House!

Wow I thought I was way more up to date than I am.  So Jeff and I are now house owners.  That's right, we own a house.  Scary right?  I feel so grown up especially with a baby on the way.  And let me tell you how grateful I am for my family, my husband, sister, and mother-in-law in particular.  Jeff was such a trooper because I literally couldn't do anything.  He cleaned a bunch and worked so hard to get everything ready.  My sister and mother-in-law were nice enough to come over and clean the upper part of the house for me (and it really needed it).  Most everything is put away and set up.  Jeff still has lots of projects he is itching to get at now to get the house ready for the baby and just make it more livable.

I'm still in bed most of the day.  I try and get up and do some cooking every once in a while just to keep me from going insane.  I'm at 30 weeks though and boy am I feeling it.  I have a feeling she is going to be a big baby cause I already feel like she ran out of room in there.  We got a crib and have that all set up and we also have a car seat and stroller.  Most of the big things.  Jeff is getting really excited.  It still hasn't sunk in yet that I'm going to be a mom.  I don't feel grown up enough.  But I am ready for it to be over and get up and move around again.  That will be a relief.

Pregnancy Update

There as been a lot going on these last couple weeks. First off, if all goes according to plan, we will move into our house next week! I'm beyond thrilled. I don't know how many people that like living out of a suitcase but I certainly don't. 

The thing that has been taking up most of our time and thoughts is the baby. Last Sunday I was feeling pretty crampy through the night before and most of the day after I woke up. We went to the hospital and I was admitted. They checked me out and found that I was dilated 1 cm. That freaked us out. I had Jeff give me a blessing and we asked our family to fast for us, which I am grateful for all the support. They put me on some medicine that was pretty awful, not gonna lie. It was to stop the cramping and help the baby's brain develop. I'm not saying they didn't help but it make me feel dreadful. They also gave me a couple shots of steroids to also help the baby's lungs develop a little faster. 

So I was in the hospital a total of three days being monitored and on medicine. I was told a number of things by a number of different specialists and doctors about what I should be doing once I left. They said different things when it came to bed rest. Some said I shouldn't get up hardly at all and some said it isn't necessary. If the baby is born now (24 weeks) there is a great chance for her to survive but there could be some damage done to the brain that could cause some mental illness. All the doctors did say that at 28 weeks the risks of that go way down and an even greater chance of survival. So to be on the safe side, I'm self imposing bed rest just to be on the safe side. They did want me to come in every week just to get checked up and see how things are going. That will happen probably for rest of the pregnancy. At least most of it. The doctors are confident that I will make it quite a bit farther since I've been quite stable for my situation. So fingers crossed. 

Long Time No See

Man it has been a while. Jeff and I have been moving around a lot and we still aren't settled down. We are currently residing in his sister-in-law's place for now.

Now we both have decided that we can't go to Italy this year. We both think it is for the better especially with a new baby on the way. I don't want to have to get used to being a mom on top of getting used to another language, culture, and country. Jeff still applied for school to see if he is able to get in. It would make the process easier for next year when we try again. If he doesn't get in, we might start planning a serious plan B for backup. 

We are now looking for a house so we can have a place of our own. Boy is it taking a long time. I would like to get our things back soon but it won't be for another month at least. And I hope things will look up from there. 

Getting Ready

Well it's crunch time now.  Jeff and I are getting ready to move back to Utah for the summer to spend time with out families before we head out to Italy.  We have been thinking about this for a while and feel that it is the right thing for us to do.  We only have a few more weeks left, which is sad because I have enjoyed living in the area but I think we will be back.  I am looking forward to what the next adventure is anyways.  Lots of possibilities.

Quick Trip

Jeff and I took a quick but long trip up to Michigan this past weekend. My little brother graduated from college and we paid him a surprise visit. It was quick in the fact that we drove Friday night, woke up 4-5 hours later to drive a couple hour to get to the ceremony, saw the ceremony and ate lunch afterwards, and then left right after. It was a long day because we spent over 20 hours in the car driving. But he was glad we came and I'm glad we went. He has come far and has a job lined up in a couple weeks. 

