Conference Weekend

As per usual, we headed up to the Cookout lodge for conference weekend. It was a short weekend getaway but we honestly love going up there and spending whatever time we can with some of our best friends. We took off after the Saturday afternoon session and made it in time for the boys to head to priesthood while us girls relaxed. On Sunday we got up ate breakfast, enjoyed conference then headed over to Pineview to do a little nature exploring. Later that night Maddie took some much needed family pictures of Grant, Davis and I and they turned out better then I even expected! Prepare for picture overload!

A Blessed Boy

On August 10, 2014 Grant blessed Davis in our ward. Grant gave such a sweet blessing and all over again I realized how blessed I am to have the gospel in my life, marriage and family. It really makes life so much better. We were lucky enough to have our dads, brothers, brothers in law, Grant's Grandpa Williams, Weston Sill, Derrick Hendry, and Jordan Hill in the circle with Grant.

After the blessing we had just immediate family and a few close friends come over for pulled pork sandwiches and other delicious food. I am amazed at the support we constantly receive from family and friends and am so grateful for the relationships we have developed over the years. Davis is one lucky boy to have such wonderful people surround him.

Overall it was such a great day. It was low key but just the way we wanted it.

Where did the time go?

How is it even possible that our little Davis is 3 months old already? I wanted to journal each month so I could remember what each phase was like, apparently that isn't going to happen. So here is a list of things Davis does that I love and always want to remember.

I love the way he gives me the biggest smile when I go and get him out of his crib in the morning. It honestly melts me in a way I didn't know was possible.

I love his dimply thighs and how he is just my little chunk.

He absolutely loves his play mat. Best part is every time I put him on it, he turns his body and positions himself so he can kick the pole over and over.

He has this funny way of "yelling" at Grant and I. He isn't angry just wants to talk really loud and wants to make sure we haven't forgotten about him. Each morning we hear him in his crib just yelling as if he is trying to tell us he is ready to start his day.

He LOVES bath time. When he is in the tub he kicks his legs and pumps his arms so that his body will swish back and forth in the water. Seriously the funniest thing to watch!

His favorite game right now is "mommys gonna get ya" and guaranteed I can get him to laugh every time. And let's not even get started on how cute his laugh is! Pretty sure it kills me inside.

I go to aerobics at my ward every MWF. He gets to tag a long and his favorite part is when he gets to sit on my stomach while I do sit ups. It always results in the biggest smile.

Every time I am feeding him, he has to find something to hold. Whether it be my hair, shirt or his blanket, he always has to be holding something.

He has an obsession with his thumb and pointer finger. He is always sucking on those 2 fingers and it is adorable.

Being his mom is honestly the best thing in the world. I had heard what being a mom was like but until you experience it, you can't quite comprehend how amazingly tired, wonderful and rewarding it is. He keeps me on my toes and is only 3 months old. Am I in trouble? He is almost rolling over and I know that once he is mobile my life will just continuously get busier and busier. I cannot believe how fast they change and grow up. It really isn't fair. 

Davis Grant Butters

In all honesty, I'm not even sure how to go about writing this. Bringing Davis into the world is a day I honestly never want to forget. I had heard many times that it was a spiritual experience but until you go through it, you don't quite understand.
I was a few days overdue and my Dr was determined to get this baby out before he had to induce me. I went in and got my membranes stripped a few times throughout the week hoping it would kick start labor. Well finally on Sunday June 8th, we were in church when my contractions decided to pick up again. They had been steady the night before and right before we were about to head to the hospital, they stopped. After church we headed out for an afternoon walk in hopes of getting my contractions closer together and it worked! Once they were 3-5 minutes apart for about an hour and a half we decided to head to the hospital. When we got there, the nurses took me back, hooked me up and we were relieved when they said I was in active labor and would having a baby! Grant and I got settled in at about 3:30 pm. I got my epidural at about 5:30 and my Dr. was in to break my water at 6:30. I was dilated to a 4 and I was assuming it was going to be a very long night. They came back and checked me at 8:30 and I was still a 4 so they started me on pitocin..At about 9:30 I was in a lot of pain. My epidural didn't seem to be working and I was having a contraction that wasn't stopping. After about 15 minutes of pain and one really long contraction I called in my nurse. My body had kicked into full blown labor on its own again and the pitocin was making my contractions come double time. Since I was having one steady contraction my epidural couldn't keep up and I was feeling everything.  At this point I was at a 7. They decided to stop my pitocin and let my body do the rest of the work. We got my epidural up and running again and I was able to relax a little. At about 11 they came in and I was now dilated to 9 1/2 and they decided to call my Dr. He got there about 11:30 and by 11:40 I started pushing. After just a short 35 minutes Davis entered the world. They placed him on my chest and I couldn't hold back the tears and emotions. It was the most amazing moment. To finally be holding my baby and have my husband by my side.

