Carrie, this is for you :)

So Carrie, I promised pictures. I finally figured out how to get them on the computer, so here you go!

BTW, Thanks Justin for helping me figure that out :)

This is the day Keith Axel Larson was born

Dec. 5th, 2012

7 lbs. 4 oz,

19 inches

Dad and his new little bud

On the way home for the first time!

 40 Weeks :)

I love his sleep smiles! 

Haha! This is such a sad picture, but it's just so cute.

He loves his naps by the fire, just like mom!

Christmas Eve, he was quite the gentleman.

Just an example of how he's taken over my life thus far.

He gets the cutest bed head. 

And he always sleeps with his mouth open wide.

Short story-

So I sent this picture out to my family saying "How cute is this little boy?" And suddenly I get a response from my brother saying "I don't know, I'm pretty cute too." He laughed and laughed and laughed... he thought it was so funny. Which it was :)

Baby Keek loves his bath time. Just not getting out of the bath.

I can't believe he's going to be a month old this week. Time sure does fly. The nights don't.... but that's okay. I love getting up to take care of my little boy. He's such a blessing in our lives! This has been such an amazing year. Seriously.... we've had so many good things happen to us! Earlier this year, I wrote this post. I talked about the changes that we'd be going through...

First: Justin graduated school! That was such a huge event for us. After years of paying for school, spending nights alone while he's in class, waiting patiently while he does homework... or impatiently (depends on who you talk to) it finally paid off! Yay! No more school! (until masters degree time. sigh)

Second: Moving. We moved from my sister's house, to an apartment, then back to my sister's, and then BAM! OUR OWN HOME! We moved in Thanksgiving weekend, and it's been amazing ever since!

Third: Justin got a job, which he loves. He's challenged at his job on a regular basis, and they're SO good to him. He's already received a raise, and he gets bonuses for being on call... it's been such a blessing for our family.... which brings me on to the fourth topic...

Fourth: FAMILY! We snuck our little guy in just in time for 2012 to wrap up. He's about to be 4 weeks old, and it feels like he's been with us forever. There are other times where it feels like it was yesterday.... then other times when it seems like he's been here forever. It's definitely a good thing. We've never been happier :)

We are a happy fam-i-ly!

On December 5th, at 1:01 AM, we welcomed baby Keith Axel Larson into our family!

It was QUITE the experience.

Tuesday night, my back had been hurting (like it had been for the past month) which I figured was because the doctor had stripped my membranes the day before, which he'd also done the Monday prior, and my thinking was that it had just left me feeling crampy. When he'd done it the first time, my back had hurt also, but nothing happened. Moving on though...

9:00 PM - I decided to take a bath which offered some sort of relief for my back. I got up out of the tub, and while walking over to the sink -splash- my water broke. I wasn't sure if it was my water or not, because I'd just been in the tub. So I ran back to the tub, and just stood in it. I text my cousin, who is a nurse in labor and delivery, and we came to the conclusion that my water had broken. At 9:30 pm, we left to go to Alta. On the way there, the contractions started. Poor Justin. He'd ask me if the temperature in the car was okay, and I'd respond with "Don't talk to me right now. I don't care." I told him how the pain was definitely similar to that of a kidney stone (yes, I'm part of that club) in the sense that there is just SO much pain, and no relief. You wiggle and adjust and move your body in hopes of finding some position that will ease the pain a little. But there is just nothing you can do. We parked at 10:00 PM, with a contraction in the parking lot, and then went up to the L&D floor. I got into a room, and they checked me out. I was a 3 and completely effaced at 10:15. They said that my water had broken, and I'd get to stay.

11:00 PM - I'd called my mom on the way to the hospital, and told her that we were on our way, and we'd call her if we got to stay or not. When they told me that I'd get to stay, Justin called my mom again and told her that this was the real deal. He told her that I was at a 3, and she said that once I'd progressed a little farther, then she'd come. Well, after getting IV's, being set up to receive antibiotics, and enduring more contractions, I finally got the epidural. Which by the way is a gift from God. It was amazing. I finally got to breathe. They checked me again a few minutes later, and I was a 7. The nurse said that things were going great, and soon I'd be pushing. I was totally surprised. Not too often do you hear of someone going in, and having things go so fast, let alone do they happen to you... so I was overjoyed. Justin called my mom, who was completely shocked, but said she was on her way and was picking up my sister.

