What's New II

Well, Its been a few months since either of us have had the time to get on and blog about life. We decided to call this post "What's new II" because basically if we've only been blogging every few months its all new. I promise that we'll get better and spend more time blogging.


We recently spent a weekend at Yosemite National Park, It was FREEZING, At first we were disappointed that there was no snow, but we got blanketed with fresh snow on our first night there, It was enough snow to snow us in for a day, so we had a movie night and enjoyed each others company while watching a fire to stay warm, Then we spent time in the park.

This was Derek's first trip to Yosemite National Park, Needless to say, He loved it. Yosemite is beautiful, and I think we were lucky to catch it on a day with fresh snow.

We bundled Brooklynn up in a pink snow suit, She couldn't move around in it much because it was so thick but I think she managed to stay the warmest out of all of us.

During this trip, we spent time at the AHWAHNEE Hotel just walking around, enjoying their warm huge open fire pits and watching the light shed on Half-Dome nearby,

We also spent time walking around The Giant Redwood Trees in Yosemite Park. (Obviously the day before all the snow fell, but it was still really cold)


We borrowed a play jumper for Brooklynn to jump in, Its her new favorite toy (Thanks David and Kristin) You could even go as far as to call it the new babysitter, This thing is GREAT, It allows us to cook, study, work on the computer, and even blog... Maybe we'll get more done with this thing around, She'll spend up to 30 minutes at at time playing and jumping.

We recently fed Brooklynn her first solid foods, She went crazy for the rice cereal, She's been watching us eat for months now and we finally decided it was time.

Derek is working pretty well Full-Time at REI in Marina just feet from the ocean (Recreational Equipment Incorporated) which also happens to be one of his favorite stores of all time, They sell camping and human powered sports gear. He is a customer service specialist, and gets to give advice to people for upcoming outdoor trips as well as hear about fancy trips customers have taken that only make him feel jealous.


Finally, (Here's the BIG news:) We found a way for Derek to be able to attend Paramedic School, Remember how a few months ago we were worried about the future and didn't know what was going to happen because our student loans for the program fell through? Well, we tried again and this time, Its all smiles! Derek starts Paramedic school on January 12th, He can't wait, This is the final step towards reaching his ultimate dreams and we feel like its going to be a great opportunity. He'll still be attending Westmed College which is a prestigious name here in the Bay Area of California.... Leave no doubt that Derek will be spending the next 10 months diving into textbooks and for once actually Loving it..


We really miss the snow (At least Derek does) and as Christmas approaches, We just want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, We probably won't be back on to blog until after its over at the current rate we are going. For now, We'll stay here where compared to Utah its quite warm, and we'll watch the prickly pears on the cactus' growing in our driveway ripen.


We love and miss all of you. Please remember to write us, stop by if you're traveling through, or check in on us, and we'll do the same for you.

.. Until Next Time:

So What's New?

Haha, I have to admit I think it was funny posting the small link I did last night. I've been meaning to get online and blog for a while, With a new baby, a large yard filled with projects and family one could say that we've been pretty busy. Living in California has been fun, Even though Derek isn't going to Paramedic school at the moment we've managed to have fun. Derek has been rebuilding the deck here at home and doing other various projects around the house to keep busy.

We celebrated my 24th birthday at the beginning of the month, Derek along with his parents bought me tickets to go see WICKED on Broadway in San Francisco. The show itself was completely amazing, We both enjoyed every minute, It is filled with surprised and a fun filled story, The music as well is amazing. Great times were had. It happens that the huge California rain storm (Biggest in 10 years they say) happened on the same day so needless to say that traffic sucked on the way up.

Brooklynn can hold her head up on her own now, She loves to play on her tummy, Seems like everyday something new happens and she become more alert. I can't believe that she is 3 months old now. Time sure flies! We took Brooklynn to The Monterey Fisherman's Wharf, (New Family Picture on top) It was kind of a cold night but we wanted to get out and she seemed to really enjoy it, Since we forgot her stroller we'd just hold her and she was a fighter (as far as sleeping goes) until we got back into the car and she crashed.

Well, I guess thats it for now, Brooklynn's calling for us.

Remember when we used to post on here?

Yeah... We do too. We'll be back sooner or later.

It Changes Again!

