good for a girl or a boy. It's normally $190 but on clearance for $134. But I'm scared to buy anything! I don't want to spend extra money on things that others think are not necessary, but I don't want to be cheap at the same time.

So what do you all think about the stroller/car seat combo? Is this like what you bought? Or did you buy them separate? I really need your opinions, so please let me know what you did with your first child, and if you would do the same if you were to do it again!

Memory Lane

I saw this on my friends blog, and thought it looked like a lot of fun....

Here are the directions....

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I have together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember...

2. Next, repost these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave a memory for you!

The Secret is Out...

I can now let out my big secret - although probably everyone that reads this already knows! Yep, we're having a baby!!!

I'm so excited. I wanted to keep it a secret until we heard the heartbeat at out 12 week appointment, but Josh talked me into telling our families earlier on. And I may have just let it slip to a few friends! :) But we had out 12 week appointment yesterday, and the heartbeat was loud and strong, so I'm not keeping it a secret anymore!!

I'll share our little story, although once again, most people have heard it, but just so I have it down. Josh and I decided last year to start trying for a baby in January. I come from a family of fertile myrtles, so I figured I'd probably get pregnant that first month. When that didn't happen, I was sad, but realized it was only one month. It ended up taking about 5 months, which now that I think about it - is nothing. But when you are ready and eager, that 5 months seems to take forever. Before we found out in May, I was actually feeling like I wasn't pregnant. In the months previous, I became super sensitive to everything that was going on with my body, thinking that I was having pregnancy symptoms. So when I would find out I wasn't pregnant, it was very emotional. So in May, we were going to New York, and I knew that we would find out one way or another while we were there. But like I said before, I didn't feel pregnant at all, so I didn't have my hopes up. In fact, I had mentally prepared myself to not be pregnant, because I didn't want it to ruin our trip.

The night before we left, I kept thinking that I really wanted to take a pregnancy test before we left. I wasn't sure if it would even show yet, but I wanted to be prepared. I debated back and forth with myself. The next morning, I had my alarm set for 4:30am so that I could get ready and we could get to the airport on time. I woke up at 3am, and all I could think about was taking that test. So without telling Josh, I snuck into the bathroom. I had decided to take it, but if it was negative, I would just throw it away and not even tell Josh that I had taken one. I was really nervous, but I did my thing and left the bathroom, waiting for the test. A few minutes later, I walked back into the bathroom, and about died when I saw that there were 2 lines!! I was shaking terribly, so excited that I just wanted to scream.

Josh was out watering the flowers before we left, so I went out and asked him how long it would be until he was back inside. He told me 10 minutes. I wanted to make him come in, but I decided to wait until he came in. About 20 minutes later, he finally came in. I couldn't wait any longer. I asked him if he wanted to have a good trip to New York, and he looked at me like I was crazy. I led him into the bathroom, and I think he didn't believe it at first. Then he hugged me as I cried - I think we were both in shock!!

What a perfect beginning to our trip. I know we would have had fun anyway, but with that news, we were on top of the world. I still feel like I'm on top of the world.

I've been pretty lucky - I haven't really been sick at all. I had a couple of days that I got a bit nauseous, but no throwing up, and that lasted no time at all. I've been super tired though. There have been days that I've come home from work and fallen asleep at 6:30pm. I'm starting to feel a little more energetic, so hopefully I will be able to start getting some things done.

Like I said before, we had our first "official" visit with the doctor yesterday, and were able to hear the baby's heartbeat. I've never heard such a wonderful sound!! I had been an anxious mess waiting for that heartbeat. He/she's doing great - the heartbeat was around 168 bpm. All of my tests came back normal, and my doctor said my uterus is in a great position and everything looks perfect! I'm due January 25th - so just over 6 months from now. I feel anxious, eager, scared, excited - just about every emotion rolled into one. I'm so excited for this little one to get here, but I know there's so much to do between now and then!

And another great thing - my sister-in-law and 2 of my sisters are also pregnant!! Amy, (Charlie's wife) is due in just over a week, Kacy is due in September, Janell is due in November, and I'm due in January! Talk about timing!! They are all having boys, so it would be fun if we had a boy, too, because then there would be 4 cousins all the same age to play together. It's going to be a fun time!

So I'm sorry if everything on here becomes pregnancy related - this is my first, so I'm sure you all understand my excitement!

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to my love!! Josh's birthday was yesterday (July 14th) - the big 3-0!! Unfortunately, he was sick all day - poor guy!!

