Christmas!

We spent Christmas with my extended family this year (my immediate family is in Thailand, remember?).  We went over to my Uncle Gene and Aunt Kathryn's for dinner on Christmas Eve.  The food, as usual, was simply divine.  I probably gained 5 pounds just from the delicious candies and desserts.  After dinner it is our tradition to share talents and have the kids act out the Nativity story.  We don't really have any talents worth sharing, but Austin did played the part of a little lamb in the Nativity.  It was so cute.  I quickly made his costume the night before, but I was quite pleased with how it turned out.  After visiting and eating even more we headed home to open our Christmas Eve presents....pajamas (surprise, surprise)!

Toren woke up bright and early Christmas morning (probably at like 7), and was SO excited to go downstairs and start opening some more presents.  However, little Austin was still sleeping.  I got up to brush my teeth and Austin woke up almost instantly.  Toren swears he didn't do anything, but I'm still a little suspicious.  Anyway, we headed downstairs for some fun!

Toren surprised me with an Ergo (finally!) and a label maker.  He got a new watch and some Playstation games.  Austin got some sippy cups, more pjs, and some teething toys (and some proper toys from Grandma Forsberg).  And the dogs (we were babysitting Toren's parent's dog, Frisbee) got bones.

We headed over to Nana and Papa Spader's house for Christmas breakfast, spent the rest of the day relaxing and napping, and then we went to Aunt Shelby and Uncle Cesar's for Christmas dinner.  We had a wonderful day. 

Though it isn't reflected in any of these pictures, we are so grateful for the time we had to reflect upon our Savior and the numerous ways He has blessed us this year.

Family Christmas Letter (of sorts)

This year was a big one for us Forsberg's.  Here's a quick review of what happened...

...In January we moved from a tiny one bedroom apartment to a two bedroom.
...In March we went to Mexico for a quick Spring Break getaway.
...In May we welcomed an adorable baby boy into our lives.
...In July we traveled to Utah for my brother's wedding.
...In September we accepted a new job with Collette Vacations and celebrated our 3rd anniversary.
...In October we moved from our two bedroom apartment in Oregon into a five bedroom home in Washington.
...In December we reflected on a busy, happy year and started prepping for the new one.

Living in Oregon for two years brought my inner tree-hugger out, so enjoy our digital Christmas card.  We hope it finds each of you healthy and happy.

Thirty Years Ago

Today is my parents' thirtieth wedding anniversary!  I know they are happier today than they even thought they could be thirty years ago.  I'm so grateful to them for giving me a wonderful example of a great marriage.  I love you Mom and Dad!

Two Peas in a Pod....

Or, uh, a bed.

We never let Baxter in the bed (anymore), but the other night we had a terrible thunder/lightning/rain/wind storm and I ended up with both boys in bed with  me (Toren is in Boston).  Combine the storm with a heat machine baby and a puppy that has no regard for others' personal space and you can imagine the quality of sleep I got.  Needless to say, Austin couldn't contain his excitement when he woke to Baxter in his face that morning.  This boy loves his dog.

And I think Baxter is really coming around, too.  He slept under Austin's crib the other day while Austin napped.

"Solid" Foods

Thanksgiving Week: Part II

The guys spent Thanksgiving morning relaxing while the girls slaved in the kitchen.  One green bean casserole, one pumpkin cream cheese roll, and two apples pies later and we were off to Aunt Shelby's for an amazing Thanksgiving dinner.  The only time we've spent Thanksgiving with my family in our marriage was during our trip to Mexcio.  It was so nice to have all the delicious fixings I drooled over as a kid.  Austin had a ball playing with his cousin Parker and being smooched a thousand times over by the ladies in the family.  Toren killed everyone at Monopoly (for the record, I wasn't playing, otherwise I would gave won...naturally).  And I ate A LOT of food.  It was absolutely fantastic.  Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures.  I must've been too busy eating.

Friday we set up the Christmas tree and decorations.  Last year we had a beautiful, real Christmas tree.  This year we took the lazy route and grabbed my parent's fake tree out of storage.  It looks great though.  Eventually I'll get a picture of the tree as a whole, but I do have some cute pictures of Austin hanging an ornament on the tree.  He was absolutely fascinated with the bright lights on the tree. 

