David, Heather and Emerson Lloyd

March Post

2011-03-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

I've entitled this "March Post" because I'm sure it's the only one I will get around to posting this month. You get a full time job and all your blogging time goes out that window!!
Speaking of a job... I HAVE ONE! I'm currently working at the University of Utah Hospital as a Nutrition Care Associate. I started in early February and man is it a lot of work! They have some amazing benefits and so I know this will be a great place for me to be at for awhile. I hope to take advantage of the 50% off tuition in a few months, if I can fit it in with my work/home life.
Days on go something like this:
5am - Wake Up!
6:10 - If I'm not on the Trax train, I'm screwed, and late!
6:50 - train stops and I RUN to clock in and get into the kitchen
7 - start "podding" the breakfast trays (this is me putting all the items my patients have ordered on their trays and getting them ready to be taken to their rooms).
7-10a- Plating the food, delivering it and getting orders taken (and electronically entered) from each patient. Doing any room service and anything else that might need to be done.
10- EAT SOMETHING and SIT DOWN!
10:15 - get ready for lunch and anything else that might need to be handled. Deliver snacks to various units/clinics/patients. Pick up tray carts from the patient floor.
11 -2 - Pod lunch, get it delivered and take orders for dinner and breakfast
2pm - If I'm lucky, and on time, this is where another SITTING break happens and food and water are inhaled for 30mins
2:30 - more snacks, getting carts, etc
4- Dinner time and a rush to get them delivered and be back down and clocked out by 5:30pm
5:37 - BE ON the Trax train and head home - THIS NEVER HAPPENS. I'm usually still busy with patients at this time or running around in the kitchen. Which means I have to take a later train and do a transfer downtown, getting me home around 7pm. Yes, I work 10hours and put another hour on each side of that (at least) for travel. I'm EXHAUSTED by the time I get home, but Emerson is usually pretty happy to see me, and so is David. I love coming home to them and wish that my days weren't so long, but the work I do is truly, very rewarding. I have some pretty amazing patients and my co-coworkers keep things fun too. As much as I'm running around the time flies by and before I know it we are getting dinner prepared.
My weekly schedule can be all over the place, but with 3 days off a week I use that time to love on Emerson and David and do as little as possible. Today though, my house is BEGGING me to clean it. So, that's what I will go and do... but only until Emerson wakes up from his nap :)

Emerson is doing great! He got his first ear infection last week, but he's trying to be a trooper. He takes lots of naps, which is helping him get over his illness. I love his bright smile and giggly laugh! I will have to take some more pictures of him and get them on here, cause he sure has grown! We go in on Wednesday for his 15month check-up... can you believe it's been that long since he made his arrival! He feels like he's been here forever and yet, not long enough at the same time.

David is still working hard and going to school. With my work schedule his school schedule has kind of been messed up. I feel really bad about this, but he utilizes what time he can to devote to it and hopefully work will slow down soon so he can have some more free time there. With me being gone pretty much all day, on the days I work, he has really stepped up and taken care of everything. He makes sure the dog is fed and walked before work...doing this with a busy 1 year old is hard! Then he gets Emerson to his sitter and himself to work all by 9am. Then picks up Em and takes Nemo for another walk when he gets home and plays with Emerson until I arrive. Dinner is something he hasn't managed to pull off every night, but who can blame him!?! I'm just happy that he's able to do what he can... dinner can be mac and cheese or top ramen for all I care, as long as we are together :)

2010 Final Post

2010-12-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

I know it's been months since I've updated this thing, so I thought I should get one last post in before the year ends. Here are just some highlights:

FIRST
EMERSON TURNED ONE!! He was so funny on his birthday and such a cutie. We had him all dressed up for church in his new brown suit. Then we had a cute blue and stripes outfit for his party. We rented out The SugarSpace in Sugar House and just had close family come. He tons of presents and everyone had cake. Such a fun day and I can't believe it was almost a month ago already!! His 1 year stats are as follows. Head - Off the charts big! Weight - 23.5 pounds (55%) and Height - 31 3/4inches (95%). He is tall, healthy and happy... who could ask for more?!?

SECOND
I lost my job, again. I wasn't completely surprised, but it still hurt when she actually did it. The bakery business just didn't do as well in the first few months that she was hoping and she couldn't afford to keep me on anymore. I still wish the company the best and hope that is does well in 2011. I'm currently filling out and turning in a bunch of applications for other, more established bakeries. I'm hopeful that something turns up...and soon. I'll hang out with Emerson until that does happen so I'll try not to complain too much. :)

THIRD
DAVID IS STARTING SCHOOL JANUARY FIRST!! I really thought this day would never come. He's tried school in the past and just wasn't happy with it. He got the "bug" a few months ago and has done everything to get started and enrolled by himself. I'm so proud of him! He's going to do great and it's all online so I will help out when I can, if it's ever needed. I think he's pretty excited to be going and I just hope it's as great as he expects it to be. It will be a long haul for him to get his Information Technology/Networking/Computer/etc degree... but it will be so worth it!

Three Generations

2010-11-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

Just love this photo and had to share it... Emerson, David and Ron together at Wheeler Farm.

Ok, and this one was also too cute not to share... I just LOVE that smile!!

Halloween!

2010-11-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

Emerson's first Halloween... it was so fun! He was a spider and that inspired me to make spider costumes for David and I. He wasn't so fond of the hat he had to wear, so a smile wasn't seen in the family photo... at least he was looking forward though :)

Auntie Brenda stuffing Emerson's pockets full of candy.

The shirt says it all!

Love my baby boy!

The Bakery Is Open!

2010-11-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

Yay! The bakery opened on the 25th of October, just over a week ago! I'm so excited to be working there and learning all about the business. We had our Grand Opening on Saturday and here are some pics...

I love this photo, cause that's my Father and Sister-In-Law. They happened to be there when the photographer was there...

Come and visit me when you are in the neighborhood... we are in Sandy at the Quarry Bend Shopping Area.

It's been too long...

2010-09-28T10:16:00.001-07:00

I never got around to posting a 9 month update on Emerson and next week, he'll be 10 months! I guess I've been busy. Or at least, MY version of busy. I'm still working from home doing data entry and that is going well. I have Emerson go to his sitter 3 times a week and try to pump out as much work as possible in those three days. Also, the bakery is opening next month! That means I'm going to start working on the 16th... crazy! I am so excited and yet, so nervous! I am working on the product brochure in my spare time as well, and that needs to be done soon so we can get it to print. I'm not sure if I will, or can, juggle the two jobs. I'll talk to my data entry friend and see what she wants me to do, and then I'll go from there I guess.

As for Emerson, he's AWESOME! He's got A LOT of attitude lately and shows it by tightening up his body and yelling at the top of his lungs. This usually happens when he doesn't get his way. It's fun, fun, fun!! :) His 9 months stats were as follows: Head: 95th percentile (it's always been big!) Weight: 21lbs 6oz (70th percentile) Height: 30 1/4inches (95th percentile). He is a VERY mobile little baby and so his weight isn't as high, percentile-wise, as it's been in the past. He LOVES to climb up the steps and does it very well. He just needs to learn how to get back down...which, in teaching him this technique he becomes frustrated and just climbs up the steps again. I just love watching him grow and seeing him get curious about different things.

