This is Jason's first semester in the MAcc (Masters of Accounting) program, and things are going well. Over the past month or so he has been interviewing for internships for Winter semester. Out of the top 4 accounting firms, he has been accepted for second-round interviews by 3 of them. They are each flying him out to Dallas during October and November to have one more interview before making a decision.
This semester has been very busy with student teaching. I wake up at 4:45 or 5:00 every morning so that I can get myself and Callie ready for the day. We then leave at 6:30 or 6:45 and I spend the next hour as a taxi driver. I drop off Jason on campus (an hour before his classes even start), then I drop off Callie at Grandmas in Highland. I then drive to Pleasant Grove to the schools I'm teaching at. Although this has been a very difficult and stressful semester, it has been much better than expected thanks to the Lord sending many angels to help, including:
Jason: He helps me with Callie (he's so good at pacifying her) and he helps make lunches most days. He has been so patient in putting up with a messy house, and he is always there to encourage me, talk with me, and have fun with me!
My Mom: She came out to help the first week of school, taking care of Callie all day to cut down on driving time and stress. She has also been a great help and support, even if we are living in different states. I love being able to talk with her frequently during my long drives.
My Mother-in-law: She takes care of Callie all day every day while I'm at school. I am grateful to her for being so willing to give up so much of her time, and she is always happy to do so.
My Grandma Black: She cooks our family a meal once a week (that lasts at least two meals). Since I go pick up Callie in Highland, it's easy to drop by Grandma's house on my way home. I have loved visiting with her each week and her food is delicious! She has really helped make my burden lighter.
My cooperating teacher, Mr. Beck: I worried and prayed all summer long that my cooperating teacher would be understanding of my situation, because that one factor would make or break my semester. I don't think I could have been put with someone more understanding or helpful. He knows my top priority is and should be my daughter and he treats me accordingly.
My sisters: Although we are all thousands of miles away from each other, I feel strengthened and uplifted when I talk with them. Andrea is doing a similar thing right now (only her life is even crazier than mine), working as a teacher's aid at a school, completing her education, and mothering 2 children. Melissa also student taught with a daughter (and was pregnant), so she also knows what it's like and successfully made it through to graduation. They are great sisters and great friends.
I have already learned a lot this semester, and I am striving to enjoy the journey.
Monday, October 11, 2010
At Three Months Old, Callie is:
*Smiling more frequently and readily 
*Rolling from her tummy to her back (she's been able to roll from her back to her side for a while): Video to come
*Talking baby talk
*Laughing
*Still sleeping through the night (I don't know how I would student teach otherwise). She frequently ends up upside down, sideways, and with her covers thrown off.
*Eating a TON
*Trying to sit up (when she's laying on her back, she tries to sit up by lifting her head sometimes accompanied by grunting and a look on her face of trying with all her might)
*Sucking on her fingers (no particular one, she just shoves whichever fingers she can into her mouth)
*Starting to use her hands to grab things (my hair, my shirt, my arm, her toys, her clothes, etc.)
*Bringing great joy to her mommy and daddy!
*Rolling from her tummy to her back (she's been able to roll from her back to her side for a while): Video to come
*Talking baby talk
*Laughing
*Still sleeping through the night (I don't know how I would student teach otherwise). She frequently ends up upside down, sideways, and with her covers thrown off.
*Eating a TON
*Trying to sit up (when she's laying on her back, she tries to sit up by lifting her head sometimes accompanied by grunting and a look on her face of trying with all her might)
*Sucking on her fingers (no particular one, she just shoves whichever fingers she can into her mouth)
*Starting to use her hands to grab things (my hair, my shirt, my arm, her toys, her clothes, etc.)
*Bringing great joy to her mommy and daddy!
Friday, July 30, 2010
One Month Old
Callie is now one month old! I can't believe how quickly time is going. During Callie's first few weeks, my parents, sister Andrea, and Andrea's two kids visited. My mom stayed with us for almost a month--she was such a great help to us as we adjusted to having a baby. I loved spending time with my sister. I don't get to see my sisters often enough so that was a special treat.
My recovery has been more difficult and...complicated than I had anticipated. The first 3 weeks were especially hard, but after many tears, seeing 3 different doctors (4 visits total), and taking 6 different medications, I am on the mend and am feeling much better.
