Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Pregnancy Announcements
Back before we were even trying to get pregnant, and even more so once we were trying- I used to think about how we would announce our pregnancy. Then by the time we were expecting I'd thought about it enough and spent enough time on Pintrest I knew exactly what I wanted to do, thankfully Russ agreed : )
My Family: My brother Tanner was returning home from an LDS mission on September 8. As we talked about it Russ and I decided this would be the perfect time that my family would be together where our announcement wouldn't be expected. However, we didn't want to steal the thunder and take away from Tanner's moment. So we carefully created a plan. Following the airport we all gathered at my moms for dinner. After dinner and in between leaving for Tanner to get released we gathered everyone in the front room to convince them that we needed to get another group photo of everyone.
Once we had everyone arranged I left my camera on record and Russ set his for a self timer- Russ ran back to the group and then stated " on the count of 3 say Brittany's Pregnant". There wasn't an immediate response so I followed it with "surprise". Then people started to slowly catch on. However, my mothers reaction was my favorite. It was delayed and then suddenly she realized what was going and just started screaming. It was even better than I imagined! And thankfully we had it recording so I could take screen shots of reactions, seeing as how they were so delayed the self timer shot missed most.
I seriously went home that night and cried watching the movie over and over again. I love it so much and will never forget that moment!
Russ's Family: The following Thursday after telling my family we invited all of Russ's family over for a BBQ at our house. This was a little harder and tricky seeing as how once they showed up and saw everyone was here supposedly everyone started getting suspicious and asking Russ when the pregnancy announcement was taking place. Well we made them wait until after dinner and desert before giving Mark and his wife, and Char one of these presents.
It was so nice after we told them to have the secret out a little bit- It was driving us crazy for 4 weeks keeping it to ourselves!!
Disclaimer- I was only 7 weeks pregnant when we told our families. I have a good friend who does ultrasounds that took a look at 6 weeks to make sure that it wasn't ectopic and that with my abnormal uterus nothing looked to concerning. She gave us the green light so we announced seeing as how I was getting sicker and more ornery (and more emotional) and we wanted them to be in on our secret. That being said we really stressed to all our family members to not tell anybody seeing as how it was really early.
Making it Public: we both knew that when the time came we wanted the dogs to be included in our public announcement. So we went to our 12 week appointment on October 14 and got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. As we went to leave my doctor told us that we were now less than 1% chance of miscarrying. We took that as a green light and decided to make the announcement on social media.
Instantly we were overwhelmed and flooded with support. It was so fun to announcement it, and such a relief to know that now everyone knew/could know! Such a fun part of pregnancy!
My Family: My brother Tanner was returning home from an LDS mission on September 8. As we talked about it Russ and I decided this would be the perfect time that my family would be together where our announcement wouldn't be expected. However, we didn't want to steal the thunder and take away from Tanner's moment. So we carefully created a plan. Following the airport we all gathered at my moms for dinner. After dinner and in between leaving for Tanner to get released we gathered everyone in the front room to convince them that we needed to get another group photo of everyone.
Once we had everyone arranged I left my camera on record and Russ set his for a self timer- Russ ran back to the group and then stated " on the count of 3 say Brittany's Pregnant". There wasn't an immediate response so I followed it with "surprise". Then people started to slowly catch on. However, my mothers reaction was my favorite. It was delayed and then suddenly she realized what was going and just started screaming. It was even better than I imagined! And thankfully we had it recording so I could take screen shots of reactions, seeing as how they were so delayed the self timer shot missed most.
Russ's Family: The following Thursday after telling my family we invited all of Russ's family over for a BBQ at our house. This was a little harder and tricky seeing as how once they showed up and saw everyone was here supposedly everyone started getting suspicious and asking Russ when the pregnancy announcement was taking place. Well we made them wait until after dinner and desert before giving Mark and his wife, and Char one of these presents.
Disclaimer- I was only 7 weeks pregnant when we told our families. I have a good friend who does ultrasounds that took a look at 6 weeks to make sure that it wasn't ectopic and that with my abnormal uterus nothing looked to concerning. She gave us the green light so we announced seeing as how I was getting sicker and more ornery (and more emotional) and we wanted them to be in on our secret. That being said we really stressed to all our family members to not tell anybody seeing as how it was really early.
