Pre-Thanksgiving Escape...

(Thank you for your sweet comments. We can't wait to meet our little girl. More to come.)

James and I decided to take a little vacation before Thanksgiving.

We took three days off - leaving us with a 10 day vacation.

It was nothing short of fabulous!

We were lucky enough to meet up with several couple friends from our alma mater - BYU.

St. George was the perfect meeting place for all of us 

as we traveled to our various Thanksgiving destinations.

Daron and Dani Bree Young - Blair and Nicole Frei - Ryan and Shelby Skousen

and the Barkers were all {miraculously}in STG for the same 48 hours.

Glorious!

My Dad called our little get together an "adult sleepover."

We had a good laugh about that one.

We all {appropriately} crashed at my parents' house.

{Thank you Mom and Dad}

Saturday we enjoyed the stunning weather by going on a little hike.

Even though I grew up in St. George - 

I never managed to hike "fat man's misery" 

on top of the sugar loaf.

And I decided this was going to be the day.

I titled it "pregnant woman's misery" as I squeezed myself through that terrifying crack.

 We convinced Shelby to face her claustrophobic fears 

and once she climbed through 

she announced that it was one of the best things she has ever done.

Sadly, the boys were not able to fit -

but they did make some excellent photographers!

(picture via)

Something about the Dixie Rock is just magical to me.

Call me crazy,

 but I get the goosebumps thinking about the rich century long traditions of this hill.

I was lucky enough to go to Dixie High and feel the magic of this place.

Few places allow kids to relay a bucket up main street or hang off a cliff to paint their pride on a rock.

We spent hours and hours catching up.

I think I could talk to these girls for years about life, the gospel and love.

The boys watched football and played ping-pong.

That night we ate at Pasta Factory.

After 4.5 months of pregnancy cravings for their marinara and bread sticks -

I finally had my fix.

Even though we hadn't told our families 

we couldn't miss this opportunity to tell a big group about our baby girl.

As we sat down our server brought a round of PINK lemonade.

Everyone kept looking around and then suddenly Nicole got it and screamed "It's a girl!"

It was so classic and was thrilling to finally have the word out.

After dinner James convinced the crew to go to Nielson's Frozen Custard.

He is slightly obsessed.

It was the perfect start to our vacation.

I was terribly sad to see everyone go but feel oh so blessed to have them all as life long friends.

This group of people are constantly keeping in touch and are always wanting to get together.

They are the kind of friends you want to keep around for a long, long time.

Until next time gang!

It's a...

Girl!

Place Your Bets...

Is Baby Barker a little him or a little her?

We had a preliminary ultrasound but we are waiting for the final say by the Doc on Tuesday.

Can't wait to share the news!

Life lately...

When I came across OC Metro I had no idea the opportunity I was walking into.

I was told Orange County was the worst place for a broadcasting job.

I would need to commute.

I refused to believe it and to leave my sweet husband for a job elsewhere.

So, I looked for alternatives. 

And it turns out I didn't find an alternative - 

I found the best job I could imagine.

Not just because it was in journalism -

because of the people.

Earlier this month we had our Hot 25 event.

OC Metro recognizes the "hottest" 25 people in Orange County.

No, not for their looks.

For their outstanding contributions to the local business industry.

People like the president of Disneyland Resort or the CEO of Yogurtland.

I was lucky enough to attend the event and to interview the honoree's.

Talk about nerve racking.

I introduced our CEO Steve Churm in a live shot on the OC Metro Minute.

It was exhilarating and a huge honor.

The event was planned by OC Metro's sister company Ripe Orange and went off without a hitch.

Besides me tripping in front of the whole audience

but what else is new?

It was held at the Island Hotel and as you can see the food was to die for.

I think I ate three servings of their specialty Macaroni and Cheese.

Don't judge. I was nervous. And pregnant.

 

Meeting the extraordinary honorees was an experience I will never forget.

But my favorite part of the evening was realizing how blessed I am to work for this company.

Mostly because of my coworkers and superiors.

I adore the people I work with every day.

Caitlin, Nicole, Steve, Kim and Larry.

My boss Kimberly Porrazzo is the most incredible mentor.

