Approaching Week 23

We had a doctor appointment today. Dave was making me laugh so much while waiting in the room. I was starting to think he was the one that should be sitting on the table. He kept yawning and saying silly things. He even started to make an impression of the baby's heat beat. He is so good at making noises and doing different accents. He claims its because he grew up in the 80's, whatever that means.

My little angel is doing well. Tomorrow we will hit week 23.
Elliot is now weighing about 1lb. and he is 8 inches long. Today the doctor gave us information to register at the hospital for birthing classes. That really excites me because that means he is coming soon! We are giving birth at the Family Birthing Suites at Scottsdale Healthcare on Osborn and Scottsdale Rd. Next month we will have the hour long glucose visit and I will receive my Rh shot. Soon we will start going every other week. Fun stuff. I love seeing all of the round bellies.

FYI: I have gained 17lbs!

Pregnancy = Sleepy Chals

I stayed awake in bed until 2:30 last night after putting down my bible at 12. Usually after reading the bible I fall asleep peacefully but last night my mind was full of worries. I was looking up my transcripts and my DARS report earlier that evening trying to figure out what classes to take this and fall. I realized most likely I am not going to be able to graduate on time, that being next may. That makes me really sad.

Today I took my grandma Irene to a doctor appointment and ran around trying to take care of business, changing medical plans, making returns to Target and trying to get more money from school to take summer classes. I have been so tired all day. I am reaching the point of my pregnancy where I find myself extra sleepy with leg cramps and lower pack pain. To add to it all my little man moves around in my belly all day and kicks me. He's a silly boy, whenever I place my hand on my tummy or talk he stops kicking.

Dave came home from work tonight and made me his delicious spagetti, knowing how tired I was. He is too good to me. He made me dinner as I studied for my Greek Myth art history exam. He even had the kitchen cleaned up before he ate. Sneaky man.

<3

I Survived.

This weekend wasn't so bad. I was expecting Dave to still be moody, but for the most part he left his bad mood at work on Friday. Or maybe it was the Midol I gave him. Saturday we went to target like most weeks and to the library to gather more resources for my paper. We then went down to Mill Ave. to hit up Urban Outfitters, induced by our addiction. Dave has been thinking about these shirts he saw last week and finally decided to take the plunge and buy them. It was actually just one but he couldn't decide on a color so bought both thanks to me saying "well why don't you just get both, you do work really hard" . Me, being the good girl that I am, did not even look at the clothes. That place is too dangerous.

Getting to Urban was such an adventure! There was some sort of art show (aka southwestern jewelery show that we usually try to avoid) that occupied the entire block. Everywhere we usually park was $10 event parking. Finally we found a space and I am so happy we did. As we were walking up I said to Dave "Oh man, if this is some sort of food thing I am going to have to find an ATM... If there is Indian fry bread I am going to loose it... Is that kettle corn I smell??". Of course there was so many good choices of food. And fry bread!! I have been craving fry bread (and apple pie) like nobodies business. If I could eat fry bread for every meal and follow it with a slice of warm pie, life would be perfect. But of course, life cannot be perfect.
Maybe in heaven?

During the night we went to a party for a friend of Dave's who is in town from Portland. We had a lot of fun. I think Dave had a little bit more because I was drinking Smart Water and he was drinking wine. These friends who hosted the party host the best parties. There is always lots of delicious food. I wish this top picture showed my belly cause it looked so cute last night, I was wearing a black cotton knit pencil skirt that I think really accentuates the roundness in a feminine way.

This is our Sunday. 1:00pm and we are still in bed and still wearing the clothes from last night. Me checking up on my grades and discussion boards on my ASU website and Dave playing his funny computer games that were made before I was born. His Nintendo was made the same year I was born. He likes to keep it old school.

Look how light my hair keeps getting! Its only the top 2 inches of my hair. I can't decide if I am going to let it grow out blonde or die it dark again once the baby pops out.

I Love Weekends... And Fresh and Easy.

Wednesday my cute brother Sean came into town. I don't know if I have talked about him before but he is 17 and such a ladies man. He is fun to hang out with and always has girl drama. This pic is really old.

Yesterday I watched my adorable little super white cousin Jake. He is so funny, cute and nice. One of the most well behaved kids I know. He found this mini naked baby searching through my purse treasures and decided to take it for a ride in his jeep. He also burps the baby and puts him to sleep. Why did I have this little thing in my purse you ask? Well the first time I met up for lunch with one of my besties Melissa to talk to her about the pregnancy it just so happens she had it from a baby shower. She thought it would be best to pass it on to me so I could get used to carrying a baby around.