Hanging Out

The cherry blossoms were in full bloom this whole month and Jeff and I took the time to go down to D.C. around the monuments to take a look at them.  Boy was it PACKED!  So many people everywhere.  They are in other areas outside of D.C. but there they had the most in one area.  We also took a look around the different monuments since I haven't seen some of them and it's been a while.

Aside from that, nothing has really been too exciting on our end.  I have doing lots of baking (turnovers, bread, pie, and muffins) mainly so Jeff can take something quick on the way to work.  Also, I am no longer on the medicine that makes me sick so it's been an easier week or so.  The "no carb rule" is still lingering a little so I haven't been able to divulge on all the good treats yet, which is probably a good thing.  Now that the undesired pounds are off, I need to make sure they stay that was so it's some exercise for me!  As for Jeff, he has been working hard at work and he is also getting his application towards completion.  All he has to do is finish translating them and then send it off and wait for an answer.  I am starting to see this as a reality since it is a lot closer than when we first discussed this back in September.  I am excited! 

Happy Birthday Jeff

Jeff turned 29! Last of his twenties. We didn't really do anything. I made some Italian dishes (I hope they were authentic) and to gear up for Jeff applying to school in Italy. I made arancini and some gnocchi. I also made his favorite dessert, Triple Berry Pie as a substitute for cake. A very carb filled day. Nothing too special. But happy birthday to my amazing husband.

Easter

So our second year of marriage it seems we spent our holidays by ourselves. It's not a bad thing. Easter wasn't any different. I made some ham (that was more challenge than the turkey at Thanksgiving) pistachio salad, corn, and rolls. Some of Jeff's family food items. Both of our families have an egg derby or egg bash. I won obviously. To be fair, it is easier to win with just two people. Growing up I won a total of once when I was like 8. Once we get more people involved it probably won't happen for a while. 

But we also watched a General Conference. Lots of inspiring words. Another tradition Jeff's mom does is make cinnamon rolls. This is like the third conference in a row that I've tried. I can make anything else in that dang book but the rolls! I got a different recipe from my mother in law. 

Happy Easter everyone!

Pounds Lost

Jeff's brother-in-law had a layover in DC the other day and we went to say hi to him.  I was flattered when he complimented me on how I looked and that I lost weight.  From when he saw he last (which was around May of 2014) I lost about 30-40 pounds.  I'm at the lightest I've ever been.  Jeff was laughing at me the other day because I was complaining about my clothes not fitting me.  Last year I resulted to wearing jeggings/leggings for pants because my jeans didn't fit me anymore because of the weight I gained.  Now I'm STILL wearing jeggings because my jeans don't fit.  They are just too big and I don't like pulling them up while I walk.  It makes me happy.

A part of me though thinks that I got too skinny.  I've never been able to see my collarbone as distinctly as I do now.  Jeff tells me it's normal so I'll go with it.  But I am happier with my image regardless and let's hope that I can keep it this way.

Philly

So Jeff and I took a mini trip to Philadelphia over a weekend mainly because I wanted to take him to his first ever NHL game.  My team, Detroit Red Wings, were playing there and thought it would be fun.  A different experience for me going to a game that isn't home turf.  We got slaughtered (7 to 1) but it was still fun.  We also went to the Bailey's art museum (I think it was the Bailey's anyways.  I can't remember the name).  It had some of the largest impressionist art full of several Reniors and Cezanne.  A little too pricey I think to justify it but still good to see.  We would have done more after the game however I got concerning news from my dad that my grandmas is in the hospital with some heart problems.  She is 92 so it was quite concerning since she has gotten fragile as she got older.  I was too distracted and worried to really think about other things so we went home after that.

Another Update

There really isn't one particular event that takes up a whole post but I'll give a quick update on what is going on in our lives for those wondering.

About a week ago, the lease on my car was up so we turned it in.  So now we are down to one car to share between the two of us for about a month until the weather clears up so Jeff can use his motorcycle.  So it's early mornings for the both of us so I can take Jeff to work then I'll be off to my job.  Luckily we don't work too far from each other so it's not a big hassle.  Only problem is my job can be a bit unpredictable as to when I get to leave so I might leave Jeff waiting for an hour or so before I get there.