11:45 PM - I started pushing. It's kind of hard when you can't feel anything from the waist down. But I was pushing, and soon after my doctor came in to really get things moving.

1:01 AM - My baby Keek was born! It was amazing! 3 hours of labor, and my little boy was here. I got to hold him, and love him, and enjoy becoming a mom. Which I definitely did. Then it was Justin's turn. Talk about heart warming. I loved seeing him look at Keith with nothing but love in his eyes.

2:00 AM - Baby Keek got to meet Grandma Peterson, Grandma Larson, Aunt Christy and Uncle Adam. We really have the most amazing families ever.

We were definitely in for a long night, but it was worth it!

I'll be posting more pictures later, I just need to find my cord :)

Oh hello again

So we're officially moved in to our house! It's been so many different emotions, it's hard to keep track of them all. I think the number one emotion felt though, was stress. Moving while 38 weeks pregnant is not awesome. I was completely helpless, and just sat there and watched it all happen. It was okay though. My husband is pretty awesome, and so is my family. The guys all deserve a round of applause. So, we moved in Friday/Saturday and slept here Saturday night. And we've been here since! It's so nice to have our own place to be proud of. To be able to decorate without worrying about what someone will think, or having to pay for it later. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I love it!

Unfortunately we didn't have internet until last night, and our computer still isn't hooked up (I'm writing this on Justin's tablet, which is NOT the easiest thing ever) so I can't post pictures quite yet. I will soon though. Needless to say though, Justin and I both went over on the data plans on our phones. LAME!

Now that it's Friday, I officially have 8 days until my due date. What the?! Where has the time gone??? Honestly. It feels like just the other day I found out I was pregnant. But as it goes when you get older, the years start flying by. I can't believe it's almost December! I remember as a kid how LOOOOONG it took for December to come, and then the wait for Christmas... it was brutal! Nowadays, I think there are plenty of people who would give anything to have an extra day or week in December. There is just so much to do and see, it seems like you don't actually take a breath until Dec. 27th. And this year, my December will be a doozie. We have baby keek on the way, we're spending our first Christmas in our own house, um I am going to be having a baby, I'm not working for the first time ever, and did I mention the baby? I guess it's hard to focus on anything else...

Hopefully Justin will be able to hook up the computer tonight, and we'll go get a tree tonight (our first real tree!) and I'll be able to post pictures tomorrow. WE still have a lot left to do, like unpack the office *groan* every box that we didn't know what to do with either went into the basement, or into the office. So it's a little hard to maneuver in there right now. The basement can wait, but I do want to get shelves so that I can get organized as soon as possible.  Good habits start now! For example, I've made our bed every morning, except for one when I had a doctor appointment. I feel that's QUITE a success.

My next appointment is on Monday, and I'm hoping that things will get rolling after that. The past few weeks have been a tiny bit stressful, so I'm hoping it's all downhill from here!

Fingers crossed!

Funnest Week Ever

I got to spend a week with this stinker, and it was the best week ever!

All of my family (except for Justin, Molly, and I) went to Disneyland. The happiest place on Earth. SIGH. Since Justin and I are saving for a house/baby, we felt the best choice for us was to not go. It was a hard choice, and it took a lot for me to be okay with it... but honestly, how much fun could 3 days of Disneyland be for a 6 month pregnant lady? My feet swell enough as it is, I don't think walking around all day would help that at all. But in the end, I got over it, and Molly REALLY helped with that. She's such a fun little girl. SOOOO cute, with her dang dimples! There were plenty of times where she'd smile at me, and I'd melt. I guess that's what being an aunt is about. I don't have to tell her no! :)

These two pictures are from Day 1. She is so stinking funny! She loves to make faces and be silly, which is good because I do too.

Day 2: It's surprising how hard it is to keep her clothed. But she loved the blankie dress Justin made for her!

We went on a walk, and the sunset was QUITE pretty.

