tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56671036529229202342024-02-19T05:20:13.452-08:00LBJBethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-51901228258218814832013-06-20T14:17:00.001-07:002013-06-20T14:17:39.516-07:00Update<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't blogged consistently for so long, and I miss it. But, I also don't miss it in a way. Right now, I would rather curl up and read a book, try a new recipe, or just relax with a cup of tea (or lemonade!) when I get some free time. I know that I'll be back to blogging eventually, but for now I think it's just going to continue to be sporadic posting! </div>
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On a different note, I love the stage of life that I am in right now. It is hard, but so worth it. Actually, it's more than just worth it.. it's a huge blessing. Sometimes I feel like all that I do all day long is pick up mess after mess, do dishes, change diapers, chase a very fast crawling baby, nurse baby to sleep, do more dishes, and go to bed. And honestly, that is what I do a lot of days (plus some fun stuff like going to the park, and playing with friends!). But I'm realizing that it matters. These mundane tasks actually mean something. I'm raising and creating a loving environment for our sweet baby boy, and I truly couldn't feel more privileged. It is such a joy to be Jude's mama.</div>
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And a quick update on us.. because I feel like I haven' t filled everyone in for a while.</div>
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Lee is working hard at his courier job while he finishes getting his degree online. I'm not quite sure when he'll officially be done, but I believe it will be sometime in 2014. It's a lot of work, but he's doing great.. and I fail to tell him that enough! </div>
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He is a fabulous daddy to Jude. I've said it before.. but Jude thinks his dad is the funniest guy ever. They rough house all the time.. and I try to hold back my nervous mom comments as best I can.. because really, Jude loves it! ;) </div>
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I turned 22 last month. 22 feels good, I still feel very young, and I love it. </div>
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Like I said above, I am loving this mama thing .. even though it can be hard. I'm learning that surrounding myself with other mama's is soo helpful and encouraging in this journey. I found <a href="http://babymakingbybecky.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Becky</a> through her blog a long time ago (while we were still living in PA) and met up with her for the first time several months ago.. she lives just a few blocks away and has been a total God-send. I love her! Through her, I have met a few other mamas that are awesome, too. I feel so blessed to know them.</div>
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Jude turned one last month! I can't.believe we have a one year old! I will write a post (with lots of pictures!) about that special day soon! It was a pretty emotional day for me. I love him so very much.</div>
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My mom and little brother just left a few days ago after visiting for a week. We had so much fun and were busy busy doing fun stuff the whole time. It's so hard living so far from them, but makes our visits that much sweeter (I guess. Even though when they leave it sucks!). Jude loved having them here. We all can't wait until the next time we see them.</div>
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Anyway, I better go.. nap time will be over soon!</div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-56395354306181117702013-05-16T14:18:00.000-07:002013-05-16T14:18:13.428-07:00Mother's Day<div style="text-align: center;">
It's hard to believe that last mother's day.. Jude was in my belly & just a few weeks away from being born! The thrill and excitement of knowing that our baby boy would be with us soon made that day super special. </div>
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But, nothing is quite like actually having your baby here for mother's day!</div>
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We woke up bright and early and headed to Ruth's Diner.. apparently it's a very famous diner here in SLC. We didn't think hardly anyone would be there since we got there so early.. but we were wrong! It was packed. Luckily, we didn't have to wait too long to be seated. We had a really yummy breakfast.. and Jude enjoyed himself.. (he is finally eating.. err making huge messes!) ;) I'm new with this babies and food thing.. so I forgot to pack a bib.. his church clothes were a mess. Oh well! </div>
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After breakfast, we went to church. When we picked Jude up from the nursery after church I could tell that he had been upset. The nursery worker said that he got sad after he saw a mom pick up her baby. Once I picked him up he was perfectly content. That made me feel awesome!!! He loves me! Haha</div>
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While Jude was napping at home, Lee and I made homemade gnocchi together for the first time! We used my friend Becky's <a href="http://babymakingbybecky.blogspot.com/2013/03/baked-gnocchi.html" target="_blank">recipe</a> .. and it turned out really good! It's a super fun thing to make together. </div>
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After Jude woke up, we went to the park and had lunch on a blanket and played. It was beautiful out (it seems like everyday has been gorgeous lately). Welcome, summer!</div>
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Thanks to my man for a special day AND for the delicious chocolate covered strawberries! </div>
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Also, thanks to MY mom for everything. Seriously... I think that when I became a mama I learned on a whole new level the love my mom has for me. So, to the most sacrificial, loving, young, problem-solving, beautiful momma in the world- I love you!</div>
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And, to the boy who made me a mama. Goodness. I love you more than anything. You are my sunshine sweet boy. </div>
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Forever, mama.</div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-13307689937991520382013-04-29T13:19:00.001-07:002013-04-29T13:40:09.082-07:0011 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jude, </div>
