Those Downs'

time flies...

2012-02-13T14:04:00.001-07:00

You guys...

...it's already been 3 weeks since I popped this kid out...

WHAT?!

SERIOUSLY...

...where does the time go??

all sorts of random.

2012-02-11T23:15:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad someone decided to invent the camera phone...it's wonderfully convenient...

...enjoy these captured moments...

Wyatt likes to play with these huge wooden shoes...he tries to walk in them, but it doesn't work out so well...

My little...eskimo? Just out of the bath! ALL CLEAN!

Watching the Super Bowl with my hunny...(and yes, that's how I spell 'hunny')

Got my hair braided by my younger sister, Emma.

I love having my hair played with...

Cutest squishy face ever.

Yay me

2012-02-06T18:17:00.001-07:00

So today was the first day I ventured out of the house with both boys. I was mildly terrified, and the preparation alone took me over an hour (you know...making sure everyone is fed and happy, with clean bums, ect). It was kind of a forced excursion because Logan had his 2 week doctor's appointment, so there wasn't really a choice in the matter...

It turned out okay though, and even though Wyatt was a pill at times (note to self, bring snacks just in case he spies the lollipop the kid sitting next to us whips out...talk about a mini-meltdown) and I even ventured into a grocery store after the appointment...

On a related note, Logan's doctor's appointment went well, and he's gaining weight just like he should.

He's currently 9lbs 10oz, and 22 inches long. What can I say? The boy LOVES to eat.

My other chunky monkey:

random

2012-02-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

I know a lot of these seem like it's the same picture taken over and over, but I love all of Wyatt's interactions with Logan and me...plus I have the two cutest boys, soooo...

Life.

2012-02-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

I know my hormones are out of whack right now, but I cried last night as I was rocking Wyatt when I realized that he'd never be my baby again--that he was only going to get bigger and bigger and eventually need me less and less. Again, must be the hormones because I know that's pretty obvious, but the thought of not being able to cuddle and rock my little boy to sleep is SAD. And I know I have another little boy I get to rock and cuddle now, but...can't they just stay little forever?!

I love being a mom, especially to these two!

cutie #2

2012-01-31T12:24:00.001-07:00

It's unbelievable how fast these babies grow!!

One week has already come and gone!

Am I done yet?

2012-01-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

It's my first day as a mother of two...

(because technically, while my mom was here the week after Logan was born, I never had both of them on my own)

...and here's what I've been up to so far:

I woke up to Wyatt wanting to come into my bed and cuddle...a few minutes later, around 7:30am, Logan woke up to be fed
I fed Logan and tried to keep Wyatt from smothering him with his over-enthusiastic love
Logan fell back asleep right after he was done eating, so I put him back to bed in his crib
I turned on Sesame Street for Wyatt while I went downstairs to sterilize some bottles and my breast pump (I decided since I'm still semi-engorged I might as well start up a little supply)
I came back upstairs and pumped breast milk
I turned off the TV and changed Wyatt's diaper and put clothes on him
We were headed downstairs for breakfast when Wyatt decided to yell really loud and woke Logan up...so I went in to get Logan and found that he had soaked through his pajamas, his blanket, the crib sheet and the crib pad (my fault for not changing him before)...SO, I took him out, laid him on a towel on the floor, and pulled off the sheets
I then put new sheets and blankets in the crib
I gathered all Logan's dirty laundry in one hand, held Logan in the other, and told Wyatt to come downstairs with me, and I started the wash.
I put Wyatt in his highchair and gave him a banana to munch on (Logan still in my one arm)
I cleaned out one side of the sink so I could start running warm water for Logan's bath
I went back upstairs, with Logan, still pee-soaked, and gathered his bath towel, new clothes, a diaper, and wipes
I gave Wyatt some dry cereal
I undressed Logan, changed his diaper, bathed him, dried him off, put lotion on his body, dressed him and combed his hair
I fed Logan again, while Wyatt made a crumby mess...and pooped.
Logan fell back asleep and I walked back upstairs to put him in his crib
I walked back downstairs, swept the floor around Wyatt, pulled him out of his highchair, and washed his hands and face
I emptied the dishwasher and loaded it (I thought I might as well since I was still downstairs and Wyatt loves it)
I went back upstairs and changed Wyatt's diaper (I foresee potty-training in near future?)
I folded his clean laundry that had been sitting there for a few days
I went back downstairs to make myself some oatmeal, and left Wyatt in his room, playing with toys
While the oatmeal was cooling, I got the laundry out of the washing machine and separated it (some goes in the dryer, some doesn't)
Wyatt had come back downstairs at this point (I think he smelled my oatmeal) and he sat in my lap while we ate it together
I went back upstairs and hung up the wet laundry to dry

It's now only noon, and I feel like the day should be over. It's not like this every day, right??

Hahaha...

Am I done yet? Nope, not for another 20 years...

It's called "labor" for a reason...

2012-01-29T22:52:00.001-07:00

So I guess it's pretty obvious that having 2 kids is pretty time-consuming...especially when one is 2 years old and running all over the place, and the other needs to be fed every 2 hours...

ANYWAY...

...I thought it'd be good to write down my labor story so I don't forget...plus it's always interesting, or at least I think so, to read others' stories...

Tuesday January 17th
I had a doctor's appointment that day, with one week until my actual due date. It was really depressing though when she checked my cervix and nothing had changed since the week before--still at 2cm and 75% effaced. She asked if I'd had any signs of labor, which, of course, I hadn't...just like with Wyatt. I really wasn't interested in being induced because I REALLY REALLY wanted to go naturally this time, but when my doctor asked me if I wanted to schedule a day to be induced, I caved. We originally scheduled it for January 22nd, but I called back later and asked to have the date changed to something after my actual due date. So we decided that if he wasn't here on his own by the 26th (my due date being the 24th) I'd be induced that morning at 3am. My choice to be induced mostly came from the fact that I knew he was going to be big, and I don't know about you guys (or gals, rather, haha), but I'd rather push out as small of a baby as possible, if you know what I mean...AND...I was so done being pregnant. SO DONE.
DONE, DONE, D.O.N.E.

Saturday January 21st
I didn't have to work that day, so I was looking forward to a stress-free 3 day weekend. Jeff and I didn't have any plans, which was unusual because for the past few months it had seemed like we'd been busy EVERY weekend...weddings, holidays, birthdays...EVERYTHING. Anyway, we spent the day around the house, and at one point while Jeff was cleaning, I decided to take Wyatt and go to Target. I didn't really have anything to get, but I went there with the purpose of walking around, hoping it might trigger labor. We were there for a couple of hours and when we finally came home, while I went to the bathroom, I noticed I had bloody show. Now, let me also preface this by saying that I had ZERO idea of what to expect for labor, other than what I'd read. With Wyatt I was induced and hadn't experienced any signs of pre-labor, and so again, I was completely unsure of when or if I was actually going into labor. I tried not to get too excited, but I was glad I was one step closer than I'd ever been. The rest of the day was uneventful.

Sunday January 22nd

4:30am- I woke up and remembered having a dream about an instruction class on what REAL contractions felt like. A few minutes later I realized I had woken up because I'd actually HAD a contraction. I didn't know if it was just a Braxton-Hicks contraction or a real one...

5:00am- I couldn't go back to sleep, and I'd started timing them after I'd noticed they were coming regularly--every 7 minutes, like clockwork. I got out of bed and went to the bathroom, thinking that maybe by changing my position and emptying my bladder, they might stop...but they didn't AND I noticed more bloody show. That's when I got really, SUPER-DUPER excited because then I KNEW I was in real, actual labor. I was a little confused though because I thought contractions were supposed to be more painful, but I figured I was just in the beginning stages. I didn't wake anyone up, and I started packing my hospital bag.
6:00am- I went downstairs to watch TV and write down the times of my contractions.
6:30am- I heard Jeff wake up, and he came downstairs when he noticed I wasn't in bed. We decided to watch a movie. My contractions were still coming every 7 minutes.
7:20am- My contractions were coming on stronger at this point, but not any closer. I noticed I had to concentrate on my breathing and I wasn't able to talk when Jeff would ask me questions. I decided that maybe we should go to the hospital, just to see what was happening...maybe I was dilated more? We tossed the idea around for a while, debating if it was worth it or not, and eventually decided just to go. I was afraid the hospital wouldn't admit me, so we held off on sounding the alarm.
7:45am- We called Jeff's Aunt Launa (who's family lives just down the street) and had one of her daughters come watch Wyatt, who was still sleeping. Once he woke up, she took him back to their house and got ready to take him to church.
8:00am- We arrived at the hospital. The contractions were more painful now, and I had to stop walking for one on our way in...
8:15am- I was admitted into triage where a nurse hooked me up to the heart and contraction monitors. I got and IV and had to answer a ba-jillion questions and sign paperwork before she even checked me...
8:30am- She checked me and I was 7cm dilated!!! We were completely shocked...and then we figured we should probably let our people know, seeing as I wasn't going to be sent home...
10:00am- I walked to the Labor and Delivery room and got settled in...

(At some point my family arrived...but they were quickly sent away because my contractions started coming much stronger and my nurse was SURE that I'd deliver him quickly..)

Soon after I'd arrived in L&D, the doctor on-call came in and broke my water, and that's when I started losing track of time. After that, my contractions were incredible. HOLY.WOW. My L&D nurse was really nice and super supportive. I had mentioned that I wanted to try and go without an epidural, just to see if I could do it naturally. She was a great coach, along with my Mom and Jeff. I don't know what I would have done without them all! I tried all sorts of different positions to help with the pain--on my side, on my knees, on the birthing ball, standing and leaning on Jeff--and it seemed like nothing helped! My nurse kept telling me, "Just 5 more contractions, you'll be ready to push...just a little bit more, and you'll be ready..." but every time she checked me I'd still only be at 8cm/9cm. A few times I begged for the epidural, but everyone kept telling me it was too late. Eventually though, (after a few HOURS of this) when my nurse could see I wasn't progressing, she offered it to me...and I rejoiced. Literally. I had never been so happy to see a needle in my entire life. Those contractions were THE WORST pain I have ever experienced. Thankfully though, throughout this whole process, Logan's heartbeat never dipped at all, which was one of the reasons my nurse tried for so long to get me to progress...the biggest issue was that he wasn't coming down...

