Cutest Sister Ever

So it is getting closer to my due date.  I still have awhile but the third trimester is here and with school and work I haven't had much time to prepare for my little man.  I had a small panic moment when walking through Babies R Us with all the stuff in there to get.  What do I need?  What is a necessity? What is a want?  Since my mom is not around my sister has stepped in and filled that roll along with being my sister and friend.  I told her I was worried about what to get so she sent me this "little' email to help me.

So here is a list of things that you might want to consider for your baby.  I will be bias to my list and like any other occupation I have the tools that I like to use to get the job done.  But on this list are things that I have used and think they are a great thing to have.  You can wait on a few items that and/or register for them and see what you get.  You never know so put big ticket items are there and see what happens.

Car Seats
*care seat class through Utah County Health Department in downtown Provo. 
*I like Graco.  It's affordable and they are great, but do your research and see what you like
*Love, love, love the car seat canopy!!!

Breast Feeding/Feeding
*love the breast pump
* I love the Born Free bottles, but Advent is good too and less expensive, I recommend at least 3 bottles
*I love the Gerber baby spoons, bowels and sippies
* I love the Soothe pacifiers and they are used in most hospitals.  You will get a couple of passies at the hospital and I have some if you want to borrow them
*Nursing covers are awesome

Traveling
*A good stroller is a must and try to get one that will just lock with the baby carrier
*I love the baby Bjorn to tote the baby around it for walks or just doing stuff around the house
*Slings are good too and you can ust it as a nursing cover too

Diaper Bag
I love the bag I got from Tai Pan Trading around $50
*Hard Plastic travel wipes case -travel section at Target;)
*I love A&D diaper rash cream
*baby powder
*I really like my little diaper clutch I got from Etsy.  The link is an example of one and there are different prices for them, but I still use mine;)

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/92576008/blue-and-tan-diaper-clutch-and-changing?ref=sr_gallery_16&sref=&ga_search_query=diaper+clutch+changing+pad&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

*I also really like the burp clothes made from cloth diapers also from Etsy.  I bet Grandma Cari could make some too.  I would recommend 6-9 burbs

http://www.etsy.com/listing/92500956/new-3-pack-burp-clothes-for-baby-girlor?ref=sr_gallery_18&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=burp+clothes&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

*I really Pampers for Newborn size and then you can try some others.  The Target brand is good to for the larger size diapers
*I really like the big box of wipes from Costco.  It is about $20 the box but it will last a couple of months at a time.
*Other things to consider putting in a dipaer bag: small first aid kit, kleenex, nursing pads, maxi/tampons, baby lotion, diaper rash cream, baby powder, gas relief drops (look below), baby blanket for the car seat, baby hats, and extra set of clothes, also large gallon Ziploc bags for accidents!!!

Medical/ Hygiene
*Buy 2 baby Tylenol one for home and one for the diaper bag
*Buy 2 Gas Relief drops for infants the brand name is Mylicon

*Buy a good infant grooming kit at either Babies R Us or Target, one with nail clippers and a hair brush
*A bath tub that can fit in the kitchen sink.  Most do and have a hole stopper which is great to let the bath water out.  Babies poop and pee in the bath tub even newborns and it's nice to let the bad water drain out in a hurry
*Since you have sensitive skin I would go with more of an Avveno product instead of Johnson and Johnson products since they then to have alcohol in them and can dry baby's skin.
*I would recommend a hooded bath towel.  I really like the ones from Pottery Barn Kids about $20
*I would recommend a package of baby wash clothes
*Avveno baby lotion
*I would also recommend washable changing pads for the changing table portion of the pack and play.  Hand towels also work but he will probably stain them, so don't use your best ones for the bathroom.
I would also recommend Dreft baby laundry detergent.  It is great to wash his first clothes in before he wears them.  This detergent is gentle for newborn skin.  Register for it because it is expensive

Clothes
Clothes are tricky because the sizing depends on the Brand and also the size of your baby.  Your baby will not always fit the size that is shown.  Look more at the weight/height for each item.  Boys tend to grow faster then girls and so your little 2 month old might fit a 3-6 month size.  Do the best you can there might be one to two outfits he might not ever wear because he grew too fast and the season changed. 

