Pregnancy Thus Far

Today I am 32 weeks and 5 days pregnant!! Meaning only 7 weeks and 2 days left until we see our Little Man (or until our due date). And to make things even more exciting, school is finally out for the semester. I ended my semester on Wednesday, July 18th and Garrett ended his the day after, Woohoo!! Now I can focus on our sweet baby! Here's some pregnancy pictures thus far...

15 weeks

17 weeks

18 weeks

19 weeks

20 weeks

21 weeks

22 weeks

(Swimsuit sucks my tummy in)

23 weeks

27 weeks

29 weeks

30 weeks

31 weeks

32 weeks

Little Man's Baby Shower Invitation that Charity was kind enough to make and host

33 weeks

35 weeks

36 weeks

37 weeks

38 weeks

Garrett's Busy Life!

Garrett has been one hard working boy...I just don't know how he has done it. Thinking about it makes me dizzy. Garrett started out being a full time student in January and applied to Jimmy John's and Melaleuca. He got the part time job as a delivery boy at Jimmy John's and got to work with his brother-in-law Ruffin. Then soon after he got the "hot shot" job at Melaleuca (answering phone calls in Spanish).
 Then in April--when we were in Oregon Garrett got a e-mail from the Stake Presidency for him and I to come in to talk with one of the counselors. This had to be post-poned a week because we were in Oregon. The whole time we tried thinking up a calling that would be possible. I thought Garrett would be called as the Elder's Quorum President. Garrett thought I would be called into something. Once we got back we went in and found that Garrett was called to be the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric. (Our ward got split now we are in the 30th Married Student Ward in the 3rd Married Student Stake---Since we are in an unusual ward Garrett gets to remain an Elder since no one really in our ward is a high priest) So I won about Garrett getting a calling but never would I have thought of the Bishopric!! I am so proud of my sweet husband, he has done an amazing job! This calling has been a blessing in our lives. It has brought so many blessings and such a sweet spirit.

Garrett after being set apart as the 2nd Counselor

2nd Counselor in Bishopric--Garrett was given the best blessing and was spoken to in a way that helped me feel so much more strength in given up my time with him and with understanding

Garrett right before his first Bishopric Meeting :) Such a handsome man

So after being given this calling Garrett quit his job at Jimmy John's due to the hours. Also because it was racking up miles and spending more than usual on gas. He was getting paid minimum wage...so $7.25 plus tips but the tips went more towards gas so just minimum wage when we think of it. But what a blessing it was for the first couple of months. 

Soon after Garrett started working on fences with his other brother-in-law Carl. This job has been more flexible on hours which then have given him more hours.

Garrett has been a trooper, he has been a full time student, while working 2 jobs, while being the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric. Recently though, Garrett was called to be the 1st counselor in the Bishopric. I love this man, he does such a good job at taking care of Baby Boy and I. I am just glad that he now gets a break form school for awhile.

Baby Boy and Special Moments

Pregnancy Recap
Here's a little recap of some important steps in this pregnancy...and our life in general...

On Thursday the 5th of April: Garrett and I had an appointment at Madison Women's Clinic.  It's a boy!!! (We found out at 17 weeks. We decided to find out early because we were going to Oregon the next day and I wanted to surprise my family with the gender. We were supposed to pay $50 for doing so but the doctor was nice enough to not make us pay--the ultrasound technician wasn't in that day. Before the doctor checked the gender )

Sunday the 15th of April: I felt our sweet baby boy kick! It was during church when the Nichol's boy was being blessed. It was a spiritual moment for me because it was the first time I felt him move and it was during a church/a very important spiritual experience. Blessings have always been tender to me. All growing up, priesthood blessings brought me strength so feeling my little guy kick for the first time at that moment brought another reason (stacked on to many) of how much I love blessings.
(Also it was almost as if baby boy was praising that little boy for coming into this world and for being blessed doing his part.)

Tuesday the 10th to Wednesday the 11th (of April)---visited Matt, Char, Ali and Baby Michael. Ali has grown so much and Baby Michael is the cutest thing ever. Holding Baby Michael for the first time made me feel so giddy. I love having nieces and nephews!! I have 20 now!! Also holding him made me feel closer to my baby boy. I never wanted to let go of him. I am so excited, Baby Michael and our Baby Boy will only be 6 months apart. I love that, it makes me feel even closer to my sister. It's amazing how being pregnant changes your mind for the better.