Our weekend

So unless our little guy is extremely stubborn, which really might be the case, this past weekend was our last one childless. It was kind of an odd feeling. Grant and I decided to just spend a relaxing weekend together really enjoying each other's company. On Friday, I went to Grant's softball game then we headed to dinner, got smoothies and walked down Main Street in Bountiful. I cannot even begin to express how much I love spending time with Grant and how simple moments with him make me happy. On Saturday we of course spent it cleaning and doing yard work. A must before baby butters decides to join us! But after we grabbed some lunch and came home and just enjoyed time with one another. We have a routine of a nightly walk and after we decided to lay a blanket in our backyard, star gaze and talk about life. We reminisced about our first years of marriage, discussed our future and decided that life is nothing like we thought it would be but it is just how it is supposed to be.

I know Grant will never read this but I just need to express my gratitude towards him for being the man that he is. I feel like his goal in life is to make me happy day in and day out and I will genuinely say that he does just that. He is one amazing husband and I know that our little boy is sure a lucky one to get Grant as his dad. The giddiness Grant shows when he talks to our son honestly makes my heart burst. I am so grateful for the opportunity to embark on this parenthood adventure with Grant. Of course we are nervous but I do believe that together we can figure it out.

Bump Update: 40 Weeks

Well tomorrow is my due date. A part of me feels like I just started this adventure of pregnancy but the other part of me can't even remember what it was like to have a flat stomach! I am just so ready for him to come out and am losing all of my patience I once had. Anyway, here is my last bump update!

How Far Along: 36 weeks! I have 29 days left and am so excited! I can officially say next month but am secretly crossing my fingers hoping for this month!

Size of baby:  7 1/2 lbs and 20 inches long!  The size of a pumpkin!

Total weight gained/lost:  Not quite sure. These last few weeks I have really swelled up so I am positive I have some serious water weight!

Maternity Clothes: absolutely. 

Gender:  Still a boy!

Movement: He is head down but his bum is always sticking out on my left side and he is always kicking me on  my right side. He has slowed down tremendously the last few days.

Sleep: Still struggling with the sleep thing. Wake up for the bathroom, switch sides and am waking up way early every day.

Symptoms: Dilated to a 1 and 50% effaced at my 39 week appt. I have had contractions but they aren't consistent.

What I miss:  Sleeping comfortably and normal clothes. I really really miss normal clothes. Being able to move.

Cravings: Nothing special. Just very ready for a summer bbq.

Best Moment this week:  Reaching my due date. Knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

What I am looking forward to: Oddly enough, labor and delivery. I know that it is not going to be easy but I have heard when you hold your baby for the first time it is just suddenly all worth it. I can't wait to hold him in my arms and kiss on him!

Bump Update Week 36

How Far Along: 36 weeks! I have 29 days left and am so excited! I can officially say next month but am secretly crossing my fingers hoping for this month!

Size of baby:  6 lbs and 18 1/2 inches long! 

Total weight gained/lost:  Honestly I am not sure but I think im close to 25 now. I have swelled up like a balloon this last week! Water weight..

Maternity Clothes: absolutely. 

Gender:  Still a boy!

Movement: He is head down but his bum is always sticking out on my left side and he is always kicking me on  my right side.

Sleep: I wake up a few times each night just because I am uncomfortable and I am back to the whole getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom routine..I also have been waking up way early.. not sure why my body is doing that.

