Baby J

This is my sweet little baby boy! 

Ohh how much our lives have changed. It revolves around this little guy. (Sorry Mr. Bentley!) They completely turn your lives upside down and teach you to forget about yourself and you wouldn't have it any other way! :)

My sister is amazing. She took all these pictures and was SO patient. She is just amazing with babies. Check her out at One Memory at a Time. 

The first time we tried at 5 days old, it didn't work out. He cried the whole time. At 9 days he was a lot better. He was just so aware of his surroundings and very sensitive to things going on. She was so good to just cuddle and hold him until he was ready.

Thank goodness she was patient because it made for some adorable pictures! 

Thank you lish!! I love them!!!

Warning: This Might Make you Squimish.

This story begins on a Wednesday night. My due date had come and gone, and I was 3 days over. You see, this little "home" I had made for our little baby must have been super comfy. Why? Because he hadn't shown even a centimeter of coming anytime soon. NADA. Not dilated, couldn't even strip my membranes because this little "home" was rockin' and he wasn't ready to say hello. 

I was a little freaked out that I would need to be induced, so that night me and Kaulin did every thing we could think of to make the baby come. Clary Sage Oil, jumping, walking curbs... and finally around 11pm that night... the contractions started. 

I hadn't ever had a contraction before. Not a braxton hick or anything during my pregnancy. So I didn't know what to expect. The only thing I knew is that I didn't want to be sent home. (Silly, I know... but it would have made me cry!) 

They came on slow so I just tried to go to bed and sleep it off. Was this the real thing? I didn't know... Around 3am, I woke up thinkging I wet myself. But still not being sure, I went back to bed. Sorta...  Finally 5am and I couldn't take it anymore. I showered, got ready and we went into the hospital around 6ish.

And sure enough, my water had broke, the contractions were getting stronger and the little one had out grown his love of his little "home" and wanted to come play. (Kaulin looks so calm....)

They got me all hooked up, and then it came to the waiting game. (Yes, I was sporting a purple manicure. That was about the only thing I could control and reach by that time. So I was a fanatic about making sure my nails were done before he came.)

Happy as a Hippo, Rueben... Then it came time to PUSH.

The thing about pushing with drugs pumping through you... You can't feel a thing. So you were exhausted, sweating and breathing hard but you couldn't feel or tell why. But because of it, I really enjoyed the whole process. I didn't want to hit or kill anyone like people had warned me about, and I got to watch the whole thing. It is amazing.

So when someone tells you to grunt, what kind of push would you assume? When I grunt I am exerting myself. Like a tennis player that grunts whenever they hit the ball. They hit it hard and a grunt comes out.  So when I was told to give a "grunt" I gave one REAL big push. WHOOPSIE. I guess the version of grunt I was supposed to give was more like a sigh. I gave a big heave ho grunt and thank goodness Tracy was ready because my little guy literally popped out and she caught him. 

Note to self: Grunt smaller.

My amazing aunt and my OB with baby J as he took his first breathe. Love this picture. 

He was 7'11 and 19 inches long. 

Cuddling with my sweet baby J for the first time.

It's amazing.

Make Way for DA HOUSE!

Ok, that is a little mean. But that is how you feel when you're pregnant!

Below is NOT to do if you are decide to take maternity pictures.

Well, as many of you know, my sister is an amazing photographer. (Click the link to see her stuff). So when it came time for maternity pictures, I wasn't too into the whole idea. Who decided it was a good idea to try and get your fat swollen house of a self ready and smiling in front of the camera? Crazy people. But with a little coaching I decided to go out. Problem is, I didn't go out when I was a cute pregnant. NO!!! I went out when I was almost due. I look at these the cringe a little, but I'm glad I get to look back at them now.

Isn't my hubby the hottest?

And of course Mr. Bentley had to get in on the action. 

So although I am large and in charge, I really do love to look back at being pregnant. There was something comforting about it. And I loved that people always held doors open, carried my things and that I got to part in the expectant mother parking at Harmons.

NOTICE: NO BABIES WERE HURT IN THE TAKING OF THIS PICTURE

I just really wanted to belly bump with Kaul. :)

Thanks lishie for taking us out and convincing me I needed to do them!

Eternal Perspective

It doesn't seem like I don't get to teach as much as I used to in church, and I've missed it! I would rather teach and give talks all day long rather then pray in front of a big group. (I know, weird. It's an issue I need to work on...) Anyway, I get to teach this week and the lesson is on Eternal Perspective. I love it when you get to study a lesson that really hits home and makes you reflect on your life. 

It's also neat that I am reading "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey and I am just to the chapter about having the end in sight. It all seems to go together just when you need it.

This is the little reminder I made the girls to remember to reflect on the were we want to be. 

I thought this story by Dieter F. Uchtdorf was amazing and I wanted to share it.

(Full story at lds.org.)

The Story of the Lightbulb, or Losing Sight of What Matters Most

"On a dark December night 36 years ago, a Lockheed 1011 jumbo jet crashed into the Florida Everglades, killing over 100 people. This terrible accident was one of the deadliest crashes in the history of the United States.