Hey Guys, Its Derek: Well: Dang! That's about all I can say. As it turns out, Life has thrown us another curve ball. I went through several different banks and none of them would back up my student loans because of this rotten economy. I suppose it doesn't help that tuition was nearly 14K and I wouldn't have been working as I went through Medic school. Amy and I will be heading back to Utah here in a while, but for now I think we'll try to enjoy our time here in California. I recently spoke with a past Fire Chief of mine to see if they had any open spots and luckily he agreed to offer me a spot on the department again. Once home, I plan on getting a job, supporting my family and keeping a positive attitude, I'll continue to test everywhere and anywhere that I can attempting to find a professional firefighter job near home, A task that is proving to be really tough but I dare not say impossible. In the past I have competed against more than 600 applicants for one or two positions and I'm happy that I placed 10th overall in that specific example.

In the near future we'll be dragging our family back to Utah with hopes of furthering my education and hoping to make enough money in the meantime to be able to afford Medic school on my own. Yes, I'm quite crushed that I had to leave the program that I've been in, However I'm keeping my hopes and attitude high, No sense in letting it get me down, I guess that's the simple message I'm trying to convey with this post. We're looking forward to what the future holds for us, We have no idea what that is, or what we were supposed to learn from this lesson in moving all the way out to California just to turn around and try to make it work in Utah again however I'm sure that there is a plan out there for us and we'll figure it out in time. See you all sooner or later, Until then, We're going to enjoy our time out here.

A New Chapter

The past few weeks we've had limited access to the internet, We have been staying in limbo with The Greens in Logan. It has been fun and nice, Grandma and Grandpa Green have loved having Brooklynn around.
We blessed Brooklynn in a park nearby after listening to Elder Robert D Hales speak in a Stake Conference locally, It was very uplifting. Blessing her outside was sure fun. Well: Its time for a new chapter in our lives. We are officially moving to San Jose California so Derek can attend Paramedic School at WestMed College. We're pretty excited about this opportunity. Derek will be working with San Juan Fire Department, (Well, I guess he'll be Volunteering, but he's happy to be getting back into the fire action) We will both miss Utah and all that is has to offer us, Hopefully friends and family will come visit us! Seriously, Feel free to come visit us, We'll show you a good time around the Bay Area. Its going to be a long drive.

Derek's Family 4 Generation Picture.
I guess this is one of the bonus's to blessing her outside. (Preparing for the Blessing)

Family Photos

Well its been over two weeks, man does time fly. We went and got Professional photos taken of our new little bundle of joy and can we say they are darn cute! (www.karlykim.com) Thanks Karly, The turned out GREAT! We Love Them!

We are still learning as we go and always try to change our schedules to fit hers as she changes her mind daily. My mom left last Friday and we are still getting by.

Brooklynn in her Tutu.

Brooklynn in Old-School Style Turnouts

Sitting in Derek's Fire Helmet

Our Favorite Family Photo
Mommy Daughter PhotoDaddy-Daughter Photo

So: What's New? We have started to pack as we are moving in with Derek's parents next Saturday and the old plan was to move to California in September so Derek can attend paramedic school in San Jose, but new ideas in the Fire-service locally have presented themselves and now its unsure where we may end up. Well keep you posted on whats happening but until then let the packing begin!

One week.

WOW! Its hard to believe that one week ago little Brooklynn was being "plucked" from her home of 9 + months and being handed to her new Daddy. We're not biased at all, But we think she's the cutest thing in the world! We love being parents and all the challenges that come with it! We were both very nervous at first, and still have our butterflies at times but we are learning as we go and honestly loving every minute of it. No one really tells you how nerve racking leaving the hospital really is, you are so excited to go home and sleep (so you think) in your own house, but driving your new precious cargo home and having to watch stupid drivers around you is so scary. Then you get home and the real nerves set in.

Leaving the Hospital

The first night home from the hospital was quite exciting. For some reason we both had the idea that she'd come home and sleep well.... She didn't.. We were both up with her most of the night, but night after night she has gotten better at sleeping at night after eating.. You don't realize how nice it is to have a nursery that will help put baby to sleep. However, We LOVE having her at home and can't get enough of watching her every move.

4 Generations: Great Grandma, Grandma, Amy & Brooklynn

Grandma and Grandpa Green

She has had lots of family visitors , her two sets of grandparents, and two sets of great grandparents, and they all say she is the cutest.. which is to expect, It's what they all say. Daddy thinks shes cute too, He really can't get enough of her.. When she is awake she loves to just look around and explore her new world, and when she is sleeping she makes the funniest faces.. cant wait for them to start when she is awake and playful. She has had two baths so far, they aren't her favorite, but then again she hates having her diaper changed too..
We love her tons and tons and are excited to see what the future holds for our new family.
My mom has been here to help out around the house and keep me from doing to much..(anything really) but i guess that's what happens when you get a major abdominal surgery, Right? We love having her here, she is a life saver, and a great cook! I am recovering well, and taking it easy to make sure I don't over do it, but feeling pretty good most of the time..
Thanks for all the well wishes and congrats.

