BTG Cruise 2014

Two weeks ago I was blessed to go on an adoption retreat. The retreat was hosted by BIB. A Birth Mom Community, and was available to birth moms and (hopeful) adoptive moms. I waited an entire year to go on this trip, and it was worth the wait.

My trip began on Friday night, I left Utah with Haley and Jenna, our trip began with a quick stop in Springville to start our trip of right with a BTG cheer with our amazing founder Ashley. We got to Las Vegas at 3 am after a few exciting stops along the way. The three of us were hosted by another beautiful BTG Alysia and her family.

Saturday was spent in Vegas, doing some last minute shopping and sleeping before our final leg of the trip. We were treated with homemade Puerto Rican Empanadas with rice and beans. Then it was time to go see "the freaks on Freemont". We saw quite the array of characters including this guy dressed as cupid. I kid you not when he suddenly did the splits in front of us while hugging us I was so shocked. It was really gross.

After a fun night out in Vegas, we left early to get to Cali! For the most part the trip was uneventful minus one or two panic attacks. First stop was in Orange to pick up another BTG. Our car was packed to the max after that. We bottomed our car out a few times.

Once we got to the hotel Alysia and I stayed behind while the others went to LB airport to get Ashley. Once they got back we took a walk to CVS where we were followed for several blocks by a homeless black man. I now know to never walk anywhere in Long Beach. Once we got back the party began with the arrival of the last 5 girls and our welcome meeting/pajama party.

At breakfast the next morning I got to meet some of the other people (not part of our group) who were also cruising out. Including an adorable little boy Cooper and his two dads, Allen and Doug! He had the most adorable smile and super contagious laugh. Then it was time to load up and head to port.

It was really amazing that the ship we were sailing out on was called Inspiration. I was ready to unplug and open my heart to this Inspiring and Healing retreat. I turned off my phone and climbed aboard the ship! 

The first day was mostly filled with exploring the ship, enjoying lunch, and hot tubbing. We ended it with our first group formal meal I tried Lobster and Alligator for the first time (was not a fan). Followed by hanging out at the Piano Bar with our new friend Barry. When the ship set sail I was surprised to find I got a little sea sick. So glad I brought Zofran with me.

On day two it was our full day at sea. I woke up early and watched the sunrise with a cup of coffee and was serenaded by one of the crew members who didn't know I was listening on the deck above. It was a nice way to start my day. Then after a few laps of the boat to explore all it had to offer, It was time to meet up for our first workshop. What we discussed something that I have been reflecting on ever since. Afterward all the birth moms went to get lunch and do some more hot tubbing. However our hot tubbing was placed on hold. Someone on board had become injured and we had to turn the ship around to rush to coordinates to meet the coast guard for an immediate medivac. Still praying whoever that was is ok.

Finally we were able to do some hot tubing then our second night of formal dinner. This night I played it a little safer. After dinner of course we went to see Barry at the piano bar then enjoyed some time at the night club. Emily and I also met up and hung out with a few of our new cruise friends at the pool bar. 

On wednesday we woke up in beautiful Catalina! After meeting up for breakfast we all got ready and headed ashore for our workshop of the day. It was beautiful seeing these amazing women healing. Afterwards we all went off to do our own thing. For the most part it was just me and Emily then we met up with Alysia and Joy. The weather was amazing so after laying on the beach we headed back to the ship to do some swimming and dinner. I ended the night being taught how to play Black Jack by my two new friends Lionel and Alicia. 

Thursday we were in Ensenada, I began the day with sunrise coffee with Ash, then breakfast with Sarah. I wanted to soak it all in that day and ended up spending most of it alone. After breakfast it was our final workshop, I could not believe how much each workshop touched me in a different way. I left a little earlier than everyone else and when I came back they were gone so I took that time to go enjoy the serenity deck alone (everyone else had gone ashore). Has I sat in the hot tub looking out at the Ensenada bay, I had some reflective time and thanked God for the amazing week I had been blessed with. It was the best moment for me. Afterwards I went to grab lunch, when I found the rest of my group who had just finished lunch and was getting ready to go to Mexico. I decided to eat and nap instead. :)

Then it was time for our final formal dinner as a group, our final night. At dinner I was blessed to sit and witness our founder, call each girl to sit next to her while she spoke to them, giving each a personal message. When she looked at me and said your next, I was not prepared for what I was about to feel. Of course I cried. All I could constantly think while I was on this trip was how blessed I was to be able to be there and be a part of all this amazing healing experience.

I ended the night spending some time with all of my new friends. The wonderful women I had gathered with to heal, and the amazing people I had met all on board. It was tough to say good bye.

I will never forget the amazing time I had, The beautiful people I met, The healing that took place. I can not say enough how truly blessed I feel that I got to be a part of all of that. My one regret is not enough pictures. :)

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