Heard a Funny Story...

So, a few weeks ago, we heard a great story that made us go, "really, someone would do that?" Here's how it goes.

A good friend of ours has a little boy whom they love love love. This little one is newly mobile, meaning he is getting into all sorts of mischief. One day while at his grandma's, he found the Glade Plug-In and thought it looked really interesting. While making sure to time it when no one was watching, this child who is not even 1 year old found his way to the plug in, and decided to taste it. When mommy saw what he was doing, she had a panic attack, ran over and finished off the plug-in herself before calling poison control.

Now any normal person might think, "Wow, not sure why anyone would do that!" We had a good laugh about the story, but in truth, tonight I am sitting here thinking about that crazy mother. While I can honestly say I would never have the "I want to experience what my child is going through so I will drink a plug-in" mentality, I realize a little more every day how precious our little boy is and how lucky I am to have not only a healthy child, but how lucky I am that I have the gospel in my life to understand that even if something happens, God loves my little one more than I do.

Just wanted to share that little thought. I love my little boy more than I thought possible. You hear that a lot, but it is so much more real when you have to watch your child go through something hard, big or little.

Anyways, just a thought.

Stae

Pictureless!

I have not loaded any new pictures on, not to say that there are not any! But they will have to wait! BUT I am getting way to far behind to ever hope to catch up. So here are the latest stats:

CARTER:
-growing like a weed... out of sheer curiosity we weighed him at our neighbors and he came in at 14 lbs 11 oz at 3 1/2 months old. Getting kinda excited for the 4 month appt!
-finally was blessed... good stories to be told with the pictures that we are waiting for.
-giggles that are the highlight of my life!
-loves his exersaucer and bumbo chairs. Head still wobbles a bit, but he sure looks cute!
-eating out of control - I can no longer keep up, so we started to suppliment... he now recognizes the bottle and sends VERY clear messages when that is what he wants!
-uses at least 3 bibs a day with the crazy mad drooling he achieves.
-attempting to sleep in the crib. Still does much better in the bouncer, but looks adorable in that huge bed.
-still the best cuddler in the world! I LOVE IT!
-recognizes mommy, which is fun for mom, not so much for dad. Actually screams with dad... any suggestions?

STACEY:
-started teaching again, and have only realized that I just want to be with my superman.
-trying to start running. doing really good at starting and stopping on a regular base... not so great on the consistency aspect!
-learned the best granola recipe ever! Yum!
-learned making granola and really anything else is much harder when baby has his way!
-has managed to brush my teeth every day, but cannot say the same for getting ready!
-LOVED LOVED LOVED having family to visit the last little while! Come again soon, and for anyone that hasn't come, visit while the weather is good!

JARED:
-always the allstar, he is rocking it with work (or work is rocking him... some days not sure which).
-loving seminary, and when doughnuts are present, he is the best teacher in the world according to the kids!
-gave his first baby blessing... how proud he was that the baby didn't scream the whole time!
-considering training for the marathon with me... shocking I know... but is not quite sold!
-only somewhat obsessed with Jimmer and the Cougars! Go team!
-still aspires to clean the high windows in our house... we will see how he plans to achieve this!

That's the fam... hope everyone else is well, and can't wait to share the pics and stories that accompany them!

Stae

Festivities 2010

Well, as usual, there is way too much to catch up on, so here we go!

THANKSGIVING

• Utah - Our first adventure with a long drive.. baby was amazing the whole way up! The way back was a bit of a different story, but we made it.

• Colds - Everyone was great! That is until we got there... then the sickness seemed to overtake both families, including both grandmas, cousins of all ages, and eventually hit baby. Thank heavens it wasn't RSV (we found out at yet another dr. appt. when we got home!)


• Introductions - It was so fun for all of our family to meet our baby. He was just starting to talk, smile and even play. He met everyone but my dad, who was still in Texas. I think it is safe to say first impressions are not the only thing that matters, but they are awesome still! Needless to say he still loved his time with his daddy.

• Smiles - Carter just barely started to smile right before the trip, so there I was, the crazy mom going "Look! Look!" every two seconds!

