Baby Girl Cecil- 20 Weeks

Eric and I could not have been more excited when we went to our 20 week doctor appointment. We were most excited to find out if our little one was a boy or girl but we were also very relieved to find out that we have a healthy little baby and everything is looking good in there with our little one. Baby Cecil is a GIRL and we are absolutely thrilled. I thought it was a boy and Eric thought it was a girl so I was very surprised when the doctor told us it was a girl. She is already SO spoiled and loved more than she will ever know. 

How Far Along?

20 Weeks! Half way there!

Baby Size?

Baby Girl is the size of a Banana. She weights 13 oz. 

Sick?

I have been feeling like I am not even pregnant. Besides the occasional heartburn, I have been feeling so good. That first trimester is rough but around week 15 I started to feel like a normal person again. Yippee!!

Showing?

Absolutely!! I have a belly on me. It is so fun and I love everything about it. It makes me so excited to know that my little one is growing healthy in there. People tell me from the back you can't tell that I am pregnant but when I turn around you can totally tell because I most definitely have a tummy. I carry all in the front and not in the back or in my hips. I guess that is a good thing people are telling me.

Maternity Clothes?

Oh yes! I have only bought a couple things that are actually "maternity" but I have been shopping around and have been trying to find things that fit. It isn't easy to find things that I like but I have realized that when you are pregnant it isn't a fashion show and sometimes you just have to wear things that fit. J Crew has had some stuff that has been easy to fit into but mostly I wear dresses and leggings and long shirts. 

Movement?

She is moving around all of the time. I keep telling Eric that we have a little dancer in there. She wakes up super early just like her daddy and likes to go to bed early like mommy. I keep telling Eric that he can be on morning duty with her when she gets here. I love feeling her move around and Eric loves when he is able to feel her playing in there.

Making me Sick?

Nothing!! I feel great!!

Craving?

I crave the weirdest things! Lemonade, watermelon, and chips and salsa are a must throughout the day.

Happy, Sad, or Moody?

I have felt like I have been super happy recently. However, there are many times when I just break down in tears for no reason. Eric has come to realize that many times it is just hormones and I can't control my emotions many times. 

Looking Forward to...

Now that we know that our little one is a girl, we are looking forward to continue getting everything set up for her to come and to continue watching her grow. This mommy has been going crazy shopping for her and I know her grandma's and aunt's are having fun as well. Eric and I love our little girl so much and couldn't be happier she is healthy and growing strong. Now we just need to be patient and wait another 20 weeks until we can get her here and hold her. We can't wait to be a mommy and daddy in a couple months.

Baby Cecil- 16 Weeks

We got to hear baby Cecil last week and it was Mother's day weekend so that called for some shopping for our little one. This mommy and daddy are super excited and baby is already getting spoiled. I am afraid this is just the beginning!

How Far Along?

16 Weeks! We can't believe it!

Baby Size?

The baby is the size of an avocado. The baby is about 4.6 inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces. 

Sick?

By week 14 this mama started to feel so much better. There are some days where I still wake up and feel nauseous and if I am not eating as often as I should then I get sick. There are still some times when I throw up if I eat something that my tummy doesn't like while being pregnant but other than that I feel so much better. I didn't gain a pound my first trimester but once the second trimester started I have noticed that I am gaining about a pound every week to week and a half. Doctor says this is good so bring on the baby weight!

Showing?

Right around week 15 I noticed a little bump. It is nothing big but Eric and I can notice it. It is so fun to be able to see this belly of mine start to grow. My sisters have noticed it and I think it is starting to feel real for them that they are going to be aunt's.

Maternity Clothes?

YES! All of a sudden I needed some clothes that would work with this pregnant tummy of mine. All of my pants are tight enough now that I cannot wear them. Instead of buying maternity clothes, I am just wearing leggings and long shirts, dresses, and skirts. It is so hot in Texas anyway and pants are no fun to wear in the summer so I am most definitely not wearing pants while pregnant in the Texas summer.

Movement?

This week I was laying in bed and all of a sudden it felt like a muscle twitched and then it happened again. It was the best thing and as soon as it happened I knew that it was the baby. The doctor said that many first time moms start to feel movements right around now. Now that I know what it feels like, I am so happy when I feel it everyday. It makes me so happy to know my little one is safe in there.

Making me Sick?

I still don't eat much meat because it sometimes makes me sick. Eric deals with all the raw meat or I just gag while cooking dinner. The smell of fish also makes me queasy but other than that nothing is really making me sick anymore.

Craving?

