Week 37

December 28, 2012

Picture taken at the very cold and windy Salt Flats on our way to Wendover

This week has been crazy! Calin & I got to see his family in Wendover on Christmas Eve. Uncle Greg made the BEST Christmas Eve dinner ever...prime rib, crab legs, stuffed mushrooms...need I say more? Super delicious & to top it off, we got to Skype with Grandma Shirley :)

(yes, we were photo bombed...check out our intruder between Calin & I)

We went to Temple Square Saturday & spent Christmas with my family and got to spend a relaxing day at home. The next day however, was quite unexpected.

Calin & I went to my scheduled Dr appointment and during our visit, we found out that Baby Dean had flipped on us. He was breeched. So, I was given my options:
1~ hope that he flips back (hardly ever happens this late in the game)
2~ schedule a C-Section for 39 weeks
3~ schedule an External Cephalic Version (50% success rate)

I chose number 3. During an ECV, they try to flip the baby back to a head down position from the outside. This would involve an IV and pain meds--an outpatient procedure.

December 27th we arrived at the hospital at 9:45 where I was promptly put into a gown that didn't quite cover my bum & an IV in my hand. While waiting for my 11:30 procedure, I watched Tangled and even caught a few zzzz's (the hospital bed was surprisingly quite comfy!)

Right on time, my wonderful doctor, Dr. Sok came in to do an ultrasound. Dean was still head down but his limbs were mostly tucked into his body-a very good sign. Dr. Sok had already attempted an ECV on one gal earleir that morning and it didn't work so, I was praying I would be the other 50% of the statistic success rate.

I had two doctors on my tummy and a nurse holding my hand. I started with no meds hoping I could withstand the pain but only a minute into the procedure I changed my mind.

I never looked to see how they were maneuvering Turtle but Calin got a front row view. He said that both doctors had their feet firmly planted on the floor and were using their entire bodies to push and pull my little man into a head down position. All I could see were tears. Not wanting to stop the process, I tried to breathe through the pain but I had to ask for a couple of short breaks.

Within 15 minutes, they had moved Dean back down into a head-down position-phewf. I was crying because of all the pain & relief that it worked.

Now, all we have to do is make sure he stays down there. All I have to go off of is old wive's tales because there is no medical solution to keep him in the right position. So, from now on, I'll be sitting on my exercise ball, doing the cat-cow yoga position 10 minutes a day and playing music on my belly where his head should be.

DIY Changing Pad Cover

December 19, 2012

After MONTHS of searching for the perfect changing pad cover, I was disappointed and came up empty handed. I then came across my answer in blog form... I can MAKE my changing pad cover :)

I only took a picture of my finished product but for step by step instructions, visit the blog below (the only thing different I did was use a single piece of fabric rather than using an accent fabric.)

http://prudentbaby.com/2009/12/baby-kid/diy-changing-pad-cover-tutorial-2/

Now I have a changing pad cover made from the same fabric used on his baby quilt. Dean's nursery will be a perfect color schemed masterpiece :)

I turned this...

into THIS!

Such a fun and easy project! Instead of paying $15+ for a changing pad cover, I only paid for the elastic ($0.97)!

Week 36

December 18, 2012

Christmas is coming, the goose Meghan 's getting fat, please put a penny in the old man's hat! 

At this week's doctor visit, Calin & I took a tour of the Labor & Delivery area of the hospital. Now that I know exactly where I go to check in, where they'll take me to deliver and where baby and I will spend our first 48 hours together. All of the nurses were so nice! I can't wait for the big day!

Dean has been very active. When counting his daily kicks, it only takes about 10-15 minutes. He is always movin'. Doc confirmed that he is head down and ready to come into the world within the next few weeks.

We also took advantage of this week's snow storm and took some family/maternity photos. Kenzie is such a good lil' photographer :)

Week 35

December 12, 2012

(aka 12-12-12)

Calin & I wanted to make 12-12-12 a special day so we planned a $12 date! It had to include dinner, dessert and an activity. So, for dinner we went to McDonald's, bought dessert at WalMart (brownies) & did a couple of things for an activity. First we went to Barnes & Noble and read children's Christmas books to each other, then we went to the Dollar Tree and bought a Rudolph coloring book & Christmas puzzle. Finally on our way home we saw a beautiful park FULL of lights & just had to stop :)

Here's what we spent:

We spent EXACTLY $12

Noticing that we were 5 cents short, we "filled" up on gas to make sure we spent a perfect 12.