This kid loves my glasses. I tried putting them on after I had to steal them back from him while he was hiding (or shall I say "disappeared") in his fort and could not see a thing! They had fingerprints all over. His mommy gave me 2 boxes of baby clothes from his first year. But I have nowhere to put them :(. We are stuck in a 1 bedroom till June so I don't get to really "nest". I do have a beautiful crib and changing table through and that makes me happy.

We don't really have any plans this weekend but I am still happy. Weekends mean I have someone to hang out with all day. Usually during the weeks I see Whitney about once and go to lunch with at least one friend. Other than that and class I don't have much human contact. This weekend may be a little different from most. I might be trying to get away. Dave's been on the grumpy side for a couple days. I think it might be his time of the month. So if anyone does anything call me!

I actually really need to hit the books but you know how I am. Always procrastinating. I have a huge paper due in April for my Medieval Art History class. I chose to do my research paper on an illuminated manuscript, I think I am gonna do the St. Augustine Gospel Book. Art History rocks. I love it so much because I get to learn about masterpieces, history and in most cases the bible. All of western art is Christian (until you get to the modern art which isn't my cup of tea). Every piece is from a story of the bible.

Now that I have typed enough I am going to Fresh and Easy
I've been wanting to go for days!

Anxiously Awaiting

As the weeks pass by I get more and more excited for the big arrival.
Starting tomorrow I will be 22 weeks along. I can't believe how fast the time is moving. I wish it went this fast during the time I was sick all day ever day! Starting next week I will be at 6 months and I just started showing. I can still hide it though. I love showing the belly off but its nice to still feel somewhat normal size (plus 17lbs). I can still wear my size 27 jeans and that makes me feel good.

These are Elliot's first pair of shoes.
Checkered Vans provided by Grandpa Joe (aka: my dad).
He's gonna be the cutest little man. I want to get him matching clothes to daddy from American Apparel. Last week I began worrying because I hadn't felt him move for a while but this past Saturday Laura (Dave's mother) made us a super delicious meal and the baby must have loved it because he was going crazy just kicking away (I even teared a little, but I was extra emotional). There is nothing I love more than feeling him move around. Tonight I felt a little kick and I could feel a little knot below my belly button, I think it was his foot jabbing into me.

I try to make his stay as comfortable as possible. I talk softer and move slower and more graceful. I hope he feels how much he is loved and how much his parents love each other. I think that is very important for a child. I have gotten him a couple of books and nursery rhymes for daddy to read him so he will get familiar with his voice. Dave still talks to him daily, and now, the baby has even started to "talk" back. The other day Dave laid his head on my belly and looked up at me and said "the baby wants me to tell you how much he loves you and how great you are". It melted my heart.

If I wasn't so excited to meet him I would let him stay in my belly forever. I love having him with me all day and providing for him. I always dream I am breast feeding but he won't latch on. I know it sounds strange but breast feeding is one of the things I am mostly excited for. I have a new found appreciation for my body. I have always respected my body because I see it as such an amazing complex gift from God, something that he had his hands on, but now I am just utterly amused and empowered. I am so proud God has granted me the ability to bear a child of my own.

A Harsh Realization

So this past weekend Dave took me on a shopping spree at American Apparel.
They have perfect clothes for the preggers and the cutest baby stuff! We were going crazy looking at them. It was so fun and I got some really great stuff that will stretch with me as I am now finally starting to get bigger.

In my closet there are currently:
31-dresses
64-blouses
20-shirts
20-cardigans
14-sweaters
4- short sleeve jackets
12-skirts
13-jeans
7-pants


Now I have been called spoiled before but never thought it to be true. But recently I have come to a harsh realization...
I am spoiled.

It's not my fault though! I don't ask for the stuff and I am not a brat about it. I am very appreciative for all of the beautiful things I have been given. I blame it on Dave though. He is always buying me things and thinks I deserve the best. He's a bad boy! And this weekend he added 3 dresses, 2 skirts and 1 pair of leggings to my obsession. The worst thing about it, I don't think I have enough. There is absolutely NO room in our closet that we share. It is so stinkin long, and you'd think from my list that I take up the entire thing, but I don't. His clothes cover half. We both have the problem.

I need a job!

Mexican Fiesta

My grandma had a birthday dinner for me tonight.
It was a little late because everyone is always so busy. Not me though! Say the words "free food" and I am there! It was so so delicious. She had all of the wonderful Mexican feast items including bean-corn dip, green chili enchilada casserole, deep fried tacos, green chili burritos and of course rice and beans. Its a good thing I'm preggers! We finished the meal off with the traditional tres leche cake. If you haven't had one and like extremely moist cakes you gotta try it! She sent the rest home with us so me and baby are gonna be eating off it for the weekend.