Every day is different and I crave so many different things. Most of the time, I crave Mexican food or Pizza. So weird! There have been many nights where we have had pizza delivered or ran out late for some chips and salsa. Another thing that I crave big time is lemonade. I love Nordstrom's lemonade so I make a stop there a couple times a week and grab myself one. Chick-fil-a has yummy lemonade as well. I am always making sure that I am drinking as much water as I am lemonade.

Happy, Sad, or Moody?

Every day is different. My poor hubby never knows how his wife is going to be acting when she wakes up. I am usually pretty happy but if someone makes me mad then everyone just better stay away. Someone hit my car the other day in the Target parking lot and it was a hit-and-run. I was so sad and mad all at the same time. I ended up crying all day long. My husband was out of town on business in Utah which was already so hard and I was home with a messed up car. Thankfully, once he got home from his business trip he took my car to get some estimates and he is in the process of figuring everything out to have it fixed. Eric can say that one thing he has learned throughout this pregnancy is hormones are a real thing and they can do some crazy things to my emotions.

Looking Forward to...

We find out in 2 1/2 weeks if this little one is a girl or a boy and we cannot wait. When we were at our 16 week appt. this past week, I knew Eric was really hoping that the doctor would do a quick ultrasound and tell us what it is. The office was busy and I didn't have an ultrasound scheduled so we will find out the end of May. We are so excited and can't wait to find out what it is. Boy or Girl, Eric and I just hope for a healthy little baby. 

2015 Utah Trip #3- UVU Graduation and McCall's Bridal Shower

We spent the week in Utah last week and it was so dang fun. It is always so hard to come home. Eric was in Utah this week again for a day for some meetings and it was killing me inside that I was in Texas and he was in Utah. The Utah trip #3 was for my graduation from UVU. I attended campus at UVU for the first two years of school and then I got married and my husband had already graduated from BYU (the day before we got married) so we moved to Texas for work. Luckily, I was able to finish the last two years of my degree online. I was not sure that I wanted to walk at graduation but Eric kept telling me graduation probably wouldn't feel real unless I walked and I wanted to do it for my parents who made it possible for my to get my degree through Utah Valley University. I have not stopped thinking about my graduation and I am so glad I went back to Utah to walk. Eric, my parents, and my grandparents spent two days with me at commencement and convocation and it was so fun to have them there with me as I celebrated this exciting accomplishment. Mitt Romney was the commencement speaker and he gave a fabulous speech. His speech was something that many of us women could really relate to. You can watch it here. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Emergency Services Administration with an emphasis in Management.

Eric graduated from BYU with his bachelors degree in Business Management in April 2013 and this was the picture that we have from his graduation. It was only fitting that we got the same picture at my UVU graduation exactly two years later in April 2015. My parents threw me a graduation dinner after convocation on Friday with some close family and it was very fun. We went to Brio and celebrated this exciting time.

Graduation from college is something that I will always remember. That diploma is hanging up proudly. Eric was joking that it didn't take me long to get it displayed in our home. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have had these past 4 years to gain a college education. Right now, I am excited to be a mommy and to raise my family. However, I feel so much comfort in knowing that I have a college degree in something that I enjoy doing and if I ever want or need to go to work, I have my degree and I can raise my family on it if needed. Now that all this homework and school stuff is over we are preparing for our new little arrival!

Since I live in Houston, I am not able to attend all of my sisters bridal showers. Luckily, my sweet Aunt and Grandma threw her a family shower while I was there so I was able to attend at least one of them. It was so fun to be able to celebrate my sisters upcoming wedding with my family and Austin's mom and sister. It is only 6 weeks away and we are getting so excited to have another boy in the family. 

My mom and I were in charge of the cookies for the favors and mine is still sitting here it is so dang cute I don't want to open it and ruin all the darling packaging. McCall's favorite treat is Sweet Tooth Fairy cookies so we of course had to have those for dessert. I gave McCall a Scout beach bag, beach towels, and sunscreen for her bridal shower. That was one of my favorite things that I received for my wedding so I had to get her one. My sweet husband asked me the other day how much money I have spent on my sister for her wedding ;) I kept reminding him that when your sister gets married you have to get her all the exciting things that you got that no one else would think to get her or things that aren't on her registry. It has been so fun shopping for my sister for her wedding. 

Utah was so much fun celebrating my graduation from college and my sister's bridal shower. Eric and I are now home getting all of our outfits pulled together for the wedding in just 6 short weeks. It is so weird for me to think that my sister is getting married but Eric and I can't wait to be with McCall when she goes through the temple and then be with her and Austin in the temple as they are sealed for time and all eternity. I feel so much happiness knowing that they will be together forever. They are a great couple and Eric and I love and adore them.

Two Years!

