As Promised: The Update Post.

Over break, we braved the drive to Oregon with Claire. It was a blast! While we were there, my Dad told me to keep a journal and record everything going on with Claire. I just kind of looked at him and said, "When?" Right now Claire is perfectly content in her swing, so let's see how much of this post I can crank out!

First, We celebrated Ross' birthday back before Thanksgiving. I know, seems like forever ago right? That's how behind on blogging I am. Ross just wanted a low key birthday and that was great! There were rumors the day before about a big storm coming, so BYU closed early, for the rest of the week! I was really excited because Ross had volunteered to work for a few hours on his birthday. Instead, we started off the morning opening presents.

Claire helped. You will all be impressed to know that I only gave Ross one of his presents early, and didn't even tell him what the others were. He got a Lord of the Rings board game, a book trilogy, a kid's book called, "Daddy's kisses", and White Christmas. We then made and decorated sugar cookies with my mom, and then Ross had the day to do whatever he wanted while I took my mom to the airport.

That night, I made Ross' birthday cake, and we just played games. I won't bother posting a picture of the birthday cake because it was a pretty sad looking cake. I guess I need some practice.

We left for Oregon right after Ross was done with finals. I was really looking forward to a little vacation. While we were there, we blessed Claire. I am so grateful for Ross and that he could bless our little girl.

We spent Christmas Eve at the Loveland's house for dinner, and had a blast! After, we went back to my parent's house for Christmas morning. Ross got me some running shoes and under the tree, well next to the tree was a JOGGING STROLLER!! I was so stinking excited! (But when we got back to Utah, there was a junk load of snow so I can't even try it out yet. STINK.)

Claire got an activity mat that she loves.

She's becoming more aware of everything around her and even smiling when you smile or talk to her. I love her huge smiles, and I'm so excited that they're not gas induced anymore.

Claire will be 2 months old next week, and I'm not really looking forward to her appointment next week. I'm excited to find out just how big she is, but really nervous about her shots. I ALMOST cried when they poked her foot at the last appointment. Time for mama to put on those big girl panties I guess.

But she's starting to sleep a little more at night and loves to scoot and lay on her tummy. Claire doesn't really like to take naps, but she spends the day just hanging out and watching everything I do. That is, when she isn't eating. This little girl is a monster. She is a bottomless pit.

She had a lot of fun and Grandma and Grandpa Loveland's house, too! We went over Christmas morning to talk to Jake. That was so fun! Claire got a blanket Grandma AJ made, and a couple of Snoopies to add to her collection. And we got a TOASTER!! I can't even express how excited I am to not have to use the oven on 'broil'. Claire loved having morning talks with Grandma, and Grandpa could always make her smile. All the kids thought it was hilarious when she'd toot or make faces. It was a treat for me, too! Everyone wanted to hold Claire, so I got to take naps, and do whatever I wanted during the day! We also went to Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center one night. It was a blast! Claire must have been in heaven with all of the bright lights.

New Year's I finally got to eat my brownie. For those of you who don't know, I went last year without chocolate and let me tell you, it was HARD. Being pregnant and wanting a brownie was especially hard. I still feel like I have to sneak chocolate. It doesn't really feel like I can now, which I guess could be a good thing as I try to lose all the baby weight.

We had so much fun in Oregon. Although I was really excited to get home and back in to normal life, I was sad to go. I get to go back in a few weeks with Claire though for my brother's wedding! I can't wait!

-Side note, I realize all the pictures got cut off, but Claire's awake and I don't really care enough to fix them right now. Sorry!

Blogging.

Holy cow! I never realized blogging would be such a challenge with my schedule "on demand". I'll to get in a REAL post next week when we're back in UT. With pictures and everything.

I Love Being A Mom, Even At 3 AM.

During the last couple weeks, I've grown a greater appreciation for mothers. Especially stay at home moms. After I was laid off from my desk job in June, I felt like a loser. I did not serve a mission, don't have a degree, wasn't even in school, and was four months pregnant. The chances of me getting another full time job were pretty slim. At least when I was working full time, I felt like I was actually contributing and doing something. We didn't need to worry about finances, or health insurance.

I took on a paper route and spent the days cleaning, cooking, making Ross' breakfast and lunch before school, running errands and walking. I still felt like it wasn't enough. A couple months before Claire was born, I read. A lot. And I came across a talk from Jeffrey R. Holland in a book. Just a simple line stood out. " there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons"

Growing up, I always thought that being a stay at home mom would be the easiest thing on the planet. Truth be told, after the last couple weeks, I have discovered that it is one of the most challenging things I have done. Being a mom is tough, being a stay at home mom though, is so much more difficult.

Mom's really do sacrifice a lot for their kids. I don't think I really noticed or appreciated the things my mom did till now. Not only do they sacrifice the tangible things, but I realize now, that many moms would probably love to have a full time job, or go to school, but instead choose to stay home. I'm an active person. I'm not satisfied if I let my day go by without doing something productive. I love being busy, and feel lazy if the house isn't spotless and dinner isn't on the table when Ross gets home.

