Christmas in California

Well, I can't believe it's been a week since we were in California, celebrating the holidays with all of our family. We had such a blast, and it was truly so hard to leave. It was almost as hard to say goodbye to the sunshine as it was our families! (Not quite, but I still can't stand the freezing weather). I don't know what happened with the pictures in this post, but I don't have time to go back and fix them, so enjoy the randomness, k?

I don't have any picture of Christmas Eve or morning with my family cuz I didn't have my camera, but it was wonderful. We sang Christmas songs and listened to the beautiful story of Christ's birth. I was struggling to hold back tears as my sister sang
"Breath of Heaven." Having a sweet baby inside gave me a whole new perspective about how Mary must have felt about her own very special little one. My parents spoiled us as usual, and I loved just being together with my whole family.

Christmas afternoon we went over to the White's and were spoiled again. We are so lucky to have our families live so close. Who else gets to celebrate Christmas as much as we do? We opened presents, ate an amazing meal, and performed in our "Lack of Talent" show. JD and I made the family suffer through our version of "The Little Drummer Boy." I hate to say it but Angela and Dwight kicked our trash.

Of course we played plenty of tennis. The boys played a very competitive doubles match, and my hubby surprised me with his skills. He and Bryce ended up with the win and with very sore muscles. I attempted to play, but didn't realize how much this watermelon in my belly affects my balance. (Luckily I was able to catch myself on the fence before going over!)

We had party after party, and got to see so many good friends. My sister helped throw me a baby shower with a few of my friends from back home. It was so fun to get together with everyone, and they were so generous and sweet about this baby on the way. I can't wait for her to be here so she can be loved on by all her "Aunties."

Juli, my mother-in-law's birthday is the 23rd of December, so every year we get to celebrate that too. This year we went to The Summit House. It was delicious as always!

We were also introduced to the fabulous game of Rock Band, and spent many hours making sweet music. (Maybe more like loud noise, but it was still fun.) Eric and Marky became pros on the drums. I on the other hand could only play base (barely). Oh ya, and my little sis got engaged to this cute guy, and will be getting married in April!! Congrats Jessie and Mike!!

My cute niece and nephew.

Finally, here are some pictures at the Wild Animal Park. It was pretty chilly, so alot of the animals weren't out, but my family manages to find ways to entertain ourselves. Poor Sarah had a baby's head sinking into her pelvis, but she was a trooper waddling around all day, and at least she made it back to CO without going into labor. Any day now!

So, all in all, we had an amazing 10 days and can't wait to see everyone again! Good thing we have babies and weddings to bring us together again soon.

Walking Girls

Today the girls I go walking with a couple times a week took me to Paradise Bakery for a little baby shower. They are seriously the best! Not only did they shower me with adorable gifts, but they've given me every bit of advice I'll need when I can officially be part of the stroller brigade.

The first time I went, I felt alittle out of place because I'd had two miscarriages and wanted a baby so bad. They shared their own stories of infertility challenges and miscarriages, and really were able to empathize with me. I think by the secondor third time I went, I had found out I was pregnant, and they were so happy for me. It's been fun chatting on our morning walks and becoming friends with them. They've let me come along, despite my lack of a stroller. In the past I've tried to push their strollers up the hill for them, but now I'm barely keeping up carrying myself up the hill. Don't get me wrong. I'm just proud to finish lately! This is no walk in the park. These girls tackle this grueling 5 mile "walk" in record time. My body just doesn't perform the way it used to! Thanks for the gifts and for whipping me into shape!

Kim, Jessie, Me, Camille, and Tamara
When I got home I decided to start working on accesories for the nursery. I've never made a pillow before, so this was totally trial and error, but I think it turned out pretty cute.

Now I'm off to Bunco. Oh how I love my days off.

So Many Birthdays

The month of November FLEW BY, and December does not look like it's gonna slow down. A few of my most favorite people had birthdays recently. (Sorry I've been a terrible blogger. You each deserve your own post, but this is the best I could do.) So I hope you all had amazing birthdays and know how much I LOVE YOU!!!

