Week 6: Adjusting to the Newness

These last few weeks have been an eye opener for me.

All of a sudden things smell differently and taste differently. I eat, sleep, and go to the bathroom differently. I cry easily, and I get moody easily. All of a sudden crackers and toilets have a completely new meaning in my life. My body has become a stranger to me.

I love the changes. Despite the crappiness and nausea, I love being reminded that I'm pregnant. Inside me, a small little life is forming and developing (at least I hope it's just one). I think it's amazing how my body is going through all these changes to ensure my baby develops.

Here is supposedly what my baby will look like by the end of next week:


A little alienish, I suppose. At least he's starting to resemble a human. He could have been anything last week.

*I tend to say "he" rather than "she," even though I have no clue what my baby's sex is yet. It just seems easier to say "he." It drives Emma crazy, though, since she insists on having a sister.

Photo Tag

I have been tagged again. For this one, the rules are simple: go to your 6th folder in your picture files, and choose the 6th photograph and upload it. Then tag five other people.

I had to modify the rules slightly, because I have too many folders in my picture collection. I choose the 6th folder of my pictures, then the 6th folder inside that folder, and then the 6th photograph from the folder-- gets kind of confusing. Here's what I got:

This photo was taken on June 11, 2006, exactly 6 days before my wedding. We were getting last minute preparations done on my in-law's house, since we were planning on having the reception there. Doesn't Emma look cute? She's only 5 years old in this picture.

We did finish the preparations on time. We had new carpet the day after this photograph was taken. The house looked gorgeous.

Thanks, Allison, for tagging me!

I now tag: Emily, Jocelyn, Lindsay, Jennifer, and Loralee.

Short Wedding Day Clips

All of my really good videos are too long to post on Blogger. Here are three short ones:

Rachel and Craig exciting the temple. They were so cute and looked so happy!

Rachel dancing with a bunch of kids at her reception. They looked like they were having fun.

I had to include this short clip of my dad dancing to the YMCA song. He's so cute!

Rachel's Wedding

My little sister is married now! Rachel and Craig offically tied the knot at the Los Angeles Temple this past weekend. Brad, Scott and Emma, and I all went to California to be at her wedding.

Here are a few of my favorite snapshots of her special day:

I always have to include photos of my cute little family.

Sheri (Rachel's best friend) and my sister, Susie.

Mr. and Mrs. Craig Montgomery

The bride and groom with my mommy and daddy.

Craig's parents: David and Margaret Montgomery

Rachel is so happy.

Thanks for making my and Emma's dress, Loralee!

I love this shot!

Me and my sisters.

First Snow of the Season

We had the first snow of the season this past weekend. The snow melted fast, though, but I still managed to quickly grab my camera and take some shots before the snow was completely gone.

I love this time of year! The air is chilly, the leaves are changing color, geese are flying south. . .
The autumn weather is beautiful, and I love it!

I've Been Tagged!

Here are the rules: I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to seven others.

Here are the questions:

1. Where is your cell phone? PURSE

2. Where is your significant other? BED

3. Your hair color? NATURAL

4. Your mother? WORKAHOLIC

5. Your father? DREAMER

6. Your favorite thing? FAMILY

7. Your dream last night? WEIRD...

8. Your dream/goal? HOUSE

9. The room you're in? BEDROOM

10. Your hobby? BLOGGING

11. Your fear? LOSS

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? UTAH

13. Where were you last night? NORTH'S

14. What you're not? STUPID

15. One of your wish-list items? VAN

16. Where you grew up? CALIFORNIA

17. The last thing you did? REHYDRATE

18. What are you wearing? UNDIES

19. Your TV? OFF

20. Your pet? ROSIE

21. Your computer? ON

22. Your mood? HUNGRY

23. Missing someone? SISTERS

24. Your car? SMALL

25. Something you're not wearing? SOCKS

26. Favorite store? WALMART

27. Your summer? FUN

28. Love someone? YES

29. Your favorite color? VIOLET

30. When is the last time you laughed? BEDTIME

31. Last time you cried? AWHILE

I now pass the award onto: 7 people...

Emily Hill

Loralee North

Eva St. Clair

Jennifer Saunders

Jocelyn Oliverson

Jill Ceser

Lindsay Ward

Rosie and I Keep Each Other Company

Today Rosie and I are the only ones at home. Brad and the kids are off at work and school, and my in-laws will be out of town all weekend long. The only one I have to keep me company is our big, white, shaggy poodle.

Rosie has been following me around the house like a shadow all morning, making sure I don’t run off somewhere. How is it that dogs know exactly where you are, even when they’re sleeping? I swear… she must have her own personal radar on at all times, or something. I can’t even sneak off to the bathroom without her waking up and following me with her big puppy eyes. If I go too far she’ll jump up in a flash, making sure I don’t escape.

