I'm feelin' 22... Weeks!

I am 22 weeks now and feeling large, and I know I'm only going to keep getting larger. My belly had a growth spurt this last week and feels ginormous. Our little girl kicks what feels like constantly even though she apparently sleeps 12-14 hours a day (I don't buy it). Bryce can now feel her kicks and they can push my entire hand out of place on my tummy, it's crazy how strong she is. 

While sitting in church this week I felt an immense gratitude that I have been raised in a church where I will be able to raise my daughter to know she is a daughter of God, who loves her more than she will ever be able to comprehend. I am grateful for the moral values I will be able to teach her and the happiness I know she will be able to find here on Earth. I would have been a mess without my church, and would definitely not be where I am now- a wonderful and fulfilling marriage expecting our first baby girl- at almost 23, without the knowledge of my Heavenly Father and savior Jesus Christ. I am infinitely blessed by this gospel and reap the blessings of it each day. 

Now back to the Bumpdate ;)

How far along:

Exactly 22 weeks :)

Size of baby:  
There are three foods she's the size of this week: an ear of corn, a papaya, and a spaghetti squash. She should be weighing in at almost a pound, and measuring anywhere from 10.5 to almost 12 inches! 

Total Weight Gain:
Scared to look. As of Christmas Eve which was almost a week ago, I had gained 4 pounds. She's getting so big/so am I now that there is no way I am less than 120. So that'd be 6 pounds, but we will see. 

Stretch Marks:  Still none yet which is fine by me! But my tummy is getting so big. And my scar from where my belly button was pierced (bad error in judgement on my part, and boy did I pay for it) has started to hurt when I lean up against my bathroom counter!

Maternity Clothes:
They are my fav. I still have two jeans and two shirts but I wear those jeans with all my old shirts. They are SO comfy. 

Gender: 
I guess I'll start talking about how we are planning now that we KNOW her gender :) we are doing a pink and gray nursery (hoping our landlord will let us paint an extremely light gray on the walls) and have stuck to the elephant theme I have been obsessing over since I made a baby board on Pinterest a few years ago ;) I'm super excited! But it's more of a light baby pink, not an intense pink. 

Movement:  She hates when I'm laying with part of my belly on the floor and will kick until I move. She just kicks and moves around ALL the time though. It's fun because I can feel when I push on my belly where she's at. 

Belly Button in or out?:
Still an innie, a never ending pit. 

Sleep: 
Sleep is still great, I just wake up starving and because we are still at my in laws for a bit longer, I don't want to wake anyone up by grabbing food and whenever I take a snack down to wake up to, it sounds awful when I'm hungry so I just toss and turn on an empty tummy. 

What I miss:

Being able to breathe in my scrubs. Time to size up haha. 

Food Cravings:
I love sharp white cheddar cheese. It's addicting. And I love fruit leather. 

Food Aversions:  Chicken that's home cooked, some red meats still, and I really hate left overs. 

Nausea:
It'll randomly hit me but nothing awful, mainly just if I'm hungry. 

Moody/Happy?
Happy, happy, happy!! :) Bryce and I have just gotten loopy and are always joking with each other and laughing a ton. Just having tons of fun :) 

Pregnancy Brain Moments: 

Mainly I just keep forgetting when I work. I switch back and forth between 7-1 and 1-6 or 7 and I have to check a thousand times just to be sure lol. 

What I’m looking forward to:

Moving into our own place in the next little bit. We have been so lucky to stay with my in laws for quite awhile and I feel so bad staying around for so long! They are the most non invasive people ever so it has really been super easy living here but I don't want to take advantage of it so we have been looking around for awhile! 

Baby Names:

Okay so I have an illogical fear that one of my friends will name their baby something and I will have had the same name and they'll think I copied them... I don't care if my baby has the same name as one of my friends babies, but I don't want to anyone to think I stole a name haha. However, we are keeping it to ourselves since when we see her she may look like something totally different. But we have 3 top names... And they are all VERY cute. That is all. 

22 weeks: all belly!! 

Heyo! Look at that belly. Sorry it's workout time for Car. 

21 Weeks With our Baby Girl!

This last week flew by, I went to tell someone I was 20 weeks today and realized I was 21! Our little angel is growing and kicking like crazy! She thinks it's funny to kick my bladder and the patients I see at work... Already a little stinker. 

How far along:

Exactly 21 weeks :)

Size of baby:  
Baby Bok Choy? Someone please explain what that is... Other aps say Pomegranite and banana (which was last week so... Things are getting iffy). She measured 10 oz and I don't think they told me how long she was, just remember she is in the lower percentiles like mama ;)  

Total Weight Gain:
Scared to look. As of my appointment Thursday I've gained 3 pounds but I'm positive I weigh 120 by now lol. 

Stretch Marks:  Still none yet which is fine by me!

Maternity Clothes:
I started wearing shirts last week and on Saturday I caved and made Bryce take me to get some maternity pants which are wonderful. I want to wear them next thanksgiving! ;) 

Gender: 
Bryce and I are expecting a sweet little girl! We are thrilled and already bought her some cute headbands :)

Movement:  She kicks my bladder, she kicks my patients, either she is prepping to be a soccer player or doing some grand battements to prepare her for ballet classes like her mom :) 

Belly Button in or out?:
Still an innie, a never ending pit. 

Sleep: 
Sleep is great for now! Sometimes I get restless legs right before bed but it helps to watch tv! 

What I miss:

Still wish I could get a gym membership! Miss working out, it's so hard to be motivated at home. 

Food Cravings:
Not really anything. Loving Popsicles! 

Food Aversions:  Chicken that's home cooked, some red meats still

Nausea:
It'll randomly hit me but nothing awful 

Moody/Happy?
Happy, happy, happy!! 

Pregnancy Brain Moments: 

Not really any this week! Just a lot of misplacing things. 

What I’m looking forward to:

Christmas of course! ;) can't wait for my family Christmas Eve party at Bryce's grandparents and for the happiness I feel when it's Christmas time! Merry Christmas everyone :) 

21 weeks: gettin big!! 

Pretty sure the angle I take it at makes me look bigger but I don't care, look at that bump!! Woo! 

20 weeks- Halfway there!

It's crazy how fast time flies even if it seems like it's going slow.. If that makes any sense. I'm at the half way mark of my pregnancy and finally get to learn the gender this Thursday at my Ultrasound! I have been loving being pregnant, feeling the perfect little kicks and wiggles of our sweet baby, and learning more about myself during this pregnancy. 

How far along:

Exactly 20 weeks

Size of baby:  
Baby is the size of a banana in most of my apps, but in one the size is apparently the same as a Belgian Endive? Sure... Anyways, baby is 6.5 inches from head to bum and now that the babe is straightening out, we can now measure from head to toe which is a whopping 10 inches! That's more what it feels like in there, because baby will kicking on one side then head butting me on the other seconds apart!

Total Weight Gain:
Last time I checked 2 days ago I was about 117, so I've gained 3 pounds!

Stretch Marks:  Still waiting for those pesky things to come around, I'm sure they will eventually. 

