It's coming to an end.

My maternity leave that is. It has been such a wonderful, and fast, three months. Not really sure of the exact day I head back, but it's somewhere around 2 weeks from now. I thought I would write about what I have accomplished, well at least HOPED to accomplish.

1. Organize picture albums of Cancun and our wedding (from two years ago).
Nope
2. Have a clean house.
Nope...who knew a little one could cause so much mess:-)
3. Have dinner ready for Mark when he comes home every night.
Does Mac and Cheese count?
4. Exercise
I walk around the house A LOT trying to put Madeleine asleep...YES!
5. Have Baby sleep in her own room.
Yes, after two months...is that bad?
6. Enjoy my time off and visit to the Soo, for three weeks.
YES YES YES
7. Have Madeleine recognize who I am before I have to head back to work.
Yes, although at times I'm the only one who can comfort her...Lucky Mark:-)

I guess I accomplished SOME stuff, all the stuff that matters; they're only little once.

Here are a few more pics of our Little Lady.



Daddy and Madeleine at her 2 month appointment.

Splish Splash...

...Madeleine's taking a bath!

Say Ya to Da U.P, Eh!

Here are some pictures of Madeleine's first days in the Sault...and yes, those are socks on her hands...

More of the Baby

Sorry I've been pretty boring lately...Madeleine keeps me busy!!


My mom has been a GREAT help; she even watched Madeleine last night so Mark and I could enjoy an anniversary dinner at Log Haven!



Blanket Nana Marty had made...Thanks Nana!

SLEEP

Last night was AWESOME! Marty and Gene, Mark's parents, offered to take care of Madeleine for the night because Mark and I looked exhausted. I'm not sure what gave it away, maybe falling asleep while we were out to dinner?

They slept with her downstairs and feed and changed her...talk about the best nights sleep in a few months!!!!

That was the best birthday gift they could've given Mark...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK.

12 Days Later

First Couple Days

Welcome Maddie (part two, Mark messed up. Oops)

Welcome Maddie

We are so excited to welcome Madeleine Jane to our family. She was born at 5:30am October 17, 2008. She is 20 inches long and weighs 7 pounds and 14 ounces. We are very grateful for all of the prayers, help, and gifts from all of our loved ones. Betsy and I are both overwhelmed with gratitude for each of you as well as the divine for all that we have received and extremely grateful that both mom and baby are healthy without problems.

My real reason for getting on this, as I have no idea what I am doing, is to put a few pictures up as the Grandparents Stevens are bursting with excitement. So here we go and hopefully, some of these show up on the blog.

My husband the genius...

Who knew my husband was such a genius? He took the IQ test earlier today and scored a 142...look, the website even says so! And people wonder why he rents cars for a living.

80-90 (below average)
90-110 (average intelligence)
111-121 (above average)
122-130 (highly intelligent)
131-141 (gifted)
142+ (genius - top 1%)


Try it for yourself!

http://www.funeducation.com/

I haven't been on here in a while, not because I've been busy, just lazy. Nothing new to report from Utah; but I do have my car back b/c Peter bought one! Today I took it to work and cleaned it out. I figured at least the baby should have a clean car to ride in! We're all set for her to come, Mark is putting the finishing touches on the cradle he's been working on all weekend; I'll post pictures when it's done.

Here's a 9 month shot of me, not the most flattering, I know. This was taken when Mark and I went to Sundance for dinner last night for our "last supper."

Isn't she cute?
Last weekend was my baby shower! It was a lot of fun, with good food and great company! I'll post those pictures soon!

Kitty Issues

So, we kept thinking Kitty was fighting with our neighbor's cat due to her random bleeding ears/legs, crying and smelling like poo when she came in from outside. We moved our garbage can so the other cat's can't jump our fence, blocked the hole which was dug under the fence and Mark even went as far as to buy a pellet gun to shoot the other cats in our yard.

Well, Sunday night I couldn't find her so of course I'm freaking out...Mark goes outside and finds Kitty stuck UP IN THE APPLE TREE. Stuck to the point she falls out, starts bleeding, and POO's herself!!! I guess the other cat doesn't come around anymore and Kitty's scaring herself:-( Poor Mark doesn't have a chance to use his new pellet gun now.

wow

I actually figured it out. These two posts will be the only time I ever get on this, unless I am bored again and need something to do. Everything else, is Betsy, or baby Madeleine, note the spelling.
Mark

boredom

I took a week off work and do not know what to do. It is Friday. I have played golf four times this week. The baby's name is Madeleine. Note the spelling.

