Cotopaxi: AKA LIFE

Yup! Having a real party right now! Now on to the camping! 

Kenai's Birth Story: Feb 1st 2016

Being pregnant with Kenai was so easy! Side note, for anyone wondering what Kenai means, it's Inuit for black bear--he's our lovable little bear 😉 Inever had morning sickness, and I even worked out the last week I was pregnant! We went to the doctor around mid January and I was dilated at a 4! The doctor said I could pop at any moment! Once we heard that, we got ready as fast as we could--I went and got a pedicure, Carlos cleaned the cars, and we packed our bags to get ready for the possible appearance of little Kenai! But he had other plans…

The last time I went to the doctor, she told me she wanted to induce the last day of January.

February 1st

Because I was getting induced, my mom was able to plan and got to Memphis on Sunday. It was so nice to have her one day early--we went to the outlet mall and went to McCallisters (which became mom’s favorite restaurant). My feet got soo swollen though! Mom got me a wheelchair, and I got pushed around like a little chubby--and the wheelchair at the outlets was TINY! I barely fit in it! I don’t know how the people from MS fit in there! We stayed up SO late just talking and catching up--because my mom got in at around 2 pm, we were able to go to church in the morning. Carlos was SO ready for little Kenai to come, and we were joking about skipping church the third hour because I wasn’t “feeling good”. I made my mom a little sign when we picked her up, and it was just so good to have her in Memphis!

So we stayed up super late talking, and watching tv. I had to be at the hospital at 5am, and the hospital, which was in Germantown, was about a 30 minute drive, so we needed to be ready at 4:15am. It was such a surreal feeling to be able to control when the baby came. It was so calm, and we just strolled right on into the hospital. Kenai was so ready to come though, because I started feeling contractions right as we were 10 minutes away from the hospital. I couldn’t believe my good fortune. The lady at the hospital that checked us in was a meanie head though, but it was probably because it was 5 am. 

Once they got me all checked in and hooked up to the drugs, I started feeling contractions pretty quickly--but I didn’t know that’s what they were. So once they started getting consistent, I started really feeling the pain. It was something that I could barely even comprehend. It hurt my whole body and it was so intense. I was crying, but I didn’t insult Carlos(which he thought that I would), and I think that I kept it together pretty well. It was “funny” because I could tell that Carlos and my mom were extremely stressed out because they couldn’t really do anything to help me through the pain. I dealt with really intense contractions for about 45 minutes, and it was so so painful. I don’t know how anyone could have a natural birth--that’s so intense! 

The anesthesiologist came in and at that point, i was going crazy with the pain. He came in and I panicked, I started crying and I got extremely nervous. Carlos had to calm me down. it hurt, but it wasn’t as bad as the contractions--it was more the fear of the unknown. Once I got the epidural, it was smooth sailing. I got extremely drowsy, and I was super relaxed. The nurse even encouraged me to take a nap--Carlos and my mom even fell asleep with me! I progressed really fast at that point.

The only problem was that Kenai hadn’t dropped--the doctor wanted to wait to let nature drop him. I waited for about an hour and a half. It was fast because the nurse had to put in antibiotics and they were cold and it really hurt my hand where I had the IV! But I could endure it because I had the epidural. Once, Kenai had dropped, it was time to push. I really couldn’t believe it, I was like, are you sure?! I did about 4 sets of 3 “practice pushes” before the doctor came in--my biggest fear was that I pooped on the table--and guess what? I didn’t! Once the doctor came in, I did about 2.5 sets and once his head came out, Carlos was like, he has a head full of hair! I couldn’t believe it, and it really motivated me to push.

He came out, and boy he had a set of lungs on him! At that point, I was in bliss. Carlos started crying as soon as he got to hold Kenai, and my mom just looked amazed that her grandchild was here! It was so sweet to see Carlos hold him, and to see that moment that he first met him. I was so happy, and I just wanted to see what he looked like!

Side note, Carlos and I still hadn’t decided on his name and wanted to see him before we named him. I had one idea, and Carlos had another idea for his name. I ended up getting the name I wanted--but Carlos was the one that came up with it, so we both won. :)

Kenai Lorenzo Grandela was born on February 1st, 2016 at 11: 40am. He was 7 lbs, 8 oz, and was 21 inches long.

