Wednesday, December 31, 2008

:)

I just got some excellent pictures to close out 2008! I can't wait to share them with you all...it will have to be on Friday. Oh how I love my family and what a great night tonight has been.

Again, Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008 Comes To an End

What an amazing year this has been. It was tons of time with friends and family, ice fishing trips, a wonderful Valentine's Day and yet one of the roughest points in Eli's and my relationship, a break that did us good, me buying a house, picking out appliances and new things for the house, getting the keys for the new house, spending the first night in the house just Eli and I, turning 26, moving my brother to his final resting ground where he is meant to be, modeled wedding dresses in a bridal fair, Eli and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary which was huge after all we had been through, one of the worst nights and experiences of my life, my best friends bridal shower, my best friends bachelorette party, the rodeo, trips to the lake, pool time with friends, BBQ's, trips to California, Swae turned 6, my best friend's wedding in Park City, Eli and I got engaged when I got off the plane from my best friend's wedding, we found out we were expecting our first child the same night we got engaged, Seth turned 3, the first baby doctor appointment, trips to the river, Swae started 1st grade, GOT MARRIED!!!!!, pumpkin patch, a fabulous Halloween, one of the best Thanksgivings I've ever had, getting more time with the kids, and celebrating the best Christmas ever. Seriously, this was the best holiday season ever.

Today has been good spending time with the little ones. Tonight I will be bringing in the new year with my wonderful family. I couldn't imagine spending it any other way. To have Swae, Seth, and Eli right next to me is the best way to bring in a new year. There is no doubt that this year will be a great one. Our baby girl will be coming in a couple months, we will be having our big wedding with all our friends and family, and who knows what other great things will come.

I wish everyone a very happy New Year. Be safe and have tons of fun.

Good bye 2008 and bring on 2009.

Monday, December 29, 2008

A Brighter End to My Day

Sorry for the depressing post before, but thank you so much to all of you that had kind words to say and advice. It really was thoughtful and means a lot.

Today was just one of those days...super stressful and a lot going on. In the end things are looking on the bright side and I am thankful to that.

I also found out today that if I were to refinance our house, we would end up saving almost $200 a month and paying less for our mortgage than a lot of people pay in rent. That is something that I was happy to hear especially with our daughter on the way.

So thank you all for your support!
I wasn't ever going to write this post, but then I saw that someone else was brave enough to write something similar and I figured I could be brave too.

See, things in my world while great have also been different on other levels. My family, our kids, this pregnancy, getting ready for the birth of our child are all great. Wonderful, couldn't be better. I am truly blessed and so very fortunate and I know this. I realize how lucky I am and am thankful every single day for everything that we have.

However, there are other things that have been kind of nagging at me. I have been missing my best friend that lives in Vegas like crazy. Things just aren't the same without her. I know I need to suck it up and get over it, but it really is hard when she was so much a part of my life and we did so much together all the time. It makes me feel like a part of me is missing. I am sad to be away from her, sad that she is missing things with my pregnancy and even more sad with the thought of her not being at the hospital when our baby girl is born. I just can't even imagine that...and yet, it is such a strong possibility that it will happen.

Then there are other people in my life that I feel things are just different with and that is something that has really been hard for me to swallow lately. I had some pretty strong relationships with a couple of the girls at work. For this I was happy because then I enjoyed coming to work. I enjoyed taking time out of my work day to chat and gossip and laugh and just enjoy. Lately though, something has changed and it very well could be me...I just don't know. All I know is that the chats don't happen. The popping into my office has stopped. The talks are very...generic, like something I would have with someone that I am not at all close to. It is so weird. I don't know what it is, but it is something that I notice and I notice it very much. I notice the little things like not getting a phone call when I am the only one at the office, or invited to go do something outside of work, or not getting a call back when I call on the weekend. None of this has gone unnoticed for me. Two weekends in a row I have been blown off and I am now at the point where I don't want to try anymore. My reaction to all this - sit in my office with my door mostly closed (also keeps it MUCH warmer) and keep to myself. I figure then I can't be disappointed or hurt. It just makes me sad when I know I have been and am still such a great friend to these people.

