Pregnancy Diary: 13 weeks (and a look back)

Hello family and friends. :) We made it through the first trimester! Some highlights:

- Sneaking away from Young Women class to sit in Relief Society and raising my hand for "good news." I raised my hand, said how long I had been looking forward to having this kind of good news, shared news of the pregnancy, stood up, blew a kiss and walked back to my young women class with a smile.

- Celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas while imagining next year when baby Rice and baby Mclaughlin will be here.

- Breaking the news to friends and family. (Stories to come.)

Just for fun, here is the story of us finding out about our little one back in October:

After analyzing my calendar, I started to get a little giddy thinking there may be some news. After a few days, I came home and told Jeff I wanted to know. So- upstairs I went and then back I came to sit next to Jeff with a little test that was blinking an hourglass. If I remember correctly, we each thought outloud "oh man" in nervousness/anticipation. Blink, blink, blink...then...nothing. It was a dud.

I grabbed a bottle of water and ran to qfc to get another test. This time- the kind where you look for the line. At home, we tried again. I think that's a line. Barely. But any line is a line, right? Jeff was convinced, but I wasn't. I still did not know for sure.

So the next day after work, I came home with our third and final pregnancy test. It was a Sunday morning. Finally, a very clear: PREGNANT. I stared at it for quite a while, smiling. Then I went to sit in the future nursery to soak it all in and say a couple prayers.

Later at church a mommy near us asked me to hold their baby girl. She grinned at us both and I was overwhelmed with gratitude and warmth. I said another silent prayer and promised my Heavenly Father to do the best I could.

That was such a great day. :)

Pregnancy diary: 10 1/2 weeks

I am 10 1/2 weeks pregnant. There is a little heart beat inside of me. Soon I will have a belly to show for it. And I am thrilled! :)

I couldn't possibly explain the joy, anticipation, wonder, and love that I am feeling. I have had the time of my life sharing this news with those we love and thinking of the reality that we will soon have a little "us" in our home. From the day we found out, I have been enveloped with a sense of calm- and the repeated, confirming thought that this is what I am supposed to be doing right now in my life. Despite recent bumps in the road, I feel blessed to know that our Heavenly Father is happy with us, that blessings will come, and that everything will be okay.

These photos were taken at our 7 week appointment, the first we had. I arrived early and had my sit-down with the nurse where we talked about everything from my work-outs to what foods to stay away from.

Based on the calendar, I was given a due date of July 9th, but baby Rice's measurements estimated a date of July 11th. Keeping in mind the history of twins on my side, we were prepared (well- sort of), but totally content with seeing just one little heart flutter on the screen.

Up until the day of this ultrasound, I had what the nurse called "an awesomely boring pregnancy." Nothing to report=good.

Then week 8 decided boring was no good and brought some intense and pretty darn frequent throwing up. After 3 days, a priesthood blessing, and feeling like I had nothing left, we felt it best to visit the ER. Mom was here to keep me company while Jeff was at work, so off we went to get some fluids and some medicine to help keep it under control.

I'm still waking up sick and feeling yucky most days, but I can't complain. It's all part of the job, right? -And a sign that things are working in there... so bring it on baby. :)

My appetite has been a funny thing. I have found myself thinking of a food that sounded okay and picking it up at the store- only to get home and think...no way.

Favorites so far have been anything potato, Jamba Juice smoothies, Taco Del Mar, and orange juice. Mama Rice, Critty and Gio came down a couple of weeks ago to make a pot of taco soup that totally satisfied.

Most nights Jeff examines my belly to see if there is any change yet. There is a little difference but I think it's more to do with my sporadic diet than baby!

Months before we got pregnant, I spent a Borders gift card on What to Expect at their closing sale. Maybe it is because I've been reading it for so long that I am getting antsy to see my belly grow.

Soon! Happy growing, baby Rice.

-Mama

Halloweeeeen 2011

Although last year's Halloween is hard to beat, we did do a little dressing up this year!...