Callie is doing wonderful. For the most part, she sleeps great at night. She's been going to bed around 8:00 or 9:00 and only wakes up once or twice during the night. I love being home with her all day.
Here are some things she enjoys:
-sleeping (especially in anyone's arms, but she does well in her crib too)
-eating
-tummy time (but it usually doesn't last long)
-her pacifier
-her swing
-car rides
Here are some things she doesn't enjoy:
-baths
-being naked
-having her diaper changed
-being put in or taken out of her car seat (although she loves being in it while the car is moving or while daddy swings it)
I've posted a lot of pictures on my facebook, but here are some recent pictures of her as well as a video. The video is for Grandma Black (too big to e-mail).
My recovery has been more difficult and...complicated than I had anticipated. The first 3 weeks were especially hard, but after many tears, seeing 3 different doctors (4 visits total), and taking 6 different medications, I am on the mend and am feeling much better.
Callie is doing wonderful. For the most part, she sleeps great at night. She's been going to bed around 8:00 or 9:00 and only wakes up once or twice during the night. I love being home with her all day.
Here are some things she enjoys:
-sleeping (especially in anyone's arms, but she does well in her crib too)
-eating
-tummy time (but it usually doesn't last long)
-her pacifier
-her swing
-car rides
Here are some things she doesn't enjoy:
-baths
-being naked
-having her diaper changed
-being put in or taken out of her car seat (although she loves being in it while the car is moving or while daddy swings it)
I've posted a lot of pictures on my facebook, but here are some recent pictures of her as well as a video. The video is for Grandma Black (too big to e-mail).
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Callie is finally here!!
Callie arrived on July 10 at 12:11pm weighing 6 lbs 10 oz and measuring 19 inches tall. Here's her birth story:
Everything was ready. Bags packed, house cleaned, laundry done and put away, room set up, both grandmas in town, and all I had left to do was wait. Callie's due date was July 6, but she wasn't ready to come yet. I had a doctor's appointment that day and the doctor said I was maybe dilated to 1+ (I was at a 1 the week before). I had been having contractions the week before and they progressively got stronger as the days went by. By Friday morning my contractions woke me up and were getting painful. My mom and I went about our day doing various things and that evening I started keeping track of my contractions. They were 5-9 minutes apart for 3 hours straight and were getting stronger so we decided it was time to go to the hospital.
When we arrived I was at 3cm, but I did not progress over the course of an hour. The nurse thought we'd be sent home but called the doctor to let him know my stats. He was concerned that my blood pressure was high initially so he wanted me to stay the night and take some tests to make sure things were looking good and then send me home or keep me depending on if things progressed.
They discovered that I had a bladder infection, so they decided to put me on an IV and get some antibiotics into my system. I continued to have very painful contractions a few minutes apart during the night. I was in so much pain (augmented by the infection), but they didn't seem to think I was really ready to have the baby. They gave me some strong pain medication, but it mostly just made me so loopy I didn't really know what was going on. By the second dose, it wasn't even doing that for me. At some point I progressed to 5cm and then my water broke so they finally decided to give me an epidural (it was way past time in my opinion).
The epidural was wonderful! I was finally able to rest and not feel the pain. Within an hour I was dilated to 10cm. The nurse was pretty shocked. She had to check a few times just to be sure, and then I began to push. In our prenatal class they told us to plan to push for 2 hours and then if it was less we would be pleasantly surprised. Well, after almost 3 hours of pushing, the doctor asked if I wanted him to use forceps to help her out. By that point I was completely exhausted and in a lot of pain in my lower back (we found out later that the mattresses on the bed had separated so I had a nice chunk of metal digging into my back), so I gladly obliged and it wasn't too long after that that Callie was delivered.
The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck twice and she gulped some amniotic fluid before coming out, but it wasn't long before she was okay and breathing fine. I can't even describe the incredible feeling of relief, excitement, and amazement when I saw my sweet baby girl for the first time. Suddenly I forgot about all of that pain and how tired I was. The only thing in the world that mattered was that beautiful little girl. She is so sweet and doesn't cry much (yet). She has mostly slept through her first 22 hours of life. Jason and I are so excited to finally have her here!