It makes me sad when people don't think about other people's feelings. I have done a lot of sitting back lately and watching how people interact with others and there have been many times when I have wanted to cry for someone else because I could only imagine how it would have made me feel if I were them. It is so amazing to me just how very selfish other people are.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Pictures from Christmas Day

The kids slew of presents. Swae's on the left, Seth's on the right.
Seth's tower crane and Swae's Christmas dress and dog. These were definitely the big hit!
Tearing in!
Two adorable Christmas babies! They complete me.
My cousin Maddy and Swae. The little two-some.
Me and the handsome boy.
Not the greatest picture of the three of us, but still cute. Me and a sweet Christmas angel!Me and my favorite girls.
Sweet monkey boy. He is such a love.Excited little one
My mom and I while I was making the gravy. She is laughing because while Elie was taking the picture, he was also flipping her off.Such wonderful memories from yesterday and special moments I will hold dear to my heart!

Pictures From Before Christmas

These are pictures from last Saturday through Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve at the office. Swae holding my boss's son, Jacob.
Clowning around with the hats one of our supervisor's brought in.
Wearing the hats that Great Grandma Lois made them.Swae opening her stocking from Grandma and Papa.Seth pulling out a new car from his stocking!
Excited kiddos!
Kiddos with Great Grandma Katie (Mama).
Seth, Papa, Swae, and Grandma Ready to put the cookies in the oven!
Pouring in the mix.
Mixing it up!Having fun making Santa's cookies.
My beautiful sister and IMe and Mom at Eli's partyEli and his grandma
Daddy and Swae at his partySwae and Auntie Kindra
Swae and Great GrandmaSeth and Cousin Tyler
Me and the angel before Daddy's party - just got done doing our hair and make up.
Swae & Me...holding baby SkylarBabies snuggling with their daddy!

28 weeks 5 days!

Check out the belly!!!! It is growing! I love it. Of course these were taken yesterday morning after the kiddos opened all their presents. What a wonderful day it was. First thing in the morning Swae was sure to hug and kiss her little sister and tell her "Merry Christmas!" Ugh, my heart melts when she does that.

The belly was a big hit with the family yesterday. Everyone enjoyed touching and rubbing. It is so funny though because Skylar won't kick for them. I don't know what it is...they poke and talk and mess with her and she just is nice and content not moving. As soon as we left and were driving home, she was awake and going crazy! Maybe it is because I don't sit enough or something? I don't know. My mom is definitely getting frustrated.

The doctor appointment on Christmas Eve went excellent. I had the kids with me and of course their eyes got huge while listening to Skylar's heartbeat. It was so strong and so loud...I could listen to it all day every day. I am no longer going every 4 weeks. My next appointment is in 3!!!!! I am just in awe at how quick this is going and getting more and more excited. My mom and dad got Skylar a little present even this year for Christmas (her very first doll, some sockies, and little booties). So freaking cute! My doctor was saying that I am still looking very small yet was amazed when she had me lie down to measure and realized I was measuring perfect for 28 weeks. I must be doing something right! We are now in the stage of doing kick counts!

I am still feeling great and everything seems to be going well. I am loving everything about this pregnancy, feeling my little girl, and soaking it all in because I know it is all going to come to an end soon.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful Christmas ever. I was blessed to wake up Christmas morning with my family, to see two bright, shining, smiling faces and hear them say Merry Christmas first thing. The four of us walked downstairs together and all got a glimpse of the presents Santa brought as a family and then enjoyed opening and sharing together. It was priceless. There are no amount of words to explain how I felt and how much it means to me to have the family that I do. It was so wonderful to see the kids so very excited and I cherish and am holing on to all the "I love you's" I heard that morning.

