Early Easter Present

This morning the Easter Bunny came early....and shared a little secret with us.

18 weeks

We went and had our ultrasound this morning and found out what we were having. He made it pretty clear that he was a BOY right from the get go. He was so cute. As we started we could see him yawning, but then he started to wake up and move all about. His heart sounded perfect and we could see his arms and legs really well too. He looked perfect! He is definitely bigger than the last time we saw him at 10 weeks. We then met w/ the PA and everything on my side looked great as well. We're so excited for him to join our family in August!

Baby Boy McGrath;)

There Goes March......Here comes April

Wow can you believe March has come and gone already? It sure went quickly, but I'm thankful that April is here now for many reasons, especially for the warmer weather!

Here are a few updates from the past couple weeks (sorry it's longer than I thought).

On the 20th we had our Relief Society Birthday Dinner. Thankfully it went really well. I went over after work and got the last few things set up: butter on tables, water in cups and pitchers refilled on tables, cake cut and put on tables, and food labels ready. I had my counselors and a few sisters from the branch also help me we it went smoothly and just in time. We got started just after seven and started the meal. We had the sisters bring soup, breadsticks/rolls, and salad. Everything was all yummy! After everyone had gotten their food and started to eat we started our spiritual message. We had 9 different sisters talk about some of the past Relief Society Presidents, some of their accomplishments and what they learned from them. It was really neat to hear their testimonies on each sister. After the sisters spoke we had President Thorup speak to us. We then had a song and a prayer and ended the evening. It whole night was about an hour, just perfect! The sisters who wanted to stay after did and those who needed to leave left. We had about 40 sisters there which was great also!

We also got Steve registered for his Summer classes and will register his for his Fall classes in a couple weeks. He is just about done......and thankfully most of his last classes will be pretty easy. They're just the last little classes he needs to graduate in December; yeah! Hopefully that'll work well for him this fall w/ the new baby and all, so he can keep up with his schoolwork.

On Friday the 23rd, Steve picked me up off the train then we went to the Jordan River temple. We were going to stay downtown and go to the SLC temple, but w/ the new opening of the City Creek Mall it was WAY too crowded downtown, so we thought it would be best to get out of there. On the way to the temple we stopped at Arby's for a quick bite to eat (I've been craving roast beef w/ au jus lately so that hit the spot). We then did initiatories then stopped at Maverick for some frozen yogurt. We then went and walked around a couple stores and looked at their king size mattresses and bed frames. Steve thinks we really need one, but I think it's more of a want at this point ;)

On Saturday the 24th I had homework so Steve took the opportunity to go fishing of course. Before I started my homework I started cleaning, doing laundry, and dishes. I didn't take my Zofran thinking I felt fine, so after a couple hours........there goes my apple I had for breakfast. I took my Zofran shortly after and felt better the rest of the day. After Steve got back and cleaned up, we went w/ Dave, Joann and Rob to Red Robin (I hadn't really eaten anything else since I wasn't feeling good, so I was really hungry by then). We then met all of Steve's sisters and brother and their spouses and watched the new "Hunger Games" movie. I had just finished the book that Wednesday, so I was pretty anxious to see it; as was everyone else. They did a really good job on the movie and the 2 1/2 hours went by really quickly. They had to leave out some parts though, as all movies do, but overall it was excellent I thought.

Steve fishing up Big Cottonwood Canyon (ya there's still lots of snow but that's not stopping him)

Steve and Carrie hiking up Little Bell

On Monday we finally got a hold of a gentleman, Rich Bennett, who we home teach, so we made an appointment to come visit him. We shared a message w/ him about Easter and the blessing of the Resurrection. We also encouraged him to watch General Conference this weekend. I then had homework to work on of course.

Me working on homework and eating Belly Flops. It's easier to get the flavor you want if you dump them all out ;)

Our new railing by our condo (so no one falls like Steve did in the snow w/ hurt knee)

On Tuesday after work I went to the chiropractor. My back has been bothering me more, especially at work since I have to sit all day. I need to get up and walk more, on my breaks and during lunch. I'm glad I'll be done w/ my classes soon so I don't have to keep doing homework during lunch. Also w/ the weather getting better it's more encouraging to go out.

