our journey.

new years

2012-01-26T15:28:00.000-08:00

so before January ends, I'd better talk about our fun night we had! Our friends Kevin and Lyndie came down after Christmas to spend a week with us and celebrate New Years together. We had so much fun with them. Lyndie and I went shopping lots and attempted to get pedicures, we caught up on baseball gossip and watched our shows together...I even turned her to the Kardashian side! (my goal in life is that everyone will love the K-Klan as much as I do!) And the boys spent a lot of time golfing and watching different games on. We even were able to experience their first time at Five Guys Burgers and Fries with them, and even though Kevin won't admit it, we're sure he likes it more that In and Out :)

New Years was a lot of fun, we had a bunch of treats and appetizers out and ate way too much. Of course we toasted our Martinelli's Sparkling Cider at midnight! We toasted to Kevin getting into a school here in Vegas and hoped they could buy one of the house right across the street! Wouldn't it be great? Also, we played Start the Party on the PS3, and had it was a hoot! We were laughing so hard together.

We've missed these guys so much and had so much fun while they were here. We want all of our friends to come down and spend time with us!!! (PS Alex and Danielle, I can't believe I never blogged about your trip here!!! I feel horrible!)

Easton's 6 month photos

2012-01-11T15:31:00.000-08:00

My friend Tosha is a photographer and she took the most amazing photos of Easton yesterday! He did so well the whole time, and it was so fun to see him 'in the spotlight!' I am blown away by how grown up he looks in these. He is the most handsome little guy ever!

We used some fun props for him too, some meaningful ones. His tiger Toby that he sleeps with every night and afternoon, his daddy's baby blankie (the yellow and blue one), and his new Panda hat for the Giants next season, he is Pablo 'Panda' Sandoval's newest fan!

the holiday season

2012-01-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

Our holiday's were filled with so much fun! It was different this year than ever before because we were able to leave our home in Las Vegas and go to Utah without any distractions. Each day was a whole day of fun with family and friends, and we didn't have to worry about work and school, housework, etc. It was so relaxing, and just a blast! It's fun to spend the holidays completely care free! We did a lot of different things while we were up:

My dad had his annual Christmas Concert with his singing group Sound Choice. I didn't get any pictures at the event, but I did get some from dinner before with my mom's whole side of the family. We went to Chuck-A-Rama (a Paulson tradition for some reason)

I got to go to lunch with my good friend Alyssa. She had her son Parker 3 days before I had Easton, and it was the first time I've seen her since, and the first time the boys met. It was so much fun to see them play, and compare the two together. It's mind-blowing how different babies are!

Ryan went to the movie theatre this afternoon and watched the new Sherlock Holmes, and Mission Impossible. He had a blast and is no longer able to tease me for enjoying my solo movie dates with myself! That night I picked him back up from the theatre and we headed down to Lehi to see our great friends Alex and Danielle. I didn't get any photos of them or their amazing new home they just built. But it was SO great to see them! Danielle made a yummy dinner, and then we just spent time together catching up and soaking up every second before we had to say goodbye again. We love them so much and miss them everyday!

Christmas Eve we started the afternoon at my parents house with all of my immediate family. Since our time schedules all clashed on Christmas day, we decided to exchange the grand kid gifts and gifts to each other this afternoon. It was so much fun to see what we came up with for each other. But mostly fun to watch the kids tear into their new toys!

That night, we headed over to my grandparents house and met up with my cousins and aunt and uncle. We had yummy hor d'ourves for dinner and then opened up the BALL OF FUN! It's a tradition we've done since before I was born: a bunch of little gifts for everyone wrapped up, and then stuck inside a big ball of parchment paper. Grandpa unravels it and passes out gifts to everyone as their name comes up!

As we were getting Easton ready for bed that night, we had quite a scare. We noticed a big rash starting on his arms, neck and back. We fed him his bottle and then checked it again, and it had gotten much worse in just a short amount of time. We were really worried, so Ryan suggested that he and my dad give him a Priesthood blessing. After the blessing, my dad called his friend who is a doctor for some advice. He suggested we get some children's benedryl for him and see how it looked the next morning. We headed to the Smith's...they didn't have any, then Wal*Mart....they were closed (weird?)....and then Wal-Greens. Finally we were able to find the benedryl! We hurried home to check it out and get him the medicine. But as soon as we checked him we were shocked to see that the rash had completely cleared up. There wasn't even the slightest trace of it! It is AMAZING to see the miracles that the Priesthood power can bring.

After we got him to bed, my mom and I got breakfast ready for the next morning, then we read the story of the Christ Child before we headed to bed.

Christmas morning was amazing! It was so much fun to have a little one. Even though he is little and didn't know what was going on exactly, he could sense the excitement and was so happy and fun all day! We were beyond spoiled this year! Ryan got a couple pairs of shoes he has been wanting. I got a VITAMIX! I wanted it so so so badly and Ryan got ahold of my parents and they all went in on it together for me! And of course Easton was spoiled with toys and toys and oh...so more toys!

We drove out to West Point to see Ryan's sister Kristin and her family before we headed up to Logan to see the rest of his family. Kim had made some yummy yummy hor d'ourves to snack on, while the guys watched sports. After the game, we opened presents with everyone! They were amazing as always! Ryan got a new driver to add to his set of golf clubs, and I got a bunch of adorable new clothes, and E, he got some more toys :)

For dinner Norm and Kim made a delicious ham and au gratin potatoes, rolls, veggies, salads, etc.

We are so so blessed to have such an amazing family. We are so close to both sides, and each have a fun relationship with each family member that we treasure. The holidays are always such an amazing time to be with family, but even more so when you don't get to see them often and live in a different state.

6 months, half way!!!

2012-01-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that 6 MONTHS has gone by! I feel like I'm the parent of a toddler already! He hasn't stopped growing for a second physically or in his personality! He is so much fun to watch every day, and he changes so quick, you don't want to miss a second!

21.4 pounds (96th percentile)
28 inches tall (74th percentile) he grew two inches in one month!
he LOVES to blow raspberries
likes to put all eight of his little fingers in his mouth at once
loves loves loves his baby food and eating
he got a new booster chair for Christmas and he looks so grown up in it
he got his first ear infection in December, which wasn't nearly as bad as the effects from the antibiotic (diaper rash from H.E double hockey sticks!)
started sitting up on his own, when he gets tired he leans forward on his belly to prop him up
rolls around like crazy
he loves grabbing your face. He is infatuated with noses and eyebrows
his 9 month clothes are getting tight
as of today his schedule is as follows:

7:30-8:00- 8 oz formula

8:30- two scoops rice with a tub of fruit

9:30-11:30- nap

12:00- 6 oz. formula, 1.5 scoops rice and 1/2 tub veggies

2:00-3:30- nap

4:00- 6 oz. formula

5:30- 2 scoops rice with a tub of veggies

7:00- bathtime, then 8 oz. formula and then bed time

He is head over heels in love with Ryan. He can't get enough of his Poppy
Likes to watch Baby Einstein
Still never cries when he wakes up. We just have to keep checking on him and guess when he will wake up. He is very patient.
He has been on 6 plane rides! and 5 of them, he was an angel! (we won't talk about the other time :)

He is such an amazing baby, our other kids have a LOT to live up to!

Wisemen Still Seek Him

2011-12-20T10:54:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-12T21:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope your holiday season and all your fun parties coming up are all filled with fun and shared with loved ones!

**photography and card design by Camille Garrison, http://camillegarrison.com/

5 months

2011-12-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

Two days ago our little man of the house celebrated his FIVE MONTH BIRTHDAY! I can't believe how big he is getting, and how much more interactive he gets everyday! I still am blown away at how amazing it is to watch him learn new things each day. Here are some of the new things he has been up to this past month:

Weighs 20 pounds
Loves his crinkle-winged fly toy
Best. Sleeper. Ever. We lay him down in his crib, give him Toby his tiger, and leave him. He falls asleep within 15 minutes and if he wakes up sooner than we go get him, he just waits patiently, then greets us with a gigantic smile!
celebrated his first Thanksgiving!
started eating rice cereal November 9

Had his first giggle fit on November 13, hilarious!
first time eating puree's was November 14: Squash
since then he has had green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and peaches. He loves them all and is such a good eater! Less and less gets on his bib and hands and he's eating all of it :) Proud mama moment!
Rolled over for the first time on November 16

He held his own bottle on November 27, hasn't done it since, so it was just an adorable accident :)

He loves standing up while holding onto our fingers
Also can sit up really well with just a little help from mom and dad for balance.
He blows raspberries and gurgles when he gets bored, like while driving in the car or while I make dinner.

so grateful

2011-11-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving I had so much to be thankful for, it was overwhelming. Here is a short list of some of the things I think about each day and am so happy and lucky to call mine.

a happy and healthy baby

a new home

Ryan's school

the Gospel

our new ward being so welcoming

family who loves us

a happy and forever marriage

friends here and in Utah

a full fridge and pantry

an able body

amazing insurance

a classic Thanksgiving dinner on the table

11 adorable nieces and nephews, and one on the way

technology to keep in contact with everyone we love

warm weather

my first turkey!

the whole feast!

my plate (i didn't even half, my eyes were WAY bigger than my stomach)

to top off the night, my prized dish, Banana Cream Pie. Seriously amazing!

and in case anyone wants the recipes, I'll post my Thanksgiving week itinerary, complete with recipes and timing so that you can eat it all at once!

Thanksgiving

Menu:

Turkey

Green Beans

Rolls

Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Candied Yams

Gravy

Banana Cream Pie

Sunday:

· Prepare the sourdough starter:

o 2 cups warm water

o 2 cups flour

o 1 package yeast

· Place Turkey in Fridge to defrost

Tuesday:

· Bake Sourdough Bread:

o 4 3/4 cups bread flour

o 3 tablespoons white sugar

o 2 1/2 teaspoons salt

o 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

o 1 cup warm milk

o 2 tablespoons margarine, softened

o 1 1/2 cups sourdough starter

o 1 extra large egg

o 1 tablespoon water

o 1/4 cup dehydrated onion

o In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and dry yeast. Add milk and softened butter or margarine. Stir in starter. Mix in up to 3 3/4 cups flour gradually, you may need more depending on your climate.

o Turn dough out onto a floured surface, and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turn once to oil surface, and cover. Allow to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in volume.

o Punch down, and let rest 15 minutes. Shape into loaves. Place on a greased baking pan. Allow to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.

o Brush egg wash over tops of loaves, and sprinkle with chopped onion.

o Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or till done.

· Start Yams. Prepare and then put in fridge to be cooked on Thursday.

o Candied Yams:

§ 2-3 yams, peeled and diced

§ 1 cube butter

§ 1 cup brown sugar

o Cook in a covered pot at Medium heat for 30 minutes, until tender.

o Once softened, place in the mixer, and beat until whipped and smooth. Sprinkle in nutmeg and cinnamon.

o Scoop into 8x8 baking dish, cover with marshmallows.

o Cover with Foil

Wednesday:

· Make Pie:

o Crust, Preheat oven to 475 degrees:

§ 1 cup flour

§ 1 tsp. salt

§ 1/3 cup and 1 Tbls. butter, cubed

§ 2-3 Tbls. Cold water

· Mix all together, form into ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in fridge 45 minutes.

· Roll out into a large circle. Gently fold into fourths, place in greased pie pan, and gently unfold.

· Press dough into plate. Don’t stretch it. Trim excess.

· Bake 8-10 minutes

o Filling:

§ 5 Tbls. Cornstarch

§ 1 cup sugar

§ ¼ tsp. salt

§ 2 ½ cups milk

§ ¾ cup half & half or evaporated milk

§ 3 egg yolks

§ 2 Tbls. Butter

§ 1 tsp. vanilla

§ 1 cup whipping cream

§ 2 bananas

· Mix cornstarch, sugar, salt in medium sauce pan.

