Lucy Ann Germer

Lucy Ann Germer joined our family on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 8:09 am. She weighed 6 lbs. 0 oz. and she is 18 inches long. She has a reddish-golden touch to her hair, we'll see if more red will come through. She is a very healthy little girl and we are so blessed to have her. We are overjoyed with the love we feel for her and cannot express how thankful we are for our sweet baby girl. We came home from the hospital yesterday and so far life in the Germer household is great...we'll see how we feel in a few days!!

Maternity Photos - 9 months!

My friend Melissa Sue took these amazing shots. I am so thrilled with how they turned out. I think she has some amazing talent and I am so excited to have a photographer just down the street. You can check her out here.

This is why I am exhausted...

Because I have driven my husband crazy changing my mind so many times in the past 9 months, I thought I would share with you what he has put up with! I will share with you the world of stroller and car seat buying for Holly. It has been a very difficult road...to say the least. I cannot tell you the amount of time I have spent in front of the computer trying to find the perfect stroller only to end up with the one I really wanted in the first place. Anyhoo, here it goes. This was the first stroller I bought. I was so excited to get it...it was going to be perfect. Well, we got it all together (it was very difficult - it took over an hour) only to find that the handlebar was busted. Luckily, I was able to return it, but still, a lot of work... back to square 1. Next I bought a smaller stroller (not pictured) that was pretty great, but it was lacking a few things that I really wanted. I also did not feel that the car seat that went with the stroller was very safe. I think a newborn would just slide all around in it - back to square 1...
We then got the Chicco travel system - love it...we had it all set up, I was thrilled to finally love the stroller AND carseat...weeks later, I discovered the carseat would not hook to my jogger - WHAT? I thought well, I will just not use the jogger (which I will only be using for walking, let's be honest with ourselves!) until she is big enough to be in the stroller, but that defeats the purpose of having the jogger for the summer...seriously, we were back to square 1 once again!


So this is what is all came back to...the set I have loved from the beginning- isn't it adorable?? I spent all day last Saturday trying to find a store in Salt Lake that had one in stock...no such luck, so I had to order it online - hopefully it will get here before Lucy. I know what you are thinking, and I am thinking the same thing...I AM CRAZY! I think this may be some kind of pregnancy disease. At least in the end of things, I am always super satisfied because I have tried all the other roads!

Family Showers!

I have had some fun family showers. Thank you to everyone who came, thank you for the yummy food, and thank you for all the great gifts. Seriously this girl is already so spoiled! I cannot wait to use all the great things we have received. Here are some pics from the latest showers. My mom bought this crazy jacket a while back (4 years ago) I told her I really like it, and she kept it all this time. I still think it is pretty cute! Pregnancy glow? Of course I have pregnancy glow - when I am sweating! Other than sweat I do not understand this thing they call pregnancy glow!
The Henriksen Gang.
Another cute diaper cake! Thanks Krys.
The Germer Gang.
Lisa and I at her family shower. I think we look so much alike in this picture.

SNEAK PEAK!!

After months of hard work, it is finally paying off! I am just working on the finishing touches and we will post some more pictures! I have loved how it is turning out.

My last Getaway!

Two weeks ago I took a little trip with my family to St. George and Zions. It was a much needed break, and I was able to relax, shop, and be with family. Melissa (sister), Juli (cousin), and me at the park. I was so excited to be able to go spend some time with Juli. She lives down here in St. George so I don't get to see her as often as I would like. She is the biggest trooper and has the best spirit I know. She has been going through Chemotherapy the last few months, and has kept a positive attitude through it all. I was able to go with her to the hospital to get her treatment. We talked and visited and I was able to see how brave she really is. Everyone asked afterwards how it was and I would quickly reply "I made it through"! Oops - I guess they were asking about Juli. Well, she was amazing through it all and we were able to go get some lunch, shop, and hit the park to enjoy her last few hours of well. Thanks Juls for letting me be with you, it was really fun. Love you tons. We also made it to Zions on the way home. Of course, I didn't get to go on the big hike, but I waited patiently in the sun for about 3 hours. The sun felt so good...and I paid for it later, I was fried! I also paid for it that I was waiting for them to come back to eat, because they got back and they were not hungry. So I starved until about 8:00 when we finally got dinner.
I did make it on the 1/2 mile roundtrip walk to Weeping Rock. The girls in this picture are our friends from Germany. Sonia is my age and came to stay with us when I was in high school. She came back this time with her sister and they stayed for about 6 weeks. My mom really enjoyed having them around, she is still going through withdrawals having no kiddos at home. It was a great trip, and fun to getaway for a few days. Thanks mom and dad for always letting me tag along!

