No Worry, No Hurry Car

Not a Christmas photo, still have to download those, but this is the monitor that records contractions, heart beats, and kick-counts.

We had a Very Vegas Christmas.

Last Thursday, after my docs appt, we ran home, Andy packed the car while I watched patiently and drove to Vegas baby! She did say it did not look like we'd have a Christmas baby, and after a lengthy discussion, we decided that if I could lie down in the back, and if I could take it easy we could go. Andy called it the "No Worry, No Hurry" car. It was the best car ride EVER!

We really wanted to see family for Christmas, and we are thankful we went and returned baby-free. *Sigh* Our last holiday sans infant. It was super special and we had a fabulous time watching movies galore, eating, sleeping, playing games, and loving being with family.

Out of the Danger Zone!

I love this picture. I call it the 'Finger of Chase' (look up Michelangelo Finger of God painting if you are confused). My nephew Chase poking the 'button' aka my belly at Thanksgiving. He thought it was pretty cool! I like to think he understands that his cousin is waiting to meet him and he cant resist telling him Hi!

We MADE IT! 36 weeks never felt sooo good! I have been given permission to walk around, so walk around we did. We hit IKEA, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, Cafe Rio today, and I cleaned out my closet and we dropped off stuff to Goodwill! It felt wonderful to be out and about and not stress about our little guy being born too early.

We had our weekly checkup with Doc Morrison (i LOVE her!). Still having contractions and I have to say, I've got a really nice one pack going on with my ab muscles! I'm kidding, but as she was doing an ultrasound doc said, "Hey, there goes a contraction as my stomach hardened super tight." Amazing that the body just knows what to do.

Baby Boy 36 week Update:
-His daddy has been able to attend almost all of his checkup visits with Doc Morrison! Dad loves seeing his buddy and mom feels blessed he can be there for loving support!
-He still has his head down
-He has NOT dropped yet
-He must be ticklish
-He looked like a little doll in the ultrasound pic (as much as I could tell from a 2-d photo), but he looked so sweet!!!
-He remains active from 2-6am in the morning, preparing mom for some nighttime adventures
-He likes to play with his hands next to his face
-He could come at any moment and we would be out of the "premature/preemie" stage

LEK Christmas Party

Last Friday we gussied all up for Andy's work party at a really neat place called Shutters in Santa Monica. Getting ready just about tuckered me out with all the pregnancy aches and pains.

Shutters is a hotel, restaurant, party place right on the beach. We arrived early in style, pulling up to the valet parking in our '99 Chevy Prism, right next to the BMWs and Mercedes and Audis. I've never loved my car more ;-) ...seriously! Ha ha!

We arrived for cocktail hour so I could get to know Andy's co-workers, who I really like. We of course are known as the Mormons, as if my belly doesn't give that away, we got ginger ale at the bar and started talking to everyone. I met several of Andy's coworkers, one of whom said I was looking very plump and round to which I replied he was looking very dapper and sharp, but I kinda wish I would have just replied, "You too!" I kicked myself for not acting on my feet quicker, but I blame my pregnancy brain for that and for a lot of things nowadays.

I met another one of Andy's co-workers who exclaimed he had gotten a ginger ale and was holding the same glass I was with a substance that looked just like what I had. I told him I did too, and then he looked at me funny and said, "I can think of two reasons why that would not be ok! I got a GIN and Ginger Ale." Ohhhhhh I could have sworn he just said ginger ale. We all laughed about that.

Then just Andy and I walked out and listened to the waves and in the distance you could see the Santa Monica Pier. It was misty and cold outside, and it was fun to be out there just Andy and I. We went back inside and ate a yummy dinner, watched Andy star in a new hire video making fun of the partners and the office. As most everyone started getting tipsy, we took off in our little car!