· Add milk and half & half. Cook over medium heat until smooth and thick. STIR CONSISTENTLY.

· Pour small amount of milk mixture into egg yolks, mix, pour back into the rest of milk mixture.

· Cook another 2-3 minutes, remove from heat.

· Add vanilla and butter.

· Slice bananas into the bottom of pie shell.

· Pour filling on top, chill 3-4 hours

· Top with whipped cream and bananas

· Brine Turkey:

1 gallon water

1 bunch fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon dried thyme

10 garlic cloves

1 cup salt

1 bunch sage

2 cups maple syrup

1 gallon ice water

2 cups apple cider

§ In a large stock pot, combine the water, sea salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, maple syrup and garlic cloves. Bring to a boil, and stir frequently to be sure salt is dissolved. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature.

§ When the broth mixture is cool, pour it into a clean 5 gallon bucket (we used a cooler). Stir in the ice water and cider.

§ Place the turkey, breast down, into the brine. Make sure that the cavity gets filled. Place the bucket in the refrigerator overnight but no longer than 12 hours.

Thursday:

· Make Roll dough:

o 5-6 c. Flour

o 4 T. Sugar

o 1 t. Salt

o 2 T. Yeast

o ½ c. Powdered Milk

o 2 ½ c. Water

o ¼ c. Margarine (melted)

§ Put 2 c. flour, sugar, salt, powdered milk, and yeast in bowl. Stir to mix.

§ Add 2 ½ c. very warm water and melted margarine. Mix with mixer (dough hook) about 2 minutes.

§ Add remaining flour ½ c. at a time until dough clings to hook and cleans sides of bowl. Continue mixing 5 more minutes.

§ Place in greased bowl. Turn to coat. Let rise

· Turkey:

o Preheat oven to 500 degrees

o Remove the turkey from brine and carefully drain off the excess brine and pat dry. Discard excess brine.

o Make a ‘breast plate’ out of doubled foil (in case it begins over browning)

o Place inside the cavity:

§ Fresh rosemary sprigs

§ Fresh thyme

§ Chopped onion

§ Chopped apples

§ Chopped carrots

o Rub with vegetable oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper

o Place in 500 degree oven for 30 minutes

o Check for over browning, if so add breast plate

o Reduce temperature to 350 degrees. Add the meat thermometer.

o Bake until internal temperature reached 165 degrees

o Keep in mind that brined turkeys cook about 5-10% faster so watch the temperature!

· Second Rise for rolls:

o Roll out ½” thick in large rectangle.

o Top rectangle with half of butter mixture then sprinkle with ¾ c. grated cheddar cheese on top.

§ Butter-Herb Mixture

§ ½ c. Melted Butter

§ 2 t. Rosemary

§ 2 t. Oregano

§ 1 t. Lemon Pepper

§ ½ t. Garlic Salt

o Roll like cinnamon rolls, cut and place on pan.

o Coat with remaining butter. Let rise until double.

· Prepare Stuffing:

o 12 cups cubed (1 inch) sourdough bread

o 4 tablespoons olive oil

o 2 tablespoons dried thyme

o Salt and pepper, to taste

o 2 pounds sausage meat

o 4 cups chopped onions

o 4 cups diced celery

o 2 tablespoons minced garlic

o 2 teaspoons dried sage

o 2 Granny Smith apples, cut into ½-inch dice

o 1 cup dried cranberries

o 1 cup dried small black figs (or dates), halved

o 2 cups chicken broth

§ Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the thyme, salt and pepper. Spread the bread cubes on two baking sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly toasted.

· Brown the sausage in a heavy pan, breaking up the clumps. Using a slotted spoon, remove the sausage to the bowl; discard the fat. Place remaining 2 tablespoons oil in the pan and wilt the onions, celery, garlic and sage over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often. Add to the bread cubes along with the fruit.

§ Drizzle the broth over the mixture to moisten. Toss well. Season with salt and pepper.

§ Bake with sweet potatoes after turkey is done and cooling.

· Bake Rolls:

o Bake at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

· Bake Candied Yams and Stuffing at 350 for 30 minutes, until warmed through.

· Green Beans:

o Boil fresh snapped green beans, 30-40 minutes until tender

o Dice onion and bacon

o Cook bacon until crispy. Place on paper towel.

o Sautee onion in remaining bacon grease.

o Toss bacon and onion into the beans.

· Mashed Potatoes:

o Peel and chop

o Boil

o Mix on high, add:

§ Little milk

§ Parsley

§ Minced garlic

§ Salt

§ Pepper

§ ½ cube of butter

· Gravy:

o 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter

o 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

o 1 teaspoon dried thyme

o Salt and pepper, to taste

o 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

· Whip the whipping cream for pie

Strawberry Mango Salsa

2011-11-22T08:53:00.000-08:00

Best dessert ever. I made this the other night, and we ate it so quick, I couldn't believe how fast all the chips were gone! And it's the easiest thing ever!

Strawberry Mango Salsa

1 mango, finely diced

8-10 strawberries, finely diced

1 tsp. vanilla extract

couple shakes of basil

one shake cinnamon

Mix well, chill in fridge for a about an hour. Serve with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips:

Cinnamon Tortilla Chips:

3-4 flour torillas

Pam light cooking spray

Cinnamon sprinkle

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with Pam. Stack the torillas on top of each other, cut with pizza cutter into 8 triangles. Arrange each chip onto the coated sheet, and spray the tops of totillas with Pam as well. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they feel crisp and start to brown.

our new house!

2011-11-19T15:06:00.000-08:00

Well, we moved in back in July. And the house was great! It was just an empty canvas ready for us to do anything we wanted! It was just white walls, and pretty new carpet, so after decorating and painting, I feel like it is really ours! Everything is coming together perfectly, and we catch ourselves about once a week saying "I just love our house!" So without further ado, and about 4 months later than you all wanted, here is our house!

I still need to paint the kitchen and put up a back splash. Other than that, the house is pretty much, complete!

Baked Chicken Fajitas

2011-11-16T18:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight's dinner discovery did not disappoint! It was so yummy and filling, and low low LOW cal! Try this baby out! We didn't even need sides with this meal, and it was on the table within 40 minutes from freezer to belly!

Baked Chicken Fajitas

6 servings, 118 calories/serving

6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenders, sliced

7-8 mini sweet peppers, sliced

1/2 white onion, sliced

1 can diced tomatos

1 can diced green chilies

2 tbls. olive oil

2 tsp. cumin

2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1.2 tsp. oregano

Pre-heat oven to 400. Pile all ingredients into a medium sized baking dish, and toss to coat everything with spices and oil. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Serve with warmed tortillas.

dinner under 500 calories

2011-11-13T20:49:00.001-08:00

Lately Ryan and I have been really trying to lose some extra weight. I'm about 4 pounds from pre-baby size, and 8 pounds from my goal weight. Ryan is about 15 pounds from his goal weight.

To help us accomplish our goals, I've been cooking a lot healthier and cutting out a lot of our past 'staple foods'. I've found some new things that are really good, and a much healthier alternative, like quinoa and greek yogurt, both high in protein without the extra fat that meat has. Also, I've been packing veggies into EVERYTHING! Spinach in scrambled egg whites, and just doubling the amount of produce called for in recipes.

The dinner I made tonight was SO yummy and filling, and only 486 calories...can't beat that! I don't remember where I found the recipe, so I can't link you to it, but I'll post it here, along with the calorie count for each part of the meal. If you try it, then come back and comment to let me know if you loved it as much as we did!

Panko Crusted Salmon

368 calories per serving, serves 2

1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp lemon pepper

2 salmon filets (7 oz each)

1 tsp canola oil

Line a baking sheet with foil. Pre heat oven to 400. Combine salt, panko, and lemon pepper on a dinner plate.

Add oil to a large non stick skillet and heat to medium high. Dredge one side of the salmon in the bread crumb mixture, and place that side down on the skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer salmon to the foil lined sheet, now with the crispy side up, and bake in the oven about 10-15 min. depending on the thickness of your filets.

Serve with the following fruit salsa on top

Mango Salsa

40 calories per serving, serves 4

1 mango, diced

1/2 medium red onion, minced

1 lime, juiced

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

kosher salt and ground black pepper to your taste

(I've made this with peaches before too, just as yummy. Also, if you have a jalapeno, de-seed it and it's yummy to chop up in there too for an extra kick)

Then the yummy salad I made was super easy to throw together!

Mandarin Salad

30 calories per serving, serves 4

2 cups loosely packed spinach

1 head of petite heirloom lettuce heads (the multi-pack at Costco)

1 can Mandarin oranges, drained

1/2 medium red onion, minced

chopped or sliced almonds

Mandarin Salad Dressing

48 calories/Tbls

1/4 cup white vinegar

1 tsp kosher salt

couple grinds of black pepper

3/4 cup white sugar

1 tsp mustard

1 green onion, FINELY chopped

1/2 cup vegetable oil

put all ingredients in the blender. Or if your blender is broken like mine, get out the whisk and give your arm a work out!

Rice Cereal

2011-11-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

Wednesday night, November 9 2011....Easton ate solid food for the first time. Ha, it was so funny! He wanted so bad to eat it, but just couldn't quite figure out how. We think he did pretty good, and got at least a little bit down. We tried again last night, and it went over a little better. It will take time, and it will be fun to see him get better and better!

Cranberry Almond Breakfast Muffins

2011-11-09T14:42:00.000-08:00

I was reading through an app on my phone for Health and Fitness UK magazine, and I came across this yummy looking recipe...had to try it out! Problem was, all the measurements were listed in milimeters and grams, not cups and teaspoons, weird right? I also didn't have some of the healthier ingredients they called for, so I improvised it into this recipe of my own, and added a crumble topping. It turned out delicious, and I added up the calories with my 'not so healthy' ingredients, and they turned out to be 300 calories/muffin. With a yummy glass of vanilla soy milk in the morning, it's delicious!

I'll list the recipe with my ingredients, and the ingredient they called for, so you can decide what you'd like to use:

CRANBERRY ALMOND MUFFINS

1/2 c. vegetable oil (sunflower oil)
1 T. white sugar (caster sugar)
2 eggs
2 T. plain greek yogurt (low-fat yogurt)
1 minced honey crisp apple (any apple)
1/2 c. dried and sweetened cranberries (dried unsweetened cranberries)
1/2 c. all purpose flour (wholemeal flour)
1/4 c. whole grain oats (porridge oats)
1 T. chopped almonds (flaked almonds)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. brown sugar
1 T. chopped almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix first 6 ingredients together. In seperate bowl, mix the next 4 dry ingredients. Fold into wet mixture, just until mixed. Pour into 6 muffin liners. Mix brown sugar and remaining chopped almonds, and sprinkle on top.

