Friday Flashback - Jeff's edition

Once upon a time...am I supposed to start this with "Once upon a time?" Once upon a time Whitney and I broke up. Which is the nice way of saying she dumped me. It was a tricky situation because we were both pretty sad about it and we continued to see each other once in a while since we had the same group of friends. A couple weeks after we broke up I took a trip to California to see my sister and high school friends. When I got back, I received an interesting text from Whitney. It read, "Do you think I can call Jeff and ask him how his trip went?" Instantly I knew who this text was intended for: Whitney's roommate who had been helping Whitney get through a tough couple of weeks. So I responded, "I don't think he will mind." Instantly my phone rang and it was Whitney telling me how embarrassed she was that she had accidentally sent that text to me instead of her roommate. After our conversation I sent her a text teasing her a little and she responded, "You are such a fork."  Clearly, she was STILL a little flustered since she meant to type dork. "We" still laugh about those texts today, and she still sometimes calls me a fork.

FYI:  Those texts were sent in 2006 on the same phones we have today.  How embarrassing! At least my phone used to be the coolest thing on the market.


Sent from my Razor

You are my sunshine

Ten little things that are bringing me happiness today:

1.  This cute canvas print for little man's room

We sing this song to him before each and every nap.  He really is the embodiment of sunshine.

2.  My bountiful baskets!  This week we had fresh bananas, pears, apples, asparagus, green beans, cherry tomatoes and more that I can't even remember.  Heaven.

3.  Daily skyping with my mom and Max.  You can actually see the love flowing.  What she wouldn't give to reach through her screen and kiss his little cheeks!

4.  Remembering my date night with Jeffrey to see The Hunger Games last night.  We love loved it.  I think the movie might have caused me to switch over to Team Gale.  Gasp, I know!

5.  Being able to cry at anything remotely related to children (or not) and blame it on being a mother.  

I have teared up at the Donny and Marie show, The Hunger Games, and maybe just while watching little man sleep.  It's like my tear ducts are on hyper alert all.the.time.

6.  Letters and cards in the mail from dear friends.  I adore mail, I adore letters and I adore beautiful penmanship.

7.  A smash book.  Have you heard of these?  I saw that video and it was love at first sight.

8.  Spring colors!  From the clothes to fresh flowers...I am SO ready!  I think that Spring just might be my favorite season.

9.  This video and this one from Ellen.  Oh Ellen, how you make me laugh.  Maybe Jeff and I stayed up late the other night just watching these funny videos on YouTube.  Thank goodness for YouTube.

10.  The fact that General Conference is this weekend.  Yummy breakfasts, pajamas, cuddling, lunch with friends and family, and being spiritually fed.  Glorious.  Can't wait!

8 Months Old

Max turned 8 months old on March 11th. I know I say this all the time, but I really can't believe how fast he is growing.

Notable things:

• he is a splashing machine in the tub. I'm soaked, the floor is soaked and he is happy as can be. It is pretty hilarious to watch him go!
• He sits on my lap as I blow-dry his hair (yes, sometimes I blow-dry my baby boy's hair) and finds it hilarious to unroll the toilet paper from its roll. I am in big trouble when he starts crawling
• Thinks that zippers sound funny
• He smacks his lips when he eats and still says "mmmm" too
• Thinks it's funny to give us five
• Learned to clap his hands
• He is cutting his first two teeth and only had one really fussy day
• Loves to "ham" it up in front of people. He smiles and laughs at them
• He gives the best, most sloppy kisses ever and loves to attack your face to give you one

He really is such a charmer. The biggest news is that he got his helmet off 2 months EARLIER than they originally thought. They were surprised he was done already. I had been taking Max to a pediatric chiropractor and I think she is helping a lot. We celebrated by getting him his second haircut! We were thrilled!

Love this little boy to the moon and back!

(Sorry for the picture overload; we have Grandmas that need to see them!)

Oh how I love this boy!

On a family outing to the Gateway in SLC.

He is obsessed with standing and loves to stand and hold on to things all the time.

He is eating all kinds of vegetables and fruits. Still does not like peas very much.

He isn't actually naked...his little chubby rolls and the Bumbo just hide his diaper. He loves to spit so much when he eats that it is usually easiest to remove the clothes first!

