A While Ago . . .

Back when we were moving here to Cali {second week of February}, we took a few days on our way and spent them seeing some sites in Napa Valley, touring the beautiful vineyards, and tasting the sparkling grape juice:)

We did a fun segway tour around Napa Valley town {even though you're not supposed to when you're pregnant}. I thought being 17 weeks pregnant would mean that I was still okay to do it, until I almost passed out. Weird experience. It must have been all the standing for so long, maybe locking my knees, decreasing blood flow to crucial areas like my brain. The whole group had to stop and wait for me to get myself together again while laying on the grass. I learned my lesson.


We also went up to Muir Woods to hike and see the amazing Redwoods:




We spent an evening in San Francisco for dinner and got this rare view of the bridge without clouds and fog! Love this city.


The "Painted Ladies:"

It was a fun Valentine's getaway and I wanted to remember it so I'm posting it a couple months late! It was fun. We love California. Glad to be back. That's all.

My Easter Bunny

Don't let your kids read this post.... not that any of you do, but we don't want any dreams shattered here.

This cute little bunny is Ben. Today was our ward's Easter Egg Hunt, and it was a lot of fun. Mostly cause I just got to watch this guy dancing, hopping around, playing with the kids, just sweating his little tail off.



...and of course, scaring the kids.
{You can see these cute little kiddies here on my photo blog, just took their darling pictures yesterday}



Nolan being brave, and Austin enjoying from a distance:

Nolan and Austin's weird dads:

Cute Benjamin and Austin, our favorite little studs:
{Here's a cute picture of Ben and Austin when we were saying goodbye before leaving to Africa}



The costume may look a bit frightening to some... they might need to consider an upgrade. It was hilarious because Ben couldn't see very well so on his way out, he bulldozed a poor little 1-year old girl scrambling for her life to crawl out of his way and then BAM - the Easter Bunny got her. She'll forever be scarred.

And of course, had to get one with my bunny:

Little Tyler

We just heard GREAT news from our family that Scott & Katie (Scott is Ben's step-brother) were able to take their baby Tyler home yesterday!! He was born at 24 weeks on January 3, 2010 weighing 1 lb 13 oz, and 14 inches long. I can't believe that it would be like me giving birth next week! What a long and hard 3 months it's been for them, but they are such strong people and amazing examples.

January 8th:

February 17th:

March 8th:

He's now well over 5 lbs and finally home with his parents!! He's doing so well and we couldn't be happier for them. Scott and Katie are such amazing parents. And little Tyler is one tough little man! We can't wait to meet you Tyler!! Love you 3!

**Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. If you want to walk March for Babies for Tyler's team on May 15th, or donate to their team, click here.

The money they raise will support March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and help babies begin healthy lives. And it will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care. If you'd like to learn more about March for Babies or donate, go to their website.

Semana 21

So the title of this post is about as exciting as it gets around here:) There's nothing cool or new to post about... so you'll just keep getting these weekly photos until there is!
(Click the picture to enlarge)

We did get a killer deal on this Chicco Pack 'n Play and picked it up today:
(I know it's not too girly, but we're hoping to keep it around for the next few so we tried to keep it gender-neutral)

Super cute. We're excited about it.

We broke out our old N64 system and have been wasting what time we have together shooting each other on Golden Eye or keeping things spicy by me smoking him in Dr. Mario. We play Sequence and Rook a lot, and have been watching Season 1 of 24, which keeps me up all night dreaming about adventures with Mr. Bauer. Also -- Ben takes the GMAT tomorrow morning!!! Wish him luck! He's been studying hard for the last few months and I know he'll rock it. We both just can't wait for it to be over. Work has been good and busy for the both of us. Girly kicks like crazy, even the doctor was surprised by how active she was. We have the big detailed ultrasound Tuesday where they count fingers and toes and take all her measurements, so that'll be fun. Other than that, have a good weekend and we'll probably see you again at Week 22!

Oh and just so it's out there, I'll be in Utah May 23-30th and also again in the middle of August. I still have room for a few more weddings and photo sessions out there so shoot me a line if you want in!

Halfway

(Click the picture to enlarge)

What I know now at 20 weeks…

1. My pants. I only have one pair that stretches enough to keep them buttoned (see picture above). I need these. (I should also look into getting a fan for that “wind-blown” look in my weekly pictures like that chick).
2. My belly button is getting more round, and less deep by the day.
3. I don’t like chocolate much these days .… What the???
4. 2010 is the year of BABIES! Is it the economy? Or just a bad winter? I'm so excited for all my friends!
5. Halfway there and I’ve gained 10 lbs. {I know, I’m enjoying it while it lasts}.
6. I am much more mucousy in the nasal area. I read this is normal. Good to know, I thought I had a chronic cold.
7. I get a headache every day at the same time. And since I haven't been to my OB yet, I haven’t wanted to take anything. I think I’ll give in and try some Diet Coke.
8. I’ve still only thrown up 7 times.
9. Ben and I were watching our little girl kick up a storm one night and then I had a dream that her whole leg was sticking out of my stomach, and we’d hold it and thought it was so cute. Then both her legs, then her head and we could see her features through my skin… creepy, but in my dream it was special.
10. I know everyone wants to know what names we’re thinking of… but for some reason, I don’t like to tell people. I fear they won’t like our favorites. So I think it’s just going to be a secret until the end. That is…when we actually pick one of our top 3.
11. Besides having some minor cravings, my eating habits are pretty much back to normal.
12. Yes, you know I love pizza. I really do. My mouth waters when I look at Week 19’s picture.
13. For the first time, this week I actually felt HER through my stomach. She was moving around, not just kicking, and I felt my lower stomach and could feel this hard lump. I rubbed it for a minute and then she moved away! Hope I didn’t poke an eye out...
14. My bladder doesn’t have as much room anymore. When I really need to go, there’s never much in there.
15. I love french fries, orange juice, milk, In-n-Out cheeseburgers, chocolate shakes, Caesar salads, pizza, and Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Subway sandwiches (but they’re pretty much just sweet onion sauce sandwiches). I really miss Café Rio. Can anyone bring me some please??
16. Ironically, I get super thirsty in the evening and right before bed. Luckily I don’t have to get up in the night, but when I do in the morning, I can barely move for fear of my bladder popping.
17. She weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 10 inches from head to toe.
18. These first 20 weeks have FLOWN by. Especially with it having been a secret for the first 13. I hope the rest flies by! We can’t wait for July!
    

I've started realizing all that we need and have to get before she gets here. And I have no idea where to start. I know I have a while to go still, but I like lists and doing research and being prepared! So I want to start reading some books now before she gets here (like Healthy Habits Healthy Child and such)... any other favs I should add to my list?? Also all you moms out there, tell me what your favorite things are... brands of things, diaper bags, pack 'n plays, pumps, etc...

Help.