Bake for 20 minutes

Each muffin:

calories: 300

total fat: 21.2 g

cholesteral: 80 mg

total carbs: 24.6 g

4 months

2011-11-08T12:24:00.001-08:00

Today is the big 4 months!! I can't believe that exactly 4 months ago, I was in the hospital and just starting to push. Time has gone by so quickly! Easton is still such a joy to us. Our world literally revolves around him, and we can't even imagine what we'd be doing in Las Vegas without him here too. Here are some fun facts about him:

weighs 16.5 pounds, 75.56 percentile
he is 25.5 inches tall, 70.23 percentile
his head is 17 cm, 91.56 percentile
and overall for his age group, he is in the 68.72 percentile
he had his first airplane ride at 3.5 months on October 20, and did SO well!
his hair is thinning a lot, and comes out in the comb. Makes me sad to see it go :(
he stopped nursing 2 weeks ago, when he was 16 weeks. Now a straight formula baby.
Loves to talk to himself
He still likes sucking his thumb the most, but every once in awhile we see a few other fingers in his mouth too.
Doesn't like binkies at all.
Moved up to size 2 diapers
Sleeps from 7:30 pm-8 am...we are so lucky! If he wakes up before, he just lays quietly in bed sucking his thumb or looking around until we come get him, then he greets us with a GIANT smile!
he has some killer blue eyes...he will be a chick magnet for sure (already is!)
loves to stretch out and stand up tall while holding onto our fingers. His legs are surprising really strong under all those rolls

We just love him and can't get enough of him, it's so much fun to watch him grow and change!

family pictures

2011-11-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

When we were up in Utah for Easton's blessing and to visit family, we had my friend Camille take our family pictures. She is seriously talented, and did an amazing job! Check out her work at www.camillegarrison.com

We are so happy with the work she did, and she was so quick! We got it all done in just 20 minutes!! Can you ask for anything better?? My mom came with us, so she could watch Easton in the car while Ryan and I did a couple shots of just us. While she was in the car with him, he had a blow out...I know, could he have picked a better time?? And guess who left the wipes at home on the counter.... ME! My poor mom had to use a couple other diapers to clean up what she could of the mess. ugh, I felt horrible! But even after all that, He was an angel for the pictures, didn't make a peep, and even smiled for a few in the cold breeze! What a champ!

Here are some of my favorites that she took:

Halloween!!

2011-11-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!!

We celebrated our first Halloween with a little one! It was really fun to have someone to play dress up with this year. I found a couple cute holiday outfits at Gymboree that I loved dressing him up in all October long, and then for his costume, he borrowed an old dragon costume from his cousin Griffin, thanks Griff (and Kristin!)

We went to our ward Halloween party on Friday night, it was so cute and fun to see all the little kids so excited and running around in costumes! We had yummy chilis and corn bread, home made root beer and scones, delicious!

Then yesterday for Halloween, we stayed home and passed out candy to lots and LOTS of trick or treaters. We haven't ever lived in an area with a lot of little trick-or-treaters, so when we bought a bag of candy from Costco, we thought we'd have PLENTY...wrong. We ran out in an hour and had to turn off our porch light and ignore the knocks and ringing doorbell. Next year, we'll buy TWO bags!

Park City Girls weekend

2011-11-01T17:03:00.001-07:00

A week after we got home from our first trip back to Utah, Easton and I flew back up to go to Park City for the annual Doyle girls Park City shopping trip! This was our third year going, and I think we finally found the perfect place to stay! It was a gorgeous townhouse at the Newpark resort. We stayed a little longer this year than we have in the past, and we are glad we got a bigger place for the longer stay.

Easton did great on the flight, both ways, he was either sleeping or eating during all the take offs, and on the way there, he only fussed for a minute and the stuartess let me stand and bounce him in her little station in the back of the plane.

His first plane ride!

Kim and Kristin picked us up from the airport and we went straight up to Park City and got checked in. A couple hours later, Julie and Lauren got there, and we all walked down to Good Thymes for dinner. We went there last year and loved it....so we were back! It was just as good as before too!

The next day, we started out shopping on Main Street, and then headed down to the outlets for the real shopping!

Easton and I in the Mountain Body shop, buying our face mask cream for the night (a fun tradition!)

yummy lunch at Flannagan's, a cute Irish pub on main street...to honor our Irish roots!

Because of our fun late nights up chatting, I was up each morning with the baby long before everyone else! So we hung out in our room and enjoyed the gorgeous morning sunrises, and one day we even saw some hot air balloons take off!

After lots and lots of shopping, and doing our part to boost the economy, the fun girls trip was over, and it was time to go home. Instead of flying back to Vegas right away, I decided to go up to my mom's house for a couple days. I was able to see a bunch of friends and family again.

Easton met my girlfriends from high school at dinner Monday night, and we had a blast catching up! He slept the whole time so we could just hang out as long as we wanted!

Chelsea, Allie, and Kylie.

Tuesday before my mom took me back to the airport, we met up with my friend Liz in Salt Lake for lunch. It was so good to see her and catch up! I feel so bad that I didn't get any picture of her and her cute boy Jace!

Easton was an angel on the plane ride home, I fed him a bottle, and then he laid on the seats next to me the whole way home and kicked and played! We were so excited to be home and see Daddy/Ryan :) 5 days is a long time to be apart! It was so fun to see how excited he was to see his little guy in the airport!

3 months

2011-11-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

While we were in Utah, Easton celebrated his 3 month birthday! The day before his blessing actually. He is still the best baby ever! I feel so lucky to be his momma! STATS:

15.5 pounds
LOVES his thumb!
not so much a fan of binkies, he will chew on them when we try to give it to him
sleeping 12 hours a night! (we are SO blessed!)
wearing 3-6 months clothes, and some 6-9 month outfits
happiest in the mornings, he has huge smiles when we go get him from his crib
loves the bath tub still. He is so entertaining to watch get bathed

Easton's Blessing

2011-11-01T16:20:00.001-07:00

The main reason for our trip up to Utah was to bless Easton with all of our family and friends there to support and see him. My parents were so sweet to host the big party for us in their home! All of our family members were also so nice to help bring parts of the yummy lunch! We had pulled pork sandwiches, salads, fruit, desserts, chips, and homemade root beer!

Ryan was amazing and gave him such a beautiful blessing. He said he was really nervous beforehand, equal to the nerves he had on our wedding day, but you'd never know it! He sounded like he had done it a million times and was a complete natural. It was so amazing to feel the spirit so strong in the room with everyone there to share it with.

I was HORRIBLE with the camera this day...I could just kick myself! I didn't get any picture of all the cute decorations my mom and sister and I spent so much time on, no pictures of the food...and WORST OF ALL (ugh I can't even believe it) I didn't get any pictures of Easton in his outfit on his blessing day, or a picture of all three of us. I'm the worst mom ever, I know!

Anyway, I DID take cute pictures of him in his blessing outfit a couple weeks before, and they turned out adorable! Here are a couple,

and this one is TOO funny! He was way far past the point of done!

My sisters, cousin and Aunt and friend Mel all chatting after lunch (this is the only picture that shows some of the cute decor. These table clothes were on all the tables)

Easton got a little tired throughout day, and had to go down for a nap, haha so sweet and sleepy! (this is his blessing outfit!! go me!)

My dad was so good to play outside with the kids all afternoon, as well as the awesome Uncles...way to go guys! Thanks

Jack and Easton wore post blessing matching outfits. We tried to get a picture, but Jack was more interested in the kids playing behind us, at least they look adorable still!

some of our best friends were able to come for the blessing, and we are so glad they were there! The Davis' and The Watts'

And last but not least...the future best friends! This is Easton with his cousin Chase who is just 3 months older than him. Chase is taller, but Easton is heavier, haha! It's been a lot of fun to compare these two little buggers!

Ryan's birthday dinner

2011-11-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Last month, we drove up to Utah for a week of visiting with family and friends. It was the first time we'd been back up since the move in July, and a lot of people hadn't met Easton yet, so we were VERY busy every day! The first night we were there, we celebrated Ryan's birthday with my family and had a yummy Arby's dinner (inside joke between my parents and us) and then a delicious chocolate cake! Then we took a quick picture of the whole family before everyone went home!

right now...

2011-10-17T21:52:00.001-07:00

...I should be cuddling up for the night in this spot, but in that bed....BUT my awesome husband is painting our room for me, so I will be cuddling up in the guest room tonight.

I can't WAIT to finally make the big reveal of our new house to all of you :)

Touro University White Coat Ceremony

2011-09-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today was such an AWESOME day. We were able to attend the White Coat Ceremony for the following classes, Osteopathic Medicine 2015, Physician Assistants 2013, and of course the awesome Physical Therapy students of 2014. It was amazing to see how special and honorable it really is to be able to wear the 'white coat' the following was printed inside the program, and I thought it was really great and put all this schooling into perspective.

Hippocrates advised healthcare providers how they should dress. The dress of healers of primitive societies was an important part of the paraphernalia of healing. The while coat, worn by individuals to connote their education and credentials as healers, is a symbol widely recognized by today's society.

The white coat can reassure even the most anxious that their complaints and concerns will be dealt with competently and seriously. It conveys a sense of authority and guides behaviors of both patient and healthcare provider. The white coat is a cloak of compassion.

The Touro University Nevada White Coat Ceremony was developed to honor our students in osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, and physical therapy as they accept the professional responsibilities inherent in their relationship with patients. As students receive their white coats, we encourage them to think about the time-honored professions that they are joining and wear their coats with the requisite sense of professionalism and seriousness.

The ceremony started out with an invocation from the school Rabbi, he even spoke in Hebrew for part of it, which was so cool to hear. Then a description of the White Coat Ceremony and what it symbolizes. The presented the white coats to all the students as they read each students name. It was really interesting because they had one professor shake the coat first, to symbolize the new beginning of their education, another professor put the coat on, and then the Dean of each program shook each students hand after to symbolize them being welcomed into the Touro Medical family. I loved it! I think it is so much more meaningful when they explain how everything is so symbolic. After the coatings, they all stood and took the oath for the first time, committing themselves to the professional careers they have ahead.

As a physical therapy professional, i embrace my responsibility and accountability to the individuals I serve, the community as a whole, and my profession.

I believe that physical therapy is a calling to help the whole person- body, mind and soul. As a physical therapist, I will strive not only to resolve movement disorders but prevent them, while inspiring others to reach beyond barriers and limitations. I commit myself to the following professional obligations and values:

To use the best evidence and skills of my profession at all times;

To exercise judgment to the highest degree of which I am capable when determining he treatment to be offered;

To refrain from treatment when it will not benefit the patient;

To always place the welfare of my patients above my own self-interest. I pledge to uphold and preserve the rights and esteem of every person placed in my care;

To hold all confidences in trust;

To exercise all aspects of my calling with dignity and honor;

I commit myself to the highest ideal of service, lifelong learning and the pursuit of knowledge.

I will respect the scientific gains and clinical evidence of the physical therapists who have proceeded me and I will use this knowledge in educating those who come after me.

Dr. Suzanne Brown, Director of the School of Physical Therapy

Ryan being coated

The three of us, happy and proud little family!

Steve and Melissa Bartlett, and their son Jayden (3 weeks older than Easton). Steve and Ryan worked together in Logan, and both got into the PT program here, it's been fun for them to have each other in class since they get along so well!

fitness on a budget

2011-09-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

I've finally snapped out of my "I just had a baby" excuse, and I've started exercising again. It feels so good! It's so much easier to exercise when there isn't a baby sharing your body! Anyway, since I don't have enough money to afford a gym membership, or crazy workout DVD programs and equipment, I've made up my own. On top of going for walks and trying to run with Easton in the stroller, I've found a couple workout shows that are on each morning in our Direct TV package.

The first is my favorite, it's Gilad Body's in Motion, and Total Body Sculpt. Here are the program times, but I have just been recording them onto my DVR so I can do it later in the morning, but they are 30 minutes each.

The next one is the Total Body Workout on BYU TV. Here is it's schedule. It's a series of Yoga and Aerobic programs, this one is a little cheesier than Gilad (but what exercise show isn't cheesy??) But it actually is a good yoga program. They are 1 hour each, and again, I just DVR it so I can workout later in the morning.

And lastly...the funniest/cheapest part of it all: when they tell you to pick up your weights, I pick up boxes of butter (pre-weighed!). And in yoga when you need a strap for different positions, I get a belt. Yes, yes. I'm THAT person. It works great though! I am going to have to find something around the house that weighs more than my 1 pound boxes of butter soon though :)

stormy!