David, Mandy and Jana headed home on Saturday.  It was so good to spend time with them.  To be honest, my favorite part was that they were so eager to play with Austin all the time which left me with much more freedom than I'm used to.  It was simply blissful. 

Thanksgiving Week: Part I

We were lucky to have David, Mandy, and Mandy's sister, Jana, visit us for the week of Thanksgiving.  Unfortunately they brought the snow from Rexburg along with them.  The snow started in Sunday evening and didn't really stop until Tuesday.  Needless to say, we were stuck in the house for the first couple days of their visit.  We played some games, watched some TV, and had a good time just visiting and laughing with each other. 

Once we were finally  brave enough to venture out on Wednesday we headed to Seattle.  The temperature high for the day was 29 degrees, but that didn't stop us.  We started out at Starbucks for peppermint hot chocolate, then made our way down to the gum wall and Pike's Place Market. As you can see, we ran into a few big celebs as well.  We're so lucky.

After the market we went down the the waterfront to check out Ye Old Curiosity Shop and then to stuff ourselves with delicious fresh seafood at the Crab Pot.  Austin desperately wanted to crack one of the crab legs. 

Six WHOPPING Months!

Austin is 6 months old today!  As I say each month, I cannot believe it's been 6 months.  This time it actually feels like it's been 6 years.  Right now we're actually between insurance companies because Toren just started his new job, so Austin won't have his 6 month doctor's appointment until next month.  He seems happy and healthy, though, so I'm not too concerned.

At six months Austin...

...can completely sit up.
...is eating baby foods twice a day.
...loves carrots, green beans, squash, sweet potatoes, peas, pears, applesauce
...STILL doesn't like rice cereal.
...turns into a demon at night (he's been waking up hourly for nearly two weeks, though I think we made a breakthrough two nights ago and I'm optimistic tonight....)
...loves to smile and giggle.
...is extremely ticklish.
...prefers his binkie upside down about half the time.

In honor of his six month birthday I dug out some pictures of Toren and I around that age.  Whaddya think?

We Call Her The Boo Bear

Or Booshkins, or Booey, or Boo Boo, or any other variation that rolls off the tongue.  She is my sister and today is her birthday. 

Laura is a peculiar girl.  Peculiar in a good way...a really good way.  Let me explain by way of a few of  my fondest memories. 

When she was little she slid down the stairs in a laundry basket and knocked herself out.  We called 9-1-1 and a firetruck arrived.  Before the firefighters could really assess her, Laura stood up an exclaimed "I want some pizza!"  That's my girl.

As a little girl Laura LOVED to sing and dance and dress up in tutu's and leotards.  We have one of the funniest home videos of her dancing and singing in the living room to Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me.  Which reminds me -- she also has great taste in music.

Every once in a while, when we were lucky or perhaps looking particularly homely (evidence in the pictures below), my Mom would take us out on a shopping trip.  Within minutes I had my arms weighed down with clothes I wanted to try on while my Mom was pleading with Laura to pick something -- anything -- out.  Laura would insist that she was okay and Mom didn't need to spend any money on her.  She would have rather my Mom spent the money on the rest of us.  Peculiarly selfless. 

She never had an awkward phase (mine, on the other hand, lasted a good 10 years).  She is a dame.  An absolute beauty.  And she's one of those girls that doesn't need to do anything to look good.  She'll typically toss her hair up in a messy bun and it looks like every silky strand was strategically placed for optimum style.  I admit, I envy her hair.

A couple of years ago Laura took home Best in Show for a drawing she did of a pair of Converse shoes.   She is a talented girl. She could seriously (and probably someday will) make some good money with her artistic skills.

And, my favorite thing about the Booshkins, is that she is hysterical.  I've enjoyed many painful belly laughs with her.  She cracks me up in a way that no one else can. 

Well, what can I say, I'm a lucky girl to have Laura for a sister. Happy Birthday Boo Bear!!

One Thing's For Sure

This baby inherited MY tastebuds.

Sweet, Sweet October

October was a really busy month for us, but we also had plenty of fun.  Maren, my sister-in-law came into town with her boys, Braden and Brody.  I always love it when Maren comes because my usually drab, boring life gets instantly exciting .  And this time was no exception.  We spent the first day just chatting and hanging out.  She gave Austin his first taste of squash.  Upon first bite his realization was clear: his mom had been holding out on him.  I couldn't get it in his mouth fast enough.  It's been downhill ever since (we welcomed carrots and, most recently, sweet potatoes).  Funny, though, he still doesn't care much for the rice cereal.  Don't you just want to kiss that last photo?  MMMmm...delicious!

