Thank you rewards program!!

So at work we have this rewards program that gives you points for certain things. I usually get a ton of points just for working on the floor I work on. We are usually awarded the 5 star floor award based on patient satisfaction, and I get a butt load of points for that. Once you get the points you can go on the website and order things with your points. Anyways, since I have been working there I haven't really gotten on and seen what you can buy with your points or used any of mine. Well, my friend (also due in March) was telling me she was ordering a few things for her baby room on the site, and so naturally I got on and looked at what you could get for baby. Turns out, I got two things I have really been wanting with my points! I'm excited!

First of all I got a glider. Everyone I have talked to has sworn that my life will be way better with a glider. So I trust this. The glider was something I wanted but didn't really want to spend the money on since we need other things more. But with my points I got a great one!

The other baby item I got was a Moby Baby Wrap. Now, I have been obsessed with finding a great baby carrier because I know I am weak and will want one. haha. I actually found this one on Babies R Us online and watched all the videos about it. It looks kinda complicated, but gets all the stars on customer ratings. So, I decided this was the one I wanted, but once again didn't really want to buy one. Well, I found it on the rewards website and was excited it was in my point range. I got the navy blue one.

I am super excited to get my new baby stuff! I also got the necklace I ordered and I LOVE IT! It is perfect! Everyone should go look at her website!

the NAME!!

Ok. So I am so serious about baby names. (You will definitely understand just how passionate by the end of this post) I had lists of names I liked way before Ben and I even decided we were ready to have a baby. Names are really important to me. I was very passionate about picking out the right name for our little boy. I also think it is so important that I am dedicating a whole post to my little boy's name. :)
When I found out I was pregnant I immediately started looking for the perfect name for a girl or a boy. All my lists got tossed out the window because they just didn't seem right for our baby. I actually had a girl name I had decided on, but then we found out it was a boy. The day we found out I pulled out my books and started hunting for his name. I really wanted something different that not everyone had, but also something that wasn't weird different.

I actually found the middle name first, but decided I would like it better as a middle name. I am actually not too sure where I got the first name, but when I said it I just knew that was the name I wanted! It was so right! I actually came up with this name the very same day we found out he was a boy. I was determined! haha. So without further adieu, I give you the name we have picked for little boy:

PAXTON CRUZ BENAVIDES

What a good name, right? I love it. It was also the only name I asked Ben about that he didn't make a horrible face to! I have actually told people who ask what the name will be so it wasn't a secret or anything. I just thought I would do a post about it since it means so much to me. Both sets of our parents and families love the name and now there is just no other name we can use. He is Paxton.

I also love it when mothers (I'm going to be a mom!! That's crazy!) get a piece of jewelry with their child's name or initials on it. I decided that was something I wanted to do after we got the name we wanted. So I started searching for a necklace I could get that would mean a lot to me. I thought I might just do James Avery and get a charm engraved, but I just didn't like any of the charms. Then, after searching Etsy FOREVER, I came across this Etsy site that I loved:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lisahopkins

She does beautiful jewelry! I found a customizable necklace on her site and decided I just had to have one! So I started a convo with her and ordered a necklace with Paxton on it. She just now sent me pictures of the finished necklace, and I am so excited to get it! Here is what it will look like:

She does etched jewelry that I think is so cool. Way better than metal stamped jewelry! Anyways, I am super excited for my necklace AND the name we have picked out! Tomorrow we have childbirth education class all day so that should be loads of fun! haha. I took a few of those classes in nursing school, but I think it will be good for Ben. If he can make it through! lol. Everyone wish him luck! :)

30 Weeks.

So I decided I wanted a few pregnancy pictures of Ben and I together. I am not too hot on the prego pictures of just the woman and her bare belly all over the place. I mean, who would I ever share those with?? Most likely no one! I think these are way better because it shows mommy and daddy just being happy together! I actually had my sister Nicole take them, and then I edited them the way I wanted them. I love how they turned out if I do say so myself. Here are some of my favorites:

And here is a not-as-great baby bump picture.

I figured I would just slip my usual one in this post.

Here is the lump at 30 weeks.


I worked last night and then we went straight to our ultrasound appointment. Everything looked good on the ultrasound. He is healthy and growing. They did schedule us for another ultrasound in four weeks though because they said he is a little on the small side. They said they weren't worried though so I'm happy that we get to see baby boy again soon! Hey, I'm cool with a small baby since he's coming out of me! Well, I am super tired today! I slept for a few hours when we finally got home, but I am just worn out! At least I have tonight off! I plan on being lazy and trying to just rest! Maybe I will be ready to go back to work Wed and Thurs!