Maternity Clothes:
I will probably be able to look like an actual pregnant person in them this week without looking like I'm drowning so we shall see Wednesday when I don't wear my scrubs if they fit better now! 

Gender: 
Bryce and I will find out Thursday. This is why I have been up since 4:50. I have been thinking about how to make sure I don't find out before the little party we are having that night (please tell me if you'd like to come!) and what refreshments to have and whatnot! 

Movement:  This is the only thing keeping me sane right now. I get cramps a lot so I naturally get nervous, but I can still feel the sweet pea moving alllll over the place. Squirming as I type, in fact. Baby loves when I eat, and moves most when I lay on my back with my legs bent up and back propped a bit. 

Belly Button in or out?:
Still an innie, a never ending pit. 

Sleep: 
I've been sleeping fine, just waking up more often to use the bathroom like its first trimester all over again. Also I've been waking up starving so that makes it hard to fall back asleep. 

What I miss:

Having an appetite for whatever is made. I've gotten so picky to where nothing sounds good :( 

Food Cravings:
Sushi. All. The. Time. I've had it 3 times in the last 7 days.... Oops. Also in n out, which we don't have, and it's killing me slowly. 

Food Aversions:  Chicken that's home cooked, some red meats, hate pork chops.... 

Nausea:
Just getting random waves of it. Mainly in the late morning and at night. Eating sushi actually helps... Hahaha

Moody/Happy?
Happy, but I get frustrated, especially when hungry or nauseous or both. 

Pregnancy Brain Moments: 

Nothing too crazy.. 

What I’m looking forward to:

Seeing our sweet baby on Thursday!!! I can't wait to see how he or she is growing, to see if my due date changes to later (please no), and to find out the gender with all of my friends and family! 

20 weeks one day- I finally put on a maternity shirt today! 

19 weeks and counting

I can't believe I'm at 19 weeks. It's passing quickly and it almost makes me sad because I am loving being pregnant. I love the kicks I am feeling (though apparently the reason I felt them so much earlier is because my abs aren't toned... Thanks for that app...) and I love that my belly is starting to show more and more. But I know by 40 weeks I'll be ready to pop and have the little peanut in my arms already! 

How Far Along:

19 weeks exactly

Size of baby:  
A "zesty" zucchini! A whopping 6 inches and 8.5 oz! I'm so excited the baby is getting so big!!! Every week I can't wait until Tuesday gets here to see how big the baby is and what i can compare my peanut to :) 

Total Weight Gain:
I am terrible at checking this as I really don't like knowing how much I'm gaining, but I had to have gained some this past week because my belly is so close to popping out! 

Stretch Marks:  Still none, but I liked what my friend Emily said about learning to love them when they come and not being worried about it :) 

Maternity Clothes:
I haven't worn any of the clothes I've gotten yet because when I put on a shirt it looks like I'm just chubby and wearing a bigger shirt, it doesn't tailor to me well so I'm waiting until I "pop" out more. Hopefully this week! 

Gender: 
We find out a week from Thursday, and I have a feeling this week might fly by, it's been going so fast!! :) I haven't decided if we* are going to name the baby and announce it right when we find out, I've had friends doing both and I kind of love hearing the name because I feel like it's so real that my friends are having their babes! We have a boy name that we picked out before we even got married and were joking that we have to get married since we both wanted to use the name (from a famous athlete back in the day) as a baby name. So we are pretty dead set and telling people early definitely won't change our mind. We also have a girl name we are obsessed with, it's becoming way popular but as a friend said, I don't see the problem with having a common name! My name in Utah is way common and I get to joke with girls "do you spell yours the right way?" (Even though mine is obviously the least common every time) 

Movement:  All. The. Time. It's not keeping me awake yet, but I have a feeling it'll get there. The baby must have some jump-shot legs, because they are strong!! It's such a comfort! I am to the point where I know how to get our little one to move. Usually just by wearing jeans and buttoning them, I get the babe a bit riled up... 

Belly Button in or out?:
Still an innie. But I want it to poke out a little!! I love seeing pictures of celebs when they are pregnant and their little button is poking through the shirt! 

Sleep: 
Luckily dream Bryce has been on a leash and hasn't ruined my dreams lately with discussions of divorce ;) overall the intensity is dimming a big, but I am waking up often again to go to the bathroom, so that's annoying but I fall back to sleep fast most of the time :) 

What I miss: Working out is still up there. I just don't have as much energy or motivation. But I've started doing pre natal yoga on Thursdays so it's awesome and makes my back feel great!!

Food Cravings:
Nothing consistent. Hot Cheetos still help with nausea when it's around, but other than that probably sushi is the most common thing I want! 

Food Aversions:  Chicken from home, leftovers always sound gross, honestly anything besides pasta cooked at home sounds unappetizing. But I still can eat BDUBS! ;) 

Nausea:
Not happy to report this, but just when I thought it was gone, I've had some bad nights where I am on the verge of throwing up all night. So I have to pop unisom. I asked a friend at work and she said the nausea came back for her too and then went away again and came back so I guess that's how it'll be for me. I still consider myself lucky not throwing up like most people do, but feeling like you have to and holding it back is NOT fun. 

Moody/Happy?
Happy, usually, but I have the shortest temper in the world.. I have to warn poor Bryce when he's being funny, that he's not so funny to hormonal pregnant Carlie. Poor guy. 

Pregnancy Brain Moments: 

Nothing too embarrassing or funny happened this week... I guess when I left church early because I was so nauseous, i left my phone and glasses in the library and it was awhile before I realized it. Bryce doesn't call this pregnancy brain, he calls this typical Carlie carelessness. I can't say he's wrong... 

What I’m looking forward to:

Going to BDUBS tonight... Nothing to do with pregnancy hahaha.  Excited for the gender reveal party, not so much to find out the sex but more because I'll get to have fun with friends and family all together and we all get to be surprised together :) 

19 weeks 0 days!:

The bump is DEFINITELY starting to pop out! Hard to tell with the mirror picture... Will add more later!

18 Week Bumpdate!!!

Holy cow. Every week it seems more and more crazy how far along I am getting. 18 weeks and almost halfway there. It blows my mind!! I am so enjoying being pregnant and still actually getting some sleep. But my dreams keep getting crazier... It blows my mind how vivid and real they seem!! 

How Far Along:
18 weeks

Size of baby:  
All of my apps agree at last on one thing: baby is the size of a sweet potatoe! A wopping 5.5 inches. The weight, however, is apparently anywhere from 5-6.7 oz. so.... Somewhere in there. :)  

Total Weight Gain:
I literally haven't weighed myself in 2 weeks. Hold on.

Okay since the first time I weighed myself in Chelsey Dietrich's bathroom the morning I found out I was pregnant, not having eaten anything, I weigh exactly the same. My theory is still that at that time I was working out enough to where I was gaining muscle weight, and now where I'm not doing squats with 50 or 60 bounds on my shoulders, I've lost so much muscle that my weight isn't changing because muscle weighs more than fat. So I've probably gained weight, while losing muscle. It makes sense yeah? 