Everything was ready. Bags packed, house cleaned, laundry done and put away, room set up, both grandmas in town, and all I had left to do was wait. Callie's due date was July 6, but she wasn't ready to come yet. I had a doctor's appointment that day and the doctor said I was maybe dilated to 1+ (I was at a 1 the week before). I had been having contractions the week before and they progressively got stronger as the days went by. By Friday morning my contractions woke me up and were getting painful. My mom and I went about our day doing various things and that evening I started keeping track of my contractions. They were 5-9 minutes apart for 3 hours straight and were getting stronger so we decided it was time to go to the hospital.
When we arrived I was at 3cm, but I did not progress over the course of an hour. The nurse thought we'd be sent home but called the doctor to let him know my stats. He was concerned that my blood pressure was high initially so he wanted me to stay the night and take some tests to make sure things were looking good and then send me home or keep me depending on if things progressed.
They discovered that I had a bladder infection, so they decided to put me on an IV and get some antibiotics into my system. I continued to have very painful contractions a few minutes apart during the night. I was in so much pain (augmented by the infection), but they didn't seem to think I was really ready to have the baby. They gave me some strong pain medication, but it mostly just made me so loopy I didn't really know what was going on. By the second dose, it wasn't even doing that for me. At some point I progressed to 5cm and then my water broke so they finally decided to give me an epidural (it was way past time in my opinion).
The epidural was wonderful! I was finally able to rest and not feel the pain. Within an hour I was dilated to 10cm. The nurse was pretty shocked. She had to check a few times just to be sure, and then I began to push. In our prenatal class they told us to plan to push for 2 hours and then if it was less we would be pleasantly surprised. Well, after almost 3 hours of pushing, the doctor asked if I wanted him to use forceps to help her out. By that point I was completely exhausted and in a lot of pain in my lower back (we found out later that the mattresses on the bed had separated so I had a nice chunk of metal digging into my back), so I gladly obliged and it wasn't too long after that that Callie was delivered.
The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck twice and she gulped some amniotic fluid before coming out, but it wasn't long before she was okay and breathing fine. I can't even describe the incredible feeling of relief, excitement, and amazement when I saw my sweet baby girl for the first time. Suddenly I forgot about all of that pain and how tired I was. The only thing in the world that mattered was that beautiful little girl. She is so sweet and doesn't cry much (yet). She has mostly slept through her first 22 hours of life. Jason and I are so excited to finally have her here!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Day 1 of Freedom!
Today as been my first non-holiday, non-sick weekday without school or work in a long time!! I must say I am thoroughly enjoying it. Finals ended on Thursday, and Friday was my last day working.
We go to Jason's parents' house on Sundays for dinner and usually stay late. On Sunday nights, I typically start feeling stressed about school the next day, the studying I should have done over the weekend, and the need to get to bed at a decent hour. Last night I felt so relaxed and carefree. I didn't have anything to stress about because Monday was coming, and it really didn't matter what time I went to sleep. It was awesome. Jason, on the other hand, plays basketball at 5:00am and then works all day, so this time he was the one pushing me out the door. Now I get to stay at home and nest until Callie comes!
We go to Jason's parents' house on Sundays for dinner and usually stay late. On Sunday nights, I typically start feeling stressed about school the next day, the studying I should have done over the weekend, and the need to get to bed at a decent hour. Last night I felt so relaxed and carefree. I didn't have anything to stress about because Monday was coming, and it really didn't matter what time I went to sleep. It was awesome. Jason, on the other hand, plays basketball at 5:00am and then works all day, so this time he was the one pushing me out the door. Now I get to stay at home and nest until Callie comes!
Monday, June 14, 2010
2nd Anniversary
Jason and I celebrated our second anniversary on Saturday!
I had to take my Praxis exam that morning (part of teacher certification), but I came home to a clean house (including candles and music) and my sweet husband, ready to spend the day with me. We didn't do anything elaborate, but we had a wonderful day just spending time together, playing basketball and games together, watching a movie, and we went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner (one of our favorite restaurants). We thought it was pretty funny that when we got married it was about 107 degrees outside, but two years later in Utah it was in the high 50's. For our anniversary, Jason had one of our engagement pictures printed on a 12x12 canvas to hang in our room. I'm so excited to see it!
