Ta-da!

13 weeks today and into my second trimester!!

Nothing to show, unfortunately. I know y'all are like, where are the pics dude? My pants no longer button or zip. My beautiful and wonderful sis-in-law Chrissy told me about the rubber band trick and it has been a delight. My bum isn't getting bigger (thank goodness) so everything fits except my protruding belly. I can deal with that.

The infant child will be 5 inches by the middle of May. Right now he/she (or Shim as my brother likes to say) is the size of a lime.

Welcome, Chase Michael Barnum!!

Ryan and I have a new nephew!

Ryan's sister, Chrissy and her husband Mike live in Hawaii. (jealous). Mike is in the Air Force. They are staying in Hawaii for a minimum of 3 years so Ryan and I are counting the days until we can go out and visit! We only really have to pay for the flights! How exciting. Anyways, Chrissy and Mike are awesome. They have Joshua, the cutest and smartest almost 2 year old. He gave me so many hugs and kisses when we saw them in Chicago over New Years.

Chrissy's doctor had been telling her for weeks leading up to her due date that the new baby was going to be early by weeks. So, Ryan's wonderful Mom has been out in Hawaii for over a week (rough life!!) to see if anything was going happen! My favorite thing ever is that Chrissy posted a blog on Friday about being "39 1/2 weeks pregnant and NO BABY!" and Chase was born quickly on Saturday morning. So....there you go! Just complain a bit more and BOOM! out comes a baby! We won't see Chase until next Christmas 2010 for the Briggs Fam Reunion. I seriously CANNOT wait for that trip. Get this girl to Hawaii, NOW! I guess Rexburg will be okay for now :-(

Ryan's cute Mom, Dolly

Mike, the proud Dad!

Tired Joshua!

Welcome baby Chase! We love you!

Happy Birthday, Lovely Lady

It is my Mom's 34th* birthday today!


(this pic was taken the week before the wedding. We were at an outdoor concert in Davidson, NC. I love this pic because my Mom #1 loves the sun and #2 loves being outside sitting on her red lawn chair....what a beautiful lady!)

She is such a gem.

My mom has taught me so much these past few years and I have really appreciated her advice and love. She is such a loving person and is always willing to serve others. When I first went through the Temple, my favorite times were going to the Temple just with my Mom. We had a few "mommy and me" dates to the Temple. I will always remember those moments sitting in the Temple with my Mother and her teaching me. She has taught me to never hold onto grudges and to always forgive. She has taught me to continue to pray, even when answers seem to stop coming. She has taught me to love with my whole heart and to be able to be loved in return. Her and my dad have been married for 28 years and I know that has impacted my life and the type of marriage I continue to strive for. My mom and I were each other's shoulder to cry on when we moved to North Carolina. Instead of looking for a job our first week in NC, my mom and I got a pedicure. She needed me and I definitely needed her. She was my #1 supporter for the mission and my #1 supporter in my relationship with Ryan. No matter what I wanted to do, she was right by my side, supporting me and giving advice when I needed guidance. For all these things, I love her. I miss her. And can't wait to see her in 2 weeks! Mom, Ingrid, madre, mujer, mommy, and soon to be grandma...I love you. You are special to me. Growing up, I always wanted to be like my Mom, and even today, I still do.

* I don't know when she started counting back in age, but she definitely doesn't look her current age of 52!

Wild Weekend!

We are back from Jackson Hole! It was a fantastic weekend. Lots of pics to come.

The babe is 1.5 ounces and by the end of the week it will be 3 inches long!

Supposedly I should be feeling tons better this week. Thank goodness.

Happy Easter everyone!!