Stretch Marks:  None at all. I'm telling you that along with my genetics (sister and mom didn't get any), it's all about Burts Bees Mama Bee belly butter and the Mama Bees oil. Life savers!! And apparently if you itch, that's what causes stretch marks and that's the point of oil and lotion, to help stop the itching. Genius. Thanks lady at motherhood maternity. 

Maternity Clothes:
I'm not wearing any yet, but I bought two tops on Black Friday at target because they were 40% off!!  Originally one was 19.99 and 14.99 and we only spent 22 bucks. Sold. Oh and I got some maternity garment bottoms for those of you who wear G's.... They are so comfy! 

Gender: 
We still have 2 weeks left before we find out, but my sister has said it's a boy from the beginning. Even before I was pregnant she made the declaration that she thought I would have a boy first. So if it is a boy, she gets to wear the crown of being right! I'm starting to think the little peanut is a masculine boy peanut too. Which makes me think I'm probably wrong and it'll be a girl. Bryce always calls the baby a she. I think he wants it to be a boy but really thinks it's a girl so he's preparing himself ;) I will be 100% surprised and happy either way!!

Movement:  This tiny human is getting STRONG and big. Yesterday not an hour went by where I didn't feel movement, but some hours went by where it was ALL I could feel. I have only felt it from the outside twice, and Bryce hasn't yet but that's because he has the patience of a two year old and after 30 seconds will be like "oh well!" ;) He knows he will get to feel it all the time the rest of my pregnancy so I guess he isn't too concerned lol. 

Belly Button in or out?:
Still an innie. And I found out from my sister that she was never an outty so I wonder if I will take after her! I have always been able to make myself look 5 months pregnant even when I was small (something about how my abs are built I read?) so I think my belly button is used to being an innie even when my belly is way out. Only time will tell. 

Sleep: 
My dreams are crazy. The other day I had a dream where people were in prison and a guard ripped out some girls dreds and skin was attached... It was sick. But I watched the Santa Claus the night before and am thinking the dreds thought came from Bernard and his braids lol. 

What I miss: Working out daily. I get a little tiny work out in every few days and started stretching a lot to make sure I relieve any back pain but I miss going to an actual gym!!

Food Cravings:
Still flaming hot Cheetos with lime. Also today I want a western bacon cheeseburger from Carls Junior. And the other day I wanted a sourdough jack from Jack in the Box. So I guess fast food burgers haha. 

Food Aversions:  Home cooked chicken is still so gross. And I can't be in the same room as when raw red meat is being cooked. Gag. 

Nausea:
Nothing compared to first trimester. I still take a unisom on days I work or when I feel nauseous just incase, and it always helps 100%.  

Moody/Happy?
Happy, but man I can get moody in a second. 

Pregnancy Brain Moments: 

I added this one for fun, because I want to start recording them because they are so weird. Yesterday I was on the phone making mac n cheese at the same time and I went to the cupboard to get a strainer out, and the next thing I knew I had gotten out and completely plugged in a toaster. I was mystified. Literally the weirdest thing, especially because I didn't realize what I had done until a minute later when I realized I had plugged in a toaster. Hahaha

What I’m looking forward to:

We all know I cannot WAIT to find out the gender! 

18 weeks 2 days:

17 Week Bumpdate

The last few weeks have been a bit crazy. I had a really bad fall down some icy stairs and luckily had my doctors appointment the next day so I was able to hear the heart beat and everything and was calmed. I've been having awful ligament stretching and last night was the WORST! It was so painful I was close to tears. Clearly labor is going show even more that my tolerance for pain is nonexistent. But through it all I know I'm so blessed and am so happy to be carrying this little human! 

How Far Along:
17 weeks and 2 days

Size of baby:  
Apparently the size of a tangy pomegranate. Or a turnip. The little peanut is 5 inches and weighs 5-5.9oz. :) 

Total Weight Gain:
I forgot to weigh myself this morning and seeing as it's thanksgiving today's weight may not be accurate. I'll save that for next week ;)

Stretch Marks:  Still just a few on my armpits that are disappearing. My belly and waist are safe for now. 

Maternity Clothes:
Still none! I've looked but can't bring to buy myself some because I just look chubby instead of pregnant right now lol. 

Gender: 
We get to find out December 18th! We are having a Christmas-themed gender reveal party. If you want to come please tell me so I can invite you!! Everyone is welcome :) 

Movement:  This child is an acrobat of some sort. And super speedy. I will feel movement on my left then a minute later I will feel a strong kick on my right! Guess the little peanut is trying to stay active since heaven knows I haven't been doing a good job of it! 

Belly Button in or out?:
Still an innie. No sight of the bottom yet. It's like a never ending canyon. 

Sleep: 
I've been sleeping fine. I wake up on my back every time I wake up though which is weird because I have NEVER been a back sleeper, always a side or stomach sleeper. So I flip back over onto my side!

What I miss: Infrequent head aches... I'm getting them a ton these days. 

Food Cravings:
Flaming Hot Cheetos with lime. They help my nausea a ton!

Food Aversions:  Home cooked chicken is still bad, not much else though. 

Nausea:
Nights are still the worst but days I'm totally fine as long as I have food in me. 

Moody/Happy?
Still a bit snappy! 

What I’m looking forward to:

Finding out the Gender and not having to keep saying "it"!!! 

Baby Bump: 17 weeks 3 days:

15 week Bumpdate

I have been blog stalking and decided to throw some different questions in this week! :) baby and I are doing great, Bryce is extremely excited to be able to feel movement in a few weeks, and we are so happy to be so blessed to have our first little one on the way!! :)

How Far Along:
15 weeks and 3 days! 

Size of baby: 
Hass Avocado... Whatever that is. Baby is 4.5 inches :) on my other app it says baby is the size of a Naval Orange. So many different types of fruits out there. 

Total Weight Gain:
Weighing myself in the morning before eating (which is what I did the second I found out I was pregunta), I haven't gained any weight yet. I'm sure I'll be packing on the pounds, I'm just losing muscle and gaining weight so I don't notice!

Stretch Marks:  None, just marks on my armpits still. 

Maternity Clothes:
None yet.  I almost bought a cute Packers maternity shirt (duh) but was nervous it fit too well on the top and wouldn't grow well lol. 

Gender: 
Not a clue! People as far along as me are finding out but we won't know for awhile! Week before Christmas sounds like the time. 

Movement:  Yes! Today it was the strongest I have felt (started feeling about a week ago, and I'm not crazy, it isn't gas.) but it totally felt like a little fish was in there! I was bent over and I yelped a little because it was so strong and caught me off guard! 

Belly Button in or out?:
Still an innie. My belly button is a bottomless pit so I am unsure when it'll poke out!

Sleep: 
Besides my terrible dreams about Bryce "breaking up with me", I've been sleeping well. The other night I literally woke up in tears because in my dream Bryce packed up all my stuff and told me he sorted out another place for me to live. It seemed so real that I was so shaken up. Hate those dreams. He had to snuggle me for awhile before I could sleep again hahaha

What I miss:  Not wondering if every pain I get is signifying something being wrong. 

