Best Buds

Hannah Mathis

Hannah Mathis, born July 26, 2010. This is Kiera's baby, Kiera being one of my dearest friends that I love to pieces. I was lucky enough to spend last night at the hospital with her and Hannah. Kiera and I didn't get much sleep but Hannah sure did. She is such a good baby and I held her for hours. She sure made me want my baby NOW but I can wait a few more months. It was such a fun surprise because Kiera and James did not find out the gender of their baby and everyone thought it was another boy. Audrey, their oldest, insisted it was a boy and was quite shocked but thrilled to have a baby sister. Audrey and Drew each held Hannah one more time before going home with daddy for the night and Audrey leaned over, kissed her head, and whispered, "I'm going to miss you." It was so sweet. What also made me smile was when I would talk to Hannah about Tanner, she would often grin at me. I love babies and had such a great time watching such a good friend and her family welcome Hannah with such love and joy.

Remember Push-Ups?

The first picture is from the farmer's market that we went to this weekend. We loved it and are going back again Saturday. The rest of the pictures are of the girls enjoying push-ups. I used to walk to Circle K with my friends and get push-ups all of the time so I couldn't resist getting them for the girls.

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Nesting Already?!

This is my second bedroom after I emptied out the closet. I spent 11 hours yesterday going through all of my closets and organizing everything. It was a long and tiring day but I was able to get most of it done before Matt came home from work and it felt so great. We're not done but we're close. I cannot wait to post pictures of when I am finished getting Baby Tanner and the guest room finished. Yes, we're having a BOY and we're currently loving the name Tanner Matthew Shumway. I want to make the second bedroom a baby and guest room but that wont be finished for awhile.

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Second bedroom AFTER picture. I wish I took a before picture because you wouldn't believe the difference. Just picture all of that junk in the top picture stacked in this closet.

Girls' closet before picture.
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Tricia was so sweet and came over to help me go through all of my girl clothes and organize them again. I was pretty convinced I wanted a boy but after going through my clothes I would have been just fine with another girl too.

The girls closet after. The top shelf is cleared off too with only a couple boxes that have baby clothes in it.

I moved my beautiful hope chest that my mom painted for me into the girls' room. I emptied all of my things out of it and filled it with the girls' blankets. It matches their room perfectly.

I was also able to hang these before Matt got home. They've been sitting in my second bedroom for way too long and I finally got them up. Thanks Tricia for all of your help!

A Sunday to Remember

Friday morning Matt and I were able to find out the gender of our next baby. There were some minor concerns which allowed us to receive our ultrasound sooner than expected. Matt and I couldn't have been any more excited to see that our next baby would in fact be a boy. Everything with our son is looking good. He wasn't as big as he needed to be to check everything the doctor wanted to measure but he is healthy and we are thrilled.
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Unfortunately, after finding out our joyous news I had a very challenging and stressful weekend that made me lose sight of the blessings in our lives. I spent two days in a bad mood with a headache and shedding many tears. I had been told several times that I needed to get over the different things bothering me and I really wanted to but I couldn't kick my bad attitude.
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Thank goodness every weekend includes a Sunday. Matt spoke in church this morning which always puts me in a good mood. I married a good man. He is a spiritual giant that constantly lifts me. His example of charity and love in every situation makes me a better person. I was looking forward to church for the reason that I got to hear my husband speak which he does flawlessly. Many complemented Matt on the way he taught, spoke, and presented himself. I, like always, was in awe. The girls were wonderful during the meeting and I was able to focus and enjoy every minute of it. Matt did not let me down and I fell in love with him all over again.
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To my surprise, Matt's talk was not the highlight of my church attendance today. In Young Womens, I just wasn't feeling my lesson but noticed the Mia Maid advisor was extremely pumped about hers. I asked if we could sit in and join her for her class which was an inspired decision I now believe. Her lesson was amazing and needed for both me and the young women.
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However wonderful and spiritual I thought Janelle's lesson was, it too was not the highlight of my sabbath. The reason that church and today were so special to me was because I had a very neat experience that helped me get passed everything else that was bothering me the past couple of days. Through out the entire third hour of church, I held my friend's 18 day old son. He is not even three weeks old and is the epitome of perfection. While holding baby Tyce, I was overcome with joy and hope for the future that my son will bring. I teared up looking at him because he was so fresh and perfect. I longed for the day in December that I get to bring my own son home and cuddle him. I feel guilty that I have been unable to spend more time these past couple of days realizing the miracle that is taking place. Matt and I should not be expecting a baby this year because of everything that happened earlier with my ectopic. It hit me strongly today that I need to be grateful that I am having a baby, that he is healthy, and that I need to enjoy every moment of it.

