Claire's Surgery

After 5 ear infections, and 4 different types of antibiotics in less than 3 months, the doctors decided it would be best to put typanostomy tubes in Claire's ears. I didn't hesitate for one second... my poor baby has been suffering for months now. Plus with all the fluid built up behind the ears, it tends to muffle sounds, delay speech and affect the equilibrium. Oh great, that is just what my 11 month old needs to be experiencing right now during probably one of the most crucial developmental times in her life.... no brainer. Anyway, we got the surgery scheduled right away and we went in on Friday. We had to be there at 6:30, Claire was a bit sleepy but cute and content as usual. She got checked out by the nurse practitioner (by the way Claire is traumatized for life after going to the doctor so often and needing wax dug out of her ear, antibiotic shots, etc.) and then we waited in the waiting room for a bit to see the doctor and the anestesiologist. They called her name about 7:45 and I walked her back to the "red line" and handed her off. She was so good, went right to the anestesiologist no problem. So I was just getting comfortable eating my donut in the waiting room when they came out to say they were almost finsished. Huh? It's only been like 15 minutues. It was true, they were in and out of there, super fast. The Doctor came out a few minutes later to tell me the surgery went great. They drained the fluid that was there and she was good to go! Yeah!! I know it was a minor surgery, but that doesn't make it any easier on mom! A few minutes later they let me go back to see her in recovery. She was just chillin with the nurse, no big deal.. it's not like she didn't just come out of anestesia!! The nurse couldn't believe how quickly she came out of it and just sat up in the crib and started babbling. That's my Claire for ya! We hung out in recovery for about an hour, made sure she could drink and hold it down and then we were out of there. 9:00 baby! It was smooth sailing, and I am grateful for that!! She has been overall pretty good since, the nights have been a bit rough, she has woken up in the night screaming, so she must still be in a bit of pain. Hopefully a few more days and she will be 100%!

She looked so cute in her little hospital garb. (minus the fact she could so pass for a boy here)

Waiting for her turn to go back... looking a little sleepy wouldn't ya say?

All fixed up!! This was later on in the day, and is probably the cutest picture ever. She was so proud cuz she was able to get my necklace around her neck! Love this girl.

Two toddlers + feeding hungry ducks =

... the need to stand on the table so you dont get mobbed. Pretty darn cute if you ask me!

Pre School Program

A few weeks ago Dallin's preschool put on an end of the year program at Wheeler Farm They presented lots of cute songs and dances that they learned throughout the year. Dallin was so proud, he was up front and center the whole time dancing and singing his little heart out! We are so proud of all that he has accomplished this year in preschool. He is still our little smarty pants, and I am looking forward to next year of preschool while he prepares to enter kindergarten. We decided that we would start Dallin in kindergarten early (he just barely makes the deadline) mainly because he is so bright, and I dont want him to get too bored in school. Anyway, here are a few pictures from the program!

The scariest day of my life

This morning I had a horrible experience that will stay with me forever. I decided to go out on the Jordan River Parkway trail this morning with Claire in the stroller and Dallin on his bike. Since we live so close, we walked over. When you get to the entrance of the parking lot there is a HUGE hill that takes you down into the parking lot. I went first with the stroller and when I got to the bottom of the hill (this was the first of two hills) I noticed Dallin was struggling while trying to walk his bike down the hill. I set the stroller into a little divit and turned to go walk up the hill to help Dallin. Well, that was the biggest mistake of my life, and I cant believe I did that. YOu always hear of stupid mistakes that change a life forever, well this almost did just that. Anyway, as I reached Dallin he screamed "MOM LOOK". I turned around to see the stroller 30 feet away from me going full throttle down steelply sloped parking lot. I screamed and screamed, and started booking it. All these horrible thoughts went through my mind in the few seconds I was running (okay sprinting). THe stroller was heading right for a trailer with it's ramp down, oh my gosh is this really happening. People say that when you have an adrenaline rush that miracles can occur... well I am a believer now. I dont know how on earth I was able to run fast enough to catch the stroller carrying my precious little girl that was going faster than I knew a stroller could go and was already a good 50 feet ahead of me. But I did. I caught up. When my hand touched that stroller my life changed in that instant. It was inches (no exaggeration) from that trailer, and I turned my hand so the stroller would swerve out of the way. THe only thing I could do in that moment was fall to the ground and just cry. I cried for a good couple of minutes, poor Dallin was still at the top of the hill with his bike wondering what the heck just happened. My little hero. I dont know what I would have done if he hadn't seen the stroller take off.

