Update

So we thought maybe Bruin could be cold at night and that could be waking him up so last night we closed almost all of the heating vents but his and turned the heat up a few degrees and lo and behold he slept from 7:30pm to 5:15am and then back to sleep til 8am without a peep! Hopefully this was the answer!.. which actually makes me kind of sad because of all those nights we just let him cry in his room :( poor little guy was probably just cold! Mean mom and dad!

Also I've had a few people comment about how I must be a good swaddler to be doing it so long... nope! He was breaking out of my wrap jobs by the time he was a month or two old. That's when I got this awesome swaddling wrap that I would recommend to anyone who wants to swaddle. It is soo easy and stays put all night. There is a size large too for when they get bigger. Here is a pic. The brand is Kiddopotamus and you can find it at Target.

Scriptures Applied

This week was Bruin's 4 month well-baby check up and 2nd round of shots. It was also another week for me of mastitis... yes, again. I didn't want to have to pay for another office visit and I was contemplating showing Bruin's pediatrician (ha!) but luckily my doctor was willing to just call me in a prescription to Walgreens. So we brought out the glider chair and watched movies together the rest of the day.
As my mom and I were sitting in the waiting room at the pediatrician we were discussing the option of quitting breastfeeding but how all the problems have been in just the one side... She said it reminded her of the scripture in Matthew-
"And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee; for it is
profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole
body should be cast into hell."
So that's just what I've decided to do! I've heard of women doing it before.. so why not? Its better than quitting all together right? For Phil's sake I won't say any more but this will definitely be an experience for the journal!



Other news going on around here... At Bruin's appointment we were talking about his sleeping habits and swaddling and such.. (which by the way he said Bruin's flat spot was fine and I shouldn't be concerned!) and I told him how Bruin had been waking up lately 2 or 3 times a night crying and we didn't know why. He said that although it was fine to swaddle him up to around 6 months or so, maybe he was ready not to be "bound and gagged" as my parents refer to it :) (wrapped up tight with his pacifier in). So since Monday night we have very lightly wrapped him in his swaddle blanket so that he can easily break free and eventually not wrapping him at all and giving him a fuzzy light blanket to snuggle. After days and nights of crying I don't think its worked. He still wakes up the same amount but his little hands are ice cold and flailing around. This morning after I fed him around 4:30am he cried until 5 and then Phil finally just got up and swaddled him and he went right to sleep until 8. Ugghh! So I think I might just throw that out the door and keep swaddling him. Not sure why he's waking up but at least he's warm and snug and we don't have to hear him cry all the time!!

Bath time with dad

Videos for Phil's Family

I've tried really hard to send these videos to Phil's mom and dad through email but they keep coming back as being too large to fit in the mailbox. So I am posting them on here. Sorry for those of you who this popped up on your Google Reader and you don't really care to see them cuz its of someone's else's baby haha.




Holding my head up


Strong Casper Legs

Hair Scare and Grumpa Santa

The balding has begun. Everyone told me that after I had the baby I would lose insane amounts of hair... I am! Holy cow in the shower it comes out in clumps and I have to clean out my brush every few days. The only thing that comforts me is that the new hair that will grow in to replace it will be bleach/dye free. I am currently in the process of growing my real hair out so my roots are so ugly! But, since moving from Idaho and losing my favorite hairdresser Sierra, I have decided that I would like to see my natural hair for the first time in 10 years. I know it will be a long process and I will be quite sick of wearing my bangs up, hats, headbands, etc but worth it.



ANYWAYS... Monday night we helped my mom and dad with the ward YSA Christmas dinner. Wow was that yummy ham! Santa made an appearance at the dinner and Bruin got to take his first picture with him! I think he knew it was his grandpa cuz he didn't mind at all. We didn't get a good pic but at least its something for the scrapbook!



And since this HAS become a "baby blog" here some more pics.

Bruin loves to Christmas shop with me... :)




Typical sad face

Simplify

I was unloading the dishwasher the other day and I thought about the little things I've learned to do to simplify my life, and how there are probably plenty of things other people do that I don't know about! I am gonna list the things I do and then if any of you have somthing, please leave a comment and let me know so we can help simplify each others lives :)

Things I Do:

*When putting dirty silverware in the dishwasher bin I put the knives in one slot, the forks in another, etc. That way when I unload them I just grab the whole bundle and stick it in its spot instead of having to sort them one by one.

