Sooo... we had a baby.

Okay cyber world. It's official...

I AM A TERRIBLE BLOGGER.

Did I even mention I was pregnant? Probably not. Well, now we have a gorgeous 6 week old girl and figure it's probably time for an update.

Meet Paisley Ann Helvig...

What? You can't get enough of her and need to see more pictures? I KNEW it :)

Well, if you insist....

BIRTH STORY

I am writing this down mostly for our personal record, so if you don't want to hear about it, be my guest to skip over... or scroll back up to look at the most beautiful baby on Earth--again (bias you say? Maybe...)

My pregnancy was pretty typical (yucky 1st trimester, great 2nd trimester, and big 3rd trimester). The only complication I had was that my fluids were considered dangerously low in my last month. On July 17th I was feeling GREAT. So great in fact that I remember telling people at church that this little girl was not likely to make her debut for a while. That same night (or early morning I guess) at 1:30 AM I lost some fluid and began to have contractions that were strong enough to wake me up, but not very painful. Nervous about the fluid loss I woke Aaron up, and at 3:30 we decided to make the 1 minute drive to the hospital.

When we got to the hospital this ADORABLE old nurse--nurse George--checked us in and got me hooked up to the monitors. At first glance nurse George did not look like he belonged in the Labor and Delivery unit. He was in his 60s at least and had rough ARMY look to him. I couldn't have been more wrong about a first impression. He treated me just like his own daughter and was the greatest, sweetest nurse I have ever met (he even came back to visit us on his day off to make sure the baby was doing well). Well, turns out my water did not break. I was sure this was false labor and was really embarrassed. After being checked (at 3 centimeters) they had us stay and walk around for the next hour to see if I would progress. During that hour my contractions slowed and become less intense. I was not progressing at all. Finally at 5:30 AM, they asked what I would like to do. They had enough data to admit me if I wanted, or I could go home. Secretly hoping my labor would stop, I decided to go home and rest. On the drive home my contractions started to be painful. Still could be false labor right?

WRONG! After a 20 minute contraction-free nap, my contractions set in hard and strong... After a beautiful blessing from Aaron and my good neighbor and friend Feral Freer, we were off to the hospital again. All I have to say is that I feel so blessed we only live 1 minute from the hospital! Driving with contractions is the worst! When we got back to the hospital at 6:30 nurse George was getting ready to go home. This sweet man stayed and made sure we were settled and had a great nurse to take care of us before he left. NOT ONLY THAT, but he also got the paperwork and anesthesiologist ready to give me an epidural, just in case (so I wouldn't have to wait FOREVER).

To make a long story short, I got an epidural at 5 centimeters (after only 30 minutes of tough contractions). After that I didn't feel any pain or discomfort until the next day, which was easily controlled by medication. I feel so blessed to have had a fairly easy delivery, and even more blessed to have a happy and healthy baby.

Motherhood, though hard, has far surpassed my expectations. Creation is such a miracle. I can't even begin to express the love that I feel for this little girl, and how lucky I am to be her mother. It has made the plan of happiness much more meaningful to me this past 6 weeks. I am so grateful to know that families can be together forever.

To the love of my life!

My Darling,

I am so overwhelmed with the good man that you are. These last 6 weeks have been ROUGH to say the least, and while you could have found several good excuses to get some space from this crazy-grouchy-pregnant lady, you have been so loving, patient, and tender.

Thank you for sneaking out to put a towel on my windshield at night, so I wouldn't have to scrape it in the morning. Thank you for listening to me complain, and giving the best hugs in the world. Thank you for bringing me dinner in the room (and making me dinner) so I don't get sick smelling it cook in the kitchen. Thank you for taking me to Thai food over and over even though you'd rather have a juicy hamburger. Thank you for driving all the way out to Leupp after I locked my keys in the car...again :). Thank you for choosing me to spend your eternity with! I am so blessed to have you as my husband and father of my children. You make me want to be a better person. XoxoxXooOxxXxooO

Fall=Family

Wow. Do I ever catch up? No. But let me give you a QUICK update on everything you have missed due to my poor blogging skills:

1. Aaron graduated and working on his master's degree.
2. Becky finished her masters and was blessed to find two jobs in Flag.
3. Our fish died... poor Fin (disgusting side note: we left him dead in his bowl for nearly two weeks because we were both too lazy to clean it up... we're gross).
4. We got called back into the Primary and are team teaching the coolest Valiant 8 class in the world.
5. Still living in Flagstaff

Look what we found 20 days ago... Pretty huh!