Symptoms: I think I have the waddle now.. he is so low and I have braxton hicks constantly.

What I miss:  Sleeping comfortably and normal clothes. I really really miss normal clothes.

Cravings: Nothing special. Just very ready for a summer bbq.

Best Moment this week:  Celebrating with family, friends and my ward. all showers were simply amazing and so appreciated. Also got the nursery pretty much put together and made the cutest carseat cover. I am very ready! Just need to pack a hospital bag for the family!

What I am looking forward to: Meeting my little guy.  I am so ready to see what he looks like.

Bump Update Week 33

How Far Along: 33 weeks! Exactly 50 days until June 3!

Size of baby:  4 lbs and 17 inches long! The size of a pineapple!

Total weight gained/lost:  Not sure, I have a Dr. appointment today so we will see..

Maternity Clothes: absolutely. 

Gender:  Still a boy!

Movement: I feel him pretty constant throughout the day.

Sleep: I wake up a few times each night just because I am uncomfortable and I am back to the whole getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom routine..

Symptoms:  I am starting to feel a little sore because he is really low again. My lower back aches by the end of the day.

What I miss:  Sleeping comfortably and normal clothes. I really really miss normal clothes.

Cravings: Nothing special.

Best Moment this week:  Reaching 50 days on my countdown! That seems like a monumental day in my book.

What I am looking forward to: Getting one week closer to his due date :)

Gratitude

I feel the time has come again to do a quick rehash of what has happened the last few weeks. We haven't been on any extravagant vacations or picked up any extreme hobbies but life has happened. And I can honestly say that it is the simple day to day things in life that really make me happy. When I take a step back I look at our monotonous days but am SO grateful that these days are the make up of my life. It is laid back but I have come to realize that regardless of what happens in the days, there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for.  So here is a list of little things that make me so grateful  and happy for my life.

Our new front door. Sounds ridiculous but we had an interior door as our front door. Meaning our front door was like a bathroom door, which only had the twisty handle lock, no dead bolt. I am grateful that my husband went and bought me a new door, installed it and surprised me after my long shift last Saturday. It honestly made my whole month. He figured we should up the security before this babe comes!

These little Michael Jordan booties. Grant is an avid Jordan apparel lover. Honestly, so much of his closet is made up of Air Jordan. We have a few pairs of these and to see Grant's face finally light up about how cute a piece of clothing is, made my heart happy;) He insisted that our little man wear a pair of these home from the hospital. So into the diaper bag they went.

Women's Conference. This year I was able to go to the conference center and it was simple AMAZING! The talks given spoken to me and I was honestly moved. My perspective of myself and of life was changed. Not saying that I still do not struggle with judging myself to harshly but it encouraged me to work on it more. To accept that I am an individual daughter of my Heavenly Father. I know we hear it often but it is so great to be reminded by women leaders of the church.

This picture of the temple. I read a talk the other day and I wish that I could remember what it was called and who gave it..but I can't. In the talk, it stated the importance of having pictures of the temple in every room of your house, but especially in your children's room. The talk quoted one of the prophets and he said that a picture of the temple should be present in your child's room from the day they come home from the hospital. This is to encourage them to always look to their end goal of a temple marriage. I loved the talk so much and knew that I wanted a picture in the nursery. I am so grateful for the gospel and the guidance we get each and every day.

Our families health. Grant has been an excellent support of getting me to the gym everyday despite my strong desire to sit on the couch and be lazy. He has kept me active during my pregnancy and I can honestly say that I am sure it is the reason I have continued to feel great and energized. And of course our little guy counts as part of our family. He is growing bigger each and every day. He is measuring on the big side but I am grateful that he is healthy and strong!

Bump Update Week 30

How Far Along: 30 Weeks or 7.5 months! 10 more weeks to go!

Size of baby:  3 lbs, 15.7 inches long. Apparently the size of a large cabbage

Total weight gained/lost:  Last appointment I was at about 18..

Maternity Clothes: Yes! I for sure have to wear maternity pants and am slowly losing all of my "normal" shirts. 

