9 MoNtHs!!!

So our little guy is 9 months old already!! Oh man it makes me sad! I mean happy,but he for sure isn't my little cuddle bug anymore!!!! Its crazy to me that we waited 4 years for him, and he is growing up so stinking fast!! He is such a smart little guy too!! Here are his 9 month stats:

length-29.75 inches! just shy of 95%

weight-20.5 lbs. just over 50%

head- 18.25 inches. just over 50%

So basically he is gonna be like his grandpa Nielsen and be a tall guy! this is good!! He has been walking around furniture and while holding mom or dads hand. He has 1 tooth, another one or two on the way, he has had his first haircut just a few weeks ago! He loves to dance, and play with his puppies as well as his daddy!And he brings so much happiness to our lives!! I cant believe only 3 more months til he is a year!!

playing catch up!!

So alot has happened at the Nielsen house since July! I will try to remember all of it, bare with me, I am gonna be really random. Also, my computer is being crazy and wont allow me to upload my pics except one of my vacation. kinda strange.

August came and went so fast, and it seems like we didn't get much of a summer at all! My sister Shannon and her cute kiddos were here for 5 weeks, and I miss them so much! we got to spend some time hanging out, but its never enough when we only see each other once or twice a year.

September came and went in a blur. Ridge learned to crawl !!! He didn't love it at first, it took him a few weeks to figure out how to go fast, but didn't take long! I was crazy busy with back to school time at work, but we had record weeks, so it was worth it! Ridge got a really nasty case of the stomach flu, and had to spend a night in the hospital. I have never been so scared! the doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong. he was projectile vomiting, and falling to sleep while standing up, and when we did a head scan he just laid there which it so out of character for our little man. The doctors were sure he had some sort of head injury or poisoning. The next morning he was fine other than being really swollen from the iv. The day after he was released Shawn and I both got it REALLY BAD, as did the babysitter and her whole family. The day we got Ridge home from the hospital, he learned to pull himself up to furniture, an was walking around the sofa in 1 day!! he is so smart!!

That following week, Shawn started school. He is doing his classes online through UVU, and then he goes to the airport 3 days a week to fly helicopters!! We are hoping to be done with school in about a year and a half to two years. After that Shawn wants to go to Alaska or somewhere in the Northwest to get more experience around mountains so he can eventually fly for Lifeflight. The first flight was a little sketchy, and he didn't know if his stomach was going to be able to handle it. (he is notorious for having motion sickness) But once he got the hang of controlling the movement, he LOVES it!!

I have just been working like crazy. I was able to go to Las Vegas last week for a Regional conference with Great Clips. It was a much needed break, and I was recharged for work! we stayed at a really amazing resort. Loews, just outside of Henderson. I missed my boys like crazy though!! I cant imagine having to be gone from my Ridgey-poo any longer, I almost cried when I got home and he gave me such a big hug!!!

We also put our house for Sale the end of September. We are hoping to downsize for a while until Shawn is done with school. We are going to eventually have to move when he finishes, so we figure if we sell now, it will be less stress for both of us. So if ya know anyone who is interested we are practically giving it away!! Its a 4 bed, 2 bath, Ranch. main floor laundry, 2 car garage, walk out basement, with half of the basement unfinished, so there is room for at least 1-2 more bedrooms and another bath. Great neighbor hood too!!!

Ridge has learned the motions to Itsy Bitsy spider, as well as a few signs. He knows "more please" "tired" "all done" and we are working on hungry and thirsty, as well as mommy and daddy.

Well I think that's about all, or at least all I can think of! Happy fall!!!

FuN aT tHe BeAcH!!!

Saturday night we went with Kyle and Jonna to American Falls to have a little fun fishing and roast some hot dogs and mallows. Despite the guys efforts, fishing just wasn't in the cards for them between crazy boaters and the dogs. Jonna, Ridge and I enjoyed watching them attempt it and just enjoyed the nice summer air! All in all it was a good night, and I love spending time with Jonna even though we don't get to see each other very often.

Ridge LOVED the sand, (as you can see he even thought it was pretty tasty!)

