Day Celebrating Momhood

I was wishing for a Mother's Day celebration from a hospital bed. This would include hospital food, gowns, and an adorable new baby girl.

But, instead, I was spoiled rotten by my adorable husband.

I woke up in a rotten mood, pretty bummed I was not greeted by Little Lady signaling to me that it is her turn to enter the world. This was about 4 am. I then laid in bed and played solitaire on my phone for hours, pouting. When Dustin woke up, I was already on the verge of tears due to the constant vomiting and continued pregnancy status.

I walked in the bathroom to find a Mother's Day present/gift card taped to the mirror along with a tear jerking note. Yesterday I received a gorgeous bouquet of spring flowers. He made breakfast, we ate, and I crawled back in bed. This is where I have remained all day. Did I mention my husband is still nice and perfect? He laid in bed with me, watched Grey's Anatomy all day, and held me. He reassured me every time a baby would appear on the screen, he even fast forwarded when a baby was sick so my freakish self would not freak out. He knows me so well.

We ate yummy roast for dinner and here we are.

Mother's Day Flowers

Crazy to realize that this time next year I'll be celebrating my momhood with a jabbering one year old.

And a special shout out to the mother figures in our lives. How lucky we are to have you. 

My mom. 

Mom, you've made me who I am today. You've become one of my very best friends. You are the definition of motherhood to me; I cannot wait for my daughter to know you - to try to be like you - just like I do every single day. I am becoming you, and I can think of no better role model. I love you. 

My mom-in-law: Patty

 I'm so lucky to have come from such a good mom, and join a family that is lead by an equally amazing woman. Your patience astounds me. Your generosity is incredible. You raised an amazing son, and then you welcomed me into the family with open arms. We love you. 

         Grandma Harrison and Grandma Bonnie 

Grandma Ackerman and Grandma Smith  

 We are lucky enough to have all four of our grandmas still be very much a part of our lives. We love and appreciate you. We cherish the time we get to spend with you. I know that if I could be a fraction of the mother figure these women are, I'd be doing alright.

And all the other women who have raised us. Who have had a hand in our lives. Who are mother figures to us. There are too many to count, but their influences did not go unnoticed today, or any day. 

And So...We Wait

No. We haven't had the baby yet. I just wanted to clear that up. 

Oh, and also, if you want to tell me that you never went past 36 or 37 weeks in any of your pregnancies - remember that I'm currently sitting at 38.3 weeks, with no signs of labor besides the occasional braxton hicks that occur in the middle of the night, only to make me wish they didn't die off just when I'm about to wake up the husband. Please and thanks. 

Really though, pregnancy is great. And with pregnancy comes great expectations. But, I'm done. And I'm ready for my expectations to be fulfilled. I'm ready to meet this lady. I bet she's going to be cute, and I'd like to see her. Besides, sometimes she hurts me when she kicks from the inside. And she's only getting bigger. 

Oh, and did I mention that I have shingles? Yes. I do. Recently developed them, in fact. Just my luck. If anything can happen that is even remotely medically abnormal, it will happen to me. 

Needless to say, both my ever-patient husband and I are ready for this lady to make her appearance. 

Until then, we wait. While we wait, I put off school work, watch Rachael Ray, and The Office, and eat dill pickle potato chips and popsicles. I see other moms pushing strollers and long for the day I can push Lady to the snow cone shack. I watch iPhone commercials and mentally make lists of things I want to ask Siri when D. gets home with his phone. Sometimes, I get really adventurous and wander around Target for hours on end; I usually start in the baby section, get depressed, and end up looking at random school supplies or books. Can I just say how happy a new, adorable notebook makes me? I'm really not that hard to please, I guess. But, I make sure I never, ever get ready (you know when you're like 16 and you swear on your life that you won't -no matter what- be a homely pregnant lady? those dreams flew out the window for me about week 2 of this journey) because I can't stand looking at my swollen body/face/appendages for that long in the mirror. 

Oh, and while I'm busy leading a productive life, Dustin is job searching, working, and going to school - making a sturdy future for our family. And he's busy anxiously awaiting Lady's appearance as well. (side note - I gave him quite the fright the other day. one afternoon I called him on his way home screaming. I thought I was making sense, but apparently I was making zero sense because finally he cut me off with a, "ARE YOU HAVING THE BABY?!" I slowed down long enough to laugh, assure him there was no change, and that I'd simply seen our friend's dance dare on the Ellen Show. that shows the magnitude of the exciting things that go on in my afternoon. the Ellen Show is the peak of excitement.)

We take walks (or rather, I waddle). We go for drives. We watch family movies together, and I cry at anything somewhat sentimental. (has anyone seen "We Bought A Zoo?" I love it. That little girl...oh man.) I make freezer meals and make sure I stock up on hamburger helper and nutella for the husband. 

And we will keep waiting, I think. 

As Of Late

I'm a little late posting this. Better late than never, I guess (unless it comes to this baby...late may not fly with this new mom). 

We've had an eventful few weeks. Well, I guess my idea of "eventful" lately is somewhat warped. I get worn out a whole lot easier. But, I think this upcoming due date will put somewhat of a halt to that. 

