tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83429066406613353442024-03-13T15:24:18.775-06:00drew and elleElysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-14771296332250033042012-03-26T12:53:00.004-06:002012-03-26T13:01:18.384-06:00Happy 1st, Isla Girl!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wh2QOZjhHwI/T3C74MDPfJI/AAAAAAAABAo/lsz05cq9sfQ/s1600/Isla%2BWeb-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wh2QOZjhHwI/T3C74MDPfJI/AAAAAAAABAo/lsz05cq9sfQ/s400/Isla%2BWeb-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724281700369792146" /></a><br /><br />This is a little late, but our baby girl turned one year old on March 18th! We love to watch her grow and learn. I can't believe how far she (and we) have come in the past year! She is so spunky and fun, and we love her to pieces! Happy birthday, Isla girl.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZQmBzKqVtQ/T3C73vewUeI/AAAAAAAABAc/4Ef9p5-4ZKU/s1600/DSC_0767.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZQmBzKqVtQ/T3C73vewUeI/AAAAAAAABAc/4Ef9p5-4ZKU/s400/DSC_0767.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724281692700561890" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2eLzcd0yL0c/T3C726iJ5bI/AAAAAAAABAQ/0Yoz2wmJSwU/s1600/DSC_0746.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2eLzcd0yL0c/T3C726iJ5bI/AAAAAAAABAQ/0Yoz2wmJSwU/s400/DSC_0746.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724281678487741874" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHdZd1uOmNk/T3C72fg1GhI/AAAAAAAABAE/dv4FZd3TSvE/s1600/DSC_0731.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHdZd1uOmNk/T3C72fg1GhI/AAAAAAAABAE/dv4FZd3TSvE/s400/DSC_0731.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724281671234427410" /></a>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-80943997668047505942011-12-15T19:49:00.005-07:002011-12-15T20:05:45.133-07:00The Nugget at 9 Months.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt_ebDLDzBs/Tuq1Ey2ySCI/AAAAAAAAA8k/-3Oq3mRZnHE/s1600/photo-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt_ebDLDzBs/Tuq1Ey2ySCI/AAAAAAAAA8k/-3Oq3mRZnHE/s400/photo-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686556573484337186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BhVTBHwEhw/Tuq1FJls_BI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Sy0UDV7pCcs/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BhVTBHwEhw/Tuq1FJls_BI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Sy0UDV7pCcs/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686556579586702354" /></a><br />For my own personal benefit, I wanted to write a post about Isla at the age she is now. She is growing up so fast and changing so much every day that it blows my mind! I want to be able to remember these sweet days in the future (especially if she's a naughty toddler or a feisty teenager!). So here are some facts about my cute little lady at 9 months of age:<br /><br />...<br /><br />Her nicknames include: Nugget (hence, the title of this post), Isla B., sister, and the usual "sweet girl", "baby girl", etc...<br /><br />She can sit up, shake her head "no" (oh goodness...), wave, do "popcorn popping" with her hands, say "mama" and "dada", and pinch small things with her thumb and pointer finger.<br /><br />She is obsessed with a stuffed pig named "Pepper" (pictured above) that was a gift from Andrew's work colleagues. She snuggles it so hard and is often holding her and talking to her when she wakes up in the morning or from her naps. It's the most darling thing in the world.<br /><br />She loves to empty out the basket of lotions, medicines, etc. under her changing table.<br /><br />She absolutely loves to drink from a straw, and is known to get excited any time Diet Coke is around--woops!<br /><br />She loves to eat and is not a picky eater at all...yet. Her favorites include rice, apples, carrots, pretzel sticks, and most baby food.<br /><br />She can't crawl yet, but likes to be on her tummy and dance. She tries to lean forward and crawl while sitting, but cries when she ends up falling on her face.<br /><br />She loves to play peek-a-boo.<br /><br />She laughs A LOT.<br /><br />She is much more outgoing than she used to be. She is no longer as scared of strangers and is usually pretty friendly to people when we go out places.<br /><br />She gets SO excited when Daddy gets home from work (and so does Mom!)<br /><br />She is obsessed with my phone and the TV remote. She also loves to watch movies of herself on my phone.<br /><br />She is vain and one of her favorite things to do is look at herself in the mirror and jump up and down.<br /><br />She is VERY bouncy and loves to stand and bounce and bounce and bounce........<br /><br />And one of my favorite things of all...she now SLEEPS THROUGH THE NIGHT! Woo hoo! <br /><br />I love her so much and feel so lucky to be her mom!Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-57305023849306150812011-11-27T03:36:00.004-07:002011-11-27T03:45:51.742-07:00Pictures/I love my family.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_0ndwpNqKE/TtIUwFaLdmI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/X--NELYyF0w/s1600/3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679624896385873506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_0ndwpNqKE/TtIUwFaLdmI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/X--NELYyF0w/s400/3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdmT5tHB1gM/TtIUege8ZKI/AAAAAAAAA8M/KWkk2FGp_mA/s1600/5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679624594415969442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdmT5tHB1gM/TtIUege8ZKI/AAAAAAAAA8M/KWkk2FGp_mA/s400/5.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had some pictures taken recently by our good friend, <a href="http://www.elisethephotographer.blogspot.com/">Elise Capener</a> (she's great!), that we wanted to use for a Christmas card. Coincidentally, it happened to snow A LOT the night before, and the pictures ended up looking more winter-ish than we had planned! But, I think it adds a festive touch to them all. Most of all, after looking through all the pictures, I realize how blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband and daughter. I love them both so much, and I am in love with the little family that we all are. Now, bring on Christmas! We are SOOOO excited.<br /><br />PS--Side note: we saw The Muppet Movie this week and it was really cute. Go see it!</div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-84650786175285420602011-10-31T22:09:00.001-06:002011-10-31T22:09:34.139-06:00Halloween!Here's some documentation of the fun night. And, this means I can start listening to Christmas music...hooray!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_uo0KsmR28c/Tq9w9OvE_iI/AAAAAAAAA7E/GjwCGX3wuAg/s640/blogger-image--348834835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_uo0KsmR28c/Tq9w9OvE_iI/AAAAAAAAA7E/GjwCGX3wuAg/s640/blogger-image--348834835.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iwCA3pQ0GlE/Tq9w9iniRtI/AAAAAAAAA7M/K22bJgnFLI4/s640/blogger-image--897590266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iwCA3pQ0GlE/Tq9w9iniRtI/AAAAAAAAA7M/K22bJgnFLI4/s640/blogger-image--897590266.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KbESp_uETkc/Tq9w95Met0I/AAAAAAAAA7U/GotzWfUQNK8/s640/blogger-image--1359749405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KbESp_uETkc/Tq9w95Met0I/AAAAAAAAA7U/GotzWfUQNK8/s640/blogger-image--1359749405.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-umJgLWvCHgs/Tq9w-IXp70I/AAAAAAAAA7c/AJWRrec_5nY/s640/blogger-image-1153853009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-umJgLWvCHgs/Tq9w-IXp70I/AAAAAAAAA7c/AJWRrec_5nY/s640/blogger-image-1153853009.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZY77cXJzPGg/Tq9w-htck5I/AAAAAAAAA7k/ajny6jgp9K4/s640/blogger-image--153426400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZY77cXJzPGg/Tq9w-htck5I/AAAAAAAAA7k/ajny6jgp9K4/s640/blogger-image--153426400.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ycW4s__y960/Tq9w-9fu2PI/AAAAAAAAA7s/4MlwCUFHD2o/s640/blogger-image--1561665631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ycW4s__y960/Tq9w-9fu2PI/AAAAAAAAA7s/4MlwCUFHD2o/s640/blogger-image--1561665631.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dD4U9h0K--M/Tq9w_ILpucI/AAAAAAAAA70/-K_qPEhuujE/s640/blogger-image--1422638491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dD4U9h0K--M/Tq9w_ILpucI/AAAAAAAAA70/-K_qPEhuujE/s640/blogger-image--1422638491.jpg" /></a></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-41934947568177680462011-10-11T21:59:00.001-06:002011-10-11T21:59:20.938-06:00We have a sitter!Yesterday, Isla couldn't sit up. I don't know what changed, but today she can! And we're both thrilled. I love my little nugget.