She's here :)

As of today at 5:53 P.M. our baby girl will be 13 days old!! It feels like we have had her longer and i don't mean that as a bad thing; just that it seems like she's always been there.
James came down a week before Thanksgiving so he could be here in the event that I went in to labor. We did everything we could to get the labor started that week. I did some walking and sat on a birthing ball as much as I could and by Monday I was 3 cm dilated!! Still, the hospital wouldn't admit me because I wasn't considered to be in "active labor" until 4 cm. We had a false alarm run to the hospital that same night which is pretty frustrating but also a good thing because the hospital we went to was NASTY! So the week progressed and my contractions were still irregular. We did enjoy the time we got to spend together just me and James :) We celebrated our first anniversary and went out to dinner a few times to some nice restaurants. Sunday, the 27th, James was due to go back to Utah to finish up his semester. So that morning we planned to go to the hospital to have them check my cervix again hoping I would be at 4 cm so they would admit me. When I woke up I felt like it was a lost cause because I wasn't having any contractions at all... until we got in the car!! As soon as I sat down my contractions started and were all 2-3 minutes apart! It was crazy!! The hospital checked me and I was between 3-4 cm dilated but because my contractions were so close together they admitted me and gave me my epidural. That part was the scariest part but I knew for us to have a calm delivery where I wouldn't want to kick everyone's heads in, I would have to have the epidural.
This was all around 11 A.M. The nurses told me to get some sleep but it was impossible with how excited I was!! They checked me every hour and my cervix wasn't really progressing so they broke my water just before 3 o'clock. By that time they were thinking it would be at least 5 more hours before I had to start pushing but at 5:30 I started to feel my contractions more and like I had a lot of pressure "down there". Mom, Lise, Lex and Bart were all there just waiting around with James and I playing Words With Friends and Lex went and told the nurse. When she pulled the sheet up she was amazed that I was complete and she could see the head!! I had gone from 4 1/2 cm to 10 in 2 hours when usually you only dilate a cm per hour!! Immediately the energy in the room picked up but it seemed like forever until they were ready for me to push because I was so ready to go! I started pushing at about 5:45 and by 5:53 she was born!! I just remember everyone telling me she was almost there and keep going but that's about it. I was trying to block everything out and just push. Seeing her for the first time was surreal and I couldn't help but just cry at the amazing sight of her! I was in awe at how beautiful she was and how much James and I had anticipated meeting her! She was the most perfect thing I had ever seen!!!!
Adjusting to life with a new baby has been tough. She usually is up at 2 A.M. and doesn't go back to sleep for hours. She just wants to be held and at that time I just want to sleep haha but THANK GOODNESS for my own mama! She has been an angel taking the first half of the night  shift while James is gone. He left on Sunday to finish up his semester and finals. We both miss each other so much and James just wants to be here with the baby. Mei Mei has melted his heart more than I thought she would. She is his little girl for sure :)

Wishful Thinking

Today is 11/11/11 and everyone is making a big deal out of making wishes. Sure I wish for lots of things. I wish for a healthy baby and smooth delivery. I wish I were with James right now. I wish my Pa didn't have to suffer. I wish my grandparents didn't have dementia. I wish money magically appeared in our bank account. I wish people didn't have to be homeless. I my eye would stop twitching and so on and so forth...

but you know what?? Wishing won't change a single thing. It's having FAITH that everything will work out and doing the work to go along with it.
....And that's all I have to say about that =)

Happy Halloween

I love Halloween!! This year I am too wiped out to do much so I'm just gonna sit back, watch some Halloween movies and pass out candy. I made an awesome shirt, though!

Drew out the design for the ribs and the baby and used it as a stencil to paint on the shirt. The doctors and nurses at my OB office loved it!

34 weeks!

Oh and I don't mean to offend anyone but my nephew is the most adorable little boy to ever walk the face of the earth. Not biased, just true.

I see the light!

Why is it always so dang hard to make opening statements? I seriously have the worst time with that.... Guess I will just jump right into it! Today I hit the 33 week mark and boy, am I tired. My doctor has said this will be my last week of modified bed rest but honestly I don't see myself able to do much even once the bed rest is over due to this recent dip in my energy level. Let's see, it is now 7:35 in the evening and here I sit typing away in my bath robe like an old lady ready to hit the hay! How pathetic. But good news is that the doctor isn't worried about the baby coming once I hit the 34 week mark! :D

Today I was getting a Cinnabon (don't judge me) and the lady taking my order asks me "Are you having twins?" EXCUSE ME, SISTA??! Just because I am getting ready to stuff my face with a cinnamon roll (which I shared, thank you very much) doesn't make me a complete tubby tubby.... I hope! Why I didn't shut her up by stuffing that cinnamon roll in her mouth, I do not know. 