Happy Labor Day Weekend...

Here's what we woke up to yesterday...SNOW in the mountains! Actually I liked the cooler weather because Mark and I were able to clean, run errands, and play Monopoly. All in all, it was a great day.

Here's my birthday suit!!!!

Well, not really...but these are a couple of the maternity shirts I received from my parents for my B-Day last month, I know, I'm a little behind.

So Saturday, Peter and I floated the Provo River, what a fun and relaxing end to summer! While we were on the river, my parents were at the "Big House" watching the Utah Utes beat the Michigan Wolverines. A special thanks to Timberly and Kalani for grabbing tickets for them!! From the sounds of it, they LOVED every minute of the game! After a LONG summer for my parents, they were in need of some excitement!!!!!!!

Baby's Room

We think it's done...

Here's the crib my parents bought us!!! It goes from a baby crib, to a toddler bed, day bed, and a full size bed! Talk about extending a dollar! The bedding we purchased from JC Penny's with a gift card from our wedding...Thanks to Aunt Sandy, Jim, Julie and family.

Although it's not a great picture of the dresser, it matches the crib. After looking ALL OVER UTAH and on-line for this dresser, Mark and I found the *last one* in the state! The gorgeous pink outfit was knitted for us by my God Father's wife, Joanne. By parents sent us the baby book for my birthday and all the goodies in the basket came from Jon and MarKey who also by the way painted the room for us...Thanks Guys!!!


As you can see, we kept the room fairly neutral in terms of paint. Mark's worried "she" will turn into a "he" when the baby's born. With that being said, the car seat/stroller is neutral, and we'd just have to change the bedding and curtains.

I've Learned That...

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. And you need to take it.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch, holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that no matter what happens or how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them when they are gone from your life.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and a late friend.
I've learned that making a living is not the same as making a life!

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
~Anonymous

Sitake Family Reunion

A couple weeks back we spent the weekend at Pop's and Lani's place for the First Annual Sitake Family Reunion. Good times were had by all...food, more food, and a slip 'n slide!

Hula Hula gear...

Mark wishing he were still a kid...

This picture is only up so people will stop asking to see my "bump" :-)

Our friend Kristal took these fabulous pictures of everyone...Thanks!!!

Kitty Pictures

Here are a few pictures of our cat which I took this morning while we were outside.
Yeah, our grass is a bit long...

Not so typical Saturday...

I found a farmers market in Utah County! I was so excited...I was out of the house by 9am driving down to Provo, all stocked up with cash, my morning 1/2 caff coffee, and my canvas bag (I had a blister on my foot so I couldn't wear my Teva's). I was able to find fresh peaches, sugar sweet corn, yellow peppers, and squash...not to mention a bunch of children's books!

When Mark came home, I couldn't wait to show him my finds and tell him about my morning. And what does he say when I told him what a great morning I had???

Mark: "You better not be making our baby 'Fru Fru.'"

He's worried that she'll start recycling and be a Democrat I think:-)

A bit of history...

A couple weeks back, Mark and I received a package from his Aunt Flora and Uncle Bob. Upon opening the box, we discovered there was a hand made quilt...which his grandmother made for his mom when she was born! So I guess that'd make it our baby's Great Grandmother...notice I say "baby" because we're debating on the spelling:-) but Mark says it will be Madeleine! Darn it! (he just added his two cents)

Then, a couple days later my parents sent us MY baby book from when I was born. It was crazy looking through it...in a few months, Mark and I will be doing the same thing. I was especially excited to see the family tree section, solely in part because it's less research we have to do.

MS 100 Best Dam Bike Ride-2008

Last weekend, Peter and I drove up to Logan, UT to support 3,000+ bikers who rode 75-100 miles in support of MS. Team ERAC had 19 riders while 11 volunteered. This was such a fun and rewarding event for all of us...next year I intend to ride!!!!

If you couldn't tell, the rest stop which Enterprise sponsored was a Hawaiian theme...complete with the coconut bras and grass skirts...which look GREAT on Peter! We were supplying water, fresh fruit, granola bars, sun screen, and great support!

What a great view of Cache Valley from our rest stop.

Cancun

Last evening we returned from 8 days in Cancun. Mark and I had an unbelievable time...great food, great sights, and great company. Now, it's back to reality!

San Diego Fun

A couple weeks back I went to San Diego for the Kenny Chesney concert...and to see Renee whom I haven't seen in almost a year! We had a great time on the girls weekend, even when the San Diego airport was evacuated due to a breach in security.