Pregnant Thoughts

So yet again, I haven't felt like blogging! It has been fun to read what other people have been up to though. I can't believe that Christmas is right around the corner!! This time of year is so much fun and I can't wait for Christmas even though I am a little sad we can't be home with family for it - I am determined to make some fun and meaningful memories this year though. We had a wonderful trip home for my sister, Emily's wedding & Thanksgiving. It was so fun to relax & be with family. We just soaked it all up!

I am officially 36 weeks along this week and CAN NOT believe that I am on the downhill slope to having this sweet little girl! We really can't wait for her to come. I just wanted to talk about some of the funny pregnant experiences and thoughts I've had for this post:


-Me at 35 weeks-

Random Comments
So I didn't know, but when your pregnant, everyone and anyone feels like they can talk to you like they have known you forever:) I have had people in the airport, craft store, Walmart and everywhere stop me. I just think it is so funny how babies & pregnancy makes people want to be friendly! One checkout girl at Walmart talked to me for like 5 minutes about my baby and then kept talking even when I tried to walk away (politely of course) because she was helping a new customer! Here are some of my favorite comments:

• "You look like you are about to burst any day!" - I have gotten this one since I was about 33 wks along
• "You are carrying so high!! I have never, ever in my life seen someone carry that high..." - from what appeared to be a 70 year old woman at JoAnn's.
  
• "You get bigger every time I see you!"
• "You are so small!" - right...
• "Are you having twins?" - This 18 year old boy in my ward, seriously doesn't he know better than to ask that?!
  
• "Your due any day now, huh?" - Me: "Nope, I still have about another month:)"
• "It's a boy, right? I can tell by how you are carrying."
• "Was she planned?" - from the checkout lady at Walmart... I wonder what she would have said if I told her I got drunk one night and this was the result...ha j/k
  

Anyways, I could go on. It's so funny the things people say! I don't mind it of course, it makes life exciting:)

The Latest Birthing Issue

So at my last baby appointment, I had an ultrasound because the doctor wanted to check to see if I still had Placenta Previa like I had when I was around 25 wks along. He said he didn't think I did because I hadn't been bleeding like I did when I was first pregnant so that was a little reassuring because if I did have it I would have to go C-section. Well turns out that I don't have it any more! Phew. But he saw that our baby is sideways... but he will check this week to see if she has turned or else he will schedule a C-section. Wow, I really didn't think that would happen to me and I am just praying that she will turn if it is the Lord's will and that she will come in whatever way will bring her out safely. I know that everything will work out but of course deep down inside I really don't want a C-section because I know it is a tough recovery. I just want to have a lot of kids too and feel like this will hinder everything! But like I said, it will all work out. So turn baby, turn!!!

The Perks

There are so many fun benefits to being pregnant!! I have gotten:

• free waters
• 3 free Dilly Bars! (my favorite)
• Help at the airport, with luggage and such
  
• places ahead in lines

It could just go on! That part is so fun to me:)

Names

I think we officially decided on naming our little girl "Ruthie" after Craig's grandma Ruth & of course there is a lovely character in the Bible we could also throw in there to name her after as well. But it is Ruthie, not Ruth. It's old fashioned I know but we have just both grown to love it. We are still working on the middle name so maybe that one will be a surprise. My favorite response to this name was from my Grandma Freeman who said, "Is that even a real name!?" ha! Oh how I love that woman & the responses she gives. She followed by kindly giving me some other alternatives...

In Summary-
So all in all I must say that I love being pregnant! Yeah I am getting more uncomfortable and a little more crabby at times but I love this little person inside of me so much!! It's going to be so fun to have her as a part of our family. I don't know if I have everything all ready yet but I am still working on it. I guess your never quite ready!? I have been loving making bows, onesie dresses & other crafts. I think that that part of having a girl will never get old:) It is so fun to see Craig so excited too - he is going to be such an amazing Dad. He told me the other day that he wants to start having family nights where we practice changing diapers and practice swaddling:) Cute. That should be both fun & amusing -

And so the countdown continues...

November in Arizona

I think that I spent most of my time in AZ last month and here are some of the pics to prove it! There are a ton I know but I loved so many of them! Pictures say more than words anyways...

