Currently

Thanksgiving was great! We spent the weekend at Pete's parents house and I think Pete especially enjoyed feeling carefree and spending time with his siblings--something about being home that makes you feel like a kid again. I enjoyed myself as well, I just went to bed a lot sooner and sat around a lot more than Pete. He was out doing fun things (I'm pregnant, remember? Which takes the fun out of pickup basketball games, late night donut runs and late night movie watching). Amidst all of the fun I forgot to take any pictures! Oops :)

Getting back to the reality of school and work was a bit rough after the Thanksgiving holiday. But Pete managed to get through finals with flying colors and I survived my busiest month at work and the end of year dance recitals even with a large belly.

Proof of the large belly. (30 week pic)

We celebrated our two year anniversary very simply. My big work event was the night of our anniversary so we celebrated the Saturday before by going to dinner and then to the temple. It was simple and wonderful. Again, didn't even get a picture! TRAGIC!

However, I did get this picture at my work event on our actual anniversary. I was running around like a crazy person and my boss' wife insisted I stop for a picture. So although it isn't the best, I am grateful that we have something.

We got a tree this year! (It is a big deal, since last year we were lame.)

The tree

Up close. So you can appreciate the peacock feathers :)

We are now recuperating and attempting to pull ourselves together before Christmas. I am excited for Christmas for all the traditional reasons, but most of all I am anxious to have the break from work to really prepare for the baby. I have a HUGE to-do list over the break and I am worried that the days will pass by too quickly!

Preparing for the baby consumes most of my thoughts and stresses me out way too much of the time. Pete's thoughts are consumed with preparing for the MCAT which he will be taking at the end of January. Please pray for our family to survive January. It's going to be an intense time! Lots of changes coming. But Pete and I feel hopeful and excited for the things to come.

We have had the privilege of attending so many concerts and things to help us get into the Christmas spirit. It seems like every week we have had some type of performance, concert, or event to attend. It is nice for us to be forced into doing those festive things so that it still feels like Christmas even with our busy schedules.

At Temple Square for a concert of Pete's mom.

Pete is currently on a little weekend get-a-way with his brothers and dad (no pregnant girls allowed) enjoying the beautiful weather in San Diego. I have been getting a plethora of texts and pictures keeping me updated on his adventures.

Gotta love it. I am glad he is able to get away and take a break from all his studying. Let the holidays begin!

Merry Christmas!

An In Between Halloween

Last Halloween was mine and Pete's first Halloween together--or married, I should say. So I wanted to do all the fun things like carve pumpkins and dress up. Next year we will have a baby and it will be her first Halloween, so I am sure things will be more exciting then. But this year we were busy with work and school and I just didn't have the motivation to make much of a special effort to do anything celebratory.

I know Pete loves the way his mom has always made Halloween special in their home--she always made pigs in a blanket and they have fun stuff going on. So I asked Pete if he wanted to go over to his parents' house on Halloween, but he didn't feel like he could take the time away from his responsibilities that night, so I tried to make things a little special at our house.

I went to the store and got stuff to make "mummy dogs" and then I bought candy for the trick-or-treaters who would come by.

When Pete got home and we started eating dinner, he had no idea that I was trying to make things like his mom had growing up. He didn't even realize that I had made mummy dogs! He asked if he could cut them in half because he wanted them small like his mom had always done them! FAIL! I guess I should have called his mom to determine what exactly she made on Halloween--Silly me for thinking pigs in a blanket and mummy dogs were the same...?

Anyway, after I explained to Pete that I was making a special effort to make it like his mom had growing up, he was appreciative at my effort. And I guess that is all that counts. Oh the joys of marriage. :)

After we ate dinner, Pete went to his "study room" for the night and I sat on the couch and opened the door for the 10 trick-or-treaters who came by. Not the most exciting day, but I didn't really feel all that bad about it.


For dance this year (see last year's post here) I had to do the dreaded dressing up. I wanted a costume that would not involve much time in creating it and that would not have to be explained a hundred times to every child that walked in the door.

