What I've Learned

I have been a Mommy for almost three weeks now.  I'd like to share a few things I've learned/am in the process of learning.

1. I will never be bored again. Ever. And that's fine with me.

2. I could spend all day just staring at my daughter and be perfectly content.

3. I've never missed my own mom as much as I do now.

4. Breast feeding HURTS. But it gets better. And it's totally worth it.

5. The whole "sleep when the baby sleeps" thing is impossible for me.  If she's sleeping, I'm folding laundry!

6. Watching my husband play with Carly when he doesn't know I'm looking is my favorite. He knows he's got himself a daddy's girl, and he loves it.

7. I forgot how to make dinner for awhile there, but I'm getting back into the swing of things.

8. It is the coolest thing to see pieces of me and Matt in another human being.  She's a perfect mix!

9. Moms have super powers.  Not only do I have cat-like reflexes, but I can pick out which cry is Carly's in a crowd of crying babies.  I feel pretty awesome.

10. I didn't know I had the capacity to love someone this much.  Being a mom is the most selfless job I can think of.  And I am honored to join the ranks :)

Matthew

*WARNING* 

You could say my husband and I are still in that "honeymooning" stage.  I am about to brag about him A LOT.  And get a little on the mushy side.

As our baby's arrival inches closer and closer, I've thought a lot about how this new addition will change mine and my husband's relationship. Of course I am hopeful she will only bring us closer.  But I can't help but be a little nervous about this big change.

There are often moments when we spend time together doing the simplest of things that I just pause and think to myself "I am SO happy! Can this moment please just last forever?" Just give me a moment to express how wonderful Matt is:  

Matt is happy.  If I could only use one word to describe him, that would be it. Easy.  Not in a sickeningly optimistic sort of way.  Just a happy-to-be-here sort of way.  And it's contagious.  Which is good for my ever realistic (*cough* negative *cough*) attitude.

Matt makes me laugh.  It is REALLY hard to stay mad at this guy.  Boy does he know how to work those blue puppy eyes and dimples.  He loves to get people laughing and is always working on his comedic timing.  He has me smiling and giggling all the time.

Matt constantly strives to improve his life.  He is a goal-setter.  It is because of his enthusiasm that we have Family Home Evening once a week, read scriptures and say prayers together in the morning, and put together a meal plan at the beginning of each month, among other things.  He is one motivated man, and I do my best to keep up.

Matt is a really good kisser.  'nuff said.

Matt doesn't take life too seriously.  We're college kids.  Life isn't exactly stress-free.  Money is tight.  But Matt knows how and when to take a break and have a little fun - whether it be treating ourselves with doughnuts on a Saturday morning or putting homework aside for a moment to play a card game with his attention-yearning wife.

I could go on forever.  I love that I get to walk/run/skip/jump through this life, hand-in-hand with this man.

I love you Matthew. You are going to be one fun daddy.  To infinity, and beyond!

Nursery Pics!

 The nursery is finished! And I am quite proud of it :) This work of cuteness was made possible by many donations of family and friends, cheap finds at yard sales, and Pinterest inspiration. We are so anxious to show our baby girl!

This is my pride and joy.  I've never been so crafty in my life!

Love that scrap-booking paper!

I came into the room and found this. Forever making me laugh... :)

Hare Krishna

This semester, Matt has been taking a World Religions class.  I read him the chapter on Hinduism on our road trip back from Wyoming, and we both learned quite a bit.  The next week, Matt brought home a flyer for the annual India Fest at the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, UT.  The flyer promised Indian food, dance, music, dramas, and fireworks.  Why not experience a little bit of culture? :)  

So we hopped in the car and drove the 20 minute trip.  The temple looked beautiful as the sun was setting.   There was chanting and pretty clothing and good smelling food...it was pretty cool.  I was most excited to see the story of the Ramayana and the burning of the effigy of the evil Ravana at the end of the festival. 

But there was one thing we didn't plan for.  Mosquitos. They were everywhere. EVERYWHERE. And to make matters worse, Hindus believe in reincarnation.  Which meant that every time we smacked a mosquito, we were ending someone's life.  So we took some pictures, ate some food, and left. We plan on returning next year and watching the finale.  With bug spray. Lots of bug spray.

A Much Needed Visit

My awesome mother has been a yard sale rock star and has been collecting all sorts of baby goods just for me!  This weekend she hauled down a crib, stroller, high chair, clothes galore, and a beautiful crocheted blanket just for our bundle of joy!  Braeden and Maren were able to come along too.  We had so much fun playing games, feeling Baby kick, and laughing really really hard, but we really missed Dad and Jacob!  Here are some pics of our adventures :)

Playing UNO

Rock Canyon Park

Braeden rolling down the hill :)

Exploring Campus...

We found Mom's book! She's famous ;)

Silly pictures with Cosmo

In front of Thai Village...YUM!

I just love curry :)

Walking to see the new temple construction

 We had such a good time with these funnies!  We look forward to the day we can all live closer!  Pictures of setting up the nursery to come.  Thanks Mom! xo

A rose by any other name...

Me: I'm thinking about starting a blog...thoughts? Since I'm a grown up now and all...

Mom: I think that would be wondrous and magical. The whole reason I started my blog was because I was away from my family and I wanted to share.

Me:  Exactly! I have to come up with some clever name though...How about the Wondrous and Magical Blog? 

Mom: Haha! How about The Bare Naked Truth? 

Me: HA! Yeah! 

Mom: Or, "Baring It All" or "Grin and Bare It"

Me: Aw man...you must be a writer.  All I could come up with was "Bare Butts"

Mom: (After much laughter...) I like Grin and Bare It!

Me: I like it too. Can I use that?

Mom: Of course! That would be happy!

Me: I think this conversation will be my first post :)

Mom: Oh...wonderful...don't forget to BARE YOUR SOUL! Huh? HUH?

Me: Maybe a little too dramatic for my taste...

Mom: I know. I tried too hard.