There were more sunflowers in Flagstaff this year than I have EVER seen in my life. I remember when I was little getting anxious when the sunflowers where in full bloom (sunflowers=school is about to start). It is so nice to be out of school and to be able to fully enjoy their beauty! The sunflowers started to die this week which can only mean one thing... FALL!!!

I have such a bitter sweet relationship with this time of the year. I always miss the warmth and flowers of summer, but somehow never fail to get increasingly giddy when the chill hits and the leaves on my mom's front porch turn a marvelous red. Fall=holidays. Holidays=family. This year Christmas is at the Turnbull house which means I'll get to see all of my siblings and their kiddos. Can't wait!!!!! No offense friends, but pretty sure I have the greatest family in the world.

Spring Break

Aaron and I wanted to go somewhere like New York, or on a cruise for Spring Break but decided that wasn't really in the budget. Plus we thought it would be nice to spend time with family. Lucky for us Aaron's family was going to Disneyland which is by far our favorite vacation spot and--for those of you who don't know--where Aaron proposed to me. It was such a blessing to get to spend time together with his family. I wish I would have taken some more pictures, but here are a couple from Splash Mountain.

Thank goodness for ponchos, who would have thought!? The Helvig's are always prepared (and by Helvig's I'm talking about the in-laws). My favorite were the "cheating" comments we got from the other people in line who were obviously bummed they hadn't thought to bring ponchos.

Aren't they cute! I love Doug and Patty. Sorry Alana, for some reason we didn't get a picture of you :(

The is "our" beach. The day after Aaron proposed we sat here and talked about our future for hours. So special! And above are the seagulls who are trying to get their beaks on a piece of my burrito.

I am pretty impressed with this shot! It only took us 40 tries to get the sun in the right spot. Good thing I have supper long monkey arms!

Crazy SNOW!!!!

This is why there is NO school in Flagstaff this week!!!

Below is the bay window in my parents front room...Yes, the snow is above the bottom of the glass!!!

Cake disaster #2

Are you wondering how my second cake turned out! Check out this beauty!!!

Unfortunately this is NOT my cake. Actually, this is the cake-boss worthy cake I tried to make the first time. So for those of you who congratulated me on my first effort and told me it wasn't that bad... well... Do you see why I was nearly in tears. I gave up long before I even got to the decorating. I have good news and bad news about cake # 2.

Good News:

It tasted great!!!

Bad News:

I gave up on decorating, yet again!

I settled for just frosting and eating it after spending so much time cooking. BOOOO. I didn't even take a picture. I've decided that I am going to have to start spreading out the cooking and decorating over a series of days if I'm ever going to become a CAKE BOSS... My wonderful brother-in-law gave me a "HOW TO" book on cake making for Christmas so WATCH OUT Spring Break. I am not giving up just yet...

Sarcasm doesn't translate!!! Ooops

I always seem to stick my foot in my mouth, but this time I REALLY should have known better! I served my mission in Chile where I quickly learned you can't say anything sarcastically without Chileans taking you seriously. They are so honest and sincere they almost never think you would be anything less...

For example, I had a heavy set Chilean companion who during a doctor appointment told the mission doctor (who was from the US) that she was fat... which in their culture is a completely normal thing to say about yourself and about others, not meant to offend or fish for complements, but rather to to be honest (what a concept!). Trying to make her feel better about herself, the doctor told her (with a wink and a smile), "You're just big boned" (not a concept used in the Chile... probably because it is an excuse we use rather than a fact). Later that day she told the four families we taught about her experience and how relieved she was to learn that she was not fat--just heavy boned (which is how big boned translated). "That must be why I weigh so much." I made up my mind that day to always be sincere...

