COUNTDOWN BEGINS!!!

I'm 30 weeks (as of July 1st). So, the countdown has begun! I will now start my posts with the week that is left.

10 WEEKS LEFT! 

My doctor said I'm measuring a little ahead. I'm not sure if that means I'm carrying a potentially large child or if that means my due date is actually before 9-9?  I'm pretty sure I've asked why that is... but, I can't remember the answer. In fact, Grant has been to all but 1 appointment, and he doesn't remember either. Are we in denial of a huge baby or that it may come earlier than expected? ha ha. I will be sure to ask next Tuesday when I see my doctor! I'm thinking it has to do with the due date! Thoughts?

I've already scheduled my next 2 appointments. I start going every 2 weeks until I am 36 weeks and then it's a weekly appointment. I had to reschedule my 4D ultrasound because Jake had his arm covering his face the entire time. So, my 4D is on July 14th.

Pregnancy has been pretty good. I haven't had many problems. However, more recently I get woken up in the middle of the night/early morning not just for heartburn and pee breaks but for very aggressive movements by my son. I think he's training to be an ultimate fighter. I get woken up by a knee or arm pressing so hard it extends out of my body! It's so funny. The other night I woke Grant up just so he can feel what I was talking about. So crazy! But, at the same time... every movement that is made warms my heart. I'm just so happy he's moving and growing in there. I look forward to every doctor appointment for my ultrasounds to that I can see my little guy.

Grant and I have another very busy month. I think the reason why pregnancy has flown by is because we've been so busy. Jake has already traveled to the following places:  Boise, Idaho (3 times), Destin, Florida, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This month we started Lamaze classes! Our first class was very interesting. I thought the breathing and rubbing techniques were quite relaxing... but, the videos... Really? Where do they find the people in the videos? It was disturbing. Here's my birth plan... HAVE THE BABY IN THE HOSPITAL. Why must it be so dramatic? When you go into labor, you go the hospital where doctors for years have been delivering babies, and have your baby. I DON'T want a cesarean. This I do know for sure. I don't care about the pain or about how long I'm laboring. But, if the baby is in distress I will... obviously! I'll have the epidural ready, if I decide to use it. I'm not getting into water, I'm not going to start labor at home with a deula, etc. I don't judge others and their decisions... but,  I don't want that. I want to keep it simple as possible. I know it's going to be VERY painful, and lots will be going on. I would like to stay focused, be with my husband and breath through the pain until our son is born. I'll make sure I tell you all how that goes. ;)

I have very exciting news... Grant surprised me with a BABYMOON! We are going to The Cliff's resort in Pismo Beach, CA. It's about 4 hours up the coast from home... but, it's our last vacation as 2. We are getting the "and the baby makes three" package. So excited! We are going next weekend! Here is the link: Cliff's resort. Thank you honey for such a thoughtful gift! I love you so much!

Well that's all I have for now. Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July!

Love and Cheers,

Brooke

Boise baby shower

My mom, grandma, and my mom's best friend Kim threw me a baby shower yesterday here in Boise. It was so much fun! It was a cowboy themed party! My Mom has always gone over board when it comes to events (gee... wonder where I get it from), and this was no exception! I felt so loved and spoiled! It was funny... because when it came time to open gifts I forgot they were for me... I'M HAVING A BABY! ;)

Here are some pictures from my first baby shower!

Invitation (I deleted the address):

The set up:

Family:

Some of the guests:

Back yard:

I had a blast! Thank you for all that came and supported me. Jake is going to be a lucky boy!

Love,
Brooke

We've moved...OFFICIALLY!

I'm really big on correspondence and making sure everyone in our family knows what's new with Grant and I. After we moved I knew that I wanted to let the family know so they can update their records so I contacted a friend that is a graphic designer for assistance. She designed a postcard that I sent out with our address change, with a vintage beach theme. It is so cute! I wanted to make sure I posted her information for my friends and family so if people needed a graphic designer they can contact her.

Here is our postcard we sent out last week (not with our actual address of course):

(Front):

(Back):

Here is Heather's contact information. I highly recommend her and plan on having her make our baby announcements when Jake is born! 

Heather Myers

Website: (click on Heather's name to the right to enter her blog) Heather Myers

email address: heathervanl@hotmail.com

Cheers,

Brooke

Happy Fathers Day to my father...

Living far from my parents has really taught me to appreciate the time when spent with family. I would like to take some time today and reflect on my father. 