*I take the lid off of the PAM spray. No reason to keep it and always take it off/put it on, and it fits better in my cabinet!

*Buy hamburger in bulk. Then when I get home I separate it into a bunch of Ziplocs in 1 pound amounts. I flatten the hamburger in the ziploc so that defrosting it in the pan later is easy.

*If I'm cooking taco meat for dinner I make a little extra and then freeze it in a little ziploc. Later when I'm looking for something to eat I can just pull it out of the freezer, microwave, and bam- stick it in a tortilla with salsa and I have a quick yummy lunch. I've heard of people doing this when they make soup as well.

*I keep a bottle of OXY CLEAN by Bruins dirty hamper. Whenever he messes his clothes I take them off, spray them with OXY CLEAN and stick them in the hamper. I used to take out all his clothes and scrub them with blue DAWN before washing them (takes stains out like a charm) but it was so stinky and who has time for that every few days? Bruin squirts on his clothes often so this has been the best method for me to keep away stains.

*I bought a duo of those CLOROX wipes and keep one in the bathroom on the counter and one in the kitchen under the sink. Whenever I have a minute I just grab a wipe and wipe down the counters/sinks/toilet seat and throw it away. It keeps the room looking fresh between real cleanings.

*Clean the stovetop after every use. It hasn't hardened on yet so its easy to wipe up and takes 5 seconds. Then you don't have to scrub it later.

Ok those are the ones I can think of. What are your ways you've simplified?

Delighted

This video is for our families... and anyone else who wants to see him giggle

Tis the Seasons

Our Thanksgiving weekend started out on Wednesday morning as we drove with my parents to L.A. to spend Thanksgiving with our family AND friends. We had a FABULOUS turkey meal put on by my mom and dad at my grandma's house. My dad BBQ'd the turkey for several hours all morning and it was the best tasting turkey... (and I don't even really like turkey!) Phil said it made the best gravy as well.





That morning before we ate, Phil and I were able to drive down to Fullerton where some of our best friends, the Barneys, live. Phil went and played in a Turkey Bowl with Royce and AubRee's brothers and I stayed and chatted with AubRee and her mom (Bruin's future mother-in-law)... Yes, we have already betrothed the two of them. Bruin is almost as big as her already! haha what a chunk! That and Grace is such a petite little cutie.



The day after Thanksgiving we did not brave Black Friday, although Phil was really wanting to and looked at ads all evening. Instead we hung out with my Uncle Chris and his wife Linda and BBQ'd and hottubbed. Let me tell you what a treat it was to get in a hottub after a whole year of not being allowed to!! Woohoo! My mom watched Bruin while we soaked in heaven.
Afterwards we met up with Royce and AubRee again and went mini-golfing at this awesome Camelot place. I stunk it up, but Phil barely beat out Royce and AubRee in the end. AubRee was very impressive with her skills! Bruin just hung out on Phil's back the whole time.





He was such a good boy, until he got a little tired at the end which is understandable. He was tuckered out in the car and snored away most of the rest of the night.
Saturday we traveled home, stopping by my uncle's Christmas tree lot and picked up trees for all of us. We were sooo excited to get our first Christmas tree! Saturday night we went shopping for Christmas tree decorations and then last night Phil and I decorated it after Bruin went to sleep. It was so fun!







I love having a lit up tree in my living room, it makes me so happy! When we got up this morning with Bruin we got to come out to a shining tree and it made getting up at 6:45 less awful :)

The Things We Do...

I am SOOO sick of getting plugged milk ducts, let me tell you. I guess I'm just one of those women prone to EVERYTHING it seems. A few days ago I fought off so pluggage on my right side, now I've got about 3 pea sized lumps on my left that KILL. I have been doing everything from taking Lecithin pills, massage, heating pad, to even waking up Bruin every few hours last night to nurse, along with pumping every 2 hours. Nothing is working to make these go away and I'm worried its going to turn into mastitis again. Ughhhh, sometimes it just makes me want to quit with the whole breastfeeding thing. THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE RAISED ON FORMULA WHO ARE JUST FINE! But then I think about how much good I am giving Bruin by doing it and I keep forging on. PLUS, formula isn't exactly the cheapest thing, and STINKS.
So this is my venting. I have been keeping focused on each milestone since the beginning and telling myself, "I'll do it until he's at least 6 weeks... I'll do it until he's 3 months...." Now its "I'll do it until he's 6 months." But can I really?
On the bright side, I started Bruin on some rice cereal a few days ago and now he's loving it! I can't get it into his mouth fast enough. The first few tries were a little challenging for him. He wanted it, but couldn't really figure it out and half of it would plop out onto his bib. But I just let him get used to the texture and feel of it in his mouth and now today he ate a full serving after breakfast and was happy! Yay for Bruin! I'm hoping this will curb his massive appetite he's developed... That's the reason I started in the first place.. I couldn't seem to make enough milk for the little guy. Now I'm just watching to make sure his body is okay with it and digests fine.