2011-09-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

We have had such a change in weather since last night! It's been way rainy, windy, and lots of fun thunder and lightening! It started last night around 10:00, when I woke up with Easton at 5:30, I looked out the window and it had all dried up. But then at 8:00, it was back with a vengence! A couple minutes ago, a huge thunder clapped and it shifted the frames on the wall behind me! CRAZZZYYY!!

The tree in our front yard blew over...completely up-rooted!

The road in front of Ryan's school (and many other in the valley) has turned into a river

And this guy can't get enough of it! He thinks it's great and is so smiley when I turn his bouncer toward the window to watch the flashes in the sky!

4 years down...eternity to go!

2011-09-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

This is a couple weeks late, but I couldn't let our anniversary go un-noted! It was such a great time this year, and something different since we have a little one now. It's amazing how much a little one can bring you together as a couple and make your marriage even stronger than it was before. So it made this year's anniversary really special!

We went 'out' to celebrate while my mom, grandma and aunt were here so they could babysit. So we took off into Vegas and went to a magic show at the Paris Hotel and then ate at Mon Ami Gabi, a really yummy french restaraunt in the Paris. After dinner, we walked the Strip for a while, stopped to watch the Bellagio fountains, and of course people watched. We were eager to get home though since it was our first time leaving our little guy, so we were back home by 10:00! (We aren't really big 'downtown Vegas' folks)

On our actual anniversary, Ryan had school all day, so I hung out with the other love of my life all day, and got a yummy candlelit dinner ready for when Ryan came home. Ryan had a gorgeous flower arrangement delivered to me. I carried it up and downstairs (depending on what room I was in) that way I could enjoy them all day! For dinner, I made us London Broil, baked potatoes, broccoli and carrots with cheese, salad, and homemade rolls! Easton gave us the best gift of all, and took a good nap during our dinner! It was all so so yummy, and we had way too many leftovers!

I'm so glad that we are here in Vegas as a happy family! Ryan is such a great husband, dad, student, and provider!

2 months

2011-09-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Easton's two month birthday! Time is going by way too fast! I can't believe how much personality and expression he already is showing! He definitely knows what he wants, and is so happy after he gets it, which makes him a VERY easy and happy baby! I feel so lucky that he doesn't have colic or reflux, I don't know how we are so blessed to have such a good little guy! He is a big and healthy mini man! Here are his two months stats and info:

13 lb. 2 oz. (77th percentile)
24.2 inches long (77th percentile)
15 inch head circumference (60th percentile)
Sleeps in his crib since 5 weeks (now 9 weeks)
Sleeps from 10:30 PM-4:00 AM, then sleeps until 7-8 AM and we start his day
Still eats every 3 hours
Napping in his crib each time like a CHAMP! (that took some work in the 'self-soothing' dept)
Tries SOO hard to suck his thumb, he's actually gotten ahold of it a couple times
LOVES the bath! He gets one each night as part of his bedtime routine, and even if he's upset before, he cheers up and is so smiley in the tub!
He has the prettiest blue blue eyes, the nurse told me they will probably stay this color...keep your fingers crossed!!
He thinks ceiling fans are the most entertaining thing in the world, and will stare and giggle at them forever!

quilting

2011-09-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago, Ryan's parents came home from his grandparents house with a big bag of old San Francisco 49er's clothes. They'd all belonged to his Grandpa who'd wear them all back in the 80's and 90's to the games while they lived in the Bay Area.

Anyway, They were getting rid of all these clothes and thought Ryan might be interested in them, since he is such a big 49er's fan...well, they were a little dated! Instead of throwing them out or giving them to the DI, I decided to make a "game-day quilt" out of them. Finally months later, and a move to a different state later, I got started on the project! This has been my first sewing project in a long time, so there was a lot of trial and error involved, as well as no pattern, just guessing and placing. But I think it turned out great! There was even a little bit of left over black fabric that I had to buy, so I made Easton a matching little blanket...now my boys can watch the games in style this season!

4 years

2011-08-30T07:59:00.001-07:00

Today is our anniversary. Four years ago today I was on my way to the Logan Temple, getting my dress on, and waiting to go up to the sealing room and marry him forever! My Grandpa was our sealer, and he let us go into an empty sealing room for about 10 minutes before our own sealing, to just sit and be together. That was the greatest ten minutes of the day. I remember sitting together, trying to take it all in, and both being so excited.

Today is a lot different than that day, with Ryan at school all day and me home with a baby...but I wouldn't change it for a second! That day four years ago, with all it's planning and fanciness, has brought us so much happiness in days like this, to just hang out at home, eat a home cooked meal and watch a movie on the couch.

Ryan still makes me so happy every day, that's never changed! I'm so lucky to be married to such a hard worker who will provide for me and our kids for the rest of our lives. I love him so much and I'm glad to be his wife!

recipes to die for!

2011-08-28T20:18:00.001-07:00

a couple months ago my SIL Kristin introduced me to the website Our Best Bites. She told me to try the recipe Creamy Chicken Taquitos, we did, and ever since, I've been addicted to their website! I've been meaning to post new recipes that I've been trying, and to be honest, they all come from this place, so I'll just give you the website and tell you my favorites that we've tried. Seriously, try any of their recipes, you won't be disappointed, we haven't been let down yet!

ALL delicious! I'm planning on trying out a couple more this week, and can't wait!

They also have a cookbook out, which I'm sure is awesome! It's actually on sale now at Deseret Book, here is the link for that (if anyone wants to get me a lovely gift...hint hint!)

a fun-filled weekend!

2011-08-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday my mom, aunt Jill, and Grandma flew into town to visit us and meet the babe. It was SO much fun to have them here! We went shopping at the outlets, out to eat for lunches and dinners, shopping at the mall, they let me take naps, and Ryan and I were able to go out to celebrate our anniversary with just the two of us. It was so great to see family again as well, Saturday came too soon, and then they were gone :( Easton is already missing his three girlfriends and all the attention he got from them! Of course we didn't take any pictures of us with him, just picture of him, but those are the cutest ones right?! (and they are all taken with camera phones...how unprepared were we??)

hanging with the girls

first time in the baseball jammies!

fast asleep after a long afternoon of mall shopping

On Saturday night after they all left to go back home, and Ryan was done with his studying at the school, we had a little family night. We had yummy kabobs for dinner, and then went out for our first family swim at in our pool! Easton looked so cute in his new swimsuit I got him, it's so cute with little sharks on it! He wasn't too sure about the pool, Ryan stuck his little feet in, and he started to shiver (the pools aren't heated in Vegas, since the sun warms them in the day), so we moved over to the hot tub, it wasn't too hot at all, just like warm bath water, so it was perfect! He loved the hot tub, and the jostling of the jets, he was almost asleep in the hot tub, and then once we got him out and wrapped in the the towel to go home, he was instantly out! He was so relaxed and cozy from the hot tub! It was such a fun night!

The fun wasn't over yet! On Sunday night, we went to dinner at Steve and Melissa's house (a friend of Ryan's from school) and they have a baby, Jayden, who is just about 3 weeks older than Easton...first friends! Dinner was delicious, and the babies had fun taking the binkies away from each other while they 'played', it was so funny!

Happy One Month Birthday!!!

2011-08-08T17:15:00.000-07:00

Today is Easton's one month birthday!

Time has seriously flown by, and we can't believe he's already been here that long. He has been such a great baby already, and I don't think we could ask for any better. We still find ourselves just staring at him in awe and can't believe how lucky we are that he is ours.

Here are some of his milestones from the first month:

weight: 10 lb. 2 oz.
height: 22.25 inches
head circumference: 15.25 inches
eating 4 ounces, every 3 hours during the day
eating 2.5 ounces, once or maybe twice in the night
starting to be more aware of his surroundings, like the toys hanging from his swing and bouncer, and the fans on the ceilings.
He has starting getting really good grips on EVERYTHING! My hair especially, also our shirts, his blankets, the car seat straps, etc.
He falls asleep instantly in the car seat, and has only made one car ride without his head kinking over to the side...it looks so uncomfortable, but he is always in a deep sleep and happy as can be in that position!
He has starting giving us slight smiles, and sometimes giggles in his sleep. I don't think he knows how to smile in reaction yet though.
He is looking more like his Daddy every day, but he does have his Mommy's light hair...getting lighter all the time!

Grandma and Grandpa

2011-08-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend Easton was able to meet his Grandma and Grandpa Doyle! They just loved him so much and he loved loved loved them! We had such a great time while they were here, ate yummy homemade dinners, got mani-pedis, and went shopping!

We had such a great time, and love when visitors are able to come see us. Can't wait until we see them again, we definitely miss all our family and friends, but are really enjoying our new Vegas life!

Easton's One Week Photos

2011-07-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

The babe and I had a photo shoot when he was a week old, it was quite the project! I've always been interested in photography, but it's harder than it looks! Since I don't know any photographers down here, I decided to take them on my own, and then edit them. Well my editing program isn't the best, so I emailed them back home to my friend, and she fixed them up great for me!

He sure was a wiggly bug for the pictures, but these are some of my favorites and I think they are adorable...especially for not knowing what I was doing!

Our busiest/best week ever! (moving, school, and a baby story!)

2011-07-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! I feel like I haven't been on the blog forever, I usually check it everyday, you know, to catch up on all your happenings in your lives, and I've tried to make a goal to post more often...but when you don't have internet in your new house, it causes problems. I just read through all the blog updates I've missed, and I was two weeks behind! Tragic!! Anyway, just thought I'd update all of you on what has been going on with us...there has been a LOT! I'll start at the beginning. (warning, long post!)

Thursday June 30:

This was Ryan's last day of work at Cache Valley Specialty Hospital. They have been so good to him for the last 5 years. He went golfing that morning with two of the therapists, and his friend from work who was leaving to come to school here as well. Then he worked a half day, and then we got the U-haul and started loading up. Our plan was to pick up the U-haul, and have it all packed and ready to go then be on the road by 5:00. Wrong. It took a little over an hour just to pick it up, of course loading always takes longer than expected, and then we had a couple mechanical problems with the cab part of the truck. So we didn't end up leaving Logan until about 8:00...ugh. We met my parents in North Ogden, I hoped in their car and left Ryan and his dad to drive the U-haul, and we were off. We got to Beaver, and noticed that a chunk of tire tread was missing, so Norm (Ryan's dad) stayed in a hotel for the night waiting for the U-haul repairman to come fix it. Ryan got in the car with my parents and I, and we were off to Vegas. We finally pulled up to the hotel at 6:00 am.

Friday July 1:

We checked into the hotel, took a 2 hour nap, and then went to the title company to sign the closing documents for the house. Our meeting was first thing in the morning, so we had to drive all night to get there! After signing our lives away (YAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!) We went back to the hotel to get some more sleep and wait for Norm with the truck. He got to Vegas around 3:00 that afternoon, and we (the guys) started unloading.

My mom and I ran lots of errands to Lowes and Wal-Mart during the unloading. We even had a little adventure of our own in Wal-Mart, my mom locked the keys in the car, while it was running! Ha, we had to call a locksmith to come and save us, it was hilarious! My feet were not having it with all the running around in stores and of course this day was the hottest day of the year so far...113! I was quite swollen and had to take lots of breaks to soak my little piggies in an ice bath!

Saturday July 2:

unpacked all day, mixed with more ice baths for my feet!