This picture is from Thursday, the whole family went to see Uncle Karl in Sun Valley, and my camera died just after the first picture at the park..... dang it! at least we got one of Ridge and mommy on the swing!

CENTER FOLD!!!!

So I don't know if all of you know this, but a few years ago I was on the cover of Idaho Bride magazine, as well as one of the advertisements, and my dress was on the cover again the following year. I have to admit it was pretty fun, and I was recognized all over the area. Well, I am pleased to announce that we have a new celebrity in our family! While Shawn was in Moab, a writer for JP magazine was quite impressed with Shawn's toy. All of the guys in the 4-wheel drive club were pretty excited for the issue to come out, and all of Shawns friends are teasing him about being the centerfold. Shawn was in the jeep, you just cant see him. I have to tell ya, the wagoner and I aren't the greatest of friends some days. (mainly because it looks so pretty in my driveway) But it is REALLY fun to play in. Anyway, While Shawn was in Moab they asked if they could do a little writeup on the wagoner, and put it in an issue. We thought it would just be a little pic with a little about it, but CHECK IT OUT!!! Way to go HONEY!!!

Another two months!?!? Really??!

Wow, I cant believe I am that big of a slacker!!!! I have a lot to update this time, so much has happened! Ridge is now 4 months and 2 weeks! We had his checkup last week, and he is in the 80% for his length!!! 26 1/2 inches! he is 15.6 pounds, and in 6 months clothes already! He is so fun!! I have tons and tons of pictures, so I am just going to post them and give you a rundown of all of them. We had him blessed the first weekend of May, and Shawn did an amazing job, and Ridge was so good. I couldn't find an outfit like I wanted, so I went to The DI and found a women's XL sweater and made him a blessing outfit with no pattern!!! I think it turned out pretty dang good for just cutting and sewing as I went.( the picture of it on the couch its streched out, so it looks really long waisted, but it fit him pretty good.) He loves his saucer, he plays and plays for hours. He just started food this last week, and he loves carrots, yogurt, rice, but hates bananas....kinda strange. And today he rolled over!!! I didn't have my camera out, and was so bummed, and Shawn was pretty bummed that he missed it too. His hair is coming back pretty good finally, I was so sad when it all fell out, it was dark and wavy, and I was sure it wouldn't come back that way, but it looks like it might be, plus a few calics. anyways, I will quit rambling, and just post pics. Have fun, there's alot!!

Im a slow poke!!

So I am finally getting around to updating! I am a little occupied lately, and I am back to work now too. I do love my job, but I hate leaving him!!! Our soon to be niece in law Sami watches him for about 20 hours a week. He loves going there..... ( he told me s0...) I just wish I didnt have to work.

He is getting so big! I took him in for his 2 month checkup and shots a week ago, and he was 11.5 lbs, and 24 inches long!! that puts him in the 50% for his weight and 80% for length!!! So big!! He also did awesome while getting his shots. He cried for just a sec, and then he was back to his usual happy self., and was talking to the nurse. He still has reflux really bad, but other than clearing is throat alot, it doesn't seem to faze him.

I actually took him in yesterday with a nasty cough, and its just because of his reflux, so I really hope he grows out of it soon. But he has gained 8oz in just over a week, so he is now 11lbs 13 oz. I guess I just want less laundry and I would love to be able to lay him down to sleep instead of having him sleep in his chair or the swing.

He is talking up a storm now days, and I love it!! He is so interactive, and just jabbers your ear off. It defiantly helps me get going in the mornings when he is so happy.

Here are some pretty cute pics of the last few weeks, and I am trying to upload a video, lets see if I can figure it out.

Im a slow poke!!

Time flies when you're having fun!!

Its been a while since we posted last. Ridge will be 8 weeks old on Wednesday!!! crazy I know. I have really enjoyed staying home with him, and I am not really looking forward to going back to work. I have to go back full time on the 5th. I miss work, but I am pretty sure I will have a melt down when I have to leave him.

We really haven't been up to much other than just hanging out at home. He is getting so big now. He is making lots of noises now, and smiles alot!! He loves to hang out by himself on the floor, he kicks and squills for an hour or two before he decides that's enough. He isnt too fond of tummy time, but he humors me for about 20 mins.

