RYAN, APRIL, TATUM, & LITTLE BABY JACK

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Happy Birthday Baby Jack!!

At 12 Months

YOU:

Shake your head NO.

Sign "more & thank you"

Imitate a cow

Have 7 teeth

Sooo close to walking. Have taken 10-12 steps several times

Love Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Elmo, and Barney

Love all foods. You could eat all day.

Sleeping much better, but still wake up once per night

Getting you out of the tub is like wrestling a slippery baby crocodile

If you want down, you simply dive out of whoever arms you are in.

DIVE I SAY!

NEVER SIT STILL

Hate cuddling

Are such a brute! It takes so much to make you cry when you get hurt

Have the worlds VERY best smile.

Of all of the great, wonderful things about you, my personal favorite is how happy you are.

You are never grumpy or whiny without reason.

Your mood can always be remedied with a clean diaper, a cracker, or a set of keys.

You love your family, and we love you.

Although the last year has been a bbbbbiiiigggg adjustment for this slow learning mama,

I just do not know what we did before you were here.

You bring more joy than is describable to your family.

Thank you for choosing us.

I love you baby.

Love,

Mommy

Sunday, February 12, 2012

A week of firsts!

This week we had several firsts with our little

JackJack

A FIRST HAIRCUT!!

Sad Sad Sad.

Isn't it weird how a haircut turns a baby into a boy?

I wish someone would have told me.

I would have kept his skullet forever.

You can see how much he loved it.

(In this pic you can almost see his little white patch!)

Loved it.

Don't you agree?

When we got home, I put him in his highchair with some strawberries

so that I could try to get a straight on picture of his cut.

And.

He was really happy for a minute.

Until he had to do a 2.

And that is always stressful in this house.

Even daddy letting him play with the packaging from his brand new

"Dog the Bounty Hunter" t-shirt didn't help.

Usually packaging, or Dog helps any trauma in this house.

The 2nd first we had was

JackJack getting into my make ups.

I was sitting right next to him and didn't realize that the eyeshadow that he was

chewing on was open.

Good thing it is non toxic.

I mean.

Probably.

He also ruined my blush brush.

Rude.

Our 3rd "first" was

our FIRST TRUCK!

I mean HELLO!

Grandma Kay and Grandpa Steven bought him his first Vehicular Automobile!

I hope they will do the same for Tate coming up here in a few years.

I mean it's only fair.

This little truck is to die for.

Right now there is a floorboard thing that keeps his feet up.. Wagon style.. Ya know?

But, you can take it out and ride it like a Flintstone car. Ya know?

But when we took the board out to make it Flintstone style, he just drove backwards for a few feet, and then he fell out of the bottom.

Maybe in a few months.

And then. And then. And then.

We had JackJacks very first ever

BIRTHDAY PARTY!!

Can you even imagine that?

His birthday isn't actually until February 15th. FYI.

Where did time go? A year? A whole whirl wind of a year?!

This little boy. He is where it is at.

No lie.

Ryan insisted that I keep his party small.

I tried. Mercy I tried. But when I saw these Sesame Street cupcakes, I just died.

I couldn't resist decorating a little.

And no.

I didn't make anything. I never have. I never will.

Sad for me huh?

But just because I don't have any other talents to display on my blog, doesn't mean I shouldn't blog right?

Plus.

My baby doesn't play with wooden toys. I don't take pictures of my shoes.

And I don't take pictures of my hamburgers or pizza.

Even though I absolutely secretly wish I could/would.

Elmo Cake was a big hit with our JJ.

I never really let him have sweeties.

So it took him no time at all to dig in

and take advantage as fast as his little snausage fingers would let him dig!

I just knew we were going to have red puke everywhere in no time at all.

I mean

Just look at these pictures. Poor Elmos head.

After Jack's bath, we decided to dress him in his favorite new jammies and let him open his presents.

Like I said, Ry wanted a small party

So we had a family only party.

No friends. No neighbors.

That was soooo hard for me!

Good thing our family delivered as a good time.

After his food, party, and presents

we took his new G ride to the park.

It was a beautiful day! 60 degrees! Jack got to play on the swings, and the slide, and crawl in the grass!

He loved it!

I herby declare this day the best day of Jack's life.

....And maybe mine too....

I love you so much my tteeennyy baby boy!

Thanks for a crazy year!

Monday, February 6, 2012

What I love about right now..

Little brudder loves watching the kids walk to the bus stop.

Especially his sister.

I think Tate may enjoy our morning tradish also...

Does it get any sweeter?

Sunday, February 5, 2012

31 things you don't know about me.

It's my birthday.

February 5th is my birthday. Always has been.

And I was thinking as a special birthday present from me to you

I would let you in on 31 things you don't know about me.

Ya know. Because I'm 31.

So. Here we go.