I am still trying to wrap my brain around the whole event. I honestly think it should have been impossible for me to catch up to the stroller. I am not a fast runner, the hill was too steep, it was already 30 or so feet ahead of me... how did I do it? Why didn't I just put the brake on when I went to go get Dallin? What would have happend to Claire if she would have hit that trailer? I cant even begin to think about that. I am grateful I dont have to. Our family was truly blessed today. My little angel sleeps peacefully in her crib right now, instead of at the hospital. Wow.

Mother's Day Tribute

Motherhood...

... is the best thing that ever happened to me. I never loved so much, smiled so much, yearned so much, let alone FELT so much in my whole life. I have been truly blessed to be a mother, I know it is my calling in life.

Proud to be their Momma

Dallin. First born. Busy. Brilliant. Cuddly. Athletic. Hilarious. Curious. Momma's boy.


Claire. Little sister. Princess. Easy going. Loving. Smiley. Beautiful. Momma's girl

My mom is my inspiration. I know lots of kids say this about their parents, so maybe it sounds a little Cliche but oh well. It's the truth. She is that mom that never puts herself first. She loves her kids and grandkids more than anything, and she has been such a huge part of my kid's life so far. I hope I received her genes when it comes to parenting! We love you Nana!

Andy's mom (Grammy) is the sweetest, kindest most patient lady I know. I strive to be even half the mother she has to her three boys! Thanks for always being such an example and loving my kids like they were your own!


I wanted to include this picture of my sister-in-law Lacy because I feel she has played a huge part of being able to survive motherhood so far. We have really developed an amazing friendship over the years. Our kids are so close in age, and not a day goes by that we aren't talking to each other and asking eachother for advice! Thanks Auntie for everything you do!


This is my beautiful sister Sarah. She is not yet a mother, but I know that when that day comes she will be the most amazing mom. She has so much love to give, and I cant wait for her to experience the joy that I get to every day. Love ya sis!

Nightmares?

Last night we experienced a first.. Dallin had a horrible night terror. It was about 11:00 and I was just dozing off when I heard Dallin crying in his room. I thought this was strange, because he normally would just come into our room if he woke up. So, I went in and found him sitting up in his bed screaming histerically. I picked him up and tried cuddling him on my lap, only to find that he was extremely aggitated. It seemed like he was in pain, so I thought maybe he had a stomach ache or something. His eyes were open so I assumed he was awake and alert, but just upset. After my failed attempts to soothe him I brought him into our room to see if Andy could help. Again, inconsolable. He laid in our bed and was tossing around like he was in excruciating pain. I kept asking him if his belly hurt and he said "yes". My first thought for all you x-ray peeps was "He has intususseption". Then we asked if he had a bad dream he said, "yes". I began to wonder if he was even hearing me. Then it dawned on me. This kid is still asleep. He was totally 100% asleep, eyes open and in the middle of a night terror. I got some cold water and rubbed it on his face, which did nothing. He started talking more about something random, still crying and rolling around. I could not wake this kid up for the life of me. I turned on the light and said his name really loud, it seemed like he snapped out of it suddenly. Then he jumped out of my arms and ran into the corner of the bathroom, crying. Then suddenly he bolted to the toilet and went to the bathroom... FOREVER. After that... totally fine. His normal self. Seriously, did that just happen. Was my son just having a nightmare AND had to pee so bad that he was trembling and couldnt hold still. It was quite the experience I must say, and I hope we dont have to go through any more nights like that any time soon!

Good Morning!

I just love starting my day off with a little bit of this....

A little Sunday drive

We decided to take a little drive today up American Fork Canyon. At the top, there is a cute little Reservior which I cannot remember the name of. Anyway, we got out and explored a bit and snapped a bunch of cute pictures. Claire missed out cuz she was sleeping in the car! We are excited cuz this little lake is going to be a perfect fishing spot for Dallin and Andy. We bought Dall his own fishing pole and he is sooo excited to go! We even have a little fishery right next to our house so they can just pop over whenever they want!

Handsome little guy!


My two favorite guys


Dall took this one of Andy and I. He is actually a pretty good little photographer I must say!


The Three Amigos

I'm a soccer mom!

Well I have officially entered the soccer mom phase in life. It is more fun than I thought, and it doesn't hurt that I have a little rock star of a player. Dallin had his first game on Saturday and let's just say that he scored all 5 of his teams goals. He was AWESOME! It got to the point where I actually had to pull him out for a bit so the other kids could get a chance to touch the ball. Every time the other team had the ball, Dallin would bust on over there (to the bunch that is) and he would some how come out with the ball. He even managed to steal it from his own teammates a few times! Overall, it was a good time, and Dallin was in absolute HEAVEN. For those who don't understand Dallin's obsession let me just tell you... all he wants to do all day long is play soccer. This is probably why he is so good, practice makes perfect right? We have been joking that he is preparing for world cup 2030! We had lots of fans come to the game to cheer him on. Saturday marked the first of many many soccer games for our family, and I couldn't be more excited!

