Christmas Cheer at 24 Weeks

A few highlights from Christmas:

Savior of the World at the Conference Center

Colton's favorite toy

Cameron's reindeer grin

A cute, little reindeer

24 Weeks - Christmas Eve

I loved Christmas, but it was definately busy! Between shopping at the last minute, family Christmas parties, and bad weather, I was ready to rest after my vacation! I'm heading to Las Vegas for the weekend. Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

3 Years Ago

On a Saturday morning 3 years ago, December 16th, I woke up just like any other day. Benj and I were dating long distance (he was in Bountiful and I was in Logan), and I would stay at his house over the weekends. After getting up, Benj asked me what I wanted to do that day. I asked him the same question. He said something like, "Mmmm, I don't know." After breakfast, he told me he had an idea but wouldn't tell me what we were going to do.
We left the house and he started driving toward West Bountiful. I pointed out an airplane overhead, not knowing that minutes later we would turn into an airport parking lot. He told me that we were going for a ride for an early Christmas present. Yes, I was starting to wonder it this was THE day. I started getting really excited. The secretary casually said there was a plane waiting for us, and we got into a little 4-seater plane. Our pilot was making polite conversation as I kept looking outside for a "sign".
We were able to see Benj's house, the Bountiful golf course, and the Bountiful temple. It had just snowed so it was beautiful and white. Benj had a video camera out (yes, that was a good hint). I wasn't seeing any sign on the rooftops and the pilot started us back to the airport. I truly started thinking, "I guess this WAS just an early Christmas present."
As we started descending, the pilot told me to look out my opposite window. I was shocked to see a red sign saying WILL YOU MARRY ME right along the runway. Benj's sister, mom, nephew and our 2 friends Tony and Chris were waving both arms as we flew by! Truth be told I didn't see all of the sign and we were going so fast I couldn't make out who the people were! I looked at Benj, who was smiling and holding something in his hand. Our headsets weren't working all that great so I saw him mouth the words, "Amanda, will you marry me?" I had imagined this day all my life, thinking I would just scream "YES, YES!!!" However, I was speechless . . . couldn't mutter a word. Literally couldn't breathe. When I could say something that's what I said, "I can't breathe!" I was in shock to the point that I hadn't even looked down at the ring yet! Finally I shook my head up and down and quickly hugged him and started crying. I looked at the ring as he took it out of the box and placed it on my finger. At this point, the pilot asked, "What did she say?" He saw us kissing, which I think answered the question. We flew around again and I got a better view at the sign.

When we landed we just stood there and hugged for a good 10 minutes. We motioned to the family and friends to come over and we got to share our happiness with them.

It seems so long ago, but it's still a very clear, wonderful memory in my mind. I couldn't ask for a better husband. We are a "perfect fit" as we've told each other many times. We have grown and learned so much about each other the past 3+ years. I look forward to sharing every special moment in my life with him.

I love you sweetheart!

Christmas Cards

So I have kind of a wierd question. I'm debating about making Christmas cards this year. It's always cute to include a picture, to make it more personal, but Benj and I haven't changed all that much (ok, maybe I have a little). I always like the pictures and newsletters of the cute kids and updates on what's going on with the family. However, no kids yet, and do people really care what Benj and I are doing?

So question: should I do a personalized card with pictures or a letter or should I stick with a generic card? I think sending Christmas cards is a lost art. People just don't send them like they used to. It's sad! I want to fill up my card holder this year! I want to send you one too!

Thought you might like to see some of the Bradshaw Christmas cheer.

We don't have a fireplace so we opted for something different. We have one for baby too (but we haven't gotten his name embroidered yet).

I love having a real tree in the house. This year and last year Benj and I picked a tree that was a little big for our living room! We love it though. The first thing I smell when I get home is evergreen. It is so heavenly!

Now all we need is snow!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's my 20 week belly shot for you to peek at. Taken right before the UTAH game. :) It'll probably be even bigger after the Thanksgiving dinner I'm planning on eating!Thought I'd also favor you with a candid of my hubby (this was his game face).
Hope all of you have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!

