Baby Sister and Beef both had well-child check-ups on Friday last week. Here is where they stand on the growth charts.
Beefy (3 years):
Height - 36 1/2 inches 30 %
Weight - 34 lbs 75%
I was actually really surprised to find out that he hasn't gained any weight at all since last fall, and he's only grown 1/2 an inch. I should probably start prepping my self for a huge growth spurt soon.
Baby Sister (2 months):
Height - 23 inches 75%
Weight - 13 lbs 6 oz 97%
Head - 39 1/2 cm 75%
Yeah, I think she's getting enough. Considering that these were her newborn stats:
Height - 19 inches 50%
Weight - 6 lbs 8 oz 25%
The Doctor didn't seem concerned about the jump. It just means she's healthy I guess. It always amazes me how fast they seem to grow. Especially my kids. For some reason they like to start out on the small side, and then get really big, really fast. Oh well, I don't mind.
May 26, 2009
May 23, 2009
Belated Birthdays (Part 2)
My husband's birthday was on the 21st of May. He believes that after the age of 10, birthdays are no big deal anymore. Even so, we got him a cake and a couple of presents and celebrated a little bit.
He is a wonderful husband, and a fantastic dad, and I love him even more now than when I married him (cliche, I know - but its true). I am very grateful that he works so hard for us so that I can be home with our kids. It means a lot to me.
Happy birthday Babe, you're the greatest!
He is a wonderful husband, and a fantastic dad, and I love him even more now than when I married him (cliche, I know - but its true). I am very grateful that he works so hard for us so that I can be home with our kids. It means a lot to me.
Happy birthday Babe, you're the greatest!
Belated Happy Birthdays (Part 1)
My good intentions were to make this post before we went on vacation. That didn't happen obviously, so here we are, just a little late.
On May 16th, my Beefy boy turned 3. Man, time flies. I feel really blessed that we have him here and that he is doing so well. During the aftermath of his accident last year, I couldn't have looked at him the way he was, and imagined that he would be so perfect, and whole and normal, the way he is now.
I love you Beefy! Happy #3.
On May 16th, my Beefy boy turned 3. Man, time flies. I feel really blessed that we have him here and that he is doing so well. During the aftermath of his accident last year, I couldn't have looked at him the way he was, and imagined that he would be so perfect, and whole and normal, the way he is now.
I love you Beefy! Happy #3.
Luau!
About 2 1/2 months ago, I was in the final stages of pregnancy, ie: hormone enraged and huge with a list full of stuff that needed to be done but couldn't, and not enough time to not get it all done.
So, I started thinking (a dangerous pastime, I know). This year is my parents 50th wedding anniversary. It isn't until September, but we knew that our trip in May was probably going to be the only time we would be able to make it home this year. I started talking with my sisters and my sister-in-law, and came up with the idea to have a "small family get-together" and celebrate my parents anniversary a little early while we were there.
We decided to make it a surprise, for my Mom's sake (she stresses easy, and we didn't want to make her stressed), and things just kind of escalated from there. Not in a bad way though, things just got bigger. Our small family gathering turned into a full on luau with dancers and great catered food and everything. All of my siblings and their families were able to make it, except one brother whose wife and kids were not able to be there. We also had plenty of extended family and lots of my parent's friends on hand for the festivities as well.
In the end, it was super great - and the best part is, they were actually really surprised. There were about a million chances that things could have gone wrong, and there were a few slip-ups but when the moment came, neither my Mom nor Dad were expecting it.
I really need to add a big, big Thank-You to my brother and his wife for hosting, and doing most of the planning/work for this event. It really turned out awesome.
**We did the Hawaiian theme because my Mom and Dad went there on a cruise about 4 years ago, and LOVED it. They always said that for their 50th they were going to go back and take all of us with them. Well, that wasn't going to happen, so we brought Hawaii to them.
So, I started thinking (a dangerous pastime, I know). This year is my parents 50th wedding anniversary. It isn't until September, but we knew that our trip in May was probably going to be the only time we would be able to make it home this year. I started talking with my sisters and my sister-in-law, and came up with the idea to have a "small family get-together" and celebrate my parents anniversary a little early while we were there.
We decided to make it a surprise, for my Mom's sake (she stresses easy, and we didn't want to make her stressed), and things just kind of escalated from there. Not in a bad way though, things just got bigger. Our small family gathering turned into a full on luau with dancers and great catered food and everything. All of my siblings and their families were able to make it, except one brother whose wife and kids were not able to be there. We also had plenty of extended family and lots of my parent's friends on hand for the festivities as well.
In the end, it was super great - and the best part is, they were actually really surprised. There were about a million chances that things could have gone wrong, and there were a few slip-ups but when the moment came, neither my Mom nor Dad were expecting it.I really need to add a big, big Thank-You to my brother and his wife for hosting, and doing most of the planning/work for this event. It really turned out awesome.