Here is what I came up with. Not the most creative but the girls never had to ask what I was and they thought it was funny that my little baby had a Jack-O-Lantern face. Success!

The Perfect Weekend

A couple weekends ago Pete and I just had the most perfect weekend. On Friday we went over to some friends' house and made haunted gingerbread houses (out of graham crackers). Only Pete and I decided to make a haunted pirate ship instead of a house...exhibit A:

Yeah, we got real creative. :) It was fun working together and getting to know a few of the couples in our ward better.

On Saturday Pete went out shopping with me! This has happened maybe twice in our marriage. I hate shopping and get easily frustrated so I don't shop if I can help it. And Pete really doesn't like it either, so the two of us shopping together is usually not a good idea. But we went to look at some potential furniture for a thing called a nursery that we will be needing to furnish soon. However, we didn't find anything super great. Then we went to the mall to look for some maternity pants for me. SUCCESS!! I got two pairs and have never felt so comfortable in my life! I still can wear a few of my pants but bending over and sitting down is not the most comfortable thing in them. But maternity pants are a whole different story--when I wear those stretchy-waist pants, it never hurts! I was so happy to get these comfortable pants!

That night I made Chili for our ward Halloween party and we went to the party and enjoyed chili and cornbread. The party was really meant for kids and since we don't have any just yet we ate and visited for a while and then headed out to continue our search for the perfect donut. After stopping at 3 different stores/gas stations we finally found single Dunford Donuts at the fourth place! Chevron on 1600 N!

I think the guy working at the station thought we were crazy because Pete was shouting "Annie! Here! They're here!" Once we picked out the donuts and went to purchase them though, the guy agreed that they were worth they excitement--everyone loves a good Dunford!

We went home and each devoured our beloved donuts. We talked on the way home (before eating the donuts) that perhaps this would be a let down after all the hype and searching. But never. Dunfords never let you down.

Since that night, Pete is determined to make Dunfords a weekend ritual. Last weekend he got one and I had a bite. It sure was good---too good to make a regular thing, in my opinion!


Life is good and fun. Simple weekends like this keep us going through the hard work of the week. But we wouldn't have it any other way! We are so blessed!

A Special Cause

I have been putting off writing this post because I wanted to have the time to make it heartfelt and meaningful. Stephanie was one of my very best friends growing up and since we were little I have been impressed with her strength.

She moved away for a while when we were younger but somehow we were always friends. We became really close later in Jr. High after she moved back and since then I have considered her one of those friends that you will always love and feel close to no matter how far apart life may take you.

We roomed together for our first semester of college (when she met her husband!). She has always been fun loving and I have always struggled with that. We were a good pair.

I remember having long talks with Stephanie about things going on in her life and feeling like I had nothing to complain about. This girl has been through a lot. And yet, always after everything she was forgiving and still loving to those who may have hurt her. It has always impressed me.

Steph married an equally awesome guy and I enjoyed getting to be part of their special day. (Even though I may have ruined a few good pictures)

Stephanie and Matt will be amazing parents. I know that Stephanie will teach her children the power of forgiveness and love because that is what she has taught me.

Stephanie, along with other family members and friends who struggle with infertility, was one of the first people I thought of after finding out that I was pregnant. I was so excited for my own experience but also saddened by and confused why so many struggle to have children while we were blessed to get pregnant so fast. I know God has a plan for every one of us and we are all given different trials to face in life. That is one thing Stephanie and Matt are so good at recognizing. They know that God has a plan for them and their future children. They are working hard to be able to have a family and also relying on God and what He has in store for them.

Steph and Matt have been given the wonderful blessing of being sponsored by Pound the Pavement for Parenthood where a 5K Race is being held and donations are being made in their behalf. Although the race is in Indiana anyone can help by donating. They have a sweet story, which you can read here: http://poundthepavementforparenthood.blogspot.com/p/matt-stephanie-purcell.html.