1:07pm- I got the epidural. The nurse told me to take a nap.
1:20pm- The epidural kicked in. Oh, sweet relief. I really LOVE epidurals--I can still move my legs around (it's limited, of course) and I can still feel my contractions, I just can't feel any of the pain! Kudos to you women who can go through labor all natural, you amaze me. Truly. Maybe one day I'll try again. Maybe...
2:15pm- They started prepping me for BIRTH!!
2:20pm- I loved how casual everyone was while they were getting ready...it was really calming. Everyone was real chatty and when the doctor came in, we started talking about how we were going to take it nice and slow...
2:25pm- I'd only pushed once, and that was enough to push him down and almost out...the doctor kept telling me to push slower...what?!
2:28pm- One more "slow" push, and Logan Peter Downs was born! 9lbs and 21 inches long! AND ABSOLUTELY NO TEARING!! (Can I tell you how amazed I was?? My recovery has been minimal, and the strongest painkiller I took was a few IBprofen...A.MAZ.ING.)

So a few things to note: After Logan was born, the nurse told me there were a few reasons why I wasn't progressing: ONE: I was constipated. Hello. Yes, I was. And apparently that made it hard for him to come down...blockage, anyone? TWO: He was face up, instead of face down. While I was pushing the doctor flipped him around and apparently he came really quickly after that. THREE: He was 9lbs!! Wait, so you're telling me my body doesn't accommodate the size of the exit for the size of the baby?! Someone needs to fix that problem...

So anyway, I guess I might have been able to do it naturally if all or some of those things had been different...or so my nurse tried to convince me. I'm still thinking an epidural is the way to go though, haha!

But he's here and he's healthy and we love him so much already!

Announcing...

2012-01-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

Logan Peter Downs!!

Born Sunday January 22nd at 2:28pm

9lbs, 21 inches long

So it's a little busier with 2 kids!! Crazy, right? Hopefully this video will keep you entertained while I find the time to write my labor story and get more pictures taken/uploaded.

This is Wyatt and Logan's first meeting...enjoy!

drumroll, please...

2012-01-21T00:31:00.001-07:00

Not pregnant???

Hahaha!! I WISH!!

39 weeks 4 days...only 3 days left!

Little stinker boy has decided to take his sweet time and I'm having this suspicious feeling of deja vu...

Last doctor's appointment nothing had changed...still at 2cm and 75% effaced. Boo.

We decided that if he hasn't come on his own by January 26th, I'll be induced BRIGHT and EARLY.

Please, please, please, please let him come...

I have one more doctor's appointment before then, on my due date, so we'll see what's going on at that point...

a bubble bath interrupted.

2012-01-19T23:49:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I just need a relaxing moment to myself...

...and Jeff just happened to buy me some bubble bath from B&BW for Christmas, so I thought I'd take a time-out from the world...

...wellllll...it was fun while it lasted--for the 2 seconds it took to start running the water...

...and then I was joined by this stinker. Good thing he makes bubble baths even more fun.

Spaghetti-face anyone?

Haha! He wasn't sure what to think about getting the bubbles all over his face!

Sooner...not later.

2012-01-10T23:30:00.005-07:00

The end is near! I can feel it!! This pregnancy has been a little more rough on me, and not as enjoyable as Wyatt's, and so I'm already anxious to be done...

38 weeks! I had a doctor's appointment today and I'm 2cm dilated and 75% effaced!! Which is further along than I ever got with Wyatt on my own! With Wyatt I was at 1cm dilated and 60% effaced for four weeks...I'm hoping with each week I'll keep progressing! Oh, AND she said he's dropped!! Good news for me!

Also today, after my appointment, I got to go to the hospital to do a Non-Stress Test! Yippee! Not.

My doctor always asks me how he's moving, and usually it's a definite "all over the place, all the time..." but today, I voiced my concern that he hadn't been moving as much the past day and a half. I was actually a little worried last night when I was talking to Jeff about it, because usually I feel a good elbow in my side or some kind of big movement, but I hadn't noticed anything at all yesterday...and when I tried to get him to move, he wouldn't do much. Now, that's not to say that he wasn't moving at all, because he was, just not like normal. So when I told my doctor she told me to head over to the hospital, just to check out his heart rate with the NST.

Lucky me, within the first 5 minutes the nurse told me he'd already passed the test, but that I'd have to stay the full 20 minutes anyway. BUT, she did try to make me feel a little less dumb by telling me it's better to make sure everything is fine rather than ignore the possibility that it isn't. Ha.

ALSO, since I'm almost done with this pregnancy, I thought I'd do a little recap, like I did with Wyatt...you know, just for fun...

WORKOUT ROUTINE: Wait, I'm supposed to workout? I thought BEING pregnant was a workout in and of itself?? Haha, we'll count running after Wyatt as my workout routine then...

MOST SURPRISING SYMPTOM: Heartburn. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it. And it's not like regular heartburn...this is the DEVIL'S heartburn because I'll only get it at night, before I go to bed, or HOURS afterwards and it'll wake me up from a dead sleep. I even get it if I have anything to DRINK before I go to bed. RIDICULOUS. I never had it this bad with Wyatt.

FAVORITE PART: My favorite part is definitely still the sensation of feeling him move. It's weird, and surprising, and sometimes painful, but I love it. I love knowing he's alive inside of me.

MOST TERRIFYING PART: That he'll be late. And then, in turn, be HUMONGOUS. Please, please, please, please be on time (or preferably, EARLY...)

MOST FREQUENT CRAVING: QT crushed ice--heaven in a cup.

MOST ANNOYING SYMPTOM: Stretch marks. Apparently already being stretched out isn't a good enough reason to stay away because those dang stretch marks have come with a vengeance. I only got one with Wyatt, and with this guy...I'd rather not count.

WEIRDEST SYMPTOM: I never had this symptom with Wyatt, and so it's definitely weird to me--round ligament pain. I feel crippled because of it. Every time I wake up in the morning or any time I've been in a singular position for too long, when I get up to move the muscles that hold up my uterus send a burning pain sensation throughout my lower half. It started being super painful around 30 weeks, and now I'm just used to it...but not really.

FUNNIEST MEMORY: Just so you know, this may not be the most appropriate, but we think it's hilarious. When Jeff and I were first trying to tell Wyatt we were having a baby, we would point to my belly and say "baby." At the time, he knew what a baby was, but I'm not sure he quite understood that there was one in my belly. ANYWAY, I think we confused him because now when we ask him where the baby is, there's a 50% chance he'll point to my boobs...which we call boobies...and so the fact that they sound so similar, everything in that general area is a baby--my boobies and my belly.

WEIGHT GAIN: Starting weight: 127lbs Current weight: 159lbs...so that's a difference of...a lot.

And, of course, I have to give credit for this idea to my fellow blogger Emily, since she did all the work! Thanks Em! Hopefully there won't be another belly picture and it'll just be of my newest little one!!

I laughed.

2012-01-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

While I was in Wyatt's room, on the computer for a second before he went down for bed, I heard him saying, "Night, night Elmo." I turned around to find that he had spread his blanket on the floor, was giving Elmo a hug, and then would lie down with him. I thought it was hilarious.

But then it got better because when said, "Are you going to tuck him in bed? He needs to lay down on his pillow..." he immediately pulled Elmo up and put him to bed.

You might need to turn up the volume...we had to whisper because Elmo was sleeping!!

my not-so-big big boy

2012-01-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

...as you may (or may not) remember, one of Wyatt's birthday presents was a new "big boy" bed. We didn't go and get it until black Friday though, and even then, it's still taken another month to get it put up. We're big slackers, I know. But lately I've got the nesting bug, and I decided it needed to go up...NOW.

...something about the impending birth of another child and the need of the crib for said child.

So Wyatt was booted out of the nursery and his crib all in one day, and we moved him into the spare bedroom...New Year's was his first time in the new bunk beds, and although he was already asleep by the time we put him in the bed, he slept soundly through the night. And thankfully his transition since has been pretty easy. He did wake up last night crying, but was fine as soon as I found his binky and put him back in bed. It's low enough to the floor that he can get himself in and out and I'm not too worried about him falling out.

Just woke up from a nap!

He loves his sheets and points out every car and bike and truck...

The one thing I'm not ready for is his newfound freedom. Now that he can freely get out of bed whenever he likes, I'm worried about the messes I might find if I don't wake up before him...

BUT...

...he did surprise me this morning by waking up and coming right to me...all of a sudden I heard the little rustle of his diaper and when I opened my eyes he was at the side of my bed wanting to cuddle. So we laid in bed for another 30 minutes while I tried to wake up...

{the new and the old}

2012-01-02T15:16:00.001-07:00

On New Year's eve each year, my family always has a fondue dinner together...I guess it stemmed from a tradition my dad had with his family in Holland, and I don't know why I didn't know that before, but he told us at dinner this last time that the "fondue-ing" use to last for HOURS...because it's more of a social event than anything, and everyone gets together to talk and have a good time.

We didn't really eat for hours, but we always make New Years eve very social, and we stayed up playing games and talking while waiting for the New Year...I love it.

We had the whole gang...thankfully Grace and James hadn't left for Idaho yet, and we were able to squeeze in one more family event :)
Our fondue consists of marinated meats that we fry in oil...accompanied by dips and vegetables and bread and all sorts of good stuff.

Wyatt was in love with this peanut sauce my dad makes to dip bread in...

...so much, that we decided to just put in on his tray and let him do his own dipping, haha!

...working off those calories playing Just Dance on the Wii...!

...toasting the New Year!! With Martinelli's of course!

I'm going to miss these two! Even though their newlywed-ness sickens me at times, haha! Just kidding guys!

Me and my babies...minus Wyatt...

I can't hardly believe 2011 is gone!!! When I look back at the year, I'm so overwhelmed with gratitude and love...here are some of my highlights from this past year:

Wyatt learned to walk!! (Yeah, weird, I know...at the beginning of last year he wasn't walking yet...)
I had TWO siblings get married in the temple! And now I've gained TWO siblings that I love...Tim married Amy, and Grace married James!
I got pregnant with our second boy!
I got promoted twice at work and was able to support our family a little bit better while Jeff finishes school and tries to find a better job
Jeff received his Associates Degree
Jeff celebrated his 26th birthday, I celebrated my 23rd birthday, and Wyatt celebrated his 2nd birthday
Jeff and I celebrated 4 years of marriage!
We were able to make 3 trips to Utah to visit my family before my grandparent's moved out of the house I grew up in every summer...
I was able to take my first trip to the east coast to visit my best friend Danielle in Rhode Island
Wyatt started talking...using REAL words, haha!

And again, these are just a few highlights from this past year...here's to 2012 being even better!!

Merry Christmas!! (a little late...)

2011-12-29T23:15:00.003-07:00

Since I've been married, Christmas time has always been extremely BUSY.

Let me explain:

Because my parents are the only ones of their families that live here (mom's family is in Utah/Idaho, and dad's family is in the Netherlands), I never really understood the whole family get-together business...and so although I missed seeing all of them during the holidays, I never really had anything to desire since I'd never had it anyway. So in a way, even though I never knew it, my Christmas' were always very low-key and...quiet.