My two wonderful mothers put a fun baby shower for me & the little one-

My mother in law did all the "vintage" decor, I loved it! It's totally me. She is so gifted at decorating parties. I should have taken more pics once all the food was there:) It was so yummy-

A display of our baby pics - kinda fun to think about what she will look like! Will she get my baby double chin??

Lots & lots of family:) I love it-

My aunt makes the most AMAZING blessing outfits, I was so happy to finally get one for our little girl! It is simply beautiful - it has a matching bonnet, socks & blanket. Another very talented relative.

Cute sister & Lily - did I mention how adorable my little niece is!!?

My sister in law & me are due 1 week apart! Who's child will claim #2 & #3 in the family... I'm betting she will be me to it since she's already had one.

Emily & Cory Heal!! Such a perfect wedding -

At the reception - Grandpa Udall was trying to mimic little Mason

We had a lot of Udall support at the wedding! It made for a fun pic-

"Gwampa" is the only thing I heard Lily say consistently - he was wrapped around her little finger...what is he going to do with 3 little grand-daughters!?


A funny video of Lily feeding Grandpa-

I had to put this pic in because I love this cousin so much - she sure makes some super cute kids!

One thing I love about the Udall fam - we can just sit around & play games or talk and just laugh the night away!

The traditional Udall family bike ride on Thanksgiving

4 prego cousins! Arranged by due dates, yep I look pretty darn big.

Temple Lights - I miss living right next to them!!

It's be a while....

You know, I just haven't felt like blogging lately! But I figure I better start updating what has been going on. Here are some of the visitors we've had during the month of October! It sure is fun to have visitors, it makes the months fly by-

Craig's Parents & sis came to visit mid-October! We LOVED having them come and see where we are at and especially Craig's school.

Craig in front of the school sign

I thought this was a pretty good attempt at a family photo:)

Then we had what I call a "Disneyland Power Trip"! We were seriously there for about 13 hours and at one point I really thought I would just give birth there...all the extra weight I was carrying was getting to me! It was so fun though, I think I ate my fair share of Churros - yum. It was also exciting because it was Sarah's first time back since she was 6!

This picture is what I got when I asked them to smile, they must be related or something...

Not sure what I'm doing - Craig just wanted me to stand there but it was a good belly shot!

I couldn't get over how cute all the Halloween decorations were! This one reminded me of my dear AZ.

Then we watched the Pixar Parade and it was AMAZING!! Sarah & I were so fascinated by it! I love the one of Mater, he seemed to be smiling just for me while I took his picture.

Let me explain this one: This is me & Sarah terrified and Craig is supposed to be terrified too...we decided to go on the big ferris wheel at California Adventures with the cable cars that slide back and forth. Bad mistake!! We waited wayyy too long to get on only to be freaked out the entire time!! I just closed my eyes the whole time, it was sooo scary. We told the lady we wanted to get off and she just sent us back around and said, "just one more time, ok?!" I could have shot her for that. They should really consider demolishing this ride there...

The next weekend the Fort's came to visit! It was so fun, we loved having them & their sweet Carsyn. Nice how we took this picture right after we all woke up, but we wanted to document it so this is what we got! (don't judge me, I was sick & I just woke up...)

They came over to go to Disneyland for Rachel's bday so of course we had to celebrate!
I just love this girl - it's so fun to be due so close together & to see how we both grow:)

Awful pic of me again but it was fun to have my old friend Karissa come visit one day while her hubby interviewed at Craig's school!

Two Little Letters

R.D.

I finally got the R.D. behind my name or in other words, I'm a Registered Dietitian! Hurray for that. I know I already posted it on facebook and I don't mean to keep talking about it, but I just wanted to post my latest good news! Who knew 2 little letters could be so much work? I finally started studying intensely for it about 2 months ago when I decided that I just need to pick a date & get it done. It was really hard because there is so much material to cover for it. I think in general, the field of Dietetics/nutrition isn't very well known. The profession not only covers medical nutrition therapy, but food service, food science, management & counseling sections - so it took a lot of reviewing!

So anyways, I would just sit there for half a day studying for it but the last couple weeks consisted of 12 hour studying days! It was long but it gave me something to do while Craig was gone the same amount of time. Now I don't really know what to do with myself because I don't have that test on my brain 24/7! I am definitely grateful though, what a wonderful feeling it is to be test-free forever!! I am trying to focus on all the little projects I've always wanted to get do when I was in school, so that part has been really fun. I can just enjoy life, take fun trips home to AZ, bake, do crafts & prepare for our little girl, she will be here before we know it!

