Cameron Michael Morton

Here he is...







The Stats:
Five days overdue
Born Nov. 29, 2009
1:04 a.m.
8 lbs 2 ounces
21 inches long
18 hours of labor
2 minutes for the Dr. to cut him out during a C-Section!

All the details later when Momma feels like reliving them.

Baby Cameron is so sweet and we love him so much already! Isn't he such a little Ben?!?

Yes, I am still pregnant...

People are funny. They act so surprised that I am still pregnant and mobile. But I guess I understand...I could go into labor any day at this point and a lot of women get induced at 38 weeks. I am just trying to be patient.
We are getting more excited as time goes by. I can't believe I only have 19 days until my due date. It has gone by so fast for me.
I am feeling good. I am taking it easy and preparing the last little things before the baby is here. I really feel like I should be more stressed but I am not. I know everything will just work out. I have my freak out moments but for the most part I am calm.
My mom is coming to stay with us next Tuesday. I am excited. There are times in your life even as a grown woman that you just need your mom. First baby qualifies.
Still no name finalized for the little Kumquat. So, help us choose and vote in the poll.
I can't wait to meet the little guy.

Shower me, Baby

I had my baby shower today. I feel so loved. Thank you to all of you who came, who decorated, who brainstormed, stressed and organized, who made invitations, who showered me with love, gifts, advice and friendship.

Thank you for all the thoughtful gifts.

For the adorable pint-sized clothes. And the creative clothes line that displayed the array.




For the hand-made quilts,




handmade baby hats,




and homemade nursing shield and boppy cover.


(funny side story: when I opened the nursing shield and boppy, there were these two little tee-pees...



Now, with the theme of the present...I couldn't help but think that they went along with it...I know I am a small cup size but come on! To prove my point, I asked Ben what he thought they were and he confirmed..."Nipple Covers?" LOL Oh man, I am laughing just thinking about it. Well, they are actually Pee-Pee Tee-Pees to shield the new mom from her infant male urinating on her. Isn't that a great idea?!?? And hilarious misinterpretation?)


Thank you for the diaper cake. I know how much time, effort and money goes into a making a handmade, creative gift. Isn't this diaper cake just cute?



This is the quilt we made during the shower.



Here is dump truck from Ben's childhood that he insisted on filling with chocolate and displaying at the shower.




This is the happy, pregnant lady---fully content (but a little tired) with the eventful day.



Thank you again...especially to Jan, Jenny, Megan, Rick and Ben for pulling it all together. I love you guys!

Victoria, BC That's in Canada

Ben was not a huge fan of Canada after being strip searched at the border. OK we added the strip part...but we were searched and violated. Border patrol is doing their job, I suppose such a young guy and a pregnant chick could have been kidnapping that cute, little old couple.

After we finally got on our way we had a wonderful time in Victoria with my Mom and Dad. (if you don't count all the lesbian couples...not that there is anything wrong with that...But wow I have never seen so many women dressed like men and I live near Seattle!)

Anyway...we stayed in a city loft right downtown next to China town and Market Square. The shops were fun to see but the best part of course was The Butchart Gardens. That was gorgeous! I loved it. They put on a fireworks show every Saturday in the summer and I have never seen anything like it. The pyrotechnics were amazing! It was more of a little show all set to music. Canada knows how to put on a good show.

We went on a boat tour at Butchart and a boat tour at Deception Pass near Anacortes, WA. Ben can't help but want to be on the water. Counting the ferries we were on a boat ride everyday of the trip. We saw a dolphin on the ferry too! We were like little kids but it was so fun.

After Mom and Dad left, we missed them alot. We enjoyed sleeping in our own bed and Sadie loved having her house back to get all hairy. (I think I will have to ban her from the couches and beds when the baby comes) Ben and I are going to take up golf. We were better than I thought we would be. Thanks Dad for letting us enjoy your favorite pass time with you. My Mom also made me the CUTEST blankets for the baby with matching burp clothes. Ben actually got after me because I was taking a nap with the quilt...He said I couldn't use it because it was for the baby! Isn't that messed up? I am one with baby...and that little quilt is heavenly.

