6 Week and 12 Week Belly Shots

6 weeks is basically baseline.  Let's see how big this belly gets =)

I definitely feel myself getting "thicker" and you can sort of tell by this picture.  My pants are just tighter (which I can not stand right now) and the minute I eat I feel like the button is going to fly off the pants (literally).  The next set of pictures will come at 18 weeks then I plan to start taking them more frequently.  Right now the changes are so tiny that only I can tell the big difference. 

The joys of being pregnant are still in the distance for me.  I love the thought of a baby growing inside of me but I think the first trimester is going to make me appreciate the second trimester.  My nausea and vomiting have definitely decreased, still present, but I hoping around 14-15 weeks I start to feel even better.  All the mothers out there can vouch, I'm sure, that the other "perks" of pregnancy such as constipation, bleeding gums, bloating, itching, etc. we could all live without =)  They say around 18-20 weeks I get to start feeling baby move (MY FAVORITE and MOST EXCITING)!  All these "perks" are worth it for a healthy baby.  I just can't even wait!!  I want baby here now (I've never been good at keeping secrets, or waiting on anything.  Just ask my sister.  Every time we would buy a present for our parents, they would end up finding out in casual conversation when I began to have "word vomit.")  Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers.  Our Peanut loves all the love and attention (I can tell ;)

Family Photos

Ben and I took a cruise in the Dune Buggy today around Garden of the Gods.  Here are some of the fun pictures.

SISTER IS HERE!!!

Having my sister here for four days was just what I needed!  She makes me so happy and I absolutely love her to pieces.  She would always ask, "How is Tater Tot today?"  (Her nickname for baby Stewart).  We (including her boyfriend, Callan) had a great time shopping, going to Water World and enjoying some wakeboarding downtown.

Ben saving Keila AGAIN!!  (haha)

Ben trying to show some of his "skills"

Trying to help Keila figure out how to wakeboard

Keila agreeing, "This does sound a little tricky!"  haha (j/k)

Mary and Gary Visiting

Mary and Gary came to visit mid July for a nice weekend of shopping, golfing and relaxing.  The first day we met them up in Ft. Collins for an airplane show.  We were all slightly disappointed and the heat was absolutely unbearable (causing this 9 week pregnant lady to vomit on more than one occasion).  We were hoping for the remote control airplanes to do tricks but apparently this was not the show to see that in.  Shopping came shortly after that.  Ft. Collins has such a quaint, welcoming downtown.  Pebble stone walk ways and cute little mom and pop shops make for a very fun day.  On our way home we stopped at Loveland Shops (finding lots of good deals) and then on to CO Springs.

Golfing was in the plans for Sunday.  Our first tee time we had to cancel due to weather but were able to squeak in nine closer to home before dinner.  Fun times with wonderful family, my idea of a perfect weekend!

Our Sweet Baby

From the moment I saw our first ultrasound, my heart melted.  Seeing the baby move, seeing and hearing the heart beating and knowing, that this is our child; the moment was truly surreal.

We walked in knowing we may get to see the baby but we weren't one hundred percent sure.  Dr. Hovenga started explaining all the things women can and can't do during pregnancy, speaking with Ben about being an engineer (not me being a nurse, lol) and then says "Ok, let us meet this little gummy bear."  I looked at Ben, my eyes got all big and my heart skipped a beat.

When the ultrasound picture came up Ben said "So that is our baby?"  I started crying (surprise, surprise) but every time I would sort of laugh (my mechanism to try and stop the waterfall coming down my face) it would move my belly and then baby would move.  Our sweet peanut was one whole inch!  Heart beating perfecting.  I looked at Ben and noticed a difference; A realization that we are having a baby.  He saw me getting sick, being tired and so on but the pregnancy doesn't sink in until that moment, the moment you fall in love with your child.

I love our family so much.  Now we begin life our life as the three of us.

Peanut's head is on the right side, looking towards us.  Baby looks like a little gummy bear with the hands and feet.  Dr. Hovenga kept saying, "Wow this is a really great picture."  Apparently you usually see a big blob.  You could also see the yolk sac perfecting.  She said everything is right on target.

Our New Beautiful Blessing

The poem that announced to the grandparents that we are having a baby!!!!

I do not have a face to see,

Or put inside a frame.

I do not have a soft cheeks to kiss,

I don't yet have a name.

Not yet can you hold my tiny hands,

Nor whisper in my ear.

It's still too soon to sing a song,

Or cuddle me so near.

But all that will change come this February;

When they say I am due.

I am your newest grandchild;

And I can't wait to meet you.

All I ask between now and then,

is your love for me to grow.

I promise I'll be worth the wait;

Just think of all the joy we'll know.

So as you're waiting patiently,

Please pray lots of prayers for me.

I cannot wait to be a part

Of this wonderful family!

Both the Stewart's and Benson's are excited (just ask them ;)!!!

Can't wait for the first apt.  July 16th at 1030

July Fourth Weekend

What an amazing, fun, exciting weekend!  Not only did we surprise a few new grandparents (that will be coming in a very soon post) but also enjoyed our new beautiful nephew, Lucas!

Our trip began with a picnic at Legion Lake.  We ate (thank you mom for some GREAT food), we hiked, we swam, we fished and we played some UNO.  Just what you need!

Even our puppy (ok, I know, our dog) Zeus came and enjoyed the beautiful lake.  Ben bought Ryan this cute "Little Ranger" hat at the gift shop.  He never took it off!!

Keila, Ben and Callan chillin' by the lake.

Keila giving Ryan some swim lessons.  He loved getting in the water...with Keila's help of course ;)

Keila had swam to the rock by herself and asked "Ryan do you want to try" (of course kidding).  Ryan very quickly said "No Keila but you can again."  Very cute!

My favorite picture of the day!

Now let the fireworks begin!

And this little cutie is are adorable new nephew, Lucas!  Isn't he so precious!!

What a great weekend!  Thanks family for wonderful memories!

Fire Pit

We are almost there.  We tiled the inside, outside and top.  Yes, I can actually say I helped this time.  I mortared.  I cemented.  I even placed the tile (with of course Ben checking everything).  I think we work well as a team!  We just have grouting to go and then we are done.  Can't wait!

I can't wait to enjoy with some family....Who is first?!?!?

FLOWERS!

My beautiful flowers are GROWING!!

 My first Tomato Plant!  I am so excited.  We have already enjoyed 3 Tomatoes!!

Ben's Work Crew

Ben was in charge of taking the Western States Fire Protection of Colorado Springs "family" picture.  Here is the results....

The guy in the light blue shirt, on the left hand side is Ben's boss, Don Brown.

Pressure Washing and Staining

Our fence really needed to be stained last year so it was a MUST do this year.  Ben researched and found if you pressure wash the fence first, the stain will take better and last longer.  We followed the rules and this is the near completion picture.