All Things Little Boy :)

So I have been looking for cute things for little boys, and I came across teddy bear hats (well that is what I call them). I thought they were so cute! Little girls get the hats with the flowers and bows, and so little boys need cute hats too! When I saw them I decided that I was going to try and make one. I have always enjoyed knitting so I figured I would knit it. It took quite a while but I finally came out with this:

I was making the hat thinking of my cute nephew Spencer since my little boy won't be here for a couple of months. When I was done making it Ben and I went to see Spencer to see if it fit. IT DID! And he looked so cute in it! All we had were phones to take pictures with, but you can see how it looks on him.

It might actually be a little snug for his head, but he still rocks it. He looked in the mirror and kept saying "bear, bear." Now, I dont know if he will acutally wear it, but I had fun making it and I plan on making one for my little guy too. Boys are so much fun!

Recap of 2009

Well, 2009 was probably one of the best years EVER for Ben and I.

There have been a lot of accomplishments!

I was going through my 2009 picture folder

and thought I would just go back over the highlights of last year!

In January Ben turned 24!

In February Ben and I went to College Station!

I was able to reuinite with my best college buddy Jenny!

We had a freaking blast!

March-April was pretty uneventful.

I did drive with my sister and Dad to Idaho.

We dropped my sister off at school there!

I was also still in school and DYING to be done!

In May I finally graduated from nursing school!

My family threw me a graduation party that weekend!

Fun times! All my favorites came!

Soon after that, I passed the licensing test and started working as an RN in the ICU.

Before I started working though, Ben and I took a trip to San Antonio and Corpus Christi in June.

I was able to meet more of Ben's family.

We had so much fun together!

We visited the malls, beaches, and just had a good time!

After our trip Ben and I pretty much just worked.

It wasn't soon after however (July), that we got the

best news OF OUR LIVES!

I WAS PREGNANT!

(This was the picture I sent to Ben when I found out.)

The rest of this year was pretty much me being pregnant! haha.

Ben and I have been working and getting ready for baby!

In October we found out we were having a boy!

November was my sweet nephews 2nd bday!

And in December, Ben and I took a trip to Dallas/Fort Worth to be there for my best friend Megan's wedding! We had such a good time just hanging out together! The wedding was beautiful!

Man. What a good year.

We feel so blessed in our lives right now.

Hopefully 2010 will bring some more great things to blog about!

He loves it.

Here I am at 28 Weeks!

And yes, we do torture our dogs by

making them wear cute sweaters.

He's happy on the inside.

Our Christmas.

We had a fabulous Christmas this year.

We got to spend the day with both of our families.

We are so lucky that they both live here.

We started out at Ben's families house,

and here are some pics.

This picture cracks me up because it was not meant to be taken like this.

Ben's brother was taking it to check the lighting

and here is what we looked like.

So typical. haha.

Ok, here is our cute one.

Here is Rick (Ben's twin...in case you couldn't tell)

and his girlfriend Lesla. She is also expecting :)

They are going to have a baby girl in May.

Yay for babies!

This one of Ben's younger brothers Eric and his girlfriend Priscilla.

Don't they look great together?

And here are Ben's parents. Ben's Dad is wearing his new jersey.

Love them. :)

After that we went to my families house

....and we didn't really take any pictures.

But here is the one picture I got of me and Roxanne.

We has a great time at my families though.

My Grandparents are in town. It's always nice to see them.

Ben and I also got a camcorder for Christmas.

We decided we needed one now that we were going to have a little boy :)

Speaking of which-- I am ready to have my kid already.

This is starting to drag out.

I still have until MARCH. That seems like forever away.

Everyone says, "Oh it will go by so fast." Well. It's not.

So please don't comment that to me. haha.

I'm just ready already. I feel him all moving around

and look at his little boy clothes, and I want to hold him.

Also, I don't want to work full time anymore.

It's hard being huge and working 12 hour night shifts nursing.

Life is better with doggies.

Charlie likes to hold my yarn while I knit a

baby blanket for little boy :)

Seriously. Cutest dog ever.

(I think this post made me seem like an

80 year old in more than one way....)

26 Weeks

As if I wasn't big enough,

I decided to wear a huge pattern across my belly. Haha.