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Yesterday you turned 11 months! Goodness! </div>
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This month has been a doozy.. you went from teething to a runny nose then to a nasty stomach virus then back to a cold and teething! Throw in a bunch of sleepless nights and we're all feeling exhausted. That silly stomach virus scared your mama. It was the first time you've actually been sick sick, and I hated feeling so helpless when my little boy was so sad and miserable. </div>
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But, thank goodness.. it seems like we are finally coming out of the sick tunnel!</div>
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Here's a few things about you: </div>
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-You still are not a fan of food. Basically you've only actually eaten a few things.. and you really don't like any of it. But, last week we went to a friends house and I gave you some chocolate frosting off of my cake... and you loved it! You silly boy! I've been trying to get you to eat all kinds of things.. and what do you know.. chocolate frosting takes the win.</div>
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Also, just today I gave you some yo-gurt and you didn't hate it.. so that's a step up ;) </div>
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-You think your daddy is hilarious. He has you giggling all the time.. it's just so adorable.</div>
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-Whenever you're feeling especially sad and pitiful (which has been a lot lately) you crawl over to me and grab onto my legs until I pick you up. It's the sweetest. </div>
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-You love playing with anything that is not a toy.</div>
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-Everyone says that you are the happiest and smiliest baby in the world. And, you really are! That's why it's been especially sad to see you so miserable. </div>
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-You really like men! You seem to gravitate toward them whenever we are somewhere. And you always have tons of fun with them!</div>
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(Ha.. I realize this sounds funny.. but you all know what I mean :) </div>
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-You loove to nurse. And I love it too.</div>
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-You started this new little smiling thing this month.. it's the biggest smile I've ever seen and it makes your eyes really squinty. You haven't done it for a little while though. But it is so so adorable. Your dad and I both love when you do it.</div>
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-You can pull yourself up into a standing position on any furniture (you've been able to do this for a while now).. but you are not walking or standing unassisted yet.</div>
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-You are a verrrry fast crawler.<br />
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-You hate getting your diaper changed or your clothes put on so much. It's a fight every time, you strong boy! ;)</div>
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I can't believe that you are going to be ONE year old next month. My sweet boy, where has the time gone!? I swear it feels like I just gave birth to you yesterday! </div>
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I love you like crazy my baby Jude,</div>
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Mama</div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-9656115251751607022013-04-26T13:34:00.001-07:002013-04-26T13:34:22.038-07:00Easter 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A bit late, but Jude's first Easter was so fun! </div>
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Even though he probably didn't really know what was going on.. we got him a basket with some plastic eggs and bath toys. </div>
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We had a big breakfast, went to church, and went to the park to enjoy the gorgeous weather.</div>
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I did the She Reads Truth 'Holy Week' study the week of Easter, and I felt like it really reminded me of why we celebrate. Sometimes I feel like I forget and get caught up in the festivities.</div>
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But truly, what a gift we have been given! </div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-32997056308183281492013-03-21T13:57:00.001-07:002013-03-21T13:57:40.693-07:00Utah<br />
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We've been here in Utah for close to 3 months and so far we really love it. I've never been to a city quite like SLC... it's so clean, beautiful, and feels very safe. It's not too huge and yet it has a lot to offer.<br />
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We live downtown and we really like it. Lee works a lot.. so that leaves Jude and I car-less a lot of the time. I still need to get used to using the buses/trax.. but there are still places that we can walk to that are close by. There's a super cute coffee shop a few houses down from us (which is seriously dangerous!) and then we have a organic grocery store down the road from us. There's also a plaza a little further away with several stores and restaurants that we can walk to if we're feeling especially ambitious.</div>
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Probably in the summer we will take advantage of the buses more. </div>
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Anyway.. there are lots of organic grocery options (which is a big deal for us!) and there are lots and lots of young families with babies. </div>
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People are super friendly around here. When we first moved in .. our neighbors brought us potato soup and came over to meet us. And then for Valentines day our landlords (who are also our neighbors) brought us cookies! It was so sweet of them both! </div>
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Another awesome thing, is that we found our church through one of my blog friends, Meredith! We are really loving it there.. and are so grateful that we found such a great home church so quickly! (Thanks, meredith! :) </div>
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It's so beautiful here.. the mountains are seriously breathtaking. I can't wait to do some camping in the mountains with my little family in the summer!</div>
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Utah, we really love you!</div>