Well, I better go and get some work done. I need to work before I head off to my prenatal yoga class.

By the way, Momma would be so proud. I canned 90 quarts of peaches this week! Well, 30 of them were for Jan but still! That means we have a jar of peaches for every week of the year plus some. Now, we have to take care of those apples that are falling from the trees in the front yard and Ben has requested Strawberry jam. My friend also called me with too many plums....can those up too. The Morton Cannery. We should start a business!

Buddah Belly

So, there is your beloved, Buddah belly shot. Ben and I are thinking about making a paper chain to count down the days until the baby is here. I can't believe I am already 30 weeks! I don't care what people say I think 10 weeks is not that long. We are definitely on the downhill.

I feel spoiled at such a good pregnancy I have had. I have felt great considering how alot of women feel during pregnancy. The baby is kicking like crazy...I think he might have restless legs syndrome. I joke now, but he sometimes kicks like he can't stand being in there and I just imagine him trying to sit still outside the womb. He is going to be a little Ben.

Well, I wanted to give all my long distance friends a little preview of the belly. I actually probably should post another one soon because I am expanding by the day...Let's hear it for short torsos!

What have we been up to?

Wow, a whole lot since I last posted. Let's go back and see.



4th Anniversary Weekend Trip to Lake Quinault---Highlight: The Lake Quinalt Lodge, the largest spruce tree in the world, and just spending time with Ben. Lowlight: No resturaunts in the town besides the lodge.

Work Trip to Chicago in end of May--Highlight: The Regional Seminars made great stories and I met a lot of new sources. Lowlight: Passing out on the plane and puking on the freeway in front of Maureen (my lovely tour guide/client's wife)!



Laurel Retreat at Ensign Ranch. Highlight: The Slip'n'Slide. Lowlight: No Horseback Riding.


Laurel High Adventure May Campout--Highlight: Backpacking is always good. Lowlight: Part of the road to the trail head was washed away from last year's flood so we ended up just hiking on a road just to reach a snowed in trailhead.

Laurel High Adventure June Campout--Highlight: Beautiful Trail. Lowlight: Only four girls came and I had to scramble for women leaders.




June Hawaii Trip with the Nielsens---Highlight: All of it was amazing! I don't know if I could choose a highlight. I loved snorkeling at Shark's cove and exploring Oahu. The kayak adventure up the river was one of my favorites. (Thanks to my "Oahu Revealed" bible...I was a little obsessed with that guide book.) Of course the Polynesian Cultural Center was a highlight. It was a once in a lifetime trip that I will never forget. Lowlight: Coming home.










Ben's Mt Baker Climb--Highlight: He says the 99 cent menu at the Tullalip Casino and the wonderful clear view from the mountain. Lowlight: Not summiting. Maybe next year!



July 2 Ultrasound---Highlight: Finding out we are having a little boy and buying his first official boy outfit. So cute! Lowlight: The Buffalo Chicken Wings for lunch. We had Rick and Jan and my friend Becky come to lunch to tell them the news. I don't know why I crave spicy. It just makes me sick.



4th of July---Highlight: The fireworks over Lake Tapps of course! Lowlight: Fixing the broken toilet. NOTICE: When installing a toilet don't tighten the bolts too tight; the toilet will crack! Ben worked all week to finish the garage and move the tools out of the house to create a guest room for his brother Josh and his family. It was a TON of work but so nice to have it all done. Now on to the finishing work upstairs!

July 6-10 Ben at Scout Camp--Highlight: the kid who ate the cricket. Lowlight: His boys not advancing by one class because they weren't motivated when Ben left in the middle of the week.