He's actually pretty afraid of this monkey that is nearly as big as he is. Jeff and I think it is quite funny.

He's got star power!

Friday Flashback

So I realized that there are many memories that I would love to have included in my blog books that occurred long before I started blogging.  Hence, "Friday Flashback" is born.  Jeff and I will share with you some of our favorite memories on Fridays.

Today's memory is of an eating contest that Jeff and I had back when we were first dating.  Somehow I got it into my head that I could eat equal to or more than what Jeff eats (He still thinks I am crazy for ever thinking this).  I was telling him this for the first time and he was denying it.  Now if you know me, or my family well, you know that we are very competitive people.  I kept insisting that I ate more than he did and that I could, in fact, prove it!

We began to set the terms.  Olive Garden.  Just the two of us.  We'd split our entrees right down the middle.  We had to divvy up the salad and breadsticks equally.  You could prepare for it anyway you'd like.

Day of, I ate a BIG breakfast and then just snacked throughout the day so that I'd be ready for the evening.  Jeff came and picked me up in his white truck and we drove to the restaurant, exchanging loving trash talk all the way.

We sat down at our table and so it began.

"How are you doing so far?"

"Fantastic.  Never been better.  In fact, I might need to order another meal just to get full."

"Oh, really?  Well, I see your breadstick and up you two more."

On and on the banter went.  The waiters were in on it and egged us on.  I was beginning to feel full, but was pretty sure I would let my stomach burst before admitting it.  However, I had to concede defeat when I could barely choke down another mouthful and Jeff stood up in the middle of the restaurant and began doing PUSH-UPS!!  It was hilarious.  I was cracking up and holding my stomach because laughing made it hurt so much.

The end result was pretty impressive though:  Jeff beat me by a measly little half of a breadstick.  (He insists that I tell you that he also beat me by 3 glasses of lemonade, but I'm pretty sure that is beside the point.  It was an EATING contest, after all).


And so a glorious tradition of betting was introduced to our relationship.  Over the subsequent years the bets have been varied, the stakes high, and the winnings pretty desirable, but fortunately, none have ended with a worse stomachache than I had that night.

And Olive Garden, sometimes I drive past you and still feel a little bit sick.

The Me-Monster learns to Carpe Diem

Last night I was in a little bit of a funk. I'm pretty sure that I didn't get up from the couch after putting Max to bed until it was time to go to sleep. Jeff had to study and I kept myself entertained by watching American Idol, reruns of The King of Queens, and Twilight (what is it about the painfully awkward acting that just glues me to the screen? It's like a car wreck! Secretly, I think I like it more each time I watch it because it is just.that.terrible.)

In a calm, collected voice I attempt to explain how I was feeling to Jeff. "I'm dying!!!" I exclaimed like the grown-up I am. "Of what?" he asked. "Boredom and binge snacking!!" came the reply. Not that I am bored per se; after all, there is plenty to keep me busy with an active 8 month old. However, I was missing some adult interaction, and more specifically, interaction with my husband. He has started back to school and between that, working, looking to buy a house, and taking care of our baby...we have been quite busy.

And like the supportive wife that I am, I was complaining. I needed time with him. I wanted us to do things as a family. I need adult conversation. Blah blah blah. (Where does Max get his never-ending need for attention? gulp!) Basically, I was turning into a ME-MONSTER. Yes, Brian Regan, was correct. I had put on my blinders and focused in on what I needed, wanted, deserved, etc. Beware the me-monster!!

Jeff, of course, never (openly) admits that I'm crazy and he is so patient. I think it might make me sick sometimes how patient and good he is, except that I am the beneficiary! (See? I'm getting less selfish already! Kidding). He really does inspire me to be better.

Luckily for all of us, today was a new day. A sunshine-y, warm, beautiful Spring day. And I read a few timely, applicable words that made me remember that this is a marvelous time in our lives. These are the days that we will look back on and tell our kids about. The times that we were so busy building a wonderful life together that sometimes we stayed up late at night talking and laughing in bed when we were supposed to be asleep just to spend a few extra moments together. The times that we didn't go out to eat as often and watched what we spent so that we could save up for an old, small starter house that we would (together) make into a snug, cozy, beautiful haven for our little family. The times that I surprised my boys with a picnic lunch on Jeff's lunch break (like today) and we enjoyed taco salad, Samoas, and blowing bubbles to Max at the park.