Off to DC

Well, Rhett is off to Washington D.C. That's right, 4 weeks before I am due, he is gone. Last month and last week this was really making me worried. However, because I am dilated to a ZERO I feel a lot better about him being gone. This is the first time he has ever left me at home. We have spent many days and weeks apart, but it has always been me to leave on vacation. Of course I always enjoy my time away (I am on vacation), we'll see how I enjoy my time away - at home!

Rhett earned/won this trip through work. Only 6 salesman in the whole RCWilley company get to go...that is pretty amazing. I don't know why spouses were not invited, and it bothers me a bit, but I guess it is for the best not to have to turn down a trip to one of the greatest cities. Rhett was really cute and excited to go on his first 'business trip'. He was even generous enough to let me pack for him - oh how I love to pack for vacation.

I am very proud of Rhett and all the hard work he does for our growing family. He has been so good to me the past few months - I have not been the easiest pregnant lady to deal with. He has really worked on getting excited for the little things that I am always thrilled about, like buying a new box of diapers, finding a new decoration for the nursery, cereal that is on sale, or a great dinner that I go on and on about! He is a great hubby and I love him lots...have fun babe.

8 Months Pregnant

We have hit yet another milestone in pregnancy, the last month! It is all becoming so real! The past few weeks she has grown so much. She loves to stretch side to side and stretch my whole belly out. It is so crazy looking and I honestly feel deformed most of the day. I thought for sure she was sideways, but the doctor said he can feel that her head is down. As releived as I was to hear she was not breech or sideways, I just can not figure out how she can take up my entire belly, rib cage, and have her head down. This makes concern for a large baby!

Cereal anyone?

Okay, so I know it is so silly to show a picture of the top shelf of my pantry - but seriously, look at this cereal! Don't be fooled thinking I only have 10 boxes in there. As you can see there are many boxes behind and on top. I know it doesn't look like the most nutritious diet, but it is my indulgence right now! I never thought I would like cereal, and this is what I have turned into.

THE BIRTHING CLASS

Honestly, what was I thinking? Until last night night I was freaked out, mostly because of all of the uncertainty. Now - I am worse off and freaking out more than ever before.


As we approached the class no one even looked pregnant - so I am feeling huge at this point. They are all due in July and August. I must admit, that may have been the highlight of the night because everyone was looking up to me and pretty jealous of how far along I am. I felt very experienced because none of them knew what a contraction felt like!! Oh, how I wish I didn't know what they felt like! I have been having a lot the past few weeks. The class had videos that no prego should ever watch, so I had to sit there trying to be mature about the images that were flashing on the screen. Oh boy, what did I get myself into? There are just too many scenarios in birthing. I have heard knowledge is power, but somehow I feel very powerless! The whole way home Rhett kept saying "this labor thing is going to take forever, man, it is going to be hours and hours." I was feeling rather annoyed by his comments - he was feeling very sorry for himself of how bored he was going to be through the whole process.


Well, hopefully our next class will be more enlightening - only 3 more classes to go until I will have all power of birthing knowledge!

Hiccups!

Last week while trying to sleep my little girl just kept nudging me. It was so constant and I just couldn't figure out what she was trying to do. I kept saying to Rhett, ' what is she doing? why won't she just leave me alone? why won't she just stop hitting me? ' I was obviously getting frustrated with her. It then occurred to me these were the hiccups. I had heard this could happen, but I didn't expect it to feel like the Morris Code. Ever since last week she has been getting them more and more. I guess she is just reminding me that she is still there and I need to have a little more compassion on her!