Anyway, eventful or not, we've had a lot of fun with family and those close to us. 

I think I'll just re cap through some pictures. 

Luis is our informally adopted brother; he's been practically a part of our home since he was in grade school. He decided earlier this year to serve a full time mission for our church and got his mission call to Provo. I can't even begin to explain how happy I was for him. Prior to going on his mission, we went through the temple. I'm so glad Dustin and I were able to attend the session! The blessings of the temple are incredible, and I could see that in Luis immediately. 

Luis is now in the MTC (and loving it!). How cool is he?

Luis and his second parents

The next day my mom and adorable sisters gave Lady A. and I a perfect baby shower (with the help of the Ackerman's amazing sugar cookies). We were so spoiled! I couldn't voice my appreciation enough - and I can talk circles around most people. But, just know it was wonderful. 

Sadly the only pictures I have in my possession are the ones of the preparation. I'll need to snag mom's camera to get some of the others. 

Our gorgeous bassinet is a gift from mom and the girls

And the beautiful, ever young, mom - can I call her Grandma yet?

And, in case we hadn't had enough fun (Oh, D. was not overlooked and had fun too - he took the boys golfing while we partied) it was Easter weekend. 

As per tradition, we colored our eggs and rolled them - or rather, threw them (adapted tradition, I suppose).

Even Grandma Bonnie threw a few

And we hung outside for awhile - watching the girls' gymnastics

Still not enough fun. We then joined the Ackerman and Harrison families for an epic "adult" egg hunt at dark. Ackermans don't do anything small. Each egg had candy or a number - number was linked to a prize...So fun! Oh, and did I mention the glowing eggs? I mean, really, I married into such an entertaining family! 

Don't send out the adult men to hide the eggs though, I think they had too much fun. Syd can be witnessed in this picture retrieving one of the highest eggs. 

For some reason I don't have pictures of  a lot of our fun bonding this month. I must have pregnancy brain or something, and forget the camera. We also attended Luis' farewell, Dustin escorted Morgan to a concert of one of their favorite bands, we watched Hailey in her high school musical, and Brandon and Tori got engaged! 

Chase also got his mission call to Louisiana, Baton Rouge. These missionaries are going to be so great!

So this last weekend he went through the temple as well. There is nothing better than being in the temple surrounded by those you love. 

Some of the Ackermans in front of the Rexburg Temple

Whew. and now we are winding down. The semester starting (D.'s last - YAY!), work, and the impending due date  are keeping us buckled down and close to home. 

And maybe my grumpiness and fatigue plays into that a little...

A Little Family Bonding Time

I've been a little blue lately. I guess because I've always worked full time and gone to school; usually the two were going on at the same time. Now, for a second, I'm not doing either. Everyone tells me to enjoy this time. To use it to relax; to prepare for Lady's entrance into the world. Well. I'm doing that. And there's still a whole lot of time left over. I guess I'm having a hard time feeling like I have purpose.

I'm grateful for this time. I feel so blessed to have a husband that makes sacrifices and plans ahead so that we can have this time. I recognize that this is how we felt it should be, and that this is what was best for us and our new family. But, it's a change. And I guess I'm still adjusting.

My family came today for a visit. I'm sure it was planned for my benefit (but nobody ever said that, or made me feel like that). I'm sure my mom had listened to me moan and complain enough; but they didn't complain about doing it. They just hopped in the car (a large car) and trekked up here to spend the day with me. Am I lucky? I'd say so.

Did I mention that they carried with them 4 large garbage bags full of baby necessities donated by my ever loving, so generous, amazing aunt? (Thanks Traci! You spoil me rotten; and this baby...already!)

It was just what I needed. We ate lunch. We just hung out. We watched a movie (in the middle of the day, a guilty pleasure of mine). We played football outside. We went shopping. And we ate pizza for dinner. And played a few rounds of Pit (a game I'm sure was intended for my family; the large, loud group that we are).

It was perfect. And it was just what I needed. Literally, I feel like a new person right now.

I'll admit. I am spoiled; I do recognize it. I'm eternally grateful for those who bless me to be that way.

Thanks for the perfect day, family.

{Like always, I did a really bad job remembering to take pictures; so, not everyone is pictured. But, at least I got out the camera this time.}

PS, I missed you, Hay. Glad you're getting smarter and going to school, but still wish you were with us.

Pregnancy Purge

I've been feeling somewhat guilty as of late. I keep complaining about this human parasite living inside of me. Alright, I take that back; I don't complain about her, or the fact that she is living inside of me (because only heaven knows how badly I do NOT want a NICU bill and badly I DO want a healthy baby I can take home with me when I leave). But, I think that is how the complaints come across.

I am incredibly excited to meet this little lady. I can't wait to hold her, and cuddle her, and swaddle her. I feel blessed that we get to start our family so early, despite the harsh opinions and judgments of others (especially strangers; I mean seriously, complete and total strangers are more outspoken than my own family, and that is saying something). I am thrilled at the thought of my perfect husband becoming the perfect dad. I adore thinking of my parents being first time grandparents, and Dust's parents becoming grandparents again. I love that I can feel her move; and I love the reassuring feeling I get when I feel her kick me in the ribs, knowing she is healthy and well.