One of my friends from Chile is OBSESSED with U2 and other amazing American bands. He has started a band of his own and hopes to make it big someday. This is one of his facebook pictures:

If you didn't notice... He is the Chilean man on the right, photoshopped into the picture.

When my husband and I got tickets to the U2 concert I sent him a message on facebook telling him about the tickets, and JOKINGLY told him I would say hi to Bono (the lead singer) for him. After the concert I wrote him another note telling him it was amazing and JOKINGLY that Bono says hi. It hadn't dawned on me that he--being from Chile--probably hasn't been to any of their concerts and doesn't know that NO ONE gets to talk to them (they don't even sell back stage passes). Not to mention that he probably didn't pick up on the sarcasm.

He wrote back SOOO excited telling me to please write back as soon as possibly to recount my entire conversation. I wrote him back apologizing and explained that I was just joking. A friend of his commented that he had already told the entire town that Bono "mande sus saludos" or sent his salutations to Lino, via (his true and honest friend) Becky....

I feel terrible. New years resolution 2010: no more sarcasm!!!

Cake disaster!

How many of you watch TLC's the Cake Boss? Come on, fess up! Jk...It is seriously one of my favorite shows, and has given me the aspiration to become a wedding cake decorator. Not only does Buddy (the cake boss) make incredible cakes, but he somehow makes it look SOOOOOO easy (ha... don't be fooled). Look at these works of art!

Can you believe they're edible!!!

A couple of months ago I decided it was time to try my hand at cake decorating. A classic 9" by 12" you ask? NO! That would have been too easy (or so I thought). I had a whole day to dedicate to my new hobby and was willing to waste every minute of it making a cake-boss-worthy, full on, fondant-covered wedding cake! Why not? After 3 episodes I was sure to know be an expert right?

WRONG! My dream (and confidence was soon shattered after 10 hours of slaving in the kitchen over this pitiful finished product...

Not only was it ugly, but it tasted like gum-covered cardboard. After a lot of histerical laughing and nearly breaking down in tears, my Dad generously helped me cover the cracked and uneven fondant with some decorations. It is funny to look back on! I even swore I would never try again, but I just so happen to have the whole Christmas Break infront of me. Now, armed with 13 episodes, 3 youtube tutorials, and a 5 star recipe from recipezaar.com, I plan to tackle yet another cake adventure. With a lower standard of excellence (that being anything better than the above picture), and a whole week worth of detication, I am hoping for a little more success. Wish me luck!

Rock bottom/ please share

When I was in high school, I use to love writing songs. Recently, (inspired by the talented Kelsie Seaman) I have been trying to put some thoughts to music. It hasn't been very successful, but it has caused me to think about a couple of people who--through repentance--have completely changed their lives, and a few people whose lives I wish would change. While reading through my journal today, I read about an experience worth singing about.

A couple of years ago, I was talking to a friend (and home teacher) who had just turned his life around. He had made several poor decisions growing up, and was one of the last people you would have ever thought would come around. I remember listening to his family talk about his situation . They always had so much love for him and faith that he would change. They are seriously the most loving and faithful family I have ever met. They never once gave up on him, and understood that the power of Atonement extends to each of God's children--including their son (sorry, getting a little sidetrack).

Anyway, during a home teaching lesson on repentance, he began to bear his testimony about the love of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. While talking about his "turning point", he shared something that really impacted me. Here was our conversation:

Friend:

"Going down the wrong path is like quicksand. You can't just stay at one level, you're always sinking down, and further from Him. It gets to a point where you either hit rock bottom, or reach out for a rope."

Me:

"What was your rope?"

Friend:

"It wasn't just that my family had never given up on me, but that I finally realized that my Father in Heaven hadn't either. For the first time I prayed--real consistent prayer. That was me reaching out for the rope or hand. I know he was/is there."

So profound huh?! I have decided that my song will be called "Always Extended", and will talk about the Lord's promise in 3 Nephi that his hand was, is, and always will be extended to those who reach for it. Great concept huh (at least I think so)! In all reality, I may never finish the song, but I hope my friends thoughts are as touching to you as they were to me. I'm so glad I wrote them down!

Please, if you have any similar thoughts/stories I would love to hear them.

Happy Sabbath!

