Highlights of the week

So this past week or 2 have been busy and a little more than stressful to say the least. First the happy parts. Our very dear friends Heather and Ian officially tied the knot on Saturday. It was a beautiful wedding, her grandfather walked her down the aisle, there were tears all around and she was one of the most gorgeous brides I have seen. I was jealous of how well organized everything was (she's an event planner, what else would I have expected?) and how perfectly everything turned out. I'm sure they will have a wonderful marriage together. Another happy point I got to spend my birthday with our great friends at Disneyland, with my big happy "It's my birthday" pin and all. The rest of the week stunk as the lovely pregnancy sickness has kicked back in, but he next week Derek took me to see Phantom of the Opera at the Pantages theatre. What an incredible show! I loved Derek for happily going with me even though I know it's not high on his list of things to do.
Now for the not so happy. First off our beloved new car is temporarily out of service. Friday night on our way to the rehearsal dinner we got in an accident that forced us to have our new baby towed away. First off no one but the car was hurt, baby mom and dad are all just fine, along with the poor guy driving the other car. And with the exception of a bent wheel, our car proved to us it is really good in accidents and does a great job absorbing damage! Other not so happy news, I am finding I really don't enjoy being pregnant, not much at least. Don't get me wrong I love knowing there is a child growing inside of me that Derek and I have created, and I want this baby to grow to be strong and healthy, and I cannot begin to explain the love I have this little bean, past that, it's not what I hoped for. I knew to expect the "morning" sickness, but never realized how miserable most days would be. And then just when that seems to get better, it comes back, and brings along a stake through your back causing severe non-stop pain. And the near daily headthrobs that end only in tears. I'm sure everything is exxagerated cause I'm over sensitive right now, but man, this sucks. Everyone kept saying once I get into the 2nd tri it would get better, but it doesn't, and only seems to add things. I just have to remind myself it will all be worth it in the end.
And sorry for no pics of anything, that is in the car in the towyard. :-)

Disneyland, Family cars and Crazy bachelorettes

We've been busy lately, lots of celebrations going on and busy with work and kids. Last week we had my niece and nephew for 6 days. While I love those kids they can certainly be a handful. You find out so much more about people after 6 days. It was a real eye-opener for what we have to look forward to...and I'm scared!! Last week was one of my very best friend Malia's birthday so of course we celebrated at Disneyland. Maybe it's because I never went to DL on my birthday as a kid, but I cannot imagine any better place to spend a birthday! We had a great time hanging out and I was so proud of the awesome breast cancer blanket I made her, I had to force myself to give it up. The following Saturday was another close friends bridal shower and bachelorette party. There were a few hick-ups but overall the girls all had fun. Of course I got to be completely sober pregnant one, but I had a really good time dancing and hanging out. I just cannot believe Heather is getting married. I can only imagine how she felt at my wedding now! Lastly we got a new family friendly car! We went to look at small SUV type cars and ended up driving home in a brand new Rav-4. We love it! It has just about everything we could possibly want, plenty of space and is a blast to drive. So Derek had to say goodbye to his fun 350Z of childless days and welcome in the family car.
We traded this
for this

The bachelorette getting down with one of her bridesmaids
Hubby and I at Disneyland
The birthday girl and I

I really don't know how people do this!?!?

How on earth do pregnant women grow babies and work full time!?!?! I know we've got a lot of stuff and stress going on besides this, but man, I can hardly make it into work anymore, and when I'm there, it's miserable. I had to call out last night, again. I know working night takes a toll on your body anyhow, but it's just kicking my butt now! I can't sleep during the day much, so between the normal nausea and feeling tired thanks to pregnancy hormones I am beyond exhausted for work, which nearly doubles the nausea! What I wouldn't give to be able to quit my job or at least go down to part time. In between that I've been wearing myself down trying to get my mom's house cleaned up so my bro can be able to move in. That has been a much harder job than we anticipated. So, thanks for my little rant, I know things will get better, it just can't come soon enough!

This year is full of surprises!

With sorrow there also comes joy. 5 days after my mom passed Derek and I found out we were pregnant (well, thought we were, 3 positive tests later we were convinced!) While the time has been hard missing my mom, I am so looking forward to having this new life that is growing within! It's bittersweet, but this little bundle of joy has definitely allowed me to keep my focus on something else and be hopeful for the future and not longing for the past. We're now 9 weeks along and so far things are looking good. It's very exciting as I'll get to share this time with a long lost friend from hs that is just a few days further along than me! What a blessing this child is!

Here's to 2009!

So it's been awhile, we've been relaxing and trying to get through the holidays. We went up to WA to visit Derek's family and that was a great escape from everything we'd been dealing with. It snowed up there and was absolutely beautiful! My buddy Desi and I even got to build a snowman which I can't remember when I've last done. I got to spend a great day baking with my mother and sister in law, it was such a great bonding moment. I really lucked out with amazing in laws! Spent Christmas eve with the whole family and then flew back home on Christmas day in time to have dinner with my brothers and niece. New years we went out with some friends and while everyone else looked like they were having a blast, I wasn't feeling too great but tried to make the best of it. So we're looking forward to the new year and all that it holds. I'm planning on this year being a good one for us. It'll be busy, but so far so good. Here's a few pics from the past couple weeks.
The new butterfly in memory of my mom.
Desi and I's snow-woman
Mom and sis cracking up while baking and refusing to look at the camera. What a great day!
The kids patiently waiting to open gifts. I would've had that thing tore up already!
The snow on our friends road.
Well, hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

RIP Mom

Wow, how quickly things can change. 2 days ago we were supposed to bring my mom home. That got postponed because we had to change some of her medications and get more help, so yesterday at 3 the ambulance was to pick her up from the hospital to bring her home. At 1:42 my brother, nephew and I sat by her side while my mom passed away. She was peaceful. And now she is completely not in pain, she will no longer struggle to breathe. It's heartbreaking though. It's a bittersweet situation. I hate realizing that she won't be there when we have our first child, for my nephews graduation, any important moments in life. As much as we argued I will miss not having her to call to talk, for her input. I saved a recent message of hers. She rarely would call without medical questions, but this message was a simple "I love you, hope you're having a good time." Something touched me about that, and I'm so glad I will have that saved, and I can always dial a few numbers to hear her say I love you. This photo is from earier in the week, my mom all hopped up on drugs trying to figure out if the straw would fit on her face like she thought it should. Turns out she decided it didn't.

Christmas and all the joys of the season

It's been a crazy couple weeks, lots going on, lots of decisions to have to make. I have not made it through a single day without crying at least once, but it's usually more. We are bringing my mom home to our house on hospice today. I'm scared. I'm overwhelmed and nervous about this will affect our lives. I feel selfish for that, but it's a reality I have to think of. She's a strong woman so I can't help but think she'll last quite a few months, but yet, she's been so weak and has had no appetite, and without food and water your body can't go on long. I just wish I could predict the future and plan accordingly. We've planned on going to WA for Christmas. I'm looking forward to it, but am terrified at the same time. We need the break, Derek needs to see his family right now, but I am so worried that I might be making the wrong decision, that something may happen when we're gone. Who knows. Guess we're just going to take it one day at a time.
We put up our Christmas tree and got some decorations going, and we welcomed the holiday season with our annual Disneyland holiday trip. It was good fun, getting older 7 hour days at Disneyland are way too long! But we stuck it out and watched the fireworks and I cried as White Christmas started playing while California snow fell on heads. That song just gives me chills. Something about that rendition just gets me. That's been us. Looking forward to what our lives hold in store for us.