SINGLE DIGITS!! 9 DAYS!

It's almost March right?, so let me be the first to wish you all a Happy St. Patty's Day!

This last week is gone and that's the way we like it around here. I love getting closer and closer to when baby arrives!

This week we celebrated President's Day by relaxing and eating patriotic meals. haha. I couldn't help myself. In Canada, President's Day is "Family Day". Everyone gets a long weekend and almost everyone gets together with family to spend time with one another. I was missing my family oh so bad on family day. Can't believe they will be here in just 13 days!

Alex has been busy with school, work, futsal and hockey. This week his team won 2nd place in Hockey! A friend of ours on his team almost lost her hand to get them to 2nd place, so I think they deserved it!

Alex was a big boy and got his whooping cough shot!

I tried a new recipe that was a hit with the husband! Here is the link for Pineapple Chicken Stirfry:

New recipe!

Alex and I both got haircuts. My haircut experience was not pleasant...to say the least. I suppose I should have planned my schedule out better and gotten my haircut when I WASN'T 38 weeks pregnant.   I couldn't breathe, I was starving, and could not get comfortable. I ended up stopping her after she washed my hair and leaving with wet hair. Let's just say that almost everything I do lately requires some sort of interesting story. Joys of pregnancy.

I had TWO appointments this week, both with ultrasounds. The first ultrasound told us that my fluid was even lower. Still a little ways to go before they take her out because of it. I also found out that I am dilated 1-2 CM! This was exciting for Alex and I because our doctor said if I was at all dilated that he would schedule an induction date for March 5th! So now we have a date unless she comes earlier which i find unlikely. You know what this all means? 9 days left!!!!! Yep, single digits today!

The second ultrasound told us she was in the 28th percentile, 5 pounds and 11 ounces. I hope she grows a lot in these next 9 days! Today i thought i would help out with that by indulging in a donut! Oops, sometimes I like to forget I have gestational diabetes. haha.

Her non stress test went perfectly as usual! She is one active baby!

This week we were wrapping up our last errand and projects before baby arrives. We got the car topped up on oil, car seat installed, bassinet up, and we deep cleaned the bath.

We have family visiting us for practically a  month after she is born! We can't wait to see everyone and to celebrate our first child's birth!

Next week I will for sure post my LAST PREGNANCY PICTURE EVER! I find it crazy that I am even saying that.

As for today, I am just sitting back and enjoying my last days with my husband ALL to myself, smiling about the future and enjoying my last kicks from the inside!

Valentines :) and only 16 more days possibly?!?

This past week has been so great! Last week's activities:

Alex had a futsal game that I was able to go to! They won and it was so fun!

Went to the dentist this week...I guess puking for 8 months straight gives you two cavities. Had to revisit the dentist at the end of the week to get them filled :(

Alex spent all day Saturday working for his friend's Dad, moving and cleaning out an office. I spent the day putting together a baby swing and finishing up dreadful homework.

Alex got out of his flu shot for another week. Apparently Alex is less than manly when it comes to needles. I have yet to witness this. The doctor suggested Alex get the flu shot before the baby arrives. Alex had to make an appointment for this coming week because the clinic was out of flu shots...he dodged the bullet for another week i guess. haha.

Valentine's Day! This year I told Alex I would take care of the activities of V day, to show him the ropes for next year. I guess I should have known that my husband was more romantic and thoughtful than the average. We went to supper at Wingers and on the way home he made a detour. He parked the car and said we needed to get stuff from the trunk. When I opened it, glowing pink balloons were everywhere and underneath it all was a rose, two glasses and a diet-caffeine free coke! haha. (For those of you who don't know, I have been living off of that for 9 months haha). My husband knows me all too well!  

Once we got home it was time for the part that I planned. I thought we would have a lazy evening watching a movie and eating, with the excuse of the holiday. I brought our bed into the living room and made a fort! Brought me back to my childhood ha. That afternoon I made V day muddy buddies to snack on during our movie date. You seriously CAN'T go wrong with Muddy Buddies right? I topped the night off with a very loooooooong love note to my hubs. 

