Englanders

AWWWW! Don't you worry....7 MONTHS later!!

2010-09-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok....these past 7 months have been a whirlwind! My goal this week is to blog every night...so I can catch up! My baby cheek is already 7 months, he sits, he scoots, he eats, he laughs, he grunts, he throws temper tantrums (already)....eeek! Stay tuned and I will go more into detail. Here's some pictures from our amazing photographer Stephen Phung. www.phungphotography.com He's amazing.

The Birth

2010-04-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

Before I forget, I want to document the birth story. So, I go in for my last doctors appointment on January the 27th. My blood pressure was raising like a banchi, (I swear it was from all the stress from wrapping up my deals at work and the "nesting" phase with my house, etc.), BUT...doctor said I was creeping up to Toxemia. So Doc wanted me to come back in on Friday for a stress test for the baby. So I did, everything was fine. I wasn't due until Feb.2, and they wanted to induce me that Sunday January 31. So we had our last "Hoorah", we went to a movie, went to breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday & Sunday. I couldn't do much, because I was a whale out of water and could barely walk. I tried everything to go into labor that weekend, because I was so nervous about them inducing me. My worst fear, was the big "C". So we're gearing up on Sunday, packing the bags, got our ipod all ready to go with our "birth" music, and movies ready. So we head to the hospital to get checked in. I could hardly sleep that night, they gave me the softeners, since I showed no sign of dilating or giving birth anytime soon. So we tried to sleep, somewhat that night. I kept eating those ice chips with flavoring, yes they had icee flavoring for the ice chips. The next morning rolls around, and still nothing...if you know what I mean. So, they start me on the pitocin drip. Double dose. Still, nothing. So doc decides to break my water. That started the process quickly. I then demanded the epidural right then, since he was going into surgery soon and it was either then, or I wait a few hours. So I get the epidural, everything was pie in the sky from there. We were watching movies, listening to music it was great. I must admit, I never really was in pain at all that day. It was great. So doc keeps checking me, and slowly but surely I'm finally a 3! Yes, a 3! Some women are at a 3 for their whole last month! So I started getting worried about the big "C". Another hour passes by, and nothing, and nothing. Finally it's about 4pm now, and I'm finally at a 5! Doc stops talking about the big "C" now, and we're making progress. Each hour I was getting closer and closer. I requested another bag of epidural, I kept thinking I was running out. So finally I'm at a 10 by about 10pm now. So we starting the pushing phase. Things were going good, moving along as planned. I kept pushing and pushing and pushing. Nothing was coming out. ha! Doc comes back to check, and I will never forget the look on his face. He looks at me, and says, looks like we're going to have to do a C-Section. I immediately starting freaking out and became hysterical! This was not part of the plan, nor how I envisioned this. And, it was not ok. I refused and told him no, I'm going to keep pushing. They checked the baby to see if any distress was happening, and he was fine, just chillin in the canal. So the doc let me push for another hour. So I did! I was determined he would come out. And nothing again. After 3 hours of pushing, and consoling with my mom and friend who had a C, I decided that was the best option and we needed to get this baby out safely. By this time, I've had 2 bags of epidural, been on it since 9am that morning. It's now 1am on Tuesday morning Feb.2. They then pump me with higher dose of numbing stuff and morphine, so now I'm completely drugged up and going on no food, no sleep for a long time. All I remember is, them moving me around...and bright lights as they wheeled me done the hallway. I was so out of it by now, I just remember hearing baby Oliver cry for the first time and I just started crying. The weirdest thing, it didn't even seem like I gave birth. I didn't get to hold him for about an hour. They have to do more tests on babies when they're taken out. So they wheel me back to the room and bring Ollie in. It truly is indescribable the feeling you have, holding your baby for the first time. It was so surreal, and one of the happiest moments in my life. I had to stay in the hospital for 4 days after you have a C. Since we checked in that Sunday night, we were there until Saturday morning. Since I gave birth Tuesday morning at 1:50am. I didn't mind it though, our hospital was amazing and brand new and the nurses were wonderful. Except the night nurses, they are one of a kind. There's a reason they work nights I think. ha! The food was great, the bed was amazing, it raised up and down and every which way. Since I could hardly move and get up, it was nice. We were well taken care of, and there was hardly no other patients, which was weird. I couldn't imagine our life without him now. I think back to when it was just me and Ben, and I wonder what we did with all of our time...? We truly are blessed to have such a wonderful baby in our lives. He's our little cheeky monkey!

