Getting Healthy 2014

When I was pregnant with Daxton I began at 117 (June 2006) and ended at 139(November 2006).
When I became pregnant with Peyton I began at 111 (April 2010) and ended at 142 (December 2010), but was back at 120 shortly after.
When I became pregnant with Harlie I started at 117 (February 2013) and ended at 139 (September 2013), but was down to 110 a few weeks later.

Now after Thanksgiving and Christmas I am back at 120 and it's time to get it all toned up! :)

I've stopped drinking soda, but may still have the occasional coffee every now and then. I'm working on giving up the junk food and eating healthier foods.

And with my impending week of sand, surf, and sun coming up in just a few short weeks there is no better motivation!

Goodbye 2013

2013 started off on a great foot. Tavis and I started the year ringing it in gathered by good friends, with champagne, midnight kisses, and sparklers. Then on January 1st, I was approached by the PA I was externing with and offered a job, once I finished my hours. I knew in that moment that 2013 was going to be a great year. :)

On January 14th, we got huge news when I found out we were going to be expecting baby #2 this year.

Then another huge milestone just two days later has I graduated from AmeriTech College with my degree in Medical Assisting. This was a huge accomplishment for me. 

In March, we celebrated Tavis' 26th birthday. We celebrated with our friends Kevin and Kimmie at Tucano's. 

 Tavis and I also celebrated 5 years of being together. It's such an amazing feeling, marking these milestone years with your best friend knowing you will always be together. 

In May we found out we would be adding another baby girl to our family.

We had an exciting summer, with lots of trips to 7-peaks, a hike up the canyon, and the farmers market at the Shops at Riverwoods.

At the end of August I was blessed to be able to attend my first Birth mom Meet up. Such an incredible experience. Made me even more excited to be able to attend my first Adoption retreat which happens to be a cruise to the Catalina Islands and Mexico.

Then on September 21 at 2:06 am, We welcomed Harlie Arianna Albertson to our family. 

 Harlie's birth was perfect. However shortly after we learned that Harlie had a hole in her heart. The septal wall separating her ventricles. She is being monitored through Primary Children's Hospital, and things are looking good. We are pretty sure her heart is healing on it's own. :)

Shortly followed by My and Tavis' 4th wedding anniversary on Sept 26th. We were glad to just spend it relaxing at home.

In October we celebrated my 25th birthday at my sister Jenn's house with her and her hubby, and our friends Brandon and Ceason Elder. It was one of the best.

Unfortunately I didn't start my 25th year on the right foot, cause within 24 hours I had a seizure for the first time in the middle of Wal-mart. We are still waiting on testing for that but we shall see. :)

Then came the holidays!

Halloween was a lot of fun even though both girls were sick. My mother in law did such a great job making the girls costumes.

On November 17th we had Harlie Blessed.

We enjoyed Thanksgiving the day before because I had to work. We invited my parents to join us to eat. It was a great day. Peyton and I made a gingerbread house, and Harlie slept. :)

In December I began working for BIB. A Birth Mom Community, I am so excited and blessed to have been given this opportunity and can't wait to see what it holds for me.

We celebrated Peyton's Birthday on the 14th. Tavis and I took her swimming at the new Rec. Center, Then home for Cake, Ice Cream and Presents with Grandma Chestnut, Grandpa Albertson, and Uncle Tylan.

We were extremely blessed for Christmas. I was able to get a Christmas bonus from work, and we had two secret santas door bell ditch us with gifts for the girls. Peyton loved getting gifts. I can't believe she turned 3 this year. Time goes by so fast.

Which brings us round to New Years Eve this year. 

We spent it at home with our traditional Chinese take out. Peyton didn't quite make it to midnight, and I was cuddling with Harlie. I am excited to see what this year brings. :)

Happy New Year from Peyton and Harlie!

DAY TWENTY-EIGHT:: Happy Thanksgiving

Everyday I truly feel blessed for the life I have been given. It has had it's ups and downs, and I have trudged through many trials, but through all of that, I am Alive!

I am thankful for the trials that have put me where I am today. I am thankful for the good times that remind me how much I have been blessed. I am thankful for God, cause I know he is in control. I know he put me through these trials because he knows I can handle them, and he has a plan.

Every morning I get up and think to myself, the fact alone that I am living is a blessing. That I can carry a child in my womb for a healthy 40 weeks is a blessing. That I have a job, to provide for my family is a blessing. That I have the love and support from an amazing partner is a blessing. That I have access to clean water, power, heat, and public transportation is a blessing. My life is a blessing.

I am thankful.
:)

This is the song I walked down the aisle to, when I married Tavis. It totally applies to my life. Bless the broken road that lead me here today.

DAY TWENTY-SEVEN:: Ceason Elder

Today I am thankful for Ceason.
I unfortunately hadn't seen her much this month, so I wasn't sure when I was going to post my thankful for her, but tomorrow is her birthday so I thought today would be a good day to do it.

Ceason is absolutely one of the friendliest persons I know. We first met at my wedding, She is married to one of Tavis' best friends, Brandon (who also happens to be my brother in laws little brother). They are one of the most adorable couples too, and have two of the most adorable little girls. She has been such a great friend and is also a very talented photographer. She has done both of my maternity shoots, and I felt so blessed to have her come and be a part of Harlie's birth and taking pictures for us then. She also came and did Harlie's newborns, which turned out beautiful.

I truly feel blessed to have Ceason a part of my life. I am thankful for our talks, our double dates, play dates, and friendship. :)

Maternity pics 2010

Maternity pics 2010

Maternity pics 2013

Maternity Pics 2013

Maternity Pics 2013

Newborn pics - Harlie

DAYS 22-26

I got busy this week so I will just post this.

You forget to be thankful for the little things too. 

DAY TWENTY-ONE:: Harlie Arianna

Today my beautiful Harlie turns 2 months old, so today I am thankful for her.

When Harlie was born, she had a large whole in her heart, and I am thankful that I can say, it sounds like the hole is completely closed. We still have to follow up in a few months to make sure, but all signs point good.

She (and Peyton) bring so much joy to my life. I'm thankful I had a smooth pregnancy that went to term, and a safe delivery to bring her into this world.

At her two month check she weighed in at 11 lbs 12 oz, and is 23 inches long. She is becoming so active and began rolling over from her belly to her back last night. Her big cheesy grins melt my heart and she loves to cuddle.

I feel so blessed to have both my little girls in my life.

DAY TWENTY:: My brother in laws Tylan and Tanner

Peyton absolutely adores her uncles Tylan and Tanner. Today I am thankful for them helping us run errands. Tylan watched Peyton and Harlie, while Tanner drove us around so we wouldn't have to be in the rain.
They have always been such great helps and we appreciate them so much. I really couldn't ask for better in laws. And like I said Peyton adores them and loves it when they come over or she gets to hang out with them (mostly cause they will play with her and they aren't mom and dad).

Peyton with Uncle Tylan, Aunt Tiana, and Uncle Tanner
(in the back Dad, Uncle Joe, and Uncle Trevon)