Breaking Dawn

Ok, let me just tell you now. I'm a little obsessed. Between reading these books in a matter of hours from breaking the binding to watching every preview, trailer, interview for the new twilight movie (yikes, i know), you could say I'm a bit of an enthusiast, even a twilight aficionado. These books all though juvenile and completely lame in there own right are captivating and appeal to the deepest corners of my sappy sensitive female heart which I try to ignore the existence of frequently. How could books about vampires appeal to such feelings? Bella and Edward. I cannot resist the passion, love, intrigue, anxiety, drama, taboo (I could go on)...everything about this relationship. This is why I love reading. Each part can speak to you in a different way than to someone else or even than the writer had intended. My imagination runs rampant as I'm caught up in Bella's emotions. Every time I'm done reading I find myself looking to my relationship excited to reignite our passion and romance. The suspense is riveting and you find yourself amazingly enough caring for and even envying the life of a vampire. (well more so in book 4 as I find myself wanting to go running through the forest on hunting trips with them) Anyway, I'm completely getting carried away. Book one has to be my favorite, book two pales in comparison mostly I'm sure due to the fact it's all about Jacob...yuck, book three is a close second for favorite, and book four I have to say surprised me. I can't say that books can often do that to me. I typically speculate and then wish that I hadn't when I spoil the ending for myself. Although this book took me the longest to get involved in (because honestly I thought the plot, at least for a while was pretty lame) it continued to catch me off guard with the direction it took and pleased me in the end. I'm a bit abashed by my enthusiasm and the small sad emptiness I felt when I finished! Stephanie, write more! But I'm declaring it loud and proud despite the smirk and chagrin on my husbands face I'm sure (although I'm convinced if he read them he'd like them...which he secretly knows...whiiich is why he wont). So in case he fails me, I'm taking sign ups to be my date on December 12th for the twilight movie! Ok, I think I'm done and it's out of my system. I hope you can all still be friends with me. By the way, did you guys love the host or what?

Could she be any cuter? I submit that she cannot.

So I haven't posted in a while...thank you Lindsey for keeping me on my toes, but forgive me, my computer is wigging out! David, I need you. Some nonsense about my Mac OS X start up disk being full? The most disturbing thing being that my Iphoto is acting up. My most precious possessions are being threatened so I thought I would preserve some here in case of emergency. So hopefully I can sort this all out soon and get back to my incessant posting. My love to all!

My little lovely.

A BYU fan already, daddy's little girl!

Enough said...



So perfect!

President and Sister Neilson...ok not quite yet

So we went to our branch for the first time. It seems like it's going to be wonderful however...it's tiny! The man who spoke was there for the first time, they asked him to speak when he called to transfer his records last week! So I'm expecting to speak immediately if not sooner and get some extensive calling. Note to self, don't answer your phone! In all seriousness I'm very excited. It will give us a great chance to serve and grow...and actually really get to know everyone! So on our first sunday they nabbed us to take a picture for the directory. So however sleep deprived we were...cheese!

Baby doesn't like it...

While I was pregnant and subsequently there after, anytime rob was doing something I didn't like or I was doing something he didn't like we would claim that "baby doesn't like it." Well, this is one time baby actually didn't like it. Baby loved walking to the pool, baby loved sitting in the sun, baby loved sitting on mommys lap in the water, but when I tried to just put her in the icy pool water...baby didn't like it. It turned from uncertainty, to the furrowed brow, to the pouted lip, into an all out cry. It was tragically funny. I hate to laugh but she's such a cute pathetic little creature when she cries like that...it's adorable. All and all it was a fun first pool trip but we're going to have to warm her up to the cold water. At least she looked quite beautiful in her bathing suit!

Road Trip!

Babies first road trip. So rob had to do a volleyball camp in Colorado Springs but he felt so bad leaving me so he dropped me off at my parents house in Colorado on his way down. Its been fun to spend time with family and have some down time to escape unpacking my house! Our little one was perfect on the ride out! She ate twice and slept the whole time...she's the best! (and so cute!)

Finally!

Karen this one's for you. Yes...my crib is finally set up! And in our new home to boot! Can you believe it?