Sunday July 3:

My parents left to go back home, Ryan and I again, unpacked all day. We forgot to look up our church meetinghouse location before we left, so we weren't able to go to church this day :(

Monday July 4:

Weirdest holiday ever. I don't think one second of the day felt like the 4th of July. We were in the house all day getting more and more unpacked and set up. That night, we went to Target to get some stuff for the baby, also went to the outlets looking for the Nike store, and got Ryan a new backpack and stuff for school.

Tuesday July 5:

RYAN STARTS SCHOOL! The whole reason we came here! Yay!!!

He looked so handsome! They had orientation with the whole school on this day, and then later that evening he came home and picked me up, and we went back to have an ice cream social with everyone as a welcome to school thing. After the ice cream social, we recruited his friend Steve and his brother in law to come back to Target with us to pick up the crib and changing table with their truck. This day, I was officially 37 weeks.

Wednesday July 6:

Ryan's second day of school. Orientation round 2. This day it was just orientation for the Physical Therapy students and their new 2014 class. That day I went to the hospital to get pre-registered, and then went to my first doctor's appointment. I was so excited to meet my doctor finally! He first met with me in his office to see what kinds of questions I had, then we went into the exam room to be checked and have an ultrasound. In the ultrasound, Easton was measuring ahead of what my weeks were. His head was measuring at 41.5 weeks, and little legs were measured at 38.5 weeks! This worried me a little, and then the doctor checked to see how I was progressing. I thought for sure with all the commotion of moving and unpacking I'd be dilated more than the previous week. Wrong. I was only 1 cm and 60% effaced for the 3rd week in a row! The doctor thought we better strip my membranes to give my body a kick start so I could be moving along as much as the baby was. He said if it worked, I would probably go into labor that night, or the next day! WOW!!! That night, we thought we'd better get his room set up since there was a chance for baby to come sooner! So the crib and changing table got put together :)

Thursday July 7:

Ryan's first day of actual school. I stayed home, and tried to take it a little easy, not wanting to put myself into labor quite yet. Got more stuff unpacked....as the day progressed, I thought for sure the baby wasn't coming. I wasn't feeling any increase in contractions, and didn't have a 'feeling' or anything. That night, we watched the Giants game, and some popcorn and then when the game was over early, we decided to just go to bed. Ryan asked me "do you think you'll have the baby tonight?" and I told him very sure of myself "no way, I think he'll just come around his due date still."

Friday July 8:

Good thing we went to bed early! At 3:35 I woke up to my water breaking. I was so confused, I'd been up only an hour earlier to pee, and now it wasn't stopping. Every time I'd stand up straight another gush would come. It was the weirdest feeling, and I was still so confused because I wasn't having any contractions still! I woke up Ryan, told him to call the hospital and ask if I should come up or wait for contractions. They of course said, "get here now!" So at 4:30 we left to the hospital. I got all checked into the triage unit. Got hooked up to all the monitors and was dilated to 4 cm. Then they moved us into labor and delivery. We called my mom at about 6:00, and she immediately booked a flight down that morning. At 6:15 I got my epidural. I had only felt about 2 easy contractions at that point. After the epidural, the rest of the morning was a breeze.

Besides being starving, I was feeling great. Ryan and I watched the Price is Right and the news. He went and got breakfast, and then later got a yummy looking early lunch. I was so jealous as I sat there with my ice chips. By 10:00 I was still only dilated to 4 cm, so they started pitocin. This helped move things along a lot quicker! My mom got there at about 12:30, and I was dilated to 6 cm. They turned up the pitocin again, and I had to go on oxygen at this point to get more air into little Easton. His heart rate was dropping during each contraction (we later found out, when he came out, that the cord was around his neck, and would tighten during each contraction) By 2:00, I was finally dilated to 10 cm and ready to start pushing. It's amazing how pushing is seriously the ONLY thing that feels good at this point! They had me just breathe through a couple contractions, and it was so much more painful then just pushing. Ryan was so sweet and supportive the whole time, he was counting out my pushes for me, and held my hand the whole time. I didn't have to push for long, because at 3:03, Easton was born! It was such an amazing experience and I woudn't change it for anything! He was perfect, and screaming and I was so happy! Ryan cut the cord and then the took him over to get cleaned up. Ryan and my mom went with the baby to watch him get cleaned, and measured. He was 7 pounds 7 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

The nurse had Ryan put on the first diaper, and then he brought him over to me to hold for the first time.

It was such a rush of emotions! Its amazing all the love that you feel for this tiny person who you've never met! That night, Ryan stayed in the hospital with me, we had to change rooms in the middle of the night because the plumbing in our bathroom was backed up. Easton was able to stay with us all night in the room.

Saturday July 9:

All day this day, we just played with him, passed him around between me, my mom and Ryan. He was perfect!

That night, he had to stay in the nursery under the bililights. His blood work showed he had a slightly high bilirubin count. This was the hardest thing for me. Taking him into the nursery and seeing that little mask on his face.

I started bawling! I didn't want to leave my little baby there all night long! We went to go get him every 3 hours through the night for feedings, but had to have him back in exactly 30 minutes. It was so hard. But it was good to get some good sleep that night.

Sunday July 10:

He got to come out from under the bililights at 9:30 am. But we still had to wait to have his blood tested again at 5:00 pm. So another day spent in the hospital!

I was starting to go stir crazy and just wanted to get home by this point. Finally he had his blood test done, and about and hour later, the doctor came back and said he had passed and he was ok to go home!

YAY! I was so happy to finally get to take my sweet baby home.

That night, my mom made us a yummy dinner (so much better than hospital food!!!) and we all went to bed.

Monday July 11:

My Dad and sister Jeanette drove down to meet the baby, and to help Ryan with some home projects (more and those to come later)

My family stayed here with us until Thursday morning, and since then we've been on our own and done great!

At Easton's first doctor appointment Tuesday, he weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces, and was 20 inches long. And then he went back again on Thursday for his circumcision (so sad!) and had gained another ounce! So he is growing already so much, and is so happy!

Right now, we are feeding him both formula and breast milk. He is sleeping so well. Sometimes too well maybe? I set my alarm to get up for his feedings, but there have been two days now that I fall back asleep before I get up to feed him....other moms, is this ok? He just sleeps through it and doesn't seem starved at all, even at his next feeding. For instance, last night, I fed him 2 ounces at 11:00, then slept through his 2:00 am feeding, and at 5:00 he only ate 1 ounce. Is this normal??

Anyway, we are so happy! And even though we moved, started school, and had a baby all in a week, we couldn't be happier! Thanks for all of your love and support, I'll try to stay more updated on the blog since we are far away now!

welcome baby!

2011-07-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Easton Ryan Doyle was born on Friday July 8 2011 at 3:03 PM.

He is so perfect! Weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

We are in the hospital still now, hoping to go home tonight...more details to come later :)

First Father's Day!

2011-06-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

This year I was able to get Ryan his first official Father's Day gift! I was so excited to be able to celebrate this with him at such an exciting time in our lives. I didn't want to get him just a cliche gift (I'm sure he will get plenty of years of that to come!) So for his first gift ever, I got him a fishing trip!

We were supposed to go fishing on our second date about 4 years ago, and we have never been! So I decided that since he loves it so much, and we won't ever have another vacation without kids, it was a perfect time to give it to him! We went up to his family cabin in Pine, ID and spent the weekend on the south fork of the Boise River.

It was so relaxing to be outdoors and just let time waste away! Ryan caught 4 fish, one got away, two were gross carp, and one was a prized 14 inch rainbow trout! It was so fun to see him get exciting about fishing and doing what he loves and finally be able to share that with him. He taught me how to cast the line, and said I was really good, but unfortunately I wasn't good enough to catch anything.

The rest of the weekend was spent eating yummy meals, and way too many snacks, watching movies, sleeping in and talking naps. It was wonderful! A perfect way to relax out before moving and starting school in the next two weeks!

The prized trout!

hangin' out on the river

bringing up the little fishy

"Got one!"

DJ and Lauren Anderson

2011-06-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

Lauren, DJ and the cute ring bearer Mason, and flower girls Brooklyn and Maddie!

On Saturday June 11, Ryan's sister Lauren was married to DJ! We have been so excited for the wedding! It was gorgeous and perfect! They were married outside at The Riter Mansion here in Logan, and had a delicious luncheon afterwards, and then the reception. It was so much fun! They had a fun country band with dancing, and yummy cookies and milk as appetizers for everyone! It was such a great day and we are so happy for them and their exciting new journey in life together!

Ryan and I walking down the aisle

adorable flower girls!

Brooklyn and Maddie

the bridesmaids (we were very serious obviously)

Ryan and I after the ceremony

Dallin and Morgan Watts

2011-06-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Dallin and Morg at the Wedding Dinner

Last week on June 14th our friends Dallin and Morgan got married! It was such a fun two day event! We were able to attend their wedding dinner the night before at Hamilton's Steak and Seafood. Then on Tuesday morning, we drove down and were able to watch them be sealed together for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple by Dallin's Grandpa. It was such a beautiful ceremony! She was actually sealed in her mom's wedding dress! It was amazing!

Afterwards, we went to lunch with Tanner and Kirsten (our friends in town for the wedding from Virginia!) We went to Market Street Grill....let's just say the FOOD was great, service was not! Afterwards, we drove home, and Ryan got all ready in his handsome groomsman tux, and we headed off to the reception held at Castle Manor here in Hyde Park. It was really pretty!

Morgan made a gorgeous flawless bride, and Dallin such a handsome groom! Dallin and Ryan have been friends and neighbors since about junior high and have played on many teams together, and have grown closer and closer over the years. It was so much fun to be able to be a part of their special day!

Just Married!!

All the friends!

Gorgeous!

Best Friends, Ryan, Dallin, and Tanner. Such handsome guys!

Showers Galore!

2011-06-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

This past month has been so much fun, and so busy! I've been so lucky to have amazing friends and family to throw me a bunch of showers to get us ready for Easton! I am so grateful for all the work they've put into them, and had such a great time seeing everyone who came to the showers!

The first friends shower I had was given by Melanee, she held it at Firehouse Pizzeria here in Logan. It was so much fun to see friends from all over, high school, college, work places, hair school, etc! We had yummy cupcakes that were baseball themed and really just had a great time! At this shower, I was 29 weeks :)

Ashley, her baby Sophia, me, and Alyssa (who is due one week before me!)

The next shower for us was given by Danielle! She had such a fun idea to have a couple's shower for Ryan could come and see all of his friends too! It was such a great idea and we had so much fun! She held it at Elements here in Logan, and the food was amazing! She made yummy desserts and had some fun games for us to play as well!! At this shower I was 30 weeks :)

me and Danielle!

cute table decor, pretty flowers, and pictures of Ryan and I from our baby albums! And her yummy cake balls for dessert!

The Gooch's!

The Hall's!

The Davis's!

Ryan loving opening the presents :)

The last friends shower was thrown by my friends from work at Texas Roadhouse! It was so much fun, Andrea held it at Roadhouse, and had the cutest brown and blue giraffe decor. Tons of yummy treats and cupcakes, and Liz brought delicious french dip sandwiches for lunch! My sister Jeanette was in town and was able to come with me to this shower, and that was really fun! At this shower I was 31 weeks :)

Cute little onesie from Heather and Liz!

me and Jeanette (I look crazed in this picture!)

Annie, Alison, Hala, Megan, and Cherise!

Erin and Quin, Gracie and Andrea! (Cute mamas!)

Heather and Liz!

Again I am so lucky to have so much support from friends and family that already love and care about this little guy so much! I wish I could take you all with me to Henderson so you could all watch him grow up! I guess I'll just have to be really good at keeping the blog updated so you all can see him get bigger and bigger!

House Update

2011-05-31T12:00:00.001-07:00

We heard back from the sellers on our offer: They counter-offered, and we accepted! Now we are just waiting to get the official paperwork so we can start in on all the closing paperwork!

