Thanksgiving in California

On November 17th we packed up our favorite things and for the first time ever,

the three of us took a long drive to the great state of California!!

I really loved packing Beckham's tiny little things:)

I like our road trips, hubby and I always have fun talking about everything and when we run out of things to talk about we're singing to our favorite Pandora stations. As for baby boy, I was afraid he'd loathe the sight of his carseat after being stuck in there for half of a day.. but luckily he was sleepy enough that the ride was no big deal for him...

which meant a pretty peaceful ride for us.

I have to admit that Beckham got a little spoiled over there.. but so did I!

It was pretty nice to have so many babysitters in one house.

He definitely got mucho love from everyone.

We had a very eventful 10 days.. from witnessing Beckham's first (and only) projectile vomit (sorry you had to be a victim of that incident Kari), to me having to be rushed to urgent care due to mastitis (no bueno), and Derrick's truck having a random electronic difficulty (which cost us a pretty penny to fix).. we still managed to have a fun time with my family

... but of course we did..

We're talking about THE STEPHAN FAMILY:)

1. We got to CA just in time to celebrate my dad's bday.

2. He's pretty awesome right? Happy Bday Papi!!

3. Derrick and I just loved our little family walks.. baby boy was nice and cozy.

4. He's just cute. What more can I say?

5. Auntie Kari.. aka The Baby Whisperer. She was so good with him! Thanks Kare:)

6. After a few days we finally got to see my Dahv and his lovely wifey. Miss them so much!

7. How awesome is this. My little hippy baby.

8. Now the BEST thing about having so much family more than willing to take care of little Beckham was that we got to have our own little one night getaway:) Derrick surprised me with some yummy sushiiiii!... dang it I'm craving this now...

9. We went to downtown San Diego and stayed at a very pretty hotel, The US Grant. It was lovely.

10. Shopping at Fashion Show Mall, tomato basil soup at Nordie's cafe, and galavanting in SD was amazazazing. But the best part? Getting a full night's sleep!!

11. On Thanksgiving day Beckham turned 2 months old!

12. We got up early that morning to watch the boys play football.

13. Dad, Rebecca, and Madi ran on the track and watched the boys play too.

14. It was a beautiful day for football.

15-18. Cooking together on Thanksgiving day is my favorite. That and the ham:) (Thanks for the photo Rebecca.. hehe)

19. My dear friend Haley and her beautiful family came to visit! We tried to get the babes to at least look at each other but it wasn't happening.. we're devious matchmakers:)

20. When she wasn't looking my dad was so sweet and planned a bday surprise for my mom. We ate at our fave bbq place Lucille's. Love you momma!

It's not every day that we get to see this family all at one time.

We love you guys more than you know:) xo

The first 7 weeks

Look how much he has grown in such a short 2 months!!

This little babe is bright eyed and a curious little george. He is always looking around at everything going on around him. I wonder what he is thinking of this brand new world he is in.

I have been an avid blogger since I started this blog in April.

I wanted a place to record the many random and significant things that happen in our lives. I was even more determined to get this started after we found out we were having a baby. I really want all our kids to one day look at this like a photo album/journal of our lives together.

(kids if you're in the future and reading this now, i love you and come give yo mama a keeyiss:)

Beckham was born more than two months ago and I have been slacking!! It's not that I haven't wanted to blog, but jeez, this little guy can be a handful!... a cute handful:) I cannot believe how fast the time has gone by. Allow me to give a little recap on the first almost 2 months of our little Beckham's life.

When we came home from the hospital we were greeted by my mom. She had driven out here with my dad and then decided to stay a couple of weeks to help me out with Beckham.

It just so happened that he was born just a day after Potato Harvest started.

Derrick had to work 7am-10pm everyday, so having my mom here at home with us was a lifesaver.

It's a big deal bringing a little one into your life, I loved getting to know my little babe.

Just a couple days old, he was always so sleepy, but still managed to keep me up all night:)

At 4 days old we took him to his first doctor's appointment.