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Oh, and we're ready for some more Spring-y like weather whenever you are... </div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-62848824533057817992013-03-19T15:27:00.001-07:002013-03-19T15:27:49.187-07:00A letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Jude, </div>
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My sweet boy. How is it that you are already 9 and half months old? How is my tiny, helpless little babe crawling and giving kisses? I don't think that I ever realized just how fast you would grow. Sometimes at night when you fall asleep so peacefully in my arms, I cry. I cry because I'm gonna miss you when your big and old and don't need me quite the same way that you do now. I cry because I want to protect you from every bad thing out there. I cry because, well, because God entrusted me with you. And you're perfect. You've blessed your dad and I more then you know.</div>
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But enough with the sad part, because seriously you are the happiest boy I know. You love people. You'll pretty much always give a smile to anyone who looks your way. I love that about you. Everyone always comments on your beautiful smile and your perfect blue eyes. </div>
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You're daddy makes you laugh harder and smile bigger than anyone. You think he's so funny. I for see lots of rough housing and silliness between you two in the future.</div>
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You just recently started giving kisses. And oh my goodness.. they are the sweetest. I really think you actually know what you're doing when you do it, too. I look at you and make a kiss-y noise and ask for kisses and most of the time you bring your face right over and give me a open mouthed kiss. You sweet boy.</div>
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Oh, Jude. Never ever forget that your momma loves you so very much. No matter what. And I mean that, no matter what you decide to do in this life or where you decide to go. </div>
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I love you regardless, </div>
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Momma</div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-43795462408714894742013-03-13T19:46:00.000-07:002013-03-13T19:46:12.642-07:00When grandma came to visit!<div style="text-align: center;">
My mom just left after spending 10 days with us. We had soo much fun... I wish she didn't have to leave! It was so nice having a extra set of hands when Lee was at work. It makes everything feel so much harder now that she's gone!</div>
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We went shopping, checked out Temple square, visited the Great Salt Lake, and had so much fun just hanging out together! </div>
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We already can't wait for Grandma's next visit! </div>
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{The great Salt Lake}</div>
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{Jude looking at some Bison}</div>
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{Daddy being crazy}</div>
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{Grandma and Jude at the Great Salt Lake}</div>
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{LBJ}</div>
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{Grandma and a chubby Jude}</div>
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{SLC}</div>
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{Grandma bought Jude a new stroller and he absolutely loves it!}</div>
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{Great Salt Lake}</div>
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Thanks for everything, Grandma. </div>
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Come back soon!! We love you!</div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-23734791036200631672013-01-22T16:30:00.002-08:002013-01-22T16:32:31.902-08:00Jude's first food- avocado!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Ignore the mess.. we're still unpacking. I won't be able to hide behind that excuse for much longer. ;)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYXH-pjxBoFzJyvbKjvi_YSO3E514Mc9aNrHQC1U0WTiEdGSiNvBwJWHEv2jT6yLdT0S6_Gcq2hLmPbjIAvmPXf8APEtHfNvwtQeKAhTxGySv-7M_vtJSROZ4ar_MPxDZFtGZi0B5-PI/s1600/Jude's+first+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYXH-pjxBoFzJyvbKjvi_YSO3E514Mc9aNrHQC1U0WTiEdGSiNvBwJWHEv2jT6yLdT0S6_Gcq2hLmPbjIAvmPXf8APEtHfNvwtQeKAhTxGySv-7M_vtJSROZ4ar_MPxDZFtGZi0B5-PI/s640/Jude's+first+food.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The other day, Jude had a taste of his first food!</div>
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I mashed up an avocado and tried to give him some on a spoon.. but he didn't really get it. Lol so I just let him have at it.. it was quite the mess (the first of many, I'm sure!) The little bit that actually did get in his mouth made him gag. So I'm not sure avocado was a success... we'll try again soon! I let him try some banana today and he didn't seem to enjoy that much either.. I think he just needs to get used to it or something. Or maybe he'll just be breast fed for the rest of his life .... ;) </div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-17141394887888566612013-01-21T22:36:00.001-08:002013-01-21T22:37:55.317-08:00Jude's first Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are moved in and getting settled.. hopefully this means back to blogging! I'll do a post about Utah soon. We are really loving it here! </div>
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Anyway, I figured I'd post some pictures of Jude's first Christmas.</div>
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This Christmas was a little bit crazy because of our move.. but it was still so special because it was our little man's first Christmas! Everything is so much more fun with a little one. </div>
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So blessed to have him!</div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-79744062780764675312012-12-07T15:32:00.001-08:002012-12-07T15:53:19.450-08:00Our next adventure!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I thought I should fill you all in on something... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr2etRaFn6aXtRuYWPgopL4BknKsfCW5fpA032WobB20xGkvHSuEqSPSb_VSKFHZmVG1kc0eNOT8lUqJWzox9sq4OVEWUAHXbs5Y0c-deX0MWBZpAtFuMFukcfnp9KJHxIw-ub2CcSEs/s1600/map1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr2etRaFn6aXtRuYWPgopL4BknKsfCW5fpA032WobB20xGkvHSuEqSPSb_VSKFHZmVG1kc0eNOT8lUqJWzox9sq4OVEWUAHXbs5Y0c-deX0MWBZpAtFuMFukcfnp9KJHxIw-ub2CcSEs/s640/map1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We're moving to Utah!</div>