For some reason, his nose in this picture looks HUGE! It looks like a little pig nose.

He loves mean muggin' people.

This is what happens when Ben has Ollie, I go to pick him up from daycare...and there he is in a Metallica onesie, and flamer vans!

Look at those lashes! He gets them from Ben! I always make fun of how long Ben's lashes are.

Here he is! Oliver (Ollie) Benjamin England

2010-02-28T17:40:00.001-08:00

Fetal Fotos

2010-01-28T20:48:00.001-08:00

Here are some of the fetal fotos we got during the pregnancy... I feel as if I need to blog everything now, before the big arrival!

These are the fotos taken at 15 weeks, when we found out he was a boy!

Here are the fetal fotos we got taken at 35 weeks! They look so clear! Look at his chubby cheeks!!

This is his junk! He's definitely a boy!

A few of my favorite things.....

2010-01-24T17:51:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't blogged much during this pregnancy, so here it goes in 1 post! I now have T Minus 8 days til birth. As of last Thursday, there has been no progress, whatsoever. So, most likely I will go Full Term...FULL FULL Term. My doctor refused to induce me until I'm 41 weeks. I am trying to explain to my doctor that at this point, the baby is just packing it on, literally! He's gaining about .5lb a week at this rate. That means, he'll be another 1lb., if I have to get induced. This scares me, terribly. I already have a feeling he's a biggin'. Just from our 4D pictures. (Posting soon.) Here are a few things that I couldn't live without during these 9 months.

Here's my crackers, right in the bathroom. We had 1 scare, one morning I woke up to grab my crackers...and they were gone! I started gagging uncontrollably, and Ben had to rush downstairs for the crackers. I'm not bragging or anything, sorry if you all get jealous...but I have thrown up maybe 4 times during this entire pregnancy. It's been pretty easy. I have this weird Gagging thing. If I get winded or hungry, I start gagging uncontrollably. But, I don't throw up. Just gag. First thing, when I wake up...I have to shove 2 graham crackers in my mouth before I do anything. It's weird I know, but then I don't gag. Other than that, I have not been sick, nauseas, etc. Right now is probably the worst I've ever felt, just the back pains and my hips going numb.

Here is another cork I've had. My tongue has been soo sensitive to anything and everything. I can't even eat ketchup right now. It burns my tongue! And toothpaste was the worst. So I had to switch to "sensitive" maximum strength! It's been great.
This is my nest that I sleep in every night. I HAVE to have all these pillows to fall asleep. And don't you worry, all of these came with us as we traveled through the Holidays. The top white pillow is my contour pillow for my neck. The little white wedge in the middle is my belly wedge. It's hoists your belly upright so it's not pulling. The fury guy on the left is a body pillow for the knees. Then the tuber in front goes against your back. It's a comfy nest. Then below, the purple guy is for your feet/legs. So they're propped up to deflate after the day.

ELEPHANTITIS (google it)

Exhibit A: This is what my legs and feet look like after work.

Exhibit B: This is the real deal folks!! My nylon socks, aren't even tight. Look at my little vienna sausage toes! Huge!

Exhibit C: Different angle

Exhibit D: Another Shot of the Elephantitis legs and feet

These are my stretch marks, yes stretch marks on my fingers!! (j/k) But seriously, I won't be surprised if they appear after they deflate.

This is as far as I can bend my fingers! It hurts too bad to make a fist.

Even my palm is big! Why does this happen?

$BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY$

WARNING: DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THESE PRODUCTS, THEY DO NOT WORK!!

