"Whoa, You're gettin' BIG!"

Of course my coworker told me that she meant "cute big" when the only response I could come up with was a quiet, "Thanks." I should have said something like, "Yeah well I made brain today! What have you done?" Or "Yeah the doctor said there's twins in there, and I'm ready to go any minute. So stay outta my way!"

On the up side of things is my belly button, my belly, my appetite, and my sleep. My belly button has slowly been turning its way up and out, peeking through my shirts. My belly continues to stay high and in the way of everything. I made sure to paint my toes and shave my legs this week- seeing as how I may not get another opportunity! Of course I want to eat everything in sight. And my former Gung-ho Gym attitude has sharply turned to kick my feet up and put my head down and sleep as much as possible.

That should all be just fine now that school is out! Hoorah! But I thought this cartoon depicted my 29 weeks of pregnancy very well.

Women ARE Perfect- Almost

So my very smart husband knows more than I could ever hope to know. It's great though- cuz he's a good teacher. He recently taught me that 28 is a "perfect number." Among other things, all the factors of 28 add up to equal 28. That is 1,2,4,7,14. They are the only factors of 28 and they all add up to 28. So cool. Apparently there are very few numbers like that.
Any way- so a woman's "monthly" cycle is really based on 28 days right? Just like the phases of the moon. Our cycle is "perfect." I'm already closer to perfection than I thought!

Summer Baby Mania

So I am finding out that almost everyone I know is pregnant right now! It's such a fun time full of excitement! There are four of us in my Spanish branch. I'm first, four days ahead of my sweet visiting teacher, a month ahead of my favorite Relief Society teacher, and two months ahead of my dearest friend in the branch. Then there is also a total of four here at work, though I 'm not sure where I fall in the line-up. My friend in Texas who I served under in my first Young Women's Presidency is also just a couple weeks ahead of me.

And most exciting of all- my best friend Amy called me a couple of weeks ago and told me she was pregnant too! My other best friend, Kara, and I are going to have so much fun being aunties to Amy and Jeff's little one!

And speaking of being an Aunty- Shae and Cathy had their baby in December and Scott and Rene had theirs last month- and I can't wait to meet my new nephew and niece! I know our little boy is going to have some awesome cousins to play with!

So congrats to all the recent and soon-to-be mommies and daddies out there. It's so exciting to see the love and joy that these little ones bring. We are all very blessed!

Busy Busy Bee

This last week has been crazy! Valentine's Day came around and we finally got to welcome our niece Adelaide! (Ethnee calls her Baby Lemonade) We're so happy Scott and Rene made it to the end in tact and in love! ;)


And so then we stayed in on Valentine's night and watched the Cosby show and cooked dinner together. Monday was our 2nd Anniversary! It still feels like the beginning! We celebrated with a fancy dinner out and then utilized our Plantearium memberships (Geek cards) for a free IMAX show about life under the sea!


And then yesterday was Shae's 34th birthday! Although we weren't down there with him- we hope he had an awesome birthday with his family. Happy Birthday Big Brother! And now Mom gets to go to Washington to meet Baby Lemonade and we are still waiting for our chance to meet Mr. Conley! Hopefully we get to meet them both sometime soon!


In the meantime we are anxiously awaiting our own little baby boy trying to figure out where in the world we're going to put our crib- and oh yeah- where are we going to get a crib!!! The doctors and books all say I should be able to feel him move any day now- but perhaps it is due to the extra pounds, which are compliments of my peanut butter chocolate kick, that are masking the movement! Cravings have gone in cycles so far from lemons- to peanut butter and chocolate (which was easily satisfied by peanut butter bars, Oh Henry's, and Nutty Bars), to grapefruit (which has turned out to be ongoing), to anything sugar, and now anything fruity!!! An occasional hot dog and an entire box of ginger lemon cookies which I found at Costco can also hold me over!



