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.