Food Cravings:
I literally crave subway every day. Every. Single. Day. It's so bad. I also crave an in n out burger with the spread from a cold packet. Nom. 

Food Aversions:  Home cooked chicken is still bad, and red meats aren't wonderful but not unbearable. 

Nausea:
I stopped taking unisom twice a day and now take it once at night every few days. The nights are the worst. But still I feel sooo much better. 

Moody/Happy?
I get a little bit snappy, and have a short temper, but I'm also usually pretty happy. Especially being around Bryce :) 

What I’m looking forward to:
My appointment next week! I just want to hear the little peanut's heartbeat and have Bryce be able to hear it! :) 

Baby Bump: 15 weeks 3 days

13 Weeks! Bumpdate :)

And I'm out of the first trimester! I can feel my morning sickness going away, and I am feeling overall SO much happier! I think I'm at the point where I'm like "alright alright, I GUESS I'll have another one." Yes, there was a dark moment when I considered making the decision to make my child an only child haha, but it was short lived! Pictures aren't available yet for this weeks bump tracking, I will add them later! :)

Bumpdate 13 Weeks:

Baby is the size of? A peach! Or according to another app, a jalepeño pepper. Peach sounds cuter though ;) 

Maternity clothes? No, but I'll be needing bigger scrubs soon. Can barely fit it over my chest. Awkward. 

Stretch marks? Still no, I'm lucky, but I'm sure in the coming weeks as I grow they will appear. 

Sleep? Last night was the worst night I've sleep I've ever had. I woke up every 15 minutes like clockwork. I do think it's due to me taking a little more of my B6 vitamin than im used to though- lesson learned! 

Best moment this week? Heard our sweet baby's heartbeat! Bryce is bitter. I went in because I was having severe stomach pains because of a blockage in my ascending colon, and while I was in he checked to make sure baby is doing well. It was scary at first because it took awhile to find the heart beat but he just said the baby is still way low, totally normal to take a little to find the heartbeat because the location of a baby so tiny is variable. It was so reassuring though :) 

Miss anything? Energy. I feel like I'm always drained. It's best if I go for a walk early in the day, I have much more energy that way :) 

Movement? Not yet! Now that I'm in the third trimester I'm hoping that in a month or so I start feeling the little pumpkin! 

Food cravings? Still banana peppers. And when we were at lunch today, I actually ate some of my dill pickle. I HATE pickles, but apparently pregnant Carlie doesn't care. Nothing weird yet though, no ice cream and anchovies ;) 

Nausea? Yes, but it is definitely getting better. If I don't sleep enough though I totally have a sour stomach!

Started showing yet? It's starting to come in! My scrubs were so form fitting today and you could totally see a little bump. My assistant (and my saving grace) was checking it out and I wasn't even the one who told her... Apparently asking someone to turn off the nitrous in a room you're going in to and the reason for it spreads extremely quickly haha. 

Labor signs? No, thank goodness! Some aching here and there and I'm definitely feeling those ligament pains. If I sneeze, my ligaments want me to know that they are aware I made a sudden movement and that it was NOT permitted. 

Belly button in or out? Innie still :)  

Happy or moody? Pretty dang happy, just waves of moodiness. I'll randomly get angry at such a small thing (my phone volume going on full blast with my headphones on) and turn into the hulk for 1 minute. Like I wanted to throw my phone on the pavement. Anger. Management. 

Looking forward to? Feeling my little munchkin moving around! I cannot wait :) 

12 week Bumpdate

Well it's here, I am 12 weeks! One app says that since it's the start of week 13, I'm in the second trimester. Another says it'll be next week. So whatever that means.. I'm glad that i basically just have a little left of this nausea. I'm pretty sure that since I haven't been throwing up, it'll go away here soon. I've been able to work out for the first time in weeks, and I have been much happier! Bryce is killing it in school right now while I work every Tuesday. Today I work 1-6, with about two patients every hour. Should be busy and fly by! 

And now I present, 12 week Bumpdate! :

Maternity clothes? Still no! I'm living in sweats though when I'm not working, and am in scrubs when I am working... But I still fit in my jeans! 

Stretch marks? Still none on my belly or legs or hips, I'm sure they'll be comin around here soon. 

Sleep? I don't sleep through the night since I have to wake up to pee once or twice, but I fall back asleep instantly! I'm trying to live it up while it lasts. 

Best moment this week? I noticed my belly is starting to pop out a tiny bit! I mean it still king of looks like my pre-pregnant belly but it looks a little more curved ha! 

Miss anything? Not getting nauseous when I have to take pills of any type. Literally it's so hard to without gagging. But I worked out this week! Score! 

Movement? No. Last night I was half sleeping half awake and my belly was getting probably just gas bubbles but in my dream it was kicking and I was like "it's impossible, I'm only 12 weeks!" Haha it was interesting. 

Food cravings? Not as severe. I mean I always want subway but that was life before pregnancy too haha. Oh yes! Wait! BUFFALO FRIES! I heat up fries and pour Franks and ranch on them. Bryce and I love them. And it's all I want some days haha. 

Nausea? Yes, but I can tell it's not as severe!! I don't need to eat every hour in order to keep it at bay. So I'm so happy! I guess as I make my way into the second trimester it's going to get better afterall! Night time is the worst, but like I said overall it's getting better :) 

Started showing yet? According to Kate Nelson, yes. And the day after she told me, I realized she was right. I have a tiny bump that looks a little more than a pooch. I'm at the stage now where people probably think I could be pregnant but don't want to ask just incase its fat hahaha. 

Labor signs? Nope! Ligament stretching though. Some mild cramps randomly. But the other day my stomach had almost this burning feeling where it just felt really tight. I've been told you can feel braxton hicks this early but usually only if you've been pregnant before. Who knows what I felt! Probably gas. Hahaha

Belly button in or out? Innie as usual. 

Happy or moody? Happy! Yesterday I felt good enough to go on a long walk and then do a few sets of exercises :) it totally helps with morning sickness I swear. I don't ever feel as good as I do when I'm walking around :) 

Looking forward to? Being out of the first trimester and not having to worry about taking unisom every day! 

I refuse to post belly pictures on social media, but have decided I will just this once on my blog. You can still see the remains of my upper abs, but now there is a bit more curve to my pooch ;) yes, this was taken on snap chat and sent to my close girlfriends. It's fine. 

11 week Bumpdate

It's that time! Bumpdate time, baby. Forgive my picture-taking skills. I know it doesn't show my belly very well, but honestly it's not doing anything. I'll probably start showing in the next few weeks, but this week all is quiet on the western front. 

Maternity clothes? Not yet, but being nauseous makes it hard to keep my tummy held in tight, so I'm sure I'll be needing the soon. 

Stretch marks? Im actually unsure of this one. I kind of have marks by my armpit, but they are like... Peeling? So possibly. But nowhere on the rest of my body!

Sleep? Is weird. I have the most weird dreams. Last night it was Greys Anatomy. I was doing surgeries all night. I'm usually never one to dream about something I watched, but now apparently I am. Better keep The Walking Dead to a minimum. 

