Christmas at the Burts

Mandy tickling baby Neacel's cheek

John, Reelika, Christianna, Axel and Maxim

Nick holding baby Neacel and baby Maxim

Christianna and Jonah opening a present

The Parnell's: Jacob, Kara, Emma, Grace, Jonah and Lily.

Nick, Mandy, and Neacel

Grandma Sherry, Maxim and Lily

Neacel, Maxim and Lily. They are going to be best friends.







Kara, Lily, Reelika, Maxim, Mandy and Neacel








Mandy and Lily

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone! I'm so sorry we didn't send cards out this year. We even had my mom take a picture of the 3 of us to do cards, but I still haven't figured out how to do everything I was doing before, plus take care of Neacel. I promise next year will be better!

This year for Christmas, Nick and I had so much fun with Neacel. We bought him presents; I don't know why, the little one can't even roll over! But it was fun shopping for him. We went to Nick's parents house for Christmas Eve and had dinner with everyone. We also did karaoke, not my favorite thing to do but it was fun! Christmas day so far has been very interesting! This morning we had our own little Christmas at home, and I think we both got very spoiled! I love everything. My mom and I got Nick a big box of Lego's and his face lit up like a kid in a candy store. I've never seen him so excited for something!

We have a really bad winter storm here in Herriman (where his parents live) but in Salt Lake it was raining, so we came to his parents house. The closer we got the worse the weather, it's like a blizzard in the south end of the valley. A 20 minute trip took about an hour. We saw 3 accidents, one included 3 cars, and a few people that had slid and hit the side rails. The roads were horrible! We got here safely but got stuck in their driveway. Then to top it off with a cherry, the plow came right behind us and really got us stuck. (this was the first plow that I had seen all morning doing its job) After what seemed like forever, Nick got the car in the driveway. Poor guy came walking in the house soaking wet from shoveling and doing everything he could to get the car in the driveway! But he did it! Good job hun!

Their neighbors are riding around in snowmobiles because cars weren't going anywhere! I'm wondering if we are stuck here for the night. Either way Christmas has been wonderful and I am so truly blessed!

This month has been such a busy one. My mom finally got to come and visit us and meet her first grandchild. She completely fell in love with Neacel and loved Utah. We are trying to talk her into moving out here. We use Neacel as the bait! While she was here she was such a help to us. She completely took over. Plus, I finally started my Christmas shopping. We went to Gardner Village one day and if it wasn't so cold I think we would have enjoyed it more. Mom had her first pumpkin chocolate chip cookie and of course loved it! We went in a few shops but mostly walked around looking at the decorations that were up! We took plenty of pictures.

Neacel was about a month at this time. He is growing so fast! I can't believe how much he has grown. I would guess that he is about 11-12lbs, possibly bigger with how much the kid eats. He is truly a bottomless pit! Mom and I did tons of Christmas baking, which Nick took to work for everyone there as the Christmas Treat! We had way to many sweets in the house and I needed them out before I ate everything!!!

Mom babysat for us a few times so that we could go to Nick's company party one night, another night we finished Christmas shopping, went to dinner and then went and saw Twilight. (BTW I loved it, almost cried!)

We also had Neacel blessed on December 14th. I looked everywhere for a cute little tux for him to wear but what I bought was better then any tux!It's a white onesie with a white tie embroidered on to it. With white pants, and then my Mom bought a white blanket that we are going to use for each of our children and then one day sow their blessing and baptism dates along with names of course. A cute little family keep-sake!

Neacel is growing up so fast. He is smiling a ton and loves for us to play with his toys for him! He lays there and will just stare at the rattle (the toy we use the most) and if we put it down we get the huge frown, bottom lip out and everything! He is quite the little character!

The first one was in a series of pictures he fell asleep, he was done taking pictures for the day.

Second picture, asleep of course! One of the few things he does.

The third picture I was just talking to him and this is what I got. He is so alert to everything going on around him.

The fourth picture we were playing with his rattle. He loved it! Sometimes we can get a giggle from him but not very often!