Baby Michael at a couple weeks old...he has grown so much...3 months worth! Good thing I get to see him in a less than a week! (Because its July 23rd right now and I fly home the 26th for my baby shower)

Look how cute they are. This face Garrett is giving is his "I love you" kind of look. He is so good with kids. Oh I just love both of these boys!

Me with two of my favorites :)

Even though Baby Michael is crying is this picture it gets me excited for Garrett and my future struggles with getting little family pictures.  Look at how tiny Baby Michael is!

So cute!

Still so cute :) 

So fun that we got the chance to see sweet Baby Michael. I miss this guy.

Uncle Garrett giddy and doing a good job of calming Baby Michael

Us with Baby Michael with Miss Ali :)

Monday Night the 16th of April: Garrett and I just arrived back home to rexburg and were preparing for our first day of our spring semester. we were lying on the bed and Garrett felt our baby kick, he is 18 weeks and 4 days. Ever since I first felt our boys little movement, now I feel them constantly and they aren't just flutters but they are strong little thumps. Our boy is growing! I love that I feel him constantly now. It's starting to be so much more real now.

At 20th week of our pregnancy: "I am feeling our lil man kicks getting stronger. Especially during my natural disasters class he is very consistent on moving around. So cute! maybe its because I am so hungry during that time and he is sending me a message to eat."

21st week of pregnancy we went into Madison's Women's Clinic to get the "official" ultrasound that reveals our baby's gender (the doctor--at 17 weeks--told us to act like we didn't know, he told us to act surprised, so we did. But he grew so much between 17 and 21 weeks that we were kinda surprised...in that way. It was s o fun seeing him again)

Baby Boy's cute little "peener" (as the Doctor would say haha) 

He really wasn't shy, he showed off his stuff quite a bit

The cutest baby profile, I can't believe we are having a baby. Some days it hits me so hard and gets me emotional. I love this boy so much already. 

It makes me sad that this is the last ultrasound pic I get. I can get others if we pay out of pocket.

I am very protective of my belly, I have been having a phobia that I might or Garrett might slip and accidentally stab my belly. I hate handling knives lately and stay away from Garrett when he has one.

I know that it won't happen but I just can't handle it, it makes me so anxious. 

Actually one night Garrett and I were emptying the dishwasher, Garrett grabbed the knife and brought it up while I was coming closer to grab dishes, he oh so slightly skimmed my tummy. 

(It wasn't Garrett's fault or mine, we both just had horrible timing because we both didn't know what the other was doing)

 It scared me so much that I started crying...I can only image how protect I'll be when our little guy gets here, I never want to see him get hurt or struggle. 

Gender Reveal!

Back when Garrett and I were in 1st/2nd trimester, we had been sooo anxious to find out the gender of our baby. We both felt strongly that our baby is a boy, we were even calling him a him, but we still wanted the fact so we can tell people. People have told me that we think its a boy because that's what we want. I disagree. I would be more than excited to have a boy or girl. I don't feel like Garrett and I have been talking outside of our necks for no reason. It feels as if a sweet spirit has given us a glimpse. Its more spiritual if anything. I believe it is something Garrett and I didn't have to know but just knowing brought Garrett and I closer together. I guess it was something that Garrett and I needed for our spiritual growth.

Since Garrett and I are in school during Winter/Spring track, we decided to drive down to Medford during our break in April. At this point I was about 17 weeks. We both wanted to bring the news of the baby's gender to the parents at this time....so Garrett and I went into our doctor's appointment and decided to find out the gender early. To do this there is a $50 fee but Garrett and I thought it would be worth it to surprise my family with. 

IT'S A BOY!!!