It really is such a perfect home for us, and SUCH a great deal! It has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, two car garage. It's in a gated community with a pool, clubhouse, basketball courts, etc. And best of all, it's never been lived in! So we are moving into a brand new home, for less than a third of what it was originally sold for! We are so excited and can't wait for the next step! Keep your fingers crossed that everything works out ok and goes to plan!

the belly update

2011-05-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

Just so you know, these pictures aren't as 'fun' to post as they used to be, but I feel like I have to keep doing them now that I've started! What have I gotten myself into!

I'm currently 31 weeks along. And I'm really starting to 'feel it' as some people say. When I heard that the second trimester was the easiest, and third would go back to being miserable, I didn't think it would be so instant! I thought maybe the last 2 or 3 weeks would be awful. But I am in some pain! Sheesh! Anytime I sit or lay down, my back has shooting pains within a couple of minutes, and nothing relieves it, if I take Tylenol or anything, I feel relief for a bit, but within 20 minutes, it's worn off and the pain is back up to where it started. So let's just say, my back is really ready to be done! Other that that, I really haven't had much to complain about! I've been loving watching my belly move all around, and feel his pokes and jabs more suddenly. Sometimes it really catches me off guard. I've noticed while doing hair, my belly unintentionally is leaning against clients arms, and that is super embarrassing! I have started to really miss my 'old body' not that I'm feeling like I'm getting too big or anything, I realize I am PREGNANT, and that's part of it. I just am missing the ability to move around, bend down, and fit into the other 80% of my wardrobe that has been hanging up for the past year waiting to be worn again. I miss those clothes :(

Anyway, enough rambling, onto the pictures I know you all are dying to see and I'm hesitating to post, here ya go:

(week 29 was taken with a self-timer since Ryan was out of town, hence the graininess of the photo. sorry)

Henderson

2011-05-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

This week we have been in Henderson on a house hunt! We got here Tuesday afternoon, met with the realtor, and looked at homes for about 2 hours. We fell in love with the second one we saw! The next morning, we met up again and went looking for about 3 hours. We found 2 others that we liked, but still the Tuesday one was our favorite. All three happened to be in the same neighborhood, but the one we love has 4 bedrooms instead of 3, and comes with a lot more. It's clean and perfect! It's a home that is up for auction, so we put a bid in on Wednesday, and we will hopefully hear back tomorrow morning whether we got it or not! Keep your fingers crossed!

With all the down time in between home searching, we've done a lot of driving around trying to get to know the area. We found my doctor's office, Ryan's school, grocery stores, etc. We just want to have a general idea of where things are in relation to the home we will hopefully be living in! We also have had time to do some 'touristy' things as well. Since this will be our last trip as actual out-of-towners, I made Ryan take lots of pictures!

Last night, we went and saw the movie Water for Elephants, it was such a good show and I definitely recommend it! Today, we went down to Hoover Dam, and then to the Strip. It was a fun exhausting day for me and the babe! I think Ryan got pretty worn out too! We are just loving the weather here, and can't wait until next month when we will be residents of this fun area!

Ryan at Hoover Dam for the first time ever. He is a little afraid of heights (a little known fact to most of you!) So he was not thrilled with looking over the edges for too long!

Me, the babe, and the dam. I didn't get to see over the edge to well due to my growing belly being the exact same height as the walls! It was still a really fun little trip though!

Loving the Diet Coke stuff in the Coke store on the Strip! I wanted to buy it all for me, Melanee and my mom! This picture is for all my D.C. loving peeps!

Ryan couldn't WAIT to see the M&M's 3D movie in M&M World!

The Doyle's enjoying a delightful 10 minute super cheesy movie about Red and Yellow M&M's!

Me and Yellow, just hanging out!

the end of an era

2011-05-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

Well, last week Ryan played his last baseball games as a USU Aggie. The team went up to Oregon for the Regional Tournament after taking first place in their Conference! They had such an awesome season this year and were so much fun to watch!

Ryan with the first place trophy they won!

Ryan's arm wasn't feeling right all season long, so he didn't pitch nearly as much as he usually does. I think he loved every second of playing first base and right field though instead. It gave him a lot more opportunities to bat (pitchers don't usually bat when they pitch) and he also made a ton of great plays in the field.

Just doing what he loves (probably hitting a home run after this swing!)

Our summers are going to feel a little weird from here on out, he has played baseball every summer since I've known him! And for him, it will be even more surreal since he has played every year since Little League, all the way up through High School, Legion Ball, and then onto Utah State.

Ryan has been such a great leader on the team acting as the team president for the last couple years, organizing road trips, getting orders ready, try outs put together, making signs and advertising the team. He has done and amazing job, and I don't think his hard work and dedication has gone unnoticed to his coaches and teammates.

I'm so proud of him for all that he has done, and I'm so grateful I've had the opportunity to travel with him and watch him play all over for the last 4 years. We will miss you baseball!!!!

SOLD!

2011-05-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

This post has been a couple weeks coming. It's a sad post. But I had to honor the Jeep on here or else I would feel too guilty! Ok, ok, that's a little dramatic...but I do really miss it!

We decided to sell the Jeep before we move to Henderson so that we would have some extra money, and we didn't really need two cars and a scooter down there, especially a 4-wheel drive car. So, she got the boot!

The good news is, I know the buyer! The girl who bought it, is my sister's best friend, so I know she will take care of it and I can visit if I need to....not really, but still!

my last moment's as the Jeep's owner. I was sad, and it felt weird locking it up for the last time, and making sure it really was completely emptied of all of 'me'

Congratulations Ryan!!!

2011-05-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

Ryan graduated from Utah State!

On Saturday, May 7! It was such an awesome day, and I was overwhelmed with how proud I felt. When the graduation started, and all the graduates walked in, I started bawling the minute I saw Ryan. He has worked so incredibly hard to get to this point. And I couldn't help but burst with joy for him! I am so lucky to be married to such a hard worker, who is so dedicated to furthering his education for the benefit of our family.

Just look at that face! This is when I first saw him walk in, and when I started to cry with my overwhelming emotions...it's not like I have 10,000 more hormones right now!...I love this photo of Ryan, he looks so happy, proud, relieved, everything.

Ryan and one of his best friends Kevin Hall. They have been friends for so long, through high school, missions, weddings, years of baseball, countless classes, the same major....these two share many memories together, and this just shows their personalities and relationship together, they have too much fun!

Ryan and his Dad, Norm. He was a proud dad that day I think! And look how much they look alike...it's like they are twins!

Grandpa and Grandma Doyle came up to celebrate with Ryan, they were so sweet and proud of their grandson this day!

Ryan and I (the proud-puffy eyed-pregnant wife!)

It was so much fun that Danielle and Ryan graduated from the same college that day! Alex and I sat with our families together on the front row and had quite the cheering section for these two! My mom and Danielle's dad actually had so much fun cheering, that they started picking out random graduates to cheer and hoot and holler for! They are funny!

We are so lucky to have these two as bestie friends though. The four of us all get along so well, and we loved spending that whole afternoon and night with them! We went and saw the movie Thor, and got some yummy ice cream at Charlie's after! Good old 'Logan Date Nights' :)

This is the cake I made for Ryan! It turned out so yummy! We all loved it! We had a luncheon before the graduation started at the Iron Gate Grill with family. He had so much support from family members that day. His grandparents, dad, sister's Kristin and her daughter Navi, Julie, her husband Jaab and new baby Chase, my parents and sister Jeanette, and of course me. They all gave him such awesome gifts and spoiled Ryan with praise!

I'm so proud of my husband, and so excited that this chapter of our life has been such an awesome experience. Now that it's coming to a close, and we have such fun new adventures coming up so soon, I can't help but be filled with anxiousness to get it all started!

Peerless Spring Hair Show 2011

2011-05-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, after all the fun baby showers of course, my friend Melanee and I headed to Salt Lake! It was the greatest girls weekend!

We went to the Peerless Beauty Supply Spring Hair Show, and sucked up every ounce of education we could! It was so much fun, and very entertaining! They had 4 main stages with Big Sexy Hair, Scruples, Joico, and Retro Hair on them. They had amazing stylists doing fun cuts, colors, styles from all over the country. There were tons of deals on products and supplies, old and new that the industry has come out with. It really was just a great two day event!

Melanee and I had fun between the two days just hanging out and doing a whole lot of nothing! It was so relaxing! I'm so glad that I have her in my life, we have such a great time together, sisters at heart! (and I didn't even get a picture of us together! These are seriously all the pictures I took this year! We were too busy having fun!)

April "Showers"

2011-05-03T15:44:00.001-07:00

This last Saturday was so much fun! I had two baby showers for Easton, and got so much great stuff from family members...a bouncer, swing, tons of clothes, lots of blankies, toys, books, etc! Thank you ALL!!!

The first shower was at Ryan's sister Kristin's house. She had a yummy brunch for us with egg casserole, yummy fruit salad, pastries, and juices. It was delicious! Ryan's aunts, cousins, and Grandma were all there with us as well, and we had such a great time!

cute decor that Kristin put up in her beautiful home!

some of the party go-ers in the family!

My cute swing that I registered for!
Bouncer seat from Kim's sisters in Cali, so sweet!
Cute Pirate outfit!
the most adorable shoes my sister gave me, I wish they came in my size, I'd seriously wear them every day!

The Broadbent family shower was after! It was at my Aunt Kaylene and Uncle Dave's house. We always tie a quilt for the baby and then have yummy food and open gifts! This shower was combined with two of my cousin's wives. Marinda is having a girl, Cameron, in about a month, and Taylor is having a boy, Hank, any day now, she is actually due tomorrow! We had such a great time, and it was so much fun to see all my family members, love them all so much!

Marinda (and Cameron), me (and Easton), and Taylor (and Hank)
just opened a couple of Giants onesies from my cute cousin/fellow fan Nicole....LOVED them!
super soft blankie from Aunt Lou
delicious cupcakes!!
Tying Hank's baby quilt
yummy lunch, courtesy of my Uncle's store, David's Pizza, YUM!

Day 30....a little late :)

2011-05-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

Your Hopes, Dreams and Plans for the next 365 Days

May 2011: buy our first home together in Henderson
June 2011: watch our family and friends marry and start their lives together, and move to Henderson
July 2011: Our first baby will be born strong and healthy, Ryan starts PT school
August 2011: Learn the ways of being a mom, that is my one and only goal this month! Celebrate our 4 year anniversary!
September 2011: Travel to see family during school breaks, and bless our baby
October 2011: Watch the Giants win the World Series and become back to back champions!
November 2011: celebrate Thanksgiving, maybe start looking for a job as a hairstylist again.
December 2011: celebrate Christmas with family and turn 24!
January 2012: enjoy the warm months of winter in Nevada!
February 2012: celebrate Valentine's Day with the two men in my life (the husband and the babe!)
March 2012: Maybe travel to watch the Giants play in pre-season games!
April 2012: Celebrate Easter!

Well, these are my hopes, dreams and plans for the next year. Hopefully they will all come to pass, I'm so excited to see what our future holds. It's so exciting to think of how much our lives are about to change this summer! I can't wait to get started!!!

Day 29

2011-04-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

My Testimony of the Gospel

Since this is a more personal subject, I'm going to keep it simple.

I believe in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I believe that we have a living prophet on the earth today, and his name is Thomas S. Monson. I believe that through the power of repentance that I can be forgiven of all my sins. I believe in the power of sacrifice through tithing. I've seen it work in my life countless times and give me many blessings. I believe in the sacred sealing ordinances of the temple, that I will be able to be with Ryan and my family for time and all eternity, a gift that I view very very precious and irreplaceable. I believe that Jesus Christ was sent here to this earth, and he died for us, and was then resurrected so we may live again. And that He lives today. I can't wait until the day I get to meet my Savior and my God and greet them! I love the Gospel and all the blessings it has given me in my life, the truths that keep me going when times are tough, and the amazing blessings I've seen it give others as well.