I think it must be such a neat and humbling experience to have a community of people come together to help bring children into your life. Stephanie said it best when she wrote on her blog, "We are going to have the amazing opportunity of having those who love us help us become parents. I love that! Our kids are already so loved that people who love us want to help us get them here! They say it takes a village to raise a child--well, it's going to take a village to bring ours home!"

Y'all Ready for This?

25 week pic!

(This post is made better if you sing the song--in the title--while viewing....Epic right?).

Excuses, Excuses

I really have been wanting to blog for quite some time...but you see my computer will not hook up to the Internet at our apartment. Which means I have to find a time when Pete isn't using his computer for homework or figure out how to blog from my iPhone (yikes!).  So I have a million excuses for why I haven't blogged. But I am worried because I am missing so much going on in our lives!!

I know I am going to look back and be so mad that I didn't journal this time in our lives better. So here is my make-up attempt:

1. A growing belly. When my belly wasn't growing I was so good at taking pictures! I have about 15 pictures where I look exactly the same size. Now that it looks bigger every single day, I can't seem to find the right moment to take a picture. You see in the morning it's a rush to get out the door and I don't want to hassle Pete with having to stop to take a picture. When I get home I feel gross from a long day and I immediately change in to way more comfortable clothes that just aren't good for taking belly pictures.

Every Sunday I think "today's the day" (for a picture) and then between all that is going on I forget. Every time!

So here are a few old pictures...

and hopefully more to come soon. It is large my friends. And getting larger every day.

2. Gratitude Tree. Something we have started in our home. Each night (or more like, each night we remember) we write something we are grateful for and hang it on our tree. My intention was to keep it going until Thanksgiving, but at this rate we may not fill it until Christmas. I don't really care when we finish it. I just like the emphasis it brings into our home to remember the simple blessings in our lives.

3. Fall break. Pete and I had a wonderful fall break. Life was a bit hectic beforehand and we decided that if we didn't get away, we would not feel like we were even having  break from real life. So we booked a hotel in Park City and had a little getaway. We hiked in the beautiful, colorful mountains in Park City, visited Main Street, went swimming, relaxed and treated ourselves to few good meals. It was just the break we needed.

On our way home we decided that these kinds of little getaways are something we want to keep up for the rest of our lives. Big vacations that require a lot of time, money and flying (which I hate) probably just won't happen all that often. But quick little getaways are all we really need anyway.

4. Baby preparations. This is basically non existent. Except in my head and on my iPhone (where I make about 100 lists a day of things to remember/do/get). We have one outfit from Grandpa and Mimi Sundwall (Pete's parents) and a whole bunch of random toys and other hand-me-downs from Pete's Aunt Bessie. Other than that, we have not purchased a single thing to get ready for this baby. I am really dragging my feet. I know it would be easier to get stuff done now, before the holiday rush of things, but I just can't seem to make final decisions when I feel so far from the actual event of bringing a baby home.

I have done some research and looked online at potential stuff, but I get quickly discouraged because there are so many options out there! HELP PLEAASE!

I am, however, feeling more prepared in the area of the actual birth. I am reading lots of books and trying to do some thorough research about birthing options. I still have a lot of prep to do but I am getting a better idea of the direction I want to go in birthing this baby!

5. Daily monotony. From day-to-day it's hard not to get caught up in the monotony of Peter and I's daily responsibilities but we are trying to take it one day at a time and really enjoy the time we have together--just us. Pete is working so hard to prepare for the MCAT--which he will take a couple of weeks before the baby comes. He also continues to work hard at his regular school schedule, tutoring, teaching piano and volunteering all over the place.

We spoke in church last week and got new callings in the nursery. We are starting to feel more comfortable in our new ward and are getting to know people better.

This picture is the boys (Zach, Jeff, Pete & Uncle Mike) after the Priesthood session. Their faces fit their personalities so perfectly in this picture

6. Food. What is a blog post without mentioning food? I have been enjoying cooking lately and have been trying lots of new recipes. I mostly enjoy it, until I have an epic fail. Which happens more than I would like. But hey, you live and learn right?

