Pregnancy Update - Week 25

I couldn't see my feet while I was wearing this dress! Baby Girl is moving all the time now and is getting stronger every day. I am not sleeping very well anymore. I just can't get comfortable and I miss sleeping on my stomach and back. I feel good regardless and could probably have a bit more energy if I ate better things. My diet is definitely something I need to work on!

Pregnancy Update - Week 24

Not too much has changed this past week. Except maybe my weight. I really need to get a grip on the eating and exercising wouldn't kill me either. I am heading to California tomorrow with my parents and Grandma and plan on walking each morning. Good sleep is getting harder and harder to come by. I have also noticed that I am experiencing a little heartburn regularly each night. Maybe this little girl has decided to grow some hair! Additionally, we are about 99% painting the nursery!

Pregnancy Update - Week 21, 22 and almost 23

I haven't updated much lately because there hasn't been much change. I am still feeling good. Although sleeping at night is starting to be a little more difficult (just a lot of tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable). Last week I had to wear maternity pants for the first time! A sad day, but I definitely felt more comfortable. I went to the doctor's office last Wednesday and everything is looking good. Her heart rate is excellent and my weight gain is fine (almost 13 pounds so far). The good news from the doctor's appointment is that Dr. Hebert said that she would induce me as soon as 39 weeks. I am due on August 12th, but Rob leaves on a business trip to Boston 10 days after that! So, if it all works out, she could be making her debut as early as the 5th. We still haven't decided on a name yet, but I did buy paint for the nursery over the weekend. I will post some before, during, and after photos - hopefully soon!

P.S. Potty training only lasted two days! Tate wasn't feeling very well (getting two molars) and I think he is still a little young. He went on the potty four times, but also had four accidents. I don't think he is ready yet to tell us when he has to go. I decided that having two kids in diapers won't be the end of the world.

Potty Training - Day 1

Well, we decided that we would give potty training Tate a try. Today was the first day and the day ended even - 4 accidents and 4 successful "pee in the potty." Tate likes to wear his new underwear but isn't very good at letting me know when he needs to go. So as of right now, it is more of a guessing game to get him on the potty at the right time. My strategy today was to sit him on the potty every 30 minutes or so. He wore a diaper during his nap and we will put one on him before he goes to bed. I am just not ready to clean up a wet or messy bed. By the way, this potty training report is simply for future reference (when training child #2) not necessarily something I am writing down for my posterity.

Pregnancy Update - Week 20

HALFWAY THERE! I am feeling a little better everyday, although sleeping at night is starting to suffer. I can feel HER move several times a day now and even saw my stomach jerk as she was moving on Monday. I bought the crib bedding and have started the plans for the nursery!

We are having a GIRL!

And we couldn't be more excited!!! We had the ultrasound this afternoon and everything looks great. We took Tate with us. While I think he was pretty much bored most of the time, he was excited to see his baby sister on the giant TV.

It's a girl!

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Married for 9 happy years

Dear Rob . . .

I have no idea when you will read this since I don't think you ever check this blog. Every chance I get to write down how much I love you helps me to love you a little more. I have said this before, but you saved me. When we met, I was living in an environment (family issues) that was difficult to say the least. But you never once judged me or my family and ALWAYS gave me a safe place to be. You have always made me feel safe.

I cannot truly express how much your smile means to me. When I hear you laugh out loud, it still makes me smile. We have a home filled with happiness and laughter, and that is something that I have always wanted. I remember when we were dating that I thought how lucky I would be if I could marry you. I consider our marriage to be the greatest blessing in my life. You have taught me how to let the little things go (a process I am still working on), how to communicate, how to be an equal partner in a relationship, and how to be a better person.

Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for serving a mission and for the blessings I and our family receive because of that. Thank you for being a worthy priesthood holder. Thank you for being such an amazing Dad. My heart melts when I see how much Tate adores you. This new little baby is so lucky to have you for a daddy. Thank you for working so hard and for providing a safe and comfortable home for us. Thank you for being happy and relaxed. Thank you for being active and introducing our son to the wonderful world of sports! Thank you for loving me unconditionally. I am looking forward to spending forever together. I love you, I love you, I love you.

Always,
Ali