ALSO that same week...Josh and Jerusha came to visit. Highlight: Toss up between the Mariners Game with the kids and hiking Mt Rainier and seeing a BEAR on the trail! Lowlight: The kids crying when they had to head for home. We love you Brendan and Lindsey!


July 13-15 Laurel High Adventure---Highlight: The girls had a blast. Lowlight: Prego Melissa not being there.



July 18 Weekend---Leavenworth with Grandma Morton. Highlight: I would say just visiting with Grandma and the play, The Sound of Music at the outside theater. Ben would say the German Bakery. Lowlight: The trip was too short.







July 20-24 Girls Camp---Highlight: Ben came up as security one night. My friend Tami and I had the girls play a prank on them that involved water guns. They got them back with suran wrap. Vaseline was also involved in the pranks that night. It was so fun to see Ben even if it was just for a night. Lowlight: A little camp drama, but nothing I am not used to.

AHHH! Now it is almost August. Ben leaves for another scout trip next week. He is going on the 50-miler canoe trip to Lake Chelan. And that isn't his last scouting event of the summer; Wash Jam is August 20-22!

Then my parents are coming up the last week in August to see us! We are planning to go to Victoria Canada and just relax. (Like we need another vacation)

This week I hit my 6 month mark in the pregnancy! Can you believe that? My baby will be here before I know it and summer will be over. This has already been an awesome (and HOT) summer, one of our best yet! Ben says it reminds him of the summer we met. I have loved spending so much time with my sweetheart!

You are what you eat...

If that is true, then I am a Kangaroo, Ben is a Black Bear and our friend Andy is a Yak! Last night we went up to the International Burger restaurant in Bonney Lake. It is a fun place to try exotic burgers like Lion, Alligator and Llama! Becky and I actually split a Kangaroo. I hope this doesn't offend anyone. These are all farm raised for human consumption, even the Lion. Honestly it mostly tasted like a regular burger. But it is fun to say I have tried Kangaroo.

You'll never guess what I heard...

...my baby's heartbeat! Yes, that is right, I am pregnant. I just had my first ultrasound and heard the little Kumquat's heartbeat. We are very excited. It was such a relief to know that everything is perfect and developing right on schedule.




Here are a few answers I know you will ask:

10 weeks.
November 17.
No not really, just tired. I feel lucky to not be puking my guts out!
Yes, we are excited.
No, we aren't too scared.

Mel's reaction to the pregnancy test: "I knew it!" And then I had to tell my baby niece McKenzie. I had to tell someone that wouldn't tell everyone else!

Ben's reaction to the cake in the fridge: Open fridge. Shut fridge. Nervous laughing...open fridge again. "Are you serious?" More nervous laughing... "I better go finish the garage so I can build a crib!"

Jan's reaction to the Golden Easter egg: Near tears. Very excited and shocked. I don't think she said much other than "Ooohh! Congratulations!"

Luanne's reaction to email of Ben's cake (of course I am on the phone to hear her reaction): Scream! "You gotta come see this! Come here, come here, come here!" Then laughing and excitement turned to a little bit of scolding... "Did you know when you were down here in Utah?"

And yes we did know but we had to make sure it stuck! Well, there is definitely a little baby in there with a strong little heartbeat.

Can you believe Ben is gonna be a Daddy?

Nobody likes a tease

Get your minds out of the gutter. I am talking about Washington Weather! What the? We have had 70 degree weather for the past three days but I wake up today to 40s? It is dark, cold and wet. The sun is gone. Spring is gone. I still walked Sadie but the flowers were closed and the cherry blossoms are freaking out. Half of the blossoms have fallen off and the other half are hangin' on by little threads.
I was hoping to celebrate Earth Day outside but I am back inside with the heater on. I can't believe I was in shorts getting a sunburn less than 24 hours ago. Sadie was swimming in the lake and today even she doesn't want to get up out of bed.

Mr. Weather don't tease us. Please give us back the sun.

Nielsen Hawaii Trip countdown: 1 month, 1 week and 4 days!