Easter.. just a bit late

This year Easter was a blast, of course with a 3 year old in the house. We started off the day with a small little hunt at our house where Dallin found eggs and his basket. Then we headed over to my mom's house for brunch and more easter egg hunting festivities. The day ended at Andy's parents where we had a yummy dinner and can you guess, another easter egg hunt. Dallin was in heaven, and spoiled rotten. Claire was too of course but she didn't know it! It was a great day, and I just love how holidays are becoming soo much fun with our kids.


Claire and Dallin at home Easter morning!


Dallin posing for the camera. He has been such a butt lately when we want to take his picture always pulling some silly face


Claire Bear


The only decent family picture we got


Dallin and his cousin Lyla (BFF's)

Happy Birthday Andy

The big 2-8!


We celebrated Andy's birthday on Sunday with my family, and Monday with his family. Monday we got babysitters and enjoyed a nice family dinner at Bonsai. It was such a good time, and the food was oh so yummy. Kind of pricey, but it was worth it seeing as how our eating out experience these days consist of Cafe Rio, Five guys, Training Table etc. (anything low key). Andy was spoiled by both families with some birthday $$$$, and I got him a new Invicta watch! I cant believe my man is 28. Not sure why, but 28 sounds so much older than 27. I will be there in a few months, geesh. Anyway, here's a couple of pics from dinner




.

All smiles

Here are a few cute pictures of Claire from the park. She is so ADORABLE, I cannot even say it enough. She loves standing up and I will not be surprised if she is an early walker. The last picture is of my neice Ellie. She is only 6 months younger than claire, so they will be so close growing up! My sister and I were the youngest grandkids by like 20 years so we never had cousins our age growing up. I am happy my kids get that experience!

Some randomness...

We've officially moved. It's sorta sad, although I really am loving the new place. I have tons more living space, which seems weird considering we downsized a bit. You see at our townhouse we had two smaller living areas, one which was downstairs and we hardly went down there. The new place has just one larger living area, and no stairs (can I say what great timing on our part as far as Claire goes). I have closets and cupboards that I am struggling to fill, so that's a plus. Dallin says to me the other day....

"I hate our old house... it was sooooo boring"

Well I guess we know where he stands on the subject.

Claire just crawls around giggling all day long, she loves the freedom to go wherever, and I love the freedom for her to go wherever as well!! I should get video of her laugh, seriously its so funny and she does it pretty much all day long. Happy little thing. Speaking of her, she is just dying to walk... all 19.5 lbs of her. she stands alone now for long periods of time and when she crawls she uses the bottom of her feet instead of her knees (does that make sense?) Maybe I should get a video of that too!

Today is Andy's birthday, 28 big ones! Happy Birthday babe! Love you!

Dallin is home sick today, throwing up. Poor guy, he was devastaed cuz Andy was supposed to go with him to school for a party but he threw up on the way so he turned around and took him home. Now he is home waching movies with Grammie.. I sure wish I could be there with him!

Movin Time

Well we got the keys to our new place yesterday, so we spent the majority of the day moving boxes/bins over. Today while I am at work Andy will be bringing more loads over, and tomorrow we will move all the furniture. Wow how I hate moving, although its really forced us to become organized. We have donated tons of stuff to DI, and will be selling a few more items on KSL so thats a plus. Its amazing how much stuff a small family can accumulate over almost 6 years. I haven't really had much emotion about the move yet, mostly I was just excited for the money we will be saving. Yesterday, however, I started to get a little sad as we started slowly emptying our house out. We lived there almost 3 years, pretty much most of Dallin's life. We will miss being able to walk out our front door and hang out with neighbors at the playground, or be able to ride bikes around the common areas. I know the new place will bring new adventures, especially since we will be just a short walk down to the Jordan River where we can ride bikes, go for walks and feed the ducks! It will all work out, I know, and we will be happy wherever we are! Well, I will post some pictures after we get settled!

BUNCO

I wanted to shout out to my bunco group and say how much I love these girls. It started out as a bunch of girls who lived in the same neighborhood, and now a year later we have become such great friends I debated about whether to leave the group when we moved but am glad I decided not to. We have such a fun group, each girl offers something different and we always have such a blast each month! I am glad I have made such great friends and will be able to keep in touch with all of you after I move!