Oh yeah, Im definitely Pregnant!

Does anyone else see that enormous belly! Haha, how could you miss it? This is a picture Jon took of me in Millennium Park in Chicago. All through the park are huge art displays like this orb-type-thing. Oh, and I finally felt my little boy kicking! It was a day before my 21-week mark and it was not what I was expecting at all. I kept waiting for a kick around my belly button area but the kicking was actually just below where my bump pops out. And as far as the feeling, it wasnt so much a flutter or even like gas as everyone described it. I told Jon it was like popcorn popping inside me! I felt it a few times and knew it was him! Oh, and it hasnt stoppped. This kid is coming out a ninja with all his kicking going on. Jon is even able to feel him now! Its so cool to finally feel him. Cool, and weird, because its kinda like a little alien inside me trying to get out. That probably sounds weird but I cant help think that Im some sort of Sci-Fi experiment.

This is the coolest thing ever! My amazing sister-in-law Lindsey sent this to us this week. Jon, of course, loves it and hopes his boy will grow up and be a drummer just like his daddy. I cant wait to see it on him. Thank you so much Jeff and Linds! We miss you and your girls!

We're just about to the 22 week mark and I love it! Each day passes and we get closer and closer. We cant wait to meet him. Its crazy how much we love him already and havent even seen his face yet!

Fun, FIRE! and Food

Jon and I finally took advantage of the beautiful landscape that is Michigan. We went to the beach of Lake Michigan and spent the day walking around and eating YUM food. (By-the-way, I lightened my hair. What do you think? Could I be headed back to my natural blonde roots? Hmmm I dunno....)Lighthouse Pier was so much fun. At the end of the Pier, the water was gushing up against the platform and absolutely SOAKING anyone standing near. We were able to catch a few shots of how crazy it was to be standing there.
We went to a really yummy Italian restaurant right on the beach and the weather was a beautiful 72 degrees with a cool breeze and hardly any humidity. So we got a table outside and soaked up all the beautiful air and sun. The downside of eating outside? The bugs. This is a picture of the fly swimming around in our bread dip.


I had to post about this even though its been a week or so. When I finally got home to Jon after 3 whole weeks apart, Jon brought me home from the airport to this: a beautiful display of candles and rose petals and dinner. It was the sweetest and most romantic thing ever!
We were back in the bedroom eating the dinner (best salad ever, by-the-way) and I looked up and noticed the glare on the wall from the candles in the hall was kinda bright. I made a comment lightly about how it looked like the hallway was on fire. Jon laughed and got up and checked it out. There was a slight pause as he walked out the door then I heard a "OH NO!!" One of the candles apparently melted down into the carpet and caught onto the fibers. Luckily, Jon got it out just as it started to spread. We couldnt stop laughing! Our romantic night by the fire could have been a lot worse, but thank goodness this was the extent of the damage:

Dear Baby's Mommas

When did you first feel your baby kicking inside you? Because Im now 20 weeks and havent felt him yet and honestly, Im starting to feel like a bad momma. He was kicking like crazy on the ultrasound and we just checked his heartbeat so of course he's ok. Its me right? Jon thinks Im silly but seriously! Why havent I felt him yet?!?!?

Oh Boy!

Its a BOY!!!!!!!! Jon and I had our ultrasound a few weeks back. That same day I left for California so I havent been able to update but here there it is! We're so SO excited. I always wanted a boy to come first and I honestly always thought I would have a boy first too. And we all know Jon couldnt be more happy to have his boy on the way. I couldnt even watch the ultrasound because the look that I saw on Jons face as he saw our baby was priceless. The ultrasound shows our little guy a little bit behind the date we originally thought. Instead of Nov. 29, it looks like he's due more like Dec. 12. We (jon, myself and our wonderful midwife) think he'll come somewhere in between. More like Dec. 7th which puts my sister-in-law Nat and I neck & neck in the delivery race. So now Im 19 1/2 weeks and Im HUGE all the sudden. I'll have Jon get a picture and I'll put it on with the next post. We've decided on naming him Paxton although still trying to figure out the middle name. Its so fun talking about him and referring to him by name instead of "him/her" or "baby". I feel completely amazing now! No more bed rest and lots more food finally! More to come on that and my trip later. Oh boy its a BOY!!!

17 Weeks!

Im at week 17 in my pregnancy and guess what? I think I might have a life again!!! Ive actually been able to live out of bed a few times! I went to a movie the other night with one of the other girls here (also expecting and incorporating Hypnobirthing). Then on Saturday I was able to do some laundry and housework AND go out to a dinner and movie with all of Jon's office. Sunday I was fighting a pretty constant headache but still able to function. I feel like life is getting good again! Im tired as ever but able to eat almost normally. Ive actually started craving food, mostly junk food though so Im not sure if thats a good thing or not :) Our little bundle of joy is quickly becoming not so little!
Weighing at about 5 ounces, comparable to the weight of a turnip, he/she measures around 5 inches in length. I cant believe that is inside of me! Any day now, though probably not for another week or two, I'll feel the baby's little kicks. I cant wait!

Im so glad when Daddy comes home!

In light of Father's Day yesterday, I thought it would be appropriate to brag a little bit about the two wonderful fathers in our lives.
My dad has always been an example of hard work. Growing up, he always did whatever it took to support my family. On his days off, he could almost certainly be found in his garden or working his "Honey-Do" list for my mom. Though he's never been perfect, he has worked so hard through the years to be the best father/husband he could be. He has always been an easy shoulder to cry on, offering his well intended advice and most importantly, the Priesthood. He taught me the importance of having that in my own home some day and he set a wonderful standard for what I wanted in a husband. He and Jon get along so well, which is such a blessing. He still calls me his little girl and his hugs still take the worries of life away. I love my dad so much and I am so thankful that Ive had him in my life.
Jon's dad is no less amazing! My husband is an amazing man and he learned so much from his wonderful father. Ive never known Jon's dad to pass up an opportunity to teach us something new. He is an avid story teller and finds so much joy in sharing the wisdom he has picked up through his years. He always has wonderful advice to share and he too, is an example of a worthy Priesthood holder. My father-in-law is always thinking about everyone else. He would love nothing more than to give you the shirt off his own back if you needed it. I look forward to our children being old enough to crawl into grandpa's lap. He is so loving and so kind and is a perfect example of a dad who will never stop being a dad. Even as his 9 children have grown and started their own families, he still offers his help and guidance.
Jon and I love our Fathers. They are both so hard working and so kind. Their greatest joy is seeing us happy in our marriage and our family. Our baby is so lucky to have such great grandparents waiting for him/her. Dads, we want you to know we love you very, very much. And moms, we know our dads would not be the men they are without you. We love you so much as well. Happy Fathers Day!

Missing our Family!

Jon and I are in Michigan for the summer. We're really glad we made this change and came out here but we definitely miss our family back home. Here's a few pictures of our favorite people in the whole world!

My family and some of Rachael's family after baby Aedan's blessing.


I had to put this pic on. Will is the CUTEST kid ever. This is one of my most favorite pictures ever! Thumb in mouth, hand in pants!


This is some (not all) of Jons family at the traditional Christmas present exchange. So much fun! We hope our own family reaches this capacity some day :)


Here are the newest members of the Carlson Clan. Aedan and Lotta are about a week apart in age and are already best buddies. I miss these babies!