Nesting....?!?

Okay so maybe I have started the "nesting" phase. Which means projects are in full swing in our household. In addition to trying to organize our upcoming move, Ryan and I have been using our spare time to complete my list of projects in preparation for baby Williams arrival. After much debate we finally decided on black furniture for the baby's room... that being said we had some painting to do. First we repainted the changing table- it was an all day project but it turned out awesome. Then I painted the storage baskets we bought in baby blue and green - just to add a little color to the nursery. Here is the finished project



Then I decided to take a shelf that we had been using in our bathroom and repaint it to match. I am going to put the babys first books and some beanie babies from grandma Sievert and his night light lantern and stuff on it- I painted a basket for it too



And after months of searching and our original travel system being discontinued- we finally found a travel system that we both liked equally. Ryan and I have even practiced strapping our practice baby in the car seat ( we are still trying to use the doll to teach Berk to be gentle around the baby- not sure how well it is really working, guess we will find out soon) Here is our new car seat and travel system.
Berkelee being such a good dog




Now all we need to do is finish our move and have the baby... we will keep you all posted - we love you and we miss you

Happy Halloween!!!!

I really can not believe I agreed to this but - here it is baby's first "unofficial" Halloween. Yep here it is in all its glory- my big ol baby belly. Ryan and I had a very low key Halloween, just a little belly painting and laying around. Berkelee didn't want to dress up this year - and we decided it was too much effort to get him into costume anyway. So this is it - our Halloween treat for all of you. We love you and we miss you. Hope you all had a Fun and Safe Halloween.

Were Moving ....

As if there are not enough changes happening right now, Ryan's new job, new baby coming, etc.... WERE MOVING. We have been spending a lot if time debating what to do about our apartment situation and the new baby and space, etc. And we threw around the idea of staying at our tiny place month to month for a while after baby comes, or we thought about breaking our lease a few months ago. And after a lot of prayers and sleepless nights we have finally decided to move and we found a great place too. The only crunch is that our current lease is up November 24th- for those of you keeping track, that is 6 days before my due date. Our new place is available November 1st. Now there are pros and cons to this situation. CON - we will be paying rent at two places the months of November-not our ideal situation. PRO we will have an entire month to move in and get our old place cleaned up - which at nine months pregnant is about how much time I expect it to take for us to move. In my perfect world I have scheduled everything so that baby Williams will just naturally make his appearance on November 20th - I am dreaming that my water will break just as the last box is unpacked... however now that I have this planned I am sure he will decided to come on the 5th or something.
So that is where we are at- anyone ANYONE who wants to help - that would be greatly appreciated
We love you all and miss you tons

Oh Thank Heaven for Little Boys.....

Saturday night, while the boys were all at Priesthood session - My in laws threw me an amazing baby shower. It was so nice to have family around once again. This visit Ryan's parents, his Aunt Anne, Aunt Ellen, and Uncle Butch were all able to come into town (mostly for conference). The baby shower was a great way to spend the evening and Ryan, baby and I were given so many great gifts - our nursery is really coming together.... only a few things missing - mostly baby Williams.
Aunt Ellen, Ella, Aunt Anne, Katie, Martha, Whitney and Kasey




Carina and Ernestina


Grandma Williams (Ryan's mom) made this georgeous blanket for baby Williams

Kristin got baby Williams a fancy Baby Bonkie so he can swaddle is style

Lots of baby booties to keep his little feet warm


I am so excited for little baby Williams to get here - start placing your bets on when the big day will be

Sundance, Anyone????

Sundance, Anyone??? Okay well I am getting a little bit ahead of myself here- but I am hoping that there are some free passes to the film festival for baby Williams and I. Ryan landed an awesome internship with Park City. This is such a blessing- while the commute is a little bit more then we would like and a little scarry with the upcoming snowy season, Park City is just about the best city to score an internship. The planner is really well known in the "Planning World" and very well respected- he will be able to teach Ryan a lot and hopefully get Ryan's feet into a lot of other doors and opportunities. Also Park City is one of the "More" well known cities in Utah- just about everyone, everywhere has heard of Park City so it will look great on future resumes and job interviews even out of state. And last but not least- Ryan will have to help plan and work the Sundance Film festival - only like the most famous annual event in Utah- and that is where I am planning on scoring all of my private party passes for the baby and I. I just know baby Williams is destin to be friends with Kingston James Rossdale (Gwen Stefani's baby) or little Violet Affleck.
Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers- Ryan had a hectic time of interviews and it really did pay off. We love you all

