Newport Family Pics

I finally got around to editing some of our family pics, while we were down in Newport.  We took these in two seconds flat.  

Don't mind my hair/outfit, I was not about to blow dry my hair again, in the non air conditioned house.

^^^ Gigi got to come down for the night.  She was in dog heaven running all over the beach. ^^^ 

I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing family!

Baby #2, 37 weeks

I feel like I am a broken record, so thank you for bearing with me through all of these pregnancy posts.  I know I will enjoy looking back on them.

Craving - All I can think about are oatmeal cookies.  I don't know what it is, but I think about them constantly.  The only problem is, I haven't been able to muster up the energy to bake them.  I am going to make it happen this week!   Sleep - It has surprisingly gotten better this week.  I have been able to get into a deeper sleep and haven't had to use the bathroom as much.  I am savoring this last few weeks of nap time.  I honestly look forward to 12 o'clock every day.  I grab my lunch, watch my shows, and take a glorious nap.  I am sure going to miss nap time, so I am trying to soak it all up while I still can.   Movement - Baby girl movements have slowed down, but when she does move my entire stomach shifts.  Tyson and I always laugh when she makes my stomach lopsided.   Missing - Being able to breathe normal.  Something about this week has made me have a hard time catching my breath.  I get winded from the littlest things.  You should see me as I'm teaching Zumba.  I am sure it is quite a site to see. Belly Button - Sticking out. Maternity Clothes - Oh yes!  But mostly living in my robe and Tyson's basketball shorts.  Thank heavens for a hubby who doesn't mind me stealing all of his clothes. Stretch Marks - Nothing yet.... Swelling - I have noticed an increase in my swelling.  My shoes are fitting a little more snug, so my Birk's have really come in handy.  They might be the only shoes I sport until D day! Symptoms - Contractions and braxton hicks started kicking in full force this weekend.  They sure are a tease.  I never experienced any of this with P.  My water just broke and had no idea what I was in for.  This time around I feel like I am a little more prepared.  The waiting game however, is just killing me.  My heart burn has increased slightly, but my medicine takes it right away. Overall Mood - I feel like I'm ready, but really trying to be patient.  Going into labor last time at 37 weeks spoiled me.  I just assumed I would go early this time.  I'm trying to keep myself busy, so that my mind isn't constantly spinning.  I had a slight melt down yesterday, when I looked at the photo below. I can't believe my time with just my little sweet P is coming to a close.  I started going down memory lane, as I flipped through old photos.  I was a hot mess, covered in tears.  She has been my everything and taught me how to be a mama.  Looking forward to - I don't have much planned for this week, which is actually nice.  So I guess I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my little family.  We finally have everything done around the house and have the time to get out and have some fun! Highlight of the week - We went up for the night with our family and friends to Shaver to eat pizza and roast mallows before the kiddos go back to school.  We didn't camp overnight, but had so much fun being outside in the cool weather.  And you better believe I was ecstatic about fulfilling my s'mores craving.

^^^ I just love her soooo much!!!!^^^

Baby #2, 36 weeks

I will be 37 weeks in the morning, better late than never!
Craving - I don't know what my deal is, but I cannot stop craving s'mores.  Aside from my graham and mallow cravings I have actually been on a somewhat healthy kick.  I'm not sure if it is because I gave up the diet coke.  I love me a good sandwich, especially a BLT (not too healthy), but delicious none of the less. Sleep - Tyson got me some new pillows which have been helping, but it is still something I dread.  I don't understand how ones bladder could possibly continue to fill up over and over after emptying it over twelve times. Movement - Baby girl is still sitting low, but my PGP has finally started to decrease.  Penelope felt her move for the first time this morning as she was lying her head on my belly.  She gave it a big squeeze.  I melted.  Missing - Being able to shave and put my shoes on, but am still happy I am fitting into my shoes.  Something I was terribly afraid wouldn't happen, this time around. Belly Button - Sticking somewhat out.  I really notice it when I am in my gym clothes.   Maternity Clothes - Love them and swear by them, but cannot wait to wear my old clothes. Stretch Marks - Nothing yet.... I have started getting the itchy tummy.  She must be putting on the lbs. Swelling - Still just at night or if I am not in a well ventilated place.  Tonight we are headed up to the mountains, to cooler weather.  I cannot wait! Symptoms - I have been having a couple contractions, but nothing too close together.  I wonder if my water will break this time around.... Overall Mood - I feel much better this week.  I thought I would be extremely anxious being so close to being full term, but I'm feeling surprisingly good.  Poor P has been sick all week with fever, throwing up and an awful rash.  We've spent a lot of times indoors, but I have savored all of our snuggle sessions on the couch.  I got a little teary eyes the other night as she had her arm resting on my belly watching Tarzan.  As much as I cannot wait to no longer be pregnant, a little part of me is really going to miss the bond P has had with my bump. Looking forward to - Hopefully have a healthy toddler and taking her on some last trips with us before baby girl comes.  We are thinking of riding the Hanford train and getting ice cream, as well as Skywalk. Highlight of the week - Celebrating my 29th Birthday!

