Life By the Week

Little Miss Annika,

This is a chronicle of your time spent in my belly. Not all of it was pleasant, but I’d do it all over again because it brought me you.

By 4 weeks both your dad and I had graduated. Dad with his law degree and I got my BS in accounting. Also, you went on a lovely cruise to Alaska with Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Scott.

At 4 weeks we moved to Austin, TX and found out the next day that you were coming.

Around 7 weeks we went to our first doctor's appointment and saw your little heartbeat for the first time.

At 13 Weeks we headed to Las Vegas for Kayla's 21^st birthday and for Grandma's 60^th birthday. It was sweltering hot and we were pretty miserable the whole trip. But, it was good to see family after 2 months.

You spent weeks 8-21 making me sick most of the time. You did not like mornings, cleaning, hunks of meat, or sweets. We spent most of this time going to the lake, movies, and doing activities that didn’t require a lot of energy.

At 17 weeks I got impatient and so we went to see if we could find out what kind of parts you were equipped with. However, you didn't want to show the goods.

At 18 weeks, you finally gave up on modesty and showed your stuff. The technician was pretty sure you were a girl. It was around this time that I thought I started feeling you move, but I wasn't sure. It felt like birds in my belly.

At 20 weeks, Grandma and Aunt Flo came to visit and we found out for sure you were a girl. But, most importantly, that you were healthy and growing normally. Mom thought for sure you would be big when you were born. Since your legs were measuring about a week ahead of your body, you can blame dad for that one, you were put in the 82 percentile.

Around 22 weeks, I was sure that what I was feeling was you. Daddy didn’t get to feel you for a couple more weeks.

At 24 weeks, we were rear ended by a city bus. It was just a small jolt and you remained well protected in my belly.

At 25 weeks, we left your dad alone on his birthday, so he could enjoy Austin City Limits. We headed to Salt Lake to visit Grandma. It was a fun trip, but a little overwhelming trying to fit in all the things we wanted to do. The good news is we hit the tail end of peach season in Utah and I was able to get the peach pie from Maddox I had been craving. Did I mention my sweet tooth came back full force around 22 weeks when you decided to let me feel like a normal person again?

It was about this time that we started to register and stock up on gear for you. One of the things they don't tell you before getting pregnant is that there are so many decisions to make when you are expecting you first child. As you will learn, I'm super indecisive, so this was really hard for me. As I have now learned, some of those decisions aren’t all that important.

At 28 weeks, to prove the sweet tooth was back, I failed the 1 hour glucose test; but, passed the 3 hour, so all is good. I celebrated with a little Halloween candy.

At 31 weeks we went to Salt Lake for 9 days. We decided to visit for Thanksgiving, since I would be on travel restriction for Christmas. While we were there Jennae threw us a wonderful baby shower. It was great to see everyone. There are so many people that loved you before you even got here. We spent more time relaxing this time and it was less overwhelming...that is until Thanksgiving. Grandma ended up with 22 people for Thanksgiving. It's always great to have that much family around, but it was stressful for Grandma. But, as always she made it through without a hitch.

We spent the next few weeks getting everything setup and ready for you. I think I've done about 15 loads of just your laundry. You are very loved and we are thankful for all the wonderful friends and family that made this possible.

At 36.5 weeks I took a bit of a spill by tripping on a speed bump....OK let’s be honest, I crashed and burned. I was pretty sure I had protected my belly and you, but the doctors wanted to be sure. They did a NST, but chose nap time and you didn't really want to wake up. So, to be double sure, they did an ultrasound. You passed with flying colors and as a bonus, you are still a girl according to the pictures. It was this time that mom’s blood pressure started to raise.

At 38.5 weeks I started having vision troubles and continued to have high blood pressure. Mommy’s doctor decided it was time for you to join the world. We checked into the hospital that same night to get things going. On Tuesday morning I started having very strong contracts and in 3.5 hours, you were here. You were born at 9:23am on January 11. Weighing in at 7 lbs 15 oz and ~20in long.

Today you are a week old. We already love you so much, it feels like you have been a member of our family forever. You sleep about 98% of the day. When you want food, you are like a baby bird hunting with mouth open. Your dad particularly hates it when you cry, which you only do when you get your diaper changed, get a bath, or are hungry. You are a little piggy, you are already drinking 4-6oz in a feeding. Mommy likes this because you usually sleep 3-5 hours also. You are so perfect right now, I’m worried about messing you up. I’ll try my hardest to live up to your potential.

Love,

Mama Bird

A Break

Things I've had the time and energy to do since I decide to take the semester off.

• Read 7 books, for fun.
• Eat dinner before 9.
• Take a hot bath any day of the week.
• Take a full lunch break.
• Go to the movies.
• Spend time with my husband.
• Watch t.v. without feeling guilty.
• Attend appointments with my mom.

Taking a break this semester good be one of the best things I've done in awhile. Although, I will pay for it in the upcoming semesters.

A New Calling

I have officially left my CTR 7 class and began as the Young Women's Secretary. I'm a little nervous because I have never done this before and wasn't given much instruction. If anyone has any ideas, that would be great. Otherwise, I will be figuring it out along the way.

My New Obsession

Get this widget!

News

I have been debating how, when, or if I should share this news on my blog. I decided it was better that you hear from me rather than someone else. People have been known to twist the details.

My mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The official diagnosis was March 26 and she had a double mastectomy last Thursday. It is invasive lobular breast cancer that is at least stage 2. She will need chemo and radiation. Chemo will start in about a month and radiation will come after that. She is doing really well after surgery and is in high spirits.

I wish it were better news, but I thought everyone should know what is going on.

Husband Tag

I'm with Angela. I don't usually do these, but it has been awhile since I posted.