I happened to have receipt paper, so i made this note....interesting.

Baby updates:

Her cute tiny foot :)

 I just realized the other day that when our first child finally arrives, I will still be twenty years old for another couple weeks. Yes...still under age in the states. Am I ready for this? AH! 

At my ultrasound this week, they told me my fluid was slightly lower but again...still fine with their constant weekly monitoring.

Baby was yawning and wiggling about.

An official blessing day for our girl is Sunday, March 24th! This is the only day that really worked, so whether she is 3, 2 or 1 week old...this is the day. If you are wanting to come, message Alex or I and we will get you specific times and addresses. All are welcome!

Strep B test came back negative...fewf.

Today I am packing Alex, baby and I's hospital bag for a smooth transition from home to the hospital. I can't believe we only have 16 days maybe....WOW!

Alex has been encouraging me to do squats and take walks...i can't help but to think it is just a Doctor's way of buying time and helping pregnant women pass time until the final day of labor.

Hope everyone had a great week and Valentine's Day!

love is in the air at almost 36 weeks!

Weekly rant:

With the season of love comes rushing thoughts to my mind. I walk down the grocery isles and ultra sappy Valentines decor crowd every shelf. I think about all the different extravagant ideas I could pull on Alex this year for our first married "love" day. I take a stroll on campus and overhear giddy girls, anticipating their next romance. Then my mind turns to the word it's self. Love. What is love? Is it heart shaped chocolates, a bouquet of daisies, and a card that says, "be mine"? No. Love is everywhere, not just in February. There are so many other forms of love that should be celebrated this Valentines Day too!

1. The love of a extended family. Months pass but memories are made at every gathering without doubt.

2. The love of siblings. My siblings and recent adopted siblings are all wonderful examples to me of love. They exude love to me, their spouses and all who encounter them.

3. The love of a best friend. You love them and they love you through each other's faults and weaknesses.

4. The love of daughter to her parents. My appreciation for my parents on both sides can't even be expressed fully.

5. The love between husband and wife. "Happiness in marriage and parenthood can exceed a thousand times any other happiness." -James E. Faust

6. The love of an old elderly couple who has been together through thick and thin. My grandparents are all great examples of eternal marriages and love.

 
7. The love of a grandparent for their grandchildren. Often shown through spoiling but really seen through time spent making memories.

8. The love of a mother for her child. I love this little girl in my belly so much already! Elder Ballard says. “A mother’s nurturing love arouses in children, from their earliest days on earth, an awakening of the memories of love and goodness they experienced in their pre-mortal existence,” he declares.  “Because our mothers love us, we learn, or more accurately remember, that God also loves us.”

9. The love of a father and his child. I see this love in Alex as he is always willing and ready to serve me and his daughter in my belly!

10. The love of a leader for those he serves. We thank thee oh God for a prophet!

11. The love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, when He gave His life so that we might live and return to our Heavenly Father.

12. But most importantly...The love of a Father in Heaven, who gave His Only Begotten Son. 

I love...love.

Life Updates:

With our new microwave, I have started to play with all the possibilities. This week we made PEACH COBBLER IN A MUG! It was actually great!

Here is the recipe:

Peach Cobbler in a Mug

1 Tbl. butter (I use Smart Balance)
2 Tbl. brown sugar, not packed
2 Tbl. flour
2 Tbl. milk
1/8 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1 peach, peeled and sliced

Cook in microwave for 2 minutes. Add ice cream! ENJOY!

My best friend REAGAN came to visit me this week! It was great girl time and catching up. I miss that girl always.

Alex had a hockey game this week! I got to watch him finally. I love watching my man play some good old Canadian sports.

At the doctors this week I got a non stress test done. Doctor said that the results were textbook good :) We have another ultrasound and non stress test tomorrow! Alex is coming to this one! yay!