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_-e44KAdytc/TpUQiQRLY2I/AAAAAAAAA6s/SmUNFBF6ZkA/s640/blogger-image--762169533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_-e44KAdytc/TpUQiQRLY2I/AAAAAAAAA6s/SmUNFBF6ZkA/s640/blogger-image--762169533.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Is9KdQRn5zw/TpUQjBgpODI/AAAAAAAAA60/NzQj4ZP4wZQ/s640/blogger-image--1442163337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Is9KdQRn5zw/TpUQjBgpODI/AAAAAAAAA60/NzQj4ZP4wZQ/s640/blogger-image--1442163337.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DnTVekEAa1E/TpUQliKpxWI/AAAAAAAAA68/jp01OyPEu8c/s640/blogger-image--1372150873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DnTVekEAa1E/TpUQliKpxWI/AAAAAAAAA68/jp01OyPEu8c/s640/blogger-image--1372150873.jpg" /></a></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-31564858797432352352011-10-07T13:58:00.001-06:002011-10-07T13:59:23.102-06:00It is beginning to look a lot like...Halloween...and Christmas.The start of October has brought us some short-lived, chilly weather! But, while it lasts, we've brought out the boots, too-small beanies for Isla, Halloween decor, and of course, Christmas music. Don't worry, when temps are in the 80's again next week, the latter will be re-shelved for a few more weeks! We're enjoying it while it lasts, though!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8yET6E6Bniw/To9Z8VeH39I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/aJVUDygSKhA/s640/blogger-image--463128391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8yET6E6Bniw/To9Z8VeH39I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/aJVUDygSKhA/s640/blogger-image--463128391.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sgRtGqpnuMQ/To9Z8qasjvI/AAAAAAAAA6c/6wxS48dgqgs/s640/blogger-image-84619361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sgRtGqpnuMQ/To9Z8qasjvI/AAAAAAAAA6c/6wxS48dgqgs/s640/blogger-image-84619361.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Je3ysRUtbvs/To9Z9J6Ws8I/AAAAAAAAA6g/5I_jpsbV2gk/s640/blogger-image--156582626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Je3ysRUtbvs/To9Z9J6Ws8I/AAAAAAAAA6g/5I_jpsbV2gk/s640/blogger-image--156582626.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jLn_StCyzLg/To9Z9V7-1ZI/AAAAAAAAA6k/sVeXRaMDBzc/s640/blogger-image-115467105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jLn_StCyzLg/To9Z9V7-1ZI/AAAAAAAAA6k/sVeXRaMDBzc/s640/blogger-image-115467105.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BXBL4nRDyYA/To9Z91kBrMI/AAAAAAAAA6o/dC4cvFgBr3g/s640/blogger-image-613950500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BXBL4nRDyYA/To9Z91kBrMI/AAAAAAAAA6o/dC4cvFgBr3g/s640/blogger-image-613950500.jpg" /></a></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-82956415078403472902011-10-02T22:12:00.001-06:002011-10-02T22:14:36.112-06:00I just love her.Being a mom has become so much more enjoyable over the last couple of months and here are a couple of reasons why: happier baby & better sleeper. She is my whole life now and I love it.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S_n_5Gw0OhM/Tok2qRTorAI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/w8mjY9jGO9w/s640/blogger-image-54059385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S_n_5Gw0OhM/Tok2qRTorAI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/w8mjY9jGO9w/s640/blogger-image-54059385.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OeKFVpjv3WI/Tok2q2-XkqI/AAAAAAAAA6U/OPpWQNgoCtI/s640/blogger-image-682488891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OeKFVpjv3WI/Tok2q2-XkqI/AAAAAAAAA6U/OPpWQNgoCtI/s640/blogger-image-682488891.jpg" /></a></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-39415361931425235112011-09-26T17:23:00.001-06:002011-09-26T17:47:30.109-06:00As of late...Saturday was a fun day. We rode the TRAX to Gardner Village, which is decked out with fun Halloween/Fall decor. Isla enjoyed watching the scenery pass by the train windows. <br />
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We also stopped by model home that I've been eyeing on my walks around the lake. It was A-MAZING. I'm going to find some way to make it mine in the future...<br />
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This weekend we started sleep training Isla--the whole crying it out method. After multiple nights of very little sleep and some advice from other moms, I was more than ready! It was hard and still is, but she's adapting to it really well and last night I got more sleep than I have in months, so it's here to stay! And, even though she cries herself to sleep, she still wakes up happy. Yay!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zyf5Q1mcySw/ToEPDiElYhI/AAAAAAAAA54/J0AaHutk4Ws/s640/blogger-image--251288104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zyf5Q1mcySw/ToEPDiElYhI/AAAAAAAAA54/J0AaHutk4Ws/s640/blogger-image--251288104.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OO10MrbijSc/ToEPD12sCUI/AAAAAAAAA58/se6G4to-4zQ/s640/blogger-image--1480630086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OO10MrbijSc/ToEPD12sCUI/AAAAAAAAA58/se6G4to-4zQ/s640/blogger-image--1480630086.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GpH1JgUCTAk/ToEPEez7CgI/AAAAAAAAA6A/pXBj55FbvsM/s640/blogger-image--1160908661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GpH1JgUCTAk/ToEPEez7CgI/AAAAAAAAA6A/pXBj55FbvsM/s640/blogger-image--1160908661.jpg" /></a></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-9560926821358474602011-09-01T21:16:00.007-06:002011-09-01T22:48:02.977-06:00California knows how to party.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BJSc-Mo7yQ/TmBL2IqtOMI/AAAAAAAAA50/t2AehnnhH70/s1600/IMG_1116.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BJSc-Mo7yQ/TmBL2IqtOMI/AAAAAAAAA50/t2AehnnhH70/s400/IMG_1116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647597326134229186" border="0" /></a>Our trip to California in a nutshell: beach, shopping, food. Can't beat that. Here's some documentation.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OP40E7t6kOg/TmBLez6Ej0I/AAAAAAAAA5k/nSs_zECo2WM/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG">
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aE5odzcjLvA/TmBLetMu0dI/AAAAAAAAA5c/pEz18u01pnM/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aE5odzcjLvA/TmBLetMu0dI/AAAAAAAAA5c/pEz18u01pnM/s400/IMG_1138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647596923623756242" border="0" /></a>Date at Cirque du Soleil in LA, thanks Dana & Beth for watching the munchkin! PS, yes I really am that pale. Very sad.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu5KRFldhyQ/TmBLeeoLRYI/AAAAAAAAA5U/xe2MeJ3ozUw/s1600/IMG_1132.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu5KRFldhyQ/TmBLeeoLRYI/AAAAAAAAA5U/xe2MeJ3ozUw/s400/IMG_1132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647596919712335234" border="0" /></a>Isla enjoying the comfy bed at the Marriot in San Diego.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13abA_hJi9A/TmBLeaiFWSI/AAAAAAAAA5M/LTIkEt-vipg/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13abA_hJi9A/TmBLeaiFWSI/AAAAAAAAA5M/LTIkEt-vipg/s400/IMG_1124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647596918613039394" border="0" /></a>No pictures, please. LA has turned her into a diva!
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SdchIlldufg/TmBLBxAciSI/AAAAAAAAA5E/i_khGxLCwOQ/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SdchIlldufg/TmBLBxAciSI/AAAAAAAAA5E/i_khGxLCwOQ/s400/IMG_1123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647596426429761826" border="0" /></a>Room service at the Marriott, YUM.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q__bnqAcEHA/TmBLBoVJiTI/AAAAAAAAA48/w2BgBxKRjaE/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q__bnqAcEHA/TmBLBoVJiTI/AAAAAAAAA48/w2BgBxKRjaE/s400/IMG_1119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647596424100677938" border="0" /></a>She is two things in this picture: chubby & very excited to be feeling the sand at the beach.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzRZSr8SmZo/TmBLBiXVPcI/AAAAAAAAA40/ZKmipXfROZE/s1600/IMG_1117.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzRZSr8SmZo/TmBLBiXVPcI/AAAAAAAAA40/ZKmipXfROZE/s400/IMG_1117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647596422499220930" border="0" /></a>Oh, that face.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2CdGO9wcbRQ/TmBLBXsXfqI/AAAAAAAAA4s/o94_iD5Iv3M/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2CdGO9wcbRQ/TmBLBXsXfqI/AAAAAAAAA4s/o94_iD5Iv3M/s400/IMG_1105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647596419634658978" border="0" /></a>Mid-shopping snack--Mom's shoulder.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyo9DAKFSms/TmBL13fAcGI/AAAAAAAAA5s/Bb42_K2SZTU/s1600/IMG_1046.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyo9DAKFSms/TmBL13fAcGI/AAAAAAAAA5s/Bb42_K2SZTU/s400/IMG_1046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647597321521754210" border="0" /></a>Love this! She is in awe of Daddy.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OP40E7t6kOg/TmBLez6Ej0I/AAAAAAAAA5k/nSs_zECo2WM/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OP40E7t6kOg/TmBLez6Ej0I/AAAAAAAAA5k/nSs_zECo2WM/s400/IMG_1144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647596925424537410" border="0" /></a>Relaxing after returning home! Notice the rolls on the belly & legs...I think we all gained a few pounds on our trip!