"Is your refrigerator running?"

Do you remember when phone pranks used to be funny and innocent? Remember, when kids in school rarely cussed and if they did they didn't dare do it in front of adults.

It wasn't that long ago that I was a kid. One of those kids, prank calling trying to be funny. Some of our jokes were a little dirty but compared to now they were sweet and innocent.

At midnight last night I got a phone call. Of course, I get up out of bed if you call my house in the middle of the night. It might be an emergency, right? Well, it was not an emergency.

Me: "Hello"
Punk Kid: "Hey, baby"
Me: "Who is this?
Punk Kid: "We just met outside, you still want to F#@*?"

I was so bugged! If that was a prank call that was not funny and if he had the wrong number, how degrading!

I just hope the next generation of women have more respect for themselves than to go out with stupid punks that treat them like a piece of meat. I hope my young women don't give in to a booty call like that.

Just makes me sick.

You are never too old...

for a Princess Birthday Cake!

I love to drag out the celebration as long as I can. Saturday I went shopping with Jan and then went out to dinner with the Mortons (which I like to pretend is strictly for my birhday although it really is just a traditional after-the-Priesthood session meal and ice cream.) Then Sunday we had ice cream cake and Jan cooked us dinner. It was a relaxing day watching conference and laying around.



Monday I got my flowers from my sisters. Thanks Sisters for the loverly springy flowers. Then Ben got me a new camera! He is so sweet. Now we are going to go shopping and spend the evening together.

I got lots of love, calls and cards. Thanks for all the Birthday love!

To Utah and back

Well I think Melissa needs an update. This week was another spontaneous trip to see my family in Utah. I have learned when Ben says "Let's go to Utah," I run and get in the car before he changes his mind. This was a quick trip but I got to see my family and Ben's brother Josh and his wife Jerusha. It was so nice to see everyone and we did get to have some random fun.

On the way down we stopped at Antelope Island to see some Buffalo and of course Antelope. I think there is a reason I have never been there. There wasn't much to it but I think it could be better in the summer. Ben and I may return someday. I would say one thoe up and one thoe down.

But then for more randomness. The next day we toured Mrs Cavanaugh's Chocolate Factory in north Salt Lake. After Antelope Island we drove past this little wonder. And Ben, who is really a big kid disguised as a man, got all giddy inside and had to go. He wanted to flip a U-turn on the freeway and bolt to the factory but he refrained until the next morning so we could go with my parents. Ben was in heaven! The smell of chocolate just makes him happy so you can imagine his delight in a Chocolate Factory. We even got to see Mrs Cavanaugh in person. It was actually fun and pretty educational. Ben now believes chocolate is good for you and will fix cavities not cause them. (that movie was a wee bit biased!)

So, the rest of the trip was full of visiting and eating. Why not gain a few Utah pounds? Can we say Cafe Rio, The Mayan and the Lion House Pantry...hello, calorie intake.

Sadie Dog enjoyed the trip as well. She did so good on the long drive. And loves Grandma and Grandpa Nielsen. I think she misses them already. But at least she will always have a piece of the toy Grandma bought her, eternally stuck in her colon.

Now while I am back home, Ben is camping at the base of Mt St Helens. He is hiking it tomorrow morning with his brother Adam and our friend Jimmy Carter. Hopefully they are safe. I have until Sunday night and then I have permission to call Search and Rescue. I am not nervous or anything. Can you tell? OK I am a little nervous. My husband is climbing active volcanoes. And thanks to my Mom I have seen Dante's Peak five thousand times. Honestly, I am more worried about them falling into the crater then the mountain exploding...again... Jeesh, I hope I can sleep tonight.

Melissa needs

This is a fun, blog game that I saw on a friend of a friend’s blog.
What you do is you google “your name” “needs” to find out what you need today. Then post the first ten things that come up.

