She's Mobile!

A Much Overdue Update...

Hello Everyone! Tyler here bringing you our first update in a few months. I just want to say sorry to any of you who only get news about our family through this little blog. And if that is one of you, STOP BEING SILLY! You can be friends with us on Facebook and see all the news and pictures and updates you could possibly want. But, I also know sometimes it is fun to write a little bit more and to allow people to see more pictures, and videos and things like that.

First of all, I wanted to talk about some of the fun little things we have done as a family. Jackie, Malia and I all experienced something for the first time in our lives! (Not that big of a surprise for Malia of course). We all went out to the Grand Canyon! It was a fun day trip that we did during my Fall Break. We drove up early in the morning, enjoyed the sights and came home later that afternoon. My only regret about the trip was that when we got there I realized the video camera hadn't been charged! Talk about a bummer! But we did get some cute pictures as you can see below:






Another fun thing we did that was a first (Only for Malia this time) was have a fun Halloween. We got to dress up our little girl and hand out candy to all of the neighbors. Jackie's parents both came over to hand out candy with us since they don't get many trick-or-treaters where they live. We even made cute little certificates for some of the kids who came like (Most Original Costume, Youngest Trick-or-Treater, etc) and when we saw someone we thought couldn't be beat, we gave them the award and a full size candy bar. Very fun time!




Finally, little miss Malia is quite the little chatterbox now! She is discovering new sounds with her mouth every week. She has gotten very good at making a "ma" sound so she says ma ma ma ma continually, which of course Jackie LOVES. She also likes to scream when she is extremely happy. She is such a fun and happy little girl. We couldn't feel more lucky. She brings us a lot of laughs and joy every day. She also recently discovered how much she loves our little dog Josie. She is so enchanted by her! When Josie walks by Malia just stares and laughs. I was able to get a really cute video of Malia interacting with Josie last night and I felt it had to be shared!



Well, I hope this was a fun little blog! Maybe it will tide you over until Christmas... (Maybe we'll post some Thanksgiving pics too... we'll see...)

Oh yeah! PS, She is also eating solids now. She absolutely loves her rice cereal, but can't stand sweet potatoes. Hopefully we'll find something that she'll end up loving.

Malia's New Trick

Malia just learned a new trick tonight! We were able to get out the video camera and recorded her on her 3rd time doing it. She can now roll over from her back to her stomach. Very fun to watch. So much fun, we thought we would put it on here for your to see as well!

2 Months!

Malia turned 2 months on Monday and what a time we've been having! Where we're at right now...

- She smiles ALL the time and we love it! She's happiest in the morning and wakes up with a huge smile. I'm usually pretty grumpy in the morning, but nothing chases that grumpiness away like a big 2 month old smile.

- She loves her tummy time and can hold up her head for long periods of time. She loves looking at Tyler's DVD collection and the black and white pattern underneath her car seat hood.

- She's definitely out of newborn clothing now, in 0 to 3 and some 3 month clothing. She's long! (In the 78th percentile right now)

- She weighed in at the doctor's office at 11 lbs 8 oz. at her 2 month check up.

- She has started imitating our facial expressions. She's particularly good about sticking her tongue out at you (a bad habit later on, but so so fun right now!)

- She likes babbling in her own little voice and I swear she's said a few words already! (Tyler had a full 20 minute conversation with her one day about her future).

- She's learning how to cook.

- (Above - not really. But she does enjoy watching me cook.)

- She's already been "swimming" - or rather wading - in a little inflatable pool with a cover. We think she had a pretty decent time.

- She enjoys Grandma Jeanette time while I'm at work and Grandma Jan time while we're at the movies =)









Most recent picture taken above (Malia on Saturday, July 30th)

Malia Faces

One of my favorite things about little Malia would be the faces that she makes. She is always looking around and making fun little faces and smirks. Earlier today she was being extra alert and attentive to what was going on around her so I got out the video camera and recorded her so that all of you who live far away and haven't had the joys of meeting her to feel that one step closer to knowing her. Enjoy!

To view this video in sharper detail click HERE.

Malia's Birthday Story

Many of you know our birth story, but a lot of you don't know details so, I thought I would share!

Little Malia was due to be induced at the hospital Friday, June 3rd at 7:30 am - a few days before our official due date, June 8, 2011. At our Wednesday, May 25th doctor's appointment, we discovered we were between 3 and 4 cm. dilated and 80% effaced. The doctor was impressed and said it wouldn't take much in the way of medication to get us going on induction day. I was impressed too...I hadn't had any painful contractions...some Braxton Hicks and cramps maybe.

