Dress Up

These are blackmail pictures for when Ethan is older. He loves to dress up, which for him means putting things on your head or around your neck. Most mornings when we are getting ready, Ethan can be found wearing either a hat, a headband or a shower cap. He really doesn't care which. He also has a tiny scarf he took off a teddy bear that he puts around his neck. It makes me laugh. Ethan also loves to wear sunglasses, but lately will put them on his forehead instead of his eyes. What a nut!

The oh so stylish shower cap. I have several colors for him to choose from.

I just wanted to wrap him in scarves. If you look closely the original scarf is camouflage. He looks like he is fleeing his homeland.

I'd Love to Be a Cowboy!

It was the first year that Ethan went Trick or Treating. We only went to 3 houses in our neighborhood. One of our sweet neighbors gave him a little stuffed spider, the cute kind. Ethan helped pass out candy to the kids. He would just stare at them in awe. He loves little kids. We had about 200 trick or treaters. It is so much fun to have lots of kids come on Halloween. It was a really nice night, so we sat on our porch to pass out candy.

Our cute cowboy. Man, he loved his hat. He wore it the whole week before Halloween. He didn't like it when I drew on his mustache, but soon forgot about it. Liquid eyeliner is great.

We went to a Trunk or Treat for our ward. I was a rodeo princess. I made that sash all by myself. I even wore an authentic cowboy shirt from my grandpa. Miss you grandpa!

Jim was a cowboy too. It is so easy when you have a theme.

Here is our beautiful owl carving. We carved our pumpkin just 4 days before Halloween, but the weather was so nice that it was totally shriveled up for the trick or treaters.

Ethan loves rats and spiders. He likes to carry them wherever he goes. He will kiss them and hug them. We used these to decorate our trunk and he wouldn't put them down.

WE HAVE A WALKER!

Make sure to check out my other new post below. This is for you Grandma! There are 2 videos just like the Read More button at the bottom.

Summer is Gone!

We have had a great summer with lots of visits to and from family. In July Ethan and I flew to CA to see my dad and meet his new wife and family. We loved getting to know everyone there. It was my first trip flying solo and I was terrified. Thankfully Heavenly Father sent me a few angels to sit by me on the plane. I was worried about diaper changing among other things. Don't worry, Ethan got me over that. On the flight home (3 1/2 hours) he pooped 2 times within 30 minutes. I am now expert at diaper changes on an airplane.

My mom also got to visit us and see our new house. We played and took walks. She even helped me paint one of my bathrooms and sew Ethan some pjs. Pics to follow someday of our house, I promise.

The picture above is in CA. This one is of my dad, Jayden (I guess that he is my new stepbrother) and Ethan. We went to this place called Habitot. They had lots of fun activities for kids. Ethan loved getting his face painted.

In August, my brother Mike and his beautiful wife Kaila came to visit. They brought Roman along too. He is a funny kid. I love how he dances. All knees and elbows. So adorable. We also had a family reunion on Jim's side at the same time of Mike's visit. Below are the things we did together.

Took them to see the sights

Me and Kaila at zoo

Our family at the zoo. He really did enjoy himself despite what the pic shows.

They were the cutest buddies. Roman taught Ethan how to snuggle. Pic above. By the end of the trip Ethan would kiss Roman and hug him when he got near. Awww!

His first carousel ride. He loved it. It does help when mommy talks with a really excited voice during the whole ride.

A day at the park. I think he likes the slides. He kept trying to climb back up, but the slide was really steep.

Bath buddies. Roman tried to give Ethan a bath, but Ethan was not too keen on that idea.

Above: Jim and Ethan at the zoo. We were hoping to see the Sea Lion show, but he didn't want to perform in the rain. I can't blame him. We had to seek shelter for about an hour while it rained.
Ethan's first time at Miniature Golf. He liked to hit the ball and then run after it.

Ethan Update

August was a good month for him. He started walking, waving good bye, folding his arms, and saying a few words. He loves to fold his arms. I will just ask him to fold them and he does it right away. He even can tell that we are going to pray sometimes and will do it before we ask. It makes me feel like I am doing something right. Don't we all need that kind of validation.

