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.

Us Superhumans

I absolutely love being a mom. I have to admit, I've had plenty of days when I thought I just wasn't cut out for motherhood (and i even have a pretty easy baby). I feel a little bit sad when I think that I won't be going back to work this fall. I loved my job. But then I look at little Austin and I feel incredibly blessed that I get to stay home and raise him, which is exactly what I want. Though I'm still new to the whole mom thing, I have learned a thing or two. And I can say with confidence that moms are, in fact, superhuman. Here's why:

If you're a mom...

...you can accomplish a billion things in exactly one hour (or the length of a nap).
...you're able to function fully on only a few 2-3 hour naps at night...or less.
...you get excited when your baby toots, poops, sneezes (or really makes any sort of noise)
....you've taken close to one million picture in less than 3 months.
...you track your day based on daytime TV shows rather than the clock.
...you don't wear perfume...you wear baby spit up.
...you talk nonstop from the time your husband gets home until the time you go to bed.
...your hair in a ponytail is as stylish as it gets.
...you cherish the time you are in the shower like you never have before.
...nothing, and I mean NOTHING, fazes you: poop explosions, large amounts of baby barf, enormous boogers, excessive drool, blankets soaked in urine...you get the idea.

A Blessed Baby

We had Austin's baby blessing on Tuesday evening. My parents were en route to Seattle (from Salt Lake) and we thought it would work out nicely if they pit-stopped here for the special occasion. It was a beautiful blessing. I couldn't have been prouder to be Austin's mom. He is meant for great things in life. I just hope I can be a good enough mom to him to help him achieve everything.

My Nana bought Austin his blessing outfit. My mom (Austin's Nana) put it on for him. Can you tell what Austin thought about it? This was quite an ordeal for a guy that spends most of his days hanging out in a Onesie.

The proud parents. And a happier baby. On a side note: Austin was perfect during the actual blessing. There must have been something really interesting on the ceiling because he stared at it the whole time in solemness.

A whole lot of family support (plus Itty Bitty in the back left).

Uncle John's FAVORITE nephew. Austin thinks John's pretty cool as well.

Daddy and Austin.

Utah Trip - Day Four

Sunday was our last day in Utah and we still hadn't see "the sights." So, we headed down to Temple Square. It was another 100 degree day, so we spent more of our time in the visitor's center and the Tabernacle. We did endure the heat for a few family pictures, though.



That afternoon we went over to Gramps and Grandma's for dinner, took a good nap, and then flew home with no problems. It was a great little vacation from our daily lives and so nice to spend some time with family.

Utah Trip - Day Three

Our third day in Utah was the day of the wedding. Austin was absolutely thrilled to get dressed up. On a side note: I looked for black newborn pants FOREVER without success. I pretty much looked everywhere. I couldn't find any. At all. Not even sweats. I eventually looked online and (of course) found some. But by then it was too late to get something shipped in time. Oh well. Austin is more of a laid back dude anyway.

Mandy and David were married in the Jordan River Temple. I had never been there before, but it was beautiful. Minus the 100 degree weather it was a perfect day for a wedding.

David and Mandy had a luncheon after the sealing in the Joseph Smith Building. If I were on a deserted island for the rest of my life and could only bring one food item I finally know what I would bring: the chocolate cheesecake I had at the luncheon. I'd be 400 pounds on that deserted island, but I'd be happy.

Laura and me in our bridesmaids dresses. The purple looked gorgeous.

The groomsmen striking their signature "I'm a stud" pose.

Can you tell from our glistening faces that it was a scorcher of a day?

I think Austin had finally reached his kiss max for the day.

We had such a good day and we're so happy for David and Mandy. I'll say it right now: David got lucky...really lucky. We absolutely adore Mandy. She fits into our family so perfectly. And her and David together couldn't be a better match. I know they'll be so happy for so long. Forever, in fact.

Utah Trip - Day Two

With my family living overseas we just aren't all together as often as we'd like anymore. So because we would all be together for David's wedding, my mom thought it was the perfect time for -- you guessed it -- family pictures. You probably think there isn't anything worse than having family pictures taken. There is: having family pictures taken in 100 degree weather! No joke. We were sweating our brains out. Luckily we knew our photographer well (she's my cousin -- and she's super talented: Photos By Wendy G). She was fast and efficient and I know she'll be able to Photoshop any unsightly sweat marks.

This picture wasn't taken by Wendy (obviously), but it'll give you a taste before we get the really good photos. (P.S. Thanks mom for the handsome shirt for Austin)

We were starving by the time we were done (even though it only took an hour -- posing and smiling is exhausting!). We met up with Mandy's (David's now wife) family at the Macaroni Grill for some delicious lunch. Austin spent the time being held by pretty much everyone. He was so overwhelmed by all the attention that he just had to take a nap.

Utah Trip - Day One

I was a little nervous flying to Utah with Austin. I hate everything about flying. And I just knew that adding a newborn to the mix would tip my anxiety over the top. I can say with great relief, however, that Austin did WONDERFULLY well. He happily drank a bottle during take off, snoozed during the first half of he flight, charmed us (and our airplane neighbors) with smiles and giggles until we started to descend, and then sucked the life out of his binky until we hit the ground. It couldn't have gone smoother for us.

My mom, John (brother), and Laura (sister) were waiting to greet us at the airport when we arrived. My mom couldn't wait to get her hands on Austin. My dad's flight arrived about 20 minutes after ours (this would be his first time "home" from Hong Kong since Christmas). It was a great reunion! It was my dad's first time meeting Austin. He was smitten...of course!