 

The following day we took a trip to IKEA and the Scholastic Book Warehouse (where I bought about 8 books for less than $25!).  But the highlight of the entire week was our trip to Roloff Farms.  If you're an avid TLC viewer you know the farm is owned and operated by Matt and Amy Roloff from the show Little People, Big World.   We watch the show, and were absolutely beside ourselves to be going to the farm.  We saw EVERYTHING...the house, the Previa, Molly's castle, Old Western Town, Zach's soccer field, and (of course) the family.  I'll post the pictures of our brush with the celebs later.  I still need to get them from Maren.  I can't say that it was the best pumpkin patch I've ever been too, but it was absolutely worth it to see the place that has charmed my Monday nights for so long.  Note the picture of the boys and the pumpkins.  Austin was on his way to a very dramatic face plant.

And, of course, we celebrated Halloween.  We actually moved on the 30th, but we were lucky enough that Toren's parent's had a ward party on Friday night.  It was fun to get the boys all dressed up.  Sadly, though, we failed to get a picture of all three of them in their costumes.  As you can see, Toren and I dressed up as frazzled, sleep-deprived parents.  On the 31st Austin and I met up with cousin Parker (the duck) and went trick-or-treating to Nana and Papa Spader's house.  The boys both crashed on the drive over, but woke up long enough to stash a few pieces of candy in their jack-o-lanterns and get some kisses.  Neither of the boys were too impressed with Papa's Barbie Graveyard.  Disturbing yet amazing, huh?

Finally Exhaling

Wow.  It's been a busy few weeks.

1. Toren accepted a job offer from Collette Vacations.  We've been wanting/hoping/looking for a new job for probably a year now.  But I can say for sure that we now have the right job at the right time.  He started work the end of September and has been out of town training every other week since then.  He is absolutely loving the job and he feels like it's got great future potential for him.  Oh, and it's in Seattle, which  means....

2.  We've moved.  I LOVED living in the Portland area.  I can't really explain it, but I was just really happy where we were.  Perhaps it's because we'd been in the area for two years (more than half our married life) and I dreaded the thought of packing and moving.  But, alas, pack and move we did (thank you family for your help....we probably would've been packing til midnight without you).  We are actually living in my parent's house in Auburn (just south of downtown Seattle) while they are living in Thailand.  We are so grateful to them.  The transition of all of our "stuff" from a third-floor, two-bedroom apartment to a two-story, 5-bedroom house with a garage and backyard has been glorious.  In the kitchen I pretty much have room for a plate on every shelf.  I'm in absolute bliss!  The only thing we need to do is install a bigger doggie door.  Baxter has been driving me absolutely bonkers from wanting to go outside about every 3 minutes. 

3.  Austin is changing by the hour...or so it feels like.  He started his first round of teething (during the week I started packing, of course).  After a late-night trip to Rite Aid for some baby Tylenol and keeping him drugged every 6 hours we managed to keep him comfortable.  Still, though, he refused to be put down for more than a half a second at any given time, making packing quite a challenge.  We've also started feeding him baby food in addition to the rice cereal.  So far he's only had squash, but tonight we'll branch out to something more exotic...carrots or sweet potatoes perhaps.  He's also starting to sit on his own.  He can sit for a quite a while slouched over with his hands by his toes, but when he tries to straighten his back he gets a little tipsy. 

4.  My sister-in-law, Maren, came into down the week of Halloween with her two boys.  We had an incredible time, to say the least.  I'll dedicate another post for this. 

5.  I've had an eye twitch for a week and a half now.  I guess I've been stressed.

Back at Nana and Papa Spader's

I already alluded to our trip to the pumpkin patch with Carmen and Parker.  Well, that was only a brief moment of a fun trip (for Austin and me....business for Toren) we took to Nana and Papa Spader's house.  We arrived late Monday night in the middle of Dancing with the Stars.  Austin assisted Nana in judging.  Austin and I spent the next few days playing.  Austin spent time lounging in Papa's chair, zipping (sort of) around in a walker from the 80's (not kidding.  I'm sure we have pictures of my 24-year-old brother in the exact same walker), and getting innumerable amounts of smooches from Nana and Papa.  And we, of course, went to the pumpkin patch.  Thanks Nana and Papa for letting us come stay with you!!