So now, I must go and pump for the millionth time in the last 24 hours...

Beautiful November

We have had FABULOUS weather here for the past two months and I just can't be thankful enough! Its been in the 70s but this weeks it is finally dropping down to the 60s. Bruin and I can still take our walks on the trail and sit in the grass outside in his Bumbo. The other day I had someone take a pic of us on one of our walks. The trees are so beautiful and sometimes I'll just park the stroller next to them and let Bruin gaze at them.



Last night, my mom came over and we made BBQ chicken pizza and watched this weeks Biggest Loser. Love that show! I just love this pizza so I thought I'd share the recipe for anyone looking to make something different for dinner this week. I took this pic when I made half of it with pineapple once.




BBQ Chicken Pizza

2 breasts chicken (or 4-5 tenderloins)
Your favorite BBQ sauce (I use Kraft Honey Hickory Smoke)
1 Tbl of liquid smoke
bunch of cilantro
Around 2 cups of mozzarrella
(red onion optional)

Put the defrosted chicken in a crockpot with BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, and like a Tablespoon of water. Cook on high until shreddable (between 1-2 hours).

Using any pizza dough recipe (I just let my breadmaker do the work) roll the dough out and onto a pizza pan. Spread a good layer of BBQ sauce all over dough, sprinkle evenly with chicken (and red onion if you want), then cover with mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve.
Mmmmm delicious!

Last but not least, here is my new favorite picture of Bruin :)

Another Week

Ohhh Mondays. The beginning of a new week, but sadly this one doesn't have that much to look forward to :( Phil and my Dad left to Redding today so my Mom and I are on our own. I'm gonna miss my hubby all week long.

Yesterday Phil and I gave our talks in Sacrament meeting and it went fine. For the first time in life I wasn't really all that nervous. I had a few butterflies but nothing like my usual, upset stomach, clammy hands, want to cry, panic I normally get before public speaking. Our talks were on the General Conference talk "You Know Enough" and was actually a difficult subject because it didn't have much meat to work off of. But we are happy to have it over with and not have to speak for at least another year hopefully!!

Tonight my mom is coming over and we're watching a movie and eating breakfast for FHE. I think I'll go spend the night at her house a day or two this week so I'm not so lonely/scared. I am kind of a paranoid person so its hard to be alone at night!

Bruin is getting more of a personality every day and is so fun! He talks all the time making "oh" sounds a million times and has figured out how to bring things to his mouth to bite on them. His napping has gotten back to normal which I'm thrilled about because it gives me time to do things other than chores in my spare moments like read, online scrapbook, eat a real lunch, and bake goodies!

Anyways, I can't wait until this week is over and the weekend comes.... BYU vs Utah AND the Twilight movie coming out. Woohoo!

Dr. Seuss

I found this as I was searching for material for the sacrament talk I have to give on Sunday. Its a hillarious rendition of the First Book of Nephi in Dr. Seuss's "Green Eggs and Ham" format.


Nephi: Of goodly parents I was born
I've never drunk, I've never sworn
This is Lehi, he's my dad
Laman, Lemuel, they are bad
And who is this? Why this is Sam
Yes, this is Sam;

Sam: Sam I am

Laman: That Sam I am, that Sam I am
I do not like that Sam I am

Sam: In a tent, my father dwelt

Laman: And it's so hot, I think I'll melt

Lemuel: Our father's brain is out of whack

Laman: Yeah, it's too hot, I'm going back

Lehi: Then go and get the plates my dear

Laman: On second thought, I'm staying here

Nephi: You said you'd leave and go away
Now all you want to do is stay?