This and That

I realized that it had been a few weeks since blogging and decided, why not, I have a spare minute or two. Here are a few random things, but blogworthy in my mind.

His first ride in the car shopping carts. He had a huge smile on his face and was so pleased with himself, except when taking a picture.

Mommy's little helper doing the laundry. He likes to stand in front of the dryer and then swat the clothes in with his hands. Then he gets up on the dryer and turns it on. He loves it. I keep thinking of what other chores he can help me with. Note: I am not wearing a bra over my shirt, it is an tank top that happens to match my t-shirt perfectly.

 Ethan loves to wear Jim's glasses. Is it me or does he look like he is 5 or something? Too cute.

This is my festive July 4th Dessert. It is a Fruit Pizza. So yummy. We celebrated by working on our house all day. We did go swimming in our pool and then had dinner at Jim's parents house. Our basement is looking amazing. My mom comes in a week and we almost have everything ready for her. I will post some pics soon.

Families are the Greatest Things!

This post is way overdue, but that is life. We had an amazing family reunion in May. We ate good food, played with all of the kids, went swimming, shopping, ate at the Frosty P, and had great time hanging out in our pj's. It was so fun to have FOUR one year olds in the same house. They got along really well. Ethan would just sit and watch the older kids. He loved it.

Hanging out after our Grandma Party. My mom had this cute party for the kids. The Party consisted of singing "5 Little Speckled Frogs" with puppets, coloring the puppets, a dance party, fishing for bubbles, and then bubble making and a treat. Of course this all happened within the space of 20 minutes. These kids don't stay a one thing for long.

Coloring his frog. He really just wanted to eat the crayon, not color with it.

Dancing with momma

Eating our snack with the twins Sierra and Ashley and my mom.

Taking a ride on these enormous shovels my mom had. He thought it was fun. We did take more pictures but I think they are on someone else's camera.

P.S. Did you notice I chopped my hair off? I love it. I needed a change.

Happy Birthday: A week of fun!

I can't believe that my baby is ONE! I have been reflecting a lot on what I was doing last year at this time. The anticipation and nervousness we felt seem so long ago. Then how excited we were to get the phone call that Ethan was being born. He has brought so much joy to us. All of the pain of waiting have been wiped completely away. I can't imagine life without this fun little guy in our home.

Ethan had 2 parties this week. Lucky boy! We had a family party on his actual birthday. I made a blueberry cake. YUM! It is my favorite cake and since my birthday is the day after his and he can't say anything yet, I made what I wanted. I will have to figure out how to do this better in years to come. We celebrated my birthday by going out to eat and watching Thor. It was so nice to have a date.

On Saturday we had a friends party. We invited lots of friends over for a dog themed Paw-ty. I was nervous about having so many kids over, but now that I have lots of room I have no excuses. Thanks for the pep talk, Lara. It was lots of fun. We played Go Fetch, Trainer Says (like Simon says), and Dog Food Eating Contest (Cocoa Puffs) and made Dog Collars. I even decorated cute, but forgot to take pictures before taking most of the stuff down.

 Ethan had his year check up this week. 26lb 11oz and 32 3/4in long. He is as big as a 21 month old. They had to take blood. So sad. When we were all holding him down, he started shaking his head no. It was over quick and the shots weren't too bad. What a brave boy!

Ethan learned to clap this week. So far he claps when he drops his sippy cup from his highchair and when getting his diaper changed. Very clap worthy things.

Ethan and his cousin Seth giving him a hug

Cool shades

He liked the cake, but was so tired and did not want to play in it. I shoved his hand in the cake and he gave me a look.

Bail out of the turtle. He got a sand box. I like the bums in the air.

 

The cute birthday boy with a bow on his head. 

Ethan eating the dog food or cocoa puffs.

Other eaters. Some of the kids were really into this. They came up drooling chocolate. Basement shot.

The madness of presents being opened. We had lots of help opening and playing with the toys he got. At one time I swear there were five different hands reaching in to help open the gifts. Thanks everyone for all of the presents.