I asked the Doctor Barton if he would check, since the ultrasound technician wasn't in. He agreed to it but told me to wait a second. He then walked over to me and looked into my eyes then told me it was a boy. We then we walked into to check the baby out and within 5 seconds he looks over at Garrett and I and said, "What did I tell ya"....Dr. Barton got a perfect shot of Baby Boy. Dr. Barton then asked us if we knew how he knew. Garrett and I all excited asked how. Then Dr. Barton whispered..."He has a penis". Hahaha Garrett and I laughed for forever, we thought the doctor was going to tell us all the medical/scientific terms so that caught us off guard. Then for the rest of the time the Dr. was looking at baby he kept saying things like...."Yup there's his peener"...."weener"...."penis".
So yes...We are Having a Boy!!
We love him so much already! :)
P.s. that picture above is the way we told everyone that we are having a boy.

Missing Oregon

I was looking through pictures in my phone the other day and found these fun pictures of Alison copying me. I was so disappointed in not posting this earlier but better late then ever! I miss this girl so much. She has grown so much. It makes me so sad knowing that she has been growing up without me. Also here is a video that Ali took during Christmas. I am so in love with the way she said my name. Now she calls me Ash because she hears everyone else call me that. But this just makes me heart melt. I love you Ali Girl.

This makes me laugh she is so stinkin cute.

Our kissy faces...

Cheeeeeeese....

Surprised/ "Ohhhh" face (for the ducks that is)... 

Hahahaha I love how her hand is positioned. She is being very proper with the way she is picking her nose...Hahaha

Also today Alison is now officially a Big Sister! Baby Michael was born March 30th, 2012 at 2:20pm. He weighed in at 7lbs and 10ounces! (My guess was 9lbs...I was way off) And was 20 inches long. Here is the first picture that was sent to me of him. (Yes I sadly could not be there instead I get to be up at taking finals....no fun) 

What a handsome young man. 

I am so glad that he doesn't look like the little boy that I had in my dream the other night.

 It was so weird. I had a dream that Char had baby Michael, but instead of a being a baby, Michael was the size of Ali but he was waaaaay skinny. Disgustedly skinny. Also he was already walking. Then for some reason the dream Charity thought it would be a good idea to get Michael's ear pierced. Only one ear. Then out of all the earrings she could have had this dream Michael have. She decided to give him a heart shaped earring. It wasn't very manly.

I'm so glad that was just a dream. I cannot believe it, I can't believe that Matt and Char are now parents of two. I am so excited for them. They have one beautiful little girl and a handsome baby boy. It's amazing how fast time has flown by. I can't wait to finally see them all in person. It's hard to be so far away during this exciting time. 

Matt and Char must have sensed how much I wanted to be there and sent me a video clip.

Thank you Matt and Char, it meant a ton. And CONGRATS!!!!

Our Sweet Baby

Garrett and I have been blessed with a sweet baby that will be born between September 13th to 18th. One day Garrett and I decide to take a pregnancy test because I had been feeling different. The first pregnancy test I took only showed one line at first. Later a second faded line showed up. We had no idea what that meant. So to be more accurate we bought two more boxes of pregnancy tests to confirm if we for sure were pregnant.

 Afterwards Garrett told me that if we took another pregnancy test in 3 days and it still said pregnant then he would believe we were pregnant. He (along with me) were beyond excited but it still seemed to be to good to be true. Both of us, I believe, didn't truly believe we were pregnant until we went to our doctor and we saw our sweet baby's little heart moving. At that point Garrett and I couldn't restrain our excitement. 

It's official! We are pregnant! 

Here we were 8 weeks and 2 days, or so we thought. Apparently I was on medication that I thought only helped my face from breaking out, but instead it was making me more fertile at the same time. So truly going off of baby Speck's (yes, we call our baby, Speck because when we found out baby was just the size of a speck) measurements from this ultrasound and the ultrasound that we had at 6 weeks measured to be 5 days ahead. So in this picture our baby was really 9 weeks.

 During this whole time Garrett and I decided to keep our pregnancy a secret. We were going to wait to tell everyone until we were 14 weeks but Charity was supposed to have baby Michael at that time. Instead of stealing her thunder, we decided that we were to tell our friends and family of our exciting news on my birthday (so when I was at 11 weeks).

We ended up telling my parents by sending them a box filled with goodies! Here's my daddy with the box we sent. When they opened it, we were  Facetiming them so Garrett and I got the privilege of seeing their reactions. It was such a tender moment. It felt as if we were with them in person.