That night we went to bed and I woke up at around 1:30am feeling really nauseous. I asked Steve for my Zofran, which I usually don't take until 5:30am, but was feeling so sick I thought it would help so I could get back to sleep. Well I felt a little better but still didn't sleep too well. At 5:30am I still wasn't feeling the best so I took another Zofran, then got up at 6:30am to get ready for work. I tried to make it through the day but my body was just not cooperating. I felt like I was going to throw up at any moment, despite my efforts to overcome it: I had taken my Zofran, I tried drinking tea, and chewing peppermint gum. I got up several times and rushed to the bathroom because I felt I was going to throw up, but never did. My back was also really hurting in addition to the nausea so at 10:30 am I text Steve to see if he was done w/ class. He told me he had one more, but after telling him how I was feeling he said he was going to come get me. He then picked me up from work and we headed home.

I hadn't had anything to eat since my breakfast drink, so I asked Steve to go get me a Jamba Juice. The juice was yummy but I still didn't feel good at all. Steve made me some toast w/ peanut butter, but still the same. We then decided to take a quick nap, which was good because I was exhausted from the night before. When I woke up my back was really hurting and my stomach too. Zach had come over and was tying flies w/ Steve, so after a little bit I asked them if they could give me a blessing. Zach annointed then Steve gave me the blessing. In it I was reminded of the talk I read in the April Ensign from Elder Bednar about not praying to have our circumstances changed but rather to pray for strength to change our circumstances. (It's a really good talk if you haven't read it. I actually listened to the audio of it before I left on my mission. It has some really good points about the enabling power of the Atonement as well). In the blessing I also was reassured that the baby was healthy as well, which helped put my mind at ease. Anyway, an hour or so after the blessing I started feeling better. That night I slept amazingly. I'm so thankful for the Priesthood in my life, not only for blessings, but also for the saving ordinances which we have through it which allows us to make covenants with our Heavenly Father to help us get closer to him.

I was supposed to go over home and visiting teaching that night w/ the Elder's quorum President and our assistants, but because I wasn't feeling well I asked my 2nd counselor to help me out. Thankfully she was willing and able to go on such short notice.

The next day I felt a lot better, not 100% but better. I'm guessing my back will continue to hurt through this pregnancy, but hopefully I'll at least be able to go to work and fulfill my Relief Society obligations. My stomach area has also been hurting a lot. It's usually around my scars that it hurts, from my car accident and hernia. We wonder if it hurts because things are getting moved around and there is scar tissue also. The DR said things should be fine though, just some "growing pains" apparently. He also said assuming we don't have to do a C-section things should be fine. If we do have to do a C-section we'll have to go through the same scar tissue which could be tricky. We're praying the delivery will go "normal."

Yesterday, we were going to go up to the cabin, but since the weather is supposed to get nasty tomorrow and Dave is still sore from surgery, we decided to stay here. Instead we went up and played a couple games w/ Dave. On Monday he had his foot operated on, he had 2 neuromas, so he hasn't been able to get out much. We played Ticket to Ride and Kings in the Corner. It was fun, we haven't played games in a little while.

Today Steve and I have been watching General Conference. The messages have been really good. In between the sessions I went to a bridal shower for Steve's cousin for a little bit. After the afternoon session we took an hour nap also; it was nice :) Steve went w/ his dad to Priesthood session while I stayed home and finished my homework. Only 2 weeks left yeah! I also found out my graduation ceremony will be June 30th at 11am at the Noah Event Center in South Jordan. I'll keep you posted on the details as they come. I also made pizza and breadsticks for dinner after Steve got home, yumm. I used 1/2 wheat flour and we actually really like it. Feels you up pretty quickly though.

We're more than 1/2 way done w/ the campaign at work so I'm glad for that. So far so good. Steve only has about 1 month of school left too, so that's exciting! We are getting anxious to go on our trip to Hawaii as well at the beginning of May!!!

Some random cravings lately: ring pops, Jamba Juice, and fruit. I can't wait for more fruit to get in season, watermelon and grapes in particular.