Lemuel: That Nephi always gets his way

Laman: Here we are in this damp cave

Sam: We would not be here if you'd behave

Nephi: I will go and I will do
There's the angel, that's my cue
Laban's had too much to drink
Now he'll lose his head, I think

Nephi: Look what I found, a brother from the quorum

Sam: We will take him home, we will call him Zoram

Lemuel: Oh great, another pathetic life form

Laman: Our gold and silver we have spent
I do not like it in this tent

Lemuel: I cannot read the Liahona
I must have drunk too much Corona

Laman: We hate it here, we have no lives

Lehi: Then go back to the city and get some wives

Lehi: A tree, a tree, I see a tree
The fruit is white, the fruit is free
A floating building, could it be?
Why do they laugh and stare at me?

Laman, Lemuel, come and see

Laman: We will not eat your precious fruit

Lemuel: We will not wear a tie and suit

Laman: We will not help you build your boat

Lemuel: We do not think that it will float

Laman: No not this boat, it will not float
Not even in a shallow moat
I do not care what Nephi wrote

Lemuel: We will not eat your fruit I say

Laman: We will not eat it on a tray

Lemuel: And we won't eat it in a tent
Not even if your clothes you rent

Laman: We'd rather have a can of spam
L & L: We will not eat it, Sam I am

Sam: You do not like it, so you say
Try it, try it, and you may
Try it and you may I say

Laman: Sam, if you will let us be,
We will try it, you will see

L&L: Say, we like this fruit of life
Sorry that we caused such strife
You've saved us from an awful jam
Thank you, thank you, Sam I am


Author: Unknown

My New Seat

For a few weeks now I've been stalking craigslist for a Bumbo seat for Bruin. It seemed every time one was posted I would call or email and be too late. These things were selling like hot cakes! So first thing I did this morning when I got up was check craigslist and sure enough, a Bumbo was posted late last night for $15. There was no number listed so I emailed her begging her to call me as soon as she got my message cuz I wanted to come buy it today. About a half hour later she called me and said she would hold it for me and laughed because she was amazed at how many people were emailing her for it already! Anyways, I'm just thrilled that I beat out the other people and here it is, my green Bumbo. We tried it out this morning and he may not QUITE be ready for it but he's close! Yay for craigslist



Oh and this is a pic of Phil finishing up carving FOUR HUGE TURKEYS for my dad's YSA ward Thanksgiving dinner. What a good man :)



While finishing this post I was in the middle of baking some brownies for my neighbors (and yes, of course I'll save A FEW bites for me). I decided to melt some Reeses Pieces baking chips to drizzle on top of half of them to make them pretty and yummy! Well who knew that microwaving them would end up filling my kitchen with smoke. I was freaking out cuz Bruin finally fell asleep in his crib for his nap and I was nervous our smoke alarm would go off! So I just threw open all my doors and grabbed our standing fan and faced it out the door to blow it all out. So far no alarm. Phhhewwww!!
Ok and here's another cute pic of my little guy. I just can't get enough of him :)

Goal Setting

Well, we decided it was time to set some new goals for our family. We went through financial goals and spiritual goals last night, and tonight we will be writing down our physical, intellectual, and couples goals.
I really wanted to organize things in my life better so I went and purchased a big calendar to put on our wall where I could write EVERYTHING down. I would like to start planning dinner for the week as well so I can go grocery shopping and get it all in one trip. I also want to plan my days so that I'm not sitting at home everyday couped up. I'm going to figure out which day to go to the library, go grocery shopping, go on the walking trail through town, etc.. This way I can take the "thinking" out of my week :)
Another new goal I've set is to start my workouts! I started Friday going to my mom and dad's house to workout in their gym in the garage. Its been great so far because I feel so good when I'm done and it makes me more conscious about what I'm eating throughout the rest of the day. I just set Bruin down next to me when I'm on the treadmill and he seems to like the rhythmic sound and either falls asleep or just stares at me as I run.



Anyways I'm really motivated right now and I hope I stay this way cuz I hate when I get excited and make goals and then I just fizzle out.