Day 28

2011-04-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

A Secret You Want To Get Out

I don't really have any secrets to tell you, but I do have GREAT news! Something was finally marked off of my 'to-do' list today after about a month and half....

I found a doctor in Henderson!

I have been stressing over this for awhile now. I have had a couple doctors tell me they can' t take me that far into pregnancy, others are already booked with deliveries in July...it was a joke, and I was getting really let down. But today, I found Dr. Anthony Ibay. He has great reviews online, that's all I really have to go off of, so hopefully all works out! For now, I'm just happy I have a doctor there!

Day 27

2011-04-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

A Person I Love

Well this is an easy subject, I love Ryan Orrin Doyle! Soo MUCH! He is the greatest person that has ever come into my life. He is loving, funny, forgiving, goal-oriented, he lives an active fun lifestyle, he is a return missionary, handsome, thoughtful, and he loves me....crazy guy!

I really feel like I hit the jack pot. I'm going to admit something to all of you, that might make you think I'm crazy, or you may relate, but not want to admit it! When I was in junior high, high school, and even into that first year of college, when I'd go to sleep at night, I would make up dreams for myself. I would let my imagination come up with the most perfect guy, how we would meet, how he would propose to me, what our wedding would look like. I even would imagine what my outfits would look like! I think any girl likes to think of these things right? Well, after my first date with Ryan, I didn't have to come up with my perfect first date anymore. And the more we dated, the less I would come up with in my mind, because it was becoming my reality. Now, when I go to sleep, I have nothing to think up! He's already made everything I could want come true, gave me the perfect dating life, proposal, wedding, a baby on the way, and a future that's too exciting to want it changed!

I love him so much, and am so lucky to be able to be his wife for time and all eternity. I can't wait to see him with our kids and watch him go from just a husband and friend, to a dad as well. I can't imagine a better person to raise my babies with!

Speaking of our first date, It was 4 years ago, TODAY! Happy 4 years to us beby! On our first date, Ryan took me on a group date with mutual friends to Fredrico's Pizza, and then to the movie Disturbia, and then hot tubbing afterwards with a couple more friends we'd met up with (Alex and Danielle....we owe our whole marriage to you!) Since Ryan has a baseball game tonight, we decided to celebrate earlier in the week, and we went back to Fredrico's, and to see a movie! It was perfect!

the original movie ticket stub from 4 years ago, and the ticket stub from Monday night's date :)

After he dropped me off from our first date, I remember telling my roommate "I don't want to date anyone else again, I want to marry him!" and after 4 years, I can't believe how lucky I am, because there is really no one else I can imagine myself with...

He is Perfect!

Easton is growing!

2011-04-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

Alright, I've had a few requests for some more updated belly shots. Here are the last 3 weeks, I'm still growing, in fact I went shopping with my mom this past weekend to get some more maternity clothes. I am still happy to report that there are no stretch marks, and my belly button still has a ways to go before it pops out. I'm feeling good, pregnancy wise (I did come down with a bad cold this weekend, but that's ok). He is moving around like crazy, not really kicking like crazy, but I can tell when he is changing positions all together, my belly will get really hard and I can tell he is right on the surface as he moves into a different spot.

I am getting excited for my first two baby showers this weekend, from both of our families! It will be a busy fun filled Saturday, and I'll be sure to post updates from those as well!

Day 26

2011-04-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

A Child I Love

I feel like this is an unfair post. If I pick one of someone else's kids, then all my other friends and family will wonder why I didn't pick their child. So, since I sincerely love all my neices, nephews, neighbors, nursery kids, friends kids, etc. equally....I am going to pick Easton. :)

It is amazing how much you can love someone you have never met or seen. I worry about him when I don't feel him kicking for more than an hour at a time. I've worried about him all this last weekend while I have a cold, hoping that he is ok and getting enough nutrients from me. I already want to shop and buy everything I see for him. I am already looking forward to the T-ball games, soccer games, skinned knees, bike rides, and all that other fun kid stuff that I'll get to experience again with him! He already is the most special child in my life, and I really can't wait until 3 months from now when I actually get to meet him.

Day 23, Day 24, and Day 25

2011-04-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

I'm a couple days behind on the Blog Challenge posts due to a bad cold I caught this weekend. So today, you get 3 in one day! Lucky you (is anyone reading these anyway? comments please!!) Here we go...

Day 23 - Share a Favorite Memory

Some of my favorite memories to look back on happened in the summers growing up on Lomond View Drive. My neighborhood had 4 families all right next to each other with kids about the same age, and we had so much fun together! Playing night games, celebrating holidays, neighborhood parties, jumping on trampolines and learning to do tricks on them, running through sprinklers, melting crayons in gutters and cooking eggs in the sun, etc. All that fun stuff! One of my most fond memories happened with my neighbor Christy, and now that I look back on it, it probably was really dangerous! One of our parents had gotten something new and we took the big box it came in, and we'd both get inside and cross the street to each others houses while in it. I don't know how or why this was so entertaining, but we could have been hit! we didn't make holes to see out of or anything! Another time we would have a 'cross the street' adventure, was in a gigantic one-piece horrid zip up outfit...think a onesie for an adult, kind of like this pattern shows:

Christy got in one leg, and I was in the other, and we hopped all around in that funny outfit and thought we were hilarious! If I remember right, I think we even peed our pants in that thing!

Day 24 - 5 Things You Love About Summer

1. baseball!!
2. flip flops with sundresses

3. tanned skin

4. grilled food and campfires

5. long days!

Day 25 - A Place I Love

I'd have to say, one of my favorite places in the world is my Grandparents cabin. It's in Oakley, UT. So not too far from home, but it seems like a world away. It's in a gorgeous gated mountain community, so it's quiet with dirt roads and tons or natural landscaping everywhere you look! Every time I cook a big breakfast with bacon and pancakes, and fresh fruit, it reminds me of mornings at the cabin! We would go up there as a family a couple times a summer, and sometimes in the winter. All of us kids made friends with kids from other cabins, we'd go on 4 wheeler rides, bike rides, play on the neighbors big rope swing, play horseshoes in the backyard. We always had so much fun up there, and still do today. It's just such a relaxing environment!

Day 22

2011-04-22T16:55:00.001-07:00

A Photo Of My Family

This picture is from May 2009. We now have added one more, Jack! Annie was pregnant with him when these were taken. And now we have one more on the way, Easton!

My family is really so great. I'm so lucky to be a part of them. They are all such great examples, hard workers, loving, etc. I could go on and on. I look up to each of them so much!

Day 21

2011-04-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

A Travel Story

It seems like the only travel stories I can come up with, are the ones that involve me getting motion sickness and then throwing up. Remember this story from 3 months ago?? At least that time, I had morning sickness and pregnancy to put the blame on. On our honeymoon, I didn't have any such luck...

Ryan took me to his families condo in Capitola, CA for our honeymoon, it was a perfect honeymoon, right on the beach! We flew in and out of the San Jose airport, so it wasn't a long flight, at all. On our flight home, we flew on one of those small Delta Connection planes, so it was more cramped, which meant the turbulence was a little worse. I remember the pilot announced we were descending into Salt Lake, and we were playing the crossword puzzle in the back of the magazines you find on airplanes. All of the sudden (it really was so sudden) I grabbed the 'barf bag' from the seat pocket right in front of me, and I threw up. I don't think Ryan really even knew what was going on until it was all over. Gross. And humiliating! Who throws up on their honeymoon flight...THIS GIRL! I guess I was lucky that we were landing so I didn't have to feel that way for the rest of the flight. We were on the ground probably 5 minutes later, and I felt much better! I threw my little bag away as soon as we got in the airport, and then we were good!

Seriously though. I need to remember to take Dramamine every time I travel. I usually just hope for the best, and end up with the worst! Lesson learned though, from now on, I will always have those little white pills in my purse as an emergency back up plan!

Day 20

2011-04-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Your Favorite Christmas Tradition

I have been looking forward to this post since day 1! Every Christmas Eve growing up was spent at my Grandma and Grandpa Paulson's house, my mom's parents. We would all look forward to...THE BALL OF FUN! It sounds so silly, and when I think about it, it really kind of is, but the memories associated with are so treasured!

The Ball of Fun, is a very very long strip of butcher paper, rolled up into a ball, with gifts for everyone wrapped up inside. The gifts aren't anything too crazy, in fact they are so simple, and I don't know why we get so excited about them. They usually are something along the lines of, a travel pack of tisues, a knitted pot holder, a jar of bubbles, a whoopie-cushion, a bottle of lotion, a pack of gum, car air fresheners, etc. SUPER random stuff!

My grandparents are always in charge of putting it together, and they write our name on the outside of the gift, and as my Grandpa unrolls the ball, he tosses the gift to whoever the lucky person is! You unwrap it, show it to everyone, and then put in a grocery sack to take home. My whole family sits all around in a big circle and the little kids beg Grandpa to unroll it faster! It's so much fun!

We have had quite the memories of ball of fun...the two funniest years were when my Grandparents were on a mission, so the aunts and uncles took turns doing it each year. When my Uncle Chris was in charge his year, he had the first probably 15-20 gifts unrolled for his wife, all of us kids did NOT think it was very funny, if I remember right, I think my brother Clark even started to cry because he wasn't getting any ball of fun gifts!

Another funny year, was when my Aunt Jill was in charge, let's just say she didn't roll it up into a ball very well...so we refer to that year as the 'tampon of fun' year. HAHA! The gigantic tube of gifts wrapped in white butcher paper seriously looked just like a huge tampon!

I wish I had pictures from when I was younger, but the only one I have here with me is Christmas Eve 2009 at my parent's house. You can see the big ball my Grandpa is unrolling, and in the other picture below shows everyone in the big circle.

It's such a fun/funny tradition, and I don't know who or how it was ever made, but I love it and I am definitely planning on continuing this tradition for many many years with my family!

Day 19

2011-04-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

A Hobby Of Mine

hmm, I'm trying to think of what I love to do besides blog, because that is obvious.

I really enjoy cooking and baking. One of my favorite things about cooking, is that you don't need a recipe. You can just add as you go, if you are missing an ingredient, you usually can just skip out on it or replace it with something else. Baking is great too, but you have to measure, which slows you down, haha!

I love sewing with my mom! I still am a little bit nervous to do big projects on my own so I always have her help me out. She helped me make a gorgeous quilt for Kim's Christmas present this past year, and she is now making all of Easton's bedding! All I've done for the bedding is stitch baseballs that will be appliqued on top of the quilt and bumpers. Anyway...I'm getting off track! My mom got me a sewing machine for Christmas a couple years ago, and it's currently packed up in our storage unit. I'm excited for when we move and I can unpack it and start on some new projects!

Day 18

2011-04-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

Put Your iPod on 'shuffle songs' and List the First 10 Songs

I found the links to all these songs except number 8, which is too bad because it's a gorgeous song! They are all so random too. And I don't think I have updated my iPod in about 2 years, so they are all really old songs, I love them all though! Enjoy!

'Better Off' by Let's Go Sailing
'Running' by David Archuleta
'Joy Ride' by Mariah Carey
'Deep Winter' by Jon Schmidt
'Helter Skelter' by Dana Fuchs
'So Sick' by Ne-Yo
'Miss Halfway' by Anya Marina
'When We Meet Again' by Jenny Phillips
'Girlfriend' by Daniel Bedingfield
'The Difficult Kind' by Sheryl Crow

Newest Nephew!

