Arrival of Baby Cargal

Today we experienced one of the sweetest moments anyone could ever imagine when our baby boy was born. Words literally cannot describe the supreme joy at seeing a human spirit brought into this world--especially one that is entrusted by Heavenly Father to come into our home. It is a blessing beyond imagination to know that a righteous spirit was living with God and Jesus Christ earlier today, and now he is part of our lives. I don't think there is anything more that can strengthen a testimony than witnessing the birth of your own child.

Baby Cargal was born at 12:43 p.m. today at 6 pounds 12 ounces, 19.5 inches long. Although Ashlee was measuring small and doctors were concerned that he wasn't getting the nutrients he needed, he was born healthy with no apparent problems. Thank you to everyone who prayed for our little guy. We appreciate your love.

Ashlee had a remarkably easy labor--must less stressful than we anticipated. She told the little one later that thanks to his labor, he will be able to have brothers and sisters:)

Our doctor and nurses have been wonderful. We appreciate the dedication they have for their jobs and the good work they have done for us.

Expecting the Unexpected

This week has been one full of emotion.  We've experienced excitement, anticipation, confusion, concern, comfort and reassurance.  About two weeks ago I went for my regular check up.  Dr. Allred found that I was measuring just a little bit smaller than I should and told me not to worry.  If I was measuring small the following week we'd do an ultasound to check for any problems.  Well, of course when he said don't worry, I began to worry!  Andy and I went in the next week for our appointment and saw Dr. Barton.  He too found that I was measuring small, did an ultrasound and found that my fluid was fine, but wanted more information. So, I went back this last Wednesday for a body profile ultra sound. We found that our baby's head and femur are measuring 38 weeks, which is right on target, but his abdomen is measuring 35 weeks.  The doctors don't know if this is something that's genetic or if there is a problem with the placenta.  But, they're more concerned about the baby not getting enough nutrients.  Prognosis:  To be induced tomorrow evening, which is just a week and a few days earlier than the actual due date.  The doctors feel that the baby will thrive better on the outside than in.  Until then I was told that I should treat my body like “an old woman with heart disease” :)  I pretty much have to stay laying down as much as possible during the day so the baby can absorb as many of the nutrients and my own body doesn't use it for energy.  Being on semi bedrest has been a little difficult since I'm used to working full time and being busy the majority of the day.  But Andy has been AMAZING!!!!  He's not only been the bread winner, but then comes home and cleans, makes dinner, does the laundry, and has put together most of the nursery so I don't get tuckered out.  Thank you my love! Even though this week has been a little overwhelming we feel that our Heavenly Father is mindful of us and our situation.  We have felt comfort and peace, and come what may it is all part of the plan. 

Heaven in a Chair

For the last several months, we have been searching for a rocker/recliner for Ashlee to use when the baby comes--and we wanted to spend less than $200, if possible. Well, the only stuff we could find for that price was a super-awesome glider (sarcasm included) from Wal-Mart for $140. While it was nice looking and functional, it was pretty cheap quality. But, we had been unable to find anything else in our price range.

That is until two weeks ago. Ashlee heard a radio ad about recliners on sale at a local furniture store starting at $150. Having been to this furniture store previously, however, we expected to find nothing worthwhile. But we went anyway. They had a huge recliner selection--probably about 150 to choose from, but all were over $300, and most were over $500. And we didn't even like the expensive ones. So, we decided to leave.

We decided to just do a quick walk through the rest of the store to see if there was anything else we liked, and as soon as we turned the corner, I saw the most beautiful thing (next to Ashlee, of course) that I had ever set my eyes on. It was like a beacon of love, friendship, and all that is good in life. We saw a cushy, lush leather-like recliner in the near distance, with a bright yellow sale tag reading "$187." Ashlee made a beeline to the chair. We were in awe. It was beautiful, comfortable--and WAY too good to be true.

I summoned a sales associate, Moses, so he could go ahead and bring our dreams to a crashing halt by telling us that this chair was conveniently mislabeled. He came, looked at the tag, and said, "Nope, this is the right price." I asked what was wrong with it. Lucky for us, nothing was wrong, it was just the last one of that model they had, and it was on clearance because it was the floor model. And, it was coming with a one-year warranty, so if something happened to be wrong, we were covered for a while. We bought it right then.

