30 WEEKS!!!

Can you believe I am 30 weeks along??!!! Because I sure can't. I remember being 10 weeks along and now I only have 10 weeks left until my due date....eeeekkk! The good thing is, I feel great. Other than a few aches and pains...and having to go to the bathroom literally every 5 minutes...I am really enjoying the experience. Believe me, I am so glad that I am saying that, because I always thought that I would be one of those girls who hated being pregnant. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be pregnant forever, lol, but I can honestly say that the experience has been a good one and I truly have tried to enjoy and cherish this time. I look at it like, it took me a really long time to get pregnant and who knows if I ever will be again, so this 9 months really is a fleeting thing in the scheme of things.

THE BEST THINGS:
I love seeing my belly grow even though I don't feel sexy at all.
Feeling him and SEEING him move around is the most amazing feeling! I think I will miss it when it's over.
Getting good advice from my family and friends.
Seeing my young women get excited when they see me and my belly coming.
The cute comments from kids...for example: My friend Michelle's daughter who is 4 asked her out of the blue one day if she was going to marry my baby. LOL!!!! Oh how I love kids.
Feeling an incredible amount of love for a baby I haven't even met yet.

My friends threw me a baby shower a couple of weeks ago and it was so fun! It was really great to see friends I haven't seen in a long time come and support me. I was completely spoiled by everyone and feel much more prepared now. Thanks to all who participated!!!

Austin and I know someone who does ultrasounds, so a couple of days ago we were able to go and get a 3D ultrasound of the baby. At first he wouldn't cooperate and had both of his hands over his face, but after a while he finally brought them down and we were able to get some great shots, especially of his profile. The picture below is the last and best one that we were able to get. I can't stop looking at it! I can't describe the tender sweet feeling I get when I look at the photo's. I am so overwhelmed with joy! All I want to do is hold on to these feelings as long as I can.

22 WEEKS!!

Week 21

My how time seems to have flown!! It went kind of slow at first and now the weeks seem to be flying by. I just wanted to document some of my thoughts on being pregnant. Around week 8 I started getting really sick. I had hoped that I would be one of the lucky few who got to skip that part, and thankfully it only lasted 3 weeks, but I found myself running to the bathroom and dry-heaving over the toilet more than I would have liked to. Even though I never did actually throw-up, I was very nauseated and would have to run to the bathroom just in case. And the fatigue!!! Oh man, how did I make it through the first tri-mester? Thoughts of the outcome definitely helped. I had lots of advice from family and friends to help make it through as well. Some of the best remedies were lemonade, preggie pops, staying hydrated, sprite and sleep...lots and lots of sleep. The nausea eventually went completely away after about week 13 and even though the fatigue subsided, I still feel tired most of the time. I am told that growing a baby is hard work, like climbing a mountain every day. I certainly feel like I've climbed a mountain every day. Here are some ups and downs over the last few weeks:

My body: Well, my body is definitely changing. My belly is getting bigger, my boobs are huge, my hips are wider and my butt and thighs seem to have grown as well (boooo). I work-out here and there but definitely not as much as I thought I would. I come home from work exhausted and just sleep sleep sleep all day. Despite all of that, I have managed to only gain about 9 pounds so far. So, I feel pretty good about that...even though I know it's partly because I've lost muscle (which is heavy) and replaced that with fat. Oh well, still feels good to say that I've only gained 9 pounds!!!! I'm loving that I have a little bump now and look pregnant, as opposed to just looking fat.

The baby: I have several ultra-sound pictures to post as soon as I get around to scanning them in. It is awesome to see him...yes I said HIM...go from looking like just a tiny blur to looking like a real baby. We went in at 15 weeks and 3 days and had the gender determination done at which time we also got to see some really good pictures of his spine and full body shots. At 21 weeks, we went for the big ultrasound with my doctor. He showed us all the different parts of the baby, including the brain, all 4 chambers of the heart, diaphram, face, arms/hands, legs/feet and boy parts. It was AWESOME! He also reassured us that there are no signs of cleft palate or spina bifida...fwhew! At around week 19 I started feeling him move around and that has been the BEST feeling ever.

