Logan is Four Weeks Old!

Logan is four weeks old TODAY! While I know that he is still very little, the last four weeks hve gone by so fast- which means that the nex four will go fast and so on. Then he'll be a big boy and I will cry. And even though it's only been four weeks, he's changed so much and we are beginning to see more and more of his personality. He's pretty laid back just like his Daddy. But he gets grouchy when he's hot or hungry just like me! I know I'm pretty biased but I think he's the most perfect baby ever!

He's Here!

After a long last month of pregnancy- and no internet to update the blog, we have a beautiful baby boy! Logan James Waller was born on July 16th. He weighed seven pounds two ounces and was 19 inches long and looks just like his daddy!

My awesome sister came to Rio Rancho at the end of June because I was told that I probably would not make it to my due date of July 14th. Boy were they wrong! After a week of her being here and waiting, we decided to take matters into our own hands. We walked up hills, I ate certain types of food, bounced on an excersise ball, played the Wii Sport (PS I ROCK at the hula hoop game) and still nothing. Three and a half weeks later I finally went into labor! I have never been so excited to go to the hospital and be in pain! After a night and half a day in the hospital we finally had our boy!

Mike and my sister were in the delivery room. It was the most surreal and amazing thing I have ever (and will ever) gone through in my entire life. I was so glad to have their support. Nothing will ever compare to the bond we all have now with each other. I feel so blessed to not only have had my husband and sister share the experience with me but at the same time my two best friends. Mike's parents waited the whole night too and were so excited to welcome their first grandchild into the world. Later that day everyone else came pouring in to see us including my mom. It may not be her first grandchild, but I've never seen her so happy! We've and a ton of people visit us at home too, including Mike's grandmother. This is her first great-grandchild. She was so over joyed to see him. I was so excited to see her so happy. Logan is so lucky to have so many people love him so very much already! I have a feeling he's going to be very spoiled!

Unfortunatly, because he made his appearance so late, Aunt Sissy had to go home when he was just a few days old. It broke both our hearts! Luckily, the internet is a great thing and although it's not the same at least Aunt Sissy can get a picture everyday!

The last two weeks have been been a tired blur but I wouldn't change it for anything in the world! I knew I would love him and I knew I would be happy but I never thought it would be like this. No other feeling compares to what it like to be someone's mommy! I think my sister said it best, "How can you love someone so much that you just met?" She's so right.

I've Been Showered!

This week was crazy! I started of the week with my a huge baby shower thrown by my ultra fabulous mother-in-law, Paula. She really knocked herself out! I walked in the the house was decorated super cute with blue decor and flowers. She made a huge dinner of ham and different kinds of salad and the best punch ever- I drank half the punch bowl (then had many trips to the potty of course). About 15 people were there including some friends I hadn't seen in way too long! It was great to see everyone and play tons of games. Everybody was wonderful and super generous. I had a wonderful time and couldn't have asked for more!

After Monday, we packed and packed (and are still not done)-until Saturday. Saturday we drove to Las Cruces for part two of baby shower week. What a great way to bookend a week! Leslie and Alicia threw me a wonderul and relaxing baby shower that afternoon. We had wonderful food -including cubed cheese...it tastes so much better in a cube(I'm not crazy- Diana feels the same way- she even wished me cubed cheese love in my wedding album and now for my baby!) Alicia made me an awesome diaper cake and I got some of the cutest stuff! Leslie made everthing look so nice and her parents are precious letting us use their beautiful home. I had a blast at both of my showers and it was great to see everyone! They were so generous- Logan is so loved and he's not even here yet!

The fun did not stop after the shower either. We stayed with Alicia, Greg and the girls- we always have a blast with them! We got home and Greg made his awesome tacos- my very favorite. After tacos we went and saw Night at the Museum and laughed hysterically and ate so much candy we all were hyped up. I say we all but I think it was mostly Kaci and I but that's okay! After that Mike and I went to see my friend Liz and her super cute little girl. It was like a huge Las Cruces reunion. This morning we went to Cracker Barrel with Rebecca! It was so great to see everyone!

Here are some pictures from the baby shower in Santa Fe. I'll post the pictures from te Las Cruces party when I get them from Alicia (she was the paparazzi for the event!)

Make a Smilebox photobook

We're Moving!

So after looking, looking and looking some more we finally found a house we love! we've had a hard time finding something right for us but we did yay! We found a super cute three bedroom house in Rio Rancho. And get this- we close in just a month! We are thrilled and feel so lucky to be blessed with this great thing! We of course would not have been able to be in a house this fast if it weren't for Mike's parents- I would normally say they are the best in-laws in the world- but I don't like the in-law thing- they are awesome family! We are so excited- we'll keep posted on the big move! I hate moving, but hopefully this will be the last time we have to move for a long time!