The thing we're most looking forward to is our Dr appt on Tuesday. We are going to find out what we're having, boy or girl that is. So, hopefully the baby cooperates and we can tell what it is........and fingers crossed they're 100% accurate. I keep hearing stories of people who get told one thing and once they're born it's the opposite. I guess we'll see. We'll let everyone know once we find out ;) We're also heading up to Idaho to see my family for Easter so that'll be really fun as well! Have a great week and enjoy the rest of conference!

March Updates

I can't believe March is more than half way over; it's going quick. There's a lot of fun things I'm looking forward to though, so in a way I'm kindof glad.

First, this week I'll be 1/2 way done w/ my class which is fantastic! It's going quickly thankfully. I just have my big project to work on and get done in the next couple weeks not to mention my midterm this week. Thankfully for the project my teacher has allowed me to use our decision of going to PA school, so I'm pretty excited about that.

Second, we're also going to find out what we're having in about 2 weeks, on Tuesday April 3rd, just before Easter. We're then planning to go up to my parents that weekend to spend some time w/ them.

Third, our trip to Hawaii is getting closer as well, in about 6 weeks. Steve and I will both be done w/ our school before we leave (at least for Steve until summer starts), so we can really relax and enjoy our trip. That also means that my campaign at work is getting closer to being done so I'll be happy about that as well.

Here's a couple other quick updates from the past couple weeks.

On Sunday the 4th, after church, we got together and had our "International Night." It was really fun. We had each family bring a food from another country and then tell some things about it. Dave and Joann did a great job of putting it together. We even got to load up on a "plane" and get passports w/ stamps from each country. We tried food from Italy, Brazil, India, Ireland, Slovenia, Mexico and the USA. I made stuffed green peppers and some fresh bread, since Slovene's have bread made every day. I think everyone really liked the bread, even the kids. Unfortunately Steve had to go to a class project thing, which was ridiculous, and ended up missing the whole thing. It was a lot of fun!

On Friday March 9th, my mom came down. Since I was late getting off work and Rose was running a little late after dropping off the girls, we all met at 2100 S at Sheri's, decided what we were going to do, then headed out. My mom helped me pick up our Jeep, while Rose and Pauline went and picked up food at Cafe Rio. Since it was busy there, we came back to my place and ate. We also had belly flops which we picked through and ice cream for dessert. It was fun catch up and have some good laughs.

Rose and Pauline in their matching coats after celebrating my bday

The next day I had homework, then in the afternoon we stopped by at my mom's brother's birthday party, then went down to Provo and met my friend Eve and her husband Darrell for dinner. Eve is my friend from work who is due a month before me. She found out this week she's having a girl. We went to Red Robin for dinner, then Dairy Queen for a blizzard, then went back to her place a chatted a bit. We then went back to the birthday party for a few minutes to say hi, then headed out. Since it was Daylight Saving that night I was worried about getting enough sleep in that I still had to finish up the visiting teaching report and get my Relief Society meeting agenda done. Needless to say I only got like 5 hours of sleep by the time we got home, I finished my reports, then had to get up for my PEC meeting which started at 7:30am. Thankfully after church we took a nap. We then went over to some neighbors and played games and had some snacks. I also announced on facebook that we're expecting so it was nice to finally let others know and not hide my belly :)

This past week I've been trying to get ready for our Relief Society Birthday Dinner, which is this Tuesday the 20th. We went and delivered fliers to those sisters who we didn't see on Sunday. Steve has been on Spring Break this week as well. He has gone fishing a couple times as well ;)

On Thursday we went out to dinner w/ Dave, Joann, Diane and LuDean for Joann's birthday. We went to Texas Road House. It was fun. We then went home and worked on homework. The next night we also went and hung out w/ Dave and Joann, a double date per say. Dave picked up Little Caesars Pizza which we had for dinner, then watched a movie together. We brought over our belly flops, Dave had a fun time trying all the different flavors. It was great to spend more time w/ them also.

Here we are at 16 weeks (me and baby McGrath that is) :)

Surprise Date Night !!!

