The Tree...Part 2

Behold the tree. Those first few days we had it I was really worried it was going to fall on Jansen when I wasn't watching. Trust me to worry about something like that. Hey, weirder stuff has happened.

Natalie is in awe of all this Christmas fun. Just look at her face!

Our little decorator

Here's the mostly decorated tree. We dried oranges again (we did that last time we had a real tree) so that's what those orange circles are. The snowman to the right is guarding the tree and if anyone gets too close or tries to steal an ornament he promptly pokes your eye out with his stick arms.

This is the best picture though. This is the "real" feeling of a Christmas tree. You know, when all the other lights are out and it's just the soft glow of the lights on the tree? I love it. If I'm feeling down I just go turn on the tree. Works every time! Although Natalie is doing fairly well at night so I don't have to do this, I remember pacing the house with Jansen at night around Christmas and being so grateful for the Christmas tree to brighten my 3 am spirits!

Christmas Lights

The Haircut

It seems like we are always cutting Jansen's hair...but it had been 3 months so it was definitely time. And he hates it.

We usually give him a "treat" to eat while Nate cuts his hair.

But even that isn't enough sometimes!

He's mad (understandable so) in this picture because there is hair on his cookie. We had stopped giving him suckers during haircuts because they got covered in hair, but apparently cookies aren't much better.

The Tree...Part 1

Two years ago my grandpa insisted on taking Nate and me Christmas tree shopping. He loved real Christmas trees and wanted us to have the "Cadillac" of trees for our apartment. We bundled up little Jansen and braved the cold and came home with a great tree. I can't even begin to tell you what a wonderful grandpa he was (he passed away a year ago)...probably the most selfless person I know...and throw in a cuss word or two and that's my grandpa!

Nate and I decided to get a real tree this year too. There were a lot of advantages to an artificial one, but we both came to the conclusion that the smell, the memories, the look, and the fun of picking out a real one were just too great to pass up.

Here we are on our way to get our tree!

You can see by the expressions on their faces how Nate and Jansen feel about the experience.

And I would love to tell you that we strolled around together for hours finding just the right one, but alas that is not the truth. We basically took these pictures, I loaded the kids back in the car (it was just too cold), and I went home while Nate chose O Tannenbaum.

Wait till my next post and you get to see the tree! When Nate brought it home we discovered that trees are much bigger than you thought once you get them inside your house...in order to get it home and fit it in the house AND stay upright on its own we had to use: a friend's truck, a neighbor's help, a saw, a drill (with special spade bit), rope, a screw-in hook, and a nail. But it's beautiful and smells so good! Now if we can just remember to water it.

A Few Thanksgiving Pictures

Our 2nd Thanksgiving in Ohio. I can hardly believe it. I had a great holiday...mostly spent the day getting ready for dinner which we had around 5 or so. There was something really neat about having a Thanksgiving at our own home (okay, so we're renting and it's not really ours) and doing the turkey. We DEFINITELY missed all our family though. Here are some pictures of the big day:

Thanksgiving's wonderful when you're in your turkey outfit!

The dinner gang...pretty fancy paper plates eh?

How cute is Natalie in this one!

His best cheese smile

Nate's masterpiece in the making---he pretty much handled the turkey business.

Honestly, my favorite part of the day was when I was upstairs putting Natalie's pajamas on and I was mimicking her hiccups and she started laughing. That's the first time we've heard her laugh. It was so dang cute. It was the perfect ending to a great day. We got it on video the next day. The really good laughs are at the end of the video so hang in there till it's over. Here's the link:

http://www.dropshots.com/airforcenye#date/2007-11-23/18:16:37

How in the World?!

So Natalie is definitely known for her blowouts. But this "little" leak just really surprised all of us. We knew she had just dirtied her diaper, but when we looked down and saw this on her shirt we thought...HOW IN THE WORLD?! (From the look on her face she feels the same way.) How do you make a mess like that, in that place, when we all know where the mess came from and how far it must have traveled to get there? Maybe belly buttons do have a secret purpose...

This Is So Fun!

One reason I love the holidays so much is that they are a fun little break from everyday life. I have been so happy all week because I knew this would be a "different" week and I had Thursday to look forward to. And really I am looking forward to the weekend just as much because Christmas will be in full swing! Oh how I love Christmas!
So Nate and I are doing the turkey this year for Thanksgiving and that should be a riot. But fun. Nate and I are determined to do lots of "festive" things these next few weeks since we won't be going home. If any of you Columbus bloggers are reading this and have any recommendations of Christmasy things to see and do please share!

Pretty Strong 2 Year Old

I'm having a hard time lately getting my videos on the blog. So just click on the link instead. Here's a funny video of Jansen showing how strong he is. Somehow he decided that tightening his hands, head, etc was the way to show his strength. It's his way of flexing I guess.

http://www.dropshots.com/airforcenye#date/2007-11-12/16:38:11

Very Sweet

If you haven't seen this yet it's definitely worth watching (click on the link):

http://www.youtube.com/v/zCdZwitrNoY&rel=1&border=0

Note that was included with the video: Since posting this audio it has taken on a life of its own. People are forwarding it all over the world. Some corrections… We originally said Logan was 12. He actually turned 13 in August, so we don’t want to deprive him of such a big birthday. Logan listens to us (89.3 KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX) on Sky Angel because he lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. He called us distraught because he had to take down a calf. His words have wisdom beyond his years.