(Daisy the hot dog)


('I Love Lucy' Lindsey)

Thank goodness for Halloween youth activities! Otherwise I might not have indulged in this childlike fun (and taken home prize for cutest leader! Yay!) Jeff played the role of photographer and candy-giver.... and both of us as candy-eaters. It is not our fault those COSTCO candy bags are so huge. :)

Happy Halloween!!

xoxo.

Summer 2011

Now that there is frost on the ground and Christmas music playing, it is time to do a little catching up.

Summer 2011 was a great one- a quick one- but a great one! Remember that "very temporary" position I got at work last holiday? Well it has transformed into a full-time sales lead/events coordinator position at the Olympia store. A whole lot of prayer and loving advice led us to this point, and we are happy to be bringing in some extra cash while waiting for a little baby Rice to come our way. I am learning a lot about myself. Again, I have amazing parents to thank for lovingly teaching me the value of work and reliability. Those Saturday morning " chore zones" really payed off Mom and Dad- who knew? :)

I was recently called to serve with the Young Women again as the Mia Maid advisor at church- teaching the 14 and 15 year olds. It is fantastic. That leaves Jeff teaching our Sunday School class solo. I am so grateful for that experience together. Listening to his testimony of spiritual principles multiplied my love and admiration for him and brought us closer.

This August was birthday #25 for Lindsey and #31 for Jeff! Yep, we are old...

I celebrated with a day in the water at Wild Waves with some of the family where I braved my white Washington skin in a swimsuit- and Jeff enjoyed some grand deep-dish pizza at our family dinner at BJ's Brewery.

We were lucky to be part of Mama Rice's birthday wish this year- attending Les Miserables at the 5th Avenue theater in Seattle.

We had a very memorable night with Aleigha, Critty, Mama and Aunt Martha. Aunt Martha brought a purse full of goodies and binoculars for everyone to peek through. (She's among my favs. ) :) It was an incredible experience. Daddy Rice skipped this one- saying he "didn't want to be miserable." Funny guy. Happy Birthday to Joanne!

Labor Day weekend meant the always fun Camerota family reunion at Nonie and Grandpa's.

(Our Buddha dog.)

The guys taught Presco how to golf. Check out that backswing- it was a little scary!

I got a couple hours with nephew Oliver while his Dad did some errands here in Olympia. We played with rocks in the backyard, Went on a search for the "choo-choo" in the neighborhood and splashed in puddles at the park. Congratulations to Nikki and Ryan-Oliver is going to be a big brother soon...!

I have been wanting to add some color to our downstairs, so my mom came down for a day of painting. (May I just say that my mom is the perfect combination of friend and mother. I can still call her with tears and concerns and hear just what I need. And we have so much fun when we are together.) She humored my vision of orange. Man, oh man, I learned. It is a bit loud and will probably be painted over soon. Despite the crazy wall, we had fun. Love ya Mom!

I have missed the scones, roasted corn on the cob and dairy cones of the Puyallup fair for the past few years, so I made sure to get there this year to partake of it all.

We ate like piggies, got lost in Hobby Hall and said goodbye to the crazy crowds until next year.

Jeff kept telling me how Daisy waits for me to come home at night. He took this picture. She's so sweet.

Joanne went to New York to go through the temple with Jo for the first time. While she was gone we watched Gio for a couple days while Critty was away. Just look at these two...

Spoiled.

Thanks for catching up with us. :)

What's up with the Rices?

Today I find myself sitting at the computer with a strong desire to catch up on my blog, but unsure which memory or bit of information to start with. Do I start with our recent trip to the US Open; or a fun weekend that included Les Miserables in Seattle, a ward luau, our annual birthday ice cream cake, and a scary movie with Aleigha and Critty? How about the attempted intervention for my older brother that brought our family even closer, or the day I recently spent painting a wall orange in our house with my mom, only to realize how stressful having an orange wall in your house can be? (P.s. Mom- it was so worth the fun!) :) I could also talk about the sudden loss of a dear friend, or the passing of my sweet Grandma Woodhouse.