With Claire, I don't get out of bed till 11, am lucky if I can squeeze in a shower, and haven't made Ross breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The laundry is currently on my bedroom floor just waiting to be folded, while the second load is still in the washer. Three days later. I am so beyond grateful for both of my moms who have come and helped us out, and seriously dreading Saturday when we will be on our own again.

I'm so grateful for that quote and small reminder that it really doesn't matter that I haven't showered in two days, and we pick up clothes off of the floor as needed. I don't have a full time job and I'm not back in school yet, but I don't feel like a complete loser anymore. I've never been so tired in my entire life, my new perfume is ew de spit up, but I love being a mom.

BTW, Ross' mom took us to get pictures of Claire. It was a real treat! We get the prints back on December 10th, but they're online for people to look at. You can take a gander by clicking here. Thanks, Mom!

Two Weeks.

Claire is 2 weeks old today. Seriously child, stop that. I feel like we just brought her home yesterday. We accidently slept through her appointment yesterday, so I have no idea how much she weighs right now. Lesson learned: Do not schedule appointments at 9 AM when you KNOW you won't be sleeping much at night. But she is getting chunkier, so I assume she's getting bigger. If she actually slept through the night, I'd be ok with her staying this small forever. I love her.

We're actually going to take newborn pics in 40 min, so I'll post more pics later. I promise. :]

Introducing: Claire Danielle Loveland

I haven't blogged in a while. I apologize. The past few weeks haven't been filled with much, besides trying everything I could think of to have this baby, and that's not really interesting to blog about. Well, nine days ago, she finally came! So now I can finally post something somewhat worth reading!

The Stats:

Born 8:17 PM

7 pounds 11 ounces

20 1/2 inches long, and just the cutest thing.

The Story:

I'm a vain person. My own mother even told me so. For the last few weeks, I'd make sure to do my hair and put on make up in the morning. Just in case that day was THE day. Then I'd shower at night, and tell the baby in my stomach that she isn't allowed to be born until the following day. Just so I wouldn't look too repulsive in pictures.

We decided Friday was going to be a great date night. We were planning on going to the dollar theater to see the Wall Street movie. Friday morning came and I spent literally 3 hours getting ready for my hot date. I did my face mask, painted my toes and fingers, curled my hair, and did a great job on my make up. I had my outfit picked out and was even planning on wearing heels. That didn't happen very often, being huge and all. Normally I just go with flip flops. This date was going to be a big deal. Our last date without kids for well, forever! I was scheduled to be induced Tuesday morning at 6:30 if she hadn't come by then.

5:00. I was on my way to pick up Ross, and was hurting a little. After dinner, I was hurting a lot more. We decided to stay home and just have a game night. There was no way I was going to be able to sit through a movie. By midnight, I was just about in tears so we went to the hospital. I hadn't progressed after an hour of being monitored, so the nurse suggested we walk around the hospital for half an hour to see if that would help. It didn't.

We got home around 3:30. Ross went right to sleep. I, on the other hand, was up all night. By morning, I was sure I couldn't handle any more pain. I didn't really want to go back to the hospital without being positive that I'd be coming home with a baby. I held out as long as I could. I took 4 showers/baths. Ross gave me a blessing, and we were off to the hospital again around 11. Turns out, I really didn't care WHAT I looked like.

While being monitored, the nurses were incredible. They did everything they could to make me as comfortable as possible. After half an hour, I still hadn't dilated more. They called my midwife and came back with great news. I WAS ADMITTED! After a few hours, and a wonderful epidural, Claire Danielle was born. This new addition is such a joy and great blessing.

I Want To Fake Labor

Just so Ross can come home. I quit the paper route about a week and a half ago, thinking I could catch up on sleep, and get some things done. The first few days were great! But it is HARD sitting at home alone ALL day. There's only so much you can clean. I'm confident that you could eat off of ANY surface in my house. And no amount of walking will encourage this little girl to make an appearance. I almost want to tell Moms that we had the baby, just so they can come play with me for a week. Sure, faking labor would get Ross home, but he'd just be home for the day, and probably not too happy with me for making him skip school and work.

Dear baby,

Please show up soon. I am bored and lonely, and kind of bored of talking to you through my stomach. You don't listen to me anyway. Love, Mom.

Sleep.

Weds was the last day of the paper route. Thursday was supposed to be glorious and I was supposed to sleep the entire night and enjoy not getting up at 2:30 to go roll 300 newspapers. I was up the entire night with contractions and didn't sleep at all. Lame. The next night, I was passed out before 10 PM, and didn't even wake when Ross finally came to bed. I slept the ENTIRE night. Without unisom. I didn't wake up till 7. That's NINE hours of sleep right there, ladies and gents.

I was making Ross' lunch while breakfast was baking and told Ross my body was feeling really weird today. His response: "Uhh rested?" It's true. I was thinking about it and this will be the first day in a few months that I would not be going back to bed after taking Ross to work. I have the ENTIRE day alone. And I have NO idea what to do with myself. Yesterday I scoured and scrubbed the house, so there isn't even anything to clean today! We'll have to see what I can come up with.