• GREAT dinners/brunch! We did a brunch with the Haynes side (mom made her amazing Orange Rolls from scratch and Nate went for his famous Maple/Pepper Bacon) and an awesome dinner at the Knudsens. Robin and the girls (all but me) made an amazing turkey feast, and it was so fun to have everyone at the table. Jared was in a bit of shock at how big his family is getting!


• Introduction to Gas Drops- what a life saver! Our baby went from cranky, to happy, and now somewhere in between... I think I need to up the dose! Let's just say dirty diapers have never made me happier!

CHRISTMAS

• Winter Wardrobe - We have forgotten what cold feels like here in Vegas! Boy were we in for a surprise. We actually went to the clearance rack in Vegas and found some adorable sweatshirts for baby. It was actually really fun imagining when we can take him skiing and playing in the snow!

• Utah again - Obviously. This time however, no one was sick, except Jared! It was only supposed to be a week and a half, but after driving up in a crazy storm, we waited out the next big one for the drive back, making it a two week vacation. It was really nice coming home though!

• Slackers - We actually did not buy a single gift until the 23rd, and then went the entire holiday without buying one gift for each other. Sad! I say it is Jared's fault with his QuiBids fiasco (Jokes honey)! I thought my gift to him was the baby. Apparently he thought the same after paying the bills!

• Gifts - But no matter how big of slackers we are, our family does not fit that description! Carter was spoiled by his aunties and uncles! He meant to say thank you, and I had fun opening them!

• Snow - and snow, and more snow! Between our drives from Spanish Fork to Salt Lake I can honestly say no one above Orem even has a clue! We got dumped on down south, and loved it! I had a blast shoveling, and all of the dogs - yes ALL 4 DOGS - were in white bliss! It was so deep some days it went up to Booker's chest!

• Babysitters - Some of the best gifts I got this Christmas were babysitters! Grandmas and aunties all helped out to give me my first real breaks. I got to go running, sledding, and even take a few naps!

• Mellow - Other than family parties, we did a lot of hanging out, missing the family that wasn't there, and loving the time with present family members, including cousin Champ.

• Exhaustion - Home again at last, and sleeping has become mom's favorite new activity, and when it looks like this, who couldn't love it!

• Pictures - we did manage to get some family pictures done, and some amazing 2 month baby/cousin pictures, so heads up! I will post them as soon as I get them!

Thanks everyone for a great vacation, we already miss you

and hope you had happy holidays!

So Many Pictures... So Little Time

Well, for the first time ever, baby Carter seems to be putting himself to sleep in the bouncer. Yeah!!

Where to begin?? Life here has been one adventure after another, as I am sure it is with all new mommies. However, reading some of y'all's blogs, I start feeling like I am outnumbered by pros!

It has been a bit frustrating for me, I won't lie, as far as getting back on my feet goes. After the c-section, I kept thinking I was doing remarkably well... and then... a fallback. And then another fallback. I still feel so blessed, but unfortunetly according to my Dr., my walks will continue to be postponed, and I am missing all of the amazing weather! Vegas is perfect this time of year, and I feel a bit trapped inside. But at least I am in good company! Our dog is a true gem, and our baby for sure keeps me busy!

We have some more adorable pictures to post, and I must say my favorite are the bath time pictures! We LOVE giving him baths, and he loves taking them! Check it out.

Also, these go back to the first week he was here.. day 6 or something like that. My girlfriend Megs took them and she did awesome! I love them. Look how little!

Who would not love a face like that?

Well, I know I don't have that much longer... the little monster sleeps in 20 min increments on days like today!

Hope all is well with everyone! And yes, I have officially joined that club where you really only blog about your kid. (:

So Dreams DO Come True!!

I will warn you know... This blog post may or may not be a novel. Depends on when baby wakes up.

Yes, that's right... I said baby. Again, most everyone knows by now, because it has taken me ages to get to this, and sometimes I still can't believe it! I am sure it scares all of you as much as it does me to think of me as a parent!!

The delivery was crazy, although I have heard of much worse, and to keep it short, we ended up with a C-section that both Jared and I saw way more of than we wanted to. Our stay in the hospital totalled 4 days, and we could not have been more excited to come home. Not to mention the dog still panics every time we leave the house, worried we may not come back again! Thanks to Brett and Chris for keeping him company. It was way better than trying to arrange a neighbor... I would have worried a ton!