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On top of stressing about different things this weekend, I began worrying about my unborn child again. I know most were fears unwarranted but I was having some different pains and cramping that made my mind go places I never want to go. I feel like I know my body pretty well and what it is doing but I still questioned. Deep down I knew everything was okay but because I have lost two babies now, it broke my heart thinking that something could go wrong even after knowing the gender and planning for his future. I think we might even have a name...but we'll see.
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Needless to say, I am grateful this weekend is over. I am at peace and not worried about my baby. I can feel him kick and move and have been comforted knowing that everything will be okay. I still think about everything else that was bothering me because I am worried about others but as far as Matt, Sienna, Sadie, and Baby boy are concerned, I am feel with gratitude, peace, and joy. I love my family more than I would ever be able to express. I am blessed and lucky to be married to a good man. Matt is truly good, he would never do anything to hurt anyone and he radiates light and truth. I apologize to everyone I have hurt this weekend and hope you know how much I love you.

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17 weeks 3 days, on our way to find out the gender of our baby.

The girls and I had to go shopping after our appointment for their little brother. It was so much fun buying boy stuff and we couldn't help but go share the excitement with daddy.
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I am so in love with all of the babies recently born or making their debut soon. One of my dearest friends just had her first last week, another is having her third next week, Bryan and Allie are having their first at the end of the year, and I found out that a friend struggling with fertility is also expecting. I love babies and am grateful that so many are able to enjoy the blessings that come with. My heart and prayers go out to my dear friends that are still struggling and have not yet had success having children and I hope it works out soon. Much love, Karin

NRH20, More Birthday Fun

We finished Sadie's birthday by splashing and playing at NRH2O, a nearby water park. It was so much fun and I hope to go back again this summer.

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The girls dancing as they waited for Matt and I to get ready.

Going on their first slide.

Sienna LOVED the slides. She went down the big girl slides all by herself too but being a water park, I didn't have the camera with me.

Sadie was a stinker. If we sent her down alone, she'd purposely stop on the slide and play. We stopped having her go down the slides without us. She thought they were so fun but didn't understand that she was making the line back up.

My precious little birthday girl. LOVE HER!

They thought the wave pool was the most exciting thing ever and had fun floating around with daddy.

I cannot believe she is already two. Time flies when you have cute easy kids.

Sienna was so excited to finally eat her beautiful masterpieces that she made.

Sadie was pretty anxious too. They were yummy! They kind of tasted like snowballs without the coconut.

Lots and lots of presents. Both Nana ad Grandma sent lots of movies and we cannot wait to watch them all. We were hoping to build up our movie collection so this was perfect.

Sadie's Birthday Morning

Sadie is loving being able to say that it is her birthday. "No, not mommy birthday, it's MY birthday. Sadie's birthday!" This morning has started off great and we're having lots of fun. The girls and I baked and decorated cupcakes together and now we're waiting for daddy to come home early so we can go to the water park. Sienna loves that it is Sadie's birthday too and chose what cupcakes we should make for her. A couple fun facts for today in addition to my baby turning two- one of my childhood best friends is in labor having her baby girl right now and Bryan and Allie get to find out the gender of their baby this morning!! (I told Jac she was crazy for going 4 days over just so our girls could share a birthday but she's just that awesome.)

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Every time I bake cupcakes the girls each get a pan to line and they love it.

Tasting the batter. Sadie insisted on chocolate.

The girls dipping the cut mini marshmallows in sugar all by themselves.

Eating icing.

The finished product. Aren't you impressed that the girls dipped the pedals all by themselves? Sienna did pink and Sadie yellow, that is why there are only a couple yellow flowers but I was super impressed with both girls. What a fun morning! We can't wait for the rest of the day.

