You + Me and What We've Learned As a Family

Hunter and I went to run a quick errand yesterday, just the two of us.

As we got out of the car and started walking towards the store, I kept feeling like I was missing something or had forgotten something.

As I thought about it more, I realized it was because we didn't have kids in tow.

We were able to just get out of the car and walk straight towards the store.

No meltdown from Oaklyn about not wanting to sit in the cart, no trying to decide if we should use the cart or the stroller for both girls, no diaper bag, no snacks to keep them occupied... we literally just got out of the car and ran our errand.

We talked about how funny it is that everything becomes more difficult when you have kids.

The simplest things in life become the most challenging and suddenly everyday things require a whole lot more planning and thinking. 

Hunter jokingly said, "can you imagine how easy life would be if it was just me and you?" 

We both chuckled and continued on, but I thought about it some more.

Holy cow, it really would be WAY easier!

I would be able to work full time and therefore, saving for a house would be way easier.

We would get to eat dinner in silence and maybe even enjoy our meal, ha!

We would be able to go on date nights, any night.

We'd be able to sleep through the night, take more vacations, spend more time together, invest more time in hobbies, and probably have a little more sanity if we're being totally honest... 

There's a lot of life changes that come with a bundle of joy.

There's a lot of time and energy spent on taking care of them when you would much rather take care of yourself. 

There's a whole lot more hard moments and ten times more whining and crying.

Truthfully, life would be a lot easier without kids.

But, that doesn't mean it would be better...

Life as just me and you, was delightful.

It was carefree and fun, it was spontaneous and exciting, and it was a time that will forever be a happy memory to me.

But, we have added two little people to our family and have dreams to add more. 

They have brought challenges, that's for sure, but they have also brought more joy than we ever would have experienced had we not chosen to have them.

Children are supposed be challenging.
They're supposed to make you grow and think outside of yourself.

They are supposed to teach us what we need to learn to become better and stronger.

Caring for someone else who completely depends on you, is the absolute best way to learn the attributes of our Savior.

Hunter and I have probably lost a few brain cells since we have become parents, haha, but we have gained experiences and perspectives that no university or job will ever teach.

So to any newlyweds or expecting parents... one day you'll have a child or two or a few that change most everything. 

So cherish the time you have now and keep those memories of just the two of you engrained forever, but never lose sight of the importance of being parents.

The day to day life gets "harder" but trust me, it actually is better.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

*Loving this dress from Pink Blush! I think the choker neckline is so cute and fun because I don't even have to accessorize! Check out Pink Blush for any and all cute maternity clothes or trendy women's clothes!

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Moore Party of FOUR!

The secret is FINALLY out!

And by finally I mean I'm 16 weeks sooo... yeah I've been keeping this a secret for kind of a while now haha.

We found out the first week of December. 

DECEMBER PEOPLE!

We told family and close friends as we saw them, but I really didn't want to announce until after the first trimester.

Once I hit that mark life got even more crazy (as if that's possible, ha!) and we couldn't find a time that we were all together when it wasn't dark outside or sleeping. 

Since we hadn't announced all this time, this pregnancy hasn't exactly felt real.

It's been hard hiding such a big secret... especially since I've been way more sick this time around.

Hunter was gone all day Friday then came home Saturday at 3:30ish. 

I looked at him and said, "Should we just take the picture now? I mean I'm 16 weeks already..."

So on a whim, we just went for it.

I hadn't even brushed my hair, Oaklyn had been throwing fits all day, and Hunter was sick and exhausted, but it feels mighty good to finally be telling the world about our best kept secret ;)

So now on to a bit about this pregnancy...

We're (mostly me) equally as excited as we are terrified to add another little person to our family.

Most of the time, I'm excited and feeling encouraged that I can do this.

Then other times I'm actually having a meltdown because I'm so terrified to have two kids haha.

I know I can do this and I know The Lord has blessed us with this baby and we are thankful beyond words, but I've also got a whole lot of figuring out to do!

This little one is coming before we were planning on moving out, before Hunter graduates, right in the middle of some big projects, right before football season (Hunt's busiest time), and of course I can't stop worrying about PPD that I had pretty severely with Oaklyn.

However, this little peanut has already stolen my heart and I am beyond excited to snuggle him/her!

I always envisioned us having several kids. There isn't really a definition for several, just whatever feels right. 

I've always hoped I'd have a full house, lots of birthdays to celebrate, and plenty of mouths to feed.