David is getting busier and busier at work, which we expected. He's still considering school in the Spring, which makes me very happy! He's so smart and school will really help him with his current, and future, jobs. It's going to be interesting to see how life will change when I'm working full time again, out of the house, and he's dealing with the crazy busy schedule he's about to embark on in the next months.

We recently bought a Dyson vacuum and it's THE BEST THING EVER! Ok, Emerson is pretty great, Ice Cream is also wonderful, David is fantastic, but I digress... I LOVE THE DYSON! It's sucks, it really SUCKS! Our house has never been so dog-hair free!! This was an investment we've been wanting to do for awhile and we finally broke down and got it on Sunday. I think David spent over an hour straight vacuuming that night, and then again last night for an hour. I did a little bit, but I'll let him have most of the fun... while he still considers it fun!

The sun is still shining! I'm soaking it up as much as possible! Yesterday Em and I went to Gardner Village and just walked around. It was so nice to feel the sun on us. I was thinking about hitting up the zoo today, but we might just go on a walk instead. I'm not feeling as adventurous as yesterday... I love fall and the colors and all... my house is decorated for it. BUT, I am a true SUMMER BABY. I truly enjoy the super hot days and sun burns. I'm not quite ready to give it up, and it seems that Mother Nature isn't going to make me, just yet.

I think that's a pretty good update, for now. I have pictures and other adventures I was going to blog about/post, but grocery shopping is calling my name.

Little Stinker - Baby Butt Spray

2010-08-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, all you moms and dads out there that can't quite stomach the smell of their little bundles stinky bottoms... ORDER THIS PRODUCT!! LITTLE SINKER, BABY BUTT SPRAY It's awesome and really smells wonderful!
David uses it as an air freshener before the diaper is off, during the change if needed and finishes off by using it as a butt soothing spray for Emerson. I love the scent (Lavender Vanilla...can you say YUM!!!?) and Emerson's little bum is now both cute in appearance and pleasant in scent. This is a local UTAH company, so your purchase helps support great people and a great new product. Oh and the best part... you can enter to win an iPod Touch or iPhone 4 from the company, just by making your purchase!! Read about the contest here... SUMMER CONTEST.

Little Update

2010-08-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

So, I was laid off the last week of July...sad, but a blessing in disguise! I was really just saddened to leave such great people at my job, but knew that God had a plan for me and I needed to follow it. I have ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE since I left!! I am working though, from home, on a temporary assignment for an old co-worker of mine. We guess it will take about 2 months to complete, and that's if I work 40hours a week. It is pretty great cause I'm making good money and I'm doing something that isn't too difficult, just super time consuming. I have my struggles with it, but only because Emerson is SO BUSY! I wouldn't trade it for the world though.
Emerson is 8 months now and crawls everywhere, unless you are holding one of his hands and then he is walking everywhere. He loves to be active and explore all there is. Outside is probably his favorite. He doesn't even mind the grass and will just eat it up if I let him. It's awesome being home with him so much and seeing him grow up...especially in the warmth of the summer. I could really get used to this schedule!
David is working away at his new position. They are really giving him a lot to do and things will only get busier when "open enrollment" for his clients begin in September. It's ok though, we aren't complaining cause we know we both can't be unemployed! David is super smart and I never worry about whether he will learn something fast enough or not. He's so talented and willing to take on so much... I think ADP sees that too and that's why they count on him so much.
As for the bakery, it's still up in the air as to whether it's going to happen or not. I'm trying not to get too worried, cause really I am ok...for now. Vanessa is just having problems with the contractors and she is trying to work out those kinks. It looks like opening in September is WAY OFF and we just hope it happens by November now. We'll see. I'm still praying about whether that is where I'm supposed to be or not and I still get the same answer...yes. So, any other prayers people want to say, it would certainly be appreciated.

MADE MY DAY!!

2010-07-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

David just sent this clip to me while I was at work... I had to keep it and share it with the rest of you. Talk about making me want to leave right away and go hang out with my little man!

Emerson and Lyric being silly

2010-07-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

They look confused cause Brooklynn and I were doing everything we could to get them to smile, including making all sorts of noises and silly faces.

First Family Trip to the ZOO!

2010-06-30T17:02:00.001-07:00

Emerson was pretty impressed with the zoo... and all the people that were there. He loved being in his stroller and just sucking on the straps while we walked. He also loved being carried and looking at everything. It's so fun to see his expression as he sees something new for the first time.

It was really fun to go because we were together as a family AND we had Liz and Lily join us! Lily is Emerson's Friday-Girlfriend. (He has a couple of Saturday GFs [Bostyn and Addie] and one Sunday GF [Emmie]... I know, he's such a stud!)

This was him the last 45 mins that we were there... LOVE this little man!!

Oh yeah, and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!

6 Month Check-Up

2010-06-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

Emerson's check-up yesterday went great, until the shots of course!

Weight 19.7 pounds - 75%
Length: 28 1/4 inches - 95%
They don't write down the head circumference, so I never know that one. But, his head is big and he is very smart, so all must be in order. :)

Dr. wants us to condition him to sleep through the night, since he should be doing that by now. (We already knew we had to do it, she just confirmed it for us.) Last night was our first go at letting him cry through his feeding at 1:30am. That SUCKED! I felt so bad, we tried giving him water, holding him, letting him cry, everything... he eventually gave up, after an hour or so. We were a wreck! I was even sitting next to him crib for awhile (he couldn't see or hear me), just praying that he could feel my presence and be comforted somehow.

-I kept thinking, this must be how God feels sometimes, when we aren't looking to him for answers/comfort...

Anyway, we did make it through that round and were up again at 5am for another. I decided that since it had been 10 hours since his last feeding, we could give in and give him a bottle. He chowed it down and we all went back to sleep for a few more hours. I pray that tonight goes better and that he gives in quickly to this schedule change. It is for the greater good, for us all...right?!?

Happy 4th Anniversary to my Sweetie!

2010-06-24T15:42:00.001-07:00

It's been 4 years since we said "I Do" and I'm so proud to call you my husband! I love you!

He's Crawling!

2010-06-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday afternoon David and I were going through the little videos we had taken of Emerson on our Flip video recorder. I was tearing up just looking at how small Emerson used to be and saying it seemed like those moments happened SO LONG ago...he is only 6.5 months!
Not long after I was sitting on the ground with him and moved him away from me (about 5 feet) and held up a toy that he was eying. And what do you know, the little bug army-crawled his way over to it!! I was elated and so was David. We have been watching him grow up and making all these small accomplishments it is so hard to think he was just a tiny baby sitting in his bouncer all swaddled and sleeping only 1 month ago! We have so many more milestones to be a witness to, it will be thrilling for all of them! Now, we just have to focus on making sure the house is cleaned up enough that is able to keep on being mobile.
And the next time I tempt him with a toy, the Flip will be readily available as well so I can share his new movement with all of you!