Daddy- December 8th

Bryce- December 5th

Megan- November 30th
Johnny- November 29th

Kamryn- October 26th

Remember These?

If you want your baby to be as stylish as mine's gonna be, I'll be selling these trendy little onesies and baby legs at a boutique next weekend. (No worries if you're having a boy. I've got some cute designs for them too). Come check it out...there's gonna be so many adorable things to buy...perfect Christmas gifts!

Cambria Clubhouse

Saturday, December 6th

10:00 am-12:30 pm

170 N. 1300 W. Pleasant Grove

Hope to see you there! **If you're from out of town but still have an interest, just leave a comment and let me know.**

30 Weeks

It's quite shocking when your belly starts to sit on your lap and your boobs start to sit on your belly. It's been interesting getting used to my new curves. At least I have a really good excuse!

Feeling Loved

Two weekends ago my lovely parents drove up and brought us the baby furniture I bought down in CA and all the things I wasn't able to bring up from my shower. It was like Christmas. (Literally- I told them they didn't have to worry about us for Christmas because they brought it early!) My dad was the project man, and we were his helpers. We got so much done! We were also able to hang out alittle in between working. So here's a sneak peak into the nursery...

Mainly we hung the shutters and chandelier, built shelves for more storage in the extra room, and put together furniture. Here's the bare bones. Now all it needs is some color! The bedding, some curtains, and of course stuff on the walls will help with that. The room is really small and oddly shaped, but I think it's turning out pretty good so far.There's nothing better than mail that's not junk mail or bills. I love getting anything, but surprise packages are the BEST! Yesterday there was a mysterious package on my doorstep from two of my favorite people in the world. Look what I found inside! I love it all. Thanks so much Sam and Kami!

Last weekend my best friends from high school came to Park City for a girls weekend. It was so fun to stay up all night and catch up. They are amazing and I love each one of them for different reasons. We continue to stay close year after year, and I'm so grateful for our special friendship and all the experiences we've had that bring us close together. They were so cute with my growing belly. They were all alittle weirded out, amazed at the miracle of it all, and so excited to meet this little person soon. They can't wait to be "Aunties" and even decorated onesies for her.

Saturday we were very distracted by the fire in Yorba Linda and waited apprehensively for our families to call and give us updates. It was crazy that we were all together, and even crazier that each one of our families were evacuated throughout the course of the day. It was nice to have eachother to lean on when we were so far from the tragedy happening back home. So, unlike our usual, we didn't take very many pictures. Here's one cute one of all the girls. Can't wait for the Christmas party!

Camera Thief

Things have been really slow at work the past few weeks. Yesterday I didn't even have a patient all day. I got to do "odd jobs" for almost 12 hours, including cleaning out the supply room, dusting and cleaning all the computers, and even finding sayings/ quotes to put up in the bathrooms. All very important tasks, I know, but it made for a very long day in the ICU. Today I was signed up to work an extra shift, a rarity for me, but I knew they would call me off. So, I had a relaxing day all planned out.

I slept in til 8:30, and when I woke up I was able to read my book on how in the world I'm going to birth this baby. I did the pregnancy exercises I'd just read about, made myself a hearty breakfast of eggs, a bagel and chocolate milk, and was ready to sit down and get to some serious blogging when I couldn't find my camera anywhere. ***Side note- My stupid, ancient laptop just shut off. I can't wait to chuck this thing off the side of a building very soon. Hurry up Thanksgiving sales!*** Anyways, for those of you who know my camera, you know it's huge and hard to miss. I searched high and low, but it was no where to be found. I finally called my husband, who has never before had a need for it, and he fessed up to stealing it this morning. Ahhh! He put a serious ripple in my blogging plans for today. So I'm posting this as a disclaimer to check later on tonight when the thief gets home. I've got lots of fun pictures and things to talk about.