I'm so excited to be finally moved in and we're slowly getting set up. Our sweet little one has up until now been sleepy in her pram, which has actually served quite well, but we are so happy to give her a proper bed. (however huge it may be for her...Rob says she needs to sleep in it till she's 16). Anyway, so I'm sure all you new moms know how it is, especially for your first baby. You can't stop taking pictures. So forgive me, I can't help myself.





This is how we find her in the morning. Every night we go through the swaddle struggle. She sleeps longer if she's swaddled, but we have to put her in the "Miracle Blanket" a.k.a. little baby straight jacket. Otherwise she inevitably breaks free! It starts with one hand...but if you give her an inch...the one hand turns into two. Two hands peeking over the blankets like a little puppy dog, then out come the shoulders, then it's all down hill from there. She's definitely a cutie, but she's fighter! Oh, how we love our little squirmy pants!

Happy Fourth!

Babies first fourth of july. So everyone told me that clothes run sooo small..."Don't buy any newborn stuff." So let me just tell you. This is a newborn outfit. I'm not quite sure why this hasn't been the case for me because seriously everyone I know told me that? But here's your evidence...from headband to socks...nothing fits! Happy fourth cutie!

Family Hospital Visits

Mindy and fam. The kids could not wait to get their hands on her! It's pretty cute to see such little ones holding her.

My brother James with a daddy's touch.

Margaret and Bob with our brand new little one!

Also showing her love, the self-promclaimed favorite aunt Jacqueline...we'll see what Julia has to say about that. :)

We love you guys! Thanks for coming to welcome her into the world!

Married...check. Have a baby...check. Buy a house...check. Completely overwhelm yourself...check.

So did I mention we're moving? We bought a townhouse and we're soooo excited. It's off of 800 north in orem by the timp hospital. They're called Tuscan Villas and they're so cute. 3 bed, 2.5 bath with an unfinished basement...that means a guest bedroom so please come stay with us!!! We couldn't be more thrilled, although it comes at a very inconvenient time, how can we complain? We're getting our own place! Finally somewhere I can decorate and make my own. But most of all a fresh new place of our own where we can start our family. It promises to be pretty fun seeing as practically everyone who lives there are young couples. We've already convinced one of our friends the buy one across from us! So come on everyone...jump on board!

Two become Three, Three become One

Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express. ~Joseph Addison

Wow. I could have never imagined these feelings that I'm having. It is so amazing all the things that have to go right in the face of everything that could go wrong. The stars have to align, and they do, and they did. You've been waiting 9 months and suddenly before you even realize it...it's a girl! Here you go mommy! How did this happen? Are we ready? I have no idea what i'm doing...but then some how, from no where, you just know what to do. She cries, it's my voice that calms her. She's hungry, it's my milk that sustains her. I know just how she wants to be held, be rubbed, be loved. We are engineered for each other. What a special feeling. I have a new respect or mommies and now know the love that grows between parent and child...and I've only begun to experience it. I also have never had such love for my sweet husband. I couldn't have done any of this with out him. While I was throwing up in labor, he brought me a trash bag and held my hair :) He was my breathing coach, and my hand to crush. He slept on the smallest excuse for a pull out chair just to be by my side. He's changed 90 percent of the poopy diapers and loves it. He burps and rocks her when I nurse. He sings to her, takes naps with her, and is always eager to help me and love me in any way that he can. We are a perfect little team unit. I knew he'd be a wonderful dad and supporter...he's exceeded what I could've imagined. I love him and I love all of you for your sweet comments and care.

For those of you who said you'd like to come visit us, we'd love it. We're moving this weekend, so just give us a call and we'll let you know where we are in the craziness. We love you. Xoxo

When impossible becomes reality

 
Are you serious?! There is nothing as conceptually outlandish yet so unexplainably glorious and perfect as childbirth!! That came from where?? We are LOVING life. What a fantastic experience its been as we bond with Elizabeth here at the hospital, and I think that my 2 days sleeping on the most uncomfortable pull out chair ever will certainly have me supremely thankful for any moments of sleep I get during the next few weeks on a real bed. As we imagine all the things that could have possibly gone wrong, its seems incomprehensible that things have gone so smoothly.
 