Our doctor said that he doesn't see the need to keep her in until 40 weeks and plans on taking her out on the 5th of March! Only 23 more days until we get to meet her :)

I made this bow countdown for when the doctor "claims" he is taking her out! 23 days!

Almost 35 weeks!

This week has felt so LOOOOONG! I have been waiting all week for Jared to get here and studying for my first lab test.

Pregnancy Updates:

My hips feel as though they are being ripped apart. The baby is SO low and nestling obnoxiously in my hips. 

I have been having just about a million braxton hicks for several weeks now. 

At the last ultrasound, they informed me that our baby is now in the 30th percentile...so she is getting a little fatter! Yay! I love chubby babies.

My fluid has maintained and the placenta is still functioning but they continue to keep a close eye on her.

My dear mother cut up her wedding dress this week to make baby girl her very own blessing gown! She isn't quite finished yet but it is looking absolutely beautiful. And it means the world to me, that she would make the sacrifice of cutting up her wedding dress, that she originally designed and sewed herself, I might add. I seriously couldn't be more excited about this special gift!

I have finally completed a lot of things on my "nesting to-do list"! This week I reupholstered our baby's changing pad, made pillows to match her quilt, found a dresser cheaper than I originally budgeted for (Woo hoo), and finished my hair bow holder made out of an old oatmeal canister! I feel just a smidgen more ready for baby to arrive. 

Sorry for a million pictures of the same things haha.

They also performed a non stress test after my ultrasound this week. This test monitors the baby's heart rate and movement for about a half hour. The test results were great according to my OBGYN. This test usually tells them that the baby is good for another week in the womb. I guess I will be doing one of these lovely tests every week until she is born! Which leads me to my next point....

The doctor ALMOST promised me that they would be taking her out at 39 weeks. My goal at my next appointment is to get him to commit to that by scheduling an induction date. 

Because she is looking a little better, the cancelled my second ultrasound last week. I was sad that I wouldn't see her twice in one week but happy that they were confident enough to cancel it all together.

Life Updates:

This week I biffed it majorly on the ice. In attempt to not land on my stomach, I landed straight on my hip bone. Poor Alex has had to hear me complain about the pain ever since. 

Monday it DUMPED snow here in Rexburg. After dropping Alex off at work, I found myself getting stuck at every stop sign. HOW embarrassing.

Alex's grandparents were kind enough to give us an old microwave they had kicking around. I can't believe we went almost a year without one! I have been nuking EVERYTHING this week. As i type, I have a hot rice bag by my side :)

Alex has a 12 credit class this semester called IBC. It is where groups of students make up a business and try and sell it here on campus. Alex's group finally decided on their product! The oldest building on campus (Spory) burnt down several years ago. After rebuilding it, the school decided to keep the brick and rock from the old building, but never had a use for it. Alex's group decided to make a plague for all the alumni of BYUI out of this monumental rock. It would be a part of BYUI, that the students could take away as a souvenir. I think it's a clever and unique idea. I am excited to see how it all turns out in the weeks to come. 

My old roommates who are wonderful to say the least, offered to bring Alex and I supper AND dessert this week! I was so stressed about my first lab test and was so stoked to not have to worry about making dinner. They came over with delicious food and stayed to catch up! It was a big blessing in my week. I have such great friends!

Alex used his massage gift certificate I gave him for his birthday. I still can't believe it was his first professional massage! That kid has been missing out. He obviously hasn't been in as many car accidents as I have that result in FREE massages. haha. 

To end off this week...JARED VISTED! He came bearing gifts of soft BAMBOO swaddles. I have never felt something so soft. I love that boy! This weekend has been a blast with him around. I hope he comes back soon...perhaps in 4 weeks, when our baby could be making her first appearance!

This next week, I plan on doing school work, going to doctor's appointments, relaxing, possibly watching the two day Bachelor, and enjoying one of the last weeks I have my husband all to myself :)

33.5 weeks

 Pregnancy Updates:

Belly button officially has popped out! ha. The worst symptom lately is insomnia. I can't sleep, I can't get comfortable and I can't even nap. It's awful. I get a lot of homework done though while Alex collects his Zzzzzzz's.