Fast forward to Tuesday, May 31st - Tyler said our evening family prayer and expressed his desire that Malia would come when she was supposed to come, not necessarily when it was convenient for us. I thought his wording was interesting since induction day would be the first day he was home for summer vacation (he's a second grade teacher) and I was fine scheduling my daughter's due date rather than being surprised by it. There was comfort in knowing when she was coming.

Apparently our prayer was heard because at 2:30 AM I woke up to contraction pain and fluid. My water had broke! I woke up Tyler and said I thought it was time to head to the hospital. Meanwhile, I hopped into the shower quickly because I wanted to be "fresh and clean" for delivery. I took a super quick shower and hopped out. It was then that I started shaking uncontrollably and could not stop shaking for about a minute or so. Was it nerves or some kind of reaction to the labor, maybe a combination of both? - I don't know, but looking back on it, my body knew more than my mind did. I was able to pull myself together, stop shaking and finish getting ready. Meanwhile Tyler was running around grabbing the last few items we needed for our hospital bag. I could tell he was as anxious as I was...we weren't following the plan, but it was happening!

For the first time in my pregnancy, I could tell I was having genuine, painful contractions. They were coming maybe 5 minutes apart so, by my estimate we had time to head to the hospital and after we were checked in, call our parents and have them start driving down (both sets live about 15 minutes away).

During the 10 minute drive to the hospital, I had 3 contractions. Things were picking up. Official hospital check in time was 2:50 AM. Once we got into triage, I was instructed to change and give a urine sample. By this time, I knew a urine sample was impossible - there was just so much pressure down there and I was in pain. I also discovered that I was bleeding pretty good. I screamed from inside the bathroom, Tyler ran and got the nurse and they told me to unlock the door. The nurse checked me, said she could feel the baby's head and that we needed to get me to the delivery room. I got on the bed, they pulled a sheet over me and we headed for the delivery room.

I asked them if there was time for an epidural and they told me that there wasn't time for any drugs. I was completely intimidated. The plan always involved drugs - I've "seen" births on TV and knew I couldn't do it naturally. It would just be too painful, but I had no choice. We got to the delivery room, they hooked me up to an IV (I was supposed to get antibiotics during delivery) and started measuring my contractions. I don't remember if the doctor was in the room when we got there - if not she must have ran from wherever she was at because things happened quickly. I was instructed to push as soon as a contraction began. The pushing eased all of the pain - all I remember feeling as I was pushing was intense, consuming pressure. After maybe two contractions, the doctor asked me if I wanted a cut or tear. I wasn't thrilled. I asked her how I was supposed to make that decision without being on any drugs. She said she could give me a local anaesthetic during a contraction (and thus distracted) and I decided I was fine with that. A cut seemed cleaner and less painful to heal from than a tear. One or two more pushes later and Malia was out. Her head was by far the most painful thing to push out - there was a lot of burning, but I pushed through it - I just wanted her out. During the first few contractions, I screamed, but a nurse said it was wasted energy and to put it all into the pushes so, I clenched my teeth and eyes and pushed, pushed, pushed.

Malia was born at 3:18 am - 28 minutes after our initial check in time. She weighed 7 lbs 14 oz and was 19 1/2" in length. Tyler cut the umbilical cord and I was able to hold my daughter before they cleaned her up.

I was still in my ASU shirt when she was born. After the delivery, I was asked all those preliminary questions they normally ask you ahead of time. Are you currently on any medications? Are you allergic to anything? The questions distracted me from the doctor sewing me up, but not totally.

45 minutes later and with a clean, fresh, sweet new baby, I walked to the recovery room with Tyler and finally was able to change into a robe and bond with my new daughter.

Our labor story is still a little surreal - as a first time mom I never thought I would have such a quick labor and be faced with a natural birth, but I'm glad things happened the way they did. I discovered that I'm stronger than I think and that labor without drugs is very much bearable. I'm grateful that Tyler worded our prayer the way he did. Looking back on it, if the baby had come when Tyler was at work and I was home alone, I don't know if I would have been able to get to the hospital in time and that's genuinely scary.

We love our little girl and are so thankful things went smoothly! Tyler called our parents while I was in the delivery room and they arrived soon after the birth. Looking back on it, we probably should have called them sooner, but I had no idea how things would turn out.

