The end of February

Hello!

As of tomorrow, I'll be 31 weeks. So very crazy. It seems long and yet short. Here is a lovely post-work pajama picture from today. It seems the bump is actually growing significantly now, even if it started slow. I am not complaining though, it's been nice to not feel overly stuffed so soon.

I am not sure I mentioned this yet, but the baby room (and Ingrid's room) got painted the weekend before. It's a very light blue/green. Calm, cool colors are my favorite. We moved some of the clutter out as well. It's step one of making this room more inhabitable.

I'd prefer a different rug, but that will do for now.

We have had a few baby gifts come in. I have also visited a kid's consignment shop a couple blocks up the road and picked up some inexpensive onsies, moby wrap, and a few other odds and ends. Maybe by the time due date rolls around I'll be ready. I keep hoping for more of this rumored "nesting" thing to kick in.

First gifts:
Jesus Storybook Bible and BabyLit's
Frankenstein (it's really not about monsters)
I asked for them both, my book taste is varied!

We just spent a lovely long weekend with our dear friend's the Moffatts. They flew in to see us and other folks for a few days. It was good for our souls to catch up with these lovely people. Of course, I am terrible with pictures. I did get a couple of Harper. Harper seemed to have a very sisterly relationship with Ingrid. They enjoyed playing together and then fighting... well Harper wasn't a fan of how roughly Ingrid plays with her toys (she destroys them).

two little monkeys jumping on the bed

Harper's face is cute :)

sporting the pad-stache.

We miss them so very much but are thankful for the time we have with them. This weekend will be quiet for us but the following weekend my mom comes. Maybe then I'll get my preparing done!

I suppose that is all for now.

28 weeks

I am 28 weeks today. Down to the final three months. It seems like quite a bit of time but still baby shall be here before we know it. It finally feels more safe, for a lack of better words, to really start thinking about names, baby registry, nursery and allowing myself to get excited for this huge transition. Also, as time passes, I can feel more and more of this little one's movements. So beautifully strange to think there is another human being knitted together in me. Just weirded myself out a bit there. It's just so incredible.

I am still overwhelmed by most of it. The new things that we are throwing into the mix of working towards this transition is job stuff. Much contrary to what most people think about the nursing career, my nursing job has proven to be very inflexible with my desire to transition to a truly Per Diem position. Silly enough, I am already Per Diem and it shouldn't be too hard to do this... But I've basically been working part time or more and management doesn't seem to want me to do much less than this. Davis' work is also proving more challenging to get any sort of approval to work from home so we can one day a week do a switch of who will stay home with little one. I want control and for all these things (and countless other things) to go the way I desire. Daily I need the reminder to lean into God's promises to provide.  During this waiting time, we have also had several conversations about how we'd like our family dynamics to be and what values we'd like to emphasize. Lately we read an article on the Gospel Coalition website (you can read it here!) that has brought peace and reinforces what we have been thinking. It's also convicting how easy we fall into this temptation. How beautiful a life is one that is marked by peace knowing that with God, we lack nothing and miss nothing?

It's been a quiet month for us. No traveling and no visitors. I don't have any pictures of anything epic happening.  So here are a few of just regular life.

Here is the "bump" at 27 weeks.

Davis built our crib last weekend. That is about all the progress we've made :)

The weather has been the opposite of winter-like. We even opened our window
last Saturday for the fresh air.

Nature around us is responding to the warmth
I am excited for spring but nervous for either a wintery spring
or a long hot dry summer.

Ingrid soaking in her days as the only "child" while Davis studies his new favorite
cookbook of Persian recipes. Yum saffron!

Ingrid's morning nap

I had today off from work, which means I had a long slow morning. That is my favorite thing to do on my day off. Ingrid joined in by taking a nap in the sunshine. I know life will be different soon and my slow mornings will have the addition of a little one to attend. I am eager to see what joys and trials this will bring but want to soak in these last few months of our current life.

January things

I've spent the morning battling fruit flies. I am losing horribly. Seven different traps made according to several different internet resources and the flies are completely ignoring them. You see, we've been adding indoor plants to help with air quality and because we like green and living things to be in our house. But it seems there is a price to pay for such living. And that price is sharing your house with fruit flies which seem to multiply by the millions. Ugh.

I promised I'd post a few pictures of the house as things became more settled. I believe I am one of those people who never completely finishes a house. Who can do such a thing all at once? We had the realization that we need to clean out the future baby's room and actually put some baby items in there. This means I actually need to make a registry and start collecting the few more necessary pieces of furniture. This means getting things for the basement and living room will have to be weighed with more pertinent baby items all while living under the same budget. Life is expensive sometimes. Right now our "wants" list is pretty long too. But we have little need, so we are grateful. I have also realized that I am  slow to get baby things sorted anyway. Birthing classes... Pediatrician... Registry... Planning on changes for this new life... Just haven't gotten around to any of it yet. I have been more interested in planning an inexpensive babymoon though :)

the less obvious baby bump picture
with ingrid

25 weeks and a silly husband

Davis's mom just left from a long weekend visit. The weather was lovely and we had plenty of time to visit and enjoy the company. Unfortunately, Davis and I both got some mild stomach thing this weekend. Most likely from bad food but it's hard to say at this point. We tried to not let it damper our fun.

