Christmas

We had a great Christmas this year. It started with our annual Friend Christmas party at Lindsay and Tyler's house. We had dinner, watched Elf and made gingerbread houses. We had a great time! Then we had a Christmas party with each of our families. I had to work on Christmas day this year so our day was a little rushed. We had to visit with everyone that we could by 2 PM so that I could get to work on time. Work actually wasn't that bad, it was just a normal day at work. Although, I was a little disappointed that there wasn't any dinner or dessert provided for the staff. I thought that the administration would show some sort of appreciation for the staff for working on Christmas! That was pretty lame. I'm not sure why, but I didn't end up taking any pictures this year. The only pictures were of Presley's cute Mrs. Claus outfit! She looked adorable :)

One thing that bummed me out is that when I was looking through pictures that other people took of me over the holiday, I noticed that my face is getting wider!! Ugh. I knew it would happen when I got into the third trimester, but I hadn't noticed it until I saw pictures of myself. I'm also bummed that my belly button has become an outie, which I'm super self conscious about, and people keep pointing it out! Who does that? I'm not sure why, but that was one pregnancy thing that I was dreading. lol I hate that you can see my belly button through all of my clothes, even my scrubs! Also, my stomach is getting so big that I can't wear certain scrubs anymore. I never thought that would happen. Hopefully I don't have to buy new ones :(

Pregnancy update:

I am now 31 weeks and 6 days pregnant, I have about 56 days or 8 weeks to go! It freaks me out to see Valentines decorations at the store because that means my baby will be here soon! I can't believe it! The discomforts of pregnancy have definitely set in, my ribs hurt sooo bad!! I wish they would just separate already! I have a hard time bending down, getting up from a sitting or laying position, I have to pee a lot, I get frequent heartburn, I get the occassional painful kick and I hate that I can't find comfortable pants. Maternity pants don't fit me, so I'm pretty much stuck wearing prepregnancy jeans with a rubber band. And yes, I do feel like I'm getting to the complainy stage of pregnancy. lol  

Even though I complain about all the discomforts of pregnancy, I am still super excited to meet my little Dominic. There are times I wish that he would just come already, but I really don't want him to be too early and have to stay in the NICU for any amount of time. So I try to not be selfish and think like that. But if he wants to come around 37-38 weeks, that would be ok with me ;)

Here is the most recent pic of my belly, I'm 30 weeks and 3 days in this picture.

What we've been up to!

We've been keeping ourselves pretty busy lately. We've been adding personal touches to our family room to make it more 'us', we finally printed out and framed some pictures from our wedding and hung them up. We also bought a Love Sac and Sactional couch from Love Sac, which we've been eyeing for quite some time now! We love them!

We've also been turning our downstairs bedroom into the nursery, the walls and doorframes were pretty beat up, we need new closet doors and we need to paint and it needs carpet. My dad volunteered to help us turn it into the perfect nursery! So far we have replaced a door frame, changed the light fixture, and patched up holes on the walls. It looks a ton better already! Here is a before picture

Then yesterday Spencer and I started washing the walls and painted the lower half of the room blue! The nursery is going to have a whale and boat theme :) So cute!

Here is Spencer taping the walls

Here he is painting the first coat! I can't wait til the room is all done and hopefully it will be finished later this month or early January.

In November, Spencer and I went on our 'babymoon'. Which is just a final getaway before the baby comes. We spent the whole weekend together, first we went up to his family's cabin at Bear Lake, where we got snowed in, then we stayed at the Alaskan Inn. The Alaskan Inn is like theAnniversary Inn where their rooms are different themes, but here the rooms are wilderness themed. We stayed in the Kenai Lodge, which was a moose theme. Here is a picture of our cute little cabin we stayed in!

Here is Spencer inside the cabin, we got Mcgrath's Fish House for dinner and ate it at the cabin. It was a nice, relaxing little getaway.

We are now 28 and a half weeks pregnant! In this picture I'm 27 weeks and 6 days. The pregnancy is still going well, I am definitely getting more uncomfortable these days though. I mostly have a lot of rib pain, my ribs just aren't wide enough for this! I also pulled a muscle just below my ribs recently when I was stretching for something :( So no more far reaching for me! Since the third trimester started I have definitely been going to the bathroom more frequently too. It's like you're sitting around and you're fine, then BAM you have to pee right now! lol There's no holding it. I've also been really tired, the fatigue went away for the most part in the second trimester, but it's definitely back now. I even told my work that I can't work 12 hour shifts anymore, only 8 hour shifts. The long shifts just completely wipe me out!