It's just thinking about being pregnant several times that's killin me ha.

As I was saying earlier, this time around has been quite a bit different than with Oaks.

I was definitely more sick in the first trimester, but less tired. 

I've had heartburn like nobody's business since I found out whereas it didn't really start til around this time with Oaklyn.

I'm still having food aversions but a whole lot more things sound good to me than they did with Oaklyn, and sometimes I even crave meat... what?!

Not to mention, my body is definitely changing faster this time around.

I wouldn't say I'm showing yet but I definitely feel "more pregnant" than I did with Oaks at this point. 

All around it's just been pretty different!

As far as gender goes, we're planning on finding out at 20 weeks during the anatomy scan. 

I have sooo much more willpower this time around, ha!

We will be perfectly happy with either gender but if I could plan it out, I would definitely want another girl. 

It would make it SO much easier being that we already have everything for a little girl, and duh... matching dresses haha.

I also happen to like our girl name a whole lot but that's also a secret ;)

Anyways, I'm due in August. August 12th to be exact, my sister's birthday!

I'm not exactly excited to be largely pregnant during the summer months but I'm very much excited to have a baby during a month I can go outside!

Gosh I can't believe I'm having another baby haha.

I think that covers the gist of things, but you'll be hearing quite a bit more about this peanut now that I can actually talk about him/her!

Okay lastly, I've gotten the same question asked quite a bit lately.

I've been asked why I've kind of stopped blogging.

People said they were worried and hoped all was well.

Last time I took a bunch of time off from blogging was when Hunt's dad passed away.

Nothing severe has happened like that, but there are several contributing factors I'll be talking about more soon.

I would say though, the biggest factor would be THIS PREGNANCY!

Gosh it has taken a lot out of me including inspiration and motivation.

Plus, how am I supposed to blog when I'm keeping the biggest secret like ever from you guys??

So, thank you so much for the concern and support.

Seriously, it felt good to know someone actually cared haha!

But I'm feeling quite a bit better and with each new sunny day I'm feeling a little more inspired to work on some big projects I have planned!

Alright friends, that is all for now.

I just figured I should pop in and explain life's current happenings haha.

Now hold me to being better about blogging ;)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy (and the tiny peanut in my belly)

My outfit is old but here's a similar skirt | Lipsense is redwood and you can join my group to see other colors here | Oaks outfit also old but Gap still has peter pan collared onesies! | Balloon from North Star Balloons | Similar shirt to Hunter's  

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Three Steps to an Awesome Date Night In

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyWayToVeg #CollectiveBias

Hunter and I live away from most of our family and both grandmas. We have lots of friends here, but asking a friend to watch your child can be hard. Especially if they have kids too! We never want to inconvenience anyone and when someone other than family is watching Oaks I get super paranoid. We really try to go on a date once a week because it is so important for us to get away and remember what life was like before becoming parents, but it can definitely be difficult to find a babysitter at a convenient time. We've been really lucky to have Hunter's sister close by to watch Oaks when she's available, but occasionally a date night in is what we do to give ourselves a special night, just the two of us. I know several people think of date night in as not a fun date, but it can be super fun! So, I'm including three tips in this post to make an awesome date night in.

Step 1) Plan out a great meal

Hunter and I are total foodies. We love a good date night meal and love to taste each other's meal. We are fans of bold flavors and meals that look good. Appearance is totally huge for us ;) With the holidays here, we are trying to implement healthier dishes into our meals. When planning a date night in recently, I came across MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls and loved all the different flavor options. While I'm a huge fan of making my own meals and testing out new recipes, I think date night should be fun and relaxing. Veggie bowls are a convenient and a delicious "as-is" meal solution. MorningStar Farms Veggie Bowls are not only for vegetarians—they are for everyone. My husband even loved them! Veggie Bowls are made with Chik’n Strips, Steak Strips and Veggie Sausage Crumbles™. The Chik’n Strips are 100% vegan chik’n strips, lightly seasoned, and have 23g of protein with just 150 calories. Steak Strips are 100% vegan steak strips, lightly seasoned, and also offer 23g of protein at 150 calories. While Veggie bowls are perfect for a date night in, they are also good for all ages, demographics, and lifestyles. They taste good, are good for you, and are good for the world. Choose whatever meal you and your significant other really love, but I highly recommend MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls! We tried Chik’n Tikka Masala and Japanese Soba Noodles and they both had a really yummy flavor.