Our baby - for now

He was the first addition to our family- and for the time being he is still the "baby" of the house, so I thought Berkelee deserved what could possibly turn into his last "post". I am fully aware that as "spoiled" as some of you think Berkelee is - the times they are a changing. Really we could not have asked for better "practice" for being parents in my opinion. Berkelee has been great and I am hoping that he will continue to be just as amazing when we bring home baby Williams. So far- Berkelee has helped me personally make it through this pregnancy. He has always been so understanding when I could not take him out because I was laying in bed too sick to get up. Berk held "it" for hours while I laid in bed waiting for Ryan to come home. He snuggled with me on my worst days, regardless of how short my patience would get with him.

He really is the sweetest dog we could have asked for... but like I said, the times are changing and I am sure once Baby Williams is here - Berk will take the back burner in our lives- so here it is my tribute to him (we are not getting rid of him, I just realised that this post makes it sound like he is going away or we are getting rid of him- NOT THE CASE) I just know that Berkelee posts are probably going to be a thing of the past soon enough- well unless its to report how cute Berkelee is with the baby, or Berk happens to be in the background of a photo of the baby, etc.

So here's to the cutest dog ever....

First, and Last Football game of the Season?!

Go Utes!!!! Well Ryan, Kristin and I attended our first Utah Football game for the season- and I am pretty sure speaking only for myself of course - that it will be my last football game of the season. Ryan got us great seats - ROW 58. Oh, and it was only 85 degrees. Luckily the Utes played awesome and the game was exciting - plus you can not be in a bad mood when your team is kicking some butt. However the crowded trax, the hike up to the stadium and the never ending stair climb up the 58 rows was enough "football" for me for one year. As I sat there sweating from the heat and the hike, I realised - I am not going to be any "less pregnant" as the season progresses- so this might just be it for me at least.
Here are some pictures from the game



Kristin and I




Ryan and I again



All and all, we had a great time at the game and Utah won...

Dinner at the Roof

Well since I was already logged in and blogging I decided to post this one too. Ryan's parents came in town August 17th-20th. It was so nice to visit with them- we really wish all of our family could be closer. While they were here we were treated to a very fancy dinner in celebration of Lindsey's birthday, Ryan's birthday and the upcoming newest member of the Williams clan. We went to the Roof, on the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, overlooking Temple square. We had a gorgeous view and dinner was amazing- (I am so grateful to be over the "sick" part of this pregnancy)

Update ....

Okay so it is a long time coming BUT I promised pictures so here they are. These pictures are from our Babymoon- Birthday trip to Vegas that we took in July. So yeah they are a little behind- but they are the best we can do. We celebrated Ryan's birthday on the 4th of September. We went to Ryan's favorite restaurant Tepanyaki and had a great time. Other then that nothing else is really new- we are anxiously awaiting our newest addition - I can't believe he will be here in about two months - it is really going fast... yikes. We still have so much to do, and we are still looking for a new place to live (agh... cross your fingers and remember us in your prayers- my due date is November 30th and our current lease is up November 25th....)
Here are the pictures I promised- there maybe more coming

The notorious "baby bump"



Here is Joy enjoying a few Birthday Shots.....



Ryan wasn't crazy about this foreign soda



Our best attempt at a photo together



Ryan with his idol.....

25 Weeks and counting ....

For those of you counting (hopefully I am not the only one...) we are at the 25 week mark. Which means only 15 weeks left. I wish we had more exciting updates for the blog today. Nothing is really that new. We are just working and Ryan is busy getting ready to get back to school. Ryan's little sister Kristin is finally coming back after the longest summer ever- we have missed her dearly (Berkelee seems to miss her the most and is VERY anxious to see her again). Ryan's parents will be in town for the weekend and so is his cousin and aunt. So this weekend we are planning on having a nice family visit.
We have done a horrible job at photographing this pregnancy - sorry- I would say that I promise to post some pregnant Joy pictures - but I would hate to make a liar out of me. I will try - that is the best I can say.
As far as this pregnancy goes - so far so good- the morning sickness seems to have gone away and we haven't seen any other really horrible side effects. I still have a numb spot on my leg - which has been diagnosed as a pinched nerve caused by the pregnancy. I do have a cold right now - which is trying but will only make me stronger. No crazy cravings yet- however this baby seems to be a fan of mexican food as much if not MORE then his mom.
So basically that is our update - not much new - maybe there will be some pictures in the future, but I wouldn't hold your breath- we are lazy.....