Hopefully he'll feel better today so we can do some celebrating. And I know that he doesn't read this blog - but I love him more than I could ever express in words! He is my best friend and my life is so much better with him in it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

So You Think You Can Dance

So, I was going to write about our camping trip last weekend, but I just had to write about this - and I have no idea why, because it's really not a big deal!

I'm a fan of So You Think You Can Dance. I don't know why - but I've always loved watching dancing, and always wished I was that talented. This year, they went Salt Lake, and 3 people from Utah made it into the top 20. Last night, the first of the 3 was cut - Thayne Jasperson.

I never put 2 and 2 together, but when I was watching last night, I noticed that Thayne's dad is one of my old bishops. (In my last singles ward). I saw him and his wife sitting in the audience, and it clicked. I now remember Thayne at a couple of ward activities, but I would have never realized this if I wouldn't have seen the bishop in the audience.

Just makes you realize what a small world it is...

Tagged

Over on my food blog, I get tagged for these things quite often. I've been really bad at answering them lately, but I decided to do this one over here so I could tag some of my family and friends!!

So you all better play along!

1) LAST MOVIE U SAW IN A THEATRE?
This is really sad, but the only movie I've seen at the theatre since I've been married is Transformers. We keep saying we're going to see Indiana Jones, but it's hard for Josh to sit through a movie with his knee...

2) WHAT BOOK ARE U READING?
I miss reading!! Awhile back, I ready straight through the Harry Potter series again, but I don't think I've read anything since then. Hopefully one day I'll have more time.

3) FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
This is a tough one. If I'm playing with Janell, I love Mad Gab. We play that game really well together!! I like playing card games, too. Uno, Phase 10, and Josh and I really got into playing Gin awhile back, and that was a lot of fun.

4) FAVORITE MAGAZINE?
Every Day with Rachael Ray and Cooking Light

5) FAVORITE SMELLS?
Too many to name!! Like I mentioned before, freshly dug dirt and grass, I love the smell of water on a hot sidewalk, rain, garlic cooking in butter, butter cooking, bread baking. I also love all of the smells of fall - like pumpkin and spice.

6) FAVORITE SOUNDS?
Rain. The birds. The noises my dog makes when he sleeps or just wakes up. The wind blowing through the trees.

7) WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD?
I'm stealing this one from Katie - Guilt. I don't ever remember really getting punished growing up. Feeling guilty and like I disappointed my parents was punishment enough.

8) WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN U WAKE?
Lately, it's been - please let the clock be wrong so that I still have some time to sleep!

9) FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
Probably Wendy's. It's close to our house, cheap, and they are always really fast!

10) FUTURE CHILDS NAME?
I have no idea. Most girls have their favorite names chosen growing up, but I've never been able to decide on any. I used to like Taylor for a girl, but it's becoming too trendy these days.

11) FINISH THIS STATEMENT—’IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I’D......
Sell my house and buy a bigger one in a neighborhood where the neighbors take really good care of their yards. Travel. Help out my family. Retire my parents. Have kids and spend lots of time with my family!!

12) DO U DRIVE FAST?
Not too fast. Fast enough, but not too fast to get pulled over.

13) DO U SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?
No.

14) STORMS–COOL OR SCARY?
Cool. I love the sound of the rain, and I usually think thunderstorms are exciting.

15) WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?
My grandma's Buick.

16) FAVORITE DRINK?
Water. That's pretty much all I drink these days.

17) FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD…
Read, clean my house, cook more often, spend more time doing "fun" things

18) DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI?
Not the whole stem, but probably a couple of inches down.

19) IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOUR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE?
I'd probably keep it brown, just do highlights.

20) NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS U HAVE LIVED IN?
Farmington, New Mexico
Provo, UT
Orem, UT
Elkridge, UT (temporarily)
Highland, UT (temporarily)
Mesa, AZ (temporarily)

21) FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
I like most sports in person, especially baseball.

22) ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Katie has a wonderful food blog, and she is always so kind!!

23) WHATS UNDER YOUR BED?
Sometimes my dog. That's where he goes when he gets scared, when he's been in trouble, or if he wants a quiet, dark place to sleep.

24) WOULD U LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN??
Yes.

25) MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Mornings. Definitely mornings.

26) OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP?
Sunny side up

27) FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX?
In the Lazy Boy. Or laying in the backyard if it's not too hot.

28) FAVORITE PIE?
All of them!!

29) FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
I love them all, but I'd probably have to say Mint chocolate chip or vanilla would be my favorites.

30) OF ALL THE PEOPLE U HAVE TAGGED, WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST?
I don't know!!

I'm tagging:

Janell
Kacy
Amy
Shannon
Michelle
Kim