You are looking at a billion dollar industry that haunts the United States of America today. I too, fell for this trick. So I started with the simple Tummy Butter - $8 (this is my 3rd can by the way). It wasn't quite working, and I couldn't figure out why. It simply states...for stretch marks! I then thought, I'll go straight to the real deal - Vitamin E. I started poking holes in the actual pills and rubbing it on the belly. Once again, did not work. So I figured, ok I need the good stuff for this to work. Forked over $65 for this Belli Elasticity Belly Oil. Oh no, I swear it's just baby oil. My friends and family, do not waste your money...if you are destined to get stretch marks, you will get them. Some are lucky and don't. That's just the way it is. Do not contribute to this Billion Dollar Industry! It's all a hoax backed by the government!

Last, but not least...the Heartburn! I've had this since day 1! This was the progression to subside the heartburn. I went from 12 Tums a day, to Maalox, once both of those weren't working...I needed the drugs. 1 Prevacid a day, keeps the flames away!

Nursery Complete!!

2010-01-21T20:22:00.001-08:00

Ok guys, the nursery is finally complete! I just have to finish his letters to his name, and hang them. But here is the finished product! Just in time, with 10 days left to "Go Time". Oh, and don't worry...nothing is "progressing" at the moment from my doctors appointment today. Nothing at all. She says again, "I'll definitely be seeing you next week at your next appointment." I'm so ready at this point, I can barely walk, I waddle like a penguin now....for some reason it feels better. And my feet barely fit into my shoes right now, those pictures will be posted tomorrow. My pants are getting a little snug. I refuse to buy anything else maternity at this point. So I snug myself into my 1 pair of pants and my 1 pair of shoes each day...ha. I don't care at this point, people can judge all they want. My attitude at this point is "Move it or Loose it People!" I have my Mom to thank for this awesome nursery. She did all the painting, and all of my bedding. She really could make millions doing this I think

Cali Trip/SeaWorld/Cassie's Wedding

2009-09-27T15:03:00.001-07:00

Cassie Rathgaber got married! I had to make the trip down to San Diego. Cass and I date way back to college in Hawaii! Many of times trying to be the match maker...and never working out! Here are some pictures from the trip. I went to Sea World with Jaime and Alisa, we hung out most of the time and went to the wedding shower, then her wedding. SeaWorld was awesome! I love it. I just want to ride Shamu, that would be my last death wish to Make a Wish Foundation. That's all I ask for...

You can't see it very well, but there's a Beluga Whale behind me..I was trying to push out my belly...just like a Beluga Whale. We're like the same.

He's kissing Oliver.

Cassie and Becky's family from New York. Becky got married the following weekend, sorry I missed it Beck.

So Gorgeous! Loved her dress!

We saw lots of old college friends, everyone came out of the woodworks!

They lived happily ever after!!

Monster Trucks!!

2009-09-27T14:57:00.001-07:00

You might be a redneck IF....you go see Monster Trucks.

Bachlorette Party!

2009-09-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from Rachel's Bachlorette party. I work with Melisa here in the first picture. She's a fun one! Her sister is getting married, and here's her last shi-bang! We each had a dare for the night...Melisa had to get a guy to propose to her...this was him! She said yes! My dare was to get a sock from some random guy. Ya, don't worry....it can be done! I had a sock in hand! Her wedding pictures to follow shortly.

Steve & Nikki finally come to Visit!!

2009-09-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Steve & Nikki finally came to visit us! Steve has been Ben's best friend for a long long time..dating back to Arizona. They've been talking about coming up to visit us in SLC, and they finally did. We had to be the best tour guides, and the best entertainers. Did a jig here, did a jig there...you know, the whole dog and pony show! We took them up to a waterfall up in the Uintahs, and went up to Mirror Lake to fish. We also went to Seven Peaks water park, those pics will definitely NOT be posted. No belly pics up in here. Not yet. I'm working up to it. Even being pregnant in all...I LOVE water slides, and I just ignored the "WARNING, IF YOU ARE PREGNANT - DO NOT RIDE THIS RIDE!!" I thought: "I'm not THAT pregnant, just a little pregnant right now." So I went on the rides, every single one of them. I got stung by a bee right on my bellard, the bastard flew right down into the cleave...stung me right on top of the bell. So that wasn't good, then I started having weird stomach cramps and achs. Yea, needless to say, it probably wasn't the best decision in my life. But I'm sure Ollie had a blast swishin' around in there! I'm gearin' him up for what's to come...wood blocks in the shoes for the height restrictions at Lagoon!