WELL...during the month of December, because most ALL of Jeff's family, on both parent's sides, live here in the Valley, we have LOTS of parties to go to...

...and it was kind of an adjustment at first, to be so busy every weekend with a different family party, but it really is a blessing to have so many loved ones around. Jeff absolutely loves having all his family nearby, and I'm jealous that mine aren't closer. We had so much fun this year, like every year, and you'll have to excuse the fact that I didn't take any pictures. I was way too busy having a good time, you know ;)

So as tradition dictates, we usually have just the immediate Downs family (Mom, Dad, brothers and sister) party sometime mid-December...and we usually go out for a nice dinner and have a gift exchange/Secret Santa...that's what we did the night of the Rockin' R Ranch...

Then...the Sunday before Christmas, the whole Downs' clan (that is, aunts, uncles, cousins, Grandma and Grandpa) get together for dinner, usually at someone's house, and we sing, and tell stories, and spend time getting to know each other better...

This is Grandma and Grandpa Downs with most of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren:

Christmas Eve is always the D'Amico family Christmas party...we eat homemade pizza (courtesy of Jeff's dad), have a gift exchange between the cousins/kids, and a White Elephant exchange between the adults. Santa usually always makes a quick stop to visit all the kids, and drops off a few gifts for everyone...

Grandma and Grandpa D'Amico with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren:

(Proof that I really was there...)

Wyatt wasn't really all that interested to sit on Santa's lap this year...

...but at least it was better than last year's attempt!!

As soon as Santa came into the room though, he pointed and said, "Ho, ho ho!!"

I don't have any pictures from Christmas Day, but it was fabulous. We woke up early and read the story of Christ's birth in the bible, and then went downstairs to open presents as a family--we literally only got Wyatt 2 gifts, and it was a good thing too! He was SO spoiled this year and got presents GALORE from both sides! AND, he didn't even really care about what we got him...he still prefers the actual wrapping paper. ANYWAY, after Jeff and I opened our gifts to each other, we had to get ready really quick to make it to church on time with my parents (at 9 o'clock!!). We then headed back to their house to spend the day with my brothers and sisters and their spouses. We exchanged/opened gifts and had lots of fun watching movies and playing Just Dance on the Wii. I love Christmas time so much, and it really bums me out that it goes by so quickly...I feel like Christmas should have it's own season and a last all winter long--a good three months would do it ;) I'm so thankful for my families and the love we all share for each other. I love my friends, my own little family, my Savior, and the blessings we've been given this year...I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and remembered to celebrate the birth and life of our Savior...!

Rockin' R Ranch

2011-12-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday the Downs' crew celebrated together for Christmas at the Rockin' R Ranch here in Gilbert. I guess I'd been before when I was really little, but I don't remember a thing...we had lots of fun though, with a HUGE, delicious ranch-themed dinner (baked potato, BBQ chicken and beef, homemade applesauce, dutch-oven biscuits, and baked beans--mmmm!!) and then a show afterwards with the band/cowboys rockin' out to Christmas and western songs. I'd definitely recommend going if you haven't before...

Afterwards we headed back to our house for hot chocolate and the gift exchange...since we only live 5 minutes away...

Merry Christmas everyone!! Only 5 days left!

...a night out...

2011-12-19T11:11:00.001-07:00

...to see the Temple lights!!

tidbits.

2011-12-13T01:17:00.000-07:00

I wake up to the cutest face ever.

"Hi mom."

(...and he really does say "hi" as soon as I walk in to get him...

...followed quickly by "Elmo??")

"Feed me?"

How about them long jonhs?? I LOVE them!

...and the gap is narrowing with only 6 weeks left! At 34 weeks I already feel like I'm my own planet! I can't see how I can get any bigger...but alas, I know it'll happen.

Today was brutal. I woke up late (thank you Wyatt for sleeping in until 9:30!) and after we ate breakfast and I read Wyatt a few stories, I took a blanket and laid on Wyatt's bedroom floor while I tried to sleep. It didn't really work out so well (that floor is HARD), but Wyatt wouldn't let me lie in my bed while he played with his toys--so I had to lie on his floor while he played with his toys. I am past the point of exhaustion, and I just want to sleep normally again. I can't wait...only 6 more weeks and then no more belly...

...and here's a random picture with my sweetie pie...isn't he a mess?? Gotta love that messy hair and unshaven face! Good thing he's so dang handsome! ;)

Family Pictures 2011

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again when Christmas cards go out and we take new family pictures...and even though I wasn't feeling the best about sporting a big-ish belly, I thought they turned out pretty dang cute! Wyatt, the stinker he is, decided to be mostly uncooperative. We were, however, able to bribe him with goldfish crackers for a second...and then when that didn't work, we got him to laugh by giving us kisses! So a lot of the pictures don't have us all looking at the camera, but sometimes the candid shots are my most favorite :) Enjoy!

While we were on the tracks we heard a train coming! Wyatt thought it was SO COOL...and I freaked out a little bit. We were so close and it was SO loud!

A big thanks again to my lovely Noelle, who took our pictures again this year! Love you!

I'm surrounded by boys.

2011-12-06T00:28:00.001-07:00

I don't know what's more disturbing:

1. ...that Jeff was spraying Wyatt over and over and OVER again with the water bottle--and for no apparent reason, other than his own amusment...

2. ...that Wyatt enjoyed it.

I walked in to find both of them laughing hysterically and the floor (and Wyatt's head) drenched.

What is it with boys???

...must be in the water we're drinkin...

2011-12-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

All these pictures were taken within the last year...and in every one, someone different is pregnant...

We've got Noelle about to burst in Jan 2011

Rena Jean just showing in May 2011

...and now me...who's next?? Hahaha!

mama needs a timeout.

2011-12-02T14:13:00.002-07:00

Alright people...here's one grouchy mama/pregnant lady, ready to vent...

The newborn isn't even here and I'm already dying. This pregnancy seems so much more DIFFICULT!! WHY?!? I can't sleep. I can't breathe. I can't walk properly. I have really bad "round ligament" pain. I can't eat late or I get heartburn. I can't eat a lot or I get heartburn. I hate my stairs. I hate not being able to hold Wyatt (because if I do, I can't breathe or it's really uncomfortable.) I hate these Braxton-Hicks contractions that come more often and stronger than before (I'm getting one right now!). I just want this to be EASY!!!!

I'm done being pregnant! Not that I really want the alternative option either, that is, to HAVE the baby...

...but...

...maybe I just need a nap.

On a cuter note, here's an adorable mess with spaghetti all over his face, getting in the shower...

love him

2011-11-29T01:08:00.001-07:00

Being a mom is hard work. I really don't even understand how I get through the day sometimes. And thinking about adding ANOTHER one into the mix almost makes me doubt reality...am I going to get more hours in the day to get everything done? NOPE.

That's where I think Dad's come in.

And thankfully Jeff is a FANTASTIC dad. The dad "knack" definitely doesn't happen overnight, but he's become a great help to me, especially with this pregnancy and the lack of energy I've got. He's such a good dad to Wyatt, and the perfect husband to me. He's the ultimate handy-man, he cleans the house, AND he gives me all sorts of rubs--back rubs, foot rubs, all-over-the-place-because-it-all-aches rubs...

He's great.

And sometimes I feel like I don't give him enough credit or love for all that he does. I think a lot of the time I get caught up in how much I do, and focus all my attention on how much responsibility I have, that I forget to be grateful for what he does. I love him a lot, and I'm so thankful to have someone who cares about me as much as he does. Thank you sweetheart.

So anyway, here's his handy-man skills in action:

...it's the progression of our Christmas present (to each other) being put up:

(We took the top part of the entertainment center off and it's opened up the room so much more! We love it!)

Helping Daddy with something...

And YES!! We got our Christmas tree!! LOVE IT!

...only 26 more days left to Christmas!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T14:24:00.002-07:00

I know I'm a little behind, but Thanksgiving time was a little crazy around here :)

We started off the morning taking Jeff to the Turkey Bowl, the annual tradition he and his friends have, playing tackle football...the ONE time in the year he actually gets to play rough. I never really understood the enjoyment of playing tackle, since Jeff always comes home with some sort of injury, and then he's sore for the next few days, but...he LOVES it. WHATEVER. I went to my parent's house with Wyatt for breakfast and enjoyed one of my favorites--crepes.

Then we headed over to my in-laws and enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving feast...all the tables were set up outside so we could appreciate the beautiful weather. Jeff left right after dinner to go stand in line at Target...that was at 4pm, and it didn't open until midnight. He's crazy, I know, but he wanted to make sure he got the TV we wanted. Even at 8 hours early, he was number 20 in line, with only 25 TV's...we were lucky to get it! He said it was worth it though...

So while he was standing in line, freezing his butt off with random strangers, I was spending time with family and working up a sweat playing the X-Box Kinect...my sister-in-law, Meaghan, is also pregnant, just a few weeks behind me, so I'm sure it was a funny sight to see the both of us running in place and jumping over "hurdles."

We both decided that if we ever need help going into labor, that we'd just need to play that game. We basically died.

Then when everyone had gone home, and Wyatt was ready for bed, I headed out to join Jeff, and even though I got there a few hours before it opened, the line was HUGE!! It literally took me an hour to get inside the store! Now, granted, they weren't letting everyone in at once--only 30 people at a time every 15 seconds...but still! AN HOUR!! Ridiculous. We got a few other deals there and that ended our black friday shopping. There was NO WAY I was headed anywhere near a mall or a Wal-mart...

...although...we did go to IKEA later that day to get Wyatt's bunk bed! We're just waiting to paint his new room before we put it up...so hopefully in the next few weeks!

This Thanksgiving break was absolutely wonderful and we enjoyed spending so much time with all our family and friends...hope you all had a good Thanksgiving too!

all they need are aprons...

2011-11-23T13:16:00.001-07:00

The other night, Jeff invited over one of his long-time friends, Jesse, and his wife and baby boy, Stacie and Graham. Jeff had decided that we'd keep it pretty low-key and just play games and hang out.

Oh, and make dessert.

Unfortunately for him, I wasn't in the baking mood, so I told him I didn't want to make anything, and that I'd just buy some cookie dough at the store (who? ME?? I know, I know...get over it, I'm pregnant.) Jeff INSISTED though that he'd rather make homemade cookies, "Oh, I'll do it! Just make sure we have all the ingredients and a recipe..."

(...this is where you insert a big eye-roll from me...

...because sooner or later in his baking process I was sure to be a part of it...)

