LOTS going on.

   Well we have had quite the month of October over here in the Smith house, I swear one of the best things about being pregnant is I feel like time FLIES. You are so busy counting the days and weeks for your next appointment that the months just slip right by. Its awesome. haha. 


   Anyways, so much has gone on I thought I'd do a recap of the month. Or I guess the past two months since I didnt blog anything we did in September. haha whoops:)


In September Hannah Ruthie had her special olympics swim meet and Rex and I couldnt miss it, and I'm so glad we didnt cause she did AWESOME! Seriously, she kicked booty! She won two golds and one silver medal. But my favorite part was seeing her face so happy!

Isn't she the cutest thing!

In Action!

So Excited!!

Hannah is my little piece of heaven. Ever since this baby girl was born I have felt connected to her. Even though I was 4 when she was born I still remember the day my mom brought her home. She was so little I was afraid to touch her. I knew then she was going to be my best friend. When my mom would bring her into our room and lay her in the crib to sleep I use to sneak out of bed just to make sure she was breathing, and even 14 years down the road before Rex and I got married we slept by each other almost every night. Every memory I have growing up Hannah Ruthie is there with me, and probably the hardest thing for me when I got married (besides leaving my mama:) ) was leaving Hannah. Hannah is the best person to cuddle with, listen to sing:), dance to music with, watch movies with, pray with at night, play against uno, exercise with, and cry to and tell all of your problems to. Everyone needs Hannah in their life! I know she was sent down to this earth to my family for a reason, and what a blessing its been for us. I love her so much and couldn't ask for a better baby sister! I love you Ruthie!

love her.

Later in the month we were able to find out what our little babe was! BOY or GIRL!? I was so nervous all day waiting for the ultrasound appointment. Not nerves to find out the sex but more that the baby was healthy and all in one piece:) And she was! Our little precious baby looked so beautiful while rolling around in my tummy! I can already tell she is going to be a handful. Just like her daddy.... haha:) just kidding! But yes I did say girl! We could not feel more grateful and blessed to bring in one of heavenly fathers little daughters. I think I'm mostly excited to dress her.

I will vouch for any woman who says that pregnancy has made them a little bit crazy! I swear this whole being pregnant thing with all the extra hormones has put me into anxiety overdrive. I not only exhaust myself with all the worrying but poor Rex. I think I have panic attacks every day. They range anywhere from "nothing" is in the fridge or pantry, to the spooky train at Schnepf Farms, or even to find a cricket in the bathroom! haha.

Other than the random freak outs, so far my pregnancy has been a breeze. Besides the first three months of being sick everyday, everything has been great. Headaches, an achy back and feet have been my biggest complaints; luckily I have a personal masseuse:) and Tylenol extra strength.

 I'm sure Rex could elaborate for everybody on all the problems with me being pregnant haha. He has to put up with alot:) Im so thankful for him! He is so sensitive and takes such good care of me. I know he is going to make the most amazing dad! I love watching him feel my tummy when she kicks, his expression is so cute! To see him so excited about our baby makes me more excited and anxious for her to get here!

To get out of the heat my parents, Rex and I, Hannah, and my brother Jesse drove to Albuquerque where we use to live for their annual Balloon Fiesta. Our Aunt Debbie let all of us stay in her beautiful home and the weekend was blast! We had so much fun eating at all the local restaurants, visiting old friends, going to the balloon fiesta, and reminiscing old memories! 

Look at the homeless man.. Oh wait, thats my Dad! haha

Priceless:)

 A couple of weeks ago Hannah participated in the Mountain View little toro cheerleader fundraiser. She has done it for the past 6 or 7 years and every year she gets so nervous but when she gets out on the track she is such a ham! She can't stop shaking her booty and working it out there. She is definitely my little sister:) We had so much fun watching her do the dances and cheers with all of her cousins. And of course at the end of the night she got to eat pizza (her favorite part of the whole night) haha. 

Ever since we found out that our little baby was a girl I have been in a turbo speed with the room! Of course the room is no where near being done. What would I do to fill my time for these next 3 months? But I figured there was no reason to not get started:) After looking at so many different ideas and color schemes I finally found what I love! 

First off I knew I wanted a Jenny Lind crib but on a poor ,newlywed budget I couldn't pay 180 dollars for a crib. So I hit up craigslist and for weeks there was nothing... I was like what the? Really. I was so shocked that I couldn't find at least one! Weeks later one popped up but... it ended up already being sold. 

           SIDE NOTE: seriously people, once you sell something off craigslist, take your ad down!

