Christmas 2008

Hey everyone,
We had a great Christmas at our house! I got a coat from Dustin, straightener, shirt and watch from my inlaws and mostly money from everyone else. Dustin got candy from us (hard to make it to the store with the little one), fly tying stuff and money. Ryker got a monkey gym, rocking horse and playpen along with clothes and a few small toys.
I have to share his cute picture. He is looking too old!
We are still waiting for the sleep issue to resolve itself. We are grateful that he only wakes up twice per night at about 1-2 and 4-5, but he thinks that he's supposed to be awake for the day at 5 am...I am a sleeper and he is not so it's tough. We are increasing and changing his reflux medicine because he is spitting up like crazy lately and it seems to hurt him.
I start school again on January 5th and am pretty nervous about juggling a baby, housework and school. Dustin is always willing to help along with my mom and wonderful family, so I should be fine.
Dustin has sold his dirtbike and hopefully we will sell his snowmobile this week.
Things are going well for the Nielsen family, hope you are all well also.
Love,
Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

Bath Time!

Hey everyone,
So I just had to show you how cute this is. Since we are so busy with Christmas parties and other fun stuff, I must just wear Ryker out. He has a bath before bed every night and this is one of his favorite parts of the day. Well last night he must have been tuckered out- here he is:

Oh so cute!

Also, he is starting to love sitting in his boppy pillow and I took a page out of Ashlee Ward's book and started reading to him while he sits in it. He is just too active so he makes it through about 3/4 of a book before he's ready to be kicking and moving and talking.

Love and Merry Christmas,
Ashley, Dustin and Ryker Nielsen

Happy Birthday Kel!

Happy 2nd Birthday to our niece Nikelle on Sunday! We went to Hardware Ranch yesterday to see the elk for her birthday. She LOVES elk and the outdoors. There were quite a few cows but we're going to go up after these snow storms to see some big bulls. Thanks Cindy for watching Ryker so that I could enjoy the ride.
Kel is so fun. So big for her age and she just loves Baby Ryker. She has loved him since day one, even when I was pregnant and now she can't get enough of him. She is a great cousin!

Kel and her Mom Kristi

Kristi, Colby and Kel
(Colby is Dustin's Brother- can you see the resemblence? Nielsen's through and through)
The Biggest Bull There
The Family
left to right: Friends: Lonny and Phalecia, Little Brother-Colten, Kristi, Kel, Colby, Me, Dustin and My Father in Law Scott

Not For Me

Hey Everyone,
So ignore the last post. I am no longer letting him cry it out because it was not working and was making me a nervous wreck. He is still sick and has a hourse little throat, probably from me letting him cry when it was impossible for him to sleep because he feels icky.
Anyways, last night he slept for three hours at a time and woke up this morning after about 3 quite a bit just because he didn't feel good. We may be going to the doctor yet again because he is starting to bat at his ears.
Crying it out is not for me- yet. I want him to learn to go to sleep on his own but both of us need to be ready and I can't do it out of desperation. For now, we're going to work on a routine and figure out how much sleep he truly needs because I really think he needs less naps than most kids his age. I just want my happy baby that he truly is and yesterday he cried even when I held him- probably a bit traumatized.
Thanks for advice and listening to me groan. This being a mom stuff is not for wimps and I really am beginning to realize there isn't a right answer for everything because every baby is different.
We're happy today- more smiles and less crying. Makes the future a little brighter- even if I am up 3 times a night.
Love,
Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

Sleeping Wars

Hey Everyone,
That's what I feel like we are having at our house- sleeping wars. Ryker has slowly started to sleep worse and worse, and I really don't get it! Getting up 4 times in one night doesn't really seem right when he has gone almost a week with just 2 wakings per night. Anyways, I started feeling really weak and dizzy last night and I think that it is just stress about him sleeping along with exhaustion. With school starting in 3 short weeks-something had to be done.
Today I re-read my "Becoming BabyWise" book and decided that I needed to implement their plan. The BabyWise Plan is basically that you go through feed-wake-nap cycles (in that order) throughout the day so that your baby will sleep better at night. They also suggest laying your baby down when they are drowsy but still awake so they can learn to go to sleep by themselves.
I feel like the worst mom ever because he is crying in the other room right now because I layed him down. I know he is so tired because he has barely slept today and was almost falling asleep in his bounceer, but he just cries. He is fed, changed and not in pain or sick so I feel a little better knowing he is alright. I check on him and calm him down every 5 minutes but it still takes him a while to fall asleep. Anyways, I was just wondering if any of you have any suggestions or went through the same thing. Also, let me know if you know a better way and/or think I am completely mean and heartless- cuz man I feel like it right now!
Love,
Ashley

