Pregnancy so far.

When I was pregnant with Kyle I didn't document anything. Partly because I didn't have internet access, and partly because I just didn't want to. This time around I think I want to document a bit more, just because I want to remember more. So here is a little recap of the first half (give or take a week or two) of this pregnancy.

I found out I was pregnant in early September. I had gotten up at 4:30 as usual (usual for then...not so much now) to go running and thought I would just take a test even though I thought it was too early to tell. Bam. Positive. I was shocked and SO excited. I woke Ryan up and told him, he was thrilled, then I went running as usual. It was a fun run. And yes, I took a picture with my positive test. This is one picture I did take with Kyle, me holding my test the night we found out. Why not make it a tradition? (funny side note...later that day I ended up in instacare because I saw a snake, hyperventilated and had a full on panic attack. so much excitement for one day, and yes, I am THAT afraid of snakes.)

We didn't tell anyone for a few months. I liked having a secret. it got challenging to hide when I got so sick. So much more sick than last time. It was a rough few months, but always felt worth it of course. Around Halloween we shared the news with our close friends and family. We mailed everyone the picture I posted here and on facebook later.

My sickness lifted quite a bit around 14 weeks. I was so happy to have an appetite again and to not throw up so many times each day. It was wonderful to feel a bit better.

I haven't had many specific cravings. I couldn't stand fast food for a few months, and I also couldn't eat meat. But now everything is pretty normal. I can't sleep through the night, and I am tired a lot, but I really can't complain. Nothing I can't handle living with for a few months. No complaints at all. I am not a person who LOVES pregnancy like some, but I am very grateful for pregnancy, and that feeling of gratitude usually trumps any discomfort or complaint I have. It all seems like such a small sacrifice for what you get out of it. I am just happy to be pregnant, whatever that includes!

How about a few pics? I feel like I was showing more at 7 weeks than at like 15...major bloating (tmi?)...anyways I think you always feel bigger than you look for the beginning. I feel like a fool taking these pictures...for the record.

What the awkward face in week 17? Creeper.

Then today we found out we are having a GIRL! I can't say I was surprised ..I was so sure of this one being a girl I had already purchased a few small girl items. But even though I wasn't shocked...I am terrified. Girls stress me out. I went to buy a little "it's a girl" prize today and after 3 minutes in the girl section I found myself overwhelmed and headed back to Kyle's department for comfort. Don't get me wrong, I am very excited...but I honestly find it scary. That's all. I am really excited for this whole new world.

The ultrasound went really well. I was really nervous for it with Kyle, and again with this one. I feel so blessed to have a healthy baby on its (her!?) way. It still hasn't really sunk in yet, but I do get overwhelmed with gratitude often when I think about it.

So I think that is about it so far! Just about half way there! Here is today's pic...seriously I don't ever know what to do when taking these. I get awkward.

The day he turned two

On Kyle's actual birthday we had a lot of fun. We started the day by meeting his good friend Emmett for donuts, which they both quite enjoyed. Then Kyle and I headed to the mall to play because he loves it so much. It just so happened that Jr. High choirs were performing live there all day! Kyle LOVED listening and dancing to the music and I got a kick out of the fact ten years ago that day I was probably doing something similar to those little kids singing.

After Ryan got home we took Kyle to Chuck E. Cheese. He had gone with his cousins while we were in Texas and loved it so, so much. He loves the rides, the games, and getting to run around "being a kid", as their slogan says. It was also funny for because 9 years ago that day I was probably the girl at the register...day of flashbacks for me I guess. It was so fun to go just the three of us and play all night there. Kyle is such a fan.

We ended the night with presents, which ended up being an hour long one on one basketball game between Ryan and Kyle. Funny details? Kyle "dribbles" the ball...I will put a video on maybe. It is so funny. Also, at one point Ryan accidentally hit Kyle in the face so he said "I'm sorry Kyle"...Kyle's reply? "say it again Daddy." So Ryan apologized again...this went on about ten times before Kyle said, "its ok" and moved on. So funny.

I think Kyle had an awesome day. I know I did. I love parties, but spending the day just with Kyle, and then the evening as our little family of three was magical. I love both those guys so much, it is a treat to get to spend time with them. Love you K! Happy birthday!

*It should also be noted that Kyle started potty training himself, and stopped napping completely on his birthday. One I love, the other is tragic for me. I loved my nap times. But he stays happy all day, doesn't even act like he needs one. Heaven help me. He is 2 going on 20 sometimes...

2 Years Old

Today Kyle is TWO! I'd say I can't believe it, but I totally can. Time does fly, but at the same time it is hard to remember life without Kyle. He just fits. I am obsessed with this age. He is SO much fun, such good company, and just my favorite person to be around. This list of favorites might be a long one...