More Fun Pictures!

Here are some more pictures of my adventures with Jenna and Kaci that I just got from Alicia!








The girls and I on the "dock."

My Awesome Weekend with the Groves!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I love having company and the last two weeks have been full of my favoritist people ever coming to visit me! Week before last my sister and her mommy came to see me and this last weekend Jenna, Kaci, Alicia and eventually Greg came to visit! The girls and Alicia got in on Thursday and on Friday we got up all ready to go to the zoo- but alas it twas not meant to be. Of course the week before it was beautiful in Albuquerque all warm and spring like. This week when we wanted to go to the zoo, it was cold and icky- isn't that the way it always seems to work? So we came up with Plan B. We picked up Greg's brother Don (He is a for real opera singer- he is in town for a show) and went to the Aquarium and Botanical Gardens. Although we knew where we wanted to go and what general vecinity it was in, we were not exactly sure of its location. We knew it was next to the zoo downtown and there would be signs. So we started cruisin' downtown until we came to a sign that said zoo with an arrow so we followed the sign. The sign putter upper in downtown Albuquerque has a sense of humor it seems. Not only was it not the right way, we ended up in the weirdest part of Albuquerque I have ever seen. Finally after using map quest on Don's phone (why did we not do that sooner? Hhmmmm) we found what street we needed to be on and come to find out, we ended on up on the same street we originally started on. Mean ol sign putter upper!

We had a blast at the aquarium and I have decided that next time I go to a place like that I have to take a kid- it is so much more fun! The girls had a blast! We all did I think. Alicia got some great pictures and the girls and I got to pet real live sting rays (don't worry- there was no Crocodile Hunter reenactments- the stingers had been taken out). We went on to the botanical gardens and had the most fun in the children's garden there. It really is one of the coolest places I have ever been. It looks like the set from 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids.' There's a huge vegetable garden, watering can, birds nest and people sized ants and bugs. There's also a giant pumpkin the size of a building. The seeds are about the size of an iron. We went through the maze, slid down the log slide and played in the sand castle. That's right IN the sand castle. There's a castle tower with a giant sandbox inside. There is so much to see at the Botanical Gardens including a farm house and model train scene and of course gorgeous flowers! I think it may be one of my very favorite places!

After all of that most people would have gone home- but not us!!! We then drived ourselves to the mall for Cinnabon and Build-A-Bear- the two great comforts of life. And this time we did not get lost because we did not follow any rogue signs! We built bears (and bunnies) and do you think we were done then- NO! It's spring break and we had much more fun to have. So we went to the movies and saw Bolt and ate tons of gummy bears! Only then, did we all go home!

The next morning we got up and met Greg, his parents and some family friends at the mall for lunch and shopping. Greg and Alicia went to watch Don in his Opera (which they said was awesome) while the girls, Mike and I went to Chik-Fil-A had kids meals and played in the neatest play place thing ever. If I was not huge pregnant I think I would have played in there myself. We topped the night off by going to Barnes and Noble to get hot chocolate, chai tea lattes (Jenna's favorite) and a big cookie. That's why I rock. I get the girls all riled up and then pump 'em full of sugar- I am so gonna regret it in about three months! I probably will eventually also regret giving the girls a 5 pound bag of gummy bears for Valentine's Day. HHmmmmm...I think my days are numbered. I'm sure Alicia and Greg will remember such things when Logan is at just the right age!

Mike and I had a ton of fun and are so glad they came to see us! We can't wait for the next trip!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My BIG Suprise

Sunday morning on of my goodest friends Monique called me and asked if I wanted to go to dinner that evening. I of course accepted, needing a distraction because Mike is gone and because it has been awhile since we caught up on each others lives After a wonderful dinner (and dessert) we drive back to my apartment to go to sleep. When we got out of the car, low and behold out of a car pops my sister! She lives in Dallas and I do not get to see her that often! I was so excited and shocked to the point of speechlessness which if you know me at all, will realize what a big deal that is! I got even more excited to know that she brought her mommy, who is like my other mommy (I love her a ton- she is precious), with her! We have had a great time! They drove all that way and spoiled me and baby Logan to the point of sheer rotteness! They really are two of the most caring and generous people I have ever known! I am so lucky to have such a great family that loves me so much! And although I am super sad they left today (yes, Sissy I did cry- I can't help it!), I am so glad they came! My sister seems to know exactly what I need- and right then I needed some love, so she and Pat drove 600 miles to love me! I am so blessed!

We took some hysterical and cute pictures- those to come!

I Got a Job, I Got a Job, LaLaLaLa....!