Sick

Hey everyone,

Yep, we're sick at our house this week. I have had a cold for about 4 days and woke up the night before last with a 101.4 fever- awful. Dustin got a sore throat but I don't think that he'll get much worse. I was so worried about Ryker catching it and of course he did. I feel so bad but what do you do when you're nursing and the only one home with him during the day?

We went to the doctor and all is well, no RSV. He just has a lot of mucus. It is so sad to see your baby sick. He is acting alright though, no crying just a little more clingy. He is jabbering like crazy these days!

He now weighs- ready for this? I was shocked- 8 pounds 14 ounces! He's not the chicken little at 6 pounds that we brought home!

Here are some pictures- still cute while he's sick!

As you will notice in the pictures, he scratched his cheek TWICE in the same spot!

Hopefully we will get feeling better soon- the doctor says that we are probably over the worst of it.

Love,

Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

One Month Old

Ryker is already one month old (on Friday)! I cannot believe we have had him for that long. I truly don't remember or miss life before him!

He is so big. Things he can do- hold his head up (amazing that he has done this since birth), 'stand up' and about wiggle out of your arms (do they make jumparoo's for 7 pound one month olds?), crack a half smile, coo mostly at his toys and roll over from belly to back.

There are a few things that I have learned in the past few weeks.

1. Cheap diapers work good. Watch out for pee when you change a boy (still working on that, he peed all over twice today!)

2. He is the only person I will kiss and say 'I love you' to after he pukes/poops/farts/burps :)

3. Not getting a full nights sleep isn't that bad and when you wake up to a happy healthy baby in the morning, you literally forget about the night before.

4. Having a baby is the best thing that has ever happened to Dustin and I. We love each other more than ever and he adds a bond that I can't describe.

5. He is truly an angel. We have had way too many losses this year, but if Heavenly Father needed all of those people just so we could get Ryker, I am truly grateful.

Speaking of losses...we have had two more in my family, bringing the total to 4 this year. My mom's cousin (so I guess my second cousin) and his wife (Curtis and Tammy Anderson) were killed in the bad wreck in Sardine Canyon on Friday night. They leave behind their two children and the rest of their family who will miss them deeply. Too sad and too many losses this year. Hopefully 2009 is better!

I have to share the so cute pictures that we had taken this weekend...

My favorite

I'll have to post my Christmas card/birth announcement next time.

Lots of love,

Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

Unique Things About Us

Hey everyone,
I was tagged by Chelsie to post 6 Unique or Disturbing things about us. Here they are....

1. Dustin and I are both picky eaters. I hate red meat (but eat it if I have to), chocolate (will not eat at all, the smell makes me gag). Dustin only eats meat and potatoes. He will occassionally step out of his comfort zone but he hates all vegetables except corn.

2. I swear I was pregnant with Ryker in January because I was really nauseous that whole month. But, based on all our ultrasounds and the day he arrived, I wasn't pregnant till February. I felt like I was pregnant for 10 months.

3. Dustin has big feet (size 12) and really long toes. He can do "thumbs up" with his huge big toe. It's really disturbing but I really should get a picture :)

4. Opposites must attract.I graduated from high school with high grades, love school and won some academic scholarships. Dustin barely graduated and hates school. He's super active and I prefer to be a homebody. He loves hamburgers and they make me ill.

5. We live in a 120 year old house. We don't have a dishwasher and our bathroom sink can't have warm water because it has opposite taps for hot and cold. It has "character" and is alright for now. I actually love it because of where we live, in the country and next to family.

6. Ryker has a few cute quirks. When he gets excited he puts one arm straight out and moves it up and down. He also has a cute sound that sounds like he's saying "uh-huh".

Picture of my little guy- he loves his changing table!

I tag to tell us 6 unique things about you- Natalee, Ashlee Ward and Bre.