Step 2) Give yourself time to get "date night ready"

Just because you and your love aren't going out on the town, doesn't mean you can't get all dressed up! Spend a little extra time on your hair and makeup and be in one of your best dresses when he gets home. Have a vase of flowers on the table with dinner already made and you have yourself the perfect date night. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get ready for your date because if there's one thing I've learned in marriage, it's that men don't like waiting ;) Have fun with the ambiance and light some candles, turn on some music, and maybe even dim the lights if you can. Giving yourself time to get all of this ready will ensure you both have a wonderful experience dating inside your own home. Also, give yourself time to be ready to give your fully devoted attention to your loved one. I didn't think this was hard to do until I started having deadlines for my blog, a child to think about, numerous house chores, and other errands that need to be run. Make sure you get everything you need to do done ahead of time so you can be fully involved on your date. 

Step 3) Have a fun activity planned

There are actually so any fun activities out there you can do within your own home. No wasting gas, no sitting at stop lights, no loud crowds or busy restaurants... just the two of you in your house. You could set up blankets and pillows on the ground in front of the tv to make a cozy little spot that is perfect for snuggling to watch a movie. Pick out a movie you both haven't seen before and make a fun treat! You could also eat your MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls during this part of the date if you want! You can also do a little spa night in! Give each other massages and facials. Light some candles and give a foot rub! Have a relaxing night in. Have a game night! Buy some good 'ol board games that were your favorite growing up and play them all. You could also play video games, play 20 questions, or make one up! We also love going through old photos and reminiscing on the fun times we've had. Doing that with family videos is a blast too. One last idea is to have a workout date! Come up with some fun workouts together or find one online and get your sweat on together!

So now I want to know, what are your best date night in ideas??

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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I Get to Love You

photo by Kiely Ro

I get to love you, it’s the best thing that I’ll ever do. I get to love you, it’s a promise I’m making to you. Whatever may come; your heart I will choose. Forever I’m yours, forever I do. 

(I get to love you by Ruelle)

It was a few days before Hunter left for his two year church mission and we were sitting outside in hammocks out in his parents backyard.

I knew I was going to wait for him, but we never really talked about what that really meant.

It was a conversation we had never addressed even though we had both thought about it over and over secretly in our minds full of marriage dreams.

"So you're going to write me... right?" Hunter asked.

"As often as I possibly can." I said with a smile.

"So what happens when you get home?" I asked without making eye contact.

"Well, I'll be going to school at BYU... and I mean hopefully I'll be married to you"

I smiled... "Hopefully is definitely right."

I honestly remember the day Hunter left like it was yesterday.

I cried more than I knew was possible and letting go from our last hug was harder than I can explain.

I watched the car drive away and just sat in mine, bawling, for a few minutes before even thinking straight. 

Then I saw the letter Hunter had slipped me... the first letter of many.

It was signed: "I love you Aleigh Joy. Always and Forever."

We had said "Always and Forever" often for years, but that time it hit me harder than before.

"I get to love him, for every single day, for the rest of forever." I remember thinking.

Forever is a hard word to comprehend, but I knew that was what I wanted.

The two years apart were hard, but remembering we had forever to look forward to made it just a little easier. 

When Hunter came home, everything fell right back into place.

I don't even remember it being the slightest bit awkward, it just felt so right.

We got engaged only one week later and I felt like I was floating I was so happy.

Only two months later, on March 1, 2014, we promised forever in the San Diego LDS temple. 

The next day we were on a plane to Utah to begin our life together. 

When Hunter carried me across the threshold I specifically remember thinking "this is just the beginning of forever" and feeling like the luckiest girl on earth.

Then, one week short of a year later we welcomed our baby girl into the world, a day I'll never ever forget.

I'll also never forget the Sunday after that...

I was hysterically crying in my husband's arms telling him I wasn't cut out to be a mother. 

He held me as I cried at least 30 more times as I faced a tough battle with PPD.

I saw him just minutes after he met with one of his coaches and they both decided his football career was at an end after being a star in high school.

We laughed and yelled into our pillows together at 3 in the morning when our baby had plans of staying up all night.

We sat in a tow truck after our car broke down for the third time 100 miles away from our home.

I squeezed his hand harder than I knew I had strength for during a long labor when the hospital refused to admit me.

We prayed together on our knees when our bank account showed that we probably wouldn't be buying groceries that week. 

We've fought and we've been angry, we've struggled and we've cried... 

But, somehow, I'm always reminded of the moment I became his bride and promised I would love him, forever. 