Thankful Today

Yesterday we got in our last hours of campaigning for Prop 8. Phil took the day off of work and walked around neighborhoods for hours putting door hangers with a friend from the ward. Then last night we drove around to the polling places and found out who had already voted and then called all those who hadn't yet to remind them. It was quite the process but so worth it in the end because it looks like its going to pass 52% to 48%.
During this whole campaign I've really learned a lot about myself. To tell you the truth, I was LESS than thrilled to spend so much time on this. I REALLY dreaded making phone calls to people about the proposition and kind of dragged my feet. The stake was asking a lot of all of us but I learned that whether this proposition passed or not, this was a test from the Lord to see how faithful his saints would be. It makes you ask yourself how much you are willing to give to the Lord. Sure, giving money is easy. But actually spending your time doing something totally uncomfortable and outside yourself is another.
Thankfully I have an amazing husband who is always willing to serve and give of his time. This is one of the qualities in him that made me want to marry him. I knew that he doesn't give up, that he will always attend church in his white shirt and tie.. that he not only will be at church, but he will go to all the meetings, activities, service projects, do his home teaching, and serve faithfully in any calling he receives. I am so thankful to have him as my husband, to push me in the areas I am weak. I'm thankful for his parents who taught him to be this way and raised him to be such a hard worker and strong in testimony.

And I am thankful for all the hard work and prayers of the saints who campaigned for Proposition 8 so that my children can grow up in a world where the sanctity of marriage is still upheld. Good job California for voting Yes on 8!

Our FHE

This is how we spent our Family Home Evening tonight.... haha CrAzY CaLiFoRnIaNs!!

Candy Night

Last night we went to the ward Trunk or Treat party to give out candy to all the kids. Phil was the hit of the night with his scary monkey mask. As the kids came up for candy he would make scary monkey sounds or jump out at them, etc. They LOVED it! Some of the little kids didn't like it so much and ran away crying... only one parent got mad :) Bruin was such a good little baby through it all. He just chilled in my arms looking around and sucking his hands.

This is Phil in his mask



After Trunk-or-Treat we stopped by my parents house to scare my mom at the door :) They were watching Season three of 24 while they handed out candy to trick or treaters. We hung out for awhile and then headed over to our friends' house and played Halloween games and watched Scare Tactics episodes! It was a fun night, but I can't wait until next year when Bruin will enjoy it more!

Me and my boy. I just stuck on some ears before we left for the trunk or treaters.



Next year we'll get a really cute costume for Bruin :)

I Hate My Tummy

Well, this phrase goes for both me AND Bruin but in this case I'm referring to the baby. I don't know what to do and am seeking advice. Bruin cries and cries when I put him on his tummy. I've tried propping things under him, giving him fun things to try to look at, and even laid him on my chest but nothing works. He just arches his back and lifts his arms and cries. Everything I read lately talks about how he should be able prop himself up and lift his head by now but he's not even close! To make the situation worse, he's developing a flat spot on the back of his head from where he sleeps and hangs out on his back. I'm starting to put him down in opposite ways in his crib and hold him sideways or prop him up to relieve pressure on his skull (those are the suggestions online) but I just feel sad like I've failed him as his mom :( Does anyone have any suggestions on how they helped their baby to like tummy time?

No Crust Please

I have never baked a pan of brownies that weren't heading for a destination simply because Phil is not a brownie lover and I'm too afraid of eating it all myself. Well, I decided one night that I was craving them too badly so I gave in a baked some brownies to keep around. I should have just cut them up and gave half away to the neighbors right then... But yes, I ate the entire pan in the next few days. The bad thing about it is that every time I was feeling hungry and would go into the kitchen to find food, I would eat a brownie instead... or two. This became brownies for lunch, brownies for dinner, brownies as a midnight snack, and yes, even brownies for breakfast occasionally. Where has this sweet tooth come from? I seriously have no clue but ever since I moved to Fresno I have had chocolate cravings like crazy and finally understand the whole "women need chocolate" thing... (which I always thought was lame before). Anyways, before I cleaned the pan I decided to take a pic of the way I eat brownies cuz I thought it was funny.



Why can't they design a pan that somehow eliminates crust? Look at all that wasted brownies because its crunchy! Mmmm I need to make more..... WHAT?!!

Mr. President?

If Barack Obama would apply for a job with the FBI or with
the Secret Service, he would be disqualified because of his
past association with William Ayers, a known terrorist.
For this same reason, the person who could be Commander
in Chief would be disqualified from joining the military he
wants to command.If he is elected President he would not
qualify to be his own body guard!