Malia is now 5 days old and doing great. She's starting to get settled into a routine and so are we.

We love her and are enjoying every moment with her. I'll be posting some pics here later so, be on the lookout!

Tyler the Daddy

I was lying awake this morning thinking about being a dad and how much fun I am going to have. I wanted to sit down and make a list of my top 10 things I am most excited about doing over the next couple of years as a dad.

1) I can't wait until I hand my baby off to someone else, and she starts crying and getting fussy. Once they hand her back to me she will be quiet and calm. I've been in the opposite shoes so much that it will feel amazing to be a safe haven for my little girl.

2) I am excited about changing my name in everything to "dad". Nothing will belong to "Tyler" any more. My video game scores will have the name "dad" next to them. Cards will be signed as dad, log ins on the computer as dad. Very little will belong to Tyler now.

3) I, obviously, can't wait to just hold her in my arms. I know that this excitement might wear off quickly. But, I can't wait to wake up to her and hold her still. I want to just sit around with her and hold her in my arms. Right now I feel like I have no need for little bouncers or swings, because I will hold her the whole time and won't want to set her down. (I already know that this will wear off VERY quickly... Just let me have my moment now and you can hold it against me in a couple of weeks)

4) I am excited to read books with her. I want to have her sit in on my lap and read her stories. Even if she won't understand it at first, I want that love of books instilled in her and I want her to love sitting in daddy's lap listening to great new stories.

5) I want to become a better photographer. I want to take this opportunity to be better at taking pictures and documenting the fun activities that we do. I am not that great at taking pictures now, but I am REALLY hoping all of that will change and I will want to get memories of every outing, event, and activity we do.

6) I am excited about taking her out to see the "world". I want to take her to the zoo, to the museum, to baseball games. I want to take her to see the temples, take her for walks, go on hikes. I want to be able to take opportunities of days off to go see the sites. My first time I go to the Grand Canyon... will be with her!

7) I can't wait to teach her the gospel. I want to teach her the simple truths of the gospel and let her know at a young age who Jesus Christ is and what he did for us. I want her to recognize our living prophet and I want to try my best to have a daughter who enjoys going to primary.

8) I want to go on "Daddy/Daughter Dates" I want to go out with just her for ice cream. I want to take her out to the new princess movie at the theaters. I want to go out for pizza, or try out a new restaurant together. Even if it is just going for a walk together, I am excited to have some alone time with my girl. I even have our first one set up (while Jackie is having a bow making party)

9) I'm curious to see what kind of talents she will have. I want to see her draw, I want to hear her play at the piano, I want to see her act and do improv, I want to eat her cooking. I want her to have every opportunity to find her love and find her talents. I can't wait to see her perform in a preschool production, or sing in front of her school in a second grade play. I want to be that proud dad in the audience with a video camera leaning to the person next to me with a smile saying "that's my girl!"

10) I am also thrilled to have those times where I just step back and watch her make decisions. I want to see her be faced in situations where I won't help her out. I want to see what choices she makes on her own. If she makes a tough choice, I want to be available for her. I want her to feel like she can talk to dad. I hope I am the kind of dad that she can share anything with and be open to.

She is going to be here THIS WEEK. I have never been this excited about something EVER. And that includes my sleepless Christmas Eve nights. She has been on my mind for the last 9 months and I can't wait to finally meet her and hold her and know she is mine forever.

Grow Malia Grow!

In just 10 days we'll be up for induction! Time has gone by way too fast. Hope our house is ready, hope we're ready. The to-do list is looking shorter anyways:

5. finish the baby's room (blinds, pictures) - probably just pictures
9. pack hospital bag - just a few more things we need to drop in

&

11. I've given up on cleaning. It's a never ending thing and I just try to keep the house picked up really well on a daily basis.

In other news, if you haven't heard via Facebook I cut my hair super short this last week! Not Kate Gosselin or Victoria Beckham short, but Nicole Richie short - maybe even a little shorter than that. So far I'm loving it and have been able to style it on my own which was a worry (you know...when it comes out cute when the lady at the salon styles it, but when you try and do it at home, not so much). Top 3 reasons why I prefer hair this length:

1. The shorter cut makes me feel sophisticated, but at the same time young and trendy.

2. I can get out of the shower without wet hair dripping down my back.

3. It blow dries so much quicker than long hair and is actually pretty easy to style. In fact I plan to wash and wear over a few days. With the baby I don't think I'll have time to style every day anyways.

Short post today. Hope everyone has a good Sunday!