9 weeks

14 weeks

Garrett and I at the maternity store. Isn't he just the cutest pregnant boy ever?!

My sweet Garrett has been one hard working boy. I don't know how he does it but somehow he does. He is a full time student and now has two part time jobs. One at Jimmy John's as a delivery boy.

Here he is on his first day of work at Jimmy John's

He is the cutest delivery boy I've ever seen!

He also works at Melaleuca. There he gets to use his Spanish speaking skills by answering the phones and taking their orders. With all of his duties he still saves time to treat me like a queen and work out twice a day. Garrett is such a hardworking boy. I have been so blessed to have such a man.

Can you believe it?? Garrett and I are pregnant. We will be 16 weeks on the 29th of this month (March). My tummy is slowly growing, I can't wait to feel our baby's little movements. What a blessing it is to have a sweet little addition to our little family. 

Home Sweet Home!

       I feel so blessed right now as I think of all the little things that have been provided for Garrett and I. We were able to start out our marriage living in my parents garage. As fun as it was, it feels so nice to now have a place of our own up at BYU-I. We live in the sweetest one bedroom apartment at University Parkway- address being "431 West 4th South #43" (I wanted to make sure to write that down so someday Garrett and I could tell our sweetest lil babies) in this apartment we have 3 hooks on the walls that we are allowed to hang. If we make any holes then we will be paying $25 each! That is a little frustrating because I want to make our home a little more unique but that will do for now. We have tries alternatives like stickies to hang up frames but within a day they fall down. I love it here though. Its our FIRST HOME! Oh it makes me all giddy knowing that I am somewhat a grown up now being with the man I love most. 

This BOY! :)

Here's Garrett on our first day of school. So cute. But any who, lately school has been kicking our butts but I feel like we both are learning a ton. So I'm happy to be in this state we're in.

       It has been so fun going from a single ward...a ward where all the boys and girls are scoping out the other gender to find their oh so beloved one....to a ward that is filled with newly married couples. During sacrament I love looking around at everyone cuddling up to their hubby or wifey. It's so dang cute. Garrett and I are having a blast at our new ward. (27th ward, 3rd Stake-to be precise).  

Fun Fact: Tomorrow will be the 27th of January...meaning....Garrett and I will have been married for 5 months now! Times goes by fast.

Can't get much cuter than this.

This Christmas was Garrett and my first Christmas together. We actualy took a trip to see Satan...at Walgreen's lol. Satan was so nice, he even gave us candy canes woohoo!

Next New years rolled around, I was excited to have my first new year kiss experience with my husband...instead we went to sleep early due to my fantastic experience of food poisoning at Johnny 

Carinos. We ended waking up exactly at 12 while in bed and we said Happy New Years and I got my new years kiss. It still was a fun new experience. Here's how I looked that night....mmmm cute

The next day we moved into our new apartment! I began to get an adrenaline rush so that helped helped me hustle and bustle about. So exciting it was to create our own place :)

Soon after school started...on Monday the 9th to be exact...I had another tragic experience. 

When I was routinely taking off my makeup that night I forgot to close my eye or something and swiped the toilet paper across my eye. It hurt so bad and was explaining it to Garrett, I noticed my vision out of that eye was blurry so I checked it out in the mirror thinking it probably was a piece of the toilet paper. Once I saw it I noticed that that probably wasn't the case. I had Garrett look at it. He looked and responded with "Woah"...Men never say that when your wife is having a hard moment because once I heard that I passed out right in Garrett's arms. I was beyond grossed out. We went to the eye doctor and it turns out (as expected) that I scratched my cornea to the point where the top layer of my eyeball was peeled off. Ya sick! Thank heavens it healed nicely and all is well now.

Poor Garrett has had to suffer through these experiences with me. He passed the test of being a wonderful husband because he took so care of me.

I will post up more pictures of our home when I feel like its more "Ashlee approved" to place on here. Just so our future kids will have a good image of the place their parents were freshly married at. (I don't know if you noticed but I'm still baby hungry)

This picture makes my hear melt. Ali is one of my best friends (yes, even though she is my niece) She is so in love with her uncle. We miss her so and this picture just makes me even more giddy for us to have kids. Garrett is someday....when it's the appropriate time, that is....is going to be the best daddy.