Notice how Austin's head is glowing in the first picture.  The curse of the towheads.

Enter: Rice Cereal

At Austin's four-month appointment his doctor said we could start him on rice cereal if we wanted.  I didn't want to.  Mostly I don't want to accept the fact that my little baby is growing up.  So I planned to wait as long as possible (six months, according to the doctor) to feed him anything other than milk.  Austin obviously had different plans.  He's been really interested in food for weeks now.  He enviously eyes our food when we eat and he's been acting like he just needs more of something.  I still managed to hold off.  But now he's not sleeping very well at night (again).  He's waking up more often than "normal"...and he's ravenous.  So I had to finally admit that maybe it is time to give my starving baby a little bit of rice cereal.  Today was day one.

Look at him in the first picuture -- so proud and optimistic.

He doesn't seem to totally hate it in the video.  But the more bites he took the more disgusting it got.

Conspiring Cousins

Today we went to a pumpkin patch with my cousin, Carmen, and her son, Parker.  I'll post more about the trip, but I thought these pictures of the boys were worth posting right away.  I just know they were conspiring against us.

P.S. I'm sure you'll notice that Austin has socks on but no shoes.  Be grateful I went that far.  This was probably the third time I've put anything on his feet because 1. being barefoot helps with the sweat issue and 2. I'm lazy.  Once he's actually using his feet for something (i.e. walking) I promise I'll do a better job.

Mini Vacation to Pullman

Last Sunday I took Toren to the airport.  He was going to be in Rhode Island all week for training.  Well, by Sunday evening Austin and were already bored to death.  I knew it was going to be near impossible for us to survive the week.  So, I called my sister-in-law, Maren, to see if we could take a mini vacation to Pullman.  She was ecstatic...of course!  Austin and I headed out early Monday morning.  The six-hour drive went surprisingly well.  Austin slept through most of it while I listened to conference.  We only stopped once for a feed and potty break.  And, once we arrived, the party began!

I wish we would have taken more pictures, but we were really too busy having fun.  We found some amazing deals at Walmart, Shopko, and Old Navy.  We spent some time playing outside.  Maren and I stayed up late to eat junk food and watch TV.  It really couldn't have been a better week.  Austin loved watching his cousins, Braden and Brody.  Thanks again Maren for rescuing us from a week that would've been awful!

The boys sure have changed a lot since we saw them last.

Save Money. Live Better. Leave (surprisingly) Happy.

I usually try to go to Walmart first thing in the morning on a week day.  It just seems like the "riff raff" aren't out and about yet.  I know, it's terrible to think that way.  But I know you know what I mean...and have probably even thought the same thing.  Anyway, last night I had to pick up a few things before Toren left for training in Rhode Island (update on our lives post to come later), and headed out to Walmart.  It was 5:30 on a Saturday evening and I mentally prepped myself for the herds of "Walmart shoppers" I was soon to encounter.  A half an hour later I left reflecting on one of the friendliest shopping experiences ever.  No joke.

First: While I was in one jam-packed aisle a nice lady (not an employee) asked if she could reach something on the top shelf for me.

Second: Three people commented on how cute little Austin is.

Third: After I bought my groceries the checkout lady grabbed all my bags and placed them gently, and orderly, into my shopping cart.

Fourth: Upon loading up the van and getting Austin strapped into his carseat, another nice lady came by and asked if she could take my shopping card back along with hers.

So nice, huh?  I attribute it to the fact that Austin looked absolutely irresistible snoozing in my baby wrap.  But, still, it's great to be reminded that there are genuinely nice people in the world...even at Walmart.  I take back all the ill thoughts I've harbored, though I will probably still stick to venturing there early in the morning just to be on the safe side.

And You Thought I Was Exaggerating

He's sleeping on the couch under the air conditioner.  Amazing, huh?

Four Month Checkup

Austin had his four month checkup today.  I was really eager to find out his height and weight.  He seriously seems huge to me...especially when you compare recent pictures to newborn ones.  Even though everyone warned me, I can't believe how fast he's grown.  I was actually surprised to find that he's pretty much average in every way.