1. I love my kids in the most obsessive, overzealous, drives everyone else around me crazy, way.
2. I do not like change. It gives me a belly ache.
3. I don't not like to fly.. Maybe ill count all of the things I do not like as one. I do not like seafood, flying, mushrooms, flying, any sort of fighting/boxing on the tv, flying, burn out t's, flying, mean waitresses, flying, or people with chronically negative attitudes. Or flying.
4. My favorite movie is The Gladiator. Or Titanic. Or Lord of the Rings. Or The Justin Beiber Movie.
5 Me and Tate have hung out with Taylor Swift on her tour bus! DID YOU HEAR ME!!!? It was rad.
6. If we are watching a movie at home, there is a 100% chance that I will fall asleep.
7. I ALWAYS put my shopping cart back in the cart holder. Sometimes with my wallet still in the baby seat thingy.
8. I forget my wallet/purse EV RY WHERE!.
9. My husband won't let me have a debit card to his account. See above.
10. My mom is my best friend. I cannot imagine life without her.
11. I yell too much.
12. I'm always a few steps off when it comes to fashion. It's just not my thing. Try as I may.
13. My eye lashes are like, 1 centimeter long. If that.
14. My nose holes are DIFFERENT SIZES!! It's so weird.
15. I lived in a trailer (TRAILER!!) (mobile home) until the 6th grade. And I totally loved it.
16. I almost always get front row parking spaces.
17. I never answer my phone. Or call people back. It's one of my best qualities. Ask anyone.
18. I am not the biggest fan of newborn babies, apparently the feeling is mutual. 3 months is when we really start to love each other. And both quit crying all day every day.
19. I still have my tonsils.
20. I just found out last year that sea horses are real things
21. I firmly believe that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.
22. I watch Dr. Phil... And I miss Oprah with all of my heart.
23. I am a maniac about germs, and dangerous situations. Including crossing at a crosswalk with a red hand. It has to be a green guy in order to get me into that intersection. It just has to be. It's a little irritating to those I love. I believe that laws and rules are there for a reason. So I obey pretty much all of them. Sad huh.
24. I have watched 3 TV series from start to finish. Friends, Dawson's Creek and Greys.
oh. And Bachelor, Bachelorette, Bachelor Pad. I wish I could find re runs of The Real Housewife series. Those crazy bittys make my day.
25. In my head I still think im like 26ish.
26. I believe that a birthday is not a birthday without at least 3 celebrations
27. A TV camera following my daily encounters my friends and family would be way better than anything every captured on MTV. On any given day you could get a fix of RHW, Big Brother, Survivor, Jersey Shore, and Teen Mom all rolled into one. Seriously. Maybe that's why I never answer my phone.
28. I very genuinely like to help people in any way that I can.
29. I am sure that I am going to end up on the people of wal mart website. Let me know if you see me!
30. Once, in Costa Rica....
Over a river of scary Crocodiles.
After a terrifying (and awesome!!) day of waterfall repelling.
And then a long hike.
While fighting a fierce bout of Montezuma revenge.
Ryan proposed to me on a vveeerrryyyy long & vveeerrryyyy old suspension bridge. (no OSHA!!)
Needless to say, I nearly ruined the moment. But. It was one of thee most unforgettable, best moments of my life. I L-O-V-E my husband.
31. At least one time throughout the day, i send a little silent prayer up to God. I pause and think to my self how surprised I am that I really love life. I have always been a happy, positive person. However, I never anticipated that my life would be anything more than average. Isn't that weird? I have always been happy with average. Expected average. So the fact that my life is so enjoyable, and fulfilling is something that I have a constant silent appreciation for. I have had a great 31 years. Every year has been a learning experience in one way or another. Every year has had trials, and triumphs.
It actually doesn't bother me to be another year older. Life has only gotten better, and I look forward to each new day, new week, new month, and new year. My 32nd year wont be perfect, but it will be great. That is what I now expect as my new average because I know that it is mine to create.

We create our own destiny. And I firmly believe that. As if Dr Phil, or Oprah told me it was true.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEE!!

Monday, January 30, 2012

San Francisco 2012

So last week we went to California for a quick family trip.

Ry's brother Chris (&Geniel) live in Stockton

and Taylor was playing a few games in the bay area.

So we killed a few birds with one stone and set out.

Stone #3.

Seeing how Jack did on a quick plane ride. Verdict. Fail.

There are for sure no trips to Hawaii or Florida in our future.

Darn.

So, my pictures don't do much justice to our fun trip, but here's the run down of what we captured.

Wednesday

We flew into the Oakland airport so once there we did some wandering.

Ash and Ben's darling apartment

A quick drive through of Cal U. where our niece is attending optometry school.

Oakland Temple.

So pretty!

Baby J and uncle Chris

Love this picture of JJ.

