I'm Mormon...

...Yesterday was my first day of the pedagogy seminar I am taking at San Francisco State this semester, and that (I'm Mormon) was my unique introductory fact. Turns out it was unique. Pedro, my fellow BECA grad friend from Portugal, was the one to introduce me and he even commented that he had never met a Mormon before. I debated whether or not to drop the "Mormon bomb" on the first day of class (there are other unique things about me I am sure), but I decided to get the facts out on the table quick and early, rather than letting people speculate about this 26 year old who is married (sigh), and has a child (gasp), and is pregnant with another (doesn't she know about population control!). Gotta love the liberal pull at San Francisco State.
In truth, I do love SFSU. I had a great time getting my books from the book store and library, and meeting with faculty during the grad meet and greet. Being on campus is exhilarating, and I think it is good for me to be in the minority at least once a week... character building if nothing else.

Good news is my dad was in town, so Ella was well cared for on my first day of class. Not to mention that Grandpa Lowell taught Ella some great new skills (like to fold her arms when we pray, new words and how to play catch). Ella loves the attention Grandpa Lowell gives and is going thru withdrawls without him.

Today was Betsy's last mom's group (I'll have more to say about the Anderson's moving later), but one cute thing I do want to share now is Ella giving baby Reid kisses bye.

Ella loves babies, especially those in carseats... I think she is preparing to be a great big sister.

Our First Family Portrait

Our duplex neighbors are great and they encouraged us to get a yearly family photo: they have an 8x10 from each year since 2002 in their home.

So, here is our first professional family photo.

Ella gets camera stunned~ before we walk into the studio she is happy, chatty and just overflowing with personality. Then, as soon as we try to get her to do all the cute things she does normally in front of the camera, she gets an expressionless look and just sits there. To get this picture, Benj and I are doing jumping jacks and skipping in circles as we sing The Wizard of Oz behind the photographer.

Ella and Benj... a definite daddy's girl.

The current special at Picture People is an 8x10 and 12 Valentine Day cards for $12, so that is what we did. If you would like a copy of the coupon, click here.

If you go to the Hillsdale Picture People request Ashton... we didn't and I wish we had. She is really great.

Shopping for a boy

Janie and Jack is having a big sale right now, up to 60% off (thanks for the tip Jen), so yesterday Ella and I went to find something cute for her new brother.

Boy clothes are really cute! Granted, the majority of the store is girl related, but Janie and Jack had really darling stuff. Fortunately it was on sale and I bought all these items for less than $75 (thanks for the AMEX gift card mom:)).
I think the blue footed onesie and hat will be the going home from the hospital outfit.

The corduroy overalls, sweater and matching hat originally totalled $130, and I bought all three for just less than $25- I think that is a great sale. The grey wool overalls are fully lined, and cost $11.99!
I realized I haven't posted Ella walking yet- so here is a quick video from yesterday morning. My favorite part is when she claps for herself and blows kisses:)

Boy oh Boy!

I was feeling really anxious regarding the gender of the Baby... so today (16 weeks, 2 days) we went to a 3D ultrasound place to learn the news.

Here is a picture of our little boy:

(he's turned away from us, waving in this image)

Due: June 26, 2008

Top first name choices: Reed or James (our grandfathers' names)

Top middle name choices: Benjamin or Gregorin (Benj's name and my mom's maiden name)

To celebrate, we wanted to get a blue Slurpee...

but we had to settle on Pina Colada (white) in a blue cup.

This is a terrible picture of both Ella and me, but it is a nice shot of my new aquamarine ring:)

Happy New Year!

Sad to admit, but I am not a night owl... and I've never been a big New Year's celebrator.

I did, however, manage to stay alert and awake last night and welcomed in 2008 with a Martinelli's toast to "making it count" (special thanks to Leo).

We were also able to watch the last sunset of 2007. It was a bit windy, but definitely worth it. The plan was to have dinner on the beach and watch the first sunset of 2008 as well, but alas, taking down the Christmas tree and packing up the holiday decor took longer than anticipated and we spent the evening indoors.

Hope you have a great 2008!