This one is my favorite, but of course I have many favorites. This is the favorite of him sleeping. He just looks so peaceful! He is eating a ton now, about 6oz every feeding and wants about 10 bottles a day. Talk about a chunk! He is starting to make little noises, and doesn't want to sleep anymore. He will just lay in his crib and stare at everything around him. Some nights I find it cute other nights it's just mean. There have been a few nights were he slept for 5-6 hours straight but it's not very often. He is usually sleeping for 4 hours wakes up and then it's every 2 hours from there.

He has a pretty nasty cold right now too. Poor thing snorts like a little pig, but gets so frustrated when he is eating because he can't breathe through his nose. He is getting better slowly though. Nick and I are totally in love with this little boy and don't know what we would do without him!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart

Happy Birthday Hun!

Nick turned 27 last Wednesday! He wanted a simple birthday so I made him a cake, which we ended up taking to Mom and Dad's for Thanksgiving, and we went to Pizza Factory for dinner, which was so yummy, I completely fell in love with the bread sticks! Then we came home and watched the Jazz game, I believe they won so Nick was happy. Neacel celebrated with us, he slept most of the time we were at dinner but a few times he would wake up and just stare at everything, then slowly fall back asleep. He is such a great child. Nick and I are so happy that we can still go out and do things, I just have to make sure he has a full tummy (which is now about 6oz of food) and a clean diaper and we are guaranteed a couple of quiet hours. Neacel loves sleeping in his car seat which is a huge blessing. On average he will sleep 3-6 hours in the car seat, so when we get home we just set the car seat down and go about our business. I love my boys so much! While watching the Jazz game, and once the baby was up Nick sat there feeding him and then laid him on his chest, Neacel just laid there contently. Neacel is 100% just like his daddy. His smile, the way he folds his hands, the different looks he gives, just everything is like staring at a mini Nick, which is neat and weird.

Neacel is 3 weeks old today and is growing so fast. He is picking his head up more and able to keep it there, since the hospital he has been able to lift his head but then will throw it around, kind of like a bobble head. He is paying more attention to things. Last night Nick was getting him out of his car seat and Neacel was just staring at him. Nick said it was like Neacel was looking at him for the first time. When we were putting our Christmas tree up Neacel just was staring at it and then would look at me then back at the tree. He is definitely paying attention to everything around him. He is also eating up to 6oz of formula and can burp like a sailor!

Sad news, Neacel got his first diaper rash! I felt so bad. Nick and I did what we thought we should but after looking things up online we found out we were only making it worse; sorry Neacel Mommy and Daddy are still learning. We were putting cream on his bum which was fire engine red but we were using wipes and powder. Very big no-nos according to other parents. So now it's wash clothes, blow drying, cream and then go without a diaper for a while, he is doing much better!

He is starting to smile more which I am loving, and he makes plenty of different expressions. I need to get pictures of them, Nick and I love just looking at him and laughing at the many faces this little bundle of joy gives us!

Pediatrician Problems

Nick and I are not impressed with the pediatrician we chose for Neacel. The doctor came highly recommended from a few friends so we decided to stick with him. We should have seen a problem with him and the office staff before but we didn't know what we were looking for. We are completely new to this!

Our first visit was a meeting Dr. Hurley. This should have been a HUGE red flag but we shrugged it off. We were meeting with him just to talk and get to know him. He, for some odd reason, didn't know we were coming! We had an appointment at 5:30 and he had a patient to see at 6. He showed up close to 6 and the conversation was very brief and quick. He had a patient to get to and well I guess that was slightly more important. Nick and I left saying he seemed nice and since he has been recommended to us by several people we would stick with him.

At the birth, he never showed! The doctor didn't come to see Neacel till Friday afternoon and said that the people at the hospital never contacted him. My nurse Martha said they had called a few times and apparently he never got the message. That was the last time the doctor saw Neacel. The rest of my hospital stay we were seeing other pediatricians in the same office. I understand that people get time off but you can't come to the hospital for 15 minutes to check on my little boy? I wouldn't have to see a different doctor if I came to your office. We talked to him a little while he was there the one day and everything was fine. But the whole time I kinda felt that he looked down on us, like we were too young to be parents and have no idea what we are doing.