I was listening to the song, "I get to love you" the other day and was again taken back to that day, our wedding day, and literally started crying ugly tears upon hearing this line:

"They say love is a journey, I promise that I’ll never leave. When it’s too heavy to carry, remember this moment with me."

So Hunter, when the going gets tough... I promise to remember the feeling I had the moment we were married that rainy March day.

I'll remember the look you gave me after "kissing your bride."

I'll remember you whispering "you look gorgeous" in my ear during our first dance as husband and wife.

I'll remember how giddy we were as we left our reception.

And I'll always remember that I get to love you always and forever because choosing to love you through it all, is the best choice I'll ever make.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Where Our Family Became Forever

Hunter and I were married on March 1, 12014 in the San Diego California LDS temple after 6 years of being lovers.

We met each other when I was 14 years old and he was 15 and were head over heels from the very beginning. 

Our relationship in high school was filled with lots of text messages, hugs, pictures, football games, letters, and dreaming of being married one day. 

At only 14 years old, I was sure he was the one for me and about a year later, he finally let me know he was sure as well.

We would sit in the car together after football games planning out our future, "Our house one day will have a white picket fence and a pool, we'll have lots of kids running around, oh and we'll always have fresh cookies on the counter!"

In our minds, life together would be nothing short of perfect.

Before I was LDS, I often wondered what would happen after our days on this earth were done.

I loved Hunter with every ounce of my being, I didn't want to say "til death do us part" I wanted to be with him forever.

I hated saying goodbye in high school, I cried like never before when we said "see ya later" for two years while Hunter served his mission, and being apart during our engagement was torture... How was I supposed to be okay with "parting" with my husband once our lives came to a close?

Hunter felt the same as I did, and that is why we chose to be sealed together forever in the temple.

Temples are a very sacred place for Mormons. 

It is a place where gospel ordinances are performed, covenants are made, and peace and comfort are felt.

It is also a place where sealings (or marriages) are performed. 

Hunter and I made the choice to be sealed together, forever, in the temple.

I remember it as if it were yesterday, and I still feel the same joy now as I did when our marriage took place.

I was filled with such peace and happiness and knew that what we were doing, is all that really matters. 

Because Hunter and I made that choice, our family is now eternal as well!

Our sweet Oaklyn, and any other future children we have, will be with us forever and that brings me more joy than I can possibly say!

This is why Mormons decide to be married inside a temple, because we want a forever family.

The words said during a temple marriage are different than a civil marriage, and the ceremony is performed differently as well. 

The bride and the groom wear all white and kneel across an alter in a gorgeous room inside the temple. 

The actual marriage takes no longer than 10 or 15 minutes and the room fits around 50 people, other rooms fit less. 

It is sacred and simple and our sealing is a day I will never ever forget.

Not only are sealings for a bride and groom, but whole families can go to the temple to be sealed as well!

If you would like to learn more about the temple and sealings, click here.

I was so excited when I received this beautiful artwork from Lauren because a flood of emotions came back to me. 

She gave us a hand drawn image of the San Diego Temple, where our family became forever.

It instantly took me back to the day I was a bride and a rush of happiness came over me.

Then, my little baby walked up to me and said "mama mama mama" pointing at the temple and I couldn't help but tear up.

I showed her the temple and she smiled big when I told her that because of the temple, our family  gets to be together forever. 

I am SO excited to display this beautiful art in our home and constantly be reminded of that special day.

If you would like one of these beautiful temple images of your own, head over to Artwork by Lauren and use code: ALEIGH at checkout for 20% off all prints in her shop!! (excluding customs)

You will not be disappointed and will love the sweet spirit it will bring into your home :)

If you have any questions at all about temples let me know!

And if you were sealed in the temple, which one was it??

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Dating After Baby Comes

I think we've all heard it before... the dating doesn't end after the wedding.

You need to continue dating your spouse throughout the rest of your life together.

Hunter and I are high school sweethearts.

We met when I was 14 and he was 15 at a pool party.

For me, it was love at first sight. For him it took a little longer, but when he did come around (ha) there were some serious sparks.

We would have spent every waking moment together if we could have.

When we got married, we couldn't stand being away from each other longer than a few hours.

I know, that sounds like the typical newlyweds, but seriously we were smitten.

We loved just being together and the romance was always there.

The first year of marriage for us, was literally pure bliss.

We loved going on dates together whether it was a trip to the water park, a hike, a nice dinner, or just a picnic at the park.