Well today is a leap year, February 29th, so I wanted to post. Plus this was just too special to post in my regular weekly posts.

So on Monday after work, as I was coming to the door there was a note on which said, "Please knock Penny." I then knocked and Steve opened the door wearing his suit and tie. He then gave me a hug and kiss, took my bag and coat, then let me use the restroom (that time of day of course after a train ride). As I came back out in the living room Steve seated me then poured us some sparkling cider. He then picked up the ring box, and kneeled by my chair and basically poured his heart out to me. ;) He let me know that he's really excited for us to be parents and that he wants me to be able to wear my wedding ring (my fingers are getting a little chubby right now and my wedding rings don't fit). He said he wanted me to have a ring to wear that meant something to us both and wasn't just a cheap $20 ring from Wal-Mart that would make my finger turn green. He then opened the box and showed me my new ring he got me, a size bigger than my regular wedding ring. It was perfect! He said he wanted diamonds on it because it looks more like a wedding ring, so no one will get any ideas ;)

Steve pouring us sparkling cider

The cute box it came in

My new wedding band to wear w/ 10 diamonds

We then ate our salad, then had steak and potatoes that Steve made. It was a yummy dinner! For dessert we had mint cookie ice cream and watched a little TV. It was a PERFECT date night. Thanks honey; you're the best! Thanks Carrie for helping him pick it out as well.

Side note......here is my belly at 13 weeks. We go to the DR in the morning for my 14 week appointment, then next time we'll find out what we're having......yeah can't wait! ;)

Valentine's Day and more

I can't believe February is almost over, but at the same time I'm kinda glad. I'll be starting my 2nd trimester this week, so I'm hoping that the sickness will stop soon. I still get sick in the morning and here and there in the evening, but my energy is better. I've had more energy to cook and clean and do more "normal" things per say. Steve has been a BIG help with the cooking, cleaning and whatnot. Thanks honey; you're the best!

Besides the sickness, I did finish my online class this past week, yeah!!! With this class done I only have ONE more to finish my MBA. I'm getting pretty excited to get done. I have to admit I'll be happy to be done w/ homework, considering I've been working on my degree for 3 years now (right after we got married). Only 8 weeks left, so by the end of April I'll be done. To celebrate my graduation, in between school semesters for Steve, and for our last vacation before the baby comes, we booked a vacation to Hawaii in the beginning of May!!! We're going to go to Oahu first, then Kauai. We're pretty excited to go!

On Valentine's Day Steve surprised me w/ balloons in the Jeep (at the trax station where I leave it while I take the train to work). He also had written cute messages on the windows. At the bottom of the balloons he had a new potato masher (since our last one broke and we needed it the night before), and some peppermint gum (it helps w/ the morning sickness). Then when I got home he had another message on the mirror and some pretty flowers. The surprise made my day!!! Steve was headed home from school so he picked up some strawberries and Nutella and I made some crepes for us; they were yummy ;)

The cute balloons Steve got me

The balloons, gum and potato masher ;)

Pretty flowers

Cute messages on the Jeep

It was nice to have the 20th off, thankfully I finished my project for class and was able to relax a little. It was also good I got it done because I had a lot of Relief Society things to get done this week, meetings and whatnot. Steve has been busy with school as well. His knee is doing better and he doesn't have to wear his brace at all now. He's been going fly fishing pretty much every Saturday but has thoroughly been enjoying it.

This past Friday Rose picked me up at work so I could ride w/ her to drop the girls off in Draper. After dropping them off we went back to our place, got Steve, then went to Applebee's for dinner. We then came back to our place and hung out. It was good to see her.

Saturday Steve went fishing while I slept in a little then did laundry and cleaned. When he got back we went to the Stake Center to help can and bag things for our branch. President Thorup had the idea to put granola bars in dry pack bags so we can add them to our "grab and go" kits. We were there from 1:30-4pm, thankfully we got done with everything by then. When we got home, I made some bread and stroganoff and worked on our taxes. Afterwards we went up to Dave and Joann's and watched a movie together called "Courageous." It was actually really good. Everyone should see it. Looks like there is another one made by the same people called "Fireproof" so we'll have to watch that one too soon ;)

Well, I hope all is well for everyone. Keep us posted. We go to the Dr again this week on Thursday, then we should be scheduled just before Easter to find out the gender of our baby. We're getting pretty excited to find out too! Have a great week, love ya! ;)

DR Visits and Birthday Fun......