Wow! We hit the two year mark. It is so great to be married to the person you love the most for eternity. Eric and I have had so many fun things happen in our marriage over the past two years. Eric graduated from college the day before we got married, we went on a very fun honeymoon, we accepted a job with BNSF Railway which meant leaving Utah and moving to Houston, TX,  and we have served in many different callings in our church and are currently serving in the YM and YW organizations so we get to work together which is very fun. I am graduating in a couple days with my degree, Eric is getting ready to take the GMAT in preparation for graduate school to get his MBA, and I think Eric and I can both say that the most exciting thing that has happened these past two years is the opportunity that we have to welcome a new little addition into our family in October. Eric and I always knew that we wanted to have a big family and it is so fun to see our family growing. There is nothing right now that brings us more joy than to know that we will have a little baby in our home in 6 months. The past two years have been incredible and Eric and I feel so blessed that we were able to go to the temple and be sealed for time and all eternity. What a blessing it is to be with your best friend for forever.

How are YOU Perceived?

Yesterday, I gave a lesson to all of the Young Women about the ways that we are perceived. We talked a lot about modesty and our attitude and what people think about us by what we wear and also what our attitude is like. As I was planning my lesson and thinking about the way I wanted to be perceived, there were so many different things that came to my mind. It is so important that we stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places. Every week when the Young Women stand up and say the theme, they say that they will stand as a witness of God. I explained to the Young Women that as a follower of Jesus Christ, it is important that we always are being a good example of him and doing the things that he would want us to do. It is a hard world out there and it may be hard sometimes to stand up even when you are standing alone. We talked about if the Savior walked into the room that we were in right now if we would feel comfortable by the things that we were wearing and would he be pleased by the way we act towards leaders, friends, family members, etc. This was a great thing for me to think about and I hope that my sweet Young Women are thinking more about it today. How we are perceived says a lot about us and I think it is important that we are always cautious of the way we are acting, dressing, etc. We truly need to be an example to those around us and show at all times that we are a follower of Jesus Christ. Hope that was a ittle inspiration for the day. 

Final Project

I have been working on finals and for one of my classes, we were asked to create a mission statement for ourselves and to share it with the class. The teacher asked that we think about the things that mean the most to us and the things that we will always put "first" in our lives. As I was thinking about it, I decided that the best way to show the things that meant the most to me was through pictures. All of the things in my mission statement were things that mean the most to me and things that I will take with me to the next life. I am most grateful for my family, friends, the gospel, my talents and gifts, and my education. These things are things that I treasure and will always try to improve. I am a daughter, sister, wife, friend, and I will soon be a mommy. These things bring me so much joy and I am grateful everyday that I am able to know who I am, know the things that matter most, and know the things that I should be focusing on every day to become a better person now and in the future.

2015 Utah Trip #2

We are loving that we get to go to Utah and spend time with family so many times this year. There is a lot going on and next year we won't be doing much traveling with a little one so we are doing lots of it before the baby comes. This was a spur of the minute trip and one that was totally worth dropping everything for. Savage is our family business and they issued an endowment at BYU in honor of my Grandpa and his two brothers who were the founders of Savage. It is an endowed fund in business at the Marriott School in the global supply chain department. Eric graduated from the business school with his emphasis in global supply chain so this was something that we did not want to miss out on.   They were able to announce the first "Savage Scholars" and we were able to be at the luncheon where they did this at BYU. We were so glad that we were able to fly from Houston to attend this special thing in honor of Grandpa.

We decided that if we were going to be at the luncheon on Monday that we might as well go for the weekend. We flew to Utah on Friday night after Eric got off work and got into Salt Lake around 9pm. We went home and went to bed we were so dang tired. Pregnancy sickness and airplane rides don't go well together so I was not feeling so great. Saturday morning, my dad and Eric got us girls Einstein's bagels before they went off and did man stuff all day long. My mom, sisters, and I did the girl thing and shopped and ate Cafe Rio. Eric and my dad aren't a fan so they didn't come to Rio with us. It was so dang good but I had to pick all the meat out of my salad. Meat is something that this tummy of mine isn't liking so much right now. We also had to stop at Swig and get some of their delicious cookies and also to pick up some chocolate covered cinnamon bears. They are no where to be found in Houston so I am always bringing them back from Utah for friends. Saturday night, we had dinner at Zupas and then we saw the movie McFarland USA. It was a great show. Saturday night was spent with McCall and Austin and spending time with family. Sunday consisted of church and a yummy dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We were able to see my grandma on my dads side, my moms parents, and my great grandma which was a treat. When you live far away, you cherish the times you get to be with all of your family at once. 