Then we found a giant spider on our wall. NOT AWESOME.

Day 3: The car and slide came! She had SO much fun with it. It was so funny watching her do it over and over and over.

This was pretty much every night.

Yet again, making faces. 

Like I said, every night.

Then she learned how to make this face come Day 5, I think it was...

Molly: "I want go outside!"
Tracee: "I want to finish my dinner!"
Molly: See picture

And then at some point Justin got my phone, and there were about 10 pictures of him making different faces...

Day 6: We went to the park, and got Chili's to eat there. I got Molly the quesadilla, but she just wanted the celery. Really, she just wanted the ranch. She took maybe one bite of celery, spit it out, and continued to scoop the ranch out with the celery, and lick it off. Then finally just started licking the cup. 

I think Max got a bit of separation anxiety, because he was SO snuggly. He wanted to be right by me, all the time.

I have the cutest video of Molly in the tub, but for some reason I can't upload it :( The dogs would lick the side of the tub, just licking the water off, so Molly started to do it, and thought it was hilarious. So Max was licking, and she'd lick, then laugh hysterically, then lick, then laugh even harder... it was cute.

It was SUCH a fun week. If it's possible, I got even more excited to be a mom. If I love my niece that much, how is it going to be when it's my own? I know there will still be hard times, but he'll be mine!

Hooray!

So I'm officially 30 weeks.

I passed the glucose test. (Whew, that drink was not my favorite.)

We're going to go register for baby tonight. YAY! Although Justin did specify that he gets to hold the scanning gun.

Baby is moving all the time. I like it though. Although every now and then it hurts. Haha.

Waiting to hear from the mortgage guy is like watching paint dry. It's taking forever.

My appointments are down to every 2 weeks, which makes me feel like we have no time to get ready.  Baby, you better not come early.

Here's to hoping that things work out!

Ever have one of those really really really tired days where you almost can't function you're just that tired? Yeah that's me today.

I'm not sure what's come over me, but I am SO insanely tired.

A recap of the last few weeks.

The end of August, we moved back into my sister's house. They were kind enough to open their home back up to us when I told her about rent costs, and how we wanted to save money, and how getting into a house was our #1 priority. She felt comfortable offering the basement to us again because we have a plan. We're not just going to mooch off of her. And we're off to a good start. Our savings is higher than it's ever been, and it's only going to go up. WAHOO!

We have started the process of house hunting, getting a loan officer and what not. Yesterday he emailed me saying, "Tracee- I received your 31 page fax. Thank you." Hahahahaha I felt a little bad about that, but they need a lot of information, so what else could I do? So he's going to review that information, and hopefully we'll be able to take some more steps soon.

I am about to hit 30 weeks, which blows my mind. Justin and I realized that we have next to nothing if the baby decided to come early. The crib is in storage, the swing is the box, and the few outfits that we have are still tucked away in some drawers. No car seat. No diapers. Nothing. So hopefully baby is like his mom, fashionably late, rather than like his dad who is always early/on time.

As of Monday, I've put in my 8 weeks notice. November 16th will be my last day working. I'm so excited! I'll miss the money, yes, but I can hardly wait to be at home with my own little family. In my own little home (fingers crossed). I gave them such an early notice so that my job has the chance to have a few weeks for interviews/hiring, and then a week or two with me training them. The week after the 16th is Thanksgiving, and then baby is scheduled to come 2 weeks after that. AH!

Last night, right before getting in bed, Justin spotted a HUGE spider chilling out on our tile. It was NOT awesome. After seeing a spider, I always have the feeling that they're either lurking on me, or where I'm going to step next. It was nasty, and when he squished it, he yelled, "Ew! I felt it pop!" And I died. Right there. Not really, but I wanted to. Disgusting.

And now, I'm working. Mentally preparing myself for the glucose test I've got to take today. I get to leave work early (YAY!) to go get my blood drawn (boo) after drinking a super awesome drink an hour before. So woo hoo for that. Hopefully the numbers are all normal, because I don't really want to do this again. It's too stressful.

But, when I get home, I'm going to take a bomb nap!