We have also been talking about my health situation with our bishop since it has been quite some time and we are at a loss as to what to do.  He shared with us some of his previous medical issues that had similar symptoms and advised that we go in and be more forceful with the doctors.  So yesterday we found a doctor and went in yesterday talk to him and he found something swollen in my sinus' that may be the cause of most of my problems I've been having.  He prescribed a nasal spray and a netipot and if that doesn't help things get better, then I would get a scan done.  But after talking to the bishop and then this doctor, I feel that things are finally looking up and I might actually see more permanent results.

Other than that, we are both doing well.  Still working and Jeff is more actively applying to a graduate school.  Lots of paperwork needs to be done and more phone calls to make but it's getting there. Fingers crossed!

Family Activity

So we discovered something that we enjoy doing together. Making things from scratch without really any recipe. So tonight we wanted to try to make salsa. We got a recipe from my mother in law to get a base of what should really go in it. Then just threw things in the pot and went from there. Jeff was more knowledgeable on the ingredients than I was but it didn't turn out too bad. When I think of salsa, I don't think of this stuff but it's a start.  We have a lot now so it'll have to do but I still had fun.

Oh boy

Man it has been a long couple weeks since we have been back from Michigan. At least for me. Well I started a new job and a lot of my energy went into training and learning the menu. Long hours at work with double shifts and tests. And since I work at a restaurant, Valentine's Day is pretty much a server's worst nightmare so I didn't get home till about 1 am last night. A nice 13 hour shift. But Jeff got me some flowers and they bloomed by the time I got home. We went out Thursday night instead since I had to work. Nothing too romantic but it was a nice. 

Happy Valentine's Day 

Vacation

Last week we took a trip up to Michigan to see my family as a late Christmas celebration and a birthday treat for me. We drove so we sent a good amount of time in the car. But we both really enjoyed our time with my family and seeing a couple friends. There really wasn't much to report since nothing significant happened but it was good to have a relaxing time there. 

New Year, New Start

Happy New Year (12 days late)!  Our new years was quiet.  I had to work until like 10 at night and boy was it a busy night.  But when I got home, we ate and then sat on the couch and watched the countdown.  That's about it.

But, I have decided to quit my job at Flemings.  I got another job that I will be starting in a little over a week.  I figured the 20 minute drive max to this place beats the 45-60 minutes it takes to get to Flemings (pending on traffic).  And it's close to Jeff's work so we can carpool if we need to.  I also had an interview last week for a very part time job for a photographer position in a hospital taking pictures of newborns.  We'll see if I'll be able to get that one as well.

We have trips planned for this year.  And since we announced it to Jeff's family at Christmas, might as well let the cat out of the bag.  We are actually planning a move.  I know, already.  We've only been here 5 months.  Jeff is going to apply for a school out in Italy.  The application doesn't start until around March but there is a lot of prep work to do with going to school internationally.  Well we will keep you posted.

Merry Christmas

This year was the first year that I haven't been with family.  And by family I mean extended family cause Jeff was of course there.  It was nice.  We got up, opened gifts, played some games, and relaxed.  We did go over to a friends house and play some games.  We basically learned 2-3 new games every time we go over to their place.  But it's fun.  We enjoyed ourselves and I think it was special just spending Christmas with my husband in our own home together.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the company of our families but this is different and in a way a little better I think.  Well I got Jeff a DC deck building game and we spent most of the day playing that.  He also got his usual stash of new movies from his family to add to his collection.  I got some clothes, books, and a beautiful emerald necklace that Jeff bought for me.  He did good.  I am grateful for his companionship and I'm grateful for the holiday season and the gift of Christ.  Merry Christmas.  Both of us are back at work today which is SO much harder to go back to work after Christmas.  Especially on the weekend.

Our finished tree with our 21st century wrapped gifts aka cardboard boxes.  

A side note about this derp cat.  First off, he was in love with the boxes.  I mean he couldn't decide which one to sit in.  Eventually he opted for a paper bag and then got his head stuck in it.

Dentist Update

So I wen to the dentist again today.  They did some drilling for a bit.  He didn't want to fill in my root just yet.  So this visit was just to clean out the hole and put in some medicine and leave that in for two weeks and go back in, more drilling and then filling it up.  I have to say, quite a hefty bill.  But I'm looking forward to this being over and done with.  And I have to say, feeling the novocain fading is not the best feeling.  Normally it wouldn't be that bad if it was just my lips and cheeks but it's in my nose as well and it's not pleasant.  Not painful but I don't like it.

