sylvia stories

tales from android part 2

2012-02-20T09:02:00.000-08:00

this is spider man. he lives here now.
just chillin after dinner. no one is wearing pants...figures
oh hey spiderman
grey said "hey look! i'm the mom"
this is very blurry--but what is important is i can now put june's hair in a pony on top of her head. its cute.
poor thing was sick a few weeks ago, but still so happy after her nap!
still loves to play in the fridge....
...and the pantry

tales from android

2012-02-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

here are some photos taken straight from my phone. they are random, but also pretty cute. enjoy!

june is amazing at peekaboo. so cute.

she has also joined the ranks of big tub bathing
ok lyla painted/drew this last week, completely unprompted by me. its the whole alphabet, plus she wrote all of our names. she's getting smarter all the time. i can't believe kindergarten is just around the corner.

the kids get SO excited when dad gets home. they usually bust down the stairs and fight over who saw him first. oy.
this is how they roll
lyla changes her outfit 5 times a day, or is naked.
just playing in peace.
she digs in the diapers all the time. i should probably find another place for them
lyla is really flexible...she laid in this box and hid from her brother. much laughter ensued.

Football 2012

2012-02-06T11:16:00.001-08:00

The season ended with a loss for the patriots, but that's ok. We still had fun hanging out (er, being crazy) as a family. June has had an awful cold, so we stayed in and ate WAY too much food. I think we have a few football lovers around here, so we are excited for next seadon. Go pats!

buggy update

2011-12-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

here's pretty, pretty June. she's almost 9 months, and keeps us very busy. she crawls (this started at 7 months), and now pulls up on everything! literally, everything she sees. i even saw her try to stand alone this week (she's totally cute). she's become a much better eater, though she definitely isn't lacking calories. last week she weighed 19lb even. sheesh.

we are working on signing. she signs "more" and claps when you say "yay juney!" she loves puffs, her little toddler cheeto puffs, and just this evening, she said dada. june also has almost 8 teeth, there are 3 more on the top just cutting through this weekend. she is by far my earliest teether, i expect she will be walking and have a full mouth of teeth by her first birthday.

but perhaps my most favorite trick she does is her foot clapping. i am not even kidding, she actually claps with her feet! i am going to have to get it on video because its hilarious. i think she started doing it when she got excited in the moby. it is the cutest.

Family Pictures

2011-12-02T19:52:00.000-08:00

We had family pictures done in late September. I pretty much love them. Here are just a few. I have been holding out because I included them on my Christmas cards....these are some of the 50+ images we got that day. Lyla is 4, Grey is 2 1/2, and June is almost 7 months!

Fall Hike

2011-12-02T19:38:00.001-08:00

In mid October we went on a hike up at Silver Lake. It was amazing, and we had a blast. Juney especially loves her moby wrap. Grey also walked the entire lake. I honestly cannot recall a more beautiful fall in the SLC.

Park with the spider webs/Cowboy day

2011-10-02T09:51:00.001-07:00

Lyla has discovered an amazing park at an elementary school near our house. She calls it the "park with the spider webs." She loves it, and its so cute to see her getting more brave every time we go. She can really climb now! Grey is usually busy trying to find a boy to follow around, and June...well she tries to play in the grass.

Lyla right before cowboy day at school...she's sweet.

Soccer!

2011-10-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

Lyla has been playing fall soccer...and she's too funny. I think its been a good experience for her, although she definitely does things her own way. I have been so proud of every effort she makes, and they are all too cute to watch!

Her coach has been so understanding and inclusive too. Even so, I think Lyla's favorite part of the game is the end, because then she gets her snack!

Sitttin around

2011-10-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

Look who can sit up now!
...and look who is just about crawling! She's taken just a few steps, and I'm positive she will be crawling everywhere in the next few weeks.

First Cereal

2011-09-13T22:34:00.001-07:00

June had rice cereal for the first time tonight. She was totally ready, and she did a great job. We went to the doctor this morning also, and here are her stats: 16.5 lb, 25.5 inches, and 75th percentile overall. She's still all smiles and so fun to be around. More to come!

our busy summer

2011-08-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

This summer has been busy to see the least, and we have made many changes around our house. Here's how it all went down:

-Grey is finally in a big boy bed, and its going really well
-I cut allllllll my hair off. Ok, I did this in May, but still.
-Lyla turned 4!
-I turned 26!
-June gets teeth, learns to roll and creep everywhere
-We sold both of our cars and got a van and a scooter. Its pretty fun!
-Lyla stopped napping regularly, and its been quite an adjustment
-We have been to Bee's games, RSL games, to the zoo many times (I have lots of pictures)

Now we are in for more changes...Lyla starts preschool next week (2 days a week), and will be playing fall soccer. Its going to be hilarious. Lyla and Grey are moving into bunk beds this week, and June into her own crib. I am nervous about all of this...always changing around here! More to come!

-we made these shirts at booster night at the zoo. they have such talented parents

-what happens when grey doesn't nap. it was 5 pm

Lyla's 4th Birthday!

2011-08-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

Lyla turned 4! I can't believe she is that old! I kind of went over board (like always), and made an awesome Tangled party. My favorite party elements were the 20 foot rapunzel braid draped around the main floor, and the cake! And it wasn't even a real cake....it was a tower made of cinnamon rolls with ding dongs. It was pretty adorable.

Of course, Lyla was spoiled to death. Some of her favorite gifts included real cowgirl boots, an authentic Jessie hat, and lots of books, crowns , pillow pets, and new school supplies. We had just family over this year, and I made a spaghetti dinner for everyone to enjoy. Nate took the day off of work, and we enjoyed delicious Kneaders in the morning.

I will have more on Lyla in another post...but we definitely enjoyed her day, and I can't believe I have a baby that is FOUR!

--and don't mind how funny lyla looks in some of these pictures, she was just getting over an AWFUL cold.

June is 5 months!

2011-08-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

Oh Juney, you are just the cutest, squishiest, sweetest thing on earth. I am a bit late, but here are some of the awesome things about you at 5 months:

-you are a rolling/creeping machine
-you try to sit up, but are sooo wobbly
-you love the moby, and i have started facing you outward. you try to hold on to the cart or stroller, and we get a lot of attention. you are my greatest accessory.
-first teeth are in before you are 6 months! this has caused you to have a lot, i mean A LOT of gas. its totally weird, but i had to note it
-you are so happy, and i think dad pulls the biggest smiles out of you
-you love love love the exersaucer. you are just so big!
-you kind of have this old grandpa hair thing going on in the front...its all wiry and wispy when i am not careful to neatly swoop it to the side
-you are still a pretty good sleeper, although teething/gas have interrupted that a bit
-we are getting ready to move you to a crib, but you have been so cozy in mom and dad's room
-you jabber on and on. its pretty funny, and loud
-you adore your toes, just like big sis. you are so bewildered when i put you in a sleeper, and you try to grab at the sleeper and pull it off your foot. too funny.
-your hair is destined to be brownish/blonde. no red for you...but you have your own beautiful huge blue eyes.

also, i weighed you today, and at 5.5 months you are 16lb 5 oz. CHUB! I love it.

June's Firsts

2011-07-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

June is growing up really fast...here are some pictures of her firsts...
-first time swimming
-first time really grabbing and chewing/playing with toys
-playing in the bumbo
-just being cute out at dinner for granddads birthday.

love. her. face.

Mommy thoughts

2011-07-27T23:09:00.001-07:00

Here are some things that I know for sure now that I am a mom of three:

-there is never enough time in the day. For example, sometimes it takes me a week to wash all of the laundry, fold it, iron it and put it away. Kind of makes me crazy.

-there is always a new stage or transition waiting for me to conquer. Right now I am facing potty training, moving grey to a big boy bed, weaning lyla off of naps, moving the 2 girls into a room together...the list goes on. It's feels very daunting, and it all needs to happen in the next couple of months.

-time passes faster with each baby and all of their little baby milestones. I tell myself in the shower everyday to soak miss June in. And I think I do an ok job. I cant get enough of her smile, and thank goodness for breastfeeding because I dont think I would be able to sit down otherwise. Her siblings are also obsessed with her, so a lot of the focus stays on her anyway.

-I've learned that my little boy is very bright, very busy and very funny. He has had the hardest transition over the last 4 months, but I think he will come through it

-I have also learned that I am very critical of myself as a mother. Are the kids watching too much tv, why didn't we spend more time outdoors today. Why cant I think of more art projects, why can't I keep my house up the way I want? Was i too hard on grey and lyla? Am i managing my expectations for them? I've learned to take it day by day...and I know that most people are their own worst critics, but I'm always trying to improve. Always.

-and not to be too mushy, but I've learned that it takes more than one, and maybe truly a village to raise children. In particular, I could not do any of the things I do without Nate. He has been so fantastic from the moment June has arrived, and well, forever. We truly operate as a team, and I love it. 5:30 is my favorite time of day because he walks through the door. Just wanted to write that down.

My squishies.

Summer time 2011

2011-07-26T14:47:00.001-07:00

Oh man have I been busy lately! Here are some summer highlights, then I will fill you in...

-Nate and I celebrated 6 years of marriage in June.
-my little (well, tall) siblings visit for a month
-June is 4 months
-we swim...a lot
-I celebrated my 26th birthday, and was spoiled rotten
-lots of REAL games
-we swim a lot!
-bought a zoo pass and I think I have already paid for it because I've been 3 times
-I found out I am getting a new niece and nephew between thanksgiving and Christmas this year
-one of my oldest friends is about to have a baby....can't wait to meet mr. Anderson Edward garrett
- we tried to do fireworks, and failed
-we are having fun, and everyone is getting so big!

So Nate and I are old geezers and celebrated our 6th anniversary. We went to target to shop for an upcoming brother visit for Nate and Andy, and went to fratellis for dinner. It was quick, but fun! We've been busy the last 6 years and it is only going to get busier. Love my marriage and my kids, no complaints here.

June was 4 months on July 11, and I swore to myself I would post a picture of her every month and track her progress....but I said I was busy, so here you go:
-14 lb. 12 oz.
-24.75 inches long
-sleeps from 9-6, sometimes more!
-so smiley, pleasant, wiggly and happy. She is just so lovely. She is now grabbing at toys, phones, her siblings and loves tummy time. And you see how cute she is, right?
-grey is still jealous, and lyla almost smothers her to death, but we are working on it all. They do love her so much and are always interested in what she's doing.

Speaking of lyla, she's just getting so old. She will be 4 in a couple weeks, and I can't believe how much she has grown. She puts on her own seatbelt, has started to assert her independence much more, but is still my very sweet, imaginative playful girl. She loves princesses, acting, practicing ballerina moves, and of course, swimming.

Grey is growing by leaps and bounds. He talks more, understands more, and keeps me busy. Why did no one ever tell me that little boys like to hit for fun? He loves to read books and wrestle on the floor...and he's a master at swimming! I also fully believe he will pass his dad in the humor department...he always has us all laughing. He loves to wear his red sox hat and is still obsessed with flags.