So last week, little Dominic decided to play a trick on me. I started freaking out because I hadn't felt him move much in the last few days and then one day I didn't feel him at all. So I called and made an appointment with my midwife to get it checked out. Then when I was sitting in the waiting room I was looking at my stomach and it started moving! He decided to start being active as soon as we get to the doctors office lol So we had an ultrasound, and he was fine. And ever since the appointment he has been super active. I just have a hard time feeling him move because I have an anterior placenta (the placenta lines the front of my uterus), which cushions most of his movements so that I don't feel anything unless it's on my sides. It's very frustrating.

November Crafts!

I've had some of my hours dropped at work, so I've had some free time lately. I've been getting pretty bored so I decided to work on some crafts.

I got the idea for this first craft from a craft blog that I follow, it was originally done with trucks and cars as the picture. But since my little boy's room is going to have boats and whales in it, I decided to do a whale picture. I wasn't sure how well it would turn out so I only did one. I think it turned out really cute, so I'm gonna do a second one now. For the second one, I'm gonna do the background blue and paint the whale (a different whale stencil) either white or green! So much fun!

I got this second craft idea from my mom. She used to make beautiful and elaborate wreaths. I always loved them, so I decided to try it out for myself! I tried to make this one a Thanksgiving themed wreath. I think it turned out pretty good! I didn't have as much fun making the wreath as I did the whale picture though, so I'll probably stick to projects like the first one. But it was still fun to do something that my mom used to love doing. It's nice to do something that reminds me of her. :)

October

Well October has been a busy month for Spencer and I. Spencer is busy as usual at work, he ends up working late several nights a week and goes in early too. I understand that he's busy, but I get really lonely when he's gone all day. I also got a new job! I am working at South Davis Community Hospital. The job is pretty intense and I only got 6 days of orientation (most hospitals offer 4-6 WEEKS of orientation). So I feel like I got a little jipped. My first day working alone was pretty bad, I had 12 patients and it took me about 3 hours to pass their 8 AM meds! And that was with the help of 2 other nurses towards the end. I have worked 2 more shifts since then and I have my 8 AM med pass down to about 2 hours and 15 minutes, that is an improvement! It's kinda funny because Spencer and I had decided that I would only look for a job until October, and if I didn't find one I would just start applying for jobs after the baby was born. So I ended up getting hired on September 28th lol. I was a little bummed to get a job, but it's nice to have 2 incomes. The worst part is that my maternity leave will only be about 6 weeks since I haven't worked there for 12 months and FMLA kicks in after 12 months of working.  But I am still happy to finally be working as an RN!

Spencer and I have also started our hypnobirthing classes, we have class once a week for two and a half hours for five weeks. The class is fine, we have gone over different breathing and relaxation techniques to prepare me for labor. The only problem is the instructor, she is very opinionated and I don't fully agree with her opinions. She talks bad about doctors and nurses on the labor and delivery floors. I brought up once that I was a little offended about her putting down nurses, since I am a nurse, and she got all defensive! I just don't think it's appropriate to talk badly about the nurses that are trained and qualified to deliver babies, when she isn't a medical professional. Oh well there are only 2 more classes. 

I am now 22 weeks pregnant and showing! I still can't believe that I am 5 and half months pregnant and in a few short months I will have a baby! It's really exciting :)
Here is the most recent picture of my belly, it was taken at 21 weeks and 5 days.

Here is a picture and me and Spencer in our Halloween costumes. I am a 'bun in the oven' and Spencer is a chef! Spencer made my oven all by himself, I love it!

Presley

Today I took my pug, my baby, Presley to the eye doctor for a re-check up. Earlier this year, she had an eye infection so we took her in to see the vet. At the vet, they did some tests and they thought she might have Glaucoma in both of her eyes and they suggested that we take her to an eye specialist. When we saw the eye specialist I was relieved to find out that she doesn't have Glaucoma, but she does have Vitreous Degenertion/Detachment. This means that the fluid in her eyes is more water-like and it is suppose to be jello-like. Because the consistency is wrong in her eye, her eye isn't able to hold it's shape as well and she is at risk of retinal detachment and blindness. At her appointment today, they said that she is doing great and that her condition hasn't gotten any worse. They also pushed back her appoinments from every 6 months to once a year. This was such a relief to me, I love this little girl SOOOO much. It breaks my heart to know that something may cause her to go blind. She has already had several health problems and she is only 2 1/2 years old, but she is a trooper and she doesn't let anything affect her.

I can't even explain how much Presley means to me, if you aren't a pet owner than I don't think that you could ever understand. She has been there for me when I needed support and when I felt like my world had been turned upside down. She knows when I'm upset, hurt or sick and she will just lay and cuddle with me. She really has a calming effect on me. I would do anything for her and I am very protective of her.