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In January, we'll be making our big journey across the country. We picked a place on the map to have our next adventure.. and Utah was the winner. And to those of you who think we're crazy... we are ;) </div>
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We're so excited to see what God has in store for us. </div>
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Wish us luck as we clean and pack up our apartment in these next few weeks.. and for our trek across the country with a babe in tow ;) </div>
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<br />Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-75170704962880420372012-11-21T13:35:00.001-08:002012-11-21T16:28:56.335-08:00Thankful list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thankful for... (in no particular order)</div>
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a husband who works (and studies!) hard to provide for us</div>
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a perfect, healthy baby boy </div>
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clean water </div>
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freedom to worship Jesus </div>
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my mom, dad, and brothers </div>
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my SIL, nephew, and (new!) niece </div>
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Chipotle ;) </div>
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clean diapers </div>
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a big, exciting move coming up</div>
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new beginnings<br />
people who stand up for what's right</div>
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a momma's bond and nursing</div>
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a Saviour who knows everything and yet loves anyway</div>
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Christmas lights</div>
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the excitement that the holiday season brings</div>
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family gatherings and games</div>
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a sleeping baby after a long day</div>
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Happy Thanksgiving, friends! </div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-43324816844161362942012-11-20T09:41:00.000-08:002012-11-20T09:41:01.385-08:00Happy Tuesday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZ6Gn621D2G0Fi87tnpXkVPFfs7ubJkIgg6GVlwRbRE_eH3XfH_Nyb_asskYEafBlZvFUoamYpk5XgC6VapTLgYVAmSlkwUIsxHhPDLHokcPy1TiaqZw-C0_-cRXliFQs2ZmtDHH3ad0/s1600/jude+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZ6Gn621D2G0Fi87tnpXkVPFfs7ubJkIgg6GVlwRbRE_eH3XfH_Nyb_asskYEafBlZvFUoamYpk5XgC6VapTLgYVAmSlkwUIsxHhPDLHokcPy1TiaqZw-C0_-cRXliFQs2ZmtDHH3ad0/s640/jude+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jude will be 6 months in one week! How did this happen?!</div>
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I'm hoping to slowly start getting back to posting regularly.. not sure if any of you are still out there?? :)</div>
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Happy Tuesday!</div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-10906484332357653762012-11-16T20:47:00.000-08:002012-11-16T20:47:15.211-08:002nd Anniversary<div style="text-align: center;">
We celebrated our 2nd anniversary on Tuesday! </div>
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I can't believe it's been two years already! Lee planned everything and it was so nice to not have to worry about anything. My mom came over and watched Jude while we went out for a couple of hours during the day.. it was my very first 'real' time away from him! Ahh.. am I crazy or what?! He is nearly 5 and half months old and this was the first time I have gotten out! </div>
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We had a ton of fun together.. it felt so weird not having a baby attached at the hip ;) It's amazing how refreshed you feel when you get out alone for a little while. </div>
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Anyways, when we got back we hung out for a little while Jude finished his nap. And then we went out to Firebirds.. our town just recently got one and goodness it was SO good AND super fancy!</div>
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Then we went and spent the night at a really beautiful hotel on the lake! My man knows how to plan a fun day ;) We swam in the hotel pool, it was Jude's first time swimming .. he looked so cute in that big pool!</div>
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Love our life together.. and can't wait to see what year three brings!</div>
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-26885112519046172772012-10-23T18:28:00.000-07:002012-11-16T19:18:32.896-08:00My Birth Journey- part 3<div style="text-align: center;">
Read <a href="http://leeandbethany.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-birth-journey-part-1.html">part 1 here</a></div>
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Read <a href="http://leeandbethany.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-birth-journey-part-2.html">part 2 here</a></div>
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Wowzers. It's about time I finish this up. Has this been drawn out or what? Ha. Life of a momma is buuusy.</div>
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I decided to not to go into too much detail about the day of Jude's birth. I want to keep some things just special for us .. but here is the main parts of the day.</div>
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My due date was May 31st. I guess everyone thought that I'd probably go late because my mom did with her babies.. and this was my first. Our little boy threw us for a surprise!</div>
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On the morning of Sunday, May 27th I felt weird. Something was different and I was having some type of pains in my stomach. Lee and I went to church and during the service the pains hurt, but I could deal with them. After church, I told Lee that we needed to go pick up some disposable newborn diapers (we were cloth diapering, but decided to have some disposables on hand for the first few weeks)</div>
