On the fence.

Carter and I are often asked when we plan to have a second child. Savannah is almost 18 months old and everyone always points out that we don't want our children too far apart in age. I always respond with some sarcastic answer. I look to Carter and questioningly ask, when does my birth control expire? in 3 1/2 years? Perhaps we will try then. This always makes people uncomfortable and they drop the subject, which is the accomplished goal of my awkward answer. First I want to rant a little. I would like to point out that it is absolutely no one's business as to when and how far apart I want my children to be in age. Thank you for your opinion but I don't recall asking. I've always said I didn't want my children more than 3 years apart at the most. Which means Carter and I would need be trying for our second child around the time Savannah turns 2. Which is in 6 1/2 months. Probably the scariest thought I've had in months I must admit. Recently it seems we are getting that question more and more. When are you going to have another one? My sarcastic answer is becoming less funny and more scary since it realistically isn't our plan. I hate this question people. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it. Got it? Okay good. Rant over. Now for the whole reason I felt I should write this blog post. Recently this question came up again. I happened to admit that I would like another one at some point but the Idea of dealing with a newborn and a toddler at the same time has me scared out of my mind. So scared in fact it has me often thinking the selfish thought that I don't want another one because I can't do it. It took me sooo long to figure out how to take care of Savannah and myself. I'm pretty sure I lived in only pjs for Savannah's first year of life. Doing my hair and makeup was out of the question. My skin was awful when I got pregnant and it still is. I loved my daughter but I hated myself. I looked awful all the time. I recently have been doing lots of things to make myself feel better about me. I have purchased an entire new wardrobe of clothes, I dyed my hair and I refuse to leave the house without looking my absolute best even if it takes 2 1/2 hours to do so. Much to the annoyance of my poor husband. So when this question came up yet again I wanted to run. Instead I teasingly turned the tables on my husband asking if he was even ready for another one. His response shocked me. Yes. He said yes. Wait what? I didn't know that. Then I felt uncomfortable since it was clear to everyone in the room that he was ready and I was sitting there in shock that my husband wants another baby and I don't. At least not right now. Am I selfish? Am I a horrible person? I thought a lot about it the next day. I prayed about it, asking if I was wrong to not want a baby yet, or if I am and my fear was just holding me back. I asked for a sign. Carter and I hadn't really had a chance to talk yet so that needed to happen. What about school, and his job? Money? Can we afford another baby? Do we have room for another baby? What about Savannah? Will she love her new sibling? How do I handle two little ones? Savannah is a handful. Most days I can't keep up with her. My house looks like a tiny tornado struck all the time. And that's just with one. What happens when Savannah has a pal to help destroy all of mommies hard work while she napped? Can I take care of two kids and myself? Then I started to think about how Christmas is coming soon. This year it will be just us and Savannah, but next year? How fun is it going to be to watch Savannah help her little brother or sister open their gifts? I got on Pinterest and looked up fun ways to announce baby #2 to my hubby and to everyone else. I looked up fun big sister kits to give Savannah in the hospital. I'm not saying it's going to happen anytime soon, but I was happy to find I was excited about the idea of kiddo #2. I'm warming up to it more so than I have in months whenever I was asked. It's still a hard question to hear especially since now I know Carter is ready to have one whenever and I'm the one holding us back, but at least now I know the idea makes me happy and excited. Scared but happy. I look at other parents with more than one kid and wonder how in the world do they do it? I think I'm going to be okay though. I'll figure it out, I did the first time around didn't I? I've got tons of help from friends and family if I need it. I have an awesome and loving husband who is just the greatest dad in the world. I love watching him with our daughter and it makes me happy to see how excited he is discussing giving her a sibling. I kinda wondered if Carter's excitement was that sign I asked for. It actually makes me want to be ready for another one. I don't know where I will be with this question when Savannah turns 2, but at least now I have the reassurance I'm not alone. I can do it and it's not wrong to ask for help. I have Carter, he is my rock. He seriously is just the greatest guy I know and the worlds greatest dad. Yeah yeah its a cliche, but in Carter's case it is the absolute truth. So when we decide to have another baby I know I have him to support me and our family. And that's all I need:)

Fall is in the air!