I look up to her like a second Mom.

She is an incredible leader, journalist and most importantly wife and mother.

I have moved into a new role at OC Metro in preparation for my new role as a Mom.

I am now focusing solely on the OC Metro Minute.

It has been a strange change as I spend less time at the office. 

But I know it is the right thing 

and am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity with the video position.

Now, OC Metro editors are looking for the top local CPA's for our January issue.

Know of any outstanding accountants in the area?

Besides my favorite {almost} CPA who shares my last name. He doesn't count.

To nominate someone click here.

Flaws...

On Sunday James and I went on a nice walk around the Backbay.

It was a simple Sunday activity - I snapped pictures and James worked on perfecting my spiral throw.

The scenery was beautiful and the weather was perfect

but I quickly found myself babbling on about our picture perfect life...in the future.

You know, wanting one of those pretty houses -

our future jobs, kids, residence etc. etc.
As if I have it so rough.

James argued back here and there but mostly remained quiet.

And then suddenly he just looked at me calmly and simply and said,

"I just hope you are happy with your life now."

Although his words were few, it seemed like many as they repeatedly flash in my mind.

Uncharacteristically, I looked at him and thought - you are absolutely right!

From the time I was a little girl I have always been seeking for the next step. 

Sure, it helps you reach your goals and push yourself further.

But when it comes to my personal life, 

I seem to look to the next moment rather than enjoying the here and now.

I was embarrassed and ashamed of my "I want" attitude.

Its funny, after spending every free waking hour with your spouse 

you sure do know each other well.

And yet, I still get embarrassed when my flaws are exposed.

Just a few moments later James was praising my oh so simple dinner

And that is another subtle beauty of marriage.

Forgive and forget.

Boy am I grateful for that one.

Fall Faire...

On Saturday, our ward held its annual Fall Faire.

I did the publicity for the event and was really excited to see how it all came together.

I had no idea it was going to be such a big deal.

The Newport Beach 1st Ward certainly goes all out for this one.

I made a delicious chili for the cook off, based on a recipe from a friend.

It was my first cook off and I was admittedly overly excited about the whole thing.

The cub scouts had a darling fundraiser with some delicious turkey cupcakes.

The kids activities looked so fun and I was bummed I couldn't join in.

Jen made an incredible pumpkin cake.

I am still admiring it.

There was a stick pull contest that was hilarious and a pie eating competition.

Our new missionary in the ward won.

It was classic.

I also ended up making Your Homebased Mom's White Almond Sheet Cake.

And ended up bringing most of it home.

There are always too many desserts.

And lucky me, I took home the award for "Most Unique Chili."

It was actually a three way tie

but somehow I ended up with the ladle.

I guess that is what happens when you put zucchini in your chili.

Thanks again for the recipe Shelby!

After the party we came home and snuggled up on the couch to watch a movie.

{Sorry for he iPhone pic AND for James' face. I promise he likes me.)

The weather here has been perfectly fallish 

and I loved curling up on the couch with my main squeeze.

And despite that face, I can guarantee you he loved it too.

Life in the Making: 15 Weeks Pregnant

I think it is time I start documenting this little life in the making.

I am now longing for a record of my own Mom's pregnancy 

and find myself constantly asking her how she felt at this point.

Hopefully our little peanut will cherish this one day.

I can hardly believe that I am now into my second trimester and things are trucking along.

Obviously I don't have much of a bump.

Just a little tiny one.

But we are starting to see little changes and can't wait till I start popping out.

I threw up at least once or twice a day my entire first trimester.

My doctor kept asking if I wanted to take meds - 

but I knew I could get through it without.

Yes, it was rough.

But strangely there was something magical about it.

Call me crazy, but I absolutely loved having a sign that I was pregnant.

It was a daily {sometimes hourly} reminder that my life is changing.

This is no longer just about me and James.

Something about having a little poppyseed make you feel so queazy is exciting.

In addition to the queasiness - I was feeling terribly tired.

Around 9 weeks they discovered that I am extremely anemic.

This wasn't shocking to me as I have been border line anemic my whole life.

My vitamins were all making me throw up on the spot -

so my doctor said to just make it through the first trimester and then get back to them.