I had to take my Praxis exam that morning (part of teacher certification), but I came home to a clean house (including candles and music) and my sweet husband, ready to spend the day with me. We didn't do anything elaborate, but we had a wonderful day just spending time together, playing basketball and games together, watching a movie, and we went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner (one of our favorite restaurants). We thought it was pretty funny that when we got married it was about 107 degrees outside, but two years later in Utah it was in the high 50's. For our anniversary, Jason had one of our engagement pictures printed on a 12x12 canvas to hang in our room. I'm so excited to see it!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Baby things and Us things
Over the past number of weeks, more like months, Jason and I have been very involved in preparing and planning for Callie's arrival. As each weekend approaches and we think about what we want to do together, our plans usually involve doing "baby things." This past weekend I asked Jason if he wanted to do more "baby things" on Friday night and he responded that he wanted to do some "us things" instead, so I surprised him after work with a picnic in the park and a short game of catch (part of his on-going attempt to teach me how to throw and catch a baseball. Even though my parents joke that I was raised on a softball field, I never really mastered the catch and throw myself). We had a great time together!
My pregnancy is still going well and is coming to a close! We're down to weekly doctor's appointments now (no progress yet toward labor). I feel like I'm carrying around a basketball of a tummy, and I think it's getting pretty squished in there because of the smaller amount of food that fits in my stomach at one time, the shortness of breath, the difficulty in bending over and getting up, etc. I'll have to post a picture soon.
My pregnancy is still going well and is coming to a close! We're down to weekly doctor's appointments now (no progress yet toward labor). I feel like I'm carrying around a basketball of a tummy, and I think it's getting pretty squished in there because of the smaller amount of food that fits in my stomach at one time, the shortness of breath, the difficulty in bending over and getting up, etc. I'll have to post a picture soon.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Good News!!
Jason found out yesterday that he has been accepted into the Masters of Accountancy program at BYU!!! All of his hard work, late nights, and studying has paid off! Jason officially has two years left of school, including an internship, and then he'll be done with school. It's so nice to know what we'll be doing and where we'll be for the next couple of years.
We only have 4 weeks left of Spring term. Just 4 more weeks of Music 306...I can do it. I must say, I like taking classes during Spring. I tend to enjoy them much more than during Fall or Winter semesters and they're over quicker, but having 10 tests in 7 weeks of school for 1 class is pretty rough. It'll be over soon though, and then all I will have left of school is student teaching.
I also only have about 5 weeks left of working. It'll be nice once that's over, as much as I love listening to angry mothers yelling at me when their child's graduation is on the line because their child procrastinated and neither parent nor child bothered to read the Read Me First (so appropriately named). I just find it rather fascinating how many people don't plan ahead and look into what they need to do in order to finish a course when a diploma is at stake...Anyway, enough of my ranting. On the positive side, it's a wonderful feeling when I am able to help someone graduate or when I speak to a customer who is appreciative of the great lengths we go to to help them graduate.
Jason and I are so excited for our little girl to come! Only approximately 54 days left! We are most likely going to name her Callie Fae Allphin. Fae is the middle name of Jason's grandma who recently passed away. The name Callie doesn't really have any ancestral significance. We just liked that name.
Well, it is time to get back to studying for my 3rd and 4th exams for Music 306...
We only have 4 weeks left of Spring term. Just 4 more weeks of Music 306...I can do it. I must say, I like taking classes during Spring. I tend to enjoy them much more than during Fall or Winter semesters and they're over quicker, but having 10 tests in 7 weeks of school for 1 class is pretty rough. It'll be over soon though, and then all I will have left of school is student teaching.
I also only have about 5 weeks left of working. It'll be nice once that's over, as much as I love listening to angry mothers yelling at me when their child's graduation is on the line because their child procrastinated and neither parent nor child bothered to read the Read Me First (so appropriately named). I just find it rather fascinating how many people don't plan ahead and look into what they need to do in order to finish a course when a diploma is at stake...Anyway, enough of my ranting. On the positive side, it's a wonderful feeling when I am able to help someone graduate or when I speak to a customer who is appreciative of the great lengths we go to to help them graduate.