Austin: He has been amazing, truly amazing. He has to deal with my bigger than usual mood swings and he is always able to pull a smile and a laugh out of me. He has been great throughout, dealing with my fatigue. I will literally come home from work sometimes and lay down on the couch or bed and not get back up. He gets me to come on walks with him and our dog often which is good for me, baby and our relationship. Sometimes I feel myself getting a little emotional that he takes such good care of me and I know that he will be such a good father. I am so happy I could just die sometimes.

My favorite things about being pregnant: Feeling the baby move, thinking about when I get to meet him, people being a little nicer and more caring to me, and preparing the house.

Things I could do without: THE FATIGUE, lol. The fatigue has definitely been the worst part, but everyday I'm just plugging away. The other major thing I could do without is people's unwanted negative comments and advice. If I hear "just wait" one more time, I might kill that person. Just let me be happy and excited right now, in the moment. I KNOW that my life is going to change and it is going to be hard, but guess what...I WANT THIS BABY. I want a family and I'm not delusional to the fact that it is going to be hard work. So, keep the negativity to yourselves!!

I never thought I could love something so much before I even get to see it, but I do. What a miracle this has all been and each day that goes by it gets more real. Part of me can't wait and the other part wants it to drag out. I look forward to the next 4 months and what they can bring.

Around week 14



BABY ON BOARD!!!

After trying for about 4 1/2 years and being told we have a 2% chance of getting pregnant on our own, we beat the odds!!!!

THE STORY

Most of you know our struggles to get pregnant. After trying for a couple of years, we finally went to a fertility clinic and tried a few tx's there. After those failed, I ended up getting pregnant on my own, only to miscarry at 5 weeks. The whole experience was so heartbreaking and debilitating that I finally gave up trying about a year and a half ago and decided to just live my life and whatever happens...happens. I had a FABULOUS year last year. It is amazing what can happen when you just put your trust in the Lord and let go. I ran my first marathon, went on countless boating trips, got to know new people, did a couple of things that I've always wanted to do, traveled a little, GOT A PROMOTION (woo hoo), and many other happy things that I can't think of at this very moment. All in all, I've just been really happy and content.

Around my 34th birthday...about a week prior to be exact, I started thinking hard about trying to get pregnant again (not that we ever really stopped trying). I wasn't sure I would ever want to step foot in a fertility clinic again, but I finally made up my mind that I would do whatever it took. I decided to try everything that was available to me, so that one day I could look back with no regrets that I didn't try every avenue. I was referred to a fairly new fertility clinic in Pleasant Grove and a highly recommended fertility doctor (Dr. Foulk). I scheduled a consultation and they couldn't get me in till mid August because they were so booked out. When we finally did get to meet Dr. Foulk, we had a great consult and we both left there feeling like he would be the one to help us. He was very aggressive in his plan and we were already scheduled to do IUI in approximately 3 weeks (which would have been Labor Day weekend). I felt very happy and satisfied that we were on our way.

Needless to say, my monthly friend was late and I ended up taking a pregnancy test that I just happened to have left over from forever ago. I can't even describe the feeling when I watched those 2 lines pop up with no doubts that I was pregnant. I shared the news with Austin and we were both so excited and relieved. WHAT A BLESSING! I told my family the next day when we were all together for Sunday dinner. I love my family so much, I couldn't ask for anything more. They are so supportive and loving and I couldn't have gotten through it all without them. I am so excited to have their support and advice in the coming months.