Tomorrow we are going to the pumpkin patch which means the holidays are officially on the way! YES. I can't wait. Just wish I had my James here to share it with me. He makes everything 1,000,000,000,000 times better! I love that guy.

Thank goodness for Skype!

Mood swing

My life feels completely out of control and disorganized. I am aching to feel settled somewhere. I shouldn't have let myself lash out on James either but what do I do? I haven't had a place to really call home in seven months and probably won't for a few more... I need to be positive. Maybe i'll make a list of the things I do have...

1. A healthy baby

2. A hardworking, dedicated husband who loves me

3. A roof over my head

4. Awesome friends who have been way too accommodating

5. Parents who take me under their wing when I need to fly back to their nest for a little while

6. Chocolate milk

7. A bath tub

8. Macbook pro

9. The entire hardbound collection of Harry Potter

10. Clean sheets!

Okay, I feel a little better now. Just have to take it one day at a time right now. Peace & taco grease.

the random mumblings of a bed ridden woman

Today marks day six of bed rest. Only 32 more to go!! I literally feel like my brain is turning in to hot soup already. Sunday I fly back to San Diego (if all goes according to plan) and hopefully I can do more than lay in bed watching holiday TV show specials on youtube. I need to finish my Mei's quilt I started back home and maybe have my mom teach me how to crochet again! It's been too long and I need to start doing all kinds of old lady stuff like that since I'll be a mom in less than 2 months. Just kidding- to quote a hilarious Amy Poehler on Mean Girls "I'm not like a regular mom, I'm a cool mom." hahaha! 

Anyhoo..... I am pretty bored. Can't think of much else to say that will be entirely captivating. Who reads these anyways? Ummm... I am way too excited for the holidays! Halloween and Christmas are my absolute faves! Call me fat but I am so looking forward to fudge, cookies, pumpkin goodies, magic cookie bars, rocky road and hot chocolate until my brain explodes!!!! Sue me :)

P.S. Josh Groban Christmas music is genius. So what if I listen to it all year?

Oh! Here's some pics to get you pumped up, too. You're welcome.

AAAAAND for my sweet Christmas Baby, Mei Li Noel :) Now keep cooking in there until you are good and ready to meet us in December, baby girl!

Anxious Baby Syndrome

 I should be used to curveballs by now. I feel like the past year has been nothing but unpredictable. Rain on the wedding day, James' surgery, pregnant 3 months into marriage, my little sister has a serious boyfriend, spending 12 weeks of summer apart from James during his summer job, coming back to school without knowing where we'll live, thinking we would be moving back to San Diego after James graduates in December but we've decided to stay an extra semester so he can finish up a business minor. Now I have been in the hospital on the labor & delivery floor for the passed 2 1/2 days being monitored and evaluated for preterm labor. Scary!
We went to my 30 week appt and it was business as usual on Thursday morning. Then she checks my cervix and the outer part was dilated 2 cm. That's not that big of a deal but the fact my contractions had been increasing was a red flag. The clinic sent me over to the hospital and they weren't worried until it was my cervix was checked again and the inner part was dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced, basically making my body 6 weeks ahead of schedule. They gave e a series of shots to increase and speed up Mei's lung development and I have been on meds to slow contractions. Good news is as of yesterday I haven't dilated any further but my test evaluating me for preterm labor was positive. It doesn't mean I will have her prematurely but it would have been a lot better had it been negative because that meant I for sure wouldn't have her within the next two weeks at least.
All I can really do is rest. They've put me on formal bed rest so I had to quit my job at the bakery. Very bummed! but when all of it boils down, I will do whatever I can to keep my sweet babe inside and grow her myself :) She is perfectly healthy and has done great with all the exams, prodding and monitors in her space! Our little trooper!
Even with all things unpredictable I know it serves a purpose. It teaches us patience and shows us who is REALLY in charge! Not us, that's for sure.
We are grateful for all the support of our family and friends especially Paola and Michael Black, Otto Zelaya, Oscar Zelaya, Sister Hsu and everyone else who offered to visit and help with whatever we need!
You guys are so great and support at scary times is so appreciated! We have all the faith in the world that everything will be fine.