We had to go to Alta and look at the snow

And here are a few pictures of the mostly completely bedroom. I have given up making it look like all those cool spaces you see on blogs and pinterest. We live in the house and it looks clean for about 5 minutes. Ingrid jumped on the bed as soon as I made it. The dresser often becomes a collection ground for chapsticks and other assorted objects. But it's our home and we find it cozy.

Ingrid likes the pregnancy pillow. We call it her boat.

morning light

the beginning of a "gallery wall" in living room

So, that's it. I need to get moving and try to get other things done while battling these flies. I'll take any suggestions you have for this problem! Hope every is having a lovely January.

OHHHHHHH AND

My NIECE was born January 10, 2015. Isabel Marie is doing well, despite being born to parents stricken with the flu. So crazy. Everyone is thrilled she is here and I am super sad I don't get to meet her yet!

Merry Christmas Eve!

I cannot believe it's Christmas Eve already. Where did this month go? It doesn't help that we haven't had any significant snowfall yet. However, that should change tonight! Snow is acceptable and very welcomed when I am off work and for the Holidays. After that, I'd rather not have to deal with it and only want it in the mountains.

front door views from yesterday

Anyways! It's Christmas everyone! I sort of slowed the settling in process to do more seasonal things like cookie baking, attending holiday parties, and working extra. For the surgery world of nursing, it's our crazy time- boy it's been crazy. Lots of over time but that also meant missing out on somethings or being very late. Not much progress of late to the house, our pictures are still piled along the walls, waiting to be hung. The basement is all but forgotten except to run down and do a load of laundry. Once I get it a little more set up, there will be a house tour. Today's post is mostly to let you know we are still alive out here in Utah.

I've been feeling good during this phase of pregnancy. I am still not showing a whole lot.  I am measuring about on target. We had a big ultra sound a couple days ago. Davis got to see the baby for the first time. Well, it's the first time either one of us has seen him/her outside of the gummy bear- looking stage. I am beginning to feel more movement. It's been a little delayed because the placenta is anterior and blocking a lot of the punches and kicks. As far as we know, things look good. It's exciting and a bit unnerving to be somewhat in charge of helping this little life flourish and yet there still is so much you can't do.  We have a few pictures from the ultrasound, most still make little one seem somewhat alien-like. We got to watch some punches, kicks, and very cute yawns. It's pretty amazing. It still doesn't seem that real in the coming year we will welcome this child into the world. After Christmas, we'll start really focusing on getting ready. We haven't done a thing yet, other than tell Ingrid she is going to have to get used to being the big sister :)

caught mid "yawn"

20 week "bump"

Davis' work party was at the aquarium this year. Excellent location for a work party, if you ask me! Dressing up provided an opportunity to take picture of the "bump". I think it just looks like I ate too many burritos. At some point, I'll cross the line of looking definitely pregnant.  Davis also took me to The Nutcracker ballet last night. It was the most professional production I've ever seen. It was so lovely, every bit of it. We want to check out their performance of Alladin in the spring.

the living room

Ingrid modeling the new rug

my family

This is the best I have for pictures of the inside of the house. But I figured a little taste might be nice. Today I want to bake some more cookies, Davis' favorite german cookies. Davis is helping with music during the Christmas Eve service tonight. Additionally, I need to get a chicken in the crock pot and take Ingrid for a walk. She has been a bit neglected due to crazy schedules and rainy days off.

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas. Such a beautiful but hard time of year for so many.

It's been a whirlwind around here lately. Forgive me for being a slacker. I know you were desperate to catch up on our lives.

I honestly am not sure November even happened it was such a blur. It was one of those months we never could catch our breath. The light at the end of the tunnel is here,  soon I'll try to update a little more in depth.

We just got internet back today. We moved into our first home that we bought or technically are renting from the bank. It's cute and cozy with fantastic mountain views from the kitchen window.

That is just one of the pieces to our lives lately. I'll save the rest for later. Now I need to run to errands quickly before a friend comes to help unpack more.

our first home

The listing called it a "cottage". We like it a lot. Yes, I took the picture from website because it's rainy today and winter as taken the leaves from one of the bushes.

from one of kitchen windows

It's not the best shot of the mountains, there are clouds obscuring the peaks. It's a pretty view though. I am always amazed at the beauty of Utah. I love these mountains even more with snow on them too.

gratuitous Ingrid picture

Ingrid enjoyed a rainy morning nap after a long night of sleep. Oh to be a dog! She is enjoying her new yard and sniffing a house that once at cats in it.

Well, I'm off to run those errands. Hope everyone is enjoying this Advent season.

a youngin' a comin'

a fall tree in our yard

It's been awhile. I have somewhat been a slacker when it comes to writing. We haven't been up to anything spectacular so it seems there have been less things to write about.

