Jude Michael Mitchem

This is my sweet Baby Jude. He is all smiles. Probably because he knew that in about five seconds he would have the time of his life making things incredibly difficult for the poor ultrasound tech. :) he already has such a fun personality, and I love being able to see him on the monitor....I just cannot hardly wait until I get to hold him!

I have had a lot of questions about cravings, weird habits, and general mommy to be questions....so I thought I would answer some of them on here.

How Far Along-- 27 Weeks. Almost typed 37...I wish! :) 

Food Cravings-- I love bananas and grapes lately. Cereal has been a constant throughout the pregnancy, and for a good amount of time was one of about three things I could keep down. My special treat is root beer. Weird, yes. I didn't even like root beer or soda before the pregnancy, yet here we are.

Food Aversions-- Any form of Asian food....and what is Zach always craving?! Poor Zach.... 

Weird Habits-- Poor Zach....I use his body as a body pillow. He tries to escape, and this often leads to him falling off of the bed in the middle of the night. :/ Apparrently he is just very comfy. :) 

Weight Gain-- I started off the pregnancy by losing 28 lbs. during my first trimester. I leveled out, but I didn't gain anything for a month, became very ill and lost another nine pounds, and then gained four pounds. I have not been weighed in almost a month now though, so I am expecting to have gained more! 

Maternity Clothes-- So far, none. I have been told about a couple of boutiques that I may try later, but so far I am still wearing my normal jeans and shirts. :)

Belly Button- Still in....although it keeps pushing further and further out!

Movement-- Whenever I am trying to sleep or Zach is holding my belly.

Something I Miss- Being able to eat whenever I want....and Being able to get out of bed first thing in the morning without being nauseous.

How Did We Choose Jude Michael Mitchem as his name?-- We were lying on my hospital bed at three am discussing names. I have always loved the name Jude, and always knew I would have a son by that name. Zach loves it too, and after making multiple suggestions for Jude's middle name, Zach suggested Michael. He will share this middle name with one of his uncles, and with my best friend from Junior/High School.


Well I think that is plenty about me today! :) I love you all and am so grateful for the love and support we have been shown throughout this pregnancy. Thank you thank you thank you!!

Hospital Visits, Kidneys, and Baby Reveal

I am currently residing in the Women & Infant Child wing of the McKay Dee Hospital.  One of the few perks of my current predicament is that I am on medicine that allows me to deep sleep for about thirty minutes at a time. I wake up having felt that I have slept for hours- when a mere 20 minutes have passed. Imagine the things I could accomplish....if it were not for the fact that I am so drugged I can barely function and when I can function the pain and sickness are just lurking and waiting to snap at me again.

On Monday night I woke up to one of the worst kidney stone attacks I have ever had. They are bad enough without being pregnant and worrying if your pain is hurting your baby. Zach brought me into the ER. My incredible parents met us here at 2 am, just to support. Because of the baby they were forced to do an ultrasound (not the typical imaging of choice with kidney stones)  to see what was going on. When our tech found out I was pregnant he asked if we knew the gender. When we told him we had not found out, he asked if we wanted to know. Who would not?!

After the ultrasound results came back, they knew I had a severe kidney infection which was made worse by having a kidney stone blocking the exit of the infection from the utinary tract. They sent me home with Percocet and an antibiotic, and  we all thought that would be the end. Another kidney stone attack happened only hours later, and at six Zach and I found ourselves again at the ER. This time I was admitted.

There have been a lot of ups and downs. To share some of these we are going to do it as my sister says, "Jimmy Fallon Pro Cons style".....

Pro- I have been able to spend the last couple of days hanging out with my mom. We don't get too much alone time, so it has been great to catch up.

Con- Zach started school this week utterly exhausted from zero sleep two nights in a row....not to mention his Master Certification training for work two  full days this week as well. He texted me and told me he looks like a zombie in his school pictures. And you know what? He does...

Pro- I get to hear my baby's heartbeat daily.

Con- This is to make sure my pain meds are not slowing down the heart too much.

Pro- We found out the gender of our baby a week earlier than anticipated!!

Con- I have been in the hospital going on three days and could not be more ready to go home and be done with the pain and sickness.


With all that being said, we have found ourselves incredibly blessed time and time again. I know now more than ever that no matter what trials we may be called to face, The Lord is with us every step of the way. He sends Heavenly and Earthly angels to guide, comfort, and encourage us when life is at it's most bleak. How grateful I am for a Savior who knows me, who experienced my life perfectly, and who can comfort me when no one else can truly " get it".

My little baby boy, Jude Michael Mitchem, is one lucky boy. He has such incredible support and love- and he hasn't even shown his cute face yet! We are thrilled to be parents- if this is what it takes, it is SO worth it!

Oh Baby!