Leading up to Christmas morning...
We spent Christmas Eve at work and going to my doctor appointment for Skylar. They were so wonderful. They even snoozed a bit. So they were rewarded when I got off and were taken to a movie. Then it was off to my in laws for our festivities there. We had steak and crab for dinner (well, I didn't have crab). My MIL always cooks something fabulous. The only thing not so good about the night was Eli was super sick as he had been all week. It was horrible. After we had our dinner it was present time. As usual, the kids were spoiled by the grandparents and family and they didn't know what to do with themselves. It was too cute. Since Daddy wasn't feeling well, we got out of there early which really worked out. We still had to write Santa his letter and put out his milk and cookies. Oh they were so excited and even more excited that they made the cookies that Santa would be eating. They didn't fight going upstairs to bed - this probably had something to do with them being treated to sleep with Daddy and I. They watched part of The Grinch and then fell fast asleep. I laid there for quite some time just watching them sleep and snuggling them up. They really are the sweetest things.

Like I said before, Christmas morning was excellent. Then we were off to my parents where the kids opened their presents from them and we ate brunch. They were on cloud nine. After a while there, it was off to my grandparents house to spend time with the whole family. That right there is what Christmas is all about...everyone being together, under one roof. It was awesome. The kids had an absolute blast and were showered with love and affection.

Here are a few pictures from the day. The first is of Eli and I last night after we exchanged our presents together. The second is of the kids at my grandparents house. The third of the kids at my parents house. And then a little family snap shot at my grandparents.

Swae is definitely proud of the Christmas dress that Santa brought her. That is one of the only things that she asked for and she looked just gorgeous wearing it. Seth's little outfit turned out so freaking cute! I just love my family!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and enjoyed all the family time!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve

Even though I have to work today, I am very fortunate. I have two sweet angels here with me to share my day. We woke up in good moods, made sure to bring lots of things to do, and are just enjoying being together. Much better than our little ones going to daycare that is for sure!

In just a short while we will be going to my doctor's appointment - which they are super excited for. They love knowing they will be hearing their little sister's heart beat and have been telling everyone around the office where they are going.

Due to it being the day before Christmas, my office will be let out early...so thankful for that! And since I will be out early and we don't have plans until later and Eli will still be working, the little ones and I will be going to see a movie. They are stoked! I am stoked. Then we will spend the evening with Eli's parents and grandma since we will be with my side of the family tomorrow.

I can't remember the last time I have been this excited for Christmas. Last night I wrapped the last couple of things that I had picked up and can't wait to pull all the kids' stuff out and place it just right around the tree for Christmas morning. I can't wait to see their bright little faces (shining eyes, huge smiles) when they come down the stairs and see that Santa came while they were sleeping. Having them in my life, having my wonderful family, has brought all new meaning and feelings this year. I think as a special something, we are all going to sleep in the same bed and snuggle it up so that way we are all together first thing Christmas morning.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day. I hope that everyone has a fabulous Christmas tomorrow!!! I look forward to reading how every one's goes and seeing all the beautiful pictures.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

I Feel Bad

For Eli that is. While he had a wonderful birthday...the only thing missing was a phone call from his kids. I can only imagine how he feels and my heart seriously goes out to him. :(

Monday, December 22, 2008

Happy Birthday My Love

My wonderful husband turned 30 today! That sounds so old! Yet I know it is still so young with the life that we have ahead of us.

I love this man more and more every single day. Even in bad times I am thankful for him because we grow and learn together. I am thankful for all our obstacles and for being able to overcome them. I love being able to share such special events in his life.

He is a wonderful husband, father, partner. He is my best friend and I am truly, madly, deeply in love with him.

I love you Eli with all my heart and soul. I hope your birthday is nothing but fantastic and the best ever.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Something Simple

Isn't it amazing that simple things can be so meaningful?