SO, while I was out grocery shopping I just happened to stop by the baking goods isle...and found a mix for key lime bars!! His favorite! How could he possibly resist?

...which, of course, he couldn't...and didn't....

So anyway, while Stacie and I sat in the living room and lounged, the guys baked up a storm of key-lime bars and peanut butter brownies

Adorable.

Owie

2011-11-20T11:00:00.001-07:00

Somehow Wyatt has managed to keep himself free from physical injury these past 2 years.. Sure, there's been a few bruised foreheads, and a couple scraped knees, but who wouldn't get those when you're first trying to learn to walk??? We haven't had to deal with any blood-curdling screams, no seriously bleeding wounds, no uncontrollable crying (knock on wood...)

This kid cracks me up...

A few days ago while I was making breakfast on the stove, Wyatt (who likes to watch and so he stands next to me on a stool) started saying, "Ow! Ow! Hot! Hot!" and then would kiss his fingers. Because I'd been watching the stove the entire time and he wasn't close enough to even get a real feel of the hotplate, I said, "Wyatt, you're fine. You didn't touch the stove, but yes, it is hot." He kept whining though, and I thought it was just because he was impatient to actually eat.

WELL, as we're sitting down eating breakfast, he kept repeating "Ow, ow, ow!" and wanted me to kiss his fingers better. At this point I thought he was crazy, so I grabbed his fingers and started looking at them one by one...of COURSE I didn't see anything at first, but then when I went to kiss them to make him "feel better" I noticed one of his fingers was red. I started to freak out, racking my brain to figure out when he could have possibly touched the stove, and getting after myself for not believing him...

...as it turns out though, upon further investigation I noticed it wasn't a burn at all, but a big, fat splinter...waaaaay deep into his finger.

GREAT. Even better.

So although it wasn't major, Wyatt got to experience his first true owie, alcohol, bandaid and all... and I got to hold him in a vice grip while I tried to extract the sucker with a pin and tweezers.

2 years!

2011-11-16T08:00:00.003-07:00

From newborn...

...to one year...

(I forgot how long his baldness lasted, haha!)

...to today...

It's Wyatt's birthday and he's 2!! Say whaaaat??!

(Yes, we are lame parents and didn't have a real candle to stick in his cake...and no, it's not even real cake--it's homemade pumpkin bread with homemade whipped cream. So...just as good? I'm sure he'll get enough real cake when we visit the grandparents.')

Wyatt's big gift this year is going to be the bunk beds we plan on getting soon! I can't believe he's already big enough for a big bed!! I'm sad to move him out of his crib, but we've gotta make room for the new baby!

We did get him a few other things though:

It's a book combining 2 of his favorite things: the alphabet and animals!

...this is his monkey face:

He also got a new puzzle (because SOMEONE wasn't watching him and lost the pieces to the old puzzle he had...)

Yay, numbers!!

Awww, self portrait! Don't look too long though, we're all kinda scary-looking...

It's absolutely crazy how fast these last 2 years have flown by! Wyatt has been the cutest, cuddliest, most wonderful blessing in our lives and we love him so much. It seems like he's grown a TON this last year, and especially within the last few months. His vocabulary seemed to form out of nowhere, and I can't believe how much he knows and can say! It's still a little hard to understand him most of the time, but we catch new words almost every day He mimics us constantly, and it's HILARIOUS. He loves the alphabet and can name off almost every letter by himself. He also loves channel 8 cartoons, being outside, shoes, animals, and his family. He keeps me laughing all day long, and I'm so glad he's mine. We love you Wyatt! Happy Birthday!!

And just for fun, I've listed all the words he can say, just from what I can remember off the top of my head:

Mama

Papa/Dada

Oma/Grandma

Opa/Grandpa

Tim

Emma

Grace

Ben

Brigham

uh-oh

all done

all gone

cars

choo choo

please

thank you

nice

happy

yes

no (also used in scolding terms with his index finger pointed, No No No!)

hello

bye bye

see?

water

milk

shoes

baby

apple

banana

pinecone

ball

cool

Elmo

hot

ta-da!

yay

ow
go

yuck

He also knows almost all his body parts, down to eyebrows and elbows...

And this is just weird...he won't say any of the animal names, but instead will go by what sound they make...

So for dog it's 'ruff ruff'

cat: meow

cow: moo

chicken: bach bach

owl: hoo hoo

ect, ect

...but he also knows the sounds for elephant, monkey, lion, bear, bunny (he wiggles his nose), snake, and fish

It's just so amazing though how much more he understands...! It's going to be a CRAZY day when he starts talking in full sentences...

for the record...

2011-11-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Alright guys, here's to 30 weeks down and only 10 left to go!!

Model status

2011-11-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

He's such a little poser!!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:01:00.001-07:00

So if you didn't know, I'm pregnant, and that equates to me being REALLY lazy with this year's Halloween costumes...if you'll remember last year's Halloween, I went all out and had everything planned a month before the event. This time, it was all last minute (literally). Thankfully, Wyatt never has a say in what he's dressed up as, or even cares, so he didn't mind and still ended up being super cute.

Introducing the cutest Cardinals football player around!

We've got him saying "TOUCHDOWN!"

This year my parent's ward and my in-law's ward combined the trunk or treat activity, so Wyatt got to see everyone at once...it was really fun! (Wyatt didn't go around collecting candy though, but he did help pass it out!)

Of course he begged for a few pieces too...
(...you'll notice he ALREADY has a sucker in his mouth...)

Matt and Shannon and the other cousins were there too! We've got Jacob who dressed up as Iron Man, and Lilly who was a fairy

And I didn't really dress up, except to accentuate my belly as a pumpkin...

...and these are the best shots your getting because I didn't think to get my face in the pictures...again, it's all about the kids, right?

cheeseball.

The cutest little man around.

Hope you all have a good Halloween!!

keepin' you posted...

2011-10-25T23:13:00.000-07:00

So I was noticing this was my 100th post of the year...and then I also noticed I have less than 100 days left in my pregnancy...90 days, to be exact...and...well, that's crazy.

I don't feel like I'm getting much bigger with each week (even though I already feel huge), but I know by the end I'll be thinking,

"27 weeks?! That was TINY!"

...anyway...not much has been going on. I had my glucose test for gestational diabetes today--and anyone who knows, knows it's AWFUL. You have to fast 12 hours before drinking the stuff...and then when you do, it's nothing satisfying, but overwhelmingly toxic. Like...super, super, SUPER sweet--almost so sweet it burns your throat going down. YECHT.

...hopefully I passed.

Well, it's definitely time for bed...Halloween is in less than a week and I've got to hurry up and finish some costumes...more to come on that soon!! ;)

bum up

2011-10-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

I never understood why kids find it comfortable to sleep like this--bum up in the air. It cracks me up though...

So this kid here will be 2 in less than a month...how does that happen??!

I haven't even really begun to plan a birthday party, and I feel a little bad, but not really...I mean, he's not even going to remember it. BUT, I do already have his gifts, and I think if we do decide to have a party it's going to be super low-key, and EASY. I'm all about the easy these days, haha! My sister's wedding is also in less than a month so we've got that going too, plus Halloween and then Thanksgiving and then CHRISTMAS is all within the next 2ish months...busy, busy, busy!! Thankfully baby#2 won't be here until after the madness is over :) I can't wait though!!

conglomeration

2011-10-12T23:05:00.000-07:00

I've been really pathetic with the picture-taking lately, so this is a smorgasbord of some recent happenings...

Because the weather has been so autumn-like and WONDERFUL, I took Wyatt to the park last week. He is in love with sand. I didn't get a picture of it, but he would crouch down and just run his hands through it over and over and over again. He especially like the ducks as well, saying, "cack, cack, cack" (he hasn't really mastered the 'qu' sound yet...)

He's saying "hi!!" in the picture...

This is just funny...well, because he's a goofball. (Anyone know what we're watching in the background??)

On Tuesday my mother-in-law took Shannon and I and the kids to the Phoenix Children's Museum...

I'd never been and it's so awesome! Everything is kid friendly and meant to be touched or played with or ridden. Wyatt had so much fun in the little market with his grocery cart...thanks Grandma!!

And lastly, just showing off the progress I'm making...25 weeks down, only 15 to go!!

awwww!

2011-10-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Wyatt's really good at giving kisses when he's asked for one...maybe not ALL the time, but most of the time...the other night I tried to see if he'd give the baby a kiss and it was the cutest thing:

...and I'm still not sure he actually understands there's a baby...he knows what a baby is, and when I ask him "Where's the baby?" he'll point to my tummy, but I don't think the actual connection is there. But it's cute all the same :)

Mommy's shoes

2011-10-06T13:29:00.001-07:00

I really hate that I never have my camera at JUST the right moment...

...but this will have to do, and it's still really cute. Right before I ran upstairs to fetch the camera he kept saying "Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!"

...and then when I asked him to say it again ON camera, he wouldn't.

Oh, but don't worry, he said it again as soon as I stopped recording.

Typical.

ANYWAY, this is the first time he's actually succeeded with this certain task, and I'm SURE it's because he's finally found a pair of my shoes that aren't high heels or flip flops, haha!

Oh, and how 'bout those pajamas?! Haha!

Count your many blessings...

2011-09-27T16:38:00.002-07:00

I've been doing a lot of training for work this summer to expand my skill level at work, and because of this training, I've had to work a "normal" shift of 8 hours during the day...which means both Jeff and I are working at same time, leaving Wyatt with no where to go. And I guess technically that's not necessarily true, because I'm sure I'll always be able to find help, but it's especially easy when my sister is readily available. Thankfully this last training was only 2 days long (and not 2 weeks like the one a few months ago) and Grace was able to help me out a lot by spending the night and staying home with Mr. Wyatt. One of those days Grace took Wyatt to the park and took some cute pictures, so I thought I'd share:

And while I'm on the topic of being thankful, I wanted to share a recent experience our family had...

While we were deciding whether or not we should get pregnant again, I found out I wasn't going to qualify for my insurance benefits at work, and that they would end in March. It wasn't really unexpected, but it was still rough, especially since we'd started talking about having another baby at the beginning of the year. So our insurance coverage ended and I started looking into other options, other insurance plans we could start up. Jeff's company is...less than desirable...and doesn't offer any benefits, let alone HEALTH benefits. (I'm still thankful that he has a job though, haha) And in my search for maternity coverage I kept getting more and more depressed--it's absolutely RIDICULOUS how expensive insurance is!! I mean, I found some decent plans, but then the deductable was an arm and a leg (quite literally...!) and the maternity coverage wouldn't usually start up for at least a year...