Love,

Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

Remembering Grandpa

Hey everyone,
I have been meaning to post this for a long time but I just barely got the time. The night before Ryker was born (Nov. 4th) my sweet grandpa Clynn passed away. He is my dad's dad and just came into my life 2 years ago. I didn't know any of my father's family until his passing 2 years ago and then I met my grandparents and half-sister Amanda. They are all the best people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Grandpa was a jokester and he always was upbeat. He has been sick for a while but still remained active with all of us. He was so fun and always would give the best compliments. I was his "pal" and he was a blessing in my life.
I know he went up and sent Ryker on a "rush delivery". I told him the night he passed that he better take care of my little one but send him quick (I was already having contractions.)
His funeral was amazing. He had planned it with my grandma and boy did it turn out perfect. The family all sang "As I have Loved You" at the end and it really is the perfect song for such an awesome guy.
So sad to see a great man like this go but I know he is up there with my dad and many others that have passed on. So glad he got to meet my little guy and spend time with him.
"Love ya, bye"-Pal

Thanksgiving

Hey everyone,

We had a great Thanksgiving at Dustin's grandparent's house. His cousins were up from Arizona so that was great to see them. I only got one picture of the little cousins/niece on the teeter totter. They were so dang cute!

I did get lots of pictures of my little one though :)

I absolutely love his bib because I call him "turkey" when he fusses.

Isn't he getting big? He started cooing today!

We went to Novemberfest yesterday and then to my grandparent's house. He is such a trooper. He was so cute in the car because he was starving (I know, bad bad mom) but he was just making this little fuss like "when you get a minute, I'm a little hungry here" :) I love his cute little sound he makes instead of crying.

I have to show him off in his cute longjohns/reds!

He's ready to go hunting! Dustin practices his calls every night and Ryker loves to listen.

What a cute bum!

What I am thankful for:

Family most of all. I love every single person in my family and couldn't imagine life without them. I am also thankful for all those that we have lost this year and can't wait to see them again. My many grandparents are so supportive and I know that I will never feel alone in this world because of them.

Dustin and Ryker are my two loves. Our marriage has been strengthened by our little guy and we are more in love than we have ever been. I love them both so much that it makes me cry sometimes. I love watching Ryker grow and am so grateful for him!

The gospel has become more important to me in the last year and I am so very thankful for all that it has taught me and all the comfort that I feel because of the teachings. The power of prayer is great and the messages we receive from scripture and the leaders of the church are true and powerful.

Those are my top three things I am grateful for but I could list so many more...Cache Valley, our home (modest as it may be), lower gas prices, Dustin's job, my schooling and the many blessings I have received from it, my past jobs, hard times because they teach so much...

Lots of love,

Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

Gastric Reflux

Hey everyone,

So Ryker is doing good again but Friday night sure was not fun. He woke up at midnight like usual to eat but then he stayed awake till 7 screaming most of the time. I was like "this is not my baby!" because he is so chill and doesn't even cry, just fusses a little. He was also refusing to eat and I knew he was hungry. So we went to the doctor Saturday and they said he has Gastric/Acid Reflux. Thank goodness there is medicine for it because I was in tears when I called the doctor because he was so miserable. So this is our new best friend...

It is working well and last night he was back to normal. Having a baby is hard emotionally anyways but seeing them in pain, man it rips your heart right out!

In other news, Dustin is gearing up for coyote hunting. He is super excited because there is a pack of them just behind our house. Last year they didn't get any kills so hopefully they will this year. He just got a gun cabinet and inherited a whole bunch of hunting and fishing stuff so he is a happy camper. He loves spending time with Ryker and is dang cute with him. Funny how guys change when they get a little one, he's even cuter with everyone elses kids.

I am really enjoying my time at home with the baby. It's so fun to watch him grow. He's starting to get chubby cheeks and wrinkles on his chicken legs. He is also getting a personality and attitude. If he doesn't like something, he grunts and stiffens up. He is also rolling over and lifting his head up. He's a strong one, don't let his size fool you :) He's also a wiggle worm and loves to turn his head so that when I kiss his cheek he kisses me right on the lips. So dang cute!

I'm gearing up for Christmas, although it is not going to be the same this year because we have lost so many that we love. We are making this year all about family. Few gifts, just lots of time together.

Although I am excited that it's nearly Christmas, I am also sad because that means that it's sooner to me going back to school. I'll only be leaving him about 6 hours a week with either Dustin or my mom but I'll still have to take time out to finish my online stuff.