I turned 26 last week, and feel soooooo good about it. My lovely friends Katie and Jenny made me a delicious cafe rio salad for lunch, and invited me and my gang to their playgroup. They are so nice, and really girls, it was beyond delicious. For dinner we went out for spaghetti with all the in laws, and I was spoiled! It was a great, great day.

This summer has flown by, and we have filled our days with the zoo, swimming, soccer games, and parks. Nate and I are enjoying beautiful nights on the patio staying up way too late, and have spent a lot of time with family as well. I have many more motherly things to post about, and I will get to all that soon....enjoy the lovely pictures....taken on my amazing camera Nate gave me for my birthday. I'm in love!

Lacy

2 months

2011-05-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

This is mucho late, but better than never. Here are June's 2 month stats:

11 pounds 2 ounces- 75%
23 inches- 90%

June laughs, smiles, coos, and thinks she can sit up anytime (it looks like she is doing crunches). She sleeps 6-8 hours at night, nurses every 3 hours during the day. She loves to sleep swaddled in her bassinet, and no longer sleeps away her nights in the swing. In fact, she doesn't sleep in it at all anymore. June really is a sweet, content baby, and she has been a dream to have around.

pics taken at precisely 2 months old-May 11, 2011
she's just lovely

Tracy Aviary

2011-05-29T00:17:00.000-07:00

we went to the aviary today with cousin ellie and gregg/erika. i had never been, and we had such a great time...so much fun that i may just buy a pass! if i do get one, we will get into a lot of other places free, or for a discount this summer...so maybe i should just do it!

i adore this photo of nate and grey. just adore.
cousin ellie!!

hmmm. no pictures of june? that's because she was taking her morning nap in the stroller, and didn't even make a sound. i love her.

Things we have been doing lately...

2011-05-28T23:46:00.001-07:00

The weather this spring has been pretty crazy. One day its 80, the next day rain, then snow, then 80 degrees again. So on the lovely days, we try our best to get out as a family. And on the lame days, we do our best not to make eachother crazy! It is so fun to see Lyla growing up and develop the most amazing imagination. She loves anything art related, and loves to explore outside. Grey has lots of energy right now, but is also very smart (more on this later), so harnessing that energy and not letting him get bored is becoming a challenge. All in all, we have fun.

I scored FREE passes to Cowabunga Bay's pre-opening party-thing. They warmed the water to 93 degrees, and the kids loved the lazy river. We even tried out a slide. The weather was perfect!
random park pictures from this spring--my kids' favorite park activity is swinging, which means a lot of work for mom.

a zoo afternoon. dad left work early to join us!

-she thinks she is rapunzel all the time. lyla stole this pan out of the pantry, hid it for most of the day, then took it out and said to me, "who else knows my location FLYNN RIDER!"

Oy. I am so behind. I have lots to write about these guys, but you get the idea.

juney smiles

2011-04-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

june has been smiling off and on for almost a week now, but she has yet to smile for dad. he always misses it. well, here's the evidence...and i caught this one late. her smile is HUGE, and so sweet.

easter 2011

2011-04-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

we had a low key, lovely easter this year. the weather wasn't too horrible for easter egg hunts, and the kids got a kick out of the easter bunny's arrival. i got a lot of really cute pictures, so i will just let them speak for themselves. i even got a decent one of all 3 of my kids!! its a miracle, truly. now we have enough candy to last us until next easter, and lyla and grey are getting colds due to the bipolar spring weather here in utah...oy. happy spring everyone!!

Newborn Photos

2011-04-14T07:56:00.002-07:00

I am so lucky to have gotten June's newborn pictures taken by Holly Olsen (hollyolsenphotography.com). She did a FANTASTIC job. I am in love with every photo. Even 3 weeks later, June is already different...chubbier, longer, and I am so glad I have these forever. She is just 14 days old here. Enjoy!

1 month

2011-04-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

dear june,

today you are exactly one month old. i've tried my hardest to soak in every moment, and its still gone far too fast. you have been the most peaceful, lovely baby girl, and have made our family more complete.

you sleep for 4-5 hour stretches at night, and i am very thankful for this (and you have slept 3-4 hours at a time since the day we brought you home!). you love to nurse, and only cry when you are hungry or your brother has bothered you...sorry about that.

at 13 days, you weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces, and were 19.5 inches long
at 17 days old, you weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce.

now, when i weigh you in my arms, you are about 9.5 pounds. you have grown so much! you are also so alert and want to smile when i talk to you. you kick your legs and your eyes open wide...i know soon you will be grinning from ear to ear.

you finally like your swing, and love to chill out in your bouncy seat. you love baths, and curling up next to mom in your moby wrap (you snore and coo, its darling).

when you are trying to focus on someone or something you cross your eyes and its totally hilarious. i call it your crazy eyes. its cute.

we have adopted several nicknames for you around here...grey calls you juney, and now i do too. lyla calls you princess, puffin muffin, baby juney, or just puffin. she loves you to pieces, and both your brother and sister ask me about 30 times per day to hold you.

i so wish i could freeze time, or atleast make it go a little slower. you are the tiniest of my babies, and i notice more than ever that you are growing at lightning speed. so i am going to try and soak you in even more. i love you more than i can say, and you are more beautiful than i could have ever imagined. happy one month, my love!

love,

mom

first bath, 11 days old

a week old here

4 weeks here

oh, those lips!!!!

June's Story

2011-03-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

We welcomed June Elise on March 11, 2011!
12:34 a.m.
7 pounds, 1 ounce
18 3/4 inches long
...and perfect.

Here is her birth story: before I forget it. (Disclaimer: I've been thinking about what to write for the last 2 weeks, and how to accurately describe the way I feel about everything. I am also leaving things out, I am sure, so bear with me)

Thursday, March 10: I go in to see Julie, my midwife, for my 39 week check up. I felt like things were progressing even more this week, though I had been dilated to a 4 for over a week, and was ready to go into labor at a moments notice. Julie said I was dilated to a 5, and that she didn't think I would last the weekend. I told her I think I wanted her to break my water. Having June on Friday would have been most convenient for Nate with work, and would also allow us to have the most time together before soccer season started.

Julie agreed to break my water, and I finally felt good about being "induced." It was my goal with this pregnancy to do everything "naturally," as in no induction, no pain medication, no unnecessary medical procedures, etc. I felt guilty at first about even THINKING about having her break my water, because I truly did want to go into labor on my own, and I knew it would allow for the easiest possible labor. But Julie reassured me she knew I was ready, and that it would likely be a speedy process. I realized then, if Julie thought it was ok, so did I!

I left the office, with Nate, and he decided not to go back to work. No matter what, we would have the baby the next morning, but had to wait to see when we could be scheduled at the hospital. When Julie called during lunch, she informed me that the hospital was booked for Friday morning, and I couldn't get on the schedule until Saturday. Boo. I was sad and stressed out...my biggest concern being that I would go into labor at 3 am and need to rush to get someone to be with Lyla and Grey. I just didn't want to risk the craziness, so I asked Julie what she was doing that night. She said she had her daughter's bridal shower to attend, but agreed to induce me after 8pm that night.

So we went home after lunch, put the kids down for a nap...Nate took a nap and I showered/speed cleaned the house (because clearly there would be no sleeping for me). We went out for a salad and some pizza, then dropped the kids off at their grandparents and we were off.

8pm: Arrived at the hospital, and got all ready to go. No IV for me...just a block in case I needed any fluid or medication. They monitored the baby for awhile while we waited for Julie to arrive.

9:30 pm: Julie arrives and breaks my water about 9:40...and I am still dilated to a 5. Then I waited for contractions...

10:45-11pm: Started having contractions that would cause me to lean over the bed, and that seemed to be the ONLY way I could stay comfortable. I noticed that my pain was especially intense in my back, but nothing I couldn't handle.

11pm-ish: Julie gets me to lay in bed since I need to be monitored for 15 minutes at a time, then I can be off the monitors for an hour. I lay on my side, though I am not comfortable at all anymore, but she rubs my side and helped me to keep my body completely relaxed while my uterus does all the work.
--I didn't think I would respond to all the affirmations or feel comfortable enough to let someone help me relax, but Julie was amazing at this point and really helped me stay calm and focused. Poor Nate, I asked him to just be quiet.

Midnight: I looked at the clock and realized June wouldn't be born on March 10th, and remember noting that I almost fell asleep because I was able to stay so relaxed in between contractions. I remember last looking at the clock at 12:10 or so, and that's when it all changed.

All of a sudden, I had the most intense contraction that literally caused me to LEAP out of bed and go into the bathroom. I remember one of the nurses telling me to go to the bathroom whenever I felt the need because it would relieve pressure and help the baby move down. When I had this contraction, it wouldn't let up, I tried sitting and going to the bathroom, but the contraction immediately started up again. I called for Nate, and demanded to see Julie. The pain was so intense that I knew I couldn't do much more. In fact, I was ready for an epidural if I wasn't progressed past a 7. Yeah, it was that bad.

Julie came in, and I told her everything had changed, and I was ready to be done. She started a bath, but I kept telling her I just felt too much pressure, especially in my back, which was where all the pain seemed to be located. She helped me to the bed and said she wanted to check my progress, and when she did, she told me I was done, that it was time to push.

Sure enough, the next contraction came and I started pushing, and the pain was even more intense in my back. Then I heard Julie ask me if any of my other kids were posterior (face up), because June was. Uh oh...and to top it off, June couldn't be turned, and she was already coming with the next contractions. At the time I didn't fully comprehend what posterior meant, and I am glad I didn't. I guess there was a reason for my intense back labor, and why laying on my back or side was the WORST position for me at that point. I remember Julie asking me to hold on to my legs, and I replied "NO!" That left Nate and the nurse to hold on for dear life. For the record, the nurse said she had never had to work so hard to hold on to someone's leg. Sorry about that.

At this point, I felt like I was having an out of body experience. I was vocalizing with the contractions, though it felt semi good to push. Finally, I pushed her little head out, and her body came out with the same contraction. SUCH RELIEF. I literally felt like I had just been transported back into my body, and every pain I just had was gone! Completely gone. I opened my eyes, and felt like I had returned which a huge burst of energy. Truly amazing.

During transition and pushing I don't remember a whole lot besides pulling on my own hair and holding on to the bed when I was trying to get through a contraction. It was only after labor that I felt a little self conscious. I asked Nate if I yelled too loud, or if I was out of control, because even though I worked very hard to remain in control, I couldn't help but think I really WAS out of it. He reassured me that I did great, and even said he was amazed that I did it, which truly meant the world to me. He said it over and over, and that surprised me. Nate being proud of me was the icing on the cake.