**We did the Hawaiian theme because my Mom and Dad went there on a cruise about 4 years ago, and LOVED it. They always said that for their 50th they were going to go back and take all of us with them. Well, that wasn't going to happen, so we brought Hawaii to them.
May 22, 2009
Vacation
Last week we left the rain behind, and took off to Utah for our annual vacation. For the last couple of years we have gone in June, but clear back before Baby Sister was born in March I found a screaming deal on plane tickets. This allowed us to have just a 2 hour plane ride each way as opposed to a 16 hour drive each way, and anyone who has ever made a long drive with a newborn knows just how much that is worth.
Anyway, in the interest of blog space and in an effort to keep this readable, I will just hit the highlights of our trip - which for the most part included visiting A LOT of family.
Wednesday (5/13): Left Seattle in a downpour. The plane was late taking off because it had to de-ice. This made it almost 11:30 p.m. before we landed in Salt Lake City. A late, late night was had by all.
Thursday (5/14): We headed up to the mountains. My parents have a cabin by a lake up in the mountains, which incidentally is where we would spend the entire time of all of our vacations if we could get away with it. It was so relaxing, and with all the luxuries of home (and then some), it was definitely my kind of camping. The boys had a ball playing on the swing set, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, and playing in the loft.
Friday (5/15): We met up with my husband's side of the family for a big birthday party. Now, I think I've mentioned on here before that we both are the youngest of 6 (most of whom all still live in Utah) therefore, there is almost always a birthday (or 5) to celebrate. We just happened to plan our trip around Beefy's birthday and my husband's, so they got to get in on the candle blowing.
Saturday (5/16): This was Beefy's actual birthday, but with all the hoopla from the night before and the promise of more when we returned home, we didn't do much more than acknowledge that it was in fact the day. We also got to meet up with my BF from high school, Lisa, and her family. It was great to see them. Then, that night my brothers and sisters and I threw a surprise 50th anniversary party for my parents. I'll put more on that in another post.
Sunday (5/17): We got to sleep in, and take it easy for a day. Just church, and more visiting with family.
Monday (5/18): My husband and I left the boys with Grandma Tano (his mom) and to Baby Sister to visit Logan, home of the university we graduated from and where we spent the first 3 years of our marrige. It had been 3 1/2 years since we'd been back, and it was fun to see how it had changed (and hadn't changed).
Tuesday (5/19): I got to hang out with my sisters and my mom and do some shopping to add to my "hairbows for Baby Sister" collection. It is quickly becoming an obsession with me. I'd like to learn how to make some cute bows, so if anyone has any pointers, please share.
Wednesday (5/20): Wow, a week flies by fast when you're busy. Wednesday was spent packing, saying some good-bye's, and heading to the airport to board the 737 home. (Buggy was so proud of himself because he knew what kind of plane we flew in (737) and what kind his daddy designs (747). He had no problems telling everyone this information - silly kid)
We're glad to be home. Beefy slept horribly while we were there (so I am exausted), and we all picked up allergies (from the dry, super-pollinated air) that are now turning into colds. Other than that though, we had a great time. It was nice to have a break from the monotony of everyday life.
Anyway, in the interest of blog space and in an effort to keep this readable, I will just hit the highlights of our trip - which for the most part included visiting A LOT of family.
Wednesday (5/13): Left Seattle in a downpour. The plane was late taking off because it had to de-ice. This made it almost 11:30 p.m. before we landed in Salt Lake City. A late, late night was had by all.
Thursday (5/14): We headed up to the mountains. My parents have a cabin by a lake up in the mountains, which incidentally is where we would spend the entire time of all of our vacations if we could get away with it. It was so relaxing, and with all the luxuries of home (and then some), it was definitely my kind of camping. The boys had a ball playing on the swing set, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, and playing in the loft.
Friday (5/15): We met up with my husband's side of the family for a big birthday party. Now, I think I've mentioned on here before that we both are the youngest of 6 (most of whom all still live in Utah) therefore, there is almost always a birthday (or 5) to celebrate. We just happened to plan our trip around Beefy's birthday and my husband's, so they got to get in on the candle blowing.
Saturday (5/16): This was Beefy's actual birthday, but with all the hoopla from the night before and the promise of more when we returned home, we didn't do much more than acknowledge that it was in fact the day. We also got to meet up with my BF from high school, Lisa, and her family. It was great to see them. Then, that night my brothers and sisters and I threw a surprise 50th anniversary party for my parents. I'll put more on that in another post.
Sunday (5/17): We got to sleep in, and take it easy for a day. Just church, and more visiting with family.Monday (5/18): My husband and I left the boys with Grandma Tano (his mom) and to Baby Sister to visit Logan, home of the university we graduated from and where we spent the first 3 years of our marrige. It had been 3 1/2 years since we'd been back, and it was fun to see how it had changed (and hadn't changed).
