Seven Months Crazy

This past weekend we were able to take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. We spent the weekend up Scout Mountain in Caribou National Forest, camping. I know, seven months pregnant and camping...? Am I completely bonkers? We actually only spent one night (which was enough for me) but it really wasn't that bad. My only complain was that the airbed wasn't very supportive and my hips started to hurt... and AJ kept smothering me. He was afraid I'd get cold and so kept sliding closer to snuggle, even though I was moving away because I was cooking to death. It was a little funny. He was only thinking of me though, and I love him for it.

We came back to town for some things we'd forgotten and some things we discovered we needed after a scrumptious breakfast. We made it back up in time for lunch. AJ then helped Travis fix the brakes on the ATV they'd borrowed. And ate a delicious dinner. We played some games with Travis and Misty and then came home for bed.

We got up Sunday and went to Sacrament meeting before heading back up to a rainy afternoon and evening in the mountains.

We went up with some friends and their family. It was great to get to know them and to spend the weekend with Travis and Misty. We are thankful for such good friends and the invite. We had a great weekend. And we ate incredibly well. It was delicious and I'm sure a couple of these recent extra pounds aren't just from a growing baby.

We were able to get some gorgeous sunset pictures though. I love summer time!

Back From Boise

We are back from Boise, whew! It was nice to be able to go with AJ this time, but there really is no place like home. All the things I never thought I'd miss, I did. Things like the dishwasher, the washing machine and dryer, the full size fridge, and a toilet that doesn't try to suck you down every time you flush it or at least spray you with toilet contents (yuck!). That was always interesting. Yesterday, when AJ came back for lunch, we were both in the bathroom. He flushed the toilet and we both jumped to the side. It was kinda funny. Here's a quick update of our trip.

We left Sunday, Mother's Day, around 9pm. It was after midnight by the time we got all our stuff up to the room. AJ started class the next morning. I made my nursing pillows and started working on or little 'childbirth class'. Wow, there's a lot of info on that, but knowledge is power, right? I guess we'll see.


On Wednesday, we took a little roadtrip to Caldwell and bought our car seat and stroller combo. It was the last major baby item we needed and it's a relief to know that we don't have to worry about it anymore... and that we can actually bring our baby home from the hospital. =] We hadn't really done much for Mother's Day (as far as AJ and I) because we were so busy trying to get ready to leave. I didn't have many expectations and so wasn't disappointed. AJ did wish me a "Happy Mother's Day", so at least I knew he didn't forget or totally ignore it, and I was ok with that. He did admit, though, that he felt bad for not doing more, and in this case it really was the thought that counted. It was nice to know that he did remember and had grander intentions. My parents and sisters were here Saturday and time kinda got away.

Friday night, AJ made reservations at Tucanos. We got there and the parking lot was full of people waiting for seats. It was awesome to walk right in and be taken to a table immediately. Especially when the people in front of us were told there was a 20-30 minute wait. We stuffed our bellies to bursting with a delicious assortment of meats, and of course grilled pineapple. Yuuuummmmmyy! My favorite (well, besides the pineapple) this time was probably the teriyaki beef. It was scrumptous. It was slightly more expensive than we'd anticipated, but it was fun to actually have a date on date night. We've slacked a little since I got pregnant and AJ wasn't working. We were together all the time and date night kinda fell by the wayside. We also had to make a trip to Wal-Mart for some Rolaids and whipped cream. I know, quite the combo, huh? The whipped cream was for our chocolate pudding tho... and the Rolaids are pretty self explanitory.

Saturday, after AJ got done with class, we went to look at new phones at the Verizon store. We were kinda just looking, especially since we showed up about an hour before they closed. It was a fun little adventure and I enjoyed the time I got to spend with my hubby.
Sunday, AJ called me about 10 minutes after I crawled out of bed and asked if I wanted to go with him to lunch. Some of the other guys in his class were going to and one of the guys was super nice enough to pay for everyone. It may not have been the most appropriate Sunday activity, but I think it's important for AJ to be able to spend some leisure time with the guys he may one day have to put his life in their hands. It's easier to trust someone in a life-or-death situation when you're already friends with them.

Monday we went back to the Verizon store. I found a phone that I am in love with and my line was eligible for upgrade. The phone I have now suffices, but it's kinda cheaply made. We should've done more research on it before we bought it. Well, they ended up not having any in stock... and it was cheaper to order it online anyways. Well, at Wal-Mart they had an upgrade from AJ's Blackberry Pearl to a Blackberry Curve for $8.88. So, for what my upgrade would've cost we both got new phones.
AJ took his final test on Tuesday and as soon as he was done with his class we hit the highway home. We got back last night around 6pm or so. We just relaxed at home... as well as putting together our stroller. AJ got up this morning and went off to his first day of work at his new job.

It's sure good to be home.