Julie put June right up on my stomach, and she looked right at me. I remember thinking she was so alert, and her eyes were wide open. She was pretty peaceful after the initial crying, and Nate cut the cord. Julie was also sure to massage the cord for a couple minutes after birth, making sure that June got the last of the cord blood before we cut it. I remember knowing right away she was smaller than my other 2, and it totally shocked me. I held her a bit longer, and then one of the nurses asked if I wanted her to have her assessment and weight done...it was nice they didn't just whisk her away! I said ok, and I remember Nate asking, "Is it ok if I go with her?" I thought it was sweet he wanted to stay by me but also go with June and make sure she was alright.

After Julie fixed me all up and June got all cleaned up, I got out of bed and WALKED to the wheelchair, where I went and saw June get her first bath. I felt so great right after she was born, high off the rush of doing it naturally. I was so very proud of myself. And only a 3 hour labor?!? I was so excited about it all.

Nate and I didn't sleep a lot that night...maybe a couple of hours. I must admit that it was difficult to sleep right after the birth, because I was experiencing such a rush of energy and really felt quite good. Even 3 weeks later, I still feel like I am on that high. I have a good amount of energy and I just feel so ecstatic about the entire experience. I still think to myself everyday, "wow, I can't believe I really set my mind to that and DID IT!" All the pep talks I gave myself in the shower and the books I read seemed to do just what I needed...and that was to mentally prepare myself for what was to come. I never even considered what a posterior baby would mean for my labor, and I am glad I didn't! It would have freaked me right out. I am also glad that June was on the smaller side for my kids, because if she was over 8 pounds like we predicted, my labor would have been unbearable and may have ended in a c-section. Yikes. I am just still so amazed by the whole experience. I loved that it felt non medical. I had the lights dimmed, it was quiet, no poking and prodding, minimal monitoring and my midwife was there for everything and just put me completely at ease. AMAZING, truly. Words cannot describe, which is probably why this post took me so long to write, and I have edited it twice!

In a way, I am also sad its over. I absolutely adored my midwife, and I bonded with her through my labor experience. I never thought I could let my guard down enough to let someone help me through such pain, but she made it so easy. I will miss her for sure! Everything has felt easy. June is so sweet, incredibly alert, and just a good baby. Lyla and Grey have done wonderfully having her around, though the transition from 2-3 kids has definitely been more busy, but I can post more about that later. We are just thrilled to have her here. She's just perfect, and truly completes our family.

Enjoy the pictures, and I will post more about family life, June's first weeks, and more pictures of the kids!

funny things lyla says

2011-03-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

Lyla: "we don't say bullshit. we say bullseye. that's a nice word."
____________________________________________
Lyla: "mom. i lost my mind!"
Lacy: "where did you put it?"
Lyla: "I don't know...oh wait...its in the dishwasher!"
Lacy: "Why is it in the dishwasher? Is it dirty?"
Lyla: "YES!!! I need to clean it."

...a little while later...

Lacy: "Lyla, did you find your mind yet?"
Lyla: "Yes, I put it in my ear for safe keeping."
___________________________________________________
Lyla: "mom?! can we go to ihop? i really want some pancakes!"
___________________________________________________
Lacy: "Lyla, look at daddy. He's snoring. Isn't that silly?"
Lyla: "He sounds like....a puma!"
_______________________________________________

and while buying candy at the "7 store" yesterday, she says to the clerk:

"i have my peach tires, and this candy car for grey. he's gonna DIE!"

and upon returning to the car:

"mom. grey's gonna DIE! and when he does...i will be so happy!"

lyla kills me.

some old, some new

2011-02-27T13:30:00.000-08:00

i thought some of these pictures were too cute to not share. some are from around christmas time, and others i took just yesterday. there's not much new to report around here...we are just waiting for miss june to make her appearance, which could be any day now, or any minute (i wish).

as of friday, i am dilated to almost a 4, 70% effaced, and her head is really low. sorry if that's too much info, but i figured it was good to note since i am not 38 weeks until tomorrow. i progressed this quickly with grey too, and ended up being induced. i hope she's not so stubborn!

also, people (including myself), seem to think this lady will be big. nate's guess is 8lb. 14 oz, while i think she will be around 8lb. 6oz. or so. but if i hang on another week or two, i might be tempted to say almost 9 pounds.

now you can enjoy the rest of the pictures. :)
lyla and dallin building a snowman in december!
lyla and dad on grey's birthday
dad and grey eating lunch yesterday. they don't look related at all, right?
and a shot of all 3...smiling?!?! never happens.

...and this week

2011-02-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

-i am in a battle of wills with my 3 year old. napped monday, then today for only 45 minutes. she must sense a change on the horizon...she's definitely testing. for some reason, nothing makes me more angry than a child who won't nap, but is visibly tired. the nights are torture, and the next morning is no fun either. praying its a phase for this week. poor lady is so sleepy.

-my to do lists haunt me. only 2 weeks until its green light for this baby...

-i CAN NOT wait until sunday. superbowl (eh, not too bad), big love, and glee all in one night. seriously.

-its officially difficult to get up from any sitting position. not complaining, just noting. this happened with grey...just means i can tell this is really getting close.

-can't wait for my mom to come. she will be here to celebrate grey's birthday. she's never been here for any of my kids' birthdays. so. amazing.

-grey got a hair cut. he's beyond cute.

-i also love to french braid lyla's cute red hair.

-soccer season starts in less than one month. thrilled about the team! wish i could go to more games this year, but hopefully june bug and i can sneak out to a few when she gets here.

-lastly, that groundhog better be right. i am dying for some sunshine...accompanied by sunscreen and large sunglasses. we are so white here.

....there is running upstairs, some screaming, and someone may be in the toilet. off i go.

why my still one year old amazes me

2011-02-02T10:13:00.001-08:00

grey turns 2 in two weeks, and this is why he amazes me:

-when getting out of the car this morning, grey says "excuse me mommy. close the garage."

-while reading one of lyla's princess books, grey says "look mom. its aurora. she have a bath."

-with perfect clarity, he recites this line from toy story 2 while holding his woody doll, "oh, i forgot, you're broken, i don't want to play with you anymore."

-and this line: "say that again....if the BOOT....FITS!" then "OK cowboy!!!"

-he also asks a myriad of other specific and clear questions, like, where's my woody doll? is lyla sleeping? can i have a juice box? seriously kid...

there is no fooling this boy either...he sees everything. even when i sneak a skittle into my mouth in the car, and i do that a lot. i just had to write this down. he's hilarious.

-did i mention he knows most of the words to 3 katy perry songs...most of the glee christmas album, and the maroon 5 cd? kid loves to jam. i think i'm in for it this year....

sunday thoughts

2011-01-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

a downward view these days.

as i watch football/big love with nater tonight, i am reminded of just how pregnant i am. i wince to get off the couch, and then struggle to walk. i firmly believe she will be big. i am not a complainer, but i hate this part in my pregnancy...the part that unfortunately lasts until the very end. its really my only qualm, so i guess it isn't that bad after all...

other random thoughts:

-i am cleaning out car seats tonight, and i pulled the infant carrier out of storage, so i am cleaning out 3. weird.

-i fed the kids yogurt in the tub tonight. best idea ever, and no mess!

-i feel that grey needs this for his birthday. its 5 feet long!

-i can't believe its the last week in january. i thought this month would definitely drag. yeah, it didn't. and i am in the last month before i am due. what?

-i haven't admitted it to nate yet, but i love listening to talk radio on saturday mornings with him...even if the kids scream in the car and we have to bribe them with lots of candy. wait wait, don't tell me-- is my new fave.

-i really dread eating. no matter what i eat or how much, i always feel way too full.

here are some pictures of grey. he's funny.
saying cheese! he said it with sarcasm
"I'm a witch!" he says...

mama's wish list

2011-01-18T14:38:00.000-08:00

i know i should be practical, but since i have everything else i need for a baby girl, i can't help but day dream about gadgets and cute bags/bows. okay, maybe i need the bow. a mama can dream right?

bookstore

2011-01-17T15:58:00.001-08:00

hello there. these are just some cute pictures of my kids at the bookstore the other day. they really love it there, and grey was intensely playing with the train table. he's too cute, really. the princess book section is also conveniently located in the same corner as the trains, so it is fun for all.

this child refuses to look directly at me when i take a picture

nate got a game chair/bean bag thing for his birthday this year. it has been a huge hit with the kids. they love lounging with dad. its massive, and we all can fit!

grey got a little people airport for christmas, and he sleeps with this plane.
he also sleeps with his mickey mouse doll, and now uncle andy's 20
year old pound puppy. remember those?

nothing much new to report around here...i am now 32 weeks and feeling good. big, but good. i have the bassinet up, some newborn clothes folded and ready to go, and i am slowly bringing out the car seat, swing, etc. I have grey's 2nd birthday to look forward to (and i think my mom is coming!), and then this pregnancy is about over. i am really hoping this lady makes an appearance before her due date, because my midwife's daughter is getting married 2 days after i'm due...which takes her off duty for a few days. oh boy.

i am doing all the typical nesting activities such as never turning my brain off, and figuring out more ways to organize closets, laundry, the storage, etc. sheesh. but i am also getting really excited, and curious to know what june looks like. less than 2 months now!

miscellaneous goodness

2011-01-05T14:17:00.001-08:00

handsome man before bed time
one of my favorite christmas gifts...

christmas morning delight. boy, were they spoiled. did i mention
they have 5 sets of grandparents total?

this is what happens when you drop an evo on the garage floor.

we are so white.

hi 2011

2011-01-05T12:05:00.001-08:00

hope everyone had a very merry christmas and happy new year! i am still loving our christmas card.

whoa, i've been a bad blogger. but most people who read this probably see me/text me enough to know all of these things anyway...

in any case, its 2011, and i am going to be doing things a little different this year. like blog more. i am about to have my 3rd baby in under 4 years (whoa), and i really want to look back on this time in my life and remember how crazy i was. i want to remember all the funny moments, long days, good days, bad bad and fun times while my kids were teeny tiny. i don't want to forget while trying to survive this time in my life.

actually, i have been very fortunate to have 2 babies that treat me well. i hope june does the same, but i kind of think they are already conspiring against me. we shall see. but here's the run down of the last 2 months, and some highlights of 2010. be patient, i promise there will be a few pictures at the end!