And yes. I do make grunting noises

whenever I stand up or roll over.

My New Boyfriend Finnaeus.

He smells absolutely delightful. He has a fabulous head of hair. He's great at cuddling. He has a cute tush, AND I'm pretty sure he's in love with me! It is my new boyfriend Finnaeus! I'm a lucky girl, huh? Just look at this hunk of man!

My friend Allison had her baby about 3 weeks ago and is in town to visit, so naturally I had to see this little man! He is wonderful. It makes me anxious to hold my own little boy. There is nothing better than that baby smell! However, there was one moment where he started getting fussy and I was like "Uhhh...I dont know what to do." So I just gave him back to Allison. After that I was nervous, but she assured me when I have my little guy I will know what he needs. Great time to panic about having a baby huh? haha.

I look like a natural huh? haha.

He was happy I was holding him.

"You're picky about everything!"

This is the statement my friend made to me the other day, and while pondering over it I have realized that she is right. She actually said it in a joking way, but when she said it I started trying to disprove her statement....I came up with zero evidence to argue with. When I told Ben she said this he just laughed and said, "Umm, I'm pretty sure I've been trying to tell you this for as long as I've known you. I can't believe she says it once and now you understand." Sadly, I understand now. I realized I am picky about food, music, clothes, colors, books, etc. and the list goes on. IT'S TRUE! I'm not proud of this fact. I wish it was easier for me to eat and read, but that is just the way I am. Well, the point of writing about this problem I have, is that it is now spilling over to baby stuff.

This issue came up the other day while talking with Ben's Mom. She was asking me if I had found material to make the baby a blanket. I told her I went to both fabric stores and found nothing. "Nothing? They have tons of cute baby fabric!" Was her reply. I however, did not think this was true. I went home empty handed. Then I was showing her the shirts and blanket I bought for him, and she said "Natalie, don't buy too much because you are going to get a TON of clothes at the baby shower." "Well, I want him to wear what I like." was my response. Now don't get me wrong, having a baby shower will be great, and I know I will get a lot of good stuff. I just think I might as well dress my kid the way I like!

A few days later I was with my Mom and she pulled out some fabric she wanted to use to make me burp pads. The fabric had monkeys all over it. (now be aware that she didn't go out and buy the fabric for me. She had it already.) I don't like monkeys. I think they are creepy and not cute at all. I politely told her no thanks on that fabric. She did have other fabric that I liked though. (Am I sounding like a brat?) (I hope not.) I'm just wondering if I am the only picky person out there. I doubt I am, however, sometimes it feels like I am. I just really don't like monkeys. There also seems to be a lot of monkey stuff in the stores right now. When I went to find fabric there were tons of monkey fabrics and hardly any cute green or brown stuff. I feel like baby stuff is either baby blue or pink. Does it make my picky to want green, brown, or elephant?

Here is the bedding I want to get our little boy:

Cute huh? Maybe I'm not picky. I'm just particular....

I am also very particular about baby names. I had lists of names before we even talked about getting pregnant. I do have the perfect name though! Maybe I'll blog about it once it gets closer.

Thanksgiving.

This Thanksgiving was kinda weird. Haha. Enough said. We started off eating at my parents house, and then we went to Ben's parent's after that. We ate some good food! We also ended up going to a movie later that night with Ben's brother Rick and his girlfriend Lesla. We saw 2012. Ben said it was dumb haha, but I thought it was ok. It seemed like a really long movie. I also went with Nicole and Jeremy to try and get a family picture of them with Spencer. Christmas card time! Maybe Ben and I will start doing Christmas cards when it's not just me and him!

Here are a few pics I took from Thanksgiving:

Here is us by the table.

When I stand next to Ben I look huge! haha.

I also look super pale...which I am...but oh well.

Spencer is so stinking cute. I sure love that kid!

He cracks me up every time.

He was having way too much fun with the olives!

Olives on toes! haha.

This Thanksgiving Ben and I have really felt SO thankful for our little baby boy that we will be having in March. There are no words for how blessed we feel. When we were discussing things we are thankful for at my parent's house we also talked about what we hope we will have accomplished before next year. Ben was so cute when he said, "Well, something I'm nervous about is being a good dad, so hopefully by next year I will feel more confident as a dad. I just want to be a good one" How cute is that?? He hadn't said anything about being nervous to me, but it made me happy to know it means so much to him.