27 weeks

Time is FLYING by. When I sit and think about it, I could freak out. Especially when I think in terms of "I only have 13 weeks left." AH!

Things have been good though. Baby Keek is moving ALL THE TIME now. It's so weird. I'll sit at my desk at work and just watch my stomach, and I can see the movement. It's moments like that when I start feeling like there is an alien inside of me trying to get out. I do like feeling him move though. He's gotten me good a couple of times, but mostly it's just little kicks here or there. I'm convinced there are times where he's dancing like Elaine from Seinfeld because the movement is so sporadic and all over. Here is a clip in the occasion you don't know what I'm talking about. Enjoy :)

Review: The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I really enjoyed this book. I was totally surprised because I've seen the movie, but these were barely the same thing! The book is so much better, and much more interesting. Definitely a lot more story/background in the book. I've already started the second one. Since the movie was so different than the book, I'm interested to see what happens with the next movie.



View all my reviews

rough month

"Everybody Loves Linda!"
Our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister and friend passed away in her home on August 16, 2012. For the past year, Linda gracefully fought a courageous battle against a rare, neurodegenerative disorder called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.
Linda was born on August 15, 1946, to Raymond and Marge Peterson in Payson, Utah. She is the oldest of five children. She grew up in Midvale, Utah and graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1964.
Linda married Lloyd D. Kitchen on August 31, 1970. Their marriage was solemnized in the Draper Utah Temple on January 25, 2012. Forty years ago they built their home in Sandy, Utah where they raised their five children. Linda's hobbies include reading, cooking, working on puzzles and window shopping. She loved to travel in the motorhome for family camping, boating and fishing trips. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family whether it was a family BBQ or a ball game. She adored her family, especially her grandchildren, and they always came first.
Linda worked at Waterford School for the past 22 years and loved it! It didn't matter if you were a student, parent, faculty or staff she graciously solved problems with a smile. Over the years she made an impact on all the lives of those she touched. She was adored by the students and faculty at Waterford and will forever be missed.
Linda is survived by her parents, husband, children Kelli (Brad) Brown, Cedar City, UT; Daren Kitchen, Sandy, UT; Brandon (Danielle) Kitchen, Riverton, UT; Jami (Eric) Hokanson, South Jordan, UT; 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, siblings, Gloria (Larry) Bryan, Nephi, UT; Jackie (Randy) Rodgers, Holladay, UT; Duane (Sharon) Peterson, Bluffdale, UT. She is preceded in death by her son Dustin Kitchen and her brother Ralph Peterson.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, at the Hillcrest 4th Ward (8735 S Harvard Park Dr). Friends and family may call from 6-8 pm on Monday, August 20, 2012, at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 S Highland Dr) and at the church from 10-11:30 am on Tuesday. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank all those who have had Linda in their thoughts and prayers over the past year. We have truly felt your love and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in person or by mail to the Linda Kitchen Scholarship Fund at Waterford School (1480 E 9400 S, Sandy, Utah 84093).


So my sweet aunt passed away, after a year long battle with CJD. While it's sad to see her go, it's nice to know that she's no longer dealing with the affects of that stupid disease. The funeral was nice, the speakers did fantastic, and my cousin had an amazing musical number. It made me wonder how the heck we're related, she's so talented, and then there's me. Haha! Like I said though, the funeral was nice. They did an awesome memorial for her at Waterford, the school she worked at, and they set up a scholarship in her name. I thought that was sweet, and a really nice way to honor someone. She'll definitely be missed, but she had people in heaven waiting for her to come, so I know she's happy. 

One thing about my faith, I know there is a heaven. I know that there is life after death, and that it is beautiful, and so much more than we could ever imagine. I know that Heavenly Father welcomed her with open arms, along with Ralph and Dustin. Like my dad said, Linda probably didn't get a word in between the two of them greeting her themselves. I've never once doubted that there was more to this life than just living your life and then dying. While I'm in no rush to find out what comes next, I am comforted in knowing that there is somewhere that I'm going. There are people that are waiting there for me. 

Okay. I need to move on before I start sobbing at work. 

