Happy Birthday Handsome

** H A P P Y  26TH  B I R T H D A Y   E T H A N **

Am I dreaming or are you becoming more and more handsome every year!? Officially 26, closer to 30 than 20 you old man! Every birthday of yours, I am reminded of how lucky I am to spend my life with a partner like you.

This last year alone has been a big one for us...

➔You graduated from College with your Bachelors in Business and an IT Minor. 

➜ You accepted a full-time job for a company called Printer Logic

➜ You commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. 

➜We created a precious baby girl to join our family this year!

➜We bought our first house in St.George, Ut 

➜We tour apart that new house and created a home - with so much help from our families.  

➜We moved 2,059 miles away from our family + home to live on base at Fort Gordon, GA

➜You started your 18-week Signals Officer Course.

➜You've survived living with a pregnant woman for almost 9 months

As your birthday approaches every year, I find myself filled with anxiety. How can I best show you how much you are appreciated? What in the world can I buy you to show you how much you are loved? Are there even enough words to properly express to you how much you mean to me?I am the luckiest woman in the world because I have you! I truly believe you are the best thing that has ever happened to me on this side of eternity.

As the time for baby Janson draws near, I've felt my heart skip a beat with just the thought of you becoming a daddy. The way you already talk about how perfect she'll be and how much she'll love you. You will take such good care of her because of how well you've taken care of me. You are convinced, with good reason, that you will be her absolute favorite. I can totally see this daddy-daughter relationship that so many people will be craving for themselves. 

Thank you for the blessing of being your wife and making me a mommy! I knew I loved you when "home" went from being a place to being with YOU. 
Happy birthday handsome husband. 

CHARLESTON + AUSTYN

We had more company!! We love when people visit us in Georgia!

 Ethan's cousin Austyn actually served her LDS Mission in South Carolina about 2 years ago and decided that this would be the perfect time to come back and visit!  Coming back now was perfect because she was able to visit us, have a place to stay and transportation and also have family here to share her mission & experiences with. Austyn flew in on a red-eye Thursday morning so after a quick shower and some food (she was too excited to sleep) she and I headed up to Columbia while Ethan was in class. The people she met and served in Colombia were some of the sweetest people. They threw her an open house with an amazing display of food & desserts for anyone who knew and loved her to come visit while she was in town. I met these people on Thursday as strangers and by Sunday when we left them they had become like family. One of the men actually hugged me, kissed my forehead, and rubbed my belly before we left. haha They fit the perfect description of Southern Hospitality to a T. This sweet grandma sent me home with an actual box full of leftovers and desserts to share with Ethan since he couldn't come. And they invited us back for Thanksgiving when they heard we would be out here without family. I'm so grateful they were apart of Austyn's mission experience and took great care of her. It was incredible how much they had grown to love this young 20-year-old girl from Utah who was just with them for a couple of months.  Honestly though, if you know her, you love her! She's just got one of those personalities that you can't help but love!!

On Friday morning we decided to take Austyn to Phinizy Swamp to get the real Southern Swamp experience. And what an experience it was!! On the start of our 2-mile trail as we were walking through the grass trail I caught the slightest movement out of the corner of my eye and low and behold there was a snake, all coiled up, head tilted back and mouth wide open ready to attack! Had I taken two more steps he would have got me! Pretty dumb on my part but I was only in sandals so he would have had free access to my bare foot or ankle. It's a good thing I had been there before because after seeing this snake I couldn't appreciate the scenery, I was too busy scanning the trail and surroundings for the next attempt from this pesky little snake. It sure made for an exciting morning at the swamp and it's always a win when you don't run into Mr. Alligator. (no matter how bad Ethan wants to). 

I love watching these two together! When I first married into the Janson clan, Austyn was one of my favorite new cousins I gained and I knew from the beginning we would have a good relationship. I love this girl like a sister!

After our outing to the Swamp, we drove a couple hours down to Charleston! Charleston was pretty similar to Savannah but had more of a colonial feel whereas Savannah was more overgrown greenery with that Southern Charm. I would recommend both towns to anyone to add to your list of must-visit destinations!  We started our visit in Charleston at the City Market. The City Market is a historic market complex in downtown Charleston established in the 1790's. The market stretches for four city blocks of a continuous series of one-story market shops. One of my favorite shops was one that Austyn and I bought new rings at. I even got my ring custom made to replace my wedding ring this last month of pregnancy due to a little swelling!

Like usual, we didn't book any walking/carriage tours because one of our favorite ways to tour a new city is to just get out and explore. We love just making our way up and down the backstreet and ally's to get the real feel for the city. Charleston is totally defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel houses. What a sight! 

We couldn't have the real Charleston experience without trying some famous Swig & Swine BBQ. One word: Awesome! If you're ever nearby, definitely give it a try! They have had visitors from literally all over the world and a fun map to display it. (see pictures)Plus you can't have a good Southern BBQ without banana pudding and luckily they have the best!! I seriously crave it anytime I think about it now...Pregnancy problems. ;)

Before leaving town we had a suggestion to visit Isle of the Palms beach and I'm glad we did. There is nothing like the east coast beaches. The sand is just so dang soft!! I'm sure we looked a little out of place and overdressed surrounded by everyone else there but it was still a relaxing afternoon at the beach and with perfect weather! 

On Sunday we decided to drive back up to Columbia for church services since everyone there just loves Austyn and wanted to see her again before she left. They even tried convincing her more than once to move back to the South and offered up their own homes. To which I kindly shook my finger no to! She's needed and back home thank you very much ;) After church we stopped by the Columbia Temple for a quick visit. Nothing like being on the temple grounds to make you feel at home. 