2nd Baby Shower! =)

I almost forgot to mention that we had a shower before the shower...Tyler's 2nd grade class through us a shower the day before my planned one. One of the room moms text-ed me a few weeks before to see if I would be available for a "surprise teacher appreciation day" honoring Tyler. I said I would! When I got to the school, Tyler was out and I was met in the office by the mom. When Tyler arrived we went into the classroom and found it decorated in pink. We loved it and while a student dropped a hint the week before, we weren't sure it was happening and I was prepared for a legitimate teacher appreciation day =) Here are a few photos (click to make them bigger!):

So much fun celebrating our baby with Tyler's other kids! And thank you to all the moms who planned the event =)

April Showers

So between now and the last post, I had a sweet little baby shower themed April Showers. Sadly, I didn't take any pictures, but I'll see if I can grab a few from my mother in law/friends who took some and post them here later.

The colors were all sweet pastels - lavender, light yellow, light pink and light green and my mom and I ordered light pink parasols to decorate with. Everyone sat on the big patio and had fresh flower center pieces at their tables. My mom attached little crystals from fishing wire to hang from the parasols and look like raindrops. It was all very pretty.

We chatted for a little while and then were treated to a Mexican taco bar - grilled carne asada or chicken on corn tortillas with toppings and rice and beans. We played several games. Finding safety pins in pasta while blind folded, the what do you have in your purse game, the clothes pin/don't cross your legs game and a memory game (my niece came out with all this strange stuff on, walked through the party and quickly left). There was a door prize/rigged game as well...whoever sat in the seat with the sticker won a prize as well. They were all great prizes too - *everything* was well thought out and planned by my mom for months.

After games I opened presents and Malia had a ton! So many that I had to devise an opening presents system...a quick, but very thorough and efficient system. Malia has a *huge* wardrobe now thanks to the shower and we got some essentials we were still hoping for. Thank you so much to everyone who helped us out with the shower. We budgeted to be able to buy our baby the essentials in case I didn't have a super turnout at the shower and I was overwhelmed at how many people were able to make it (including lots and lots of family who drove in from California despite outrageous gas prices). I hope you enjoyed the day as much as I did! I haven't had that much fun and that type of fun since preparing for my wedding and bridal shower. I did get my nails done and get a new super cute outfit for the event so, that added to the deja vu feeling =) We're blessed!

In other activities, since the shower, Tyler and I have been doing something every day to get ready for Malia. I have just three weeks left and I feel like she might, just might decide to be an early arrival due to all the pressure down below and the ever increasing and uncomfortable Braxton Hicks contractions. Our original list looked like this:

1. register @ hospital
2. pick pediatrician and interview
3. create birth plan
4. finish buying baby items
5. finish the baby's room (paint touch up, curtains, blinds, pictures, fabric wall panels, ceiling fan)
6. wash baby clothes and blankets
7. install car seat
8. inquire about last payments to OB/GYN
9. pack hospital bag
10. finish baby shower thank you notes

and my invisible #11. clean, clean, clean because I need this house to be super, super clean

Here's what's left on the list after last week:

5. finish the baby's room (blinds, pictures, ceiling fan)
7. install car seat
9. pack hospital bag
10. finish baby shower thank you notes

&

#11. clean, clean, clean because I need this house to be super, super clean
(to the pregnant woman it never really ends)

I do still need to buy a pump too which is something I don't think any right minded woman gets excited about especially at $100 or more a pop, but I think I've made my decision on which brand and how much much I'm willing to spend. Hopefully it works out because I have absolutely no experience in such things. I'm laughing to myself as I type this...

Also making me laugh at the moment are Malia's hiccups. First round of the day - she usually has three per day =)

As promised here are some shower pics...feel free to click and make them bigger =)

Chatting with Andrea and Agnes =)

Family that traveled from CA and my cute mom.

My dad posing/endorsing the caterers =) haha

Presents...thank you, thank you =)

A friend and I =)

A pregnant woman work out!

The desert table with cupcakes of every pastel color.

34 Week Update

We had our 34 week appointment yesterday and everything looks great with Malia. She's measuring great, moving enough, etc. She's head down and in a good position too...the nurse practitioner doesn't think she'll turn before delivery. We also talked about arrival dates. Her official due date is June 8th (40 weeks), but if she's progressing in a good way, they'll induce June 1st (39 weeks) - although it could take up to 48 hours for her actual arrival. Tyler's last day of work before summer is June 3rd, so we'll be cutting things pretty close! They're thinking she'll be an average sized baby - maybe 7 lbs? - based on how she's growing. I couldn't ask for a better pregnancy even though I still have to follow a low carb diet and check my blood twice a day.