My mom came down for the whole hospital experience, and for that I cannot thank her enough. I want you to know mom that could not have meant more to me. You are my hero, and my best friend. I am so grateful for all that you have done for me. I miss you more than you can imagine, and can't wait to come see you!!

And then there is Robin. Another hero, whose meals were so appreciated, and whose efforts cannot be acknowledged enough. Thank you for everything, from the welcome home to the minute you left. The comfort of having someone around, running errands, and helping me through some rough days is another one of those miracles that especially now I realize I could have been in trouble without!

So here we are, two weeks into this, and on the one side it feels like he has been here forever, and on the other, I can't believe he is real. Carter is my biggest joy and my biggest fear at the same time. I told Jared the other day that I feel like he has already changed our home. He has brought with him the Spirit and invited us to tune in much stronger to Heavenly Father's promptings. I can honestly say I have never prayed like I have the last few nights! I worry so much about him, and that I am doing things right by him, and that my body can make it through the recovery/adjustment phase. I feel so humbled, happy, exhausted and grateful all in one.

But through it all, he is doing great (I think!). He went into the Dr. today for some paranoid first parent worries, and weighed in at 8 lbs. 7 oz. which is 5 ounces up from birth. He has some goupy eyes, which for now are not to be worried about (blocked tear ducts) and a rough voice, which is no biggie as long as it goes away by Tuesday.

I have had a breakdown a day (mostly a night) and I like to blame it on hormones because I hate to think of myself as a goober, but mostly because breastfeeding has presented more challenges than I thought. Once again, thank goodness for an amazing husband! But it has to get better... or so people keep telling me. Patience is obviously a virtue that needs some work with me!

Let me be clear. Sometimes, lack of sleep and constant worry has me sounding a little backwards...

We have the most beautiful son, who through everything and anything that can lie ahead, really is my dream come true.

So here are the pictures, of which there are a ton, because it is our first born~ He He He ~

Here he is!! Daddy was being so brave...

And now all cleaned up!

Puppy-sitter #1...

and #2! (Also known as Uncles Brett and Chris!)

Favorite Froggy Jammies with Grandma!

A very tired mommy who was proud to have found her blow dryer again with her baby!

Who couldn't use a good burp?

Honestly... like father like son!

At least one of us relaxes when they sleep!

At this point, we are not sure who is into the bouncer more...

And lastly... daddy's favorite video. I think he can relate!

Enjoy!

High Hopes... and Temperatures!

All right, so I am supposed to be posting pictures of the nursery completed, but the camera is finally packed in the ever-so-important hospital bag, and now that it is officially ready, I don't dare disturb it! We have really high hopes to be using it soon! I keep pulling things out and then losing them to the laundry or an equally devastating hiding place. I definitely need more fat lady clothes!

Well, I know as of today Britt would be in the hospital if it were Lydia being born, and all I can say is if it were up to me I would be there with her today! The anxiety is killing me, the temperatures are melting me, and my body has just about decided it has had enough. I told Jared next baby is his turn! If only...

We are still, yes still, setting records at 103 degrees this week, and the highlight is that by the weekend we may break into the 90's. I am thrilled. Oh wait, nope, just hoping that at some point this forsaken desert will hit the 80's. And maybe I will finally stop sweating! NOTHING is more embarrassing than trying to teach piano/conduct choir/simply exist with your face glistening while everyone else seems perfectly comfortable. On the plus side, I can actually freeze Jared out for the first time in our marriage! There is an upside to everything!

As for the anxiety, I no longer sleep. Partly due to the reflux, partly due to the five point turn around (I mean rolling over) that has become a ritual every five minutes, and partly due to the fact that I lay there wondering if what I am feeling is fake, real, important, or just my imagination. Don't worry, I know that if I am wondering, it is not real, but somehow that doesn't help at 2:00 in the morning! Remember when my doctor told me I was a relaxed, easy going person?? She clearly knows me well.

And my body? Well it is safe to say I am large with child...