I haven't posted a belly pic lately so I thought I'd up date you all.
Don't mind my chins. Its all of these feasts my grandma has been feeding us.

Rockstar

I finally learned to tie a tie last night.

My man is such a rockstar.
Last night Dave played 2 shows with Yellow Minute. They were at our favorite little bars. Hollywood Alley and Yucca tap room. I love going to Hollywood Alley because it's the first place I ever saw Dave. It was Attack of the Giant Squids record release party and I was blown away! I never did meet him that night. I actually didn't meet him for a while after. It's as if God had a plan for us to meet. We had a few opportunities but it wasn't until a Halloween party that I wasn't going to go to until we actually talked it was instant connection. One of those where you feel like you have known the person your entire life and could talk to about anything. We went on and on talking to eachother about everything sitting on a trampoline. Mostly I talked and the kid would not stop smiling. It was so funny, I had no idea I was that amusing. It still hasn't changed. There are things I talk to him about that I have never talked about with anyone. And still, he looks at me with deep understanding and smiles.

Anyways, back to the night..
I had so much fun. I met up with two friends for a dinner at Pita Jungle and chatted it up before we headed to the show. The very talented Tony (guitar play) who Dave played with for years in Squid was back in town from Seattle and Dave was sooo happy to be playing with him again. Your could tell by the way he looked.
I love seeing him happy!

It was my first appearance out with a pregnant belly. I felt so proud showing my maternal body off to friends and aquaintances. I got a lot of the "you have the glow" comments. Now, what exactly is this "glow"? I kept thinking to myself- well yeah, I did get some sun this past weekend. But I know thats not what they mean. I just don't know what they mean. Is it from smiling so much, because I do blush a lot.

Sorry I posted so many pictures of Dave.
He just looked so cute, I can't help myself!

Baby name

So we are calling our baby Elliot. It is our favorite as of right now.
It means The Lord is my God and comes from the name Elijah. We also like Elie, which means the same. It could be spelled Elliot, Eliot or Elliott.

What do you think?
Id love to see your comments :)

Birthday in San Diego

This is what I woke up to on my birthday. The house has the most beautiful views, I didn't even want to leave the house.

When we got up on Sunday we walked to a coffee shop and had breakfast. We then walked back and looked at all of the other amazing houses that also have great views.

This day was a little more relaxed than Saturday. Dad took us out kayaking while he paddle boarded. A daily routine for him. We beached ourselves for a while and watched the calm water ripple in. Dad taught Dave how to paddle board. He was too afraid of falling into the chilling water so he didn't make it too far.

We went back to the house and laid in the sun for a while on the porch. Dad and Dave washed the Scion so we can drive home in a clean car and collect new bugs on the front. I watched while laying under a tree. We got into the clean car and hit up Pizza Nova for our last meal there and we were off.

I always have so much fun riding home in the car with Dave because it gives us hours to talk (and mostly laugh) with no distractions like TV and computers. Most experiences include making funny noices, talking about things we want in life and for our child, God, and what if's. I always have the what if questions. Oh and me telling Dave to watch the road and slow down, especially after he asks his what if - "What if we drove right off the road down that hill?"- as we swerve into the other lane.

Thank you Dad and Wendy for the great weekend and the awesome Knife set.

Saturday in San Diego

Saturday we began our day going to a small local Point Loma coffee shop. This is a picture of dad and Dave. We then went to Ocean Beach and had a delicious breakfast. After breakfast we walked down to the beach, drove around and then went to Pacific Beach for some thrift shopping.

I got my shoes!
Remember earlier on my blog when I posted those Melissa shoes I really wanted?? Well get this, we walked into a thrift shop and I went straight to the shoes and what do I see?? My shoes!! And they were my size. We were a match meant to be together. These shoes are so hard to find and have to be shipped from Australia and I got them for $5, no shipping needed.

Going back to the house in cloud 9 not even believing this amazing day and my shoe find we walked up to the door to find these beautiful flowers on the door step. Some how sneaking Dave surprised me with flowers. I was so happy! They even had a sweet little love note.
He's too good to me.

Later in the evening dad took us down to the beach for a walk and we sat and watched the boats come in and out. It was so relaxing and there were 3 lovely birds that were more interested in us than we were of them. For dinner my dad and Wendy took us to C Level for a birthday dinner that is unforgettable. We sat outside right over the water and had a perfect view of the city lights. I even got a birthday treat.