On Thursday, February 2nd we went to the OBGYN for my 1st appointment at 10 weeks. We got to hear the heartbeat and talked to the DR on some things to expect and whatnot. It was technically our first time meeting him since we had been seeing the PA before. The nurse calculated my due date to be September 1st, but after i was thinking about it, I wonder if she calculated in that this year is a leap year. Not that it makes a big deal and I know for your first you usually go over anyway, but according to my calculations it should be August 31st. Regardless, we both really liked the DR. He had some emergencies come up and also a couple ladies go into labor and were ready to deliver, so he was a little more brief w/ us than he said he normally is. Next time he said he'll go over some more things. One thing he did say was that he doesn't want me to go out of town the last month (so all of August), so that means I won't be able to go to my 10 yr HS reunion or our family reunion, both in August. Oh well, I'm sure I probably won't be feeling like going anywhere at that time anyway. I also got my blood drawn, which the phlebotomist did an EXCELLENT job; I couldn't even feel it, thankfully!

On Friday, February 3rd at about 4pm at work I just got back from a quick break then strange things started to happen. I started feeling really dizzy, I couldn't see very well, my hands went numb, and I wasn't able to speak very well. I'm pretty sure that my last calls on Friday afternoon from 4-5pm probably don't make much sense either since I couldn't see my computer and my brain wasn't working very well. I endured and got through the last hour of work but I text Steve to come get me instead of taking the train because I didn't feel I could walk over to the train. Though I was really dizzy and lightheaded, I somehow made my way down the stairs and into the car. Steve immediately drove me to the emergency room after getting instructions from our DR to do so. They thought I was having a stroke so they immediately took me back to a room. Steve called Dave who came down a quick as he could and gave me a blessing as well. They got things under control per say and did a million tests and MRI and still didn't find anything. The ER DR was communicating with my OBGYN DR who just happened to be on call at Alta View Hospital (that's where he normally has his patients deliver). They were both pretty confused as to what happened but my OBGYN wanted to see me on Monday. We were there from about 6-10pm. After we got home I pretty much just went right to bed.

The next day I slept in and felt like I was been doing better. We took it pretty easy that Saturday, then had Stake Conference that Sunday. I also had a quick meeting afterwards but then we took it easy again. Since they still want me to come back in Monday morning to do more tests I told my boss and I wasn't sure what time I'd be in on Monday since we weren't sure what all they were going to do. Well, when we called the DR that morning though, he apparently wasn't it. We came to find out later that our OBGYN went to Hawaii. I guess he tends to forget when he's supposed to go on vacation until the night before :) Well we talked to the PA, who we've seen before, and she suggested we come in the next day for an ultrasound just to make sure everything was ok. So, I went in to work that afternoon, then took Tuesday morning off again to get the ultrasound. Thankfully everything looked perfect, so that put our minds at ease.

Baby McGrath, 10 weeks (head on the right w/ arm up waving) ;)

That day after I had gotten back to work I got a call from a nurse at my OBGYN. She let me know that my blood type is O negative (which I already knew), but apparently since I'm negative and Steve is positive they suggest that I get Rhogam shots at about 28 weeks and around delivery to help. So I will probably get to have more shots, lucky me.... not! ;) Here is some more info on it:

http://americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/rhfactor.html


That night I actually was feeling pretty good so I made us some potato bacon soup w/ carrots. Afterwards I wanted to wash up the dishes so I asked Steve to turn the hot water on on the faucet (our faucet was leaking the night before so Steve just turned off the hot water since that was the side that was leaking). Well, when I got done I told him he could turn it off again. As he was turning it off I went to bedroom to get something and all of a sudden I hear him screaming. As I come out I see the left side of the kitchen faucet was exploding w/ water. Apparently it had popped off and was now gushing w/ water. I took over holding it down to prevent it from spraying completely everywhere while Steve went to the utility closet to turn the water off completely. Well, he finally got it off, then we decided that we had better replace the whole faucet. Thankfully Dave was willing to come over on short notice and helped Steve replace the kitchen faucet and the valves too since they were just as cheaply made as the faucet. Thanks for helping us on short notice Dave; you're a lifesaver!