So all in all- Happy Birthday to Adelaide, Happy Valentine's Day, Happy Anniversary to us, and Happy Birthday to Shae!

We're Having A...

Well if this bet were taken in Vegas we would have too many winners for anyone to be happy about their winnings! Almost everyone said that we were going to have a boy- and we are!!! Last time we went to the doctor, our little boy was sure to let his privates flash the camera. Unfortunately- we didn't get a picture of that. This time he was much more modest, unfortunately, and the picture we got looks like- well I don't know what it looks like. Cathy could tell us- but since she doesn't live by us I had to trust my doctor and let everyone know that a little Afuvai boy is on his way.

My Child is Exactly Like Me... Except For

This great little site sends me weekly emails of Pregnancy Tips and things to be thinking of at my particluar point in this pregnancy. So today I got to read an article about what kinds of traits are passed down through our genes. It really got me thinking about the Nature vs. Nurture idea and why we end up the way we do.


My parents like to eat their bread or cake in a bowl of milk- and I hate it!! I got my dad's huge feet and long legs. And I'm more like my mom now than I ever would have thought! Everything from my love of jazz music to my intellect and hot temper are all passed down- or at least strongly influenced by my parents.

All except for my green eyes, that is!



But I am looking forward to watching my children and seeing them grow into little mini-Nessas and mini-Jakes. Of course- I expect them to have some characteristics that are uniquely theirs- I just hope they're things like a mild temper or great artistic talent- things I surely DO NOT have!!

Aren't we glad we didn't turn out like our parents? Well I have news for us all- we DID turn out like our parents- and we're stinkin' awesome!

Raiding His Closet...

So I'm quickly learning that none of my clothes fit me any more and the new clothes I bought to go with the belly seem to have gone missing- somewhere in my mess of a brain and house! I can't find anything to wear in the mornings.
Now you all know that I love to be comfortable- I mean REALLY comfortable. I'll wear Jake's shorts to the store and his T-shirts around the house- why suck it in if you don't have to right?!! But Jake has this nice black ribbed sweater in his closet and guess what- that's what I wore this morning!! Of course- it fits great! All I had to do was put my hair up in a cute bun, add some make-up and earrings so that I didn't look too mannish, and I was on my way!!
I guess what I really learned today is...
1. I should locate my cute pregnant belly tops
2. Mens' clothes are way more comfortable than womens'
3. A little make-up and a cute pair of earrings go a loooong way!

My Back Aches, My Belt's Too Tight, My Hips Shake from Left to Right!

Left! Right! Left Right Left! So I think whoever made up that song must have been pregnant at the time. Back Pains, big bellies, and loose joints not mention some of the strange sciatic nerve issues going on, the nausea and puking, the strange sensitivity to smells, tastes or textures, the lack of energy... And the list goes on. Props to my mom, my grandmothers, my sisters, and all the women who have endured these temporary (though they seem eternal) pains to bring life and joy to our home on earth! It'll all be worth it some day right?

Christmas Toys, Joys, and it's Back to the Grind

Well since I let everyone else do the picture taking this year I don't have one single picture to post on my blog of the holiday happenings. I can say though that the time spent with all our family and friends was the most joyous of it all. We got to join both of our families in Christmas parties, attend our neice Elauna's first dance recital, play games all kinds of games from Partini to Nerts to shooting video games, eat plenty of delicious food cooked up by hands of loving family members or restaurant chefs ;), watch children run, scream, crawl on Jake's head and pee their pants. Hey- it gave us something to look forward to in the future with our own little terror. It was, all in all, a joyful season of crazy snow, laughter, surprises, and love.
With Jake's money from being a football coach we were able to give each other an awesome gift. I bought him the I-pod he's been wanting. I must say that it's the coolest little gadget I've ever seen!! And he gave me a new Bosch kitchen mixer!! We both love our new toys and are reveling in reggae music and homemade rolls and crepes straight from yours truly!!!
We are so blessed to have had such an amazing Christmas season filled with the people we love. We got to see all my family except for Shae who is sharing the joy of his newest baby boy with his awesome wife and little girl! We miss you guys!! We also got to spend time with Jake's family who are definitely a riot- especially during the holiday season. Now it's over and everyone's back at home and back to the grind. Good luck everybody. We love you all!!