Hello Birthday, Goodbye Desert

Tomorrow we will be off to visit the pacific.
We are going to visit my dad and Wendy in San Diego. Ill be seeing their new home for the first time. I am so excited to get out of here and enjoy great weather and scenery. I am going to have so many great pictures to post!

This will be our third time to Southern California together. During our 17 months together we have gone on 9 trips . This picture is us in Mexico. No words can describe how much fun we have together. Looking back at all of the things we have done I think to myself - Oh my gosh, that was the funnest time of my life! But I think that about EVERY time! I can't wait to add our little man to all of the fun and show him all of the beautiful things the world has to offer him.

Oh and just so you know... my birthday is Sunday!

Party, party, party!

Dinner #4

Sooo... I didn't like tonights dinner. Dave thought it was good, but of course he would say that.
I'm pretty upset about it actually. I am not even gonna leave directions because I suggest you do not make these chicken meat balls.

Blah.

Dinner #3

Thai anyone?

First start out making the sweet chili-lime sauce.
Use 1 tablespoon for every ounce of noodles used of store bought chili sauce that can be found next to the soy sauce.

Add these ingredients:

• 2tsp. lime juice
• 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger root
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
  

Once you have your sauce made cook up spaghetti noodles, as much as you need. We used 6 1/2 ounces which is about half a package.

In a wok, or frying pan, drizzle some olive oil in the pan and fry up your veggies.

• 2 cups shredded bok choy (may need to go to sunflower, whole foods or Asian market)
• 1/2 sliced carrot
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1/2 cup edamame
  

It's really up to you what you use and how much you use. We didn't add any meat so we loaded up with veggies.

Lastly, drain your noodles and coat them with your sauce and top it all with your veggies, and meat if you choose. Peanuts would be good as well. This is really good, has a bit of a kick and is under 30 minutes.

Dinner #2

Wanna make your home smell amazing?
Here's what you need. I halved it because there are only two of us.

• 2 whole chickens
• 4 carrots, halved
• 1 large onion
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 1/2 cup long grain rice
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 avocados
  
• 3 limes halved
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
• 3 garlic cloves
  

Okay here is the deal... take the chicken, carrots, onion, garlic and salt and stick them in a big pot filling it with water. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for an hour. Enjoy smelling the goodness throughout your home. After the hour, take out the chicken and veggies. Shred the chicken and discard the veggies. Put the uncooked rice into the broth we just created for 20 minutes, then add the chicken for 5 minutes. Scoop the avocado into bowls, pour the soup over and top with cilantro and squirt it with lime.

Now, if you don't have time to make your own broth Ive figured out a quicker way. Buy a rotisserie chicken and cook the rice in store bought chicken broth. 20 minute meal!

Dinner #1

Mmmm... Pesto!
All you need to do is toss everything together and chop in the food processor. If you don't have a food processor you can use a blender.

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/2lb. spinach
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup parmesan
  

This is so easy and you can store it in the freezer if you want to double it up. You can spread some on crackers or garlic bread while your cooking. I can never keep my hands off the food!

I cooked up some spaghetti and mixed the pesto into it tossing in mushrooms and tomato. Parmesan on top is the perfect touch to it. If you want an absolute explosion of goodness I would suggest you add shrimp. I would have but I am trying to stay away from the sea food, preggo and all.

You have to try this one. Its so simple and quick. Great for garlic lovers.

Weekend Fun

-"What is the Soup du Jour?"
-"That's the soup of the day"
-"Mmm.. That sounds good. Ill have that"

Anyway, we have been spending time indoors this weekend trying to kick this cold of mine. Perfect timing because its Harry Potter weekend on ABC. Could my life get any better?? I have done everything I can to feel better. Hot shower, vaporizer, chicken noodle, sleep. nothing seems to be helping. Nice for me though cause it gives me snuggle time with the love <3.

So I am minding my own business in the kitchen, maybe using my swiffer wet jet, maybe not. I glance up to look outside and what do you know..

"Baby come back!"

You may need to click on the image to see a larger view, but if you can't tell, its an old mop peeking its head around the wall of a neighbors patio.

Aahhh! The commercials are real!

So I am doing something exciting this week on my blog.
We are trying a few new recipes this week that i'll post. The neat thing about it is that the grocery list for the entire week is under $40. I was pretty proud of myself. Most things everyone already has at home like noodles and rice (we always have chicken and ground beef. I think they are essentials). Here is the menu and the grocery list. You can see a larger view by clicking. It's going to be a delicious event you do not want to miss!