Alex and I picked a name for our little one! It could change between two names depending on what exactly she looks like. But we are so close to a for sure name...it's so fun!!

Lately we have been to a million and one doctors appointments and there are still tons to come! We have TWO ultrasounds next week! We had one this week and here are some pictures!

This is her from a frontal view. She is one creepy skeleton. haha.

These pictures she is always turning away and not cooperating.

Apparently my fluid has gone down again and my placenta continues to age faster than the norm but she is still looking fabulous. She is smaller, in the 26th percentile, but they continue to tell me, they aren't worried about that unless she stops gaining weight. She weighs FOUR POUNDS :) They are keeping a close close eye on her which eases Alex's and I's worries.

Life Updates:

This week I decorated for the next upcoming holiday....VALENTINES :) Growing up, my Mom always made this holiday huge. She would make everything heart shaped, pink and red that day. She would deliver heart shaped pizza to me and all my friends at school, write special notes, and prepare fancy dancy meals. So this year, I thought I would start early with this holiday to tribute my Mom's traditions :)

My Mom sent this to me in a Valentine Day package my Freshman year. It takes up a whole corner of our living room! He is HUGEEEE! Great stuff. 

Alex had his 25th Birthday this week. A whole quarter of a century!!! We had some friends over and ate some of Alex's requests. It was a fun time and his last Birthday not being a full time Daddy.

For FHE this week we had another couple from our ward over to play games. Alex and I relearned Settlers of Catan and had a blast!

Alex left yesterday on a mandatory school camping trip and won't be back until Saturday. I am so so sad here at home by myself. I have tried to keep busy with sewing projects and cleaning, but so far, I just really miss that boy and WANT HIM HOME!

This next weekend, my cousin JARED LEE MACDONALD is coming to stay at our house! We cannot wait! I have missed him extremely! 

Well this upcoming week is going to be SUPER! Jared is coming, baby is growing, Alex is home and we get TWO ULTRASOUNDS!

32.5 weeks....

32.5 weeks!

This week has been great!

Besides Monday when Alex and I woke up to hypothermia temperatures in our house. Electricity in the entire city of Rexburg went out. My first thought...."OH NO...THE FRIDGE/FREEZER." Then I remembered....it's probably colder in here than the freezer usually is. Alex's work was closed so we laid in bed in fetal position. Finally, lights turned on and I made my way out of bed to crank up the heater. Finally, we were able to go on with our day!

This week I have been clearing out our storage and selling stuff we don't use on the bullitin board. Who knew our junk was worth so much!?

Our neighbours moved across the country and gave us a bunch of free diapers! We were pretty pleased with this.

The only thing we have left to buy for the baby is a dresser/change table. SO if you know of anyone who is getting rid of one...let this girl know!

Tonight, Alex and I went to the Vocal Point Concert. It was fabulous! They are so cheesey and so great!

This week I have been receiving phone calls from my parents, Natalie and the boys who are baking in the Florida sun. They have been enjoying Disney World all week! Landon and Easton sound like they are having the time of their little lives! Alex and I asked Landon how the heat was and he explained to us that "the sun makes the hot and the hot makes the sun"....makes sense to me? haha. Love that boy!

So this baby may or may not come early with all these small complications of low fluid, aging placenta and gestational diabetes. So let's start the bets! When do YOU think baby Stevens is arriving?

I have an ultrasound this Wednesday so next week will have more information and updates! Alex is coming and we can't wait to see her little face!

Alex leaves on a mandatory school camping trip this coming weekend. I need TV show suggestions....because this weekend is going to be very very very very lonely. 

ONLY 7.5 weeks left! wooo!

31 weeks! Baby Shower and a million ultrasounds later.

 Pictures from my WONDERFUL Baby Shower when I was 28 weeks!!!!

It's been a while since I posted anything! This is due to an overwhelming amount of greatness that has been happening.

