Manti

A quick update:

For our family reunion this year we all spent the weekend in Manti, Utah. Why Manti you ask? Well, thats where both of my grandparents on my mom's side grew up and fell in love with each other. Apparently they met in the second grade and my Papa says he was smitten. Romantic, right? In fact, my ancestors go back to the settlers of this little gem of a town. It is always so fun to go back and learn about all of my heritage, not to mention spend time with my extended family. My grandparents especially love to go to the pageant that is put on every summer. My grandma recalls being a teenager and being able to hear the pageant (which was then at the fairgrounds across from the temple) from her bedroom window. I love hearing stories of that little town and what they did and where they went when they grew up. The place has a sort of small town feel that makes you feel at home.

We spent the weekend in a couple cabins in the mountains near Manti. It was very secluded and beautiful. I wish I would have taken more pictures. We spent one day with the family on the lake where we rented paddle boats, picnicked, and played on the shore. Ellie loved to get in the water and wear her life vest. She was way too cute in that little thing. She also was excited about her mini mouse swim suit. I had to tell her that her zebra swim suit was mini mouse so that she would put it on. I mean it is black, white, and pink. That is totally something that would be mini mouse right? Well, it works, she loves that swim suit and rocks it like a superstar. She loves swimming these days, I can not keep her away from water. She is so my little fish. Well, she had a blast with all the other little kids swimming away and digging in the sand. Leon was the fun one who took the kids out on the paddle boats and played in the water. He is just the best Dad in the entire world. Ellie and Jet are so lucky to have him.  I ran around after Ellie most of the time and caught up with all my favorite family members.

 Family Picnic

One of my favorite things about Manti is the temple. As you drive into the valley this beautiful reminder  is blazing with beauty high on a mountain over looking the whole town. It is the center point of this little town and I love the symbolism that is accompanied with that. Last trip to Manti I didn't get the opportunity to go inside this majestic building, so I definitely was not going to pass up the opportunity this time around. We woke up at like six to make a session at seven thirty. I loved being in this beautiful temple with my family. I would love being in any temple with my family, but especially this one because I know the history this temple had with my ancestors. The love and peace that was felt was indescribable and something I will cherish always. 

Later that afternoon we strolled around Manti. My Papa gave us a tour of his hometown with endless narrative. It made for a great time. We met for dinner at a park where we picnicked and played games. Ellie loved running around after the big kids. She totally thinks she is bigger than she is. She especially loved the parachute Uncle Warren brought. We then headed across the street to the base of the temple for the pageant. Leon loved conversing with all of the protesters. My lawyer husband would argue with a tree if it tried to tell him anti-mormon hogwash. But whatever that is what I love about my hunny bunny, he loves his religion and will stand up for it at all times, in all things, and in all places. He made it back for the pageant just in time and we had a great time watching the story unfold. They always make a few changes to the show every year and I love to see all the new things they do. This year was no disappointment and I'm so glad we had the opportunity to go.

I love family reunions and am so grateful for the time I got to spend with these wonderful people. I'm sure next year won't come fast enough. We love and miss you all!

Love,

Us

End of the summer...

Can you believe our paradise summer is coming to a close? I can't. We have had so much fun being with family all summer, our house will feel so empty without them. I am especially concerned about Ellie. Jaxon and Ellie are inseperable these days and basically she worships the floor he walks on. It is so fun for her to have a play mate and I am sure that they will miss each other so much. Good thing she only has to wait a few more months and a permanent full time play mate will be entering the Johnson household. I have been so bad about keeping my blog updated with on the date pictures of my ever expanding belly.

24 weeks

25 weeks

Baby is doing good. I'm just a little concerned about feeling so many contractions lately. I had some preterm labor issues last time around and I definitely don't want to go through that again. It might have something to do with all of the running around I am doing in the ER the past couple of days. I am prepared to take legal action against AT Still, not only because they are forcing me to do this ridiculous rotation and ripping me away from my family, or because they basically have stolen my money, but because now they are inducing preterm labor. I hate them.

Speaking of my family with whom I am currently separated, I miss them. I miss sweet Ellie kisses and cuddle time with my one and only. I miss hide and seek, talking about elephants, and finding minnie mouse shoes. I miss a full bed. I miss Leon waking me up at the crack of dawn for morning prayer and giving me a goodbye kiss. Obviously I FaceTime and Skype them everyday, but I am so lonely without my sweet little family.

I can't help but remember my last night in California and how much fun we had feeding the duckies at the pond in Temecula. Ellie lala loves animals and ducks are no exception. She especially loves baby animals. She will tell you baby elephants are her favorite haha. So, we went to dinner at Pat and Ocars, which is one of my California faves. After stuffing our faces on cesar salad and breadsticks, we went down to the pond to see the duckies. Ellie loved throwing the bread into the pond and she especially loved talking to and feeding the baby duckies. Then we went home and played games and ate cookies. My mom's chocolate chip cookies get me and baby Jet every time. I love them. 