-Grey turns ONE!
-Lyla is potty trained!
-We moved twice. Once to saratoga springs (and hated it), and now in Sandy we love life.
-In July found out we were expecting our THIRD baby, and in September found out it was a girl! We promptly gave her the name June Elise Sylvia.
-Nate and I celebrate 5 YEARS of marriage, and we had a blast playing golf and seeing a movie.
-Lyla turns 3! We celebrate with a sweet pool party!
-Nate moves to the Premium Seating division at REAL Salt Lake.
-Lyla started preschool one day a week, and she has loved every minute of it.
-Grey learns to talk, and then talk some more, and now yells and tells jokes.
-Lacy turned 25 in July. Old bag.
-Nathan, to his dismay, turned 27 in December.
nate is 27! cake and the pie pizza!
lyla in front of a large christmas tree--grey was not into it

my silly kids, and us! out to see lights at temple square!
random but lyla is extremely flexible. extremely.

we had a great christmas and new year's that was spent with family, and thanks to my amazing sister larissa, nate and i were able to enjoy some adult time with our immediate family.

andy, ashley, dallin and claire came to visit for christmas!

santa comes to RSL!

for lyla, this year was all about princesses, toy story, and pretend. her favorite gift was a jessie doll and play kitchen. grey is also in love with trucks, cars, and toy story. he sure loved his buzz light year, and also loves cooking in his new kitchen with big sis. his favorite gift has to be his cozy coupe, which we can't wait to get outside this spring! i wish i had taken more actual photos, but we have LOTS of video of christmas morning. that day we also went to the little america hotel in salt lake and had the most DELICIOUS brunch. it was our second year, and i think its become a definite tradition.

now on to 2011. time has creeped right past me and we are now in the countdown to meeting baby june. i am almost 9 weeks from my due date, though i sure i hope i see her in 8. i feel great, though large, and am busy nesting and making lists for her arrival. did i mention i am going to a midwife and trying to use more natural childbirth methods this time? i am reading a lot, and will post about it later, but i am actually excited to try it...crazy right?

one of my resolutions this year is to blog more, which i hope i can keep up on. this means getting the camera out more, which is kind of hard sometimes...nate and i are also vowing to be excellent money managers, and have already set up some new savings accounts to ensure we make the most of our money this year. i have also promised to keep a "house schedule" for grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry and managing everything once i have june. this includes cooking! we do eat at home more than in the past, but i want to be even better at it, try new recipes, and be more healthy in general. here's to a great year!

halloween happenings

2010-10-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

halloween, celebrated on saturday this year, was a magical event. i think i love that most about having young kids...everything seems amazing and magical to them, and it truly makes me happy.

friday night we decorated pumpkins. i didn't get any pictures of grey because he was SO excited i had a hard time keeping him still enough to do stickers. since the kids are a bit young for carving, we went with painting and sticker decor, and it was a HIT. grey also kept picking up his pumpkin pail and kissing it saying "love you punkin, love you punkin." he's a hoot.

saturday morning we were at the zoo early, and went trick or treating in costume. lyla was a pretty princess, grey a shark, and nate and i REAL salt lake fans. the zoo was the highlight of the day, and we enjoyed brunch with friends afterward.

saturday night we went to the in-laws and trick or treated for about 20 minutes. it was windy, cold, and rainy, but the kids still got their fill. oh, and i went as an 8 ball that evening. ha.

happy halloween everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hey june!

2010-09-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

this is for lauren, larissa, lynnae, libbie and blake. cute aunts and uncles who aren't here to see the pictures in person. enjoy!!

baby looks so great...its amazing to me how they move and wiggle when they are so tiny. seriously crazy. we can't wait until march!

things are moving quickly...

2010-09-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

a fast update before i disappear from blogging for a bit:

-we move in precisely 2 weeks. crazy, i know. but nate will be 5 minutes (or less!) from work, its convenient to lyla's preschool, and super nice. can't wait to be back in sandy.

-we find out the gender of this baby on the 27th. so excited that my mom will be here, and we have names picked out! i will divulge when we know the sex. for the record, lyla hopes for a girl, but nate and i couldn't care less either way.

-i am 14 weeks, almost 15, and feel great! starting to get fatter, its crazy to me how much bigger i feel at this point in my pregnancy compared to lyla and grey. no weight gain yet though..

-i am also switching doctors and going to a mid wife. she can deliver at the hospital i want, and i am excited about trying to do childbirth naturally. i just need to convince nate a bit more. ha.

-nate and i found out that we will be attending the mls cup in toronto this november. very excited about this development...but getting a passport is kind of a pain. especially when you were born in california, live in utah, and can't find your birth certificate. sheesh.

-speaking of the mls...nate is still doing great at real, and we are already excited about next season. and of course, we love real and hope they go to the cup too so we can be obnoxious at the game.

-lyla absolutely loves preschool, and it appears that her teacher loves having her in class. i wish it were more than once a week, so we are looking into a great dance program for her this fall and winter.

-grey is trouble, and i bought him a leash yesterday. i have always made fun of parents who have those, but seriously, the kid wants to walk but also not listen to me nor stay near me. so he gets a leash attached to a puppy backpack. i hope it works!

-i purchased halloween costumes for the kids this week. lyla will be a pink princess that lights up (for real, the dress lights up) and grey will be a shark. i had to snag them while the stores still had a good selection. happy fall everyone! more to come.

family pictures 2010

2010-09-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

Mr. Grey at about 18 months!
-25 lb. 8 oz. and 32 inches tall

Miss Lyla at 3. Poor lady...it was over 100 degrees when we took these pictures, and i don't blame her for not smiling. she's a doll anyway.
-34 lb. and 39 inches tall!
these kids are so goofy...couldn't understand why i was making those faces at them.

i especially love the family picture...too bad we have to update it in 6 months...ha ha! i got it made on a canvas for my house. so excited.

summer wrap up

2010-09-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

since i have posted twice all summer, i thought i would wrap it up with labor day weekend, and include our mishaps as of late.

-we spent saturday night at the real game. i was treated to club seats with my little lady, and we had fun. it was hot, much hotter than expected, but seeing our team win is always a bonus.

-labor day was exhausting. we went for an early morning drive, and ended up with a flat tire in salt lake. nate knew his tires were bad, and we were actually going to get the front tires replaced today. unfortunately, we made it to the neighborhood we were in search for, and the tire had totally blown out. nate tried to get the tire off, but mazdas are notorious for being difficult. after 4 hours, a tow truck, lunch at dee's, and $375 later...we have two brand new tires. note to self: don't get a flat tire on labor day. people and businesses are usually not around to help you. ha ha.

-did i mention this is not the only catastrophe as of late? a few weeks ago, i lost nate's car keys at smith's. we didn't have a spare set, and our car is EXPENSIVE to re key. our car sat for a week while we waited to see if they turned up and worked out insurance...right before we finally got the new keys, we found out someone had in fact found our keys! however, they decided throwing them away was a good idea...thanks people. thanks.

-and on sunday, we went to baby sam foster's baby blessing. we had a pretty good morning, but my kids were tired, and when we got home we realized the house key was on nate's set of keys (we hadn't replaced the lost one yet), and it was inside the house. awesome. calling a locksmith on a sunday is neither convenient nor cheap.

pretty crazy, right?

the highlight of the weekend was hanging out with family and friends at a labor day barbecue. andy and ashley are moving away this week...and i know we will miss them a lot. our babies are so close, and nate has always been especially close to his brother. we of course wish them well, and are so excited for them. good luck guys! we will be out soon!

evo fun

2010-08-23T12:03:00.001-07:00

i have been messing with my phone again.
i found retro cam and fx cam for android. love it.
the kids and i had fun this morning. enjoy their many faces!

Long overdue, but worth the wait!

2010-08-21T15:01:00.000-07:00

wow. its been awhile. sorry about that.
for all of you who actually read this blog...i have been meaning to update it, but then more and more things kept happening, and i got more and more behind. i would forget to take my camera somewhere, and it just escalated. here i am, almost a whole summer of milestones behind me, and i don't have a lot to show for it!

so...you get the highlights, some random pictures, and hopefully more will come.

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS:
-nate and i celebrated our 5 year anniversary on june 22nd! we acted just like we did in high school--saw toy story 3, played some golf, and ate a delicious dinner at desert edge pub. great, great night. i will be mushy and say that i am so happy we have spent the last 5 years together. its been insane, fun, and the most rewarding 5 years of my life. i think we have started building a beautiful family and life together, so i can't wait to see what our lives look like in another 5 years.

-on july 20, i turned a quarter century old. eek. enough said. well, except that my family all went out to a yummy dinner at red robin, and my favorite present was my nook! thanks mom!

-lyla kate turned THREE on august 12th. i can't believe it still. she has accomplished quite a lot for just three years. she's fully potty trained, semi bi-lingual, can dance like a pro, and is so bright it surprises me everyday. she starts preschool in just two short weeks...along with soccer, dance, and all the other fun activities you can do once you're potty trained and semi-independent. she continues to be the sweetest girl i have ever met (i mean that honestly), and that's not just because she still takes a nap! she charms the pants off of all those she meets, and i just love her.
-we celebrated lyla's third birthday along with her favorite cousin dallin, who turned 4. we rented out the murray pool, and it was a lot of fun. the weather almost didn't cooperate, and i ruined her DARLING little mermaid cake, but it was still a great night.

-mr. grey turned 18 months on august 17th! let me tell you, this guy is hysterical. he would eat bananas all day, and he says EVERYTHING. serious. i am not being a braggy mom (well, maybe a little). he's started saying actual phrases like "dad, i see you!" and "mom, i spilled!" he still loves to snuggle, his night night, and anything with wheels. oh, and dora, thanks to older sis lyla. he even says "sneaky fox swipe stuff!" he loves to sing songs with his sis, and flirts with every woman in every store, everywhere we go. he's a hoot.-nate and i went to paul mccartney! i must admit, i wasn't jazzed, but when nate told me his generous boss at real got us the tickets, i decide to go for it. let me tell you it was the best concert i have ever been to. the seats were amazing, the crowd was so fun, and that 68 year old man played for 3 hours, and no break!! that's talent.-the rest of our summer has been spent with family, friends, at the pool, watching the mls champs in the heat, at the park, the bookstore, wheeler farm, the zoo and the aquarium.

AND OUR BIGGEST SUMMER ANNOUNCEMENT:
we found out on july 5th that we are expecting baby number 3 next march! that makes me about 11 weeks, and we are very excited. nervous too. so there it is! i am feeling great, and baby seems to be too.
lyla's cake minutes before i smashed it...it was so darling!

-more specifics on everyone to come soon!

P.S.--all (except the sir paul pic) were taken with my EVO. look it up. this phone is amazing. it was an anniversary present for both nate and i. another summer high light, for sure.

thursday-ness

2010-06-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

mom sent these pictures from her camera. just had to post. there are many more, but these took the cake.

we are all well. getting ready to take the kids to the zoo, and then enjoy some glee tonight with husband (after a really hard workout, of course). i am dying to ramp up my cardio so i can really start seeing results! then tomorrow its off to park city with some girlfriends and my sil for a ladies weekend..and to wish katie all the luck in the world with her 3rd baby.

happy thursday!

who wants a cheerio?

2010-05-27T09:19:00.001-07:00

She's a big girl now!