Doctor said he was a healthy boy... he peed on the doctor.

1 week old, so deep in thought.

We're pretty much in love with him.

After 2 weeks, the new grandma had to go home:( She had really helped us out so much. She made yummy food and even did the dishes for me! And of course, she spent lots of time loving on her new little grand baby:)

Thanks so much mom, we love you!!

3 weeks old- I was sadly surprised to notice that his hair started falling out on the top of his head! He had the old man hairdo going on. We called it a "Skullet".

4 weeks old- He was our little monster for Halloween.

And at 4 weeks, he graduated from sponge baths and started bathing in his little whale tub. At first he didn't know what to think, he screamed and looked at us like, "Why am I naked and wet?!". It only took a few more times for him to enjoy bath time.

When he was 5 weeks old we had a fun little photo shoot.

Then, we he was 6 weeks old, Beckham started to really smile!! Derrick was at work when it happened for the fist time so I took some pics from my phone. He was super jealous that he had not seen a smile in person yet, but Beckham just smiled more everyday:) It was so nice to see his smiles, I felt like we were learning how to communicate better just by that sweet little expression.

On November 13th, Beckham was 7 weeks old and received his special baby blessing at church. My parents and sisters came to Idaho for the occasion. This was the first time that the new aunties met Beckham! Their trip was only for a short weekend but it was so nice of them to come all the way out here for his special day. The blessing that Derrick gave Beckham was so special and sweet. I could hear it in his voice, this daddy definitely loves his son:)

I can't believe how fast he's grown. I feel so much better getting all caught up.

Next post: Thanksgiving in California!

the day our little Beckham was born...

On Saturday, September 24th 2011 at 10:24 am this little baby came into our lives.

From the moment I heard him cry I fell in love with our little baby Beckham.

It started on Wednesday, September 21st- Derrick and I attended a child birth class. We learned about what to do when contractions start, what the epidural is like, what dad can do to be supportive and helpful during labor. It was very much needed. Little did we know that the next night I would be up with non stop pre labor pains. We had friends over that Thursday night and I was feeling some crampy pains in my belly. As the night went on they got worse. I spent the entire night with horrible contractions. I'd be in breath taking pain for a few minutes and then I'd be fine for a few minutes. Luckily Derrick had learned some techniques in our labor class about how to calm me by rubbing my back a certain way and putting pressure on my knees and hips. It helped me get through each contraction, but they just kept coming. Finally at 2:30am Derrick called the hospital and told them about my pain and contractions, they said it was probably false labor and suggested that I take a warm bath. I was so frustrated! I didn't think a bath would do much but Derrick needed to get up early for work the next day and hadn't gotten any sleep yet because of my issues. So I distracted myself for about a half hour in the tub. But as soon as I got out and back in bed the contractions continued. When the sun came up the next day and I still hadn't slept, I batted my lashes and asked (more like begged) Derrick not go to work and stay with me. I was scared of how I felt, I couldn't go more than twenty minutes without feeling horrible pain and I didn't want to be alone. We spent the whole day trying to relax, but I couldn't. Derrick and I took walks throughout the day to help ease the pain and bring on labor. We decided that by the end of the night, we would go to the hospital just to be safe, and because I didn't want to go through another night like before. We packed for the hospital and left about 10pm Friday night. When we showed up, and they asked how they could help us, I felt awkward saying "Umm I think I might be having a baby soon..." They took us to a room and the nurse checked to see how dilated I was. She said I was at a four and that it looked like we'd be staying the night. I remember being shocked and saying something like, "So I'm having my baby tonight??" She said that the baby would be here in the next 24 hours. Derrick and I were ecstatic!! I'll never forget his excitement, "I'm gonna be a dad!". While we were getting started in the hospital, my parents happened to be on their way up to see us from California. My dad had some work business in Park City and figured they'd stay with us a couple days before then. So after being in the hospital for only an hour, my parents arrived. It was such a blessing to have them there. My whole pregnancy we kept saying how it was too bad we didn't know exactly when the baby would be here so they could be here too. But Heavenly Father is awesome and inspired my parents to come to see us that weekend. After saying hello, my parents went back to our house for the night and Derrick and I stayed in the hospital. The epidural was conveniently put in before I was in too much pain so I was able to rest and have a good night's sleep.But because I was so anxious, nervous, and excited.. I didn't sleep much.I just kept looking at the monitor that showed my contractions and baby's heartbeat.Derrick slept just fine. haha The next morning around 9am I was dilated to a ten and was ready to push! We had an amazing nurse, she made me feel strong and calm. Derrick was amazing too, he held my hand and encouraged me through the whole delivery. And at 10:24am we heard Beckham's cry for the first time.They put him on my chest, I held him and laughed and cried, I've never been so happy!! The feeling is indescribable. It was such a special day, I dont think we could ever forget that experience.