Cookin' in Lake Powell

2009-08-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

We finally went back to Lake Powell, after all these years of talking about going back. It was a Roaster! 100 degrees + everyday, we were lovin' it. We basked in the water pretty much the whole time. Thanks Tiffany and Colton for inviting us on the fun trip! We loved the Black Pearl!

4th of July! (a little delayed)

2009-07-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to have my entire family in town! They all came out of the wood work from LA, Seattle, Logan, Idaho and North Carolina. It was a mini-family reunion. It was such a good time, wish we could do it more often. We got wild and crazy as usual, half stayed here at my house and the other half stayed in a hotel. It was a full house, but wouldn't have it any other way! It was so good to have all the kids together! Here's some fun pics of our adventures!

Caleb loves to eat! Here's another one..

We went to a trout farm up in Ogden, so the boys could catch their 1st fish with Grandpa!

Chad, Robyn, Stone and Reagan

Oh ya, and for Robyn to catch her 1st fish too! Growing up in LA, and never fished..!?

Grandpa and Stone catching his first fish! It's a guaranteed catch!

Precious Reagan

We had to go to the one and only World's Largest Dinosaur Museum! At least we can brag about that in Utah.

Garrett & Jayden - with his bag of dinos!

Ya, and me and Lauren had to dress up in the Dino costume! Bulbasur.

We found a really cool 4th of July Fair! They never have fairs here...

This was the most intense ride ever! Jayden and Stone are obsessed with fire engines, and they were just concentrating SO hard to drive this. It was hilarious! I don't think we saw 1 single smile from either of them. It was intense!

So serious, trying to drive this fire engine!

Pony rides for everyone. It was kind of sad, and we contributed to this animal abuse! We couldn't say no to Jayden.

This was so precious, Caleb LOVED Roxy & Max. All he wanted the whole trip was "doc, doc".

Here is Caleb running off with the dogs to the park! It was so cute.

The $35 pool was a hit!!

Jayden just went for the ride of his life!! We turn around and hear Blake screaming coming around this corner on the skate board with little Jayden inbetween his legs! He was going soo fast. If Christina saw this, I think Blake's life would have ended!

Caleb loved Uncle Ben! He needs his practice.

Just starring at the fireworks! Waiting so patiently.

We went down to the gulley so we could see ALL the fireworks in the valley.

Mom & Stone

Jayden & Stone...weren't so sure if they'd get along at this age. So cute!

With Grandma Marj! And yes, those are the creepy dolls in the background!

Had to end the family reunion with a picture at the temple. And yes, Im getting a pregnant belly already.

So You're Saying There's a Chance...!?

2009-05-30T08:58:00.001-07:00

I am an Iron Girl!

2009-05-25T18:04:00.001-07:00

You can refer to me as the Iron Girl from now on. I did it! Yup, 1 down and 99 more to go off my bucket list. The Iron Girl is a HUGE accomplishment, in case you weren't aware. It is a Triathlon down in Las Vegas. She is a swim, a bike, and a run. I only did the Sprint Triathlon (swim=.5mile, bike=10mile, run=3 mile)...and it was tough. I must say, I wasn't as prepared as I thought I was. I found out once I was in route during the 10 mile bike going up a hill, and have NEVER ridden a road bike in my life. Well, apparently a Road bike compared to a Mountain bike is COMPLETELY different. Ya, needless to say...never rode a "Road" bike in my life until I was in route going up this tremendous hill climb. The whole 10 miles was about 3/4 uphill....it was a beast. I guess next time I will know what to expect. The swim was the easiest for me, except when a girl almost took me down to the bottom of the lake! Ya, I hear screaming...then look up with my goggles, and this girl right next to me is flaying around and going under. Thank goodness 2 other girls were already almost to her to hold her up above the water. My lifeguard like reflexes almost kicked into gear, but then I thought...Heck, I have a race to win! So I went on my merry way. It was such a great experience, I had a great time. And watch out, they get addicting. I already want to do another one!