Here is a cute picture I just took. He was batting at that toy in front of him like it was driving him nuts. That's his annoyed face.

Bye for now. Everyone have a good Thanksgiving, we're just going to Dustin's grandparents for a little bit.

Lots of love,

Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

Outings

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all the comments! You guys are all great! We went to Ryker's 2 week checkup yesterday. He's grown an inch and gained 10 ounces, so he's almost 7 pounds...little runt :) He is doing well except he thinks it's morning at about 4 am! He's getting better though, today it was 5 :) Although we still got no sleep because someone got a DUI in front of our house and the wrecker came to tow their car at 1:30 then just as I had drifted off to sleep at 2, Dustin's phone got a text and I was rudely awakened by his elk bugle ringtone. Oh life...

As far as how I'm feeling, great but still have the new mom anxiety. These things need instruction manuals! I'm so looking forward to that first smile or coo, just so I know I'm doing something right to make him happy and that my lame attempts at entertaining him are working. :)

We've gone out to run some errands in the past few days and i just had to share how cute he is in his car seat

I know the hood is ridiculously big but that outfit is preemie! I guess most babies have adult sized heads? Everything fits weird.

That's all for now, hope everyone has a great weekend!
Love,
Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

Life with a Newborn...

Hey everyone,

So Ryker is 12 days old now! CRAZY how fast time goes by. I am amazed at how much he is changing everyday. He is getting chubbier cheeks and is paying a lot of attention to his surroundings and to us. He is perfectly content almost all the time (except for when his diaper is being changed). He sleeps very well at night, almost too well because he sleeps through feedings! I feed him every two hours during the day so that does tie us down here at home but I'm going to introduce a bottle next week so that we can go on little outings (I am so anxious to go for walks but out here in the boonies without sidewalks, it's way too dangerous!)

He is sleeping like an angel right now in his cute camo onesie that drowns him (size newborn, how did I get such a tiny baby? :)

In his favorite swing before he conked out

I now have the internet at my house so I will hopefully update more often. I hope everyone is doing well. It's amazing that Thanksgiving is next week! Hope everyone has fun plans
Lots of love,

Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

Our New Little One!!!

Hey everyone,
We have a baby!!! He was born November 5th at 12:08 pm. He's 6 pounds 3 ounces and 19 inches long- just a little guy! He has quite a bit of blond hair in the back and little whisps on the sides. He has my nose from when I was a baby and Dustin's chin.
Just a little about my delivery, which was great... I woke up at 3:30 am with contractions (don't like those AT ALL!), came to the hospital at 6:30. I progressed very quickly and only pushed for a half hour. It was all so fast and so amazing. He is so dang cute, not one of those babies that is squished, blue or misshapen when they are born. :)
And his name is..... Ryker Dustin Nielsen. He just looks like a Ryker.

We've had him home for almost a week and he is an angel. He sleeps well at night and is getting big already! We have so much fun with him.

Here are pictures (lots, but more are coming!)

Today

He LOVES daddy!

Well, I have to get back to him. I am having our new internet installed next week so then I will be able to post more. Bye till then!

Love,

Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

Due Date

As you can see, we are at D-Day and there is no baby :)
The doctor says that I will be in labor in the next few days and I think that I am having contractions as we speak (although I always thought it would be easier to know if you are having a contraction...)
Hopefully we will be posting with pictures of a happy healthy little boy in the next little bit.
That's all for now!
Lots of love,
Ashley, Dustin and Baby Nielsen

Pictures

Hey everyone,
Just thought I would post some pictures of baby stuff. I love pictures and I figure everyone else does too!

My Belly Today

My Belly Last Week

(It's not your imagination, it has shrunk. He is so low in my pelvis that he is just sitting horizontally now)

His Crib

His Rocking Chair- Thanks to Twila for recovering it!

My Diaper Bag-

Thanks again to Twila! It matches the carseat which I for some reason don't have a picture of.

That's it for now. Happy Halloween to everyone!
Love,
Ashley, Dustin and Baby Nielsen

One Week to Go!