Best moment this week? Being able to go to the Brad and Collin show with my husband and in-laws. It was such a nice escape and I was laughing so hard! 

Miss anything? Still miss being able to work out. It's so hard to feel motivated when I'm feeling so exhausted and my stomach feels uneasy. Oh and I miss steak. It repulses me right now. Like the thought of it grosses me out. It's devastating. I am such a meat person, but I can't do it.   

Movement? Nope. I mean, I felt something weird today, but I'm sure it's just bubbles movin around. I'm only 11 weeks. That's way too soon!  

Food cravings? This is all over the place. Yesterday I was loving eating some banana peppers. I don't like pickles (unless they are fried) but banana peppers have a much better texture and still the vinegar taste :) also curly fries. And chick fil a chicken nuggets. I don't really like chicken right now but that stuff is good. 

Nausea? Unfortunately. Mainly I feel uneasy. I'm still taking unisom, but now I take half 3 times a day. It helps a lot more. When I work I swear my body just forgets I'm pregnant and I feel great. 

Started showing yet? According to my brother-in-law, I look the same except for my boobs. He quoted HIMYM. The upstairs knows I'm pregnant but hasn't told the downstairs neighbors. I personally think my pre-Prego pooch is a little poochier. But whatever. 

Labor signs? No, thank goodness. Just stupid jabs of pain randomly. Good ol ligament stretching. 

Belly button in or out? Still an innie! 

Happy or moody? Happy, but still get random mood swings. Yesterday Bryce was telling me he was worried about me eating bagel bites for lunch almost everyday, like the girl who ate ramen for every meal. I got a little angry and told him I was trying to eat what I could without wanting to throw up. Then I went and got jamba to get him off my back hahaha. 

Looking forward to? Gender reveal! I mean, it won't be until December since we don't want to do the genetic testing. Maybe if it was the kind that didn't stick a needle in me and increase the risk of miscarriage. But either way, it wouldn't change anything. :) 

May 2015!

That's right- baby Bond gets here May 5, 2015 (respectively). Guys it's been the hardest secret! Everyone has been making their announcements and I'm like "hey, me too!" I tried to make sure that I told my closest friends before this post went up, but I KNOW I missed some people. I told a few of my pregnant friends and some family early on, but wanted to have my ultrasound before we announced it. The babes is measuring at 9 weeks and 3 days but they are sticking with 10 weeks and 2 days which makes the due date May 5th, 2015!

Let the record show, this was no surprise. This was indeed planned. We will have been married for a little over 3 years when baby B gets here, and the plan was to get me graduated and then it was all systems go. We are SO excited! 

We hope no one was offended by our announcement... It was just our personalities haha! And yes, those feet on the left are ours, thanks Aria (our amazing engagement photographer) for capturing a picture we could use in the coming years ;)

We hope our friends and family are as excited as we are! We got to see its cute little fingers and it's cute bum! We won't find out the gender for about 10 more weeks, but it'll be right before Christmas so it's perfect! Thanks for all the support! 

Bryce & Carlie 

Our sweet little angel! We can't wait to meet you :) 

Our sneaky announcement: 

There is Beauty All Around!

Today is a wonderful day. It's amazing how so much happiness can just hit you smack in the face at the most random times. This world is GOOD! 

I think that a lot of us forget that- including me. Recently I have found myself hearing terrible things on the news and not even flinching- of COURSE that happened, this world is going crazy. But I think it is in our human nature to focus on the bad more than counting all of the good out there. 

But today is great. Today I see my sister through a phone- a PHONE people, she is on the other side of the country and here I am staring at her in real time- and I see her love for her two little girls. She I see how she loves teaching them, how she acknowledges their growth, she adores them. 

Today I look outside and I see leaves changing colors. Isn't it amazing how God thought of the little things while this world was being created? He knew how much we would admire the changing colors of the trees- that the beauty would astonish us- so it was created. For US. Everything. It is crazy to think of everything that went into this huge extraordinary world. And He did it all for us. We can choose to make that make us seem small, undeserving, or we can choose to let that make us HUGE! He CARES about us! How cool is that! We are worth the beauty in the trees, the skies, those tender moments where our kids choose to hold our hands and smile up at us. We are worth EVERYTHING to Him. 

Today I watched a YouTube video of random people surprising a maid with 500 dollars. The woman broke down crying with no one else in the room. People can say that video is "showy" but to me, it's something that brings tears to my eyes, because people want to be GOOD! 

Everyone has that desire in their hearts. Sometimes we trap it down there, thinking that to be good means to be weak. Or to be good means that we can't get where we want in life without being stomped all over. I think it means the opposite. I think that if we choose goodness, we are choosing greatness. We are choosing to put others first. If you're not religious, it still is a great feeling to put someone else in front of you. Isn't that what gets us excited about holidays?! We can't wait for people to see what we got them- how well we know them! And if you are religious, well, Christ always put others first. He put you and me first when he made the decision to atone for our sins. He put you and me first as He was led to the cross of Calvary, where He died for every single person on this Earth. He never did one selfish act. 

So choose goodness! Choose to look at this earth and see the good in people, to see the beauty of this world. Choose to be happy! 

9 week bumpdate!

This past week has probably been both the worst and best week of pregnancy. Worst round of morning sickness. Best because I found something that takes me from an 8 to a 2 or 3 on the sickness scale. I'll do my Bumpdate before I get into that because I'm sure it'll overlap! 

Maternity clothes? Still a no, but I want some. Not because I need them, more because anything that clings to me makes me sooo clostrophobic. If I wear a shirt with a normal neckline of a tshirt I literally gag. Literally. It's TERRIBLE. So I've been repeating outfits. That is... When I get ready. 

Stretch marks? So far, so good. Don't want to jinx it, I'm only 9 weeks and haven't done much stretching. 

Sleep? It's off and on. The unisom helps with that, but sometimes I get weird pains and then I'm up for hours thinking something is wrong and wondering if I need to call the doctor. The worst anxiety I swear. 

Best moment this week? The day after I bought unisom. I finally felt some relief from feeling like I was going to throw up the entire day and night!! 

Miss anything? Being able to work out. I just feel too fatigued and get nervous it'll make my nausea worse. I'm planning on starting next Monday, hopefully it'll be a bit better by then. I also still miss being in the mood to eat whatever. 

Movement? Negative, still way too early. 

Food cravings? Bagel bites and hot tomales. And frostys. I bought the first two but haven't gone for the latter. I usually don't like sweets especially chocolate especially whilst Prego, but this sounds delightful. 

Nausea? Its still around, but I started taking unisom and b12 and it helps SO much. The first two days were bliss. The third, I felt sick still, then I started taking half at morning then half at night instead of just a whole one at night and that helps! 

Started showing yet? No, just the normal belly fat I've had! 

Labor signs? No, but my upper right abdomen hurt last night and I was terrified that something was wrong. Apparently I'm fine so far! 

Belly button in or out? Still an innie. 