A few weeks before having our sweet daughter, I noticed my mind starting to shift from being consumed in my husband to consumed in my baby.

I couldn't sleep... like ever... so I would lie awake in her nursery praying for her, making bows, adding last minute decor, and looking through all her little clothes.

There was a piece of me that was sad that this was the last little bit of time we had to spend together as just me and Hunter, but I couldn't take my mind off becoming a mother.

Once Oaklyn made her arrival, I was consumed in chores and soothing my baby and my husband quickly took the back seat.

I think this is probably quite typical in most families.

 Obviously the tiny person that just made their entrance into the world needs more attention than your fully capable husband, but it doesn't mean your husband doesn't still exist. 

Occasionally during the first few months of Oaklyn's life I would be rocking her to sleep in the middle of the night and I would glance over at Hunter sleeping in our bed. 

I longed to just snuggle up next to him and drop all of my responsibilities.

I loved my sweet baby, but I missed my spouse.

I missed just sitting on the couch and talking to him, I missed going on spur of the moment dates, and I definitely missed being spontaneous in every area of our marriage.

The first few times Hunter and I finally got the guts to take some time away and go on a date together, I was a complete wreck.

I was so excited to be with him, but I missed Oaklyn like crazy!

I couldn't just relax and be the wife I once was and I missed my old self.

It took time to get used to leaving her, but I'm so glad we decided to take time to focus on our marriage after having a baby.

So much of my time and energy is spent on Oaklyn.

I'm holding her, feeding her, talking to her, playing with her, getting her dressed, washing her clothes, cleaning up after her, changing her diapers, and so on all day everyday.

When Hunter comes home, I'm exhausted and really just want to lay on the couch and scroll through my insta feed mindlessly... and that is why dates are so important after having a baby.

When Hunter and I have a date planned, I get so excited to reconnect with him.

Going out to dinner as a family is fun, but it is usually spent trying to tame Oaklyn and find something she might actually eat.

When Hunter and I go out to eat together we are able to have a good conversation and focus on just each other. 

I love my daughter, I love her more than I can possibly say, but Hunter and I need time away from her.

We need to remember who we were before she came along.

We need to reconnect and talk about something other than sippy cups and dirty diapers.

We need the time to grow closer as a couple.

We need to remember how and why we fell in love in the first place.

We need to plan something special because our marriage is special.

We need to be able to stare into each other's eyes and say I love you without interruption. 

We need to take time for each other. 

We need to keep the fire we once had, alive.

We need to be playful with each other and take time away from responsibilities.

And, we need to miss our child so coming home feels that much more special. 

Having a baby is the best decision we have made yet as a married couple, but it has also been the hardest.

Our alone time has become limited and our minds are constantly distracted.

Hunter planned a date night this past weekend and it was just what we needed.

He made arrangements to have a babysitter and even chose the restaurant that I have been wanting to try for a while.

That is what sparked this post. It meant more to me than I can say to have him go out of his way to plan a date night with me. ( We went to Station 22 and highly recommend it.)

We love our daughter and find ourselves talking about her more often than not when we are away from her, but are learning more and more that our marriage needs to come first.

It has helped our relationship tremendously to ask family or friends to watch our little girl for a few hours while we take time to be together.

By dating your spouse on a regular basis after having a little one, your marriage will be strengthened in ways you didn't know needed to be strengthened. 

So, take some time out of your busy schedules to spend time together. 

Then, go home and snuggle your little one together ;)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Year Two

As of yesterday, Hunter and I have been married for two years!

To be completely honest though... it feels like so much longer!

I mean, I've totally loved the guy since I was 14.

Everyone told us that the first year would be the hardest.

I would have to disagree in our case.

We already knew each other pretty well so the first year was spent making memories as newlyweds and loving every single moment together.

We had been dreaming about being married for years before it actually happened so when we finally tied the knot, every waking minute seemed perfect.

Year two... was a bit harder.

Now I don't mean harder as in "I wish I never got married." More like, "this little person will not stop crying and I am on my very last nerve" kind of harder.

Adding a baby to our family during our second year of marriage tested and tried us in ways we really didn't expect.

We still felt like newlyweds but had to devote almost all of our attention to the little baby that "needed us more."

Year two was spent figuring out how to balance being parents and nurturing our marriage.

It was spent comforting and calming each other down in the moments we really had no idea what else to do to help Oaklyn.

It was spent working together to figure out parenthood.

