And the snow STILL comes!!

This week has been a crazy week! Definitely an interesting one to say the least... Due to the enormous amounts of snow we recieved over the weekend and throughout the week, Jeff's school was canceled Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. They told all the students at the first of school that they pretty much never cancel school for ANYTHING even if the rest of the University does... so this was obviously a BIG storm! Work was cancelled for me on Saturday and on Monday our streets STILL hadn't been plowed so there was no way for me to get to work. Monday night we heard a plow coming down our street! It felt like Christmas morning! (even though they only plowed it once, it was just enough to get our little car out)... so Tuesday Jeff braved the roads and took me into work... Only to be greeted with another 8 inches of snow that night... leaving me stranded once again. My work probably hates me.
Although it was hard not being able to drive anywhere, Jeff and I did enjoy the relaxing time we got to spend together.
Wednesday night our furnace decided to give out on us. Perfect timing! So we borrowed a couple space heaters from some friends and neighbors and stuck it out for a couple of days until the furnace man could come fix it.
The furnace was fixed just in time for Jeff's friend Matt to arrive. He flew in late Friday night so we ventured out to the airport to pick him up. After we picked him up from the airport, we only made it about a mile when our tire decided to blow out. Of course we had a spare...but no jack. So we sat... stranded on the highway... for TWO hours... until midnight... when AAA finally came and rescued us. Thank heavens they came when they did because no one wants to see a ninth month pregnant woman peeing on the side of the road!! That would NOT have been a pretty sight... especially because I still don't know how I would have accomplished the squatting thing... I think I would have ended up sitting in the snow!
Then on Saturday when we went to get our tire fixed our spare was flat! You have got to be kidding me!
And now the weather man predicts another 3-6 inches of snow by tomorrow... just lovely!!

As unlucky as we seem to have been this week, I can't help but think of all the things I have to be grateful for...
1. I am so glad we were one of the lucky few who did not lose power over the long weekend of being snowed in.
2. So grateful for food storage so we didn't have to hike our way to the grocery store.
3. It was nice to have an excuse to be lazy and spend some extra quality time with my wonderful husband.
4. Thank heavens this snow storm was now and not a month from now when I could quite possibly be going into labor. What would I have done if we couldn't even get our car out to go anywhere?!?
5. Glad the furnace broke now and not right after I had my baby... we would have been packing our bags and moving in with some friends... what a mess that would be!
6. So thankful Jeff was with me when the tire blew out. I am the one usually driving the car 90% of the time... so I feel extremely lucky to of had him there... and driving!

I sure hope everyone else survived their week!!

As for me and the little guy... I swear he is getting bigger EVERY DAY!! And I am getting more and more excited to finally meet him. I cannot wait! I also cannot wait for my hips to stop hurting and my heartburn to miraculously disappear. What a lovely day that will be! Although, Jeff keeps reminding me that along with that brings a whole other list of complaints! I guess I'm in it for the long haul!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU ALL! HOPE YOU HAVE A FABULOUS DAY!

Giveaway!

The Suga' Baby Blog that I mentioned in my previous post is being featured this week. She is doing a giveaway... Go here http://keepinthecastle.blogspot.com/ to check it out! And go here http://mysugababy.blogspot.com/search/label/Home if you want to take a look at my friends amazing work!

THE WEATHER MAN WASN'T KIDDING...

This is what we woke up to this morning... The biggest snow storm since 1993. How bout that for global warming!




And this is about 10 minutes after Jeff shoveled... it was still coming down pretty hard.

This is our neighbors covered porch that the snow drifted into. (After Jeff shoveled)


I watched our neighbors from the window try and clear off their car... This was AFTER they cleared it off. I don't think they'll be going anywhere for a while... :)


So... since I didn't have to go into work today... and our poor little car is buried, Jeff and I enjoyed a nice relaxing day.

I finished this book...


and made us some tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.


Sometimes it's nice to have an excuse to stay inside!

Keeping Busy

Well the month of January started out with a bang as always...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

I can't believe I am 24. It seems like just yesterday I had my 18th birthday. Now here I am... Married.. living in Pittsburgh.. and a child on the way.. We couldn't be happier!

Jeff and I went out to dinner at one of my favorite places: Johnny Carino's. In fact I think that's the same place I chose last year. We then came home and I dominated Jeff in a game of Phase 10. He claims he "let" me win, but we all know who the real champ is around here! :) We then watched the movie Julie and Julia. It was a good day... and best of all, I took the day off work so I could sit home and be lazy. Can't get much better than that!