*I love onsies!  I like the child of mine brand from Walmart.  Gerber is also a good brand  Find a brand you  like and stick with it.  I would recommend 12 onsies in the newborn size I know it sounds like a lot but they will go through them faster then you think because babies have blow outs or they throw up all over themselves.  You will be doing a lot of laundry

*I love footie jammies.  Costco has great ones for about $7 a piece.  Target has great ones and even Walmart.
*Newborn socks to use for feet and hands
*Get some shirts that can go around his little hands in the newborn or 3 month sizes so he doesn't scrach himself (wait until after the shower and see if you want to get anymore)
*Soft pants to wear with onsies
*look around now for 12/18 month clothes.  He will grow fast and shopping the sales now for next year you will really appreciate like a good coat for winter, jeans, even snow shoes.  Seasonal items are expensive
*Baby sales come around every September and all the stores that carry a children's line will have them.   They usually also have baby sales in March too.
*I love love love Kid to Kid especially the one here in AF.
*Shoes for infants are mainly for cuteness.  He won't be walking, but he will look stylin'

Toys/Books
* I love love love books!!!  Babies love books!  Expects say to read to your baby in womb and it will help them develop their cognitive skills.
*Buy just a few baby toys.  He won't be able to hold a toy and look at it until he is about 4 months old.  I bet you will get some at the shower and also from Grandpa and Grandma, aunts and uncles, etc so I won't worry about it until later, but if there is a toy that you really like get it.
Register for a bouncy seat, they are awesome.  You can still borrow mine if you want.
*Soft music for baby to sleep by

Just for Mom
*buy new pajamas
*buy a robe for visitors after the baby
*nice comfy shoes
*bath soap to soak in the tub after baby's born
*Ibuprofen and Tylenol for recovery ( you will be given a strong Ibuprofen when you are discharged)
*stool softener for after baby
*extra money to order pizza/ take out for those hard days

***I really love the Baby Whisperer Book.  I have a copy if you would like to borrow it.  That is where I got all my routine ideas from and it is a really good parenting book****

I hope that helps.  I am sure I might have forgotten somethings, but I think that gives you a good start.  Let me know if you have any other questions and yes babies add up, but they are worth it;)

Love,

Mer

I have HANDS DOWN the most wonderful sister in the world!  If you mommies out there have more to add please let me know!

Tim Tebow

My Husband looks like a skinnier less buff version of Tim Tebow..... Just thought I would share that with you

Tradition

Growing up we never went on vacation.  Or at least a traditional vacation.  We never went to Disneyland or to the beach or on a cruise.  What we did was camping.  My parents were both outdoor lovers and lived for fishing and lighting fires.  My mom was never more excited the when  my brothers and I were old enough to go through our "piro" stage.  To say my dad loved to fish would be an understatement.  There was no place more fun and calming to him then on a boat in the middle of a lake.  This is a love he has passed down to my brothers and me.  So of the best memories I have growing up involve a tent and a boat.  I remember putting on a swim suite at the begging of summer and not taking it off until I had to go back to school.  There is nothing in the world that can match sitting on a boat in the middle of a lake eating watermelon and trying to be quiet so you don't scare the fish. 
     I have the fondest memories of my dad in his Levi jeans, he never got in the water he wanted to be able to watch us kids from the boat just in case something happened, button up shirt and American flag suspenders with a big insulated mug full to the brim with ice and a diet Pepsi and his Vietnam hat.  He honestly was the kindest man, and I am not just saying that because he was my father.  He was humble and giving and always ALWAYS put others before himself.  He never understood the concept of putting the oxygen mask on yourself and then assisting the person next to you.  I have never met one person who disliked my dad.  How could you dislike a man you always answered with Yes Mama and Yes Sir no matter who he was talking to?
     Yesterday was my dads birthday and I got this email from my little brother on his mission, "Hey Sarah, do me a favor, if you can wet a hook and drink a diet Pepsi for me for dad. And if you can say hi to him for me. I love you and try to have a good day tomorrow. I miss him."  I miss him too Quincy and consider your request done.  It may take me a bit to get out fishing but I promise to make it happen.

 A Special Happy Birthday to my Dad, John W. Adams Jr.