 Silly Ellie can't help but make me smile

 This is her minnie shoe that he loves so much. I can't get these babies off of her

I love my family

23 weeks

I still can't believe how big I am for how far along I am, bah! But hey whatever grows this baby nice and healthy now, and I will worry about the rest later. I was 23 weeks on the fourth of July, hence the red, white and blue. We decided to face the crowds at the beach that day since Leon and I both had the day off.  Of course it was freezing cold and we only stayed for like an hour, but Ellsie loved playing with her Dad in the sand and running in and out of the tide. Uncle Nick came to visit and my BBQ-T grilled it up with hamburgers, hot dogs, and of course mexican sodas. For some reason, as long as I've know Leon and Nick they have loved to BBQ and drink mexican soda. According to Leon, a BBQ is not complete without a mexican soda. Its borderline obsessive and weird, I know. Then we headed over to the sports park to watch fireworks or as Ellie called them, "boom booms". It was such a fun day and we had so much fun with Nick and the family.

As for baby Jet Pack, he is moving around more than ever. If there is one thing I learned last time about my children, it was that they are very much the same in utero as they are as infants. Ellie would always get photographed via ultrasound in certain position that she still does to this day. Little Jet loves to move and literally never sleeps. Im in for it. At 24 weeks, almost, he is kicking harder and more frequently than I can remember Elle kicking...ever. But maybe I just don't remember that well. And thus my blogging this time around haha. Leon still hasn't caught the little guy in his temper tantrums, which surprises me because often I not only feel him but I see my entire belly shake. Being pregnant is such a weird thing sometimes.

So tomorrow is my last day of my internal medicine rotation and then I have three more weeks until graduation!! I still haven't signed up for the boards yet but I have realized how badly I need to study. I have one final rotation in Arizona for the next two weeks, which means I will be away from Ellie. I am honestly scared to death. Ellie and I are joint at the hip and I need her. She makes my days worth living and sparkles my nights. I know that I will be crying myself to sleep every night that I'm away from her sweet spirit. Life and priorities really do change once you become a mother. I used to think I could do it all and that I was too smart to stay home and that I wanted to spend my life "actually being productive". Ugh, I am eating my words now because I hate having to rip myself away from that sweet cuddle bear in the mornings. I think about her all day and long for the sweet kisses I get when I'm home. I never, NEVER want to work full time again. I am so excited to stay home with Ellie Bean and work on Potty training, letters, numbers, and colors. I can't wait to set up gymnastics class and dance class in our dining room. I can't wait to make cookies with those sweet little hands and go on play dates. There is so  much that one misses out on when you spend so much time in hospitals.

Three more weeks and I'm done with school (the boards are a different story), but wish me luck!! Love and miss you all.

Love, Us

22 weeks

We made it to 22 weeks! We are over half way done YAY! What to say, what to say? Well, for starters, sometimes I am concerned about the little bugger because of the hostile environment that he is growing in. I literally am go, go, go all the time. When I am at home, i am not only carrying around all the extra body and baby that comes along with pregnancy, but also a twenty pound princess that has decided she would rather be carried around life than walk. And with the boards coming up and trying desperately to finish my last rotations, all of the cortisol levels from stress floating around in my body can't possible be good for the little one. I'm trying desperately to relax and just enjoy the summer, but its getting harder and harder by the day. I am so grateful to be here in California with my family to help while I finish my masters degree. I honestly panic every time I think about moving back to Massachusetts in August bah!

I think these hormones are getting the best of me lately. I have broken down in tears multiple times about the silliest things. One of the more famous issues in our home that is sure to bring tears to my delicate eyes is politics. I can't believe how worked up I get about the current political situation. I told Leon the other day, with tears rolling down my face, that i was "just so sad" and of course my sweet husband can't help but give me one of those all encompassing hugs. You know the ones that make you feel as if everything is going to be OK again. Then he sweetly says, "Whats wrong? Are you overwhelmed with all the studying you need to do for the boards?" and I honestly replied, "No.  Its the Economy. I just feel so sad for the kids and what is happening to our country." We couldn't help but just laugh at how much I get worked up over this subject. Safe to say i want Obama gone for the health of my unborn baby and my country.

Speaking of the unborn baby, we are in love. He is getting so big and strong. He moves around a lot and has succeeded to stretch those round ligaments. Bah it is so painful to walk and run sometimes. worse on the left than the right, but he is worth it. Daddy still hasn't felt him kick yet and I think it is starting to frustrate him. But the little one is kinda shy, I guess. I am constantly craving hot spicy things. I went to the store the other day and couldn't resist the hot cheetos screaming my name. What in the world? I don't even like hot cheetos. He also is making me crave hot wings and wants me to put hot sauce on everything. Great, I've got another set of guacamole loving taste buds coming to the family. I can't wait to meet him and love all over his little Johnson face.