Oh, and how come the media never brings us pictures (un-doctored) like these, would it be negative if people actually knew he is a chain smoker? Why?
-Phil

My Rexburg

So, I'm feeling a little homesick for Rexburg today. I know, those of you living there probably couldn't possibly see why but once you leave I'm sure you'll miss it too. I lived there for 4 1/2 years and they were some of the funnest years of my life. The things about Rexburg I miss most are:
The married student wards- Everyone in the ward was in the same stage of life and you could relate with them. You really did feel like a part of a Relief Society of friends. Oh, and Visiting Teaching was great because it was always just a few doors down the way.

Grocery shopping was fun- You always see about twenty people you know in the store and everyone is happy and helpful.

Your neighbors aren't freaks- Ok, so there was the occasional freak in Rexburg. But for the most part, no one smoked, drank, stole from you, or made you nervous. You could go around knocking doors trying to borrow an egg and not think twice.

Feeling Safe- I loved that you could go jogging, take a walk, go to the park, and not worry. I'm kind of paranoid so I can't even take walks with Bruin unless I drive to my mom's neighborhood or if I'm with someone on a trail.

A Free Gym- The BYUI gym is well equipped and best of all, free! Everyone is dressed modestly and its fun to watch the single people try to get dates with each other :)

Wingers- Ok this one is lame, I know, but I LOVE sticky fingers and I miss them dearly.

Last but not least
The Abundance of Good Friends!- I loved our friends in Rexburg! We had so much fun every night playing games, eating dinner together, going out on dates.. Everyone was so conveniently close and living the same lives as you. Another fun thing was that at the start of each semester, Phil and I would kind of "stake out" the ward to find who we wanted to meet and then we'd "date" them. haha "Married Ward Dating" someone referred to it once. You ask them if they'd like to hang out, exchange numbers, then go out and later decide whether you think they are a good fit for both you and your spouse. Now in the real world its like, "oh there's another young couple in the ward. Let's be friends then."

I get sad realizing there is no way we will live there again (What could possibly bring us back to Rexburg?). We have moved on passed college life and into the real world and now I must grow up. But I will still miss my Rexburg for a long time, just like my mom misses HER Rexburg from the Ricks College days...
I guess the only thing I don't miss is the weather!! It is still 85 degrees here and I'm very much enjoying it!

Sick Lame-O Mom

It is so hard to be good mom when you're sick. Well at least it is for me! Phil and I both came down with colds this week and it is no fun. Yesterday I had no energy and I think Bruin saw more of his swing and baby einsteins in his bouncer than ever before.. Poor little man.
I'm sorry! Fun mommy will be back soon

Despoiling

A few weeks ago my friend Joy talked about having to "de-spoil" her baby after a weekend visiting family. Turns out I'm now in the same position.. ughh. After a weekend of taking all his naps in vibrating planes, vibrating cars, and in the arms of someone walking around, Bruin refuses to nap alone in his crib. He will fall asleep for about 40 minutes but when he surfaces and realizes he is in his crib he cries and cries and won't go back to sleep. At first I thought that maybe he needed more wake time and maybe his naps were just becoming shorter because he was getting older... But yesterday after waking 40 minutes into his nap and listening to him cry for another 20 minutes I finally picked him up and tried rocking him back to sleep. He then slept for THREE HOURS in my arms (while I just put on a movie).. Grrr... Its such a predicament to be in because on one hand he needs to learn to nap in his crib again - but on the other hand I want him to get his sleep so he's not grumpy all day.... SO frustrating!





Anyways, on a more positive note.... :)
Phil and I got to Pasco on Friday night after a long day of travel. We had a 6 hour layover waiting for an open flight in Salt Lake but luckily we found out my sister was in town for the week visiting her in-laws so they picked us up! It was so fun to be able to hang out with my little nephews who are getting so big! My sister Kristen and her husband Bryan are such fun people and we were glad to be able to see them. We went to the fountains at the Gateway Mall and then celebrated my sister's birthday at her inlaws. It was a MUCH better way to spend a 6 hour layover!





Saturday we went to Phil's little sister's soccer game and then to his cousin's baptism and post-baptism family gathering. It was nice to see all the family and have them meet Bruin.

Sunday was Bruin's blessing and all went well. There were a few cries from him as they walked up to the front but then he was quiet.. its funny how nervous you get that he'll be crying the whole time.. why is that embarrassing? After the blessing we were Sunday school ditchers and hung out with friends in the cultural hall the rest of the meeting :) Thanks Josh and Jade for coming up to see us, it was so fun and Max is adorable!






