Pregnancy, Maternity Pics, Baby Showers

 Don't worry, I'm not pregnant again! :) I decided to go back and cover all of the events that I have missed. I'm heading back 2 1/2 years in the past so I can try to document everything.

 PREGNANT!

      I wanted a baby, I had no idea that it would only take a month to get one, but it happened! My life changed the moment that I found out I was going to be a mom. There is something amazing that happened when I came to the realization that I was a safe haven for a growing little human.  I suddenly was conscious of my every move. I was also very conscious of the life that I was going to give this little spirit and the family that it was going to come into.

     As many of you know, at the time I found out I was pregnant, I was going through a really tough time in my marriage. Many things came to light that were not known before we were married, and without going into detail, all I want to say is that I found out that I really didn't know the person that I had married.   Ultimately the situation that I found myself in was a crossroads between living a life with a foundation of the gospel, or living a life without it. I had realized that staying in my marriage was not going to provide me with the gospel centered life that I wanted for this little baby.  We were separated a few days before Christmas 2009 and I had made the decision to get a divorce by the end of the year. It was difficult going through a pregnancy without the support of a husband, but in my situation it was for the best. 

       I was blessed to have my baby to focus on throughout the divorce, but I was constantly worried that the stress from the divorce was taking a toll on my baby. Pregnancy wasn't the funnest thing for me.  I was sick for the first 7 months of my pregnancy. Every time I brushed my teeth I had the joy of dry heaving and throwing up what little I had in my stomach at the time. :) When I first felt the baby move in my belly, I thought I would cry. I could finally feel that my baby was there and healthy and kicking. I felt her flip flop for the first time at 16 weeks. I specifically remember feeling her for the first time while we were visiting our great grandpa Roberts and Helen Marr in St. George. 

   

25 WEEKS

 Feeling my baby move was so neat and special...... until I wanted to sleep. Then I was hoping for her to stop moving. As with any other pregnancy, the bigger she got, the more uncomfortable I got. My balance started to dwindle and my feet started to disappear. BUT my hair looked AMAZING and my skin was flawless! Pregnancy really did make me feel beautiful. 
   

 I also had SO much support from my family during the pregnancy.  My mom was my sanity and my vent throughout the entire pregnancy. I really don't know what I would have done with out her.  My mom gives the best pep talks of anyone I have ever known. I could come to her upset and crying about how hard things were and I would leave her room hours later laughing and happy again.  She would stay up with me into the wee hours of the night.  My poor dad was so patient with us as we stayed in their room chatting up about the littlest things from bumper pads to breastfeeding. Poor Guy, thank goodness for ear plugs right? My parents were so amazing! I am so grateful I had them during this difficult time.  My dad even brought a sofa into their room for me(per my moms request of course) so I could spend time with them and not be alone. 

My youngest sister Dani, (whom is talented in everything at she tries.....and everything she touches turns to gold) Was kind enough to offer her talent of photography to take some maternity photos for me. She is amazing! Alyse and I will cherish these photos forever. Thank you Dani! We love you!

NURSERY DECOR

  I kept myself distracted during the pregnancy with crafts and shopping for the nursery for the baby.  I had a lot of fun making her room just perfect. My parents were amazing and gave me an entire room for here Nursery. I bought cheap picture frames and spray painted them to match. I was able to buy a new set of nursery furniture thanks to my much needed tax returns :) 

 These pictures were taken a couple of months after she was born so I was able to put the pictures in the frames to put the final touches to her nursery.

 I made the bedding for her crib including the bed skirt and pillow. (minus the bumper pad) I also made the blanket that is in the corner of the room. My mom bought the fabric and a the giant books in the corner for my baby gift. :)

 I made a few of the decorations on the shelf and painted and added some ribbon and trinkets on the magnet board.

       I love how her nursery turned out. It ended up being my favorite room the the house.  Getting the nursery ready for the baby was like my therapy :) And it was nice to feel 100% ready for when she got here. :) 

BABY SHOWERS

My mom and sisters threw me a baby shower. It turned out so cute. I had so much support from my aunts and ward members. Emily did the decorations, and the turned out so adorable! Thanks Em!  I am so grateful for all of the amazing people in my life. 

I also had a shower from the sisters in my ward. They were all so sweet and I had so much support! I left these showers with way more than I needed for my little baby. I was very prepared for my little girl to come! Thanks to all that made this such a special time for me! I will try to repay you for your kindness someday!