 We miss and love you all. Can't wait for our trip to Utah this weekend. I haven't been back to the state since we married and moved to Mesa over two years ago. I can't wait to teach Ellsie about the beloved cougars and show her the fish bowl. I'm going to try and find Sister Fredrickson out at Temple square and am so excited to see Holli's new digs. I'm always excited to see my beautiful Nana and kiss my Papa's sweet face. Three days and counting. Muah xo

Love Us

21 weeks

Don't make fun of me. I cannot concentrate and smile when I am taking a picture with my phone lol. I promise I'm not trying to do the serious pose. I realize I am way passed the sexy stage haha.

I can't believe I'm already twenty one weeks pregnant with my little bambino #2. This pregnancy has gone by much faster than the last. Seriously, I sometimes just look in the mirror and laugh. I am amazed at how big my belly is getting with little boy boy. This body of mine knows exactly what to do this time. I remember with Ellie, I didn't show at all for like six months and this time around little boy would like to let the world know he is coming quite early. 

Along with growing quite rapidly, little boy has also been quite the mover. I love feeling him swim around. It brings me comfort to know he is there. I love the way he will kick and kick until I put my hand on the outside of my stomach to feel him, then he will calm right down as if he knows Mom is there. I already love this little guys so much. As you can see I've forgiven him for the constant vomiting and nausea the first three months and we have moved on to a better place.

The only thing I am worried about now is how in the world Ellie will do. Ellie Callait is literally the princess of everyone's world. There is not a day that goes by that she is not drenched in a million kisses and doesn't get every bit of attention from the world. I'm worried this little boy is going to rock her world. She does not like to share her toys, her bean, and most of all her mommy.  Lol. This will be good for the little chicita banana.

ps did I mention that I have 6 more week of PA school!!!?? Well, if I didn't, I do! And boy am I excited to be free of my prision and get to be a mama full time. 

Gymnastics

When I was a little girl, I was really involved in gymnastics. Ok, ok gymnastics was my life from 1996-2001. I might have even thought that I would be in the 2012 olympics one day, come to think of it. Could you imagine me in London this summer?! Instead, I ended up pregnant, chasing around a two year old and trying frantically to finish my master degree. Haha sometimes London sounds nice.  All of my hard work and training happened right here in this little building in Temecula, CA. I spent so many hours working on different skills and routines. From my first cartwheel to my first back tuck, I cannot tell you how many wonderful memories SCEGA brings back to me. I even worked here as a coach in college when Leon and I first started dating. He would come here and watch me. One time he even left a little post it on the radio in my car that said "push play". The newest Celine Dion cd started playing and I was so excited and touched I cried. Cute, right?  So, when I realized that Ellie was old enough for Sparklers 1 I could not help but enroll her. I was a little worried about how well she would stand in line and take turns, but I figured why not give it a shot.

Ellie was so good on the bars. I was amazed at her strength and coordination for her first time. Her perfect little smile was to die for as she held her head high after her pull over. She loved her teacher, Miss Alyssa, and would run to her when it was her turn and say "Ellie's Turn!".

We have been practicing forward rolls on our own for a while now, so when she got to show her skills she was very proud of herself. She looks like such a little gymnast here. Honestly what did this little girl do with my baby?! Stop getting so big ellie bean.

Her first cartwheel!! She totally did not get it but I was so proud of her. I can't wait to teach her all I know. Leon thinks that he has forbidden cheerleading in our home, but he might need to think again. 

I think that Ellie and Leon's favorite part was "the pit". They would jump in and throw the pieces of foam at each other. Its safe to say there was a lot of laughing and giggling.  Leon would throw her up in the air and then just let her fall into the soft pit of foam. Mommy was a little worried, but Ellie could not get enough. I love sharing this special place with my special girl. I hope that she has as much fun this summer as I did.

Las Vegas

Earlier this summer we had the opportunity to get together with my extended family to celebrate my cousin's wedding. I haven't been able to see my whole family since we've moved across country last summer and I couldn't have been more excited. It was too bad that Leon was still in Boston at the time, so he missed out on all the Vegas fun. I honestly miss him so much at family functions. Ok, I honestly miss him whenever he is gone. Ellie was so excited to see her cousins and her nana and papa. The wedding was beautiful and spending time with my crazy family was even more wonderful. We celebrated Mother's Day in the mountains and courtesy of the baby in my belly I threw up all morning, but other than that I loved spending the holiday with the most wonderful mother's I know. We also had such a fun time playing at the "water park" near Kimi's house. Ellie and Brenn are so cute together. They love to give each other kisses and play with toys. Ok, maybe Ellie likes to steal all of Brenn's toys and refuse to share her own, but it was fun nonetheless. We ate delicious food, danced all night long, and caught up on all the family gossip. We both can't wait to see everyone again in Manti. xo

she could not get enough of her Dora towel

She loved running through the water with all of her cousins and mama

I love that face!!

my beautiful sisters

Ellie's cheese

I love my sisters (the one in the middle is still available nick)