New Opportunities

2010-06-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

So, I had a small breakdown a few months ago thinking about how I have this beautiful son and want only the best for him. I wanted him to know that he could do ANYTHING he wanted to, he just had to put forth the effort. I got to thinking and thought, "how I could tell him that if I wasn't going after the goals that I, myself, had wanted"? So, the search began...
I have always loved to bake and create sweets in the kitchen. I applied at a few bakeries, mainly for breads, but nothing turned out to be for me. But, I knew that God had a plan in store, I just needed to keep my focus on Him and he would lead me to it.
Then came a fun girls-night-out with my sister and her friend about 3 weeks ago. It was a silly Sex And The City party at a spa and there, at a SPA remember, was this lady offering her delicious fruit tarts and eclairs to everyone there. We started chatting about her business and I immediately offered my assistance with whatever she needed. One week later I had a schedule to work for her on sparatic weekends throughout the summer!! This was PERFECT! I didn't have to quit my higher paying job right away and could still get the experience I was craving for on the weekends.
My first weekend was last week. I helped Vanessa, the owner, get ready for the Asian Festival by working from 6pm-10pm on Friday and then again at 6am-9:30am on Saturday. I sold the products at the festival from 10a-2pm and LOVED EVERY MINUTE! She has great products and they really sell themselves, so that makes it even more fun. I am working again this weekend and am so happy!
Vanessa just called me today and she said that her lease was approved and her new bakery will be opening up in the fall! YAY! She works out of the kitchen of a cafe right now, so this will be HUGE for her, and the company. This also means that she is going to need me to really help her out and become full-time for her! I am so excited and am going to work really hard this summer perfecting all the recipes she teaches me so that I can be there for her when the store opens. I know that this is God's plan for me and I am ready to take it on!

Dear Emerson, you are 6 months today

2010-06-05T07:18:00.001-07:00

My Sweet Emerson
It was July 4th, 2009 and I was sitting down at the Lloyd family BBQ. I turned in my chair slightly and I felt you kick inside of me for the very first time. I was changed from that moment on. I knew you were in there, saying "hello" for the first time and I was ready, right then, to meet you! Luckily, you waited 5 more months to make your entrance into this world. It has now been EXACTLY 6 months since you did...HAPPY HALF BIRTHDAY SON!
You are an amazingly little guy. I just rocked you to sleep...something you rarely let me do and I didn't want to put you down. You snuggled up so close to me, grabbing your handmade, crocheted blanket (your favorite) and just let me rock you for as long as I wanted. Thank you for that my love.
You have gotten so big and are in 9-12 month clothing. You sit up and roll all over the place. You suck on EVERYTHING and will bury your face into anything soft. Mouth wide open and your hands pulling it closer. There are rare moments of you being gentle, but they are fleeting as they usually turn into you being more aggressive. Like when you touch my hair, it's only a second that you like the feel it's softness before you grab a fistful and yank! I don't mind it though...you are learning and growing. You have the sweetest smile and dimple to match! You laugh, but not out loud. You are ticklish like your father and squirm to get away...just like him too. :)
You are eating more and more solid foods and just yesterday we started you on applesauce, I think it's your favorite. Although, carrots are your favorite veggie. We just got you a nice high-chair and you seem to love being up high when you eat now. You love your walker and can get around quite nicely in the kitchen, and fairly well in the living room.
I think your new best friend is Nemo, although Nemo won't admit it yet. You love to touch his fur and say hello to him first thing in the morning. We are still extra careful when you are around him, but I'm sure we won't have to be for long. Once you start eating Cheerios, he will be right at your feet, ready to clean up whatever you drop!
You have woken up now and I hear you humming and grunting in your room. The monkeys on your wall keep you quite entertained lately and I'm happy for that. We plan to take you swimming for the first time this weekend and we can't wait to see your reaction. I hope you like it!
Your mommy and daddy love you so much and are so happy you are here. We can't wait to see what else you do as you get older and bigger. Although, with you pushing 20 pounds right now, maybe just older would be good for a little while... haha.
-Love, your mommy

First time at the Living Planet Aquarium

2010-05-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

It was a lot of fun and we now have a year membership, so we will be going back a lot more. Emerson sure was excited to see everything, including all the people that were around. It was a great to spend as a family.

LOST Party with the Lloyds

2010-05-31T21:24:00.001-07:00

David and I were really into LOST, the TV show, and were kinda bummed it was coming to an end. So, David's sister Michelle decided to throw a LOST farewell party on the night it ended. She really went all out! It was so much fun!

My shirt had an ironed on patch that said "Oceanic Airlines"

Another ironed-on patch that has the DHARMA symbol on it

AWESOME cake!

coconut and telescopes

Flight Attendant Michelle handing out our "tickets"

Our Oceanic Airlines Flight #815 tickets

Names on the wall - crossed out means you aren't a "candidate" anymore

Emerson and Grandma Lloyd

MEGHAN GOT MARRIED!

2010-05-31T18:14:00.001-07:00

I think the pictures tell the story...

My dad and nephew walked her down the aisle, so cute!

Kissing couples, check out Emerson!

My mom and her sisters (only one sister was missing), with Grandma and Grandpa Dimick

My cute family. I love my dad!

Sisters

Mom and Dad

Another man added to the family. We better start adding some baby girls soon. :)

He was SO sleepy, but it was a very long day so I don't blame him. He's pretty cute when he's sleeping.

Family photo op... Emerson was awake! Interested in a photo though, nope...

Cousin pictures

2010-05-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

My sweet nephew (Ian) and Emerson have the best the best time when they are together!

Baptism Pics

2010-05-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful service and we were so happy to have the family and friends that could make it, be there for Emerson's special day.

5 Months

2010-05-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

Emerson was 5 Months old on May 5...he has grown up so fast (like I say every month!) :) The sun has been out and so we've been enjoying being outside somewhat and seeing his little fat legs in shorts is SO CUTE! We have also started him on baby food and he's so silly with it. He loves eating and can't keep things out of his mouth, even if it's NOT FOOD.

This was his first time on the grass...he didn't mind it so much :)
Green Beans are so yummy!