2010-05-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

way to go lyla! i think i can officially say that lyla is totally potty trained. we are doing a pull up for nap and bed, but lyla even stayed dry last night!

we only had a handful of accidents, and she is now able to just go on her own with minimal help from me. we have even ventured out a few times in public and she has done a great job telling me when she needs to go. i think she really likes the independence, and i really like not changing her diapers.

whew, i have one weaned, and one potty trained. i feel like i am free! well, sorta.

potty training: day 1

2010-05-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

i decided on a whim (ok, not a whim...i really just needed to get it done), to potty train lyla today. she was ready, so i simply placed the underwear on her little behind, and we were off.

surprisingly...its been a great day. one tiny accident while she was helping me switch laundry, and its been smooth sailing ever since. she even went twice without even telling me she needed to...she just went in the bathroom. she even pooped, which i know is gross to talk about, but i think pooping twice on day 1 of potty training pretty much rocks.

if you know lyla at all, you would know that she's extremely independent and stubborn. she will do something when she makes up her mind to do it, and she will do it all herself. today was no different. she insisted on getting on the potty herself, handling her own underwear situation, and flushing the toilet. pretty much, i had to wait in the hall.

but here's what happens when i let my 2 year old pull up her own underwear. i can't wait to use these when she's a teenager.

crossing my fingers tomorrow is as great as today. way to go moo!

as i choke down my chicken

2010-05-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

i tell myself:

its worth it to feel so good in your own skin
its worth it to be a good example to your kids
its worth it to do something for yourself, for once!
the pain means your body is moving and working hard
i have always been able to do anything i set my mind to, and this is no different

so i look forward to that treadmill, and those hills.

rsl cuties

2010-05-18T17:08:00.001-07:00

until last year, i was never a fan of soccer. but, i have been converted! we have such a blast at RSL games, and the kids look wicked adorable. lyla is a cheese, seriously.

texas pictures

2010-05-18T16:35:00.001-07:00

loved having his own seat!

Fort Worth Zoo--rated among the top 5 in the nation. it did NOT disappoint.

don't mess with his pretzel

can you see the cute lions? it was literally like a jungle there---and felt like it too

aunt larissa- age 15

with mom and aunt lynnae (age 13) on mothers day
mom and i on mothers day--i had e coli from the water here at home...i was still feeling like death that day.
aunt libbie (11), aunt lynnae (13), and moo
okay, all of the boys on my brother's football team are in THIRD grade...can you see my brother? he is about as tall as the coach. too funny.
gorgeous aunt libbie--she's only 11
uncle blake (9) and his favorite nephew
mom and lynnae at her 8th grade banquet...the big party to celebrate going into high school
gorgeous aunt lynnae!
we chilled at softball games

nemo!
how you survive a plane ride with 2 toddlers....

15 months and chuckie cheese!

2010-05-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

grey is 15 months now, and its quite a milestone for him! not only is he walking, he is running, and can even pick himself up to standing after he falls down. he talks a lot, and has even started putting concepts together--for instance, when we pull in the garage he says, "house! house!" he asks "what's this?" and "what's that?" and points and says "look!" when he is excited. he tells us when he poops, which is hysterical. he pretends to talk on the phone and says "hi!" when he puts it up to his ear.

grey is also officially weaned. its been just about a week, and he has done a wonderful job! he is getting better at the cup each day. he is also sleeping completely through the night...my fears about him waking up at 5 or 6 to eat and then go back down have been eased. i hope it lasts!

he likes anything with wheels, and he loves to follow his big sister around. his favorite foods include cheerios with milk, bananas, strawberries, pears, noodle soup, gold fish crackers, broccoli, and of course, any lollipop. i really can't believe i have two active, funny toddlers.

in other news, lyla received her first reward for completing a sticker chart. we went to chuckie cheese last night, and i think she had a lot of fun. she sure did love her tokens. :)

fast update--more to come!

2010-05-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

well hello! i haven't blogged in a bit, because i have been SUPER busy. i have spent the last week in dallas with my wild and crazy family. we had a lot of fun, and no matter how long we spend there, it never seems like i can spend the kind of quality time i would like with my mother, brother and sisters. BUT, they are headed to slc in june for a month, so not only will we have some very lovely visitors, but also very competent babysitters. :) they are wonderful with my kids!!

some things i wanted to jot down, before i forget:

--the kids were ANGELS on the flight to dallas. i was so nervous about traveling alone, but my itouch and lots of fun snacks made it a breeze. i recommend the itouch to anyone traveling with a 2 year old.

--my kids love the water...grey in particular. lyla is still a bit skittish because she doesn't trust her life vest, but give her a kick board and she is in heaven.

--lyla is talking more and more, and has finally started being a good girl at night! we created a sticker chart (she gets a sticker for every night she stays in her bed and doesn't touch the blinds/humidifier, etc) and she loves putting her ariel stickers on each morning...we are 3 away from a trip to chuck e cheese!

--grey is finally able to stand up on his own after he takes a tumble...which means mom doesn't have to pick him up every 30 seconds. i love this.

--lyla is a MONKEY. last year she was so timid and shy at the park, and now she is running up and down the slides with no fear at all.

and the biggest news for mom IS...i have FINALLY weaned grey. i didn't nurse him wednesday night, and just did a bit yesterday morning, and nothing since. wish i could say i was more relieved, but clearly, i am not. yuck. :( he seems to be handling it ok...still doesn't love milk, but devours orange juice, so i am hoping it comes with time. he is sleeping and going down for naps/bed just fine. i am so proud. proud of him for being so good, and proud of me for nursing 14 months. now i can finally focus on the things i want for me...which is dropping 20 pounds and running my butt off!

pictures are to come. i just had to jot down what was on my mind before i forgot all about my trip!

my sweets

2010-04-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

some pictures of my sweets. these are grey's official 1 year pictures, and i got a few taken of lyla when i realized i had none to put up on my wall! they are growing up so fast. love them to pieces.

(sorry about the lame quality)

thanksgiving point

2010-04-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

since i can't get enough of blogging today...

here is what we did tonight! i can sincerely say that i had a wonderful time with my fam. the weather was great, the kids well behaved and happy...makes for a perfect evening. um, and the carriage ride was so adorable...way better than a hayride.

p.s.--nate got spit on by a llama. bahahahahahah

our new place

2010-04-14T13:07:00.001-07:00

while i am nowhere near done unpacking, here is what i have come up with so far..
this thing keeps me SANE. but that picture is moving so family pictures can go up.

okay, so my dining room is dedicated to my kiddos. i saw this at Target and could not resist...the kids love eating at the table, and lyla has a "safe" place to do arts and crafts. i can be stylish when i have a house, one day.

yeah, that's scrapbook paper. whole project cost $5.50
pardon the humidifier...but lyla loves her new room, and those owls are scattered all over her walls.
view from our balcony at night...lyla says she "loves our new backyard." ha.

some more updates...

2010-04-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

I traded in my tandem stroller for this puppy. the kids have tons of room, and its easy to push!

the week we moved, grandma mary came to visit. it was a cold, cold mid-week visit, but the kids had fun chillin with grandma. we are actually headed out to dallas on may 4, so it will be fun to hang with all my siblings. can't wait, guys!

he walks!

2010-04-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

easter easter!

2010-04-09T21:32:00.001-07:00

my kids got spoiled on easter, as usual! it was a wild and crazy weekend, as we finished moving sunday night. the kids looked adorable...and they had a great time with their cousins!

best picture i could get of them. really, they are too busy.

dallin and lyla- i can't say how much she adores him. can't you tell?

she is really into headbands right now--and by that i mean she will keep these on. love them with her new shorter do.
grey is now officially on the move--walking that is. he also had his first life wound a few days before easter, so i am sure people think i beat my child. its a good thing his cheeks are really smooshy though.

this is ellie, my sweet niece at 3 months. she is so cute, and has the tiniest mouth. nate calls her "lanore" like eleanor, even though that isn't even her name. and that is his hairy arm in this pic.

goofballs

2010-03-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

dear lyla and grey,

you guys are goof balls. there is no way around it. you are getting more feisty, i can see, but are also starting to build the best friendship. love it.

p.s.--

grey is 24 lb and 30 and 3/4 inches at 1 year. he is getting taller, leaner, and more boyish by the day.

brownies with mom

2010-02-23T12:03:00.001-08:00

Lyla and I made brownies during Grey's nap this morning. I think she had fun.

2010-02-23T12:01:00.001-08:00

Gotta love bed time...dad is the master at it.

Facts about Grey

2010-02-19T14:02:00.000-08:00

i know i already posted about his birthday...but i wanted to make sure i wrote down all of the cool things about him at 1 year.

-we are still nursing. grey got the croup 2 weeks ago, so he insisted on being nursed more than i had been doing...now we are getting back to 3 feedings a day! i don't mind though.

-solids are still somewhat a mystery. grey will eat almost any baby food (finally), but is still funny about textures. just this morning he had a few bites of scrambled eggs though...and some real pears this afternoon.

-his favorite foods include yogurt, french fries, cheerios, breads, most fruits, and of course, rice cereal.

-we have started the sippy cup, though he doesn't totally get it. i can usually get him to gulp doown a few sips before morning and afternoon nap.

-naps are easy, easy, easy. he doesn't make me nurse him, and he just snuggles up with his blanket for 2 naps a day--about 2 hours each!

-he is a crawling machine...but no walking yet! he loves to push his walker and new ride on toy, and will even stand alone. he can definitely get around between the furniture. i am in no hurry for this stage, though, because then i will have 2 toddlers to chase!

-he smiles. all. day. long.

-grey has 8 teeth! such a man.

-he is a chatter box! grey will repeat almost anything you ask him to...he can say: cow, dog, dad, mom, grand dad, lyla, ellie, car, boy, ba-boom!, puppy, baby, wow, uh-oh, hi, bye, cat, bear, poop (thanks dad), and uh-uh-uh (meaning no!).

-he is into everything! he tries to grab my laptop, play in the laptop, make messes, and thinks just about everything is funny.

-he just started giving kisses.

-still has the most darling red hair. lyla's has changed, but i hope his won't!

-i estimate he still weighs about 24 pounds. he is definitely slowing down now, but i hope getting taller! he still has the biggest, chubbiest bum and cheeks. i have a feeling he may not be as lanky as his sister...

i know i brag about my kids a lot on here, but my little man is hysterical, and so so charming. i am excited to see him grow this next year.

Happy Birthday Goo!