Gender:  Still a boy!

Movement: He is very active in the mornings and at night right as I am getting ready for bed.

Sleep: I wake up a few times each night just because I am uncomfortable and I am back to the whole getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom routine..

Symptoms:  Just the typical pregnancy symptoms. Feeling claustrophobic in my clothes, a little uncomfortable etc..

What I miss:  Sleeping comfortably, normal clothes. Not swelling up:(

Cravings: Nothing really. I will eat just about anything.

Best Moment this week:  Feeling him move a lot more. It is definitely more consistent throughout the day. Getting his room put together for the most part. we also had another ultrasound and got a nice picture of his BIG feet. He is going to be a big boy.. i just know it. So far he is measuring  1 1/2 weeks ahead of schedule.

What I am looking forward to: Getting one week closer to his due date :)

 

My view every single day.. It's just getting bigger..

a must see

I came across this video on a girl's facebook page. Seeing that it was a "letter of advice" to a baby on it's first day here, I felt the need to watch it. Not only is this kid hilarious but I felt he teaches us to have a greater perspective on life and the people we come across. So I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

And to my little man, he is right, some days you will get ice cream, and other's you wont. But its okay because life is still great and we will get nielsens frozen custard which is way better in my opinion!

Remember that one time?

There are definite things in this life that I really want our children to know about. One being their fathers sarcastic personality and his tricks he is constantly playing on me.

This week was kind of a big one for Grant. He applied for Graduate school a few weeks ago and we were told a phone call would come by the end of this week regarding acceptance or not. Well after our ultrasound yesterday, Grant received a call. He ran to the back bedroom and shut the door. I couldn't hear anything that was said and was EXTREMELY curious. Well Grant came out of the bedroom and didn't say a word, not a peep about what just happened. I was trying to pry it out of him and all he said was, "I didn't get it." The whole night he kept joking about how depressed he was..

Later that night we were over at his parents house and Grant brought up school with his parents. He asked me to tell them the news about Westminster. So I told them he didn't get in but that we were very positive about getting in for fall semester. That is when Grant decided to share the REAL news and tell me he actually DID get in!!

Grant is notorious for always playing these little games with me. He loves to get reactions out of people..that sneaky man.

Anyway, I am soo proud of Grant for getting into the master's program. What is neat is he had a high enough GPA and 3-5 years experience in the healthcare field that they actually accepted him without taking the GMAT! This saved him tons of time, effort and let's not forget money! He seriously is such a hard worker and deserves every piece of good in his life. And I sure am grateful I married him :)

T minus 2.5 months!

Baby Butters, I sure hope you know how excited I am to have you! The thought of you joining our family in just a short little time makes me giddy and nervous all at the same time. Feeling you move each and everyday is a feeling unlike anything I have ever felt before. Knowing that you are ours, growing and moving, is my happy. We definitely cannot wait to see what you look like. I am hoping each and everyday that you look just like your handsome dad. I can picture now a little grant mini and it makes my heart melt. We can't wait for your arrival, but don't come out till you are ready..

And Grant, there is nothing that has ever made me love you more than seeing your excitement for our little boy to be born. I want to remember everything about this little adventure we have been on together.

like..
The way you constantly ask how he and I are doing
The way we cuddle at night and you always have your hand on my belly waiting for his quick movements
The looks you give me that show your excitement for our little ones arrival
How you tell me I am beautiful on the days I feel anything but
Your nightly massages that help my swollen legs and achy back feel so much better
The way you calm all of my fears about being a mom
Your hard work and dedication to being the sole provider so I can stay home with our little man
And let's not forget about sharing an entire bag of hot tamales with me because they give me bad heartburn and we couldn't let them go to waste..

It is easy to see just how lucky I am to have you boys in my life. I know that my life is what it is because of you. I am one lucky momma and a very grateful wifey. Thank you for making me the luckiest girl around:)

28 weeks and counting!

Bump Update Week 27

How Far Along: 27 Weeks

Size of baby:  2 lbs, 14 1/2 inches long. Apparently the size of a head of cauliflower?

Total weight gained/lost:  Last appointment I was at 14. 