It's almost here! My favorite time of year y'all!

A. U. T. U. M. N.

I thought I would write a small blog post on how much I LOVE this season. The leaves changing color, the chill in the air, my Fall wardrobe! And last but certainly not least BYU football folks! I'm not even sure how to express my excitement to all y'all about how much I really love the Fall. 

Getting out of this 90 degree weather? 

Enough said.

Cozying up in my favorite sweater with hot chocolate and my favorite book?

Enough said.

Living in a college town where every Saturday you feel the entire cities excitement leading up to watching a good game?

Enough said.

I love me some BYU football y'all! 

I can't get enough of it and I am so excited it's finally here!

I love the Fall and I especially love the Fall in Provo, Ut!

Can't wait to take Savannah to her first BYU football game!

Hint Hint Jamie and Jared;)

I know this post seems like two different topics, Football and Fall.

However they go hand in hand folks. 

And I LOVE it!:)

Being a new mom. I'm figuring it out like the rest of y'all.

Yes, that's right. I still consider myself a new mom. Why? I learn something new everyday. All of this is new to me. I'm writing this particular blog post because I've only recently realized I am a good mom and do not need others to tell me how it's done. I'm finding my own way.
I am the oldest of 5 children so when I got pregnant I already knew how to do lots of different things here or there. Sure I knew how to change a diaper, and how to feed my kid, what to feed my kid, and what not to feed my kid. I knew what I liked to dress my kid in. But dealing with the crying all night, or an achy tummy, or more recently temper tantrums AKA disciplining? No way. That was never my responsibility. It is now. And it is certainly new to me. As a new mom I have had a hard time figuring out how to do things MY way. Everyone is different. Everyone has to figure out what is best for them and their children. Since I've become a mom I have had lots of different people tell me the BEST ways to feed, diaper, clothe, discipline, and over all take care of MY child. For a long time I felt I needed to please people and follow their advice. They acted as if their way was the ONLY way. And heaven forbid if I did it differently they would judge and criticize me because again their way was the only way. Well I've got news for y'all. It's not. I believe there is a wrong way to parent, but I also believe there is no right way to parent either. Every single mom out there is going to be different. We all came from different homes, different backgrounds and different cultures. There are different ways to take care of a child. We all have to learn our own way. It's okay to try out someone else's advice, but if you find it doesn't work for you, try another solution. Because guess what? There is always another solution. My parenting might not be to your liking but it doesn't need to be. My child is not your child. You're not mom, I am. My child probably wasn't like your child because no two children are alike. What worked for your children might not work for mine. And when I do things differently don't judge me. You were in my shoes once weren't you? A new mom just trying to figure things out and it felt like everywhere you looked someone was looking down on you? Let's all try not to be that person since we've all had that experience at one point or another. I've only recently figured this out for myself. I let the criticism do my parenting for me. I didn't speak up when I wasn't okay with something. No more of that. I must admit I am pretty easy going as a mom. Most things don't bother me, which that in itself bothers other people as well. I discipline differently than you. Deal with it. Yes my kid gets candy (Happy kiddo=Happy mom). Yeah my kid runs around in a diaper lots of times because well we sit around the house a lot, it's summertime and yes it's hot out. Sure my kid is going to wear bloomers, because I think they are cute. I don't care if you didn't put your kid in them. My kid is freaking adorable and she can pull off anything. Bloomers and diapers included. For those of you who have judged me, stop. When I ask for help, that's when your opinions are wanted. Your parenting wasn't perfect, mine won't be either. We all have to figure it out. For those moms who are struggling with others judging you, It is okay to respectfully decline the advice because honestly you are probably doing a fantastic job as a new mom anyway. Be confident in your parenting. You should be proud you make it day by day because I tell you what, being a mom is the hardest job in the world. I don't care what anyone else has to say, it is. It's so rewarding to watch my kiddo grow up and I have loved every single minute of it. I'll admit some moments less than others but have loved it none the less. Hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but I'm figuring it out. I love my little girl with all my heart and all of my energy is going into raising her to be the best she can be. And you had better believe I intend to do it MY way.

Savannah's first year. (Finally!)

Seriously this post is long overdue. 