Jason and I are so excited for our little girl to come! Only approximately 54 days left! We are most likely going to name her Callie Fae Allphin. Fae is the middle name of Jason's grandma who recently passed away. The name Callie doesn't really have any ancestral significance. We just liked that name.
Well, it is time to get back to studying for my 3rd and 4th exams for Music 306...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Vacation
Jason and I recently drove to Irvine, California to visit my parents. My dad got a new job in a brand new company so he and my mom have been traveling back and forth for the past several months. We had a great time sight-seeing and relaxing with my parents. Here are some highlights:
We visited a mission that had beautiful landscaping!
We saw lots of beautiful beaches and cities.
We walked along the beach on Balboa Island, got our feet wet in the freezing cold ocean, and watched a large group of sailboats preparing for a race.
We went on a boat tour around Balboa to see the $15 million houses and that evening, we went on a gondola ride complete with romantic music, treats, and a beautiful sunset. I really wasn't trying to match the gondolier when I got dressed that morning...
We saw lots of beautiful sunsets.
We visited a mission that had beautiful landscaping!
We saw lots of beautiful beaches and cities.
We walked along the beach on Balboa Island, got our feet wet in the freezing cold ocean, and watched a large group of sailboats preparing for a race.
We went on a boat tour around Balboa to see the $15 million houses and that evening, we went on a gondola ride complete with romantic music, treats, and a beautiful sunset. I really wasn't trying to match the gondolier when I got dressed that morning...
We saw lots of beautiful sunsets.
Flowers
I am going to pretend like it hasn't been snowing and cold the past couple days and post pretty pictures of the flowers that have been blooming in our yard.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Spring is here!
Not only is it finally warm, free of snow (I refuse to talk about the forecast for this weekend), and beautiful outside, but I am done officially done with Winter semester! Jason takes his last exam tomorrow morning and then it will be vacation time (for a few days until Spring term starts).
The horrible pain I was experiencing is gone now! It was pretty bad for about a week, but then progressively got better. I am so grateful that it doesn't appear to be something I'll have to deal with the rest of my pregnancy and I'm so glad it wasn't anything serious.
Here are some pictures since it's been a while:
March 8: 22 weeks, 4 days
April 18: 28 weeks, 3 days
Here are some things we've bought for her.
The horrible pain I was experiencing is gone now! It was pretty bad for about a week, but then progressively got better. I am so grateful that it doesn't appear to be something I'll have to deal with the rest of my pregnancy and I'm so glad it wasn't anything serious.
Here are some pictures since it's been a while:
March 8: 22 weeks, 4 days
April 18: 28 weeks, 3 days
Here are some things we've bought for her.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Amazing Story
Friday, April 2, 2010
Just when I thought this was an easy pregnancy...
On Tuesday morning, around 3:30am, I woke up to some bad pain in my lower right abdomen going through to my lower back. I thought maybe I was sleeping in a weird position or something, so I rolled over and went back to sleep after a few minutes. When I woke up I still had pain, but it was not as bad so I went to school. After my first class I headed to work. I was running a little late so I walked pretty fast. The intense pain in the same spot set in again. I thought if I could just make it to work, it would probably go away, but it didn't. About 15 minutes into work I couldn't handle it any longer so I left, sobbing.
On my way home I called Jason, but he didn't answer because he was in class. I left a message and sent him a text to call me. Many things were going through my head: "what if the same thing happens to me that happened to Andrea...what if my appendix ruptured...what if they have to do surgery? They can't do surgery, I have a baby inside! what if something's wrong with the baby?" I was so scared and was in so much pain. Shortly after I got home Jason called and said he'd come home right away (he walked all the way home from his class because he didn't want me to get up and drive). I began pleading with the Lord that everything would be okay.
While waiting for Jason to get home, I called my doctor's office and they told me I should go to the hospital so they could check things out. We spent about 4 hours in the hospital while they asked me a hundred questions, hooked me up to machines to monitor the baby and me, and took a bunch of tests. Although I didn't realize it, I was having contractions along with the worst times of pain. They decided it wasn't pre-term labor and the baby seemed to be doing fine. They didn't really figure out what was going on. They found some bacteria and thought it could be an oncoming infection, or I could have pulled a muscle or tendon and my body was reacting badly. They sent me home with an antibiotic and told me to "take it easy." That's easier said than done when you're in the second to last full week of the semester and working...
