Karma

My freshman year of college I had a roommate named Jackie. Jackie cared for and loved animals, thus she had given up meat for many years. All of us roommates didn't quite know how to deal with a vegetarian roommate, so of course we teased and made fun, even though we really loved her and her Boca burgers.

Fast forward 4 1/2 years. Karma can be cruel, yet highly comical. Since being pregnant I have not been able to eat meat, smell meat, touch meat, look at meat...you get the point. If contact with meat is made, contact with the toilet will be made. What am I supposed to eat?

Dear Jackie, please forgive my lack of understanding. What I should have been doing was consoling you, because meat is delish and you've been so deprived...trust me, I know!

Musings by Garrett

Have you seen the buhzillion ads on TV for the new Justin Beiber movie? Keep hearing his songs played over and over again? Apparently Garrett has.

We were driving the other day and Garrett turned to me and said (in a straight face), "I really am supposed to be a Justin Beiber...my parents just never fostered my talent."

I love this man!

The First Trimester

Now that the news is out, I think it important to write down what we have experienced so far this pregnancy. Considering my brain went away to my belly, I am bound to forget.

On Monday, December 13th, I woke up feeling different. Throughout the day I kept wondering if I was pregnant, but kept shaking it off so I wouldn't get my hopes up. After a miscarriage 3 months earlier, I couldn't take looking at the worst straight line ever seen on a pregnancy test. After getting home from work, I couldn't take the wondering anymore and peed on the stick. I set it down on the counter and walked away, wanting to give the test the required 3 minutes process. I was so apprehensive when I walked back into the bathroom, but couldn't contain myself when instead of a negative, there was a plus! I cried and called Garrett right away.

That night I had Garrett give me a priesthood blessing. I couldn't help but feel terrified that we'd miscarry again. Throughout the blessing I felt peace and new that this was the real thing, however, there was a part where I was told there would be challenges with this pregnancy. It scared me, but I put faith in the Lord and knew it would all work out.

So far everything has worked out. We have experienced two very challenging situations, but we have been able to face them and come out on top. I have been advised not to over-exert myself in any way, which has been hard. My pride is hurt when I see Garrett coming home after a 10-hour day, only to push the vacuum around the house or cook dinner. I have always been independent and it's been a learning experience to let go and allow myself to be served.

I have been very nauseous since day one, but feel so lucky to have those feelings. Before, when we miscarried, I never felt any symptoms. Even though sometimes it isn't fun, I actually am grateful for the sickness I feel. It is a reassurance that everything is okay.

Now we're to 13 1/2 weeks and pregnancy is beginning to settle in. Pants are getting tighter, moodiness is an everyday occurrence (poor Garrett), and my face has never seen so many red things all over it. Even so, nothing can take away from the miracle that we have been waiting for!

Garrett has been wonderful this whole time! He rubs my aching feet, cleans our house, puts up with my antics and makes sure I am as comfortable as can be, all while working full time and going to school full time. It brings tears to my eyes to think of all exhaustion he's going though. Thank you. Love you and our baby more than life itself!

Condie Creation (title by Garrett)

Sweatpants are my best friend.

Surprise! In celebration of the month of love, we thought we'd share our new love with you. We are almost 13 weeks pregnant and ready to love our little baby, due August 20th. We feel so blessed to be pregnant and are counting down the days until we get to hold our little one in our arms.

It's the Little Things

Hubs and I were at a restaurant the other day with the youth from our church. As hubs was about to give our order, I had to use the restroom. I told him to order for me.

After coming back from the restroom, hubs was still ordering. How could this possibly take him so long? It was later explained to me by our bishop, who was nearby, that hubs had them go check if the lemonade he ordered for me was "light" lemonade or regular. He knew I don't like to drink regular lemonade and was a stickler for "light lemonade".

It makes me smile to know that hubs knows me just as well as I know myself. That's Love.

Confession

Confession: I am a terrible texter-backer (new word?). So please understand that if you text me and you don't hear back until a week later...or never...that it isn't anything personal. I just read a text and then forget! I'll work on it...sometime.

Happy Birthday Garrbear!

Today Garrett is 26! He is getting the best birthday gift ever...but I can't spill the beans yet. Happy Birthday! And now, a picture tribute:

Love you...3 times!