Christmas 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas was a little different for us this year. I had no energy to put up and decorations or get anything ready. Christmas Eve was really fun - we were invited to the Manwill's for some yummy food and a wonderful BBQ'd turkey. Deep Fry and BBQ Turkey I think are my favorite ways to eat a turkey these days.

Christmas Morning - Yes this is a felt Christmas tree that we put our presents under:)

Bruce enjoying his Christmas Gifts. I was very proud of the bow on the package. I can't believe I still remember how to make pretty bows.

Oliver and his stocking. I hang the stockings early but Santa has to put the stuff in them. Poor Oliver he sits under his stocking everyday and wants to get it down so bad. He is always thrilled with his stuff.

All in all our last Christmas as just the three of us was perfect and I can't wait for next year when we get to celebrate Christmas with our two new little friends.

Ultrasound #1

Today was the first day of ultrasounds. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I have had many friends who have had good results with blood work only to go in and find no heart beat. As we were waiting I was getting more and more nervous but Bruce was cool so it kept me calm.

As we were waiting for the doctor to come in, Bruce and I were having fun talking about whether it was one or two babies. I think we were both hoping that both embryo's took but again I was still nervous. As we went to find heartbeats - the doctor paused and said oh my - which my response was what are there four babies - he said no only two. As we heard the heart beats I could see the excitement on Bruce's face. Baby A strong heat beat of 135 and Baby B heart beat was 127. My friends who are nurses said 135 and above usually means girl and 134 and below means it is a boy. I wait wait to find out what they are:)

I am so grateful that this process has worked - however I could do without getting super strong abs from losing whatever is in my stomach on an hourly/daily basis...

IVF Cycle Two Results

So after enduring another round of IVF we found out that it worked:)

Home Pregnancy Test 11.23.09

On Monday November 30th - I went in for my first round of blood tests. I was scared because of what had happened last time. Shane our nurse at REACH called that afternoon and let me know that yes indeed I was pregnant with my HCG in at 770 - the normal was 50. This could be an indicator of twins but the only real way to find out was

with an ultrasound.

On December 3rd it was more blood work and the HCG level had gone up to 2,493 which could still indicate twins but no ultrasound yet.

December 7th Blood Test number three and my HCG was up to 9,433.

I was so excited to have made it through all my blood tests

to see this pregnancy taking and growing stronger and stronger.

On December 7th I had my first day of morning sickness. I had just finished teaching Krista Pilates and we were off to Costco to pick up a few things and I pulled the car over and learned very quickly how to miss me and the car with the yucky puke.

December 11th Krista brought two little boys into the world - Jonas Robert and Elliott Thomas - we went up the next day to visit and bring Krista some real food none of this hospital stuff:)

Jonas Robert (Left) Elliott Thomas (Right)

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving we got the chance to celebrate with friends. Krista who was 8 months pregnant hosted this at her home. The Jimenez Family was there complete with their new addition baby Eli, Krista & Matt, Kristen (Matt's sister), and then the Pritchett's. Thanksgiving is probably my favorite Holiday, no expectation on presents just yummy food and great family and friends. Matt & Phil deep fried a turkey - yes we live in the south. I made a brined turkey just in case something went wrong with the two engineers and a lawyers plan..

Thanks for hosting Faulkners!!!

Food is ready - let's eat:)

Angie's Mom - who was visiting from Canada, and me:)

Salad - I love a yummy salad with lots of goodies in it....

Bruce carving the brined turkey.....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!!

Happy Anniversary

This year our anniversary was #4. I can't believe it has been four year of marriage. I am grateful for Bruce and what he adds to my life. I truly am a better person because he is right next to me.

Here are our gifts to each other. I was at a youth stake fireside and the Stake President was talking about the paintball gun that is the best. As you know Bruce loves to play paintball. So here you go - Bruce got a new gun which he broke in right away and flowers for me.

It's a Dog's Life

Bruce and I always joke that we want to come back as Oliver in our next life. In the morning Bruce usually will take him out, and then Oliver will run back upstairs to catch some more sleep. More often than not, we find him upside down with his legs in the air, sleeping away. We just love this little guy!!!

IVF Cycle 2

Here we go again. We started our next cycle of IVF in October. In November it really kicked into high gear, and we did the transfer on November 17th. This time I wasn't afraid of the shots or the transfer. I am just afraid to hear the results of whether it worked or not. All looks good for now and we will know more on November 30th. Thanks for all of your prayers and support--I know that we have been blessed by them and I can't express all of gratitude I feel.

Calendar on the Fridge to help me track everything:

Thing 3 and Thing 4. We just can hope and pray that they take and turn into babies.....