Shower for two preggies

Thanks Lisa and Erin for throwing a shower for Brooke and I. We are both due with girls just a month apart. Don't be fooled by who looks larger though, Brooke is due in 3 weeks!! Congrats Brooke, you look great. Thanks everyone for coming. Hannah, Krystle, and Steph - we missed you... This is my cousin Lisa and I. We are due with girls within 2 days of each other - how fun. I think I win!
Erin, Brooke, Me, Lisa, Julie...so fun to see you all!

Emily's Birthday

We went to Cheesecake Factory for my sister's birthday. They got there at 5:00 and we didn't sit until 7:00. Worth the wait? Yes, but do not starve a pregnant lady like that again.

100 Things About Me! I have enjoyed reading these so I thought I would join in the fun...

1. I am married to Rhett Jerome Germer.
2. We have been married almost 4 years - whoa!
3. We are due with our first baby on May 10.
4. I have not had an easy pregnancy - not because of complications, but I have been so sick...
5. I am very grateful to be pregnant.
6. We are naming our baby Lucy.
7. We have 18 nieces and nephews.
8. I love to eat out, I could do it for every meal.
9. I used to like to cook, I am hoping I will enjoy it again someday.
10. I love coffee ice cream.
11. I don't know if I like coffee.
12. Over the years I have been a nanny to over 14 children (not at the same time!).
13. I graduated from the University of Utah in Human Development.
14. I am now a legal assistant for my dad.
15. I took Interior Design classes all through high school and my first year of college.
16. I love to decorate, but am very indecisive.
17. I never used to be indecisive, but I have a hard time making decisions about anything these days.
18. I am 25 years old.
19. I have been skydiving in Hawaii.
20. I have been to Hawaii 8 times, but I have never been off of North America.
21. I love to daydream about great vacations.
22. I can lay out for days at a time. However, I now wear sunscreen and have a red headed husband who can't be out too long.
23. I can't wait to see what color of hair Lucy will have.
24. I have died my hair many colors including: almost black, purple - accident, bright red - accident, auburn, brown, dark blonde, platinum blonde - Rhett likes it when I am blonde.
25. The first time I died my hair was in 8th grade, and it has been colored ever since!
26. Rhett and I sleep in a king size bed. We have a very hard time sharing a queen size. We both love our space.
27. I am a very light sleeper.
28. I sleep with a fan on for white noise.
29. Rhett loves the fan, but he will not admit it.
30. I love to shop.
31. I can always find a great deal.
32. I always have stuff to take back. Things always look different when I get home.
33. I bought 4 crib bedding sets before I found 'the one'.
34. This habit drives Rhett in sane, but I am always consistent in taking things back.
35. Rhett and I do not shop well together.
36. I love to shop for gifts.
37. I get my shopping habits from my mom.
38. I am very street smart.
39. I was a tom boy growing up.
40. Growing up I was always better than the boys in sports.
41. I won a coed push-up contest in 9th grade.
42. I have not done a push up for a very long time.
43. My favorites sport to play is volleyball.
44. I play volleyball Tuesday nights with some girls in my ward.
45. I have to serve underhand and I move very slow!
46. Rhett works all holidays.
47. It used to be really hard, but I am just used to it now.
48. I had braces for 7 months in college.
49. It was very embarrassing.
50. I love my new perfume Daisy by Marc Jacobs.
51. I have tried many different creams to help my belly from itching.
52. The best one is the Coconut Butter Stick from Body Shop.
53. I do all the bills, financing, and taxes.
54. Rhett goes to Baltimore 3 1/2 weeks before the baby is due.
55. This freaks me out.
56. I am very proud of my hubby, he is a great salesman.
57. I love my discount at RCWilley.
58. I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan thanks to my husband.
59. I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
60. I have 6 sister-in-laws and 7 brother-in-laws. .
61. My youngest brother is on a mission in Southern California.
62. The only soda I used to like was Dr. Pepper.
63. I switched to Diet Coke all the sudden last year. I can not wait to drink it again!
64. I currently eat around 4 bowls of cereal a day.
65. If I could, I would have several strollers, one for every type of outing.
66. I do not like to eat fish.
67. I love veggies.
68. My birthday is December 17.
69. I used to hate my name.
70. I hate knees.
71. I won't let anyone touch my knees.
72. I don't like to watch anyone touch their own knees.
73. No, I will never get over this.
74. I love to have my alone time.
75. I love time with my husband.
76. I am loving this warmer weather.
77. I have never had long hair.
78. I love to grow it out just passed my shoulders and then chop it.
79. All of my family are scuba certified.
80. When I am diving, I am always nervous of what is behind me.
81. While trying to swim with the dolphins in the ocean I was rescued by life gaurds.
82. They said me and my friends were shark bate. We were out way too far.
83. I have a longboard.
84. I used to think I was really cool when I would ride it.
85. I love churros.
86. I love anything fried with cinnamon on it.
87. My favorite show is One Tree Hill.
88. I know that is so trashy, but seriously. I love it. This season is better than ever!
89. I used to get migraines that would last 2 days. I would get them on all major holidays due to excitement.
90. I would have to lay in the dark and no one could touch me. I would just cry and cry and then throw up and throw up.
91. They were really scary. I have not had one since 8th grade -whew!
92. I have never broken a bone.
93. I still have one baby tooth.
94. My favorite color is green.
95. I think windshield wipers are frustrating.
96. I hate to know if a surprise is coming. I can't stand the anticipation.
97. Rhett loves to tell me he has a surprise and then not tell me what the surprise is.
98. He always ends up telling me because I get so frustrated.
99. As long as it is a good surprise, I am then satisfied.
100. I wear the pants in our family!!!
101. I need to get back to work, thanks for reading!
     