We of course had to take a birthday pic since I failed to take one at dinner. Don't judge me.. I still hadn't taken down my Christmas decorations!

Jeff surprised me with this lovely gift. I LOVE it. Oh and the blanket was made for me by the very talented Nicole Gneiting. She is amazing. Can't wait to rock my little guy in this chair!

The next morning, my friends took me to breakfast at another one of my favorite restaurants. Pamelas. All I can say is crepes + strawberries + sour cream+ brown sugar and whipped cream= DELICIOUS! Thanks guys!

And to end the birthday festivities... we had a few people over for ice cream and cake to celebrate both mine and Ashley's birthdays. Mine was the 8th and hers was the 10th. Happy Birthday to us!

Between the two of us, we still didn't blow out all the candles! That must mean we are getting REALLY old. Too many candles to blow out! (I'm blaming it on my lack of air from the baby... what's your excuse Ashley?) Oh wait...


One of my really good friends out here planned me a baby shower! She did an amazing job, I can't thank her enough. THANK YOU NICOLE!! And also a big thanks to everyone else who helped out with the food. It was quite the feast!


We played baby sharades. Here are my great acting skills... We also played "Find a name for Baby Wegener." Good idea Nicole, we need all the help we can get! We got lots of ideas... but unfortunately still don't have a name. We are hopeless!

Look at all this amazing food. Well done girls!


Then we opened gifts... check out this diaper cake. I sure am lucky to have such talented friends!

All the girls that came to my shower. Thank You All. I can't express how lucky I am to have so many supportive friends out here! You guys are the best!

And let's have a shout out for all the pregnant girls at my shower. Isn't it crazy?? Starting from the right, we are in order of who is due first. The next set of pictures is going to be all of our babies lined up from oldest to youngest. So fun!

As dreadful as January can sometimes be, it has been a pretty great month! (Aside from the nasty flu Jeff seemed to have gotten) I told him multiple times to get the flu shot! Next time maybe he will heed to his wifes advice! I am always right! Just ask Jeff. :) But really, I felt bad for him and am sure glad to have a healthy husband again.
Anwyay, we kept ourselves busy last month preparing for this baby and getting together lots with so many great friends. We better get it all in now while we can! There's no telling how our lives might change once we have this baby.... I think we are in for an eye opener!

Here are just a few of the things I have been making lately to keep me busy.... I have really gotten into sewing lately and I really enjoy it. Plus it makes for some great baby gifts! (I have a lot to make if you didn't see the picture above)

I made this bag for my sis for her birthday. I also made a similar one for my mom for Christmas but forgot to get a pic.


Nursing cover for my friend Taryn who just had a beautiful little girl.

As well as a matching wipes case and burp cloths.


Made a carseat canopy for my sister-in-laws little girl...



Now I am making me a diaper bag and flannel blankets for our little guy. Wish me luck! The diaper bag is a bit intimidating!

And I forgot to mention I wouldn't have been able to make all this if it weren't for my friend Carlee who taught me how to do it. She is making the last few touches to her blog where she will be selling all sorts of cute baby stuff. Stay tuned for the address to her new and improved blog!

Now for the picture you have been waiting for... :) Jk. Here I am at 35 weeks. This might be the last picture you'll get to see. I am feeling huge and not so sure I want to keep posting these not-so flattering pics of myself. But we'll see...

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!!!! Baby Wegener's official due date is one month from today! I am feeling all sorts of emotions. Nervous.. scared... excited... anxious... and most of all COMPLETELY and totally in AWE that I am actually going to be having a child! I don't know if I'm ready, but ready or not.... this baby is coming! He keeps reminding me of that EVERY DAY when he kicks and squirms like a little fish in my belly. (Actually now it's more like a very large fish) I love it! Other than the constant heartburn and occasional uncomfortable nights, I am feeling pretty darn good. I sure hope it lasts! I will be sure to keep you all posted on the status of baby Wegener. Most of you will think I am crazy, but I am kind of hoping he doesn't decide to come early. Jeff has 7 tests the week before my due date. That could make for one very stressed out husband and a very lonely wife. STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES......... He will be here before you know it! (And hopefully with a name!!)

DO YOU THINK HE WILL GET THE HINT?? :)

Check out this photography blog!