Today, was the 2 week check up. Neacel is now 9lbs and 6oz! I had an appointment at 11:20 this morning and received a call a little after 9:30 saying that they needed me to come in before 11 because Dr. Hurley didn't realize he had to do a circumcision and that he was a little over booked! Why aren't the office staff watching how they book appointments and how come my doctor for the second time now didn't know something? I showed up around 11:10, I made an appointment and if they can't keep track of things and whats going on oh well, that's their problem not mine! So the doctor was asking questions about how he is eating, sleeping, activity, etc. I answered everything but he still would just give me this dumb-founded look, so I would then have to explain myself. I didn't see why I needed to explain that he sleeps a ton (3-4 hours), eats a ton (4oz+ each time he eats) and is very active and happy! He wanted to know "exacts", like how many hours between each feeding, when he is looking around does he look at Nick and I and stare, how many ounces he is eating exactly, etc. I don't keep a chart marking everything down, call me a bad mom but I don't see the need for it. I'm not going to write down what every dirty diaper was like and how many ounces he ate. I pay attention and can give you pretty accurate information. Again, I feel that he is totally looking down on me and how I'm raising my child.

We got the circumcision done and he is explaining everything to me like I'm 16! I know that its a cosmetic procedure, and I know what it entails, please don't talk to me like I'm 16 and some stupid teenager! Then when I decided to stay in the room he looked at me in shock, sorry I want to be there for my little boy while he is screaming and crying! I left the office not in the best mood and a little disappointed but again I shrugged it off! When I got home I called Nick and told him a little, and then Nick reminded me that Dr. Hurley told us in the hospital that at Neacel's 2 week check up we would do immunizations. Guess what? They didn't! Didn't even mention it but they took his charts and everything and saw that it hadn't been done at that point.

Nick and I are going to find a different doctor. We aren't impressed with him or the staff, but how do we know which doctor is right? I want that perfect doctor that seems to love his job and adores children. One where the office and rooms are bright colors and totally just for kids and where the doctor and the staff are just friendly and greet you as soon as you walk in the door! How do we go about finding that perfect doctor? When we go to meet a pediatrician what are somethings we should ask and look for? Any recommendations for doctors in the area? We just want someone that we like and one that doesn't forget about us! And of course, totally kid friendly!

Mandy the Disco Elf

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Zoe's Heart

Zoe is a first grader who needs a new heart. My mom works with her mom and we have been keeping up with her story. Please pray for Zoe and pass the word along. As mother's we can only imagine what her mother feels like and want to do everything in our power to help....

Little Piggy

The jaundice is gone!

Doesn't he look like a little bug? Neacel was in the Bili bed for two nights and we hated every minute of it. Getting up every hour to check on him and make sure his eye patch things were still on and that he wasn't getting too hot, was awful. I was so happy to get the phone call saying that we could take him out of the bed. It was complete torture to have him in there. I can't just let him cry but I had to, there was nothing that we could do. Him being out of the bed has been a HUGE blessing. I can actually sleep at night now and he seems much happier! Before I would stay up all night with him and make sure everything was OK and then maybe get a hour or two once Nick got up. I would try and nap throughout the day but I just couldn't.

We gave Neacel his first bath here at home and he wasn't too thrilled about it! We had heard that some babies like baths because it reminds them of being in the womb. Well, he hates it and I'm guessing its because there wasn't any room in the womb for him so it could be slightly upsetting! He just screamed and cried the whole time. Nick and I felt bad but there was nothing we could do. Nick would put his Binky in his mouth and he would get quiet for a minute and then just start screaming again. Poor thing!

Here he is after his bath in his little ducky robe. I think its too cute. He still wasn't happy because he was cold and I was putting lotion on him. His skin is so dry on his hands and feet. I put lotion on them a few times a day but nothing is helping. The robe is also pretty big on him but most things are.

After a nice big bottle and getting some PJ's on he is happy and sound asleep! I love these little dino PJ's. I found them at Kid to Kid months ago and just had to have them for him. They are slightly big but oh well; that just means he can wear them a lot longer!!! Also, don't you just love his hair! The kid has tons of it! I was trying to get it to go in a mohawk but everything just stands straight up so instead it kind of just looks like a mess! I think this is just the cutest picture of him! We are totally obsessed with him.