My Sister Girl

My baby sis had to say goodbye to her hubby today, after only being with him for a few short weeks.  He unexpectedly got called to serve on another deployment, this time to Iraq.  In their three years of marriage this will be his third deployment, the first being right after their wedding day.  I honestly don't know how she does it.  I admire and look up to her so much.  She is NEVER negative and always looks at the bright side of things.  With so much to complain about, I never hear a complaint out of her mouth.  She keeps herself motivated and uses this time apart as a way to strengthen herself and their marriage.  I am beyond proud of who she has become.  She will be applying for her Masters degree here in the fall.  

Sister girl your strength is one I lean on often.  I know you and Jordo will get through this and together will become so much stronger.  You have endured a lot, but have so much to show for it.  I can't believe I get to be lucky one that gets to call you my sister.  I am only a phone call away! 

*****

Here are just a few of the pics, I was able to take of them before he leaves.

 Here is just one other example of all my sisters has been through, as well as a couple of posts on her thoughts here & here.

Twenty-Nine

Monday I celebrated my 29th Birthday!  I can't believe it's my last year in my twenties.  I still feel like I'm 18.  I was spoiled by my family and friends.  I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing people.  Each person in my life, has helped mold me into who I am today.  I like to think I have come a long ways.  I can only hope that I continue to improve.
It's amazing how time changes things.  Not only in a physical way, but also spiritually and mentally.  I feel like I am finally starting to get the hang of things.  I am a slow learner, but am thankful for everyone who has been patient with me and allowed me to grow.
When I first moved to Fresno, I was miserable.  I had the HARDEST time adjusting to my new life.  I felt like I lost a part of me when I moved and was afraid I was never going to be the same.  While I loved my husband so much, all I wanted to do was get in my car and drive back home.  I fell into a dark place.  I had all of the expectations of how I thought life was going to be.  I expected everyone to welcome me with open arms and know just what to say to make me feel better.  I was beyond negative and didn't want to be around anyone.  There were a lot of tears shed and an emptiness in my stomach.  I didn't want to believe anyone when they said things would get better and I would actually come to like the Central Valley.  I put a wall up and didn't allow anyone to see the real me.  
For our one year anniversary Tyson got me GiGi.  She literally saved me.  I finally felt like I had something that was all mine and she needed me as much as I needed her.  My sadness got soaked up by her fluffy hair and spunky personality.  Things didn't change immediately with my attitude towards everything else, but it sure helped heaps.  
Tyson knew I still wanted to be back in Utah.  He finally gave into the idea of moving back.  We decided to pray about things.  Not long after praying about the situation, I knew we were meant to be in Fresno.  I had to fully put my trust in the Lord and move forward with my answer.  The Lord has never steered me wrong and I had to put my faith in him that this time would be no different.
Time has definitely worked in my favor.  I have come to love where I live and adore the people that surround me.  I have realized that my happiness shouldn't be dependent on other people.  It's up to me to be happy no matter the situation.  Everyone is different and has different personalities.  For the most part, everyone is doing the very best that they can.  I have learned to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.  It has taken time, but not being easily offended has been something I have worked on.  I try to express fewer negatives and look for the positive in every situation.  Being bitter and holding grudges only hurt me. 
Finding new things and hobbies really helped as well.  Photography had never even crossed my mind before I had moved here.  I decided it was something I could put my focus on and really grow.  I also got certified to teach Zumba.  I loved and continue to love seeing the transformation in my students.  Each one of them has made me better.
Don't get me wrong, I am far from perfect.  I know that I have so much more growth ahead of me, but am grateful to look back and see how far I have come.  
Life is pretty amazing and I can only hope I am learning all that I am intended to.  Hopefully I will be blessed with many more years to learn and grow.  Having an amazing and supportive husband, who is my shining example really helps.  Being a mother continues to break me down and brings me to my knees more often than not, but I love every minute of this new role. 
So here's to my last year in my twenties.  I am surely going to give it all that I've got!