I am just starting to take iron supplements to combat the anemia.

At 11 weeks we had an ultrasound.

James was able to come and I was thrilled.

Since he won't be to most of my appointments from here on out I was glad he saw the ultrasound.

Seeing is always better than hearing, if you ask me.

At 12 weeks I got to hear the heart beat.

That was exciting, although all too short.

Cravings.

So far I haven't had too many cravings - just food aversions.

Most of my family is now eating a plant based/vegan lifestyle.

At first I had mixed feelings about it.

Then, I was really frustrated because I wanted to be joining in 

but the thought of eating some of those things made me queazy.

For a while all I wanted was cheese.

And I let myself.

Now, I am just trying to do my best.

Eat more veggies. Less meat and animal products etc.

And I feel great about my improvements.

When I was sick and not wanting to cook we visited Cafe Rio more than I am willing to admit.

I also drank a lot of Diet Coke to help with nausea.

My doctor said DC was ok instead of Sprite, to avoid the sugar.

It also helped me get through my 6:30 a.m. work schedule.

The only craving I have really had is sour candy -

specifically Sour Patch Kids.

I almost made James go get me some in the middle of the night once.

Almost.

And then two weeks ago - the nausea just stopped.

I was throwing up constantly one day and the next - nothing.

And just like that - this little baby is already growing up.

We are eating much healthier and I am loving being able to cook again.

I am going to Dr. Clayton.

A lot of the girls here highly recommended him.

His office is just blocks from our house and right across from the hospital where we will deliver.

Our hospital overlooks Balboa 

and we will supposedly have an ocean view from our room.

Seems normal to everyone here - but we think we are rather spoiled.

We love our doctor.

He is very thorough and just calming.

He delivers about 80 percent of his patients babies so we are hoping he will deliver ours.

We had our 15 week appointment yesterday.

James had a CPA study day on Friday so I changed my appointment so he could come.

Everything checked out just great.

Still anemic, but thats ok.

No weight gain so far - but the doctor says to expect a five to ten pound gain in the next little bit.

At first I was really nervous about the weight part.

But my doctor keeps reminding me its natural and good.

And he's right.

The little one is 4.5 inches long now and weighs about 2 or 3 ounces.

I was happy James was able to hear the heartbeat.

And lets just say - he's been drumming the beat on his dashboard ever since.

We are supposed to find out what we are having the week of Thanksgiving -

but we will be in St. George.

We are bummed about that but are excited to find out the week after.

We think we want to wait till Christmas to tell our families what it is.

We will see if we last.

After our appointment we went down and sat on a lifeguard stand.

A storm was rolling out and we were the only ones in sight.

It was the perfect day.

We talked about our life changing and how excited we are to be expanding our little family.

The last couple of weeks I have found myself thinking a lot 

about adoption that has taken place in my family.

How amazing it is that no matter what the route, little ones are placed in the right family.

Its been humbling for me to realize that this pregnancy really isn't about me.

It's just a way of transportation.

No matter what,

 he or she was going to find a way to us 

because we agreed to be together forever a long, long time ago.

This little baby is meant to come to our home and specifically to our family.

We can hardly wait to meet this little person.

Beach Pit...

In our neighborhood there is a little beach BBQ place called the Beach Pit.

I had passed it several times and wanted to give it a shot -

so I was thrilled when the ladies in our ward found a coupon and decided to make a play date out of it.

I was the only one without a munchkin but I soaked up every second.

And every bite.

I have been really missing Guru's sweet potato fries - 

and the Beach Pitt has some serious competitors.

How lucky am I to be in such a fun ward?

7 ladies + 11 kids + some fabulous food = the perfect afternoon.

Summer in October...

Its been six months since the last time I saw my parents.

Call it growing up, call it moving away, call it good for me -

I still miss my family!

So, my parents decided to come visit for my Dad's 35th Birthday.

{You're welcome Dad}

I was over the moon excited.

It was a relaxing weekend full of beach time and touring our new home.

They picked the perfect weekend to come.

It was literally summer in October.

We were all wishing we were in our suits on the beach.

Several members of my family are now eating a plant based diet.

