How About an Update?

Cannon

Cannon turned 18 months a few weeks ago (okay, like almost a month ago). I had planned on doing a big post about it because it's sort of a big deal. He started officially going to nursery. (Even though he's been sneaking in every Sunday for a few months because of his active lifestyle). It's a good thing we've got connections with the nursery leaders. (Thanks, Erica!) He really loves nursery. He doesn't seem to mind when we leave him there. It's nice to sit and listen to a lesson or two. Nursery rocks! :)

Here are some things he's doing at 18 months:

• Can find his nose, eyes, ears, mouth, shoulders, belly, knees, and toes when asked.
• Calls both Jarom and I "Mom." Much to Jarom's chagrin.
• Can ask for milk, cookies, food, juice, and of course, cheese.
• Can say: choo choo (train), doggie, daddy, mom, grandma, grandpa, auntie, uncle, please, more, up, down, bye bye, night night, love you, look at that, snow, no, yes, hi, poo poo, trash, football, WOW, and others that I can't think of right now.
• Dances whenever he hears music.
• Folds his arms, and closes his eyes and says "amen" when it's time to pray.
• Throws things.
• Jumps (his warm up is hilarious).
• Can make the sounds of a doggy, cow and pig. (Did you know that cows actually say BOOO?)
  
• Empties drawers.
• Obsessed with shoes (takes after his mommy).
• Loves to eat cheese, fruit snacks, sausage, most meat, oranges, bananas, grapes, and cookies.
  
• Loves to climb, jump, run, and generally make messes.
• Likes to play with my mop and broom and "clean" the floor.
• Loves to be outside.
• Adores his daddy.
• Pretends to talk on the phone complete with fake laughter and lots of "ummm's" and "okays".
  
• Constantly makes us laugh and watch in amazement.
  

Pregnancy

This was taken this morning. I am now 17 weeks along. Sorry about the crappy resolution. I think with Cannon I was barely showing at 17 weeks. This time I have a definite baby bump. I'm slightly self-conscious because people assume I'm much further along than I am.

I have felt the baby a few times this week. I love the slight flutters of early pregnancy. It's reassuring that something is happening in there.

We will be finding out what gender we are having but not until early February. Most people assume that we want a girl. I honestly don't have a preference. I'd be happy either way. Jarom is convinced it's a boy, but I know he doesn't care either way.

My morning sickness is easing and I found my appetite again! Yesterday I even made a meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I managed to eat some of it too! Thank heaven for the second trimester. I think the sickness was probably payback for the sickness-free pregnancy I had with Cannon. I had no idea what some ladies go through! I don't think I had it as bad as some mommies do. But, it definitely kicked my bum!

I'm loving this pregnancy. It's going by so fast. I can't believe I'm 3 weeks away from the halfway point. Wow! Time flies! Thanks for all the support and concern I've gotten from friends and family. We will keep you updated. :)

p.s. Motherhood has these new maternity pants that rock! They are called "secret belly" or something like that. I just bought a few pairs and I can't believe how comfortable they are. It's about time someone discovered a better way!

Christmas Cruise to Mexico

We are back in the USA! We had such a great time in Mexico and on the ship. It was a 7 days and we stopped at 3 ports. We spent a day in Cabo San Lucas where we Kayaked and snorkeled. It was amazing! In Mazatlan, my dad and siblings went parasailing. We also played on the beach and shopped. The 3rd port was my favorite on Christmas in beautiful Puerta Villarta. We played on a beach and found a cool little rain forest nook with a rope swing and a rock slide. I could have stayed there all day. Our taxi driver "Nacho" really knew the best spots. The ship was huge and had so much to eat and do. We really loved spending time with my family. What a perfect Christmas! I took a Gazillion pictures and so I created a slideshow highlighting the trip.

The First of Many

Here are the first few pictures I've taken with my new toy. It came in the mail yesterday and I'm not ashamed to admit that I let a high-pitched squealed escape as I opened it. And yes, I'm a cheater cheater pumpkin eater for opening it already! I'm not good at anticipation, I guess. In my defense I've been saving for it for a LONG time and I couldn't stand to wait any longer.

{Announcement}

I'm due on Cannon's 2nd birthday - June 16th
The baby is 12 weeks along
We are so happy!

Thankful

I'm of the persuasion that Thanksgiving is the best holiday ever. It's all about the things that matter most. Family, food and football. I guess it's kind of tradition to make a post about gratitude on this day. I really feel so thankful today for a lot of things:

• First of all, these two boys. I love them with all my heart. I can't imagine a life without them. My sweet, loving, huge husband. My funny, crazy, precious little son.
  

• My family. They are where I go to feel normal. I love both of my crazy families.
  

• My friends. They are all great. If you are reading this, I consider you a friend and I'm thankful for you.

• My Faith. My Savior. The Restored Gospel.
  

I could really go on and on but I'll keep it short and simple today. I hope you are with people you love today. I hope you have a delicious and satisfying meal. I hope you feel the love of a Savior. I hope you enjoy a great football game!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Deep Thoughts by Ashley

I'm copying Emily today because I have a lot on my mind...

• Cannon chipped his front tooth. We don't know when or how it happened. I was getting him into his pjs on Tuesday night and I saw that part of his tooth is missing. I'm having nightmares of it turning gray and falling out. It's really not too terribly bad, but definitely noticeable. Poor neglected kid.

• I'm so excited about going to Twilight with Jarom and friends tomorrow night. We went and picked up our tickets yesterday just to be safe. It's ridiculous how giddy I am.

• I really want Panda Express for dinner or lunch even though that's what Cannon and I had for lunch on Tuesday. I know, it's horrible for me, but so yummy right now.

• I really hope BYU wins on Saturday. Jarom just gets so depressed if they don't play well or lose. He takes it all so personally. I hate having a moping husband for a whole weekend. Go Cougs!
  

• I wonder if Jarom ever gets sick of ham and cheese sandwiches. That's what I make him for lunch every single day.
  

• We are traveling for Thanksgiving and I'm already stressed about packing . I hate packing for trips. HATE IT!

• Jarom has asked me to make him chocolate chip cookies every single day this week. I still haven't done it. Maybe today?

• Cannon is obsessed with shoes lately. It's really cute. He found a pair that he wore when he was tiny and is determined to wear them. He also really loves to walk around in my high heels. I think it's funny. Don't tell Jarom!

• Jarom NEVER looks at this blog unless I show him something. But, he reads all of yours over my shoulder when I check them.
  

• That's all!
  

Picture Tag

Kelly tagged me like a week ago maybe longer. I'm supposed to post the 6th picture from my 6th folder on my computer. I love that this picture was the one I had to post. It was taken just before my 20 week ultrasound where we found out Cannon was a boy. It's my very favorite picture of my pregnant belly. I also love that Jarom is a part of this picture. It makes me {almost} want a big pregnant belly right this second. Emphasis on the almost.

I don't remember how many people I'm supposed to tag. So I'm tagging Allison, Brynn Losee and Kyrsten.

On a side note - Cannon just brought me his blanky, climbed up on my lap and fell asleep. It's the sweetest thing to see him sleeping. I never get to hold him while he sleeps anymore. I could watch him like this all day.