Tomorrow I'll be 25 weeks! It's going by so fast. I'm feeling more prepared every day. We've bought a crib, bedding, a swing, and even some toys. I know I should be waiting until after my showers to do that, but I've been waiting 25 weeks! I'm impatient! 
This week we're moving back in to my sister's house. We've moved almost everything, just need to get the big things in storage. I'm going to continue working (SIGH) until November, but the amount of money we'll be saving will definitely be worth it. Plus, it's hopefully the last time I'll be working, so I can stick it out a little longer. Earlier this year, I wrote about how 2012 will be bringing a lot of change, and it definitely hasn't disappointed me! I'm welcoming the change with open arms. 

I can hardly wait to see what 2013 brings. 

21 weeks. AHHH!

This is the best I've felt since April! I'm finally to the point where I can eat almost anything that I want. I still really struggle with Cheese-its and gold fish... but other than that, I'm golden. I'm eating a lot more, and definitely gaining. So I should probably be careful, and try to NOT eat everything I see.

I have been documenting most of the weeks, so I figured I'd add the pictures on here. Nicole - you're so convincing :)
Keep in mind I didn't do EVERY week, just the ones where I either got ready, or remembered.

 This is when I told Justin. I'd taken a test, because I was too anxious to wait, and it had come back positive! So I ran to Target and got a onesie, and wrote 'I Love Daddy' on it. 

 When I found out, I was 6 weeks.

 The ultra sound went really well. Everything is measuring as it should, and he looks healthy! SUCH a relief. 

So I'm measuring right on time. December 8th. We've decided to name him Keith, and when I told my niece his name (she's almost 2) she said, "Baby Keek!" So he already has a nick name.

So on to the other part of the family... Justin started his new job on Monday, and everything is seeming too good to be true. There are perks that we weren't aware of, bonuses we didn't know about, and I swear, it's just getting better and better. This is why I trust my Father in heaven! I know that he has a plan, and that things WILL work out. Yes it can be terrifying, and at times I would let Him know that whenever he wanted to step in, I'd welcome it. But things are working out, and we're well on our way to being 'established'. Or something like that.

Oh the things I can do!

 

And for some reason I start all of them. Last year I bought a bunch of material to make a quilt. I'd link back to that post, but all those pictures were deleted when I changed emails on the blog, so blah to that! But I got this material last year, and was all gung ho on making a quilt, and not wasting my summer away. Well, here we are, a year later, and I just started sewing them together. I started on Wednesday, and then finished everything on Saturday. Look at that monster! To give you an idea of how huge it is, my dad is about 5' 10", and he's holding the top, while my mom is holding the bottom. And yes, some is laying on the ground. It's a queen, but I wanted to make sure that it would hang over the sides of the bed, so ... this is what I ended up with. Now it's a matter of getting the batting and then finding someone to quilt it for me. I'm sure THAT will cost an arm and a leg. But it definitely is exciting to see something that I made come together, and benefit from it. Hello, new bedspread! 

I have other things that I keep wanting to make, do, have, etc. but I am finding that I don't have the time/patience/money. Patience being the biggest one. I was telling my mom that while cutting all the fabric, it was so irritating, because the fabric just went into a huge pile, and there was no reward in that. But sewing the blanket, I saw the rows come together, and then sewing the rows together, I saw the blanket take shape! THAT was rewarding. So needless to say, I'm a big fan of instant gratification. 

Big news in the Larson home!

We're having a boy! Justin is SO excited. He's the last one to pass on the Larson name, so phew! Check that off the list :)

I'm officially 20 weeks. It's weird to see my stomach getting bigger and bigger. I'm still not feeling him move all that much, but the ultra sound tech said that was normal. Woo hoo! I'm hoping that changes though, because I would feel a little bit better if I could feel him moving around rather than spend all my time thinking that our little boy is a wuss, or has no spine or something like that. 

Hahaha I don't really think those things... but it would be nice to feel him! 

Also, Justin got a job!

WHAT A RELIEF! 

The amount of stress he's been under has been insane. Since finding out we were expecting, and graduation coming, and our lease almost ending, he was just under a lot of pressure. Knowing now that there is a way to provide for our family, and insurance, and all those good things took a load off.

