Christmas Cheer 2013...

This Christmas season was a little strange for us, but wonderful nonetheless... 

We stayed on the west to be with my family this year.

A few days before Christmas we ventured to Vegas to see my parents. 

Hunter did WONDERFUL for his first big car ride... Slept the whole way there. (4 hrs)

This Momma was a little nervous, but so happy things went well.

My parents were in the middle of a big move so they didn't have Christmas really set up at their house. 

I convinced my mom we at least needed stockings to wake up to on Christmas Morn.

(The plan was to drive to STG Christmas Eve but due to time issues it turned into Christmas Day)

We took a few pics, wrapped presents, and went to bed.

Woke up to a few fun treats and then we were off to the blessed city of St. George.

I seriously miss the beauty of St. George.

The red rocks against the blue sky is truly one of the most wonderful sites.

Our time spent in St. George was wonderful. 

We were able to play with our nieces and nephews, see the wonders of STG, and show off our babe to some of our best friends.

^^Shea Shea, Tori and sweet little Navy, "The Godfather" Luke, and my second family... The Ences (Leslie and Brooke pictured) [I missed getting a picture when we saw Danielle, love you babe]^^

I have really missed seeing our family and friends.

Living away from everyone hasn't been the easiest but I am actually very grateful for the time I have been given to bond with the new little family I have. 

Blaine and Hunter are my world and I am so blessed to have each of them in my life.

Adios 2013...

It is so crazy to look back at the beginning of 2013 and see where we were, and how it has all changed in such a short amount of time. 

January--> We started off another great year in North Carolina and Texas with the Howell side// Made it back to Arizona and enjoyed a lot of Saturday explorations in the warm sun (hiked Camelback, hiked "the hole")// Went shooting a lot, and enjoyed the company of family and friends

February--> Celebrated ONE YEAR with the love of my life// Went to Bakersfield to see the beloved Worthens and witness Bo be baptized// Went to LA// Hiked trails in Estrella Mnt// Made Valentines for our sweet sunbeams at church// Learned some intense yoga moves!

March--> Spring Training started so baseball took over our lives again ;) Mom and Dad came for a visit// Took advantage of the wonderful Arizona weather and our pool// Started Flight Attendant school for US Airways (that ended due to a "baby" hiccup)// Spent a beautiful Easter holiday in STG

April--> Announced the growth of our little family// Had a correction on the due date// Had a few dates to the Mesa Arizona Temple// Took a few of the baseball guys shooting

May--> Had our first trimester screening// Surprised Mom in Santa Monica for her fitness competition// Blaine gave some pitching lessons

June--> Had another ultrasound and learned Baby H was a BOY//Took a last minute trip to Bakersfield// Went to girls camp as camp director for our ward

July--> Celebrated the 4th on the Salt River// Reached 24 weeks// Blaine became obsessed with paracord// We spent our summer nights catfishing

August--> Blaine made a few of his first appearances back on the mound// 28 weeks along// Started working at Youngker again// I turned another year older

September-->Blaine had his second Tommy John surgery// Went to Bakersfield for the Todd's reception// My sisters threw Baby H a shower in STG// Had our prego pics taken

October--> Blaine turned the big 25// Blaine went to NC// My belly button "popped"// I quit working at Native// We carved Pumpkins// Went to the Laytons and had a bonfire and tinfoil dinners for Halloween// We also moved when I was 38.5 weeks pregnant... third floor apt to a second floor apt of a different building

November--> My mom came to town// Work (Youngker) threw Baby H a shower// My due date came and went// Blaine started work at Texas Roadhouse// Our babe FINALLY arrived// Laurin, Paige, and Lauren came to town// We all celebrated Thanksgiving in our little apt// Went to the Mesa Temple to see the lights

December--> Attended Glendale Glitters// Hunter was blessed and given a name by his daddy// We got our first REAL Christmas tree// Hunter turned a month old// We drove to Vegas/STG to spend Hunters first Christmas with family (More in another post)// I stayed in Vegas for a few extra days with Hunter to help my parents move into their new house// Hunter flew for the first time// Rang in the new year with my two favorite boys

2014 is going to be full of a lot of firsts... especially for Hunter. 

I cannot wait to watch him grow and experience the world. 

Lets go 2014... show me what you've got.

Love the Howells...

Hunter [1 month]...

Our Hunter has turned one month old and this past month with him has been amazing! 

I've been wanting to blog about my little man for awhile now but just haven't found the time.  

(I've been too busy loving on his sweet little cheeks!)

Hunter has already changed so much since he was born. 