It has now found a nice home in our living room, and will soon be moving to our nursery. We are happy to welcome our new addition in preparation for our new addition!

Homemade Mac and Cheese!

My beautiful wife LOVES mac and cheese, so she decided to try making it homemade. And can I just say--she makes it SO much better than Kraft. I am not one to like mac and cheese, but this was so good I was craving it for every meal. This dish was amazing! And just look at her; she looks like a little chef that could go right onto the Food Network.

Week 31...and only 9 more to go!

Ashlee: Today marks our 31st week!  We met with Dr. Barton today for a routine check up and everything seems to be going well.  I now meet with the doctors every two weeks and you know what that means...the due date is getting closer.

Andy: Please note the hotness of my wife in this picture. Yes, she is the most beautiful pregnant woman who has ever existed. If Motherhood Maternity has any sense, they'd hire her to be their top model.

Ashlee: I started teaching school about 3 weeks ago and the students have been really sweet.  They open my doors, pull out my chairs, and ask so many questions. "Are you having a baby?"  "Why, yes I am."  "I thought your stomach was getting fatter!"  Oh, how I LOVE the honesty of children.

Bear World!

Both of us managed to live in Rexburg for four years as students, and we missed out on the BEST attraction in Southeast Idaho until now, when we're residents--Bear World. Bear World is so awesome! Brandon and Shelly came to visit us this weekend, and since Brandon's favorite animal ever is the bear, we thought it would be fitting to take a trip to Bear World, and we're so glad we did.

First, on the day we went, they were offering a special price on a tour that allowed you to feed the big bears in the park. IT WAS AWESOME! If one could adopt a bear, we would totally do it. Swarms of bears would crowd around this truck we were in, and we got to toss bread and donuts to them. They would sit up on their hind legs waiting for you to throw the food over. You can view the video at the bottom of this post.

Then, for Brandon and Shelly's anniversary, Shelly bought 

Brandon an opportunity to feed bear cubs. Let's just say it 

was like watching a kid at Christmas. Brandon got to feed several bear cubs with milk bottles, and he got to pet them too. He would have liked to pet them more, but the workers were very protective of the bears and wouldn't let anyone touch them too much. That was a little disappointing given the cost. But even so, we want to do it now.

Then we went to the petting zoo, where we got to mingle with deer, billy goats, potbelly pigs, and a large moose named Stilts (who let us pet his antlers). After the zoo, we got to drive through the park and look at the bears again. It wasn't 

nearly as cool as when we went on the tour, because the bears were not nearly as interested in us when we didn't have food. But, all in all it was a great trip, and we would highly recommend Bear World to anyone.

It's a Boy!

So far, our little bundle of happiness is proving to be quite the modest individual. Two weeks ago we went in for our 20-week ultrasound, and little junior did not want to play show and tell. The nurse poked and prodded Ashlee's tummy until it was bruised and sore, trying to get the baby to change positions, but he was quite content where he was--knees up, cord in between legs. He was moving a little, at least, but not enough for us to see anything.

The nurse asked us to come back because she couldn't check for everything she needed to, so we went back yesterday. Our little one was still modest, but the nurse was able to catch a glimpse of the male anatomy this time. Ashlee and I, of course, couldn't see anything on the ultrasound, so we asked how she knew. She then showed us a little bump and said, "Girls don't have this." We didn't ask again.

So...it's a boy! And we're super excited. Ashlee is just completing her fifth month, so we're more than half way there. So now it's time for baby shopping and name choosing. Luckily for us, we agree on most everything. Here is a sample of our top names: Brandt Andrew, Jackson Curtis, Benson Jay. We're not solidified on which middle names go with which first names, but those are some of our options. We'll see what name the baby likes when he comes to visit (we think he should get a say too).

If anyone has any supreme knowledge about what brand/style of car seat, stroller, crib, etc. would be good to buy, feel free to let us know.