Update

Brad and I have been keeping busy...

• We spent an enjoyable Easter/Conference weekend at his parents home. It was fun to spend time with some of Brad's family.
• Then we had fun celebrating our 3rd anniversary on April 6th. We've learned a lot from each other over the past few years and look forward to many many more anniversaries to come.
• Brad has been keeping busy finishing up his last semester. He graduates next week and he can hardly wait to be done. He's good and ready for a break. He has been looking for mechanical engineering positions anywhere and everywhere, so who knows where we'll end up. I can't wait to find out so that I can start making plans about all things baby...hospitals, doctors, birthing classes, insurance, how to set up the nursery, etc. It's definitely a lesson in patience for me right now as I am sooo ready to get these things figured out. I know it will all work out for the best. Patience, patience, patience...
  
  Now, time for my pregnancy pics:
  
  

24 weeks

It's hard to believe I've still got about 16 weeks left. With me being 5'1" and having a short torso, the baby seems to be shooting straight out. At this rate, I'm going to have one big belly!! It's going to be worth it, right?!! I've been enjoying his little kicks throughout the day. His movements are getting so big that I can see my belly move sometimes. I love it!!

THE NEWEST MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY IS GOING TO BE.....

A BOY!!!

We couldn't be more excited! Here's a look at his cute little profile. It's so nice to finally be able to call the baby "he" or "him" and not "it" or "the baby". Now on to finding names that we agree on!

The proud mother-to-be at 20 weeks...I'm hanging in there! August seems so far away, but I'm trying to be patient.

Family Time!!

I'm finally getting around to another post!! I don't know why it takes me so long. I'm a bit of a procrastinator, I guess. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago we were able to spend some time with my family because my brother Brian and his cute little family, Natalie, Kennedy, and Nathan were in town from Florida. It's really hard for them to break away because he's an attorney for the Air Force. I hadn't seen them in 2.5 years! Thank goodness we have blogs and webcams to keep in touch so we feel more connected. But I've still missed them so much. It was so good to see them! They seem to be doing great and we had a blast hanging out with them and the rest of my family. Unfortunately Brad couldn't stay long because he had to get back for school. But luckily I was able to take a few days off of work and stay for a bit longer. It was a nice break and a sweet reunion. I love my family!!!

Brad and I got to pick Brian, Natalie, Kennedy, and Nathan up at the airport since we were passing through Salt Lake anyway. I loved getting a big hug from Kennedy at the airport. She's such a sweet friendly little girl! Nathan was a little out of it from all the traveling and lack of sleep. It didn't take him too long to warm up to us, though. It was so fun to finally meet the little guy! He's just as adorable in real life as he is in all the pictures I've seen.

Me with Kennedy and Nathan at the airport...instant friends!!! Brian and Natalie were trying to figure out how to get their high-tech car seat hooked up to my '97 Pontiac Grand Am:)

We took advantage of having the family all together and squeezed in some family pictures. These are my prego-pics at almost 17 weeks.

The Call Family

Silly faces...it's amazing what you resort to when you only have a couple of seconds to strike a pose:) Finger up the nose? Really Shanna? I think Ryan's face is the best...it's not too hard for him crack a goofy face. Just teasing, Ry!!

We had a blast just hanging out and getting caught up on each other's lives. I also got to see a lot of my cousins and family friends because my parents had an open house so everyone could come and visit. We had a great turn out! Brad and I are getting really excited to go to Florida (and Louisianna to see Brad's mission) after graduation and spend some time with Brian and Natalie and thier kiddos. The beaches sound wonderful and we can hardly wait! We decided it would be a good time for a trip before our little one arrives and before Brian and his family move to Japan for a few years. We're looking forward to the end of April!!

Pregnancy Pictures

I'm finally getting around to posting some pregnancy pictures. So now all of you can have a glimpse of my ever expanding waistline:) I'm feeling a little chubby, but I'm dealing with it the best way I can: eat everything in sight. Just kidding, I'm trying to have a little self control. But I must admit, my cravings are way stronger than they've ever been and it's a lot harder to resist certain foods I used to avoid. Example: last weekend I had to have a burger and fries, and only Arctic Circle would do because they have fry sauce. I can't remember the last time I ordered a burger and fries. But I must say it was glorious. I have since purchased some frozen french fries for when my next strong craving hits. I'm trying to enjoy the process and not stress out too much about food, but I'm struggling with feeling a bit pudgy. I try to remind myself that it is normal to gain weight. Did anyone else have issues with this?