We love you so much Beckham!!

east idaho state fair!

911: A Day to Remember

Hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston crashes into the south tower of the World Trade Center

and explodes at 9:03am on September 11, 2001 in New York City.

It's hard to believe that 10 years ago there was a terrorist attack on our country.

I remember I was sitting in my 10th grade history class when our teacher flipped on the TV and we watched the destruction and chaos on the news. I remember thinking it couldn't be real. After class the halls were quieter and I remember the reality setting in. My thoughts were: Why did this happen? Will it happen again? and I felt so horrible for those that were involved and the people who lost family members and friends in such a tragedy.

I asked Derrick to type out what he remembers from that day, his recount was more detailed than mine:

"I was at school. I had just sat down in English class. All of the sudden my teacher swung the door open and wheeled in a TV. He hurried and turned it on and there was a live video of one of the towers smoking like there was a fire. Everyone was saying it was terrorists, and a bomb or something had gone off. As me and a few other students watched they kept getting more information, then said that terrorists had hijacked an airliner and flew it into the towers. I couldn't believe it! I was like, " WHO! Who would do that!" We just kept watching, and a few minutes later a second plane that had been hijacked flew into the second tower! I was kind of mad and shouted, "Why aren't they doing anything!" Little did I know that there was a lot being done, I just didn't know about it yet. I just remembered thinking when it was all said and done, someone is going to pay for this."

We can easily live in fear because we never know when or if something like this could happen again. Instead I hope this motivates more of the world to live more Christlike lives. We can treat others with love and respect. I hope we can all turn to the Lord not just when these things happen but in our everyday doings. I know that when I put Him first I have a much better perspective on life and my attitude and choices are influenced in a better way.

President Thomas S. Monson blogged for the Washington Post on Thursday. He said this:

"If there is a spiritual lesson to be learned from our experience of that fateful day, it may be that we owe to God the same faithfulness that He gives to us," President Monson wrote. "We should strive for steadiness, and for a commitment to God that does not ebb and flow with the years or the crises of our lives. It should not require tragedy for us to remember Him, and we should not be compelled to humility before giving Him our faith and trust. We too should be with Him in every season."

Today many people are still affected by the tragedy of 911. I pray that those families are living their lives in a way that would make their deceased loved ones proud. We know so many people who are enlisted in the military and who are out there protecting our country against threats and harm. Thank you so much for all you do!

how daddy-to-be deals with mommy-to-be..

Ya know, being pregnant is a lot like they say.

Before I got pregnant I was determined to be 'the exception'

meaning I wouldnt gain much weight (hahaha).. I wouldnt be emotional or moody,

I didnt think I'd get swollen feet and hands and not fit into ANYTHING..

When I sit for too long my ribs hurt, when I stand to long my feet hurt,

and when I lay down the acid reflux kicks in.

Ay Caramba..

So amongst all of this pregnant chaos i try to keep a smile and all that jazz..

but lets get real.

Here's a few examples of how Derrick has mastered the art of dealing with mommy to be:

- the nightly Bio Oil belly rubs.. soooo nice!

-he knows how to sweetly talk me out of unnecessary desserts by offering fruit or veggies.