One more thing... A BIG thanks to everyone who has given me words of wisdom & support, listened to me talk about school/this test/or just straight up whine (i'm sure it got old:), sent me kind messages & included me in their prayers. I appreciate it so much - I really couldn't have made it to this point without the love/support of all my family, hubby & friends! Most importantly, I couldn't have gotten this far without the guidance & help from my Heavenly Father. It is so neat to look back on my life & see how much he has guided me thru each obstacle to get to this point. There have been so many little miracles & things that have fallen right into place when I just didn't know how they would.
He really does guide us in every aspect of our lives, isn't it wonderful!?

Bow Making Class

Attention girls who live in Mesa!
Many of you probably already know about Ribbons & Lace's aka Ruffler's Roost's Bow Making Class but now that I know that I am having a girl, I totally want to take it! I think it will be fun & I am the type of person that has to be shown how to do things - I just don't have it in me to think of things on my own, even when making bows:) And I am SO SO excited to adorn our little girl in cute bows & flowers!! I am coming down & am going to take the Bow Class on Nov. 4th at the Mesa location (Lindsay & Main) with one of my other friends, Michelle. So if you want to join with us in making cute bows it would be fun to have a group of friends together doing it!

Here is the website info: http://www.ribbonsnlace.com/blog/hair-bow-classes/ You can reserve a spot by calling and paying for it over the phone or by going in the store - It is $12 for the class, you just have to buy your ribbon before hand but you learn how to make several different bows. I know it seems like a long time away but I heard it fills up fast & there are only 7 spots. Should be fun!!

Lessons Learned

Some things I learned today:

#1 - From now on: re-check my grocery list receipt. Sounds tedious but every time I go to the Albertson's by my house here, they always get at least one price wrong! I have gotten anywhere from $3 to $5 bucks back that they could have taken from me! Hey every little bit counts, so I always check my receipts.

#2 - I used to and still don't like going to Walmart. There is something about the crowded, messy & sometimes cheap things you find there that bug me. But one thing that I do appreciate lately, is that MOST the time they have the lowest grocery prices. In trying to stick to the "Medical School Budget" I have been ad matching there and when I write down what I think is a low price at another store, Walmart's price is usually cheaper or only like 4 cents more! Who would have known:) For the past several times I have done this, I rarely even have to show the ads I bring in with me. So there you have it - money saved, less trips = worth the bother. ALTHOUGH - I always buy my produce somewhere else. I learned in one of my nutrition classes that Walmart puts there produce in a "ripening room" to get there produce out there faster or something, THUS it turns bad faster. So that part won't work for me, but overall - it's where the deals are at!

A Good Prego Workout

For all you women out there who are pregnant or will be pregnant soon - I wanted to suggest a good "prego" work out video! I have rented a couple at the library here because I wanted something different to do, in addition walking, that would help me stay in shape and this one was really good. It has a 40 min work out and a 20 min partner workout (that I haven't done yet) but the 40 min one was perfect for me! I think it is the type of workout that can work for any stage, if you have been working out previously or not. I feel like it does a little bit of everything and it did make me sore the first couple times I did it. It get's your heart rate up (not too high obviously:) but she takes you through different strength exercises as well. She is really down to Earth in her video, kind of corky but not annoying. I got it for $10 bucks off Amazon so I thought it was a good investment for the years to come!
Check it out if your are looking to get in shape or stay in shape for that baby:)

Friendship

I came upon this picture today and couldn't resist but share this picture with everyone. It just makes me smile to think about meeting this boy in EFY, crushing on him, being slightly taller than him at the time and to think that I married him! Crazy how things work out. I taught the lesson today in Relief Society and it was such a good topic that also made this picture more tender. It was about friendship and not only that but it included comparing the friendship we share with our spouses and siblings as we talked about the feelings Joseph Smith had for his wife, Emma & his brother, Hyrum. My favorite quote he gives regarding Emma, "my beloved Emma - she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart." So tender! That quote sounds like it should be in a Jane Austin movie! Craig is kind of the husband of my youth, ha, although I had no idea it would work out that way and I know HE didn't think of me that way back then:)

I just love this boy & I am just so grateful for him and that he really is my best friend - he always makes me laugh, treats me kindly, listens to my frustrations and is so fun to be with. I am just feeling grateful for the friendship we have today; he is an amazing person to go thru life with-

(notice my hunch down to look shorter, so funny)

Just a pic of now, crazy how far we have come! And that now we are starting our family! (I am also grateful that he has 1 inch on me now...)