Tuesday (5/19): I got to hang out with my sisters and my mom and do some shopping to add to my "hairbows for Baby Sister" collection. It is quickly becoming an obsession with me. I'd like to learn how to make some cute bows, so if anyone has any pointers, please share.
Wednesday (5/20): Wow, a week flies by fast when you're busy. Wednesday was spent packing, saying some good-bye's, and heading to the airport to board the 737 home. (Buggy was so proud of himself because he knew what kind of plane we flew in (737) and what kind his daddy designs (747). He had no problems telling everyone this information - silly kid)We're glad to be home. Beefy slept horribly while we were there (so I am exausted), and we all picked up allergies (from the dry, super-pollinated air) that are now turning into colds. Other than that though, we had a great time. It was nice to have a break from the monotony of everyday life.
May 17, 2009
Away
We're gone on vacation. Actually, we have been for a while, but I forgot to add a post about it before we left. We're in Utah, but we'll be back at the end of the week. Check back then - and I will hopefully have lots of wonderful posts added for your viewing pleasure ;).
May 11, 2009
My Mother's Day
Like I said before, Mother's Day isn't my most favorite of holidays, so we usually keep it pretty simple. As in, my husband took the kids on Saturday while I went and got a mani-pedi. I'll spare you all pictures of my feet, but the boys wanted me to share their Mother's day presents on here too.
Buggy made me a flower, from a cutout of his hand (thanks to the primary leaders), and Beefy gave me some real flowers and made me a necklace (thanks to his nursery teacher). Of course I wasn't allowed to wear it, you can see him wearing it if you look closely.
And my cake. Our local Fred Meyer store had a "decorate your own Mother's Day cake" event while we were shopping on Saturday. It cost me all of $3, and the boys had a great time with it. It was sprinkle-tastic (if you couldn't tell).
Buggy made me a flower, from a cutout of his hand (thanks to the primary leaders), and Beefy gave me some real flowers and made me a necklace (thanks to his nursery teacher). Of course I wasn't allowed to wear it, you can see him wearing it if you look closely.
And my cake. Our local Fred Meyer store had a "decorate your own Mother's Day cake" event while we were shopping on Saturday. It cost me all of $3, and the boys had a great time with it. It was sprinkle-tastic (if you couldn't tell).
May 10, 2009
Mother's Day
I have to admit, I've never loved the holiday of Mother's day. My own mom disliked it growing up, so maybe that is where some of my prejudice comes from. Either way, today doesn't really rank as one of my "favorite holidays". That being said, I do have some thoughts that I've been pondering over for a few days now, that I would like to put down in writing.If you would have asked me 10 years ago what I wanted to be "when I grew up", the job of "Mom" definitely wouldn't have topped the list (probably wouldn't have even made the top 5). All through my teenage years I had plenty of other big dreams that I wanted to fulfill, most of which would have made child rearing difficult. Getting married and having babies, just didn't appeal to me.
Thankfully, God had other plans for me. After I met my husband, and got married (pretty young, I might add), it took a little while, but eventually I realized that the career aspirations I had were not as important as family (particularly my family, or the family I was supposed to have). That is when things changed for me forever.
These days I can't imagine being anything else. Being a Mom is what I am supposed to be doing. The peace and indescribable joy that I feel when I look at my children outweighs any feelings of loss I may have over old dreams that never came to fruition.
Don't get me wrong - there are days where if I hear the word "Mommy" one more time (think whiny tones) I am going to loose it. And there are plenty of nights where by the time 8:00 pm rolls around, I don't want anyone to touch me, or look at me, or talk to me - and I just want to be left alone.
But, there are also days where my heart melts at an expression on one of my kids faces, or I laugh out loud at something they've said or done. And almost everyday, at least a little bit, they make me smile and thank my Father in Heaven for letting me be their mom.
I know that I am not the world's greatest. I do the best I can, but I make plenty of mistakes. I am truly grateful for children who forgive me, and still love me even when I mess up. Especially, even when I mess up big.
My pregnancies are long, difficult processes with less than easy recoveries. We've had major health scares with all of our children. Most likely I will spend every day of the rest of my life worrying about them. And yet, I would take it all a thousand times over again if that is what it took to have them.
I love being a mom. There is a time in my life when I never thought I would say that, but it is so true. I am grateful that my children are safe and whole and healthy and that we can be an eternal family. It really doesn't get any better than this.
I also have to add a "Happy Mother's Day" to my own mom and mother-in-law. Two of the greatest moms I know. Hopefully someday my kids will feel the same way about me.
**On a side note: The primary kids, and all the youth from our church sang a wonderful "non-traditional" Mother's day song during church today. This post is getting a little long, so I wont include it here but the words and music can be found here. It is a really beautiful, touching song. I really recommend checking it out.
May 9, 2009
Princess
My Sister-in-Law sent me this video a while ago. She thought we could relate to it. It isn't very long, and pretty funny.
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