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<br />And if you have time...here's a video of Isla's first beach experience (at least her first one awake). She was just a little excited!
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwLhRTcN2O_4LARWM7_PLoqNgsDvu4N7WCUedo7aewOJwcd6L1cggwoASX5vSoDEvgpAQguB_eUZ9o24FlVzQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-24248593560074272922011-06-11T17:40:00.007-06:002011-06-15T20:56:08.118-06:00Projects, Planes, and Pictures, oh my!I promised another post that actually included pictures, and here it is! Or at least, here it begins. This may or may not actually get published a few days from now. But, it's progress!<br /><br />A lot has been happening around here--or at least, some things have been happening, which was more than I can say of the last couple of months. We took a trip to California over Memorial Day weekend. Highlights of the trip included watching Ford (our new nephew)'s baby blessing, some extreme sunburns, seeing lots of wonderful family, flying with Isla for the first time, visiting the beach, and eating yummy food! It was a really fun trip and very nice to get out of the house for longer than a couple hours! Isla did really well on the plane ride--she slept both ways!--which I was SO relieved about. The only negative was the broken A/C on the flight there....let's just say, sweaty. Not good. It was a little stressful flying with all of the baby gear--I have a lot more empathy for parents who travel with multiple children now! I can't even imagine...<br /><br />We've also been working on some home improvement projects. We (mostly Andrew) upholstered a headboard for our bed (DIY on the Design Sponge blog), weeded & mulched our yard, made a curtain for the kitchen window, and painted our kitchen chairs a fun dark purple. Things are starting to come together even more, and our next project is a gallery wall for our front room. Mostly Andrew, once again. Who knew I'd marry someone with more design sense than me? Glad I did, though!<br /><br />And last, we've been taking lots and lots of pictures--of our trip, our little Isla, our house, etc. Speaking of Isla, she's been doing A LOT better, thank goodness! She still has her moments, and evenings are fussier than the rest of the day, but she is a much happier baby than she was a month ago, and I am SO beyond grateful for that! Especially since I go back to work in less than a week (yikes!). I don't feel as bad about leaving Andrew home alone with her all night than I would have before. She smiles all the time, especially when she wakes up, continues to be super gassy, is starting to want to stand and sit, is able to hold her head up pretty good, and is starting to demonstrate some semblance of a laugh now and then. I'm finally starting to enjoy motherhood like I should, rather than being stressed out all the time! One thing that still always brings tears, though, is her carseat. She HATES it. But, I guess I would, too.<br /><br />Anyway, here are lots and lots of pictures (in no particular order...I'm too lazy to organize them! Sorry). Hope everyone is doing well--Enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQfBK2OuOYs/Tfloj1wYNSI/AAAAAAAAA4k/sm8ZCYB3Pxk/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQfBK2OuOYs/Tfloj1wYNSI/AAAAAAAAA4k/sm8ZCYB3Pxk/s400/IMG_0606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618636975056106786" border="0" /></a>So excited for Dad to be home from work!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq3J4dDNEMM/TflojjEQsiI/AAAAAAAAA4c/eZ2mwWjQ07k/s1600/DSCN0260.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq3J4dDNEMM/TflojjEQsiI/AAAAAAAAA4c/eZ2mwWjQ07k/s400/DSCN0260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618636970039226914" border="0" /></a>Summer & her youngest, August, hangin' at the beach on Memorial Day.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdxbAnyU2s8/Tfloi3eQSiI/AAAAAAAAA4U/aUXsz1TfSWo/s1600/DSCN0256.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdxbAnyU2s8/Tfloi3eQSiI/AAAAAAAAA4U/aUXsz1TfSWo/s400/DSCN0256.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618636958337092130" border="0" /></a>Katie's newest addition, Ford. He is ADORABLE. I mean, look at that hair!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WaIlPx5MhYw/TfloiTDEPII/AAAAAAAAA4M/YyKR9woh0eQ/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WaIlPx5MhYw/TfloiTDEPII/AAAAAAAAA4M/YyKR9woh0eQ/s400/IMG_0629.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618636948559379586" border="0" /></a>Isla just chillin with Grandpa at Sunday dinner.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ny6g0-Bitqg/TflnocJQQZI/AAAAAAAAA4E/ZgO-llxFB0g/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ny6g0-Bitqg/TflnocJQQZI/AAAAAAAAA4E/ZgO-llxFB0g/s400/IMG_0671.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635954568839570" border="0" /></a>Modeling the adorable onesie that my lovely friend, Camille, made for her! So cute.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbqbgnWc5Kw/TflnoPGDlBI/AAAAAAAAA38/SoGCMnnhRcA/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbqbgnWc5Kw/TflnoPGDlBI/AAAAAAAAA38/SoGCMnnhRcA/s400/IMG_0558.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635951065764882" border="0" /></a>For a while, I had this picture on my phone to remind myself that Isla is <span style="font-style: italic;">sometimes</span> a happy baby! She gives me these smiles a lot more frequently now, thankfully!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BkVNcxS0eE/Tflnmh6ZOXI/AAAAAAAAA30/uthUrc5IqtE/s1600/DSCN0254.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BkVNcxS0eE/Tflnmh6ZOXI/AAAAAAAAA30/uthUrc5IqtE/s400/DSCN0254.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635921757387122" border="0" /></a>Nonny juggling Isla & August at the beach.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9pf9vjOMGs8/TflnmCIAHtI/AAAAAAAAA3s/4aFGs8LZ9OQ/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9pf9vjOMGs8/TflnmCIAHtI/AAAAAAAAA3s/4aFGs8LZ9OQ/s400/IMG_0498.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635913224527570" border="0" /></a>Swimwear model. Love it.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVP8e0vQ_xg/Tflm096560I/AAAAAAAAA3k/EdNZfT-Pyco/s1600/IMG_0654.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVP8e0vQ_xg/Tflm096560I/AAAAAAAAA3k/EdNZfT-Pyco/s400/IMG_0654.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635070282263362" border="0" /></a>Hangin' out with Mommy all day. Looks like the is flipping off the camera, but not. She really was in another picture, ha.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bAm_xUKF7Y/Tflm0gsWz0I/AAAAAAAAA3c/roixJFjIhgw/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bAm_xUKF7Y/Tflm0gsWz0I/AAAAAAAAA3c/roixJFjIhgw/s400/IMG_0484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635062436613954" border="0" /></a>Taking a walk in our lovely neighborhood now that the weather is (FINALLY) nice!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQW13gxkjso/Tflmzy1ghEI/AAAAAAAAA3U/H9U0PXPBIUg/s1600/IMG_0684.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQW13gxkjso/Tflmzy1ghEI/AAAAAAAAA3U/H9U0PXPBIUg/s400/IMG_0684.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635050126967874" border="0" /></a>She has discovered that she really likes to eat her hands, which is fine with me :)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJYIw35lJJI/TflmzorZ75I/AAAAAAAAA3M/Ept-TOKv2ZM/s1600/DSCN0289.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJYIw35lJJI/TflmzorZ75I/AAAAAAAAA3M/Ept-TOKv2ZM/s400/DSCN0289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635047400238994" border="0" /></a>Our new purple kitchen chairs!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpmSVWRS_9k/TflmEK2Rz8I/AAAAAAAAA28/BNHw0jOocKE/s1600/IMG_0648.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpmSVWRS_9k/TflmEK2Rz8I/AAAAAAAAA28/BNHw0jOocKE/s400/IMG_0648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618634231938928578" border="0" /></a>Crackin' up.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGETmrXsp9U/TflmDigI_WI/AAAAAAAAA20/K2CQYt1RHh0/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGETmrXsp9U/TflmDigI_WI/AAAAAAAAA20/K2CQYt1RHh0/s400/IMG_0611.