Wanted: Sleep!

I really really hope this doesn't come out as a bunch of complaining. I just feel like if there is one place I can tell the good and bad of my life it's here. I am so tired! Natalie went to bed at 9:00 and then I was up with her at 12:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 6:00. Nate is always so happy to help with her, but sometimes there's just not much he can do if she's hungry. When Nate started working with her at the 6 wake up, I told him I was going to take her so I could feed her before Jansen woke up. And she had wet through her sleeper on that last one. Jansen also gave me a scare and woke up at 5:30 but thankfully went back to sleep. I feel like I have been so blessed though. I can usually get through the day feeling pretty good unless I sit and read to Jansen or when I am nursing Natalie. I often fall asleep nursing her and have found myself with my head touching hers and I am drooling on her hand. How embarrassing! Then there was the time the other night that Nate and I were praying together and I was praying out loud and fell asleep in the middle of a sentence. Oops.



Natalie still won't sleep on her own during the day for more than about 20 minutes. And getting her to sleep in the first place is crazy! Some of the things I have had to do lately: swaddle her and then give her the pacifier and then turn on the vibrating chair and bounce the chair. And she wakes up if I stop bouncing her. This morning I put her in the wrap and then faced her towards the computer and had her watch the visual effects while soft music played and I bounced back and forth. I only wish the deep knee bends still worked. They seem so simple and reliable now! But I know it will pass and she has this smile she does where she shrugs her shoulders and just grins and it makes me so happy. She always acts like she is just thrilled to see me and Nate and it is so sweet.

A Few Different Things

Jansen just loves to color. I made the big mistake of introducing him to markers before crayons...as you can imagine he always prefers the markers. I am so used to him having marker on his hands that I hardly ever remember to clean him up before going somewhere. Don't all kids have marker on their hands???

I am loving watching Jansen's little imagination grow. Today he told me that the blue fork that he has carefully placed on the plate is a "hot dog tunnel." In case the hot dogs want to go under the fork I guess. And to the left of the blue plate you can see the "train tracks" he has built out of trail mix.

Here is Mr. Mom showing off the wrap.

Posing

Had to post this picture again in color.



This is how much he hates having his picture taken.

Sittin' pretty

My Little Bug

I'm It!

Thanks for tagging me Ellie...it's always nice to have an idea for a blog!!!

The rules:


A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.


B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.


C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.


1. I hate swimming. For the most part. It's mostly a disgust for public pools, but I am also not fond of putting on, trying on, or taking off (when wet) swimsuits. Being wet usually makes me cold and I hate that as well...and I don't like waiting for my hair to dry...and I hate that frothy stuff that gathers at the top of public hot tubs...YUCK-O.



2. I love Coke Slurpees, Chex Mix, and Nibs. I don't drink Coke at all, but I do have an obsession with Coke Slurpees. And if it's paired with some Chex Mix and Nibs I am in 7th heaven. I have given myself many a stomach ache gorging myself on these three items.



3. I used to get really homesick. I could never make it through a sleepover when I was in elementary school. Even when I was sleeping at the house next door. One time I was trying to make it through a sleepover and I was crying in my little sleeping bag and my friend asked me what was wrong and I told her that my eyes just always watered at night. Clever little devil I was.



4. I can make a really good chicken noise. My friends used to tell me that I should audition for the Cadbury bunny commercials. My mom can do it too...I'm so thankful she passed it on to me.



5. I stress a lot. Mostly about the health, happiness, and safety of my family. Thankfully Nate is not that way at all because I could not stand being married to someone like me.

6. I speak some French. I passed the AP test in high school (barely) but obviously have gotten real rusty. And I have always wanted to know Spanish. I used to get tapes from the library that teach you Spanish and I listened to them in my car. Not effective.

I am tagging (if you have not already been tagged) Kiki, Kara, Cara, JoDeane, Megan (yes, you my sister in law), and Monica.

Have Joy in Your Children

I ventured to the library this morning. I was clutching Natalie in one arm and dragging Jansen along with the other and got the usual---people opening doors for me and smiling with that "you certainly are brave, glad I'm not you" smile. As I went to pick up my book on reserve, one library employee was especially friendly and kind and proceeded to ask me about Natalie and how old Jansen was and such. Upon discovering they were only about 2 years apart she said the classic, "You've got your hands full don't you!" And followed it with the even more classic, "It goes by so fast. They will be grown up before you know it. Savor every minute." I smiled and told her that yeah, I knew they would grow so fast. And although people say ALL the time to enjoy your kids while they are little, this time I really got to thinking about that. Am I doing all I can to make the most of each moment with them at this age? How can I be more grateful for the monotonous days of motherhood?

