Christmas 2010

Christmas this year was fun with Maren. We went out to breakfast on Christmas Eve to One Man Band. That night we had our party at Jared's parents house. That is always fun, and tons of food. We opened some of our presents that night.

Christmas morning we opened presents at home - Jared bought me tickets to go see "Back from the Future" at Desert Star Theatre in January. My Mom and Joe got tickets from his kids for Christmas so they decided they will go with us. It will be a fun night. Anyway- after we opened our presents we went to Jared's parents for breakfast and more presents. Afterwards we headed to my Grandparents house for presents. I made my Grandma a calendar with all of the grand kids in it. I think she loved it!

Then we went to my Mom and Joe's for more presents and dinner. It was fun to see what everyone got. Jared got money so he decided to buy a new camera- pretty little and nice! Overall we had a good year, Maren was spoiled with lots of toys and clothes! It was a fun year with her, we are so blessed to have her in our lives.

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY

Loved it so I had to share! Merry Christmas everyone!

Just busy getting ready for Christmas. We are excited that Jared's sister and her family are coming this year. It will be fun for Maren to have her first Christmas even though she will have no idea what is going on. I have 3 more days of work this week and then 2 weeks off for Christmas break!

Thanksgiving 2010

This year for Thanksgiving we went to Vegas to visit my sister and her family. It was a fun time! We left early on Wednesday morning after a snow storm the night before which left the roads icy in spots up to Beaver. We just took it slow and made it safe. We went down with my Mom and step dad Joe, Grandma & Grandpa Bruin, Uncle Rich, Aunt Meri, Luke and Leah and my Uncle Craig.
We got there Wednesday night and went over to Krista's place for a little while then met up with my Mom and went to visit Krista at Target, we bought Maren a few clothes there and then went to Yummy's - a Chinese restaurant for dinner.
On Thursday we ate at SouthPointe where everyone was staying- it was good food. Afterward we all went bowling. It was fun but I am a horrible bowler! We had a good time. Then we left there and went to visit Tyler, Marilyn and their daughter Addi. Tyler was the best man at our wedding and then have moved to Vegas from California during this past year. It was fun to see their place and hang out for awhile.
Friday morning Jared got up early and went and did some shopping by himself while I took care of Maren. After he got back we went shopping with my Mom and sister for awhile then met Tyler and Marilyn for lunch/dinner. We ate at the Claim Jumper- such good food and amazing service. We did a little more shopping and went back to Krista's for the night.
Saturday morning we hit the outlets on the way out of town- shopped there for a few hours and headed home with all the traffic! It really wasn't too bad, Maren did awesome until we got to Nephi and then wanted out of her seat. I sat in the backseat with her the rest of the way home. We had a good trip, but it's always nice to be home and able to sleep in your own bed. We all slept great last night!
Thanks Krista and Trent for letting us stay! We love you guys!

Maren rolled over in her crib yesterday. She couldn't figure out how to roll back on her stomach and started crying so hard she had to catch her breath . She is growing way too fast!
We are going to Vegas for Thanksgiving this year to be with my sister and her family. Should be interesting driving there with a baby!

Maren has two bottom teeth! I noticed one coming in on one day and the next felt another one. I will get a picture if she will let me without sticking her tongue out and covering them up. She is also so close to rolling over on her belly from her back. I'm sure it will happen soon! She's growing too fast. She loves veggies..sweet potatoes and green beans are the favorites so far.

Anniversary weekend away

Weekend away to Midway

6 year anniversary

stayed in the timeshare

went shopping- quite a bit of shopping actually

ate at some pretty good places

took the baby swimming for the first time & she loved it.

saw some deer in someones yard, eating and took video of it

had a good time with friends &

in-laws came up and took us to lunch

had a nice relaxing weekend away!

Love my husband and baby girl!

Maren loves to pick up her legs and drop them. I can hear her in her crib doing it right now (she should be taking a nap).

She has started to put her feet in her mouth and chew on her socks.

There is a mobile in her crib, she will stick her foot up and touch the lion going around to make it spin and watch it go around, then do it again.