Things seem to be improving. I have less episodes of intense pain and contractions each day. The pain rarely completely goes away and is aggravated by moving, standing, and walking so I'm beginning to think I injured myself. Although I'm still in a lot of pain, I'm so grateful it wasn't anything serious or threatening to the baby.
On my way home I called Jason, but he didn't answer because he was in class. I left a message and sent him a text to call me. Many things were going through my head: "what if the same thing happens to me that happened to Andrea...what if my appendix ruptured...what if they have to do surgery? They can't do surgery, I have a baby inside! what if something's wrong with the baby?" I was so scared and was in so much pain. Shortly after I got home Jason called and said he'd come home right away (he walked all the way home from his class because he didn't want me to get up and drive). I began pleading with the Lord that everything would be okay.
While waiting for Jason to get home, I called my doctor's office and they told me I should go to the hospital so they could check things out. We spent about 4 hours in the hospital while they asked me a hundred questions, hooked me up to machines to monitor the baby and me, and took a bunch of tests. Although I didn't realize it, I was having contractions along with the worst times of pain. They decided it wasn't pre-term labor and the baby seemed to be doing fine. They didn't really figure out what was going on. They found some bacteria and thought it could be an oncoming infection, or I could have pulled a muscle or tendon and my body was reacting badly. They sent me home with an antibiotic and told me to "take it easy." That's easier said than done when you're in the second to last full week of the semester and working...
Things seem to be improving. I have less episodes of intense pain and contractions each day. The pain rarely completely goes away and is aggravated by moving, standing, and walking so I'm beginning to think I injured myself. Although I'm still in a lot of pain, I'm so grateful it wasn't anything serious or threatening to the baby.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Grandma Cook
Last week, Jason's Grandma Cook passed away from a heart attack. We went up to Oregon for her funeral this past weekend. Donna Fae Cook was an amazing lady. She was hard-working, loving, fun, and made a special impression upon all she came to know, including me. She has an amazing legacy, too. She has 8 living children, 57 grandchildren, and 76 great-grandchildren. She lived with her husband in Oregon where they worked on their farm. They also served four missions for the Church.
We last saw Grandma Cook a few weeks ago when she and Grandpa drove down to Utah for the sealing of Jason's sister Kelsie, her husband Rick, and their baby Owen. Grandpa Cook performed the sealing. Just after seeing them, I told Jason that Grandma Cook treated me like her own granddaughter. She was always so loving toward me and was always interested in my life. I felt a special connection with and love for her. I think everyone she knows has felt the same way. We all love her and will miss her, but we know she is in a better place and is no doubt sharing her love and testimony with those on the other side.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Updates
Okay, I've been seriously slacking with my blogging so here's an update. I apologize for the monstrosity of this post, but a lot has happened since I last posted!
3 Weeks Ago: Jason and I went to St. George for the Utah Music Educator's Association conference. I learned a lot myself and felt inspired in my teaching. Also, it was a really nice get-away for us. This was one of the few Fridays Jason could get away with missing school because he had midterms that week and finished them early. Also, while we were down there, I felt the baby move for the first time!
While there we visited the temple. It looked so white and beautiful compared to the red rock surrounding the city. Unfortunately none of my pictures show the red rock. As you can see, we didn't get the warm, sunny weather I was hoping for, but there wasn't any snow there and it was a little warmer than Provo.
On our way home, we stopped at Cove Fort. In 1867, Brigham Young asked Ira Hinckley to build a fort in Cove Creek to serve as a resting station for the many Saints who passed through on their way to settle in Southern Utah. Ira and his family lived there for several years to maintain the fort and serve as hosts for the travelers who stayed there.
2 Weeks Ago: We had a three-day weekend for President's Day and Valentine's Day. Jason and I spent most of the weekend celebrating Valentine's Day. On Saturday Jason pampered me with gifts, took me out to lunch, took me shopping for some maternity clothes, and then we watched a movie that evening. Sunday was mostly spent at church and with his family. On Monday evening I made a special dinner. We ate on our China with candles. It was a wonderful weekend.