Maternity Clothes: I officially had to retire my old pants..sad day. So all maternity pants and some of my regular sweaters.

Gender:  Still a boy!

Movement: He is still moving and kicking around. I am feeling more "full" movements. It really is my most favorite thing when I feel him.

Sleep: I wake up a few times each night just because I am uncomfortable.

Symptoms:  Like I said, he is sitting VERY low and likes to hangout on my hips and nerve. I am achy but it is nothing I cannot handle.

What I miss:  Sleeping comfortably, normal clothes. Not swelling up:(

Cravings: Nothing really. I will eat just about anything.

Best Moment this week:  Feeling him move a lot more. It is definitely more consistent throughout the day.

What I am looking forward to: Our Dr's appointment next week and seeing him on the ultrasound again!

oh...love day..

It is no secret that I am absolutely terrible and documenting our lives, and this definitely includes picture taking. Grant loathes being in pictures and since I refuse to be snapped alone, we have very little documentation of our lives together.(This must change when the little dude arrives) Very sad..very sad indeed.

So with that said, here is another very boring post with no pictures, simply words.

Grant and I choose to be very simple people. It doesn't take much to impress us so holidays such as v-day are laid back, relaxed and in my mind quite enjoyable. This year I guess was my year to plan.. it is a long story but Grant and I agreed that each of us would go through "hell" year and be in charge of planning the anniversary and v-day. How romantic right?? Anyway I am pretty sure that my year was last year but Grant has this sneaky way of always tricking me into thinking that it is my turn for everything. haha anyway I honestly am the worst wife and had zero plans for this special occasion and this is how we spent it..

On Thursday night I decided to make my favorite dessert creme brulee (just so you know I nailed it, it was so delicious) so that we could indulge on Friday. This was the absolute only thing I had planned out.. #wifefail   My excuse? Pregnancy haha I am so tired and honestly would rather spend each day just cuddling up and hanging out at home. Lame, I know.

Anyway. We ended up eating chinese food, eating creme brulee and cuddling on the couch all night watching our newest netflix addiction. Although it was nothing spectacular it is one v-day I want to cherish forever. I guess something inside of me is changing and I am starting to realize just how much I love our simple moments together. Nights just the two of us.

These are the moments..

I am writing this post strictly to remind myself how much I love the little moments in life..

Grant is applying to grad school and we are almost positive he will be starting up next month.. for this reason we have tried to enjoy every little moment of down time the two of us have together. 

This week we have hit the gym right after work instead of our usual 9 PM routine, thank goodness, which has left us with much of our evenings to just relax. This means most of our nights are spent chatting about life and catching up on netflix shows. But our favorite thing by far is sitting down and feeling and watching our little boy move around. These moments are really ones I will forever cherish. It is amazing the smile I get every time I feel him move but even more when Grant and I can actually see him moving. 

I just love my little family.

Bump Update Week 23

How Far Along:  23 Weeks and still growing!

Size of baby:  Size of a Mango! 11-12 inches long and just over a pound!

Total weight gained/lost:  Not sure at this point. I have my next appointment on February 13th and will do the dreaded weigh in.

Maternity Clothes:  I can still get away with 1 or 2 pairs of my jeans with the rubber band and I can only wear baggier pre-pregnancy shirts. He is really low and completely out front.

Gender:  Still a boy!

Movement: He is still moving and kicking around. It really is my most favorite thing when I feel him.

Sleep: The past week has been difficult. I wake up a few times each night just because I am SO uncomfortable.

Symptoms:  Like I said, he is sitting VERY low and likes to hangout on my hips and nerve. I am achy but it is nothing I cannot handle.

What I miss:  Some of my clothes. I feel like I wear the same few outfits every week.

Cravings: Nothing really. I will eat just about anything.

Best Moment this week:  Someone pointing out that I was having a baby. I know it sounds stupid but it means I am officially out of the awkward "are you pregnant or just gaining weight" stage.

What I am looking forward to: Grant feeling him move more often. He isn't the biggest fan of Grant placing his hand on my stomach...he is a stubborn one and possibly a momma's boy already.