From 2 down to 1

Well y'all- we went to the doctor looking to see what other horrors he could give us for our first pregnancy experience. It turns out that we will only be having one baby this time. The other little angel didn't quite make it so its sibling is going to have to bring us double the joy. Good news though- our baby is healthy and its heart is beating and it looks just like an alien button- whatever that looks like :) Thanks to everyone for being so supportive and excited for us. We're on our way to one really big adventure!

Soon to be FOUR!

Well everyone-- we finally have some BIG NEWS! We are pregnant with twins! What we like to call "Just the Two of Us" will soon be updated to "Just the Four of Us." We suspected about two weeks ago that we were pregnant and so we went in to see the doc. Well he decided to do an ultrasound for- cuz we were in such a state of shock. Good doctor :) And guess what he found- two little black dots! Well for those of you who've seen an ultrasound- that's not normal. That's double the blessing though right!! So now we are worried with how many diapers these little things are going to need- and how we may need to use bottles more often than we though. Oh wait maybe not- Mommy's got Gillespie in her!
So we are about 6 weeks along right now which means those little things have heartbeats! We're due right around July 14th or 15th but they say that twins usually come about 4 weeks early so look for our news around June 16th or 17th!!!! Gonna share with Auntie Ethnee! We love you all! Glad we could share with you!

Speaking words of wisdom...

A wise man once said, "WE MUST ALL HANG TOGETHER - OR MOST ASSUREDLY, WE SHALL ALL HANG SEPARATELY."

What a great family motto. :)

Christmas Wishes From a Neice

The other day, while talking on the phone with one of my three favorite sisters in the whole world, I was reminded of how important family is. We were talking about plans for the holidays and Kayrena told me that the only thing Avonleah wanted for Christmas was to go see her Boo Boo Grandma. Boo Boo Grandma is my mom, whom Avonleah loves very much. Sometimes I think of all the great things I would love to have, like a new car or cute sweater. But hearing Ave's Christmas wish makes me remember how great it us to curl up by the fire at Mom and Dad's house in a blanket with some hot chocolate while the Christmas Tree lights in the next room light our season up with joy. The giggles of the little children and the peace that surrounds the true Christmas spirit is something that I am really looking forward to this year. Thanks Ave!

Stepping into the Spanish Branch

Hola y bienvenidos a nuestro blog. Lo nuevo de la familia Afuvai este mes es que ahora asistimos a una rama española! Nos encanta comunicar y estar con la gente latina. Sus corazones son grandes y sus testimonios fuertes. Ser miembros de la rama es una experiencia que me hace muy humilde. Soy maestra de la escuela dominical y Jake es miembro de la presidencia del Elder's Quorum. Es un desfío pero estamos trabajando aprender el lenguaje, la gente, y las costumbres- yo por la primera vez y Jake la segunda. ¡Es más fácil para él!

For those of you who don't "habla español" El niño is Spanish for "the niño." Ok so Chris Farley is a hero of mine. But seriously- Jake and I are now in the Spanish branch and we are loving getting to know everyone. The gospel is true wherever you go. We both have new callings- Jakes is in the Elder's Quorum presidency and I teach Sunday school to the youth ages 12-14. We love it and we love people already!

High School Football

So Jake has decided to coach the high school football team this season with two of his brothers. All three of them went to school here at Bonneville, played football here, and graduated from here. This week is what they like to call "Hell Week" so the boys are working two-a-days which means that Jake is also working two-a-days on the field and trying to fit his real job in between! It's gonna be a great season for the Lakers' defense headed up by three Afuvai's! Go Bonneville!