• His singing. He sings Itsy Bisty, Sunbeam, Do as I'm doing, Once there was a snowman, The ABC's (his version), Taylor Swift songs, and also some originals of his own. I love when he sings maybe above all else. Especially when he sits at the piano and plays and sings at the same time.
• The things he says...some of my recent favorites.
• "Im sorry you're not chocolate"...said to a cough drop
• "Take two Papa!"...said to Grandpa while taking the sacrament at church.
• "One more time!"...said after anytime we sing a song.
• "Ok, Daddy fix it"...when anything isn't working.
• "I love love love love my ____" fill in the blank with Mama or Daddy depending on the time.
• "Go Ky, go Ky, Go Ky!"...chanted regularly while dancing.
• "Wooooo!"...just anytime he is excited. You gotta hear it.
• "Chicken, hot dog, grapes, dip!"...every meal time this is his request.
• "Oh cute Mama!"...everyday when I get dressed.
• "I so handsome"...everyday after he gets dressed.
• "Fish are friends, not food", when saying goodbye to my uncle we call Bruce.
• "Ew yucky!"...his reply anytime you ask him if he likes babies
• The sweet way he asks for things, says please and thank you, bless you, yes, no...I just love how he talks.
• His fake sad face, which is just funny.
• His love of Mickey Mouse, and their daily phone calls.
• He has sort of started potty training himself...it is crazy.
• He loves to play games, especially Don't Break the Ice.
• He loves to laugh.
• He loves pillows, and often builds piles of them to lay on.
• He like to do flips.
• He loves his cousins, their house might as well be Disneyland.
• He is very sweet and caring. If I say something hurts he always says "Oh I sorry Mama".
• He is very opinionated and hard to sway.
• He is a bit dramatic. Collapses into a pile sobbing over small things.
• That being said, he is almost always happy and pleasant. 
• He loves people.
• He loves nursery. Loves.
• He loves cars, balls, blocks, and coins.
• He loves books, and to be told stories. No matter how many read he always wants more.
• He LOVES his dad. Playing with Ryan, cuddling with Ryan, anything with Ryan is great.
• He is usually very good at listening and doing what he is supposed to. Usually.
• He likes his food cold. 
• He loves to dance. Always busts a move.

Can't say enough about this guy. I know it is probably because we are his parents, but we can't imagine a more fun, pleasant, awesome kid. 

Blue Party

One of Kyle's first words was "blue". He always picks blue when there are color options, so I thought he would enjoy a whole party celebrating him and the color blue. We kept the party WAY smaller than last year, and I loved that. It was a "friends" party that was more like a "cousins" party, and I let Kyle make the guest list himself. He chose cousins, and Emmett. He also listed some of his adult friends, who were kind enough to spend a Saturday evening at a two year old's party. Cousins, pizza, and cake, seemed to be Kyle's main requirements as we planned the party. Simple enough!

A bit of decor, plus some blue velvet cake and an all blue candy buffet.

I was so grateful to everyone that came. It is so awesome to know that people love and care about Kyle. He has so much love in his life, and it meant so much to me to see people come out to celebrate with us. My mom also told an original story about the land of blue which Kyle and Wesley especially loved. Then we did presents (spoiled little boy) and cake and called it good. Aside from two injuries, Kyle was happy and loving it the whole time. I worked hard this year to have him help make all the decisions, pick out decorations, make the guest list/menu, and keep it low key enough he would have a great time. Mission accomplished I think. And wow was he impressed by "blue cake"...totally worth it.

Afterwards he crashed hard after reading his new Mickey books a thousand times, and cuddling with his new stuffed Mickey. The next morning I woke up to him saying "woohoooo!!!!"...as he had rediscovered all the new gifts from the night before. Love it.

Gonna party like it's my birthday

I had a birthday that felt like it lasted a week! Besides my pants being tighter, this was fabulous! The weekend before, Ryan took me downtown overnight and Kyle had a sleepover at my parents. This was magical. We stayed within walking distance to City Creek and Temple Square. It was rainy. My favorite. We had dinner at The Garden where I enjoyed the best shrimp of my life, then enjoyed the lights and fountains (that part made me wish K was with us), then headed back to our room to watch cable (I have never had it at home, so I obsess when we go somewhere that has it), ate some treats, and slept as late as we wanted to the next day. Then we did some shopping of course.

After hours of shopping we still had some time on the babysitter clock...so naturally I chose to go to McDonalds. Judge me all you want, I adore that place and when it is my birthday? You better believe I go there. Then we picked Kyle up early and headed home for sweats and gingerbread train making. He loved it more than a little.

The next day my family threw a little party for me. My dad made the BEST steak. So yum. And Kyle and I got to blow candles out together.

THEN on my actual birthday we partied some more. Becky took me to lunch which was delicious AND fun. Can't beat that. Then that night we went to the Riverwoods, ate magical pizza (wonder why my pants are tighter gees), saw the lights and Kyle visited Santa. He made fast friends with Santa and still talks about how nice he is, and that he gives out candy. Though this is Kyle's third Christmas, this was his first Santa experience. It went so well. Anyways then we came home and watched Hunger Games. Love it.

Last but definitely not least later in the week my wonderful friends took me to dinner. To say I love these girls is an understatement. We don't get together super often, especially just the girls, but holy smokes when we do? I love it so much. I laugh so hard. I drink so much Diet Coke. Life is just good with them. 

I can't forget to mention all the cards, calls, and text that came in too. I felt so loved. It was a wonderful birthday....week? 

And THAT my friends, is how you turn TWENTY FIVE!? Woo. Thanks to everyone!!