Happy or moody? I've been way happier since taking unisom, but still get mood swings :-/ 

Looking forward to? Ultrasound next Thursday, and nearing the end ish of my first trimester. Also, making the announcement next week after the ultrasound! 

So I think the Bumpdate actually coveted everything. Great week because of unisom, bad week because of anxiety at night that something could be wrong. My morning sickness was so bad last Thursday I called the doctor (I know I'm not throwing up but I've also lost weight because I haven't eaten anything) in tears asking what to do. Thank goodness they said unisom! 

Miracles are HARD Work

Being pregnant is hard. Way harder than I expected, I think. The worst part for me? You guessed it. Morning sickness. Oh wait, you mean morning sickness is mislabeled? Well luckily, I had been warned. What I hadn't been warned about was the feeling, because it is quite hard to explain. Let me try to elaborate.

I wake up in the morning about 3 hours before I want to due to hunger pangs. Hunger pangs. And if I don't eat quick enough, I will feel like throwing up for the next few hours. So I go to the kitchen and eat. Well, eating also makes me feel nauseous. So I have to decide, hunger pangs nausea, or eating nausea. I know I need to eat so I try. Usually it's half a bagel. It takes me about 20 minutes to eat it. I then have to put my dishes in the dishwasher, and as I am doing that I have to tell myself that I can NOT be the person who throws up in the dishwasher. About 30 minutes to an hour later, since I didn't eat more than half a bagel, the hunger pangs are back. Followed by nausea. Followed by nausea of eating. This goes on ALL DAY. That's right, all day. It's literally a constant battle trying to not feel nauseous. I know it's not like that for everyone, but it's like that for me. At 8 weeks, I know I'm lucky because I'm not vomiting (literally just had to try to figure out which variation of the word wouldn't make me want to do that very thing while editing after) and I'm not having to go to the hospital for IVs like a few of my friends. However, it is really hard being on the verge of getting,ehem, sick all day long. Don't get me wrong, there are moments of relief, but they come very infrequently. The best way to explain it I think is imagine the in-between moments as the day after you have the stomach flu. You feel weak, your stomach feels off, and the thought of eating makes you nauseous all over again. 

But guys, it's manageable. I mean, chances are before the week is up, I'll call and ask for medication because it's interfering with my daily schedule (it's rough looking for a job when all you can do is lay on the couch and hope the nausea stays at bay long enough for you to drink the glass of water that your increased blood volume is making you yearn for), but still, it's manageable. 

I have to give my kudos to those who feel this way and chase a toddler around. I was telling Bryce the other day as I sat on the floor of our shower (hint, it's not a bathtub shower, I just couldn't stand up without feeling like I was dying) that I wasn't so sure I wanted to do the whole "4-5 kids" thing anymore ;) Obviously it's worth it, but man, it's rough. 

Coupled with the exhaustion you feel growing a human life, yes, I would say being pregnant is REALLY hard. 

We finally told my in-laws the other day, mainly because I couldn't handle trying to act normal when I was feeling sick constantly. Bryce wanted to wait for the ultrasound but that was almost 3 weeks away! I couldn't make it. 

I know that I am SO blessed to have a miracle inside my belly. I don't want people to think I don't appreciate the ability I have to carry a child, because I know I am SO so blessed. I know the sickness and tiredness and pain (you get cramps when you're pregnant, did you know? Me either, so it terrifies me and I have to ask every pregnant/past pregnant person if it's normal no matter how many times they tell me it is) will all be SO worth it. All of my friends are having their tiny humans and I keep telling myself "that's going to be me in 32 weeks. Every time I look over at my extremely good-looking husband, and get to wonder if our kids will have his perfect lips, his piercing blue eyes, his long eyelashes, I know how special it is. I am one lucky woman, and though it's hard, we know that nothing that takes hard work ever leaves us disappointed in the end ;) 

9-23-14

7 Week Bumpdate

Okay, so hardly anyone knows I'm pregnant right now. This will remain a draft until it's out in the open, but I wanted to blog about my experiences of being pregnant. I'll start with how i feel:

Tired. 

I am so tired. I don't have my dental hygiene license yet but I feel like a lazy bum because of how much I don't want to do anything. I think part of it is being nauseous is wearing me out. I went and took my resume to a dentist yesterday and I was planning on doing more today but it took everything I had to shower, blow dry my hair, and straighten it. It was 1230 by the time I was done. I started at 9. I mean I took a time-out for One Tree Hill for an episode but man it took so long. It doesn't help that my mane seems to be shedding less. More hair. I was hoping it would start falling out... (Cue angry women with thin hair wanting to punch me in the face). Anyways, I feel worthless. I need to get energized! Moving on:

How far along? 7 weeks 

Maternity clothes? Not yet. But when I got back from Hawaii my jeans were a little snug- I think from gaining muscle in my legs though. I had been working them out tons before we left and walking everywhere definitely strengthened them.  

Stretch marks? None yet. My sister told me to get Burt's Bees Mama Bees oil, so I've been using it once a day. I noticed when I got back from Hawaii that I actually already had some on my hips. I think my tan made them stand out. Oh well! 

Sleep? I'm getting plenty of sleep at night, but I think I need to start napping until I find a job. 

Best moment this week? My dad and step-moms reaction when I told them. My dad literally said "I can't believe you've had sex" and it was the funniest thing ever. They were thrilled! 

Miss anything? Being in the mood to eat whatever whenever. Not feeling nauseous the second my stomach feels a little empty. 

Movement? Nope, got awhile before that. But I have been getting aches. Apparently it's my belly making room for da beebs. 

Food cravings? Subway. Which I've been told is fine to eat. I'm sure tons of people will freak out, but can you tell me the last time you got sick eating subway without being Prego? Me either. Also Progressos Minestrone soup. Heaven. It was all I wanted today and I'm actually able to eat more than 3 bites, which is more than I can say for the mac n cheese I've been working on for 3 days. The broth of the minestrone is my faaaavorite. 

Nausea? It's the worst. I mean it's not like I feel like I'm on the verge of vommitting  24/7, but when I wake up in the am, I feel fine but shove food in my tummy because I know it won't last. Which then brings on nausea for a little while. Everytime I eat (besides minestrone) it makes my stomach hurt initially then I'll be fine after. It's terrible. I'm glad I haven't thrown up yet, though. I know I've had friends be hospitalized so I shouldn't complain. Nights are bad. As long as I put food in my belly I'm fine. 

Started showing yet? No, I don't think so. I hope not. Though I already have a pooch from before I was Prego haha. 

Labor signs? Sure hope not! 

Belly button in or out? In as usual. We will see if it stays that way. 

Happy or moody? All over the place! Bryce I think mainly thinks I'm moody. It's more that I'm exhausted. When I'm mad I usually do deep breaths to drop the hint. Now I'm just so tired and out of breath that I do that and he's like WHATS WRONG! Hahaha. But I'll be in happy phases too! 

Looking forward to? Ultrasound. It's not for 3 weeks because that's the soonest they could get me in (are you kidding?!) but still it's set. Also looking forward to the 1st trimester being over so I don't have to be nauseous. Half way there... Ugh :(

Rexburg: My Favorite Bubble

My favorite conversation goes as follows:
"I lived in Rexburg."
"Oh, I'm sorry, that's too bad."
"Why do you say that?"