• as previously stated, constantly sweating - check
• swollen feet- check
• painfully numb and swollen hands - check
• aching knees and hips - check, but only if I go on a long walk... my bad!
• constant headache - check
• nightly Mylanta dose- check
• weight gain - double check
• grunting with every movement - check
• chocolate being the only food group that sounds good still - check
• tying shoes - negative... no longer an option... really considering a revival of Velcro!
• ribs feel like they are breaking - check
• wondering why any mother does this more than once - triple check... I hear one can be prone to forgetting quickly. God knew what He was doing there!
• And lastly, dreaming constantly of what the next phase will be like - check, check, and check.

I know that every pregnant lady goes through this and probably much more, so sorry to sound to whiny, and to have a post solely about me and baby, but as it turns out that is where my life's focus is now. I do know how blessed I am and have been with a healthy, overall problem free pregnancy, and now, with 15 days till due date, I am more grateful than ever. I am just trying to convince myself that it really is not just a waiting game. As all of the mother's before me have said, I really need to focus on enjoying the stage I am in now.

Work is going well for both Jared and I, although we are both battling a bit of a cold. Seminary is still early, and the puppy is still cute. Not much else has changed. We miss home, miss fall colors, and miss cool breezes. Above all, we miss our families, and hope everything is treating them well.

Today, I am really thankful for phones, as I was able to talk to my sister for over 20 min for the first time in months. Thanks for calling Ton! Thinking about you!

Stae

Early Morning Does Not Even Begin to Describe It!

So, it is finally come and gone... our first week of early morning seminary. I wasn't even there for most of it, but boy can I tell you, it was an adventure. Jared has faithfully gotten up at 4:15 to run the dog for 25 min so that he doesn't kill me when I take him for a walk/waddle an hour later when the sun comes up while it is still in the 90's, and then off to pre-class teacher devotional starting at 5:30. The sad reality is, I don't sleep so well anyways, so once he is up, mostly so am I. That means our bedtime has shifted from 10:00 to us climbing into bed acting like we are dying at 8:30, not to mention that whether we are on the phone, eating dinner, or getting ready for bed (which sums up any time we have together these days) it seems all we talk about is planning for the next day of seminary. We have officially turned 80.

So here is the good stuff...

Day 1 - Get to know the students. You have your classic "I dunno" types, your "everyone here is weird" types, and then your "I promise you don't see me eating in the back" types. Overall, it's actually looking to be a great class. 17 high school freshmen, who make it there on time (this week anyways), of which only 5 are girls. Should be interesting.

Day 2 - Get to know the Knudsens. Jared asked me to come that morning, and since I am up anyways, I figured why not! So we put together a little power point of our lives together up to this point, and then opened it up for questions. Question 1: "Brother Knudsen, when did you lose your hair?" Question 2: "Sister Knudsen, do you like him better with hair or without?" Question 3: "What made you decide to shave it?" End of the open question session.

Day 3 - Rules day. I am pretty sure it was the quietest day yet. Probably the kids favorite too. (Yup, keep telling yourself that!) The CES guys have made it very clear they really want the teachers to be strict, so off Jared went, trying to make it feel like Unity was more the topic than rules. In preparing, he tells me "I am going to use that U.S. hockey team from the movie Miracle for an example" to which I reply "Nobody will have seen that movie.. use Remember the Titans". Total students who had seen either one of them? 5. We really are starting to feel old, possibly a bit outdated!

Days 4 and 5 - First days that required actual prep, as they were the first official lessons. Topic: Plan of Salvation. My day? Typing up his handouts, as I can do it 10 times faster than he can... that is, when my hands aren't numb!!! His day? Fill in the blank with the kids. He said it went really well, and I can honestly say, I don't doubt him. However, we have had to re-evaluate how often they get handouts!!

Overall, it was a great week, and I only had two major anxiety attacks thinking about keeping up this schedule with a newborn. We will just have to keep praying!

Today, I am thankful for big, big pillows!

PS - You should all know, Jared has been assigned to teach in the nursury, which means no piano. Did you notice the hymn books?? Let's just say, Jared is practicing up for his big solo during the next Sacrament Meeting!! (Not really, but 6:00 AM is not an ideal time for teenage choir practice... I won't even start in on the pitch!)