Baby Shower

Okay, okay.  So, the shower was 2 months ago.  But I thought I'd post about it briefly and put up some pictures.

It was mostly family that came and my dear friend Ilana.  It was very small and relaxed.  We didn't play any games.  Yay.  We just visited, ate, and opened gifts.

My sister, Natalie, took some pictures with here brand new camera.  So, here's a few of those.

And, thank you, once more, to those that came.  :)

One Month

August 2nd, our dear little Alister came into the world one month ago.  I can't believe it.  What a joy he is in our life.  We are doing well.  Alister is healthy and strong.  He's a very special boy.  Since he's still so little he's not smiling yet.  On purpose anyway.  :)  He can lift his head and hold it up for a short time.  He gets the hiccups a lot.  Its so cute.  He also sneezes quite often.  Which is also very cute.  :)  We are both so proud of him already.  Adam is a very proud daddy.  I love seeing them interact.  Having our own little family brings so much happiness in my life.

People ask, "So, how many more do you want?"  Honestly, I really don't know.  I don't really believe that's our choice.  I believe we'll have as many as we're suppose to have.  :)  Which, I'm completely at peace with.

My parents were a big help the first couple of weeks.  Both my parents stayed with us for a few days to help out.  They stayed up at night with Alister so we could get some rest.  My mother stayed for a week while my dad and Adam had to go back to work.  I appreciated her help so much.  It was such a blessing.  :)  I have the greatest parents.

Here are a few pictures of Alister at one month.

Alister Pratt Briggs

At around 12:30 am July 2nd, I was telling Adam that I believed I was having contractions.  (I mostly had back labor, so I wasn't completely sure).  Seconds later, I was going to stand up when my water broke.  :)  I looked at Adam, told him, and he got very excited.  We packed up and made the 45 minute drive down to St. George.  A very relaxing drive, let me tell you.  At around 1:30 am, we were in labor and delivery.  Adam called our parents and they came to the hospital.

I had planned on going all natural, and I fought with the pain for quite a while.  I eventually gave into the epidural, though.  And, I must say, it is so weird to be numb from the waste down.  I couldn't roll over by myself.

They had me start pushing late morning, then we took an hour break.  At noon I started pushing again... for the next two hours.  At 1:47 pm, our little baby boy came into the world.

Alister gave us a scare, though.  The umbilical cord wrapped around his neck at the last minute... twice.    NICU had to rush in to help Alister breath again.  Let me tell you, those first few minutes were the scariest of probably my entire life.  Then, we finally heard a cry and we, of course, balled.  Our little boy was okay.  :)  I had to wait almost an hour before I got to hold Alister.  That was... an unbelievable moment.

He was born at 6lbs. 12oz. and 19 inches long.  He has brown hair and squished ears like his mom.  I think he looks a lot like his dad.  He had long fingers and toes and fairly big hands.  We believe he is going to be tall like Adam.  :)

NICU

Skin to Skin

Grandma Daniel & Alister

First Grand Baby

Grandpa Daniel & Alister

Going Home

Blessing Day

On July 8th, Adam Blessed our handsome little man, Alister.  :)  He was only six days old.  You're probably wondering, why so early?  Well, Adam's brother, Zach and his family were in town from Florida.  So, of course, we did it while they were here so Zach could participate in the circle.  :)  The blessing was absolutely beautiful and spiritual.  I'm so grateful to have a husband who is worthy to be able to bless our baby boy.

So Close

Well, I am now into the last month of this pregnancy.  I can't believe it!  Yesterday, we went to too the doctor and found out that I am not 2 cm dilated and my cervix thinned out 70%.  Last week there was no change.  SO!  This was awesome news.  Plus!  The doctor could feel Alister's head.  So, he's getting ready for us.  :)  Who knows, maybe we won't even have to wait till July to see our baby boy.  Wouldn't that be nice!

Adam is still doing super awesome at his job.  We've been to a couple of "banquets" now for his job.  That's been fun.  He's always able to come to my appointments, which is fantastic.

Anyway, not a whole lot to update on right now.

LATER.

31 Weeks

My goodness.  Today, is the 31st week in our pregnancy.  Which means only 9 weeks left!  I can't believe it.  I can't believe Adam and I are going to be parents.

My baby shower is next month.  :)  I'm excited.  Adam starting helping me with the invite last night.  It's going to be SUPER cute.  :)  He's so wonderful.

I now have prenatal appointments every other week now instead of monthly visits.  I have three of those, then I go to weekly visits.  That really helps reality sink in.  Honestly, sometimes, it all seems like a dream to me.  Well, I better wake up soon and prepare myself.

I'm still loving my new hair cut.  Just so know.

Adam is throwing the first pitch at a SUU baseball game tomorrow.  I'm excited for that, but I think he's a bit nervous.  But, I know he'll be awesome, just like always.  :)

Okay, bye!

Strawberry Jam

Today, I made Strawberry Freezer Jam for the first time.  :)  Well, actually, it was my first time making any kind of jam.  I was able to make three cups, which gave me four mason jars.  I sure hope its good.  It smelled good.  That counts for something, right?

Here are all the strawberries that were good enough to use.  I had a lot more, but they were either just bad or molded.

Here are the strawberries after I mashed them.  MMM.

This is the jam boiling.  It smelled really good.  :)

And these are my four lovely jars of jam.

I had fun making the jam.  I will be making more.  Different flavors.  It was super easy to make, so let me know if you'd like the recipe.  :)