     

PEEPS

This picture is happiness! I love love love Peeps. I have been known to eat a whole box in a day! Not fresh of course, you have to give them air so they are super chewy. Yum. Peeps anyone?

Caught on Camera!

This is a classic picture of Liam and Grace - they have the ultimate love/hate relationship. They are always begging to play together, but when they get together we are all on our toes! Don't think that this was all Liam, I am sure Grace started it! Last night we had Liam and Lance over and I said the prayer for dinner. After the prayer Liam said "thankful for Grace my cousin." My brother said he prays for her everyday!

Button, button who's got the button????

While Grace, my niece, was examining my belly our conversation went something like this....

Grace: Where is your belly button Holly?

Holly: It is right here. (I pointed to my belly button - well, seriously I wouldn't call it a belly button anymore.)

Grace: No, Holly that is not a belly button. This is a belly button. (she lifted up her shirt and

showed me what a real belly button looked like.)

Holly: It is right here.

Grace: No, it is missing.

Holly: Well, I guess I don't have one.

Grace: Hmmm. (feeling very sorry for me)

More from Grace...Ever since she found out I was pregnant she has been obsessed with my baby. In the beginning she would put her hands on my belly and wait for the baby to 'kick'. She soon caught on to what the 'kicking' was all about, and now we all get to feel her baby 'kick'. She also gets worried for Lucy because she has no place to sleep and no swimming suit. Grace has told me that she will buy her a swimming suit for Lucy. Every time I see or talk to Grace on the phone she asks "Has your baby come out yet". Much to her dissapointment I tell her to look at my belly and tell me what she thinks. My sister Emily, her mommy, has told me numerous stories about how Grace will bring Lucy into all their conversations. She is too funny. When we have the baby, I have a feeling we will have a baby hog!

Happy Birthday Melissa

Happy Birthday to Melissa! We went for pizza and the whole family was able to make it. It is so fun that our family likes to be involved with one another. We can't do anything without the whole clan! We are all lucky to live close enough to see each other often. Happy Birthday Miss. Thanks for letting us all celebrate with you. Love you.Melissa and Grace


Liam and Lance

My first shower

How cute is this diaper cake?? Thanks Jamie...you are so creative!

Thanks to the sweet girls in my neighborhood I had my first shower yesterday. I was so excited I didn't sleep the whole night before - or is that because I am pregnant? The food was delicious, and the company was great. Everyone was so generous and I got lots of cute things for Lucy. I still have everything layed out on my floor so I can review all the adorable things! One day they will make it to the closet, but trust me, those closet doors are open quite a bit with me cherishing those little items!

I am challenged...

How does Google Reader work? I would love to be able to know when people are posting rather than clicking on a million blogs! I have been trying to figure it out, but it just wants to take me on tours. Any experts?