My parents were thrilled to be in an area that caters to their eating style.

The healthy lifestyle here is one my favorite things about this place.

We took my Dad to our usual spot, True Food, for his birthday dinner.

My Mom has a rather lengthy list of food requirements 

some of which she has cursed/blessed me with.

True Food seems to meet most of those requirements 

so it has become my go to place when I have to eat out.

And James can get a hearty Bison burger.

Win win.

We had the most delicious apple crisp dessert for my Dad's birthday treat

and it was all on the "Ann approved list."

Bonus!

I can't get over how good my Dad looks!

The man acts half his age.

Lookin' good Daddy-o.

The boys topped the night off with game 7 of the world series.

I love nothing more than having my two favorite men on the same couch at once.

They love watching sports together and its just about the only time I thoroughly enjoy the game myself.

The next morning we woke up and walked to Starbucks for a little Soy Pumpkin Steamer.

{Although James opted for a Hot Cocoa instead}

If you haven't had one do yourself a favor and walk - 

no RUN to the nearest Starbucks. 

They are to die for

and the perfect way for me to get my fall fix during the summer in October.

We showed my parents Pelican Hill, Balboa, Corona Del Mar etc. on our way to our next stop...

a picnic lunch at Salt Creek Beach.

We had a lovely picnic here with our friends Shelby and Ryan and had to take my parents.

We love eating on the grass and then enjoying a walk on the sand.

It also happened to be a surf competition, 

which was an added perk.

James gets restless after about 4 minutes of a picnic.

I forgot to bring him a frisbee or a ball.

So, he used his apple.

We all took turns playing catch with James and his apple.

Lets just say its time for us to have a kid for more reasons than one.

We finished the evening with a little Banzai Bowl in Laguna and then walked around the shops.

I have discovered the most incredible home decor spot, Tuvalu.

Ok, it didn't take much discovering.

It is on the main drag BUT I am still quite proud of my find.

I take every one there and want every thing inside.

This weeks find...

These nautical Christmas ornaments.

As much as I love me some red and green at Christmas -

I might just need these.

It's a need. Not a want.

{insert James rolling his eyes}

We headed to the Irvine Spectrum to walk around and watch Moneyball.

My boss' son just happens to be in the movie so I was especially excited to see it.

Definitely a must see.

This girl was sure sad to see these two go.

We have big plans for their next adventure to Newport.

And can't wait for Thanksgiving in St. George.

No matter how old I get there is still a need for a little time with my good ol' Mom and Dad.

Monster Mash...

My sweet friend Mercedes and I decided to throw a little bash for Halloween.

Our ward is full of kiddos so we decided it would be best to have an open house

where everyone could stop by for some hearty and sweet eats while out trick or treating.

On Monday, Mercedes and I ran errands with little babe Vera all day.

From the costume shop on Balboa Peninsula, to Ikea and Beach Pitt for sweet potato fries 

we covered some serious territory.

With just a few hours to spare we went home to set up for our spooktacular. 

I must admit, Halloween was by far my most favorite night we have had in Newport.

Mercedes, Aaron and beautiful Vera.

The Overton Fam.

Love that top pic of the boys.

Cracking me up.

The Hoopes family.

Can't get enough of those twins!

The Vichikov fam.

Who doesn't love a baby Greek Goddess?

To die for.

The Williams fam.

Little Hannah was crawling and meowing everywhere.

She had the real spirit of Halloween.

Perfect age for trick or treating!

 

 We ended up having nearly 25 people in our apartment at once.

{Not all were pictured}

I love nothing more than a packed house!

How I managed NOT to take a picture with my co-hostess Mercedes is beyond me.

She made so many delectable treats 

{check out those cupcakes!}

that I am still munching on.

Thanks for making this holiday oh so special!

When James and I found this neighborhood back in April we just knew we had to be here.

We weren't sure why -

but we just knew.

And now it is all so clear.

In just 6 short months this place has become home because of these people.

Nothing solidified it more than my first big holiday in our new home.

I didn't bat an eye.

I was thrilled to be here 

and was even more excited that we had wonderful friends to attend the annual Halloween Barker Bash.

Until next year...

Happy Halloween!