Stacey's Honey Whole Wheat Cranberry Muffins

I found a recipe for honey whole wheat muffins, but I didn't have all the ingredients, so I made up my own recipe and added some cranberries for the holidays. They would also take scrumptious with nuts, raisins, pretty much anything. Andy helped me make them and all I had to do is tell him what to do ha ha! They turned out super delicious and were really easy! Plus the house smelled good after too! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup olive oil or 2/3 cup canola oil
• 1 cup honey
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups apple sauce or 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (I prefer the taste of apple sauce)
• 1/2 cup hot water
• fresh or frozen cranberries to place on top

Directions:

Prep Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

1. Stir together dry ingredients.
2. Beat oil and honey together; add eggs and beat well.
3. Add apple sauce and beat to combine.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with hot water; mix well after each addition.
5. Spoon batter into 24 greased muffin cups; place cranberry in middle of batter on each muffin, bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes, or until muffins are golden brown and test done.
6. Remove from oven and cool on rack.

Cupcakes and Contractions

Today was our scheduled 34 week checkup. I asked some questions about not feeling too great lately and not feeling little boy moving as much as usual. The nurse hooked me up to a machine to check kick counts and heartbeats. She asked if I had eaten and I said a little, but wasn't feeling to great. She asked if I wanted a cupcake while I was hooked up to the machine so I wouldn't get lightheaded?! YES PLEASE!!! I love cupcakes. These weren't just any cupcakes. They were SPRINKLES cupcakes from Beverly Hills. I've never tasted such a yummy cupcake in my life... dark Belgian chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting! I have always wanted to try them but not enough to pay for them! Thank you to whomever brought them to the office!

As I'm sitting there peacefully listening to baby's heart beat and dropping crumbs all over my stomach, loving every bite, the nurse comes in checks the charts and says, "Do you know you are having mild contractions?!"

"Ummm...Yes and no?!! Woooahhha wwait what? I've never felt them before!" I was a little too into the cupcake that it came as a surprise! Double surprises for me! Free cupcake and contractions!

I guess that explains the pains, the bad nights, etc. Always trust your body! I'm so glad I mentioned some things to my doc and it makes sense why I have been feeling different. She said the body is focusing more on the contractions (which are currently mild and intermittent) and less on baby, so that is why I haven't felt him moving as much even though he is just fine and he loved the cupcake too. They are running some more tests to check just how early he might come.

I called Andy to give him the update. He is so sweet, but was wondering if it was real? Reality hits pretty quickly sometimes and for both of us, this would be really fast. We're hoping to get a "fully cooked baby" as the doc says and so I'm on strict bed rest.

Any Christmas movies or suggestions for bed rest would be much appreciated.

Cupcake anyone?

Kids always say it best!

I teach a 5 year old Sunday school class. I announced to them that I would be gone next month because we are having a baby boy. One of my students declared pointing to my stomache, "I knew it, it's like huge."

I can always count on my class to make me laugh! Never a dull moment!!

We also had a conversation about dying. It came up because we were talking about Noah's ark and all the animals and it really had nothing to do with the lesson. J, a 5 year old autistic kid in my class, really loves his dog Scout. Every week he reminds the class that Scout is afraid of dying (I think it is more his fear than his dogs), but one classmate has had enough of him bringing this up. The conversation went like this:

"Scout doesn't want to die," interrupts J .
"I know you love your dog J," I say.
"J, EVERYONE Dies," shouts 5 year old L as she rolls her eyes. Like DUH!

*Names have been abbreviated to protect the innocent

Maternity Shoot Sneak Peak

Last Saturday we went to the Santa Monica Pier and did a little maternity shoot with the most amazing photographer! Her name is Jylare and I love the bright and vivid colors she captures. I found her on my favorite design blog and she also did a friend of ours baby shoot!! I called her in August when she was having a special deal and booked the shoot for December, knowing we'd have a little one on the way. I could not be happier!
To view more check out her site here!

Sicky Sick Sick

I dont feel good this day. Cant hold anything down. Morning sickness only lasts the first trimester? Not for me. Andy's office Christmas party is tonight at Shutters in Santa Monica. Crossing my fingers some Zophran will make it all better!

Oklahoma Thanksgiving!

Carson Family Thanksgiving Table

The Main Course...Turkey!

We had a wonderful time in Oklahoma for Thanksgiving! The highlight of the meal were these little decorated Turkeys made out of Oreos and candy that were placed on everyone's plate before the meal was started. My mom found the idea online and we had a blast making them. I went to over 8 different stores across Edmond, Oklahoma trying to find candy corn. Apparently, candy corn is super popular during the season and we finally found some at a hardware store. It was worth all the trips to get the needed ingredients.