He is growing a ton and looking more like Nick every day. We pulled out Nick's baby book and I swear to you, they are twins.

He is eating a ton, about 3-4oz every 2 hours. He is always hungry! He would eat more easily, but we aren't letting him till I talk to the doctor on Wednesday for his 2 week check up. When he is "starving" he shakes his head (like saying NO) while crying a little and snorts like a pig! It's cute in a pathetic kind of way! Almost like he is freaking out trying to find the bottle which we have already put in his mouth. He is being bottle fed which I really didn't want, but he won't latch on and my milk still hasn't come in. Nick thinks he won't latch on because he wants tons of food quickly (he drinks his bottle within minutes!) and well, things just don't work that way. He doesn't want to work for his food, he got spoiled while he was in my tummy, I guess the room service was a little too nice!

Sound asleep and ready for the BYU vs. UofU game. He and I ended up staying home, I had too much to get done around the house and he was really fussy. I didn't want to attempt going somewhere and him freaking out the whole time. It's a good thing we stayed home too. BYU lost, sorry Nick maybe next year! Nick was also a little hurt because Neacel decided to pee on his onsie and we all know how Nick feels about BYU and the Jazz, going potty on the onsie isn't allowed!

Neacel Parker Burt

I guess 3rd time is a charm!

So as you know last Monday I thought I was in labor. Wednesday I thought I was again. Around midnight my contractions were 4 minutes apart, so off to the hospital we go. After walking around for an hour and only being dilated to a 3, I was sent home with morphine and phenegren. We stopped at Sconecutter because it was 2:30 in the morning and I was hungry and in pain. Nick is just the best husband ever!

After coming home and going to bed, I woke up in the worst pain I ever thought imaginable just a few hours later. I remember laying there crying and saying "I don't want this, I don't want to do this anymore" I couldn't walk, talk or breathe through my contractions and they were one after another. There was no time to recover. Poor Nick because I woke him up out of a dead sleep was scared and panicking.

We went to the hospital sometime between 7am and 8am Thursday morning. We told the nurse that it was our third time there and that we didn't want to get sent home again. Luckily, they kept me. I was given my epidural within an hour and didn't feel another thing. I was dilating slower then normal, only a cm every hour and a half. The doctor and nurse were saying that Neacel would be here by 3pm! Around 3 I was still in labor, and needed another epidural. I love epidurals. At 4 is when things took a turn we weren't expecting. I was dilated to a 8, they mentioned I might need a c section but that we would wait and see. 5pm still an 8, 6pm still a solid 8cm! Shortly before 7 the doctor came in to check me again and I was still an 8. C section was the plan now and happening shortly. I was rolled into surgery around 7:20 and Neacel Parker Burt was born at 7:33pm! I look back and feel horrible because I was falling asleep during surgery and took one glance at Neacel and then started to doze off again. I should have tried to stay awake but I was so drugged up I couldn't keep my eyes open.

Nick in his super cool outfit that he got to wear in the O.R.

Neacel Parker Burt
8lbs 14 oz 22inches

Sweet baby boy

Proud daddy and son
Our first family photo

Neacel is now 6 days old and I love him more and more each day! We have come to agree that he has my nose and lips and sleeps like me, but everything else is Nick. He even has the little dimple! Nick and I would talk about what features we wanted him to have and from who. Our wishes were granted! Everything of Nick's that I wanted him to have he has and vice versa.
His jaundice got worse so last night and tonight he has to lay in one of those Bili Beds. Poor thing has to wear a net over his head so that we can cover his eyes, and I can only take him out to feed him or change his diaper. Tomorrow we will find out if he needs the bed for another night or not.

Poor thing laying in his bed, I hate it, but I know its helping him.

He does nothing but eat, sleep, fart, and make dirty diapers!

Welcome home!

I was trying to wake him up and I don't think he was to happy! He gives me so many different expressions, he is just to cute!

This picture just melts my heart. This is my little boy who I have waited so patiently to get here. I know its not the real smile but its just to darn cute! How can someone not love this face? A mother's love it a whole new overwhelming type of love!