Anyway, I kept looking and I knew it was the right one! (and the only one) haha. The lady lived in Anthem so my mom and I took a drive out there. She was so nice and everything went so smooth. The crib was in great condition and it cost me THIRTY BUCKS. oh yeah. 

before

after pink!

The bedding was a difficult item to pick out. I knew what I didn't want, but I couldn't really find what I did like! I thought about doing custom bedding from etsy but that would've not only cost me around 350 dollars but I would have gotten into big trouble with Rex. So instead of buying bedding as a set, I found a crib skirt and a fitted sheet I loved from two different sets. Which only ended up costing 115 dollars, which I felt good about:) So I bought those and I'm still not sure what I'll do for her blanket! But I figure that inspiration will come later:)

  Along with looking for a crib on craigslist I wanted to find a cheap dresser and repaint it for my changing table. But no luck. Seriously, a little disappointed in the craigslist lately. In all fairness I was looking for something specific. I wanted a dresser that was big and felt sturdy. Plus Rex is like almost 6'4'' so we couldn't have a dresser too short, but I'm 5'4'' so something not too tall. So like I said something specific. Anyway, my mom and I were at Shabby Shack on University and Lindsey and found this really cool dresser for a 100 bucks. 

  With the help from my Dad,who is an outstanding painter,he helped me spray the dresser which saved my back from aching for weeks! But of course with Arizona's unpredictably odd weather right after we finished  painting it started to rain. Haha. Just my luck!:) The best part is that it only rained for 2 minutes.NO joke. But My Dad and I hurried and carried in the dresser. Unfortunately we didn't escape the big water drops that landed all over the freshly painted wet dresser. I was pretty bugged at the time but we just waited for the paint to dry and did some touch ups! ha. It will be a good story to remember:)

before(grey/green color)

after (amarillo yellow)

As you can see all the different knobs added to her dresser.They're all from Anthropologie on sale! Which I was thrilled about considering those knobs are between 9-12 dollars each! I got them all for 2.50 each. So proud:)

I knew for the wall color I wanted something light. So once again with the help from my Dad we picked out the right color and him and Rex were quite the team! They painted that room in seriously 45 minutes (that includes taping everything off and cutting in) and it looks flawless! I was so impressed and I'm so thankful for my Dad helping Rex and I! :) 

Dad at work!

So handsome!
Plus none of us work around here without a diet coke from Mcdonalds:)

The before color is tan and the after is the blue/grey color!
LOVE IT:)

 After putting everything in the room I knew I picked all the right stuff. It's just my style and exactly what I pictured her room to look like. As I said earlier, I'm no where near being done. But I have my staple items and am on my way. Rex and I love going in there, imagining holding our little girl! We're so anxious for these next 3 months to fly.We can't wait for our baby to get here! 

Room so far:)

Rex took this... haha

  Well.. I know I should have something on here about Halloween, but we really didn't do anything! Plus I feel shamed to say we didnt take any pics either! I try and avoid them being pregnant. But we had a fun night together eating Papa John's(latest craving), passing out candy, and watching Hocus Pocus! 

Mines on the right, Rex's on the left!

This past weekend my mom, Hannah, and I went to see Big Time Rush at the state fair. Now, if you don't know who they are I would describe them as the next N'sync or Backstreet Boys. They are Hannah's FAVORITE group and when I say that I mean it. She adored Justin Bieber, but she overheard at school and on the internet that her old "boyfriend" JB kisses too many girls and maybe even boys. haha. It was pretty traumatic and now she doesn't like him. Her new love is BTR (bigtimerush). When I say love I'm talking, memorize every dance and every song they've recorded and choreographed, writes her name as Hannah Knight (one of the boys's last name), and kisses their poster before she goes to bed. To my surprise, they were actually really good live! My mom and I had the best time watching Hannah do all their dances and sing all the songs. With alot of pushing and persuading, we met one of the boys parents and the security guards let Hannah, my mom, and I stand next to their van as the boys were leaving! It made her life:) Her face was priceless as the boys were waving only to her. It was such a cool moment!

   So this was my crazy long post:)

Rex and I are looking forward to all the memories that will be made in the next couple months! Life is not perfect but were enjoying the ride! We're truly thankful for the blessings in our lives. 

Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us. 

-Thomas S. Monson

Till next time. 

bun in the oven.. :)

Ever since I met Rex we have tended to do everything fast:)


Let's recap:

Dating a return missionary, seriously, as a junior in high school
Talking about marriage as a junior in high school 
Engaged as a senior at age 17.
Graduated early from high school
                 and 
Married a week later at age 18.