I have been working at a local daycare and although I like the people I'm working with and for, I come home exhausted and my hours are hit and miss. Last Thursday Mike came home and said that a position opened up at an agents office about 10 minutes from our apartment. I told him to inform the HR lady that I was interested, thinking I would find out more in a few days and to be honest really wasn't holding my breath. Even deciding that I would go for it was a big deal and I had to be counseled by all those close to me as to what to do (Thanks to all that helped!). I just hate to disappoint people and leave them in a bad place which is what I have had to do with the daycare, to two very hard working, supportive ladies. The next day I helped my mom move into her new way awesome apartment. In the middle of the lease signing, Mike called to tell me that I had an interview at four o'clock the same day! They didn't care what I was wearing they just wanted to talk to me right away! I went to the office at four, which incidently is only two blocks away from my mom's apartment which makes everything that much more easy for me, and met the sweetest two ladies I think I had ever met (and hysterical)! They asked me a few questions and in about 10 minutes I was signing my paperwork and talking about when I would start! In the beginning I will be answering phones and other secretarial type work, but it has the potential to become more than that. It may not sound that exciting to some, but I am so happy about the way this has turned out. I would love to go to a job where I didn't bring everything home with me, where I don't come home exhausted and be able to concentrate on staying healthy and having a great and enjoyable pregnancy. I'm also making more, with benefits and paid leave.

I was so stressed a couple of weeks ago about how we were going to pay for everything and feeling like I wasn't doing my share of helping with our life, until I read this scripture in a book called Worms in My Tea that I was re-reading for the first time in about 6 years. I flipped it open and read a chapter out of order. It was just what I needed on that day. I don't think things like that are a coincidence.

The scripture was from Matthew 6:31-34:
So do not worry saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all of these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all of these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

It was just what I needed. It reminded me to pray and have faith that I will be taken care of. It was just a week later I was given this opportunity and I couldn't be more thankful!

My Sister

Today is my sister's birthday! She is 27 years old and so pretty! Anyway, she is the awesomest. On HER birthday I get a huge box of goodies for me and baby Logan. She's super sweet like that! She sent 11 different outfits, burp cloths and blankets for Little Logan and maternity tops for me. Who else sends something to their sister for their own birthday?! She's too good to me! Not only is she generous but she's so kind and loving and is always thinking of others. I couldn't have asked for a better sister and friend (and she is a fabulous Aunt already but she's gonna be a rockin Aunt Sissy!). I hope she has the bestest birthday ever (even though she has to work) she deserves it!

Not Nice!

SO I was supposed to have an interview this past Wednesday at a very cute Christian bookstore. I was so excited! Images of being able to pay bills and saving money for baby Logan were dancing through my head! However, these pretty images were not meant to be. I had an interview with the same store in January but never heard anthing back. When they called me last Friday for a second interview I was thrilled. Wednesday approaches and I get a call stating that my interview for the day has been cancelled because the position has been filled. Fair and right? I think not. I know life isn't fair but why when its being unfair does it then have to kick you straight in the teeth?

The Ever Expanding Belly

I keep getting requests to show my belly because people think that pregnant bellies are cute- I think that also but not on myself! I feel like I am a lot bigger than I should be! Here's what I look like now at almost 20 weeks!
P.S. We have a middle name! The baby's name will be/is (?) Logan James Waller- I know the middle name is soooo shocking but I am so happy he has a whole name!

It's Really in There

Every time I go to the midwife I am asked, "have you felt your baby move yet?" And every time I almost cry and say no. My midwife, sweet lady she is tells me that's okay most first time mothers don't feel things right away. I still feel like a bad mother (already!) no matter what she says. But as of today I am a bad mother no more (at least for the time being)! I felt little Logan move this morning and there wasn't any mistaking it! It as magical to say the least, but also the strangest thing. I have known I was pregnant, obviously, I was in awe at the ultra sound but only know do I truly feel like there's really somehin in there! I've known but its different when you can actually feel it! You would think all of the doctors apointments and ever expanding belly would make it more real and it does but nothing prepares for the actual feeling!

Our Newest Addition

While all who read this know we are expecting a little boy this July, we decided to do something special for the little guy. First we would like to announce that our baby's name will be Logan... middle name to come. I know the anonymous commenter mentioned it but the funny thing is is that we have been considering that name for about two months! It was like a sign I think! Anyway, we wanted to do something for little Logan so we went to Build-A-Bear workshop tonight and made him his very own customized bear! It was so much fun! Although I have been through the whole experience before (I have my own bear...sometimes I forget how old I am!) it was Mike's first time. He does not get as revved up as I do about such things cuz he's a boy, but he had fun none the less!

Our Bears Birth Certificate



They had an Aggie shirt all the way up here! It was meant to be! We couldn't resist. We named the bear Scout. we were in a naming mood!

It's a Boy!

The first picture is the frontal view of his face. The second and third picture are profiles of the face. I didn't put the "boy" picture up, because I'm not sure how appropriate it is!