We love you Neacel! Your everything we wanted and so much more. Love, Mommy and Daddy

Happy Anniversary!

Nick and I spent our one year anniversary in the hospital! Sunday night I started getting really bad menstrual like cramps and they weren't going away. I went to bed and everything was OK, wasn't perfect but I could sleep. Yesterday morning I got up and was still having those horrible pains. Nick told me to call the doctor and see what they said for me to do. So I called and they told me to get up to the hospital to get monitored and that it sounded like I was in labor. I didn't want to have him on our anniversary but we had to wait and see what was said when we got there.

So I went up to the hospital around 2 and the monitor wasn't picking up my contractions! I was getting so angry, I was feeling tons of sharp pains and the monitor couldn't pick that up? They checked me and they were saying I was about 2cm, so after about an hour and a half they asked me to walk around for an hour and they would check again. So we walked for an hour and then went back to the triage room. They checked me again and I was about 2+cm but my contractions were worse and happening about 2 minutes apart!

The nurse decided that she didn't know if I should stay or go home, so she went and talked to the doctor. The options were stay and they were going to induce me or go home and come back when I couldn't talk through my contractions. The doctor decided to send me home. So I left the hospital around 6, sadly. I was hoping so bad that they were just going to break my water, but nope! So we spent the majority of our anniversary waiting to find out if I was in labor or not. They concluded that I'm in the early stage of labor and they said (including Dr. Terry) that since I'm already having labor pains and everything else that I will have him before Friday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I felt horrible that we spent the day in the hospital. I was going to make a super yummy salmon dinner and we were thinking about walking around Temple Square. Instead, we had burgers at Wendy's, then picked up a few groceries at Walmart and came home. Oh, and it was raining so the walk around Temple Square turned into walking around Walmart!

I can't believe its been a year since Nick and I were married. I love him so much and I really couldn't ask for a better husband. He is everything I've always wanted and so much more. He is going to make a wonderful father and I can't wait to come home (from who knows where) and see him playing video games or something while taking care of Neacel. Which he will explain as "I was showing the game to him" or "He wanted to watch." He can always get me to smile and I love him so much for that. I love that he is simply just a big kid! I love him for being the shoulder for me to cry on and the person that will sit there and listen to all of my problems (that I make so much harder than what they really are). I don't tell him often enough how much I care and appriciate everything he does for me and our growing family. He makes sure that Neacel and I have everything we need before he thinks of himself. He is a wonderful husband and father.

The thought of being married to someone for eternity has always kind of scared me, but this year has been so much fun that now I know eternity is just going to be wonderful! I wouldn't want to spend it with any one else. I love you Nick always and forever!

Is this a Joke?

I had a doctors appointment yesterday and even though I've had some contractions they haven't changed a thing! He said that I'm pretty much as thinned out as I'm going to get but that I haven't dilated anymore! I was having strong contractions Wednesday that were 4 minutes apart for about 45 minutes, I was so excited thinking I was in labor.

I was trying to get a hold of Nick just so he would be ready to leave work but he had his phone on the "Do Not Disturb" mode or whatever, but then they just stopped and I haven't really felt anything since then. Good thing for Nick and I that I wasn't in labor. I didn't hear from him for a few hours!

Doctor is saying that if I don't dilate faster then chances are I'll go past my due date, which in my book is just not an option at this point! I was so excited to go in and hear that it's literally any day, even if I was only dilated to a 3, I would have been thrilled! I'm so emotional at this point and Nick is being such a strong support but both of us are ready to go insane with my emotions!

I'm ready to be done with this pregnancy and to just have my little boy in my arms. I'm dying to see what he looks like, more like me or more like Nick? How big he is, how much hair he has, what his cry sounds like, just all the unsolved little mysteries. I want to have dirty baby clothes to clean, and not just sitting in the drawers waiting for him. I want to rock him to sleep and just stare at him in complete amazement, knowing that this is what the Lord has blessed Nick and I with. I want to take pictures of him, bathe him and just carry him in my arms!

But for now I'll just keep waiting and pray that he will be here soon. That's pretty much all I can do at this point.

"D" Day is Coming!