So many have asked for an update, and so I figured this may be an easy way to clue everyone in.

Zach and I are expecting little Baby Mitchem. I am three months along. The little baby is growing and healthy. I am shrinking and less healthy.... I say that the alien ( what our baby becomes when it misbehaves so I am sick to my stomach 12+ times in a day) hates me. Zach says the baby loves me- it is getting all it needs from me. :/

We are hopeful that the sicky phase is over- thanks to a little help from Zofran. It knocks me out and makes me loopy, but I can finally eat again!

With that being said... So many have asked about cravings and  revulsions.

Cravings--
Piña Colada Shaved Ice
Water
Rootbeer

Revulsions--
Eggs
Meat
Anything that smells gross, which changes day to day.

We are expecting little Baby M in February and could not be more excited.

I am sure there will be plenty more updates to come! :)

Love Story- Part 6

Probably my favorite part of our story is when we met my parents in Pocattello. We met for dinner at a thai restaurant. I had been texting my Dad and I told him that he really needed to talk with Zach again. The text I got back was, "I think that it should wait until we can sit down at home." Hmmmm... Well we have the temple scheduled for 2 1/2 weeks from now is what I wanted to say, but I just said that we would talk more about it when we met up.

We got to the restaurant. My parents were sitting across from Zach and I. I left to go to the bathroom- mostly to think up a plan of how to drop the news and to say a quick prayer that my parents would be understanding and supportive when I did. When I came back Zach and my parents were talking about Bear World ( my mom wants to go SO bad!). I sat down and instantly Zach left and I knew that it was the time. So I started to tell them the whole story of the movie, sitting outside of the temple, the scheduler, etc- but Dad was still on his phone looking up facts about Bear World which was stealing away both of their attention. Finally, I practically screamed, "We have the temple scheduled for the 25 of January will you please talk to Zach?!" :) Yep. That is how I told my parents. Not ideal, but you know- just like me!

So instantly we all went into planning mode. My mom is absolutely amazing. She pretty much put together the whole luncheon. She made sure that it would look adorable and be special and just what I had dreamed about- and she did this with next to no help from me. Dad also pitched in- he has great foodie skills obtained when he served in the Bishopric of a BYU Ward, so he knew all of the best places to go to get delicious food for a great price. Still I am amazed at all they pulled off and all they did to make the day special. Not to mention Es, who was our photographer and invite designer, even with two small chaos creating boys.

We spent two days apart, but I could not stand it- so I drove all the way up to Rexburg by myself to surprise Zach. For those of you who know me- I HATE driving. That shows how much I love this kid! I got up there and seeing his face as I walked down the stairs was priceless! After that we came down to my house. We got engaged officially/finally! And the next day we took our engagements and Bridals all at once :) needless to say, we did not do anything the traditional way.

The next week plus a couple days were spent back up in Rexburg. Thanks to our incredible family members and friends- we made it to January 25!

**These are some of my favorites from Bridals/ Engagements :)

Love Story: Part 5

After the ridiculously long and torturing drive up to Rexburg- we finally made it. Here I was so terrified to meet his family- and instantly I fell in love with them. They are the perfect in-law family. They immediately treated me like family. I went from only having Tanner as a brother in my life to having Jace, Blake, Austin, Zander, Davie, Brody, and Brandt! (Okay, so I only met Jace, Blake, Austin, and Zander during this first trip- but still!) Boys are so much fun. So much chaos and so much fun! Zander became our little shadow and I loved playing with him.

Mom and Dad Hill are the best people ever. The first night there, Zach and I stayed up watching a movie until we both fell asleep. I woke up around 1 am and went upstairs to go to bed and Mom was still up. We spent the whole night talking and getting to know each other better. It was such a special night and helped me to learn not only more about her, but also more about Zach and where he learned to be the incredible person he is. For as long as I had known Zach, he was always telling me how incredible his mom is and that night I really was able to see why! I also loved Dad Hill. Although he is playful and teases, he is one of the most tender-hearted people I know. He is so loving and cares so deeply. Zach has observed so many wonderful traits from him and emulates Dad Hill's deep love and concern for those around him.

During this trip we went with Aubrie and Dillon to the movie "Saratov Approach". It is such an incredible movie and brought back such great memories of our time serving. There is a part in the movie where the missionaries are led by the Spirit to not follow through with a plan that they had come up with on their own, and instead to trust in the Lord and trust in His plan that He had for them. Instantly I knew that although I was comfortable with waiting a year or so before getting married, that was not the plan that the Lord had in store for Zach and I. Right after the movie was over Zach said, "We need to talk!" We drove up and sat in the car outside of the Rexburg Temple. We talked about what we both learned from the experience of the missionaries in the movie, and decided that we would call the temple just to see what they had available- neither of us really knowing or understanding how that simple call would change our lives so quickly.