The latest prego shot - 24 weeks baby! Popping out there-

A Bug's Life

So I think it all started when we were over at our friends house a week ago and our friends decided to put in "A Bug's Life" for the kids. What a cute movie! I haven't seen it in probably 6 years and so I just thought about how cute the little bugs are and how creative that movie was. Little did I know that it would set the tone for the next weeks to come!

I came home a couple last Wednesday to find this little guy hanging out in this spider web at the end of the stairs!! I was in complete horror!! Those that know me well know that every time I see a spider it is a "Black Widow" and this time it really was! I kind of felt like the boy who called "wolf" as I told Craig but I was happy to be right. I had been seeing this nasty form of a web a the bottom of our stairs and thought it might be one because people told me their webs are unorganized and full of leaves and such and it was! Anyways - I didn't know what to do but Craig grabbed the Clorox cleaner and went down and drowned the nasty thing. Who knew you could just use Clorox! I am glad it's dead but who knows where another one is lurking!!

Then, while Craig was studying late one night at school, I was just too tired to make something so I thought, hey - this will just be a Mac N' Cheese night, gotta love it. Our family sometimes puts hot dogs in it which to some people sounds gross but it is sooo good! So I even had hot dogs to put in there, yum. I had just bought the Mac N' Cheese like 2 weeks ago and so I made 2 boxes so I would have some for left overs. (again I'm prob weird because I actually like it better as a left over). It was ALMOST done when I noticed a little black thing float to the surface. Oh no I thought..."it can't be" & "maybe there is just one". Then another one was clinging to a hot dog. Dang it! Yep, weevils infected the noodles and I was ticked! I worked hard on getting all 6 of them out and thought about just eating it anyways, it's just protein right? But I just can't do the thought of bacteria and the thought of bugs in food so I went and got fast food:) I was so mad though. I think I must have brought the little guys over from AZ, 2 weeks prior I found an infected oatmeal container. I was kind of on bed rest when we were coming over so I didn't have as much time to filter thru things - so gross, but I promise my house is clean:)

Then this was growing on the outside of my car! It was small of course, just a few strands and I tried to kick swat a little strand away from my car door but every time I come back that little strand has re-created itself. Why my car?

After battling the tiny web, I hoped in my car to run to go to an appointment and I saw like 4 of these running around - in my car!! What?! Why? There are no ant hills around, no like sticky spots, I have no idea where they came from. I killed what ones I could see (some while I was driving) and the rest of the time imagined them crawling all over me. I think I hate ants so much ever since I was scarred as a small 8 or 9 year old when I fell of my grandma's swing and on to a black ant pile. They pretty much covered my body and my mom & grandma had to strip off my clothes and throw me in the shower to get them all off! Traumatic-

Then I felt like I was in a freak movie where spiders come back for revenge when I saw this little buddy hanging out in my shower. Needless to say, I gave him a good spray into the drain but really, what was his purpose there? And I know they are harmless but I wasn't in the mood for mercy. Sorry-

So there you have it! Definitely a weird week of bugs and I don't care for any more experiences! I thought AZ was bad when I saw like one scorpion every year, I didn't realize Cali was a fertile spot for black widows and their friends. But don't be afraid to visit - I think I have killed most of them off for now...

Rough Night

So I have been having some rough nights lately and I know it is just a "hint" of what's to come:)

I think I tossed and turned 10 times last night and every time I switched sides, I had the most throbbing pain on the side I was just laying on. It almost reminded me of a "charlie horse" but down my side. Then I woke up, not only feeling restless but I had a sore throat! Yuck. I could hear Craig was in the shower now and briefly thought about how I needed to make him a lunch. I stretched my leg and Yikes! I experienced the WORST "charlie horse" I have ever felt before, it wouldn't go away!! I tried to yelp for Craig to come save me but he didn't hear... so I crumpled in agony as I tried to flex it out and it seemed like the longest 1 min and then it went away. Boy did I feel so defeated this morning. Craig got out and I shed a few tears, that always makes me feel better. I was reminded how long the next 4 months are going to be! He was sweet to take care of me this morn before he left though, but it was definitely one of those days that I wished I could just lay back, watch a movie, not worry about studying and have my mom bring me food & juice. Oh that would be nice. But I quickly got over that fantasy and drove Craig his lunch/dinner that he forgot:) I felt better once I started doing something-