Life...it's just too short for some

2010-04-20T11:24:00.001-07:00

I meant to be blogging last week about the baptism of Emerson and how beautiful it was. I meant to say something about how much I appreciated David's family for coming and supporting us as we brought Emerson into God's family. I meant to do a lot of other things last week, but life happens...
It was Wednesday last week when I got a phone call from David around 3:30pm, which was not a normal time to be hearing from him. All he said was that Jeannette (his sister) had shot herself. We didn't know if it was an accident or on purpose, but knew it was serious and nothing else. So he left work, as did I. I called my mom and cried, not even sure where the bullet had gone into. She told me to just get to David's parents' house and she would take care of Emerson. I prayed to my Father the entire car ride, asking him to please keep Jeannette alive and to just let it be an accident and for her to be ok... by the time I got to the house we only knew that she in fact was at the hospital. A few minutes later the news that she had passed away came over the phone. My heart broke... we wept, screamed and asked "why?" over the next few days.
Jeannette was such a beautiful soul and giver. She gave so much of herself to all that she did and all that she had, but never took anything back for herself. Living like that just can't last for very long. At age 33 she decided that it was time for her to end her struggling life and go be with her Father. I find comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain, no longer trying to give more of herself than she could. She is now at peace and resting in her Father's arms.
The funeral service was yesterday and we grieved of our loss once more. This day was very heavy and emotionally draining for all those that love her...which is SO MANY! My heart still breaks for so many... her 16 year old daughter, Shai, who will no longer have her mother to go to in times of joy or sorrow. Her husband will no longer have his best friend to cling to. My husband who now stands in a line of just 8 children, instead of 9. And for my mother and father-in-law who had to bury their child...something I selfishly pray I will never have to go through myself. I am saddened to know that Emerson, and our future unborn children, will not have the chance to really get to know the beauty that Jeannette brought into this world. We will tell them all stories and show them pictures, but it will just not be the same.
I am so blessed to be part of such a courageous and strong family like the Lloyds. I felt them get closer in these last few days and pray that they continue to lean on each other like they have. I love them all so dearly and am honored to be their sister/daughter.
David and I miss Jeannette so much already and will continue to grieve of her passing. We will hold Emerson a little tighter, as well as the rest of our family...

Jeannette Marie Lloyd Crocheron - April 4, 1977 - April 14, 2010

4 MONTHS!

2010-04-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

Emerson is now 4 months old...already! Everyone tells me that this first year goes by really fast, but it just doesn't seem like FAST is a good enough word for it. I feel at this rate he will be in college if I blink at all! How I love to watch him grow though. He's giggling for me now...expect that to be the next video :) He wiggles and squirms and is getting used to his fingers and toes being in his control. It's awesome to watch him do things on purpose... like right now he's got his hands full of toys from his playground and he doesn't know which one to watch, but knows he's holding them both.
His voice is also HIS... we call them the "happy screams". He talks in screams, very high pitched screams, now. The coughing left us and now, he just makes his presence known by screaming. It's pretty cute most of the time, but wow can it be loud. He's happy pretty much all of the time, except when he gets bored or tired. We can remedy both of those now, so David and I are very happy about that.
Emerson has perfected the art of rolling over from tummy to back and does this pretty much every time we lay him on his stomach without much effort. I think he enjoys being mobile and it might not be terribly long before he crawls!
No teeth yet, but there are times we are pretty sure his gums are hurting because of them. I'd love for them to hold off on making their appearance though, as I'm still nursing and that can't be very fun to have teeth there. Oh well, we will make it work should that be the case.
NO MORE BINKIS... that's right, he gave them up 2 weeks ago on his own and hasn't looked back since. He LOVES his index and middle finger from his left hand...but they have to be in upside down. Yes, he's very particular, but hey no more digging for binkis to make him calm down for naptime. I'm not super excited about how it's going to go when we have to break him of the finger habit, but I won't worry about that just yet.
Our next appointment for Em is next Friday, so stats will be posted then. He's HUGE though... and I'm betting he'll be at least 17 pounds. I love chunky babies and wouldn't change this for the world.

Easter Sunday

2010-04-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

It was Emerson's first Easter! He looked so dang cute in his outfit...see?

He had a basket at both our house and Grandma and Grandpa Sprik's house. His basket here was empty eggs (what does the kid really need anyway?) and then he had an outfit from his Aunt Meghan, and a stuffed bunny/candy/money from G&G. See, he gets spoiled by others so he isn't missing out when we don't fill his basket with goodies. :)

OK, my mom still gets baskets for us three girls, the husband/fiance/boyfriend of each, and of course the grandkids! So, here is a shot of all the baskets. Her table won't be big enough one of these years...

Our cousins sure looked super cute as well... the older boys about a year apart and Lyric and Emerson are only 15 days apart. I think they will always be close buds!

And here a few more pics of the family, and of course...Emerson

"Talking"

2010-04-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

So Emerson likes to "talk" by coughing now...it's so funny! He was showing off for Grandma and Grandpa last night and it was pretty cute!

A picture of him smiling/grinning... he has the BEST smile, but we just can't ever seem to capture it with our cameras. This will have to do for now.

Finally got video of him rolling over!

2010-03-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Emerson rolled over for the first time just under 2 weeks ago...I got video of it a couple days later.
He hasn't been too interested in rolling over since then, but we are still trying. I just love this little guy!

New Favorite Site

2010-03-25T16:09:00.001-07:00

www.Bakerella.com

I was just told about this site and I'm fascinated!! There are so many things that I want to try and bake. I'm going to do the Red Velvet Cake Balls with my girlfriend tomorrow and I can't wait! It's been way too long since I made something fun in the kitchen and I can't wait to have my hand covered in chocolate with those bad boys! YAY, I'm so excited!

Baby is growing up!

2010-03-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

Life is going by so fast these days! Emerson keeps growing and keeps us on our toes all the time! Just this week alone we moved him to 6 month clothes, he is grabbing at toys on purpose now, keeping his head up for long periods of time while on his stomach, he rolls over from his tummy to his back and he gave himself his first hickey!
6 month clothes on a 3.5 month old baby - yes, he's huge! As you can tell from the pictures he doesn't miss any feedings. He's about 16 pounds now, even though he wiggles and shakes all the time when we lay him down to play.
Grabbing toys - He loves his toys!! He has a monkey that hangs from his carseat and he "talks" to it all the time. He's always putting things into his mouth and now he's doing it on purpose. We're pretty sure he's in the beginning stages of teething now.
First Hickey - Since he puts everything in his mouth, the easiest thing he can always find is his hands. Fingers, fists and wrists... and now he's got a hickey on his wrist from sucking so much. We're trying to watch that more now so that it doesn't get worse...it was pretty surprising/funny to find that this week. David went right out and got him a bunch of sucking toys that he now loves and sucks on too.
Tummy Time - he loves time on his stomach and holds his head so well! He will play there and grab at things and when he gets a little frustrated he will move his bum around and with enough movement he will ROLL OVER. It shocked our sitter and us! And now we know he's just going to get even more mobile from here on out! I LOVE THIS LITTLE GUY!!!

More pictures of the growing man

2010-03-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

My cousin Brooklynn, her son Lyric, Friend Kim and daughter Brooklyn, and me and Emerson.
3 babies in 4 months!

Viking's Baby

2010-03-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

These were all taken right at the end of football season, when the Vikings were very close to going to the SuperBowl. The little guy looks pretty good in purple...hehe

I got this hat and coat in Snowbird last fall and couldn't wait to get him in it! He wasn't too happy to be in it though...

2 Months Old Already!

2010-02-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, so life has been pretty busy lately so not much time to blog. There's been a lot of changes in Emerson's personality and SIZE. He's talking a lot and smiling all the time. WE LOVE IT! I can't believe he's 2 months already. We go the Dr. on Wednesday night for his measurements and all that jazz. He wiggles all the time and LOVES being on his back on the floor, bed, changing table, anything flat. We would love to hold him more often, but he would really just prefer to be left on ground and able to talk at you and look at the world from that perspective. Funny kid! :) These pics were taken on Sunday, his big eyes and cheeks are too cute!