Hey everyone,
So we made it through the weekend and didn't have the baby! Now I'm ready to get this show on the road. I can't wait to meet him and he just isn't cooperating. I went to the doctor this morning and she said I haven't got much going on but hopefully this week I'll just go into labor. If I don't, it'll be a long wait for my induction on November 13th! Wish me luck!
In other news, my step-dad's funeral went well. Hard day but it was beautiful. Thanks to all those who showed support.
I am no longer a hunting widow. Dustin has returned from his elk and deer hunting expeditions empty handed :( That's alright with me because we really wouldn't have eaten the meat. I am so grateful that he's home to help and be supportive.
Hope that I'll be blogging about being in labor!
Love,
Ashley, Dustin and Baby Nielsen

In Loving Memory...

"To know you was to love you".

Yesterday my step-dad Steve Thalman passed away following a short illness. Steve had been in my life for about 12 years and had been like a father to me.
We had so many fun times, especially in the past few weeks. We joked and laughed a lot and had a good time talking about everything. He was so fun and always had a great attitude. Dustin and Steve were also close. They went on a few fishing trips recently and Dustin came back with many fun memories and times. He really loved Steve too and we will both miss him dearly.
Steve was so excited to meet our new little guy. Steve just couldn't wait so he went up to spend some time with him before he comes. Steve will for sure teach him how to fish and hunt- I bet we'll have quite the outdoorsman! We're hoping the baby waits to come for at least a week so that he can spend more time with Steve and also so we can get through this hard time before we welcome the joy of a new baby.
I just wanted to write a little to commemorate this great man that we will all miss. We love you!
Love,
Ashley, Dustin and Baby Nielsen

Pictures of my baby bump

Hey everyone,

As promised, here are the pictures of my belly

37 weeks

Compared to...

35 weeks

He has grown so much and is now getting hiccups quite frequently. He is so active, I tease Dustin that we are never going to sleep because our baby doesn't. He is shy though, every time someone other than Dustin or I puts their hand on my belly he quits moving :)

Lots of love,

Ashley, Dustin and Baby Nielsen

Waiting for Baby

Hey everyone!
Friday was my last day at work at the Up to 3 program. I was an aide for a child development class. I really enjoyed it but feeling like a whale and chasing 2 year olds was wearing on me. So, now we're just waiting for baby. It's weird to count in weeks instead of months now! Just over 3 weeks and we'll be parents and finally get to meet this little guy. Dangit, my camera battery just barely died so I'll have to wait to show you all the picture of my belly but it has like exploded, although it's still not huge. At the last doctor's appointment she said he has dropped and everything is looking good. Now if I could just induce my own labor this week I would LOVE that!
There is a lot going on right now and a lot of things coming up so having the baby now would be prefered, but we don't get to choose. (I never understood women trying any and everything to induce labor, but now I totally get it!) Anyways, things are good but will be great when we finally see this little man everyone is waiting for. I will post pictures soon.
Dustin is still trying for an elk. His hunt ends Thursday. It was so nice to have him home this weekend. It was crazy to wake up with him on a Sunday-hasn't happened for about 6 weeks because of hunting, etc. The deer hunt starts next weekend and then hopefully we're done. I love that he has something he gets to enjoy with his family but man, I want him home with me all the time :)
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the SNOW!!
Love,
Ashley, Dustin and Baby Nielsen

Body Worlds and An Elk Widow

Hey Everyone,
I went to the Body World's exhibit today down at The Leonardo in Salt Lake. It was SO informational and interesting. Basically it's a guided tour of the human body. It is full of bodies that have been specially preserved. You walk through and read and listen about all the exhibits. Really really cool, but totally not for kids- so go if you can but leave the little ones home :) It has a great message- that we have a lot of control of our bodies and that happiness is key in being healthy. Photography isn't allowed inside, I so wanted a picture with me next to one of them making a crazy face :)

Here's a picture- They dissect them so you can see all the organs.

In other news, only one month until my due date! He's just a movin' and shakin' ready to have some room I think. I got my nursery almost finished YAY and thanks mom! This is my last week of working- then it's just getting ready for baby! We still have no named picked out.
Dustin is on his elk hunt until Tuesday. I am a elk/deer/fish widow. It makes me laugh- they are up there FREEZING in sopping wet clothes, not seeing any elk, yet Dustin is still upbeat and having fun. Silly Boys!
I hope everyone is doing well, enjoying the fall weather. It's been a crazy few weeks and I along with everyone else is so excited for the baby to come.
Watching conference I was so touched by the talk by Brother Uchtdorf on hope. It is something that we all need to listen to, but especially me right now.