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618634221108657506" border="0" /></a>A very very rare carseat smile. I think she started crying about 30 seconds after this.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sXa6GxgpSWQ/TflmCnfxE5I/AAAAAAAAA2s/cPjNEUvVTYU/s1600/IMG_0695.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sXa6GxgpSWQ/TflmCnfxE5I/AAAAAAAAA2s/cPjNEUvVTYU/s400/IMG_0695.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618634205269398418" border="0" /></a>Wrapped in her "Miracle Blanket", ready for bed. We call her our little burrito. She actually seems to like it. Sidenote: our carpet looks kind of weird and green in this picture...I promise, it's not really like that...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36hhIhgaLNM/TfVHpGvFbLI/AAAAAAAAA2k/3mO0ZUE0WkI/s1600/DSCN0284.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36hhIhgaLNM/TfVHpGvFbLI/AAAAAAAAA2k/3mO0ZUE0WkI/s400/DSCN0284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617474881722870962" border="0" /></a>The lovely headboard that my handyman of a husband made! I love it!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXaqfLcus5E/TfVHo-11NiI/AAAAAAAAA2c/DD4xDe3WGhc/s1600/DSCN0282.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXaqfLcus5E/TfVHo-11NiI/AAAAAAAAA2c/DD4xDe3WGhc/s400/DSCN0282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617474879603684898" border="0" /></a>Our plants and landscaping by the garage. I wish we had taken a before picture, because it was overrun with weeds...looks SO much better now.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpR3f7Fa12w/TfVHoURekUI/AAAAAAAAA2U/nbTYwfV6oJg/s1600/DSCN0287.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpR3f7Fa12w/TfVHoURekUI/AAAAAAAAA2U/nbTYwfV6oJg/s400/DSCN0287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617474868176916802" border="0" /></a>Same goes for the front of the house...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncNdXSyjRGA/TfVHoLRE83I/AAAAAAAAA2M/Xv4Uh9-kgI8/s1600/DSCN0297.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncNdXSyjRGA/TfVHoLRE83I/AAAAAAAAA2M/Xv4Uh9-kgI8/s400/DSCN0297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617474865759318898" border="0" /></a>The kitchen curtain I made. Definitely took practically no skill at all!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DordJj2NzFw/TfVC2KbPvqI/AAAAAAAAA2E/r3MLXaPsgE4/s1600/DSCN0269.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DordJj2NzFw/TfVC2KbPvqI/AAAAAAAAA2E/r3MLXaPsgE4/s400/DSCN0269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617469608493563554" border="0" /></a>A rare couple picture of Andrew and I in California! And, yes, my hair looks like I chopped it off. But, don't fret, it's just in a bun.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWBKbd0Zu2I/TfVC174sEyI/AAAAAAAAA18/9FVRK3kmLLA/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWBKbd0Zu2I/TfVC174sEyI/AAAAAAAAA18/9FVRK3kmLLA/s400/IMG_0686.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617469604590523170" border="0" /></a>Practicing in the Bumbo! She's really wanting to sit up more, but can only hold her head up for a minute before it starts to droop.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8quH84IRWqY/TfVC1kjH8MI/AAAAAAAAA10/84yGmd4F0ZY/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8quH84IRWqY/TfVC1kjH8MI/AAAAAAAAA10/84yGmd4F0ZY/s400/IMG_0696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617469598326059202" border="0" /></a>Maybe I am biased, but is that not the cutest face ever? I am SOO happy that she is happier nowadays.<br /></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-9094325913185327982011-05-24T16:02:00.005-06:002011-05-24T16:30:54.122-06:00I cannot be a mother and a blogger.Apparently I am horrible at multi-tasking...my life. I don't know how all the "mommy bloggers" do it, but I have found it hard to be a mother + ________ (anything else). One of my friends pointed out that I haven't blogged in over a month. I am supposed to go back to work in a few weeks, and I'm slightly freaking out about how I am going to manage taking care of Isla, myself, our house, and finding time to sleep after work. I am also slightly freaking out about leaving Isla home alone with Andrew all night--mostly because I am afraid she won't sleep and he'll be exhausted for work the next day. But, that's a whole other subject.<br /><br />Anyway, just thought I'd write an update of what's been going on in our life as of late. No pictures this time--sorry--I am writing this from my Mom's computer and haven't had time to upload recent pictures. We are taking a trip this weekend and I PROMISE I'll take some pictures and post some. I'm sure you're all dying with anticipation! Ha.<br /><br />Here are the highlights of the last month-ish or so:<br /><br /><ul><li>Isla has been fussy...suffering from "colic"--the term for general prolonged fussiness, it seems. We've tried everything from gripe water to the <span style="font-style: italic;">Miracle Blanket</span> (which is actually pretty great), but of course there's no cure-all for it. So, I've learned to function with only one arm most of the day and haven't gotten out of the house very much, for fear that she'll have a melt down. Thankfully, my older sister, Kristin, lives about 5 minutes away. I go there <span style="font-style: italic;">a lot</span>--in fact, when I don't go, my niece asks her "why Elyse isn't here". Thanks to her, though, I am still sane-ish.<br /></li><li>On a good note, she <span style="font-style: italic;">does </span>seem to be growing out of it, and has developed her "social smile". Things that elicit this smile include: passing gas, seeing mom & dad, and listening to the <span style="font-style: italic;">Tangled </span>soundtrack. She also hates getting dressed, which is sad for me, because I cannot play dress up with her like I want to, sigh. Oh, well, I'm sure I'll have plenty of time for that as she grows up.</li><li>Last Isla news: besides the fact that she's freaking cute, everything checked out at her 2 month appointment last week. She was 9 lbs 11 oz, 21.5 inches long, and in the 25th percentile for everything. She got her shots--sad day--and then slept for like 4 hours, so I secretly liked the shots, which I know is horrible. Our goal from now until her 4 month appointment is to get her to sleep on the other side of her head more so we can avoid a helmet. Wish us luck!</li><li>We are getting ready for a trip to California this Thursday (yay!!!!) to visit family, enjoy Memorial Day weekend, and see Tanner & Katie's new baby, Ford, get blessed. T&K are moving to China in a couple months (yikes!), so we want to see them as much as we can before they go. I cannot wait for the beach and the weather forecast is simply lovely.</li><li>We painted our kitchen chairs (well, Andrew did) a dark purple, and put mulch in our yard. Those were our home improvement projects this last weekend as the weather decided to be amazing. Our next home improvement project: making a headboard for our bed. This will involve Andrew using an electric saw and staple gun. Pray for us. </li><li>One of my best friends in the whole world, Camille, just moved back to Utah and bought a house like 15 minutes from us. I am SOOOOO excited to have her close by, and plan to take advantage of her good conversation and craft skills as often as possible!</li><li>Andrew had a birthday at the beginning of this month and turned the big 2-6! We went to a movie while my mom watched Isla, and it was so nice to have some semblance of a date finally. Love him!</li></ul>Anyway, that's about it for now. Sorry, nothing too exciting, but I'll provide some pictures of the oh-so-cute babe and our Memorial Day trip when I get back...which probably translates into another month or so! Wish me luck :)Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-86183243674286052672011-04-09T13:40:00.014-06:002011-04-12T14:38:17.493-06:00Isla Beth.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbGSKuCWK5g/TaSxfZy36jI/AAAAAAAAAxo/04yTL8xWgoQ/s1600/IMG_0247.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbGSKuCWK5g/TaSxfZy36jI/AAAAAAAAAxo/04yTL8xWgoQ/s400/IMG_0247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594791790159325746" border="0" /></a><br />(Lots of pictures at the end of the post...if you get bored...)<br /></div><br />Well, I've obviously taken quite a long hiatus from blogging, but for good reason! We welcomed our little girl, Isla Beth Garlock, into the world on March 18th (my Mom's birthday!), and let's just say life has been a little hectic since then! Hectic but wonderful--she is the most darling baby in the world (I'm slightly biased) and we are so so happy to have her with us.