The Nursery...in its final stage

2010-01-08T12:43:00.001-08:00

Ok, so we finally got Emerson's name blocks that I made on the wall last night. So, here is how the nursery looks today.

And here is how I made the name blocks... with the help of my incredible friend, Heather and her mom, (who did the hard part of cutting everything out) I got to do the easy part and just put them together.

First, I got 10x10 wood blocks and painted the edges

Then I arranged the letters and the dots on the white paper, which was already mod podged to the block

Add the monkeys and the stripes

Another view of all the paper pieces

And then the final product!

Attached ribbon to the back and used a decorative push pin to hold it the wall.

Little Guy is 1 Month Old Already!

2010-01-08T11:10:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it has been a month already since Emerson was born. He sure has changed and grown up so much! He is a very healthy eater and continues to fill out his clothes, (as you can see from the belly he has). He's already in 3 month outfits and his feet don't fit into his newborn shoes anymore. It's been such a fun month and I just LOVE being his mom!

He still has those baby blue eyes, yay!

After his bath..check out that crazy hair! :)

Christmas Pictures of Emerson

2010-01-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

Lyric and Emerson

Home Life

2010-01-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

So, I've been home now for just over 4 weeks and I think I'm adjusting alright. We have our ups and downs and yesterday was certainly a down. But, today I've felt much better about things... hence the update to our blog. :)
Emerson is getting so big and is ONE MONTH OLD ALREADY! I can't believe how fast time flies and the clothes that are too small on him help me to see the progress he's made in such a short amount of time. Even though he still suffers with acid reflux, and we are constantly going through burp clothes and bibs, I know he is still getting the nutrients that he needs as he does continue to grow. I love being home with him, but it can get lonely and tiresome at times. BUT, I'm certainly not ready to return to work just yet! David has been great and let's me have the evenings to myself and will bottle feed Emerson so that I can sleep until midnight or so. Then I take it from there so he can rest and get to work the next morning.
The holidays were great and very busy. We tried to spend as much time together on the days that David was off and we met up with family whenever possible as well. New Year's Eve wasn't very eventful as we both just wanted to sleep and didn't care if the clock struck 12 or not while we were dreaming.
Today I set an appointment for Emerson to visit a dermatologist at Primary's Children Hospital because of a possible hemangioma on his back. It was noticed right after his birth and didn't seem to be too much of a concern to any of the doctors or nurses, as it was a bump that moved and didn't seem to be causing him any pain. We are hoping that this bump does just what the Pediatrician said it would... grow with him for a year and then in his second year of life it would fade away altogether. We will know for sure next Friday after our Dr. appt.
I'm completely in love with this little man and am hoping that I can actually be the mom that he deserves and needs. My heart aches when he cries and melts when he smiles/grunts/or basically does anything. He truly is a blessing to our family and I can't imagine not having him here. It was only one year ago that David and I were "ready" to have a family of our own and now here we are actually being one. God truly knows what he is doing!

Kissing Cousins...update

2009-12-28T14:27:00.001-08:00

So, I posted this pic earlier in my pregnancy saying that my cousin and I were pregnant together and that our babies were kissing... :)

Well, here are the two little guys. Lyric was born on November 20th and Emerson on December 5th... I think they will be buds!

Santa Emerson

2009-12-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

David made sure to buy this outfit for Emerson so that he could wear it on Christmas. I personally think he's the cutest little Santa, ever!

In Grandpa Lloyds' arms

Without the binki

With the binki :)
Thank goodness for those things!!

Emerson's Birth Story

2009-12-28T13:24:00.001-08:00

This is my entry about my birthing experience... no need to read if you are bored by that stuff... it's just for my journaling fun. :)

So, I went into work after a crappy night of sleeping on Friday, the 4th of December. I wore my slippers and a big sweater of David's because I just didn't feel like doing anything else special. I knew my due date was just two days away but I thought I was going to be pregnant forever. I had a meltdown at work and decided at 10am to just take the rest of the day off. I had already gotten a my membranes stripped and a pedicure earlier in the week and was now going to get a massage, anything to further the progress of this delivery. So, home I went... napped for a bit and then headed to my massage. It was WONDERFUL! But, still no contractions. David got off of work a little bit early and we walked around some stores, then headed to Salsa Ledos for a spicy Mexican burrito... another trick to get labor started. Then we walked around Winco as well. I was feeling the baby's weight down on my pelvis, but still no contractions. I got on the computer when I got home and wrote an email to someone at my church asking them to pray for patience for me as I was just sure this baby was never going to come. To my room I went and changed into my pj's... this was now 9:30pm. As soon as I laid down I felt some tightening in my stomach... what was that!? then a few mins later I felt it again... We immediately got out the stopwatch on David's phone and started to time them. 10 mins, 8 mins, 15 mins... nothing consistent. I fell asleep around midnight and woke up about 45mins later... no more contractions. So, I walked up and down the stairs a few times trying to get them started again... that worked. They started to get pretty consistent aroun 2am and by 2:30am we were in the car with our stuff and headed to the hospital. I was having them every 4 mins by then...this could be it!
There they checked me and I was still at a 2 and only 80% effaced, exactly what I was on that Monday at my Dr appt. So, they monitored me for an hour to see if anything would change. The contractions had now moved to my back and caused me so much pain I wasn't able to see straight during them. They said this was probably because the baby's head was up and not down. After an hour I prayed that they wouldn't send me home because I couldn't take too many more of those contractions. The Dr on call decided I should be admitted because i was making some small progress... and up to our room we were taken. I opted for an epidural almost immediately and felt so much better once that finally kicked in. SUPER STRANGE feeling to have your legs numb and not be able to move them no matter how you tried. But, I was no longer in so much pain. A few more hours of monitoring and I wasn't making huge progress. So, in went the Pitocin. We were expecting it to take hours for me to get to a 10 but it ended up being MUCH faster than that! I went from a 4 to a 9 in about 45 mins and was at a 10 not much longer after that. The nurse had checked and the baby was now head down and ready to come out!!
I started to push after about 30 mins at a 10 and they called the Dr to come after only 4 pushes, he was already crowning. Well... the Dr. was in an Emergency with someone else and couldn't come right away. No problem, I've got the Epidural, right?? Well that doesn't stop the feeling of pressure from his head on my pelvis. I was like that for an hour and the nurse finally paged the dr saying that if he didn't get there soon she was going to deliver the baby herself.
In the meantime, we knew that Emerson had had a BM in the womb and would need the care of the NICU right after delivery because they wanted to make sure none of that had gone into his lungs after his first breath. So, David knew he wouldn't be able to cut the umbilical cord for the sake of speed, from Dr to nurse. The NICU people were setting up their station and the Dr. station had already been set and each time the door opened I just prayed it was actually the Dr that would walk in. FINALLY, he showed up and got right to work. Thankfully my own Dr was on call for the weekend and was able to be there for us...even if he was a little bit behind.
I start to push a few times and in less than 30mins out came our perfectly beautiful little man! He breathed and started screaming right away, before getting to the NICU nurses. David went over and watched as they got him cleaned up and checked out. I was crying from relief, joy, fatigue, excitement... you name it! He was perfectly healthy, nothing wrong with his lungs, no need for further NICU support. He started to eat right away once they laid him on me and our lives as we knew it had changed forever.
David was so wonderful throughout the entire experience. He held my leg while I pushed (even while I wasn't cause he'd forget to put it down :) ) and got me whatever I needed/wanted. He stayed on that uncomfortable and cold bed each night as well. The next few days went by so fast and I remember people coming in out and checking me and Emerson all the time, but I hope I never forget the first time he looked up at me with those dark blue eyes... I cried because i was completely in love!!
One part of the process that I didn't care for at all was his circumcision. It was only the next morning and the pediatrician was there to check on him... she was available to do it right then and so off he and David went... I cried the entire time they were gone. Even had to call my mom to come and sit with me while we waited. I just didn't like giving my new little man away to go and have surgery. David said he did just fine and when they came back he wasn't crying at all, and hasn't been since the numbing shot went in. I do think we made a good decision to get it done, but to have it done so fast was very unnerving to this new mom!!
On our way home that Monday we stopped at the Pharmacy to fill my prescriptions. Turns out that my name wasn't written on my pain med one though... and the hospital couldn't have it filled over the phone. My Dr. office was closed for another for lunch and even then they could only call in the generic/less effective stuff. David was frantic to get it filled, while I was just frantic to get our son home finally. He did all the calling the talking with everyone to get me what I needed and finally I was out of pain later that afternoon. :)

