Introducing...

Sadie Claire.  Born 8/24, measuring 7 lbs. 9 oz. and 21" long.  This girl is a gem.  Pretty sure she's the world's best baby.  At 6 weeks old she's already sleeping well at night, cries very little, and is happy to entertain herself.  Of course, the one constant about babies is that they constantly change.  But for now, I'm thoroughly enjoying her contentedness...and her beautiful smiles.  I love this little girl!

Mr. Incredible

Have I ever told you about my addiction to Yard Sales?  It all started when Ross & I were dating.  We'd get up early on Saturday morning and go cruising around for deals--it was our thing.  These days we tend to go seperately if we're not sleeping in.  Somehow the idea of dragging an almost-2-year-old around isn't very appealing, but we still love to find great stuff.  Last Saturday I found this Mr. Incredible costume.  I couldn't resist getting it for my own little Jack-Jack.  It's a bit big for him, but he loved it.  Unfortunately I can't say the same for the chickens.

Mr. Incredible Costume: $3

My Sister's Cickens: Free (for me anyhow)

Being Entertained by My Little Superhero: Priceless

Vacation

Ross, Jack & I recently took a trip to see Ross' sister Megan in Florida. Despite the deplorable heat & humidity, fun times were had by all. Here are a few highlights.


Jack was a great traveler...at least for the way there. He even had a smile for the drive to Orlando.


Can't miss a photo op with the NASCAR greats.


Jack took to his usual activities as soon as he had a chance...even though we were in a restaurant! Of course, we went to the NASCAR Sports Grille.


Our hotel. I felt like I was in Italy.


Jack & Ross chased the ducks & played at the pool while I went on some fun rides at Universal. Ross is afraid of roller coasters.


We got some "Thing" shirts thanks to Ross' sister. Jack absolutely LOVES his. If he sees it, he has to put it on.


Megan has lots of fun toys at her house...even a blow-up ball pit & swimming pool. Paradise for a kid.


Lots of birthday fun. Even the cat joined in the festivities.


Jack wasn't happy about the trip to the beach. But thanks to some help from Aunt Megan & her beach toys, he warmed up to all the sand.


He especially enjoyed chasing all the birds with cousin Brynn.


We even managed to fit in a trip to the local zoo & aquarium.

It was quite a trip.

Happy Birthday to me...

Yep, that's right. Today is my birthday. And that's a picture of me when I was little.

So far it's been a pretty good day. I got a full 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep (heaven), went on a walk with Jack, and made myself a breakfast of french toast, bacon and eggs. Since I like cooking, I didn't mind...and Ross gets to do the dishes...all day. :) He also gets to change all of Jack's diapers today...he's already had 2 poopy ones (hee, hee).

In honor of my birthday, I thought you could all give me a present. The best part is it won't cost you a dime. A little bit of your time is all I ask. What I want for my birthday is for all of you to share a memory that you have of me, preferably a good one, and preferably one that involves you since I like to remember those I love on my birthday.

Hope you all have a great 4th!

In Memory

I meant to post this on Memorial Day, but I'm a few days late. So, just pretend...

Today is a day for remembering those we've lost. It's been 2 years since I lost my nephew Dallin. He was just 2 years old. Losing this little boy taught me two things: 1. Tragedy can happen to anyone, and 2. I should enjoy my loved ones while they're still here. I have no idea how my sister and her husband dealt with his loss; they're some of the strongest people (and most amazing parents) I know.

Although I remember him everyday, I wanted to write down a few of my favorite Dallin Moments:

* This boy loved vegetables. He'd often cry until his mom would give him peas for breakfast. Weird kid.

* He also loved his Grandpa. I helped him wake "Bumpa" from his notorious naps a few times.

* When he first started walking he would run into my open arms and give me a great big hug. He made me feel like the most important person on earth.

* He had the cutest way of saying Ross' name, almost like a growl....RRRRRoss. Although I like to pretend I was his favorite, he truly loved his Uncle. Ross loved him, too. The first and only time I've seen Ross cry was at his funeral.

* I used to dance with him to the "Move It" song from the movie Madagascar. He'd squeal in delight as he moved his little limbs. I still cry when I hear that song.

Dallin, we still miss you. We'll always love you.

I Am a Mother

This year was my first official Mother's Day. There were some definite benefits to this...for example, the gifts. And then there's the breakfast and dinner that Ross made for me. And the yummy cake he made. Mmmm. There are also a few downsides to being a new mom, for example the lack of sleep and the fact that I'm losing massive amounts of hair. But for the most part, I love it. And in honor of Mother's Day, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite 'Mom' moments.

* After feeding Jack in the middle of the night I usually put him in his crib and stumble on back to bed. But sometimes before I leave the room he'll open his eyes for a brief moment and give me a smile before he nods off to a peaceful slumber. It's almost as if he's saying "Thanks, Mom."

* I still remember the first time I heard him really giggle. I love that little giggle.

* Realizing I'll do just about anything, including making stupid noises and faces in public, just to get him to smile. Who needs dignity when you can have a happy child?

* Hearing Jack laugh while his dad was changing a particularly disgusting diaper.

* Sneaking into his room to give him one final kiss before I go to bed.

* Those moments of discovery when he realizes he can do something or hears a sound for the first time.

* Feeling the love of a mother for her child. There's nothing like it.

I love you little one.