<br /><br />I don't want to bore everyone with my "birth story", but I also wanted to kind of record what happened that day so I remember. And, since I don't really journal, I'm going to just write a brief bit about the happenings of that day.<br /><br />I had an appointment with my doctor on Thursday (March 17), and I was far enough dilated, etc., that he suggested we induce me on Monday. I was thrilled to have an end in sight, but not so excited about the 3 shifts I still had to work that weekend. Anyway, the doctor thoroughly checked me at my appointment and I went to my parents afterward because we were all going to go to dinner for my Mom's birthday. I was contracting a bit, but that always happens after being checked, so I wasn't too concerned. I kept contracting pretty much all night and through dinner, and when we got home I almost went in to the hospital. But, I figured I probably wouldn't go that fast, and I'd rather try to get some sleep that night. So, I slept, woke up at 5 am to go the bathroom, and realized that I was still contracting <span style="font-style: italic;">a lot</span>, like every 2-3 minutes. It wasn't super painful, but uncomfortable enough. I woke up Andrew and told him we should probably just go in before he left for work. I called my Mom (she's a L&D nurse, so I definitely wanted her there!) and she met us at the hospital.<br /><br />We got there, got all hooked up to the monitors, and sure enough I was contracting very regularly. I was still dilated to a 4, which is what I was at my appt, so the doctor said he'd give me a couple hours and see what happened. Since I wasn't 39 weeks til the next day, he technically couldn't break my water or induce labor if I wasn't progressing on my own. So, he came back around 9 am, I had progressed (thank goodness) to a 5, and he broke me water. After that, holy cow, the contractions got <span style="font-style: italic;">painful! </span>I requested my epidural ASAP and clutched the bed rails until the anesthesiologist came in. He got my epidural in, had to try a couple times cause my back is curved weirdly... and I was in HEAVEN! Oh man, it was the best feeling ever to have the contractions gone.<br /><br />After about 10 minutes, though, I started feeling like I was going to black out...not good. My blood pressure had dropped to somewhere in the 80s/40s (that's very low), and in response to that, baby's heart rate dropped dramatically. So, tons of nurses came running in flipping me over, putting on an internal monitor, laying my head back, putting on oxygen, etc... Being a nurse in this area, I knew that all of this meant something very bad was happening. For a moment, I thought they were going to rush me back for an emergency C-section. In the end, it turns out my epidural had been dosed a bit too high for my body size, and the anesthesiologist came in and gave my some Epinephrine and decreased my epidural dose. Thankfully, Isla recovered well. I, however, was a major stress case for the rest of my labor, asking my Mom and the other nurses literally like every 10 seconds if the baby was okay, how her heart rate was, etc. I'm sure I drove them nuts, but I was just terrified of something going wrong.<br /><br />The rest of the labor progressed pretty easily. I never used my epidural button, though, for fear that I would cause her heart rate to drop again. So, I was able to move my legs still and feel the pressure of the contractions, but not the pain, which I was totally fine with. I kept dilating on my own and never needed any Pitocin, and around 2:30 or 3 pm, I was complete! I pushed for about an hour, and boy did I feel it. I'm sure it wasn't as bad as going natural, but it was definitely not totally numb down there. She finally came and was absolutely perfect! Weighed in at 5 lbs. 15 oz. and was a short 18 inches. My sister, Jenna, was there for the delivery and it was really fun to have her with me. I was really proud of how well her and Andrew did watching the whole thing. They were more in awe than disgusted :) The doctor stitched me up (which I totally felt-ouch), and the nursery got Isla all dried off and bathed. The first time I held her I just felt a huge wave of relief that she was out and I didn't have to worry about hurting her anymore! She was just darling and I fell in love right away.<br /><br />Once we got her home, she continued to be a wonderful baby, aside from the fact that she had her nights and days completely mixed up and was awake every night from about 1-6 am. Can't really blame her, though, as I did work nights and probably confused her a bit! Thankfully, that only lasted about a week and half, and now she sleeps pretty good at night. She is already three weeks old, and I feel like she is getting so big already! It makes me sad but happy at the same time, as I see her personality continue to develop.<br /><br />I am feeling much, much better now, compared to where I was a couple weeks ago. Having a child is overwhelming, and no matter what anyone told me, I was not prepared for the extreme exhaustion I felt right after! But, it only lasts a short while in the scheme of things, and it's totally worth it for my little lady.<br /><br />So, that's it...sorry to drone on and on, but as I said, I want to preserve the memory for myself! I have to say thanks to everyone who has come to visit, sent gifts, brought meals, etc... in the last few weeks. It has all been MUCH appreciated and made us feel so loved and taken care of! So, thanks :)<br /><br />And now, for lots of pictures (I attempted to put them in some sort of chronological order):<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YoTw0Az-0gY/TaS2q8hWdWI/AAAAAAAAA1A/rDgDZI6SD44/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YoTw0Az-0gY/TaS2q8hWdWI/AAAAAAAAA1A/rDgDZI6SD44/s400/IMG_0106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594797486017770850" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdUVhHEcVP0/TaS2qaWC4zI/AAAAAAAAA04/j6hVnvclUOI/s1600/DSC_1339.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdUVhHEcVP0/TaS2qaWC4zI/AAAAAAAAA04/j6hVnvclUOI/s400/DSC_1339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594797476843545394" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZsbmvxSAcc/TaS2p_7frGI/AAAAAAAAA0w/pWlNhGTDrlI/s1600/DSC_1354.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZsbmvxSAcc/TaS2p_7frGI/AAAAAAAAA0w/pWlNhGTDrlI/s400/DSC_1354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594797469752863842" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V93PwdXjM1Q/TaS2pWzGm8I/AAAAAAAAA0o/RDbeJsuNc24/s1600/DSC_1358.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V93PwdXjM1Q/TaS2pWzGm8I/AAAAAAAAA0o/RDbeJsuNc24/s400/DSC_1358.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594797458711813058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yX_LSc5n3s/TaS131sHgqI/AAAAAAAAA0g/d_I1uXxa97c/s1600/DSC_1363.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yX_LSc5n3s/TaS131sHgqI/AAAAAAAAA0g/d_I1uXxa97c/s400/DSC_1363.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594796608010551970" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PxX8a0DG078/TaS13fjIEaI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/7YXUdOHrBmg/s1600/DSC_1359.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PxX8a0DG078/TaS13fjIEaI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/7YXUdOHrBmg/s400/DSC_1359.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594796602067259810" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeMNoIFJpD0/TaS124CGROI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/gDtC4Zb2Y3A/s1600/DSC_1378.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeMNoIFJpD0/TaS124CGROI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/gDtC4Zb2Y3A/s400/DSC_1378.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594796591459747042" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kcDNmn_rtg0/TaS12Wqzr2I/AAAAAAAAA0I/h8xl7c9dQVg/s1600/DSC_1392.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kcDNmn_rtg0/TaS12Wqzr2I/AAAAAAAAA0I/h8xl7c9dQVg/s400/DSC_1392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594796582503690082" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JecK3D_xluY/TaS1DtDHCGI/AAAAAAAAA0A/XFlqVpTsME4/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JecK3D_xluY/TaS1DtDHCGI/AAAAAAAAA0A/XFlqVpTsME4/s400/IMG_0108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594795712337872994" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqrLKtG2VN8/TaS1DIWVv2I/AAAAAAAAAz4/wzP_UCUpxMk/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqrLKtG2VN8/TaS1DIWVv2I/AAAAAAAAAz4/wzP_UCUpxMk/s400/IMG_0112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594795702486417250" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFJTLG7vC74/TaS1CtNhaMI/AAAAAAAAAzw/MDjH_RWPaSU/s1600/DSC_1418.