It's a ......

It's A BOY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Babymoon like a ROCK STAR

In keeping with our celebrity style pregnancy- we are Babymooning like Rock stars..... What you haven't heard of a Babymoon?? A babymoon is a vacation taken while pregnant or, sometimes, for new parents. The idea is to let the pregnant woman and the new dad be pampered, live it up (minus the alcohol) and, in general, enjoy the last moment of peace, quiet and adults-only entertainment of their lives. Babymoon packages can include : unlimited complimentary in-room movies, late check-out, cravings bag, foodie treats, sport massages for dad-to-be, pregnancy massage for mom-to-be and non-alcoholic cockails. Go on a shopping spree with a personal shopper to show you all the beautiful baby boutiques. So there you have it- this Saturday we are leaving for our own little Babymoon.

Okay so we are not jetting off to a tropical resort for our babymoon. Instead we are going to spend the weekend in a Desert Castle. Where we will be dining like royalty. Oh and Ryan has promised to be my own personal shopper and point out all the luxuries that we need. That is right, for my Birthday/ Babymoon we are heading to Vegas and staying at the Excalibur Resort. We are going to go to the Knights of the Round Table dinner and show and spend the rest of the time there relaxing by the pool, shopping the shops and eating all the food I have been craving but could not stomach for the last 5 months. ( we are going on two solid weeks of no throwing up!!! )

Viva Las Vegas!!!!!!

15 more days.....

We had another Dr. visit on the 28th of June- and we were really excited to make our next appointment since it will be for our 20 week ultra sound, at which point we would be able to find out the gender of our little one. HOWEVER- the Dr. was all booked up on the 12th, and the 13th and 14th and 15th... and so on and so forth all the way til the 19th!!!!!!!
So now the count is down- 15 more days til we find out what our little bundle of joy is. We are anxious and excited and can not wait to share our big news with all of you. Oh and here is a bit of exciting news ( well exciting for me atleast) I have officially gone 7 whole days without throwing up - which is the longest run I have had- so this may be it - I may be on the home stretch.... thank you all for your concern, support and prayers-

Oh, baby

Well we had picked out the bedding that we wanted for the nursery almost immediately after we found out we were pregnant. I have always really liked stars and had wanted to incorporate them somehow in the nursery since they are pretty gender neutral. I wanted something really simple, neutral and not so babyish (if that makes any sense at all) I am just not big into cartoon characters or bugs- I think I am going to try and keep bugs away from my baby- so I don't really understand why the fascination with bugs on baby bedding- YUK, not cute- crawley....

Anyway I stumbled upon a cute set that was not to expensive- (it is kindof amusing how expensive sheets that are garanteed to get puked on, peed on and poo'd on can cost so much) and Ryan liked it just as much as me. Here is a picture of the bedding- its not a great picture but you can get the idea- we don't know what color our crib is yet but its neutral enough that it really shouldn't matter. Its basically beige and off white with little accents of pink, blue and green. Then depending on girl or boy you can get crib sheets and accent blankets in pink or blue. We hadn't planned on getting it so soon - but wouldn't you know it - we stopped at the store to take a look at it and it was being clearanced out. In fear that we might miss out on what appears to me as the most perfect baby bedding ever- we got our bedding all in one shot. (Thanks Mom and Dad)

So little by little we are getting ready for this new addition.

Tonight - since Ryan and I are on a budget we decided to find a cheap date alternative. So we went to babies 'r' us and started our baby registery. Registering is kinda fun - its like going on a shopping spree and spending $0. Really I think we had no idea what we were doing- that is probably evident when you look at our registery. The only thing I am dead set on is our stroller- I am basically in love with it- here it is - again its kinda plain and neutral but the visor will go all the way down , not just over the car seat portion.

In other news- there really isn't any other news - we are pretty boring. Just work and school and thats about it.

