Last Minute Trip!!

Well, it is finally that time. Tyler is in Colorado for annual training with the army, and things have already been crazy. He left early Saturday morning, and the poor thing had a 22 hour bus ride. But Im so glad he arrived safely and he's enjoying the nice weather. Saturday I pretty much slept all day again. I was supposed to get packing done since we were moving the next morning, but I was having a lazy day and didnt get anything done that I was supposed to. I swear when Tyler leaves he takes my motivation with him. Thats another reason why I know it was a good idea marrying him, he pushes me to not procrastinate and to get things done. I need that! Saturday night I went to the movies with my dad and brothers and then picked up the keys to the new house! It started storming on my way home. Of course the first night with Tyler being gone and its a huge storm including power glitches and no cable! I was already ready to give up and quit. Things get so bad without him..it never fails. Sunday morning I woke up to an EXTREMELY humid day. I took the girls over to the new house, Lacey was in love at first sight and acted like she had lived there all her life. Chloe, stood by my side shaking..she really doesnt like moving and the poor thing is confused now that Tyler left and were in a new house. But theyre getting used to the idea of a backyard and warming up good. I had my family come help me move and we got it done in a few hours. It was so nice being able to rely on their help! I got some things put away and then we went and cleaned out the apartment. My dad invited me to come to Cali with him and the boys for the week. I told him if things worked out I would. So this morning, after my doctors appointment, I dropped the girls off at Grandma and Grandpas (thank you for watching them!), did the final walk thru on our apartment to be DONE, and left boxes and boxes full of crap in the house to join my family on what will be my last vacation without a baby for a while. We left around noon and now were in Ocean Beach, my absolute favorite. My mom is real nervous about me being away and being due so soon, she doesnt want me to go into labor and her to miss something if she doesnt get here in time. The doctor checked me this morning and said I wasnt dilated at all but I had almost thinned out all the way. I asked him what he thought about me going and he said chances were very small anything would happen this week so it would be fine. He said just stay near a city in case my water breaks. So who knows. I feel great, but I am nervous. It is absolutely crazy to have waited this long and have the doctor say "probly not this week, but maybe next week". Its finally hitting me. I could have a baby next week?! We have so much to do still, so lets hope she takes her time for a little bit longer. But now that Im wishing that instead of wanting her here right away, karma says she'll come. So were playing by her schedule, and we'll see how it goes. Most of all, I just want Tyler to be there. He deserves it with how much he's done for me during this pregnancy. He's been the absolute best support person and I could never have asked anything more from him. So as for now, Im just going to relax on the beach like a beached whale and see how everything goes!

Are we there yet?!

UGHH! We've reached 36 weeks...just one more month and my body will be vacated!! This last few weeks has been going soooo slow. I have had such an easy and laid back pregnancy, but now Im finding all of the "fun" things that is having me ask myself WHY?!?!?! I honestly feel like in the last few weeks my pregnancy has been a whole different one, its been so weird. I dont know if some of these things are just me and I have issues, or if pregnancy is just really weird. But Im ready to be done! Let me share a few of the new prego things that Ive been batteling with as of lately:

ICE: I can not get enough of Sonic Ice. I usually can not stand the thought of someone chewing ice, it usually makes me get goose bumps and my teeth start hurting. But now, I can eat cups a day. I dont know if my iron being low has anything to do with this, or if its just so hot my body needs to find ways to cool down. Either way..thank you Sonic for having the best ice maker in the world

CRAMPS: Before I got pregnant, I didnt think you would get the same cramping sensation like you do when you are on your period, if you had a baby growing inside of you and your body didnt have to put up with the crap that it usually does when theres nothing there. Boy was I wrong! I dont know if I mentioned in an earlier post but Ive been having braxton hicks contractions since my last appointment. YAY! Those just felt like strong muscle cramps. Now..almost every night, and probly 2-3 times during the day, I get to experience the lovely pain of menstrual cramping that I used to..except now its ten times worse cuz my uterus contracts while its happening. Not fun. Baths have become my best friend once again.

SMELLS: I havent had any weird cravings during my pregnancy..a lot of not knowing what I want but knowing that I have to eat to keep me and baby healthy. But as of lately, I have been craving smells. And weird ones at that. Lets see..car fumes, the smell of autozone, new purses in the mall, modge podge, home depot, cleaning supplies....weird! I cant even explain what it does to me to smell these smells. Driving my a gas station, my mouth almost starts to water when I can smell the gas fumes..it makes me the happiest I ever am. And yes I know, these things obviously arent the best to be inhaling while Im pregnant..but I just cant help it! Again, Im wondering if this has anything to do with my iron deficiency, since that can most often lead to PICA..but for right now, I just feel like a freak

ITCHY: THIS IS THE MOST FRUSTRATING ONE OF ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My belly itches sooooo freaking bad, all the time! I cant sleep at night because I wake up itching. I have tried everything...baths, cold compresses, lotions, anti-itch cream. Nothing works! I have been trying so hard not to itch, because Ive heard they make stretch marks pretty bad, but its almost impossible. I feel ten times more itchy when I did when I had chicken pox! Its so lame!