Take today for example. I was getting out of the shower and Eli came in. Well, after every shower, I lube up with the vitamin E oil. He sat there talking to me and then asked how I felt that the oil was working out. I said I thought it was working really well. It was then he reached over and felt my tummy and then said, "Well your stomach looks really good."

That is something so simple and yet, it made me feel so good. It is nice to know that he even notices how I am looking and doesn't just blow things off because I am "pregnant". He is pretty good at doing the little things and I never overlook or shrug that off.

Friday, December 19, 2008

6 Months Difference

I remember writing back in October about how much the neighborhood has changed. How there are new houses going up all over and the other side of the street is finally filled...all in just six months.

This picture is from when I first moved in (April). I was standing on my front porch taking this picture of across and down the street.
This is looking right from my porch.
This is just looking directly across the street.
Now look at it!! This is looking right from the porch!
And this is looking left.
Crazy how much those months changed things. Oh and that blue car in the picture above...I want to key it! They park in between our driveway and the neighbors, but there isn't a lot of room. This makes it a CHORE to get in and out of our driveway. We literally have to swing it WIDE to make it in. It's a huge pain in the ass.

It finally feels like a neighborhood. It's nice. I just wish there were a little more "room". But overall we are super happy with our house and love our location. We have a home - a home that really feels like "home".

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Damn Wind

It is absolutely FREEZING outside!!! The wind is howling bringing in another storm. It is blowing the snow from a couple days ago all around and turning the roads into an icy mess. My drive home today was nuts! And I imagine it is only going to get worse, much worse. Oh and I don't like the wind AT ALL! It makes everything far more worse than what it should be. It makes a cold day frigid. It makes a simple snow day or rainy day miserable because it blows it in your face and whips you. It is just a pain in the ass I tell you! I want it to stop!!!!!!!!

Tonight we are supposed to get at least four inches of snow. While I love how pretty snow is and am super excited with the thought of having a beautiful, white Christmas, I don't enjoy driving in the snow or being out in it.

And while I am sitting here listening to the wind whip around, I am enjoying my precious Skylar being quite active. Every time I rest my arms on my belly, she starts rolling around as if to tell me to get off her space. I move them and am then able to see her rolling movements. it is simply indescribable and incredible. I swear, I just can't get enough of her.

I am now off to bed. The kiddos and I had a very early morning and it was a super long day for me. I am spent and my nice warm bed with my nice warm and comfy flannel sheets is calling my name and going to feel marvelous climbing into!

***I also just realized that this is my 600th post!***

2 Wonderful Months

I can't believe it has been two months since I married the man of my dreams. I look forward to many more months, many more years.

Without him, I would be lost. He really does complete me and is my other half. We definitely compliment each other and boy do we have fun together. I feel so lucky and blessed to have someone so wonderful in my life. I feel so lucky and blessed that he has become the person that he is today for me and our family. He is truly an amazing man and has one of the biggest hearts.

The love I have for him grows every day. Every day may not be perfect, but every day I am happy with the man that I will be spending the rest of my life with.

I Love My Daddy!

Every Thursday, I not only post an entry on my blog, I also send out an email to all our family. Today's looked like this:

Happy Thursday Everyone!

Another week down and just about 12 ½ to go…but who’s counting!? :) The belly is definitely growing. Some days I just stop and look at myself in the mirror in utter amazement. I have seriously enjoyed ever bit of these 27 weeks. I love being pregnant, I love feeling Sklyar moving and kicking all around. I love seeing my belly grow and know that she is growing. It is just unbelievable how incredible this experience is. I am so thankful and grateful for it all. I am still enjoying all her movements. In fact, I can’t get enough. I hear I won’t be saying that much longer and as she gets bigger/stronger. Right now, I just love everything about her! :)

People keep asking me about weird cravings. I haven’t had any. I guess that isn’t normal!? I feel like I eat pretty much like I always have. The only thing I seem to want more than usual is chocolate. I do however limit the intake on that! Although, I have heard that eating chocolate makes for a calm baby. The things you hear are too much.