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFJTLG7vC74/TaS1CtNhaMI/AAAAAAAAAzw/MDjH_RWPaSU/s400/DSC_1418.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594795695201675458" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zoicSWvB33M/TaS1CPmMtsI/AAAAAAAAAzo/QRst86_4-a4/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zoicSWvB33M/TaS1CPmMtsI/AAAAAAAAAzo/QRst86_4-a4/s400/IMG_0119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594795687252113090" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVkJiWkkeuA/TaSz6pAWpuI/AAAAAAAAAzg/dt9n4McaNcg/s1600/DSC_1440.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mM31j2GsG0/TaSz6BUdFhI/AAAAAAAAAzY/3FmPU46VEWI/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mM31j2GsG0/TaSz6BUdFhI/AAAAAAAAAzY/3FmPU46VEWI/s400/IMG_0166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594794446469010962" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfSewsZD7xo/TaSz58NquWI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/6zyJLmLpuew/s1600/IMG_0169.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfSewsZD7xo/TaSz58NquWI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/6zyJLmLpuew/s400/IMG_0169.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594794445098367330" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zW7WaliABIA/TaSz5drdawI/AAAAAAAAAzI/IDHVSkWF6Dw/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zW7WaliABIA/TaSz5drdawI/AAAAAAAAAzI/IDHVSkWF6Dw/s400/IMG_0181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594794436901825282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3AWbs7rXnw/TaSy8wtCItI/AAAAAAAAAzA/stMkrNdNGdk/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3AWbs7rXnw/TaSy8wtCItI/AAAAAAAAAzA/stMkrNdNGdk/s400/IMG_0183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594793394036679378" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8101Xcd74Pc/TaSy8fJydrI/AAAAAAAAAy4/vzD1C1CX6zE/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8101Xcd74Pc/TaSy8fJydrI/AAAAAAAAAy4/vzD1C1CX6zE/s400/IMG_0196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594793389325448882" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8oQTQCURdds/TaS4ARnUhsI/AAAAAAAAA1g/z95CEtsrOr8/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8oQTQCURdds/TaS4ARnUhsI/AAAAAAAAA1g/z95CEtsrOr8/s400/IMG_0227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594798951968835266" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Be1cNBqS8M/TaS3_m4WkmI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/FXxoyVUOWZk/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Be1cNBqS8M/TaS3_m4WkmI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/FXxoyVUOWZk/s400/IMG_0217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594798940497547874" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKN7R3OnPy8/TaS3-8J5ATI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/x2LSoHInVNc/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKN7R3OnPy8/TaS3-8J5ATI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/x2LSoHInVNc/s400/IMG_0174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594798929028383026" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UFVBoKDrpU/TaS3-aDTYWI/AAAAAAAAA1I/dVuRXxANbh8/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UFVBoKDrpU/TaS3-aDTYWI/AAAAAAAAA1I/dVuRXxANbh8/s400/IMG_0250.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594798919873945954" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zWGgSaHDTw/TaSy7lBXYuI/AAAAAAAAAyw/3Gkzw5Y8Bzs/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9B6ca_lZFOY/TaSy7GDAXYI/AAAAAAAAAyo/cUluI_tWrEw/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9B6ca_lZFOY/TaSy7GDAXYI/AAAAAAAAAyo/cUluI_tWrEw/s400/IMG_0207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594793365406244226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yEhHJTB8Eec/TaSyPU3KfXI/AAAAAAAAAyg/5zrdgmm6BLc/s1600/IMG_0238.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yEhHJTB8Eec/TaSyPU3KfXI/AAAAAAAAAyg/5zrdgmm6BLc/s400/IMG_0238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594792613468863858" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTKFRAgpwsM/TaSyPCrV37I/AAAAAAAAAyY/9QR96xHV-hg/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTKFRAgpwsM/TaSyPCrV37I/AAAAAAAAAyY/9QR96xHV-hg/s400/IMG_0226.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594792608587440050" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAJ04j6tGJI/TaSyOSN_DhI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/_PQRTGDQEdY/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAJ04j6tGJI/TaSyOSN_DhI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/_PQRTGDQEdY/s400/IMG_0231.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594792595579407890" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfoXWuoAFXw/TaSyN_Zns1I/AAAAAAAAAyI/1MR1OSmRaiY/s1600/isla%2Bbath.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfoXWuoAFXw/TaSyN_Zns1I/AAAAAAAAAyI/1MR1OSmRaiY/s400/isla%2Bbath.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594792590527935314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auVywM-hlcQ/TaSxgQ9Ze2I/AAAAAAAAAyA/9qZo-t_Q7kc/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auVywM-hlcQ/TaSxgQ9Ze2I/AAAAAAAAAyA/9qZo-t_Q7kc/s400/IMG_0243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594791804967418722" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRJXDkHBLjc/TaSxgB7sRnI/AAAAAAAAAx4/OQK5FssntJI/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRJXDkHBLjc/TaSxgB7sRnI/AAAAAAAAAx4/OQK5FssntJI/s400/IMG_0244.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594791800933729906" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pxe4tUlY1o0/TaSxfjmXBvI/AAAAAAAAAxw/Bt1q5uvgoCY/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pxe4tUlY1o0/TaSxfjmXBvI/AAAAAAAAAxw/Bt1q5uvgoCY/s400/IMG_0246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594791792791193330" border="0" /></a>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-62659287711319298762011-03-10T16:33:00.004-07:002011-03-10T16:50:28.900-07:00Happenings.<div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5lHYRajH9Ok/TXljR0j7UCI/AAAAAAAAAxg/Wu1PCWvj-ow/s1600/spring2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582602370920697890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5lHYRajH9Ok/TXljR0j7UCI/AAAAAAAAAxg/Wu1PCWvj-ow/s400/spring2.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">Here's to you, Spring.</div><br />Well, I've dropped off the face of the earth, haven't I? I've certainly neglected blogging, so I thought I'd just write a little update post before we have the baby and I have even more reason to be neglectful!<br /><br />The most exciting thing as of late--we got our kitchen cabinets painted! Call us crazy (many have), because we just bought our house and our cabinets were already very nice. We know. But, we've always loved white kitchen cabinets, and decided that if we are gonna do it, let's do it now before we put it off forever. There are a couple touch ups that need to be done still, so I'll put up pics once it's all put together. But, we LOVE IT and are so glad we did it!<br /><br />Other things that have been going on:<br /><ul><li>Baby shower: thrown by my mom and sisters, lots of friends and family there. Thanks to everyone who came!</li><br /><li>Eating Girl Scout cookies--Andrew got some from a co-workers children. We love our Samoas!</li><br /><li>Cleaning the house, getting things organized, "nesting" I guess you'd call it. I just like having a clean house...</li><br /><li>Enjoying the warmer weather! Hello, it's 70 degress today! Love it.</li><br /><li>Dreaming of summer days. I bought a bathing suit from J. Crew that I am determined to fit in for pool time this summer, and I am on the lookout for a cute baby suit. </li><br /><li>Planning a trip to California for Memorial Day! Yay! My sister-in-law, Katie, will have her new baby blessed that weekend, and it will also be the last time we'll get to see them before they move to China in a few months. We are so excited for them!</li><br /><li>Eating delicious donuts from <a href="http://www.beyondglaze.com/">Beyond Glaze</a>. We tried the German Chocolate and Peach Cobbler flavors. Delish!</li><br /><li>Enjoying a mani/pedi and hair appointment so I don't look totally awful in my delivery pictures.</li><br /><li>Working a lot, because everyone and their mom has decided to have a baby right now and our unit has been BUSY!</li><br /><li>Keeping up on Jimmer news (Andrew).</li><br /><li>Going to the gym together on my nights off, so Andrew can get buff and I can walk around the track and try to get closer to going into labor.</li></ul><p>Anyway, that's about it for now! Have to give some birthday shout-out's as well, because I'm sure I'll forget. Saturday is our Grandma Jeanne's birthday, the 18th is my Mom's birthday, and the 24th is my brother, Brennan's, birthday. Happy Birthday and we love you all!