SPONGES: This is probly the weirdest of them all, and I am hoping that it does have something to do with my pregnancy so I dont have mental issues. For some reason, I LOVE the feeling of sponges. I have a most prized possessed bath sponge that I crave to use all the time. For one, it just feels so good to rub over my itchy belly..but even just holding it in my hands ringing the water out..gives me so much satisfaction. And I crave touching more. Cleaning sponges, especially car washing sponges. I saw a commerical the other day where a person was washing his car with a sponge, and I yearned for it! I just wanted to touch it so bad! It is the weirdest thing, but I just love how they feel and ahhhh

There have been other things going on, but thats definitely the top picks right now. Pregnancy is just a weird process, Im convinced of it. But now the count down is on and Im starting to feel stressed. We had Hallie's baby shower last week, and are pretty much set on everything she needs (especially clothes, please dont make me hang up anymore!). And now we just play the waiting game..except for two things. Were moving..yet again! Long story short, were not happy with the apartment we just moved into, with Tyler getting his car broken into and then them finding out where we live it just hasnt been good and we got a real good offer on a house so were taking it! So we move the middle of July, hopefully Hallie can wait till we get settled in. And of course the big elephant in the room that I dont like talking about..Tyler is supposed to be leaving for two weeks with the army in the middle of July. And hes going to be in Colorado. We tried to get permission for him to stay home, but it doesnt look like it will work out. So, I think were going to talk to the doctor this coming Monday on the possibilities of me being induced, and Tyler will be sent back for it. Then we'll just pray Hallie doesnt choose to come before then. I cant imagine having Tyler miss out on this. I dont even let myself think about it, because I need him there with me so bad. He's the one person who can calm me down and make me feel safe. I NEED that pushing a baby out! And I know he doesnt want to miss his little girl at all. So everyone please cross your fingers that everything will work out! That Hallie will wait until we move into the house, will come when Tylers here, and wont make me wait till August :) not so much to ask for after all that Im going through right now right?!

Home away from Home

A few weeks ago, my boss from Camp (who also got Ty his job at UPS) asked Tyler if he would be able to come up for a week because they were short handed on guy counselors. He actually was able to get it off work and we planned on coming up! And of course I just had to come with. For one, I kinda like being around my husband a lot, and two, I LOVE camp! So my mom took the puppies (thanks mom!) and weve been in Show Low since Friday! Despite the rapid fire burning all around us and the smoke being enough to give my baby lung cancer..its been so great being back and seeing old friends! Tyler and I feel so at home here, add our girls and it would be perfect!

It's been weird for me not being a counselor this summer. Especially being up here now. I constantly have been having to slow myself down and reminding myself that Im 8 months pregnant and I cant do some of the things I was able to do. So its been tough for me, I feel so odd sitting back and watching other people do what I love doing. Tyler was thrown into this week with a blind eye and I could not be more proud of him. It may be hard sitting back and not being able to help, but it has given me a whole new perspective of my husband. He is so good with these people, which makes my heart grow more than you know. I am so glad he has been so happy being here. I think its definitly going to be something that brings us closer and helps us grow. He amazes me every day and I love him so much

Were heading back home tomorrow to pick up the girls and get some MUCH NEEDED rest. Then Tyler has drill Saturday and Sunday (hes gonna die), but luckily he gets to come home at night. Monday morning Tyler has off so were going to get Lacey fixed finally. After two heat cycles, Im done. But I know Im gonna be feeling sad for her when shes laying around the house pathetically. Monday afternoon I have a doctors appointment to check on little Hallie. Hopefully we'll get some good news that the end is in sight cuz I sure am ready to be DONE!! Then Monday night were gonna be meeting with my dad to check out a house for rent. Yes..I know, we JUST moved into another apartment. Buut, we havent signed our lease yet (a sign in my opinion), nothings out of boxes, and the house would be cheaper and is much more practical for us. So we shall see..I know my poor husband will hate to move again, but I know he'll do whatever it takes to make me happy. Plus, with his car being broke into and getting his stereo, ipod, gps, and registration stolen..I think he's pretty fed up with where we are living also.

Tyler was given another whole week off work (making me nervous...) so after Monday he's gonna come back up to camp to work again cuz we need the money and I dont think he wants to leave. I am so jealous because its going to be one of my favorite weeks, but with Lacey getting fixed I cant just leave her with someone so I'll be missing my husband. I hate that he's so easy to miss.

Its time for some much needed sleep. The altitude and walking around has been killing me this week, I sleep so good at night besides getting up a billion times to pee. We'll see how tonight goes though, cuz Im sleeping without Tyler. Good thing he left me some MASH, cuz that puts me at ease when he's not here. Night!

Almost forgot about ya!

Wow, its been a while since Ive posted last. Almost my whole pregnancy long. Working sure took a toll on me the last semester, I pushed myself a little too hard sometimes. But were finally done and it is now SUMMER OF 2011!! Now all I have to do is relax until Hallie gets here!!

