Baby M's First Photo Shoot

These photos are already a little outdated...we took them when Maren was just 9 days old (and she turned 1 month old on Sunday!). Thanks Raquel for doing a beautiful job. I don't think Chris or I realized how much babies pooped until we had Maren naked for 30 minutes. In the end, I had to wash Chris's shirt and pants, my shirt and pants, several towels and I sent Raquel home with some poop on her back drop. She assured us it was normal. We are so pleased with how they turned out, and we are now realizing how much babies change in such a short period.

A Few More Pics

She likes washing her hair...

...and sleeping


...and she loves her mom.

She's Here!!!

At last Maren Lucille Nielson has joined our family. She weighs exactly 8 pounds, is 19 inches long, and is perfect in every way. She was born at 8:25 on November 28th. I'm writing this post for Autumn as she is recovering. Here is a picture to hold you over until I can post more...

Winter Songs

For those who love Christmas music, might I suggest this new Christmas album. Fiona Apple's "Frosty the Snowman" is what caught my eye (being a Fiona Fan and all), but I really love the rest of the CD.

Happy Anniversary!

"A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' come together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences."
- Dave Meurer

It's been a wonderful seven years!

Happy Wednesday!

Just had to share some happy news this morning. First, I want to reveal in the joy of waking up to new snow. This is a picture from our bedroom window. Second, the library bond for the building of a new library in Springville passed! Read more details here.

Creative Inspiration

It's always exciting to find a new book, especially from the library. I came across these two awesome reads lately and had to share:

I Love Dirt!: 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature by Jennifer Ward

This book presents 52 activities divided into the four seasons. It introduces children to nature's wonders through simple (and free) activities, most which can be done in the backyard. I also thought it was a good reminder for adults to get out and enjoy the beautiful world around them, especially during this time of year.

The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule

(speaking of children) "They know how to be creative. They know it with every ounce of their being - it isn't conscious or rational. It is simply who they are. Until something stands in their way, they will be creative."

Some of my favorite activities and ideas from the book:
1. Bulletin boards and inspiration wire to display inspirational pieces, artwork, photos, etc.
2. Pattern for a felt pencil roll (to store colored pencils, pens, markers, etc. for on-the-go). There is also a really awesome (but more complicated) pattern for the pencil roll in Joelle Hoverson's Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts .
3. Ideas for choosing "The Best Toys" includes questions like "Is it beautiful?", "Is it simple?", "What is it made of?" I really liked this section, since it seems like kids have too many toys (most of which are cheap, create clutter in our homes, and don't activate the imagination).
4. A chapter on connecting with the family has some good ideas about celebrating birthdays and holidays.

Happy Halloween!

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

In another effort to organize a family book club, my mom has chosen Peace Like a River. I don't know anything about this book, but I've heard good things. I do know the title was taken from the hymn "It is Well with My Soul" by Horatio Spafford. This is only the first verse and I've never actually heard the song, but I think it sounds pretty (it's a great message, anyway):

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Keep Calm and Carry On

I came across this poster online and thought, "I really need to remember this sage advice next time I'm feeling frazzled." Chris and I were just talking last night about all the huge changes that have happened/are happening this year (quit job, go back to graduate school, have new baby, sell condo, future plans to move for internship/job...) and he reminded me that it's probably normal for us to be feeling a little stress now and again. If I had known how crazy graduate school was going to be, I probably wouldn't have been so excited for Chris to go back. Thank goodness I didn't know better because I trust it will all pay off in the end. In the meantime, I'll just take one day at a time and be grateful for all the blessings I do have, especially my awesome husband who it bigger than all this and keeps me sane.

The Countdown Continues

Looking at all the tiny baby clothes gets me so excited! I think little girl dresses are like their own decoration in a nursery. By the way, I LOVE matching, wooden hangers and I found these child-sized hangers at IKEA.

Preggy Sue Starts Her Third Trimester

Sunday, August 31 marked the first day of my last trimester! Time has flown by and now I'm starting to panic at the thought of all the things I planned to do, but never found the time. But, Chris and I couldn't be more excited to meet our little girl...and hopefully all the kicking means she's excited to meet us, too.