Our New Favorite Girl

This is our new favorite niece Prita. She got to spend the weekend with us and it was so fun to have her around. Of course she cried when we left the house or told her she had to stay outside. And that whining and petite howling tugged on our heart strings every time. She is a pure bred Rottweiler and is the prettiest thing ever. She's also mostly deaf, responding to only high pitched noises which she can't exactly place. So I spent the weekend kneeling down to get her to recognize me, or running after her when she chased little boys on their bikes down the street. I stayed home with her one day and she wasn't too interested in playing with me but rather waited by the gate all day long for Jake to come home. She knows who loves her! It sure teaches you something when you have to pay special attention to someone in order to get them to understand you- instead of yelling at the or commanding them to listen to you. She was such a joy to have around and we ended up with dog-kisses and dirty shirts every day- and it was totally worth it!

Another Amos Inspiration

Sometimes we think about all the troubles that we just can't handle, but we must choose to be strong and if all we can to pull us up is our memories, let them pull us up for now until we can find that greater strength that we truly need.


Amos Lee - Better Days

the darkness has always been,
the world was born into a blanket of sin,
when all the faith's been gone,
still we found a reason to carry on,
through the worrry, worry, worry,
caught in an endless maze
oh when the lights go out,
all i can think about,
is how, we've seen better days...

oh lover lately i've been thinkin i might leave you,
as you're surrounded by these fools who do decieve you,
yes our past is wretched true,
but i'm still in love with you,
thats why i am still refusin to give in to
all this worry, worry, worry
caught in an endless maze,
but when the lights go out,
all i can think about,
is how, we've seen better days

where do we go from here,
while we're all so consumed by feer,
why im trying not to be suspiscious of those im suspicious of,
I'm tryin to crackopen this angry heart and find a little love,
still i worry, worry, worry,
caught in an endless maze,
still when the lights go out,
all that i can think about is how we've seen better days,

oh when the lights go out,
all i can dream about,
is how, we've seen better days...

Batman Mania

Ok so he's aging, but aren't we all? Do you remember when he played Jack Kelly in Disney's "Newsies?" But man- he makes an incredible Batman. However, as excited as I was to see him put on that bullet-proof suit and fly across Gotham City, Jake was intensely more excited. Maybe it's that whole guys and super-hero thing. Juuuuuust maybe! This show was lots of fun to watch!

Bottom of the Barrel

"What makes a man a man? A friend of mine once wondered. Is it his origins? The way he comes to life? I don't think so. It's the choices he makes. Not how he starts things, but how he decides to end them."
- "Hellboy"

In light of a few recent events I find this man's song and voice very comforting. How true it is that everyone gets pushed to the bottom, but how far is that from the top? Do we really know? We wil never know unless we begin to climb.


"Bottom Of The Barrel"
Amos Lee

I keep on livin',
to keep from cryin'.
I keep on dreamin',
to keep from dyin'.
I keep on trying,
I aint gonna stop.

Get right down to the bottom of the barrel and float back on top.

We all know someone,
whos always hurtin',
The sun is shinin',
they draw the curtain.
One thing for certain,
the pain aint gonna stop.

You get right down to the bottom of the barrel and float back on top.

Cuz i know the grass,
is always greener in someone else's yard.
And the world is so much meaner,
when your heart is hard.

I go out walkin',
in any season.
It could be rainin',
it could be freezin'.
I don't need no reason,
it's just so pleasin'.
And i can't stop.

You get right down to the bottom of the barrel and float back on top.

You get right down to the bottom of the barrel and float back on top.

My New Feat/Feet!

Ok so I know this isn't much to be proud of but I sure am excited about it. The other day I ran a grand total of 6 MILES! I thought, "Hey, I'll just run while Jake lifts weights today." And so I did. And so I wasn't huffing and puffing. And so the next morning I thought I would die before I rolled out of bed!!! So no- this isn't a picture of me- but isn't it inspirational?