Jeff and I talked a lot about our options. We could start an insurance plan and wait another year before trying to get pregnant. But the insurance coverage wouldn't have been optimal and we would've had to pay a lot of money. We talked about a home birth with a midwife, but that was almost completely out of the question for Jeff--a last resort (he's a big-time worrier). We talked about waiting for him to find another job with good medical benefits...but that was even worse than any of the other options because there was no definite timeframe on that one--who knows when he'd get a new job, IF he'd get a new job...

It all boiled down to NOW or LATER.

...ultimately we decided not to wait. Obviously :) We decided that we wanted Wyatt and this baby to be close in age, and we felt this was the right time..and that somehow the insurance or home birth would all work out. Talk about a leap of faith...I've been nervous since the day I found out I was pregnant! BUT, things have worked out. I just found out last Friday that I've been qualified for AHCCCS insurance and that my maternity care has been covered. What a blessing! Jeff and I feel like a weight has been lifted and we can finally relax and enjoy this pregnancy...it's hard to be happy and joyful when the future is so unknown. But we ARE so thankful that this has worked out for us and we're getting more and more excited to bring another little boy into our family! I'm so grateful for answered prayers!

20 weeks!

2011-09-11T13:08:00.002-07:00

I've again reached the halfway point of my pregnancy and it's freaking me out. How does it go by SO FAST?! (And I guess I could ask the same about Wyatt...he'll be 2 in 2 months!!)

It blows my mind that he was small enough to fit in my tummy...and now he can barley fit on it! (Oh, and this is a clean bum on my tummy...just out of the bath!)

I like doing comparisons...these pictures are taken at the exact same point in my pregnancies...

...annnnnnnd...you know me...

So a little update:

Around 16 weeks my "morning" sickness FINALLY decided to hit the road...I haven't thrown up since and I'm only nauseous when I don't eat. Eating has now become pleasurable again, and I love that I've actually reached the point where I look pregnant and if I eat a ton I don't just look bloated...which, of course, then gives me reason to eat a ton...

I've been feeling baby boy move a lot more recently, but it's still not very much, and it makes me kind of sad...but I know as soon as he gets bigger there won't be a problem, haha!

Wyatt has been waking up during the middle of the night for the past week and a half...we found out the other night while brushing his teeth that he has his 2 upper canine teeth coming in, which we've heard is pretty painful and probably the cause of his night wakings (screamings). Last night though, I didn't hear him, so hopefully he's getting over it. He's also starting using more real words (and I say "real" words because he's been talking and using gibberish since he was born) and seems to have a new word added to his vocabulary every day...no sentences yet, but it's exciting all the same. He loves being outside and I can't wait until it cools down! (FALL IS ALMOST HERE!! YESSSS!) I can't believe how big and adorable he's getting and I'm sad that soon he's not going to be my baby, but the big boy...

Life is going pretty well, and I'll try and keep this blog updated more...I know I've been slacking pretty bad, haha!

I know you're in there...

2011-09-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

When I went to get my ultrasound 3 weeks ago the technician told me I have an anterior placenta.

Which, of course, is fine, it just means the egg implanted on the far side of my uterus, closest to my belly button...which means that the placenta is in between me and the baby, causing a lovely cushion...and that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I have had a hard time feeling this baby boy move.

Now, it doesn't mean I haven't felt him at all, because I have, but at first it was REALLY hard to distinguish it as a real kick (and it only happened about a week ago)

...I figured this time around in pregnancy it would be super easy to know, and that I'd probably feel him a lot earlier, but not my luck.

WELL, being that this little guy is the size of an heirloom tomato...

picture

...and during the ultrasound he was bouncing off the walls...

...and given the fact that I've been feeling him a lot more rencently...

...I decided to see if Jeff could finally feel him.

So last night we decided to watch a movie, and I had Jeff hold his hand on my tummy until he could feel something. With Wyatt I was about 18 weeks when I felt him move and I actually SAW it too...with this one, I'm already 19 weeks and have only felt some subtle movements on the inside--nothing that would translate to the outer world. Meaning, I've held my own hand to my stomach and couldn't feel anything when I did feel it on the inside...it's really weird.

ANWYAY, we watched the movie, (and ate homemade mango/raspberry milkshakes), and I'd ask "Did you feel that?" every 5 minutes or so...nothing.

So I shook up his world a bit. Literally.

And THEN, baby boy decided to make a big show, and he did a nice somersault for dad...

Perfect.

good times.

2011-08-24T14:52:00.001-07:00

Me: Smile Wyatt! Smile for the camera!

W: ...

Me: Wyatt, say "Hahaha!"

W: HA!!

Preview: Coming Soon!

2011-08-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

So if you haven't heard...

We're having another BOY!!

Ice cream?

2011-08-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

This was taken while I was in RI and Jeff and Wyatt were up at a family reunion in Utah.

Wyatt and Lilly siting in Grandpa's lap, sharing some ice cream:

15 weeks

2011-08-05T23:47:00.002-07:00

15 weeks and here's what I look like...this is just for the record, by the way, because let's face it. At 15 weeks I don't look pregnant, just fat.

BUT anyway, I'm telling Jeff to lower the camera to get a more full body shot...

...he obviously didn't get it.

So I took some pictures by myself with the self-timer...and they turned out blurry. It's all you're getting.

This pregnancy so far has been very similar to my pregnancy with Wyatt. I've been really tired, (extra EXTRA tired now that I have to run after a toddler), really nauseous, and kinda cranky. The only real difference is that I've developed acne...oh, and this time, the pregnancy was planned, haha! It's also really different this time around because I'm not as...involved...as I was before? It's not that I'm NOT excited to be pregnant, because I am, but this time around I don't feel COMPLETELY consumed by it. Sometimes I even forget that I AM pregnant. I'm not constantly thinking about baby things and I'm not worried about the same things I was worried about before.

It's just different, I guess. I don't have every second to spare thinking about this baby because I have Wyatt to worry about...I wonder how that's going to work out when the baby actually gets here...haha! It'll be something new to learn! Yay...

;)

[ch-ch-ch-changes]

2011-08-04T00:02:00.000-07:00

{insane}

definition of my life right now.

Not that I've really got a whole lot going on, but...I just don't have time! I feel like I've always got something going on or something to do or...you know, I have a child to run after.

Anyway, this last weekend Jeff, Wyatt and I were able to take a very last minute trip up to Utah...last minute, as in we planned to go the day before we left. My sister, Grace, had just gotten engaged (whaaaaaat?? more to come...), and my grandparent's had just sold their home of 40 years, which is basically the home I grew up in during the summer vacations we spent there each year. So since I'd never be able to go back again, I felt like I needed to make one last trip (and my family was planning on taking the trip anyway to pick up Grace from school...) So yes. We went. And loved every second. We lounged, and played games, helped my grandparent's move, ate good food, met THE MAN, picked raspberries, and enjoyed the weather.

Splendid.

And then I had to come home. I will miss that place dearly.

While we were there, during a small window while it wasn't pouring rain, we decided to take some pictures at Mac park...Wyatt wasn't cooperating so much...

It's still strange to me we'll be adding another member to this family...what's that? You didn't know I was pregnant??

Official announcement: I'm 15 weeks.

(and still feeling sick, bleh. Makes sense now, the neglect of this blog, eh?)

We're defintely excited though and can't wait to meet baby #2 in January!

And this is the adoring couple...awwww!

They met at school, of course...well, I guess technically she met him through their mutual friends...her roomate is freinds with his roomate...his name is James and we all met for this first time during this trip. They were ENGAGED before ANY of US had even MET him. Hahaha, good times. He did talk to my dad over the phone before proposing though...so anyway, he's super nice and has some guts for being willing to spend a few days with us nuts...I can't wait to see him more often and get to know him better. Congratulations little sister!

And on a random note, Wyatt loved these crazy balls...

...oh, and he also has a thing for hats at the moment...

Jeff sends me pictures at work...

2011-07-23T08:00:00.002-07:00

WYATT ATTACK!!

Rhode Island Part I

2011-07-21T13:58:00.001-07:00

So I have this best friend. And a year ago she decided to move to the other side of the country...that is, Rhode Island...which might as well have been a whole DIFFERENT country, because let's face it...it's farther away than both Mexico and Canada at this point.

Yes. She's a crazy lunatic. I mean really though...who would move away from me?!

Lame joke.

Moving on.

When she did decide to take the job out there and then moved, she told me I HAD to come and visit her, which, at the time, seemed pretty much impossible because I had a young baby and no money...well, as it turns out, babies grow and money can be saved, so back in April we started scheming my trip to visit her this summer.

And...it was AMAZING.

I seriously missed that girl. And now that it's over, I'm really depressed that she's so freaking far away.

It was a short trip, Thursday morning through Sunday morning, but she made sure and jam-packed it full of things to do...we did so much sight-seeing and tourist-y things...I got a better tan there in 3 days than I have in Arizona for the past 3 months. But seriously, the weather was gorgeous, the surroundings were lovely (flowers spontaneously sprout!! And the trees...holy cow the trees are HUGE and GREEN, and they're not all EVERGREEN!) and my darling love, Danielle, was the best part. I loved every.single.thing.

On our way to Newport and over the bridges passing Jamestown...

I canNOT get over the houses there...I LOVE them. They're all HUGE, with usually 3 stories, which are then normally rented out by each level. They're wonderfully antique looking and colorful! But not like the ghetto colorful we have here--just amazing and colorful.

And then this was just funny: It looked like it was a church, but it was definitely in the middle of the street pretending like it was a normal house, haha! (And most of the churches, which are numerous, are big, stony churches with beautiful architechture...)

In Newport there is a Cliff Walk, which, obviously, is a walk on the cliffs over the ocean. I don't know what we were thinking (because it was a warm day and a long walk) but we didn't bring any water...dorks.

It was still beautiful anyway, of course...

Oh, and then opposite the ocean, there were GINORMOUS mansions.

And shrubbery cut-outs. Like this heart. I heart Danielle.

HAHAHAHA! But I really do...

Oh yes, and then we played secret garden in the shrubberies...

And then after a meal of the most amazing clams with chorizo (appetizer), fish n chips for me, and lobster mac n cheese for Danielle (all of which was SO GOOD) we headed to the beach...

Just so you know, I took 5 of these kinds of pictures and this is how they all turned out. Way to be.

This is funny because I made Danielle stop at 1:00 in the morning so I could take this picture...we were returning home from Harry Potter (SPEAKING OF WHICH, Rhode Island people are CRAZY. Not only do they SUCK at driving, but during the movie, right after the war at Hogwarts, while the camera is scanning over the wreckage, people in the theatre started SOBBING. Out loud. Not crying, or sniffling, outright s.o.b.b.i.n.g. And not just one person...multiple people. So instead of having a somber moment, we're all trying to stifle laughter...because WHO does THAT?!)