WE'RE HAVING . . .

A BOY!!!

Those who voted boy are correct (which was 75% of you . . . good guessers)! Benj and I can't express how EXCITED we are! Being pregnant has been the most thrilling experience of my life. I have learned so much about myself, my relationship with my husband, and what it feels like to have someone to watch over. I know I have a lot more to learn, but I feel like there are some wonderful experiences ahead.

Thursday morning we went in for our appointment. I was nervous, but I was feeling like everything was going to be ok. Almost the very first thing we did was get directed to the ultrasound room. Benj had a notebook and started writing in it. He planned on "taking notes" and list details about our experience. The doctor and tech both asked us what we wanted and if we wanted to know what it is. Our answers were both the same: we would be happy with either one and definately YES! Benj added that he had feelings that it was a boy.First of all, our darling babe has grown a ton. I couldn't believe what I saw on the screen. The profile of his face is so adorable and I couldn't get enough of watching him yawn. I love his little belly too. I have a feeling he's gonna be so handsome. :) He was kicking away, stretching, and flailing his arms anywhere (we didn't know he was a he yet). I had a couple pieces of chocolate right before and I think he had quite an energy spurt. About 10 seconds into it, the nurse said, "Well, dad is right!" Benj and I were both like, "How in the world did you see that?" A closer view indicated this:

Yep, definately a boy. The nurse said I could be so confident as to start painting the nursery blue and tatoo his name on my arm. I was relieved that it was so obvious!

Here's a shot of his legs stretching. He did this multiple times. It looks like he has long legs. We'll see if he grows into them before he's born.
The nurse checked all of his organs and we even counted his little fingers. His measurements were right on with his due date, so we're still planning on April 16th. Our baby now weighs 7 oz. and is approx. 6 inches long! Quite a change from 1 oz and 2 cm.

We got to take a DVD home with the whole ultrasound on it. I have a feeling I'll be watching it many times!

Favorite Fall Things . . .

Thanks Natalie for giving me something to write about on my blog!

8 Favorite TV Shows:
The Office
Heroes
Ugly Betty
Prison Break
Grey's Anatomy
Who's Line is it Anyway
So You Think You Can Dance
American Idol

8 Favorite Restaurants:
Biaggi's
Olive Garden
Cafe Rio
Benihana's
Mandarin
Paradise Bakery
Texas Roadhouse
California Pizza Kitchen

8 Things that Happened Yesterday:
Worked Out
Cleaned the house
Went to Work
Went grocery shopping with Benj
Called my YW girls
Watched Heroes
Did Laundry
Ate Dove chocolate

8 Things that I Look Forward To:
Seeing my baby on the ultrasound :)
Having Benj feel the baby kick
Telling everyone what the sex is!
Decorating the nursery
The weekend
BYU v. UTAH game (go Utes!)
Benj being done with school
Decorating for the holidays

8 Things I Love About Fall:
Taking long walks
Driving through the canyon
Dressing up for Halloween
The colors
The smells of pumpkin and spice
Football games
Crisp air
Thanksgiving

8 Things on my Wish List:
That our baby will be healthy!!!
That I can stay home when the baby is born
Buy a house next year
Benj find a good job when he graduates
Fun holiday season with the family
Material: video camera
Crib and Dresser
Cruise in the next year or two

8 Friends I Tag:
Whoever reads this blog!!!

Kick Baby Kick

I felt the baby kick for the first time a few days ago! It was absolutely amazing! I was having a hard time winding down after a long day so I stuck my headphones in as I was lying in bed. I decided to try the whole idea how babies can hear music, so I put one of the ear pieces down on my baby. Within minutes I felt our little one dancin' away. Apparently he/she likes Josh Groban. I would giggle each time I could feel it. I just wish Benj could feel it too! Hopefully soon! 7 more days til the ultrasound!

Here are a few more pictures from Halloween. The first few are from my office and the last two are Benj's.

I won the costume contest as a "Tiger and cub".

The felines.


Benji as a handsome 70s basketball player. What a babe!

His group got 2nd place in the costume contest!