My friend Libby is an awesome photographer and she is doing a giveaway for a free 30 minute photo shoot. To get the details on how to enter just go to this website: http://keepinthecastle.blogspot.com/
And to check out Libby's photography blog go here: http://photosbetweenthelines.blogspot.com/

Recap of the Holidays

I have been putting this post off for far too long... I told myself I couldn't go to bed tonight until I've blogged. So a blogging I will do...

Jeff and I weren't able to go home this year since my work schedule wouldn't allow for it... so we made the best of it by spending it with each other. I'm happy to report that although I did miss my family TONS, it was actually fun to spend all that time with my husband and start a few traditions of our own. We also spent much of the holidays with a lot of our good friends out here which definitely helped ease some of the homesickness. Thank heavens for a good husband and good friends or else I just might have spent my Christmas in bed with a kleenex box and a book. This was the very FIRST Christmas I have EVER been away from family... and I survived it... with a smile!

Here is a glimpse of the Wegener home over the holidays... and my attempt of decorating... we are slowly but surely accumulating decorations as the years go on... (we take donations) :)

A bunch of our friends got together and celebrated the semester of school being over. We had pizza and played games. Any excuse to party right?

And here's to the pregnant woman of the group. (That were there anyway) All three of us are almost a month apart. Starting with Kaylene on the right.

Jeff and I on Christmas Eve. I am 30 weeks to date in this pic.

Nicole and Tyler invited us over on Christmas Eve. They made us fondue with all sorts of yummy dipping foods. Believe me when I say, I ate ALOT. And on top of that she made a pudding dessert that was to die for. (Hey, I am eating for two remember?)

Then we played games and listened to Christmas music into wee hours of the night... we definitely had a good time. Thanks Tyler and Nicole for doing a good job of replacing our families for the night!

Christmas Morning. My mom had sent Jeff and I a package that we promised not to open until Christmas morning. She had filled the box with those three posters and written her own little saying with candy bars and a whole bunch of gift cards to a bunch of different places. It was so fun to open up and read. Great idea mom! Plus she threw in a few extra things for Baby Wegener and some pajamas for me. Needless to say, we felt very loved! Thanks again mom and dad... it sure made my day!


Jeff scored himself some new basketball shoes (which he seems to think he needs every year)... plus I surprised him with a pair of every day shoes that are pretty dang good lookin if I do say so myself. Yeah, I'm nice like that.

Jeff spoiled me with a whole bunch of good stuff. He snuck down in the middle of the night and filled my stocking and added a few more presents under the tree. I had my very own Santa! He is always so good to me.

After opening all our presents we made ourselves a traditional Western family breakfast... with a few tweeks. Instead of french toast, I made swedish pancakes. My grandma makes the best swedish pancakes and unfortunately for Jeff and I we can't get enough of them! So we make them... LOTS. They are especially good when you load them up with butter, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fruit. Crap, I want some RIGHT NOW. We also had bacon and sausage and my favorite, orange juice. (I only get to drink this on occasions because it gives me such bad heartburn!) Don't worry... I took a zantac.

We followed up that day by going to the movie Avatar... which we both really enjoyed. Then we had a good traditional ham dinner with all of the 2nd year couples who stuck around for the holidays. If you can't spend it with family, what better way than with good friends?!? We decided to do it at the church since that seems to accomodate big groups the best... plus it's much easier to clean up.

I only got a picture of the wives... but we're the better looking half anyway. :)

Jeff seems to attract all the kids. If you can't tell from the pic they have him tied up and are pulling him around with their rope. I don't know what it is but seriously... all the kids LOVE Jeff. They see him at church and immediately get excited. (Mostly the younger ones) I think he is starting to get an ego. :) I keep telling him it probably won't last for long once we have a kid of our own because then he's not going to be able to give them all the attention they love. Oh well, I'll let him enjoy it while he can. He's going to make a great dad!

Our friends from Ohio (Ryan and Taryn) came and spent New Years with us. They got here New Years Eve and left on the 2nd. We loved having them visit and enjoyed having friends to hang out with and play games with all weekend.

Ringing in the New Year with two of my pregnant friends. Bring on those babies!!

We ate all sorts of good food... played games (we're good at that)... and watched the ball drop.
Here's to a new year full of lots of new adventures... the biggest one being Baby Wegener. We couldn't be more excited! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!


We took Ryan and Taryn around the town to the dental school, cathedral of learning, and Primanti Brothers. We ended up here. Where it was bitterly cold and windy. It literally took our breath away. We lasted about 1 minute. Just enough time to take a picture. We discovered that it's not near as pretty in the winter when everything is gray and ugly. It's much prettier at night. Thanks for coming to visit us Ryan and Taryn, you are welcome anytime!