James- you have been a support like no other when I know there were fun things you missed just to keep me company and be my biggest asset and supporter. You are an angel, a great Father and incredible husband. Couldn't do it without my Shay-mesh! Ruv you rong rong time!

More baby shower pics

FOOD.

The candy filled take-out box favors

Decor

One of the centerpieces complete with live goldfish!

Auntie Jenn, cousin Naya and Daddy<3

Baby sock flower arrangement by Auntie Lexy!!!

Cousin love!

Update

The summer is over!! James was able to get off a few days earlier than anticipated so we were able to enjoy some time with our families in San Diego as a couple. Let me tell you, I was pretty excited when I was planning a routine day and getting my oil changed and BAM! There he is waiting for me in the parking lot with beautiful flowers!! I thought he wouldn't be home for four more days and that he would miss my baby shower. We even got to go to Disneyland together :) We took my sister Lex and two year-old nephew Deacon with us and it was nice for us all to spend time together!
Last Saturday my sisters and mom put on a baby shower for Mei Li and I. It was at my oldest sister Aimee's house and it was the bomb!! Of course, it was Asian themed for our Chinese named baby girl. With an Asian theme you know there is gonna be some delish food! Beef skewers, fried rice, Chinese chicken salad, ro bao, rice cakes, lumpia.... mmmm... I am starting to drool over here. One of my closest friends went to culinary school and she insisted on making the cake and it was way beyond what I could ask for! She spent 12 hours on it! The atmosphere was pretty freaking magical, too. Lanterns hanging from the ceiling, centerpieces on the tables with bamboo and goldfish in them, little Chinese take-out box favors with candy in them. I can't believe the amount of work and thought that went into it! I have the best family and friends in the entire world. I know everyone says that but that's my story and I am sticking to it!
The pregnancy is going smoothly so far. I just have to take it one hot flash, headache, mood swing and crying spell at a time. Poor James haha but feeling and seeing the baby kick and move is worth every bit. It's still hard to believe that this is all happening and it's going by so fast! Before I know it I'll have grand babies! Uh yeah.... I better shut up now before I have a heart attack. Ha!
I will post more pics from the baby shower later.

 Uncle James & Deacy looking at the fish

We're in love

Bro Beau & Jaycee, Bro-in-law Robert, Hubs, Bro-in-law SHAAAAYNE and of course little Deacmeister!

 My hot sisters

These last few weeks have held some tough times for my family. We are a very close bunch but when one of us is really going through something, we all pull together to help each other out in any way. That is the thing I admire and respect most about how my parents have raised us. Now that we are all adults, we are closer than ever. I love my family but it's during the trying times that, although things may be difficult, I cherish my family the most. The only person that's missing is my sweet Jamesy boy. He's my rock and not having him here hasn't been very fun for either of us but we are working together to support and be there each other the best we can with 800 miles standing between us.
God works in mysterious ways and I may not understand them completely but I know things always work out for our benefit.

Crazy year.

Soooooo....... it's been a while, eh? I can't even remember the last time or thing I wrote about in here!! Lots has been going on. We have been living in Texas this summer. EL PASO!!! Let me tell you, it is fetching hot and dry! James is out in it all day long and has quite the farmers tan to show for himself. He is such a stud, though so he doesn't mind too much. He is liking this job. It's very competitive.

If you know me you know my love/hate relationship with Judy. She was my Volkswagen Passat. "WAS" being the keyword. We traded her in!! Her A/C went out out here which was basically death so we fixed it and then the check engine light came on a few days later and that was even more death! We put so much money into her and were so close to paying her off! But she is gone and now we have a 2011 Hyundai Tucson named Bruce that we are both in love with :) We love the car AND the warranty ;)

Monday morning we had our gender ultrasound! BABY GIRL on the way!!!!! I am so freaking ecstatic I just wanna go baby girl shopping like asap. She is gonna have a better wardrobe than me and that is A-OK! I know James was really hoping for a boy of course and I would have loved a mini James but this little girl is just gonna melt him like no other I can already feel it. I am so excited to see him hold her for the first time! Oh, and her name is Mei Li Noel Moberly. She is going to be our little Christmas bundle this year :)

I leave in a few days to go back to San Diego for the rest of the summer until James is done selling. Hopefully he will leave August 20th-ish. It is going to be hard but they are sending the wives to go home in early August anyways because everyone is gonna go up to New Mexico to sell and they will be living in motels. James is already up selling there and I have been back in El Paso for the most part. We hardly see each other and we live together :( It sucks being alone all day and trying to find things to fill your time. But me being back with my parents will save us money and he can focus entirely on finishing strong these last 6 weeks. This job has been a huge blessing and opportunity for us and we just want to make the most of it.