Later that week (5 weeks along) I called a high risk pregnancy doctor who scheduled some blood work right away. The first test results showed that my progesterone levels were low, so they started me on a supplement right away. The second results showed that my HCG levels were doubling and everything was looking normal!!!! They scheduled me for an early ultrasound at 7 weeks and it felt like an eternity waiting for that time to go by. When we finally got to go in...once again, the feeling was indescribable. I didn't realize we would get to hear the heartbeat, but when she turned the sound on and we heard that little heart beating so fast, I began to cry for the miracle of it all. What a wonderful sound and feeling.

I'm now 7 weeks and feeling great. There are days, like today, that I don't physically feel very good, but I can't help but smile through it and feel excited regardless.  I sleep A LOT and have even had some crazy cravings already. The 5th week, it was all about fresh foods...fresh fruits, fresh vegetables...the fresher the better. Then, it changed to salt and vinegar. I don't think I've eaten a pickle since I was a kid, but I downed about 5 of them and ate almost an entire bag of salt and vinegar potato chips. Now, I can't even look at those things. My craving this week has been hamburgers. Every day I have to eat a hamburger. What a strange thing this is, I LOVE IT!

Well, that's my story up until now. I will probably be updating often as I want to document all the things and feelings that come up. I love you all, thanks for being there for me!

LAS VEGAS MARATHON

About 15 years ago my dad and I started something...and yesterday, I finished it. I ran my first full marathon in Las Vegas, NV on Sunday, December 5th 2010 in approximately 4 hours and 28 minutes. I was told this one might be a difficult one for a beginner but it seemed only appropriate since it's the one my dad and I were training for so many years ago. And it was hard, but I wouldn't have had it any other way.
The marathon itself lived up to every expectation I might have ever had about a marathon. It was exciting, exhilarating, inspirational, fun...and it was also the exact opposite of all those things. It was exhausting, long, strenuous, brutal, down right miserable at times and also painful...mentally, physically and emotionally painful. I finished it feeling satisfied and fulfilled. I am so very grateful that I took the time to train and prepare for the entire 18 weeks, and I was not left wanting at the end. I have never been so happy to be done with something and so happy that I did it at the same time.
There was no better feeling than to run down to the finish line and see my mom, dad, husband Austin, Amanda, Gina and her friend Nicole there cheering me on. It made it all worth it when my dad gave me an embrace that no one could ever put a price on. Words cannot describe what I felt and how I still feel.
There were 30,000 runners. It was an incredible sight. I remember when the 1/2 marathoners split off from us and were almost done...it was sooooo tempting just to hop over to their side and just be finished, ha ha ha. I'm so glad I stuck with it, even if half the marathon was up hill!! The first half of the marathon was on the strip where I ran alongside the likes of hundreds of Elvis's, santa clauses, one Axel Rose and many others dressed up in fun outfits. There was live music and high school cheerleaders playing alongside the entire marathon. I am eternally grateful to all the volunteers and spectators who handed out energy gu, drinks, water and encouragement the entire way. I have no idea what might have been registering on my face those last 3 miles, but everyone made a point of looking right at me and telling me to keep going.
I was emotional at the end and I'm emotional now just writing about it. Like I said before, words can't begin to describe the array of emotions that I felt the entire way through and at the end. I really feel like I accomplished something for me and my dad. I'm so glad he was there and got to see it. It's incredible what we can accomplish if we set our minds to it, make a plan and take the time to prepare.
Thanks again to my family who could be there and the love and support from those who had to stay home. LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Me and Austin in front of Caesar's Palace

My dad and Alyssa, poor thing was sick the whole time.

All of us at Serendipity's. The frozen hot chocolate was amazing!!!

My family is incredible. They all wore "Team Lady Lux" shirts at the race. Aren't they clever!

My dad and Austin sporting their shirts

They even made one for me

My dad and I...I look a mess because I just ran 26.2 miles and had been crying too. :)

Almost to the finish line!

BIRTHDAY WEEK!!