I'm a little happy about this

I don't know if anyone else experiences the married 15, which is a self proclaimed name I gave it similar to the Freshman 15 in as you gain 15 pounds when you get married.  Well that certainly happened to me where I was down to like one maybe two pairs of pants that I would wear.  Well thanks to mono I dropped 10 pounds from that alone.  On top of that, with the meds I'm on, I can't eat carbs and that helped me drop another 10 pounds.  So happy I can fit into the smallest pair of jeans that I had since before I got married.  One thing that makes me smile.

Thanksgiving

A bit late, but here is how our Thanksgiving went.  Jeff woke up early and headed down to play football with the elders quorum (did I spell that right?) and help someone move.  I got a good dose of extra sleep and didn't start cooking when he was playing.  But I did wake up to snow!  Very happy about that.  I did prep the turkey, make the popover batter and pie crust the night before.  But we started cooking around 3 and it was not that stressful actually.  But we did skip out on a lot of dishes that are pretty expected in a Thanksgiving feast like the stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy.  Jeff and I aren't potatoes people and I can't really have carbs anyways so we figured one kind of potato was enough.  I didn't realize how carb heavy Thanksgiving meals are until I planned out the meal.

Since we had one oven, it wasn't planned out as well as I wanted it to but it turned out good.  We put the creamed corn in the crock pot and let it sit there.  Sweet potatoes were prepped and waiting for the oven and the pistachio pudding made.  Basically the day was spent watching Psych (good show) and basting the turkey every 30 minutes.  Very relaxing actually.  But I am proud to say that I've made not one but TWO things that Jeff doesn't normally like and he ended up really liking it.  Sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce.  Success in my book!  Since I couldn't eat the sweet potatoes he had to eat it regardless so I'm glad that he actually liked it.  But I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was nice.

On top of Everything

My computer is nearing the end of its life.  It freezes on me sometimes where the mouse and keyboard doesn't work.  If you kinda put pressure on it on the back, in the right spot, it MIGHT unfreeze on you but then if you look at it wrong it nothing can bring it back.  But touching it the right way doesn't even work anymore.  I had to buy it a external keyboard and mouse.  So sensitive.

Well Jeff quit his night job.  He has been absolutely exhausted at nights and we don't get to really spend time together cause after we eat when we both get home, he starts dozing as we play cards.  I think the deciding factor was that he fell asleep during a movie.  Yeah I know right?!  That is pretty much the highest punishable crime in their family.  And not just any movie, Lord of the Rings.  His all time favorite movies.  I think that was the moment when he knew that he was stretching his limits.  But his day job gave him a raise so it makes it easier.

Last week, my tooth started hurting pretty badly.  So bad that it has given me a headache for like 5 days now.  I went to the dentist this morning and they took a x-ray.  Large black nothing where bone should be and the problem is there is no sign of it on the surface.  He gave me antibiotics cause he thinks it's an infection and he wants to call other people to see if I need to go to a specialist.  Happy holidays to me.  I need a root canal and the next available appointment isn't until the 23rd of December.  Pretty much a month away.  Joy.  My meds that I'm on now, isn't letting me eat carbs and load on the protein.  I noticed something this morning as I was getting ready to leave.  I think I have spent more time preping for the dentist than I ever have on a date.  I brush like no other, floss (which I'll admit, I never do) and I even used mouth wash.  I've spent more energy getting ready than I did for dates.  The dentist should feel flattered.

I had Jeff give me a blessing with our home teacher.  He basically said that these antibiotics are gonna help not only my toothache, but also clear out the rest of my body of whatever has been there the past year.  There were a lot of things I learned this past year to where I'm at the point now where I'm fine with it.  No it isn't ideal and it kinda sucks but it is what it is and I know it'll pass.  I've been looking on the bright side of things and I've seen myself get stronger and healthier (thanks to all the cookies, pasta, and cakes I can't eat with the meds).  I know in my heart that I am being prepared for something and for some reason, I have more patience now than ever.  I am grateful to Jeff for being a worthy priesthood holder who is able to help heal and comfort me on a moments notice.  I'm grateful to my dad for being so knowledgeable and a help to me.  I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father for not abandoning me.