Kristen and Olivia's turn to come visit!

Kristen and Olivia came out to visit a few days later. They got in super late so they didn't get to see Vylet right away.. but luckily within the hour Vylet woke up to eat and they all got to meet each other. Olivia has been waiting forever to hold "Ashy's baby".

Cousins meeting for the first time! 

It's safe to say Olivia is obsessed with Vylet. But who can blame her? But its okay because I'm obsessed with Olivia and Vylet. They are both just too cute.

As usual we just kinda bummed around the apartment. Kristen and Olivia did go down to the pool a few times and I think Olivia LOVED that. We joined them a time or two so it was really nice to get out a bit. It was seriously so much fun to have them out here! We did not want them to leave! It was fun just to have lazy mornings and watch Frozen while eating breakfast. Olivia sang and danced to just about every song. 

We went and showed them the base aka "Romney's work".  Olivia loved all the planes and thought it was pretty neat to see Uncle Romney there. Although it was just in the parking lot. 

Olivia like the Jet with the teeth! Poor girl, every time she stepped out into the humidity those little cheeks would turn bright red! It is so hot here! 

We had so much fun with those two. Kristen and Olivia, please come back and visit!!!! We miss you!

Grandma comes to visit!

We were lucky enough to have some family come all the way out to North Carolina to visit us! We looooved having them here! We did not want them to leave... They were all so helpful! 

First my mom came to visit. She got in the day we got home from the hospital so it was perfect. My friend was sweet enough to go pick her up from the airport and bring her here. Romney and I were pretty tired that day and with the Airport being over an hour away we were sure lucky to have Jessica volunteer to go and get her. I cried when I saw my mom.. I have missed her SOOOO much and I couldn't wait for her to meet Vylet. That was such a great moment when Vylet finally got to meet Grandma! 

My mom was seriously BEYOND HELPFUL! She literally made us breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday that she was here. If it wasn't for her we probably would have starved or eaten fast food everyday. Either way, both unhealthy. It was so fun to just hang out with her and Vylet all day. Romney was here as well. I guess he was pretty fun too. 

We pretty much stayed home that whole week. I really wanted to take my mom to a few places, but I wasn't quite feeling up to it yet. We did go on our first shopping adventure with Vylet! Granted it wasn't Nordstrom.. but it was still shopping! And of course it was fitting for us 3 girls to go together. (I get my love of shopping from my mom and will most likely pass it on to Vylet ;)) My mom did go grocery shopping for us and went and worked out a few times, so she did get out of the apartment a few times which I am sure she loved. 

Grandma's newest ballerina!

Aren't these two just the cutest?!?  I love them both so much!

Thanks mom for everything you did for us! We ALL love and miss you! 

Vylet Caroline is here!

As many of you know.. I was quite the "B" my last month and half of pregnancy ( I say month and a half because she was 2 weeks late) But being 10 months pregnant. You certainly have the right!

I went to my due date appointment.. No progress. I went to my 41 week appointment.. No progress. There was no light at the end of the tunnel for me. I was too anxious! If it wasn't my first baby I probably wouldn't have been so anxious, but with it being your first and wanting to experience everything.. time just drug on! At my 41 week appointment we scheduled a day for me to be induced. We planned that Friday. My doctor told me to call Friday morning to make sure they had room for us, otherwise we would have to wait until Monday. Friday morning rolled around and MIRACLE!! They had room for us. So we grabbed our last minute things and headed out the door. I text my whole family to let them know what was going on and that we were so excited! We turned onto the street that the hospital was on and my phone rang. It was a nurse at the hospital saying there were 2 girls that just came in that were in labor and that there was no room for us. Worst phone call ever. I started crying on the phone of course and told the nurse we just pulled up (lie) hoping she would say "well you're already here, so you might as well just come inside and we'll take you". But instead they sent me to the doctor's office to do a "stress test" to make sure the baby was doing okay. I was told not to eat sugar right before or it will look bad on the test and they will send me to Labor and Delivery... Remind you.. that is my goal. To get to labor and delivery. But what does that lady know?! So on our way to the Doctor's office, I made Romney stop at the gas station to get me and energy drink and some candy. I was bound to fool that test and for them to send me to the hospital! We got to the doctor's office and the nurse said she was going to call them and give them a heads up about what was going on. Do you think she did? Of course not! So when I go check in the receptionist asked me how I was doing not knowing she was about to get a story of an unhappy pregnant girl that is suppose to be getting induced at the moment. And do you know what she says?? "Oh, honey.. Don't cry!" Really lady? I'm 10 days over due my bags are packed in the car, on my way to the hospital and you're telling me not to cry?! I'm pretty sure I just stared at her and walked away. Then she kept asking dumb questions and my sweet husband kept answering them rudely (He knows what makes me feel better) Secretly I was glad he wasn't being very polite (which is not him at all.. he is always so nice to everyone!) He totally made me feel better. Then when the nurse called me into the back to check my blood pressure etc.. She asked me what I was doing there. I told her I was 10 days over due and the hospital sent me here. She asked me if I was in labor. Ummmm.. pretty sure I just waited for you for a half hour and you would know if I was in labor or not. (idiot!) So I just started to cry again. They put me on the stress test and everyone kept coming in to check the test and said "The baby looks great!" I was hoping they would say... "We should send you to L&D" (You would think after an energy drink and candy before 8:00AM something would give.. but no. He heartbeat and everything was perfect. Of course! (Of course I'm happy she is healthy... but I was just hoping to fool the darn test) Then the Nurse Practitoner came in and told me how sorry she was and literally cried with me and hugged me and said "Nobody knows how you feel, you cry all you want!" She made me feel much better!! All the other nurses can just... shove it.