A few things we are enjoying lately: Warm soups! Homemade granola with yogurt, mmmm. Pumpkin bread and muffins. We are still on our weekly search for the perfect chocolate donut. We search every other weekend or so when I really have a craving. But I won't purchase or eat the donut unless I KNOW it will be 100% worth it. It is a bit tricky to find the perfect chocolate donut sold singly. We found a dozen at Costco one night...but my craving + 12 chocolate donuts....really not a wise idea. And so the search continues and the craving never gets satisfied. But ONE DAY it will be worth all the waiting and all the searching.

My first pumpkin muffin of the season, which I thoroughly enjoyed at work one day. So much so that I had to take a picture...?

My Triathlete

In September Pete completed his first Triathlon! He made a goal at the beginning of the year to complete one and started lightly training in the spring/summer. I wanted so badly to be there to support him on the day of the race but it was way up in Ogden and his dad and him were leaving early in the morning and I would have to sit in a camping chair outside all day, alone. And pregnant.

So I got up early with him and helped him get out the door. I wished him luck and made him promise to take pictures for me. I was sad that I wasn't there but quickly fell back asleep for a couple more hours.

I made him promise to call me right when he was done so he called me on their way home and said everything went "fine." So typical. Come to find out, when I met him at his parents house in Alpine an hour later, he actually had an allergic reaction to something following the race and his dad gave him a hefty dose of Benadryl. All of this I had to find out from his mom because he was conked out. So I didn't get the full story of how things went until a few hours later.

So in the meantime, I went to the adult session of Stake Conference with his parents and hung out with his family while he slept it off.

That night we relaxed and watched the BYU-Utah game. Pete was tired from the Benadryl and a little sore over the next few days, but I tell ya, you really wouldn't know that kid had just completed a full Triathlon! He amazes me.

He will probably kill me for posting these photos, but it was a big deal and I can't pass up documenting our lives without fully documenting (pictures and all) Pete's first Triathlon!

 Don't mind the fact that he is making the same face in every one of these photos :)

Way to Go Pete!

Baby's First Outfit

We found out last Wednesday that our sweet little baby is going to be a GIRL! We could not be more thrilled and we feel her sweet spirit already!

My mind has been filled with all things pink and I think Pete is becoming a complete softie at the thought of having a baby girl.

Pete's parents went out and bought this little girl her very first outfit the night they found out it was a girl. When I opened the little box to find this sweet outfit I couldn't help but tear up. It is becoming so real!

I have left the outfit out on the dresser all week because every time I see it I am reminded that there really is a real little girl growing inside me and that soon enough she will be here as part of our family.

We feel so blessed to be bringing this sweet little girl into the world and know that she is going to be one spoiled and loved little girl (not only by us but a loving and supportive extended family as well).

Thank you to all who have shown excitement, love and support for us. We could not be more thrilled!

The Question

Baby Sundwall:

Boy?

Or Girl?

One week 'til we find out!

Washington D.C.

During August Pete and I were able to take a fun trip to Washington, D.C. Visiting all the U.S. history sites is definitely on my bucket list so I was excited to knock a whole section of that out in one trip.

I actually had to go for a work convention and since it happened to fall during Pete's break in between semesters, it was perfect timing. He was able to come and carry all the heavy boxes for this poor pregnant girl and I was able to show him a little bit of what I do when I travel for Little Heroes.

You can see a little of the hotel lobby here

 

First of all, the hotel was incredible. It reminded us of the Grand America in Salt Lake City. It was very historic and was literally next to the White House. So we took full advantage of that our first morning there--in our spare 10-minute break we wandered over and took a couple pictures.

 

On our last day we had a few minutes before we had to catch the shuttle at our hotel, so we walked down again and took a picture from the front side this time.

We woke up real early each morning to do my work stuff and then we typically had the afternoons free before we had to be back for galas and banquets in the evening. So each day we set out exploring the city and trying to hit every place on our list of must-sees.