</p></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-3746512129252895292011-02-16T14:25:00.004-07:002011-02-16T14:34:54.818-07:00Vote!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScGgytGJqxA/TVxC9H958uI/AAAAAAAAAxY/pK7UdAJ5oMY/s1600/2370c5cfc1c4044229003229fbc6785f42f06ec1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScGgytGJqxA/TVxC9H958uI/AAAAAAAAAxY/pK7UdAJ5oMY/s400/2370c5cfc1c4044229003229fbc6785f42f06ec1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574404056655983330" border="0" /></a>Vote for Fictionist in the Choose the Cover of Rolling Stone Contest! They're an amazing band from Provo, Utah, and some incredibly talented musicians. Click on this <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/choosethecover/artists/fictionist">link</a> to go to their contest page and rate them. Also, check out their music (I especially like "Before I'm Old") and their awesome music video!<br /><br />AND PS: They'll appear on our <span style="font-style: italic;">favorite </span>of shows, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon! Woo!Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-41907887681187228852011-02-14T12:00:00.004-07:002011-02-14T12:07:07.952-07:00Happy Valentine's Day!Wishing everyone lots of love.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnQAptsrq28/TVl9CY3mv5I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/-DKBciPul4c/s1600/-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnQAptsrq28/TVl9CY3mv5I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/-DKBciPul4c/s400/-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573623493836586898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Just had to show this card Andrew got me, thought it was hilarious/adorable. Love him!!</span><br /></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-32028933202910483002011-02-09T12:39:00.003-07:002011-02-09T12:58:47.951-07:00Baby Bump & Nursery Update.The time is fast approaching when little girl will be here with us, and I'm kind of freaking out! Ever since I hit 30 weeks the time has seemed to be flying. I'm in fight or flight mode trying to get everything ready for her arrival. Good news: we've made lots of progress on the nursery because of it! So, here's a recent bump pic (33 weeks, 4 days) and some updated pics of the nursery. Enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVLxBkCBE5I/AAAAAAAAAxI/RECmf3tCjAQ/s1600/181720_828502492379_17814759_42333512_6720550_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVLxBkCBE5I/AAAAAAAAAxI/RECmf3tCjAQ/s400/181720_828502492379_17814759_42333512_6720550_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571780698165023634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Bumpity, bump, bump.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVLxBdl-GSI/AAAAAAAAAxA/on0ZLuuL9OY/s1600/DSCN0187.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVLxBdl-GSI/AAAAAAAAAxA/on0ZLuuL9OY/s400/DSCN0187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571780696436775202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Pillow I made last night for the rocker!<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVLxA8J9O8I/AAAAAAAAAw4/oCJd27I2OuE/s1600/DSCN0188.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVLxA8J9O8I/AAAAAAAAAw4/oCJd27I2OuE/s400/DSCN0188.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571780687460907970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The bigger effect. Also made the curtain last night (with Andrew's help measuring and hanging).<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVLxAfPHreI/AAAAAAAAAww/Fsv5Uj67ymk/s1600/DSCN0189.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVLxAfPHreI/AAAAAAAAAww/Fsv5Uj67ymk/s400/DSCN0189.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571780679697935842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Refinished dresser on the left, new paint and knobs. Thanks Mom & Dad for the donation :)<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVLxAAvuHGI/AAAAAAAAAwo/Gpmu5JkvS08/s1600/DSCN0190.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVLxAAvuHGI/AAAAAAAAAwo/Gpmu5JkvS08/s400/DSCN0190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571780671513173090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Shelves, expertly painted and hung by Andrew while I was at work :)</span><br /></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-67262357915965437712011-02-07T16:55:00.002-07:002011-02-07T17:03:03.193-07:00It's here.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVCIIbYLtlI/AAAAAAAAAwg/HVr4M0vbuL8/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVCIIbYLtlI/AAAAAAAAAwg/HVr4M0vbuL8/s400/IMG_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571102417426822738" border="0" /></a>Our iPhones came via FedEx today and I am beyond excited! We've been holding out with Verizon for the day they'd get the iPhone, and I am happy to retire the old brick I was using. Yay!Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-59806993230909603622011-02-07T11:38:00.003-07:002011-02-07T11:44:41.405-07:00Salt City Burger Co. Delish.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVA9S8i1loI/AAAAAAAAAwY/bs0ypXTd3Mo/s1600/Picture%2B3.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 291px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TVA9S8i1loI/AAAAAAAAAwY/bs0ypXTd3Mo/s400/Picture%2B3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571020134756488834" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, anyone in Utah, you HAVE to try this place--<a href="http://www.saltcityburgerco.com/Site/Salt_City_Burger_Co..html">Salt City Burger Co.</a>. They have locations in Sandy & Bountiful, and although this may be a trek for some, it will be <span style="font-style: italic;">so worth it! </span>We went there a couple weekends ago and got a burger, shakes, and fries (half regular, half sweet potato). Holy cow. That's all I can say...it's delicious (and it's not just the pregnancy talking)! I am not usually a huge burger person, but this was incredible. And, the milkshake was an actual milkshake, not just a lot of soft ice cream like most places. And the fries... Well, anyway, if you get a chance, we highly recommend it!Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-11363071486840650032011-02-03T15:50:00.003-07:002011-02-03T15:57:19.431-07:00Bringin' Spring.I have been in an oddly crafty mood this week (maybe it's "nesting", who knows), which has been nice for making the days pass quickly. I decided to bring a little spring to our home in these <span style="font-style: italic;">freezing </span>temps, and make a wreath that my lovely friend, Camille, posted on her <a href="http://www.russandcamille.com/2011/01/fabric-flower-wreath-tutorial.html">blog</a>. She's so darn crafty, I love it. Anyway, I made this little wreath to bring some sunshine to our door. It was surprisingly VERY easy, and took very little time--my kind of project! So, to you and yours, happy <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">early </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">spring!<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TUsyfkPVNNI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/f_clyAzd33M/s1600/DSCN0179.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TUsyfkPVNNI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/f_clyAzd33M/s400/DSCN0179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569600882059064530" border="0" /></a>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-3535440587169549942011-02-02T15:01:00.004-07:002011-02-02T15:12:21.012-07:00Progress.I've had a few requests for pictures of the inside of our new place. I've been working to unpack boxes, organize, and decorate for the last couple months, and though I'm not nearly done with everything, here's a peek at some of the progress!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TUnVHMPMfhI/AAAAAAAAAwA/PeAfoC8cba0/s1600/DSCN0183.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TUnVHMPMfhI/AAAAAAAAAwA/PeAfoC8cba0/s400/DSCN0183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569216733741088274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The family room--still need to do a couple more pillows, not sure what color yet though. And please notice Andrew's handy work of the mounted TV and shelf--he's very proud :)<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TUnVGQ5CD2I/AAAAAAAAAvw/P_beEHr1u3U/s1600/DSCN0174.