The entire process of pregnancy and birth was amazing! I loved being pregnant and feeling his body move inside of me... even on that last day it was wonderful to still feel him. I was never too stick to work or do most things, I rested when I needed to and put on a healthy number of pounds, even though I would sometimes eat everything in sight! :) It was a beautiful experience being the pregnant woman, one I hope to repeat one day.
It's been three weeks now since Emerson David Lloyd has been in our lives/house and things are slowly coming together. I know he is healthy and happy and I'm getting more adjusted to my new sleep schedule. As Emerson eats every 2 hours there isn't a lot of down time. David has offered to give me whatever rest I need from breastfeeding on the weekends and weeknights before midnight, with formula. This has helped me get a few extra hours of rest in and it is a blessing. I love my husband so very much and he truly is a natural father! We've been learning that parenthood is hard and that we have to make sacrifices, but we both understand how much it is truly worth it! I'm amazed that I'm actually a mom sometimes, but am so happy that I am, I can't even explain it!

Family Christmas Photos

2009-12-17T08:08:00.001-08:00

Our happy little family

I love those lips and sweet little nose!

My sisters and I

Ian, the Big Cousin...holding him for the first time.

We had family photos taken a couple nights ago for Christmas cards. These are a few of them. I'll post one of the whole family and soon as it is sent to me. I think little Emerson did a pretty good job for only being 10 days old and the constant flash of the camera in his face. He must have gotten used to it while being in the hospital as cameras/flashes were going off all the time :)

HE IS HERE!

2009-12-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

Emerson David Lloyd
Born December 5, 2009 at 1:16pm
7lb 15.5 oz (Hospital rounded it up to 8lbs though)
22 inches long
Dark hair, and a lot of it!

He is doing great and I can't believe it's been a week already. I was right on my belly guess, as I went into labor on the 4th around 9:30pm. We were at the hospital by 3am and pushing by noon. He came out pretty easily and without too many complications... yay! NICU was there to suck out his throat and stuff since had a bm in the womb. Cord was around his neck, but all said and done he was perfectly healthy!! He eats about every 2 hours so there isn't much rest, but he is totally worth it and we are having so much fun being new parents to this little angel.
I'll post some pics soon. He has David's nose and hair line for sure. A lot of people think he looks like me too though. We just think he's the CUTEST LITTLE BOY EVER!

Taken today, as he was napping. He loves to have his fingers next to his face.

Belly Pictures

2009-12-02T09:17:00.001-08:00

Since baby Emerson is almost due I thought I'd share the pics that we took of my belly a couple of weeks ago... As you can see from our guesses David didn't win. I hope that I do though! :)

Update on Life

2009-11-24T07:28:00.001-08:00

So, I haven't written on here for a while so I thought I'd give you all an update. I'm currently at 38 weeks and everything is looking pretty good. Dr. thinks I'll deliver a bit before my due date, so I'm hopeful of that. I have energy throughout the day but crash at night, I think that is normal. I haven't "dropped" a lot though so I think it will be at least a week before he makes his arrival.
We have had some AMAZING baby showers and feel so spoiled and blessed with all the gifts and love that we have received. Below are some pictures of the gatherings.
Also, the nursery has finally been completed. I worked on Emerson's name blocks this weekend with my friend Heather. It turned out AWESOME! She and her mom did a lot of the prep work and I just had to put them all together. I can't thank them enough for helping me create something cute! I'll post some pics of that as soon as it's on the wall... this weekend.
Thanksgiving is coming up and we plan to spend it with our families. I can't wait to eat the yummy food and then flip through the ads for Friday. I doubt I will be headed out for shopping early that morning, even though I'm sure a bathroom run will wake me up early enough. :) It's just fun to browse and dream about getting new things. Really though, all I want for Christmas this year though is my little man to be healthy and happy... and in my arms.
David has been so great and can't wait to be a dad either! We started on packing my hospital bag last night and he made sure to Lysol the bag so that it was clean enough for Emerson's stuff as well. He does all the heavy work, cooks most nights and treats me like a princess...what more could I want? I really couldn't ask for a sweeter husband or father for my child.

More Shower pictures, as promised.

First set is from the Lloyd family...

Sara and my Mother-In-Law, Rosemary.

My Church threw this shower for me...

"Tower of Sin" as it was dubbed... VERY yummy treats!

Our work threw this shower for my Cousin Brooklynn and I... our boys will be twinners :)

And finally, this is the diaper cake that David's co-worker made for us. They did throw us a shower, but I didn't have a camera there :(

Finished Tree Mural

2009-11-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

So, we finally have the finished tree mural up in the nursery! Our friend, Chad, did an amazing job! We can't wait to get the rest of the items into their places and then bring our baby home.

This is Chad...our muralist

Chad and his wife Joslyn on week two

Final mural!

Kissing Cousins

2009-11-02T16:18:00.000-08:00

This is my cousin Brooklynn who is actually due on the same exact day as me... December 6th. Since this is her second baby though she will probably go before me. We thought it would be fun to have a pic that compared our expanding bellies and since they touched our babies are "kissing", hehe! It's going to be so fun to have to have TWO newborn boys in the family!

First Baby Shower

2009-11-02T16:09:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago I had my first baby shower with my girlfriends. It was a lot of fun! Kristina threw it for me and made very yummy pork sandwiches. I got some great things as well... diapers, clothes, burp clothes, toys, etc. Thanks to all of those that could make it and for the fun presents!

Nursery Update

2009-10-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, with only 6 weeks left in this pregnancy (give or take) I'm getting really anxious. So, to see this mural get started this weekend was such a happy day for me! Our super talented friend, Chad, is doing all the work and we just sit back and smile with enjoyment. There will be monkeys and leaves all around the tree by next week, so it will look even more amazing. The crib will be going right in the middle of the wall, so the tree is just off to the left of it.