Brooklynn is here!

Hey Everyone,
I just wanted to let you all know that Brooklynn is here! She was born at 5:17 AM on July 20th, 8 Pounds, 12 Ounces, 21 Inches long. She didn't really fit through my pelvis, so she actually came C-section after 2 and a half hours of pushing and trying to get her here normally. We can both barely express the joy and satisfaction as well as the suddent bit of fear that hit us when she arrives, Neither of us could really hold back the tears. She's Beautiful, Simply put... It's been a long long day, For those of you who may not already know, We were in labor and delivery for nearly 36 hours before the decision was made to go C-Section. We are both pretty exhausted but can't stop watching Brooklynn's every move. We will certainly take more time to post more details and pictures once we get a bit more rest. Until now, Here's a few.
Stay posted for more information, pictures and updates!

I can't wait for this show!

Hey Readers:
Its Derek, Amy and I are currently prepping to check into the hospital for Brooklynn's arrival, Amy, as well as I seriously can not wait for her to come, We are looking forward to being parents, and the challenges that come with it. I figured as I'm killing a bit of time on the internet that I would share with you all something else that I really can not wait for, That is NBC's new show, "Trauma" This is my dream in action, Someday I hope to land a job with San Francisco Fire, These guys portray the dream, and although its not out yet, I really hope the series does a good job portraying what it is that we try to do.



Well, Our next post will probably be baby pictures, Keep checking back and we'll post them as soon as we can! Until then, Watch this video... (Sorry about the ad) I must have seen it a dozen times already ;)

Waiting

Well, Brooklynn is now a week over-due. We thought and hoped that she would be here by now, Apparently she's happy and comfy in my belly. I just thought we would update those of you who are wondering as to what is going on. We went to the hospital yesterday to have a Fetal Non-Stress Test done to see how she is doing, after our Dr. looked at the readings, He called to tell us that Brooklynn is a very healthy baby, That's always good news to hear.

As for this waiting game that we have been playing, If she doesn't come naturally between now and then, I'm going to be induced on Sunday the 19th, We'll post pictures as soon as we get to that point. We're really looking forward to being parents.. Keep posted!

Look what I did.

Thanks for all the help and website links. I found some fun ideas and stole some off your blogs.(Hehe) This is what I came up with till I ran out of clips. I made all but 2, got them for a dollar each, couldn't pass it up. I also made the cute bow board to hold them.


We also had a great 4th of July. We went and watched the Stadium of Fire fireworks from the MTC field which ended up not being as good as we remember but still fun. Some good friends of ours came and played games while we waited. The only downfall was there was only 4 bathrooms so I waited 30 mins to use on and got out right before the fireworks started.. good timing!!

Help.. I'm not crafty

Ok. So I think I can totally make all those cute little girl head bands and flowers but I am having the hardest time trying to find all the pieces, does anyone know where I could find them or any helpful tips on making them. I also just saw the cutest little tu-tu, does anyone know how to make those? there is no way I am paying what they want for those! So thats it, I am just trying to kill time while I sit at home waiting for Brooklynn.
THANKS!!!!

Busy week

Well I had a baby shower last Friday. It was so much fun. Some of my good friends from school put it on for me, they are so cute and put a ton of thought into it. We played the diaper candy game and my mother-in-law totally ate a piece of "poop" trying to figure out what kind of candy it was. We got a lot of good stuff that we still needed and some way cute clothes.. Brooklynn is going to look good once she comes to play. It was fun to see friends from school and from way back in the high school days, we had alot of fun. (Pictures to come soon) The next day Derek and I went to target with a coupon and got the rest of the things that we needed for her arival and we are now good to go and ready at any time. Bags are packed and in the car along with the car seat, we are just waiting now.
Crista guessed TWICE my size.. how rude!
The wonderful girls who threw my shower. Sarah and Harmony
My mother in law and Carrie smelling the "poop". Carrie didn't like this game
I had to play too, although I wasn't very good at it.