2010-02-17T20:28:00.000-08:00

well, it happened. my little guy is no longer an infant. after officially entering toddler-dom today, i must admit i am a little sad for the guy. growing up is no fun! i will surely miss having a little guy to hold in my arms (although i must admit, he has never been "little"). he is as sweet as ever, and i only hope he stays just the way he is...and maybe he will still let me snuggle him from time to time :)

in lieu of gifts, nathan and i decided to just throw him a big cookie monster party. i know it was impractical, and probably more stress than it was worth--but i wanted his day to be special. he was spoiled, and received a lot of great gifts, though nate and i were just happy to have a lot of people there to celebrate--so thanks to all those who came, and all those who we know wish they could have been there!

the cakes were amazing--my sister works at a grocery store in her town, and she had them made in the bakery there. they were SO darling. I even had cookie monster cups--googly eyes and cookie mouths glued on to look like mini monsters. we had soups, rolls, chips, and veggies. all in all, i think it went well, and can i just say that

GREY. loved. his. cake.

he sat in the high chair for well over 30 minutes and didn't make a peep. but that's typical grey.

happy birthday my little man. you are the sweetest, chubbiest, most amazing little guy in the world (and you can apparently say about 15 different words--so you are the chattiest boy as well.) here's to being ONE!!!

you tubin' it

2010-02-01T21:22:00.001-08:00

he can say his sister's name! so cute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQtzbt33QLQ

new year update

2010-01-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

i have been waiting forever to post a new year update. do i want to post my resolutions? do i want to post my goals for the new year? i have everything jotted down, but nothing seemed to be particularly blog worthy. instead, i will just give you an update.

i took grey to the doctor on the 7th, and boy is he getting big! at 10 months he was:
-29.5 inches tall
-23.5 pounds
-growing bigger by the minute!
-standing, crawling, and even letting go sometimes
-says mama, dada, baby, hi, ball, and uh-uh-uh (meaning no no no!)
-claps, tries to wave, curious about EVERYTHING, and loves to follow his sister!
we are still working on solid foods...and weaning! he has 8 teeth, and that's 6 more than lyla had at one year, so i am about ready to be done with nursing. i must admit that i am quite proud of myself for nursing both of my kids for a year. it is no easy task, but i am sure glad i stuck it out.

grey also got is first haircut last weekend...its so adorable, and i love how red his hair is.

i had to post these pictures of lyla too. she is getting to be so big! i am hoping we can potty train soon, and i am already searching for preschools for the fall. i think she will love it, and i think i found one with dance classes built in. i really can't believe she is already old enough for school...

and finally, things are going great for nate and i. we found a condo to move into may 1st in saratoga springs. it is so very nice, and still a manageable commute for nate (no freeway driving necessary). i am already searching for cute stuff to furnish it with, and am excited for a fresh start this year.

so bring it on 2010. i am ready to have more fun, get in shape, get more organized, get back on track, and just be us. happy belated new year!

almost done...

2009-12-28T21:05:00.001-08:00

this is why i am sad to quit nursing this guy.

ever since he was 8 weeks old, he has held my hand like this while nursing. it melts my heart.
BUT, i am excited for a little freedom, and still hope he wants to hold my hand.

christmas 2009

2009-12-28T20:54:00.001-08:00

our christmas was just lovely. my kids were spoiled rotten, and i must say, nate and i were as well.
this year lyla finally understood santa a bit, and she even enjoyed opening presents.
we enjoyed the yummiest breakfast at the little america hotel (a tradition nate and i are excited to continue...it was that good).

even though our kids were sick with the croup/colds, i think they managed to have some fun.
lyla's favorite gifts seem to be grey's toys, though i think her dora tent takes the cake.
grey's favorite gift is clearly his crocodile. so cute.
hope you all had a merry holiday!

ellie noel the christmas bell!

2009-12-28T20:49:00.000-08:00

the arrival of my new niece got us in the christmas spirit!
miss ellie noel sylvia was born on christmas eve, much to everyone's surprise.
she is tiny, sweet, and looks like her mama (with dad's chin and mouth).
and i love all 7lb 11 oz. of her. welcome to the world miss!

merry christmas!

2009-12-23T23:01:00.000-08:00

a very merry christmas to all from the 2 most adorable red heads around!
oh. and nate and i too.

REAL life.

2009-12-12T09:59:00.001-08:00

it's been a great week at the sylvia house, and here are the pictures to prove it.

nate landed a salaried sales position with the MLS champions REAL Salt Lake soccer. he is really excited after working there part time all season proving how awesome he is...and after his first week, he really seems to love it. i think the job will bring amazing opportunities for our family, and i am so proud of nate!

my parents were here on monday, which also happened to be nate's 26th birthday. we went on a tour of the stadium, had lunch, and i was sad to see them go. there is truly never enough time to spend with my fam!

here are random pictures from lunch. i can never get lyla to smile long enough for my slow camera to capture it...but luckily my parent's camera is quick, and we caught lyla being just so pretty.

i promise i don't let my son go out with his hair like this...he was wearing a hat. :)

gobble gobble

2009-11-29T22:41:00.001-08:00

hope you all had a great thanksgiving! we sure did! we spent the morning at the zoo, and dinner with the entire sylvia clan. my kids are now sick with colds...so it will be a week of relaxing and playing inside. we are very excited for the holidays. dad's birthday is on the 7th, an exciting (more permanent) job is hopefully on the horizon, grandma mary comes for a visit, and we are awaiting the arrival of our newest niece. it should definitely be a year to remember.

tiny sylvia men

for you, my goo

2009-11-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

this post is dedicated to my goo. i never thought i would ever have a boy, but i am certainly in love with this man. he is 9 months today, and i know everyone says they don't know where the time has gone...but i really don't. he is at my favorite stage. just learning to be independent (this little guy says 'dada,' and is seconds from crawling), but still likes to snuggle. i couldn't be a happier mom.

i was reflecting today on all i have been through since being married, and i have sacrificed a great deal, even given up things i didn't want to/didn't have a choice about. but for me, being a mom is something i chose, and being here for them everyday is something i will not sacrifice. sure, its hard, but the best things in life are worth working for.

anyway, happy 9 months goo. you are amazing. :)

and yes, i had to put every picture up. who can resist those cheeks? not me.

this is grandma mary...we miss her always. :)

infamous grand-dad. :)

halloween 09

2009-11-02T14:02:00.001-08:00

moo and goo halloween style. they were in a great mood...just not for annoying mom and her camera. we had a blast! happy halloween from our little convict and kitty!

I'm baaaaaaack!

2009-09-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Whew, its been awhile. A lot has happened this summer, and I have meant to post everything, but time and stress have prevented me from posting things about our pretty fun summer! Also, my digital camera is dead, and so my pictures have been sparse, and only on the camcorder. Here's the update!

Lyla:
-Turned 2 in August--we had a lovely party with family and friends. She loved the strawberry shortcake, and we love her strawberry hair. :)
-Talking like CRAZY...can say full sentences, signs, dances, hops, sings, and is the sweetest big sister there is. Also likes to talk to the grandmas on the phone. Its priceless.
-Still obsessed with Dora, and now Little Bill. Sleeps with Dora doll that Aunt Lindsay gave her every night.
-Speaking of sleep...Lyla is in a big girl bed, and does fabulous. The first couple weeks were awful, but it was worth the effort. Now on to potty training...
-Loves CATS. Well, all animals...and likes to speak to them in their native tongue. (meow, neigh, quack quack, oink oink, etc.)
-Knows all of her letters, numbers, shapes and colors...and some spanish. Sometimes we don't know what she is saying, and I think she knows it. :)
-Weighs 30.8 pounds and is just about 27 inches...she has been growing!

Grey:
-Still a ham, a chub, and devilishly handsome.
-Has red hair. It was a surprise to us too...but we love it.
-Sits, tries to crawl, and is 7 months now!! Likes blocks, lyla's dolls...pretty much anything he can get his hands on.
-Still sucks his thumb a little at night, and when he's hungry. He doesn't actually ever cry for food. Just sticks his thumb in his mouth and I know that's my cue.
-Eats solids now, though still very much prefers breastfeeding. Jabbers on and on about who knows what, and is ALWAYS happy. Seriously.
-He melts my heart everyday with his goofy grin and 2 bottom teeth. Definitely should be a pumpkin for halloween.
-Weighs a WHOPPING 22lb. 2 oz and is 28 inches long. My back hurts every night...

Us:
-I turned 24 in July...yay!
-Nate is working away...has survived layoffs and is working hard for his family. Love him.
-We are both excited about cooler weather...fall is our favorite time. Baseball playoffs, Halloween and good food. Rock on.
-We are moving! Downsizing to an apartment to save some $ for a house, savings, etc., and we are actually very excited about it. It feels good to not be stressed about paying rent. It may end up being a temporary situation, but we are already thrilled with the neighbors (we were invited to a barbecue already), and are excited that Lyla will have some friends in the neighborhood.
-Nate and I celebrated anniversary #4 in June. Feels like I've known him forever, but still feel like a goofy teenager with him.

I will better about updating, and hope to get my hands on a camera again soon...until then, happy fall!

4 month stats!

2009-07-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

my oh my he's grown!

18 lb. 13 oz--97% (almost off the chart)
26 in.--90%

doing so well! rolling over, laughing, playing and sleeping 10-plus hours at night. what happened to my tiny little man?

Evidence

2009-06-24T22:27:00.001-07:00

...that my little boy is too sweet. he loves his thumb. and sometimes i can manage to squeeze in a binkie. but mostly i fail at that. :)

and further evidence that lyla loves her some mac n'cheese and her hollywood shades. looooove it

Hooters and Texas!

2009-06-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some cute pics from when I was in Texas. I stole them from my sis Lauren's facebook page. And just so people know...she was TOP TEN at the Miss Hooters International Swimsuit pageant last weekend. Yes, we went to Hooters in Midvale and watched every minute. Yes, I took Grey with me. And yes, we had a blast. Congrats sis!!! You are so beautiful and very deserving!

....lauren and mom.

from her photoshoot.

at carino's with the fam. lindsay and i...with blake in the background

with moo at the pool. she HAD to wear those goggles

cute aunt larissa

a new life and cool pics

2009-06-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

What a crazy month! Here's an update!!

My beautiful, beautiful niece was born on June 11. Miss Claire is absolutely perfect in every way, and I got to be in the delivery room! Ashley did an AMAZING job, and I was so happy she had a good experience. It was also an incredible experience to be in the delivery room just 3 months after having a baby myself. It truly is a miracle, and I am so grateful Ash let me be a part of her special day. Seriously, I have tears just thinking about it. :) Nate and I are VERY proud to be aunt and uncle.
Grey is 4 months old today, and getting chubbier by the second. He sleeps from about 9 until 7 in the morning, and we are working on a nap schedule. He obviously loves sleeping in my arms, but his sister sort of inhibits that. Grey is also a very happy boy, and vocal. I don't remember Lyla being as loud as he is, but I just love that he's content. We are also very close to rolling over, and Grey has started to SUCK HIS THUMB! I was not very happy about it at first, but he only does it when he's really hungry, or overtired. He's obsessed with his fingers and hands anyway, so maybe its a phase. I will try to capture a picture because it really is so sweet.
Lyla thinks she is too cool for school. She's getting to be quite hilarious, but is also learning to stand her ground. I can't believe she will be TWO soon. Yikes. She still adores her brother, and Dora, and now these sunglasses Nate picked up at the dollar store. Too funny.

--talking to "dad" on the phone. duh mom.

I flew with my sister Lindsay and the kids to Texas at the end of last month, and it was a crazy, yet GREAT weekend. I came back with no voice, but I loved being able to spend time with my family. I wish I had gotten more pictures, but I had my hands full with 2 babies and no husband to take the pictures. I don't realize I am getting older until I see all of my siblings in one room, and boy am I getting older. They are all so grown up and gorgeous!