It was spent crying over watching her grown up.

It was spent celebrating in her victories,

It was spent mostly, revolving around, our daughter.

This post is not to say that I regret having Oaklyn so early on in our marriage.

It's also not to say that year two wasn't a good one, but more to say that during year two we grew together in a way we didn't know possible.

Oaklyn demanded a lot from us and at the end of the exhausting days, we had each other to turn to.

During the days that my PPD kicked into full gear and I couldn't stop crying over every little thing, Hunter showed me that he will always be there.

When our little girl in the room across the hall would wake up in the middle of the night and I couldn't bare one more sleepless night, Hunter managed to gather the strength to take the shift. so I didn't have to.
When nothing around the house seemed to get done and I still hadn't gotten dressed at 4 pm, Hunter still let me know I was the greatest mother and wife.

What I am trying to say is that after reflecting on year two, it was just as amazing, if not more, than year one.

It was different. It was physically demanding and mentally exhausting.

But, it taught us how to love when we didn't think we had anything left to give.

So Hunter, Thank you for the two best years of my existence.

I'm so excited to grow up and grow old with you.

I couldn't have dreamed up a better fairy tale.

I can't believe that I get to live this life with you by my side.

I remember that summer of '08 so clearly. 

You dove into the water and somehow I just knew.

I knew you were the one I wanted, and I'm so glad you saw it too.

You are my best dream come true. Sometimes I can't believe it really is a reality.

The past two years of marriage have brought ups and downs, highs and lows, but more than anything, they have brought me more happiness than I knew one person could have.

Thank you for being there for me when I need you and for loving me through it all.

Thank you for being my Prince Charming and for continuing to "date" me.

And thank you, so much, for making me a mother and being the amazing hands-on and involved father you are.

I watched you win football games, I watched you graduate high school, I watched you head off to college, I watched you leave for and return from serving your LDS mission, I watched you get down on one knee, I watched you say "yes" across the alter, I watched you when you saw that positive pregnancy test, and I watched you become a father. 

I can't wait to see the other milestones we will hit together in life.

This love is ours Hunter, and it is a love that only comes once in a lifetime.

I loved you then, love you still, always have and always will.

Last anniversary Oaklyn was a week old.

We both agree it may have been the lamest anniversary ever haha.

We also think it's pretty funny that Oaklyn will be around for every one of our anniversaries! Ha!

This year we had a wonderful anniversary together.

 I really don't know how we'll top it!

I woke up to a sweet text from Hunter followed by a sweet note on our dry erase board.

When I got in the car, there was even a love note on the front seat!

Later, I took my time getting ready for our night out.

Hunter took me to Bombay House in Provo and it was SO good!

We then went to Cold Stone and took our ice cream to go.

We went to this park that has special meaning to us and walked around hand in hand laughing and reminiscing.

We got home and spent some time with Oaks before putting her to bed.

Hunter then handed me the first clue to my scavenger hunt!

I couldn't believe he planned a little scavenger hunt for me!

The clues we adorable and so poetic!

Each place had a gift waiting for me and I teared up because I was so happy.

I decorated a wall in our house with some garlands and balloons and wrote him a special card.

I also made chocolate covered strawberries and we sipped martinellis.

It really was the perfect day!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Halloween '14

Halloween definitely wasn't my favorite holiday growing up

I don't like scary anything. I tried to like it during one phase in my life.

Then I stayed up all night thinking a birthday balloon was a person.

Never again.

Good thing I married a guy that enjoys the "fall" side of Halloween much more than the scary part of it just like me!

This isn't our first Halloween together since we "dated" before marriage but it sure was fun having a husband to celebrate this "holiday" together :)

Every time I've ever carved a pumpkin, I get frustrated and just kinda give up.

So I was quite pleased that all I had to do was draw the outline for Hunter to carve.

I also washed, dried, and baked the seeds!

Yum!!

Also, we listened to Christmas music the entire time we carved our pumpkin.

Did you ever "boo" anyone growing up?

I hope you did.

It's seriously so much fun :)

Hunter and I did together this year and we loved it!

We sure can't wait to share these traditions with baby girl next year and every year to follow :)

Here's the link for the printable just in case you plan on doing it next year!

We went to a football Halloween party this year!

It was SO much fun!

I love that we have built in friends thanks to football.

One game we played was fear factor.

Hunter had to eat a ridiculous amount of jello.

He looked like he was going to throw up.