The Christmas holidays in Canada was exactly what Alex and I needed. We relaxed, relaxed AND RELAXED some more!

Some things we did in Canada:

Snow mobiling 
Set up elf on the shelf for our little nephews
Watched bowl games non stop
Ate non stop
Ordered Hat's Chinese food
Girl's day out shopping along with a Boston Pizza visit
Babysat Autumn and let me tell you, she was a dream. I'm in love with her little face.
Went to my Baby Shower hosted by the Hill's! It was adorable and well done! They are the best second family to me in the world!
Scored my parents old plasma tv!!
Watched the Christmas lights in Medicine Hat! Beautiful!
Hot tubbed (excluding this pregnant lady)
Went to the annual COUSIN'S party! Which included Fire Stone, a free virgin drink for expecting mothers, and seeing all my wonderful cousins!
Seeing my Grandmother and helping her move to her new home!
Having the Macdonalds come and visit us in the Hat and play monopoly almost a million times. I still have never won that ridiculous game.
Making homemade turtles!
Brittany teaching me how to make hair bows for our baby girl!
Yogen Fruz
Le Miz
The Hobbit
Tooty Fruity
Moxie's White Chocolate brownie
2 Hockey games!
Tim Hortons
Dwindle every day.
Turkey Dinner
My Mom's famous Tort and turtle cheesecake...enough said.


This Christmas has been the best because it was my first Christmas being complete with Alex. Love that boy to bits! He spoiled me!

This Christmas could have been even better if were graced with Jordan and Heather's presence! But we  don't blame them, DISNEYLAND is a good trade ANYDAY! Can't wait to hear about their adventures this holiday! This is an invitation for Jordan to PHONE his BABY SISTER :)

This was at a little over 31 weeks!:) She is just sucking her thumb...no big deal.

So since i have been back in Rexburg I have had TWO ultrasounds! Baby Stevens gets cuter and cuter every time I see her...I swear. She is getting a little too big and low for good ultrasound pictures unfortunately. At my first ultrasound this week they informed me that her development was perfect but that my fluid was in the bottom 5 percentile. SCARY! They told me if it gets any lower that they will have to deliver her early. We are praying that this doesn't happen because I don't think she is quite ready yet and either am I!!! They scheduled me for another ultrasound in Idaho Falls where they have a better ultrasound machine. This machine can determine the pressures and quality of the placenta and fluid. When I made the appointment i was told to drink 32 oz of fluid and to hold my bladder. Later int he week they phoned me to reschedule my appointment for two hours later and again reminded me to drink that fluid! Ultrasound day came and Upon driving the drive to Idaho Falls, I drank a ridiculous amount of water. Painful enough you think? No. I ended up waiting in the waiting room for an hour and half past my appointment time. I didn't know whether i was going to puke or wet myself. I asked the receptionist how much longer it was going to be because I wasn't feeling so good. She then asked how far along I was. I told her I was 31 weeks and a couple days. She laughed and told me I didn't have to drink ANY water if i was that far along and that i could have had a dry bladder. I WAS LIVID! I think they just wanted some mid day entertainment in that medical center because that experience was AWFUL and UNNECESSARY! Alex sure thought it was funny.....I still need time.

This ultrasound was extra long and I got to watch our baby for a half hour! She was fluttering her tongue and punching Mom the whole way through! In this ultrasound they found out that my placenta is aging faster than it should at 31 weeks. This is also not good news. They told us we would have an ultrasound every 2 weeks to monitor both my placenta and fluid and everything might be okay until full term. We sure hope so! Thank you to friends and family who have had us in their prayers!

This last week SPENCER, my cousin came over for Sunday Supper! It was great to see him after 2 years of mission! I am so excited he will be living in Rexburg for a while :)

I started a quilt with my Mom for the baby! here it is thus far!

I still have to do the ribbon binding around the edge..but it is almost done!!!

I think I will be better at blogging now that holidays are over and my schedule is back on!

Oh yeah.....HAPPY 2013!