Maren loves to stick her tongue out and drowl all over. She mainly does it at her Dad.

She loves to fall asleep with her Daddy holding her.

5 months old!

Maren is 5 months today. Here are a few pictures of her. We went to Park City for my birthday with our friends Susie & Steve. We went to the street fair, they bought us lunch for my birthday and we went to the outlets. We hit the park too. We found these sunglasses for .19. What a bargain!

Not much changes day to day in our house. Maren is growing bigger and stronger every day. I can't believe next week she will be 5 months already! Really time has gone so quickly. She is getting her personality and making us laugh all the time. She is such a good baby. Maren won't suck on a pacifier, she prefers her thumb which she is just learning about. We are so blessed to have this baby in our lives, don't know what we would do without her now!
Work is going good. We have been back in school a month now. Jared's parents do such a good job with Maren while I am at work. I worry- but not as much as if she went to a stranger. At least I know they are loving her and taking good care of her everyday.

This past week Maren rolled from her stomach to her back - then started screaming because I got all excited. The first time Jared thought it was a fluke, but she did it again! She also tried cereal for the first time. She gave me some very funny faces, I'm sure it isn't too tasty!

Two big accomplishments in a week!

4 Months

We had Maren's 4 month appointment today. Here are her stats:

Length: 24.25"- 50%
Weight: 13.5 pounds- 50%
Head circ: 41.5 cm- 75%

She is growing so fast. Dr. Foster also told me we can start Maren on some rice cereal. Wonder how she will like that?!

Back to work!

I go back to work on Monday! Seriously- where did the time go? Maren is 15 weeks now so I guess I should be glad I got such a long time off with her. I did have a full month longer than the rest of my co-workers. I do think it will be nice to not be so tight on money- and I know Jared is happy I am going back. Hopefully I can save money from each check so next summer I can spend it with my daughter instead of working. I am grateful that I have a job I love- even though it will be so hard to leave my baby everyday. I am also grateful she will be with Nana & Papa (Jared's parents) so I know she will be loved.

This picture of her cracks us up. When she drinks her bottle she has to have her hands somewhere by her head. Usually just like the picture shows. If she is really tired then she puts her hand behind her head and plays with her hair. I pulled her bottle out and snapped this picture.

3 months

Maren is 3 months old today. Where does the time go? She is growing so fast. I think this is a fun age, she smiles and is happy most of the time. Unless of course she is hungry, or tired. She is doing great at sleeping through the night, usually it is 8 hours. Some nights a little bit less. Hopefully she keeps that up. She LOVES her bath. We love this little girl!

You would think I had something to blog about, but really nothing exciting is going on right now. We are just staying busy...me with Maren and Jared at work. I go back to work in just a few short weeks. It will be very weird to not be with my baby all day long. She is growing so fast and getting fun. Maren still is not a fan of sleeping during the day but night time she is doing awesome- usually 7 or 8 hours a night (which we LOVE). When I go back to work she gets to go to Jared's parents house where she will be spoiled I am sure. This summer is just going by way too fast!

2 months

We went to Maren's 2 month checkup today. She didn't like the shots very much, hopefully with the tylenol she will be okay.
Here are her stats:

Height: 22 inches- 26%
Weight- 10 pounds 13 ounces - 40%
Head circ- 40 cm - 75%

She is growing so fast! I can't believe she is up to 10 pounds already! She loves her food.

Aunt Monica

My Aunt Monica finally returned to her heavenly home after a 19 year battle with cancer. She was married to my Mom's brother Craig. They were divorced a few years ago so I have only seen Monica a few times since then. The last time was at my cousin Ryan's graduation party-just a few weeks ago where she got to see Maren. She was so excited that we had finally had a baby. I have very good memories of Monica while I was growing up. She was always so loving towards me. One memory I have is going with her, my Mom, Aunt Sarah, Grandma and cousin Erica to California to go Christmas shopping. Monica knew all the places in LA to shop...we had such a fun time together. I always always thought she was so neat because she owned a nail salon, and I always asked her to put on my acrylic nails..which she did for my wedding. I know she will be missed by many. I love you Monica!