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If I remember correctly, the pains tapered off as the day went on. And I didn't think too much about them. For some reason, I don't remember what we did that day. I can't remember really anything about it. </div>
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I woke up at around 6:30 am the next day (May 28th) to contractions. I was totally in denial.. I just figured I was having pregnancy pains or something (ha!). Lee wasn't convinced that they were 'just pregnancy pains' by the way that I was acting and how they came on exactly every few minutes.</div>
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Lee kept saying we should call Jen (our midwife), but I said no.. (still in denial!)</div>
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After a little while I think that it finally hit me that this was real! I guess I thought there would be angels coming down from heaven or something when it really happened. Ha.. no angels .. just some serious pain!</div>
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We called Jen, and told her what was going on. She told us that it sounded like this was it! We decided that I would labor at home with just Lee for a little while. I remember I was in so much pain as each contraction came. Lee got a bag of our stuff together (oops! so much for being prepared) and wrote a quick letter to Jude while I was laying there. It's something I will always treasure. Finally we decided that we wanted Jen to come. I was really really anxious for her to get to our apartment.<br />
Although they were still so painful, I felt calmer through the contractions with her there.<br />
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Toward the beginning of my pregnancy, we decided that we wanted to have the birth at my midwifes place (her practice is in a cute little country home) rather then at our apartment (a lot of her clients choose to have their births at home). I can't even really pinpoint why I didn't want to have the birth at our apartment.. I think maybe because it just didn't really feel like home.. (probably doesn't make much sense) but we just decided to do it that way.<br />
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So when Jen got to our apartment that morning, she told me that if we wanted to go to her place that we should leave soon.<br />
So we got everything together, and I wobbled down the stairs in major pain. I was totally dreading the drive there, but Lee did a great job avoiding all the stinkin' pot holes in this town.<br />
It was weird, even while we were in the car on the way there it still hadn't even really hit me that we were going to be meeting our son. I just really couldn't even believe it.<br />
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We finally made it and I went right into the back bedroom and laid on the bed.<br />
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I had extremely painful back labor and the only thing that brought me a tinge of relief was when they would apply a ton of pressure to my lower back. It saved me. I labored for a total of 16 hours with my sweet Lee, doula, and midwife by my side in the sweetest little country home that will always be close to my heart. It just felt right and perfect to have a natural labor and birth in such a cozy and normal setting.<br />
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There were points where I felt like I just couldn't do it. But the awesome thing about our bodies is that they just keep on keepin' on- whether we think we can make it or not.<br />
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My mom came shortly before Jude was born. It was wonderful having her there.<br />
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At 10:05 pm our Jude Arroh was born.<br />
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I can't explain all the emotions you feel in that moment. It was unreal and perfect.<br />
The little boy that I had dreamed about, wrote letters to, felt kick me throughout the days of my pregnancy was here. The sweet baby that I had shed so many tears for before he even existed because I wanted to be a mother so badly was really here.<br />
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There he was, laying in my arms, in all his sweet perfection.<br />
And in that moment, with more love than our hearts could handle, we became a family of three.<br />
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Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-49686862581864198662012-08-29T19:12:00.001-07:002012-08-29T19:13:06.108-07:003 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our baby boy turned 3 months yesterday! Goodness sakes.. I just love getting to know him better as time goes on. </div>
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He's just the sweetest baby and his perfect smile never fails to bring me such joy. </div>
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Still can't believe he's really ours.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. 1Samuel1:27</i></span></div>
Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-26554782708340489652012-08-01T10:19:00.000-07:002012-08-01T10:19:22.089-07:00A birthday<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy birthday to...</div>
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my best friend </div>
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and best daddy</div>
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in the whole world.</div>
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We love you</div>Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-43747746249488318142012-07-30T13:27:00.000-07:002012-07-30T13:28:19.882-07:00His smile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jude boy and his many faces. </div>
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this cute boy has got his papa and I wrapped around his little finger. </div>
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Jude, </div>
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You're smiling now. Like really smiling. Your dad and I melt every time you do it.</div>
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It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. by far.</div>
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I didn't think it was possible, but I'm finding that every day my heart falls in love with you even more then the day before. </div>
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I love you precious boy, </div>
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Momma</div>