--uncle blake and grey. only 8 years apart :)

I am also back to being alone at home during the day with the kids. Nate got laid off from his new job last month...and it was quite a shock. Luckily, he worked his tail off and found a great position in Salt Lake. We don't have to move at the moment, so that's good, but we are continually trying to figure out the direction we should be going. Maybe one day we will get it right.

he's 90-ish days old.

2009-05-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

here are some of the "official" 3 month pictures. can't believe i didn't get pictures of lyla at 3 months...i wanted to compare!!! his hair is getting more red, as are his eyebrows...love it.

a long overdue picture update

2009-05-26T21:54:00.000-07:00

I've been informed several times by the fam that I haven't updated my blog in a century...or a month. Life is crazy with my 2 babes, so here is an update!!

Lyla, my moo, is getting bigger by the minute. She talks, dances and sings more everyday. Lyla always has us on her toes. But what can I say...she eats well, sleeps well and is a great big sister. We just realized tonight that she can identify all the letters in the alphabet...amazing. I can't believe she will be 2 soon!!

I love her smile and this outfit. And her red hair. I just love her.

Lyla's new favorite place is the petting zoo...and this picture is totally Lyla. She likes to watch from a distance until she is ready. She does this with everything in life...
...explaining to mom and dad that these are ducks. duh mom.

Lyla loves her some Parker...

Grey is growing like a weed...literally. I have weeds that grow in the backyard just as fast as he does. I stepped on a scale the other day with him in my arms...and I estimate he is in the 16.5-17.5 pound range. At 3 months, I'd say he's growing fine. He sleeps through the night, and takes a hearty afternoon nap. And he smiles...like a mad man. I don't remember Lyla being this smiley...but I love it. I also love to give him baths and revel in his rolls. I love chubby babies...it means I am doing my job! Here are some pictures for you all to revel in.
about a month ago...he only seems to like tummy time on the boppy. can't blame him really.

This weekend my sis and I are taking the kids to Texas. It will be the first time all 8 of us have been together, with my mom and grandparents....in 4 years. I can't wait to see them all, though not so excited about being without my right hand man for the weekend. More to come!

Announcement

2009-04-21T12:11:00.001-07:00

I'm officially announcing that he's been born. Haha! Thanks to Jenny for designing my adorable announcements. :)

He is truly a joy. He just smiles and laughs all day long. I can't believe he's 2 months old, yet can't imagine life without him.

2 month stats

2009-04-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

Well, its official...my son is a HAM! He weighed 14 lbs. 0 oz. today, and is 23.5 inches long. That puts him at above the 97% for weight, and 75-90% for height. Good job buddy!

The doctor also confirmed that he has NO murmur, and we are canceling his follow-up cardiologist appointments. Yay!

I will post pics of him as soon as he's not so hungry...and I am FINALLY getting to announcements today. What a great mom I am. :)

This is what happens when I nurse...

2009-04-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

I think the makeup matches the hair, don't you?

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T21:54:00.000-07:00

The weather couldn't be better...and the kids got some adorable gifts from grandma and granddad. Happy Easter!

Big Sis

2009-04-12T21:49:00.001-07:00

Such a sweet big sister...and let me just say that he smiles the BIGGEST when he sees her. :)

You should see how chubby he is. I love it.

Lyla's First Haircut!

2009-04-12T21:46:00.001-07:00

Its hard to see how it came out...but it was a very cute experience. She did such a great job! Below is why I cut her hair. It was crazy!

I am the worst mom!

2009-04-08T22:39:00.001-07:00

I haven't taken any pictures of our new house, or Lyla and Grey together...or even of Grey in general. I have also been meaning to get the camcorder out for the cute smiles that Grey has started to offer...and for all the amazing things Lyla has started saying!

Grey is 7 weeks now, and flashed me the CUTEST smile yesterday morning. I was so happy to finally see it...he's precious.

Also, Lyla went pee on the potty tonight! She's been letting us know when she needs to poop lately, and when Nate was changing her diaper tonight he thought she might need to go again. He asked her if she wanted to go on the potty, she agreed....and the rest is history! I think I might start putting her on a few times a day. I can't believe she did it at only 19 months!

I also cut Lyla's hair last week...and it is so freaking cute. I will do my best to snag pictures tomorrow. I just had to write all this down for when I finally get to updating the baby books!

Quick update!

2009-03-29T14:04:00.001-07:00

Well, we are in the new house and officially OUT of the condo. I really haven't done much in terms of unpacking...the beds are up, but closets are not. Needless to say, I have a looooong to do list this week. My mom was here yesterday, so we hung out at the new Nordstrom and her hotel until late. I had a GREAT time! She brought the kids some freaking adorable outfits, and attempted to buy me a shirt. Its so cute, but its too bad my chest is too gigantic (the part about having babies that I HATE). Gotta love motherhood.

-Lyla Kate is having tons of fun running around the new house. She has her own play area, with t.v. for signing time! She's still sweet to Mr. Grey...in fact, I have to chase her away from him so she doesn't suffocate him with kisses!

-Grey slept for almost 6 HOURS last night! After packing and moving all week, the rest was just what we needed. He's starting to smile...though I haven't seen it. My mom and sister got all excited because he smiled at them last night, and Nate claims he saw a smile this morning. Humph. I'm the mom, I'm supposed to see it first. :)

I should take some pictures...and I will post them promptly once I get things in order here. All is well with the Sylvia's, now can we just get rid of this snow? UGH!

Happy Spring!

2009-03-20T07:18:00.001-07:00

Since I have a minute before my crazy morning gets started, I thought I would post some updates about my adorable little family. A LOT has been going on!

Its official...spring has sprung!! I am so excited to get the kids out today, because its going to be 70!! (My deepest apologies to my family in Texas and California who came to visit only a couple weeks ago, and it was freezing...now you have to come back and enjoy the amazing Utah weather!).

Grey turned 1 month old on Tuesday...and it made me a little sad. I seriously don't know where 4 weeks went...but he's eating really well, and growing like a weed! He's outgrown the vast majority of his newborn outfits and sleepers, and is definitely more alert. He also lets me know when he's hungry, and we hear a few cries from time to time. I am going to try to give him his first bottle this week, so maybe dad can get a couple feedings in. Lyla NEVER took a bottle or pacifier, so I really don't have my hopes up...but it would sure be nice! Not to mention all the breast milk I have stored from those first couple weeks of engorgement (sorry...that's kinda gross). Grey also sleeps well the majority of nights! Last night he slept from 9:30-1, and then from 2-7!! I feel like I just slept for days! Sometimes we have some rough nights, but I guess that means he's just hungry and growing!

Here are some of his newborn pictures that we got done. The photogrpaher did the photo shoot for FREE because she is new and building up her portfolio, but I think she did a wonderful job! He's only 9 days old in these pictures! My sweet friend Jenny also designed a photo birth announcement for me, and I am excited to send that out as well! Grey is seriously so adorable. And I don't think I am that biased. :)

Lyla is also doing really well. I feel like an idiot because I have not been taking pictures of her, but perhaps we will get a few on the swings when we get out today. She is getting funnier by the minute. Her current favorite show on tv is Dora and Superwhy. She's recognizing letters, and makes sure to point them out to Nate and I when we go places. She can recognize pretty much all the vowels, and I am really impressed! She can also count to 10, and does a decent job of singing along to the ABC's. We are inching ever closer to moving to a big girl bed too...I am trying my best to hold off, but she's continually getting her leg stuck in the rails and then screams for us to help her. Lyla is also taking off her clothes in the morning...I know the next step is climbing out! She's been a PERFECT big sister, and I don't mean to brag. Her world revolves around giving her brother hugs and kisses...I couldn't be prouder!

As for Nate and I...we are also doing well. Nate just returned from a work trip! He was gone almost all week doing training and orientation for a new job he just took. Nate will be working from home, which will be nice, but also an ajdustment! We are getting ready to move to accomodate that, so I have plenty more updates to come! I feel great...and feel like I am just where I should be. Now I am off to get the kids ready...I have a hair appointment after months of procrastination...I am excited for short hair again! Happy Spring everyone!

Updates!

2009-03-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

Grey at 2 weeks...

Last week was full of adjustments and doctor appointments. It was the first full week I had alone during the day, and I think it went pretty well. I felt like my entire days were consumed by nursing, changing diapers, and feeding Lyla. BUT, my days flew by, and I can't believe that Grey is already almost 3 weeks old!
First bath---he LOVED it.

Grey went to the cardiologist on Tuesday, and we got some good news there. His EKG and chest x-ray came back normal, so they don't think the hole is putting any strain on his body. If the hole is large, his heart would appear enlarged on one side because the heart works extra hard to compensate for the lesser amount of oxygenated blood getting to the ventricle. His blood pressure was normal, and he has great pulses as well. Basically, the cardiologist wants to see him again in 3 months, just to check. If the murmur is still there, we will probably follow up again, but the doctor was pretty confident it will close on its own. We were so relieved!

On Thursday, I took both the kids ALONE for their 2 week and 18 month check ups. It was a crazy, crazy experience, and I got a crash course in being a mom of 2. Both babies are doing WONDERFUL! Here are the stats:

Lyla Kate:
Weight: 25 lbs.--60-70%
Height: 33.5 inches--90-95%
--Lyla put on quite a show for the doctor, was really talkative, and showed the doctor all of her signs. The doctor was pretty impressed. I'm so glad she's growing well...I love tall girls!

Grey Michael:
Weight: 9 lb. 5 oz.--80-90%
Height: 21 inches--60%
I am SO HAPPY he's gained so much weight! That's the biggest indicator that his heart is working great! Besides, chubby babies look and feel like healthy babies. It was so reassuring, especially since I breastfeed. You just never know how much they are getting...so way to go buddy!

He is always surprised by the camera...poor guy!

My sis Lauren is here this weekend from Texas, and my other sis Lindsay is coming down for a sleepover tonight. I am so happy to have them both around. It is really the first time we have hung out alone as adults. Its crazy how fast time flies, and they are both such gorgeous women...I am a proud big sis!

Overall, I'd have to say that I am very happy with how things are going. Grey is really a great baby (not to brag). I had a lot of anxiety about having 2 kids so young, and so far, things are going so smoothly (besides my lack of sleep, of course). Enjoy the pics!

My life as a "real" mom

2009-03-01T12:20:00.001-08:00

I've heard so many people say that after you have your second baby, you finally feel like a real mom. Well, now that my mom and grandma have left, I am starting to understand what that means. Between diaper changes, nursing, reading stories, cooking, cleaning and playing, my days FLY by and I definitely feel more busy.We had a wonderful 3 days with my mom and grandma, and I am so glad they got to spend time with both of the grandkids. It is hard for me to live away from my family. so I am always happy when I get to spend any time with them. My sister Lindsay also came down from Heber to hang out with everyone. I am so glad to have shared the whole birth experience with her...she was a great support, and I am so proud to have her as my sister.