We tried calling the Temple in hopes that although it was closed for cleaning the office staff would be there. No such luck. We broke our news to Mom that night around midnight- instantly she did not hesitate and went to work. She started gathering addresses and when we told her of the Temple dilemma she said, "Oh well I know the scheduler, let me give her a call." The next day she called and her friend said that she was at the temple and could schedule it right now if she wanted. Two weeks into dating and we were going to have the Temple scheduled!! Then the real shock came. She said very casually, "We have the 18 and 25 of January available. How soon were you wanting?" See now, I was thinking more like May- and that would have been fast. Zach could tell I was in shock and said, "What do you think sweetheart?" I said, "Well I think Mom Washburn and I would be more comfortable waiting a few months....." And then to his eternal credit Zach turned to me and said, "How about we pray about it?" We prayed about the date and both felt right about the 25 of January.

Minutes later we left Rexburg so that Zach could drop me off in Pocatello to meet my parents- and so that together we could break the news to them.

Love Story- Part 4

I guess that the love story continues and really will never end- so maybe all of my posts will be just a continuation of our love story... but we are not even to the proposal or us truly dating yet and we are on part four. I always did talk too much- but it feels nice to get all of the details down and out there. :)

So Zach is at my house. It was weird. Not in a bad weird, but I had never had a guy staying at my house. He was upstairs in the guest bedroom next to my parents' room and I was downstairs in my bedroom- but he still saw me make-up less and with bedhead before we were even officially dating- and he still decided to date me!

Something I forgot to mention about our excursion to the Bountiful Temple and our official first date- Zach was asked by a cute temple worker, "Is this your sweet wife?" Date #1 and the awkward questions already started flying. Zach blushed and said no. We did not feel the need to inform the man that this was the first date either of us had been on in about two years. 

The next day Zach and I headed off in the morning to Carter's sealing. I had never been to a sealing, and the only sealing Zach had been to was his own to be sealed to  his parents. We were both excited. We got there and again there was such a peaceful feeling being at the Temple with Zach. We were able to be there to witness the sealing and as we were giving hugs before we left, we started by hugging Carter's in-laws. They were so sweet. The first thing they ask Zach though? "Is this your beautiful wife?" :) Imagine the awkward blushing response "Umm...no. We just went on our first date yesterday." A.W.K.W.A.R.D! But I think it just goes to show we should have been expecting things to go quickly because we already looked like a couple.

After the sealing we came back to my house, ate some food, had a nap, and then later on that night we headed out to the reception. This time we hugged Carter's parents first. Again, "Oh is this your beautiful wife?" :) Yep. That is how it was for us from day one. I was always the beautiful or sweet wife- and still am, only now we can finally answer yes!

The next few days of him staying at my house were much of just hanging out, spending time together, driving all the way up to Logan for a sleigh ride to see elk, and other dating type things.

We were both so happy and we knew that we were in love and that this is what was supposed to happen. It was care and worry free and felt so right. 

The 12 or so days that he was staying at my house were up and I was going to ride up with him to meet his family. I was terrified. I packed all the clothes I owned because I could not decide what would look best. I got all ready the day we left and was antsy the whole ride up. What to expect out of prospective in-laws?! I definitely did not want it to end up like "Monster In-Law". I am fairly sure I asked Zach about a hundred times, "What if they don't like me?!" and he said, "Of course they won't!" No I am kidding, he did not say that- but no matter what he said I was still so nervous. But up to Rexburg we went!

Love Story- Part 3

December 17th came. After 18 months/2 years of serving, we were going home. Back to our families and back to a "normal" life. We were both excited- we were both terrified.

I came home and seeing my family there at the airport for the first time in 18 months was the best feeling in the world- there are not words to describe the emotion and excitement. As soon as we grabbed my bags, we rushed out of the airport and headed to our stake center. I was released that night by our wonderful new Stake President. It was a bittersweet experience. That night I obviously could not sleep- even though I was completely exhausted. My incredible mom stayed up the whole night with me. Our first time to really talk in 18 months. I told her all about the revelation I received about Zach- and she already knew. It is that 6th sense that mothers have. She listened, she asked questions, but mostly she was just there as she always has been to support and love.

Zach went home and had much the same experience. Just such an amazing time finally seeing and catching up with family. He, however, was not released until the next day. He was released at 11 am. At 11:35 am I had a facebook friend request from his mom. I was freaking out. Then, just seconds into my freak-out, he sent me a message. He had forgotten his password to his account and so he was using his moms to get in touch with me. We sent messages back and forth until he went and got a phone. We then exchanged numbers. We texted that whole day until about 6 pm. He called me for the first time as a normal person. We stayed up talking on the phone all through the night- until 7:30 am the next day. That is when I knew. I knew that life was never going to be the same and I knew I couldn't live without him.