A Thankful Chelsea

I just want to express how thankful I am for eveything Dave does for me.
You are so wonderful and you make me smile all day. I love how you come home through that door soo happy to see me everyday and attack me with love expressing how much better everything is when your home with me. I love how patient and kind you are with me when I am not feeling well (especially now that I am sick and spend the night rolling around and coughing).

Thank you for everything you do. I could not ask for anything more.

Happy Birthday Whitney

It's big sisters birthday today!
Happy Birthday Whitney!
(Look how light my hair is. I can't dye it so the blonde is peeking out!)

This is Whitney and her sweet husband Josh.
We went to celebrate at an Asian cafe, loved by my grandma Irene.

So... I don't know if you can tell because some food blends with the table cloth but we had a table FULL of food. Seriously full. Majority of it went home. Ontop of that, we had another table holding the 2 cakes. We were so full. I look like I'm pregnant with twins.
I had to leave early to get these darn pants undone.

Little Foot

I couldn't help myself!
I had to post another one. This is my favorite picture.
Can you see his leg bent with his little foot waving at us?
Oh I am so inlove!

Face of an angel

This is a picture of Dave I took a while back. The baby looks just like daddy sleeping with his hand in his face. How adorable.

Wow. That's all I have to say during the breathtaking moment of seeing the face of my baby for the first time with tears gently rolling down my cheek (of course trying to pretend like they are not they. It's from the "cold" I always say) . After seeing him relaxing in the womb makes feel so awesome. I can't believe we have created this life and I can provide it with everything it needs to become a healthy being.

Moments like this make me so proud that I have put my life in God's hands.
We are so blessed.

Yes, that is a little pee pee.
Congrats to Dave, you get the son you wanted.
I am so happy to give that to you.

Hello Spring

Finally my favorite month has arrived!
This month is packed full of birthdays, including my own!

3-2
First, I'd like to wish my Grandma Nita a happy birthday today.
She is a pretty awesome grandma. She even took care of me when I got a tonsillectomy and made me a bunch of food I really wanted to eat but couldn't. I learn lots of great things from her.
Happy B-Day Grandma! If it weren't for you, I would have never had a birth day.

3-3
Do not forget tomorrow I find out the sex of my little nugget, so come back tomorrow to find out. My appointment is at 11:15 so ill know by 12:30 for sure.

3-4
Wednesday is my big sis Whitney's birthday.
I still need to get a sweet gift.
Lunch maybe??

3-11
The 11th is my step dad Scott's Birthday.
I made sure to put "happy birthday grandpa Scott" on his card, to make him feel extra old
because I am so nice :)

3-15
YES! Happy Birthday to myself!
I don't know why I like getting older. I'm always chasing after the next year. Pretty soon ill be running away from it. Wow, this year ill become a mom! I guess this is a big year to look forward to. Not to mention a great one. Hopefully, if all goes to plan, Dave and I will be relaxing beachside at my dads house in San Diego. Actually, I should start going every weekend! Lucky for me both my parents live in awesome places that I love to visit. It makes me wonder why am I here?!

Keep visiting for all the exciting events!

Weekend Overview

This was a crazy week!
I havn't gotten to do a post in forever.
Friday was pretty awesome. My moms entire family (minus Tina and kids) all got together to visit with my mom and Scott before they headed back to the mile high city. This is a picture from the party. It includes my step sister Kendra and myself. We had these crazy pizzas that we each sliced a foot long! I was thing "what is this, subway?". We left and went to our favorite brewery Papago to celebrate a friends birthday. I love being the only sober person surrounded by people under the influence. We went home around 1am sooo tired. Thats the lastest we have been out in months.

Saturday was pretty fun too. We didn't do much.
We ran around the city getting some errands ran and stopped at Gordon Biersch for some lunch that was delicious. And Dave got his beer sampler.This is us on the patio upstairs looking over Mill Ave. We went home and finished the day both surfing the internet until bed. It was nice.

Oh my! My belly is growing so large.
Today we started our Sunday trying out a new church- Grace Community. It wasn't the one though. We also went grocery shopping and bought girlscout cookies. Yes!
As we were purchasing the cookies I got my first notice of the pregnancy by a stranger. It was Awesome! As I walked up the lady said, "would you like some cookies for you and the little one". She followed by asking us if we know if its a boy or a girl yet, so I knew she wasn't referring to Dave as my little one.

I walked away so excited.
Someone noticed!
It was my first day wearing a tight shirt and I wasn't sure if it was a noticeable
thing or only to myself.