Today, I went in for my check up and things are looking great! I'm measuring 38 and a half weeks and he has dropped a little! Well, the doctor of course had to check to see if I'm dialating or anything. Good news, I'm measuring at 2cm and I'm 70% effaced! The doctor thinks I'm going to have him before the 14th, and then told me to make another appointment in a week and he will see me then, if not sooner!

Reality is kicking in big time. All day Ive been in this panic mode pretty much. I'm now afraid every ache or pain is labor! I've been having contractions but nothing major, nothing to rush to the hospital about. They happen here and there and aren't close enough to count! But as soon as they are 5 min. apart or my water breaks then, it's time! I'm trying to stay calm but can't, I almost wish the doctor wouldn't have told me that.

Nick said I need to prepare myself and basically tell myself every day that this could be THE DAY! That's a little frightening! Our 1 year anniversary is the 10th and I really don't want to spend it in the hospital giving birth. He can be here a day before or after but not the day of. It's so surreal, Nick is so excited and so am I, but I mean I'm the one who has to do the hard work to get him here!

We will let everyone know as soon as I go into labor, Nick is going to call our mom's and they are going to pass the word onto family, and Nick or I will text/call all of our friends! I'm just hoping it's a quick labor and delivery; that's the only thing I worry about at this point. Pain won't be too bad, I want all the pain meds they can give me!

Also, my shower was this past Saturday and it was absolutely wonderful. Neacel got plenty of cute clothes and shoes, blankets and tons of other cute things. We just have a couple more things to get him and I this weekend and then bags will be packed and ready to go! I can't wait to play "dress up" with him and all the clothes we got; he is a very well dressed and spoiled child! He has tons more than I do!

Is it a Monster?

Yesterday, I went to the doctor again and to my surprise I grew an inch in 4 days! I'm now measuring 38 weeks and I'll be 37 on Friday! Could I be getting ready to have a monster? This whole pregnancy I've been measuring ahead at least a week and a half, then for 2 weeks he decided not to grow! Between then and now he has had like a major little growth spurt by growing 4 inches in less than about 2 weeks. So again I'm measuring ahead by about a week and a half!

Next week the doctor said that if he is going to come early that I should start dilating, if not then it looks like he may be a little stubborn and we will induce after my due date! I don't know if I can seriously wait that long, I pray that next Wednesday something is going on to let me know he will be here early!

His moving is slowing down which is great for me, doctor said that he is getting ready and we will just have to wait and see what Neacel decides! But when he does move I feel like he is trying to tear open my stomach to get out or something. He starts going crazy! Nick and I are going to have our hands full I believe, this could be a monster!

Last night, Nick and I went to the gym (Funny I start that now and not months ago). We want to start going every night, just a little something since we both have gotten pretty lazy. I ended up biking 2 miles and then I felt like I was going to die! Today I feel great though so I'm willing to do that again! Nick ran and lifted weights. Hopefully, we can keep this going like we want, it would help me shed those baby pounds that I'm dying to get off already! Plus, I heard that working out towards the end can induce labor, if you haven't done much exercise your whole pregnancy! So I'm crossing my fingers that one night my water will break or something to let me know that he is on his way! I'm just ready to have him here with us, and bring him home and lay him in his crib and just stare in amazement! So if you know of any ways to induce labor, please share!

That Elephant Disease

So I had a doctor appointment last Friday and things are going well. In 2 weeks Neacel went from measuring 34 on the dot, to 37!?! He is growing a ton I guess. I'm not dilating (which no one said how painful it was to find out!) and he still isn't dropping. He and myself are healthy and happy, I guess you could say. I have truly been blessed with this pregnancy, it's had its rough times but the positives out weigh the negatives. We both are healthy and haven't had any complications, thank goodness! The worse thing for me has been swelling....

Speaking of swelling, my right leg swells to the point that I look like I have tiny sausage links for toes and no ankles, it's hard to explain but it's really bad. Friday night Nick and I went to the movies, I sat there the whole time in no pain and leaning more on my left side. Well, when we were walking out my foot felt really weird, tight in a way. Once we were outside we kinda laughed at how swollen my toes were, it looks funny! When we got home and I put PJ's on I got a good look at my leg, Holy crap it seriously looked like I had that elephant disease in my leg and foot. I had no ankle and the inside of my foot had a bubble and basically, just wow!