Yeah for a new faucet!

Wednesday I had some RS visits, and then did some homework. Thursday we had a RS meeting as well. Joann was going to watch Melanie in a RS program that night as well, so we invited Dave over for dinner. Steve made some spaghetti and meatballs which was really good. Steve and Dave then went and got movie tickets for us for the next day while I was at the RS meeting. When I got back I made some cookies, which we enjoyed w/ Dave, then he headed home.

Friday the 10th I took the day off for my 28th birthday. We slept in a little, then I had a chiropractor appointment. As with every morning, I still haven't been feeling very well so I've been taking Zofran every morning to help w/ the nausea. Thankfully it hasn't been quite as bad in the evening lately though. Last week I was REALLY tired in the evening though and went to bed a couple times early. It sure does make it hard to get my homework done when I can't stay awake at night. I've had a little more energy this week though, so hopefully that's a sign that it's almost over (the morning sickness that is).

Harry Potter movies (all in one), popcorn, dried pears, and goodies from mom and dad. I just took my Zofran and am trying to drink the breakfast drink (not feeling too well sorry).

Steve sent me this cute text on my birthday while waiting at chiropractors :)

After the chiropractor appointment we came back and I tried to work on homework for a bit while Steve tied some flies. We then went to a movie called, "The Vow" with Dave and Joann. I thought it was really good. We then went up to Red Robin for dinner. LuDean, Diane, Rob, Dave, Joann, Jeff, Kim, Isaac, Cameron, Alexa, Stacie, Phil, and London joined us there to celebrate. It was fun to get together. The waiter also brought out a slice of ice cream cake and they all sang to me. Thanks everyone who came, for the cards, texts, and phone calls, ; it meant a lot to me and made my day VERY special. ;)

Steve w/ his cute little pink fly he just tied

Saturday I had the WorldWide Leadership Training meeting at 9am at our Stake Center. It was really good. Anyone can view it online now if you want as well. They focused a lot on what our purpose is, which is to bring others to Christ and that families are very essential to purpose and the purpose of the Church. While I was gone, Steve took the opportunity to go fishing w/ his dad and Rob. Afterwards I went and did more homework during the afternoon, then that night Steve and I just took it easy.

Steve fishing and loving it!

This morning I had PEC at 7:30am, church, a VT training meeting that I was in charge of, then my RS Presidency meeting, all the while it's been snowing here. I then hurried home, got a quick bite to eat, then went w/ Rose to pick up the girls from Jared. We met him in Draper at Harmon's and just helped them switch vehicles, then she dropped me back off and she went home w/ the girls. Steve and I are now going to work on a 1000 piece 3D castle puzzle we found at Savers for 99 cents, yeah!

I've got to finish my final project, or start it and finish it I should say, and start and finish my final presentation. Thankfully I've at least been able to keep up w/ my schoolwork thus far even though I have been struggling not feeling well and being so exhausted. I'll be done w/ this class by next week, then one more class of 8 weeks and I'll be ALL done w/my MBA, just in time to enjoy the summer and get ready for baby ;)

Well I hope all is well. Keep us posted. Have a great week, love ya lots! ;)

One more New Year's Resolution

This is only for family btw............no one else is to know, thanks ;)

So last time I wrote about our New Year's Resolutions.............well I need to add one more

• To start a family!

This past weekend my parents were coming down so we thought it would be a great opportunity to get our parents together to share the exciting news. So we called our parents and told one that the other one wanted to get together to catch up. Luckily both sets of parents bought it and we set a time to go out to dinner. Friday night we went and got a cake and had them write on it something simple that would tell our message.