A curious thing about this accident is that all vital parts and systems of the airplane were functioning perfectly—the plane could have easily landed safely at its destination in Miami, only 20 miles (32km) away.

During the final approach, however, the crew noticed that one green light had failed to illuminate—a light that indicates whether or not the nose landing gear has extended successfully. The pilots discontinued the approach, set the aircraft into a circling holding pattern over the pitch-black Everglades, and turned their attention toward investigating the problem.

They became so preoccupied with their search that they failed to realize the plane was gradually descending closer and closer toward the dark swamp below. By the time someone noticed what was happening, it was too late to avoid the disaster.

After the accident, investigators tried to determine the cause. The landing gear had indeed lowered properly. The plane was in perfect mechanical condition. Everything was working properly—all except one thing: a single burned-out lightbulb. That tiny bulb—worth about 20 cents—started the chain of events that ultimately led to the tragic death of over 100 people.

Of course, the malfunctioning lightbulb didn’t cause the accident; it happened because the crew placed its focus on something that seemed to matter at the moment while losing sight of what mattered most."

It's so easy to get stuck on the little mishaps and things that don't matter. They keep us from taking in the whole picture and realizing what matters. This week I want to work on not sweating the small things and focus on what really matters. 

baby j's room.

It was so much fun working on our little guys room before he came. Everything just seemed to come together.

So, I'm probably a little too picky when it comes to baby room decor.

I looked and looked for little boy bedding and didn't like a thing I saw. So off to the fabric store me and my sister Andee went. I found these combos of super cute fabric in navy, apple green and aqua and decided, "Hey, I'm feeling ambitious. Why don't I make it myself?"

That thought will probably never cross my mind again... It took forever and cost just as much as buying one by the time you buy fabric, batting and all the foam for the bumpers. But I'm happy with how it all turned out! It might be a little girly for our little boy, but it's a baby, right? :) haha.

Here is a view of the overall room.

I love this crib. It was a gift from Kaulin's parents for all our future kids. 

 I also love the picture of Jesus with the kids over his crib. 

It is something pretty special to our family since it is all my brothers and sisters in the picture. They stopped printing the picture, but luckily my grandma has the original and my sister Lisha is a pro at the camera and photoshop. I think I want to add some sort of vinyl quote later on under the picture about being a child of God.

We really lucked out with the glider/recliner. I really wanted one that wasn't wood and had a good look to it. I found this green one online, but they still wanted a lot for it. Well one night, me and Kaulin were just sitting in the living room surfing the web for rockers, and here the chair was again, but this time 50% off for 3 days only! WOOHOO! Luckily Kaulin's sister Kierston lives in Vegas where it could be ordered in at the promotional price to avoid the crazy shipping costs.  

The curtains were store bought ones with matching fabric sewed on to match the bedding. The rug was from Target and seemed to go with the room perfect. And of course, a pillow owl! What would a room be without a pillow owl. :)

On the other side of the room are his dressers. One is for changing, one is for decor (thank you mommy for hooking a girl up with some dressers to re-finish. They work perfectly!). The bookshelf in the middle is just a $25 bookshelf from Wal-Mart with the back painted blue to go with the room.

I haven't had a chance yet, but these are the knobs going on the dressers. I love how different they all are. I know, the blue rose is REALLY girly. But again, it's a baby. I figure by the time he's 2 he will have something he is really into and I will want to change his room again to go with what he likes. :)

These cute sayings and frames were made by my super creative sister Reese for the baby. They are adorable and go with the room so well!

I can't wait to put these up on the wall.

We have such an awesome family. It seems like everyone had a little piece of the room they helped us with. We feel so blessed to have them around us!

Secrets Out

The secret is out! Yes, we've given into peer pressure and decided to have a kid.

We've told our family so it's safe to tell people. We are having the little one at the end of March. Waiting to tell everyone has helped make the the first trimester go so fast. (In my opinion) And we'll see what part 2 will be like.

 (Hopefully the holidays will help it go by faster too!)

Mr. Bentley is going to have some major competition! :)

Top Secret

When you first find out you have a little one inside of you, it almost seems unreal. I didn't feel much different other then just being tired all the time. Even when we went to see the my Aunt Tracy (Our O.B.) for the first time and saw little flutterbugs little heart flutter, it still didn't seem real. (Especially since I don't think I've been that bad. Maybe Kaulin thinks different! :)

 

We have decided not to anyone in our families yet. We figure, what's the rush until the first trimester has gone by. But it's been really hard! We always tell our families everything!

People just start to think you're a flake, your never want to hang out and are always eating foods you usualy would never touch. (Yes, I try not to eat fast food, but now when it's all that sounds good and I'm never hungery, I totally give in!) I've even had a few family member say something about what I was eating. ha. I'm sure they are catching on, but not saying anything. We will see soon. There just seems to be certain foods that no matter how much you want, you can't eat. Chicken and salmon are on the top of that list for me!