Making it Public: we both knew that when the time came we wanted the dogs to be included in our public announcement. So we went to our 12 week appointment on October 14 and got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. As we went to leave my doctor told us that we were now less than 1% chance of miscarrying. We took that as a green light and decided to make the announcement on social media.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Baby Hudson
Russ and I decided to go off birth control in May of 2014, it was a long year + of emotional ups and downs while trying to start a family. (I wrote a separate entry about this a while ago that I may still post which includes more details.) Anyways... after the frustration, pain, and roller coaster got a little too much I decided to have a plastic surgery I've always wanted. I needed to take a break and take my mind off things for a while. I met with Dr.Bindrup for a consult and after talking with Russ about things we decided to schedule surgery for September 1. But then August 19 happened....
In July I'd upgraded my phone and found myself with more storage than I'd ever had before. Out of curiosity I decided to download a period tracker app. As I was preparing to have surgery in September I was pondering about when I'd start my period so that I didn't have post op and period pain together. I actually remember making a commend to Russ about it on August 17 on our way to dinner that I hadn't started my period yet (throwing it out just matter of fact), and he brushed it off by how it was only the 17th so I shouldn't be starting yet. That was enough to get me to drop the subject and agree with him in my mind that it was too early.
August 18 I was at work. I was working with my friend Romney on peds and during some downtime we got talking about my upcoming surgery and I mentioned how I hadn't started my period yet and was dreading being on it right after surgery (we get personal at work haha). That got the conversation going more of Romney teasing me if I was pregnant and asking when my last period was. Well that got me curious enough to check my new little app to see the exact date- as I pull it up I started laughing saying well according to this I'm 2 days late. Romney starts freaking out saying "you gotta go get a pregnancy test right now!" After lots of false hope and taking pregnancy tests over the last year getting only negatives- I was not about to rush down to Maverik to buy a test when I was certain I was not pregnant. Romney keeps talking about it so I make her the deal that if I still hadn't started by 6 AM I would stop and get a test on my way home.
6AM rolls around and still nothing so as promised I stop at Winco and go buy a single pregnancy test. I felt stupid for even buying one, that I didn't wanna spend a lot of money to waste it on being negative. Meanwhile, Russ is on the mountain hunting and was going to go from the mountain straight to work.
I get home and take the test thinking of course nothing was going to happen. I start to wash my hands and just glance down at the test to see a + result. WHAT THE?! I'm instantly freaking out, crying, screaming, jumping up and down and staring at the result in shock. I honestly didn't think it would be positive.
I start texting Russ telling him he REALLY needs to come home before going into work. I also text Romney because I'm freaking out and don't know what to do. I end up going to Walmart to get more tests to confirm as well as buy a few baby things to announce to Russ. By the time I get home I still hadn't heard back from Russ so I proceed to text him some more while I take yet another positive pregnancy test. I was supposed to work again that night so I needed Russ to come home or else I wouldn't see him until the next day. Since I couldn't sleep yet I assemble a little present for Russ.
Russ finally calls me saying he'd just got service and was asking if I was okay. I didn't want him to find out over the phone so I tried to talk him into coming by the house without blurting it out. He was laughing because naturally this didn't make sense-he was up Provo Canyon and works in Orem so to drive past work to come all the way to Springvlle only to head back up to Orem. Finally, he says "okay if you say I need to come home I'll come home. But it's gonna be over an hour because I'm still on the mountain." Happy with that answer I try to settle down enough to lay down until he gets home.
Russ gets home and I'm laying in bed. He comes in and I say thanks for coming home I just really needed a hug. He laughs as he hugs me and says that's why you had me come home? I start laughing and say that and I have a present for you...
He opens ths present and starts freaking out! He was so excited, and just kept saying "really babe?! really?!" I of course was instantly in tears as soon as he started to open the package because getting to tell Russ I was pregnant was something that I had dreamed about, but had given hope on being able to do. He starts hugging me and he can't stop smiling! It was a moment I'll never forget! Russ lingered for a while as we started talking about this new adventure in our lives. I held up the little shoes I'd bought and looked up at him still all teary and asked " are we really ready for this babe?" Russ just smiled and hugged me. I then admitted to him that despite the excitement I'm so scared. He said he was scared too, and we agreed to just take it day by day. I love that man!!!
We can't wait to meet our little miracle baby!!
In July I'd upgraded my phone and found myself with more storage than I'd ever had before. Out of curiosity I decided to download a period tracker app. As I was preparing to have surgery in September I was pondering about when I'd start my period so that I didn't have post op and period pain together. I actually remember making a commend to Russ about it on August 17 on our way to dinner that I hadn't started my period yet (throwing it out just matter of fact), and he brushed it off by how it was only the 17th so I shouldn't be starting yet. That was enough to get me to drop the subject and agree with him in my mind that it was too early.