Melissa needs to take a break.
Melissa needs lots of guidance.
Melissa needs help.
Melissa needs a home.
Melissa needs hydration after the walk.
Melissa needs a roof.
Melissa needs to find a new agent.
Melissa needs to board the blob ship that is hovering overhead.
Melissa needs blogs.
Melissa needs to be the next "bachelorette." Sorry gillian. getting proposed 2 then dumped on natl tv is wayy harsh, jason is a @#&(d!

I definitely do not need to be the next bachelorette or to board the blob ship that is hovering overhead!

Kind of funny.

Coyote Ugly

Two coyotes are living in my neighborhood. Scary, I know. Mostly for Sadie. A lady in the neighborhood stopped me when I was walking my dog yesterday. She told me that the two coyotes were displaced when they treed the woods down the road. (Maybe those environmentalists are on to something) So, I have been worried about the coyotes attacking my dog. I have been keeping her inside or on a leash but they say Sadie is big enough that the coyotes probably won't attack her. If anything, they will just corner her and try to make her one of the pack. I am guessing since Sadie cowers down to Yorkshire Terriers she probably won't join the Coyotes.

So, Jen if you are ever cornered by dogs again, take it as a compliment. They are just trying to recruit you to their pack. ;)

Slumdog

I just watched Slumdog Millionaire. Ah, I loved it. That was such a good movie. It had it all; romance, comedy, drama. I fell in love with the little characters. I cheered and I cried.

The Academy picked a great one this time around. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it...yeah, me and two hundred thousand other people. I know I am probably the last person to see this show but I just hate not having that after-movie conversation. So, I had to blog about it.

What struck me the most was that even though it was definitely a fictional story the circumstances are not that far off. I saw a news story about the little kids that were in the movie and they really do live in the slums of India. The director bought their families a condo to live in after the movie won Best Picture. But I was thinking that director could probably buy the whole slum a new condo. Even though it feels like we are in a horrific economic meltdown, we still have one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It is just amazing.

Anyway, I love a movie that you go away from smiling--and with a little more understanding of the world around you. This one did that for me.

Free is the best kind of food

We have had a good week for free food. Tuesday we got free pancakes at IHOP. Wednesday we got free Quiznos thanks to the Million Subs giveaway. http://millionsubs.com/. And then our friend Emily gave us a beautiful wedding cake that we had for breakfast and lunch today. (I probably shouldn't admit that.)
Then to top it off, tomorrow we get free Spaghetti and Meatballs from our ward's Elder's Quorum party!

We are shooting for free food for the rest of the week. Or maybe I can keep the streak up a little longer. I will refuse to cook and only eat what I didn't have to buy.

This challenge reminds me of college. I could always find my way into free food back then and I can do it again. Think cheap.

Free...now that is my favorite kind of food.

Yes we can

Ben and I are on assignment.
We have been asked to go on the Laurel High Adventure this summer. It is a backpacking trip up the Pacific Ridge. I love it because I get scheduled camp-outs with Ben and a good excuse to get in shape. We always want to plan hikes but never get around to it. So, this year it is planned for us. Three hikes leading up to the big, 30-miler!

This is yet another motivation to get me off my hiney. I have started my “From couch potato to 5K” plan. Hopefully, I will stick with it. I want to be able to run the 5K at Girl’s Camp this year. My goal is to not come in last.

We have a busy summer ahead of us. Not to mention, the Nielsen Family Fun Week in Hawaii! We can’t wait!

I know it is only February but now is the time to get myself back in shape.

The Dark Side

I was honored for two years in the row as the “Friendliest Staff Member” at my college newspaper. I didn’t get “Most Cut-Throat Reporter” Or “Hardest-Nosed Journalist” but “Friendliest.” Again at the trade magazine I was referred to as the “Nicest Person on Staff.” I am not trying to gloat here. I am making a point. I was never cut out for the “do or die” newspaper world. I hate when people hate me and everyone hates a Journalist (at one point or another)

Well, I had a realization today when I got wind of a juicy, news story. This is not typical since I am usually writing profiles and features. I rarely get a good newsy tip but this was pertinent news. So, I jumped on the story, researching all the slimy, little details. My story was getting good. I had color, underlining accusations, and mudslinging quotes. It was a story the newspaper journalists would have eaten up. They would have loved every gossipy little detail backed by all the facts.