I think for today I will start off simple by stating how very grateful I am for the arrival of my favorite season- FALL. The rain, the sound of whistles at High School football games, bundling up and snuggling wherever we go, the leaves and colors, my tweed Sunday skirt, sugar cookies, the sound of our fall wreathe brushing up against the front door, the food-scented candles, warm socks and boots, and the smell of costume face paint- it all makes me smile and feel like all is well in life. I knew it was officially here when I caught the scent of Cinnamon pine cones at the store last night. (Mmmm) :)

I sure hope you are enjoying your fall Sunday too. I learned more about forgiveness and the Plan of Salvation at church today. Now I think I'll go join Jeff and Daisy on the couch for a little relaxin'. :)

p.s. This indoor, extra-cuddle weather is making perfect timing this year. We are hoping to have a really fun announcement soon...

xoxo.

Girls Camp

Oh dearest blog, I have missed you.

I have been busy- busy going to girl's camp, booking NYC trip #2, managing some possible job changes, and turning 25 (YIKES! Next post).

Speaking of girl's camp:

I was asked to be a "cabin mom" along with Jess from my ward. I jumped at a chance to get to serve the young women and have any part in helping them discover their worth and potential. I'm pretty grateful my Heavenly Father trusted me with the responsibility, and I take it to heart. Girl's camp played a HUGE role in my life, and I can credit it for many testimony-building experiences. So, I kissed Jeff and Daisy goodbye and set out for some spiritual enlightenment up in the mountains!

On the way to White Pass, Jess and I munched on Doritos and candy while we talked about everything from our favorite reality tv shows to how we met our husbands.

The first morning, I woke up early to meet a couple girls and leaders for a run. The crisp mountain air and scenery was the perfect setting. The next day, Jess and I went with the girls on their 5-mile hike.

The camp theme centered around the 13th Article of Faith. We were also able to give our tents themes. Jess and I did 'Candyland- sweet is the joy the gospel brings.'

(Lacey 5th Ward girls) (Our tents- The Candyland girls)

It was great to get away from the world for a week, brush off some worries, and just focus on the girls.

The day we drove home, I had just enough time to wash the dirt off my toes and drive to Tacoma Lawn to watch the guys' match.

They won 3 matches, beat the 8th sead, and almost the #1! They made it to the quarterfinals, playing the best they ever have at that tournament.

Home sweet home. :)

Another Pug for the Rices

Introducing:

Daisy.

Also known as:

-Daisy Duke

-Diesel

-Daisy girl

-Dainty Daisy

- Elvis

Jeff and I adopted this sweet little pug from some family members a couple months ago. They wanted Daisy to be with a family that was home more often and could give her more attention. We're so grateful they thought of us because she has made us so, so happy and we just love her to pieces. (Look at that face!)

It has been fun for me to discover the joy dogs can bring. She really does warm our hearts and turns our bad moods around real quick.

Daisy and I were buds pretty quick but Jeff and her bonded this last week while I was at Girls Camp. I think it may have something to do with her getting to sleep at the foot of the bed while I was gone...? Anyway, the phrase man's best friend rings true with those two.

- Her tongue hangs out just a little bit... all the time.

- When you come home she puts her toy in her mouth and runs to you- she can't breathe real well so she sounds like a diesel truck.

- She has an under bite, and her upper lip gets caught on her teeth a lot (hence the 'Elvis' nickname).

- She can really clear a room (If you know what I mean...).

- She is tender hearted and has a very sensitive tummy.

- Jeff is teaching her how to cuddle- she's making progress.

She LOVES belly rubs- and pretty much gets them every time she gives you puppy eyes and rolls over...

Gus finally got his girlfriend. She loves him. We are pretty sure she wants to eat him though, so we watch pretty close. (see her licking her chops??)

She was introduced to Giovani the day we picked her up. He ran her in circles and the poor thing didn't know what to do. They are becoming buds though...

She is such a good dog.

Thank you to the Dupenthalers for trusting us with your sweet pup.

We will take good care of her!