1 Week and 3 Days Ago: Jason and I found out that we're having a girl!! This came as a shock to many people (including Jason and I) who were convinced we were having a boy for various reasons. I took digital pictures of the ultrasound pictures. They're kind of hard to see.
This is a profile picture showing her face and part of her upper body with her arm on top.
This picture shows her face with her arm across the bottom of the picture.
Here's the proof that she's a girl. As the technician said it, "nothing pointing North...it's a girl!"
There are her cute little legs and feet (her feet are crossed at the ankles).
So far, Jason and I are thinking of naming her either Callie or Clara. Which do you like best?
1 Week Ago: Jason and I had dinner with Stefani and Nathan. Stefani is Melissa's sister-in-law and one of my good friends from childhood. They went on a cruise this week and we agreed to dog-sit for them, so they had us over for dinner and games so we could meet their cute puppy, Tinkerbell. Stefani and I haven't had much interaction since her family moved away when we were younger, but we had a great time that night! They made the most delicious Alfredo (Jason's begging me to get the recipe) and we played Uno Attack. Jason and I don't do much with other people because of our crazy schedules (and maybe we're a little anti-social), but we had a lot of fun and hope to do something with them again soon!
This Morning: Jason felt the baby kick for the first time! It was also the first big kick I've felt. Although I've felt her moving for a few weeks, I have to be laying on my back and concentrating on nothing but feeling her move and it's been subtle even then. It's so amazing feeling life inside. It makes it feel much more real. I love this sweet baby so much and I just can't wait to meet her!
3 Weeks Ago: Jason and I went to St. George for the Utah Music Educator's Association conference. I learned a lot myself and felt inspired in my teaching. Also, it was a really nice get-away for us. This was one of the few Fridays Jason could get away with missing school because he had midterms that week and finished them early. Also, while we were down there, I felt the baby move for the first time!
While there we visited the temple. It looked so white and beautiful compared to the red rock surrounding the city. Unfortunately none of my pictures show the red rock. As you can see, we didn't get the warm, sunny weather I was hoping for, but there wasn't any snow there and it was a little warmer than Provo.
On our way home, we stopped at Cove Fort. In 1867, Brigham Young asked Ira Hinckley to build a fort in Cove Creek to serve as a resting station for the many Saints who passed through on their way to settle in Southern Utah. Ira and his family lived there for several years to maintain the fort and serve as hosts for the travelers who stayed there.
2 Weeks Ago: We had a three-day weekend for President's Day and Valentine's Day. Jason and I spent most of the weekend celebrating Valentine's Day. On Saturday Jason pampered me with gifts, took me out to lunch, took me shopping for some maternity clothes, and then we watched a movie that evening. Sunday was mostly spent at church and with his family. On Monday evening I made a special dinner. We ate on our China with candles. It was a wonderful weekend.
1 Week and 3 Days Ago: Jason and I found out that we're having a girl!! This came as a shock to many people (including Jason and I) who were convinced we were having a boy for various reasons. I took digital pictures of the ultrasound pictures. They're kind of hard to see.
This is a profile picture showing her face and part of her upper body with her arm on top.
This picture shows her face with her arm across the bottom of the picture.Here's the proof that she's a girl. As the technician said it, "nothing pointing North...it's a girl!"
There are her cute little legs and feet (her feet are crossed at the ankles).So far, Jason and I are thinking of naming her either Callie or Clara. Which do you like best?
1 Week Ago: Jason and I had dinner with Stefani and Nathan. Stefani is Melissa's sister-in-law and one of my good friends from childhood. They went on a cruise this week and we agreed to dog-sit for them, so they had us over for dinner and games so we could meet their cute puppy, Tinkerbell. Stefani and I haven't had much interaction since her family moved away when we were younger, but we had a great time that night! They made the most delicious Alfredo (Jason's begging me to get the recipe) and we played Uno Attack. Jason and I don't do much with other people because of our crazy schedules (and maybe we're a little anti-social), but we had a lot of fun and hope to do something with them again soon!