I WISH! We still have sooo much to do to prepare for this little one. AS most of you all know, me and Tyler are huge fans of change. We probly will have changes of scenery our whole lives. So we just moved into, yet again, a different apartment. Its only the 4th time..thats not too bad right? But boy has that pushed has back into being unfit parents. Take one look at this place and you'll understand. And whats sad is I have such a huge lack of energy, that I would be ok living out of boxes for the rest of our lives. I think I hit the whole "nesting" stage of pregnancy for about one weekend. Now, all I can do is procrastinate. Hallie's room is a MESS, and I keep saying oh we'll get it cleaned up once we get the crib (we still havent gotten one). The next eight weeks are going to fly, I am so ready to be done with pregnancy, but we are not ready for her to be here. Especially after finding out our car seat was a failure!!

Speaking of pregnancy, its been a whirlwind of adventures. I actually have to be very grateful, I haven't had much complications so far and for that I am so grateful. Besides finding out that I'm anemic, baby Hallie is growing perfectly (ahead of schedule actually). It has been so fun feeling her dance around and sticking her feet out of my side. We are so excited to have her here!

Now that Im playing housewife/getting ready for baby..I have to give a huuuge shoutout to my amazing husband. He has really stepped it up and has taken this situation head on. I am so proud of him for being such a hard worker. Getting a new job with better hours and more pay, and getting through school so that I can stay at home with Hallie. I dont tell him enough how thankful I am for his will to provide for our family, and he does it with no complaints! Thanks sweetie!

I really want to try to stay on top of this whole blogging thing now that I have the time to. I would love to have a way to look back and see the progress of our family, and be able to share it at the same time. But actions speak louder than words..so lets just see how easy it will be to keep up with a newborn here :)

science camp = sigh camp

well lets just say that you learn from your mistakes. last week (before i found out i was pregnant) i got asked to take another student from a different special ed. room to science camp with his 6th grade class. after talking to tyler, we agreed it would be a good idea since i would be compensated for the extra time and since it was wednesday thru friday, i would be making some good money. then i found out i was pregnant, but by that time i was a little too committed. so i went, and just told myself to be careful. we went up to prescott wednesday morning to a place called chapel rock. for some reason i thought the other world of camps would be as fantastic as camp tatiyee, ya let me be the first to tell you its not. this camp was not equipped for a child in a wheelchair. with all the buildings being two stories, the only cabin with wheelchair access was miles away from everyone, the bathrooms were small, there were rock walls everywhere...ya it was horrible. and thats just the campus. all the classes were upstairs or hiking. i pushed my body too hard for being pregnant. i dont even push myself that hard while i am at camp.it made me realize how easy it is to take teamwork for granted. i wished so bad that i had another tatiyee counselor to help with the load! it was horrible. i did have a nice couple in my group who tried to help a lot. but i am exhausted, and i really need this weekend to rest and recoop!

one more thing!

i also forgot to mention our other exciting news! after a blessing from tylers grandpa, tylers manager at work stepped down and tyler got promoted!!! finally, after months! he starts in the shop this week. then we found out about the baby, and now i just heard tyler passed his pt test at drill this morning! he had been to drill two weeks ago and needed to shave over a minute off his time in order to pass. he has been working on it over the last two weeks, but he was still really nervous. we said a prayer this morning, and he did it! with 8 seconds to spare! our life would have changed dramatically if he hadnt passed, and i was scared to even know how..but he did it. i am so proud of him, and so thankful for the power of blessings and prayer!

surpriiiseOss

fso im sure most of you have heard, but me and tyler are expecting a baby! on thanksgiving i started to feel really sick, pretty much the whole day. then for a week after that i was sick every night. i started seeing a few other signs, but thought maybe they were just happening and my mind was hoping they meant what they are supposed to. so i planned on taking a test this weekend, just for kicks. i hate the unknown it drives me crazy. wednesday i was looking through the calendar and realized i was a week late. so i couldnt wait anymore. i went next door to walgreens and bought a test. of course the guy checking me out was stupid and asked for my id and then laughed when i compliantly pulled it out. jerk. by this time tyler would be home in an hour and i wanted to have it done by then so i downed a whole gatorade and took the test. after waiting the longest 3 minutes of my life, and debating if i wanted to look, i saw two lines. wow. i had planned on telling tyler in a cute way like giving him an early christmas present with a clue in it.but i was way too impatient. i met him at the door when he came home and said guess what. now i couldnt bring myself to say im pregnant, i was still in denial, so we played about ten minutes of the guessing game. he was so excited. we told his parents that night and then mine the next day. and to our surprise, everyone else is excited with us! i havent been to the doctor yet, i plan on going during christmas break so were only guessing that im 3 or 4 weeks along. i should be due around my birthday august 3rd. we are so excited for this new experience, although were also terrified. but the lord works in mysterious ways and im sure our lives will be blessed by this.