Mei Li has the Moberly butt!!!! So cute :)

Right before driving through the most intense lightning/rain storm of my life on the way to Alalmogordo, New Mex.

Bye-Bye, Jude! You will always be my boo.

Here's Brucey!!

We went to a Texas National park with a natural spring water pool complete with creepy fish.

Texas Sky! Love them clouds :)

Ahhh, freak.

I am slacking on this blogging business! Well.............I haven't seen my man in 28 days... and I won't see him for another 11-ish. Let me just tell you, it is driving me CRAZY. He has been working so hard in Texas and  have stayed at my parents house in Ramona 700+ miles away. We decided it was best for me to stay with family during my first trimester because he'd be working long hours. Plus, my medical insurance only covers me here so may as well get my first couple of appointments done here. Am I blabbing?
Speaking of appointments, I had my first one a couple of weeks ago! I got to see our little peanut floating around! It was an incredible feeling to see that there really is a baby growing in there. I have heard of women who have had "ghost pregnancies" meaning they have all the symptoms but there is no baby. Weird. But anyways, I fell in love immediately and the little heartbeat was so sweet and tiny. It was about the size of a kidney bean then and is now the size of a fig! Today marks 11 weeks :)
We will find out the sex in about a month or so and I can't wait because James gets to be there with me!!

Oh, and a few weeks ago I went to the SD temple to do a session and some sealings with my parents, sister and brother-in-law. Our sealer that day was actually the architect of the temple!! How freaking cool is that!? But yeah, just thought I'd throw that in there :)

Peace out. I am watching b-ball with my Pops. R.I.P Lakers '10-'11 :(

Bun in the Oven

So, James and I found out about a month ago that there's a bun in my oven! My time of the month was coming up and I wasn't experiencing any of the "usual" symptoms I have right before that time. I guess you could say as the time drew nearer and nearer I began to have this feeling like I would miss it this month.... and for several months to come! I didn;t tell James what I was thinking, though. I didn't want to think or talk about it because I didn't want either of us to over think or get our hopes up about the situation. The morning of my expected period (sorry if any guys are reading this and the word "period" freaks them out haha) James out of nowhere says to me "I think you're pregnant." Not gonna lie, it took me aback that he had been on the same page as me. So as history goes, we walked to the Rite Aid Pharmacy close to our apartment that night and picked up a home pregnancy test. I took it when we got home and James was over getting the laundry from the on-site laundry facility at our complex. Almost immediately I saw the infamous positive sign show up on the little window on the test.. My heart skipped a beat and I walked out of the bathroom a little shakily and told James we are going to have a baby. I couldn't help but cry because I felt it was so right that this was happening! James said "Well, cool. Congratualtions...." and then grabbed his phone to tell his parents the good news :) I felt he was a little skeptical at first but by the next day he had told almost everyone he came in contact with! He is so excited and I couldn't be happier myself!
I am now almost 8 weeks pregnant and am feeling pretty good over all. Keeping food down hasn't been a problem, although I have a little nausea. It is no biggie as long as I'm not puking. I hate it! I have just been very tired and zombie-like. I can't keep my eyes open passed nine o'clock, otherwise I am in for a rough next day!
My first prenatal appointment is on Friday, May 13th. Can't wait to see the first picture of our little seamonkey!! We won;t find out the sex for another 7 weeks and it honestly doesn't matter to me what it is; I am just ecstatic at the fact I will have my own baby James or Jamesette!! (Don't worry we have actual names picked out haha)
Just don't talk to me about labor... ;)

Thes Test!

Baby James and Daddy! So freaking squeeze-worthy!!

Myself as a babe

Married Life as We Know It!

We finally sold our apartment contract, therefore, we can officially move for the summer! WHAT UP CALI AND TEXAS?!
Oh, and here's some pics of married life so far... :)

Putting the star on top of our first Christmas Tree!!

 Bustin a sexy move in line at the Festival of Trees :)

 Our first Christmas morning!

 Fake smiles after the Lakers lost :(

 Cornbeef & cabbage he made us for St. Pattie's day=DELISH!

 Check out that clean plate..

 Mmmmm

 Attempt #1 at new coffee cake recipe... It came out as hot batter because I forgot the baking powder. UH DIR.

 A morning doing sealings at the Provo Temple :)