This Morning: Jason felt the baby kick for the first time! It was also the first big kick I've felt. Although I've felt her moving for a few weeks, I have to be laying on my back and concentrating on nothing but feeling her move and it's been subtle even then. It's so amazing feeling life inside. It makes it feel much more real. I love this sweet baby so much and I just can't wait to meet her!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
New Calling
After a year and a half of teaching primary, Jason and I finally get new callings! Don't get me wrong, Primary is fun, but we were definitely ready for a change. Especially because I still feel like we don't know half the ward. My new calling is the MiaMaid advisor! I am so excited. I absolutely loved Young Women's as a youth. It's such an amazing program. Jason doesn't have a new calling quite yet, but there is one in the works. For now, he gets to go to Elder's Quorum for the second time since we've been in this ward.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
3 weeks and 5 days...
...until we find out what we're having!!! I just had an appointment yesterday and everything is looking good. I love hearing the baby's heartbeat. I think it is the best sound in the world. I still don't have much to see from the outside and I haven't felt anything yet from the inside, so hearing the baby's heartbeat is so reassuring and makes it feel much more real.
Jason wants to have a boy. No, it goes further than desire. He is convinced we're having a boy. He always talks about the baby as if it's a boy and we're already set on a boy name, so I think it will be funny if it's actually a girl. As for me, I can't decide which I would prefer. Hypothetically speaking, I think I would prefer to have a boy first because I always wished I had an older brother around. On the other hand, I cannot wait to have a little girl.
Any guesses? Boy or girl?
Jason wants to have a boy. No, it goes further than desire. He is convinced we're having a boy. He always talks about the baby as if it's a boy and we're already set on a boy name, so I think it will be funny if it's actually a girl. As for me, I can't decide which I would prefer. Hypothetically speaking, I think I would prefer to have a boy first because I always wished I had an older brother around. On the other hand, I cannot wait to have a little girl.
Any guesses? Boy or girl?
Friday, January 15, 2010
Baby Bump
Here are some pictures of my baby bump. I know it doesn't look like much yet, but it sure looks like a huge bulge to me! The picture of me in a maroon shirt is my wanna-be-baby-bump picture from December. The other two were just taken the other day (15 weeks).
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
New Classes
This is my last winter semester ever!!! I can also officially say that I graduate in less than a year! Here's a brief look at my classes this semester:
1. String Workshop (second half): we learn how to play and teach all of the stringed instruments. I played the cello for the first time today and loved it! I'll also be playing the violin briefly this semester.
2. Instrumental Practicum: learning all of the nuts and bolts of teaching (scheduling, budgets, how to choose repertoire, etc.). We also do more conducting in this class.
3. Pre-student teaching: I go to Springville High School for one class period to start teaching in a real classroom (the teacher there says I should be teaching the whole class period on my own by the end of the month--scary!).
4. General Music Methods: this class focuses mostly on teaching elementary-aged kids (and acting like them; during the first class period we sang and danced around the room). We'll also be helping out and teaching in our teacher's music pre-school for kids ages 2-4.
5. Multicultural Education: this class focuses on "designing and adapting instruction for diverse learners, collaborating with families, cultures, and communities in promoting and sustaining learning."
6. Adolescent Development: pretty self-explanitory. This class won't start until halfway through the semester so I don't know much about it yet.
Jason is continuing in the accounting junior core and all of its pertaining joy.
It should be a great semester!
1. String Workshop (second half): we learn how to play and teach all of the stringed instruments. I played the cello for the first time today and loved it! I'll also be playing the violin briefly this semester.
2. Instrumental Practicum: learning all of the nuts and bolts of teaching (scheduling, budgets, how to choose repertoire, etc.). We also do more conducting in this class.
3. Pre-student teaching: I go to Springville High School for one class period to start teaching in a real classroom (the teacher there says I should be teaching the whole class period on my own by the end of the month--scary!).
4. General Music Methods: this class focuses mostly on teaching elementary-aged kids (and acting like them; during the first class period we sang and danced around the room). We'll also be helping out and teaching in our teacher's music pre-school for kids ages 2-4.
5. Multicultural Education: this class focuses on "designing and adapting instruction for diverse learners, collaborating with families, cultures, and communities in promoting and sustaining learning."
6. Adolescent Development: pretty self-explanitory. This class won't start until halfway through the semester so I don't know much about it yet.
Jason is continuing in the accounting junior core and all of its pertaining joy.
It should be a great semester!
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