BABY HUNGRY

Aren't they adorable!!! Don't they make you baby hungry!

Benefit concert

OUCH...

This is what I looked like AFTER therapy today!!!!  

OUCH!!!

Who knew speech therapy could be such a dangerous job!!!  I use to tease my sister Sarah (physical therapist) for getting beat-up by the kids on her case load.  When she use to call me bragging about her newest scratches and bites, I never thought I would EVER be in the same situation!  Today, one of our clients with Autism (who is non-verbal) had a melt down, hit my supervisor and dug his nails into my neck.  He really is a great kid, he was just having a rough day.  It's frustrating for him to not be able to communicate his needs or wants.

 Next weeks lesson: No hitting or scratching.

Kids say the darndest things!!

I was walking to the front of the chapel today (to sing with the choir), when two little sunbeam yelled (in their outside voices), "There's sister Becky!  I found Sister Becky!  Hi Sister Becky! Do you see Sister Becky mom!"  I couldn't help but smile as their littler voices echoed throughout the chapel.  Being in Primary is such a joy.  Here are some of the funniest things I've heard while serving in this calling.

1)  When asked why we should obey our parents: "Because if we don't, we'll get spanked"

2) The WEEK AFTER a lesson about Ammon & missionary work.  This weeks lesson was on how we can be missionaries: 

• Me: How can we be good missionaries?
  
• Mackenzie: Cut off the bad guys arms!!!!

3) Opening prayers reveal so much about a child: "Please bless us not to kick our little brothers, or play hide-and-seek in the fridge, or write our name in yogurt on the wall....".   

4) This scenario happened EVERY week after Kenny's B-Day.

• Me: When we keep the commandments, Heavenly Father gives us blessings.  Who knows what some of the commandments are?
• Kenny: (Raising is hand very reverently) I got a remote control car for my birfday!
  
• Me: That's great Kenny, tell me more about it after class.  Right now we are trying to name some of Heavenly Fathers commandments, like praying.  Can anyone think of some others?
• Kenny: (Raising his hand, and turning to the other kids) It goes on dirt and is red.

5) This one is actually from my 3 year-old nephew Noah.  While reading a children's book with his dad (my brother Scott) about the plan of salvation. 

• Scott: Noah, if we keep Heavenly Fathers commandments we can become like him.
• Noah: Like him? (Pointing to the drawing of Heavenly Father)
• Scott: Yes, like him.
• Noah: Like him? (Pointing again, making sure his Dad didn't misunderstand the question; starting to look extremely excited)
• Scott: Yes! (Excited that Noah is understanding the plan of salvation.  Feeling like he has really accomplished a lot in this 3 minute teaching moment)
• Noah: You mean... (pointing again, and squealing) I CAN HAVE A MUSTACHE!!!
  

6) We use to "spot light" a couple of children each week to help the kids get to know each other.  Parents were given a form to fill out with several questions they were suppose to ask their children.  Under "what do you want to be when you grow up", Melany (a sunbeam) said, "A princess, a mermaid, or a fairy."

Rock Band ... the real deal!

Hello family and friends! Many of you saw a post of mine on my Facebook page advertising for a concert I put on. For those who don't know, this summer I taught a Rock Band class at a summer camp here in Flagstaff. Not "Rock Band" the video game, but a actual music class with real instruments making real music. It has been one of the most joyful music teaching experiences I've had. My students were from 4th grade through 7th grade. They all got to learn how to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, or sing. Each grade learned a rock tune. We performed twice ... once at on old folks home called the Peaks, and once at our very own rock show that featured the kids! It was like their very own School of Rock show! We also made music video's with the help of a talented videographer friend. Anyways, I invited the newspaper to come out and they featured our show on the front page of the AZ Daily Sun. Here's the link if you're interested in reading:

http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2009/07/30/news/20090730_front_200793.txt

Enjoy!

Good morning sweetheart!

Well HELLO HONEY!!!!  Isn't he stunning, this must be Aaron's "Blue Steel".  I guess this is what I get for leaving my laptop downstairs and unattended!  The funny thing is, he almost NEVER lets ME take pictures of him.  Can you believe he would be camera shy, with a face as photogenic as this!  Love you babe!