-he always fills up my water bottle whenever it's low.

-he goes with me to preggo classes and doesnt fall asleep even when they talk about breastfeeding forever. haha

-when I am unreasonable he still lets me win the argument.. (dont worry I end up apologizing anyway!)

-he says, "momma gets what momma wants!":) (thats works for me!)

Lately some of our convos had made me laugh.. he's been such a trooper this pregnancy!

convo #1

while driving home from California in his truck..

Me- I just wanna cuddle on you while you're driving.. but then I remember I'm a fat cow.

Him- Baby you're not a fat cow.. just a fat kitty cat.

He then pulled me in close and told me to fall asleep on his lap. I laughed because he still said I was fat but he said it so lovingly and for some reason it sounded nicer paired with kitty cat and not so much with cow. haha

convo #2

last night when I was changing for bedtime..

Him- Wow that thing looks like it's starting to be a pain.

Me- What, my belly?

Him- Yeah! That does not look very comfortable!

Me- You're just noticing this?..

Him- I'm just saying, wow.. and I love you.

hahaha i love you too.

On Sunday morning Derrick and I hung out in Baby Boy's almost finished room.

(pictures coming as soon as it is complete..)

We played with his clothes and cut off tags and hung them up in his little wardrobe cabinet.

Then we decided to pack up the diaper bag.

It was so funny how we were just kind of guessing what to put in it.

Diapers, wipes, first aid kit, burp cloths, onesies, bottles, etc..

It feels so weird that we are preparing for a little human to take care of.

But we are both so excited.

The other day when we were driving home from date night, Derrick said something in the sweetest way.

"You know, as scary and as hard as this pregnancy has to be for you, I just can't thank you enough for bringing our baby into the world. Our Baby."

I melt.

Baby Bump Update: 35 Weeks!

35 weeks and I am seriously going to POP!

I was just going to post the norm, but I haven't posted any pics of my bare belly

and I think that it's about time I did. One day I am going to show this pic to Baby Boy when he is a rebellious teen. It'll most likely be during one of the guilt trip talks, "I carried you in my womb for NINE dreadful months!!!.." .. haha. Who am I kidding, I wont need to do that!

He's going to perfect, right? :P

So here I am large and in charge.

I never thought my belly could stretch out so far!

Other women who have had boys, will stop me in the store and in elevators and say,

"Oh youre definitely having a boy, that thing just pops right out!"

And I'm like, "Yes.. yes it does."

Two weeks ago we went and got a 3D/4D ultrasound of our little guy!!

It was sooo exciting!

Look at those cheeks!! We are in love with his round little nose, and those lips:)

At first we were told the ultrasounds were like $100+ and I was so sad!

But then we heard that if we signed up for a pregnancy class

at Rosemark for $30 then we would get the ultrasound for free!

So we were like "HELLO!", who wouldn't do that??

Yesterday we went to the class. We thought it was going to be about child birth..

which I REALLY want us both totake so neither one of us freaks out or feels lost during labor.

But when we showed up, it ended up being a Post- partum class, talking about what happens after we bring baby home. Even though we weren't planning on taking that class, I am SOOO glad we did.

The teacher was very honest and graphic.. I have to admit i was pretty much in tears for most of it..

darn pregnancy hormones...

But honestly, just the realization of what physical and emotional things a woman has to go through.. it's kind of overwhelming. And this was AFTER delivery!

But hubby picked up on my emotions (thank heavens!)

and squeezed my hand and told me it would all be okay and he would be there every step of the way.

Yeah... I guess he's a keeper.

The delivery class isn't for 3 more weeks,

so hopefully Baby Boy stays put so we can go and learn about what is going to happen on the big day.

After the class we went to Toys R Us and finally bought a carseat!

Then out of all the places we could have gone to eat, I asked Derrick if we could go to IHOP.

haha.. I guess all that stress made me want some comfort food.

Derrick thought it was hilarious that we were drinking hot chocolate in August, but we loved it:)

We talked about how soon our lives will completely change.