Worried, Excited, Worried, Excited...

2009-10-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

That's pretty much how my days go now... it's a a circle of emotions between being worried and being excited. With just 7 and half weeks left it's becoming all the more real that we will bring home our little guy and forever our lives will be changed... hence the excitement. But then I look at what that will really mean and I get totally freaked out sometimes...bring on being worried!
We are starting a 6 week long birthing class tonight and I hope that prepares us more for the upcoming events... as I've never done this giving birth thing before. :) I'm really excited that we will be taking the classes with two of our friends who are due just a few days after us. It should be interesting and hopefully fun for us all.
I'm worried that I will be off work for 8 weeks and what that will mean for my team and the transition of everything before I go and after I come back. I'm even more worried because we don't have child care set up for after I do return to work. (If you know of anyone in the West Jordan area that would be a good care provider, please send me their contact info.)
I'm excited to have our nursery finished. We have a friend coming over to paint a large tree and some monkeys on one of the walls and I can't wait! It's going to look so cute in his monkey-themed room.
I'm worried about how that 8 weeks will go and if I'll be a good mom or not. I worry about making all the decisions for someone that is so tiny and will totally depend on David and I to care for him.
I'm worried about the H1N1 flu and whether I should get vaccinated or not. I keep going from saying yes, to saying I'll wait a bit. But I'm not completely sure of what is right and that kind of freaks me out.
I'm super excited for all the baby showers to start and the fun gifts that we will receive. I have my first one on Saturday and can't wait to see old friends and catch up on our lives. Thank you Kris for throwing the shower for me!

So, that's my life right now... I don't think I'm super worried about too many things, just the logistics of everything and I'm sure most new moms are like that, right?!?
I am bursting with excitement to actually hold him in my arms and look into his face though, and that's what gets me through all the rougher times.

New Belly Pics

2009-10-08T07:56:00.001-07:00

Ok, here are some updated belly pics that were taken yesterday... I'm 31 weeks and 4 days along and that means only 8 and a half more to go!! I am starting to get kind of nervous, but still really excited. My belly is getting tighter and tighter but that just means he is growing. Our doctor appointment this week went really well... just a normal-nothing-too-exciting-here pregnancy. But that's exactly the kind me, David and our Dr. wanted us to have. We're praying that things continue on that track.

Ian

2009-10-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

This is my sweet little nephew that is 5 and this is his preschool picture. Isn't he cute?! I couldn't NOT share... :)

Getting Rounder

2009-10-03T20:12:00.001-07:00

So I'm feeling quite round these days. My belly is beautiful and I love that my child continues to grow, as I do. He's letting me know he's there all the time with his butt, head, foot and whatever else he decides to use. His favorite is jamming what I believe to be his foot right into my rib cage. That feels great while I'm sitting down! :) With only 9 more weeks left though I'm sure the jabs and body rolls will only get more prominent.
We are still working on the nursery and hope to have it completed pretty soon. Monkey theme will soon take over in that space and I can't wait! But, I'm even more excited about our little guys arrival... it's coming up so fast now I hope we can get everything we need ready. Baby showers are starting to be planned, so that is exciting as well. We've registered and looked at every baby item and tried making the best decisions but WOW, there is a lot of stuff out there!
It's nice to know that the truly most important items needed are love, warm hugs and kisses for our son... these of which, we have an abundance of and can't wait to share them with him!

Nursery Update

2009-09-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

So, we have been working on the nursery lately and it's coming along quite well! Today was painting day since we worked for the past two weeks cleaning it out and getting it ready. It was a lot of work, but now here I am at 10pm writing about and ready for sleep at the same time. I'll just post some pics to tell the story of the prep/painting...

David working really hard on installing a new ceiling fan...

It worked!!
New ceiling paint... up next was to get rid of the butterscotch color
And we did it... two walls are the color on the left and the other two walls are the darker color.

Jillian Michaels

2009-09-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

So, my work has collaborated with Jillian Michaels (trainer from The Biggest Loser) to come up with a new line of dietary products. She came out to our work on Friday to sign autographs and take pictures at our employee appreciation day. Here are some pics of her and one with me :)

This is actually my Aunt Carla and Cousin Brooklynn... they both work at my work.

Need to have some new pics on here... so, here they are

2009-09-15T16:20:00.001-07:00

Some family shots... and one belly pic

My Mom and Dad on their 32nd Wedding Anniversary

Lyndsay and Josh

David and I

Collin, Meghan and Ian

Me at 28 weeks...

25 Weeks... Like I said, I'm counting :)

2009-08-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

David enjoys taking new pics of me... and I don't mind it so much either, as long as my hair is done :) These were taken on Monday so I'm actually closer to 26 weeks now...woohoo!

Is it really coming to an end??

2009-08-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know about any of you but I can't believe that summer is already coming to an end. Time is sure flying these days! It is raining outside right now, even though the warm sun is trying to poke through those storm clouds. Sounds like a day to stay curled up inside... unless the clouds scurry away... then I'm off to the pool to enjoy it before Labor Day comes and it closes down.
I am 25 weeks pregnant today so I'm not really complaining about time going so fast... it just makes realize all the things we've got to get done before the baby arrives. At least we have a crib now (and it's so pretty!) and we do have some clothes, so that should be good right? Oh wait, we need diapers, bottles, blankets, a mattress for the beautiful crib, car seat, paint on the walls, decorations and pretty much everything else... So, with15 weeks left I'm sure we'll get it all done by then, right? :)

Hair Do

2009-08-10T19:42:00.001-07:00

So, I am trying out a new hair do as of mid last week. Thought I wanted shorter bangs and a little darker color so I just went for it. Lyndsay, my amazing hair stylist and the one next to me in the picture below, made it look pretty great and I'm very happy with the results. David is still trying to get used to it, but has said he likes it. So, that's good. :)

This is us up in the canyon yesterday... David, me and my belly, Lyndsay and Josh.

Daily Kick

2009-08-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

So today our little guy was kicking me in all sorts of places... right side, left side, and even in my rear... yes, he must have been facing towards my back. It felt so funny that I just started giggling when I was on the phone with David. He asked if I was being tickled and said, "sort of...your son is kicking me in the tailbone and it feels pretty weird". He must be getting stronger and stronger cause I'm feeling him all the time... and now in places I didn't think I would feel him.

Comparing Bellies

2009-08-10T19:22:00.001-07:00

This is my dear friend Liz... she is due October 23rd. We were at her baby shower last week and we thought it would be fun to compare our expanding bellies.