You get the point:)


One thing we decided to take slow was making babies! Even though at times I would see a sweet soft baby and think, "wow i could totally use one of those!" I knew realistically for school/financial/we just got married reasons that it would be better for us to wait. 


But sometimes what we think isn't always what's best.


And I say that because I guess heavenly father had a different plan for us because there is a little bun in my oven and im about 16 weeks along!


Here's how the past few months have gone down for Rex and I:)


At the beginning of the summer I began to feel... tired and I thought I just had the stomach flu. But throughout the month I continued to feel like something was off. At the end of June I went up to Tuscon to watch my niece and nephews while my sister Leah had her 4th baby. With the thought of babies in the air, something started to click for me. I drove home from the trip and Rex and I were talking  and we decided that I should take a test and see. 


(In my mind I was pretty positive I wasn't pregnant because we were doing everything opposed to trying to have a baby.) 
                                                                   
                                                                           I guess I was wrong :) 

Yes, the actual real test is taped onto the paper!

We went to Walmart together to buy the test and I was so anxious I just took the test right in the Walmart bathroom! haha. 


Ridiculous right?? But I seriously couldn't stand the drive home without knowing. And in my defense, anyone who has ever taken one of those tests knows the nerves that are rushing through your body.  


Well, anyway I sat and waited for the dang results to show up and holy crap it felt like eternity waiting for them. Clearly the stick said pregnant and I was...


shocked
dumbfounded
nervous
excited
scared
happy


and many more emotions that I couldnt put my finger on!


To be honest, I'm pretty sure this is exactly what went through my head...


Whoa, we didn't plan for this. We've only been married like 5 months! Rex is gonna freak out. Wait.. we don't even have insurance! Maybe I'll just stay in the bathroom... 


But after I bottled up the courage, and said a little prayer I forced myself out of the bathroom.


I remember walking out and feeling numb, I looked up and I could see Rex's back. He was walking back and forth(I didnt even think about his nerves!) When he turned around I got a big smile on my face. I couldn't even speak I just showed him the test and when I saw him smile I knew that we were going to be fine. The fact that he was so thrilled, made me more excited! The car ride home we just kept repeating, "holy crap we're having a baby" over and over again. 
It still  hadn't sunk in...so I sent Rex back to the store and I took 3 more tests just be sure! :)


Since we had no idea when we could have gotten pregnant, we didn't know how far along I was. We decided to tell family and let them join in our excitement and wait about friends till after the first appointment. Except, I started to get this odd bump really early on and people started guessing! I couldn't lie especially because I kept getting sick at work and in public places when we were out with family or friends. So we told a little sooner than planned :)

Baby Smith at 9 weeks and already looking good!!

When we had our first appointment my Dr. thought I was about 11 weeks along, but later we found out at our ultrasound I was only 9 weeks. So.. maybe we're having a big baby :) haha. 






As long as our baby is healthy, Rex and I will be happy!  

baby cravings:)

In two weeks we find out if this little baby is a boy or a girl...and we're dying to find out! 


Now that the nerves are gone and the morning sickness has passed it's really starting to sink in that we're having a baby, and Rex and I couldn't be happier!
We are so thankful for this little piece of heaven that is being sent down to us!


More to come on life as a pregnant woman.  

16 weeks pregnant and feeling big! haha

The Breath You Take.

"If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most."

         Life is quite something isn't it?

 It seems like when things are good, happy, smooth flowing, and stress free a curve balls is thrown and  your world turns upside down.

That's why when I read this quote(in red), by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, it made everything alot more clear.

 I thought to myself... Do I do that? Do I get upset because of the little worldly stresses in everyday life? Do I not recognize the wonderful things I have? Do I complain when something so small is out of line or if my plans are changed for some reason or another. The answer to that is YES, I do. 

Now r I think everyone on this earth has moments like that. The moments where you feel like your swimming in mud and you can't pull yourself out; but in reality, whether the problem is  big or small, when you step out of yourself and look into the situation from a different perspective you realize that you and many others have conquered and been through way worse. 

In this world we are all faced with disappointment, stress, and defeat. Fortunately  those hideous words can be buried. 
They're buried with things such as family, love, church, courage, faith, hard work, friends, scriptures, and so many other things.

My other baby:)

My Baby:)

In life I think that the way to get through trials is by relying on yourself and the ones who love you to pull through the hard days.

BUT the revelation I had this past month is to not just be grateful for the wonderful things that we all have in our lives but to be grateful every day of our lives. To realize the amount of love each person has in their life. 