We couldn't think of a reason why it would do that and thought it was just because I was going strong all day; I had been walking a little more then usual but I had been drinking a ton of water. I carry around this 2 qt bottle that I fill and drink it all before bed. So I went to bed, woke up Saturday and everything looked normal again. Since then, by bed time every night I have the elephant disease! I laid around a ton yesterday and kept plenty of fluids in me and everything, but for some reason I was still swelling! I took a bath because it usually helps and guess what? It didn't!!!!

I'm going to the doctor again tomorrow for my one week appointment and I'm hoping that I'm swollen so I can basically just say: "Look! I lay around and drink a ton, prop my legs up for hours and I'm walking as much as I can and basically just doing everything you have told me to and well this is what happens!"

He constantly tells me just relax, drink plenty, walking helps, baths help, blah blah blah... If they help, can you explain why this is happening to me!? It's the only place I'm swelling and basically I'm tired of it!

Here is a picture:


It's not the greatest to show the swelling but you get the point! See how my ankle is totally not even there? I hope he has a better answer for me other than just keep drinking a ton, propping my leg up....blah blah blah!

But just a little over 3 weeks to go!!!! We put the carseat in the car and my hospital bag is basically packed! It's all happening so fast, but I'm so excited to have my little boy here!

Baby Shower Time!

Brandi took on the task of making my baby shower invites, and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. I absolutely love everything about it! It's not plain, which is a total pet peeve of mine, I don't like plain things! Its boy colors but girly enough for me! And she even included a preggo picture....wasn't expecting that but its all so freakin cute! Brandi your truly amazing thanks so much hun!

If I forgot anyone please feel free to come to the shower!

That is friends of mine or Nick's and of course friends of the family!

Here is a copy of the cutest invitations ever:

Random Things Ive Been Meaning to Post

Baby Update!

I went to the doctor last Friday and things are going well! He hadn't grown any so I was measuring exactly 34 weeks; which I was not to happy about! I'm ready to have him out now, I was worried that he/I hadn't grown, but Dr. Terry said that at this point the baby knows how large he should be so there will be times where he will grow a ton and times where he will not grow at all. If, by my next appointment he hasn't grown, then we will worry! So my next appointment is next Friday and then I start going every week!

I'm 35 weeks today and still wondering where my pregnancy has gone. It's scary to think that I could have him any day now, YIKES! My hospital bag is pretty much ready to go we just need the few odds and ends that Ill grab while running out the door! Neacel is still moving a ton, and I feel each and every movement. I now can tell when he is rubbing his knee or elbow up against me; I still haven't figured out which is which though. But I can tell the difference between a hand/foot to an elbow/knee so I'm pretty proud of myself for that! My sleep filled nights disappeared in a heartbeat. I'm lucky to get a few hours a night and sleeping pills don't always work! Nick usually passes out before me, then I'm trying to fall asleep with everything working against me! An over active child that can't seem to sit still long enough for me to fall asleep and my wonderful snoring husband! It's a battle that I just can't seem to win! Oh well pretty soon the baby will be keeping both of us up. The difference then will be that while Nick is at work I will be able to take small naps while the baby sleeps!

I now have the wonderful reminder of being pregnant in the form of stretch marks! It took about 33 weeks till I found any, but one night Nick noticed one on my tummy and Ive been blessed with a few more since then! Also my belly button is starting to pop which is the weirdest thing in the world! Pregnancy is just completely weird in some ways, amazing in others!

We both are getting really excited that he is going to be here. To Nick its been forever and he is so excited to be a dad; to me its been way to fast and Im scared to be a mom. Either way it's almost done, which is a true blessing, because I don't always love being pregnant. I just want the baby. I wonder if with the next one, I can just call the stork and see what we can work out!

Here is a tummy picture at 35 weeks and you can kinda see the crib in the background!

Here is a picture of the bedding we picked out. We wanted something that we could use for the next baby, keeping in mind it could be a girl. This is cute and could very easily work for both genders! But I love it for my little boy!