I know, and fully understand, that there are many people that are not able to receive the blessings of pregnancy, or having children, without medical help, or even at all. I know this. And my heart breaks for them every time I think of it. I am also aware that everyone starts their family at different times. It is different for every couple and every situation.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I am trusted enough by a higher power to bring this special girl into the world. I love her already; more than she, or anyone, will ever be able to comprehend.

I'm not perfect, and sometimes it's hard not to complain about the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. My back hurts. My legs hurt. I always feel like I have to use the bathroom (too far?). Everything makes me gag. I can't sleep. I'm swollen. Everywhere. I have 24 chins (seriously, I counted this morning). There has not been a day in the last eight months that I have not had a headache.

But, she is worth every single bit of it. And I know this.

So, while I will work harder to not moan and complain, know that I am eternally grateful for this baby and the opportunity to start our family. I love that I get to have this special bonding time with her that nobody else gets. I love that feeling that I would do anything for her. Anything. I love that she is changing me; she is making me better already.

Life is a Highway

This poor blog has lacked as of late. I'll work to improve that. Unlike the blog, however, life has not lacked. It has been exciting, emotional (well, for me anyway - but everything is right now), and new. Let's see if I can recap a little.

Husband has been applying for jobs across the board. We are excited and anxious for his pending graduation date in July. He is working hard this semester, and it looks like it is only going to get more intense. Between his full class schedule, working, job hunting, extracurricular activities he has been placed in charge of, and dealing with a nagging pregnant wife - he deserves some respect. I'm in awe of what he had managed to accomplish in such an exceptional way. It looks like all of his hard work is paying off. In the last month Dustin has had three job interviews. One of these brought on a second interview in Scottsdale, AZ. 

We made that trek this last weekend. Leaving on Wednesday afternoon, according to the husband's every so immaculate planning, we made it to Grandma Harrison's residences in Southern Utah. Did I mention D. deserves some respect? Because now he REALLY  does. He drove a lot of miles, with a very pregnant wife (who is not polite enough to keep the complaining to a minimum, or to herself) in a car that seems to be getting smaller by the day. My hat's off to him. Anyway, Grandma's is always an experience. (Family, and those who know this wonderful woman, will understand what I mean.) We were only there long enough to sleep, grab some breakfast at Little Wonder Cafe (as per tradition - and lack of options, I suppose), and some punch bags from The Dairy for the drive. 

We slowly made our way to the Grand Canyon (I had never been), taking plenty of stops along the way for this grumpy mom-to-be to get up and walk around (that plug was for the anxious mother's in our lives who wanted to make sure this happened frequently). I become more and more like my mother everyday, and had packed lunches and food for the way. Dustin found this quite hilarious and was sure to tell the whole family the clone I was becoming. I must admit, I am somewhat surprised to see myself literally making sandwiches on top of the car. I never thought I'd go this far. But, here I am. (Please don't comment on the 24 chins that have appeared. Sadly, I am not one of the lucky women who gains weight solely in her abdomen during pregnancy.)

The Grand Canyon was spectacular. As expected. 

One of my latest obsessions lately has been Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-in's and Dives. So, we stopped at a location in Flagstaff. We both agreed it was definitely as good as Guy made it out to be. 

We rolled into Pheonix area sometime that night, exhausted. Crashed at Dustin's ever-so-gracious Aunt Marilyn's place and the next morning D. had his interview (all. day. long. interview) at Vanguard. He came out of the the interview feeling happy with the way it went, and we are confident that if it is what is supposed to happen, it will. If not, there is something better out there for us (which....may be hard to beat in my mind right now. 90 degrees in March was very, very pleasant. Although, 115 in July...we'll see.) 

We made a quick trip out of it and after looking at some apartments in the area, we headed home Saturday Morning. Stopping at Hoover Dam to appreciate the new bridge that was built. But, it was incredibly windy and freezing, so we continued on, stopping in Mesquite for the night. 

And then we made it home on Sunday. Is it just me, or is the last leg of a road trip always the longest? I swear, the drive from Malad to our place was the longest drive of the trip. 

Anyway, this turned into a travel log, when it was supposed to be an ode to my amazing husband for working so hard, and putting up with me for what seemed like a million hours in a car. He is pretty dang cool. Like I've been telling him all weekend, any job he gets will be lucky to have him. He is doing more than his part, and this makes me confident that it will pay off and things will work out how they should. 

Meanwhile, I'm very happy to be sitting on my couch and not in the car. As are my hips. 

Disney On Ice

My dad's family decided to celebrate all the birthdays that occurred in the months of January, February, and March in a lump. So, Grandma got tickets and we all congregated in SLC for Disney On Ice. This was impressive, although I did feel we needed to kidnap some kids to sit on our laps to fully enjoy the Toy Story 3  production that was being put on. Soon enough...

It was so good to see all of our family again.