This past weekend we went to my step Dad's cabin @ Panguitch Lake. We had a good time with my Mom, step Dad, Grandparents and Uncle Rich and his family. Last night they pulled out the guns for some target shooting. My step Dad had a 22 caliber and a 40 caliber gun. I just watched at first and decided I would shoot the little gun, it was fun but I hit nothing! Then my step Dad told me to shoot the big gun since my Grandpa wouldn't do it. I shot off one shot and hit the can! It did have some kick back.

Maren did alright for her first trip away. I was worried she wouldn't sleep very good in the pack and play. The first night wasn't that great- I slept less than she did because I heard every sound she made. Last night was better.
We enjoy going to the cabin and just getting away from everything.

I had my 6 week checkup at the Doctor on Tuesday. I weigh less now then I did before I got pregnant! How did that happen? I am thinking it may be because I can never finish a meal because I have a baby that likes to be fussy while I eat. I really don't know!

Maren's blessing day

4 generations..Grandma Bruin, Mom, Melanie and Maren
My Mom was the first born girl of her Mom, I was the first born girl of my Mom and Maren was the first born girl of me..pretty neat huh?

Maren was blessed yesterday by her father. It was so neat to hear the blessing that she was promised, she looked so pretty in her white dress. Jared looked handsome in his shirt and tie, if you know him you know he hates to wear dress clothes- the last time he wore them was when we got married almost 6 years ago. I am happy that he was able to bless our daughter.

We had a lot of family and friends come to the occasion and then we had lunch after at Jared's parents house. It was a special day for our family.

Thanks to all that were able to make it!

Last night I had a night out. I went with some friends to see "Letters to Juliet". What a cute movie, but a major chick flick. It was fun to get out, Jared stayed home and watched Maren so I could go.

Maren is now 5 weeks old. This picture isn't the best quality, it was early in the morning and she had fallen asleep holding her binky..too cute!

Maren- 4 weeks old

Jared had yesterday off. We went into my work so the kids in my class could see Maren, I had promised them I would visit before summer so they could see her. We then went to 5 guys for lunch and to the Aquarium. Jared had never been to The Living Planet Aquarium, we also wanted to see the penguins. They were so cute! It was worth going just for that. It was a fun outing..one Maren won't remember but we had a good time!

We go to the Pediatrician tomorrow for Maren's 2 week check up. She is a good baby, minus the not sleeping so well at night. She crys and crys if we put her down before she falls asleep...and then she wakes herself up! I tried to swaddle her last night and she hated it- she fought to get her hands free- my little escape artist! She sleeps for a few hours at a time...some nights. Others like last night she just keeps on waking up. I got so exhausted that I had to just let her cry- Jared got up and went and held her. I am feeling better from the delivery - that took about a week, now if I could just get some much needed sleep we will be good!

I am getting out of the house tonight- Jared will stay home with Maren. The 2nd graders have a singing program for their parents and I am going to go. It will be fun to see the kids and I know they will be disappointed that I don't bring the baby. I did promise them I would bring her in before school lets out- we will go in next week!

Krista,Braelym and Maren

Going Private

We decided that since we now have Maren (and let's face it, most of the posts will probably be about her) that we are going private on our blog. So if you want to be able to read about our lives I need your email.

Her first week

Our first week at home has been quite interesting. I have been going on very little sleep, as all new Mom's probably do. Jared was off of work until Thursday- it was great having him home with us, I could nap during the day while he watched Maren. Now that he is back at work it is a little bit more tricky. I try to rest when she does, a little bit a time. Jared's Mom has come a few times so I can take a nap, which has been great. Last night she finally slept for 3 hours straight at night- she hasn't done that before, just screams when we lay her down- and then another 3 hours after her bottle. That was so nice! I will probably jinx myself and it won't happen again for a while! Cross your fingers! We are happy she is here, healthy and strong. Her Daddy loves to come home and hold her, I think he misses her when he goes to work.

Maren's birthI

Maren Jean

6 lbs. 13 oz.