You heard me right, I said birthday week! I figured out when I was a kid how to manipulate the system and make sure I got the most out of my birthday. I used my birthday as an excuse all week long to get out of chores, get extra attention, treats, presents and money...30 years later and not much has changed.
Austin was out of town for my birthday week so I thought it might be somewhat uneventful this year...I was wrong, thank goodness. It started Monday when the cutest family down the street invited me over to have family night with them. Austin was gone so I figured it would be a good way to spend my evening. When I walked in to the house, Melanie (the mom) led me into their kitchen where they had decorated for me and the whole family sang happy birthday. I felt like a princess when they handed me a crown and a head band that read "It's your birthday". We had a great message, played games and ate the yummiest birthday cake. Thank you Lundbergs for giving me a great kick-off to my birthday week!! Love you guys! Then on Tuesday I went boating with my friends Tony and Sara...what better way to spend a day of my birthday week? It was awesome! On Wednesday (my actual birthday) I got spoiled by my co-workers and my two sisters showed up at work with my nieces and nephew, some flowers and gift cards. I got a little emotional at that. The kids were so dang cute and I love my sisters so much...that night we all had dinner at Gina's house. On Thursday, my besties Michelle and Cassie took me out to eat at Cafe Rio and gave me a gift card to Forever 21, holla!!! Then on Friday, Austin came home...no better way to end my birthday week. We went to Tucano's and pigged out because there is no other way to eat at Tucano's. All in all, it was very memorable. Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes, thoughts, treats, gifts and loves!

4th of July at Starvation

We headed to Starvation Reservoir for the long 4th of July weekend with all our besties!! It was windy but sunny the first day, so once again we surfed a lot!! We are becoming pro's on the surfboard and we all tried to land 360's. I am confident we will all be doing 360's on the surfboard by the end of summer...Austin got it on the last day there!!! Woo hoo! I hate him, he's good at everything, haha! Love him ;) We were on the water as much as possible the first day and surfed well after dark...definitely top 5 surfing trips for sure! We had such great company and loved spending time with our friends.

I always have to get a picture right away while we all look fresh, haha.

Austin looking good as ever

Not the best wave of the day but surfing well nonetheless.

Everyone hanging on the boat while Austin surfs

Ummmm, we got stuck in the mud and the boys had to push us out. One of those moments you're glad you're a girl and can sit and watch. :)

The second day the weather changed drastically but we are DIE HARDS and determined to make the most of anything, we had a great time even though it was less than perfect.

Of course it cleared up later in the day and we all went out again. The shirt says it all!

Mmmmmmwuah!

The kids showing off their dancing skills

The big girls showing off their dancing skills!! LOL!

Me, Cassie and Michelle

Haha, Cassie felt like the statue of liberty in that dress so we took a pic. She looks so cute!

Sage all bundled up

ECLIPSE baby!!! We did it again!

We rented a theater again for the 3rd Twilight movie "Eclipse". But, not just any regular private showing, we had the opportunity to host a pre-screen of the movie. It was awesome!!!! We were one of a handful of private screenings that were able to see the movie a whole day early. We were the envy of everyone and of course filled the theater with all our friends. We gave out tons of prizes and really had a great time, as always. The movie was by far the best one yet in the series and the whole experience rocked! My policy lately is...if you're going to do something, do it right and experience all that life has to offer. My sister Gina, my mom and I all worked so hard and I feel like we really pulled off an amazing event. Gina and her friends made eclipse sugar cookies for everyone in the whole theater and Gina and my mom put together a fabulous after party.

The marquee in front of our theater read: Welcome guests of Rachel Lux. It was AWESOME! ha!

We had tons of food and desserts at the after-party thanks to Gina, my mom, me and tons of friends. We were able to use our neighbors fabulous back yard and everything couldn't have been more perfect.

I mean, really, we're practically famous now, we just are the best event planners ever!!!

Friends hanging out and socializing

Me, Sarah, Andrea, Brei

Some of my besties from high school came and I had so much fun hanging with them. No matter how long it goes, when we get together it's like we were never apart. Love them.


Gina and a bunch of her pals hanging out at the after party. She has such a fun group of friends.