 

 

Things I can look back at and laugh one day:

• Crying over the milk being gone.
• Getting up to pee every night. I used to have a blatter of steel!
• Getting upset at church and not being able to stop crying the WHOLE sacrament. It was like I had a leaky valve. I honestly couldn't stop. It was aweful.
• Rushing to the bathroom at Kaulins parents house to spill everything i just ate, and then waltz back into the room and start back up with the converstation. Yuck.
• Trying to keep myself busy all the time so I don't have a chance to feel nauseated. Really, only at night.
• Lossing weight (Not good), but noticing I am getting a tummy pouch now.
• Being at Lake Powell with 20 people on a house boat and trying to keep a secret...

Me and Karli at the Lake :)

Half way though!

This week I am half way through my 90 day workouts. YIPEE! 

 I've learned a few things about myself.

1. I was SO out of shape!

2. Bangs are no good when you sweat.

3. Eating is boring now.

4. I can actually do a hand stand! (with help:))

5. I don't need mid-day naps anymore.

6. I actually have stared to crave working out and am sad when I miss a day.

Most of all

 I miss sushi and crave it all the time!

Thank goodness for cheat days!

All in all though, I'm kind of enjoying it!

My Adorable Family!

Aren't we just the cutest. ;)

The Boys

The sisters

And what is a family picture with out our little gigolo, Mr. Bentley!

I love you family! MWAH!

Oregon Coast

We left again! To the Oregon coast to deliver a car to Kaulins cousins in Portland with Kaulins parents.

Depoe Bay is one of my favorite places. This was the view from the hotel. I think I could just sit here for hours eating claim chowder from my favorite restaurant there Gracies Sea Hag and trying to spot whales. (No whales this time, maybe next?)

I already want to go back!

(More pictures coming soon:)

Staying fit, IMPOSSIBLE!

Staying fit.  Holy Smokes! That is a chore all in itself. I some how avoided the freshman 15, but what about the marriage 12... on good days 10, on really bad ones 14. (Hey I'm a girl! My weight is a roller coaster depending on what day it is!) And when it's time to have a kid, what about the baby 30-50!!


This scares me more than any of them. Since one day I think I might want to have one of those little bundles of joy people keep trying to convince me to have, I've decided that I need to get fit now. (Easier to bounce back right?) Plus, I want to look good in one of these little numbers before I do....

Having the supportive husband I have, he saw an add on Craigslist for a 90 day fit challenge and quickly forwarded it onto me. No better time than now I guess. So I gave them a call and what is done is done. I had before pictures taken and I am now on my way to becoming fit at CrossFit in St. George.

So here is to day 1!

I think day 1 is the easiest. No sore muscles yet, it doesn't bother me that I am eating like a cave man.

On top of the 3 days a week training with Crossfit, I need to still use my other gym pass. So if anyone wants to go to Zumba, Yoga or any other fun class at Golds let me know! I would love to have a workout buddy!

Casa Nueva! HOORAH!

We are so excited to be a homeowner out in the middle of nowhere!

After waiting months and months and jumping through a lot of hoops everything finally closed on our home by the lake. We couldn't be more excited to get everything settled in.

We get to see this every morning. The views couldn't be more beautiful. Mountains to one side, sand dunes to the other.

We just have to be careful that Bentley doesn't become coyote or hawk bait! He is the same size as the jackrabbits and I'm sure even more delicious. He seems to like it out there though.

Don't you just feel like this some days?

Some days I wish I could just collapse and sleep where ever I fall like Mr. Bentley my little Yorkie.

The last few weeks have been spent staying up late into the night trying to get everything in line for the wedding expo coming up the end of January that my business will "Debut at."

 I am SOO excited, but so exhausted!

It you haven't seen it yet go to Middle Aisle.

It's in the small victories

I feel like today
that small victories were made.

I chose to read a Dale Carnegie book instead of turn on the TV

I chose to have oatmeal for lunch. And actually stuck to the serving sizes.
(Who really only eats that much? news to me.)

And spent my whole evening with family frosting cookies instead of being wrapped up in my own things.

Picture credit

A small but victorious day.

Ohh Mexico!!

Mexico was a blast! We did alot of great things and did alot of relaxing.

We went with Kaulins parents and Andee and Steve. We stayed at the Grand Mayan in the Riviera Maya. It was a blast!

We took a day to boat over to Cozumel and rent scooters to tour the island.

It was great to get a tour from the stake president in Cancun who runs a tour company Laminate Destination Services. (LDS). It was great to see the Mayan religion from an LDS standpoint.

We first went to Coba. The pyramid is larger than the one in Chitchen Itza and you are still allowed to climb it. Kaulin, Steve and Richard ran on up while us gals took pictures of them. :)

We also got to see Tulum. This place is worth going to!

Some of the best snorkeling we've ever done was in Yakul. It was a lagoon by the ocean, but doesn't get any waves. So it was clear and calm. No swallowing sea water and the fish aren't afraid to have you get pretty close. It was a blast.