It was a pretty quick birth, less than 7 hours, and it really was not that bad at all! I am ready to have 5 more kids if all of their births are this easy! I have to thank Heavenly Father for helping me and answering all of our prayers from having an easy pregnancy to a quick delivery and finally to having such a healthy baby--I think he knew that I couldn’t handle anything else. :)

Carlos was ready to leave the hospital as soon as I was done having Kenai. Once we got settled, the nurse came in to check on me and Kenai. We each had our own nurses that monitored us--and I realized why it’s so expensive to have a child--there’s a lot of work that the hospital has to do! She checked his vitals and waited for him to warm up so she could give him a bath. At that point, Andrea (from work) came in and visited me. I already felt so different and I was really out of it.

The hospital food was surprisingly really good! The first night I ordered, I didn’t really get much food, and it didn’t matter because my mom brought us Chick-Fil-A! It was so delicious. Yay for the Chick!

We let Kenai stay at the nursery, because I was really tired, and why not take advantage of the hospital “babysitting” services?

The second day at the hospital was a lot more low-key, but it was so nice to be at the hospital. We had to stay because they wanted to monitor Kenai because I had tested positive for a type of bacteria, and they wanted to make sure that he was okay. Carlos was kind of disappointed because he really wanted to go home, but it was fine to stay at the hospital--I was getting treated like a queen jk jk.

After two days in the hospital, our new family of three was able to go home. The car ride home was actually extremely tough, I got very nauseated, and I felt like I was going to pass out. Carlos made a stop at Walgreens, because we needed a few things. Kenai started crying, and I felt really sick, and Carlos took forever! Once he was done, we headed home, and we were greeted by Calvin and Hobbes--they started barking like crazy. I don’t know what it was, but I think their barks got the best of me--I completely lost control of my emotions. I got so scared that I cried really really hard, I could barely breathe! My mom and Carlos had to calm me down, and what was funny was that Kenai didn’t even get up!

We are so in love with Kenai, and so far, he has been SUCH a little angel. He feeds so well, and he is so calm. He’s started smiling, and it is the cutest thing I have ever seen. My heart has expanded a million times, and I’m so happy to be a mom.

Have You Heard? Baby G is Coming!

After 3 years of marriage, we decided we wanted to add a little peanut to the mix. (I mean, with 2 dogs already, we want a full house!!!) 

We are completely in LOVE with these photos we were able to get! 

As of today, I am 13 weeks, 3 days. Almost done with my first trimester! 

On our first doctor's appointment, we were able to see the little bean. It was completely surreal. You know when you picture a completely loving moment between husband and wife--ours was NOT like that. I was pretty freaked out, and Carlos could tell on my face. Our ultrasound tech was super nice, but she could tell that I was NOT comfortable. 

We were able to hear the heartbeat on the second ultrasound, and it is completely incredible that I'm growing someone! All we hope is that he/she is healthy and strong. :) 

Cravings: 

• ALL of the gummy candies (seriously, my desk is FULL of gummy bears, worms, sour gummies, any type of gummy I can get my hands on!) 
• Eggs (for er'y breakfast) 

Symptoms: 

• I'm one of those lucky ones that hasn't felt sick one bit since getting preggo--sorry. #notsorry in fact, because I was expecting sickness, I took 5 different pregnancy tests just to make sure it was true! I still can't believe it!  
• I've been getting a little bit of back pain, but I think I'll take it over anything else! 
• Weight gain: none. Because I haven't felt sick, I've been able to continue my regular workout routine, and I haven't felt too much bloating.
• Tired. I can say I am tired all of the time. I could probably go to sleep at 8 pm every night and be perfectly happy. But Carlos says that I've always been like this soooooo

Other Baby FAQ:

• We will be finding out sex ASAP! I want to know so I can start buying ALL OF THE BABY things! I've only been able to buy grays and yellows so far. #sadface
•  Since we live in Mississippi, but work/go to school in Tennessee, we have the luxury choosing what state Baby G will be born in: hands down, TN. 
• Baby G stands for Grandela (not girl). 

Life Updates: November Edition

It's weird that this place is slowly becoming 'home'.


But then we get assaulted by fog in the morning, and the only places we eat are fried chicken joints, I remember that this place is unapologetically my temporary home.


Here's just a few things we've done this past month. *and side note: HOLY HANNAH! HOW IS IT NOVEMBER ALREADY?!?! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?