What is his name: Nathan Kraig Phelps

How long have you been married: 2 years in May

How long did you date: About a year.

How old is he: 27

Who eats more: He does, unless its dessert, then I do.

Who said I love you first: He did.

Who is smarter: Nate has more book smarts. I have more common sense.

Who does the laundry: I usually do because I'm really picky. There are a few loads he has been trained to do.

Who folds the laundry: We each do our own. But, we hang almost everything.

Who does the dishes: My mom. I hate dishes. Nate did them before we moved.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed: Facing the bed, he does. I haven't figure out why people care.

Who pays the bills: We both do.

Who cooks dinner: Mom again. Living in the basement has its perks. Before law school, Nate cooked.

Who drives when you're together: He does.

Who is more stubborn: Definitely me. Nate is really easy going.

Who proposed: Nate

Who has more friends: Probably about the same.

Who wears the pants in the family: We each wear one leg.

And What Did I See....

But, a new car where the old one used to be. They found the car a week after it was stolen. Abandoned with 800 more miles, a trashed interior and wrecked suspension. After much fighting with Geico to get our car looked at, they totaled it. We searched and searched until we found the right car for us. A 2000 Subaru Outback.
Hopefully, it last longer than the last one.

We are back in school and back into school life. Which means, boring. We work, go to school, and do homework. That is about it.

You should all go read Holly's complete version of the "stolen car, popcorn song", it's in the comments, she is so creative.

I Looked Out the Window...

and what did I see. But, a empty spot where the car used to be.

Nate's car was stolen during the night. According to the police officer, the thief went to a couple of cars in our circle, took my mom's cell and then Nate's car. We are still waiting to hear from insurance before we make our next move.

My New Toy

I did something I've never done before, I bought a product the weekend it came out.

I've been wanting to upgrade from my old ipod Shuffle to a new Nano. So when the new version came out, I rushed right to the Apple store to buy it.

You should have seen the crowds at the Apple store. One of the employees told us that they had to close early on Friday because they ran out of product.

Anyway, I'm pretty excited about my new toy.

Since We Last Met

Nate Graduated with his bachelors in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies and some other random certificates. The day after Nate graduated we moved into my parents basement to live while Nate goes to law school.

We were sealed in the Logan Temple. It was a wonderful day, we were surronded with many family and friends.

Linz, Josh, and Josiah came to visit and stayed for the sealing. It was fun to see her, I miss her already.

This also proved a good excuse to see Holly, Jared, Elizabeth, and Anna(in belly).
We have had a very busy summer. I have been going to school, I'm trying to finish as soon as possible; as even with summer semester, it will take years. We are spending a lot of time in Bear Lake utilizing the house because they are selling it. And, we went to Portland to visit Eliot and Sylvie before the baby is born.

BYU vs Utah

Nate has decide on BYU, well actually he decided long ago, but I've been busy so I haven't had a chance to do an update.

There are many reasons for this decision, higher ranking, full tuition scholarship, but the most important is the BYU made him feel wanted. They are very well organized and take the time to make it feel like they really want you to go to their school. Utah accepted him and gave him a little bit of money, but it ended there. So, Nate will be a Cougar.

I, however, will continue to be a Ute. And, if we were football watchers, we would still root for Utah.

Hopefully, more updates will be coming soon.

U of U

Nate finally heard from the U, he was accepted with a 76% tuition scholarship renewable based on performance. Now, he just needs to make a decision.

Happy Easter

We Can Be Together Forever Someday

Nate and I are getting sealed.
May 12, 2007
Logan Temple
2:15 PM

One Down, One to Go

Nate was accepted at BYU Law, with a full tuition scholarship renewable each year based on performance. He is finally complete at the U, we are just waiting for their decision.

Piper Ann

Nate's sister, Erin, gave birth to Piper on Mon, March 12. She was 6 pounds 12 ounces. She is just about the cutest thing, I can't wait to meet her.

Scores Are In

Nate got a 170 on his LSAT, which is in the 98th percentile. What does this mean? With his GPA and LSAT combined he should be able to chose between Utah and BYU. And, he will hopefully get a scholarship. Yeah! Keep your fingers crossed.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Not too much going on. We are a boring married couple, and I like it.

We are now team teaching Sunday school to just the 12 and 13 year olds. It is hard because the lessons they have for you don't quite fill an hour, but we are getting better each time we teach. We are getting more creative with our activities, which helps a lot.

Nate just took the LSAT on Saturday, so we are on hold for making too many plans until we see what score he got and if he is admitted. He has applied to Utah and BYU, with Utah being his first choice.

I have been going to school again. I am taking 3 classes heading for my BS degree in Accounting. It is keeping me busy to work full time and have 9 credit hours.

Well, that's an update on us. I hope everyone has a great Valentines day.

2006

January started off in a new home in Sugarhouse. We am still living there. We love the neighborhood, but would love to have a little more room. So, hopefully before too long, we will upgrade to a 2 bedroom.

Most of our time between January and May was spent planning for our wedding, which was on May 6. It was perfect. A small party in a back yard. Thank you everyone who helped celebrate with us. We then went on a Mexican cruise for our honeymoon. It was a great vacation.

The rest of the summer was spent playing and working. A few small camping trips and a few small trips to see Nate's family. During the summer, we were also called to teach the YM/YW. We taught 12-17, but the class was split and we now teach 12-15. It is an exercise in patience, to say the least.

The next big thing to happen was in November, I took out my endowments. We will be getting sealed sometime in May or June in the Logan Temple.

We spent Christmas in St. George and Sandy and got to see some family.

Overall it was a great year! We are looking forward to 2007 and will try to update you more.

Love is...

Making dinner and doing the dishes.