Workin Hard for the Money

I love my job.  I have been working a ton lately which is good for me but bad for my school work.  My boss just sent me to San Francisco for three days for a training.  I will now be team teaching Dollar Camp to all of the new students at Paul Mitchell the School Provo.  It is a three day financial course that will help students be better with money and to understand personal finance concepts that they may not have learned at home.  I am super excited to be able to teach it!  San Francisco was AMAZING!  I forget how much I miss California sometimes and it is crazy to me that I moved away almost seven years ago.  The company that was training put me and a co-worker up in a hotel in Union Square for two nights and took us out to dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant for dinner.  I got home late Saturday did homework and laundry all day today and am off to Vegas for three days for work tomorrow. 

On a side note... I made the mistake of not going grocery shopping before I left leaving me with NO food in my entire house today!  On Sundays I try not to go shopping our out to eat so I just pulled out a chicken we had frozen and tried my luck with an experiment that turned out really well!  I think it is an experiment I will try again.

Mama Said There Will Be Days Like This

   It has been too long and too much has happened to play catch up in detail.  So here is the super short version.  I moved while Ethan was gone.  He came home from his internship and we both went back to school full time in the fall.  I had 17 credits and full time work and Ethan had 16 and worked whatever hours he could get.  After almost 3 years of heartache and fertility problems WE ARE GOING TO BE PARENTS!  I found out we were expecting in September and could not be more happy.  My mama warned me there would be bad days but she promised there would be one day that more then made up for any number of bad days.  Seeing those two lines was that day!
     In October we sent my little brother Quincy off on an LDS mission (something that was another three years in the making!).  In December we told our family about our bundle of joy and found out January 7th that he was a BOY.  It was hard working full time going to school full time and taking calculus and statistics at the same time as morning sickness and being tired but I loved every minute of it.  I decided a long time ago that the last thing I was gonna do it want and pray for something for so long and then turn around and complain about it. In January I accidentally totaled our Nissa on the freeway and we laid her to rest a week later.  It was sad but no one got hurt so no real complaints.
     On January 29th I turned 25! Which still weirds me out.  I woke up to breakfast in bed, a clean kitchen, and a counter of flowers balloons and presents. (notice the hostess cupcakes?  I am obsessed with them.  Ethan loves me enough to buy them for me and then hide and ration them out so I do not eat my body weight in them.  He stays strong despite my temper tantrums)

      Ethan and I are now in our last full semester of school and will walk April 27th.  I has been a long road to get our degrees but worth it, or at least everyone keeps telling me it will be.  Our little boy is due June 5th and time seems to be flying by.  I was sad that my parents will not be here to be grand parents to my son but was overwhelmed about the love and excitement that everyone has shown me about this baby.  I feel like there are people who are more excited then we are!  For now it is just school and work and school and work but we are happy and content. 

 17 weeks Christmas day

 We had the ultra sound tech put the result in an envelope and took it to a cup cake shop.  If it was a girl the attendant had to put pink cupcakes in the box and blue for a boy.

We waited until we got home and called Ethan's parents on Facetime so they could be apart of it.  Ethan was ecstatic that it was a boy... he walked around the house singing "Oh Boy Oh Boy its a Boy its a Boy"  and has made plans for him and the little man for the next 7 years.

Trying Hard

So since I was told I was insulin resistant I have to report I have been doing really well. I have given up all sugar, except natural sugars in fruit, I never eat carbs and I work out regularly. I miss soda and caffeine but I guess in the end it is a small price to pay. Since I started this routine in the middle of January I have lost 14lbs. Lets hope I can stay strong.

Stand By Me

Ethan and my song is Stand by me. Through everything Ethan has always been there and if the sky really does start to fall I know he will be there holding my hand.
He recently went to London with his Dad for vacation and loved it! While he was out in VA he had an interview with an Advertising Firm in Washington DC for an internship..... and..... HE GOT IT! and it is paid SURPRISE! I am so proud of him. It will be hard to spend the summer apart but it will open doors for him and us. I have to go to summer school and work but you know what they say absent makes the heart grow fonder :). I just remind myself that he is not in the military and is not going any where dangerous and I am grateful. And because of that fact I promise not to complain once while he is gone. 3 months in an office is nothing compared to what women like my sister go through with their military husbands. YEAH for good fortune and the Lord smiling on us!

