Going Private

I am going to make our blog private next week. If you have already given me your email address and you haven't received an invite yet (I know there are a couple I forgot to add, it's nothing personal I promise!) please leave your email address again, or email it to me at court.hugo@gmail.com.

Baby Update

I had a doctor appointment last Friday and I'm happy to report that Chase is healthy and growing and definitely a boy! I have an awesome doctor and he does an ultrasound every time I go. It is so amazing to see my little boy and how much he's grown and changed since that first ultrasound when he was just a little peanut with a heartbeat. This was also the fourth ultrasound confirming he's really a boy, although my doctor told me to leave the tags on everything until after he's born, occasionally there are surprises!

I'm especially grateful for my healthy baby after spending so much time on the Labor and Delivery floor at Utah Valley Hospital. Most of the babies there are healthy and fine, but there are occasional sad cases when a baby dies, or difficult deliveries that would scare any expectant mom. After witnessing a particularly intense delivery yesterday I had to remind myself that this was 1. not the norm and 2. that is exactly the reason I chose a doctor I totally trust. I still found myself awake at 2am slightly worried about the well-being of my little boy. I think Chase knows his mom is a worrier, during especially difficult days he kicks ALL DAY LONG. I love it, he's just reminding me that he's doing okay in there.

And now a request to all you moms out there: I have hit that point where I want to be totally prepared for this little baby to come. I've made a long list of things we need and we are slowly checking them off. Here is my question to you- What baby related items do you love? What items are completely essential? What items are nice to have, but not really needed? What stuff did you wish you hadn't spent the money on? Are there any specific brands you love?

I totally appreciate any input! I love hearing what other moms have used and liked!

Will

Meet the reason I'm so excited to have a little boy first:

This is my brother Will (holding baby Will-a family friend).

I always (well, mostly always) loved having an older brother. Someone to drive me to dance and flute lessons, find me a prom date when I didn't have one, and to go snowboarding with, to tease me so I would be less of a wimp, and to make us all laugh. He is an awesome big brother.

I'm so excited that my little family is starting out with a boy who can be that 'big brother' to the rest of my kids. Baby Chase has some big shoes to fill.

Happy Birthday Will!

The Girls

A few weeks ago my cousin Wes married his sweetheart Moira, which called for a major celebration! Their beautiful wedding took place in West Yellowstone, Montana, which was a fun destination for the family to get together and celebrate! Besides attending the wedding, the major highlight for me was just getting to spend time with my cousins. I love these girls. We've been friends since we were all babies.
Introducing from R to L: My sister Heidi (if you have ever read my blog you know I love her and why I love her so much, Eleanor-she's the oldest in our little group. She lives in Boston, she's classy and sophisticated and a successful, independent woman! When we were all little she was also the one to break up all the fights between the rest of us- thank goodness for her wisdom and maturity! Next to me is Ella- she is funny, spunky and made us all laugh all weekend long. She's athletic and adventurous-she spent the last year living in New Zealand. Kelly is next to her- Kelly and I have been fast friends since the summer we both arrived on Earth. She has been one of my best friends my whole life and was a bridesmaid at my wedding. Next is Erin- the spirited little shorty on the end. Erin goes to school in Hawaii and this girl loves to have fun. I love all these girls, when we get together I feel like the most boring one in the group, but I don't even care because they all make me laugh so much! (Awkward ballon anyone?)
Here we are at the wedding. Our cousin Amanda and cousin's wife Sarah are with us here too. Sadly I don't have a picture with Heather, Tiffany, Kash and our newest addition, Moira.

Here's the whole family! I love all these people, it was so fun to all be together!

The Hot Babes Quartet
When we were in Elementary School we came up with that nickname for our little group and it just pretty much stuck.

This is when Ella caught the bouquet, and then they had a fake fight over it.

All of these pictures are courtesy of Ella, who sent them to me. She gets bored of people smiling in pictures, so this is what happens sometimes.
Basically, the wedding was beautiful, I'm so glad Moira is part of our family now-she was a beautiful bride. I love my cousins. Also, Ben was at the wedding, somehow there are no pictures of him, but he did come and he looked very handsome.

Disclaimer: This post was typed after 9 hours of classes and an hour picking up my ID badge at the hospital. If it is a little weird/grammatically incorrect/had to follow I blame my exhausted brain.

Gems from Nate

My younger brother Nate is on a mission in Little Rock Arkansas, Spanish speaking right now. He's been out since January and he is loving it! Those of you who know Nate know he is hilarious and has a very clever, quick wit. It is so fun to get his emails. They are usually full of spiritual stories, but he always gives us a few lines to laugh at. Here are some recent gems:

(Talking about an investigator who wants to get baptized, but has to get married first- Nate has run into this problem a lot. He has even said, "I'm teaching so and so, they have been living together for 4 years but aren't married because apparently Mexicans don't do that anymore." ) He's ready to get married, he just wants it to be a nice wedding for his wife. Is it ok if I give him one of the shirts you just sent me, so he can have a nice white shirt to get married in? I feel bad that you guys went through all the trouble to send me one out and I'm so willingly giving it away (not quite to "give you the shirt off my back" kindness, but certainly "waste my parents money" kindness).

The Global War on Fatness launch another push monday, but caught some traction on Wednesday with the arrival of a care package. I loved it, but everytime you send Pop-Tarts, the terrorists win.