Starting Line

#1 - Oh you bet I was in the front....

#2: Heeding the way...

#3: Ok, now I was tired..

#4: And around the Buoy..and left....

Transition 1: On to Bike

Transtion #2: On to Run, right here...I wanted to die. Stupid feet clips.

There she is...Finish Line!

Finishers

Mexico - Punta Mita

2009-03-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our trip to Mexico, Punta Mita. It's about 40 min. up the coast from Puerto Villarta. It just so happened that Rihanna was staying in Punta Mita, right after the "fight", we were searching for her the whole time. Our favorite town was Sayulitas. This town, is like a mini Huntington Beach. Most of the people are all American!? It's a little surf town, nice beaches, fun shops and restaurants. It was our favorite town to go too while we were there.

Since we couldn't afford the food at the resort we were staying at, we went to dinner at the towns around us. I feel like I was taken advantage of, every single vendor that came up to me, I bought something from. I felt so bad for them, I kept saying...aww, what's $10 out of my pocket for some chiclets, or a turtle blanket (don't ask), or a pottery platter (that broke in my bag), or a dolphin bracelet (found out is NOT real silver), or a gem ring (which is nice), or a whole wooden set of bowls that are carved into animals (my next hosting party, these are the serving dishes), or a marlin fish carved into wood (on my desk), or some earrings (that broke)...anyways..you get the point. I was broke by the end, and had a bunch of crap to take home. Even though Im in sales, I am a sucker for sales people. Im telling you, those booths in the mall that sell the "Salts of the Dead Sea", they get me every time. If one of those home alarm sales people ever catch me at home, GUARANTEED Ben will come home to an entire alarm set up with video, motion sensors, plus the bonus package with a 5 year contract. Since Im in high pressure sales myself, my work gives out an incentive trip every year if you bring in so much gross margin to the company. We stayed at the St. Regis, which is brand new last Nov. This resort is $950 a NIGHT! It's unreal. We had our own outdoor shower(oooh ya!), a little bungaloo to ourselves, and our very own Butler named Alejandro. There was hardly anyone there...it was crazy. Here are some pics for your enjoyment:

I am crafty I guess....a little bit of Marj in me!

2009-03-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

So..I saw this diaper cake at a baby shower a while back, and I thought to myself..."I want thaaat!" I just wanted to try making it. It was the cutest idea, you make a cake out of diapers, and then you put little gifts all over it. And that's your gift!! My neighbor Aubree is due with a little baby girl soon, and I wanted to make it for her baby shower. I was planning and scheming all week. It's very crafty, and very hard to make. So, if you want some advice, I can tell you the ins and outs of how to make a diaper cake. Just ask, and I would be happy to share my secrets. My Mom almost cried when I sent her a picture, she just wants a little craftiness inside of me once in awhile. I don't cook, sew, make things, or own a hot glue gun. So, if I can make a diaper cake here and there...I think that will make her proud enough.

IRON GIRL...Here I come!

2009-02-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

You heard it folks, I'm in training for the Iron Girl May 9 in Las Vegas! Would anybody like to join me in this fabulous event? She's a sprint triathlon, a mini one. It's a 1/2 mile swim, 10 mile bike, 3 mile run. Not too bad....Im nervous about the swim though..it's in Lake Mead. I've been thinking, what does one wear when they swim, bike and run? What kind of outfit does this call for? I haven't gotten that far. But, she's my first..and anybody want to join in the 1/2 marathon in April? This will be my 3rd 1/2 marathon...it's actually not that bad. So..let me know if anyone wants to join in this venture, and let's train together!

This Is How We Do It....

2009-01-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

This is how "Real" men put up Christmas lights!

Last year: 1 neighbor ended up on a ladder balancing on the ledge right above the garage, our other neighbor fell from the highest part of the roof, and our house ended up with only lights on the bottom half of the house (heights issue). Our oh so kind neighbor decided to rent this fine piece of machinery and we all got to put up nice Christmas lights around the entire house.

