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

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!

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

Baby Gift Ideas

Hi Everyone,
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 tub
Bathing supplies
Boppy Pillow
Bumbo Chair

Automobile Seat Saver/Protector (Stork Landing)

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

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

Baby Bump

Hi everyone,
It has been a long time since I have written! We're busy with working and enjoying the summer. Dustin is on a basketball team and they have their last game tonight. Hopefully they win!
Our boxer, Vedder, had 10 puppies about 3 weeks ago. They are SO cute! If you want one, we will give you a purebred boxer for free :)

All tuckered out

So cute

It is also our first anniversary on Monday! I can't believe it's been a whole year since we were married! We're planning to take the day and re-live our first day as a married couple in Salt Lake.
I finally got some pictures of my ever growing belly so here is one. I'm 6 1/2 months pregnant right now. Some people say I look small but boy do I feel HUGE! Exciting things are happening though. You can now see his kicks on the outside and he got the hiccups for the first time the other day!


Well that is it for now. Have to run. Hope everyone is doing well!
Much love,
Ashley, Dustin and Baby ?Ryker?

It's a...

Hi everyone,
We went to our 20 week doctor's appointment and ultrasound today and we found out that the baby is a BOY!

Here is his face


Here is the proof he's a boy!

We got to see him and his cute little face, I will post pictures once I get around to scanning them. He was sucking his thumb and shielding his face most of the time. He must be camera shy like his dad!

We had a hard time finding out the gender and were getting pretty anxious because he had his little legs crossed. The ultrasound technician jiggled my belly a bunch and I was afraid I was going to get a hard "what do you think you are doing!" kick. Finally he revealed his secret and we are both so thrilled!

Here's a foot!

The baby looks very healthy and based on all the measurements, his due date is still November 4th.

We're really excited and are now going to start thinking about names and all that fun stuff.

Thanks to everyone for all your support!
Much love,
Ashley, Dustin and Baby BOY

Brand New

Hi everyone,
Just thought that I would introduce ourselves a little bit. We've made this blog to keep you all updated about our lives and the progress of our pregnancy. Just to re-cap:

Dustin and I were married on August 4th, 2007 here in Logan. It was a beautiful ceremony and we thank all of you who were able to attend.

We found out we were pregnant in March 2008. The baby is due November 4th (even though I think it will be born earlier.) We will find out the sex of the baby and get to see a 3-D ultrasound on June 17th, so check back. We're hoping it's a boy but really just want a healthy baby. Right now I am doing well and the baby is moving all around. I have had a wonderful pregnancy with no sickness at all.

As far as our personal lives go, I (Ashley) am out of school until next January. I am going to finish my degree in psychology with a minor in biology and chemistry in Fall 2009, then possibly go on to get my master's of social work degree, but I think that I will be so happy to stay home with our baby. I am working as a preschool aide for children with disabilities and I LOVE IT!!! I am going to be teaching a physiology lab this summer at USU but am mostly taking it easy, preparing for the baby.
Dustin is a mechanic at Midas here in Logan. He does well and loves his job. He loves to hunt, fish, dirtbike and anything else that is outdoors and/or dangerous.
We're both excited for the baby and know that it will change our lives for the better. We'll keep you updated on the latest and post some ultrasound pictures soon.

Much Love,
Dustin, Ashley and Baby Nielsen