It's hard for me to know that when my baby is born, Presley won't get as much attention. This may sound silly, but it's true. I worry that she won't feel as loved, but I will do everything I can to give her the attention that she deserves.

Here is a picture of my Presley at the beach

Visit to the Midwife

So two nights ago and yesterday morning I had been experiencing some sharp, shooting pains in my lower abdomen. They weren't constant, but very uncomfortable. Since this is my first pregnancy I wasn't sure if these were normal pains or not so I called and talked to my midwife about them. She suggested that I come in to just get checked out and to check on the baby. The bad part about that was that I was at work at the flu shot clinic in Harrisville, which is about 20 minutes from my midwife's office. Luckily, I was able to work things out with the other nurse and I left to meet Spencer at the midwife's office. While I was there they asked me about what I was feeling and did an ultrasound to check on the baby and to look at my uterus, the placenta and my ovaries. Everything turned out to be fine and they also took a urine sample to check for a bladder infection (the tests were negative). I was definitely relieved! But the best part about the check-up was that we found out that we are having a baby BOY!! We are so excited! I am going to love having a baby boy and I know that Spencer is excited to do outdoorsy things with him when he's older too.
Now all of the baby shopping can begin!! :)

Baby purchases

Ever since I found out that I was pregnant I have wanted to go baby shopping! And of course, I only want the best things for Baby Smith! I have spent hours researching products and brands and I feel like I am now able to make some good, knowledgeable choices. One of our first purchases was the Baby Bjorn Synergy carrier. I went with the Synergy over the Original carrier, because it has a mesh fabric that is suppose to be more breathable and cooler. And I also picked it because it has an extra lumbar back support strap. I am a pretty small person and I am worried that carrying the baby in the carrier will hurt my back, so hopefully the extra lumbar support will help! I can't wait to carrry Baby Smith around at the zoo, the mall, farmers market, etc. in this cute new carrier! I can just imagine cute Spencer carrying the baby around in this, he is going to love it! :)

Another big purchase that we've made (thanks to Mark and Tammy) is our crib and matching changing table! We found this darling crib at Babies R'Us and Spencer and I just fell in love with the color. It is also a lifetime crib, so when the baby gets older we will be able to turn it into a toddler bed and also a full size bed. Pretty cool!

Spencer and I have decided that we are going to use cloth diapers for Baby Smith. I know, it sounds it a little weird, but it really seems to be the best choice. First of all it will be cheaper to buy cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers in the long run. The average child uses 6000 diapers before they are potty trained! That many diapers costs between $2000-$3000! With cloth diapers, you can expect to spend a total of $700-$800. We bought some cloth diapers last night that are just like the one in the picture. They are Bumgenius Pocket diapers 4.0 with snaps instead of velcro. These diapers grow with the child, they have snaps on the front so that you can make the diaper bigger or smaller depending on the weight and size of the child. They work for kids weighing 7-35+ pounds. So far we have a green, orange and periwinkle diaper. They are so cute!! Cloth diapers are a good choice because they are better for the environment (less waste), they're cheaper and better for the child's skin (less diaper rash).

Pregnancy

I am now 14 weeks and 4 days pregnant! I have had a pretty good pregnancy so far and I dont think that I have any room to complain. I have had nausea, but no vomiting, I have also had headaches and cramps, but my biggest complaint would have to be the fatigue. The fatigue is overwhelming and constant. I feel like I can always lay down for a nap and it's really hard to get up in the mornings. I just feel like I am missing out on things because I am always so tired. For example, Presley doesn't get as many walks and Spencer and I aren't able to go out and do as many things. I have been able to exercise though, which I think definitely helps with the fatigue. I have been doing prenatal yoga a few times a week ever since I found out I was pregnant and I also try to go to the gym once or twice a week. At the gym, I keep my workouts pretty easy, I just ride the elipticle and do some light weightlifting. Spencer has also been very supportive of me throughout the pregnancy, if I feel sick he will get me an anti-nausea pill and ask if he can do anything. If I'm really tired he doesn't push me to do anything, and he has given me plenty of backrubs. :) It's cute how excited Spencer is about the pregnancy and our baby, he is always saying that he wishes that the whole pregnancy would just hurry up already!

Before I was pregnant I was a little underweight, so my midwife wants me to gain more weight than the average pregnant woman. I am suppose to gain up to 35 pounds! Which sounds so crazy to me! I can't imagine what it is going to be like when I have gained that much weight and have a huge belly! I have already gained about 5-6 pounds and am at the heaviest weight that I have ever been. My belly started to pop out very early in the pregnancy, probably around 6 weeks. This really surprised me, I thought that wouldn't happen until I was closer to 16 weeks. That's when most women start to show with their first pregnancy. Oh well! Hopefully this just means that I will have a gradual growth and will end up with less stretch marks ;)

We have decided to have the nursery be the room that is right across the hall from our room and I can't wait to start getting it ready! I am looking forward to painting, putting the crib and changing table together and decorating! It is going to be so much fun!! I can't wait to be a mom, it is going to be so amazing to hold my little baby for the first time, February 23rd can't come soon enough!

