Family, Neices, Nephews, and baby!

I've always wanted to be closer to my family and mend some holes that are there. That really started when Karin married Ben. Best brother in law I could have ever hoped for. He is amazing. Thanks to them I now have the most amazing nephew ever! I want to be a good aunt and be closer to my sisters and brothers. I know part of that is hard because I live a ways away and, lets face it, my neighborhood isn't the best in the world. At this point we also have limited gas and one car so that doesn't help either. However, I am trying to take every opportunity to go see him and though he's still so little, I don't want to miss anything!

Cousin Crystal makes a good cuddler

Playing a game with Mom.

Blake's already dug his way into my heart and I just love him to bits and pieces. Its the most amazing thing to be an aunt. Its brought up a lot of talks with Dave too, and we've been talking about his sisters kids, Aspen and Bobby. It meant the world to him when Bobby recognized him and ran up to him yelling his name.

Just brings up thoughts of how fast kids grow and how if you don't stay close you miss out on all the good things. That is something we are going to be working on as well with Gabby and Brad. I want them to be more involved. They love coming to our house, and with Dave working that means I don't have to work so much so I can spend more time with them. Plus with new baby coming I want them to be just as included as they can be. We've already missed so much with them because we don't get to see them. I know that Dave is working on that and we'll get it taken care of slowly but surely.

I had my second appointment on the 3rd. I met my doctor, who is a super nice lady. We listened to the heartbeat, still strong and healthy. I did find out that the lab had lost 4 vials of my blood. The place that drew my blood sent all 5 vials and they only got 1 back. Frustrating. So I have to watch for a bill and make sure I'm not billed for any of it. Next appointment is in May and I'll listen to the heart beat again and get more blood drawn. Ugh. But its for good tests to make sure baby is healthy. So I will deal. Then the first week of June I find out what baby is!!! We're scheduling the Ultrasound the same day as the appt so we can get it all taken care of. I'm excited and Dave is going with me to see what it is! I thought we had names picked out but now a couple other names have surfaced so... we'll see what we get. Its like a present I just can't wait to open. Dang being patient.

The Dress

Well the first thing I was worried about is the dress. We're on a tight budget so this needed to get going first thing.

 

I went with my friend Kat, my mom and Tazia to David's Bridal. My friend Britnee was kind enough to come in on her day off to help me try on dresses. We found a couple that we liked, but one really stood out. So I went home that day to talk to Dave about it, and went back in the next day to order it. Found out that the dress had been ordered by someone else and left the warehouse. So I was back to square one. Luckily Britnee came to my rescue and found the most perfect dress at the same cost and I got it on sale!

 

I had to try on the Temple version with sleeves, because that was the only one they had in the store, but I'm getting the sleeveless one and we are going to add on straps to go over my shoulders. It has roses and beads embroidered around the empire waist and down the back of the dress.

 

 

 

Surprises!!! and ENGAGED!!!!

 

 

The other day we had in visitors from California that we haven't seen in years. It was so good to see them. That Monday night I got home from work and Dave and I had the most amazing wonderful talk that ended up with us deciding that there was no need to wait any longer for us to get married.

 

We really have no idea why we were waiting so long. So July 13 2012 will be the day and I am so so excited. My anniversary ring turned into an Engagement ring. :) I am perfectly ok with that. I will keep everyone updated on the going's on with the wedding planning!

 

 

WHAT??? MORE BABIES????

 

To start off on a happy note. I found out on Feb 12 that I am pregnant. Crazy and surreal I know. It still doesn't feel real. I went in for my first appointment on March 13 and I got to hear the heartbeat. Which was amazingly cool.

 

So far I'm not having any out there cravings, but I don't like any drinks with caffeine. I tried sipping on them and they are gross. So water and juice for me Yeah! Rootbeer and sprite are about all I can do. That's ok though. I'm eating better and eating at home more which is not just making a big difference in both Dave and I's health but the pocketbook is loving it to! No complaints there. Yes I do miss the take out food, I've been craving Cafe Rio like crazy, but I will live without it.

 

I will keep you posted on upcoming news about baby :)

Wedding, wedding, baby!

So now that dave and I are officially engaged I'm finally able to start planning my wedding. So far we have a few things set up still working on others.
The date is july 13, 2012. Our colors are black and forest green. My maid of honor is trish, with my friend amanda, my sisters, and my cousin ashley as my bridesmaids. Dave had decided cooper will be his best man, he had his groomsmen as well but he hasn't asked them yet so I can't list them. I did order my dress today so that is in the works. This well my goal is to get engagements planned if not taken care of, and dave is nailing down the location. Also I need to get my guest list for the ceremony. Gotta figure out how much food will be needed.
On to of that, tuesday I have my doctors apt, I need to call my insurance monday to get some info. So hopefully good things this week.

BABY BEAR!!!!!

FINALLY!!! After 9 long months of waiting my nephew Blake Golden Gardiner was born at 2300 Feb 12 2012. 19.5 inches long at 7 lbs.

I am so in love with this kid its not even funny.

Struggles put into Perspective

I sit here today and though I'm not in the worst of places in my life, its still a definite struggle. However, things are getting way better and I am finally starting to watch our life get turned around and I'm happy.

 

So Update on me. :)

 

We've got most of the house put together now, and it feels a lot better. We were able to have friends over and spend time with Cooper.

 

 

The start of an awesome blog... oh how things have changed in just a few months....