This evening, as I sat in cafeteria with my eyes drooping shut with fatigue waiting for my cheeseburger, I couldn't wipe a smile off my face. With the woman I love more than my life we have created a perfect, pure and beautiful being to teach and cherish and protect and love. A week ago parenthood seemed like such an unfathomable proposition, but now it feels so right. We have been greatly blessed, and I feel so thankful... My heart is full. Thank you for sharing these moments with us.

What the Baby?

Here she is!!! Elizabeth was born today, June 19, 2008 at 9:48 in the morning. Life is good, and crazy all at the same time. We woke up at about 4:30 with slower contractions that really got intense by 5:30. We got to the hospital at 5:45, and by 7:30 I was pushing, talk about an intense transition. She was posterior, so it took a little bit of pushing, but all in all its been a great experience. Hopefully we'll be able to say the same of parenthood.

This is us just minutes after her arrival! Is this really happening??

This is little Etta getting cleaned up. They ran off with her before we got much of a chance to snuggle. She had been in a little distress from being posterior so they had to give her the go ahead first! All hands on deck!

Good things come to those who wait!

Well, our sweet Elizabeth has not joined us yet. However, we are willing to wait until shes ready. So between castor oil, blue cohosh, crab walking, trampoline jumping, and whatever else all you mommies have tried...I think I'll hold off, at least for now. I'm not too desparate yet...yet. :) Anyway, we'll keep you updated and you know there'll be tons of pictures when it happens. So for now we're 3 days over and counting! Say a little prayer for me. xoxo

Classic....

I love a good campfire...and what could make that better? Tin foil dinners and s'mores. And what could possibly make a chocolate chip, nutella, s'more any more wonderful than it is? A picture of a pleasantly plump pregnant women enjoying it a little too much! Mmmmm...lovin it.

Life goes by so fast!

So I didn't post anything the whole month of May! What a slacker I've been! I am currently in a state of disbelief at the fact that I'm supposed to be having a baby in 8 DAYS! I've been thinking a lot lately about how much my life is going to change. I don't consider myself a selfish person, but when there's only two of you things just happen to sort of revolve around us. What do I want to do, where should we go this weekend, when do I want to eat, sleep, leave the house! So many simple things that will change and be somewhat dictated by our new edition. I really think I have been unintentionally selfish, my life does mostly revolve around what I'd like, like to have, or like to do. What a switch it will all be...but how wonderful! I believe I will LOVE having a sweet little thing to take care of. And how can you object to a person that prefers you to all others! Man, I really am self centered. :)

Anyway, so my doctor was thinking I would be late due to my smaller than normal tummy and the patterns of my mother...but then we had an appointment on Tuesday! Apparently I'm dilated to a 3, imagine that. So for a first time mom, at 38 weeks, my doctor was pretty excited about that and thinking I should be right on time if not sooner! But wait! Don't get your hopes up, my mom says she stayed around a 3 for nearly 2 weeks with me! Yikes! Let's pray for the first and hope for the best. I'm so excited and we'll definitely get up some pictures on the blessed day!

Random ramblings

So, baby is 44 days away, and that sounds kind of far. BUT baby is 6 weeks away, and that sounds really soon! I'm getting so excited!! We have our second Lamaze class tonight and I'm so happy that Robbie can come. It's a little bitter sweet considering that his presence is at the cost of a national championship lost, but i'm glad just the same. Last week I attended my birthing class alone, and not only that but I had taken my wedding ring in for some work! I thought they might not let me in the class without a partner but I'm pretty sure they felt bad for me assuming I was a poor single mom without somebody so they let it slide! Either way it'll be nice to have my hubby there. If not for the moral support, for the back support! Lamaze breathing/positioning and such is not quite as comfortable sans partner. Anyway...yes, as mentioned, it's true. The fabulous BYU cougars of the volleyball kind are done with their season this year. They finished 2nd in the conference...stupid pepperdine. C'est la vie! I guess there's always next year. And we're hosting the Final four next year, did you know? Pretty sweet. Anyway, so I'm just kind of rambling with out much to say...but I should mention how grateful I am for my wonderful life! I'm 7 1/2 months pregnant and I've never felt better (minus the occasional fire raging heart burn :), I have an amazing husband who is so loving and supportive (AND now around all the time to hang with me!), and well, I just lead a charmed life. I've been given every blessing I could think of and I'm so grateful. So thank you heavenly father, thank you life...for being so kind to us. Keep it comin! We're going to continue to need those blessings...because I'm pretty sure this whole giving birth thing...is REALLY gonna hurt.