When we arrived at the doctor Austin was completely exhausted, which I actually think was a good thing.  He took the shots a little bit more dramatically than at his two-month appointment.  But, after we got home he took an hour and a half nap.  The doctor said he's as healthy as can be.

Austin's Four Month Stats:
Weight: 15 lbs 7 ounces
Height:  26.75 inches
Head:  16.75 inches

I love that Austin is totally strapped into his swing in only the May picture.  As if he could have gotten anywhere then. 

 

*************

Also, today is our anniversary; yay for us!!  Three whole years.  Perhaps later this evening I'll write a post commemorating the best three years of my life....perhaps.

Perspective

Too often we take for granted the beautiful things this world has to offer.  We get caught up in our busy lives and lose perspective.  Luckily there are also people to whom the beauties of the world can be a life-altering experience.  Take, for example, the man in this video.

I bet you'll never look at a double rainbow the same way again.

Four Months Old

Just FYI, I did find a dress for my friend's wedding on Saturday.  It was a long and painful process, but it was totally worth it because I ended up with a dress I love (and will wear again) for only $30!  The wedding was wonderful, though shortly after the ceremony we got a call from the babysitter (poor Kalen) saying that Austin was screaming and to get home now.  So sadly we missed out on dinner, dancing, and, most importantly, cake!  Austin,of course, was totally fine after five minutes.  In fact, I think it took Kalen much longer to recover from the whole experience.  And, trust me, I totally understand. It's happened to me many times.  I just hope Kalen isn't too traumatized to babysit little Austin in the future.

*******

In other news, Austin is 4 months old today!  He is the happiest, smiliest baby ever.  He hardly ever cries, though when he does it can be pretty intense.  We love him more and more every single day.  At four months Austin....


...can roll from back to belly (though one of his arms is always stuck underneath and he can't quite get it out, which makes him very angry)
...sweats like a 400-pound man 
...has just started taking a 2-hour nap in the afternoon fairly regularly
...loves being in my baby wrap (this is how we do grocery shopping now)
...is enamored with his jungle mobile
...hates going to sleep
...scoots out of his swing if he's not strapped in
...loves his toes
...absolutely loves being in his Bumbo seat
...is starting to giggle more (or maybe we're just getting funnier)
...loves to dance with his Mom
...still loves being swaddled at night
...loves bath time
...is smitten with Baxter (even though Baxter doesn't feel quite the same yet)
...has a constant stream of drool pooling on his chest
...is desperately trying to be a thumb sucker

Midnight Rant

Have you ever had one of those night where, despite being overwhelmingly exhausted, you couldn't sleep?  You're lying there in bed, listening to the soft snores of your husband, your dog, and your baby, thinking, "go to sleep, go to sleep, go to sleep."  And you start counting down the remaining viable sleep hours and realize that the baby could wake up at any second, which just stresses you out even more.

That's where I am now.  It's after 3 am and here I am...wide awake.  I tried everything that usually works:  listening to Chapter 3 of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, practicing the meditation techniques I learned in World Religions, drinking a big glass of milk, and listening to a Conference talk (which, sadly, almost always sends me to dreamland in mere seconds). 

With body relaxed, belly satisfied, spirituality reaffirmed (I enjoyed 3 wonderful talks), bills paid, emails answered, Facebook friends significantly stalked, I shall blog.  Maybe with this checked off my To-Do list I will finally be able to catch a few Z's.

I'd like to blog about what I've recently discovered is one of the most frustrating things in life: finding a dress to wear to a wedding.

A friend of mine is getting married this Saturday.  It will be outside and in the evening.  All I want is a simple, knee-length dress with longer-than-cap sleeves.  So far, it's been impossible.

I shopped between two malls for 5.5. hours today (thank you Austin for being so cooperative and thank you BOB for making my life that much easier).  I scoured every rack.  What did I find?  Absolutely nothing.  Of course, being a frugalista, I started on the clearance and sales racks.  But by hour 4 I was willing to pay full price (I know, I know) if I could just find something....anything.  I did try on a few dresses, but they weren't even worth settling for.  So, I left empty handed (not counting the v-neck T's I got for $1.67 each at JC Penny...my consolation prize, I suppose) and irritated.