21 inches

born at 2:36 p.m.
4/30/10

I went in to visit the Doctor on Thursday. He told me I would have some light spotting so I expected that but I had more blood then I thought was normal- I really had no idea what normal would be. So by Friday morning when I got up I was bleeding. Because I didn't know what was normal, so I was worried something strange was happening. I told Jared I was worried and he told me to call the Doctor to let them know what was going on. I called the answering service and the Doctor on call called me back within 5 minutes. I explained to him what was going on and he said to come and to labor and delivery and they would check me out to make sure everything was fine. SO we went into the hospital. They hooked me up to a monitor- two actually- one for a heartbeat and one to monitor my contractions. My Doctor came in and checked me again - I was at a 3+, they watched me for about 10 minutes and the Nurse came in and said "Well we don't measure many contractions but we are just going to keep you and induce you today". Which we were just fine with.

They moved me across the hall to the labor room. At around 10 am, they broke my water, started my IV and the pitocin. Once I started having contractions they HURT like no other, and I asked for my epidural. That was a lifesaver! I praise whoever invented that...I don't know that I could have given birth to a baby without it (I guess I could have but it would not be a pretty experience). At 12:00 they checked me again and I was an 8. I was comfortable at this point, but then I started to feel a lot of pressure, and all of the sudden I was a 9 +. It really did move pretty fast. So they got my Doctor back and I pushed about 7 times and we had a baby! She was perfect.

40 weeks- and still preggo!

Who would have thought I would make it this far? I was expecting to have her a week - or two - ago. I guess she must be comfortable where she is, as for me, I am getting uncomfortable. Jared said tonight I don't look as pregnant- I think she has dropped. I go back into my doctor tomorrow and I will try to talk him to starting me in the near future. Hopefully by the first of next week, we will see what he says! I am happy she has stayed as long as she has because now I now she will have fully developed lungs and will be healthy! BUT we are ready- so is my Mom and Jared's parents, my sister and every other person I know!

39 weeks

I'm looking a little bit more pregnant, don't ya think?

We finally got moved in and got our Internet back so I can update my blog. I went into the Dr. yesterday for a checkup and now I'm at a 2+ and still 80% effaced. At least now my Dr. is back in town, so I am ready to go any day now. HE will let me go a week over- I go back in on Thursday a day after my due date. Guess we will see what happens.
We also have almost everything put away, a few things to hang up and a couple more boxes to unpack. I am done working now- though Jared thinks I should work next week too! The kids in my class were really cute yesterday. They got permission from our director to wear purple (they wear uniforms) because it is my favorite color. They made me this big sign that said "We love you Mrs. Young", sang me a few songs and had a little party because I am done working, it did make me cry- as well as most of the girls in my class. They were sad to see me go but I told them I would be back to visit. We are just waiting now for the baby to arrive.

We are in the process of moving, all our stuff in is in the garage and front room. Jared's Dad is painting some bedrooms and we need to clean the carpets. The fridge will come on Monday, so hopefully by then we will be living in the house.
I went to the Doctor yesterday- no change from last week. Still about a 2 and 80%. I know that things can change pretty fast but my Doctor says "think that you might go a week over, most first time Mom's go 4 days over"- not something I want to hear at this point! BUT I have been patient and just need to be patient a little bit more. She will be here before we know it.

37 week checkup

At my appointment today I was 1 1/2 (he said 1 +) and 80 % effaced, so I guess I am progressing. He also had to search for Maren's heartbeat, which I knew she was fine because she was moving right before Dr. Irion came in it still made me nervous! BUT once he found her heartbeat he said "There is a good heartbeat", she just wanted to make me jump I guess. We go back in next Thursday- the same day we are able to move into the house. My doctor is also going out of town for a week- to Cancun- can't say I blame him but it will be weird to have another doctor deliver me if it happens to be the week he is gone. I guess we deal with it when/if it happens!