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
- 14th Dalai Lama (from Body Worlds)

Lots of love,
Ashley, Dustin and Baby Nielsen

Win a Free Handbag

Hey everyone, win a free handbag by clicking here: http://www.handbagplanet.com/

All about me...

Hey everyone- I stole this from Bre's blog because I thought it was fun. If you want to steal it go right ahead.

A- Attached or single: Attached
B- Best Friend: Dustin and my Sister-in-law Kristi
C-Cake or Pie: Cake usually but I do love my coconut cream pie!
D-Day: Any weekday right now- Dustin is always gone weekends.
E- Essential Item: my Reynold's vacuum sealer thingy- I can keep anything fresh with that thing!
F- Favorite Color: red
G-Gummi Bears or Worms: worms :)
H-Home town: Providence
I- Indulgences: Umm long baths and carmel puffs
J- January or July?: Neither really- too hot and too cold. I guess July because January is my recoup time after the holidays.
K-Kids: A little boy on the way
L-Life is incomplete without: Family and religion
M- Marriage Date: Aug. 4th, 2007
N- Number of Siblings: Just one half sister- Amanda, although I did grow up as an only child.
O- Oranges or Apples: Apples- only gala kind though
P- Phobias or Fears: Spiders, snakes, flies, moths...
Q- Quote: "Thank heaven for dirty dishes- they have a tale to tell, while others may go hungry, we are eating well" (since I am feeling guilty about all those dirty dishes I let stack up!)
R- Reason To Smile: My family, my health, the baby moving
S- Season: Fall- I love the leaves
T- Tag Three: Anyone can steal this if they want- I did!
U- Unknown fact about me: I have double jointed elbows? Oh and I have very little common sense- I am only book smart :)
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: I don't eat red meat really- just chicken and pork. So in between?
W- Worst Habit: I let the dishes stack up and then I complain about cleaning them- when it really doesn't take that long. Dustin would say that I eat potato chips and then let them get crushed in the carpet because it happened once :)
X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds- so much fun to see the little one
Y-Your favorite food: Pizza- although I get sick every time I eat it! Also, I have craved playdoh ice cream everyday of this pregnancy :)
Z: Zodiac Sign: Scorpio- I just realized our son will most likely be scorpio too- talk about a lot of attitude in our house!

Lots of love,
Ashley

Officially a Mom...Kinda

Hi everyone!

So I feel like such a mom. I got a car yesterday and it's cute but just says "mom". I miss my cute little 2 door sporty car but it's a small sacrifice for the little guy. Nothing like having a car that's paid off already, saves money for all the diapers :)

See... MOM!!!

Speaking of little guy- he's not so little anymore. There's nothing I like more than a good jab to the ribs and feeling like he's trying to escape. I'm now officially uncomfortable, but I really love feeling him move and watching the ripples on my stomach. Less than 6 weeks to go! YAY!

That's all for now,

Ashley, Dustin and Baby (Still no name) Nielsen

THANKS!!!

Hi Everyone,
We had a baby shower Saturday and we had a blast! Thanks to all of those who were able to make it and all of those who helped with the shower itself. I loved being able to visit with a lot of people that I don't get to see too often. I got so many great gifts and I think we're just about ready for the little guy to get here (after being karate chopped way too much today I am SO ready!) We just have to organize the nursery and get a few little things to get ready.
We're just hanging out, working and spending time with friends and family. We've had quite a month with poor health in my family so I've been busy with doctors and stuff. (Don't worry, my pregnancy has been so great and uneventful!) I love all my family and am so glad that I can be there for them-especially because I have had a little medical training. Crazy crazy time in all of our lives and this baby is keeping us all plugging along :)
That's it for now.
Lots of love,
Ashley, Dustin and Baby Nielsen

Baby Shower

Hi Everyone!
I just thought that I would post about my upcoming baby shower. I don't know some addresses and have probably forgot to send important people invitations, so here is the info.

Open House
Saturday September 13th
11 am-2 pm
@ the Benson church (3432 N 3000 W)- Take airport road going west and you'll eventually just run into the church.

I have a list of things that we need but really I just want to see everyone!!
That's all for now,
Ashley

Baby Gift Ideas 2.0

Hi Everyone,
I am going to be updating this list quite frequently so that it stays towards the top of my blog and also because we are starting to accumulate a few things.

