...and many more...

Happy Anniversary to us!

Less than 11 weeks to go...
P.S. We ordered dessert at dinner b/c the frozen wedding cake was not all that great...
Tradition!
At the Cottonwood Grille on the patio...

Happy 1 Year Anniversary, Hun!!!

07.28.07

Wow! That year FLEW by.... Some say that the first year of marriage is the hardest... Well, not for us! We had a great year and are looking forward to many, many, many more to come. Thank you, Matt, for being my husband, my best friend, the future father of our children, my biggest fan & supporter, my inspiration-I could go on & on.... Matt is classy in every way-a true gentleman... We take care of each other... Like all couples, we've had a few (however, very few) rough patches, but we're human - and like a cat with 9 lives, we always land on our feet, still holding hands, still smiling, still committed to each other, and still in love... I am a pretty sensitive person (I am laughing out loud right now b/c I am underestimating the sensitiveness!). When I have one of my "freak out" moments, instead of rolling his eyes, Matt sits down, puts his arms around me, and lets me know he's my rock. Sometimes he'll empathize with me, other times he just makes me laugh. The world would be a better place with more Matt Hollister's in it... Matt immerses himself in what is good about people and celebrates the positive things in life rather than dwelling on the negative. Thank you, Matt, for being in my life and making it better and me better every day. I am so grateful and appreciative of the man that you are. I would marry you again in a heartbeat. Here's to second chances. Here's to always respecting each other. Here's to living each and every day to its fullest. Here's to true love. Here's to family. Here's to us-forever and always... "I'm lovin' you!"

Weekend in Sun Valley

7 months!
What a hottie.... Dang!!!


"Hi Maddox! Please try to be a little nicer to your Mom when she is sleeping...."
Hello pictures! :) We spent the weekend in Sun Valley and had a great time... Even though it seemed short-lived, it was well worth it! It is always nice to steal my hardworking and incredibly motivated husband away from "life" for a couple days- and have him all to myself!!! Thank you, Matt for a great weekend. I love you!

Month 7!

Maddox's energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. Our energetic little monkey is moving around like crazy! He is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though they don’t necessarily coincide with our own... Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments!

Project Nursery...

Well, we (meaning, Matt) are going to start painting the nursery! We will keep you all updated on "Project Nursery". I am so excited to have it all done. You can only imagine how fired up Matt is to paint another room in our home. ;) Well, we are off to Sun Valley for the weekend! Have a good one!

PS- Happy Birthday, Loni!!! Thank you for being you... I don't know what I would do without ya!

Great Check Up!!!

I had another check up with Dr. S. So far so good! From now on my visits will be every two weeks... My weight is in check (even though I don't FEEL like it is), my blood pressure is awesome, my urine is free of protein, the baby's heart rate is wonderful (about 155 bpm), AND... he is no longer breech!!! YEAH! Currently, his head is where it needs to be (but VERY, VERY low). Hopefully, he likes it that way because I don't want him to turn... Dr. S. also thinks I may be a week ahead of what I thought (28.5 weeks instead of 27.5!). We will know more as the visits continue. I also had my glucose and iron test. The glucose test is given to test for gestational diabetes, a high blood sugar condition that some women get during pregnancy. I had to drink a flat, watered down Sunkist-like drink (a.k.a. glucose syrup) and then get my blood drawn 1 hour after drinking. The drink was not horrible, but it made me a little shaky and nauseous. The iron test was given to screen for anemia. I get both test results back tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed!

That's all for now! Hope you are having a wonderful week!

Jessica and "Gracie's" Baby Shower...

Above: Our "breeder" photo!
Above: Jessica and I
Above: Jessica-the guest of honor!
I forgot to post these! The weekend before last, a good friend of mine had her baby shower. She is due with baby girl, Gracie, the end of August. There were 5 other pregnant women at her shower... It was pretty funny! Anyway, here are a few pics. Her Mom, Myra, her sister-in-law, Erin, and sister, Erin, did a great job planning the shower! It was fun to see some familiar college-faces and spend some quality girl/Mommy time with everyone!

Week 28...

Wow! Today, I have officially entered into my THIRD Trimester!!! Only three more months or 12 more weeks left, can’t decide which one sounds shorter, but we have entered the home stretch! Matt and I are so excited to meet Maddox and just so anxious for him to be here! He has been moving a ton and he is almost 15 inches long!!! We are starting on the nursery later this week. There are so many things yet to do and Matt and I are BOTH feeling a bit overwhelmed! We picked out the crib yesterday. We decided on black to go with the black, tan and dark red theme of his room. I will post pictures of our progress...