This went on for the next week. Talking all day and all night. We could hardly spend a minute without talking to each other. We made plans for him to come and spend a little over a week down at my house. One of his mission buddies was getting married and he was invited to the sealing. He came down on December 26th. He pulled up and there was a knock at the door.... I was freaking out, my family was freaking out, and our dog Nellie was freaking out. As much as my family loves to tease, they were kind enough to stay in the family room while I went to answer the door. He instantly went in for a hug. Best. Hug. Ever! That is when Zach says that he knew that we were meant to be together without question.

We went out to lunch and had a great time that day. We went to the Bountiful Temple as our first official date that night and it was the most incredible experience. We made plans to go to Carter's sealing the next day.....

Love Story Part 2

I was serving as a "service missionary" in Sunnyside (an English Area) due to my health. I was serving with one of my favorite companions ever- Hermana (Sister) Cordova. She has RA as well and it was nice to finally have someone who understood what I was going through and did not treat me differently or damaged because of my diagnosis.

Sunnyside Area takes in pretty much the sketchiest part of Houston, also known as 3rd Ward. As sisters we were not allowed to go to certain appointments alone, so the Elders would accompany us. This gave us the opportunity to get to know them better. They are by far some of my closest friends even now.

I served in this area for 4 1/2 months before Elder Mitchem (also known as "Elder Smiley" by those in Choir) was transferred into Sunnyside. The Elders had to drive down to Pearland the day of transfers to give me a blessing (kidney stones and sketchy urgent cares- YUCK!) and then they went to pick up the new elders that would be serving in the area.

Two nights later we met those that were going to be serving with us for the next transfer. Nothing happened for me when I first saw him that night. I was a missionary after all.

That weekend was General Conference and Zach had been receiving impressions that I was the one he was supposed to marry, but like I had to do a little bit later on- he shoved them deep inside and tried to ignore it. We had all been invited to go to a members house and have a less active member join us for conference. I was laying on the ground next to the member's (Monika Sampert) son, Jaiden. We were doing puzzles and playing games to keep him focused on Conference. Zach was sitting behind me. All through conference he received the same impression over and over again- with me sitting in front of him. By the end he decided that he would just accept the revelation, store any feelings away and wait until we could talk like normal people on December 18th, the day after we returned home from our missions.

My revelation came the following Tuesday. We were at a less-actives car dealership washing his cars and teaching he and his friend about the Gospel. Zach was standing a ways away talking to his companion, when I looked up and saw him. I heard a voice tell me, "This is the man that you are supposed to marry." I always doubt myself. So instantly I said, "Nope! Nice try!" but again it came- louder and stronger. Again I denied it, and again the voice came.  (There is much to learn here- study 3 Nephi 11:1-12 and the Nephites at the Land Bountiful did the same thing- they heard a voice and did not understand.I heard and did not understand, nor did I want to. It wasn't until I was willing to give my all to understand and hear that I was able to- and now I am married to my best friend!!) Finally, I did the same as Zach.I accepted the revelation and stowed it away as best I could. Knowing that we could not say anything, but also knowing exactly how the other felt without saying anything- we waited until December 18th to really talk. :)

Love Story Part 1

This is us...back in the missionary stage :) 

This is our story. How we met. Why we love each other. Why we love life.

We both served LDS Missions in the Texas Houston South Mission. I was called to serve Spanish speaking, Zach was called to serve English speaking.

What Zach remembers as the first time we met:

It was about 2 weeks into my mission when we had a Zone Conference. This was at the beginning when the English and the Spanish areas met together. We were paired off with our companions to role play together. He saw that I was in pain, he naturally wanted to help, but when he prayed about it he was told he could not help- yet. When we role played together he says that he thought I was amazing, but he still had his ex-girlfriend writing him and he was a missionary so there was nothing there.

What I remember as the first time we met:

About two weeks into my mission I became really sick with pain all over my body. I went from doctor to doctor- until I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. I was living with a senior missionary and working as an office missionary. Had I been healthy it would have been my dream mission. I loved it and was able to use my organization skills.

I was working on organizing all of the Christmas gifts as they came in for the missionaries from their parents. Some parents (mine included!) sent huge boxes. I could hardly hold a pen at this point and had no grip- so I was unable to lift these boxes. Zach was serving with the English Assistant at the time and was in the office often. Each time he was there, he always offered to help and always lifted those stinking heavy boxes for me. He was always a gentleman- not something I experienced much prior to my mission. But I had decided prior to leaving that I would NOT under any circumstance marry anyone I met while on the mission. ;) ( Funny how things rarely go the way we plan!)

However, both of us agree that we did not "officially" meet or get to know one another until we were both serving in SUNNYSIDE :)