• He out grew newborn diapers in the first week and now fits into his 0-3 month clothes
• He still has all of his hair, but it has lightened up these past few weeks
• His little legs have begun to fatten up right along with his cheeks
• Hunters eyes have started to change to a lighter blue and there is nothing I love more than staring at them all day long
• He has two adorable dimples that he has most recently learned to show them off with his sweet little smile (I melt)
• He HAS to have at least one arm free from his burrito at night. Otherwise he will fuss and squirm to get one free
• He is not a fan of the bottle or a paci... It is a current work in progress, but he is just a bigger fan of the "real thing". Nursing has been quite easy from day one. He will root or try to eat us when we kiss his cheeks to let us know he is hungry
• Currently he is a Mommas boy and I am completely ok with that. He does find comfort in his Daddy, but I am in love with the fact that I can truly calm him with my embrace
• His favorite place to sleep is on our chests. He can sleep for hours if we let him
• The number one question EVERYONE asks is if we are getting any sleep. (Makes me wonder if I look dead when ever we are out in public.) But yes, we are. He sleeps up to four hours at night and I love it. During the day his naps only last about 30 min (unless he is on our chests) occasionally longer which is always a good thing
• This past week he has really become more observant. It is the sweetest thing when he turns and stares at either me or B. He also LOVES to stare out the window. If I lay him by the sliding glass doors he seems to find such contentment in simply looking out into the light
• He rather enjoys his carseat (as long as its moving) The rocking of us carrying it lulls him to sleep quite rapidly. Then, once he wakes up and cant stretch is when we have a problem

Over all this little guy is truly wonderful! 

He is easy when running errands, loves to snuggle, and thoroughly enjoys bath time.

I think he is such a good sweet babe, and those who have met him would probably agree.

We truly cannot imagine our lives with out him.

What a day...

Floating the Salt River and catfishing...

Now that's American!

Anything to do with water in Arizona is a good thing.
Seems like we had the same idea as most on how to spend the 4th.

 The water was absolutely perfect!
We caked on the sunscreen, loaded up an extra tube with goodies, and just relaxed down the river!
Couldn't have imagined a better afternoon!

The night before the 4th B and I went catfishing...
Ended up catching 4 of those suckers.
Each time we let them go, all I could picture was the beginning of The Little Mermaid...
 When the little fish gets free and jumps back into the ocean and gives a big sigh of relief.
All in all, it was a great holiday.

We, of course, finished the 4th by watching fireworks from the comfort of our apartment.
(Perks of living by the Goodyear Ballpark) 

The Great Outdoors...

This past week I had the opportunity to go to girls camp with our ward here in Arizona. 

It was such a blessing to spend time with these girls and get to know each of them better.

Our ward has some of the most amazing young women and I learned so much from each one of them.

Our week was spent hiking, eating, rappelling, going to the temple in Snowflake, playing in the water, and even acting out our inner Katniss with a little archery.  

Not to mention, it was wonderful to escape the heat of Phoenix.

  We may have had an ant infestation, a few sleepless nights, and ended up coming home with swollen ankles...

But it was well worth it!

Mini Vacation...

It was a wonderful trip to LA.

Even though we were there for less than 24 hrs, it felt like we were there all weekend. 

In the last few hrs, we enjoyed the beach at the Santa Monica Pier with over 1000 other people.

Loved spending time with my parents and my love.

We They enjoyed some seafood (dang pregnancy), we walked along the shore, and even threw around the frisbee a little bit.

Something about being at the beach is just so relaxing...

The sound of the waves, the sand in your toes, and being hand in hand with the love of your life.

We left our mini-vacation with sun-kissed cheeks, full bellies, and a small sense of relaxation.

Thank you Mom and Dad for such a fun time.

We love you both and cherish every time we get to see you!

Fit Momma...

This weekend my Mother was in a fitness competition in LA.

The NPC California State Bodybuilding Championships *National Qualifier*

Saturday we decided to surprise her by showing up to her event. 

It was a long boring drive but definitely worth it to see her rock it on stage.

She did AMAZING!

She won her class (45+) and she also won first overall. 

This resulted in her receiving her MASTERS SWORD!

(I am not sure what the meaning is behind the sword, but who cares? Its AWESOME!)

Mom has some great coaches help get her ready for the competition.

Dad has been with her every step of the way. 

Working out with her, pushing her, and constantly supporting her every day.

 Jessie Hilgenberg is my Mommas coach. 

She is an incredible person and has so much faith in Mom. 

I am extremely proud of this lovely lady.

Once she sets her mind to something, she goes all the way!

Life Lately...

Things are moving quite slowly for us these days...

B goes to the field every day and I go to work at the high school.