I know I've been failing at the whole birthdays thing. So here is goes in order:
Happy Fathers Day, Dad
Happy Birthday, Court
Happy second anniversary Ben and Court
Happy Birthday America
Happy Pioneer Day Mormons
Happy Birthday Heidi
There, I think that covers me until December.

(This is especially funny if you've ever gotten a birthday present from Nate, he usually doesn't even know what he got you-it's whatever my mom or Heidi already bought and gave to him to give you. And he never wraps it)

We're teaching someone from Belize, this alone merits mentioning.

I worry sometimes guys are out here for the wrong reasons. Don't worry about me though, I adhere strongly to Pres Drewes general advice "Anytime you feel tempted, I want you to picture me drop kicking you in the face" President Drewes merits his own quote board.

Will, you're on the Milk Carton, buddy. Haven't heard from you in 3 weeks. By mission rules I now have to consider you less active. (Will is our older brother. When he was on his mission Nate only wrote him a few times, so Will's occasional lack of letters is somewhat karmic)

I do miss Nate- but honestly getting these weekly emails from him is so much fun and he's just doing such wonderful things in Arkansas! He's a little sad that he's going to miss the first year of his little nephew's life,, but there is really no other place he would rather be!

Yesterday

The Good: Ben and I went to the Dave Matthews Band concert. It was so much fun! Ben has wanted to see them forever. They are his favorite band. We bought tickets to the concert last year to celebrate our first anniversary, only to have the concert canceled at the last minute. Our money was refunded, but we were still a little disappointed. Then, magically, this year he came back to do a free concert and those who bought tickets last year got first pick at seats! So we got to see Dave Matthews this year, in better seats, for no money! We had a blast, no pictures though-they wouldn't allow cameras in the amphitheater.

The Bad: Yesterday I also went to the dentist to have THREE cavities fixed. I really don't know how that happened, I've only had a few cavities in my whole life and all of a sudden I have three?!?! I swear I brush my teeth a lot... anyway the dentist was a really nice person and everything, but now I understand why people hate going to the dentist so much! (And I have a new found appreciation for Dr. Eggert-the dentist I have seen up in Davis County my entire life) He laid back the chair and started giving me the numbing shots, I think between my baby cutting off the blood return to my heart (I should know by now not to lay flat on my back) and me holding my breath while he gave me those uncomfortable shots- I started to get completely light headed and my heart started racing. I almost felt like I might pass out (this is so not normal for me). Anyway, I got repositioned and he kept numbing. Then he started drilling and despite the fact that my face felt completely numb I could still feel the drilling! It wasn't the worst hour of my life, but definitely not something I want to do again real soon. And today, my mouth is still totally sore and I can only open it about half way. The End.

Graduation

This past weekend I walked in graduation-although technically I won't be finished until December. The College of Nursing at BYU just has their own way of doing things, one of which is to have us walk one semester prior to graduation. I felt a little silly walking when I still have another semester, but I also felt a strong feeling of almost accomplishment. Once this nursing degree is officially obtained I'm sure I'll feel it more. My awesome family came to support me. I appreciate their support so much, not just in coming to graduation, but all the help they've given me to get this far.
First of all, to my amazing mom and dad, who taught me the importance of getting an education and instilled in me the desire to learn. They have both spent countless hours listening to me vent about the pressures of school and reassured me that I would get through it.
Then these two women, my sister Heidi and my BFSC (Best friend/sister/cousin) Jana who make me laugh and have helped me enjoy this journey! You all know all about my amazing sister Heidi by now. If you want to truly appreciate Jana's uniqueness, wittiness, and amazing style check out her blog http://oursideofthetracks.blogspot.com. You'll laugh, you'll cry.

I'm so glad I belong to such a supportive, wonderful family. Will (far left) has always been a great big brother I could always count on. Nate was excused from attending due to him currently serving a mission in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Finally, and most importantly, my amazing husband. Ben has played such a big role in helping me get (okay, almost get) this degree. From cooking dinner for me when I get home from long clinical shifts, to agreeing to set his alarm as well in the morning because I'm so paranoid that mine won't get off and I'll be late to clinical, to just hugging me when I've been stressed and discouraged. This man is amazing, I just love him.
Ben's little sister Jessi is staying out here this summer, she cam to support as well! Yay for family!
Let it be known, Jana's mom Pam, who is basically an aunt to me was at graduation as well. Somehow I didn't manage to get a picture of her, but I definitely love her.

Even though they don't read my blog, there are two more people who have played as big a role as any in helping me get my nursing degree- my aunt Georgia and uncle Dick. They live in Salt Lake, minutes from IMC where the majority of my clinical shifts have been. They graciously welcome me and a few nursing buddies into their home the night before clinical to make our pre-assessment and clinical experience a little smoother. Not only did they let us stay there, but my aunt made us an amazing home cooked dinner each week and a delicious smoothie for breakfast in the morning. Both me and my friends have been extremely grateful fo their help and hospitality. Going to clinical at 6 am before the sun is even up is just so much easier when someone else makes breakfast and gives you a hug on your way out the door!

Although this won't be official until December, I have finished most of the coursework and all the clinical rotations. All I have to do this last semester is a small course in Community Nursing, complete my capstone rotation (210 hous of clinical experience in Labor and Delivery-I'm so excited) and study for boards!