2013 Campbell Family Reunion

This past weekend, Brett and I were in Utah for the Campbell Family Reunion.  We left Wednesday night and drove to St. George to spend the night at my parents.  The next morning we woke up and finished our drive to Provo.  Brett really wanted to go to the BYU bookstore and relive his college days so that's what we did.  It was super packed with awkward teenagers from EFY, so we didn't stay long.
We then went to my sister Tara's house in Pleasant Grove and spent time with my family the rest of the day and night.

The next morning, we went to a local LDS meeting house in Orem and met up with the Campbell clan.  It was nice to see everyone and meet some new people as well.  We ate lunch and then split into one of the two activities.  Brett and I decided to float the Provo River since it was so hot. I've done this a few times before and have always remembered the water being so cold.  And yes, the river was still quite chilly.  We were on the raft with two other adults and some of the kids.  It was the most interesting ride I have ever been on.  We seriously ran into every tree/log and even went under the train trestle (which you aren't suppose to anymore).  Once we went under the train trestle, I think everyone's confidence soared and we actually had a great ride the rest of the way.

Proof that we survived!

After the Provo River, we went back to the church and had a nice dinner with everyone.  After the dinner, all the families were introduced to keep the family members in the loop of what has been happening in each of the cousins lives.

On Saturday, we met up with the Campbell's in the Provo Canyon at Big Springs Park. We had a nice lunch and then once again split into activities.  Brett went shooting at the Gun Range while I stayed behind and peeled potatoes with the other ladies. We later had a great dutch oven dinner by Uncle Gene that included other family favorite dishes. 

The grandchildren and great-grand children

The Cousins

After dinner, it began to rain in the canyon so we went back to the church and watched a 30 minute slideshow of pictures between the different families.  The slideshow was wonderfully done by a family member and had most people in tears. The reunion closed with bagpipes and a family prayer.  

  

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I was a child/teen, I always thought my first baby would be a girl.  When Brett and I married, I always had the feeling that our first baby would be a boy.  Even when I found out I was pregnant, I knew the baby was going to be a boy.  I even took the Chinese gender test online that told me I was having a boy! Haha!

Anyway, Baby Campbell is a BOY!!  Brett and I are thrilled and so excited about this little guy.  The baby has really long legs which definitely must be from the Campbell side. ;)  I'm sure Brett is dreaming of a little basketball player which I have no objections with.

The baby was being very shy about showing his little parts, but finally we were able to see that he was definitely a boy.  He kept putting his hands over his face which was cute.  I also cracked up because he was using the placenta as a pillow.  I think he is one happy baby inside who likes to relax and stretch out those legs.

Definitely a boy! :)

It may be hard to see, but his long legs are along the top

Hands over his face

This is my favorite 3D picture!

P.S. Can you believe that I am officially 4 months today?!  Wowza!

The Crib

Brett and I had seen this crib online from Costco.com and when the crib arrived in the La Habra Costco, we bought it.  This is one of those 4 in 1 cribs where it can be a crib, toddler bed, day bed, or full size.  To me this was a good buy and should last us with however many kids we have.  Plus, it's made out of solid wood!
And of course, this last weekend I had to set it up.  Too exciting!!

Officially in the 2nd Trimester

When I saw this last week, I really felt a lot of emotions.  It's weird to think that 13 weeks is the 2nd Trimester, but it's also exciting to know that I am getting that much closer to the baby being here in 6 months.  When I had to keep my mouth shut that I was pregnant, the weeks seemed to drag, but now that the news is out there, time is flying.  

They say the 2nd Trimester is the best trimester due to women feeling relief from their morning sickness, having more energy, etc.  I had been so fortunate to not have had any morning sickness during the 1st Trimester which I know I may not understand, but I am seriously grateful for.  But, I will say that my only complaint was the exhaustion!  There were definitely some rough and off days with that, but I handled it well.  I do agree that I have had more energy in the last week with this 2nd Trimester which has been great.  I love feeling that I have the energy to exercise.  I'll admit, for me this pregnancy has been rather enjoyable.

Now that I am 14 weeks, everything is still going great.  I am still not showing which I am guessing I may not for a while, but I am not complaining.  When I look in the mirror, I can tell that my abs are changing, but no one else would be able to tell.  I had my first hormonal meltdown in Nordstrom when the representative my age (or younger) refused to let me see the nursing bras.  I left the store crying with frustration (you'd have to hear the whole story to understand). I laugh about it now, but when it comes to that subject, I am sensitive about it.  My cravings are still random with not just one item, but I am really liking Subway's Veggie sandwiches .  