School is about to come to an end, (2 weeks and counting) which means I am in need of another job ASAP. 

Our evenings consist of dinner, a little TV, dishes, the gym (if I get off my lazy bum), and simply just being with one another.
(pretty uneventful... I know.. but it works for us)

Being away from our friends and family has truly brought us even closer together.

I know I am one of the lucky ones who married my best friend.

B has been such a saint to me lately.

I do not know if it is the pregnancy, or if it is just me being exhausted from work, but I have been SO TIRED and he has been taking such great care of me.
He makes dinner most nights, wakes up and fixes me breakfast, makes the bed every morning, and even does my "honey-do" lists.

Last week we went to the doc for our monthly check up and today we went in for our 1st trimester screening.

I am currently 13 weeks and baby h is developing wonderfully

We heard the sweet little ones heartbeat again and we got to see it wiggle around. 

(the doc described its heartbeat as a running horse)

As for my belly... still not much has changed...

Just looks like I am constantly bloated. Blah! 

My pants are beginning to be more and more uncomfortable and I immediately change into sweats as soon as I get home from work.

As for being sick.... It has been nonexistent.
(I am one of the lucky ones)

Lately our little baby h wants anything potato form, green olives, and vinegar based foods.

We are so excited for our little one to arrive! 

I still cannot believe that we are going to be parents by the end of the year!

AHHHHH!!!

Eternal Families...

A wonderful weekend for the Howells.

We took a little trip out to Mesa to enjoy the blessings of the Temple.

B and I have been working on family history and it has been wonderful.

The more we do, the closer we feel to those who came before us.

(Plus, researching helps us know more family names in case we want to use them)

It is amazing work that is done within those walls.

 Being apart of it brings so much joy to my heart.

 I am so grateful for B and his love. 

I love the knowledge that we have and the fact that families can be eternal.

Correction...

Today we got our first ultrasound.
I could have sat there forever and watched that screen.
Look at this sweet little peanut.

This little one would not stop moving around the whole time we were at the doctor.

We have a little wiggle worm on our hands here.
I am excited to see if it keeps it up throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
We also learned that I am not 12 weeks...
I am only 9 weeks.
This changes our due date from October 17th to November 11th.

I have not been suffering from morning sickness except for the few days I took my prenatal vitamins in the morning. (but now that we have learned that I am not as far along things might change) 
I have been real tired though.

I find myself wanting to nap... A LOT! 

B has been absolutely wonderful...

If I fall asleep on the couch (depending on the time) he will tip-toe around so he does not wake me, or he will carry me to bed. 

I got one good guy!
Pregnancy is certainly magical.

It ignites a spark you never knew was missing. 

I cherish the sweet moments when B kisses my tummy, or when he whispers sweet promises and love toward our unborn child.

Last Thursday we went to our doctors appointment and had the amazing opportunity to hear our sweet babies heartbeat. 

It took him awhile to find it but once he did, the sound that filled the room was so incredible. 

Looking over at B while we listened to that fast-paced lub-dub, it made me fall in love with him even more. 

We have created something together. 

  A little mini-Howell. 

Warming up in the pen....

We are excited to announce that...

BABY HOWELL IS ON ITS WAY!!!

(Don't know the gender yet)

I am currently 12 weeks and we couldn't be more excited! 

We had some pretty funny experiences when we told our families.

Screams from our Moms, Dad hitting his head on the wall,

comments about lady parts, and ninja fighting between sisters. 

We are looking forward to the next chapter of our lives and 

cant wait to meet our new little bundle of joy in October. 

Sunshine Weekend...

This past weekend was wonderful. 

The parents came down from Vegas for a little visit.

It was an absolute gorgeous weekend.

Clear blue skies, sunny, and perfect temperatures.

We spent our few days with them eating amazing food, 

watching a little bit of baseball, 

and enjoying the beautiful AZ weather.

Thanks for coming to see us Momma and Poppy. 

We sure loved having you around.

One for the books...

Such an incredible weekend...
B and I were able to go to California to support little Bo on her baptism day.
We spent the weekend with wonderful friends doing everything under the sun.
Loved every minuite of it.
[Our weekend in photos]

{Sweet little Bo McKenzie Worthen}

{Enjoyed the sunshine while having a little backyard party}

{He even had a chance to shoot his bow... He was in heaven}

{One of the greatest things about Cali is the amazing citrus trees. 

They decided to make lemonade... What could be better?} 

{Beach lovin in LA}

Couldn't have been a better weekend. 

We love the Worthens and all that they are to us. 

Thank you for taking us in as one of your own. 

We love each and every one of you.

XOXO