The following complaints are followed by most people, usually starting with "I've heard" because most of the time, they have never been there, or only visited very briefly.

"It's a bubble"
"It's cold"
"It's so small"
"There's nothing to do there"
"It's too windy"
"Too many rules"

And the list goes on and on with what people think are negative comments about the place I love the most.

I have moved around my whole life. I lived in California for a little over 10 years (near both the beach and Mt. High where I could snowboard/ski/throw a snowball). I Then lived in Arizona for 7. I then lived in Georgia for one. Then I hightailed it back to California from where I then headed to, you guessed it, Rexburg, Idaho. I'll be honest, when I was 15 and saw Rexburg for the first time in late July with Elder Brad Foster, I thought to myself "there is NOTHING here, why would I want to go here?" Three years later, it was all I could think about. It was actually the only place I applied. Not because I couldn't get in anywhere, I had pretty great grades. But it was like Rexburg was (here comes cliché...) calling me.

So off I went to good ol' college, my overly-excited mother (love you mom) in tow. My first semester was the best. I made friends, had bon fires, had great classes, had my first experience of more than an inch of snow WHILE I WAS PRESENT, and much more. I won't tell you my whole college history, I'll just get straight to the point.

Rexburg is a bubble. That's one of my favorite parts about it. I cannot remember if it was Brother Wahlquist or Wes Belnap who was telling our religion class how lucky we were to live in Rexburg... But man was he right. For many of us, Rexburg is the only, and I mean only time where we will be lucky enough to live in "the bubble". This is a place where almost everyone share your same beliefs, morals, thought process. This is a place that literally helps solidify your beliefs and helps you grow. People will argue Provo is the same thing. I beg to differ. I have lived in Provo for 2 years and have yet to spend a day where I don't hear someone cussing off my ear or smelling cigarette smoke or sometimes having to come up with an excuse as to why I don't want to go to a party where this is drinking. People will call this being sheltered. I call it being blessed. If you want to find trouble in Rexburg, you will find it, no doubt. However it is much easier in Rexburg to stick to your morals and values surrounded by SO many people. It is a blessing. I didn't have the most straight-and-narrow high school experience as many people know, so to me this was one of the biggest parts as to why I loved Rexburg and will continue to love it. I would feel safe letting my kids walk 2 miles to school in Rexburg.

Rexburg is freezing. TRUTH. I had almost forgotten how cold it was. But leave it to the people of Rexburg to come up with activities to make the most of it. Hot chocolate parties, Oreo nights (Thanks Brighton), bon fires, movie nights, etc. Or building a snow couch with snow people watching a snow TV in front of the Hinckley. It's happened. The thing is, you forget about the cold when you fill up your time to make the most of it!! The nice thing about Rexburg is people are always up for anything. You will ALWAYS find something to do there, if you look for something to do.

Rexburg is SMALL. For sure. Very small. It's growing so much. And yet, still it is small! This once again is another reason I LOVE REXBURG. In Provo, I feel like I'm just another number. In my ward, at my school, as a friend, I am just another number. One of my friends told me once that she didn't like BYU because no one CARED. They didn't care if you didn't show up to the ward. They didn't care if you didn't show up to class. The teachers didn't know your name after staring into a crowd of students in your religion class (THEY GIVE YOU TESTS AND THEY ARE HARD?WHAT?) all semester. In Rexburg, you are an individual. People know you. Teachers now you. Your ward knows you, if you make an effort. And here's the kicker... THEY ACTUALLY CARE. I have lived in so many cities and I can say Rexburg is the most personable city ever. People won't look at you funny if you smile at them and say hi. In fact, if you DON'T smile and say hi, they will give you a funny look because clearly, there is something wrong with you. If you haven't heard about the flood that just happened this past week, look it up. Only in Rexburg would you find such a tight-knit college town ready to spend all day bailing out [poopy] water, and putting up offers on facebook to help those in need of a place to stay. I'm not talking one or two people. I am talking about almost every facebook friend I have that is in Rexburg, ready to serve anyone, even if they don't know them! It's amazing.

There's. Nothing. To. Do. Here. Those words, of this entire rant, are the most BRAZEN thing I have ever heard!! Maybe if you don't try, yeah there is nothing to do here. I've already talked about the Oreo nights, the bon fires (which may or may not require you to dress up as a cowboy or an indian), but what about Kelly Canyon, or being an hour away from Targhee if Steven Dean, Mack Wible (blaring only the best of songs), or Carson McNair is driving. What about the numerous movie nights, Thug Lyfe dances, Sammy's concerts, farmer's market (and Andy Sewell's Mexican corn on the cob... still the best I've ever had, dang it!), girls nights where you wear face masks, where sometimes your completely heterosexual guy friends join in, or your roommates boyfriend giving her highlights (you go, Alden Murray!). OR if you live with someone like Rachel Taylor Murray, the personal dance shows in your own bathroom! What about carving pumpkins, building gingerbread houses, countless flash mobs in the MC, ice blocking, hiking R mountain.... Literally, there is always something to do in Rexburg.

"It's too windy..." Go and get a wind breaker and a kite and stop whining.... (even though I DO still whine, but it could be worse... somehow.)

There are too many rules. Too many rules? Too. Many. RULES? Hi, my name is Carlie Bond and I hereby swear to you that the honor code between BYU and BYU-Idaho is strikingly similar. Sure we can't wear flip flops (sandals with straps are fine) and shorts (weren't you just complaining about the cold?) BYU-I states that it's because they want us to look professional. Here's the scoop: you probably won't get a job showing up in flip flops and shorts... Hey, go home and knock yourself out and wear flip flops in the snow and wearing NO pants if you feel so inclined. But is it really the worst thing in the world to be prepared to dress somewhat professionally? I can think of worse things.... And if you're about to bring up curfew, don't even think about it. Provo and BYU-I both have curfew. In Rexburg, they actually follow it a bit better. You signed the honor code, deal with it. Seriously, I get that star gazing with that cute guy at 3 am may be the beginning of a beautiful relationship that may end up in engagement in 3 weeks (or not), but what's so bad? You end up spending your nights making LASTING friendships with your roomies staying up until 3 instead. They are doing it to protect you... Think that we should have our free agency? We have it. There are just consequences is all.

All in all, there are probably things I complain about when referring to Rexburg (No X-box live at married university housing, WHAT?!), but overall, Rexburgians have it good- real good. We have teachers who care and will bend over backwards (usually... ratemyprofessor is a real website guys, use it...) to make sure you understand, religion teachers who will blow your MIND (literally Brother Wahlquist, every class my mouth is left agape). There are friendships made there that will last literally for eternity. Rexburg has so much to offer. I know this is the longest post you've probably ever read (if you've made it this far), but telling someone their home (yes, I consider that the place I've lived the longest since I was 17 home) is awful, and you feel sorry for them, especially when you have yet to be there for longer than a week or a month even, it's a low blow. People tell me it all the time. And I think to myself, "What if I told you your home was terrible, that I would never ever EVER want to live there because of what I've heard about it." You would get pretty offended, right?