6 weeks and counting

6 weeks and counting for those of you who are wondering when we will be finding out the gender of the newest little Williams. I went to the Dr. on Tuesday and everything thing is going perfect. Pee looked good, blood pressure was exactly where it should be and baby's heart sounded like music to our ears. I was even given a new perscription for some heavy duty anti nausea medicine (we are talking $35 a pill)!!!! This stuff should really work and hopefully I only have a few more days or weeks of needing it. We have another appointment in a month - and then two weeks after that appointment- we get to have the gender ultrasound!!!!!! So place your bets now.

We came to the decision to find out what we are having based on a couple of things. First and foremost- we look at it this way- the day the baby actually arrives is going to be filled with plenty of excitement of its own- so why not get a little "teaser" half way through. Secondly, this is our first baby and therefore we have NOTHING - while I like greens and yellows as much as the next guy it would be really nice to be able to splurge on some gender specific items. And finally - I hate surprises I can not wait for things like birthday presents and Christmas - let alone the gender of my first child. Although I have already set myself up for the disappointment I may encounter if my child has decided to take a more modest approach. Let's cross our fingers that we have a future exhibitionist so that I (and all of you) will get to know if pink or blue is appropriate.

As for the big surprise - Ryan and I have decided that while we will be sharing the gender of our upcoming child with everyone- we will be keeping the name a secret until the big day - feel free to offer suggestions and ideas, nothing is set in stone until baby arrives - however you will not even get a hint from either of us- so don't bother trying......

Here is something fun- for all you moms out there let me know how often this Chinese Gender Chart worked for you
http://fertility-facts.com/Tools/chinese_birth_chart.htm

Bye Bye Belly Button Ring.....

It's official - my belly button ring is gone, after almost a decade of being my own personal sign of rebellion, alas it is gone. While I have not gotten a baby bump yet, I couldn't help but worry that it would appear overnight, and if I left my belly button ring in it would leave an all too unpleasant scar. So out it came. Really it's a milestone- just one more thing I am giving up to make room for the new stage I am entering in to.I can't help but remember "when I was a child I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a (wo)man, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11) I guess this is just me finally putting away some of my childish things. Don't get me wrong, I would give up my belly button ring and so much more for this little person I haven't even met yet. (I just wish this little one would give me a day or two without morning aka all day sickness) This is week 13 and I am on the verge of entering my second trimester. Numerous pregnancy books and websites assure me that this new trimester will be my "honeymoon of pregnancy" so lets all cross our fingers....
Beyond that we are starting to make room for baby - or atleast we have started to think about cribs and bedding and strollers and car seats. Its almost as fun as wedding registery- yeah!



Oh - in other news - May 14th we celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. For a treat Ryan and I went to the Melting Pot ( I was on anti nausea medicine so I could actually enjoy and keep down an entire meal) Our dinner was delicious- and we had a great night of just enjoying each other and having great conversation. The impending arrival of our newest addition has given Ryan and I a new perspective on being alone with each other. I am sure it is the lingering thought that as soon as baby arrives - our world will never be the same. I am just glad to be married to such an amazing person who takes such good care of me and my needs. I am truly the luckiest...

Guess Who's Pregnant?

Okay, so you had a minute and if you still haven't guessed - it's Joy!!! (although for those of you who were guessing Angelina Jolie - Pitt, you might still be right)

That's right Ryan and I are having a baby- We are officially due November 30th 2007. I started to feel a little funny the day we left for California- food just wasn't tasting right and I was peeing all the time. I really didn't think that much about it, I figured I was just anxious to get to California. Then when we got back I still wasn't feeling "myself" so we decided to take a pregnancy test- It turned to "pregnant" right away. I really couldn't believe my eyes....

We are so excited!!!!!!

So here are the first pictures of the latest little Williams, eat your hearts out......

