Baby Harvey's Nursery

     So... this might not be new news to some of you but we are having to wait a little longer for Harvey than previously anticipated. Originally my body was making great progress and my doctor was convinced that Harvey would make his grand entrance a week or so early. However, after a false labor, things have stopped progressing as quickly and it looks like we will hit our due date or even pass it right up. At first I was disappointed since I am just so ready to hold and kiss my little guy but as long as he gets here safely and is healthy, any day is fine with me.

     With that being said, since I am just trying to pass the time until our sweet Harvey arrives, I thought I would share some pictures of his nursery! Brandon and I had such a great time creating the nursery together and I love it so much. During the day, the room is completely filled with sunlight and is the most peaceful spot in our apartment! I just enjoy being in the room and often sit in the rocking chair to read. I cannot wait until Harvey arrives and the room actually becomes his!! 

Thanks to so many generous friends and family members, Harvey has a fully stocked library!
I CANNOT wait to read all of these books to him! CONFESSION: sometimes I just sit in the rocking chair and read the books to myself. They are so good!

One of my favorite things to do with Brandon is work on things around the house. That dresser took us a good 2 hours to assemble but we had a great time! Also, that beautiful work of art on the wall was hand made by my mom's best friend, a woman I consider to be my second mom. She would be so embarrassed if she knew I was bragging about her, but each of those individual squares took at least 2 hours to make! I just stand and marvel at it sometimes! Harvey is truly loved!

The same sweet friend who made the quilt on the wall also got us the bedding set. Basically, she single-handedly decorated Harvey's nursery. THANK YOU!!! P.S. Please ignore the inside of the crib as it is serving as a storage unit right now.

Again, ignore the inside of the crib. BUT... My beautiful and talented friend, Brittney James, made those letters above the crib. I am amazed at how perfectly they match the room(: I absolutely love them!! What did I do to be so blessed with incredible friends!? 

Our DIY diaper changing station! Originally the window valances were twice as long, but we cut them and then wrapped half of one around the changing station to make it a little more exciting! FUN FACT: That was all Brandon's idea. He is a keeper.

     Well there you have it! The nursery. We cannot say ''Thank You" enough to all who have given us so many wonderful gifts. Thanks to y'all, Harvey has everything he needs and more! We feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such a great community. Harvey has no clue how loved he is! 

- Jade 

California Knows How to Party

My cousin, Niya! Before the shower, we got to spend some much needed time together!

Niya did this henna for me(: Isn't it beautiful!?

The Date: January 2, 2016
The Location: Auntie Kristie's House

The cake(:

Brandon and I are so grateful for all the thoughtful gifts.
They are much needed and truly appreciated! 

On the left is Auntie Kristie. She was kind enough to offer her home for the shower!
In the middle is Kari. AKA Brandon's mom. AKA Harvey's Grandma Alexander!
She did an amazing job planning the shower(:

Kari (soon to be Grandma), Grandma (soon to be Great Grandma), and Auntie Kristie

Paije Ortega, everybody. I met this girl in the most random GE class at UOP.
We HATED the class but had a great time together.
I guess we can't hate it too much...it's the reason we're friends(;

Kristie and Grandma Alexander (already a Great Grandma to many!)

Stephanie and Aunt Kathy

Cerissa!
FUN FACT: The day of my shower was her due date! But she came anyways!
That is a true friend(: I love you!
She is now mama to baby Hugh. I can't wait for our boys to meet!

Gaby(:
I miss this girl and love her tons!
I can't wait for Harvey to meet James!

When Brandon and I lived in California, we lived in 3 different cities: Castro Valley, Oakley, and Lodi. It was so much fun to see friends from each city and for everyone to meet one another! It was such a special day. We played games, ate awesome food, opened presents, and of course, there was a lot of chit chatting and catching up!

It was so great to visit California and catch up with all our friends! I am so grateful to Auntie Kristie for letting us have the shower at her house! Thank you Kari, my mother-in-law, for planning the shower! Thanks for Grandma Karen, Aunt Sue, and Sara for helping out at the shower! Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with me! And thank you for all of the wonderful gifts! 

Texas Baby Shower

The date: December 19, 2015
The Location: Mimi and Pop Pop Sorensen's House
The Theme: "Bring a Book Baby Shower"
The Mission: Celebrate Harvey & Party Hard!
Mission Accomplished. 