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<br /></div>Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-19382539411656535272012-07-27T16:29:00.000-07:002012-07-28T19:50:33.386-07:00My Birth Journey- part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
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Read <a href="http://leeandbethany.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-birth-journey-part-1.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">part 1 here</span></b></a><br />
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We decided to move back to our hometown when I was around 12 weeks pregnant. We thought it would be nice to be close to family for the pregnancy and birth. And also, Lee had a more stable job here. I'm so glad we made that decision, because we seriously found the best midwife ever :) and of course, it's been great being close to family.<br />
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My very first appointment was at 14 weeks. I wrote about it <a href="http://leeandbethany.blogspot.com/2011/12/our-first-appointment.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">here.</span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> </span>I remember feeling so nervous- we hadn't had any other appointments up to that point .. and I was just so nervous that there would be something wrong with the baby ..and we wouldn't hear the heartbeat or something.<br />
We got to her place (office, I guess you could call it). It was a small little home in the country. Super cozy and inviting. I loved it the first time I saw it. <br />
Jen (our midwife) was so, so sweet. She offered us tea when we first came in (I feel the need to mention this detail ;)<br />
Once we started talking, I was thrilled that we had found someone that really shared our same views about pregnancy and birth. It was a breath of fresh air.<br />
While we were there, one of her clients came in to give birth. Lee and I never saw the couple.. but we heard their baby's first cry from the room that we were in. It was unreal and such a cool thing. In that moment, I was overwhelmed by how natural, calm, and normal birth could be.<br />
It really solidified that this was how I wanted our baby to come into the world.<br />
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Our appointments continued throughout the pregnancy, and they were always something that Lee and I looked forward to (who doesn't look forward to baby appointments??) :)<br />
I was never once harassed about weight gain/loss. In fact, I was never even weighed once! I never had any invasive tests done. It just felt right to let things be natural.<br />
I felt so comfortable knowing that Jen trusted my body to handle a pregnancy all on its own. Really, there was no need to do anything, except just wait for our sweet babe to come!<br />
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Jen really and truly became a friend to us. I would call her anytime I ever had a concern or question. She was always so helpful and I knew she would always be there if I needed her. We never felt like a bother to her and she never once made us feel like just another patient.<br />
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Lee and I did decide that we wanted to know the gender of our babe. So at 21 weeks, we went in to a imaging center. It was really exciting to find out, but its something that I don't think we'll do again. I've learned a little more about the dangers of ultrasounds, and to me, its just not worth it to expose the baby to something like that for the excitement of something silly like a gender reveal.<br />
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Next up.. the day of Jude's birth!<br />
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Thank you so much for reading. I've really struggled with how to write all of this. I truly don't want to make anyone upset, but I realize that I need to stay true to what I believe and sometimes that means that people will be upset. And that's okay. <br />
Regardless, I love you all and the blessing you are in my life!<br />
<br /></div>Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-41880463177685520272012-07-17T13:37:00.000-07:002012-07-17T13:37:46.209-07:00Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This little boy has our hearts. How is it possible to feel this much love?</div>
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<br /></div>Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-10566278465263162182012-07-09T10:10:00.000-07:002012-07-28T19:52:25.215-07:00My Birth Journey- part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
So.. I've put off writing this, because honestly I didn't really know where or how to begin. It just feels rather daunting to express accurately my feelings surrounding birth and labor. Also, I know that my opinions are not mainstream and not necessarily popular..so there was fear of making people upset. But, I feel extremely passionate about pregnancy and birth, so I feel like it is my responsibility to at least share my thoughts and experiences surrounding the topic.</div>
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In order to really understand my birth story, you should know a few things. </div>
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Disclaimer: Of course there is always exceptions to things revolving around labor and birth. Please understand that I am referring to healthy women laboring and birthing. I understand that medical intervention is sometimes very necessary, but I also understand that SO many of the times it is used in this country it is unnecessary.<br />
On another note, I have my opinions about this and I respect that you all have yours too!<br />
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I believe that birth is a natural and normal happening, not a medical procedure.</div>
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I believe that America has a distorted view of birth and labor, and I think that women are constantly being fed that their bodies simply can't birth on their own. This results in women actually believing that this is true.</div>
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I believe that God knew what He was doing when he designed the woman's body and I don't question it's ability to labor and birth a healthy baby on its own.<br />
