We're having a...

My ultrasound was scheduled for June 1st, but yesterday afternoon they called to see if I could come in this morning at 9 a.m. I was like, "let me think about that for a second....OKAY!!!"

So bright and early this morning I got to see this baby. Right from the beginning, the ultrasound lady said that the baby was very active, which I could have told her. Thankfully, she was able to get very clear pictures of everything she needed. The baby is perfectly healthy in every way, which all of you moms can attest is a huge sigh of relief.

Well, now that I've built up the suspense, we are having a baby girl! She wasn't shy at all in letting us see she is clearly a girl. We couldn't be happier. I'm already itching to go out and buy all sorts of girl stuff.

And I already have to show her off to you. This is a profile picture of our sweet girl, followed by a belly shot of me with that growing girl. It is crazy that I'm just a few days shy of half way done!

Why little boys need dads

Reason number 93: They make the best forts!

First Camping Trip of the Season

Since Steve starts his internship next week, we decided we needed to have some fun family time. And if you're Steve, fun is defined as dirt, bugs and having your clothes smell like smoke. Even though we usually only go camping for one night at a time, we always FILL the Durango. I guess it is better to be over prepared than the opposite!

The whole day leading up to our leaving, Tyler could only talk about camping. He is his father's son, all he needs to be happy is a stick and a whole lot of dirt.

After dinner, we explored the area a bit, then went back to camp for smores! Tyler would put his marshmallow on the end of his hanger then eat it. I guess when you are little, it doesn't matter if the pure sugar is fire-toasted. Apparently, Tyler didn't think his four marshmallows were enough, so he thought he might help Dad clean off his face.

We thought that since Tyler was used to a big boy bed, we'd have a somewhat restful night. That was sort of the case. He fell asleep about 45 minutes before we came into the tent, but after all three of us were on the air mattress, Tyler decided it was play time. For the next several hours, he would bounce back and forth between us. It must have been after one a.m. when he was finally plum tuckered out, that all he needed was a kiss from his mom and his blanket and he was out. We all slept pretty well after that and didn't get out of the tent until after 9. Tyler woke up happy and ready to rove the campsite!

Following a breakfast of blueberry pancakes and sausage (yum), we explored a little more. Tyler was quite curious about the trees, birds, bugs, and river. All in all, our camping season is off to a great start!

Such a big boy

Tyler is sure growing up. How do I know this? He has a sudden urge to do everything himself. Whether it is climbing things, eating, or whatever, he has to be the one to do it. The result? Bruises, sticky fingers and messy faces! He also has started saying things like "Don't do that" or "Tyler do it!" So opinionated!




We decided that now was the time to move him into his 'big boy' room. We tried to talk it up as much as possible while we organized and such. By the time we got to building his new dresser and put on the Ikea bedding, he was totally on board with the big boy room. The first night in his room, he didn't get out of bed once and slept for his normal twelve hours. When we went in his room the next morning, he said very enthusiastically "I like it! Tyler sit on the big potty." Further proof he is coming into his own. We of course encourage the big potty whenever he wants. Since then, he has only gotten out of bed twice shortly after we tuck him in for the night.



This last adventure was at the Hogle Zoo carousel last week. Tyler was unsure at first, and he kept reminding me that we needed to hold on tight. Once the carousel started moving he roared like a lion and waved to anyone and everyone. He loved that lion and asked for "one more time." I just love watching him grow up!

I'm a firm believer in celebrating my Birth Week!

The past week has been so busy and fun, this is the first chance I've had to sit down. Last Wednesday, my sister, her husband, and little boy drove up from Phoenix for about a week. Us girls wasted no time in getting to the fun stuff. Both Kristin and I got our hair cuts in Salt Lake. Following that pampering, we ate a quick dinner then Kristin, my mom and I all went to get pedicures. That is my true guilty pleasure. I LOVE having cute toes!

Thursday and Friday the girls went to Women's Conference at BYU, while the husbands watched the boys. Thank you Steve and Jay! This was only my second time at the conference, but what a treat. Two things stuck out in my mind the most after the Conference. The first, the wonderful influence music can have in your life. Some of the most spiritual experiences I've had have come because of beautiful music. The second is that I'm not alone. My Savior is there to guide me and help me every step of the way. Like most mother's, I really do struggle sometimes. I wonder how in the world I'm going to teach this little person everything I need. The answer is that I can and do have help. That is a very comforting thought.

Saturday, my actual birthday, was so relaxing. After a delicious breakfast (thank you Kristin!), I visited Ikea, DSW shoes, and Nordstrom Rack. We found some super cute things for Tyler's Big Boy room at Ikea, and I found two new pairs of shoes. There's nothing better than getting a sassy pair of snake skin peeped-toed shoes on your birthday. Thanks for not complaining honey!

The next day, to continue the birth week festivities, we headed up to Kaysville for a big family dinner. It was great to see Tyler having fun watching the lightning storm with all the boys, climb like a monkey with his best buddy, and help mom and dad blow out our candles. After the little ones went to sleep, my family 'let' me win Phase 10 for the first time in years. Not a bad end to a week long celebration.