Here is What's Going On...

Happy New Year, everyone! :) Brent and I have been having a great time the past couple of weeks with holiday magic. We took a low-key approach to the holidays, and I have to say it was wonderful. I've really been enjoying life.

One of the reasons why we've been aiming for low-stress, high enjoyment is because baby girl is coming soon! :) We were trying to enjoy our last weeks of "freedom," of course, but we have also been trying to take it easy because an ultrasound on November 30th showed that the placenta is still blocking baby's exit, which creates complications. Fortunately, with modern medicine we are able to ensure a safe delivery for both mom and baby, but we will have to have a c-section.

As such, the week before Christmas we found out that the date of the c-section was to be January 13th, which sounded really early to us, as baby's due date was February 3rd. We have been trying to get things ready for the baby and we have a crib! And a dresser! And some clothes! That's about all we have right now. :)

In my eagerness to get things prepared, I may have done a little too much, which I knew was a no-no. A result of that was a little bit of bleeding on Wednesday night, which seemed to freak my doctors out. They've kept me for two nights in the hospital (it's Friday morning for me) and we are discussing moving the date of the c-section up to avoid any more complications.

We will definitely keep you posted, but things are going well right now. Both mom and baby are in good health--we're just trying to take things easy right now. We love you all.

GRATITUDE

I'm very happy to be married to Brent. He is the best thing that could possibly happen to me. He is smart, supportive, creative, spiritual when no one is looking :), funny, a good cook, charming, and interesting, to name just a few qualities.

I'm grateful to have a baby on the way. I am totally bonding with this little child already, even before she is born. I love to feel her move and kick.

I feel like I couldn't ask for a better family. I love the family I grew up with. I have good relationships with all of my siblings and my parents, even though we don't always wholly agree with each other. :) I love that I can have fun with them and have good, meaningful discussions. I get a lot of support from my family, which is so nice.

Similarly, my new family (Brent's family) is absolutely wonderful! I feel like I have good relationships with all of them, and I like hanging out with all of them! You always hear horror stories about the in-laws, but mine have just been a comfortable, natural addition to my family.

I really am grateful for my knowledge of the gospel. It has brought me so much peace and happiness in my life. I truly believe that I have become a better person than I could have otherwise because of the gospel. Hopefully I will continue to become better, as I learn more.

I love nature! I love all the seasons! Most people will tell you that people get really tired of winter in January / February. I start getting antsy in those months because I usually feel like I haven't made the most of winter. I usually feel the urge to go snowshoeing, for example. But I have to say that I really prefer the season that I am in, and this time of year is no different. How can you not love fall, with the changing leaves and wind and rain and the interesting weather?! When it gets dark and gloomy outside I get excited and want to go for a walk, or curl up with soup and a good book.

I'm really happy for modern day conveniences. Our standard of living is so amazing compared to historical times, and really how a lot of people in the world are living right now. I am blessed to have a warm and safe home, good transportation, and creature comforts like running water and microwaves. :) Life is just really so much easier that way, and I can spend more time doing what I want.

I'm grateful for my health, now more than ever.

I'm excited that I can be in a symphony orchestra and continue my piano talents. If only I could find the time to practice more...

I'm glad that I have a good job with co-workers who are my friends.

And there is more, but I got busy at work. I love life!