Then…I realized the effect this story could have on the association, on the company with the dirty hands, and on me as the writer. The sexy news story, as journalists would call it, was not something I could publish in my newsletter.

So, after a call to the association president to discuss the story and the ethical responsibility we have to inform the public but to also save our face… I re-wrote the story. I took out all the fun stuff. All the colorful quotes and the “they say this, he says that” dialogue. I turned my meaty, news story into a plain old informational PR article.

A part of me was sad to do it. But the other part of me knew it was the right thing to do for my association. Some would say I have crossed into the dark side of journalism. Dark because PR bends the truth and journalism is pure of heart. Well, I have learned that everyone doesn’t have to know every gory little detail in order to understand the situation. I have learned it the hard way before. And I wasn’t going to do it again. I have to worry about the consequences and realize what I say or in this case what I print is going to have an effect on people.

My realization: I am cut out for PR. It took me until now to realize it but I am.
I should have known when they named me “Friendliest” the first time. PR are always friendly.

Now that I got that out I must try to go to bed.

Year in Review 2008

I love the Year in Reviews. When I get to look back at the year and reflect on all that happened. As a news junkie, I love to remember all the big news stories that moved the people. From the economic downturn and the bailout, to the election of the first black president to the astounding Bejing Olympics, this year was incredibly historical.
While the unemployment rate kept rising, Ben and I continued working. While money on Wall Street is slippery, we still have cash in our pockets and food to eat. While the housing market is plummeting, we still have a roof over our heads.
For us in little Lake Tapps, living our simple little lives, I couldn’t call 2008 historical. But it was a good year. This year, Ben climbed his first mountain: Mount Adams. He attempted Mount Baker too late in the season and after his brother fell up to his waist in a crevasse they decided to turn around. All year, REI garage sale after another, Ben has collected enough mountaineering gear to suit him for Mount Rainier for 2009.
Through 2008, I became a pseudo-mom on many levels. House-sitting this spring for two weeks with two teenage girls only gave us a glimpse of what I would have to handle during the summer. Feeding, waking up and motivating, worrying about and loving my 16-year-old nephew all summer was an unforgettable experience. We tried to give him a positive experience with work, the dance festival and youth activities.
When I wasn’t trying to keep Mackay out of trouble, I was helping Becky discipline and entertain here two little kids (Hannah, 6 and Bethany, 4) with free summer fun. We spent a lot of time swimming in the lake, playing at the park, going to free movies, concerts in the park and the library.
If that wasn’t enough “Mom” practice, I spent a week mothering 30, 13-year old girls and 20 Lake Tapps young women at Girl’s Camp. Then there is my title of Puppy Mom of Sadie, the 60-pound lap dog. I don’t care what anyone says; after you spend days feeding, cleaning up after, and waking up in the night with a dog, it sure sounds like mom war stories.
Ben and I made it camping and hiking this summer as well as boating and floating down the river (Ben in his kayak, Mel in her tube). Together we made it to Seaside, OR, this spring and Utah for Memorial Day and Thanksgiving.
I traveled with my friends for a last minute trip to Hollywood, CA for Wicked this summer. And I went to Las Vegas and St. Louis for solo work trips.
Between our families we have three new nieces: Baby McKenzie, Gracie and Isabelle; a new brother Jared; and a new sister Sani. And my Mom and Dad back from Mexico.
Overall 2008, was a good year; a learning year. We tried new things and sometimes we failed to reach the original goal. But is it failure when you gain experiences and learn lessons? I have grown through our experiences and smiled through all of them. We hope 2009 will be another good year.