Things I am grateful for:
Pandora oldies radio
Internships
Time off of work
Rain
Clean laundry

Stand By Me | Playing For Change | Song Around the World

Time to Change

So I went for a physical just because I have insurance for a while and haven't bothered to use it. Well I found out I am insulin resistant. When you eat sugar your body produces insulin to break it down. Once the sugars are broken down some is absorbed into you muscle. Well my body produces insulin and breaks down the sugar but my muscles are like "HELL NO WE WON'T GO!!" So the sugar sits in my blood stream and the then my body produces more insulin. So that being said I am basically a pre-diabetic. My dad had diabetes and so did my grandma so I am not surprised. I just have to change everything about my diet. I have to start eating like a diabetic and working out regularly and I should be fine. It is ssooooooo hard! I haven't really worked out since sports in high school! I just need to stop making excuses and pray that I will find some enjoyment in working out. We shall see hoe this goes. As far as eating I have been really good. In the last couple of weeks I have completely changed my eating habits and have learned a lot about what I should and shouldn't eat. The hard part is because my muscles do not absorb all the sugar they should I grave it ALL the time. I am not thrilled about this change but it is only gonna benefit me so I can't complain.

Families are Forever

Ethan and I got some difficult news recently and I couldn't help but be sad. I ask him if he regretted marrying me. I wanted to know if I was worth all the death and hard times we have faced and will have to face. His answer, "Sarah you are not the love of my life..... you are the love of my forever and that is whats worth it, forever with you." I didn't know I could love him more every day but I do.

The Impossible Made Possible

If a heart could explode from gratitude mine would. There are absolutely no words that can describe the humility I feel today. I have a strong testimony that trials are the biggest blessings we can be given on this earth. We were sent here to be tested and to grow. It is through trials that we are tested to our limits and given the opportunity and privilege to grow and learn.
I had until the end of November to clean out my dads house. Unlike when my mother passed I have no where to put my Father's belongings. The stuff he owned needed to be sorted, divided and sold. My sister and I have been over at my dads house almost everyday the last month and made some good headway. The big problem was time. Today in November 27, which mean I had three day to accomplish what seemed like the impossible.
I have always had a hard time asking and accepting help. I guess it is a combination of the fact that I feel guilt easily and that I am just too prideful. Today I learned what humility and selflessness was. I mentioned at my work a few days ago that I could use some help. Today as I was working on my Dad's house my co-workers, my co-workers husbands and brothers, even my students showed up to help me. They accomplished in one day what I had been trying to do all month. I was so humbled and full of gratitude today I thought my heart would burst. These people have no clue the service they did for me today. They did not just clean out my Dad's house but they taught me a lesson. They taught me charity, the pure love of Christ. They taught me what true selflessness is. My sister got the my Dad's house later in the day. As she walked into the house and saw what had been accomplish all she could do was cry. My brothers did the same. I am a truly blessed individual.

Getting Ready for the Gravy Meltdown

I have a love hate relationship with Thanksgiving. I have the greatest memories of getting up at eight with my mom, who had been up since four. In our matching red aprons we would rock out to oldies and bake up a storm. My mom was from Mississippi and she believed that everything had to be from scratch. We would slice and dice and I would try to take notes. She always cooked for an army. We never cooked less the two 24lb birds because she thought that everyone should be able to take some home. The gravy was her specialty. She made it from scratch and NEVER used corn starch. She would make a roue' with oil and flour and whisk it until it was brown, then she would add the drippings from the turkey and the starch water from the potatoes and season to taste. It was never too salty or lumpy. It was so good you could feel your arteries tense just by smelling it! I made the mistake of not taking the time to write down my moms recipes before she passed. Now it is my job to make everything from scratch and get up at four with out her. All in all I think I do a pretty good job. I am not intimidated by a 24lbs turkey and I also believe everything should be made from scratch. But when it comes to the gravy..... every year ends with a gravy meltdown. I try to make the gravy as my mom did but I can never seem to get it just right. For some reason the gravy always end with me sitting on the floor, ladle in hand, crying. Ethan knows this happens and it always prepared. He watches me throughout the day cooking and tasting waiting for the gravy to come. Then with tissues in hand he sits on the floor with me and just lets me cry.
As I started baking pies today I was hit with the reality of how blessed I am. I have wonderful memories with my mom which is more then some can say. She taught me well. I have a sweet husband who without judgment or getting annoyed lets me cry over gravy. And even if I do not get it right this year I always have next year to try again. I have brothers who wont eat Thanksgiving anywhere else because only I can make it like mom used to. I am a very blessed individual.
Today is my mom's birthday and I have decided to celebrate with some oldies a red apron and some of her favorite recipes. Happy Birthday Mom and thank you for everything.