Pop Goes the Belly

My plan this pregnancy is to eat better and excersize (swim mostly). I don't care how much weight I really gain as long as I can lose it and most importantly my baby is healthy. I delivered the girls weighing the exact same (even though I gained 10 more pounds with Sadie) and my goal is to not exceed that weight. I never want to weigh more than what I did when I delivered the girls. At my last appointment I hadn't gained any weight yet but I am sure I have now. I have 38 pounds to go before I hit that ugly number I don't want to see again. I only gained 32 pounds with Sienna but 42 with Sadie so we'll see what happens this time around. One thing going for me is that the thought of Mexican food makes me sick. I still pretend that it doesn't because it is my obsession but I have only eaten it a couple of times since being pregnant. I am thinking that eating less things deep fried and smothered in cheese has got to help me not gain as much this time around. It will make losing it difficult though because as soon as this baby is out, I'm heading to Pasados, Joe T's, and any other Mexican joint I can find!!

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Here is proof that my stomach has popped over the last week and is only getting bigger. I will smack anyone that just broke out singing, "Big booty, big booty, big booty...ah yeah!"

Big Slide

The girls and I went to a jump house yesterday morning for a couple of hours and they spent 90% of their time on the BIG SLIDE. The went down dozens of times.
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Getting ready to play.

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How you're supposed to climb up to the top of the slide.

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How Sadie prefers to climb up.

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Sienna was having so much fun. She went down about three times to Sadie's one because she was going to fast.

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The only time Sadie would actually look at me the picture came out so dark which is a bummer because it is so cute.

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The girls had so much fun, I think we need to go back more.

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Snack time after all of the fun.

On My Mind

I am dying to see my parents' new kitchen, it looks amazing in the pictures. So much so, that I want to hop back in the car and drive to Utah again. I cannot wait until I can roast a perfect marshmallow and eat a REESES smore in their new stone firepit. Plus I want to spend time with my brother and his girlfriend.

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So many of my friends are having babies this year. One of my childhood best friends is due today but it isn't looking like her baby and her are on the same schedule. Thank goodness she is one tough cookie and has had a pretty easy pregnancy. I hope everything goes well (and soon) and I get to see pictures of Addie before too long. More motivation to hop in the car and drive. Another one of my best friends is having her 3rd in two weeks. She isn't finding out the gender which is making me even more excited for her big day. I am planning on spending the night at the hospital with her so she isn't alone and so her husband can be home with the kids, it should be fun.

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I have no real plans for as long as I can see. I have nothing scheduled or planned for months. Things always come up but it is nice having a fairly open calendar. I am hoping Matt and I are able to figure out a family trip within the next couple of months. I would LOVE to go visit my sister in Nevada but tickets are ridiculous. I also want to go to Utah in September for Pops 80th but don't know that it is going to happen. We'll see, there is something liberating about being spontaneous to me.

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This pregnancy doesn't seem real to me. It is going by super quickly because of how everything has worked out but I really can't wait for my next ultrasound so I can see how my baby is doing. I have had weird dreams and random concerns about this baby that are not warranted at all but I still want to see my baby moving around and that it has 10 fingers and 10 toes and no more.

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I am worried that I am going to gain 100 pounds with this baby. I cannot stop eating and it is driving me crazy. I feel chubby just because of what I am eating but I guess I'm in control of that so I better stop.

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This weekend is the Heatstroker which is the overnight softball tournament in St. George. I cannot name many things that I enjoy more than playing softball with my family and Jamie and I want to go SO BAD! I keep begging my dad but he is being protective of his unborn grandchild.

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I miss my nieces and nephews to pieces. Ella is going into first grade this year and Cole to kindergarten. It blows my mind that they are getting so big. Dash is 18 months and everytime someone mentions him getting into stuff or running around I freak out a little bit that he is up and running. I picture him as a baby still but he is only 6 months younger than Sadie who will be 2 on Tuesday. Gracie too, she is a year old and I have only seen her a few times. I long for the day that all of the cousins are within 10 hours of each other.

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I want to clean out my second bedroom, I mean really clean it out. I would love to make it a guest bedroom with the crib in there. I want to get every organized and stored nicely so it isn't in the way. After I know the gender, I want to get the bedding, etc all figured out. I would LOVE to fly my good friend Kelsey out so she can use her interior designing magic and help me paint, decorate, etc. I just miss her to pieces too and would love a week of just getting to know her better. She is the one I dream of opening a bakery with.