In those first 2 days Danielle took me all over Rhode Island...literally. I had been across the whole state in a matter of 2 hours, haha. We had lots of yummy food, she showed me all the cutest little places (my personal favorite being the Duck and Bunny, a cupacke cafe) and took me around to places she goes on a regular basis. It was absolutely dreamy.

Rhode Island Part II

2011-07-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

This "Part II" is really just the last day I was there...I just took so many pictures that day I decided to make it it's own post. So there.

This is the front door to Danielle's abode...and her lovely garden (that she has never had to maintain...it just flourishes.)

She has lavendar growing in her front yard. And she didn't even know.

Oh, so I suppose you're all wanting to know what it was we did that day, that would consume a whole day...WELL FIRST of all...I slept in until 11am. And that never happens. I was shocked and pleased at the same time. AND after that we went out for breakfast at the Modern Diner and I had mascarpone-filled french toast, with homemade blueberry syrup...be jealous because it was amazing. AND THEN...we went back to the house to prepare to go...KAYAKING!!

Awww! Danielle being domestic in her apron making the bacon for our lunch!

Yes. That is a mini-cooper with 2 kayaks on top. Awesome.

I BELIEVE we went to Ninigret Pond...which is bascially the southern border of Rhode Island...

There were really shallow parts where you could see the fish and jellyfish and crabs...

Oh, and Robert decided he wanted to try out a paddleboard...he did really well!

AGAIN, Danielle! Haha!

We beached oursevles for lunch and so that we could take a look around and catch some stuff...

I'm holding a comb jellyfish...you can kind of see the shadow on my palm...

...there were hermit crabs EVERYWHERE.

Again, absolutely dreamy. I had so much fun.

4th of July

2011-07-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a little crazy this summer, with vacations and training for work, so these pictures are actually back from our 4th of July getaway camping trip to Wood Canyon Lake...we went up for that weekend and spent Saturday night at the Taylor rodeo, per tradition, and had a blast...I didn't get any pictures of the rodeo unfortunately, but it was great.

Here's a little overview of how the weekend went:

Wyatt is ALWAYS in the kitchen, no matter where he goes...

Wyatt and Daddy riding up front...just a short trip down to the lake to go fishing!

...fishing and canoeing, that is...

Wyatt wasn't so excited to put the life jacket on...it was nap time.

Naptime, indeed...he fell asleep 10 minutes after we got in the canoe. It was a nice little ride anyway...probably because I didn't have to paddle!!

Group shot of the girls!! No hair or make-up done! Well...I guess that's just me.

Bright and early, eating a muffin...Wyatt's favorite pasttime. It was chocolate--can you tell?

He and Lilly like to share:

Exploring the woods around us...with cousin Jacob. (PS, there were TONS of chipmunks around!!)

Taking a ride in the hammock...we later fell asleep together...and got sunburnt.

Another trip down the to lake and we saw 2 bald eagles! They were fishing too! And did a lot better than the boys did, haha...!

It was a really good trip...lots of relaxing and eating and POURING RAIN and thunder...

...a great escape...

{flyaways}

2011-06-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

MIA much??

Yeah, that's me this past month.

Sorry...and hopefully you haven't noticed, haha ;)

So anyway, last night my family visited some old family friends, the Wilhelms...

Ladd caught a few doves (I don't know how) and brought them in to see if any of the kids wanted to let them go...

Wyatt was in love.

I promise he got a thourough washing of his hands and mouth...silly boy!

...in the act...

2011-06-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

One day last week, I woke up to this weird "click...click...click"-ing noise.

And as I'm laying in bed, trying to wake up and process what I'm actually hearing, I notice Wyatt talking to himself...and then I hear his door shut.

I IMMEDIATELY jump out of bed, thinking he must have fell out of his crib, and wondering how I could have possibly missed his screaming cry fit...

...and as I open the door and look in, there he is--sitting in his changing table. What the...?? Yes, the stinker has learned to climb up on top and mess with the light switches (the clicking noise) and open and close the door...I don't know how he did it, so I set up the camera to catch him in the act...enjoy!!

(I just walked out of the room after trying to put him down for a nap...I love how he keeps looking at the door to make sure I'm not coming back...)

baw-berry.

2011-06-10T00:46:00.001-07:00

What do you do with fresh strawberries, bought for an insanely good price?!

I make them into jam.

Ridiculously good jam.

Oh, and Wyatt calls them baw-berries.

another camping trip

2011-06-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend is my family's annual camping trip to Canyon Point. This trip was really short due to the relentless wind that destroyed my parent's tent. It was depressing. But for the one day I was there, we tried to enjoy as much of the cold, mountain air as possible.

The only pictures I got were from the hike we went on to see the sinkhole...on our way we stumbled across this little pond! You wouldn't have even known it was there unless you practically walked into it! It was covered on one side by a hill, and if you're looking for it from far away, it blends into the forest...

And, yes, the water was REALLY that green.

I was trying to get Lucy the puppy to come into the water...

...and it didn't really work out...

Here us pretty ladies are, no make-up, no hair done...

A view down into the sinkhole...

(Emma likes to make fun of how white I am...)

A view from inside the sinkhole, looking up. Ben is somewhere at the top there...

Sadly, even though it was a short trip, it wasn't all that much fun...the wind was so cold, and it made it impossible to enjoy anything. We couldn't play games or take a quiet nap (the tent was SO LOUD from the wind hitting it)...we were constantly have to tie something down or run to pick something up that had flown away. Sigh. Maybe next year will be better!!

You like cake?

2011-05-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hey guess what?!

I've been married 4 years today! FOUR years. It really doesn't feel like that long, but...that's longer than my high school experience. Werid.

Anyway, in honor of our anniversary I decided I'd share a clip from our reception...

Be warned. This movie is rated I-NF for:

Inappropriate Narrating Friends.

But it's HILARIOUS.

(Just so you know, the narrators are my best friends Danielle and Malu, and Meredith)

My FAVORITE part is when I tell Jeff to "Be nice."

...that's right before I shoved the cake in his face, if you were wondering.

And yes, it was planned that way. I'd been scheming all day...

...there's cake coming off my nose. Flattering, right?

I love this picture simply for the reaction on everyone's faces...

I really can't believe how fast time has flown! 4 years down, only an eternity left to go...

I love you Jeffrey! Happy Anniversary!

...so I guess it wasn't the WORST day ever...

2011-05-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my day got better.

Wyatt actually fell asleep on the car ride home...after, like, 2 minutes.

When he woke up from his nap, and I went in to get him, I looked at him with a stern frown and told him he hadn't been very nice...he ducked underneath his hands, and peered at me from between the crib slats...and smiled.

What.a.stinker.

So anyway, things are better, and I just wanted to share a few pictures I took tonight of my chipmunk-faced-baby-boy.

SERIOUSLY though.

Look at those CHEEKS!!

Haha, he kept blinking when the flash would go off, so that's why his eyes are always closed...

...but it's so FUNNY!!

WORST.DAY.EVER.

2011-05-24T12:48:00.001-07:00

Today I experienced my first public meltdown.

{From Wyatt.}

...I'm still not over it, since it did just happen 15 minutes ago...

Here's how it all went down:

I like to go grocery shopping right before Wyatt's nap. He's usually always in a good mood and by the time I get home he's fallen asleep in the car, or he's just about to...

SO, just like I always do, I make a few quick trips to 2 places: Superstition Ranch Market and Albertsons.

He was perfectly content at both places UNTIL I'm in the checkout line at Albertsons (perfectly planned on his part--just waiting until I can't escape...)

Now, at Albertsons, for those who aren't familiar, your cart goes on the left, and you go on the right. The conveyor belt is circular and so it's hard to grab anything after it's been put on it...

ANYWAY, I'm emptying my cart of THREE things, when Wyatt sees the bananas...and literally GOES BANANAS. He starts screaming...not whining, not crying, SCREAMING.

Make that SCREAMING HIS HEAD OFF.

I picked him up hoping that would calm him down a little bit and I tried talking to him and asking him to be patient and told him that he could have a banana in just a minute...

Oh, wait. But the ONE LADY I decided to stand behind in the EXPRESS LANE decided to take her sweet time. So instead of it being 'just a minute' it turned into 'just a five minutes that seemed like a lifetime.'

SIGH.

But wait. It gets worse.

Wyatt decided that instead of calming down, he'd just scream the ENTIRE TIME. (Well, he did take a few breaths...)

I'd pick him up and he'd arch his back. I'd put him down and he'd stomp his feet. He decided that RIGHT NOW was the perfect time to have his first full-blown, out of control, temper tantrum...and I couldn't get away. I couldn't just leave the store like I desparately wanted to. I WAS IN THE DANG CHECKOUT LANE.
I couldn't do anything to soothe Wyatt and the old hag in front of me thought it would be GREAT FUN to torture me. The person behind me kept asking me why he was crying, like I didn't know how to shut my own child up...he kept saying, 'Well, maybe he wants this...try to give him that...' and I just wanted him to shut up too. EVERYONE was looking at me. I'm sure the WHOLE STORE could hear my child screaming and was wondering why I couldn't make it better. I kept trying to laugh it off, and said, 'Oh, it must be naptime...'

WELL. FINALLY, it was my turn to check out--the cashier was looking at me like he was sorry and the bag boy was literally looking at me like I was crazy. No joke on that one...he was giving me the crazy stink eye. While I was trying to swipe my card and enter my pin with my out-of-control child squirming in my arms, one of the older women who worked in guest services came over and gave Wyatt a squeaky toy.

He shut up immediately. She ripped off the tag, and said, 'He can have it.'

And then I walked out. Mortified. I realized I was sweating when I finally sat down. And then I cried.

officially official

2011-05-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

He's now an official graduate with his cerificate of degree!

today was a nice day...

2011-05-19T00:01:00.007-07:00

...it was overcast, windy, and chilly.

AND Wyatt just happened to take a REALLY late nap (he didn't wake up until 5pm, and even then, I had to go in and get him up) and whenever that happens, I'm always afraid he'll have a hard time going to bed.

So my solution?? Tire him out.

We walked to the park and let him run around for a little bit.

On our way out:

Wyatt likes to go off on his own (within sight, of course) and turn around a wait for us...

First thing, the swings!

(sorry for the overload of swing pictures...he's just so dang cute!)

...and Dad did some acrobatics...

Photo op with the rainbow!

...and then down the slide...

...love the static-y hair, haha!

He tried flying a jet for a little while...

and then switched over on to the thing-that-spins-around-really-fast-and-makes-me-nauseous...