Of course I had to make things difficult with the Icle Lights that were much needed.

I wanted to take a ride! And...this thing goes 2x as high.

Visitors in Town!

2008-11-17T19:12:00.000-08:00

We have some visitors in town this week!

My brother, his wife Christina, and their two adorable kids came to visit from North Carolina!

It was so exciting to have 2 lil ones runnin around, made us begin to "Talk" about having kids.

Keyword is "Talk" people...so get off my back!

Jayden and Caleb were such a joy to have around, my patience have been tested. ha. Love you guys!

Re-Cap

2008-11-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

Since I haven't blogged for a little bit,...here is a few pictures over the past couple of months. This one is my wonderful friends who picked me up in a limo for my Birthday,

and some good friends from work,

and my husband being Scuba Steve!! Tomorrow is his last "open" water dive and he's officially a Scuba Steve!

Here's to the Doggies (Roxy & Max)

2008-11-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

Ok-Ok, everyone has been asking me to post about our dogs. Well, sadly enough, as weird as it

may be, they are our babies. Until we have kids, the dogs are spoiled and get whatever they want. ha. Almost. They are such sweet, good doggies.

We teach them tricks here and there, and they LOVE a game of "Chuck It!" Whoever made this invention, is a genius! We have a big ol' gulley right by our house that we take them too, and this toy can "Chuck" the ball clear across this gulley. It's amazing.

This is what happens when they get a hold of a stuffed animal! We have to start wheening them to sleep in their own doggy beds, it's become a habit of sleeping at the foot of our bed. But hey, there's plenty of room. The more the merrier! This picture down below, is a $300 mistake! Ya, "someone" accidently grabbed the wrong size door, and cut holes, drilled, and installed an expensive doogy door in it. Once "someone" took our old door completely off, and tried to put this one on, um ya...it was about 6" too short of reaching the hinges. So, if anybody is interested..go to craigslist.

Girls Trip to Vegas!

2008-10-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

We took a Girls Trip down to Sin City. (trouble I know) I flew in and met two of my greatest friends from California down there. This picture above was us at the Cheese Cake Factory, (our waiter probably wanted to kill us - 3hrs. later!) we met one of our old roommates from Hawaii for dinner. (Kara lives there). It was great catching up, and talking about sweet nothings. Speaking of sweet...did you know 2 scoops of "Gelato" costs $15.95? What the...? After the Gelato employee scooped all of our "Gelato", and then rang up the bill....um, ya....it was $15.95 for 2 scoopers. We ended up walking away....as the employee was yelling, "But it's Gelato!".

We laid out a bunch at the pool and lazy river. And yes, Eag in this picture is 7 mos. preggers...in a string bikini mind you. For all who thought it was not possible...oh it's possible.

Oh, and not to forget the most traumatizing event of the trip...the X-Scream at the top of the Stratosphere! I can now cross this off my bucket list. This was, the most, tramautizing moment of all times. Jaime was, well let's just say paralyzed for a few minutes after we got off. We really thought we were going to die on this ride. It has now made me realize all the important things in my life. (ha) Here is some pictures to remember the event that moved time.

Not to mention a few highlights: Jaime finding her $14k blue diamond ring from Tiffany's that Dan will get her when the "Biz" gets going, Pregnant Eaggy getting persuaded to poise in hoisters, and a girdle at Vic's, us sending the picture to Ian saying..."Nee-Ner, Nee-Ner, We got her!" Getting kicked out of Dolce & Gabbana by security as I'm trying on a coat made of REAL HUMAN HAIR and Jaime trying to take a picture of me, Scary maintenance man at the hotel kept fixing things in our room as Jaime keeps requesting for more thinking nothing of this creeper, not to forget - "Extreme Moose Tracks."

Caribbean Cruise - Aug. 2008

2008-09-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Goin to the Chapel and we're...Gonna Get Married! 5/12/2007

2008-09-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

Time Warp

2008-09-13T14:25:00.000-07:00