I took him to the doctor at 6 weeks because he has horrible reflux, he is now on previcid 2 times a day, but it hasn't really helped. We even had ultra sounds done on his stomach because Dr Blake was concerned at the amount that he spits up, but everything looks normal, so we just have to wait it out. At least he is still gaining weight. He was 9 lbs 11 oz at 6 weeks, and just over 22 inches long. I can only imagine how big he would be if he could only hold all his food down.

Even with all the spitting up he is such a happy baby!!! I honestly can only think of 2 times where he really screamed and that was only for about 20 mins or so! we are so blessed, and so very grateful for our little guy!!!

He cant stay awake in his carseat.

In this one he was actually talking alot, but it seems every time I try to get a pic of him smiling, he tries to figure out what the camera is, and always pulls this goofy face.

GROWING FAST!!!

Our little miracle is growing like a weed!! Ridge will be three weeks old tomorrow, and it makes me so sad because I have to go back to work in 4 weeks now!! It sure does go by fast when all you do is watch them sleep!

Its amazing to me at how much he really has completed our lives. He is such a good baby, He seriously sleeps about 6 hours at night, and I feed him about every 3 1/2 to 4 hours during the day. I am so blessed to be this little guys mommy.

When he was a week old we took him in to get some photos done. Krystal our niece does photography ( Blushe Photography) and she did an amazing job. We just got the disk back today, and I am so excited to show them off. Our computer has been down for a while now, so I will post other pics of him at home as soon as we get it going again. These are a few of my favorites.

Introducing....... RIDGE WILLIAM NIELSEN!!!!

Ok, He is 5 days old now, and I am finally allowing myself to put him down to blog. I am so excited to say that our little man is finally here!!! It seems like after all our problems and miscarriages that we have been pregnant for 4 years. Well worth the wait!!

He was born Wednesday morning 2/3/10 at 8:22 am. He weighed 7lbs 13oz, and was 20 1/2 inches long. I was in labor for about 14 ish hours, and actually pushed for about 3 because he got turned and was stuck. Needless to say it was all worth it!!! We only stayed at the hospital a day, and its so nice to have him home. From the minute he came into this world, he as been wide awake checking out his new world. Ridge has lots of dark hair, and his daddy's dimples, and is just perfect in every way!! Here are a few pictures, the ones in the blue outfit are especially fun because its the outfit Shawn wore home from the hospital. Supper fun!! Anyways, here is our little miracle Ridge William Nielsen!!

proud parents! Wide awake!!

Ready to go home!!
just getting home


top one is Daddy when he came home from hospital, and second one is Ridge in the same outfit!


Mommys little moose ready to go for a ride 5 days old!

almost done!!

So I know I should have it already done, but I cant help it, I have an idea of what I want in my head, and I don't want to finish the nursery until it looks like I have imagined it. we finally got the crib in, and the strip on the wall, so now I just have to get the new carpet in, and do a little last minute touches. I bought a shelf today, that I need to get painted, and then I think its about done. So here is what it looks like so far, minus the shelf, and the crib bumper, its currently being sewn together. Also, this belly shot of me was taken this morning on my way to work! YAY! for baby bumps!

Fun Times...

So here are Leslie and I at 34 weeks!! ( I am measuring in at 36!! ) How stinking fun hu? I am so lucky to have her doing this with me!

HaPpY nEw YeAr!!!

So I know, I am a little slow... but hey, I am prego, that's a good excuse right? No, its not, but I am finally getting something. Christmas was good this year, Christmas eve I had to work until 3 and after that we went to the Nielsen's Christmas Eve party. Christmas day we went to Roberts to my parents and had a fun day of playing games, and eating as usual!

Shawn got me a jeep for Christmas!! Yay! Its older, and just our style, so much easier for me to climb in and out of prego, and I can put the dogs in it, and not have to worry about them climbing on the baby when he comes.

I have to admit, I was such a baby this year! My hormones were for sure getting the best of me!!! I just kept thinking about how Mary would have been in labor all day on the stupid donkey, and how frustrated and uncomfortable she would have been. And on top of that knowing that you are about to give birth to the Savior of the world and having to bring him into the world in the barn!!! ah, still get so emotional!!

