21 weeks!!

I think it's weird having pregnancy belly pictures taken. My growing belly is my favorite part of being pregnant though. I also figure I'll like to have these pictures for when I'm older. We will see.

I am halfway there! I am doing better each day. Feeling stronger and bigger:)

Virginia Fun!

Here are some pictures of Cameron's adventures here in Virginia! He is getting showered with love and attention here. It is fun for him to get to know his Goodson Grandparents better. He sure loves them! Cameron is always outside helping Grandma with yard work and playing with her.

Love this sweet boy!

Grandpa or "pop pop" as Cameron calls him swinging Cameron on the tree swing. Cameron loved it!

Cameron is Matt's shadow. Matt is learning what it is like to have a little brother. Cameron just adores him. Matt is so sweet with him.

Sitting in a container of stuffed animals. My parents have kept a lot of toys from when us kids were younger. Cameron has really enjoyed them!

There is a basketball hoop in the driveway and that is of course a big hit with Cameron.

Cameron is enjoying the trampoline as well. He is getting better at jumping every day!

Cameron would just stay on the back porch and watch the ants march in their lines. Then he started smashing them with his finger. FUN!


My parents backyard is like a jungle. Cameron likes to run around in it for hours. He will say, "Chase birds" and then he is off!
Cameron loves when Matt plays the piano. This is him trying to be like Matt!

Mothers are wonderful

Since it is Mother's Day I thought it fitting to discuss my life lately, which is all about my mom. My mom came to live with us for the month of April. She came out at my request to help out. She did that and more :) She cooked, did laundry, took care of me, cleaned, watched Cameron and I was able to stay in bed. It was so nice to know that everything was being taken care of. It also took a load off of Jake. What an amazing mother and grandmother! I was able to improve dramatically and I give my mom 90% of the credit. 10% to Zofran and IV therapy. If you didn't know I am pregnant and am diagnosed with Hyperemesis gravidarum (basically extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting.

It was so nice to have her taking care of me, that I followed her back to Virginia. Cameron and I are now here with her and the family. My condition has improved so much that I am able to be much more active and am slowly gaining my strength back. I have felt so blessed lately and know it is because of all my friend and families prayers. Thank you!

Pictures to come once I get back home to Utah.

Baby #2

The Rust Family is going to be adding another member! We are expecting our second child and are very excited. We prayed about it a lot and finally decided it was time...knowing very well what could happen. Unfortunately I am very sick again :( It is harder with a two year old, but luckily Cameron is a pretty good sportabout it all. We comes and gives me multiple kisses and hugs during the day. He tells me "Mom sick" and pretends to throw up with me. He also tells me that I have a baby in my belly and he is going to "tackle baby." That is his way of showing love. We have been blessed in countless ways though. Our ward family has basically been raising Cameron for me!! I am getting a great lesson in the power of service. The sisters who come to watch Cameron are always asking what else they can do. Luckily he is well behaved with all his new friends. It makes it more enjoyable for me knowing he is a joy to be with. I am amazed at his ability to adjust to this time and be so happy to be sent to all these new houses every day. Jake's mom has also been a great help with watching Cameron, meals, and driving me to the doctor. Jake has the added pressure of doing his job and all the things I do. He does it all with a great attitude and still finds time to play with Cameron. What a man!

I also love my docotor and nurses. They take such good care of me and are working hard to find the right medication that will work for me. I asked my doctor if there was a way to find out why I get so sick. He said "No. I was just lucky." I am constantly trying to do my own research on Hyperemesis, but basically I have found the same thing. No one knows why this happens at this time. I am losing weight, but get IV theropy every once in a while if I get too dehydrated. Most importantly, the baby is doing great despite me. This baby is a survivor like Cameron. To keep myself positive, I remind myself that my baby is fine. I would much rather be dying then for my baby to be in trouble.

Update on my attitude. I am trying to stay positive and keep a good perspective. I am doing pretty good. The hardest thing for me is actually letting go of my desire to do "things." When I was pregnant with Cameron I struggled with this as well. This time around I am resting much more. Thanks to all the help, I am able to do this. I throw up a lot less when I am in bed laying down, so that is what I am trying to do! I am learning a lot of humility and feel very close to my savior. I feel blessed to have this trial. I have already done a lot of pondering and soul searching. My first pregnancy was much more depressing, because I didn't handle the trial as well. I am slowly learning to take this trial and grow from it. I am thankful for the strength I have been given by our savior to have more patience and faith to endure during these 14 weeks!

I am 14 weeks along! No pictures. No one needs to see how nasty I am :) Can't wait to meet our baby. Sorry if there are no blog posts or very few for while.

Longbeach, California Mission

So Ben is now Elder Goodson and at the MTC. He went home to Virginia for Christmas, but we got to see him right before he went into the MTC. We love him so much and know he is going to be a wonderful missionary. We are going to miss him.


We went to I-hop with our last meal with Elder Goodson before we dropped him off at the MTC.


I don't know why Cameron had to have a car in his mouth?! Silly boy.

Race car track!

Cameron likes to watch his football movies and act them out! Pretty cute :)


Cameron's Great-Grandparents gave him a race car track and Jake and Cameron were getting very creative. I don't know why Cameron doesn't have pants on :)

Christmas!

We did gingerbread houses this year with the family. It is always fun to see our creations. This family is very talented!! Cameron just liked to eat the candy.









So this is a really late post about our Christmas adventures. We had a wonderful holiday. Cameron seemed to understand it more. It is fun to see him growing up. He sure is spoiled and loved! He has the biggest heart and he loves to give hugs and kisses. Especially to his dad! He is now sitting through sacrament meeting and loves nursery! It's a christmas miracle. I didn't get to see my family so that was the only sad thing.