On Saturday, Steve went with his dad to go fishing while I slept in a little and then worked on homework. About 1 pm as it was raining, all of a sudden the power went out. We were going to meet w/ my mission companion Sister Britney McPherron Graham but due to the power outage we had to postpone it. As soon as Steve got home we decided to head up to his parents so I could finish my homework w/ the Internet. A couple hours later I got all my homework done, we were both showered, and of course the power hasn't come back on. We hurried home to meet my parents and get changed quickly (in the dark).

We then headed out to dinner and met Steve's parents there. We decided to eat at Sizzler so my dad could get a steak and we could all get salad or whatnot if we wanted. Steve got the cake out of the fridge and told my dad that it was for my birthday, not showing him the lettering of course. As we were getting out of the car I pretended like I didn't know what was going on and went inside while Steve got the cake and took it inside. While I pretended to not see him, he went and gave it to the waiter and came back as his parents showed up.

We then ordered, got seated and got our salads. As we finished up our meal my dad looked at Steve and winked saying, "I wonder what's for dessert." Steve then excused himself like he had to use the restroom and told the waiter he could bring the cake out. As the cake came out the waiter said, "Happy Birthday." Everyone kinda looked at each other like who's birthday is it? and Dave said he was thinking, "They've got the wrong table." I said, no we actually have a surprise for you and Joann actually looked at the cake and read it and started to tear up. Joann finally had to tell the others to read the cake. After reading what the cake said, it finally clicked. I think my dad said, "I thought you'd never have kids." And Joann was like "You're gonna make me cry." We then cut up the cake and my dad got us all ice cream to go w/ it.

Steve and I w/ our surprise cake

After dessert we decided to go back to Dave and Joann's to play games. Since it was snowing crazy by now AND our power still wasn't on, we decided we'd actually all stay the night at their place also. We went home to grab our bags and PJ's, switched to the Jeep for 4 wheel drive, and made our way up the slipper road. We then talked for a while, then played "Phase 10 w/ a Twist" then went to bed. It was a GREAT night!

The next morning I wasn't feeling well (as I haven't been for the past 4 weeks), so I just stayed in bed for a while as everyone else got up and had breakfast together. Steve then ran home and got me one of my nausea pills to take so it could start working. About 30 minutes later we left back to our place. The power had luckily been turned back on at about 1am. A power-line actually caught on fire and blew up, so they were working on replacing the whole power-line during the crazy snow storm.

Steve and I hurried and changed for church while my parents stayed at our place for a little while before going to my cousin's homecoming. After church I had a home and visiting teaching meeting for a couple hours. Steve couldn't stand it anymore so we went out a quick email w/ pics of the cake to our siblings and grandparents so they would know also. After a quick nap, we then headed out to Rose's place to celebrate Charlotte's birthday. We had dinner and just chatted and played "Apple's to Apple's" together. It was a lot of fun getting together.

Charlotte's turning 4

Let me also just sum of some things about my pregnancy:

• We found out we were prego on December 23rd and tested again on Christmas, both very positive. It was a great Christmas present to each other ;)
  
• I'm due about August 31, 2012, which makes me 8 1/2 weeks right now (it was a little earlier than we had planned to announce it but it worked out perfect so we could tell both parents at the same time).
• My first DR appointment is next Thursday at 10 weeks
  
• I have had morning sickness since week 4, and it comes back at night as well. Thankfully we got the nausea pills at week 5 which has been helping tremendously. With the sickness and the 1/2 hour train ride in the morning, it was just too much for me. This way I have at least been able to go to work.
  
• Like a lot of women, so I hear, I can't stand eating certain things. More so I get nauseated at the sight or smell of certain foods. The curve ball is that it changes just about every day. So, unfortunately we've been eating out a lot this month since I don't like smells in the house and I can't decide what I want to eat until last minute. Steve has been very understanding and patient with me though. He's the best!
• Steve is pretty sure we're going to have a boy. I used to think we were going to have a girl first, but I thinking more boy now.
• We're 6 weeks behind Stacie so we're pretty excited about that!
  
• We're pretty excited and nervous at the same time, but more so excited to add to our family!

Hopefully this helps to answer questions. We'll keep you posted as we go. Thank you everyone for your love and support; we really appreciate it!!! ;)