For New Years we went with Shawn's family to Island Park as usual. I had to stay in the cabin the whole time while he played, and I was a little bummed, but I figure that baby is defiantly worth not snow machining for right!?!

Here is an awesome picture of Shawn that I got through the window. I don't know how he doesn't get cold.

We are all settled back in now, and back to the routine of things. At my last doc apt. she confirmed what I had been saying for months that I am bigger that I should be and so is the baby, so we should have him for sure by the first week in Feb!!! YAY!! Maybe 2 weeks early, that's what we are both measuring anyways, so if I go till I measure 42 weeks, I am not going to be such a happy camper.

Wish us luck, and I will try my best to keep you all updated on everything!

He's a Cutie!!

Today I was able to get another shot at the 3D ultra sound. Mindy is so nice to keep doing them for me. We tried a few weeks ago, but he wasn't cooperating, and the placenta was a little in the way to see him very much.

I was so excited to see him today!! He is such a cute little munchkin!! I think he is going to have my round face, and its looking like my double chin, but I think he will be a good combo of his daddy and I!!! What do ya think?!

Whats happening at the Nielsens.

Ok, so I havent really been up to much, just getting HUGE!!!! ha ha.... Seriously though I am huge! see ....

This was taken the weekend after Thanksgiving. I am starting to feel like an oompa loompa. I feel great though. I love being pregnant.

Thanksgiving was fun, my family came down, and we painted the nursery, and got projects done around the house. I will post pictures as soon as I get the crib. (its on back order.)

And this little guy is our new pet. Well kinda, Shawn was bringing in fire wood on Sunday night, and as he was adding one of the logs to the fire, he saw this beauty opening its wings as it unthawed with the warmth of the fire.

I got some sugar water for it, and its been hanging out in the basement for the last 4 days. CRAZY HU?!?? (I think its a little Christmas Miracle, I mean Butterflies in Idaho in the middle of December.) Anyways, I am going to try to keep it alive as long as I can.

That's all for now. Sorry, nothing too exciting. OHH!!! I do only have 9 1/2 weeks or less!!! YAY!!

This is Ellie.

So I know what you are all thinking. "Why did they get another dog with a baby on the way? " Am I right? Well, I wasn't planing on it. I mean yes I miss Ringo, but I had decided to wait a while til after the baby was at least 6 months or a year to start looking for a new dog. Then Shawn convinced me to go to the pound and just see how we felt about starting to look. "We don't have to get a dog now, lets just start looking and see if there are any other type of dogs we like." Well, it was a trap. I saw Ellie the first walk through of the pound, and she is so stinking cute!! She was the only dog not freaking out and barking at us, and I have to admit, I have a soft spot in my heart for Shih Tzu's. I saw her on Thursday, and I finally decided that I couldn't deal with the fact that is we didn't go get her, that she could have been put down, so Shawn went and got her while I was at work on Saturday.

She is part Yorkie, and is just over a year old, so I don't have to worry about potty training a new dog, or worry about all the puppy craziness. She is perfect, I changed her name from Emmie, I just think Ellie fits her and us better, and she is such a good dog. She is perfectly contest with just hanging out by herself, and she loves to play. So welcome home Ellie!!

Saying goodbye to my Ringo.....

So, This is really hard post for me, so if I don't make sense, or am skipping words, that's why. Shawn called me Friday while I was at lunch and told me that my little Ringo buddy had been hit by a car and had died. Any of you who know us very well know that he was my baby seriously, he slept with me, and did just about everything with us. I still am having a really hard time not breaking into a sob about 40 times a day. Shawn got Ringo for me 4 years ago on my birthday. We had gone to dinner and when I pushed the button for the garage door to open, when we got home, there was this cute little guy in the middle of our garage sticking his fluffy little head out of the box ready for me to come get him. Our house is so lonely now, and poor Zeus is so depressed and just lays around and whines. I don't think my pregnancy hormones are helping my situation at all either. So, here is to my little buddy!! I miss you Ringo!!!