I had my first experience with the dreaded jury duty. Well, I guess I didn't have to serve on the jury but I spent my morning telling these law people and other poor folks called in all about myself, who I know, what I do and so on. In the end, I guess I wasn't the sympathetic female for which they were looking. Seven other unlucky ladies and one man were chosen... seems a little fishy to me.

Davis has been having a good fall. His alma mater's football team, Mississippi State, is ranked currently #1 in the country. I think it's the first time ever. He used to play in their marching band and sat through several bad to mediocre seasons. He is excited to finally have some good recognition. Fingers crossed they can keep it up.

Ingrid managed to need another unscheduled vet visit. Somehow she cracked her dewclaw in half. She acted as though she were dying, she is a bit dramatic. I am sure it hurt though. She had to be sedated and fixed up. She is a cute and pathetic little patient.

little pink bandage for this gal

We have been in full swing with youth group. We started meeting weekly instead of bi-weekly. It has really helped build familiarity and continuity with the students. It has been an interesting challenge starting a multi-church youth group from scratch. I have never felt particularly gifted for helping in this role but we are trusting God for the fruit of this joyful yet stretching experience. We are working through Romans and have made it all the way to chapter 9.


I guess we haven't had an uneventful late summer and fall. It's been a big one for us. Late August we found out we are going to be parents. There is a young one coming in early May. We've told family and some friends. Since my 13 week appointment was yesterday, I suppose it's time we can let everyone in on our secret. I won't have updated ultra sound for another month.

9 weeks, gummy bear-like baby
(sorry it is side ways)

We are both extremely excited, scared, and thrilled to be given such a gift. I have no idea what I am supposed to be doing to prepare for such a huge life change. We are just going day by day. Depending on how I feel, some of those days are great while other ones are full of nausea and fatigue. I tend towards being an anxious busy body, so I am trying to take a step back and relax more. I am hoping these coming weeks brings a  better appetite, less nausea, and more energy to start actually preparing for this huge transition. We know our life is about to change drastically. The days of "just the two of us" (plus Ingrid) are numbered. However, I can't imagine the different kinds of trials and joys we have yet to experience. It's pretty exciting.


So, in case you want to know, I haven't had hardly any cravings except for lemonade and mustard. However, not together. Just thought I'd share that tid bit.

We are eager for advice, prayers, encouragement, wisdom, hand-me-downs...  :)

Autumn thus far

The leaves are changing, the air is getting cooler, and the days are shortening. Autumn is here and life continues to fly by at break neck speed. I do love fall. So, I am happy it is here.

Since our last desert adventure, a lot has happened. Davis' dear Gran passed away. Thankfully he was able to make it back to Mississippi to celebrate her life with his family. I stayed at home and snuggled with Ingrid. It was an expected passing and we are all thankful she is no longer in her frail body in this broken world but finally made complete for all eternity.

I have had my 28th Birthday recently. I spent it in Virginia with most of my family, post wedding festivities. Everyone treated me to all the tapas I could eat and fancy desert. Davis missed out on the partying since he had to fly back to SLC early for work. I can't believe how much closer to 30 I am getting. I am not really sad about it, it's just way crazy. Davis and I met when we were just 20. A significant portion of our lives have now been spent together. There isn't a thing you can do about getting older, might as well celebrate it and be thankful. I guess so far I am aging well, most patients and co-workers still guess that I am in my early twenties.

One of the biggest things of recent is a little wedding at a beautiful winery in the Virginian country side. My younger brother Daniel (finally) married his sweetheart, Ashley. She has basically been in the family for four years now, but now she is more stuck with us. It was such a beautiful but chilly day to celebrate their union. I love watching people's faces as they make such glorious, life changing promises. Their faces were precious as they went from tears of joy to beaming smiles. We literally celebrated all night long, these two throw a good party.

Perks of being family, front row seats.
Don't they look like barbie and ken? They are too pretty to be real

Vows exchanged, rings on, kiss complete. These two walked down the aisle to the Star Wars
theme. Can't imagine anything more perfect :) (Really... they are too pretty!)

We clean up nicely. Isn't this view fantastic? Oh green Virginia. You are lovely.

Davis and Trey may have eaten more than their share of the
raw oysters.

My cute sister, Sarah, and her boyfriend, Trey. We FINALLY got to meet him.
They are adorable too.

Older brother, Richard, and my sister, Angel, (in law but she is my sister) at dinner.
Gosh, my family is pretty  and awesome.
(Little foot baby niece or nephew coming in Jan!)

These are my fantastic parents. Sweet mom and rad dad.
They got down on the dance floor. Party on!

We sent the happy couple off with a shower of glow-sticks (light sabers?).
We collected them off the ground and had a little post partying rave. Davis
is a neon peacock here :)

It is just so sweet and comforting to be with family and celebrate adding more wonderful people to the clan. There were a lot of overt hints that we should move back east. My heart is torn and yet so full. I am astounded at the friends and family we have been privileged to "do life" with whether near or far and for a season or lifelong.  Ahhhh...  Happy Fall y'all!