I've been meaning to do this post for a while so I decided to give everyone some highlights of Savannah's first year of life!

This is my favorite newborn photo of Savannah while we were still in the hospital :)

 This was taken the week we brought her home:)

 I kinda failed at having newborn photos done, So this was taken when she was a month old:)

 These are photos of our first family trip! We went to California for Uncle Jacob's senior trip. 

She was only 2 months old!

 This was her first Halloween! As you can see I went with the traditional pumpkin costume. 

Though I did it in a much cuter way I think! :) I was one proud mama!

Side note: This is when her love for Minnie Mouse first started as you can see:)

 This is a photo of when she first was learning to crawl.

She crawled at 7 1/2 months.

 This is when Carter and I moved into our own place.

And yes she has her very own room!:)

 This was a family photo we took while at the temple when one of my best friends got married:)

Savannah's first Christmas Eve pjs!

Our first Christmas card! 

I'm not sure how old she is in this photo but I had to have one bath photo in this post right?

It's my favorite one:)

Savannah's first snow day!:)

This fun photo was taken at cousin Kristoffer's first birthday party!

Bow tie and mustache optional.

     These photos were taken during her first superbowl.

Another side note: This is when her love for funyuns was discovered:)

                                

Learning to walk!

Savannah walked at 11 months:)

This was taken at her first birthday party.

These fun ladies are her favorite Aunt Lilly and Britney!

p.s. We miss Aunt Britney lots!

Her first birthday cake:)

   

 I took TONS of photos her first year, but I needed to narrow it down and every one of these photos are some of my very favorite. I absolutely love my little Savannah bug and it's crazy how fast her first year of life went by. I hope you all enjoy looking at her milestones as much as I enjoyed experiencing them!

Thanks for reading!

Giving it another go...

Well folks! I'm horrible at keeping up with my blog but I've recently been inspired to try giving it another go... So we'll see how well I do!

I'm starting small for now.
Oh and the name of my blog, well for anyone who knows me... Enough said. ;)
Seeing as how yesterday was the 4th of July it seems like a good place to start.
We started our holiday with staying out late on the parade route the night before. I love how into Provo, Utah gets into the spirit of our freedom! It's one big party out there on University Ave. And boy do people get into it... :)
The next morning (the 4th) we got ourselves out of bed, put our flag shirts on and headed down to see the parade. I love the parade but man I'll tell ya this year it was really hot out! Dealing with a 1 year old certainly didn't make it anymore enjoyable so we grabbed our little one and headed out a little early back to the air conditioning. Good thing too since we avoided all the traffic the parade creates! :)
We then had a BBQ with the King family and later made our way to my parents home to have yet another BBQ!
Next was Stadium of Fire! Savannah got to stay with her Nana since I do not believe she would have cared to sit in a stadium full of people and not been able to roam free. That could have made for an even longer night so we definitely took advantage of our resources! Thanks again Mom. ;)
Carter had begged me ALL day about how he wanted to take me on his Mom's scooter to the Stadium. I'm not going to lie, I was seriously nervous about it, and was not going to give in. But I love my husband, and even if I had a small panic attack on the way there (hint hint) I gave in. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be though :)
We had a blast! And seriously I must add that Fireworks are my absolute favorite part of Independence day. We then ended the evening driving home on the scooter. Oh no wait... It didn't quite make it. Yes that's right, the scooter died right outside the MTC. So we parked the thing in a church parking lot nearby and got a ride with Carter's Aunt who fortunately and unfortunately happened to be very close by. I say unfortunately because we were now stuck in an hour long car ride home. But that's okay we were grateful to have a ride!
The best part of my day though?? Coming home to a letter from my bro who is currently in the MTC.
Couldn't have asked for a better ending :)

Thanks for reading!