Seth is telling the teachers at daycare that his little sister is coming right after Christmas in January. He is just ready for her to be out! He is always asking when she won’t be in my belly anymore. It was easy for Eli and I to tell them after Christmas, but with Christmas just next week, we are saying after Valentine’s Day. Swae is sure to give her sister a kiss before going to bed every night. She rubs my belly and tells her how much she loves her and to sleep good. My heart melts every single time she does it. She is still so sweet and will run over and rub Skylar or give her a kiss. Skylar is definitely never forgotten. Eli and I are thrilled at how excited they are for their little sister.

We have finally started to get Skylar’s room ready. I picked out paint for the first time in my life (scary!!!!!) and it was actually a good choice. We aren’t completely done – or I should say, Eli isn’t completely done with the painting yet. But we are close. Then we can start moving in furniture and really getting going with the decorating. I am so anxious for it all to come together!

We are all very excited for Christmas this year. Swae and Seth have a chocolate countdown they have been enjoying and were so excited this morning when we were talking about Christmas being just one week away. They are also excited about baking Santa some cookies that he can enjoy and share with his reindeer. Oh to see their little faces light up on Christmas morning will be one of the most memorable times in our lives.

We hope that you all have a wonderful and very Merry Christmas!!!

Much love,
Eli, Stephanie, Swae, Seth,…and Baby Skylar



My dad always gets a kick out of my emails and today, I got a kick out of his response!

"Hi Stephie. Great letter this week, only one problem though. I'm going to have to get a new laptop with a bigger monitor because your belly is getting soooo big it won't fit on my screen anymore :-) Love, Daddy."

Oh how I love my Daddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am Screwed

No place that I have found carries maternity jeans long enough for me. NO WHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How the hell does that happen?!?! Do they think that only SHORT people get pregnant and have kids!? I realize that I am not that tall, but I have long legs on me. I wear the same inseam as my husband how is 6'2"!

In my Lucky jeans, I wear a long or an extra long. The longs, I can't wear with heels because then they look too short. The extra longs look perfect with heels on. However, even Lucky doesn't make maternity jeans longer than 32"! I have looked at copious amounts of websites from jeans that cost $20-$200 and the only jeans that go up to an inseam of 33.75" are the ones you have to get in a size XL! I am not an XL!

I don't know what I am going to do.... :(

27 weeks 5 days

And it just keeps growing! But I love it. I totally look pregnant and adore knowing I have a sweet baby girl growing in there. I am still in my jeans. However, I have been trying to find maternity jeans and am having a hell of a time. I don't like the full panel ones at all and Old Navy didn't have my size in the low panel. Not only that, I have crazy long legs and even the "longs" aren't long enough for me. I called to see if they got some in from their new shipment and no dice. Looks like I might have to go the more expensive route which I didn't want to take. Or I could just do what I thought of and told my boss which is come to work in my pajama bottoms until I deliver!
I look at this picture and I see myself as a WHOLE LOT BIGGER than what the picture is showing!! There are some days that I feel like a whale! I guess it has a lot to do with how she is positioned as well.

I just have to smile. These 27 weeks have been wonderful, even with the slight scare last week. If anything, that has made me relax more and not do so much. This is all new to me, but I am listening to my body more which is what I need to do. I now get paranoid when I don't feel Sklyar moving or as active as she was the day before. Then she surprises me and is all over the place the next day and all is well. I keep telling her that I would rather her beat me up all day long than not be able to feel her!
The end date is so close yet still so far away. We have started on her room finally. Eli and his friend painted the other day. It is looking so fabulous so far. There is still more to be done and will be sure to update with pictures so you all can see. I am so excited. I think I will have a much better idea on what I need to get and be doing after my first shower that is in a month. I'm giddy with anticipation! We have a doctor appointment next Wednesday. The belly shot post falls on Christmas and I think I will for sure take the time to post. If not, I will definitely get at least the pictures so I don't mess up like I did at Thanksgiving!