I figured I would just stick my 24 week picture in this post just for the heck of it!

Bigger and Bigger! It was kinda weird though because I had two different people at the hospital just barely notice I was pregnant this week! I wear bigger scrubs but I thought it was pretty obvious some time ago! These are people I see everyday too! They were surprised that I was, and I was surprised this was the first time they noticed!

My Baby Bump. (23 Weeks)

Well I have been putting off taking a picture lately

for no apparent reason,

but I finally got one at 23 weeks!

I feel much bigger,

and I am certainly

getting more comments about my bump.

Funny thing is,

and please tell me if I am the only one who is like this,

but sometimes I forget I have this belly.

It's funny cause at work I will try to squeeze past things or people like I used to,

and I just end up getting stuck. It always surprises me too.

I have this quick moment where I'm like:

"What the heck?? Why didn't that work?? "

However, I soon remember that there is no way I will fit and try

to inconspicuously get out of the tight spot.

I try to fit places I don't fit anymore!

I also tried to lay on my stomach to get a picture of my nephew

and ended up being stunned when I realized I couldn't do it.

I guess I just forget every now and then that I have this lump.

Anyways, I am excited for this week!

I only work Mon and Tues

and then I have the rest of the week off!

Somehow I was lucky enough to get

Thanksgiving off. :)

Ben and I will both be off work and enjoying it with our families.

Then, this weekend we are going on a little trip which I will explain after the fact!

We are going to have lots of fun though!

I'm excited to just relax and enjoy Thanksgiving

with Ben and the fam.

Happy Birthday Spencer!

Happy 2nd Birthday my sweet nephew!

Tonight we went to Spencer's B-day party.

Poor little guy was sick :(

But that didn't stop him from playing in the

Thomas the Train tent we got him!

YAY! We love him SO much!

It's All Good.

Here is the official 20 week picture:

For the most part I have been taking the pictures every two weeks.

I don't see much difference between this one and the 18 week picture, but I sure feel a difference!

My tummy is definitely tighter, bigger, and it fits into less and less shirts!

The ultrasound was fun today! We went to the Dr who specializes in ultrasounds and had everything measured and looked at.

We got the fabulous news that the baby looks very healthy and is progressing along nicely. Everything looks really good as far as the heart, brain, bones, etc.

The Dr also confirmed that it is definitely a little boy in there! Haha. Ben was pleased to receive the picture that proves that!

Our little boy is definitely very active. It was hard for them to get certain still shots of him because he wouldn't sit still.

Ben got to see what I feel all the time so that was fun!

It was such a nice experience with my hubby to see our little baby together.

We are so excited for what is to come!

Everyday just makes us more grateful and happy!

Take My Hand

Two quick stories:

1) Ben and I were originally supposed to find out the sex of our baby at our next ultrasound which is actually this Tuesday. Since finding out I would have to wait that long I have been trying to figure out how I could cheat and find out before then. It was too long for me to wait! So recently I had a wicked bad kidney infection that eventually landed me in the ER because it just wasn't getting any better! But that is beside the point! The point is that while in the ER the Dr ordered a kidney ultrasound, and as soon as I heard that I knew it was my chance! So when they wheeled me back there with the ultrasound technician I immediately started trying to convince him:

Ultrasound Guy- "Man, this looks like a pretty bad infection."

Me- "Yah. I've had a really hard week. I've been feeling awful. But wait, I think I know what could make it better."

Guy- "What?"

Me- "Well I think that maybe you should try and see if I'm having a girl or a boy..."

Guy- "Oh really? You don't know yet?"

Me- "No. They are making us wait until November 3. I really think you could make my day and let us know early."

Guy- "Haha. Well, I guess you deserve it. Let's see what we can do."

So there you have it. I cheated and found out early we are having a BOY!! :):)

It was pretty undeniable that it was a boy. I was kind of worried he wouldn't be able to tell what the baby was, but he knew what he was doing and got a very obvious shot!

The sad part was that Ben didn't get to the ER until after the ultrasound so I had to tell him later. My Mom was there though and when I got back in the room I just couldn't stop smiling. She knew what I had done and said "You asked him didn't you?! You better tell me what you're having!!" So I told her and we laughed about it until Ben got there. Ben didn't mind though. He thought I deserved to be happy that day too. So we are super excited about knowing and I am super excited to buy stuff! We still have our appointment on Tuesday where they will measure everything and make sure the baby is growing and healthy. That will be fun to see our little boy again.

