It Wasn't Jet Lag

I felt really strange on Father's Day last year. Actually, I had been feeling off for several weeks, but I was certain it was just post-Spain jet lag since I had never recovered after getting home a couple weeks earlier. I had taken a pregnancy test about a week before, probably the 5,107th once I'd taken in the course of our marriage, so when the question came into my mind again that morning as I got dressed for church, I dismissed it immediately. I wasn't pregnant. I was sure of that. 

Then again, while playing the piano in our little Spanish branch, a wave of fatigue and nausea washed over me again. "This the worst jet lag I have ever had," I thought to myself. And after two trips to Russia in my life, 11 times zones away and far enough off the beaten path that it took 2-3 days to get there, that's saying something. Again the question came to my mind... could I be pregnant? I did the math in my head and realized it was quite possible that the test I had taken a week ago would have been a little too soon to come out positive, even if I were pregnant. But remember how I said I had taken 5,102 pregnancy tests? That means I'd thought I was pregnant at least 5,102 times, so even though I had my suspicions I had gone through so many tests that I didn't get my hopes up. Still, I decided I'd take another when I got home just in case.

I came home from church alone since Dallin had meetings afterward. I took a test, set it on the counter, and watched for the little line to appear, but to my surprise, there was not one... but two lines. 

Two lines.

I flipped out.

It is probably a good thing no one was home to see me jumping around like a crazy woman, but on the downside, that also meant I had no one to tell. Dallin was in meetings and I wanted to tell him (in person) before I told anyone else, so I made a ridiculous video that I will probably never allow anyone else to watch... but it makes to happy to remember how excited I was to find out we were expecting. I had reason to believe that there was a decent chance it could be difficult to get pregnant, and that made it even that much more exciting to get a positive test. I was also happy to have an explanation for what I thought was never-ending jet lag. 

I think the best part was when I breathlessly met Dallin at the door (I'd been impatiently waiting for what seemed like forever), said I had a Father's Day present to give him, and told him I was pregnant. I hope I always remember how happy Dallin looked and how excited we both were as we processed the news. That was a happy day indeed.

I have had so many happy moments since then too, but most of my favorite ones have to do with my little family. I've especially loved seeing Dallin become a daddy. He loves our little babe so much and it just about makes my heart explode to see him snuggle and play with him. 

I know I already posted this picture on my blog, but I just love it so much.

I'm a lucky lady to have found that husband of mine. He takes such good care of our little family and I love him all the more because of it. I'm also thankful for both our fathers; they have influenced our lives immensely through their examples. Happy Father's Day to all... and to all a good night. ;)

Eli Thursday

16 weeks

I was in the kitchen when I realized Eli was being awfully quiet all of a sudden, so I peeked over the counter and saw this. He was so fast asleep he didn't wake up at all when I laid him down in a more comfortable spot. 

Being a baby is hard work, you know.

Eli Thursday

15 weeks

Almost every time I lay Eli on his back, he flips onto him belly just seconds later. Usually he is happy, lifting his head up to look around, but... sooner or later, tummy time gets old and this happens:

"Help, mom... help!"

I know, son. Sometimes exercising makes want to lay on the floor and cry too.

Eli Thursday

14 weeks

Eli loves to be where the action is, even when it is something as thrilling as doing the laundry, and he is even happier when he is in his bumbo where he can see what's going on. He looks so big sitting up like that! 

Also, this picture shows you how much hair he has, which isn't much more than a little strawberry-blonde peach fuzz. I love my bald little buddy.

Memorial Day

Now that we have Eli, Dallin and I spend our weekends and holidays doing different stuff than usual. In other words, spontaneous road trips and canyoneering adventures don't happen for the time being, at least not for me and Eli. So this Memorial Day, we took a little trip to a nearby creek with Dallin's brother and his wife and son. 

Our little trip reminded me how thankful I am to live in such a beautiful place. 

I love being outside. I'm happiest with dirt under my toes, sky over my head, and trees all around. 

And a pretty little mountain stream makes it even better!

We dipped Eli's toes in, but he wasn't a big fan of the cold creek water. No sir.

But cousin Levi sure didn't share Eli's opinion, as you can see. :)

Although Eli may not have wanted anything to do with the creek, he did enjoy taking a break from his brace, being snuggled by Dallin and me, and chewing on his fists.

Have I mentioned what a cute daddy Dallin is? 

I think Eli likes him too.

It was a really nice, relaxing way to spend the afternoon. I can't wait until Eli and Levi are big enough to play in the creek together. Actually, I can wait. My baby is getting too big already!

Also, I just have to say I'm really thankful to be an American. Even though I may not be particularly happy with everything going on politically, I'm so thankful for the freedoms we have because of the sacrifices others have made to make the life I live possible. I know I take it for granted too often. 

Grandma Carmen

We made a quick stop to see Dallin's grandma Carmen today.

She loved holding Eli (who she called Snicklefritz and Toady... haha!), especially since he's bigger and more squeezable now than when she saw him last. 

It was so cute to see Eli smile and chat with her when she smiled and chatted with him. He's a little sweetheart. 

I'm really glad we get to see her often. She's a spunky lady with a lot of great stories to tell, and she's always so happy to see us. We try to stop by whenever we're in town. Even though Eli probably won't remember her well, if he does at all, I'm glad I'll have some pictures to show him when he is older. 

Eli Thursday

13 weeks

Unless it's been a rough night, Eli usually sleeps in his bouncer or crib in our room, but I often can't resist pulling him into bed when he wakes up to eat around 5:00-6:00am. He's so sweet and snuggly. He falls asleep after eating, and when he starts waking up an hour or two later I say, "Good morning, little Eli!" and he always gives me a big, gummy smile like he is just so happy to see me. I know mornings won't be as peaceful as this forever, but I'm soaking it up while it lasts.