2011-04-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night, April 14, Ryan's oldest sister Julie had her third baby! It was a super fast labor, and to make a long story short, she progressed so fast that her epidural didn't even have time to kick in and she had a natural birth, only 7 minutes of pushing! Crazy! She is an amazing woman!

They ended up naming him Chase Justin Baumgartner. I love how they decided to pick his name. They had 5 names to pick between going to the hospital, so she wrote all 5 on seperate note cards, and after he was born, they would hold up each note card next to him, and see if it fit. Turns out after Rhett, Jace, Trey, Jase, and Chase, that Chase was the winner, and I think it fits him perfectly!

How amazing does she look for just having a baby! And nothing to ease the pain WHILE having the baby!? I hope I look like this in about 3 months!

He is so cute and tiny, and I can't get enough of him! I'm sure he and our little Easton will be the best of friends!

Day 17

2011-04-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

A Habit You Wish You Didn't Have

I have two bad habits, and I feel like I'm in a Catholic Church confessional right now by admitting this to the world like it's a sin..."Forgive me, because I pop and pick at everything!!!"

I'll start with the popping...I'm not one of those normal people that only pop their fingers. I pop my fingers (both joints on each finger, so 20 pops total), my wrists, my neck, my hips, my ankles, and my favorite...my toes! I usually have Ryan pop my toes for me cause for some reason it's so much more enjoyable when you're not the one doing it! I also have him pop my back for me. This one I have resisted a lot more now that I'm pregnant, it scares both of us to put that much pressure on my back when there is a baby inside there...I can't wait until I can have my next gooood back pop though!!!

And then picking...I'm a picker, I pick at my nails, at scabs, at my eyelashes (looove picking off mascara!), if my lips are chapped I pick at them too, and worst of all, I think everyone has this bad habit, but picking at zits. I just want them to go away! I know that it 'makes them worse' and everything, but I feel like if I don't do my part to help them along, then they will stay forever!

So now you know my bad habits, if you catch me doing them, I give you permission to tell me to stop :)

Day 16

2011-04-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

A Favorite Youtube Video

I love any videos that have funny kids in them! I think they are so great, and are truly funny...not dirty or mean jokes being played, just good clean funny kids! Here are 2 that I love, I'm sure you've all seen and loved them, but I think they get better and better with time...timeless, if you can say that about a youtube video :)

David After the Dentist

Nintendo 64 Kid

I love the little sister in this, I think she probably could care less about a video game, but can't help getting caught up in her brothers insane excitement!!!

Day 15

2011-04-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

Next 3 Items on your 'Bucket List'

Go on a hot air balloon ride!
Visit a tropical location and just veg out on a beach
Take a cooking class

None of these are all that 'lofty' of goals, and I realized after thinking about this, that I don't really have all that many things on my bucket list, or even a bucket list at all! I need to work on this problem!

Day 14

2011-04-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

Your Dream House

Alright, after searching about 30 seconds on the first builder website I came across, I found this house! I probably wouldn't mind living here...it looks gorgeous! To be honest, buying or building a dream home is so far into the future, that I haven't given too much thought about it. There are some things I do know that I want included in it one day though:

big wrap around porch
big wooden front door
barbeque/outdoor eating area
hot tub
wood floors throughout the house
one of those pot and pan holders above an island in the kitchen
lots and lots of windows in the living/dining/kitchen area
a theatre room
a 'man cave' for Ryan (it's the one request he's ever asked for on this subject)
high wainscoting
lots and lots of comfy welcoming looking furniture

Mostly I just want a 'homey' home where our kids want to be with their friends, and look forward to coming home to every day! That's my idea of a dream home, a happy home with our family in it!

Free photo collage made with Smilebox

Day 13

2011-04-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

What Did You Do Today?

Since my day went until 11:00 last night, I decided to do yesterday's post today! Of all days to have this topic too, it was such a boring slow day yesterday. I was pretty much just killing time all day...you'll see!

8:30 - woke up, ate breakfast, got ready and painted my toesies

10:30 - went up to USU campus, met up with Ryan and picked up Danielle's graduation packet! (yay for graduations coming up!!)
12:00 - cut my friend Riko's hair into this sweet design. He is on the USU break dance team and they have a big end of year preformance tonight!

1:00 - walked down to Great Harvest and got a yummy PB&J sandwich! mmm

1:30 - ran some errands (got some gas, browsed the DI and Somebody's Attic Thrift stores looking for fun furniture to refinish)
3:20 - cut Jed's hair into an awesome Euro-hawk like the one below (no this is not the Jed who's hair I cut, I forgot to take a picture)

4:00 - Left the salon to do some browsing in stores. I went to Bernina Fabrics to get quilting ideas, also went to Brats Kids Wear looking for cute blessing outfits for the babe.
5:30 - Went to Melanee's to see her new bunnies. oh. my. heck. sooo stinkin cute! The grey one is Thumper, her roommate's, and her's is the black one and is named Houdini. Thumper is the most laid back bunny ever. He seriously just layed there. I could only get him to eat half an apple, and Houdini at both their snacks, and his apple, plus the rest of Thumpers, and was hopping around all over! He is much more active! I couldn't believe how soft and cute they are. ugh, I need one!

6:45 - Mel and I left to go to a Slumber Party that our friend Julia was hosting. Those are so funny, unfortunately we had to leave early for my last appointment of the day (don't you love how my work day was so slow, but so spread out!)
8:45 - Colored Felica's hair in the melting technique. This is the look we were going for, I hope it turned out ok for her! (again, forgot to take a picture)

11:00 - Got home, Ryan made me a little english muffin since I hadn't eaten dinner, we watched the end of the Giants game (yay! They won!) And then we were off to bed!

Ha! I told you, such a random day! Now you all know what I do to kill time...a whole lot of nothin!!

Day 12

2011-04-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

A Favorite Quote

"Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

- Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Small and Simple Things

There are so many great quotes out there. I think you hear someone quote something at least once a day. Sometimes they don't really stick, but when you come across them again, you think, "I've heard that before" and you subconsciously have remembered it all along. That is what this quote is to me. Every time I run across it, it hits home to me over and over again.

Sometimes I get too caught up in my own world, and I need to remember to slow down and think of others before myself. My life is so much easier compared to some of those around me, and I need to be careful of my whining and complaining, and remember to be grateful and have a humble attitude.

I think that Marjorie Pay Hinckley is an incredible example to women everywhere. No matter what your beliefs, she believed simply in living a happy life, full of kindness and giving. She and her husband's relationship is always one of the first I think of when I think of how I want my future to be. They are a beautiful and blessed couple.

Day 11

2011-04-11T08:19:00.000-07:00

A Favorite Book

Any Nicholas Sparks book! They are all so sweet, and they make you want to live on the North Carolina coast more than anywhere in the world! He is an great writer who makes you feel like you are actually there experiencing whatever he is writing about. So if you are a hopeless romantic like me, pick up any of his books. You'll love them :)

These are a few I've read recently:

Dear John

The Notebook

The Choice

Nights in Rodanthe

The Last Song

Day 10

2011-04-10T17:06:00.001-07:00

A Favorite Food and Recipe

mmm, Ryan's mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies! They stay soft and chewy for days, and are full of chocolate chips! With just a little bit of oatmeal, they have a yummy texture that is so addicting! I'm sure many of you already have a favorite CCC recipe, but I HIGHLY recommend trying this one! Kim's cookies won't let you down!

Ingredients:

1 lb. butter (4 cubes)

2 C. packed brown sugar

1 3/4 C. white sugar

4 eggs

4 C. flour (might need an extra 1/4 C. depending on the thickness at the end)

3-4 C. quick oatmeal (depending on how much you like)

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking soda

3-4 C. chocolate chips (we use semi-sweet)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Using a large standing mixer

Cream butter
Slowly add packed brown sugar and white sugar while still mixing the butter
Beat butter and sugar on med-high for 2-4 minutes, until fluffy
Add eggs to mixture one at a time
Add vanilla, and set aside.
In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt
Alternate adding flour mixture and oatmeal into the butter mixture, about a cup at a time.
Stir in chocolate chips

Cookie Dough should be slightly sticky to touch, not runny (add more flour to the dough 1 Tbls. at a time until it's stiffer.)
Spray cookie sheet with Pam Spray
Place rounded tablespoon sized drops onto cookie sheet
Bake for 10 minutes
Remove from oven, and place on a paper towel covered cooling rack

After cooking them, you can put some into freezer zip lock bags, and freeze until a later time, then you have yummy fresh cookies anytime!

Day 09

2011-04-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

A Favorite Movie

My favorite movie is Sleepless in Seattle. I don't think I could even begin to count how many times I've seen that movie! I also love You've Got Mail, so really, I think I just love Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. I like them in movies on their own, but I think together as a couple, they are awesome! It's such a cute love story, sweet and simple!

Day 08

2011-04-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

A Favorite Song

This is always going to be one of my favorite songs. I know that at one point it was very overplayed and a lot you are probably sick of it, but I love it! It came out when I first started dating Ryan, and so of course it hit home to me. It's one of the main songs on our wedding video, so in my head when I hear this, I picture our own little story playing.

My favorite line has to be, "it starts in my toes, makes me crinkle my nose..." When I was younger, and just starting to like boys and have crushes, my best friend Emily and I would talk about boys all day long (like any pre-teen girl!) One of the questions we would ask each other when we got a new crush was, "does he make you have pointy toes?!" That was the true way we knew the other was twitter-pated! When you get that feeling that you just like someone SO much, you just get so excited and giddy?!? You all know that feeling? Well I felt like that after me and Ryan's first date. I came home, and I told my roommate "I want to marry him!" Of course I didn't think I really would just 4 months later, but I definitely had the 'pointy toed' feeling going on, and that is what this song explains.

Lyrics:

Will ya count me in?

I've been awake for a while now

You've got me feelin' like a child now

'Cause every time I see your bubbly face

I get the tinglies in a silly place

It starts in my toes

And I crinkle my nose

Wherever it goes

I always know

you make me smile

Please stay for a while now

Just take your time

Wherever you go

The rain is falling on my window pane

But we are hiding in a safer place

Under covers stayin’ dry and warm

You give me feelings that I adore

They start in my toes

Make me crinkle my nose

Wherever it goes

I always know

That you make me smile

Please stay for a while now

Just take your time

Wherever you go

What am I gonna say

When you make me feel this way

I just mmmmm

And it starts in my toes

Makes me crinkle my nose

Wherever it goes

I always know

That you make me smile

Please stay for a while now

Just take your time

Wherever you go

I've been asleep for a while now

You tuck me in just like a child now

'Cause every time you hold me in your arms

I'm comfortable enough to feel your warmth

And it starts in my soul

And I lose all control

When you kiss my nose

The feeling shows

'cause you make me smile baby

Just take your time now

Holdin' me tight

Wherever wherever wherever you go

wherever you go

I always know

'Cause you make me smile

here just for a while

Day 07

2011-04-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

Something I want to buy

Right now I really want to buy a glider/rocker for the nursery when we move. I really like the upholstered ones, and I am pretty sure I'm going to be spending a lot of time in whatever chair I decide on, so I really am looking for comfort. I found one similar to this at Downeast, my sister in law Julie bought it, and it is the most comfortable chair I've ever sat in. Now if I could just find a few extra bucks to go buy it!

The other things I want to buy are all on my registry at Target (here is the link, cutest stuff ever!!) I am just getting so excited about the baby, and that's the only stuff I want to buy. I found a lot of cute bedroom decor I want to put in his room from Hobby Lobby, but again, I'll need to find a few extra bucks for that too!