Tomorrow, though, we're going for round two.  Wish me luck!

And, for those who humored me through this entire post, your visual reward.  Enjoy.

Sweet Feet

Austin recently found his new favorite thing...his feet!  He can't keep his hands off them. And he's starting to love playing "This Little Piggy" with his little toes.  He does have absolutely adorable little monkey feet.

The Only Thing Worse Than Tummy Time....

...is being forced into a photo shoot during it!

Baxter actually did join in for a minute.  If you recall this post you'll know why.

Oh, and look!  There's that binky we've been looking for under the couch!  See, tummy time is beneficial.

On the bright side, I got a half-a-mile walk in.

Apartment living sucks.  I don't think anyone would disagree.  That, however, is an entirely different post.  Today's post is about one of the joys of apartment living: getting "special" mail.  What I mean is that when a piece of mail comes that won't fit in your 4-inch by 4-inch mail box you find a note that says: You have a package waiting at the Manager's office.  I was the lucky winner of one of those notes the other day.

A package!?!? As I loaded up the baby and began the the quarter-mile walk to the office, my head was swimming through through the limitless possibilities: a late baby gift, a care package for me (from whom I couldn't even begin to guess), a free sample I requested...  I was overwhelmed with excitement as I frolicked through the office doors and exclaimed, "I have a package waiting for me!"

"Oh, yes," the Manager replied.  "Enjoy!"  And she handed it over.

Yes, that is ESPN the magazine.  Just one more reason that sports are a big life ruiner.  On the bright side, I got a half-a-mile walk in.

Happy Waker

I went to check on Austin while he was napping yesterday and this is what I found:

Today...same story:

This happens a lot.  I'm never quite sure how long he's been awake.  I just know that he is awake and oh so happy. 

Note: He doesn't always wake up like this.  Just as often (usually after I just sit down to relax for a minute or two) I hear his shrieks and screams that can only be interpreted as "Mom...you better get in here NOW...or else!!!" 

Visting Great Grandpa Evans

We were so happy that Toren had today off work. We decided to take a long-overdue trip to see his Grandpa Evans near Vancouver, Washington.  This was Grandpa's first time meeting little Austin.  As expected, Austin was all smiles...until we took the camera out.  It was so nice to visit for a while.  When we left, Toren and I agreed that we really need to drive up much more often.

Dear Husband

Dear Husband,

 You're going to hate this.  Don't worry, I'll skip all the mushy stuff.  Happy birthday!!  I love you!  I look forward to spending many, many, many more birthdays with you in the future.  Have a fun weekend.  Go Cougs!

Love,
Your Wife

P.S. I won't tell anyone that this letter will secretly make you happy.

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

I read an anonymous quote the other day that said “Daughters and mothers are closest when daughters become mothers.”  So true.  I always knew you were a good mom growing up. And later, after I got married, I decided you were a great mom.  But now that I’m a mom myself I realize: you are the best mom.  Seriously, I don’t know how you did it.  I don’t know how I’m going to do it.  All I know is that I’m glad to have you as an example and a source of constant advice and encouragement.

Today (well, tomorrow for me, but today for you) is your 50^th birthday.  Congratulations!  I don’t know much about being fifty, but I do know plenty about you.  And I know that your next fifty years will be just as exciting and full of life as the first.  Because, well, you’re an exciting, full of life kind of person. 

In honor of your birthday, I’d like to highlight 50 things about you that make you so….well….you!  And irresistible not to love and admire.