And then we walked back home and lived happily ever after!!

Hahaha, well, that was only after the screaming fit Wyatt had because he saw another little boy with a water bottle and he couldn't have any...

...needless to say, he was definitely tired when we got home and went to bed, right on time!

{bird's eye view}

2011-05-18T08:00:00.002-07:00

For the time being, we're chick-sitting...

(we're watching them until they're bigger and can handle living with the meaner chickens at my parent's chicken coop...)

peach daiquiri

2011-05-16T08:00:00.002-07:00

I got this nailpolish for Mother's Day.

and.i.basically.love.it.

What's your favorite nail color?

Just a little boastful.

2011-05-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

So.

Be warned.

I'm going to be a little boastful right now...because...

Today was Wyatt's first day in Nursery.

AND HE DIDN'T EVEN LOOK BACK!!!!!

Jeff and I both dropped him off and he literally just went in, took a seat, and started looking at a book.

No goodbyes (I was afraid if he knew we were leaving him he'd start crying)

No apprehension.

No questions.

Wyatt: Oh? You've got toys, and snacks and other kids for me to play with? FINALLY.

Jeff and I would periodically check up on him during the next 2 hours, and he was perfectly happy. His teachers said he was really mellow (MELLOW?!) and didn't cry once.

I'm a little sad that he didn't want mommy or daddy, but church today was...well, I was able to pay attention!! I was able to stay in my classes and actually LEARN something! It was wonderful!! And it's so funny now that I'm saying this because before I was a mother, I never appreciated sitting, uninterrupted, while listening to the lesson that had been prepared. Oh...it was absolutely awesome.

So anyway, we basically have a perfect child, who, right after church took a nap, which left his routine on schedule. Another plus to Nursery...

GO WYATT!

eatin' pizza

2011-05-14T00:13:00.002-07:00

Today was Wyatt's uncle's birthday! Happy Birthday Brigham!

We got to celebrate with him and went to Peter Piper Pizza. I'm not sure if Wyatt's ever really ever eaten pizza before (maybe the crust?) but he sure liked it!

...and so did everyone else, haha!

Games

2011-05-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

Also at the birthday bash there were GAMES and lots of things to do! Well, obviously...it IS Peter Piper Pizza, after all...

Wyatt went up and in his first 'jungle gym,' with the help of Daddy, of course, haha!!

Do you SEE that face?! Haha!

He had his cousin Jacob to hang out with:

...and Jacob was so kind enough to share his seat on the mini-merry-go-round!

(there were TONS of free loaders that wouldn't get off the other seats while we used OUR tokens)

CUTE BOYS!!

blow.out.

2011-05-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

the.candles.

Happy Birthday Brigham! We love you!

The simple things

2011-05-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

I love primary songs. Just now I sang to Wyatt as I put him down for a nap, and I love the feeling of calm and peace that's there while I rock him to sleep. I wish I would spend more time singing these songs to him--it's a great way to remember the Savior and feel His love and presence...

This is a song my mom used to sing to me, and now I sing it to Wyatt. It's one of our favorites:

...at it again...

2011-05-11T00:14:00.000-07:00

It seems that lately I've been able to see my girlfriends a lot more lately...and it's always fun...

We were trying to get Valette to look at the camera...two seconds after the picture was taken she decided to smile--typical :)

I just happened to sit next to Malu, and I just happened to have the camera...sorry:

Group shot: Noelle, me, Malu, and Rena Jean with baby George!

I love being able to just sit, relax, and get my girl-talk on...

Thanks ladies!

he's mine

2011-05-10T00:18:00.003-07:00

I L.O.V.E. this face, hahaha!

Mother's Day this year...was a bit of a struggle for me, unfortunately...

...my husband and family showered me with love and gifts, and everything was appreciated and adored...

...but...

...that little stinker, my little Wyatt...

...was NOT happy. AT ALL.

Sigh.

The whole point, being a mother, was somewhat stressful for me that day because Wyatt was not his normal self. He had had a rough night, waking up a few times crying, and the rest of that whole day was difficult. He was grouchy and wouldn't let me soothe him. He didn't want to be held or be put down or take a nap...he just didn't want to be happy. Now, I know he probably wasn't feeling well (maybe), and I feel bad that he can't communicate yet what hurts or what exactly he wants, but it just made me feel like I wasn't being a good mom...on Mother's Day. I was a sucky mom on Mother's Day.

And I know that's not true, but in the moment it sure felt like it.

It's funny (well, not really) how Satan can get to you in the silliest ways...and how easily he can put thoughts of insecurity in our minds. Unfortunately, I let those silly thoughts affect my attitude and I wasn't able to appreciate being a mother to my child.

...but only for a time.

Thankfully Heavenly Father has blessed me with a good husband, and other wonderful mother's in my life, who can help me with their unconditional love and examples. And thankfully I don't just need that one day to show my appreciation for my mothers and for being a mother. Motherhood is a constant learning experience, and I'm so grateful for those women who help me be a better mom. I love having Wyatt in my life, and I love being his mother. He brings me constant happiness and I'm so glad he's mine.

zzzzz...

2011-05-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

This boy is constantly making me laugh--even when he's asleep.

He's been taking some really long naps lately, and he must be growing...I mean, look! His feet don't even fit in the crib anymore ;)

kitties

2011-05-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

My parents' cat just had some kittens a few weeks ago. They're just old enough to be crawling around with their eyes open. Wyatt thinks they're so cool ;)

SUNBURNT.

2011-05-03T09:00:00.001-07:00

So I decided to document our burnt faces so everyone can get a good laugh at us.

Don't judge. Usually when we go camping, we avoid the sun and stay in the shade, but because it was so cold we basked in the glorious warmth...and didn't think about using any sunscreen lotion...

We just woke up. Hence the bed head.

I love this picture. He definitely squints his eyes like that on purpose....goofy boy!

Wyatt and the woods

2011-05-02T12:45:00.022-07:00

Right before we actually left to come home, I took Wyatt out to a little meadow I found not far from our campsite...just for fun...

Of course, though, we had to stop and examine every rock and leaf and fallen log...

...but eventually we made it to the meadow. It was really beautiful. Wyatt found lots of things to play with--tall grass, bugs, flowers...

And when we finally came back to the campsite...it was all loaded up in the truck!

April camping

2011-05-02T00:44:00.001-07:00

...is COLD!!

FREEZING, in fact!!

We weren't really prepared for how cold it was actually going to be...I mean, we knew what the forecast was beforehand, so we brought the appropriate clothing and blankets (mostly)...but WOW.

It.was.COLD.

Did I mention it was cold? Well, anyway, the temperatures never seemed to rise higher than 50 degrees, and coming from the Valley heat, we were caught off guard. The nights dipped down below freezing, and when we poked our heads out of our sleeping bags in the morning...we could see our breath (still in the tent...)

SOOOO, needless to say, I spent a lot of time following the sun and sitting by the fire, all the while accumulating this gorgeous sunburn I'm now sporting across my cheeks and nose...

ANYWAY, as you've gathered by now, I went camping this last weekend with Jeff and his family. We had lots of fun just being lazy and relaxing (and trying to stay warm)!

Jeff has a small obsession with fishing. He loves it A LOT, and went 3 times the first day, and once the next day. Unfortunately he didn't have much luck with the fish and they all snubbed his bait. He did, however get to partake of the fishy-trout goodness when his little brother, Brigham, caught 2!!

Dad showing Wyatt some fishing techniques ;)

Wyatt has was in heaven!! He had a blast playing with rocks, and dirt, and mud...

Another reason for our expedition was the newest member to the camping gear! A CANOE!! Grandma and Grandpa Downs just bought a canoe a few weeks ago, and this was her maiden voyage! That's Grandma in front, Brigham in the middle, and Grandpa steering the vehicle!

And this is Grandpa, Shannon, and me

...and this was just hilarious. Notice Matt and Grandpa are weighing the front down, while Brigham sits at the back, ha!

Our campsite

A small, candid moment between Matt and Shannon...awww!

(It was Matt's birthday that night and we had a steak dinner! And it was TASTY!)

Exploring with Uncle Brigham

Playing with Grandma

Towards the end of the first day, while dinner was being prepared, we had some cranky babies. Shannon was GENIOUS and had a brought a little bottle of bubbles...

Thanks to the good amount of sunshine, and with the help of Meaghan and Lukas (thanks for the extra blankets!!), we all slept well and warm that night...MUCH better than the first night...

...and early the next morning the boys went fishing again and caught these babies! Way to go, Brigham!

I'm so glad I married into a family that loves camping as much as I do. I love being able to spend time outdoors and get some much needed sunshine. Even if it was a little too much :)

Splash pad

2011-04-29T01:09:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law, Shannon, invited Wyatt and I for a little playdate at the splash pad. Wyatt was a little apprehensive at first, but once he realized it was FUN, he kept himself occupied...

Oh, and he found this random beach ball? Hahaha!

Oh hey! Lilly's head! Poor girl wasn't interested AT ALL in the water fun...and the other cousin, Jacob, was running around all over the place and having fun with all the other kids. I think Wyatt is secretly jealous that he can't run and keep up with them yet...maybe one day, but right now he's good all by his lonesome.

It was really fun, and I'm planning on going back sometime. Thanks Shannon for inviting us!

you should know by now...

2011-04-26T12:50:00.001-07:00

...that Jeff and I enjoy being silly.

Easter Time

2011-04-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

Today was a busy Easter Sunday. We woke up early to enjoy our own Easter traditions...

...and of course, sample some of the fine goodies the Easter Bunny brought:

(apparently it's acceptable to eat chocolate first thing in the morning...)

...and then we headed off to my parent's house to see what the Easter Bunny brought us there! Surprise, we got lots of goodies!! ;)

While there, we enjoyed a waffle breakfast and went to church with my family...

...we also had a little photo session with Wyatt in his bunny ears...

...and Daddy tried them on too, which was WAY more entertaining...

...and then we headed off to spend time with Jeff's parents and family and eat dinner...

...and WHAT?? ANOTHER visit from the Easter Bunny?! Wyatt is one lucky kid...

(He must've eaten his weight in food today...)

He had the coolest little truck in his Easter basket...it makes noise and everything! He loves it.

And while there, Wyatt experienced his first Easter Egg hunt. I'm not sure he quite understood what was happening, but he eventually got the gist of it: find the eggs and throw them in the basket.

Cute, cute, cute.

I'm so glad our families live so close. It makes spending time with each other easy and fun, and we always love seeing them. Happy Easter everyone!

just Wyatt.

2011-04-24T00:28:00.000-07:00

The kid cracks me up every day.

Exploring...