I know I after posting this I will get the, "just you wait Melissa, you will never sleep again" talk but I am honestly excited for everything to come. Yeah my body is getting more awkward but at the same time I am loving going thru it and am just loving this little person inside of me! I feel so ready for the next stage in life but at the same time I realize that it will all take some adjusting.
Craig has been studying late at school this week due to a test next Monday but I am proud of all he is doing. I just send him with a lunch & dinner so he can stay there and focus until he is ready to come home and relax! We always have a lot of fun when he is home and make the most of it. It actually works out fine since all I do is run errands and study for the dreaded "RD Exam" and look forward to the day that I don't have to study, can play with my friends again and work on crafts.
Someday that day will come... and then I will have a baby:)

Big News

It's finally been confirmed....


It's a girl!!!


And we couldn't be happier:)

The doctor told me that he "thought" it was a girl a couple weeks ago but we had to go in again for a confirmation. It was so fun to see her move around, rub her eyes and such. It's been fun feeling her kick more the last couple weeks too.

We also just got a crib & changing table/dresser from this rich/nice couple over here!
(Thank you rich people - for buying nice things, taking care of them and then selling them for a cheaper price!!) Naturally I found the deal on Craigslist- I got both for $400 bucks and they bought them for $1500! Wow. They are really good quality and I even checked online and just the crib alone is selling for $1000 so I feel like I got a smoking deal and I am hoping that they will last for many children to come- I am also feeling so grateful because the lady gave me 4 bags of her girl baby clothes that she was going to give away! There is mostly clothes for 12 months and up but hey - I am so grateful & of course we will put it to good use!

And here is a recent picture of the baby bump progress, I sure look prego now!
I'm loving being pregnant, but not always loving how my body is growing in some areas... :)

Home Sweet Home

I was fortunate enough to go home to Mesa for 5 days to see the fam! It was so fun to see my parents new house, the newly engaged Em & Cory, see Emily & Jennifer sing together in church, Jeff give a talk in church, celebrate my mom's 50th & play with my family.

My mom turned 50 years old and she STILL gets asked if she is my sister & I think she's the cutest little mom out there. I say little because I think she has always been my same size or smaller than me my entire life - oh the joys of having a skinnier mom than you! ha

But on a serious note: I just have to talk about my mom for a minute. She really is the most Christ-like/selfless person I know. Craig told me other day after I told him something my mom was doing, "Your mom really has mastered everything already, is there anything she doesn't do perfect?" And it's true! She is a saint - she truly spends her days doing geneology work, doing visiting teaching, making meals for someone or having them come over, taking Sunday meals to elderly or the sick, getting up early to go to the temple, preparing lessons for Sunday or is found doing stuff for her kids and husband. I mean this is the woman who made breakfast for my dad and us kids our whole life! Wow - that means so much more to me now that I am older and a wife:) She doesn't do anything to "get gain" or praise in this life - in fact, she hates attention. She never wanted to get a new car growing up because she didn't want to be seen in it and felt like she was showing off....
When I think about my mom, is has been all the little things she does that really has impressed me and has been such an example to me throughout my life.

Em & Cory are engaged! They are getting married Nov. 21st - I am sooo excited for them. We just love Cory, he's perfect for her:)

It will be so great to have wedding pictures of me & Amanda at almost our largest time during pregnancy!! ha It's going to be so fun though-

We had a Udall Sister's lunch + Kim Faverea while I was down -
notice the color theme of swim suits? Not the most flattering pic of me but I sure have been blessed with amazing sister-in-laws.

Just had to snap a pic of this little guy, as always.
I realize I am only 1 of the many aunts who are crazy about this kid:)

Nothing beats a trip to Mesa Frozen!

There's nothing like Arizona clouds, I was sure hoping for a monsoon storm while I was home!

It's always hard for me to say goodbye to my Mom:(

One last snap shot before I took off- we didn't plan the pose but it turned out cute!