I have been feeling great! Just little aches and pains, but nothing to really complain about. I guess one thing I have been missing is my pre-pregnancy sleep... Ahhh... I toss and turn all night long and get up at least 4-5 times. Maddox wakes up around 2-3am. He is preparing me for even more sleepless nights ahead. ;) At least I know what to be ready for!!! We signed up for parenting classes through St. Luke's. We will start them next month. I am still working out (thank you, Loni, for keeping me motivated!). I lift weights (somewhat light) 4 days a week and do cardio 5-6 times a week for at least 30 min. It is definitely getting harder, but I will train as long as I can... It is my saving grace right now. I so look forward to my workouts with Loni. The only frustrating thing (besides working out with my beautiful, model-friend!) is watching my muscle disappear and turn into fat. If any of my clients are reading this (I hope you are!), I swear, will be the best example of before and after pictures ever! Just you wait and see... :)

Thank you all for reading and keeping in touch. I love to hear from all of you...
Mel :)

An Inspirational Story

We all have a little of this donkey in us... We all have someone that reminds us of this donkey... Someone that inspires us to live each day as a gift and celebrate life in any situation... My inspiration is my Mom... When you get frustrated or sad, please remember this story and shake off your dirt... :)

Donkey in the Well

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.
Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off.

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping-stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping and never giving up! Shake it off and take a step upward!

What The *&*(#! Is Wrong With ME ?!?!?

For this blog, I thought I would share a few "embarrassing" prego stories with you all. I am sure my pregnant (past and present) friends can all totally relate...

"WAS THAT APOLLO?" That is the question that is asked by Matt in our house (or car for that matter) about 20+ times a day. This question pertains to gas. Yes, farting. Yes, from myself. If you know me, you know I have always been "that girl" that never burps, farts, or does anything unladylike in front of anyone. There is a whole new side to me now. I am hoping it ends the day Maddox is born (Matt does too).

"WHAT IS ALL OVER ME?" Being pregnant, most women, don't feel exactly beautiful. On the days when we actually go out of our way to get dressed up, put make up on, curl our hair, etc., something is bound to happen to ruin our efforts. Matt, my little bro (Ross), and my parents all went out to a nice dinner while we were in Idaho Falls. I spent some time getting ready and wore a cute (as good as they get) white maternity sundress to dinner. About 20 minutes into dinner I looked down at my tummy. Please note- when I am standing up I cannot see the under-part below my bellybutton. Sitting down, I noticed brownish yellow stains all over me. Not sure how they got there, I think it was pollen from flowers, but anyway, the small portion of cuteness that I had that night-disappeared.

"WHY IS THE PEANUT BUTTER IN THE BATHROOM?" I make Matt's lunch in the morning before he leaves for work (PB&J sammies). One day I made his lunch, kissed him goodbye, got sidetracked (happens more than often), and then found the peanut butter jar in the bathroom a few hours later. Don't worry, I am sure I did not do anything with PB in the potty....

"OUCH!" I have been SUCH a klutz. I trip over my own pants, our dog, actually, I think I even trip over dust... I drop things when cleaning or cooking. I have lost all sense of balance.

I am sure there is more, but I am suffering from prego-brain and don't remember what else has happened... Stay tuned!!!

Do GREEN THUMBS Run In The Family?

My parents work so hard on their yard! These pictures prove it! It is gorgeous, relaxing and creative. I can only HOPE this is in my genes... I am learning... ;)

Visit With Family...

Below: My parents are so in love... :)

Below: My bro is a fan of Obama, my Dad... Not so much... :)

Below: Matt, my Grandpa Duncan, and my Dad working on the farm...
Below: My Mom and her Mom, my Grandma
Apollo & Tucker-getting into 4th of July spirit

I know, I know... Home for me now is in Boise, but I will always be and have a home in Idaho Falls with my family... Thank you Mom and Dad for everything during our visit and always. I love you both more than ever...

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

"Young, old... Just words."

"If you could pick any age, how old would YOU be?"

My Dad is the youngest 57 year old I know. Happy Birthday, Dad. Here's to more years of happiness, good attidudes, and laughter. We love you!

Little (?) Bro...

So who IS bigger? This is Ross's sympathy bump... What a guy! Don't ask.. I have NO IDEA how his stomach does this...

Thank You Peg & Rhonda!!!

Baby Shower in Idaho Falls!

Below: My Mama and I

Below: The guest book
Below: Guest favors (candles)
Below pics: Peg's gorgeous backyard...

A couple of my Mom's amazing friends from her book club threw a baby shower for me (and Maddox) on July 2nd. It was absolutely beautiful and I had such a great time. They went all-out... The set up of everything was so perfect! Every detail was eye catching. About 20 women attended and it was wonderful to see everyone. I can't even begin to tell you all how incredible these women are... They are all truly genuine and sincere people-not to mention generous. Thank you all for attending and thank you Peg and Rhonda for throwing such a great party! One thing I regret though... I wish I would have gotten pictures of everyone! :( I think I was too wrapped up in the moment. What a great moment it was!