August 18 I was at work. I was working with my friend Romney on peds and during some downtime we got talking about my upcoming surgery and I mentioned how I hadn't started my period yet and was dreading being on it right after surgery (we get personal at work haha). That got the conversation going more of Romney teasing me if I was pregnant and asking when my last period was. Well that got me curious enough to check my new little app to see the exact date- as I pull it up I started laughing saying well according to this I'm 2 days late. Romney starts freaking out saying "you gotta go get a pregnancy test right now!" After lots of false hope and taking pregnancy tests over the last year getting only negatives- I was not about to rush down to Maverik to buy a test when I was certain I was not pregnant. Romney keeps talking about it so I make her the deal that if I still hadn't started by 6 AM I would stop and get a test on my way home.
6AM rolls around and still nothing so as promised I stop at Winco and go buy a single pregnancy test. I felt stupid for even buying one, that I didn't wanna spend a lot of money to waste it on being negative. Meanwhile, Russ is on the mountain hunting and was going to go from the mountain straight to work.
I get home and take the test thinking of course nothing was going to happen. I start to wash my hands and just glance down at the test to see a + result. WHAT THE?! I'm instantly freaking out, crying, screaming, jumping up and down and staring at the result in shock. I honestly didn't think it would be positive.
I start texting Russ telling him he REALLY needs to come home before going into work. I also text Romney because I'm freaking out and don't know what to do. I end up going to Walmart to get more tests to confirm as well as buy a few baby things to announce to Russ. By the time I get home I still hadn't heard back from Russ so I proceed to text him some more while I take yet another positive pregnancy test. I was supposed to work again that night so I needed Russ to come home or else I wouldn't see him until the next day. Since I couldn't sleep yet I assemble a little present for Russ.
Russ finally calls me saying he'd just got service and was asking if I was okay. I didn't want him to find out over the phone so I tried to talk him into coming by the house without blurting it out. He was laughing because naturally this didn't make sense-he was up Provo Canyon and works in Orem so to drive past work to come all the way to Springvlle only to head back up to Orem. Finally, he says "okay if you say I need to come home I'll come home. But it's gonna be over an hour because I'm still on the mountain." Happy with that answer I try to settle down enough to lay down until he gets home.
Russ gets home and I'm laying in bed. He comes in and I say thanks for coming home I just really needed a hug. He laughs as he hugs me and says that's why you had me come home? I start laughing and say that and I have a present for you...
He opens ths present and starts freaking out! He was so excited, and just kept saying "really babe?! really?!" I of course was instantly in tears as soon as he started to open the package because getting to tell Russ I was pregnant was something that I had dreamed about, but had given hope on being able to do. He starts hugging me and he can't stop smiling! It was a moment I'll never forget! Russ lingered for a while as we started talking about this new adventure in our lives. I held up the little shoes I'd bought and looked up at him still all teary and asked " are we really ready for this babe?" Russ just smiled and hugged me. I then admitted to him that despite the excitement I'm so scared. He said he was scared too, and we agreed to just take it day by day. I love that man!!!
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Ode to Orem House
On August 17, 2015 we sold our home in Orem. We'd had renters living there ever since we'd moved to Springville and they were the best renters ever! Luckily we never had any problems and the biggest house issue was that the sink disposal backed up and we had to pay to get that fixed. Although in the back of my mind that house seemed like an impending doom just waiting for the furnace or roof or some other expensive need to be repaired. The market boomed this summer and our real estate agent mentioned that "now would be an ideal time to sell". Unfortunately, we had just renewed our renters contract so if we were gonna sell we'd have to sell to them.
Russ mentioned it casually to Logan, the renter husband who actually works for Russ, one day and he actually said that they would love to buy it. Things were a little crazy for them this summer though so it was a few weeks after that, that they started to get pre-approved and the process was in motion. Between the July holidays and some hangups with their mortgage lender it wasn't until August 14 that we got word it was going to close on that coming Monday. We were thrilled!
However, as Russ and I were celebrating the sale over a crab fest dinner at Red Lobster that night I started to get a little sad. I get way to attached to people, and even inanimate objects such as this house. I started to think of all the memories that house held for us and how we were saying goodbye to our first home.
Russ mentioned it casually to Logan, the renter husband who actually works for Russ, one day and he actually said that they would love to buy it. Things were a little crazy for them this summer though so it was a few weeks after that, that they started to get pre-approved and the process was in motion. Between the July holidays and some hangups with their mortgage lender it wasn't until August 14 that we got word it was going to close on that coming Monday. We were thrilled!