It's a Girl!

We had our ultrasound last week. I was so sure it would be a boy, but we couldn't be more excited to be having a little girl. It was exciting to see her kicking and flopping around. The doctor says she's healthy and perfect!

Look at that beautiful spine! Can you tell I've been taking my folic acid?

The doctor couldn't get a good shot of her face, since she kept putting her chin down or her hands up. We did get pictures of both her little hands open. She even gave us a thumb's up!

SHS Reunion

Our 10 year high school was on Friday, and it was so much fun! Here are some random photos of friends...

Chris & Autumn

Tracy, Liz, Jesse & Katie

Jonny & Beth

Chris, Devin, Seth, Kelly & Erica

Chris, Ryan, Jesse & Jonny

We won the African Stone Game in the raffle... not quite the overnight stay at Daniel's Summit Lodge we had hoped for, but it's still something! (By the way, Chris made that awesome balloon arch. He's such a Renaissance Man.)

Illustrating Children

I went to the Beehive Bazaar, which was awesome! Tons of great items from local artists. My favorite items were the illustrations by Sarah Jane. I really wanted to buy one for the nursery, but not knowing if I'm having a boy or girl, I decided to wait. Luckily she sells her prints on Etsy (for when I do find out).

Happy Mother's Day

For an early Mother's Day present, Chris and I went to Salt Lake to shop for baby gear and eat at Z'Tejas. At Anthropologie, Chris picked out this fabulous apron for me...I was hesitant, but he insisted. I just love it! He says it reminds him of "Bewitched." Chris never fails to impress me with thoughtful and fun gifts. What a great hubby!

'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' by J.K. Rowling

I haven't been reading much lately, since my number one priority is sleep. But I did find a little time for a light and entertaining book, and now I have joined the ranks of Harry Potter Freaks (sorry to all you freaks out there). After years of being harassed for not reading the series (by education teachers, peers and students) I finally finished book number one. I actually started Sorcerer's Stone years ago, but life just got too busy and I didn't think the book was that great, so I put it down. For some bizarre reason, Chris and I started watching all the movies a couple of months ago, and I found I was just a tad bit hooked. I look forward to the next book, Chamber of Secrets and I am really excited for the movie, Half-Blood Prince, to come out in November...which may be my last hurrah before baby comes.

A Brand New Nielson

Good news world...we're having a baby! For those of you who don't know we are finally expecting a baby. The doctor thought there was a chance that we were having twins so Autumn had an early ultrasound today. He or she is 2.5 cm long and has a great little heartbeat. The due date is November 24. Grandparents...start your spoiling!

Flight of the Nielsons

On Saturday, our brother-in-law Colby (who is a flight instructor) invited us on a helicopter ride. We flew around Springville, Mapleton and Spanish Fork for about 25 minutes. It was pretty exciting (we especially liked hearing Colby talk to other aircrafts...very cool).

Leah, Colby and Chris pushing the chopper out of the hanger.

Chris and Colby. Colby is a really great pilot. The ride was very smooth and Autumn didn't get too sick (which she usually does).

Leah and Autumn, the happy backseat sisters!

Penelope

Chris and I just saw Penelope tonight and want to recommend it to everyone. We knew very little about this film, but were pleasantly surprised. Penelope is a modern-day fairytale that is cheerful and funny, has a charming love story (always a bonus), and teaches a valuable moral. The movie was brilliantly cast. James McAvoy and Christina Ricci hit it right on the "snout" and have awesome chemistry. Ricci is pretty adorable, even with a Miss Piggy nose. (It's also clean...PG.) Go see it! OINK!

Grandpa's Birthday Party

Celebrating Grandpa Reynold's 87th birthday at Brick Oven. Happy Birthday!

ACCEPTED!

Chris was admitted into the Marriott School of Business MBA Program! He'll be starting in the Fall. We are very excited and relieved...all his hard work has paid off. Go Class of 2010!