Since we have a little one arriving soon we are being asked what we need for the little guy. To make your lives a little bit easier if you are planning on getting a gift, I thought we would let you know what would be most helpful. We truly appreciate all that you all do for us and will welcome gifts of any kind- especially love and support!

What we need:
Diapers (We are planning on using Pamper's brand)

Wipes

Diaper changing station items
Onesies in all sizes (Long and short sleeve, any colors)
Sleepers

Clothing of any kind

Socks
Blankets
Burp Cloths
Baby first aid kit items
Newborn Hats
Bathing supplies
Boppy Pillow
Bumbo Chair

Automobile Seat Saver/Protector (Stork Landing)
Baby Laundry Detergent

Things that we already have:
Swings and bouncer seats

Baby Monitor

Diaper Geenie
Crib bedding
Size 3 shoes (who knew everything I would be given would be size 3?!?)
Binkies
Bottles and bottle accesories
Formula
Play Pen
Stroller
Carseat
Bathing Tub

Thanks so much!
Dustin, Ashley and Baby ?Ryker? Nielsen!

Flaming Gorge

Hi Everyone!
So I went on a little trip this weekend and it was WAY fun! Kristi (my sister in law) invited me to go with her family to Flaming Gorge since both our husbands were going to be working and hunting all weekend. We went with her parents and met her aunt and uncle and cousins up there.
So we took off Thursday and got back Monday. For all the driving we did and set up of camp, we only caught 3 fish between 6 of us professional fishermen and women :)
We went fishing and tubing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Nikelle (Kristi's daughter, my Niece) was so cute in her little life jacket. She is usually running around being curious but on the boat she just sat on my lap the whole time. She did not like her mom falling off the tube though. Poor girl, we made her think Mommy was gone forever!

Kell-This picture makes her look just like Daddy!

Kell's Scooter

Kristi on the Tube- Woo Hoo!!

She is so dang cute, she is obsessed with the baby. She wants to see the ultrasound pictures everytime she is with me. She makes me show her my bare belly and then she kisses it a bunch (we usually have to beg for kisses!) She'll be so great, like a big sister when he comes!

Man did I feel pregnant though. After riding that long then sitting in camp, plus the heat, my legs were so swollen. I also started getting punched from the inside which isn't so much fun. I'm going to start sending him eviction notices soon, but I guess it's too early because we still have 2 months left.

On Saturday I stayed at camp then we took a ride to see Kristi and everyone that went fishing. On the way we were talking about the weather and Kristi's uncle says "It won't be too muddy and we'll still be able to get the trailers out as long as it doesn't rain all night." So what happens? It rains ALL NIGHT! So in the morning we reevaluated and thought that we'd give it a chance to dry out. Well we're sitting there playing a card game and it gets real dark outside. We were running around getting everything ready to ride and I swear no one has packed up that fast! We finally got out but had to leave the trailer there, so they have to go all the way back and pick it up.

Wow, that was longer than I thought it would be. Anyways, I hope everyone is doing well!

Lots of love,
Ashley, Dustin and Baby ?Ryker? Nielsen

Changes...

Hey everyone!
It has been a while since I have posted.
In the last two weeks we have....
Sold all 10 puppies!
Inherited 5 stray cats (sadly, 2 have since died)
Sold my car!
Organized our whole house!
Found out that we will get neighbors upstairs in a couple months :(
Found all our baby furniture!
Grown many inches and baby has decided that he's in the Olympics-I swear he never stops moving!
Started childbirth classes!
And been going nuts!

Now the race is on to find a new car. Word to the wise, do not car shop when pregnant and emotional. I feel so anxious and just want to find what I am looking for! We will, patience just isn't one of my strong points. We're going to go shop all day tomorrow so wish us luck!

Baby is moving so much lately. I think that he decided he wants to be in the Olympics too. It's so fun though! We started childbirth classes and boy did Dustin enjoy those ;) Our doctor will be moving in two weeks so we have one more appointment with her then change doctors :(
We still have no name for baby and could still use your help- Vote on Babynames.com- Button on the left under baby calculator.

Belly Shot- Compare to the last one-WHOA!!!

Love, Dustin, Ashley and Baby Nielsen