To sum it up, we had a great weekend with Austyn here in town and honestly think she should just drop out of school, quit her job and come live out here with us! ;) It was so great to have family out here and really just having another girl around was nice. Living on post and mostly hanging with all male soldiers can really make me crave some girl time. Plus it was fun to let her feel all of baby girls kicks and movements, yes even the hiccups! I didn't realize how much I would miss not having my family around to experience these different stages of pregnancy. Thanks for visiting Auntie Kaye!! 

SAVANNAH, GA

One of the perks of coming to the fall course for Ethan's training was that we have at least one holiday each month! The best thing about these holidays is that they don't even have to be major ones for the Army to issue a 4 day weekend!  With that in mind, Ethan and I agreed to make the most of those days off and explore the South as much as possible before we add this little addition to our family and come back to somewhat normal civilian life! I guess you could say this was our "babymoon" ...as if this whole trip to Georgia wasn't. 

We decided for our October four day weekend, we would go explore the oldest city in Georgia ---> Savannah! With its pedestrian-friendly layout, emerald tree canopy, quaint cobblestone streets and majestic architecture, Savannah attracts thousands of people daily. Hopefully, some of these photos will help you understand why.   

- Riverstreet Markets -

This historic street is home to more than 70 shops, restaurants, and entertainment. This little stretch of businesses right off the river was my favorite part of the city. Even having to climb the steepest stairs to access them. Pregnant or not, they were crazy steep!!

- Tybee Island, GA -

This island is the easternmost point in Georgia and just 18 miles outside Savannah it is known as Savannahs Beach. We walked hand in hand talking about how excited we were to introduce our little girl to the beach someday! Fun fact about us, we HATE the ocean. Aside from a cruise or boat trip, we have never had a desire to be out in open water. That "open water" even includes water past our knees! However, we do LOVE the beach. Laying out in the sun, playing in the sand, feeling the waves crashing on our feet is all this desert-living couple needs from the Sea. While on the island we did enjoy an hour-long boat tour at sunset to see dozens of Dolphin. One of the highlights of our weekend for sure. 

- Wormsloe Historic Site -

This breathtaking avenue sheltered by live oaks and Spanish moss leads to the ruins of Wormsloe Plantation. It's actually the longest live oak-covered road in the world, spanning a mile and a half long with over 400 live oak trees lining the path. Aside from the major Humidity here, it was a beautiful site, one you would see on a pinterest travel page. 

- Bonaventure Cemetery -

I know what you're thinking...a cemetery? Isn't that borderline creepy and, well, boring? That's what you'd think. However, while this cemetery may not be the oldest in Savannah, it certainly is it's most famous and hauntingly beautiful!

My adorable soldier. Walking around the cemetery he noticed this American flag tipped over and lying crumpled in the dirt, most likely some of the aftermaths of the latest storm (Hurricane Irma). Without thinking he walked over, brushed it off, and placed it respectfully back in its stand. USA USA USA 

We just happened to choose the perfect weekend to go to Savannah...Oktoberfest! Savannahs Oktoberfest celebrates German heritage with food, beer, live music and of course, the popular Wiener Dog Fest! And no I'm not making this up...this was their 40th Anniversary of the Wiener Dog Races!!! For proof, because I knew I might need it, I got a video of the race! You're welcome! 

WEDNESDAY, October 4th,2017

32 Weeks

7.5 weeks left...maybe more, maybe less? Enjoy this week's updates.

Baby is the size of:

She is now the size of a Florida Pomelo! I'll be honest, I had to look that one up. ;) She is measuring in close to 18 inches and weighs about 4lbs. At my weekly checkup I was measuring in at 30 weeks but my doctor assured me that it's no concern unless I get three weeks behind.  

 Symptoms:

• That nasty H word just won't let up... Heartburn!! Luckily at my doctor's appointment, I was given a stronger medication that has worked wonders. Zantac is my new best friend. 
• I feel so bent in half lately. Literally, it feels as if I'm completely leaning over trying to touch my toes ALL THE TIME! Even when I'm leaning back I can't stop the feeling. And it's sure to only get worse as the weeks go on. 
• Her movements are getting more and more intense. Less of little flutters and more of a complete force shoving around inside me. It's amazing!
• Sadly, I've had to cut back at the gym. I still go daily, but I've become good friends with the bikes and elliptical and less with the weights and Zumba. It still counts if I'm going to half of the Zumba classes, right? 
• I know I've talked about this before, but man this girl takes after her momma! Hiccups every morning and night! Dad loves it but I bet he wouldn't if I were to put my belly on him late at night and early in the morning so he had to be awake too! I guess this is just another way I'm being prepared for what my schedule might be like shortly. 
• My blatter is shrinking...okay so maybe it has something to do with this growing babe in there!

Best moment this week:

General Conference was this last weekend! This was one weekend I knew I was going to get a little homesick. Every year for General Conference we usually watch a session at home with my family eating lots of yummy snacks and going on a family walk in between sessions. So Ethan and I took matters into our own hands and stalked up on treats then started our morning off with a walk at Phinizy Swamp. Plus, as cliche as it sounds, I swear most of the conference talks were totally written for me.

  

Next Doctors Appointment:

Tuesday, October 17th, 2017 @ 11:30am

Fort Gordon Hospital 

Extras from this week:

• Bought a new maternity dress! I still can't believe this is my body right now?! It's been a struggle watching the numbers on the scale go up each week, but then when I feel her move inside me it completely puts my mind at ease and makes me realize it's all worth it! Someday I will really miss this bump.

• Last minute Tuesday night we randomly decided to go to an Atlanta Soccer game! We pilled in the car as soon as class got out and drove two hours to Atlanta. Even getting home late on a weekday we totally didn't regret it after seeing such an intense game! Their Arena was amazing and had 43,000 people in attendance! Plus I love seeing how excited Ethan gets at games. He deserved a break from class and got just that!