This is my beautiful big sissy, Tesha. She did an amazing job planning out the entire shower(:
She put a lot of thought into it and, in my opinion, it couldn't have been more perfect!

My mama helped with the shower as well!

The Entrance(:

                      

Like at my Virginia shower, my sister had everyone write me some words of encouragement & advice!
I really appreciated everyone's comments.
I saved all of the cards to put in Harvey's photo album! I'll definitely be reading them often!

And this. Because who doesn't love sweet treats!?

             

Early birds(:

                                

Each table had a book and a pom pom on it!
Aren't they adorable!?

Can you guess who sat here??

                     

Since I don't get to see my Houston friends and family very often,
I wanted the shower to be a time where everyone could just catch up!
My mom and sister planned a lunch for everyone!
Of course, we ate my Houston favorite, Lupe Tortilla!

And, of course, there were adorable books to go with everything! (:

                       

So it was a wonderful afternoon full of chatting with friends, amazing food, much needed advice, very appreciated gifts, and to end the party right... 

A Photo Shoot!
All of the pictures will be going in Harvey's photo album, along with the advice cards!
I want to make sure he knows all of his mama's friends.

We took a ton of fun pictures, but here are just a few...

My SIL, Sheena, and my nephew, Kyler AKA Kybear.
He is so excited for Harvey to get here!
FUN FACT: Kyler's enthusiasm for the name "Harvey" is a BIG part of why we chose the name!

The Benito Family
I have known them for years!
If you can't already tell, they're super fun to be around!

The Castillo / Walker Clan
Taylor and I met playing soccer in high school.
We've been "Taybay and Jaybay" ever since!

                              

On the left is Chelsey, a friend from high school. We met at church and took art classes together!
On the right is Tania. We met playing high school soccer!
And that handsome fella is Aaron. He wasn't around for high school but I'm sure glad he's around now!!

Diana, my Reyes of Sunshine! Best friends since Freshman year.

Not everyone from the shower is pictured here, but I am really grateful for everyone who came!

And that, ladies and gents, concludes the tour of Jade's Texas Baby Shower! I'm so grateful for my beautiful and thoughtful sister taking the time to plan and put together such an amazing shower! Also, thanks to my mama for helping her out and for funding the shindig! Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with me. I felt so loved. Of course, thank you for the thoughtful gifts(: And thanks to Lupe Tortilla for filling our tummies and adding a few pounds to my baby weight gain! (; 

Virginia is for ... Baby Showers!

This is a little late but I thought I'd update y'all on my first baby shower(: 

The beautiful red head on the left (a best friend and my roommate while in Virginia the last few months) planned the entire night. The lovely lady on the right (another best friend) hosted at her home! Of course, I have to give a shout out to everyone else who brought treats, party necessities, and gifts! Y'all are seriously the best((: 

Since Brandon and I like sports, the theme for the party was "Let the Games Begin!" All of the food was stadium / ballpark food(: 

The party kicked off with everyone writing a little note of advice or something they appreciated their mothers doing when they were young. People also shared hilarious stories from their childhood. (These involved chopping off bangs and projectile vomit) I'll be putting their notes in my little man's photo album! 

Then we played the game "Tinkle in the Jar". Basically, you race wth a quarter between your knees and the first person to drop their quarter in a tiny mason jar wins! The winner is on the left with her trophy and 100 Grand. The one on the right with the Duds came in last. Therefore, the dud! I think we spent more time laughing than playing the game!

Then we ate way too much & I got to open amazing presents. I love these girls so much. They have been such wonderful friends and examples to me. I will definitely miss them now that I am no longer in Virginia! I feel so blessed that my little boy already has so many people who love him! Thanks for everything y'all! You definitely made a semester of being away from my hubs a lot less difficult. I appreciate every single one of you! 

- Jade (the one with the real belly!)

Brandon's Birthday!

     If you would have asked me where I’d be in 5 years, 5 years ago, I would have told you my entire plan. Graduate from Southern Virginia University, possibly serve a mission, find a grad school or dental hygiene program, and then…MAYBE get married. But of course, life rarely goes according to plan and I showed up to Southern Virginia not knowing what was in store! 