I taught primary with my mom on Sunday and she is going to be the best granny. She is so fun with kids and I can't wait until my little one gets here and can play with Grandma. #grannyshanny is out there but I think she just wants to be called Shanny. Macie loves to play Mario Kart and her sisters are not into it. She LOVES when Eric comes to town and will play it with her. Once Austin heard that she loves to play it and she and Eric were downstairs racing away, he was down there with them. Macie is blessed with some pretty fun brother-in-laws that will play games with her. 

I took a selfie with the puppy and my family was getting a kick out of it. She is such a cute little dog and one that is loved very much. I need a picture of her so of course, it is going on the blog. Monday, we spent the day on campus and then Eric and I went and had dinner with my mom and dad at California Pizza Kitchen before catching the 8pm flight out of Salt Lake. We landed in Houston at midnight and then once we got home and went to sleep it was 1:30am. We were exhausted but so worth it. It was a weekend full of spending time with family, eating at the places that we miss because we don't have them in Houston, and honoring Grandpa Savage. We miss him so so much but are so grateful for him and the legacy he has left for our family. My dad told me that my Grandpa is probably so excited that baby Cecil is coming in October and I think he is exactly right. I know my Grandpa and I know that he is smiling ear to ear about it up in heaven.

One of the best parts of the entire trip was being able to show these pictures to family and to have this little one tucked away with us. There is nothing I enjoy doing more right now than looking at the profile of my sweet little baby. Eric and I love this baby so much and feel so blessed that we get to be the parents to this little one. Being pregnant is not a walk in the park but I would not want to be anywhere else in my life right now. There is nothing I enjoy more than having my little one with me all the time. 27 more weeks to go and we will have this little one in our arms. We can't wait! Now, it is time to get ready for graduation. We will be going back to Utah 2 weeks from today so I am able to walk at my college graduation. These are some exciting times!

WE ARE PREGNANT!! Baby Cecil- 12 Weeks

How Far Along?

We made it to the 12 week mark! Wahoo!

Baby Size?

The baby is the size of a plum! It has been so fun to see how my little one is growing so fast each and every week. 

Sick?

Ever since the 6 week mark I have been pretty sick. I have been throwing up and super nauseous but I feel like I am starting to get better. Eric and I have wondered so many times how this little baby can make someone so sick but how worth it it is going to be. I guess the upside to all of this is I didn't gain a pound in my first trimester. I lost a bunch of weight when I got my tonsils out the beginning of the year and have been able to keep it off. Hopefully I start to gain some baby weight soon!

Showing?

I am not showing at all yet. The doctor thinks that within the next couple of weeks my tummy should pop a little bit. I keep wishing I would start to show but I need to give it some time. 

Maternity Clothes?

Since I haven't gained any weight and I am not showing I have been able to wear all my same clothes for the first 12 weeks. I find myself in Zella leggings almost everyday but I keep telling myself that whatever I want to wear is perfect.

Movement?

Not yet.. We had an ultrasound on Thursday and the baby was rolling over and kicking in there. We were able to watch it and I was so confused why I couldn't feel it. The baby is still so small but the doctor said within the next couple weeks I could start to feel flutters.

Making me Sick?

Meat is something that really makes me sick to my stomach. Tomato sauce is also something that doesn't settle well in this tummy of mine. I woke up really sick yesterday morning and went to the fridge to get a gatorade. I had made deviled eggs for Easter dinner and a big smell of egg came in my face which resulted in me throwing up all over the floor. There are some smells that are not going over real well right now.

Happy, Sad, or Moody?

Everyday is different! Eric was supposed to go on a overnighter with the Young Men in our ward on Friday night and as he was walking out the door, I had the biggest meltdown. He ended up staying home and we went stroller shopping. I cried all day on Friday for no reason. Yesterday, I was so happy all day and then there are some days where I am super mean and no fun to be around. Hormones are a real thing!

Looking Forward to...

Eric and I are so excited to start feeling this little one move and we can't wait to find out if we will be welcoming a little boy or a little girl into our family. We will find out in 8 weeks. Eric and I have an idea what it is but we will let the doctor tell us for sure. 

Eric and I are just so happy and feel so blessed that we get to be parents to this little baby. We love going to the doctor and having ultrasounds to see our little one. It has been so much fun to see our little baby grow. I have been looking at the profile of my sweet little one from the ultrasound pictures that we had on Thursday and we can already see the nose. My mommy ways are already kicking in and I can honestly say that I already love this little baby more than it will ever know. I can't wait to hold it and take care of it in just 6 months. October 21st better get here super quick! You have a very excited mommy and daddy little one and you are already SO loved.