Oh and baby shower this Saturday! I'm excited to see family and close friends at the event. My mom has put a lot of time and effort into making the shower absolutely beautiful, unique and fun so, I'm excited for the day. Hopefully Malia will be having fun that day too as a little passenger.

In non-related baby news, Tyler and I are still couponing (yes, we're into it as a couple!) and with two newspapers (8 total copies) we've managed to stockpile enough toothpaste, floss, razors, shaving cream, mouthwash, laundry detergent, ziplock bags and cereal to last us the rest of the year on our normal grocery budget. Sweet deal right? I've never had so much fun at grocery stores. Oh, simple, newly discovered joys.

Couponing Day #1

So, I believe I've mentioned this in the past, but I've decided to try and get into couponing. I have plenty of time and limited funds, so couponing seemed like a must have hobby/part time occupation.

After bringing home four Sunday papers, I got to clipping and boy does it take a while to clip all those coupons! Then I checked circular ads for the five big grocery stores within a few miles of us: Albertsons, Safeway, Frys, Bashas and Walgreens. I matched what the stores had on sale with my coupons and got a few good deals...

• 4 bottles of All free & clear laundry detergent (32 load bottles) for $2.50 each - perfect for baby clothes
• 4 packages of Bic hybrid advance razors (7 cartridges in each package) for .50 cents each - my favorite deal since these razors can be as much as $8.99 per package!
• 3 tubes of Sensodyne pronamel toothpaste - for $2.79 each - my biggest splurge, but I saved $2.00 on each
• 4 tubes of Colgate toothpaste - for .50 cents each (I think we're good on toothpaste for a while!)
  
• 8 boxes of Hefty One Zip bags in various sizes - for $1.00 each
• 3 Freshetta pizzas (yum) - for $3.00 each
• 10 Dannon yogurts - for 24 cents each
  

So far I've saved $28 with manufacturer coupons and then another $45 with in store savings. Not bad for a first outing. And I still need to buy more edible groceries =) I'm not sure I'll ever be as extreme as the ladies on the Extreme Couponing show...even with my small batch, I got one rude cashier (due to 3 of my coupons disappearing at checkout and me trying to quickly look for them!). I'm not sure I could handle the pressure of tying up a register for 3 hours like those ladies do, but I am further motivated by the deals I found - especially on those razors. There's a humble kind of security knowing we don't have to pay for a few staples for a while...and who doesn't love keeping more money in their bank account? =)

So much for carb control...

I've read online pregnant ladies with gestational diabetes should keep carbs around 35 g. per meal...but after work yesterday I decided I'd be safe eating a foot long coney island chili dog from Sonic - oh, they're sooo good - no sides, with water. Got home, ate and then googled the hot dog's nutritional facts. Uh, yeah, 157 grams of carbs in that sucker. Seriously!? Tyler thought it was hilarious...I felt my stomach turn over (and it wasn't the baby). I can do tacos from Taco Bell at 15 g. of carbs a piece, but the Sonic dog? Sadly, I wont be having another one until after the baby.

The fun news...I've already lost a number of pounds on the diet which the doctor said to expect. +15 lbs of weight gain now which means I wont have much to lose after birth - yay! =)

Test Results & Fun

Hello there! It's been a little while since I blogged and things have happened since then so, this post is overdue.

For starters, we had that highly anticipated one hour 3D ultrasound. Malia was a funny little girl. I was praying she would cooperate and we did *end* with some cute shots of her face, but mostly she was a little booger. We started with the umbilical cord in front of her face, then her foot and hand in her face, then her hand in her face and then she decided to squish her face into my side and sink so low in my stomach that the ultrasound tech had me stand up and move every which way to try and get her to move into a better position. Malia!! The tech ended up unsatisfied with the appointment and welcomed us back next Tuesday for a do over. So, the parents, Tyler and I are heading back. Hopefully, Malia will be an absolute angel this time. From the ultrasound we did learn that Malia is appx. 3 lb 14 oz now (as of March 22nd) and her estimated due date is May 22nd (our doctor is still saying June 8th though).