So I went home and opened what I consider to be the Bible of Motherhood: "Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley." One part reads: "There is no such thing as the perfect mother who fits all the eulogies. We just do the best we can with the help of the Lord, and who knows, these children who are struggling to be free may someday rise up and call us blessed. The trick is to enjoy it. Don't wish away your days of caring for young children. This is your great day. Sometimes we get so caught up in the physical work and trivia that we forget the big picture. We forget whose children they really are. When the house is filled with children, noise and teasing and laughter, you get the feeling this is forever. Before you know it they will be gone." The last words of the chapter on motherhood say:

Have joy in your home.

Have joy in your husband.

Have joy in your children.

Be grateful for the journey.

And so I have recommitted myself to those things. To enjoy every day (or give it my best effort!) and realize that these are precious hours of caring for my children. If by chance you have not read Elder Holland's talk "Because She Is a Mother" you must. One quote from it:

Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.” You are doing God’s work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even—no, especially—when your days and your nights may be the most challenging. Like the woman who anonymously, meekly, perhaps even with hesitation and some embarrassment, fought her way through the crowd just to touch the hem of the Master’s garment, so Christ will say to the women who worry and wonder and sometimes weep over their responsibility as mothers, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.” And it will make your children whole as well.

Well, that was a little long but definitely heartfelt. I love being a mother...I find it very challenging as well...but I know how eternally important it is and that makes each day with Jansen and Natalie very, very special.

Everyday Life

Well I got my sling/wrap thingy last night. I was very excited. Here is a picture of me (and the bathroom and my armpit) wearing it. That weird bundle on the front is Natalie. Now I know this whole thing looks a little strange and complicated but it is awesome and a lot easier to put on than it looks. I mentioned in a previous blog that Natalie won't sleep during the day unless we are holding her, so I needed something that would let me have my hands free while she slept. We have one of those front carriers and it's perfect for walks and stuff but I needed something more snug and comfortable for around the house. Natalie loves it. She falls asleep quickly when I put her in it and is happy as a clam. It was WONDERFUL to have two hands this morning!

I also wanted to show that Natalie finally has a crib in her room! We found a great deal on Craigslist for a crib that turns into a toddler bed and has detachable drawers on the side. So nice. So that is now in Jansen's room and is his new bed and Natalie has his old crib. He is using the new bed as a crib still. He did climb into himself the other day without me knowing---but he still hasn't tried to climb out.

For those of you that are interested, there's a real cute video of Natalie talking with Nate at this link: http://www.dropshots.com/airforcenye#date/2007-11-05/19:09:16. I couldn't get it on the blog for some reason.

2 Month Check Up

Natalie had her 2 month check up this morning. Still growing like a cute little weed...96th percentile for her weight! And 80 something for height. I hate going to the doctor though. They got us in real fast, but you know how it is. They get you into that cramped little room fairly quickly but then you sit in there and wait for 30 minutes for the doctor. And you try not to touch anything or let your kids touch anything because who knows which flu infested kid just played with that toy before your son? (I didn't have Jansen with me thank goodness, but that has happened plenty of times before.) Natalie cried pretty much the whole time we were waiting and of course the doctor shows up just as she is drifting into sleep. Such is life. I AM thankful to be able to take my children to the doctor and ESPECIALLY thankful they are healthy. The nurse said her immunizations might make her a little more sleepy (love that) so she is snoozing happily in her carseat. Glad to be done with the appointment though.

What to Blog About...

I'm not really sure what this blog will end up being about. It just feels like it's been too long since my last post so I wanted to write about SOMETHING. And include this picture of Natalie making a funny face. So what's going on in life right now? Well, Jansen made it all the way through nursery today. I was so proud of him. I don't think we even had to take him out of sacrament meeting either. He has boycotted his nap the last few days...will not take one...and that sends chills up my spine to think that he would be done napping at this age. I'm hoping it's just a phase. Jansen doesn't seem to be too fond of the weatherman out here. I often have the news on in the morning and lately when the weatherman comes on he turns to the TV and says, "Don't talk to Jansen! Don't talk!" But only when that weatherman is on. Natalie is becoming so social and she smiles and coos almost every time we talk to her. It's adorable and I can't get enough of it. She pretty much won't nap during the day unless we're holding her so I bought a sling online the other day and am hoping she will like it and I will have my hands free again for a little while. Oh yeah! And I bought these:

After MUCH deliberation we have decided to stay here for the holidays (sniffle, sniffle). I decided that if I was going to be so far from home I needed something that would remind me of being home. Well these two movies are part of my childhood (and adulthood) and although the Garfield one can be particularly strange, I love it nonetheless. I will end this blog now. I know that when they get too long people get bored and stop reading altogether.

Correction!

The "I Love Mummy" sleeper that Natalie is sporting was NOT purchased by me. It was a gift from her Auntie Kami. Gotta give credit where credit is due! Thanks again Kami!