I was also paranoid the whole time that he was going to stain his white shirt,

I had to eat Harry Potter jelly beans and identify them.

I was pretty pleased with myself for knowing so many, not so pleased that I got the rotten egg flavor...

I brushed my teeth 4 times when we got home. EW!

Our couples costume involved our wee one this year!

I was so pleased with the way that shirt came out.

Who would've known my puffy paint collection from high school would be so handy later on?

Thank you Hunter for being a good sport and wearing that terrible mustache.

Ha, I love him! 

Yesterday, aka actual Halloween, Hunter was flying to Tennessee for football :(

I went to work and we took the daycare kids to the grocery store to go trick or treating! So cute :)

I also drank way too much root beer (I never drink soda!) and baby girl was not a fan of the carbonation.

Her kicks were definitely more on the aggressive side than the loving side yesterday

Well that's a wrap!

'til next year Halloween!

I'm secretly so happy that you've come and gone because I can now focus all my attention on Christmas without sounding too crazy ;)

Speaking of which... the first craft of Christmas is up on our Moore sisters blog!

Yay!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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It's A GIRL!!!

To start this post off I'm going to say that I am completely SHOCKED that this little one is a girl!

I completely thought it was a boy.

For whatever reason, so did everyone else.

All those old wise tales about your cravings, sickness, the heartbeat, how low the baby is, etc... led to this child being a boy.

Not to mention, every time Hunter saw me he would say "How is HE doing today?"

And so, I just got used to the fact that it was a boy and didn't even really have a girl in my options.

But now I get to say, I am SOOO happy this sweet little thing is a darling little GIRL!

Seriously, I am SO excited!

You better believe that I bought a fluffy mint green dress and a little cream coat that same day we found out. 

I can't wait to dress her in a Christmas dress, find a pretty white blessing dress, decorate the prettiest little nursery, and maybe just maybe she'll even get my curly hair!

I love this little girl so much already.

So, my doctor only has someone come in to do the early gender ultrasound on Saturdays.

Lame. That so doesn't work with Hunt's football schedule.

Then we finally figured out a Saturday that would work!

Then they didn't have any openings...

So I got online and searched trustworthy places to go in Provo.

There was a place right down the street that did SAME DAY appointments.

I made the appointment within 5 minutes of finding that out.

When I told Hunter we would be finding out the gender that day, he was just as excited as me and it felt like an eternity waiting for that appointment.

Luckily, I had Morgan here with me to help make a cute little reveal.

We found a cardboard box and bought both blue and pink confetti.

We decided Hunter and I would get to see the ultrasound pictures up until she typed the gender.

At that point, we anxiously closed our eyes as Morgan and Savannah (Hunter's sister) found out so they could stuff the box. 

The ride home was a complete guessing game!

I was so happy I had the rest of the ultrasound pictures to look at.

That was the first time I've had one and it was incredible to see her.

She was so wiggly and hyper, and she even waved to us!

Once we got home they stuffed the box, we grabbed a camera, and we went to the nearest park to find out what this baby was.

Both of us were super anxious.

They had us yell out our guess right before we pulled the string and surprisingly both of us said GIRL!

Well, we sure were right but that didn't mean we both weren't shocked!

Haha it was so fun finding out this way!

Hunter of course wanted a little boy at first.

Especially since we both thought it was a boy.

But, he said a prayer that night and was finally able to ask Heavenly Father to bless our little baby Girl and he just couldn't help but tear up.

The idea of having a little daddy's girl quickly grew on him.

He even had a dream last night where he got to meet her.

He said she loved him, and of course he adored her.

So needless to say, we are beyond excited to actually meet our baby girl in February.

We're having a girl!!! Yay!!!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

p.s. it is a terrible idea to listen to this song if you are pregnant with a little girl. Your makeup will be ruined. I bawled. But I can't stop listening!

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We've got some news!!! :)

Surprise!

WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!!

Deciding when to have a baby, is kind of a serious thing.

You get married, and suddenly everyone is asking when you're going to start adding on to your family.

Most of the time, my answer was... "oh, when we feel like the time is right." or "we'll just have to wait and see!" because really 1) That's nobody's business but you and your husband's and 2) Everyone seems to have an opinion and you never know if their opinion will be in your favor.

So, I decided that the baby making thoughts, plans, and excitement would be left between Hunter and I.

A week before Hunter and I got married all I could think about was what we were going to do about the rain, what dress I should run out of the reception in, what props I should bring to our first look photos, how the sealing ceremony would go, and of course my excitement of becoming my high school sweetheart's wife. Hunter on the other hand, was thinking about something much different...