37 weeks

Update

We found a house to rent in the same stake, it is in Kiowa Valley..for those of you that know where that is. We are pretty happy about it and can move in on April 15th. Hopefully the baby will stay where she is for now, but if not we will just deal with it. I have been having some braxton hicks contractions which are just getting me prepared I guess. They aren't hurting just a lot of tightening. I go back in on Wednesday and we will see if I have made any progress. As of last Thursday I was 1 1/2 cm dilated and 70 % effaced. I guess now would be the time to get my bags packed. What do I take to the hospital?

We had our final baby shower yesterday, and got two essential items.

#1- Car seat & Stroller - from my Grandma & Aunt Sarah. This is something we need of course before they will let us leave the hospital. We put the stroller together last night and I love the fabric, hopefully it will be good for Maren.

#2- A Bumbo Seat- we have heard this is a must have item, my Aunt Teresa & Uncle Doug bought this for Maren, hopefully she likes this too.

My Mom also made the cutest quilt for Maren that I will have to take a picture of and post. I believe we have all that we need for now, of course we still need to buy some formula and more diapers but other than that we are pretty ready.

We have moved, well for the most part. We still have a few items in the house that we are slowly getting out. Thankfully Jared had a few helpers that came over on Friday and Saturday and then my Mom and step-dad came out on Sunday. All of our stuff is now is Jared's parents garage. I really wasn't much help, I could pack boxes but I didn't move a thing! Hopefully we can find something within the next few weeks- a rental- so we can get settled before Maren arrives! Cross your fingers and say your prayers for us.
On other note- 5 weeks remain until our bundle of joy arrives--IF we make it that long, who knows with her being our first.

34 week appointment

My 34 week appointment was today. My Doctor measured me, and listened to Maren's heartbeat. He also said he could feel her head is down, her back on my left side, her bum on top and her feet on the left side..how they know this is beyond me. I guess they have delivered enough babies to be able to tell. My blood pressure was also good. He told me the signs to watch for if I am going into labor, and to pay attention to the kicks I feel. I go back in 2 weeks and he will check to see if I have dilated and check for the strep test.

On another note, we are moving. We have to be out of the house by April 5th. We are trying to find somewhere to rent in our price range, which could be a townhouse or a house. Plus we have our dog, so it limits our options. For now we are going to move stuff into my in-laws garage and maybe live there for a few weeks. Hopefully we can find something before Maren is born. Crazy timing I know!

2 shower day

This past weekend I had 2 baby showers in the same day. IT started off in the morning with my ward having a baby shower. It was fun to sit and talk and get some cute things. Maren got clothes, wipes, baby monitors, and other essentials. It was so nice of the girls that came, I will miss this ward when we move.

The second shower of the day was with my Dad's side of the family. My Aunt Lois and Aunt Sharon had it for me. It was fun to see all my cousins, I wish my sister could have been there! BUT she is hopefully coming up the end of the month for another shower. At that shower Maren got a stroller, a quilt that my Aunt Lois made and the family tied, a play mat and more clothes. We have about 200 diapers that are size 1..is that enough? I have no idea! I am sure more will be coming, I have 2 showers to go! Everyone is just so excited for this new life to come! I just need to remember to take some pictures next time!

33 weeks

It is kind of interesting how much your body changes while your pregnant. It may not seem as if I am that that big- yet- but I feel it, really I do. Sleep is getting harder to come by.

This week was a hard one, the teacher I work with was sick..all week long! Which usually would be okay, I could handle it just fine but I run out of energy. Every day I came home exhausted. So I decided I would take Monday off and do nothing- except go and pick up my check at work!

I had a baby shower with Jared's side of the family yesterday. It was fun. I got alot of new things- including some diapers and the crib set for Maren's crib. Plus- more cute clothes. Nana & Poppa (Jared's parents) gave us the pack and play, and my Mom made a car seat cover for the car seat, it is so cute! She did a great job. I will take a picture of that when I have the car seat to put it on. Overall I think it was great. We still need a whole lot more--good thing I have more showers coming up!