2011-04-22T23:09:00.002-07:00

...the stairs!

...and laughing the whole time!

Look, Mom! No hands!!

I'm all about color lately...

2011-04-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't opened up a box of Crayons...in YEARS.

I decided that I should probably introduce Wyatt into the world of coloring...and I bought my first box of Crayons. I LOVE THEM. I love how new and unused and perfect they look. I love how they smell.

I love how all these different colors come in one package.

And Wyatt?? Well...he hasn't quiet grasped the concept of coloring...but he does appreciate the vibrant colors and wanted to pull every one of them out and inspect it...

{yellow}

2011-04-19T14:06:00.001-07:00

Have a happy day!

here here here here here here here here here here here here here here here here here

Wyatt's love affair...

2011-04-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

...with the stofzuiger.

My dad vacuums...constantly.

Wyatt naturally was attracked to the noisy beast, and is now completely infatuated.

It's become his number one favorite toy he loves to play with.

my deco is limited

2011-04-17T22:14:00.003-07:00

I've come to realize that Easter is probably one of my favorite holidays. I love springtime, and bright colors, and celebrating the Ressurection of Christ (and just how the Easter Bunny relates to Christ, I have no clue...)

I've also come to realize I don't have very many Easter decorations...

...so with what little I do have, I decided to decorate a little nook in our entertainment center for now...

...and next on my wish list is a Christus statue...maybe that's what the Easter Bunny will bring me, haha!!

A.DOR.A.BLE

2011-04-16T13:19:00.001-07:00

Wyatt's attitude has changed NIGHT and DAY since he's started feeling better. The poor kid had pink eye, then an ear infection (that lasted longer than 2 weeks), a fever, and then hives. He's FINALLY over it all and he's loving it...me more though, because a happy baby makes life SO much easier...

♥

Easter Pageant

2011-04-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

Because my lovely sister decided to visit during her break between trimesters at BYUI...

...she's REALLY...spontaneous.

As in, I had work yesterday, but she wanted to go to the Easter Pageant and I didn't want to miss out, so I was able to get off last minute to join them.

And I loved it.

We left a few hours before it started so we could get good seats.

And when I say 'good seats,' I mean a good spot on the lawn.

We had a few hours to kill so we were being goofy...

And then by the time it started it was already bedtime for Wyatt, so I got to cuddle with him while I watched the Pageant. He is the king cuddlebug of all cuddlebugs...

...but anyway, it was a wonderful performance and I always enjoy going. It's one of those shows that I never tire of seeing...

Things that scare the crap out of me

2011-04-14T08:00:00.002-07:00

A friend of mine did a post like this, and I thought it would be interesting to come up with my own...

So without further ado, here is my list of things that "scared the crap" out of me when I was young:

(I was both thoroughly amused and scared at the same time while I was trying to remember some of these things, haha!)

{Lieutenant Worf}

Yes. I was afraid. He was a big, scary, ugly, brown creature with a cheese grater for a forehead. And it didn't help that he couldn't figure out how to turn that frown upside down...

{Chef Louis}

Okay, so to clarify, he didn't really scare me all the time. It's just at that one part in the Little Mermaid when he's singing in the kitchen, tearing up the fishies, and finds Sebastian. Remember how Sebastian pinches Chef Louis' nose to escape, and then Chef Louis chases after him with a cleaver?? Yeah, it's that part. My mom says I used to cry when I would watch it.

{Gremlins}

At the ripe 'ol age of FOUR...
I came across this movie on TV while the babysitters were asleep.

Well...it instantly cured me of ever wanting a pet gerbil or a hamster or anything cute and cuddly after that...

...annnnnd...it should be obvious why I hate furbies.

{Hexxus}

Remember the movie geared towards tree-huggers and saving the earth? (FernGully) It starts out with pretty fairies and flowers and it's all sunshine and happiness...and then BAM!!! In comes toxic waste in all his creepiness! Yeah, those dang environmentalists sure know how to scare the living daylights out of me!! I'm STILL freaked out by this guy!

{The Silence of the Lambs}

Even when I was little I KNEW this was a horrific movie. Of course back then, on trips with my dad to Blockbuster, all I saw was a pretty face with some nasty moth/wasp on her mouth...so OBVIOUSLY the movie was about this poor girl ingesting some kind of killer bug.

Or lamb.

Something was wrong with her lips...that's why she was silent?

Well, no, she's silent because of the creepy bug on her mouth...?

Needless to say, I still haven't seen this movie. Although, you will be pleased to know, I have figured out it has nothing to do with any literal bugs or lambs.

What "scared the crap" out of you??

Gotcha!!

2011-04-13T01:03:00.001-07:00

My beloved Jeffrey...

...FINALLY got his Associates Degree!!! He'd been in school for...oh, I don't know how long...but could never decide what he wanted to do, so this was a huge milestone for him, and I'm so proud!! He kept changing his mind on his major, from being a sports journalist, to a teacher/coach, to a firefighter...and then he finally decided criminal justice was the answer. He loved his classes and was really interested in the subject matter. He's going to start applying to different police departments so he can start out as a police officer, but he really wants to end up being a police detective or working with the FBI.

Crazy, right?

Yeah...I'm a little nervous.

But I'm just so happy he's finally found something he's truly interested in. He's going to start his Bachelor's program in a few weeks, and I'm so so so proud of his determination.

AND...of COURSE...I had to celebrate this accomplishment SOME how...

So I threw him a surprise graduation party (with a lot of help from my mother-in-law...thanks Mom!)

He was TOTALLY surprised. I didn't get very many pictures because my picture-taker wasn't prepared (She didn't get my text in time to grab my camera before we walked through the door...I still love you, Grace!). But it was AWESOME. I really wish I would have remembered to get a group shot, but we had all of my family, and his family, and one pair of his grandparents. It turned out so well...

The lovely mothers preparing the dinner (Rubios!)

Wyatt...oh, Wyatt. He's been a little grouchy lately.

...but then he found some balloons!!

Don't mind all the chatter in the background...just focus on that cute boy loving some balloons!

OH! Haha, you might have heard in the movie about Jeff being mad about his keys...yeah, well that was part of my scheme...you see, I took his keys the night before so that it would look like he 'lost' them, which would force me to take him to work and leave him dependent on me to pick him up afterwords...well, I totally underestimated how angry/frustated he would get because apparently he remembered EXACTLY where he had left them (which is rare because he's ALWAYS losing his keys, among other things...) so instead of just searching the house and giving up after a few minutes, he REFUSED to let me give him a ride and said, "I'm NOT leaving this house until I find those keys!!!! I KNOW I left them RIGHT HERE...how do keys just grow a pair of legs and walk away?!?!!!"

Welllllll...crap. He even almost wanted to blame me because he thought he heard me messing with them the night before (YOU were the last one to TOUCH THEM!!) and so I had to play if off like I was offended that he would try to accuse me when I had 'no clue.' Anyway, he eventually let me give him a ride and everything worked out according to plan :)

SURPRISE!!

Bright Sunshiny Day

2011-04-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

My brother and his new wife, miss Amy, were married about a month ago now, and they went on a Mexican cruise for their honeymoon. As a sovenier they brought back Wyatt this super cute soccer jersey.

Oh...and it's a Mexican soccer jersey, haha! I feel like all the hispanics are stratching their heads wondering why this gringo baby is wearing a Mexican jersey...

SO CUTE!

GOLD

2011-04-09T07:00:00.001-07:00

I have the most amazing child.

No, really, I do.

My child.is better.than yours.

Okay, okay, he's not BETTER than yours...

...but he's still AMAZING.

The trip up to Utah is a 13+ hour drive, with stops for gas and food.

Wyatt only cried...maybe twice? And he was soothed pretty easily.

The kid is gold.

General Conference

2011-04-07T07:30:00.003-07:00

I absolutely love General Conference weekend. It's a wonderful time of peace and calm, and I love to listen to the prophet. Like I've said, Jeff had never actually been to one of the sessions, so I thought it would be fun to take a trip and go to the Sunday afternoon session. I've been 3 or 4 times before, but even I was still awe-struck when I entered the building. It's so beautiful...and HUGE! One of my favorite parts, that isn't ever aired on TV, is when the prophet, President Monson, enters the room...the crowd is immediately silent and everybody stands until he reaches his seat. It's so amazing to see how much our prophet is loved and respected...

Our group: Grandma, Jeff, me, my Mom, Uncle Bill, and cousin Cody

This one was actually taken right after the closing prayer before any of the Tabernacle Choir or the General Authorities had left...

Because you have to arrive an hour early to take your seats (and get good ones), Jeff and I decided to tour around the top level of the conference center before the session started...

This is President Wilford Woodruff, whom I am related to. The guy taking our picture said we should look grumpy like this bust does...

And this is President David O. McKay, whom Jeff is related to...

We also were able to view a lot of different paintings and sculptures and we went into a room that contained portraits of all the former Apostles of the Church (which I don't remember seeing before...and there were some...interesting...looking Apostles, hehe)

Outside on the balcony, across from the Salt Lake Temple

Three generations!

Another shot of the temple as we were leaving...and seriously, not 2 minutes after we got to the car, it started to POUR snow!!

It was such a great experience to go, and I'm glad we had the means to make the trip. We had so much fun and I can't wait until the next time we can visit again...

And this picture is just to show you how cute I am in winter coats, haha

...if only I could wear such fashion in Mesa...

Flip flops in the snow.

2011-04-06T20:00:00.004-07:00

Perfect.

This is the word I use to describe the weather during our trip.

I can't tell you how THANKFUL I was to be somewhere where it was SNOWING versus the 98 degree weather the valley was experiencing...

When we drove up there was a little snow dusted on the mountain tops, but sunny. Same for our drive down. But during the weekend, it was windy and cold...mmmmm...

These pictures were taken Saturday night...

We went out to the grocery store to pick up a few things, and it was pouring rain...45 minutes later, when we came out of the store, it was snowing hard!

Hi. I'm from Arizona and I wear flip flops year round.

The snow was PERFECT snowball material...

I love love love love love that weather. And now I'm back and I'm melting.

Playground

2011-04-06T12:18:00.001-07:00

This last weekend we made a trip up to Utah to go to General Conference. Jeff has never been, and I love any excuse to go up north and visit family and cooler weather! :)

While we were there my sister, Grace, came down from BYU-I to visit us and go to GC as well...and OF COURSE, she can't get enough of her only nephew, Mr. Wyatt, so we had fun at the park on Saturday afternoon...

He thought the swings were AMAZING.

(he's clapping)

He also tried out the slide for the first time...

...and he probably would have liked it better except Grace and Mom were both too big and kept getting stuck as we were sliding down...