Finally the day is here! We got up this morning- before dawn I was not a happy camper about that- but we had to go see what kind of baby we were having! We are having da da da...a boy! We are so excited and now we can finally know what to buy! As soon as the technician put the thingy on my belly there it was! Apparently this boy has no shame already! Mike is over the moon, because even though he originally tried to deny it he wanted a boy! Now all that's left is agreeing on a name. Pray for us!

Ace of Cakes...more like Dunce

So...yeah. I got bored a couple of days ago and in my pregnancy mindedness (yes its a real term..I just invented it) I wanted chocolate. BUT in my laziness I didn't want to go anywhere so I started lookin in my cookbooks. I shoulda known better! I found this recipe for chocolate pound cake. I have never made a pound cake- I buy the kind Sara Lee makes that comes out of the aluminum pan. I figured it would make a small loaf pans worth of cake and thats just what I "needed" to calm the craving. The recipe said a tube pan, I have never heard of such a pan, but I figured a loaf pan would achieve the same result. I was wrong. Apparently that means a bundt pan- why can't it just say that? Plus bundt is a fun word to say hehe. The loaf pan is fine- however, you need about six of them to use ALL of the batter. Also I know why it is called pound cake- it has literally one pound of butter! My arteries clogged just mixing it! After digging out all the four pans that I thought would work, two loaf pans, and two heart pans, I had to bake the blob that weighed about six pounds, as it then became known, for almost two hours because of the high elevation. So after wanting the chocolate so bad, it was already 11:00 at night and the cake(s) were still hot. So we have had pound cake everyday now for almost four days. So forgetting, because I think the baby is sucking all my brain cells out, about the catastrophe that created a mountain of dishes and wasted hours of time, today I thought I would make a real cake out of the two heart cakes left over. I needed frosting. Again, too lazy to go buy some Duncan Hines, I thought I could make some. The recipe seemed easier than the cake so I thought why not? I made the frosting, no hitches, but they left out some directions. Of course. You must let said frosting cool dramatically. It was thin but I thought why not just pour it on the cake? Hahahahaha....because it will take over! This cake is out of control and so sweet that it makes your two front teeth literally hurt! I think I will stick to box cakes and maybe just get off my big butt the next time and go buy the Sara Lee pound cake that you thaw and pop out of the aluminum. There's a reason why it has been around for so many years and people still buy it!

Boy or Girl?

One more day............. YAY...................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boy or Girl?

2 days......

Boy or Girl?

3 days......

Boy or Girl?

4 1/2 days and counting.....

Yay!

Yay! We finally have internet!!! But boo because I still have to wait seven more days before we find out if the baby is a boy or a girl and I'm tired of waiting! We went to the doctor last week- who by the way is the cutest little british lady ever (I want to put her in my pocket and take her home) only to find out that yet again we are unable to see our baby!!! Don't we have the right to see our own child? Isn't the puking and the exhaustion worth a peek or something? We did get to hear the heartbeat again though, a sound I never get tired of hearing and after the cute lady squished my stomach around and made me have to pee, everything seems to be going well. Wednesday we went to a meet the midwives seminar (the british lady is a midwife) to find out more information about midwives and we got to take a tour of the hospital. The maternity ward is very nice- they just built it about six months ago so its beautiful. I was excited and then realized the next time I would be there in those rooms I would probably be in the most intense and awful pain of my life. HHmmmm...puts it all in perspective! :)I also found it disturbing that there is a mirror in the delivery room. Upon leaving said room I informed my very mortified husband (they showed a movie, and it showed, well, everything) that under no circmstances that the mirror would be allowed in the room at any time and to be prepared to cover it with whatever was availabe upon entrance. He informed me that he already had it covered and noticed that the mirror had wheels and could be turned around- he was already planning on taking care of it for me. If I ever doubted that this man was my one and only soul mate all doubts went away when he informed me of this plan immediatly upon walking into the room. We are truly meant for each other. It's amazing how something so small can totally make you love someone so much more!

On the up side of life, Mike has taken almost all of his training tests and passed with 90% and more (thank the Lord cuz if he failed we moved for nothing!) all kidding aside, I knew he would do well. He works so hard at everything he does! Anyway, I am very proud of him. The job market is pretty stinky here but I have been subbing for a pre school. And after a day with those kiddos I am exhausted.

Quick Update

So it's been a month since I updated- that's because it's been a month since I had the internet! We are doing okay and afer a TON of work we are moved into our apartment in Albuquerque. Mike is LOVING his new job and I have yet to find one. It's rough for teachers around here right now. I'm still feeling sick and sleepy but I am officially 15 weeks pregnant so it should get better! We find out on the 30th if we're having a boy or a girl and I couldn't be more excited! It's driving me crazy but the mystery is almost over!