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Wanting to put together a guest room requires buying new furniture. I cannot justify spending money on a bed/mattress because we only have a couple thousand dollars left to pay on the van. Oh, that is the best feeling in the world! Matt and I honestly get giddy everytime we make a payment and watch those numbers go down.

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I love being in Young Womens and hope they don't release me because I'm having a baby. I'd stay in that program my entire life if they'd let me. While at camp with Sister Park who is beyond inspirational and amazing, I kept dreaming of the future and picturing myself working on the stake level with the YW for years and years. I would love to live near my mom again at some point and be able to go to girls camp with her again, nobody does camp (or anything) as well as my mom!

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I'm biased I know but I am so in love with my girls. They are so well behaved and we have so much fun together. Today we went to the bounce house, visited Matt at work, and then to lunch together and it was such a great day. We followed lunch by coming home and all taking 2 hour naps. While at the bounce house there was a lady that was basically telling me I was crazy for loving that my kids are only 16 months apart (hers are 14) and that I'm having another in December. She continued to tell me that if she only had one it would be so much easier. She told me that she loves other peoples kids but can't handle being a parent herself. It was the saddest thing ever. She was trying to convince me that her kids were difficult but they were darling and so well behaved. She about dropped when I told her I wanted 4-5 when really I want at least 5-6 if I can but I didn't want her to passout in front of me.

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The girls and I met our neighbors across the street (finally!). The wife had a 5 year old girl and 2 year old boy from a previous relationship but together they make such a cute family. They are Matt's age and I look forward to getting to know them better. They asked about my church and I'm hoping that I will have an opportunity to expand on that more in the future.

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It seems like Matt and I don't get out with our friends very often anymore. I think I feel that way mostly because I have been gone so much. I miss game nights and seeing our friends a lot, we don't see B&A much either but it has been a lot of fun spending so much time as a family. A favorite of the girls right now is playing Mario. They beg for it almost every night. We also play hide n seek a lot. They make me so happy.

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Three of my best friends of 20 years are not married and none of them are really dating seriously either. It isn't a big deal and they are all doing great things with their life but it hit me the other day that I could be done having kids before they really ever start. It made me sad because we always talked about raising our kids together and having them on the same sport teams, etc. Now I tease them that my kids will babysit their kids so we can go out. That works too I guess.

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People think I'm crazy for driving to Utah and wanting to do it again soon, but Sadie is turning two so now if I ever want to go anywhere we have to buy at least 3 tickets and 4 if Matt can join us. I think I should drive more so I get used to it. Flying bums me out because Em was visiting me a couple times a year but now that Andy has a corporate job and he can't watch the boys, so she can't come as often because she'd have to buy 3 tickets too.

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I have always known that things would get to where we were only visiting Utah about once a year. Weddings, funerals, babies, etc come up so there are exceptions but I think we are getting closer to once a year becoming a reality. With people visiting Texas, it all balances out but my Emily time is dwindling.

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Sienna wants to go to kindergarten so bad. Obviously, that isn't an option with her being three but I am debating back and forth about putting her in preschool. I don't think I am going to. I don't want to take her away from Sadie any sooner than I have to. If I put her in next year, she could go to kindergarten the following year and Sadie could go to preschool. I hope I can find something they can do together this fall. Maybe soccer or t-ball.

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I am going to go make dinner now. Hope I didn't put too many people to sleep.