     1 HOUR after being dropped off by my parents, I ran into a cute boy with the most beautiful eyes and contagious smile. I awkwardly introduced myself and (little did I know) a new 5 year plan was set in motion. On September 25th, about a month after meeting, Brandon asked me to be his girlfriend (in the cutest way EVER I might add). The very next day, we celebrated Brandon’s 22nd birthday!

     This weekend was a crazy one for us! I cannot believe it’s the 5th birthday I’ve celebrated with my amazing man and our 5th anniversary as a couple! 5 years later, I am months away from FINALLY (4 transfers and 3 schools later) getting my undergrad degree, I have not served a mission, grad school is no where in the picture, and WE HAVEA BABY ONE THE WAY!!! This was not my plan AT ALL but it has been the happiest 5 years of my life!

     Brandon is truly an amazing guy and I feel so lucky that I get to call him mine! Sometimes when we’re just in the middle of our day to day routine, I get these WOW moments where I remember HE IS MY HUSBAND! I am married to him! How amazing is that!? I grow more and more in love with him each and every day.

In case you don’t know him (you should get to know him!) or you don’t get why I think he’s so wonderful … here are 26 reasons:

1. Brandon lights up a room. There is no way you can be in the same place and not know he is there! He is the life of the party and has gradually helped me to come out of my shell(:
2. When we go through the inevitable downs in life, Brandon keeps a big smile and finds a way to make them “ups”.
3. Brandon loves God with his whole heart and always helps me remember how blessed we are.
4. He is a family man(: 
5. He’s a foodie! No further explanation necessary!
6. He is so dedicated to working out! (It’s super attractive!)
7. He is selfless. There have been many times that Brandon has gone out of his way to help me or make my life easier when it is in no way convenient for him!
8. He is a fantastic singer and an even better rapper(: He’s my jam sesh buddy for life!
9. Killer dance moves. If you know him, you know what I am talking about (;
10. He encourages me to meet my goals and gives 100% support. (Not many husbands would be so supportive of their wife living 6 hours away to finish school)
11. His work ethic.
12. His laugh.
13. His cheesy expressions of love!
14. His natural ability to grasp an audience’s attention!
15. His boldness when sharing his belief in God.
16. Patience. Seriously.
17. Chef skills. He is a much better cook than me! (But I will always win at baking!)
18. His excitement for life. It is contagious.
19. The way he talks to (and about) our baby!
20. His hugs and kisses.
21. Our mutual love for Netflix(:
22. When we read scriptures together!
23. Praying together nightly. Brandon’s prayers are always so thoughtful and full of gratitude.
24. His sense of humor.
25. That he talks to his family often.
26. That he goes out of his way to show me he loves me. He is the best husband (and baby daddy) I could ask for.

     I could go on and on about why I love Brandon…but I’ll spare you(: He is just perfect for me. The most amazing thing is that even though I love all these things about him, there is a love I feel for him that cannot be described in words. There is just a feeling of peace and comfort I get when we are together. I can’t really explain it. It’s just love(: Anyways, Happy “Anniversary” and Happy Birthday to my best friend, husband, and baby daddy. 26 looks good on you! This time next year our lives will be dramatically different but even more full of love! I love you(: 

-Jade

Baby Alexander!

Now that the news is out I thought y’all might want to know some details about the pregnancy so far!! So here it goes…

MOMMY’S STORY:

I found out I was expecting around 4 weeks. I was visiting Virginia for the week and taking a family friend to EFY (a youth camp). Before the trip, I was exhausted ALL THE TIME but I thought it was just from my doing CrossFit twice a day. While in Virginia, I worked out in the morning, came home and napped, then worked out at night. I was experiencing some common symptoms of pregnancy but I had gotten a negative result so many times I didn’t read too much into it! However, I was starting to get sick during workouts and my friend suggested that I might actually be pregnant this time! I went and bought some tests, trying not to get my hopes up. I took one test….Positive!! I stared at it for a few minutes. Each time before, it had been negative and a part of me was crushed. Now… I couldn’t believe my eyes! Surely there was some mistake! I waited a few hours and took a second. POSITIVE! I read online that the best time to take a test is in the morning, so I told myself I wouldn’t believe it unless the next morning’s test was positive as well! I’m sure you can guess… first thing in the morning, POSITIVE! Finally, I sat down on the couch and cried tears of joy and gratitude. Brandon and I had been wanting this for quite some time and we were finally going to be parents! 