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TUnVGQ5CD2I/AAAAAAAAAvw/P_beEHr1u3U/s400/DSCN0174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569216717810437986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Beginnings of baby girl's room. Still need to make a curtain and pillow for the rocker, put knobs on the dresser, pictures in the frames, hang some shelves...but, it's a start! And, I made that white crib skirt (the only one I could find was $60! I couldn't bring myself to pay that), which I'm quite proud of. The hardest part was actually bending over to cut the fabric, oy.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TUnVGMa3a9I/AAAAAAAAAvo/EqNjPL_ieEg/s1600/DSCN0175.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TUnVGMa3a9I/AAAAAAAAAvo/EqNjPL_ieEg/s400/DSCN0175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569216716610169810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The upstairs guest (future baby) bathroom.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The rest of the rooms in the house will be debuted at a later time, once I'm happy with them :) </span><br /></div></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-21642785500685049832011-02-02T12:30:00.001-07:002011-02-02T12:33:30.794-07:00Baby Brielle.I promised pics of my new niece, so here we go! She's a little darling.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TUmxU5V50LI/AAAAAAAAAvg/qhc0r8t5XOI/s1600/DSCN0158.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TUmxU5V50LI/AAAAAAAAAvg/qhc0r8t5XOI/s400/DSCN0158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569177386768519346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">She's already won grandpa over, of course.</span><br /></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-75365277388200903892011-01-27T23:42:00.003-07:002011-01-28T12:41:25.327-07:00Banged up.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dhZfYTDXBFQ/TUMb1uD1joI/AAAAAAAAEvw/5le8lp7xUi0/s1600/hair.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dhZfYTDXBFQ/TUMb1uD1joI/AAAAAAAAEvw/5le8lp7xUi0/s400/hair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567324174071205506" border="0" /></a>So, I was getting restless and needing a change and decided to get me some bangs cut. My lovely friend, Erica (a hairdresser, don't worry), did the deed, and I have to say, I'm liking it. We'll see how long that lasts, but I'm glad for a change at least. Next change: have the baby!Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-63350044268833152672011-01-18T02:07:00.004-07:002011-01-18T02:19:39.251-07:00Never ending...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TTVbD1Y5dOI/AAAAAAAAAvM/7Qki6Jhhn-k/s1600/rug.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563453036115358946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TTVbD1Y5dOI/AAAAAAAAAvM/7Qki6Jhhn-k/s400/rug.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Night. That's what this is. It's 2 am, I'm at work (eating, of course) and am not sure how I am going to last 4 more hours until my shift is over. I can't even enjoy my favorite pasttime--planning my next Anthro purchase--because I am too fat to fit into any of their clothes anymore. Bleh. On a happier note, I just ate a delish orange. I love this time of year for that reason, yummy orange season. And I just rhymed, look at that.<br /><div><br /><div>On another happy note, I ordered a rug from West Elm for our guest bathroom and I am <em>lovin </em>it! See above.</div></div></div>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-23990409878949738742011-01-15T23:14:00.001-07:002011-01-15T23:14:56.549-07:00Bellies.Here they are, the bellies! Unfortunately Andrew has not gained <span style="font-style: italic;">any </span>sympathy weight while I've been pregnant. I better not pass him up by the end of this...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TTKMdl9iN8I/AAAAAAAAAus/Hbp5-l8oEdE/s1600/DSCN0141.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TTKMdl9iN8I/AAAAAAAAAus/Hbp5-l8oEdE/s400/DSCN0141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562662929790285762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TTKMkdox1_I/AAAAAAAAAu0/VualNRq54Xg/s1600/DSCN0143.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xAMnb6_fpQw/TTKMkdox1_I/AAAAAAAAAu0/VualNRq54Xg/s400/DSCN0143.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562663047814830066" border="0" /></a>Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342906640661335344.post-11370957170645415542011-01-13T14:10:00.006-07:002011-01-14T10:13:55.458-07:00The Prego Diary.So, I've gotten a lot of flack about not looking pregnant, not blogging or posting enough about my pregnancy, etc. Mostly, it's not that exciting day to day. But also, there's some laziness and fear of being that pregnant woman who won't shut up about her pregnancy in the mix as well (note: not talking about anyone in particular here! More about myself...some days I feel like it's all I talk about cause I don't have much else going on!) So, to make up for my lack of info giving, I've decided to do a post about how pregnancy has been for me so far. Here are a few tidbits.<br /><ul><li>I haven't really gotten sick (thank goodness), which was my biggest fear because I absolutely hate throwing up. It only happened once, and I think it was a fluke.</li><li>I was very tired during the 1st and 2nd trimesters, but I feel pretty good now (i.e. I don't have to sleep til noon every day!) My only sleeping distress is that I cannot sleep well at night. I toss and turn and finally fall asleep soundly around 7 or 8 am when Andrew is leaving. I think that may also be attributed to my night shift schedule, though...</li><li>I DO, in fact, look pregnant. I promise I'll take a really good belly shot here soon. I just don't like taking pictures of myself period, so being pregnant hasn't exactly helped that :) But, I have had quite a few strangers in the last couple of weeks ask when I'm due, so yay! I think it's more noticeable in person. So really, don't be too jealous that I don't even look bigger, cause if I don't, then my scale must be way off.</li><li>My belly button just doesn't look the same. It's very odd.</li><li>Most people enjoy the extra enhancement "up top" (wink wink) that accompanies the growing belly of pregnancy, but I have to say, I hate it. I've never been a busty girl and I think that's how it was meant to be. (Not that I would necessarily be classified that way now by most people's standards, but it's a big change for me!) I can't wait for the post-nursing shrinkage.<br /></li><li>I can feel our little gal move <span style="font-style: italic;">a ton</span>, and she is most active at night--usually right when I'm going to bed and when I get up to go to the bathroom many times. The nights I work are like a party for her, because we're actually awake together! I think she also gets jealous when I hold other babies in the nursery at work, cause she tends to kick them a lot :)</li><li>I haven't had any crazy cravings...yet. For a while I was really digging salty things (think french fries and kettle cooked chips) late at night, but that's pretty much gone. Now I just eat normal, except for the fact that I eat about 14 meals a day vs. 3. I can't fit too much in at a time, so I have to graze. Probably not the best habit to get into, but oh well, it works for now!</li><li>I have had a lot of those "Braxton Hicks" contractions, but I had more of them while we were in the process of moving. Now that I've slowed down a bit, I only have them a few times a day. </li><li>Working full-time nights is starting to take it's toll on me. By the end of the night my body just plain hurts. Other people might just think I'm lazy, but my back and legs can't handle it much longer. Other than those long nights, though, I haven't had too much pain to speak of.</li><li>My ankles are not swollen...yet. Knock on wood! They do get slightly swollen after a night of work, but they did that when I wasn't pregnant, too. I think being pregnant in the winter really helps me in this area, which I guess is an okay trade-off for the increased slipping hazard I've become in the snow.</li><li>I think it's still weird to think I'm actually going to be a Mom when all of this is said and done. Right now I just like having a little secret friend with me all the time, that nobody else really gets to be friends with. She keeps me company when I'm home alone and Andrew's at work. But to think of actually being her mom and raising her and knowing what to do...that is all a little overwhelming for me! I'll cross that bridge when I come to it I guess. For now, we'll just continue to get to know each other and decorate the nursery :)</li></ul>Well, there's a good recap. Sorry if it's long and boring, and if nobody reads it, I'm at least glad I wrote it all down for myself to remember one day. I'll be 30 weeks on Saturday, and then it's 10 weeks (hopefully slightly less...) and counting til we can meet her in person! Yay!Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067897925933889859noreply@blogger.com5