I have learned....

I have learned guilt is the emotion I feel more then any other. I feel guilt more then fear, sadness, even love. It is also my least favorite emotion to have. I keep wondering what if. I keep feeling like I could have done more or should have done less. I feel guilty. I hurt. I lost someone I looked up to; someone I loved dearly. I had a chance to save him and I couldn't. I watched him start to turn blue. I felt his ribs break under my palms as I pumped his chest on our front lawn and pleaded to God not to take him. I watched as the paramedics took over the CPR and the neighbors came out of their houses and watched. The entire world slowed down as fell to my knees in front of the world and violently pleaded with my Father in Heaven to let me be selfish and keep him. I have learned please is not a word that works. He was ready to take him but I was not ready to let him go. I rode with him in the ambulance because I could not bare the fact of him being alone. I have learned that even though your world stops everyone else's continues one.
I have learned that the day of the funeral is not the hardest part it is the nights afterwords. Sleeping is the hardest because you can't, and if you do it is not for long because history has a tendency to repeat itself in dreams. I relive that day in my head every night, just in case the once wasn't enough.
I have learned that it is the little things that you miss the most. I miss his laugh the most. Jokes are not as funny and movies are not as fun without that laugh. I miss him. He used to tell me I got prettier every day, I miss that.
I have learned that the Lord has a plan and it is ok for me to know the when and where but not the why. Why did he have to take him? Why did I loose my Brother, Mother, and Father in four years time. Why do I get to feel guilty all the time? I have learned that despite the why I have faith. I have faith that through the atonement of Christ that I will be with my family again. I have faith that trials are the biggest blessing we could get. I have faith that someday I will look back and be happy for this time in my life.
I have learned that is possible to smile on the outside while crying on the inside.

The home stretch

Sooo I don't really want to talk about the bet..... lets just say it hasn't been going so well. I am swamped with school. Yesterday I wrote a three page paper, a five page paper, and two two page papers not to mention all of my accounting. I have a thirty page feasibility study due on Friday and then finales next week and then I am done. If I can do well on my finales I am anticipating getting a good GPA which I am very happy about. I got a lot of flack for going to beauty school and numerous people told me not to do it because I wouldn't go back to college. Well I did go back and I just might get good grades on top of it.

Oh and the sun has finally decided to show its face in Utah and I couldn't be more happy. I walked outside for a total of 15 minutes today between classes and studying and I am PINK! Do you have any idea how white you have to be to get pink from 15 minute of intermittent sunshine? It was at the very moment that I realized how white I was that I thought about jumping in my car and heading to California where the sunshine all year long. I miss the sun and am sooooo looking forward for summer.

Ethan and I are both taking off some time from work in May. I will be putting in 50+ hours at work starting in June because 2 of the girls I work with will be on maternity leave so we decided that we should spend some time together in May while me had the chance. The only question is what to do? We thought about taking the boat and going to Powell with our dog for half the week and the other going up to Idaho to see friends. I really want to go to Cali but Ethan is not so sure. Any suggestions?

Just a Little Bet

Ok so here is the deal. I want to work out. I NEED to work out. I am 23 this is supposed to be the best I look in my life. Ethan will not let me get a gym membership because he thinks it is a waste of money and he probably right. I am not a fan of running and work out videos make me feel stupid. So what to do? I enjoy biking but find that with work and Utah's bipolar weather biking is not always the most logical thing. Well Ethan and I went to the Good Will or DI as they call it here and I found it. A old exercise bike, you know the one that has a big fan in the wheel that is super heavy? It was only $30 and I wanted it. I could put it in our garage and no matter if it snowed in June, which it does, I can go bike riding. Ethan said no. He doesn't work out he just has a good metabolism. So I begged and pleaded and still....... NO. So this is where the bet came in. He is a techno geek and he is want-y. He really wants and iPad. He says he wants it for me but I know better. SO, I told him if he let me get it I would make a deal with him. For the month of April I have to use the exercise bike 3 days a week for at least 20 minutes. If I don't use it then he gets an iPad. It is a win win for me. Motivation and the bike. For Ethan if I lose he gets an iPad if I win he gets a tighter bum.