I think it's hard for us to fully comprehend.

I am nervous about the delivery. I can admit that..

I am so glad Derrick will be there to help me through it all.

Who knows when the day will be! ... But when it's all said and done,

we will be a family of three:)

my idaho baby shower

August 20th was a fun day for both Derrick and I.

After his 100 mile bike ride in the morning/day, I had an evening with some of my favorite girls.

They threw me a beautiful outdoor baby shower!!

The whole party was adorable in every detail.

The decor was handmade, the food was delish, and the games were so fun:)

These girls put so much effort into making this so perfect and I couldnt have appreciated it more.

After living in the the great state of Idaho for 2 1/2 years,

I have made some wonderful friends.

I love you chicas so much!! Thank you so much Jessica, Kimber, Brandee, Crystal, and Serena for putting this all together and making me and baby boy feel so dang special.

Thank you Rick and Melanie for having such a gorgeous backyard that we can party in.

And thank you to everyone that came and joined in the festivities, it was a sweet day!

the day derrick cycled 100 miles

Ever since Derrick got his new bike and participated in the Bike Tour in SLC back in April,

he has been dying to ride in the Century Tour.

The Century means 100 miles.

I was kinda surprised that he was looking forward to putting himself through that,

he worked really hard to prepare himself for this ride.

On Saturday, August 20th, we woke up earlier than I've allowed my preggo self in a while.

Derrick was super excited and not even nervous.

And I must say, he looked pretty good in those spandex shorts;)

The race was called The heART of Idaho hosted by the Art Museum of Idaho.

Look how fierce he looks at 7am just before the ride. hehe

There were lots of other cyclists there who were just as excited as he was.

After he rode off and I got in my car to go home.. it being only 7:15am.. I thought "Hey, I'm up early, I can get so much done before 10!".... but I admit that my preggo fatigue got the best of me and I went home and napped for a a couple of hours. And ya know what?- it felt so nice:)

When I woke up I did some housework and waited til Derrick gave me a call to say he was riding nearby.

This is him after 85 miles! He'd been on that bike for 5 1/2 hours and was still smiling and going strong.

He stopped for a sec and drank lots of water. He said cardio-wise he felt fine, but his legs were dying!

...understandable.

6 hours and 50 minutes later, with 100 miles behind him, Derrick completed his race!

He was sooo tired and thirsty! I was so proud of him:)

At the finish line there was a party with everyone who had raced and supported.

Derrick got a free massage that he loved and needed...

I tried to sneak one in for me, and I would have succeeded

but they didnt have the pregnancy massage tables for my huge belly.. haha

It was nice to enjoy a yummy BBQ while listening to the live band.

Good job my love!

my california baby shower

Although wedding week in California was crazy busy,

my sisters were so amazing and took time to throw me a beautiful shower.

The theme was The Very Hungry Caterpillar: there was so much color,

the music was perfect, and the food even went with the theme.

It was so nice to see close friends and family, we laughed a lot and had a blast!

Thank you soooo much Kari and Lauryn for putting the whole thing together.

With both of their minds combined, it was creative and beautiful and i felt so loved:)

Thanks Madi for helping them out even when I know you had homework!

And thank you momma for all the food and letting us have it at your lovely home.

Our little boy is so blessed to already have such loving Aunties and Grandma.

All of my friends that came gave such sweet advice and thoughtful gifts.

Thanks everyone! All 3 of us love you mucho muchisimo!! xo

Mr and Mrs David Stephan...

Derrick and I went to California for a week to spend time with the Stephan family and to get ready for

my brother's wedding!

It was such a busy week. A beautiful wedding takes work! But it was well worth it. Their day was perfect. Being in the temple and seeing my brother get married made me shed a couple of tears,

but happy tears of course:)

David and Rebecca were married on August 13, 2011 at the San Diego temple at 10:26am to be exact.

They make a beautiful couple. I am so happy for them and happy to have a new sister too:)