Well it is now 2010... Jeff is back in school, I am feeling pretty good considering, baby Wegener is staying very active, (especially when I try and sleep) and Jeff and I are getting closer and closer to being ready for this baby to come. Jeff spent a good portion of his break finishing up projects, getting things organized, getting things ready for the baby... and SHOVELING. It won't stop snowing here and I am getting sick of it! It didn't snow this year until almost Christmas (which I was grateful for)... but once it started, it hasn't stopped.... and it is COLD!

We just finished painting the baby room. I taped... Jeff painted. We work well as a team. We now have the crib, the bedding, and the changing table up which means I am one step closer to getting his room done. Now... we just need a name. :) HELP!! I am starting to think this baby is going to be nameless. Jeff and I can't seem to agree on anything! But on top of the that neither of us really have a favorite name ourselves. I'm really hoping I have a dream that gives me some kind of revelation of what his name is supposed to be... I'm getting desperate people!

As for now... it is time for bed. But I did accomplish the much needed task.... BLOGGING. My next post, which will include my birthday celebrations will be coming soon. As well as an up to date prego pic. I swear my belly has grown so much in just two weeks. That could be due to Christmas, New Years, and my birthday... but either way, it is HUGE! (I told Jeff, ONLY I am allowed to say that) Stay tuned!

Full of Gratitude...

I hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving!! Jeff and I were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with our "family away from home" again this year. We have so much fun with everyone and I just love how we all get along so well and have such a good time together. We ended up having dinner at our church again this year which seems to work out great. After dinner everyone sticks around to play games while the kids run around the gym... it's much better than cramming 20 of us into someone's house and having to worry about making a huge mess.

I find it hard sometimes to not get more wrapped up in all the good food on Thanksgiving than on all the things I have to be grateful for... which is what Thanksgiving is really all about. So I would feel ungrateful if I didn't express my gratitude for all the blessings in my life. There are so many things I am grateful for this year that I can't even begin to list them all. But to name just a few....
I am so grateful for a testimony of this gospel, to be raised in a family who has taught me so much and showed me by example the importance of the gospel in my life.
I am grateful for a loving Savior who made it all possible for us to be here today, who loves us despite our mistakes, who is ALWAYS there when we need someone to talk to, and is always there to hold our hand and help us when times are tough... and for the many many blessings He continues to give us each and every day.
I am grateful for a husband who honors his Priesthood and helps me to be a better person... for a husband who loves me despite all my imperfections... and for a husband who tries so hard to make me happy.
I am grateful that Jeff and I made the decision to move to Pittsburgh, even when it took A LOT of convincing for me to consider moving here... thank heavens for a persistent husband!
I am grateful for the many friends we have made out here and the many memories we have and will continue to make with all of them.
I am grateful to be able to move so far away from home and have the comfort of a ward family and friends who make all the difference when you don't have family to turn to.
I am especially grateful right now for our little guy that keeps growing in my belly and for the amount of love I feel for him already...it's crazy. I can't even begin to express how excited I am to start raising our little family and experience the joys of being a mother. That in and of itself is such a HUGE blessing to me.

Okay so that was a little more than a few... but trust me, the list is much longer than that. On a less cheesy note.... what is a post without a few pictures??

Jeff played in our ward "turkey bowl" this year which he just informed me today, he wishes they would do that once a week. Ha.. keep dreamin Jeff. :)

Here's a few good action shots taken by one of the wives in our ward. (I didn't want to fool you into thinking I actually got up early to go watch him play football!)


I decided it would make Thanksgiving at the church a little more "homey" if we actually decorated a little. So we went the night before and set up on the stage. Jeff will take the credit for hanging all the lights. He did a great job if I do say so myself. :)

The guys can only handle so many pictures... so the girls decided to take a few without them.


And just for you Kelli... I will post a couple of belly pics.

Me at 25 weeks

And me at 26 1/2 weeks... taken today in fact. Can't get much more accurate than that. :) Jeff claims my belly has gotten bigger in the last few days... it must be all the Thanksgiving leftovers I have been eating. Hey, it's great to be pregnant over the holidays, I don't feel near as guilty for pigging out!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!! WE SURE MISS EVERYONE BACK HOME AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL IN JUNE.... wow, that's way too far away, let's not talk about that.