Anyway.. they sent us home and Romney and I went and saw a movie. Sent out all of our "Psych.. no baby" texts to everyone and actually had a pretty enjoyable day together. I had finally just accepted I was to be induced on Monday morning and that was that. They couldn't make me go past 42 weeks! So there was my light at the end of the tunnel I suppose.

Saturday morning I woke up at 6:00AM to go to the bathroom. Took 3 steps and my water broke! I just said "Oh, crap! Romney, I think my water just broke!" I've never seen him jump out of bed so fast! He just said "Let's go!" Soooo long story short.. the hospital had to take us wether they wanted to or not! Ha! Suckers. So at 3:44PM I deliver our sweet baby girl.. Vylet Caroline Zackrison. And now I am no longer an ornery pregnant woman. I am just one happy mama with the cutest little girl ever. (Obviously!)

She is starting to be so smiley and responsive! It is so much fun. I can't believe how much I love her. Motherhood really is the best thing in the whole entire world. I am so grateful I have gotten this experience and it just keeps getting better and better! 

Birthday(s)??!!

I thought the first week of May would be full of Birthdays.. turns out we just celebrated mine. Guess baby Z wanted her own Birthday week!

May 4th was my birthday and May 6th was Vylet's due date. My birthday was so fun and relaxing. It was kind of nice having my birthday be on a Sunday because we didn't feel like we needed to go out and do anything huge. And being 9 months pregnant I try to avoid going out in public as much as possible. I did go to church but only to sacrament meeting because I was lucky enough to get a migraine that day. So I came home and took a  much needed nap and then Romney and I had the afternoon together. My friend Jessica (pretty much our family out here) made me dinner that night and we just hung out with her and her family and had some cake and ice cream. It was a super fun day. I got a gift card and a new camera! We were in desperate need of a new one and with a baby on the way, we figured it was perfect timing... Except she was 2 weeks late.. so I guess we still had time. That cute little stinker took her sweet time getting here.

Glad I didn't look as big as Romney does.. Pretty darn close though!

Thanks Romney and Jess for making my Birthday such a fun day!!

The next week rolled around and it was Mother's Day! I was so excited to hold my own baby on Mother's Day and be an official "Mother" (even though I technically was.. but I still so badly wanted that baby here) But instead Romney and I enjoyed the day together and he bought me some beautiful flowers and a very sweet card. It turned out to be a really nice Mother's Day, even though Vylet had not yet graced us with her presence.  I thought I was having contractions early that morning.. but I was probably just dreaming about having them. I was desperate for any sign of that baby coming. I literally had 0 signs of labor.  So it turned out just to be one Birthday instead of 2. But thats okay! Vylet is here now and we love her so dang much!

Baby Z's room!

Well, we have a room for a baby and still no baby (4 days late). Still no signs of labor coming my way either. And if you have text me and asked me about her arrival, chances are I've probably ignored you or was rude to you. So I apologize. Being 9-10 months pregnant is NOT FUN! Needless to say I am one big grouch. Anyway, I've had people ask me about the "nursery" so I am posting a few pictures of it. It turned out a lot cuter than I had imagined it would! I wasn't even expecting to do a full on decorated nursery but was having fun with it and it wasn't very expensive so here we go!

I painted the dresser a coral color. So much work! But I thought it turned out super cute! I bought it about a year ago and have changed my mind like 8 times of what color to paint it. But I'm glad I chose this one. It definitely brightens up the room! And I'm obsessed with gold. 

I made the pillows for the crib bumper. I totally copied my sister in law. But I couldn't find a crib bumper that I liked. If you look too close at the pillows you can definitely tell I am the one that made them. (Not the best seamstress in town)  

Yep little one. You are late. (I should probably erase that or she'll never come)

This is the blanket my mom made. I LOVE IT!! SO MUCH! It has polka dots on one side which her and I both love and then stripes on the other. (Obviously) But it is a big soft blanket and I love it so, so, much. I seriously cannot wait to cuddle my newborn babe with it. 

Anyway.. there are some pics. All we are missing is a baby. 