The birth story :)

On 4/11/2012 Savannah Lee King was born. Our due date wasn't until the 17th but the doctor had told us to expect our little one at any time. The day before I had had my weekly checkup and I had been 90% effaced, and was almost dilated to 4 centimeters. Carter went to work early that morning completely unaware that today was the day. I woke up around 10am with what I describe as a ballooning effect happening to my stomach. (Little did I know it was called a contraction.) My mom called me to find out if anything had changed over night and if she should take off work. I told her about the "ballooning" effect of my stomach and how it was happening quite frequently. Of course my mom being who she is starts to panic and exclaims "Your having contractions, I'd bet money!" I didn't want to believe her since my so called contractions didn't hurt at all! I didn't want to get my hopes up so I told her she was overreacting. She told me to get my things ready for the day, they were coming to get me so she could keep an eye on me. So with makeup bag and clothes in hand I got into the car and prepared to spend a long day with my mom as she threw a thousand questions my way. My dad and Emma were the ones who picked me up so I was spared the 20 questions game for a moment longer. Of course the moment I walked into the house that all changed. Of course at this point I had been "ballooning" every 4 to 5 minutes. I walked in and my stomach started to contract and my mom of course is freaking out exclaiming "Anna! How long has this been happening? How often? Well of course it doesn't hurt, mine didn't either at first! We are taking you to the hospital now!" I of course being who I am told her before I went anywhere I wanted a shower and needed to do my Makeup! After that was all said and done, I texted Carter and his parents to let them know I was headed to the hospital to find out if this little girl was on her way! Carter met us at the house and was the one who drove me to the hospital with my family right behind us. When we first got there, I explained my symptoms to the nurse. She set me up in a room so they could check me before admitting me. They measured my contractions for about an hour. They were inconsistent but frequent enough that the doctor wanted them to continue to monitor me for another hour. During the 2nd hour things really picked up and it was official that I was going to stay. This is where things get a little hectic and frankly a little fuzzy for me. The Doctor was going to come in and break my water but before that had happened I really needed to go to the bathroom. My mom had been in the bathroom when the doctor came into the room so they wouldn't wait and just let me go before he broke my water. Seriously during this entire process I remember thinking I just need to pee! The doctor broke my water and this was when I started to feel the contractions. I was in so much pain I couldn't even speak. Not to mention they had now given me oxygen and I had to keep the stupid thing on my face. No one would tell me why I had to have it on only that it was important. Of course now at this point I am feeling the pain, and crying because I am scared that they have given me oxygen and the stupid thing kept falling off my face! Meanwhile I still really had to go to the bathroom! Now the nurses were being very pushy about needing to draw some of my blood and how urgent it was to get a monitor in me, and I still needed an IV. So on one arm a nurse is taking blood, while on the other arm a nurse is trying to put in an IV and failing so she had to try 2 times. Also they are sticking a monitor in me. Oh and lets not forget the oxygen mask that keeps falling off of my face. I was so frustrated with the mask, in absolute pain because I can really feel the contractions now, lets not forget I still needed to pee, and absolutely scared to death that I cannot stop crying. At one point I heard a nurse whisper something about an emergency c section. I just wanted to be told what was going on! Later I found out that the babies heart beat had dropped when they broke my water, hence the oxygen. After all the chaos of the nurses poking me with needles and being very hush hush, They finally were able to give me an Epidural. At some point I recall Jared giving me a blessing though I don't remember when. My memory of it all is very fuzzy. After the epidural things calmed down, but not for long. The doctor came in to inform me I was at a 7. However because the babies heartbeat had dropped so low he wanted to go get some pitocin to speed this up. The doctor left to go get the pitocin and the nurse measured me again. In one contraction I went from a 7 to an 8. By the time the doctor had returned, I was ready to start pushing. I recall my mom and Carter counting to ten 3 times. In 3 pushes, our little girl was finally here! For the first 20 or so minutes of her life she remained nameless since Carter and I had not yet had a moment to decide on her name. When we finally did it was kind of incredible how we both thought she looked like a Savannah. So Savannah it was. Savannah Lee King. Born at 2:40pm, only 4 hours after having arrived at the hospital. 6lbs 9oz, 19 1/2 inches long. Our little Miracle was finally here :)

Hi everyone!!! I am starting this little blog for my family and our new life together! I'm still currently in the process of getting it up and running and figuring out all the little details so for now I just wanted to get it started. Later I hope to be adding photos and writing a few posts on our wedding, the birth of our little girl Savannah Lee, and all of her milestones so far. I'm excited to get started and hope to have pictures soon! Thats all for now!!! Love always The Kings :)