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I love how Ina May Gaskin puts it:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><i> "There is an assumption that we humans are inferior to the other five thousand or so species of mammals in our ability to give birth to our young. I have always found it hard to accept this notion, probably because my father was a farmer for years. Those who are used to the birth ways of other mammals know that it is easy to <span style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em;">cause </span>complications during labor by disturbing the mother. If we put horses, goats, and cows through the restrictions and indignities that most laboring women in U.S. hospitals are routinely subjected to, the animals would surely have as many complications as we do. The astonishing thing to me is that we have come to believe that our human bodies are not as well designed for birth as other mammals’ are. Really it’s our brains that can pose problems: we alone among mammals have the ability to scare and confuse ourselves about birth."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Read more of her interview <a href="http://www.thesunmagazine.org/issues/433/oh_baby">here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Before I found out I was pregnant, I hadn't given too much thought to the labor and birth part of pregnancy. I mean, in my head I definitely liked the idea of doing things natural. But, there was a fear that surrounded that thought. I mean you're told constantly that birth is scary, excruciating, awful even. And that you shouldn't dare do it without a epidural or you're just crazy. How would I not be freaked about doing things natural after hearing all of that for years and years?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">My fear, caused me to start thinking things like 'well, what's it matter? as long as my baby gets here okay then I don't care<i> how </i>he gets here' </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Honestly, that thought disgusts me now.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">It wasn't until I was actually pregnant for a few weeks that I really wanted to know more about birth & labor. So, Lee and I watched the documentary: 'The Business of Being Born'. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">And wow. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">My mind was opened to the sick reality of America's style of laboring and birthing. It really was a business. It seemed like women were viewed as cattle. Get them in and out as fast as possible. There was no regard for the well-being of the mother and baby. There was no respect for the beauty of what birth could be. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">I felt sick after watching it. I knew that I couldn't do things the way everyone else was doing it, just because a doctor told me that was the right way. Of course, it feels a little scary doing things so differently then everyone else. You feel like people will think you're crazy or weird. Or that they'll think you're bad parents for not having you're child in the 'safe-haven' of hospital walls.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">But you know what, I decided that respecting my body and baby were more important then the negative thoughts that I may have gotten from others.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Part 2 will come soon! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">I'm guessing that there will be many opinions in the comments, and I look forward to reading them. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Just please, keep things civil!! ;)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Read <a href="http://leeandbethany.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-birth-journey-part-2.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Part 2 here.</span></b></a></span></span></div>Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-8130925351895882252012-06-28T15:16:00.000-07:002012-06-28T15:16:00.710-07:00One month<div style="text-align: center;">
Today Jude is one month old! </div>
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I know all momma's say it.. but I can't believe it! I feel like I just found out I was pregnant.. and now my baby is one month old! Goodness! </div>
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Everything about being a Momma to this boy is wonderful. I just love him so much. As I write this, I'm looking over at my sweet boy as he sleeps next to me. So peaceful. I think I could stare at him forever. </div>
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This boy has made all my dreams come true by making me a momma. I enjoy even the harder parts.. because this sweet boy makes it SO worth it. </div>
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I love the smiles he makes in his sleep. Seriously adorable! </div>
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I love how calm and happy he gets when he's taking a bath. </div>
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I love watching his Daddy and him together. </div>
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I love how he falls asleep on my chest so perfectly. </div>
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I love how he likes to lay in the nook of his Daddy's leg.</div>
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I love when he wakes up from a nap so I can hold him again. (seriously.. my heart almost aches when he takes long naps because I just want to hold him again!!)</div>
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I love riding in the car with him. I've been sitting next to him in the back seat and he almost always falls asleep when we drive or he looks out the window thoughtfully. Precious.</div>
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I love laying in bed with both of my boys and watching all of his adorable expressions. He always makes us laugh.</div>
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I love his sweet smell. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(this post would never end if I wrote all the little things I love about this boy) </span></div>
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It's amazing how much love your heart can feel when you have a little. </div>
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Happy one month, Jude bug! We love you more then we can say! I can't even imagine how wonderful the months to come are going to be! </div>
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Here's what you look like at one month old:</div>
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Also, I'm still trying to decide how I want to share my birth story. So, look for a post regarding that sometime soon!</div>