However, as Russ and I were celebrating the sale over a crab fest dinner at Red Lobster that night I started to get a little sad. I get way to attached to people, and even inanimate objects such as this house. I started to think of all the memories that house held for us and how we were saying goodbye to our first home.
To the street where I first met Russ.
To the driveway where we had our first kiss.
To the backyard where Russ threw me my first ever surprise birthday party.
To the porch and patio sits with good friends and family.
To the small living room covered with wall to wall mounts (including a huge elk).
To the garage full of 11 puppies.
To our first home as husband and wife.
To 855 W 200 N
Thanks for the many more memories not listed & enjoy your new owners!!
Saturday, October 17, 2015
2nd Anniversary
On August 3, 2015 we celebrated our 2 year anniversary! The actual day fell on a Monday so to celebrate we decided to spend the weekend before up in Park City. It was a place we'd never been to together before and yet it was close enough for a quick little weekend getaway.
Friday we decided to stick around home since Russ had to work all day. That night found us up watching Russ's co-worker race at Rocky Mountain Raceway. I hadn't been there in years so it was fun to go hang out with friends, punky teenagers (and some punky adults), stay up late watching cars, trucks, and bullet bikes race.
Saturday morning after breakfast we decided to stop by the sale going on at Kings Camo. We got a little carried away by all the good deals and to make a long story short as we left I teased Russ saying "do we still have money to go to Park City?" : )
As we arrived in Park City we went straight to the Alpine slide and Coaster as it was too early to check into our hotel. It was packed! So while we did get to ride the coaster and slide we spent majority of the time waiting in line. It was Russ's first time doing it and he loved it.
Obviously we're no city folks or hipsters so we didn't fit in real well around Park City. It was evidenced as we went to check into our hotel. We stayed at the Chateuex which was a really nice hotel, however as we had booked our room a few weeks prior we hadn't paid attention to what a murphy bed was. We had booked a studio room with a murphy bed. So as we quickly learned again that we need to travel more! First bunk beds on our honeymoon and then murphy bed on 2 year anniversary. It's all part of the adventure : )
Some free time found us in between getting ready for dinner and our reservation so we decided to check out more of our hotel.
Ruth's Chris steakhouse was delicious! Probably the best and most expensive steak I've ever had! It was an interesting experience to be surrounded by a bunch of rich people complaining about the lighting and the temperature, etc... we were just happy to be together eating a delicious meal away from stress and work!
I had to get a picture of us in our nice hotel robes. We wore them down to hot tub that night-see what I mean, we're not city folks!
Sunday morning we took the scenic route out of Park City to get breakfast in Heber at one of our favorite breakfast joints.It was beautiful!
Brunch ended up finding us in Heber at a new breakfast place that we ended up loving as well. We hit up a movie in Orem and ended up having dinner that night at my parents. It was the perfect weekend! Sunday night we snuck Ash away up Hobble Creek canyon to take some pictures of us to continue to tradition of our anniversary pictures. I loved them!! here are a few of my favorites...
I love you Russ! Thanks for an amazing 2 years! I'm excited to see where this life takes us and I wouldn't wanna be on this adventure with anyone else but you!
Friday we decided to stick around home since Russ had to work all day. That night found us up watching Russ's co-worker race at Rocky Mountain Raceway. I hadn't been there in years so it was fun to go hang out with friends, punky teenagers (and some punky adults), stay up late watching cars, trucks, and bullet bikes race.
Saturday morning after breakfast we decided to stop by the sale going on at Kings Camo. We got a little carried away by all the good deals and to make a long story short as we left I teased Russ saying "do we still have money to go to Park City?" : )
As we arrived in Park City we went straight to the Alpine slide and Coaster as it was too early to check into our hotel. It was packed! So while we did get to ride the coaster and slide we spent majority of the time waiting in line. It was Russ's first time doing it and he loved it.
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| Russ had to model some of his new camo that we had gotten before our trip. |
Brunch ended up finding us in Heber at a new breakfast place that we ended up loving as well. We hit up a movie in Orem and ended up having dinner that night at my parents. It was the perfect weekend! Sunday night we snuck Ash away up Hobble Creek canyon to take some pictures of us to continue to tradition of our anniversary pictures. I loved them!! here are a few of my favorites...
Ferron 2015
Our annual Ferron trip this Summer commenced on July 23 (aka my birthday :) ) We loaded up early that morning and caravan down to our camping spot. Channy came with us this year, Jake and Ash along with the kiddos continued the tradition of coming down, and we met up of course with Russ's uncle Ladd and his family.
Once we got camp set up we immediately started playing. It was real hot so we took the dogs right to the water by our camp. This day was one proud mommy moment as my little puppy finally started swimming in standstill water. WAHOO REMI!