As for the baby...he is settling in quite well. He eats A LOT, and never really fusses. I wish I could spend more time snuggling and laying around with him, but Lyla keeps me on my toes. Typcially, he eats every 3 hours, sometimes 4 at night. Today he's nursing every 2 hours during the day (can you say growth spurt?). Grey is a GREAT baby so far, and his sister loves having him around. Lyla always wants to give kisses and has been really sweet. She gets a little dramatic when I am nursing him, but I am glad she takes her frustration out on me rather than the baby.
Mom, Grandma, Lindsay and Me!

This week I feel like we have a ton of doctor appointments. Grey goes to the cardiologist at Primary Childrens, and both the kids have routine check ups with our pediatrician. Hopefully I will learn more about Grey's heart this week, but I feel like he's doing really well, so hopefully no worries there. We got Grey's newborn pictures taken on Thursday night, and I think they are going to turn out really cute! He was naked for most of them, so of course he peed and pooped ALL OVER US and made a huge mess. I guess that's what we get for making him take pictures naked. :)

My sister Lauren is flying in on Friday for the weekend, and I am really excited. She's a cute aunt, and I am happy I get to spend some time with just my sisters. Hope everyone has a great week!

Absolutely perfect.

2009-02-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

My babes. So adorable.

Our handsome man.

2009-02-20T15:41:00.000-08:00

We finally made it! Grey Michael Sylvia made his appearance on February 17, at 2:15 p.m. My labor went really well. After 5 short hours and 3 pushes, he has made me the happiest mommy around! He weighed 8 lb. 10 oz, and was 19.5 inches long. Nate and I were surprised by the weight, but are so glad he is chubby and healthy! I was so glad to have my sister Lindsay there for the birth...it was very peaceful and stress free. Lyla seems to be doing really well also. We are trying to give her extra hugs and kisses, but so far she has been so sweet to Grey and seems to love being a big sister. Nate's parents were rock stars, and took excellent care of Lyla. It was so awesome to not stress about where she was or if she was handling everything ok (I had never been away from Lyla overnight before, so it was a little nerve racking for me!). I am so grateful for them!

I am feeling really good, other than being a bit tired. Grey LOVES to nurse, and now that my milk has come in we can try to get a better schedule down at night. Overall, I'd have to say its been the best experience. I can't believe my pregnancy is over because it went by SO fast, and I am excited to start doing some really fun things with these little guys. I truly wouldn't have it any other way.

The only other major detail regarding the birth is that Grey likely has a condition called VSD--or Ventricular Septal Defect. One of the nurses noticed a heart murmur yesterday morning, and so we did a chest x-ray and EKG to rule out any major problems with his heart. After a long day of waiting and stress, it looks like he may have a small hole between his left and right ventricle. Although I have been really stressed about it, the defect has a good chance of correcting itself. None of the doctors felt a need to refer Grey to a cardiologist, and his blood pressure, oxygen and pulses have all come back PERFECT. For now we are simply going to follow up with our pediatrician, so I will know more on Monday after that appointment. Even though I have tried to not think about it, what I have read has been reassuring. VSD is the most common heart defect, and 75% of patients who have small defects see it clear up before they are 4. Hopefully it just requires some monitoring, and I am so grateful to have him home with us.

Here are some pictures to enjoy...I am likely getting some professional shots taken next weekend, so I will have those to share soon! My mom and grandma are also flying in on Sunday to spend a few days with me. I am SO excited, and feel more calm that I will have company when Nate goes back to work. Enjoy!

I absolutely love this picture...how cute is my family?
Proud Aunt Lindsay...thanks for all your support!

Grey at 3 days old...those cheeks are soo chunky, and I love it! Too bad the pictures don't do his hair justice. It is amazing!

STILL waiting.

2009-02-11T07:06:00.000-08:00

As of last Monday, I am still dilated to about a 4, 8o percent effaced, and the baby's head is SUPER low. Basically, I am still waiting, and getting more sore by the minute. I hate being a complainer, but he can come out anytime he wants because I am definitely done! I have less than a week until my scheduled induction, but I would really like him to come before the weekend because Monday is a paid holiday for Nate.

My goal is to try and keep busy, as Nate and I have other life changing events we have to think about too. I'll post more on that later, once we make some decisions. Hopefully my next post will be pictures of my handsome little boy!!

A little irritated.

2009-02-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

I don't mean to be a baby...but I really thought I was in labor last night. I made Nate walk with me at the mall, and stayed up half the night because I was really uncomfortable. I even put my double stroller together! Then the contractions stopped. LAME! Today we are going swimming at the rec center...I'd really like to see my son soon! I apparently know nothing about real labor.

Waiting.

2009-02-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

Here I am at 37 weeks...it will probably be my last picture because I am feeling pretty huge these days. The doctor says I am still at a 3 plus, and 50% effaced, so the waiting continues. I will be induced on the 17th if I don't have him sooner...but I am really hoping I go into labor on my own (the doc really believes I will). I actually really hope its this week, because my doctor will be out of town all of next week!

I have really loved having these last few days with Lyla...I am a little sad that it will no longer be just the 2 of us. She's too sweet and funny. More importantly, I am excited about what this baby means for my family. It is my mom's first grandson, my grandma's first great grandson, and I get to see both my mom and my grandma soon! My little sister Lauren may even make an appearance, so I am really excited to spend some time with my family. I miss them!

And the doctor says...

2009-01-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

I went to the OB this morning...WITH my 17 month old (a very crazy experience).

I am dilated to a 3 PLUS, and am pretty thin (sorry to be gross). I was shocked, because I didn't expect any action this early. So...my doctor happily scheduled my induction for February 16th at 8am, but I will likely not make it that far (so he says). Actually, he said it could be any time.

I am freaking out.

Didn't gain any weight either. I think a burger is in order.

Polaroid heaven.

2009-01-22T08:47:00.001-08:00

While blog stalking this morning, I came across a photography site that gave me a link to poladroid.com . It is the coolest! I loved polaroids as a kid, and if you download their little polaroid converter, you can turn any of your photos into vintage bliss. I had a little fun while waiting for Lyla to wake up.

Only 3 1/2 weeks left, and still trying to organize/clean/disinfect the house. Unfortunately, Lyla is pretty sick this week...and with the inversion, we are basically stuck inside. Hopefully I can get this girl healthy! Perhaps I will post some polaroids of my full term belly next week. Perhaps.

I am soooo bored

2009-01-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

Tag--FYI: I have never really done one of these, and I don't know why I am doing it now.

8 Favorite TV shows
1. BOSTON LEGAL
2. The Closer
3. King of Queens
4. Everybody Loves Raymond
5. The Office
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. Man vs. Wild
8. The Hills

8 Things I did yesterday
1. Vacuumed the house
2. Went swimming with Nate and Lyla
3. Hung out with Katie and Brad
4. Watched signing time (boo!)
5. Organized my tupperware
6. Read stories with Lyla
7. Peed about a thousand times
8. Read the news...

8 Things I look forward to
1. Grey's arrival
2. Seeing my mom and grandma after Grey is born--its been forever since we all were together
3. Staying healthy, and getting fit!
4. When Nate comes home--I love hangin' out with my BFF
5. Eating one really really bad meal before the baby and the breastfeeding begins
6. Going back to college!
7. A new president
8. Feeling less stressed about finances

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. My Hacienda---I am always glad when I cook
2. Cheesecake Factory
3. Bonsai
4. Red Robin
5. Oxford Creamery (for all you Mattapoisett peeps)
6. California Pizza Kitchen
7. Panera Bread
8. Cafe Rio

8 Things on my Wish List
1. Going on an awesome trip with Nate--to DC, New York or Seattle
2. Finish the nesting list
3. Lunch with Hillary Clinton--or Patrick Dempsey (he's so cute)
4. Boob lift after the babies are done--this could help with my previous wish about Patrick Dempsey (I must give Nate props for reminding me that this is one of my wishes--he's so selfless)
5. Graduate School--I'll get there one day!
6. Buying clothes off the rack and not having to fret over length/size
7. Buying an adorable house with lots of charm that I will live in for a long time.
8. A pedicure

Most people I know have already been tagged...so only do it if you are bored. I had a hard time.

It has begun...

2009-01-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

34 weeks and the nesting is in full swing. I don't remember being this crazy with Lyla, but my list keeps getting longer and longer (this is probably the way I am dealing with my anxiety about having two kids under 1 1/2). Today I am cleaning out the laundry room and vacuuming behind everything. I feel like a crazy person...hopefully I can satisfy myself in 5 weeks.

Belly time.

2009-01-06T19:43:00.001-08:00

Here are my 33.5 week pics. I had to take them because Nate was gone all day, and I am usually pretty nasty by the end of the day. I can't believe that in less than 6 weeks my little man will be here with us! I think I want to take another picture at 37 weeks or so, and then the day before I am induced (if I make it that far!).
...pardon my laundry mess. I am in the process of organizing the master closet. What a disaster.

33 weeks and some resolutions

2009-01-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

Went to the OB this morning...and I am measuring pretty close to 33 weeks (just about 34, actually). And I LOST 3 pounds. I thought that was weird, but I have been really good about soda, fast food and sweets. Apparently the nasty food has been making me keep on extra weight. Only 4 appointments left until the big day! Hopefully the last week or so I can indulge a little bit, because I know I will have to be really healthy while breastfeeding. :) I will post a pic soon...I never took pictures of myself late in my pregnancy with Lyla, and I definitely want to remember this time!

I also set up the bassinet...it seems a bit early, but I didn't want all the pieces laying around the house after I took them out of storage. I'll post pictures of that as well...its really cute, and now I can start stocking it with blankets and diapers. My goal is to have most things totally ready by the end of the month, so I can enjoy some time with just Lyla and I.

And in other news, one of my New Year's resolutions is to read more, so I have started reading The Nine, by Jeffrey Toobin. Its about the Supreme Court, and it won the New York Times Book of the Year Award. I love it so far. It appeals to my nerdy side, and makes me wish I were back in college. Maybe one day. Atleast I can read like I'm in college :)

A dose of feminism

2008-12-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know...I majored in both Political Science and Gender Studies in college. Lately, it feels like the subject of feminism has come up when I have thought about my life, and when talking to friends about their life choices/experiences. So...here is one of my favorite quotes about parenting from Bell Hooks, an esteemed feminist author.

"Children need to be raised in loving environments. Whenever domination is present love is lacking. Loving parents, be they single or coupled, gay or straight, headed by females or males, are more likely to raise healthy, happy children with sound self esteem. In future feminist movement we need to work harder to show parents the ways ending sexism positively changes family life. Feminist movement is pro-family. Ending patriarchal domination of children, by men or women, is the only way to make the family a place where children can be safe, where they can be free, where the can know love."

Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics, by Bell Hooks

Perhaps I should write a little more on the topic, but I always feel like my blog is a forum for bragging about the kids, being cheesy, etc. BUT, I do feel that becoming a mother has been one of the most empowering decisions I have made, and I hope that I can raise Lyla AND Grey to be self confident, open minded, fair and individuals who are connected to the greater issues in society.