Working!?

I love my husband very, very much and appreciate everything he does. But sometimes I have a hard time believing his job is hard. He will explain to me what he does over and over and I never seem to understand and I don't think I ever will. Sunday night we were talking and he was saying how he wishes that I wouldn't think his job is so easy and be thankful for all the work he puts in (because we all know that if he could he would stay home and sleep most of the day and play video games the rest of the time). I am thankful for everything he does and after us talking about it I realized that I am thankful for everything but that I don't always express it. Well, Monday I get an interesting email from him saying:

"So this week at work we are having “office Olympics.” Today the events were typing (wpm) and using a can of compressed air (one of those air dusters) to blow a ball down across the office, around a corner, and into a box. The events are done individually, and then the team scores are combined to determine 1st, 2ND and 3rd. Donna and I won 1st in the typing, and second in the canned air race. Tomorrow is miniature office golf. I won a snack pack of mini reeses fast break candy bars, and a regular reeses peanut butter cup candy bar. Individually I am in first place after the first two events. Whoever is first at the end, wins a big prize. Whatever team is in first at the end, wins a big prize. And whatever team (the office is split in two) has the most points at the end, get to go somewhere nice for lunch, like Bennhanas or something. Also, Thursday we all get pizza to celebrate the end of the olympics. Fun."

Are you kidding me? I just sat there laughing, he is so cute! First he's mad at me for not thinking he works a ton, and then sends me this email! Things like this are why I think his job is easy! The company truly spoils their employees. I know he was still in first after the miniature golf but not leading by much. But this is how the office olympics turned out:

"So for the Olympics, they decided not to do the shoe box race. Instead, they decided that people would get points based on how early they got here today. And unfortunately, I was late, cause I have 40 minutes of overtime, and can afford to be. So that sucked. Anyway, as a result, I got third in the individual, and second as a team, and first as a group. So I got us a $5 Wendy’s gift card, and a $10 Café Rio gift card. So that’s good."

And I remember him saying something about having Cheesecake Factory for lunch or whatever with people at work! I know he works hard but sometimes when things like this come up its hard to believe he is even working! They even had award ceremonies. Here are pictures from the first one! I told Nick to send more but I don't know if they have any others.

Nick loves his job and does work hard, but they have plenty of fun on top of everything else.

I love my husband and everything he does for me and the baby. He has provided a wonderful little home for us as a family and works hard so that I can stay home right now. I thought being a newlywed couple meant you have a crappy place to live and never have even a penny in your pocket, food would never be in the fridge and you never get to go shopping for needs or wants! Nick made me realize that's not true. I have more than I could ask for and he never complains about us needing or wanting something. I couldn't ask for a better husband, he is just absolutely perfect!

Thanks so much for everything hun, I love you always and forever!

Company Picnic!

Nick's company had an end of the summer picnic for all the employees and their families about 2 weeks ago. It was so nice to put faces with people that Nick tells me about, they all seem to just love Nick's sense of humor. He seems to get along with everyone just great, which I know makes his job alot easier!

The picnic was catered by Joe Morley's and tasted so good! We had ribs, pulled pork with cheese and bbq sauce, cole slaw, potato salad (my favorite) and rolls. Then for dessert they went and got tons of yummy snack cakes from the Hostess Bakery Outlet, but Joe Morley's also provided like a mocha cheesecake with chocolate on top. I know I shouldn't have eaten it but oh my gosh it was like heaven! I took one bite and there was no stopping me from there!

Before lunch some people played softball, Nick was out there for a while and did very well! I didn't know he could play. I'm constantly learning something new about him! After lunch they had a raffle. The biggest prize was a 32 inch flat screen TV which of course we wanted. Other than that there were tons of gift cards for all different kinds of things. A car wash, American Express gift cards, gas cards, Energy Solutions Arena ($100), Snowbird ($200), restaurants(Cafe Rio, Applebees, Cheesecake Factory, etc) and a few others. Well, we were pretty sure he wouldn't win anything, if anything we really wanted that TV; along with many other people. But we ended up getting a $75 gift card to Chevron! Yeah so they are one of the more expensive places, but it's still $75 in free gas, so who cares?