That same morning I had my second gestational diabetes test (I failed the first one meaning a second test). I had read online that 85% of women who fail the first test pass the second and was hoping I'd be in that majority, but sadly no. So, I have gestational diabetes for at least 10 more weeks (until after Malia is born). I'm supposed to meet with a nutritionist about the diet they want me on, but I haven't heard anything from the doctor's office yet. In the meantime, I've done my own research...learned that I need to follow a low carb diet, exercise and take my own blood a few times a day. I've completely cut out soda/caffeine, am low carbing it and keeping a food journal. I've yet to start working out (really wish the treadmill was working right now), but I try to walk a decent amount during the day. And, I'm surely going to wait to start taking my own blood until they direct me to. No need to hurry that part of the process until I have more information ;) Gestational diabetes means I'll also have another two ultrasounds and a special test to monitor the baby. What it means for Malia is...not much luckily. Left unchecked gestational diabetes can result in a bigger baby and thus delivery complications and she has a greater chance of developing jaundice. Our doctor said that it's really not as big of a deal as it seems, but I'm doing what I can to ensure a healthy baby girl.

On more of a carefree note, Tyler and I had some fun outings since I last blogged. Friday, we caught a show at a local comedy club and that was a lot of fun. It was my first and I think I'd like to go back ;) Saturday, we went to the movies (Tyler enjoyed it, I didn't, but that's OK...) and then we went to a single's ward reunion (the babies there were *adorable*). Then, Sunday, we traveled an hour away to attend Tyler's cousin's baby's blessing. I had so much fun meeting that side of the family and chatting with them over BBQ. I married into a great family! Sad, they don't live closer...we'd probably visit on a regular basis if they did.

Wrapping things up, I have a friend (Miss BettyJo) who's starting to get into clipping coupons and I said I'd join her. I'm challenging myself to a couple clipping episode before going grocery shopping this week. I'll let you know how I do!

Ultrasound Woes

We've had a few ultrasounds to date.

I had one at 7 weeks. Baby Malia looked more like a spiraling tornado than a human baby at this point, but we heard a heartbeat thus confirming human form!

I also had an ultrasound (3D) at 18 weeks - the fun gender determination/organ and parts check up. Baby Malia looked human! But, still not super cute, want to kiss your cheeks human. Her face was skinny, but her arm and thumb were super, super cute!

Today was our last scheduled ultrasound (3D) at 28 weeks. Tyler and I had been looking forward to this appointment for weeks! We were told we'd be able to see a cute, chunky baby face in 3D. Sadly though, baby Malia decided comfortable meant deep in my pelvis, curled up into a ball, head facing my back. We didn't get any 3D ultrasound shots. Even the 2D shots we got printed are indistinguishable. Is there a baby even really in there?

The good news...from what we can see she's doing great! She's 2 lbs, 15 oz now, almost 3 lbs! I couldn't get over how heavy she is. I looked online last night at baby weight averages at 28 weeks and they were around 2.2 lbs. Although from additional reading, I've deduced that the tech's estimation can be off. We're saying almost 3 lbs though now and looking healthy! Heartbeat was 161 bpm which is normal. The tech was surprised at how low she is. She seems to like cuddling really low in my pelvis which equals lots of bathroom trips to empty a not so full bladder. We joked around with the nurse practitioner that low might mean easy delivery. She doesn't have that far to go before she's out, right!? She just laughed and indicated with her hands that she had this "------" much to go before delivery (about 6" really) and in labor and delivery, that's still a decent distance.

Anyways, since we didn't get to see a cute face today, Tyler and I decided to take matters into our own hands and scheduled a 1 hour 3D ultrasound at an office that only does ultrasounds. Not covered by insurance, no, but they assure us we'll definitely get to see our baby (we'll get her face forward!) and both sets of parents are coming along to view the event.

So, we're excited again - we have another appointment to really look forward to before delivery when we'll have our own unobstructed 3D/4D views of baby Malia.

A Bulleted Update

• Baby Malia's crib is here! Tyler put it together this week and it's a beauty. I would take pictures of the room, but I want to wait until the bedding is in the crib/everything is all set up. She still needs curtains for her closet, maybe new blinds?, a few photos hung up and the doors painted. If anyone has any coupons send them my way =)

• Speaking of Malia, we're liking the name Quinn too. Could it be Malia Quinn Morris? Quite possibly!
  

• Tyler's having fun at school this week. It's spirit week so, he's been dressing up. Today was mismatch/mix-up day and he left the house with two different shoes, two different socks, conflicting plaid shirt and shorts, two ties and he even styled his hair differently on either side of his head. I swear this boy should win an award for the most fun teacher. I'm going to try and get a picture when he gets home to show you how cute he is.
  