Standing underneath the tree

Our masterpieces!

$12 date night on 12-12-12 = TOTAL SUCCESS!

Week 34

December 6, 2012

Well, I missed week 33 but here is week 34 picture! As you can see, I am getting to be quite large :)

Week 32

November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving Day!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

What I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving:

1. My AMAZING husband. He has been such a rockstar these last few months. He never complains when I ask for a 2nd, 3rd and 4th foot massage in one day. Calin is going to be such a wonderful dad. I am excited to be a parent with him. I love you millions honey bunches :)

(yeah...he's decided to grow a beard but has promised to shave December 1st)

2. Bubba Bruce has been such a great friend & companion. I know he and Dean will be best friends. I can't wait for them to meet. Bruce can always make me smile. Love you Bubba!

(Bruce perched in the window sill like a cat)

3. BearPaws have been my angels these last couple of weeks. It is hard enough to put on socks so having shoes I can just slip on has been lovely. 

4. My family. They have been so accommodating by letting Calin, Bruce & I stay in their home. I love them so much and wouldn't know what to do without them. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

a baby shower...

November 10, 2012

...a Baby Shower...

my wonderful aunt Andie from Oklahoma put together the cutest shower invitations in the world!

big thanks to Jessica & Krista for hosting the shower at your house, the amazing food provided by my aunts & girl cousins- y'all rock!

my baby shower was on the BIG snow day so a lot of family couldn't make their way to the shower but, I am grateful for those who were able to come and give such great baby advice. Upon opening each gift, the giver would offer a piece of advice :)

SHOUT OUT to my amazing family who live far away but still sent their support and love :)
thanks Alia & Christina (Wendover) Johnna, girls & Grandma Shirley (Maryland), Andie & Breanne (OK), Theresa & Hailey (Idaho), aunt Amy & girls (St. George) and G&G Perry (Chilie)! I know if you could have been here, you would! Love you


here are a few of the gifts I received...

Check out that amazing diaper & blanket cake made by Terea & Denise! 

Please note the crimson in the middle  :)

My mom made that beautiful quilt

the dog sweater was given to me by Alia (Calin's big sis). The sweater used to be Calin's when he was a baby! So sweet!

Thanks again to all those who have supported me and baby Dean :) We LOVE you!!!

Week 31

November 11, 2012

Me, Calin & Bruce decided to head out into the first big snowfall of the year. It lasted about 25 minutes before we realized a pregnant lady can't do much in the snow... No snowball fights because those always turn into shoving & white-washes. No snow angels because I can't get up wearing all that darn snow gear. We did try to build a snowman but the snow was to powdery. We still had fun though :)

Yeah... my face is getting fat, ha!

After about 5 minutes in the snow, Bruce found refuge on the front porch and wouldn't budge.

Calin trying to keep Bruce from shivering... I don't think Bruce was that cold because we had just gone outside. It was all for show :) Silly prissy dog

Snowflake kisses

Family Snow Portrait 

Leaf Pillow

November 12, 2012

On my first day as a free woman, I made a new pillow :) I call it Leaf Pillow...super original, eh?

One: Sew blue fabric to fit pillow

Two: Cut 3 different fabrics into leafs. I drew a template and traced over each fabric and cut.

Three: Place leaves on pillow & hot glue each leaf on with a small dot. Sew on leaves with sewing machine or by hand. I started with machine but switched to hand sewn because the machine was frustrating me...

Four: Stuff pillow into case and sew that baby up!

Journal Jar - Favorite Scriptures

November 11, 2012

JOURNAL JAR TIME!!!

List your favorite scriptures. What makes them your favorite?

Alma 34:38-41

Each verse has intense advise that I always need to remind myself but, my favorite of those verses is 41.

“but that ye have patience and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions.”

This verse is even more special to me now that I am pregnant. Believe me, I am uber grateful that Heavenly Father has entrusted Calin & I with one of his children. However, being pregnant is hard… Who ever said being pregnant is beautiful and full of rainbows & puppy dogs was full of crap. Reading Alma 34:41 whenever I feel like I’m going to lose my mind (which is quite often) is a wonderful blessing. I am reminded that I will “rest from all your afflictions”. This promise is the light at the end of my very long pregnancy tunnel.