With Grandpa

Getting home was an adventure. Sunday evening they had only one seat to give to us and so Phil and I split up and I left with the baby. It would have been fine had I not NAILED Bruin in the head with my fingernail right as we were sitting down. He howled and I could barely quiet him with some food (which I had to ask the guy next to me to fill the bottle with MY breastmilk.. haha poor guy) He finally fell asleep and did fine on the next flight to Fresno as well. We got home around 10pm and I just slept at my parents house because I was exhausted. In the meantime, Phil stayed behind and tried ALL DAY Monday to get home. Literally all day. He started at 3am and didn't get home until after midnight. He went from Pasco to Salt Lake to L.A. to Fresno. Poor guy. Thats why I'm not too bummed to be giving up my flight benefits soon. I'm so sick of standby! Especially now with a baby!

Prop 8

It is so important that prop 8 gets passed. I just saw this video and it makes me so mad. A guy was arrested because he wanted the school to notify him in the future when gay material was going to be taught. Crazy. Makes me want to fight people. -Phil
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1352578267/bctid1819819843

Baby Blessing

We just flew into Washington to spend the weekend in Basin City with Phil's family and to bless Bruin. To all those who live around here we would LOVE to see you on Sunday if you can make it! We will be blessing him in the Basin City 2nd Ward meeting at 9:30am.

Sad Day

Yesterday was a sad day for Bruin.. We had his 2 Month Well-Baby Checkup and first round of shots. He was all smiles for the doctor and thought it was fun until the nurse pulled out the needles and jabbed him... They really do just stick them in their legs like babies don't have feelings or something :( Ok maybe its just the mom in me but Bruin screamed until I was able to nurse him and it was so sad cuz he was just wimpering the whole time he nursed. He fell asleep on the way home and I decided to call Phil and go get some In N Out with him for lunch. Mmmm!
When we got done I was driving home and Bruin started howling louder than ever and when I finally got him calmed down at home he crashed for a few hours (and so did I). When he woke up he was sad again and only wanted to be held, so I held my little man and rocked him for sooo long until my arms felt like they would fall off. Everytime I tried to set him down he'd start crying again (which is soo not like him!). Phil got home from work and was able to give me a break by holding him for awhile. Then by about 7pm he seemed to feel better and was laughing and talking to us again.



I do hate those doctors appointments and am not looking forward to the next in two more months, even though it was really sweet to hold him and sing to him and be his mommy.


He is all smiles now and it is getting really fun!

Pumpkin Patch Failure

My sister April flew in on Wednesday with my nephew Gavin to hang out for a week and its been so fun! After taking a 2 mile stroll down the Clovis walking trail we stopped by a pumpkin patch to take some pictures. We tried to get a pic of the kids together but it just wasn't happening... Bruin couldn't sit up in the pumpkins very well and Gavin was determined to get to the baby and nothing else! So we might try again next week :)

He Did It!

After FOUR long nights of Bruin crying it out, our little man is finally sleeping through the night and we are getting sleep again! Wooohoo! We started last Wednesday by reducing the amount he was getting at each night feeding until there was none. That took two nights. Then it took him two more nights of waking up and crying every half hour or so from 1:30am until 5am when I'd feed him. Finally, Sunday he slept all the way from 8:00pm to 4:30am, and he's been doing it every night since! I think its safe to say he's learned how to sleep now and we are thrilled!

Now I just put him down around 7:30pm and then feed him before I go to bed around 10 (he doesn't even open his eyes, just drinks!) Then I get up and feed him around 4:30 or 5 and then he sleeps until around 7am! Thank you SO much for everyone who gave me advice on the matter. I took it ALL into consideration and even went to the library and checked out some of the books recommended! Thanks especially to Jande who put up with ALL of my questions, you were a lot of help!
I was a little nervous about trying to do it too early but when he got weighed last week he was over 12 lbs and in the 84th percentile so I figured it was okay! Six pounds in two months, that little chunker! Maybe I'm making cream I don't know!

Anyways, sleep is now entering back into my life and now I feel like I can start exercising and working off the extra baby weight! I've got about 12 pounds to lose to be back to my old weight so wish me luck!

Here is Phil in between sessions of General Conference



After this picture was taken I looked down and noticed some blood on the burp rag he was leaning on... The little guy had cut himself with his fingernails inside his mouth and was still sucking his fists like no big deal. I was so sad for him! Its soo hard to cut those nails short enough but I really try.



Just some more random pics of our little man for the grandparents