  
  (I guess it was just one tie!)
  

• Our family is feeling pretty blessed lately. Our heating/AC unit went out this week and both of us got sick with colds. Tyler called around and found someone in the ward who has his own business repairing heating/AC units and he came out and evaluated what the problem was. We were hoping, hoping that it wouldn't be much to fix and I guess it would have been very expensive, but he's giving us something like a 90% discount for being in the same ward and wanting to help us out. How nice is that? It's good to have a great ward (church) family! Some of our other 2010 and 2011 windfalls:
  

• Lost a job (Hollywood), but gained a dream job (teaching)
• Car broke down (Subaru), but applied a big tax refund to a new one
• Quit a job (All Star - chiropractic), but gained a better one in a better environment (Performance - physical therapy)
• Health insurance bills are huge now with the baby (high deductible), but have a health savings card with money to put towards the bills and our plan year finishes right after the baby is born (a great thing)

... we must be doing something right!

We hope you're doing good and feeling blessed too...

Happy Birthday Tyler!

Yesterday was my adorable husband's 28th birthday. He wanted to open up his presents before work so we were able to do that at 6:30 am (this took some endurance on my part since I'm so not a morning person). He got a video game, a Bone book, some running shorts and running shoes. The lucky guy! He loved everything and although I haven't seen him in the shorts yet, the shoes only accentuate his handsomeness.

After presents, Tyler went to work as usual, but got presents from the kids as well (taco bell gift cards and super fun homemade cards) and one of the moms surprised him with a cookie cake for him and the class. Tyler's parents also surprised him at work which I know he wasn't expecting since we celebrated his birthday as a family on Sunday and they were heading to California that day. They brought balloons and cupcakes for all. It's so much fun being a teacher! After work, we went to Red Robin for some good dinner and a birthday song.

Got home and he requested Scott Pilgrim vs. the World on DVD, a movie I enjoy and that he's border line obsessed with ;) I fell asleep during the movie and we had to stop it because I think he was tired too. A fun day for a weekday birthday!

Today, Tyler requested that my mom and I come up to school to see a musical the 2nd grade put on. It was called Bugz and it was so much fun (sad that I didn't have a camcorder to record it...we're still pricing around for one). The kids were all adorable in their costumes and I have some of the musical numbers still stuck in my head. When we walked in Tyler was with his class (and stayed with them throughout the production). He looked so proud. His students are his kids too and I know it's going to be hard saying good bye to them this summer. Although, Malia will be a great distraction. Love my husband. Happy Birthday again Tyler! This makes 3 birthdays we've celebrated as a couple.

Happy Wednesday!

Just a quick little update today.

@ 24 weeks - could not only feel the baby kicking, but could see her kicks too.

@ 25 weeks - still kicking (I started to write cooking...I guess that's true too) and starting to notice some significant stomach growth. Weight gain so far +18 lbs. Still trying to hold onto my dream of 25 lbs total. We'll see though. No real cravings still, but I was hungry all night last night. Wendys, a burrito, fruit snacks and soup for dinner please! In my defense for the entire *other* part of the day I just had cereal and a small dinner roll though. And the burrito was small and the can of soup was tiny. I know I'm justifying it...

15 more weeks to go! Really 5 and then I'm going to start counting down the weeks =) I told Tyler that I predict Natalie Portman and I will deliver on the same day (probably a little early?) Speaking of celebrities, my fellow pregnant friends and I are in good company right now. Other expecting celebs: Mariah Carey, Jewel, Natalie Portman, Pink, Alyssa Milano, Jessica Alba.

Finished the baby registries the other day and I'm quite proud of them (I think I was pretty thorough). I've had a checklist written practically since the day I found out I was pregnant. I've been buying slowly since, but the rest of my checklist is successfully up at target.com (link) and amazon.com (link). My favorites...a tiny archway of play toys for the car seat and moo shoes at amazon.com and a delectable looking Bobby cover at target.com for less than $10. Though I told Tyler when we got home from target that I'm really not a fan of their baby registry. It seems like a lot of what we scanned showed up as "product unavailable" when we got home or there was just an item number and when we'd click on it, it would tell us "page not found". That and the fact that there are a lot of missing pictures bugs me. Maybe I should work for target and help them improve things? I'd be more than fine taking product pictures all day and uploading them to the computer. Amazon.com is a lot more reliable, but I understand not everyone shops online.