Sorry Ry.

Thursday

We headed down (up? over?) to San Francisco to watch Taylor's first game.

Rainy day at Pier 39.

Tatum's first interaction immediately out of the car:

A large (large! weird!) Asian lady with a holey eye patch, and no teefers following us around oogling our JackJack.

She wanted to go back to Stockton.

It was a super rainy day, and we DO NOT know how to work umbrellas.

Both Tate and I had to apologize one bajillion times for poking and pushing people.

Who would have thought that? You would think umbrella using would be easy.

It's not. That's so weird.

Those New Yorkers are even MORE cool to me now.

This is my annoyed face. Ive never actually seen it before.

When this face is on Ryan says.. "You look like you are ready to kill me."
Sometimes I am.

And look at Tates VVEERRRY concerned face.

I'm going to have to agree with them.

I'm very scary when I'm agitated.

Ill work on that for sure.

Checkin out Alcatraz, and the seals.

Okay. So here, Tatum made me tear up. I realized what kindred spirits we are.

It hit me like a refreshing ocean wave that makes you giggle like a kid, and feel so alive and valid!

Now.

I'm not talking about her giving this street performer money.

Oh no. Ive seen this before.

A solicitor cannot knock on our door without Tatum immediately running to her room to give them all of the money in her piggy bank. Whether we purchase something or not.

And when we are down at The Gateway shopping,

her favorite part of the day is to hand some green to the homeless man standing on the corner of the parking garage.
She is such a giving little thing. It really does make me swell with pride.

This. This is what made me cry.

She offered the man a warm doughnut.

We had just purchased a bucket BUCKET of hot mini doughnuts.

And when he accepted, she reached her hand into the bag, picked him a couple out, and handed them back to him.

As we walked away,
Ryan said
"Tate! If you offer someone something, you should let them pick out the one(s) that they want."

And Tatum responded

(cue angels)

"Well, I thought about that, but I just kept thinking how if he stuck his wet, dirty, drum playing hand into my doughnuts, I just wouldn't be able to eat anymore."

She doesn't even know about man scratching problems yet and she is still so wise!

Tatum! I LOVE YOU!!

You are my daughter!! You listen!! Germs!! No GERMS!!

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO YOUR MAMA!

(i have problems. i know)

Walking up Lombard Street.

Seriously. I need to hit the gym.

*Thanks for buying me that membership babe! I'm gonna get goin so soon!*

Driving down Lombard Street

Jack fell asleep in the car our or way to Tay's game.

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!

Even as an INFANT! Only hours old!
This kid much prefers to cry and scream in the car than to sleep.

"No thanks" he says.

Tay warming up

Me (and my blasted double chin) trying to entertain my wiggly baby

Ry entertaining our wiggly baby

Tate entertaining our wiggly baby.

"SOOO BIG"

JJ was dressed VVEERRY warmly for our rainy day out, and it was HOT in that gym.

That's why he is only wearing a onesie and socks.

Even though this is my very favorite look on him, I am a slightly better ma than that.

(usually)

Some of Taylor's team (BYU Hawaii)

The Seasiders won!

the middle gal Shayla (with the happiest smile ever) had 39 points that game! It was awesome!

I wish I could report that Taylor had 39 points. But it is a historic FACT that Taylor CHOKES when I attend her games.

*hi tay*

She generally averages 12 points a game, and lots of rebounds and blocks and steals and stuff. Steals?

Anyways. She is a great player! :)

Jack LOVED Shayla. She is his girlfriend. I could not wrestle him away from her. It was cute.

Back in Stockton

"Hold on mom. Ive gotta jump on this (flipvid) call"

Magical Aunt Geniel playing memory with Jack.

I think she let him win.

Uncle Chris feeding JJ lemons.

He likes sour stuff. Its bizarre.

Friday

We went out to dinner at a place called BJ's.

It was such a fun atmosphere, and the food was awesome.

Tate was in charge of the pics.

Ben and Ash

Not bad eh?

On Saturday

Tate and I headed back down (up? over?) to San Fran for another Taylor Game.

My Dad, Delynn, Devyn, and Jace were also in San Francisco to support Taylor.

But can I just say!

!!Thank goodness for navigation systems!! What did people do before them!!!

Ryan and Jack stayed in Stockton to attend a basketball game at University of Pacific

where Chris is the athletic trainer.

As we were leaving, Ry and Jack saddled up, and went for a nice little stroll around the neighborhood.

I cant wait for stroller season here.

*although I don't know why! Jack wont stay in his stroller.

He much prefers to be held while HE pushes it.

You should have SEEN the absolute horrifying spectacle he made out of himself as we were going through the airport security. We had to pull him off of the stroller so it could be folded up, and put through the xray thingy.

It was bad.

You would have thought we folded up his finger in the stroller.

It was bad.