rollin'

Hey all

It's been a while since I've said much on here. Life has been a zoo. Good and busy. I took the MCAT about eight days ago, clueless as to how I did, joyous that I did. For a straight month before that I did little beyond studying and preparing during the days, with a little family time mixed in.

Seeing as how I can't offer documentation of a cute little family, road trips are the next best thing. After an initial scare that the Infiniti's malfunctions would sabatage the trip, it happened 'n it went down like this:

The beginning...

Sweetness

The site of the most delicious tacos ever concocted

Hangglider rapidly approaching us at the bluffs just north of SD. We had closer shots of him but this one also illustrates the beautiful view. To the right is Torrey Pines Golf Course of the PGA tour

Becky and I watching sunset at the same spot

The whole clan with our incredible hosts, Ellie and John. Honestly two of my favorite people in the world. This is at an outdoor mall in Orange County. It goes Becky, Britney, Ellie, John, Jake, me.

A Sunday stroll through the developing "Great Park" in Orange County. In the background is an orange (hot air balloon) that goes up and offers views of the whole area. This park is monstrous - there will be like eight baseball fields, a couple of football fields, tracks, trails, open areas, picnic stuff, playground equipment, you name it. Sign me up.

Arnold and me on Hollywood Blvd.

Sittin' on a rock late at night at Dana Point. Me, Beck, Britney, Jake, Skyler.

I love this picture. This represents the emotion of sharing a small Infiniti backseat with Britney and a monstrous cooler on the way to beach day at Trestles

Surfing instruction with Brit

Jake, Brit, Beck, me post-sesh

Aaaaaand Becky and I hit Vegas on the way back to spend some time with this precious little girl and her family, as well as see the sites and conveniently split up the 10-hour trek from Orange County to Provo



Sittin in traffic on the strip

Trying to look rich and snobby

Birdseye from Hoover Dam.

Best trip ever. I learned something on this one. Even if you do less, you have a much better time when you aren't cramming things into your schedule and marching around tired. Vacation is much more relaxing that way. I plan to incorporate that philosophy into all future excursions. If anyone ever takes the MCAT in the near future, make sure you plan something sweet immediately following.

Update on our new recruit

Jane, aka Janie or BabyJane (Kate's preferred term of endearment), is growing and changing quickly. She seems to be a cuddler like her sister and sleeps best when being held. She's eating and growing well and is fairly content most of the time, although she protests loudly at every diaper change. Kate is very sweet and loving to her and overall has adjusted well. She has her moments, though, like when Jane starts crying and Kate yells, "No, ME!" as she tries to work up her own attention-getting cry.

My mom stayed with us for the first week and she was a lifesaver! Then I had a week to myself, which went ok, except that I accomplished very little besides caring for the girls. I also discovered that if I want to leave the house I have to start getting everyone ready at least an hour in advance. Now my mother-in-law Cathy is in town to help for another week which will be great.

Here are some pictures we've taken since being at home. Sorry some of them are dark; Jane cooperates better with the flash off. The lips:

She always likes to have her hands or arms up by her face.



After a bath, which she hates, wrapped up in her cute towel, which she loves.

Our first attempt at a family picture. I know you may not believe me but this really was the best shot we got. My parents were patient photographers but both girls were crying for most of the session.

My dad flew in last weekend to run the Ogden marathon. My uncle Byron and Aunt Marci ran it too, my Grandpa did the half marathon, and my Grandma did the 5k. I was feeling a little jealous watching from the sidelines as all the runners came in. Here's my dad with his support team (my grandpa and uncle) who joined him as he crossed the finish line.
26.2 miles is a lot. Actually, my dad's version was about 27.8 miles long - you'll have to ask him about that one. :)

"Born Yesterday"

Jane Marleen Swendsen


Hey Family,

Jen is deftly balancing the demands on her time with her two little girls, Grandma Thurber is here saving the day, and I'm sick and weak trying to put this post together - pretty sad contribution by me.

Little Jane Marleen Swendsen was born yesterday at 3:03pm tipping the scales at 8lb 7.4oz, was 20 inches long, and healthy. My first thought was that she looked just like Kate when she was born, but her own look is coming out, (I think a little like Marleen) and I'm sure will reveal itself in the coming weeks - I'll let you be the judges.

We went to the hospital on the morning of May 8th for a scheduled induction. I think Jen likes going into labor naturally because there was much less waiting around last time. However, this time she was able to get an epidural much earlier in the game which she said she was glad for. She bravely let me deliver the baby. It was a really neat experience and an honor for me. Her doctor was sitting in a lazy boy, no just kidding, he was right there but he let me do it all. I had delivered about 5-6 babies during medschool rotations in the hospital and seen many more, so I wasn't a complete rookie but enough of one to feel a little nervous. Thankfully, everything went very well. Thank you for your prayers in our behalf; we feel so blessed that everyone that matters is happy and healthy.

Here are a truckload of pictures we took trying to keep up with our prolific photography of our first child. I've added a couple of newborn Kate pictures into the mix, to see if you can identify who is who (it won't be that tricky but it's fun to compare).


Waiting for the party to get started. "Nothing is happening?!" (10 points for whomever can name that movie reference)


"Scalpel!" (another 5 points for that movie reference, I swear I have original thoughts of my own).


Blue thirty-two, blue thirty-two.


Calling for the heat.


Apparently her favorite apostle is also Elder Holland.


The sweet mommy-daughter bond is forming already.


"I can't believe you let this putz catch me."








Kate responded quite sweetly to the little intruder. She wanted to rock her and "soft her" which means touching softly.




Not exactly "softing her." This seemed like a warning shot across the bow to let Jane know who was boss. At least it wasn't in the eye.


Marleen enjoying time with her second grandchild. We are so pleased to name Jane after her as we would be thrilled if she turned out like her grandma.