View from Yorba Linda Blvd

Have you heard about the fires in Southern California? Well, just to let you know if you haven't, Yorba Linda, the beautiful city I grew up in was one of the main places that was burning. My family along with basically all of my friend's families were evacuated from their homes on Saturday. It was terrifying for everyone involved as the winds carried the uncontrollable fire dangerously close to hundreds of houses. Many people lost their homes (113 residences were destroyed and 50 damaged) including some very good friends. My heart aches for them at this time for their loss, but I am also filled with gratitude for the homes that were spared and that no one was hurt.

For those of you who are from YL or close by and haven't looked a photos, click here and click on photos. It looks so surreal.

Well, I better get going before I waste the day away. I'm headed to 24 Hour to swim because I found out I have tendonitis in my left foot and the doctor says I'm not allowed to run or walk anymore. I have to wear a boot for a couple weeks. Guess it's my body's way of telling me to stop pounding it with all the extra weight! I'm a complete gimp now, and totally bummed because I miss walking in the mornings with the girls and I feel really good still. Oh well. Pictures later!

Weekend Away

Last weekend JD and I decided last minute to drive to Colorado to see Bryce and Sarah. It was the one weekend I didn't work and didn't have anything else going, (well, I take that back-- Camille you're a lifesaver) and we figured it would be our last chance before snow and babies. (People keep telling us to take advantage of our freedom cuz soon enough that will be gone...I kinda think I'll feel more free without having the obligation to work every other weekend...we'll see).

So we packed up some stuff, loaded the car and headed out Friday night around 7pm. We didn't get in til late, but we were able to have all day Saturday and all day Sunday to play with family. It's so hard for me to be so far away from all my siblings and parents. We're all so close, and it would be amazing to see eachother more...maybe someday.

Anyways, for details and pictures of our little weekend away, click here. Thanks for having us Bryce and Sarah- we can't wait for your little man and our little woman to be best buds! They'll be here before we know it.

California Baby Shower

For those of you who have been bugging me about another belly picture, here's TWO! I'm 25 weeks and popping out more and more each day. I love my pregnant belly because of how much I love the sweet little one inside. I'm so excited to be a mommy! 

On Friday I flew down to California for a baby shower some long time friends were throwing for me. Thanks so much Teri and Melissa for doing this for me. It was so fun to see so many friends from the Yorba Linda wards.

One of the best surprises was to see Kaitlin walk through the door. I could not believe she drove all the way from LA with her 2 1/2 week old baby to make it. She's AMAZING. I have the best friends.

I was pretty shocked that this was actually MY baby shower. What? I'm the one having  a baby? I was definitely showered with love and amazing gifts. I'm pretty much set. I got my pack n play, high chair, bouncer, tons of homemade blankets (everyone was so crafty!), beautiful clothes, a fabulous diaper bag, adorable shoes, a baby bjorn, a boppy, and so much more. It was truly the designer shower. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful, generous people in my life. Thank you all so much for coming. 

Latest Projects

I'm in Love

So I finally decided on "the look" I'm going for in my nursery. Ever since I laid eyes on this room, I haven't been able to think of anything else :). Only problem is that the bedding alone costs about $600. Ridiculous. So I found this crib and a matching changing table on craigslist in CA and had my mom go pick it up, and I bought fabric that is similar to the polka dot bumper. Now I just have to wait for it to be delivered and go find fabric that matches. So expresso, baby pink and cream it is. I'm proud of myself for making a decision, but too bad I have expensive taste.

This week I'm working 5 shifts, that's a 60 hour work week! Let's hope I survive. I just figure that I should work as much as I can while I'm feeling good, especially with all the stuff I need to buy for the baby and with the holidays and travel and all coming up. Today is my day off, and I'm contemplating cleaning my house, but will probably end up making baby stuff instead. I'm alittle obsessed. Pictures of that later...