Disneyland- 6 months pregnant!

Kylie's favorite ride: Screamin California!



Kylie's NOT so favorite ride (but went on it anyways) Tower of Terror!

Back in March of this year, I was 6 months pregnant and we learned Jesse had an amazing, once in a life time opportunity to be a part of putting in the new trolley that runs through California Adventure Park. Of course he gladly accepted this job and we scored a family vacation out of it! We found out last minute and it was a bit overwhelming, because it wasn't like I could just grab Summer clothes out of my closet for the 70 degree temps and I didn't have much for maternity wear in general. The week before we left, I went over to Jessica's for a visit and she handed me a FULL bag of washed, ready to wear maternity clothes for warmer weather days!! She even sent me pictures of outfit ideas (it's no secret that I am not a fashion diva!)! It was SO thoughtful and nice of her! It meant a lot to me.

Not only was this trip extra special since it was our first trip to Disneyland just the three of us, but also our first family road trip. Because Jesse offered to bring back material when the job ended, we were able to drive down! At first, I thought it wasn't going to be very fun driving 18 hours being pregnant and a 7 year old riding in back. But, it was actually REALLY fun and beautiful! We stopped in Oregon for a quick rest and then again in Bakersfield, CA where we stayed and visited with Jesse's cousin Dawn. It was really fun getting to know her and we appreciated her hospitality very much!

We spent 3 days between Disneyland and California Adventure. Jesse and Kylie went on EVERYTHING! I got to join them on the Pirates of the Caribbean, Story book and the Jelly fish ride....that was about it. I of course enjoyed being all together and took LOTS of pictures! Too many to post here!

 It was pretty exciting to have experienced Disneyland twice in the same year, but this trip was extra special because out of the 4 times we had gone, it was our last vacation just the three of us!

Mason's room

Jesse and I thought it was pretty neat that the spare room happend to be pastel blue, then we found out we were having a boy- it was already painted perfectly! We just added furniture and some fun decor! Check it out!

Second Trimester!

Overall, I really enjoyed my second trimester of my pregnancy. Other than a few back and rib pains from my growing body, I still remained active by cycling or using the elliptical. I am a firm believer that it is always better to move than do nothing at all. Of course there are circumstances where that does not apply, but for the most part it has always worked for me in helping me feel my best.

This trimester my energy levels were great and I have enjoyed indulging in some sweets as well as lunches with friends! I am known for dedicating my lunch hour to the gym, but during my pregnancy I decided to mix it up and meet friends for lunch more than the gym. It was a great combo!

22 Weeks!

19 Weeks!

Spreading the news

When I found out I was pregnant, I was scared to be too feel happy or excited because of all the things that could go wrong. After all, we had wanted this for some time. I would have been devastated if it were all of a sudden taken away from us. I remained focused on the positive though and since Jesse was working out of town during the time I had to tell him by phone- no way could I have kept this HUGE secret to myself! I will NEVER forget the excitement and disbelief in his voice when I told him we were pregnant! Knowing Jesse...he could barely keep the news to himself! While I told a select few: parents, sister, sister in law and a few close friends he was telling EVERYONE. I loved his excitement, but I had so many reservations; especially since we hadn't even had our first ultrasound yet! However, in no time did we get to see the blessing that was growing inside of me. After our first ultrasound at 8 weeks, confirming all was good it was SO awesome to be able to share the news!! Especially, with soon to be big sister Kylie! She was beyond excited!

The next ultrasound (to the right: look at it as if you are looking up at his bum, the two outside blobs, one has a circle at the end which is his knee, center is his boy parts)  revealed that we were having a boy!! We surprisingly found out at 16 weeks that we were going to have a boy!! How lucky were we? First, to even be expecting again and next a boy? Now, our family is complete: a boy and a girl.



My Growing Belly!

Here are some pictures I took throughout my pregnancy! I definitely gained more than I wanted to, but I was thankful to have a healthy, easy going pregnancy. In fact, I "slogged" (slow jogged) until the day before I gave birth to Mason!

The first trimester: I felt pretty nauseous, but thankfully never threw up. I craved egg salad and french fries like NO other! I was very tired and was very thankful that Kylie was old enough to understand why I was so tired and was happy to have low key evenings with momma since Jesse was working out of town.

week 15

All of a sudden at week 15 (photo to the left is just the week before!) a little bump appeared! It was SO awesome to finally have some physcial proof of my pregancy and not just feeling fat! It was just the beginning of my growing belly!

I am going to be an AUNT again!

Shortly after I found out I was expecting I found out my sister was as well (about 3 short months after me)! It was the most amazing news ever! What a gift to be able to share this experience together as well as our kids being able to grow up together, accomplishing milestones about the same time, starting school together and experiencing life together! In fact, almost 2 years ago we witnessed our good friends (who are sisters) having the chance to experience pregnancy together and we thought "how lucky are they?" What a blessing that is! Now here we are getting the same experience!

It was so wonderful to have someone on a regular basis to discuss current cravings, pains, exchange ultrasound pictures with, share nursery ideas, good resources to read, how our babies will make their big debut and SO much more!! I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoyed being pregnant with my sister and getting to share her first mother's day together! Congratulations sister! I am BEYOND happy for you!



I delivered Mason the NEXT day! Crystal was 7 months pregnant



Mason's first toy

Sherrie, my mother in law, took Kylie shopping and at the mall asked if she could get Mason a toy. Kylie explained that she knew the perfect one that he would love. So, she took Sherrie into Nordstrom and picked this out:

When she brought this home and told us she picked this out especially for her baby brother, our hearts melted.