2) During the months that Ben and I were trying to get pregnant I got a little discouraged. It took about 9 months, and I started to get nervous that we were going to have problems. We wanted to add on to our family so bad and knew it was the right thing for us to do, so why wasn't it happening? I started praying really hard about it and trying to get an answer about what was going on. I remember one day was especially hard for me, and I happen to be looking on the computer at Greg Olsen pictures. I love his paintings. I'm not sure why I was looking at them, but I came across a particular one that was called "Take My Hand."

As soon as I saw this picture this overwhelming feeling of love came over me. I was comforted. I knew that Ben and I would be able to be parents soon. This was one of the best moments EVER for me. It put my worries aside and I was able to have faith that everything would work out. Now here we are, exactly one year from when we decided to start a family, and I am 21 weeks pregnant with a little boy on the way! Wow. We are so blessed. So as soon as I found out we were having a boy, the first thing I decided to buy for our nursery was a copy of this picture! I am so excited to get it and put it up in the room! It definitely has a wonderful meaning for me! I like to think it's our little boy in the picture. (cept ours might be brown. haha :)

Tiny Update

So here I am at 18 weeks!

I have definitely been feeling much better, and you can tell because I actually try and get ready occasionally! Last Sunday we went to both the Shumway and the Benavides houses and I got rave reviews on wearing makeup. Haha. Oh well. I know I looked like complete trash for a good 16 weeks and I am ok with that!

Also, I have been feeling the baby move which has been really exciting. At first it was just a weird fluttering feeling, but while sitting down Sunday I felt two very obvious kicks! It was so neat! Mostly I feel the fluttering feeling but every now and then, I'll get an obvious one.

I also got a new phone! Judge away you Apple crazed people, but I traded my IPhone in for a new Blackberry. Yah, that's right, I sure did! Ever since I got rid of my first Blackberry there have been moments when I just knew I would eventually have to return to the Blackberry loveliness! So I did it, and I'm glad I did. It's a better phone for me! IPhones are not the epitome of happiness, by the way! Even Ben approved and he is the IPhones number one fan!

Randomly: I loved the chilly weather we were having and I am sad it's so hot again. :(

Well I have two more nights of work before I get five off so I'm going back for a little nap! More updates to come!

Cha Cha Cha Changes

Well my fabulous 5 days off is almost over :(

However, I did get a lot done and was able to have some great times.

I got to see friends, go on dates with the hubby, and get some family time.

Here are some of the changes:

1) Ben and I are redecorating our place. I just got really sick of our living room because we have used those same decorations since we have been married (over 3 years). We found a few fabulous things at Kirklands and decided to redo everything. We are not close to finishing but we have found some great stuff so far. Maybe I'll post pictures if we ever finish!

2) My baby bump has really bumped! I was headed to the gym the other day and Ben was like "Wow, where did that come from?" It's true. I feel like it just popped out one day. The picture in the previous post was at about 14 weeks. Here is me last week at 16.

3) Yes, you read right. I went to the gym! I hurt my arm the other day and when I went to grab it I just grabbed this soft, lumpy mass of an arm. I even recall the word "Sick!" coming out of my mouth. Ever since then I have been going to the gym everyday! The whole first part of my pregnancy I felt awful and tired all the time so I never went, but I am trying to get back to my old schedule! I don't want to have my baby in March and realize that my whole body (not just my stomach) is a huge, soft mess. So yay for that change!

4) I bought my first pair of maternity pants last night! I was really opposed to the idea, but I actually found some really cute jeans at Old Navy that aren't the full panel (which scared me). I can still wear my old jeans right now, but I can just tell they are getting uncomfortable. Mostly when I sit down I feel like I need to unbutton the top button. I also got a really cute pink maternity sweater. I am SOOO pumped for cold weather. Going into Old Navy and seeing all the coats, sweaters, and scarfs just made me sooooo excited. I want everything in that store right now! Ben and I also spent a long time looking at all the baby clothes. They are so stinking cute! It made me so happy and excited! We get to find out if we are having a girl or a boy on November 3, and the anticipation is killing me!

5) Those are really the big changes as of late. I'm pretty sure all my posts will be about my pregnancy and even after that they will all be about my kid. But honestly, who can blame me? We feel so blessed, and I seriously am so happy that is all I want to talk about. So get ready for more prego/baby talk!