By the way, March 16th, we get to get to see the baby again! She'll be 28 weeks and the doctor tells us she'll have a cute, fat baby face then. The ultrasound will be in 3D. Look out for those pictures! Next to finding out the sex, this is the appointment I'm most excited about!

Anyways, quick post became long and I've got to get going. Tomorrow Tyler turns 28! and I still have work to do in getting his birthday ready. Happy Wednesday!

Big Picture Post 1

Apparently I've been on quite the roll with blogging and why stop today? I was looking through some old camera pictures we uploaded to the computer and have decided to share. I hope you enjoy.

Let's start with animals past and present:

Love the balls cats put themselves into. This is Hercules, my trusty 17 year old cat who still lives at home with my parents.

Josie, our dog, came from humble beginnings. Here's her first mug shot at the shelter before we'd even gotten to know each other in person.

The Josie "Hitler" picture. Check out those lips. Something weird is going on here...

My favorite Josie picture with her in my favorite Josie outfit.

Tyler's favorite Josie picture. Riding in the front seat of his old Subaru. She liked to look out the front window.

Sphinx, my old co-worker. Love this picture of him. It was so flattering to his sometimes moody disposition.

Yamaka, a sweet little baby duck that had a fun little fluff on his head. Everyone at work thought he was adorable and I wish I had taken him home to my mom, but she didn't want a duck at the time and still doesn't.

A Budweiser Clydesdale on holiday for a little bit. They were big boys and came with a Dalmation.

James, the camel, the one I miss the most from my old job. He was much more handsome in person.

Now onto family and friends:

Freshly engaged cute looking couple that we were (and probably still are). PS - that dress I'm wearing I'd like to sell. Contact me for details!

Speaking of Tyler...what I get to wake up to every morning. That is, when I wake up first. He's so sweet when he sleeps.

Trying to keep things light in the ICU while my mom slept.

One of my best friends, Andrea, who I used to work with. I thought about jumping up into her arms, but then decided it might hurt.

Ready to go out on a date, I think. Ok, not really. I'm sure she doesn't wear the headpiece.

Now no one can say I never have pictures to share =) Those are all I have for now, but I'm sure I'll do a picture post again. Maybe even as soon as next week. PS - Happy 24 weeks to me! I posted on facebook that today officially marks the day that I can not only feel the baby moving, but I can see her kicks as well. Glad she's doing good and is healthy and kicking.

Valentine's Day 2011

Was perfect!

I surprised Tyler with a house full of hearts leading up the stairs and to our bedroom door. The door was covered with hearts and a home made sign that revealed he had 10 tickets hidden within to redeem for sweet affection and gifts. One a day for 10 days leading him into his birthday on the 24th. He's found five so far and chose a back massage last night. I'm not sure what he's choosing tonight. He's got a never been tried homemade dinner, early morning breakfast, foot massage and CD to choose from. I doubt he'll go for the breakfast since it's a morning thing, but I wouldn't put it past him. Pictures...

After searching for tickets, I got my V-Day present, accompanied by a handwritten note. I got a sweet little distressed hat covered with peace signs (my fav!) and a rhinestone headband from this drool worthy store I found weeks ago. It's a girly girl's dream and while I'm not supremely girly girl it does bring out the princess within. I also gave Tyler a book. It's 100 or so pages and it has maybe 200+ questions to fill out recalling certain moments from our relationship, what we love about each other, etc. I had gotten Tyler and I both a copy of this book last year for Valentine's Day and Tyler filled his out in just a few months. It's taken me a year to finish mine. Although I did have to buy a new one recently because Josie had gotten to my original one.

Gift exchange was followed up by dinner at Oreganos, this awesome, awesome Italian restaurant that specializes in Chicago style pizza, pasta and sandwiches. We were taken right in and got to sit on the patio in the 70 something weather as the sun went down. It was perfect and the food was dreamy. Tyler got ziti in a bread bowl and I got chicken lasagna. We were wowed by the customer service all night. It wasn't an uptight restaurant by any means (meaning fancy, fancy), but the staff was supper attentive, wrapped our food for us and sent us home with a huge soda to take home. We finished the night with a pizza desert (cookie dough topped with ice cream). Mmm...if you live in the Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa area and haven't had Oreganos please go. Prices are reasonable too.

Came home to play some scrabble (2x the points for words having to do with love) and watched a movie rental (You Again).

Thanks for the day Tyler!