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<br /></div>Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-84475775339232610932012-06-22T11:25:00.000-07:002012-06-22T11:27:18.769-07:00A Father's Day post<div style="text-align: center;">
This is late.. but better then never! </div>
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I totally admire momma bloggers! How do you find time to be a momma and blog?! I guess I'll figure it out eventually ;) I'm still new to all of this! </div>
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Father's Day was so great. This was Lee's first Father's Day and we had a lot of fun. </div>
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We went with my family and camped out in a cabin for 3 days. It was Jude's first camping trip and he basically slept the whole three days ;)</div>
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This was one of Lee's father's day gifts .. hehe<br />
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Poor baby was a little irritated with me for waking him up to put a bow on his head. Little trooper.</div>
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Handsome daddy and baby :) </div>
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It's hard to get three people in our pictures now!!! :) </div>
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I couldn't ask for a better Dad for our little boy. So so thankful! </div>
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And also, I'm so grateful for my Dad. He has been such a good example throughout my life. </div>
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Hope you all had a good Father's Day! </div>
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<br /></div>Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-38085836881774987332012-06-13T16:31:00.000-07:002012-06-13T16:31:38.140-07:00Jude boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sorry I've been gone for so long! Actually.. I'm not ;) </div>
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Right now I'm soaking in these baby days. I don't want to miss a minute of being next to this sweet one. Lee and I are having so much fun with our boy. There is no way anyone could ever prepare you for the joy that motherhood/parenthood brings. </div>
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I'm having the time of my life. </div>
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<br /></div>Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-55186652564542647442012-05-30T11:49:00.000-07:002012-05-30T11:49:52.451-07:00Our boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our perfect baby boy has been born! </div>
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We are so in love and so full of joy. We can't take our eyes off of him.</div>
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We are now a family of three:</div>
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Thank you, Lord!</div>
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<br /></div>Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667103652922920234.post-22323298898904277722012-05-24T13:07:00.000-07:002012-05-24T13:59:24.486-07:00Thoughts on being 39 weeks pregnant<div style="text-align: center;">
So, today marks one week from this little man's due date. Goodness, where has the time gone? I remember like it was yesterday how we were trying so hard to get pregnant, how we lost our <a href="http://leeandbethany.blogspot.com/2012/01/our-baby-story.html">first sweet baby</a>, and the pure joy we felt when we found out the next month that we were pregnant again. </div>
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My heart is so full of thankfulness to the Lord that He has watched over this baby and kept him safe and sound for the past 39 weeks. Words can't describe what a gift Lee and I have been given. </div>
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I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that in around a week there will be three of us. No matter how many kicks I have felt or how much we have seen my belly moving around crazily, I just can't actually believe that there is a BABY in ME! You'd think that after being nearly 10 months pregnant, this wouldn't be the case.. but it is! </div>
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Parts of me feel a little emotional. Which, I'm sure, is to be expected! I've got crazy hormones going on over here ;) </div>
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For one reason, I'm going to so miss having my little boy dancing around my belly every day. Just me and him. That's how its always been.. it will be hard to share him. It's like me and him have a secret little bond that no one knows about. But I take joy in the fact that I have savored every single minute of this pregnancy. I have really tried to make a conscious decision to just soak it up and enjoy... and I'm proud to say that I have. I know, that having him out here will be a bazillion times better.. but I sure will miss his sweet kicks!</div>
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The other reason that has made my emotions run a little wild, is that this chapter of just Lee and I is just about over. This has been the best year and a half of my life, without a doubt. Never have I enjoyed life so much than when I have been married to him. We have had so many big and small adventures in our short time of being married.. and I love every single one of them. I will always treasure our time of just us, but I know that even more beautiful things are right around the corner. </div>
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So goodness gracious, we are on the brink of starting a brand new adventure together. One that will change our lives forever and make everything so much better then it already is.</div>
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Our baby boy is coming</div>
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and my heart is fuller than ever before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OIkCO-9WmccZhcV021KdGIW1mfZiSJ8HIeD3y8TUMYIZ1MY4zIgqjrNi7sBtGDcDr-OsMSh7UqHomywiibPYkq17inj-A_FCstF8JRwDP5QT7n0rj1QG3jZR0dXciTOn4rCmiGsZ4QI/s1600/0941c494a5dd11e1b2fe1231380205bf_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OIkCO-9WmccZhcV021KdGIW1mfZiSJ8HIeD3y8TUMYIZ1MY4zIgqjrNi7sBtGDcDr-OsMSh7UqHomywiibPYkq17inj-A_FCstF8JRwDP5QT7n0rj1QG3jZR0dXciTOn4rCmiGsZ4QI/s400/0941c494a5dd11e1b2fe1231380205bf_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
{39 weeks}</div>
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<br /></div>Bethany Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11365631300039840059noreply@blogger.com6