This is us without the bellies... :)

House Repairs

2009-07-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

So for a few weeks now David and I have been dealing with the joy of owning your own home and all that entails. We noticed our laminate wood flooring in our kitchen hallway was wet awhile back and found our water heater was leaking and causing the mess. After a few weeks though we noticed that the wall in our bathroom was bulging and soft. After David pulled off some of the trim he noticed there was mold and moisture there... so, bring in the insurance and repair teams!! They came, they removed the mold and fixed the walls (in the bathroom, pantry and storage closet located under our stairs). We even got new flooring throughout all these rooms and the kitchen, yay! Well, we thought we were getting close to ending this remodel saga... but alas, we weren't. When the flooring people came out to fix some pieces in our storage closet they noticed that the wall and the floor underneath the wood was wet. The plumber came back out and confirmed that all our pipes were hooked up just fine and agreed it must be coming from outside. Since we live in a townhome this meant phone calls to our HOA and their repair people. After talking to them we found out that three other homes in our area have complained of the same issue and after they exterior repair people came out and looked at the damage today they said the houses and their damage looked the same. Now, we have to wait for the HOA to approve any bids to get it repaired and we really don't know how that process all works just yet.
So, our first remodel project has been put on hold until this new leak issue is resolved, which is pretty frustrating since we still don't have the finish work done to everything Our kitchen and pantry are kind of a mess and not really put together and we don't have a door on our spare bathroom, so things are kind of difficult to move around and live in.
We hope to get more answers soon about how we should proceed, but not sure what they will be just yet. Here's some pics of the damage/remodel.

Bathroom damage

Mold Removal process - the air was being cleaned behind these "ET-Like" walls. (Bathroom/pantry on the left and storage closet on the right)

New drywall in the storage room (it looked this way in the pantry and the bathroom as well).

New vanity for the bathroom, we do have a sink in it now though.

New flooring

Belly Pics

2009-07-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post some belly pics, since they've been asked for recently. I'm currently 21 weeks along so there is going to be a lot of growing coming up, I'm sure of it. I love my belly though and so does David. Our little guy is certainly moving around a lot lately and I feel him kicking me and doing somersaults, even right now as I type this he's doing some. :) I'll be posting more pictures as I get bigger and rounder.

20 Weeks

18 weeks

8 weeks

Baby Boy Lloyd Pictures

2009-07-13T12:23:00.001-07:00

As requested, here is his little "boy" picture... :)

His had his hand up by his face, sort of rubbing his eye. His head is to the right and that's his stomach on the left. The dark spot in that round stomach is his heart.

It's A Boy!

2009-07-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

We went in for the ultrasound on Tuesday morning and after the technician did all of the measuring and whatnot, she told us we could "for sure buy blue" cause the baby was definitely a BOY! I started tearing up right away and I could just see David beaming. We really didn't know what to expect. I was hoping for a girl, but once I heard "boy" it was like it was meant to be. There was a moment of disappointment but that was quickly replaced by sheer joy. Everything from the ultrasound looks right on track and the baby was certainly moving around a lot... like a very healthy child. :) I have only felt him move a couple of times, and so it was strange to see all the movement but feel nothing. I'm told that will certainly change in the next couple of weeks or so...another milestone both David and I are anxious to cross.
God is certainly good to give us this little miracle. I cannot wait to meet him and hold him in my arms! Our home will be full of boys!
Since I am 18.5 weeks along my belly is certainly growing. Although I've been told I really don't look pregnant at all. Well, this morning I was cursing all of my clothes and wanted to just crawl back into bed until the stores opened so that I could go shopping. The pants I wore just last week weren't even close to buttoning today. I guess I've done the "popping", as was promised by my cousin and sister-in-law. David has promised to take me shopping this weekend for some new shirts, so that was helpful. I went with a dress today that's not too tight, and that seemed to do the trick today. Now, what will I do tomorrow?? I guess we'll cross that bridge when it comes, or I'll just go shopping tonight for a new shirt.

I Do... And Now It's THREE Years Later. Time sure does fly!

2009-06-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Today, David and I celebrate three years of marriage! It's hard to believe it's been that long, but when I look back I guess it really has! We've gotten a house, a dog and a closer friendship throughout these wonderful years. I'd hope that knowing a person for nearly 8 years would do that though. :) And now, with our sweet little baby on the way, it just brings it all together. I feel very blessed to be with such a wonderful guy and for all the good he brings to my life. Here's to many more years together!

15 Weeks and still counting

2009-06-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

So, I'm 15 weeks along today... they seem to be going faster and faster these days. I'm not complaining though, the faster to holding this little one, the better. I've been wanting fruit and salty things lately. Other than that, no real cravings for food. Some foods haven't sounded good for awhile now, like KFC. Others are fail proof, like pizza and pretzels. I have strange pains in my left side every now and then, which I can't quite figure out... but I told the Dr about them and she wasn't too concerned, so I'm not either. It's just my body getting used to all the changes. I'm starting to get a bit of a belly, but can still wear most of my clothes. David has brought me to the store a couple of times now to pick out maternity pants/shirts, but since I haven't needed them I've held off on getting anything. I'm thinking maybe next weekend would be a good time to go though, as things are changing around my middle more and more. Wel, that's all for now. We are waiting until the 7th of July for our next appointment and should find out what we are having then. Yay!

Lia Sophia

2009-06-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, I don't sale this jewelry but my cousin does. It's beautiful stuff and she makes the parties fun!If you are interested in hosting a party this month (June), you get an extra $75 in free jewelry, on top of all the other perks!! Here's her contact info, feel free to call her:

Brooklynn Ellis
lia sophia Advisor
www.liasophia.com/BrooklynnStyle
801.865.8780

www.babysteals.com

2009-06-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, this site has me hooked! They have great baby/mommy things posted each day and it just makes me want to buy them every morning at 9am... but I've only bought one thing so far, (and it wasn't even for me). It's fun to see what's out there and get ideas for our nursery or just to see what great bargains there are... I love getting things at a killer price! Once I know if we are having a girl or boy then I'm sure I'll feel more inclined to make a lot of purchases... especially the shoes!

Nemo

2009-06-04T18:33:00.000-07:00

Just looking cute!

Getting beat up by the noodles, and not caring a bit

Looking weird while sticking his head out of the window, while on the freeway!

Disneyland - February 2009

2009-06-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

This was our first trip to Disneyland, ever! We went for my 25th birthday, February 2009. We had a blast!! I'm a huge fan and would love to go back with our new baby one day.

Hello Hello

2009-06-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I've been meaning to get a blog started for a long time now. I thought today, what better time than the present to get started?? David and I doing great! We live in West Jordan, Utah in a great community of town homes. We have Nemo, our Burmese Mountain Dog/Collie mix 3 year old pup. He's a joy to have, most of the time. But he thinks he's smaller than he really is (75 pounds!), so he keeps us on our toes. We are coming up on our three year anniversary on the 24th of June and are so blessed we've had that long together already. We pray that God grants us many, many more.
Also, we are expecting our first baby December 6, 2009. We couldn't be more excited!! I had a slightly rough couple of weeks in the beginning, but nothing like I imagined so I was so thankful for that. As long as I eat a small bit of food every 2-3 hours, I feel great! We went to the doctor's yesterday and heard the heartbeat and made sure everything is going as planned...and it is! We go back on July 7th for our ultrasound. I'm hoping for a girl and keep calling the baby "her". David thinks this is a sure sign that we will have a boy... so who knows? We will be ecstatic either way though, I can guarantee that!
That's all for now, hopefully I can keep posting every few weeks to keep you all updated on what's going on in our lives. :)