Projects #1 & 2

So, I was super lucky and blessed enough to get to come with AJ this time. Instead of being stuck at home all alone I sit in an Army barracks all day, waiting for my Soldier Boy to come home... but it definitely beats a couple text messages, possibly a phone call and lots of lonely nights. However, in order to not go completely insane in this little room, I brought along several projects to entertain myself durng the day.

Project #1:

I want a nursing pillow for after our baby is born... but they can be quite pricey. Since I don't have $20-$85 to spend on a little pillow I decided to try crafting one with my own two hands. I wanted one that was made with a sturdy cover and then had cute little slipcovers that go over it, so they can be washed when they get dirty. I searched everywhere for study, pillow-like fabric... you'll never guess where I finally found what I was looking for. That's right, on a pillow! We found a two pack of jumbo size pillows at Wal-Mart. I cut the tops open, took all the stuffings out and shaped the cases the way I wanted. I used the original stuffings in my newly-formed nursing pillows. I have the pillows made, but still working on the slip covers. The first one I did in a traditional "Boppy" c-shaped pillow, but it turned out a little small, especially for AJ. The second one I did in more of a u-shape. It turned out bigger and AJ should be able to use that pillow a lot easier. For bottle feedings... that is. He already pointed out to me that he wouldn't be using either of them for nursing. What a little smarty pants. So, I ended up with 2 nursing pillows for what a single, cheap one would've cost me. That makes me happy.

Project #2:

AJ and I wanted to take a childbirth class before our baby decides to make an appearance, since neither one of us have ever done this before. Unfortunately, the classes the hospital offers are once a week, for three weeks. And, of course, all the available classes fall on a three-week span in which AJ will possibly have to be gone for at least one or two of the classes. What to do, what to do?

So, the solution we came up with... I am researching all the basics on the topics they cover in a childbirth class and then will present my information to AJ. I told AJ there's nothing like 'the blind leading the blind'. He claimed he was used to such arrangements. So, I guess that's what we'll do. I've been working on it and decided that short of saying "here, read this..." out of several books and such a powerpoint would be the easiest way to organize, as well as present, the mountains and mountains of information. AJ has made fun of me for putting a little more than just basic text and such on some of the slides, but at least it's giving me something to do.

AJ has AT the three weeks before and during our little bean's due date... hopefully, he'll be able to be there for the birth. Although, I'm not thrilled to have to go through labor alone, either. Well, I won't really be alone, my mom will be here... but AJ helped get us into this, it would be nice if he were there to help get us out of it too. At least he will be in Boise, not Iraq or Afghanistan. The most he'll miss would be three weeks of midnight, 2am, 5am, and 8am feedings, those yucky meconium diapers, breastfeeding by trial and error (possibly with crying from both baby and mother), the yucky umbilical stump, however many times I may get peed on cuz I'm not used to having to clean little boy parts and, of course, hours and hours of pain during labor.

Wii Are Having Fun Now

My parents came into town last Saturday. My Great-Grandma passed away and her funeral was on Tuesday, so they came up for that. AJ and I had to leave Sunday so he could be at his class Monday morning. We were able to see them before we had to leave. We went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse to celebrate Mother's Day with my parents and sisters, aunt and uncle, and my cousin and her kids. It was fun to get to see everybody. My sisters came back to our house while my parents went to run some errands. We played the Wii for probably close to 5 hours... that's gotta be a record! Hahaha. Although, sadly, I'm sure it's not. We sure had fun though!

Kaiti catching a hula hoop on Wii Fit

Kimme and Kaiti playing tennis

Playing Mario Kart... AJ had already kicked our tushies

Trimester Number 3

The exciting news this week... besides the fact that I'm not stuck at home, just in an Army barracks, while AJ had to come to a class in Boise... we're officially 2/3 of the way thru this pregnancy. That's right only two and a half more months and we'll have a little boy in our arms, instead of in my belly. YAY! Although, I'm sure this will be the most uncomfortable trimester, at least it will be the last one... 'cause if he doesn't come out on his own, I'm going in to get him out! I can't wait until my stomach doesn't feel like it's constantly tumbling and turning. Sometimes our little bean wiggles around so much it makes me feel a little sick. So, only about 12 more weeks to get all the things we still need, to get the house baby-ready, to get the little bean's space organized... oh, and to pick out a name. Only about 12 more weeks until our little couple becomes a family. Only about 12 more weeks until our lives will never again be the same... talk about bittersweet emotions!

And It Came To Pass...

AJ had a job interview this morning...

... at a bio-diesel company located in American Falls, about 20 miles from here. He wasn't real worried about it, other than some of the other guys that were interviewing had more industrial experience than he does. They went through the interview (which was more of a small training class and then a tour of the facility). It's WAAY more math and chemistry than I would ever want in a job, but my cute little nerd was soaking it up like a sponge. He loved it, he came home talking all nerdy and sciency.