**One of my best friends gave me a white glider and is making cushions for it.. but they aren't done yet, so when they are done I'll have to post more pictures with it. (I already had the rocking chair before she surprised me with such a cute/great gift!) Us Zackrison girls are so spoiled! (But we wouldn't have it any other way ;) )

Goldsboro Baby Shower!

Okay seriously, baby Z and I got soooo spoiled at her shower we had a couple weeks ago! We had so much fun! The shower was decorated so cute and we had such yummy food and so many fun people come! It really was a blast. Here are a few pictures:

Thank you so much to everyone who came! We appreciate it so much! Its so good to know that even being far away from home we have so much love and support in our lives and in our adventure out here in North Carolina. We really are so lucky! And a special thank you to everyone who helped... especially the Daughtry girls!! You are the best!

As you can see... I have quite the baby bump. Which is bigger now (hard to imagine, but it is bigger, but then again I am 9 months pregnant) The 2 comments that I had JUST TODAY were: 

1. From an employee at Sam's club: "You're not going to have that baby in here, are ya?" Ummm sir... I sure hope not. 

2. From a little girl that my friend was babysitting who came to Sam's Club with us: "Can you still walk?" This was after we all walked into the store together and were just about done shopping, while I was pushing my own cart. I just replied to her "Nope" and then she was really confused. 

Other comments that I have gotten:

• "That baby looks like its going to punch its way out!"
• "Are you even going to make it to your due date?"
• "Is she having twins?"
• "Its cute.. it looks like you have a basketball under there"

Being 9 months pregnant is so awesome. 

As much as I complain, I am SO GRATEFUL that I am 9 months pregnant. 

Last month of pregnancy and Retiree!

I seriously cannot believe I am in my last month of pregnancy. And boy am I a sensitive one! I don't know why women are so touchy and I really wish there was something we could do to help the touchiness/grouchiness situation, especially while we are pregnant. But for me.. there isn't much you can do. And honestly I haven't been to grumpy that much during my pregnancy its only been the last few weeks. I am just getting fatter and grouchier and more uncomfortable by the day. Romney knows if I am grouchy to just let me be grouchy and I'll eventually get over it. I always try to apologize for being grouchy because I usually don't have anything to be grouchy over. I am just grouchy! Super annoying. And it doesn't help when strangers look at you and say "Wow, you look like you are ready to pop!" Umm... that doesn't make me feel any better, that just makes me think, that you think, I look huge and yes I am 8 months pregnant and yes I am huge, but please, please, please, don't point it out. Its already as obvious as it can be.

Speaking of strangers, and speaking of being pregnant, I feel like people are judging/assuming/stereotyping a situation that isn't necessarily true. (Which I do all the time.. but I don't tell the person what I am thinking!) For example: On our way home from D.C. we had to stop and get gas. We had plenty of treats in the car including my pretzels and my now and laters which of late, I cannot live without. So when I was looking around for a snack I didn't really see anything I wanted. Romney spotted a treat for himself and we were both extremely surprised I didn't want anything (That NEVER happens, not rarely.. NEVER!) So we go up to pay for the candy and the cashier comments "I bet I know who's idea this was!" And looks at me and smiles. I politely told him it wasn't my idea and that the candy was for my husband. (I don't think he believed me) Then the next week Romney and I went out to dinner at a little burger joint here in town and yes we have been in there a lot lately but NOT because I am "craving" it.. Romney suggests it a lot more than I do. And our waitress comes up to our table and asked if "Andy's (the name of the restaraunt) was my favorite place since being pregnant." I was like "It's not my favorite, but we certainly like it!" (mind you, we had just discovered it when I was like 6 months pregnant) People just think that since I am pregnant that whatever I am eating I must be craving and that we can all just blame it on the pregnant girl. False. Not the case. We are just hungry, alright? Same story goes with grocery shopping. I feel like if I get the slightest thing that is unhealthy people are assuming that since I am pregnant I just eat whatever the heck I want.. Which sometimes I do.

Now that I only have a month left, I am officially "retired"! And hopefully I stay retired for a long, long time. I think it will be weird not having a job and not feeling guilty about it.  But it will be so fun to be a stay at home mom and I am SOOOO THANKFUL that I get to be a stay at home mom. It was nice to know that, that is what Romney and I both expected when we had kids. I told him I would work if needs be, but luckily I don't have to. Such a blessing! It will be weird to be home all day with MY kids and not someone else's children. Especially since I have been babysitting for the last 10+ years and being a nanny. It will definitely be different, but I anticipate it will be fun, even with working nights and weekends. Although.. I do hope I get to babysit my nieces and nephews every once in a while. They are all just the cutest!

Here is a couple pictures from my "nanny-ing days" boy do I miss them! Those days were seriously the best. I recommend everyone move to NY and become a nanny. I worked for the best family ever and still miss them all the time! I can't believe how big the kids are now! Love them so much.