I am planning on delivering the baby naturally, so no epidural. I have been reading about Hypnobirthing and Spencer and I are going to take a class on it Starting on September 29th. Hypnobirthing teaches relaxation and breathing techniques to help the birthing woman to stay calm and deliver without any pain medications. Most people give me some pretty weird and shocked looks when I tell them that I don't plan on having an epidural, but I am actually looking forward to the delivery. I think it's important to stay calm and relaxed and to not put any drugs into the baby. I feel like when a woman has an epidural she is missing out on an amazing once in a lifetime experience. If you don't believe me watch a video of a woman deliver without an epidural, when her baby is born and she first holds them she is overcome with joy and excitement. You don't see that with women who have had epidurals. That's just my opinion.

This is the most recent picture of my belly, it was taken at 14 weeks and 2 days

Weekend at the cabin

This past weekend we were able to go up to the cabin at Bear Lake with both of our families. We had a great time, as always. We were able to go to the beach, ride the 4-wheelers, relax and also share our big news......Spencer and I are going to be parents!!! We are 13 weeks and 5 days today and due on Feb. 23! We are so excited! I was so nervous to tell our parents, but I am glad that we waited until we were out of the high risk period (when you're most likely to have a miscarriage). We told them by taking a picture of the whole group and instead of having everyone say "cheese", Spencer had everyone say "Lauren is pregnant!". At first, everyone thought that Spencer was joking and they just laughed. But then his mom said 'wait, are you serious?', so we said yep we're serious! Then everyone got excited, hugged and told us congratulations. It was a fun way to tell everyone.

Presley and I out on the deck

everyone say cheese!

eveyone say Lauren's pregnant!

Presley at the beach

My little digger :)

One of presley's favorite people, Kirsten!

Spencer, me and the dogs (and baby!)

The drive home, Presley was pooped!

Las Vegas

In midAugust, me, Spencer and Tyler & Lindsay drove to Las Vegas for the weekend. Lindsay and I had bought tickets to see Lady GaGa at the MGM Grand a few months before and the boys joined us on our trip.  We arrived late Thursday night and spent the next day walking around the strip until it was time to get ready for the concert! The concert was amazing! Lady GaGa put on a great show! I don't think I can explain how excited Lindsay and I were, we were ecstatic! When the lights turned off and it was time for her to come on the stage, my heart leaped! I have loved her music for a while now and I couldn't believe that I was about to see her in real life. 

On Saturday, we did some more walking around the strip. We had lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, which is always delicious. We watched the Atlantis show at Caesars Palace and the Treasure Island show that evening. On Sunday, we drove home. We had a great trip and I'm so glad that we were able to do it!

At the M & M store

The Harley Davidson Cafe

Lady GaGa poster

About to go to the concert

Performing Bad Romance

Being dorks, pretending like we're swimming at the Atlantis aquarium

Wedding Day!

Spencer and I got married (finally!) on Saturday June 26th! It was a perfect day and everything went smoothly. We got married at the Union Station in Ogden, in the Theater Annex. I loved the room, it was a really long room with huge metal beams in it. I think that the Union Station is a beautiful building and I am so glad that we decided to get married there. My bridesmaids were Jamie, Lindsay and Allyson and the groomsman were Jake, Logan, Jason and Tyler. We were so happy that they were all able to be a part of our special day! Here are some of my favorite pictures from the big day!

The Wedding Party

Our Families

The Kiss!

The Handsome Groomsman and Groom ( I love this pic of Spencer!)

My Beautiful Bridesmaids and Me!

Goofy Spencer

My Dream Wedding Cake!! I LOVE how it turned out!

Bridals

Now that school is out, I passed the NCLEX, I'm married and back from the honeymoon I don't seem to have a lot to do. Spencer and I opened all of our presents and I'm slowing moving them from the front room into their new 'homes'.
I'm really looking forward to seeing my professional wedding pictures, but the photographer still hasn't posted them :( I know that it has only been a week and a half, but I can be a little impatient sometimes! So, instead of posting wedding pictures I am going to post some of my favorite Bridals.

Registered Nurse

I am proud to announce that I have passed the NCLEX and am now a Registered Nurse! No more studying! All of my hard work has payed off and that is the best feeling in the world :)

I am marrying the love of my life next week and I have accomplished my dream of becoming a nurse. What more could I ask for? Seriously.