To be honest I REALLY do not want to lose this cause the last thing he needs is a iPad so here goes nothin!

I for the life of me cannot shake this cold. I just feel stuffy all the time. I never get sick so this is new for me. It is almost April which means the last month of school and I am getting excited for summer. Ethan is applying for a graphic design job at Skull Candy so keep it in your prayers that he gets it. It would mean worlds for us!

how many times can a heart break?

I was going through a box of paperwork trying to find the title to our car. Instead I found three letters written to me from my Mom. Letters that were unopened. My Mom took the time to write me at least every other day when I lived in Idaho and she was in Utah sick and I didn't even read them. I was so caught up with my own life and being newly married that I did even bother to take the time to open the envelope. My heart sank in my chest as I opened the envelopes and read my Mothers words. How could I be so selfish? How could I not see how valuables these letters would be to me? How did I not see how my Mother was reaching out to me in her time of need? She knew that someday I would miss her and these letters would be a way for me to remember and to show my kids who she was and I, I just threw them in a box without even breaking the seal. I am pretty sure my heart broke again as I read her words to me. How many times can a heart break? If I could go back there is so many things I would have done better. But I can't go back. I wish I could write my Mom now.

Dear Mom,
Thank you so much for your sweet letters; for taking the time out of your day to think of me. You always bring a smile to my face. Be patient with dad he has his faults but try to remember why your married him in the first place. I know Quincy has been taking good care of you both. He truly is a one of a kind. He has a big heart and loves to help people, a quality that you and dad taught him. I think it is great that you are teaching Bridgette how to decorate cakes. I know that the skill you have taught me have proved to be extremely valuable in more ways then one.
Mom I want to apologize. I want to apologize for everything that I did and did not do. I am sorry for not being there for you during your surgeries. I am sorry for not taking the time to write you back. I am sorry for not being there for you through Chemo. I am sorry that you felt you needed to hold on longer even though you were in pain because I was too selfish to let you go. I am sorry that my one job while you were on hospice was to keep you free of pain and I couldn't. I am sorry that I can't bring myself to visit your grave. I am sorry that I didn't take the time to learn more from you. I am sorry I didn't hug you more. I am sorry for not taking better care of you. But most of all I am sorry... sorry that I am mad. Mad at you for not going to the doctor sooner. Mad at you not being here when I need you. Mad that when I call your phone you don't answer when I really need to talk to my mom. Its not your fault but I need someone to blame and you always blame the ones you love most because you know they will forgive you no matter what. I know you forgive me mom but I wish you were here to tell me to forgive myself. I love you with all my heart.
I am so sorry,
Love Sarah Jean

Swim Suit

Every summer I want to by a cute new swim suit. You know? the one swim suit that I will feel totally cute and sassy in. But I never feel cute and sassy in a swim suit. I just wish there was a way to order the body that came in the swim suit to!

sick sick sick

So for the past couple of days I haven't been feeling 100% but nothing too bad. I have a philosophy about being sick. When I don't feel well I force myself to get out of bed, shower, put makeup on, and do something. I also drink a ton of water and take small naps. For the most part I never get sick. I try no to take medicine if I don't have to and it works. I am still able to get up and go and do without it being a problem. My husband on the other hand feels like he has the black plague every time he sneezes. So now he is sick and I am taking care of him. I think it is a boy thing. They are all big and manly until they get a cold!

My Cute Little Family

Kissing, taking a picture, and driving now that is talent!

Ninety percent of our pictures are taken while we are in the car and driving. Our kids are going to wonder why we never took pics from farther away then arms length.

I got some new sandals for the summer and I LOVE them! I have a serious love for shoes and these and my new favorites!



Today the birds are out and the sun is shining! My cute hubby and I got to play catch outside and enjoy the weather. Then after we played baseball and football we had a picnic in the front yard followed by some tres leche cake with strawberries on top. All in all today has been great!