AJ got a phone call a couple hours later. They informed him that HE GOT THE JOB! We're excited and I'm so proud of him. We have been incredibly blessed and know who is behind this. There was way too much 'perfect timing' for it to have all been a coincidence. It truely pays off to pay tithing and listen to promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Thus, it came to pass that my fabulous husband did go forth and obtain gainful employment, with which he intends to provide for his cute, little family. Yea, I mean Yay!

My Ghost Stories

Ghost Story #1:
It's not really a ghost story, but I was slightly worried...
AJ worked Wednesday night at Home Depot helping to rearrange some displays and such. He left around 8ish and I expected him back around 4am. I went to bed about 3:30. I woke up around 7am and still no husband. I figured it had just taken longer than they thought; but then, of course, my mind jumped to all the bad things that could possibly have happened. Well, about that time I had that familiar pressure on my bladder. I also had a little Jackie Chan practicing Kung-Fu on my ribs and anything else he could reach. I got up to go to the bathroom and eat something, hoping that would make my little martial artist go back to sleep. AJ walked in about the time I was on my way back up to bed. It startled him that: A) I was standing just inside the door when he opened it B) that I was actually awake and standing just inside the door. 7am is not a time of day I see very often. AJ showered and then made us some delicious smoothies. He got in bed and was asleep in like 3 seconds. He got a couple of phone calls about an hour or so after we fell asleep, but then it was off into the land of La-La.

Ghost Story #2:
I woke up to what I thought was knocking on the front door. We were expecting a package from UPS so I figured I better go answer it so we didn't have to try to be around for a re-delivery. On my way down the stairs, I heard someone pressing the numbers on our keypad lock and twisting the handle, trying to open the door. I thought that was weird, but figured that maybe AJ had told Travis or someone to come pick something up and just come in. Well, I get to the bottom of the stairs and open the door... and this older lady is standing there with what I assumed to be her grandson. She stepped back quickly and was like "Oh, this is the wrong one." I was still a little sleepy and looked at her like "Duh." She apologized over and over and I could tell she was absolutely mortified. I told her it was fine and closed the door.

If it had been midnight instead of noon, I would've made AJ go get the door. But, I thought it was just UPS. Admittedly, it may not have been the smartest thing to do after I heard someone pressing the keypad (especially since I was wearing a bathrobe and not much else). And all the while, my Knight in Shining Armor never left the land of deepest slumber.

13 More Weeks

Only 13 more weeks of pregnancy left! Woohoo! I am beyond excited. Even though I know I'm going to grow to the size of a barn and then swell like a puffer fish. We have a fully formed baby boy, he's just putting on the baby fat and his lungs are developing a little more. Yay! It's always comforting to know that if he had to come right now, he'd have a very decent chance at surviving with today's medical technology. That helps make the last six months a little more worthwhile. =]

We had a doctor's appointment yesteday. I had to take the dumbest test ever... the Gestational Diabetes glucose test. I couldn't eat or drink anything, except water, for 3 hours before the test (thank goodness for that at least, at least I could give a urine sample). Then, I had to drink this super sweet solution of 50 grams of glucose. It actually tasted better than I thought it would; not great, but tolerable. A lot of women get nauseated from all the sugar and the empty tummy. The worst part for me: not being able to eat for 3 hours. I felt more sick in the hour before we went to the appointment than I did after I drank the sugar juice. Hopefully, that was a good sign, at least as far as the GD goes. Sometimes I need me some chocolate!

We also talked about getting this baby here... mostly brought on by the fact that my friend was induced Monday morning. It was kinda on my mind. At this point, I measure right on schedule. We start the last trimester next week, and that'll be when baby bean puts on most of his weight. The doctor wasn't really too worried about it... until we mentioned the fact that AJ was 10lbs 4oz when he was born. I was 7lbs 6oz. After, she heard that she made a note to keep an eye on that, which makes me feel better. She agreed there's no way I could have a 9lbs or 10lbs baby... "8lbs will still be really hard"... her words, not mine. So, we'll see what happens I guess.

We also talked about the weird little shadow she saw on our first ultrasound. She said it's not usually any more than a calcified muscle in his heart, which she didn't seem to think was much of a big deal... I don't know anything about it, so I guess unless we find out it's something serious, I'm not gonna worry. However, we get to have another ultrasound to check it out. We were thinking they'd do it in like a month or so... We scheduled it for tomorrow before we left the office. Not that either AJ or I have any complaints about that. It's always fun to see the crazy little monkey swinging from my rib cage.

Check back for more pictures and or video...

Time to Celebrate

Today's big news: AJ passed his PT test!

Yay! He worked long and hard and definitely deserves this victory. Although this means we still have to put up with the Army, at least he's still actually in the Army... I'm so proud of you and all your hard work. Congratulations, Sweetheart! I love you. Time to celebrate!