For my second summary, Rexburg is the best town I've lived in. I have lived in 5 different states and even more cities, big and small, and I would choose Rexburg (or Idaho Falls) over any of the others any day. Gilbert comes close... but Rexburg has been, and always will be, my number 1.

The Windows of Heaven Were Opened...

While I should be studying for boards, I decided that this blog post took precedence (that is saying a LOT), and thought that I should write it before I forget about it, like I so often do.

In the church that I belong to, we have the opportunity to pay what is called "tithing". It is where we take 10% of our earnings and give it to the church. So let's say that I made 100 dollars this month (sadly, I no longer work at Texas Roadhouse, so that is no longer possible). I would take 10 dollars from that and give it to my church. It is a similar practice that can be found in the bible. In Genesis 28 verse 22, Jacob vowed unto God, "...and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth to thee." Here Jacob is recognizing that he receives everything from God, not on his own, and that he will "repay" God by giving him a tenth of what he would not have without Him.

Like I said, in the church that I belong to, we still hold true to this vow that Jacob made thousands of years ago. We believe that everything, yes, EVERYTHING, we have is because of our Heavenly Father. That bed you sleep on? He made it possible. That nice car you own? Where did you get that money? From the job you work so hard at, you say? How did you get that job? From working hard in college, you say? How did you get those straight A's? From having a great memory, you say? Who gave you that memory?.... You can see what I am getting at. Think about it. To me, it makes perfect sense, but to others it is hard to grasp that someone could care so much about you as to give you everything you've ever had... But someone does.

Amazing, isn't it? We can never repay our Heavenly Father for all that He does on our behalf. There's no way. This is the Father who sent His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON to DIE for us. It is incredible. But we can, however, show Him our gratitude. By paying a full and honest tithe, or 10% of our earnings, to our Heavenly Father to go towards His purposes (sending help to places with natural disasters, sending students to amazing colleges for the fraction of what a normal college costs, sending young men and women on missions to spread His gospel that there is a Redeemer and we can be CLEAN again). Not only is this such a small thing that we can do to show our Father in Heaven that we love and appreciate Him, but He gives us something in return for it.

Hold the phone. You mean that by giving to our Father in Heaven a small fraction of what wouldn't be ours without Him, we get something ELSE from Him in RETURN? You heard (or rather read) me write. In Malachi 3:10, it states:
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

HOLD ON. Did that just say what I think it said? Oh, but it did... or rather, it does. That promise still holds true today. If we pay our tithing unto the Lord, not only will He know we are His true and faithful servants who understand that all we have is because of Him, He's decided to reward us with BLESSINGS. And from the sound of it... it's not just a little pat on the back. "There shall not be enough room to receive it". Guys, this is huge... literally HUGE. I don't know about you, but I could fit a whole lot more into my small apartment. And here this verse is saying, "Oh no Carlie, you won't even be able to FIT it in your apartment!"

Okay so maybe they mean it more figuratively, but still, it's insane to think about.
So why this blog filled with run-on sentences and improper grammar? Because, friends, I have been on the receiving end of this promise not once, not twice, but many times, and if you pay your tithing I can ASSURE you, that even if you have not noticed, you have too. He's just that good.

 As far as  being in good health, I drew the short end of the stick. You know what that means? My husband drew the short end of the stick, too. Just kidding. But in all seriousness, we have had more hospital bills to deal with than most couples at our age. In the past two years, I have been to the ER on each 4th of July, and admitted once in November for 3 days. You know that pit in yours stomach you get when you see an envelope with your most recent phone bill where you KNOW you went over on minutes? That is the feeling we get every time we walk to the mail box. Because more often than not, there is some type of bill waiting for us, or an insurance notification letting us know that, once again, something was not covered for unknown reasons. The number of times I have apologized to my sweet, sweet, husband for being a medical mystery can truly not be counted. Of course, each time, he tells me to stop apologizing like a good husband does to make his medical mystery of a wife feel better. But let's be honest, we would all be lying to ourselves if we said we did not mind the piles of hospital bills that are in line to pay off, hiding in that junk drawer (what?) in our kitchen. Who wants that? No one, I swear. I could prove it, if you'd like.

But today, when I looked at a dreaded hospital bill that was not covered by insurance because the hospital provided me with a doctor who my insurance didn't cover whilst in the emergency room, I decided I needed to make a payment. So I called up the hospital to let them know they did not need to send the bill to collections, I just needed to set up a payment plan. The first question they asked is "what is your current job?" The dental hygienist that was recently refined in my Professionalism class made me want to scream back "are you even allowed to ASK me that question!?" But alas, I bit my tongue. "I am a student" I replied with the kind of sadness in my voice that makes people pity your existence. I recently was unable to return to Texas Roadhouse after taking a break to study for boards, so this had been kind of a pride issue lately, as I have not been able to bring in any money to my small family of 2.

The reply, however, was not one of pity, it was one of excitement. "That's perfect, since you are a student I can give you a discount!" At that very moment, my mind flooded with my husband's voice telling me a few weeks ago, "We will be fine, honey. We pay our tithing. Heavenly Father will watch over us and help us make it work." I cannot stress the emotions that overtook me at that time. It was like Heavenly Father tapped on my shoulder saying "I'm still here, Carlie. I have not forgotten you. I know you have been worried, but I am still here waiting to bless you whenever I can." I was completely overcome with happiness, relief, and gratitude. It's not that our bill vanished. Not even cut in half. But my burden was made light because Heavenly Father blessed me. Some will say "that is just luck, anyone could get that discount", but when you are receptive to the spirit, I swear you just KNOW that things happen for a reason.

I know that not everyone has those "AHA!" stories about paying tithing, or at least they think they don't. We are lucky enough to recognize these blessings quite frequently in our life, my husband and I. Like when we find an unexpected twenty dollar bill in jeans that we haven't worn in a long time, or when we are struggling and get a phone call from Bryce's father saying he just deposited a little money in our account when we did not even ask. Blessings that are poured out from Heaven, because He knows us, and knows our needs.

I am lucky enough to have a strong testimony of tithing. I will pay tithing before rent even if it gets us evicted, because I know that He is more important and has done more for me than anyone ever could. I owe EVERYTHING to my Heavenly Father. I owe EVERYTHING to my Savior who is my example and brother and Redeemer. Yet so little is asked of me by them. It still astounds me. I do not think I will ever truly grasp the love that they have for me, all I know is that I will do my best to do what I can to show them I am eternally grateful. If that means sacrificing 10% of my earnings and giving them to the church who will do more good with it than I ever could, I will.

This is not to make anyone feel guilty about not paying tithing, but rather to share a personal story of the goodness that paying tithing has brought into my life. If you do not pay tithing, it is never too late to start. I promise that it can only bring happiness and wonderful blessings. After all, the very act of giving unto the Lord has shown to be a wonderful feeling that overpowers any possible feeling of it meaning a loss.