32 week appointment today and it went well. My Doctor measured me and said I am doing good. He also listened to Maren's heartbeat which is also doing good. My blood pressure was fine and he said I have gained a total of 7 pounds- my entire pregnancy! I really don't believe it because it feels like more- but only 7 pounds! Crazy!
Anyway- I go back again in 2 weeks and then the time after that they start checking my cervix..it is really coming up fast!

31 weeks

Yes I know it's a belly shot, my belly just looks so much bigger with my shirt up. AND it is getting bigger, which it should!
Maren is moving around alot now, usually at night when I lay down to go to sleep. I told Jared the other night that she is playing soccer in my belly- and he said basketball- as long as she doesn't have my coordination!

I had my 30 week appt today. I can't believe we are down to 10 weeks..it seems like it has come fast but taken forever at the same time. I go in every 2 weeks which makes things go quick. All the lab tests came back normal from my glucose test which I was worried about. I was weighed and am down a pound. I haven't gained much is fine by me, I just hope all is normal with the baby and she isn't underweight when she is born. I told Jared I should be able to eat whatever I want then and still not gain a whole lot. I do eat..which is why it is so weird that I keep losing weight. AT least I wasn't underweight when I became pregnant, that might cause a problem. My Doctor didn't seemed concerned about my weight gain, and I still measure right where I should.
Jared felt Maren moving around on Sunday. He was sitting next to me at church, holding my hand by my side and she kicked him multiple times, it sure made sacrament go by fast. And then last night I felt her moving around and Jared saw a big ripple in my belly. He thought it was a pretty interesting sight. She is getting stronger so I am sure her movements will be bigger for him to see, which makes me happy..and maybe a bit more real for him!

29 weeks

Not much change from a few weeks ago, but I am getting a little bit bigger. 11 weeks to go!

Had my Doctor appt. today. I had to have the glucose test where you drink a pure sugar liquid--that is what it tasted like- and then an hour later have your blood drawn. Hopefully that will be the end of that! I measure right where I should, and my Dr. told me not to worry about all of the "your not that far along comments"...he said all is going good. My blood pressure was up a bit today but they will watch that close, and hopefully it will stay down so I can avoid bed rest! I go in every two weeks now, it is getting closer!

3rd Trimester!

Tomorrow begins the 3rd Trimester..it is going fast, but also kinda slow. I know she will be here before we know it. We are getting excited but still pretty nervous. AND...we think we finally agreed on a name for this new little girl. Her name will be MAREN...not sure on her middle name yet though. Can't wait!

25 weeks

Jared sister lives out of state, she has requested a picture of my pregnant self. SO...here you go!

Crib

We got the crib a few days ago, Jared set it up so here is the official picture. It is set up in the family room at this time...we have an extra bed in the extra room, which needs to be removed and Jared also thinks the crib is going to have to be taken apart somewhat in order to get it through the door. Nice! BUT- we like it, hopefully our baby girl will like it too. 14 weeks to go..can't believe it!
I was told at work that I am starting to waddle..like a duck! Great! I guess it happens when you are pregnant.

So after alot of online research Jared finally found the crib that would fit our needs. He did alot of looking around before finally deciding on this one so we hope we like it when it arrives. We ordered it and had it shipped to the store so we have to wait to pick it up. I think it will be great.
And I had my 24 week appt. today with the Dr. Everything is going good. He read the report that was done by the ultrasound tech and everything is good with that too. The next appt. I get to drink a yummy drink and get my blood drawn..fun times!

Happy New Year! For New Years Eve we didn't do much. Jared had to work late- until about 8:00 or so, they were told they had to do inventory that night...so I went and hung out at the Faulkners for a little bit. After I came home we just hung out and went to bed about 11:00. It wasn't that eventful..Jared fell asleep and I went to sleep about 12:02. We are party poopers!
The next day we went to lunch with Jared's parents- then went looking for baby cribs. It is hard to find..maybe we are just too picky! We did find a mattress for the crib..but still no crib! I am thinking we will find one online- Jared has been doing research.
Tonight we are going to the Jazz game- the first of three we are going to in the next month. We are going to meet my Mom and step-dad Joe at the Gateway tonight before the game for some dinner. Should be fun!