In no particular order…

1. You love to laugh.
2. You love Chipotle.  Enough that you could (and would if they had one in Thailand) eat there everyday.
3. You love to take pictures.
4. You have a testimony that you love to share.
5. You moved to Thailand and supported dad without hesitation.
6. You are an amazing cook.
7. You are a night owl and not really a morning person.
8. You are a runner.
9. You love sunbathing (with me especially).
10. You love to read.
11. You love to travel.
12. You have read almost every Jane Austen related book in the world.
13. You love shopping (with and for me).
14. You love a good deal.
15. You were an early morning seminary teacher for 15 years.
16. You do things you don’t want to for the benefit of others.
17. You understand the need for a good cry now and then.
18. You always let me whine about stupid things.  And you usually agree.
19. You love a good road trip (though maybe not anymore after this summer).
20. You put others before yourself all the time.
21. You always buy popcorn and drinks at the theater.
22. You are the most organized person I know.
23. You beat breast cancer.
24. You are a take-action kind of woman (prime example: without being asked you helped clear tables in an understaffed Pizza Hut so everyone waiting could be seated).
25. You learned to Scuba dive for Dad.
26. You do genealogy (and you love it).
27. You love to jam out to good music.
28. You have a blog (and keep it updated).
29. You have very nice calves (and as a result, so do I!).
30. You were happily sorted into Hufflepuff.
31. You know how to plan a vacation.
32. You don’t sew…and you don’t feel guilty about it.
33. You love to go to a late night movie in you pajamas.
34. You “hired” me as your secretary many times and paid me in lunch dates.
35. You are compassionate.
36. You are honest.
37. You love to people watch.
38. You Facebook.
39. You keep in touch with people.
40. You try to love, or at least seem interested in, football for my husband (even I don’t do that).
41. You admit your mistakes and try to correct them.
42. You are always willing to try something new.
43. You are close to your family.
44. You love the color green.
45. You are accepting and welcoming.
46. You are perfect at “softing.”
47. You are strong (physically, mentally and emotionally).
48. You have the backs of those that are close to you.  No matter what.
49. You make life fun.
50. You love your grandson more than anything.

I love you, Mom.  I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like without having you as a Mom.  You’ve made a great impact in the world over last fifty years.  And I know you have at least fifty more to give!  Have a happy, happy birthday!

Love,

Your Daughter

The (Still) Wild Beagle

The verdict is still out on Baxter’s true opinion of Austin.  I actually think he's more indifferent than anything.  But he sure loves all of Austin’s “stuff.”  I regularly find him snoozing on Austin's blankets, attempting to lay on Austin's activity mat, trying to sneak burp clothes off to his "beagle cave" (aka under the end table).  

But his absolute favorite things are the toys. Austin is just starting to really be interested in things that are really colorful or make noise.  And, when Baxter hears a rattle or sees something with a bit of flare — he comes bolting in from wherever he’s been sulking and turns in to the Wild Beagle.  He just goes crazy.  Of course, I can’t really let him play with Austin's toys.  Perhaps we’ll have to invest in a few toys exclusively for Baxter.  I did, however, let him destroy one of Austin’s washcloths last night.  He was just having too much fun with it.  I wish I would have taken a video of it.  Instead, I just got photos of the carnage.  

Revenge of the Obedient Baby

I had been desperately trying to read Mockingjay for two days with minimal success.  I think by Friday night I was only halfway through it.  And I really wanted to finish it on Saturday.  So I had a pretty frank talk with Austin.  I begged him to take just one decent nap, allowing me to devote that time to nothing but Mockingjay.  And guess what my obedient boy did?

He slept from 9-10am (this alone would have made me happy).  And then from 11-12:30pm.  And then from 1-2:30pm.  I couldn't believe it!  This was a nap-record day for us.

I was able to finish Mockingjay (wow..by the way) and do 5 loads of laundry.

Wouldn't it be nice if that's where the story ended?  Yes, it would be.

But it isn't.

Saturday night Austin woke up every 2 hours.  Last night he woke up almost every hour.  I think he's seeking his revenge.  Let's just hope he's satisfied by now and sleeps well tonight.

At Nana and Papa Spader's

For Toren's day off this week we decided to drive up to Seattle to visit my grandparents.  They absolutely adore Austin and happily held him all day.  My Nana had given me two baby blankets for Austin a long time ago and they are perfect in every way.  I only use those blankets, so I end up washing them pretty much daily.  While we were there she made us two more!! I was so happy!  Thanks Nana!

While we were there my cousin Carmen came over with her little boy, Parker.  Parker is 3 weeks younger than Austin, and I have a feeling they will be the best of friends -- especially if Austin will stop trying to beat Parker up.  It was so funny.  He seriously wouldn't stop touching Parker.  I would take his hand away and he just put it right back.  I think this is evidence of years of wrestling matches to come.

And, just because it's irresistible, I'm going to include this picture of Austin on our drive home, snuggled up to his new blanket.

Three Months Today

Austin is three months old today.  I can hardly believe it.  It feels like we've had him FOREVER, though (in a good way...usually).  I almost can't remember life without him. At three months Austin...