My father has taught me so much over the years. My father's strength and loyalty to our family is something that I admire and have always thought are some of my father's special qualities. My father taught me about family and the way a woman should be treated in a marriage/relationship. My parents got married when my Mom was 17 and my dad was 20. They had me the same year they were married. My brothers and I are lucky for the role model my father is. Every dinner growing up was at our dinning room table where we discussed everything... mainly me rambling on and my parents asking probing questions to Marty. But, no matter how tired my parents were from their days... we had dinner together. Even if we weren't hungry we did homework at the table. That time was important to us as a family. 

The emotions of pregnancy are definitely heighten... but, It's hard to not be emotional when I think back to my wonderful childhood! I'm a lucky girl. I had parents that gave everything to me and never questioned it. I always knew that no matter what I did or where I was going my parents would support me (unless it was regarding travel out of the country... my father would never go for that...). But, knowing they would be there... I always wanted to make sure I made them proud.

There are conversations I have had with my father over the years, and they still remain close to my heart. 

Here are a few things:

1. "If a man loves you, there is nothing that will stop him from making you happy and being with you". 

2. "Your mother can drive me nuts sometimes (and vice versa)... She can spend too much money... I can get so mad... but, in the end... she's my wife, my best friend, the mother of my children... and I can't live without her. I love her more than anything."

3.  "No matter what you do in your life... do it 100% percent... don't look back and say I wish (in regards to completely tasks or sports)".

4. When I look at my children I know I've succeeded.

5. Stay humble. At any given moment it can be taken away. Pray and thank God for what we do have. 

There are lots more and I can honestly go on forever. Basically, I wanted to write a little something to my father... soon to be grandfather of his first grandchild. He will be an amazing grandfather! Jake is so lucky for all the role models in his life.

I love you dad. I will always be your baby girl. I love you SO much... Words can not describe the love I have for you. Thank you for your support and love through the years. I appreciate you and all you have done for me.

Love your oldest and only daughter,

Brooke

28 weeks

I'm now 28 weeks (as of yesterday). I'm 7 months, and officially in the 3rd trimester! 

I'm very excited I'm starting the home stretch of my pregnancy! I have been feeling really good. Although, I have serious heartburn on a regular basis. I eat Tums like candy. I have found that Tums smoothies are actually really good! Thank goodness I enjoy eating them... because I eat about 4 a day.

I don't think my cravings aren't too weird... even though Grant thinks they are. :) I think it's because I'm usually a very healthy eater, and rarely eat red meat! But things have changed in the Stone house. Jake really likes All-American foods. Very different from what I usually eat. I ate ethnic food (Greek, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, etc) pretty much at least once a day. But, if I eat anything spicy the heartburn will keep me up all night! I always seem to want red meat, but I force myself to eat chicken and turkey because I know it's better for me. I love cheese (any kind BUT mozzarella), ranch, milk (only 1% organic), fruit (pineapple, cherries, apples w/low fat caramel sauce,  grapefruit, and Mandarin oranges). Really into sourdough toast with cream cheese, and pretty much any carbohydrate! CANDY. Oh man... I LOVE CANDY! I NEVER ate candy before... or even thought about dessert at a restaurant. In the beginning I really wanted ice cream. Not just any ice cream... Rite Aid's ice cream. The flavors I was into were: Mint and chip (on bottom - or else I wont eat it), and rainbow sherbet on top. Or butter pecan on bottom and rainbow sherbet on top. Now I have NO craving for that. I like Yogurtland. :) It's funny how quickly I burn out on things. 

Here's an updated picture of me. I'm looking pretty big these days...

Cheers,

Brooke

Our new home.

Finally...

Grant and I are moved in. I haven't had the internet in over a week! It's been driving me crazy! Living on the peninsula is great, but there is poor reception here... so we had to have Verizon out to help us get our phone line and router put together. So... today I blog again! :)

Here is a picture of our home.

We are so excited! 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The entire house is now furnished... I found that Grant is as organized as I am. The moment we moved it we didn't stop. The only room that isn't ready is Jake's. This is will be my new project starting July 1st! I can't wait to start decorating his room. This week I'll be exactly 7 months! I will post a new picture of Thursday.

It's good to be back online.

Hope all is well!

Cheers,

Brooke

The Huntington Library

Last week Julie, Katy, and I went to The Huntington Library to see the "stinky flower" or also known as The Corpse Flower. The flower rarely blooms, but when it does it draws a crowd. I'm still wondering why.  If it isn't beautiful and it smells bad... you got me! But, we went anyhow. It was a lot of walking for a 7 month pregnant girl! But, it was fun to walk around the gardens and hang out with the girls!

Here is the link about the flower: Corpse Flower

Unfortunately, we got there after it bloomed, but we did get picture of the flower in pretty good condition still.

The Huntington Library has beautiful botanical gardens ranging from Japanese and Chinese gardens, Jungle, Rose gardens, etc. Here is their website: Huntington Library

Us girls:

~Brooke~