The week of my dad's birthday while I was driving I heard one of his favorite songs by George Straight, The Breath You Take. Right in the car I started sobbing (I've been emotional lately). I had heard it a couple of months before I was married and didn't really listen to the words but now being recently married I have had a different perspective of that song. The lyrics are so sweet and tender and make you realize the importance of savoring every single breath and moment.

Now to set the record straight I need to say I love my husband Rex with every ounce of my body. He is my companion, my best friend, and my forever love. and I LOVE BEING MARRIED. 


BUT since I got married (you could say)... REALLY YOUNG and time with my fam was cut short. Ive realized over the past 5 months how thankful I am for all the time I spent with my family and all the wonderful moments that took my breath away and all the love that was shared. 


Basically this is my sappy post on realizing the blessings of having such a wonderful family, life, husband, friends, and especially for the moments that have taken my breath away.


In the midst of hardships, trials, and struggles LIFE IS GOOD. 


xoxo. em. 

Back into ACTION.

Well fellow bloggers, I am a total hipocrit. I think about 5 months ago I said i'll be blogging every month blah blah blah. But did I blog? ???
No I didnt.
Between Christmas, getting married, the honeymoon, starting a nursing assistant program, Rex's crazy work schedule and school, moving into a new house, and oh yeah.. PAYING BILLS.

All I can say is....life got crazy BUSY!

But 3 months after the big day we've settled in and couldn't be happier. :)


                                 ANYWAY.




Since our schedules have officially calmed down...
haha. well not reaally.. but calm enough to fit in some blogging once a month, I'm here to stay and turn this fun hobby into a habit.


Here we go.


The Smith life.
Where do I begin?
Well.. after the big day of tying the knot things have only gotten better!





















The night of our honeymoon we stayed at this resort in Phoenix for two days and it was fabulous it basically consisted of laying in bed, watching tv, ordering room service, shopping, seeing movies, and more laying in bed. 

The next week we went up to the Mountains in Albuquerque and stayed at a cabin (thanks to Aunt Deb!) and it was so much fun! Our original plan was to snowboard but... do you think that happened?? ha. NO. Rex had a cold and we found ourselves enjoying chilling in the house with an occasional playing in the snow:)The whole trip was a blast and besides spending every second with my hubby my favorite part was coming back and driving through Albuquerque (my hometown!!) We ate at all the hometown restaurants I havent been to for years and seriously gained 20 pounds but it was so worth it.

Sosososososososososo CUTE.

Once the honeymoon ended it was baby Rex's Birfffday!! Whaaa ohh yeahhh:) I think I was more excited than he was. haha. I shopped all day and found him some presents (which was money that i had been saving up for months) Since his birthday was on a Sunday we celebrated Saturday. I took him to this place called Happy Feet to get full body messages, then we eat dinner at Carrabas, and had Dairy Queen blizzards, to finish off the night we watched a movie on our temporary apartment on the floor. The whole day = SO FUN! On Sunday morning I kept my families tradition alive by making him breakfast in bed! I was proud of myself:)  









After such a fun month of January we both started school and back to work full time meaning the "party" was over. Real Life began again. With Rex working all day and going to school at night and Myself going to school all day and working all night we were busy and tired and stressed and hungry(because i barely ever cooked ha). It was a rough first two months. But after a little adjusting things got better. 


We got great news that we could sign on our house and once we did we legitamentally moved in withing 3 days.( We were so so SSO ready to get out of the little apartment) ha. My family helped us with TURBO SPEED painting and fixing the minor problems while Rex cut 30 holes installing a security system (that was all his idea which im so glad we ended up doing it... I watch too much Criminal Minds haha) 


So now we're moved in and our loving  making this little house our home!


Within a week at our new ward we spoke in church and recieved callings. Rex is a boyscout leader and I teach primary. Uhhhh... Crazyyyy??? Yeah it's still so weird for me! Like really?? Me teaching primary, I felt like I was just there (ha. I was 6yrs ago ha). But I love the class I teach and we love our ward.
 It's so fun making new friends and establishing our new lives as Rex and Emily Smith. 


Well.. That's about it for now our lives our set in a routine and it probably it may seem boring but we're loving it. Loving our house, loving our schedules, loving eachother, and loving our lives together.


P.S. To my husband: 
I love you Rex with all my heart. Everyday waking up next to you makes me feel like I can do anything. You are my best friend and forever love. Thankyou for choosing me. I love you babah.:)

It's Easy When You're In Love With 

Your Best Friend.

    

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH.

XOXO

      EM.