...loves his Johnny Jump Up.
...won't nap for longer than a half an hour (unless your holding him).
...smiles ALL the time.
...is starting to giggle.
...loves to chit chat in his own language.
...is fascinated by himself in the mirror.
...is almost always sucking on his hands.
...can roll onto his side all by himself.
...loves to sit and stand up on someones lap.
...is growing lots of fuzzy, blond hair.
...receives at least one million kisses a day.

We can't wait to see what the next three months bring!

What a GREAT Day!

I'm incredibly busy every day.  By the end of the day I'm not quite sure what I've been busy doing, but I know I haven't sat down for any length of time (aside from during Austin feedings).  I feel like I am CONSTANTLY tidying the house.  But I never feel like I have time to really clean.  Today, I took the time. 

First I did all the usual things: make the bed, load any lingering dishes from last night into the dishwasher, put away everything that seems to just by lying about, fold laundry that I've been neglecting, etc.  But then...I scrubbed and disinfected every inch of both bathrooms and the kitchen.  I swept, mopped, and vacuumed everything.  Ok, I guess that's it.  Wow, it sure felt much more impressive while I was doing it.  I love the clean house feel, though.

Plus...

...My huge box from Diapers.com arrived today, in which were diapers and wipes at a cost cheaper than Costco.
...I got Mockingjay on audiobook.
...Austin took a nap today that lasted one whole hour (lately he's only been taking half hour naps and it's driving me nuts)
...Some friends delivered us a pie (which, in itself, would make for a great day).

Now I'm going to sit down with Mockingjay and a big slice of pie until my husband comes home (who probably won't even notice a difference). Phew..what a great day! 

I owe all of my cleaning success of the day to the Johnny Jump Up, my new best friend.

Football Season is...

...coming too fast!  We're not ready!!

Mastering the Chicken

I've never cooked a whole chicken before.  Never.  In fact, I've made it a point not to.  However, as I was perusing through the meat section of Safeway the other day I decided, now that I'm a mom, it was probably time for me to face my fear.  Plus, Foster Farms whole chickens were on sale for $0.79 a pound.  I couldn't pass that up.

 

I don't really have a good pan to cook a chicken in the oven, so I decided to use my crock pot.  Plus, you can pretty much put anything in a crock pot on low for a few hours and it'll be delicious.  I found a recipe online and got to work.

Step One: Remove giblets.  Wait, WHAT?!?  What's a giblet?  I think I've changed my mind.  This is why I've never cooked a whole chicken.  You have to do things like remove the giblets.

I had a mini freak out.  But then I gathered all my courage, found some surgical gloves, and removed those giblets.  I held my breath, gagged, and closed my eyes through most of it, but I did it.

Step Two: Add apple slices and cubed butter to the chicken's cavity.  Well, after the giblets, this was a breeze.  Soon my chicken was stuffed to capacity.

Step Three: Coat both sides of chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt.  By now my whole chicken confidence was swooning.  I massaged that olive oil on my chicken sans gloves!

Step Four: Carefully place chicken in crock pot and top with dried onions.

Step Five: Cook on high for 2 hours, then low for 5 or 6 hours.

Step Six:  Enjoy!

I used to be the kind of girl that could never even eat meat off a bone.  Now look at me!  Removing giblets and massaging a raw chicken with my bare hands.  Who'da thought?!  Perhaps now I can truly call myself a housewife.

Also....If You're A Mom....

...you find yourself joyously singing Baby Beluga out loud even though your baby has been sound asleep for quite some time.  And then, once you catch yourself, you sing it 6 more times with all the gusto you can muster.

 

On the bright side I think we've found a replacement for The Ants Go Marching.

And Speaking of Drool and Boogers

Austin has learned to spit. He loves it. When he's not sleeping or eating, he's spitting. And usually very loudly. He'll soak up an outfit in a matter of minutes by the sheer amount of post-spit saliva that pours down his chin. Gross, I know. But also kind of adorable...right? Kind of?

And today we got the double-whammy. Spit drool AND booger. You can't see the spit on his chin very well, but it was definitely there. And the booger, well, it was really about twice the size you see here. What can I say, Austin is pure boy.

Disclaimer: I promise that not all of my posts will be about gross things. So please, don't give up on my blog. Other things do happen in my life...just not as often.