We were talking on the phone, you know the lovey dovey we're engaged and life is perfect kind of talk.

There was a little silence and Hunter broke it by saying: "So, when do you want to start trying for kids? Like a month after we get married?"

"Hunter, let's think about that once we're actually married" I said both shocked but also not at all. 

We moved on from that conversation but it lingered on in my mind. We're getting married. We can start a family together now. Finally. After years and years of dreaming about being parents together, it's happening! Well, it can happen.

And, it was both terrifying and SO exciting at the same time. 

Once the wedding was over and it was just us two up in Utah, I couldn't imagine life getting any better. 

Of course that conversation still popped into my mind every now and then, but most of the time I just pushed it away because we were having fun and I just wasn't ready.

Sometimes, Hunter would say things like "Sundays will be so fun when we have kids running around, I'm so excited!" or "I can't wait to come home to you and the kids and have them jump on me."

Each time it made me smile as I could see those same happy visions too, each time my mind wandered back to our conversation about starting a family. 

I began working at a daycare. Which now, I can see was Heavenly Father intervening on my behalf.

My boss worked really well with the older kids so I was constantly on baby duty.

I was nervous, like so nervous, each time one would cry.

I didn't have much baby experience but I couldn't let their moms see that. So, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and one by one fell in love with each baby as they slept so sweetly and peacefully in my arms.

Oddly enough, I started to miss those babies once I got home. 

And once again, my mind thought back to our conversation a week before getting married.

"Is it really time? This soon? Everyone will think I'm crazy. But... I want one of my own."

I got super sick the first month I worked at the daycare.

Not only that, but I got super sick from my birth control.

The two combined left me feeling miserable constantly.

One Saturday morning I woke up and threw up everything in me.

Then it happened the next Saturday.

Then again the following Saturday, on my birthday, while on vacation in St. George. 

I was fed up and told Hunter we were going to Target to buy a pregnancy test. 

I knew I wasn't really pregnant but still took the test. 

When only one line appeared, I sat on the bathroom floor and cried.

Not because I was relieved, but because I secretly hoped it would be positive.

The next weekend we decided to go to the temple.

I sat there, knowing I needed to pray. Knowing I needed to ask Heavenly Father if it was time. Knowing I needed to stop pushing my doubts away and see if it was my time.

If it was HIS time.

When my answer came, full throttle, my eyes welled up with tears and a huge smile came over me.

Hunter looked at me, "Aleigh, what?"

"We're going to have a baby Hunter, it's time."

We both left happy as could be and agreed that I would take my last pill right before my time of the month. 

"Hunter, I'm going to stop taking my birth control, but we are not trying. I'm not going to cry every month if I'm not pregnant. We're just not preventing it anymore."

I woke up on June 11th, more tired than I ever had been. Even after 10 hours of sleep.

Hunter was getting ready for school in the bathroom.

I sat up to talk to him and my body ached... especially my chest

I knew I was pregnant this time. And if I wasn't, something was seriously wrong with me ha.

My test was in the bathroom Hunter was in.

I made conversation with him until he went to go make a sandwich.

I ran into the bathroom, grabbed the test, and secretly went into the other bathroom.

I closed the door and turned the fan on so he couldn't hear me open the wrapper.

I took a deep breath, and my eyes were already welling with tears.

I turned the test over, waiting for the results.

It was the longest 4 minutes of my life.

But then those 4 minutes were over and I waited one more because I was so nervous.

I flipped it over to see two very clear pink lines!

Those tears were overflowing at this point.

I wanted to tell Hunter in a fun way, so I kissed him goodbye for the day and watched him walk to the car before I danced around the kitchen with joy.

I kept holding and feeling my tummy, there's a baby in there. 

OUR baby is in there!

I told Hunter later that day and I am SO glad I captured it on camera! It took some serious sneaking around to make it so he didn't know I was filming. His reaction was priceless. It went from the "Oh. My. Gosh." face to "I'm SO excited" so quickly. 

We are seriously thrilled about this new journey!

I'm 13 weeks and so anxious to find out what the gender is in just a few short weeks!

We love this baby to pieces already.

Hearing the heartbeat for the first time had me in tears in seconds.

I'm not showing yet.

Nor have I thrown up...

But, I absolutely know this baby is there and I cannot wait to meet him or her!

We're going to be parents in February! Yayyy!!! :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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