The real proof

I already knew that there was a baby inside of me... I've had 3 ultrasounds to prove it, watched her move and seen her progression. I've listened to her fast little heartbeat each month, and my profile is getting pretty thick around the midsection. The evidence is perfectly clear that I am really pregnant, but it has all been surreal until now. 

There really is no way to describe the feeling that I am going through to anyone who hasn't felt it before, but it is SO COOL. I can feel her doing somersaults. I can feel her stretching out her arms and legs... it feels like someone is nudging me from the inside. I finally believe that she is REAL. 

So now I am in. No more resenting the growing body that I have always feared. If I get to be in charge of this little baby girl from now on, bring on the bigger clothes and the constant nudging.

Home

Well, today ended the long summer of vacations. I am FINALLY home to stay.  This summer we went on the usual family vacations... Henriksen's to Lake Powell and Crosby's to Newport Beach. But we also added in a few extra trips to California... and by a few, I mean four more. Each was in support of a family member's graduation, wedding, and birth of a baby. We are glad that we were there for each event, but the drive to and from California has become far too familiar in such a short period of 3 months time.  And our new home in American Fork has become far too unfamiliar. It feels so good to be back. Here are some highlights...

Our last night at Lake Powell on the way to the sand hill, sometimes we have too much fun together. Michelle and I survived the heat as the 2 pregnant ladies on the trip with Dad's frequent use of the AC. I finished my first trimester there, and started feeling a better once we got home from our family vacations.

and back to Newport Beach...
Jon and Aaron, best buds for life! Congratulations Aaron and Lindsey!

Welcome to the world, baby Jenna Juli Neilsen! Congratulations Michelle and Scott!

She is a PERFECT little newborn, always on best behavior! I loved spending the week taking care of her with Mom and Juli. Now that I am feeling a lot better, it made me so excited for my own baby. Seeing my sister all stapled shut made me realize that I'm glad I still have 4 1/2 months to prepare for all of the labor and delivery stuff... eek!

But who wouldn't want one of these for their own? AH! This is what I'm excited for...