Alright already... here is a new blog

Well it seems that the masses are getting sick and tired of seeing my new smile - So after a lot of nagging - here goes nothing. I am sad to say that we really don't have anything that spectacular to report. Ryan is still plugging away with school and work. I am still plugging away at work, and well, Berk is still plugging away at being a dog- something he has done a really good job at mastering.
We do have some exciting trips planned in the near future. On March 15th we are leaving for Sunny California - this is an escpecially big trip since we will be hitting up Disneyland, California Adventure and Magic Mountain. Also, this time we are driving so we can take Berkelee to meet his California family- fun, fun, fun
Also some exciting news- My baby brother, Brandon is coming home from serving in the Middle East- We are so exciting and relieved that he is coming home, FINALLY - and is safe. He has been in our hearts and prayers everyday and I can not wait to put my arms around him and hug him. So in April we are planning another road trip- yep that is right Ryan, Berkelee and I are going to climb back into the car (depending on how well Berkelee's first car trip goes) and driving to Nebraska.
NEBRASKA, you ask... ah yes- My oldest sister Jill and her family have relocated to Nebraska - and so the entire family (except Trevor who has to work) will be gathering at their new home for Easter and to welcome Brandon home. It will be great to see everyone again- and a 12 hour car ride is well worth it. (We just have to hope that Ryan will be done with all his exams ....)
So that seems to be about it- the weather here has been unpredicable and unneccessarily cold...
On a much sadder note- I am sure that everyone has heard of the tragedy Salt Lake suffered last month- Ryan and I frequent Trolley Square and were fortunate to be far away on that horrible night- in the after math of the event - the best we can do is learn from it- Life is short, hug your loved ones, and remember that today is the only day you are guaranteed- keep your things in order and remember what is important to you - WE love you all and we miss you - hope to see you all soon

All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth... or make that six....

It finally happened- my wish came true and I got my two, make that six front teeth for Christmas. Well it was actually a few days after Christmas - but the process started months ago. So here it is my new smile. Its everything I hoped it would be and so much more....



Check out the cool Schlitz hat Ryan found and bought me for Christmas!!!!


We love you guys!


Berkelee and his mommy
My new Smile
Miss you all and Love you-

Its a Wonderful Williams Christmas......

I can't believe it is Christmas again, ( well actually since I am posting this after Christmas, what I should be saying is "I can't believe another Christmas has come and gone!") This Christmas was as wonderful as ever. We went to California the 14th of December for Ryan's cousin, Chad's wedding. The wedding was beautiful and it was especially meaningful for Ryan and I to be able to be there for Chad since he was such an important part in our own "love story" Here we are with Chad and Kasey after the wedding

We had early Christmas with our Williams family and flew home on the 18th. Due to a horribly unexpected long flight home- we got in a little too late to pick up Berk from the Doggie Dorms, (Uncle John and Aunt Martha couldn't puppy sit this time- so we checked Berkelee in at the Plush Doggie Dorms, basically the Hilton for Hounds) so with Berkelee still living it up at the Ritz - we went and got our Christmas tree and started our Christmas decorating.

Ryan at the Home Depot picking out our Christmas tree

It was love at first sight, for me and our tree. Ryan was a little skeptical and thought we should look some more - but I could see the true potential in that snow covered leaning little tree!

Being that it was Berkelee's first Christmas, we went all out. Berkelee got all new toys ( most of his toys were trashed and alot of them weren't really toys at all.) Berk also got a new bed and a new blanket. He was such a good boy and did a really good job at leaving the Christmas tree alone.

All and All I think everyone in our little family got exactly what they wanted for Christmas!

Berkelee's first sleep over

While my Mom and Dad were away in Wisconsin - I spent the week on the farm. At first it was a little scary, cause Max and Sadie were not very friendly and I had to sleep in my crate every night instead of in my warm bed between mom and dad. But it turned out to be really fun- I got to play outside everyday while Aunt Martha worked with the horses. Max started to hang around me and keep me company- we had so much fun playing in the yard and taking naps together. I even took some cat naps with Tinkerbell.
I didn't like it very much when Max played with my toys (he slobbers so much) and Sadie never really warmed up to me but poodles are known for being a little "snobby". I was such a good little guy though, even when I got off my tie outside, I didn't leave the yard- instead I just walked up to the porch and took a little nap til Uncle John found me.
Sunday night I was so excited when Mom and Dad came home- and even better they brought me new toys!!!! So I survived my first sleep over - and I was so good that I get to go sleep over again next month - yeah!!!!

On Wisconsin!

Finally Ryan and I were able to get a way for a much needed trip to Wisconsin. We had such a blast and it was so good to finally go home. Here is a little photo montage of our trip;
Here is Ryan enjoying his first brewery tour....

boy did he have a blast, but not before picking up some souviners

We also took a trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum, I think it is one of the better museums in the country- maybe even in the world, here take a look
here I am feeding a stegosaurus, his name was Petey- what a playful guy


and Ryan caught a fish this big



we spent the rest of the trip visiting with family, going to the temple, shopping and just relaxing. The week ended all too soon, and we miss everyone so much.
We love you all and we will keep you updated!

love,
Ryan and Joy