Right now, Rosie is sleeping directly behind me on my bed. Sometimes she’ll stretch out her paws to touch me gently on my arm as I sit at the computer desk. I love hearing her breathe and feeling her warmth so close by. What’s really funny is when she makes little whimpers in her sleep. I often wonder what she might be dreaming about. Does she dream about strangers walking by our house? Does she dream about rats or cats? Maybe she dreams about food. Who knows?

I hope she dreams about me.

Pink Plus Sign

I'm only on gestational week number four, so this is still very early. I hope I'm not jinxing myself by making my news public so soon, but it's my first time being pregnant and I am very excited about it. I've been trying to get pregnant for 18 months, so this new development is very good news.

Simple Joys: Snuggling with Scott

Last night around ten o'clock, Scott came in my room while Brad was playing chess with our nephews, Jason and Michael. Scott noticed I was falling asleep on my bed, so he came over, leaned over my head, and lightly kissed me on the cheek. He whispered in my ear that he wanted to sleep next to me, so I let him climb into bed with me and wrap his arms around me. I thought it was sweet how he pressed his cheek against mine and quietly whispered how much he loved me in my ear. In response, I began stroking his soft blond hair and kissing his forehead. He snuggled up closer. Together we fell asleep in each others arms, listening to the laughter of Brad and the nephews in the dining room.

I am so grateful for simple moments like this one in my life. They mean a lot to me.

The Highlight of my Day: September 2008

Something good happens each day. Here's what happened in September:

September 1, 2008: Brad and I bought a new computer to replace our old one. The new one is GREAT!

September 2, 2008: I started reading "The Girl with the Pearl Earring," by Tracy Chevalier. Very good book!

September 3, 2008: I went to see my new OBGYN doctor and got a helpful report back. Scott's and Emma's parent-teacher conferences turned out well, too.

September 4, 2008: I did a lot of research today on diets and other health issues. I learned a lot of new things.

September 5, 2008: My highlight of the day was walking with Scott and Emma to school. They brighten up my day. :)

September 6, 2008: We went on a special family outing to the Tracy Aviary today. I bought a peacock feather for Emma and a 3D bee puzzle for Scott.

September 7, 2008: I lost 5 pounds in the last couple of days! Plus, my body is showing other signs that my fitness plan is working great. :)

September 8, 2008: I prepared and presented a great Family Home Evening lesson tonight. The topic was on making good choices.

September 9, 2008: Emma and I played a matching game with her spelling words. She won the first round and I won the second.

September 10, 2008: Brad and I went walking in the evening with Rosie, our dog. It was nice being outdoors in such beautiful weather.

September 11, 2008: I enjoyed helping Emma with her spelling words tonight. She wrote them on the sidewalk with a piece of chalk.

September 12, 2008: Today I was happy being an aunt. I love my family.

September 13, 2008: I lost 6.6 pounds in one week! Yipeee!

September 14, 2008: I liked snuggling on the couch with Emma today. She's such a sweetie.

September 15, 2008: I took Scott to his orthodontist appointment today. Scott is almost done with Phase 1 of his treatment!

September 16, 2008: Gave Brad a massage while watching "Camelot." It was nice being together.

September 17, 2008: Today was Scott's birthday! He turned 11 years old. I made him brownies and we sang Happy Birthday to him.

September 18, 2008: I passed my 20 pound mark today! The scale and I are friends. :)

September 19, 2008: I enjoyed reading "The Maidstone Lighthouse," by Sally Smith O'Rourke. A great ghost-story/romance.

September 20, 2008: Today was Scott's birthday party with the family. Brad and I went with Bruce and Loralee to the Conference Center to listen to the O.C. Tanner's Gift of Music 2008 concert. 'Twas wonderful!

September 21, 2008: Played "Nerts" with Bradley. I like giving him a hard time. He makes me laugh. :)

September 22, 2008: Emma's reading is improving greatly! I am so proud of her.

September 23, 2008: All four of us walked to school this morning, taking Rosie along with us. It was the first time we've done this all together. It was fun.

September 24, 2008: It was nice going out to eat with my mother-in-law and Amanda's family at "Joe's Crab Shack."

September 25, 2008: I enjoyed making a poster of camp photos for the young women in our ward. It brought back fun memories.

September 26, 2008: Played "Blockus" with Bruce, Loralee, and Brad.

September 27, 2008: Spent all day with my Bradley! We went shopping, out to eat, long drive... It was nice!

September 28, 2008: We celebrated Bruce's 40th birthday today! Loralee did a great job planning the surprise.

September 29, 2008: We had a great Family Home Evening on "Graditude."

September 30, 2008: I got my teeth cleaned! Scott, Emma, and I all went to the dentist today.