17 Weeks

So time seems to have flown by. I'm already 17 weeks. My nausea is dying down, and my days are getting better and better. It's already almost July! (Maybe it already is... it depends on when I'll post this) Vacations are starting and Justin and I have been married for 3 years.

So far this summer we've gone to Kamas, St George, Nebo Loop, and Yuba Lake. I'm feeling like there might be more, I just can't think of them right now.

Either way, there are hopefully going to be a lot more coming. Like Vegas, another St George, Wicked (not a vacation, but certainly awesome) and then maybe other surprise ones.

This is a big summer for Justin and I. It's the last one with just us. It's our last summer with school. Our last summer in an apartment (hopefully). Our last summer before Justin has a full time real job. (Again, hopefully.) So we wanted to make it a little more special. It's been fun so far, and it can only get better from here :)

This has been such a fun time for me. I have a few other friends that are pregnant right now, and it's so fun to compare stories, hear how it's been for them, and just to have someone understand what you're going through. As loving and sweet as Justin is, he just doesn't understand HOW I can be so tired. I really don't understand it either, I just know that I'm pooped. A lot. But, with the passing of time, that's getting better as well. I don't fall asleep before Justin anymore (which was awesome) and I don't have the overwhelming desire to nap when I get home. So, 17 weeks, I welcome you with open arms.

Justin right now is applying for different jobs, and we're waiting to hear back from a couple of them. We've got high hopes, because a lot relies on what he gets. Like if I can quit my job, WHEN I can quit... and that's really all that matters to me right now. HA. Not really, but it's high up there. Right along with once he gets a job, finding a place to live. It blows my mind that we're already to that point, but then I feel like I've been waiting for it forever. Yay for growing up! Sometimes. Then I get bills and stuff, and I'm like "Oh, to be a teenager again!"

HAHA!

So glad that I'm not the only one who experiences this. My dreams have been out of control!

How and why does pregnancy affect your dreams? 

Alas, I feel normal again!

Oh how I love thee

So, since we found out that we were pregnant, Justin has been the biggest help ever. He's done the dishes since I was 6 weeks (since then they've made me gag) but he's been a trooper about it, and I wanted to write down how much I appreciate everything that he's done.

He's been SO understanding about my feelings, and how easily I get sick. He's more than happy to take me to Ihop to eat the amazing red velvet pancakes, and he's fine driving around until I figure out what sounds good. He's been so understanding of my messiness lately, and my lack of energy (or caring) to clean things up.

I'm pretty sure we were meant to be together.

Other things that are super awesome about my husband (to name a few)
 - he can fix our cars. It's really nice not having to pay an arm and a leg for someone else to fix our car. He's so handy and willing to do it. That definitely counts for something.
 - he's pretty freaking smart. Some of the stuff that he tells me about (usually dealing with work or computers) all I can do is smile and nod, because I have no idea what he's talking about. But he does, and he loves it. I am so glad that he's going to school for something that he loves, and hope he will be able to find a job that he loves just as much (fingers crossed).
 - he makes me laugh on a daily basis. To me, this is one of the most important things in a relationship. If you can't have fun, what can you have?
 - he's got his priorities set straight. So sometimes when I'm like, "Hey! Let's go do this!" He'll be all grown up and tell me we don't have the money or what not... which after I think about it, I appreciate. Even if it does take a few days to think about. Haha

Those are just the things that have been coming up within the last couple of weeks. He's so amazing, and I love him.

Sharing our news

I made this book for my parents for Easter. Just with pictures of all the grandkids, I think it turned out quite cute. The grandkids are all holding the number that they are in our family.

Because HOORAY! We're having a baby! 

My parents were SO cute when they were looking at the pictures. Talking about how cute they all are, and then they got to my picture, and they thought I just wanted to include myself, but then my dad gasped and asked "Are you having a baby!?" Which made my mom gasp and ask the same thing, and when I said yes, my mom just started to cry and cry. I hugged her, and she said "My baby is having a baby!" I turned and looked at my dad, and HE had a tear rolling down his face. Needless to say, I cried. But they're very excited for me! And we're excited ourselves!