I remembered that I didn't have to wait for some far-off day in the future to start living my dream life. I AM living my dream life. I remembered that each day presents a unique opportunity to make a memory and find ways to sneak in a little more love. Life is busy. That will probably never change. But I don't want to miss the wild ride. If anything, I am daily reminded in my little boy's face about how quickly time really does fly. Be creative. Make it count.

What are some ways that you choose to make it count in your family?

My Little Valentine

Our Valentine's Day photo shoot went a little something like this:

Girls beware! He's a heartbreaker! (Or in this case, heart-ripper!) But he IS the cutest one around.

Surprise!!

While Max and I were out of town, Jeff was holding down the fort. He told me that he had some surprises for me when I got back. I asked, "Good surprises or bad?" He told me that the good would outweigh the bad. I was disappointed that our schedules never seemed to match up so that he could Skype with us, but I soon found out the reason why!

I was surprised in the airport with this:

My sneaky husband had grown a BEARD in our absence! Now I have to admit that I am just not a facial hair kind of girl. I admit that it can look good, but I don't want to have to feel it when I kiss my husband! Max, however, does not seem to have a problem with it at all! At home, Jeff provided the evening's entertainment by shaving it off in stages and posing and taking pictures of each one. We were dying. Enjoy the progression:

I do have to say that he was true to his word. The good surprises did outweigh the bad. He had picked up my favorite Thai food for dinner, cleaned the entire apartment (and vacuumed), had roses on the table and had picked out and wrapped two little gifts. Max and I were sure happy to be home!

California Trip and 7 months

Max and I flew out to San Diego at the end of January. We had planned to go out a few weeks later, but a dear friend of mine from high school passed away unexpectedly and so we left earlier in order to go to the funeral.

The flight out was a nightmare. I had gate checked our car seat and stroller and the airline didn't transfer them. So, when I arrived in Oakland for my layover, they weren't there and I had to carry Max and the diaper bag all over the airport. Max had a little bit of a hard time, crying 10-15 minutes on each leg of the flight. I know that it is hard for other people to listen to, but trust me, it is by far hardest on the parent. You are doing everything that you can think of to get your poor baby to stop. While waiting to board the plane in Oakland, a man behind me said "Uh oh, you have a baby. Has he flown before? Do you have a lot for him to do? Don't sit behind me!" I thought, "Nice. My car seat and stroller are missing, my baby is off his schedule and fussy, and now I have to deal with YOU. You better not sit by me or I will be tempted to share with you some choice words!" Instead, my better nature prevailed and I just smiled and turned around. We got a loaner car seat when we arrived in San Diego and discovered that our luggage was missing too. Luckily, they delivered everything in the middle of the night.

I was so glad that I was able to be there for the funeral and to spend time with my friend's sweet family. They are some of the best people that I know. I am so grateful for the gospel and the opportunity I was given to be reminded of the plan of salvation. I feel so blessed to have been a part of some very sweet and tender experiences. It was also wonderful, as always, to spend time with my family and enjoy the sunshine. My grandparents came out and we got to see my brother Nate perform in Bye, Bye, Birdie. Max was in heaven with all of the attention and ever since our trip has had much less stranger anxiety. Hooray!

We had Max's 7 month appointment the day we got back and he weighed in at almost 21 lbs (77th %) and was 29 and 1/2 inches which is still about 97th for height. We love our happy growing boy!

He was obsessed with the pool table and trying to get his hands (or mouth) on all of the balls at once!

Toes in the sand for the first time!

First time in the hot tub (it was only warm). He loved it!

Max thought he'd see how Grandpa's head tasted!

Saying goodbye to Grandma at the airport. They adore each other and I wish we lived closer!

Thanks for a great trip, Grandma and Grandpa!

6 months old!

Max turned 6 months on January 11, 2012. This last month had been a big one for Max.