FRIDAY NIGHT!

Please join us this Friday April 25th 7:00-9:30 PM for a very special presentation on 'DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography'

Tahitian Noni International Center Auditorium
5151 North 300 West
Provo, UT 84604
For more information please call Rod at 801-429-9751

You are cordially invited to participate in a special presentation titled 'DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography; New scientific support of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon'. This new research validates the Book of Mormon as both a spiritual and historical record and testifies of the Prophetic calling of The Prophet, Joseph Smith Jr. This was accomplished through DNA, Prophetic, Scriptural, Historical, Climatological, Archaeological, Social and Cultural evidences found as a result of three years of research.

We will address questions such as:
What is the controversy surrounding DNA and the Book of Mormon?
Why is finding 'Lamanite' DNA in the America's important?
How could genetics help us discover the geography of the Book of Mormon?
Where did the Book of Mormon account actually take place?
What did The Prophet, Joseph Smith know about Book of Mormon geography?
What clues does the book itself give us about where the Book of Mormon took place?
What indications does the book itself give about climate?
Where exactly is the 'Promised Land' of the Book of Mormon?
Are there any civilizations that qualify as being 'Nephite', 'Lamanite', or 'Jaredite'?
if so, what archaeological evidence is there for these civilizations?
Are there any 'Book of Mormon' archaeological artifacts?
Why is knowing the geography of the Book of Mormon important?
Will this information lead to a greater understanding of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the Prophet, Joseph Smith Jr., and to the church he organized?
And most importantly, can the answers to these questions help to bring people to Christ?

All who have seen it have been very moved and excited about the information and how it 'just makes sense' intellectually as well as spiritually. For most, it will feel like you have always known these things to be true, and for others, these new insights and information may completely change your paradigm!

This is a great opportunity to do some missionary work, or bring anyone who is struggling with the gospel, or the Book of Mormon's authenticity as an actual historical document and spiritual record, as well as to strengthen your own testimony of the truth's found in the gospel. Please contact us ASAP to let us know if you are planning to attend, and how many to expect. We are very excited to share this information with you. You are encouraged to come and bring your family, friends and neighbors. Please no children under 16 years old. Admission is free.

April snow brings may flowers?

Pretty sure that's not how it goes...so why is it snowing in April?

Confessions of a Provo Housewife...

My former life as a single women consisted of many things, most of which I would never say I miss. However, my former bustling social life does sound tempting from time to time. Pretty much these days my big night out is to the volleyball game. Isn't that terrible! I do have to say it gives me a wonderful oppourtunity to invite family and friends to catch up with. (i.e. Tiff and litte reagan baby...sooo cute!) Besides that large but lonely redeeming quality, it's a little sad that this is the big event I look forward to. So I'm thinking I've gotta plan something fun. Rob's just so busy and gone so often...and our Friday and Saturdays while he's here are sort of already booked...but we have to take advantage of this time before baby comes right? And I mean just look at 'em. He definitely deserves a hot date! Mmm mmm. :) Any great ideas?

Baby baby getting closer...

My beautiful sister who threw me this spectacular shower!

Friends from Colorado at my baby shower...

Cousins! (and Aunt torrie...)

Family and friends...my cute in-laws, their in-laws, and Sharon!

I'll probably have more pictures because it was just so adorable, so I'll have to post one of all the decor. However, I just wanted to say a pre thank you to everyone who came. It made it so special to have everyone who I love there. It was so great to see you, friends! And everyone was so generous to us and our little one...so thanks! We love you.