+Blanket scarves are SO in...the blogging world. Your hubby just thinks you are crazy that you think wrapping a plaid blanket around you is cute.


What I see:
So cute. So trendy. Must. Have.



What the hubby sees:
Are you seriously wrapping yourself in a blanket?!?!



+We are too old for Halloween. We need kidlets to fully enjoy it.


+Our Halloween night consisted of Chinese takeout and What Lies Beneath. #oldschool


+Uncle Lou's sweet and spicy love...Do not miss this. Even if you are scared of sketchy neighborhoods. You'll be rewarded.



+I crave fried pickles every time we go out to eat. Gus' are still my favorite so far.


+I AM SO ready for Christmas break. 3 weeks of vacation? Yes. Please!


+Brand new movie theaters are the best! But movies are expensive in MS. We had to resort to a matinee--the horror!


+GO watch Interstellar. Right. Now. This is one of the best films that I've ever seen. It's so different. It's refreshing. It makes you think. Also, I laughed, I cried, and I nearly peed myself. It's that good.  #spacetravel



+T Mobile doesn't suck. It's nice to not have to worry about data usage...#verizonhadmescared


+Happy Fall Ya'll (I am trying to embrace my surroundings)

Buy it here.


+We got called to be family historian consultants. I am already sick of hearing my own voice. And it's only been a week. Also, Carlos volunteered us to speak on Sunday. #thanksbutnothanks


+"Outside of Utah wards" are so different. I literally feel like there's a church activity EVERY DAY. Maybe that's because we actually go to them.


+Working at home rocks. You should try it sometime.


+I miss having a Hobby Lobby 30 seconds away from me. I make due by at least an 1 hour of Etsy a week.


+Downtown Memphis has it's charm. But WHATABOUT the Trolleys?!?! They are still down...



+Sorry Thanksgiving, but I NEED Christmas décor to go up NOW.


+ALL the baked goods.


+Yes, I got myself a donut pan. It was something I convinced myself that I absolutely, would-die-if-I-didn't-have-it. I'm still not convinced though. There's something about frying a piece of dough that speaks to me. #fatkidprobs


+Carlos survived his second week of midterms. #herestofinals


+We bought Calvin and Hobbes their very own dog-friendly Thanksgiving dinner. Yeah, we are those kind of dog people.





+Sunsets here are gorg.


I'm counting down the days/hours/minutes/seconds until Christmas. AAAHHH can't wait!

October: Latest Happenings

Phew! What a crazy couple of months!


We have been officially living in the South for over a month, and sometimes, it still doesn't feel real. There's been lots of growing pains, new cuisines tried, and experiences that I'll never forget.


So what's been up?


+It was my birthday. Hello being old. AND helllloooo to a new (and first) MK purse



+We went to Nashville. LOVE that city, even though I don't particularly fancy country music (BUT I DO fancy Blake Shelton...)


+Fall TV started up. Need I say more? We're obsessed with new shows (Gotham, Flash, The Voice...etc).


+We got called to be "Family History Consultants"...#atleastwearen'tinnursery


+Ran my second 5K 2 min faster than my first. Next goal..under 30 min. #yeahi'mfat


+Calvin, Hobbes & Carlos ran their first 5k!


+I'm trying to convince hubby to sign up for a half marathon. It can't be all that bad? #germantownhalfmarathon2015


+Conference weekend happened. #LDSconf I feel so refreshed and rejuvenated.



+Made the switch to T Mobile. Sorry Verizon, you sucked. Stayed with the iPhone 5c. NOT going to be paying a grand for the iPhone Plus. #toopoor


+Waiting and hoping for fall weather. It's still 80 degrees up in here, and me no likey.


+Just made the BEST ever chicken tacos. GET IN MY BELLY!!!


+Seriously contemplating fabric wall paper for the apartment. Am I crazy?


I am SOOOO excited for this next couple of months. #theholidaysarestarting We've got tons on our plate, and it's going to be a wild ride!

That One Time...

One time, a boy fell in love with a girl. They lived a perfectly normal existence in the comfort of the girl's hometown for almost two years.

 

Boy got into school. Boy is so smart, he gets into his dream school (Funny fact, admissions offered him an interview, but the director told him that there was a 1% chance he'd get in. Annnnd, he defied odds, and blew away the admissions council and got in!). Guess where the Grandelas are going?