16 Weeks (and 1 day, but who is counting)

Sienna wanted to take pictures so I figured what the heck, I might as well have her snap one of my chubby self. Being 16 weeks I keep anticipating the pop where my belly jumps out and it is obvious that I am expecting but it hasn't really happened yet. Instead, I am stuck in the awkward chubby stage and my back is becoming more and more insulated. (I HATE BACK FAT!!) I have several friends including my adorable sister (Allie) that are pregnant and many of them have these cute little baby bumps that are just darling. The don't seem to gain anything anywhere but their little tummies. Pretty soon, you wont be able to tell where my back ends and my butt begins. Okay, I know I'm being a little extreme. Really, I have zero complaints. I love being pregnant and am blessed to be expecting again. I cannot wait to find out what we are having. I have an appointment on the 16Th and I called my doctor asking if they would tell me then but they wont do the ultrasound until you're at least 20 weeks. Again, I can't complain. I mean I found out I was five weeks farther along than I expected so waiting til August isn't that bad. I wish I would have kept a better pregnancy journal with my girls. I remember getting somewhat nauseous with Sienna but nothing severe and I don't think I was sick a day with Sadie. I haven't been sick this pregnancy either minus the smallest bit of nausea here and there. I am sore this pregnancy though. I don't know if it is baby number three or what, but my I can feel so much more internally. I have already started feeling slight movements from Baby#3 and have for a few weeks but they are the smallest of flutters. I can't wait for the next couple of weeks t hat bring the more drastic kicks. When finding out I was due December 21st, I was first a bit bummed. I have never wanted to have a Christmas baby (although, after saying that out loud in the fall, I knew it was going to happen), and I am so sad that I wont be able to make it to Kyle's wedding. The more I think about it, the more my friends are right. I think it will be a remarkably spiritual experience delivering so close to Christmas. How could I be so selfish? I think it will give me a different prospective on Mary giving birth to the Savior. It doesn't make me want to have my baby at home or in a stable but it sure does make me appreciate that I have the comfort of modern technology and hospitals and if makes me forever more grateful for what Mary went through. I look forward to more of these moments come December when I am actually having this little baby.

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16 weeks and 1 day. For the record, I plan on delivering about two weeks early to accommodates scheduling for everyone a little better. I have had both girls early so I don't think it is the most ridiculous thing ever but I wont be induced. Now watch, I'll go over my due date and deliver on Christmas or something. My sister told me yesterday that she informed my dad that he needs to start saving his sky miles because she sees me making it to Kyle's wedding come hell or high water. Ha ha, don't think I'll be flying with a newborn but my sister does know me well. Driving wasn't so bad and newborns sleep a lot... we'll just have to wait and see. Right now I dream of being snuggled up with my two girls and possibly a baby boy around a Christmas tree in my own living room and visiting our newest cousin/niece/nephew just down the road. I don't know if I am more excited to meet my baby or Bryan and Allie's. What miracles and blessings, how I LOVE babies. Well, there is enough ramble from me today.

Spiritual 4th of July

The 4th of July is and always has been one of my favorite holidays for several reasons. I love this country so much and cannot help but get teary eyed when the fireworks go off with all of the patriotic music playing in the background. Four years ago, this holiday became even more important and meaningful to me when my baby brother joined the Marine Corps. Now, four years and two tours to Iraq later, Kirk is home and his contract is over. I wish that we were able to go back to Utah and visit with my whole family and go to the Stadium of Fire but I was able to do something else last week that I thought was quite special.

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I spent last week in Oklahoma with the young women in my ward for Girls Camp. It was such a great experience for me and I hope I get the opportunity to do it again. It is such a different experience being the leader and trying to help your girls build their own testimonies. It was such a spiritual week full of neat opportunities and I was able to get to know my girls so well. I am so proud how much they all put into camp because I am a strong believer that you only get out of something as much as you're willing to put into it. One morning, we got some saddening news that 3 of our girls' dad had a heart attack that morning. He is okay and will be but it was very hard news to swallow and my girls just rallied around their friends and comforted them.

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I missed my family over the holiday weekend and wish I was able to visit and barbeque with all of them but I wouldn't trade my week at camp for a visit home. After camp, we had a great BBQ dinner with friends and went to a nearby park to watch fireworks. I am so grateful for this wonderful country that we live in. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and the blessings that it brings me daily. I am grateful that Sunday was both July 4th and fast and testimony meeting because it was such a great day to celebrate the freedoms that we all have from having the restored gospel here as well as living in America. I am grateful for my little brother that was willing to serve our country and put his life on the line several times to protect our freedoms. I'm grateful for the priesthood blessing he received prior to his first tour comforting us all and assuring us that he would come home safely. I am grateful for my families faith when we weren't made those same promises on his second tour. I love my brother and look up to him so much for what he has accomplished. I love my family for their support they showed him over the past 4 years. I am grateful for Matt and girls and the blessing we have to be expecting another baby this year. I am overwhelmed with all that I have in my life and feel so blessed and loved by so many. I am mostly grateful for the knowledge and testimony I have of my Savior and the comfort he gives me several times a day.

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My parents and Kirk.