Kate Carson-My adorable niece

They are rather easy to make and my niece and nephew LOVED the Turkeys!

Kate and Chase ready for their Turkey before the meal begins!

As we were preparing the meal, little Chase went and ate some when no one was looking. I'm pretty sure he would have gone around the whole table plucking off the candy corn (one of his favorite candies) from them.


We caught him after about 2-3 pluckings, but how could you get mad at this sweet face?

Mom and dad are the best cooks and we enjoyed our family favorites of: Turkey, Cranberry Jello, Stuffing, Sweet Potatoes, and of course pumpkin pie!!! Yumm!


Andy flew in on Thursday morning and we enjoyed a lot of R&R, food, and of course football. Just spending time together is a blessing and we will take every moment (he usually works 12-14hr days at the firm).

Giblet- The Official Edmond, Oklahoma Turkey Trot Turkey

We kept the family tradition alive and did the Turkey Trot! This year Edmond held their first ever Turkey Trot so we didnt have to drive to OKC. It was very VERY cold and windy, but we managed to push Kate and Chase in their strollers while my brother and sister in law ran the 5k. They both did awesome, but as we did the Turkey 1 Mile Wobble (yes they called it a 1 mile wobble and yes I did wobble the whole time being 7 months along). I wish I would have gotten a picture of Chase and Kate frozen in their stroller and my mom and dad and I just trucking along in the freezing cold wind. Chase did not understand why his fingers were all red and frozen and kept throwing his coat on the ground. Poor buddy, plus it was way early in the morning. All the tiredness and coldness made me laugh and we got the kids to the car and turned up the heat as soon as possible. I have to admit, I was really wanting to run the 5k more than anything, but did not want to go into early labor ha ha. I miss running really bad and cant wait to feel healthy and strong enough to run again!

I think we watched 4 games of football the day after Thanksgiving. I also enjoyed spending time with mom shopping and getting our hair done! It was a blast and we miss everyone already! We have so much to be thankful for this year!

Week 32

Here we go. Counting down the Weeks not months! Less than 8 weeks and little boy Turner will be on his way! He'll be the most amazing present in the whole world! Christmas cant come soon enough because then right after will be January! His birthday!!!

Baby Boy Update:
-He is growing like a weed
-He weighs around 4 and a half pounds according to our Level II Ultra-Sound last week
-He is moving a lot these days between 4 and 6 am and right before bedtime
-He still gets the hiccups at night and right after I eat
-He has his head down already(good boy)
-He has more Christmas presents under the tree than his parents (that's the way it should be)
-He has a crib all ready and made for him and a hand-tied quilt made by dear friends in Oklahoma!!!

Grateful

We are grateful for many things right now. As the holiday season approaches it is so easy for me to get all caught up in the hustle and bustle, but right now there is so much to be thankful for. This year we have been blessed with a new job in a tough market, new friends in LA that we love and are thankful for (we made gingerbread houses tonight with the cutest family in the world), an awesome church, a warm home in a great location, a family that loves us, and a little boy that is growing healthily and happily. It is so fun to see the lights and the season approach us with all its fun colors and traditions. Above all I am thankful for a loving Savior who gave us the chance to be better each day and to try harder each day to be like Him!

THAR SHE BLOWS!

It happened! NO, not birth silly, the moment someone you dont know claims you are going to give birth at any moment even though 2 months stands between now and the actual process. I pretty much laughed it off for several reasons.

I got a seasonal job at JCREW to keep me out of the house and busy while Andy works 10 hr days, plus it only takes a few minutes to walk there from our house. Well the culprit, an elderly Beverly Hills socialite walked in and I assisted her in her shopping affairs. She was very lovely until she started getting fed up not being able to find the EXACT shirt her friend had at some cocktail dinner. She sits down and after all the stores in the nation did not have it, she was infuriated and out of no where said under her breath, "You look like you're going to burst any day now." I get it...I cant find her shirt...she blames the pregnant associate. That's fine, I can take it! It doesnt bug me because I know her comment was more speared by not being able to get something she really wanted. I get like that when I want some candy or cookies and Andy dear gets the blunt of my frustration when I discover I have already eaten the whole bag of m&ms. Oh the joys!