Favorite things...

I have had the sound of music song "favorite things" stuck in my head all day.  I love that song, but hate when it gets stuck.  It is REALLY REALLY STUCK,  and am really sorry if it's now stuck in your head!  

These are some of my favorite things:

1) Hitting ALL green lights on milton! 

2) The smell of my husbands Polo cologne.

3) Being productive

4) Mama's homemade bread

5) Swinging my niece in my arms

6) Have ZERO new emails from school

8) Accomplishing hard things

9) Smiles from strangers

10) Playing "reverent" peek-a-boo with the boy who sits in front of us at church 

11) Snuggling with Aaron while watching movies 

12) Remembering all of my lovely EA roommates, old friends, and mission companions 

13) Old pictures

14) Singing to the radio

15) Singing in the shower

16) CHOCOLATE!!!

17) Getting 50% off of anything

18) Playing bananagrams (if you haven't played this game, you must go buy it immediately!)

19) Watching Abby (the Seaman's dog) stick her head out the car window

20) AhhHA!!! moments

21) Successfully cooking a new meal

22) High-fives

What makes you happy?

Suggestions please!

Wow, this has been the craziest summer I have EVER had.  I just started my clinic rotations and have 4 instead of 2!!!!  I have no idea how that happened and even though the school doesn't either, they won't let me drop even one rotation!  Don't get me wrong,  it is REALLY COOL to get the experience and I absolutely LOVE what I do.  I just miss my husband.  I see him for about 15 minutes before we go to bed at 10:15 PM, and kiss him good bye at 6:00 AM every week day (while he is still asleep).  I can really feel it wearing on both of us.  I have tried setting aside certain nights to spend time with him, but it seems like I always get emails or phone calls on THOSE nights from professors requesting new assignments for the next day.  I hope it will get easier as I gain more experience and get faster at writing treatment plans and clinic reports, but until then, HOW DO I STRENGTHEN MY MARRIAGE?  Have any of you gone through something similar?  What did you do?

Best haircut ever!!!

I finally got a hair cut and have to say that Leigh Call is EXTREMELY talented and fun.  If you are looking for someone who can really bring out your best look, and have fun doing it, she's your gal!  Thanks Leigh!  Sorry, this is the only photo I have.  I hope to go even shorter soon, and when I do, I'm going back to Leigh.

Day 4 Aquarium

We wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo, but decided the aquarium was a cheaper alternative.  It was actually pretty cool and worked out better because we were already exhausted from golfing with my grandpa that morning (I wish I would have gotten some pictures).  I doubt we would have stayed long enough at the zoo to get our moneys worth out of it.  Hope you enjoy the pictures.  

More to come....

Vacation at last!

Aaron and I finished our final exams last week and are enjoying time off from school!  Our break so far has been WONDERFUL, and filled with LOTS of vacation.  I promise to spread this update over several posts so you don't get overwhelmed with tons of pictures and stories.

DAY 2-3

Part of our trip was spent in San Diego with the "Turnbull" side of the family.  We spent the two days at my Grandparents house.   It was so nice to finally spend some quality time with them.  My grandpa turned 90 last year and I am not sure how long he'll be with us.  He still is has brown hair and enough energy to golf.  His vision and hearing are declining fast, yet he still has a wonderful attitude and is a joy to be around.  My grandma is  the most beautiful women I have ever met.  I have no idea how old she is, but she seems to get more beautiful each year... seriously.  To celebrate Mother's Day, my aunt Nancy made reservations for ALL of us to get pedicures.  Even Aaron and my Grandpa had it done!!! 

Here's Aaron sitting between my Grandparents.

 My aunts, grandma's sister, sister and me after the pedicures.

(Sally, Betsy, Me, Aunt T, Grandma, Julie, Nancy)

This was Aunt T's first pedicure.  She was SO funny to watch.

Nan, showing Aaron the ropes

My Grandpa being a ham for the camera.  My Grandma has been making him get pedicures for a while now.  Apparently last time he had an in-grown toenail that the lady tried to dig out.  He was a little nervous this time around :) (He totally doesn't look 90 huh!)

The finished product!

Stay tuned for more vacation updates.....