Also this week.. I GRADUATED.. well kind of. I am really done with my hours this tuesday, but the school does a big gradtuation every 3 months because everyone finishes at different times. It was lots of fun, and alot of my friends are graduating this month and it is happy and sad at the same time.. I am excited but the nerves are kicking in.. wondering if i am going to be ready for the real world of hair.. but it's going to be a great learning experance!. We also had to have a model for gratuation, I did one of the Front desk girls, we colored and styled her hair it was lots of fun and i was very proud of my work..

Me, Sarah, and Harmony

Me and my Model

Derek got a fun suprise and blessing this week.. He starts school in september and was wanting to get a laptop for school.. We found out a week ago that we won a Dell laptop through the company we did our taxes with.. It is a really good laptop and it came in the mail this week and Derek has had a fun time setting it up and playing with it.

Told you it was a crazy week and our bet is its just going to get more crazy with my due date growing closer, but the doctor said on wednesday that shes probably not coming till her due date or later..(isn't that what you want to hear when your whole body aches) but you never know right..:) Hopefully she comes soon! We can't wait!
We'll try to keep you posted!

Fun and Belly

Its Official! I'm Full Term! Brooklynn is still inside growing like crazy, She's really fun to play with and we can't wait to have her here with us! I'm 37 weeks pregnant which is considered Full Term. Our most recent visit to the Dr came with the news however, that She'll probably come Late as he told us to add a week onto the due date "for our own sanity" The official Due Date for those of you who are wondering is July 9th.. I thought we'd post recent belly pictures and a video for those of you who'd like to watch of Brooklynn moving inside.

36 Week Belly

Brooklynn Moving Around

In other news: We went to see Beauty and the Beast at the Scera outdoor theater. The show was really fun, and the cast did a great job!The stage was made out of books and it was quite fun to watch how the set changed.
It was a rainy day but we managed to catch a time slot when it didn't rain, Although it was quite cold!Until Next Time:.....

The Verdict is IN.

We realized recently as we've been preparing for Brooklynn's arrival just how much stuff is needed to prepare for a baby's arrival.. We've been running around like chickens with our head's cut off with our rare free time and getting things we needed for Brooklynn, We're about half way there, and while the excitement and stress are climbing as we race to get ready before she decides to debut, We went for a drive to check out baby bouncer's the other day and ended up getting the "soothing vibrations" pink baby bouncer with high hopes that it will work as explained On the way to pick up the bouncer, we drove past "Porters Place" with a line going out the front door, This line was not there on the way home so we stopped off to eat dinner at "Porters Place" in Lehi. We've been spending some of our free time watching "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" on the Food Network, so the idea of eating at a "Dive" with a line out the door got us quite excited, Derek ordered the Bison Burger with Baked Beans, The Best He's Ever Had, (Yes Better than our own home-made). I ordered the French Dip with Fries, They cut the potatoe into 4 and fry it, It was great!!! They cook the food right at the bar in front of you, We thought that was pretty cool as well. We submitted the place online to the producers of the show, Maybe it will show up on a future episode?

...And finally, We decided on and bought a stoller system, The verdict is the Chicco Cortina Travel System, This thing is GREAT! The car seat fits comforably and easily into the stroller system and base. It's the only one we've seen with the ablility to fold the stoller with a single hand and it stands freely on it's own when folded. The safety points of the car seat are the highest of any out there, and the best part.. We got a Screamin' deal! Woo-Hoo! ( A special THANKS to Derek's Mom for hitting up the JJ COLE Warehouse Family Sale and scoring some awesome things!)

Belly.

I've had requests from several people for some more updated belly photos. Its fun feeling her kick. At this point we get to go into the Dr ever 2 weeks instead of once a month.This is me at 30 weeks along, Just 10 more weeks to go!
I'm in a race with Brooklynn at school to see if I can get done and have some relaxation time before she comes.Here's a fun picture, Looking up at my belly.

As many of you know we recently went to California on a trip for a baby shower and Paramedic School Interviews for Derek, The shower was great! Lots of fun clothes, but we need so much more before we're really going to be prepared, This having a baby stuff is quite a task for those of you who haven't already gone through this and figured that out ;) Derek is enjoying working at Northstar alarm as a credit agent. The days are going by slowly for him with hope that it picks up soon.
Here is the good news, Derek got accepted into Westmed College of Medicine's Paramedic Program and starts school in September. We will be moving to California in August for school, He is VERY excited to have been accepted and is looking forward to school, He's also got a job waiting (Paid Call) with San Juan Fire.