Doctrine and Covenants 6:33

“Fear not to do good…”

I was thinking about this verse while watching abc’s show, What Would You Do? If you haven’t seen it, the premise is basically strangers are put to the test in public places with awkward situations (put on by actors). The situations range from boyfriend abusing girlfriend, dad yelling at child for some dumb reason, or racial/sexist situations. As an audience we watch hoping that the unknowing strangers will step in & stick up for the “victim”.

I can only hope that if I were ever in that situation, this scripture would pop into my head…”Fear not to do good”. Would I stick up for someone in need of help? Would I stop a verbally abusive parent? My answer is yes. (I’m an optimist) I will not fear to do good.

I just thought this cartoon was hilarious because I'm pretty sure Calin has said those exact words. He is crossing his fingers for an early delivery...

Week 30

November 8, 2012

This week has been an emotional roller-coaster. It was my last week working at FatCats (insert sad face here)... Since I was 16, I've always had a job or been in school WITH a job. I hope I don't go crazy these next few weeks until baby Dean comes-yikes! I have a list of things to get done before he comes so, I'll definitely have projects to do everyday but a part of me will definitely miss a real big girl job. Please note in this week's picture all the fun neon colors- my salute to FatCats :)

Just want to take a few minutes to thank FatCats for the last 17 months. I started as the social media girl and quickly gained more and more responsibilities. At times I felt like a fish out of water and wondered, "Can I do this job?" 

I had many mentors to help me learn the in's & out's of design work, the printing world, social media marketing, project management, website development, corporate communications, etc... To all my mentors, thank you!

FatCats gave me so much knowledge and confidence in myself as a professional. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities you gave me to lead & improve. 

I want to say a BIG thank you to Courtney Lauti. She was my rock and my friend. I don't think I would have lasted as long as I did without her. She is amazing at her job and I admire her so much. She is a freaking rock star. A mother of two, working professional, relief society president, wife, daughter & much more! I love that girl so much and I will miss her terribly. 

Thank you!!!

Journal Jar- "When you grow up"

November 7, 2012

Tonight for relief society's enrichment night, we talked about the importance of keeping a journal. I used to be really good at writing in my journal but, since being married, I am ashamed at the lack of entries in my journal...

We read a talk given by Henry B Eyring that inspired me to want to be better at keeping a daily record.

 "As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done."

Our enrichment craft was to make journal jars & while folding my questions I decided that I was so diligent in keeping up my blog, I would just add Journal Jar entries too! Obviously these posts are more for me & my posterity to have but, I think that sharing life experiences are not only for yourself but for the benefit of others - enjoy!

JOURNAL JAR TIME!!!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Up until the age of 16, I wanted to be a doctor. As a small child I would listen to my teddy bear's heartbeat. When I could read and write, I remember turning the family room into a doctor's office. I had color-coded manila folders with patient information, my x-ray room (aka closet with a small lamp), waiting room for any willing person & a medical kit complete with stethoscope & blood pressure cuff. 

When I got into high school I enrolled in the CNA program. This is where I learned I DO NOT want to be a doctor :) Stitching up teddy bears was much less nauseating than blood & other forms of goo that comes from the human body.  

My childhood dream of being a doctor was just that--a dream. Perfect in my innocent child eyes but, growing up I was smacked with the reality that I could not handle the job of a doctor. 

Week 29

October 31, 2012

Well, I forgot to take a picture of week 28... Life has been C-Razy! We moved up to Bountiful, Calin got a new job as SEO Specialist for Sportsman's Warehouse corporate office (halleluiah!), I put in my notice at work (again...it's been hard for me to say goodbye to FatCats) & we are trying to adjust to sharing a home.

Believe me, we are extremely grateful to my parents for letting us come live with them while we save for 6 months to buy a home. Having said that, moving back in with my parents has been tough. It feels like we're taking a huge step backwards. Even after graduating high school, I liked to maintain my independence. While going to the U of U I lived in SLC. I then lived in China for awhile and afterwards moved down to Provo while attending UVU. I have been humbled, for sure!

We are taking one step backwards so we can take a huge leap forwards (in 6 months, of course!)

 Bruce was rockin' his super cute punkin' costume!

 I even got Calin to wear zombie make-up :) 

 the girls lookin' scary this Halloween! I know I've used this costume before BUT the dress still fits me from High School (and I'm prego, ha!)

 Me & Smooch with the dogs