• He got Botox injections
• He got his helmet. They predicted that he would have to wear it for 4 months. It took about 5 days to ease him into wearing it full-time and he did so well! He now wears it for about 22 hours a day (he takes it off for one solid hour each day, as well as when he eats solids or does his stretching for physical therapy).
• He got sick and needed multiple breathing treatments to help him breathe. It was so sad and he would cry having to have that mask on his face. So glad he's healthy again!
• He finally rolled from his back to his stomach. So far he is only doing it on his right side, but we are so excited for him!
• He loved to squeal and growl. He doesn't cry very much, but he will growl at you if you bug him!
• He has been attacking his hands and knuckles with his mouth. Do we have a teether?
• He recognizes when Mom or Dad says something in a funny voice and laughs out loud. I love that he thinks I'm SO funny!
• He started solids and quite likes his rice cereal and oatmeal
• He started sleeping through the night and is completely done with his pacifier and the swaddle! We did some sleep training right at the beginning of the month and he did really well. The first night was the hardest with him crying about 45 minutes when he woke up, but each night got better and now he rarely wakes up.
• To celebrate his 6 month birthday, we fed him peas for the first time!! I know, we really know how to part-tay over here!! He was not a fan...at all!

Max having a breathing treatment

He forgave me for feeding him peas

Or maybe not...

Jeff's GOLDEN Birthday

This year was Jeff's golden birthday. He turned 28 on December 28th! He took the day off of work. I made him pancakes for breakfast, then sent him on a golden scavenger hunt (with gold wrapped candies as the trail) around the apartment where he unscrambled a message that told him we were going to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. My parents came and picked up Max and Jeff and I headed off to WingNutz (which Jeff had been dying to try) for lunch. The Orchestra was really good. They tried to tell a Christmas story, but it was hard to follow and a little weird. Nevertheless, the lights and musicality were impressive. The musicians were extremely talented.

Afterwards, we headed to Jeff's parents' house where he thought we were going to have a family dinner. I had actually set up a surprise party with friends and family with LOTS of help from his mom and sisters. Max ruined the surprise a little bit because he was crying when we walked in and he wasn't supposed to be there, but it was still fun to see everyone. We had decorated everything in gold, everyone had gold beads to wear, and Jeff had a sparkly gold hat (I couldn't resist!). His sisters had made a huge golden card of 28 reasons why they loved Jeff. We gave everyone "Jeff bucks," gold money that we had printed with his face on them, and they earned more throughout the night by answering questions about Jeff correctly. Later, they used their Jeff bucks to buy some of Jeff's favorite treats that we auctioned off at the end. It was silly and hilarious to watch the auction. Probably my favorite part of the night. Thanks to everyone who helped and everyone who came to celebrate my golden boy!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This was a magical Christmas for our little family. We were kept quite busy during the holiday season with life and visits with family and friends, so much so that we didn't quite get to everything that we had planned...good thing there is always another year! Jeff made sure that we started off our first Christmas with Max right...filling the stockings, setting out cookies and milk for Santa (that he happily took care of), and even setting out carrots for the reindeer. Max isn't even old enough to know what any of that means yet, but he has one cute daddy who is ready to make each Christmas magical and wonderful.

It was so fun to watch Max try to open his presents. He was completely spoiled. He liked listening to the sound of the wrapping paper as it was torn open.

Jeff made me an amazing gift -- an enormous ruler that will be used to chart our family's height. This way, we can take it with us whenever we move. I LOVED it and so appreciate his thoughtfulness and the time he spent making it. Don't even ask what I got him - it's not anywhere near that good. One day, someday, I will give him a better gift than he got for me!

We drove up to my grandparents' house to spend time with my family and to talk to my brother Alex who is serving a mission in South Africa. His accent gets thicker every time we talk to him! It was great to hear about his experiences and to know that next Christmas we will all be together.

There was another sweet surprise from my Dad. He had been working on a poem for me since high school and was supposed to give it to me for my high school graduation. However, life happened and my poem had never quite been finished. I called him several weeks before Christmas and told him that all I wanted from him for Christmas was my poem. He delivered! It is titled "Walks With My Daughter," since my Dad and I have always found time to go on a walks (or runs) together ever since I was a little girl. It chronicles my life - including moving to different places, graduations, marriage, and ends with how I will now go on walks with my own little son. It's absolutely beautiful and I cry every time I read it. Thank you, Dad, for such a treasure...and more importantly, for those walks and all the things I learned from you during them.

Later that night, we drove to Jeff's parents for Christmas dinner and got spoiled with yummy food and even more gifts. We are so blessed to have such wonderful families and to have spent so much time with them over the holidays. We are grateful for all of the blessings in our lives.