DADDY’S STORY:

While I was in Virginia, Brandon was in California for work and visiting his family. I did not want to tell him over the phone… so I had to wait a whole FIVE DAYS to tell him our amazing news in person! After I picked him up from the airport, I said “Oh yeah! I have a welcome home gift for you” and pulled into a parking lot. (*Psst…I hadn’t forgotten about the gift! It was all I could think about! I was just trying to keep my cool!) I handed Brandon a bag of his favorite treats. Inside was a note that read, 

Eat up! My mommy doesn't want to be the only one with a belly!

Love, Baby Alexander 

Brandon, excited for his gift, sped through the note and did not read who it was from. Apparently he was confused thinking, “why does your mom care about my belly”? I told him to read it again. The surprise in his eyes was everything I expected. Brandon later told me that he thought  I was playing a joke. He was just about to tell me how mean I was when he looked up and saw the tears streaming down my cheeks! He said, “For real!?” and all I could do was nod my head. He hugged me and kissed me. The moment truly could not have been more perfect!

TELLING THE (soon to be) GRANDPARENTS:

Grandma and Grandpa Alexander:

Brandon, the king of cheesiness, wanted to send his parents a pizza. We had the pizza guys write,  “I know this is a cheesy way to tell you but you’re going to be grandparents!” on the inside of the box. We waited and waited thinking we’d get a phone call right after the box was opened BUT Kari was SOO excited to be a grandma that she called Gary (who was not home), her sister, and Brandon’s little brother, Jordan, before she called us back! I throw that in there to express to you just how excited Kari is to be a Grandma (or GLAMma as I like to call her)! When she called us she was SO excited(: 

Mimi and Pop Pop Sorensen:

For my parents, we sent a bouquet of pink and blue flowers. The card read, “Could be pink, could be blue, all we know is a baby is due!” My mom called us and said “My jaw just dropped!” and then she squealed and asked a million questions! My dad found out later that night when he got home from work. He began talking all about baby names. In Papa Sorensen speak, that means he’s excited! 

Our siblings received phone calls and couldn’t be happier or more surprised! My sister happened to be driving and screamed, “HOLD UP! I HAVE TO PULL OVER”!!!

I am now 13 weeks along and can’t believe how quick those weeks flew by! I was one of the lucky ones. I did not throw up at all! However, I have been constantly exhausted, very emotional (yes, I am already a crier, but this is BAD people!), and I gag all the time…Lovely, I know. For those of you wondering, I didn’t have many cravings. There was one time I wanted an Arby’s sandwich REALLY BAD (which is crazy because that’s what my mom craved while preggers with me!) and I’ve been digging Mexican lately. I mainly had serious aversions! The very thought of chicken made me gag and basically anything that wasn't bland or fruity was a definite no go. 

Overall, the first trimester was easy and baby is looking as perfect as possible! It was amazing to see our little nugget flipping around in my tummy! I already love our little peach so much and I cannot even imagine how I will feel in the coming months! March cannot get here soon enough! 

Well, that was an extremely long post but that is all for now(: Updates on gender and possible baby names in weeks to come! 

Love, Jade (AKA The Mommy)

I Want to Hear from YA'LL!!!

        So I have been going back and forth on what I want to do with my life post graduation. (It is a really stressful and tough decision!) From the very beginning of our relationship, I confided in Brandon about my desire to be a mom and Brandon and I have agreed that the best thing for our family (personally) is for me to be a full time stay at home mommy. Yes, even if it means losing out on a good second income! However, I've been trying to find a career I can do from home as a way to make a little extra money while still being able to be a mama! As of the last week or so, I have officially decided that I want to write children's books!! I have started brainstorming some great ideas (well, I think they're great!) and doing a lot of research.

      But... I want to hear from YOU! What is / was your favorite book as a child? What kind of messages do you / your kids like to see in a story? Are there any topics that you wish were out there but you have not been able to find? Like I said, I have some ideas but I want to get to know my future readers and to know what is popular (or missing) in children's literature so I can write books that make a difference(: Please feel free to share any thoughts on the matter!

Thanks!

<3 Jade