Anyway, here are a couple pictures that I have taken along the way so far.

12 weeks

16 weeks

We can hardly wait to find out the gender!! Only 4 more weeks until we find out. Brad thinks it's going to be a boy. Or he wants it to be a boy:) We'll let you all know.

AND OUR SUPER EXCITING NEWS IS...

We're expecting a baby!!!

I'm 13 weeks along and our due date is August 2nd.

We are so excited for this wonderful opportunity to be parents. I can hardly believe that it's real, but my disappearing waistline reminds me that it is:). We had the opportunity to get an ultrasound a month ago to figure out how far along I was. It was so surreal to see the little human growing inside of me and hear its heartbeat. I'm so excited to almost be through the first trimester. It's been rough with the constant nausea, fatigue, headaches, food aversions, etc. but I just know it will be worth it. I'm sure Brad will be glad when I start feeling better, too:). It's been a while since I've cooked him a decent meal. Thanks for bearing with me, honey!!

So I just wanted to let you all in on our exciting news. If anyone has advice on dealing with the symptoms of pregnancy, feel free to include it in your comments. Oh, and yes I am showing already. I'm so short that there's no where for the baby to go but out:). Maybe one of these days I'll post a pic.

Some Pictures from Christmas...Finally!!!

Brad and I had a nice time on our Christmas vacation. We were able to visit each of our families for a few days. We had a fun time at both homes and fit in some much needed rest and relaxation. Thanks to both families for your hospitality and for taking such good care of us!! Here are some pictures from our trip:

After arriving in Idaho

Brad helping Ashlie work her way through the scavenger hunt on Christmas Day to find her special gift.

Maylie, Brianna, and Ashlie sitting on Santa/Grandpa's lap

Aren't they precious!?!

At the Roper home on Christmas Eve, just missing Alan and Colin

Brad's dad thoroughly enjoying his adorable grandkids, Hunter and Madeline. We enjoyed them, too!!

Having fun on Christmas Eve in our new matching pajamas. They are so comfy!!

Doing the can-can:)

Quick Update

The holidays are generally a busy time of year. This year feels a bit busier than usual and a bit busier than I like. So that is my excuse for slacking off on the blogging. So much to blog about, no time or energy left to do it:).

We had the chance to visit my family the weekend before Thanksgiving and then we visited Brad's family over Thanksgiving. We had a great time at both places. Lots of good food and great company. And we got to see a movie at each place: in I.F. we saw New Moon (I thought it was great) and in Logan we saw Blind Side (this is a good show, I recommend it).

Brad's been busy finishing up the semester, preparing for the GRE, working, and getting ready for the ward Christmas party. And I've been busy with various church, work, friend, wife obligations. I won't bore you with all the details:). Just a few. We had fun going to another Jazz game last week. I love sitting up in the suite and eating and talking with co-workers, etc. It's a definite perk of this job. Otherwise I don't think we'd make it to any Jazz games. Plus our future boss was there so it was good to meet him (he'll be joining us next week and we're looking forward to the extra support and help). Another highlight last week was singing in the chorus in a program for the Relief Society Christmas dinner. I also helped throw a baby shower, despite the fact that the mother had the baby the previous evening. It worked out alright. Last but not least we had Stake Conference last weekend which is always inspiring. I got to sing with the Stake Choir during the Sunday session.

This weekend is the ward Christmas party so hopefully all goes well with that. Then for me, dress rehearsal and a couple of performances this weekend with the Stake choir of "Sing Noel". The conductor is great and she has us singing some really nice songs so this should be a good experience.


Here's a couple of pictures from our trip to Idaho (sorry, none of Brad...he wasn't around during the photo shoot)...

Dad and me

Jules and me

I'll try to be more motivated and keep up with the blog better so that my posts aren't so boring:) Hope you are all having a nice holiday season!!!