The kiddos enjoyed playing around camp- Ladd's boys were so patient and adorable with the kiddos playing and interacting with them.
After a little camp play we loaded up and took off to our first fishing spot of the trip. We actually ended up catching some good sized fish that made for a good fish fry the next day.
Luckily my parents were able to come up and stay the night that night, so after some fish catching we headed back to camp to wait for them and get some dinner started. It had been an amazing birthday so far surrounded by the beautiful mountains with people I love and the night got better! Sitting there eating dinner and Russ was kind of rushing us to go up to Ladd's trailor to have cake that Leslie had brought for my birthday. I'll admit I was a little annoyed to be rushed on my yummy dinner but we finished and all made the trek over to Ladd's trailor. My cake was sitting on a picnic table in front of the trailor and as we approached the candles were already lit and everyone started to singing Happy Birthday to me. Caught up in the moment I was just so happy! I blew out my candles and gave Leslie a hug for bringing my cake when Russ said "you wanna take a picture with it." I said "yes" and started to pick up my cake as Russ said "no not that-you're present". That's when I turned around and sitting there was a dirtbike with a big beautiful red bow on it and my name!! Russ had done it again by giving me such an amazing surprise! I don't know how I didn't notice the bike sitting there- Russ's cousins have lots of bikes that look similar to mine so I think I mentally blocked it out assuming subconsciously that it was one of theirs.
I soon learned why Russ was rushing the dinner party- it was going to be getting dark and he wanted me to see the surprise as well as be able to take it for a test drive. I was totally caught off guard and I loved it!! Coolest present ever! Russ got on one of the little boy's bikes that was right close and took me out for a test drive. Such an amazing ending to an amazing birthday! 27 I am here!!
The next morning after a delicious breakfast we once again loaded up the crew-including my cute parents who were still there, to make the drive to Ferron Resevoir to go fishing.
After a great afternoon of fishing we made the trek back to camp. Mom and dad packed up after lunch and they headed home.
I got an afternoon nap in and we played with the kiddos and had a fish fry- our friend Chad and his family got there so we helped them get camp set up before dinner. Sitting around the campfire that night eating leftover birthday ice cream and smores, surrounded by family and friends I just couldn't help but continue to think of how blessed I am!
After breakfast the next day we were back on our machines and headed to a different lake to fish.
We had a little mishap while fishing-Chad's wife Heather is pregnant and she ended up passing out off the 4 wheeler while we were sitting watching the kiddos fish. Because of that we wanted to get her back to camp quickly so we headed out a little early. However, on the way back Russ ended up finding this beautiful lookout spot so naturally I had to take advantage of the photo op... : )
Back at camp Russ and I took off after lunch for a dirtbike ride which was a blast! It's so fun to have a hobby to share together.
That was our last night at camp. Chad and his family ended up packing up and heading home to get Heather home. We had dinner and spent our last night sitting around the fire soaking in the last of our camping trip. The next morning-Sunday. We decided to pack up camp after breakfast in order to get home a little earlier to get things put away. Ladd and his family decided to get in one last ride before leaving so we said our goodbyes and headed home.
Few pictures of camp:
Thanks for the amazing time as always Ferron! Thanks to all the friends and family for such great company and making more amazing memories. Russ-thanks for another great birthday and for being the best husband ever!
Once we got camp set up we immediately started playing. It was real hot so we took the dogs right to the water by our camp. This day was one proud mommy moment as my little puppy finally started swimming in standstill water. WAHOO REMI!
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| LOVE him! |
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| One of my favorite pictures from the trip- they wanted to take a picture with the fish but both panicked when it started flopping right as the camera went off. |
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| I love this picture! I had to get a pic of them in their matching hats! |
After a great afternoon of fishing we made the trek back to camp. Mom and dad packed up after lunch and they headed home.
I got an afternoon nap in and we played with the kiddos and had a fish fry- our friend Chad and his family got there so we helped them get camp set up before dinner. Sitting around the campfire that night eating leftover birthday ice cream and smores, surrounded by family and friends I just couldn't help but continue to think of how blessed I am!
After breakfast the next day we were back on our machines and headed to a different lake to fish.
We had a little mishap while fishing-Chad's wife Heather is pregnant and she ended up passing out off the 4 wheeler while we were sitting watching the kiddos fish. Because of that we wanted to get her back to camp quickly so we headed out a little early. However, on the way back Russ ended up finding this beautiful lookout spot so naturally I had to take advantage of the photo op... : )
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| Despite her face she actually loved it |
Few pictures of camp:
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