We got to see the Holocaust Museum, Museum of American History, Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol Building, Martin Luther King Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Botanic Gardens, Smithsonian Castle, National Archives and Arlington Cemetery--I think that is all the highlights. And here are the pictures:

Capitol building

National Archives where we saw the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence

 

This wall at the WWII memorial commemorates the many individuals who lost their lives in the war--there is a gold star for each person. It is pretty incredible to see that long wall.

It was a long walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial all in one day--and stopping to see everything along the way. Our feet were SO sore after this day! But it was all worth it.

 

This display is at the American History Museum. It is a tribute to the Mormon pioneers and the Nauvoo Temple!

 

Washington Monument

 

We ventured out to use the metro system on our last day so we could see Arlington. I was a little nervous since I had never used a metro or subway or anything that we would end up at the wrong end of town but Pete was confident and we found our way just fine.

 

We watched the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

 

The Kennedy graves. Pete had been saying this quote (in the JFK voice) all the way to Arlington that day so I couldn't help but make him take a photo by it.

I think Arlington Cemetery was my favorite place we went. I have wanted to go there for as long as I can remember and it was just as impressive and moving as I thought it would be. There are so many graves stones to honor the many people who have made sacrifices for our country.

We had a banquet at the Kennedy Center one evening



This is David Osmond, we rode on the planes all the way from Salt Lake together only to find out once we arrived in D.C. at 1:00am that we were headed to the same convention! He was the entertainment for the gala one night and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to him perform.

Outside our hotel just before we left the city.

 

This trip was so perfect and I was so glad we were able to work it out for Pete to come. Without him I wouldn't have seen nearly as much of the city. It was the perfect get away for us to hit some things on our bucket list before we have a baby in tow!

Blessed, Honored Pioneers

Pete and I had the opportunity of going on a Pioneer Trek with our ward right before we moved out. We were called as members of the medical committee and I got to do a lot of the planning beforehand to prepare to make it a safe and spiritual experience for all the youth going.

When it got time to go, we had just begun telling people that I was pregnant and we got a lot of advice and cautions about me attending trek. I began to worry that perhaps going was unsafe for the baby, although I had felt all along that I would be fine. After much deliberation, prayer and worry, I felt a lot of peace about going and so I decided to stick with my plan.

That ward has the most incredible youth and the most inspiring people. Pete and I thoroughly enjoyed being on the trek and getting to interact with our ward members. It made leaving even harder, but we know it was the right thing to do. We will always look back at our time in that ward and the people we learned so much from. Pete and I both look up to so many of the awesome individuals in that ward and I think it was the perfect situation for us to learn from those people how to be better servants of the Lord. Their examples will always stick with me, no matter where life takes us.

Alright, enough with the serious stuff. Here are some fun pics from the trek:

Starting out at Independence Rock

Pete trekkin' it with Sister Cummings and the Bishop. The Bishop is one knowledgeable guy. He told us some amazing stories about different pioneers--some of them Pete's ancestors!

This character needed a lot of treatment since he came on trek already having infected blisters from basketball. Needless to say, Pete spent quite a bit of time with Benji.

One of my favorite parts of trek was watching the silent river crossing. It was a small reminder of the trials the pioneers faced before making it to Zion.

 

I told Pete when I took this picture that I was going to show everyone and tell them this is all he did on trek. In reality, however, Pete spent nearly every moment doctoring people up and encouraging the kids to keep going.

The last day was pretty windy, so after having trekked in the hot sun all day himself, Pete went around administering saline solution as people arrived in camp.

I could not stop laughing at Pete's hair on the last day. I am not sure how it got that way.

Despite our worries about going, I am so glad that I went. I got sick on the last day, but all in all it was a wonderful experience and we took so much away from the powerful spiritual experiences that we were able to have by attending the trek and reflecting more on our pioneer ancestors and all they sacrificed for their beliefs.