I had an appointment on Monday with my OB/GYN and everything looks great.  I was bummed because I didn't get to see the baby, but I did get hear the little heartbeat for the first time and it was so neat.  I hope the next 4 weeks go by fast because on August 8th, we find out the gender!  

And on a side note, I've been registering for baby items which has been so fun! :)

Peter Pan Ballet

The very last weekend of June was the big annual dance recital that my studio does every year.  This year we had 5 shows (4 last year) that included the Peter Pan Ballet.  The shows went great and were very smooth.  I was proud of my kids and all their hard work.  This year for the ballet, I choreographed four different dances.  I had the Clouds, the Stars, the Crocodiles, and the Fireflies.  I was again recruited this year to perform for my strengths and professionalism.  So I performed in all five shows as an Indian and Lead Mermaid and also did a couple other dances in the variety show.  Obviously, I was more tired than usual, but I was proud of myself for performing at 3 months!

Here are a few live shots that I snapped from the website...

And if you are looking for a baby bump, it's not there :)

 Indian Dance

Left splits

Mermaids

This is one of my cute crocodiles, Lucy!  Love her!

My dear friend and co-worker Kaitlin and I performed our duet that we did for the gala back in March choreographed by Michelle Hamilton

Monk Dance

Give Me Just A Reason (Trio) also choreographed by Michelle Hamilton

First Dr's Visit and Ultrasound

Waiting two weeks to see the OB/GYN after finding out I was pregnant was torture.  I was anxious because I wanted to see what the fetus looked like and really wanted to make sure there was something still inside me.  I was also super excited to find out my exact due date.

On May 15th, Brett and I met with the Nurse Practitioner at St. Jude's Women's Health Center and  at first were told I was 8 weeks and due on Christmas Day!  Brett almost had a heart attack because Christmas is his favorite holiday and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't want me to go in labor as he is opening his presents (he's a 12 year old at heart)! ;)  When we went to the ultrasound appointment, the date obviously changed.  They measured me at 6 weeks instead of 8 with a new date of January 8th, 2014. But, you never know when a baby will come...

The first ultrasound was such a neat experience for Brett and I.  It was hard to see what was what because the fetus was so tiny, but you could definitely tell there was a little baby forming.  My favorite part was seeing the heartbeat.  I honestly did not expect to see a heartbeat at 6 weeks, but there it was at 128 beats per minute and very healthy.  I could have stared at the screen forever, but after a good five minutes, they have to move on.  At least they let me keep have some pictures!

That afternoon and evening, Brett and I let our immediate family members know and every one of them was thrilled for us.  Of course I had to swear them to secrecy since I didn't want to be saying much in case something happened.  Now, that I am 12 weeks along, I feel I am more safe and am very happy to share the news with all!

The Day We Found Out!

I'll be honest, it's not easy getting pregnant.  Obviously, it varies from couple to couple, but it is not easy, my friends!  Back in April of 2012, Brett and I made the decision on our trip in  London that it may be time to expand our family.  Well, we didn't know it would take almost 12 months to reach our goal.  I won't tell you how many times I cried with pure frustration when my period would start or the pregnancy test would be negative.  I'll be honest, it was frustrating!

Well, on May 1st, two days before my birthday, I was sitting on the couch working from home when I decided to look up pregnancy, infertility, and everything else, when I stumbled across the pregnancy symptoms.  I knew my period was late, but with how my period was always all over the place pre and post birth control (due to dance), I wasn't the least surprised.  Then I came across the symptom of sore breasts (sorry for the TMI), which I had never realized could be a symptom.  I actually had been sore for 10 days which I thought was really weird.  So the thought of taking a pregnancy test entered my mind.  I did not want to take the test because I did not want to be disappointed yet again.  But, I told myself, "What do you have to lose, Ashleigh?! Just take the test!"

So I went and took the pregnancy test and was completely nervous about it this time.  Then, I saw the double pink line.  I can't describe to you how I felt at the moment with every emotion that went through me.  I was hoping for the best and it was finally coming true.  I began to cry with joy and I immediately thanked my Heavenly Father, because it finally had happened.  I was finally going to have a baby!

I text Brett this picture and wrote, "If this is true, then this is the best birthday present ever!"

Brett immediately called me and he was super excited!  I think at that moment, both of us were like "what have we done?"  Haha!  There was a lot of excitement, but it was also very scary at the same time.  Both Brett and I had so much gratitude in our hearts that day because we were seriously tested on our patience for a whole year on this.  It may not have been the right time when we wanted it, but it's here now and we are happy.  To me, finding this out became even more special to the both of us.