 

Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Enter my life.

 

It's been just over a month since we've moved from comfortable, sleepy draper, to crazy, loving Memphis. And here's the best part, we don't even LIVE in Memphis! Technically, we live in Horn Lake, MS. It's been a whirlwind of a month, and I just want to document a little piece of the craziness that's been going on in our lives.

 

Insanity
This whole move has been insane. Insane because I've never lived outside of Utah. Insane because we don't have family nearby. Insane because we are truly on our own. Insane because it's a 23 hour trip from Utah (if you drive). My fam bam was able to take the road trip with us (all 5 of us, including two cars, a Uhaul, and 2 dogs in tow).


Insane because Elan came home while I was in TN. Insane because I was able to procure the funds to actually go back home to Utah and see my family for a little bit! (I didn't get to see my lil sis because she's in Jerusalem!)


We've been truly blessed here. Sometimes I can't even believe how much Heavenly Father loves us. I just don't get it!


Since I LOVE bullet point lists so much, I thought I'd give you a glimpse of the good, the bad, and the ugggly.

 

 

 

Things I Hate About Memphis

• Verizon service absolutely sucks
• The drivers are 100% certifiably CRAZY
• The humidity
• The bugs (they cause a ruckus at night!)
• The apartment complex (we get rando notes in the middle of the night from management, and the gym 6 different remotes for their tvs--only ONE works #getittogether)
• Narrow roads (I blew up a tire because I got too close to a curb)
• The stake center is 45 min away (yeah, yeah #utahmormon)
• The high prices to fly outta this place!
• The neighbors above us

 

Things I'm On the Fence When It Comes to Memphis

• Aldi's (it is the ghetto version of Wally World)
• BBQ spaghetti (good? bad? I still can't decide)

 

Things I Kind-of-Sort-of-Like About Memphis

• Our ward (our ward is phenomenal)
• New friends (we've got a great group of 3 couples that are rockin')
• BBQ (in this order: Rendezvous, Memphis BBQ Company, BBQ Shop, Central)
• Shelby Park
• Registering your car is as simple as having a Driver's license, proof of residency, and the title of the car
• Gas is CHEAP!
• T mobile rocks here--and t mobile is CHEAP!
• They have a "Life is Good" store
• Temp agencies rock
• Our apt is HUGE (and we are paying about $30 more than we did in Draper--SCORE!)

 So here's to living in Memphis (and that the hubby graduates from optometry school!). While it's not my dream city (or my little Orem), I'd like to say I'm growing and learning everyday from this amazing experience.

 

 

Ooey Gooey Cupcakes of WONDER AKA Brownie Batter Chocolate Cupcakes

Wow. I'm a girl that isn't in love with all things chocolate. Sure, I love anything chocolate-dipped, but I don't go crazy for uber chocolate.



Let's have some cupcakes shall we?



These cupcakes are a little labor intensive, but extremely delicious. Like so good, I wanted to eat them all in one sitting, and the hubby made me take them to our home teachers so we would get rid of them. Sadface.




Check the inspiration here.

BROWNIE BATTER

1/4 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup milk
1 (18.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix (I used the cheapo, Western Family brand)

Mix it all up (mix with mixer for about 2 min) {how many times can I use mixer in a sentence?}

Freeze in bowl overnight. (you can also be an overachiever and make small scoops and store onto baking sheet--assuming you have a big enough freezer for that)

CUPCAKES

1 (18.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix (I used the cheapo, Western Family brand)
1 (3.9 oz) pkg  instant chocolate fudge pudding mix (I used the cheapo, Western Family brand)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Line cupcake pans with liners. In large bowl, combine all ingredients (except for chocolate chips), mix for 2 min. Then mix in chocolate chips. Then drop batter into cupcake liners (fill about 2/3 full). Then plop in brownie batter from the bowl you froze overnight {try not to eat it all} 

Bake for 22-30 min. Let cool. 

I swear, it didn't need any frosting at all. 

In this recipe, there was a frosting...it didn't tickle my fancy. It might tickle yours...
For the Frosting
5 sticks butter, softened
8 oz powdered sugar
1.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa)
a pinch of table salt
1.5 cups light corn syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
16 oz milk chocolate chips