His cute balloon Costco cake. So good and such a great price.

Random slumbering bubba picture. I love his sleep positions. My legs would be asleep in 2 minutes if I slept that way.

P.S. We finally got our basement finished just in time for the party. So now we are moving stuff in and I promise I will post some pics of our house soon. We went swimming for the first time in our pool last night. Ethan loved it. He was splashing and kicking. I can't wait for him to swim. He is going to love it.

Happy Easter!

We had a fun Easter. I didn't want to go crazy with buying stuff for Ethan, so I kept it simple. He got some bunny ears, a new book and a movie. We did find this edible grass that is green apple flavored. He loved eating it. Who knew grass could taste so good! He did try some candy, but the boy still can't chew much.

I love Easter Sunday. At our Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) there is always lots of singing by the choir on Easter. Ethan was having a tough time at church until the choir started singing. Then he was spell bound. If only the singing continued for all of the hours of church.

Ethan was a hit during Priesthood opening exercises. The men were practicing a song for Mother's Day and the director paused to give them their note. Ethan loudly piped up with the classic vibrate your lips with your finger thing. Everyone laughed. After church the men kept coming up to me and asking if I heard what my son did.

We had Easter dinner with Jim's parents and sister and brother-in-law and their 2 kids. Ethan loved seeing their boys, but was a little wary of all of the noise and movement going on around him. He will love it when he can really play with them.

The Little Bunny

His Loot

I got him this adorable Easter outfit. I love dressing him up like a miniature man. What a cutie pie!

Our family

You Are So Worth It!

It has come to my attention that we as women, maybe even men (I haven't talked to any men about this), don't truly love ourselves, which makes me sad. We are so amazing. We are daughters of God, who have divine talents and attributes. Not only that, but we are unique and we should celebrate that we are not the same as others. We need to stop comparing ourselves and accept us for who we are. I know I need to work on this.

In college I had a wise roommate who helped me realize that I was special. I had dated a lot of guys who made me feel small. When I was having a bad day or doubting myself, she would ask the following.

She would say "Why do I love you?"

I would respond "Because I'm Me!"

She would then say "How do I Love You?"

I would reply "Just the Way I Am!"

Her mom did that with her and she wanted to pass on the love. So if you are feeling like you need some validation or just some reaffirmation that you are amazing try it with someone you love. You will begin to believe it because it is true.

Here is a little feel good music to go with my thought for the day! Do something nice for yourself!

Leave it to Beaver!

Oh my, time has flown. I can't believe that Ethan is 11 months old today. He is changing so much each week. This week has been interesting to say the least. He learned how to stand up. More on that below.

Our family

 

Ethan's love for laundry baskets continues. This week he tipped it over on top of himself. He then rolled over and proceeded to crawl around under the basket. Can you see his happy smile? He was lovin' it.

If you Stand Up, you must eventually Sit Down. The hardest lesson for him to learn. I would put him down for a nap and then hear a strange cry. He was standing and couldn't get down. This happened over and over again. While in his crib, he thought he would try out how life as a beaver would be. The picture doesn't do his work justice (he got the top and side of the rail). After 2 days we got this special soft rubber to put over the side. Now no more bite marks. And he Finally learned how to sit down. Those were 2 longs days of bad naps.

Cut It Out!

It is official, Ethan hates hair cuts. Doesn't he look cute though. I did an ok job on the hair cut, but will probably make Jim do it next time.

The New Do

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The New Stance

The Jail Bird. It is the only way I can keep him in one part of the house. He can actually use another doorway to get in the kitchen, but he forgets about it most of the time.

P.S. Does anyone know what TV show the title of my blog comes from?

New Tricks

I love how Ethan's personality is starting to show more and more each day. His latest trick is peek-a-boo. I sit him up after finishing his bottle and immediately he will grab the burp cloth and put it over his head. Doesn't matter if it is 2:00am in the morning or when the sun is out. He is always ready to play. The thing that makes me laugh is that he often won't even cover his face with the cloth, but he won't look at you, therefore he is hiding. What a nut!

I know that I mentioned that he gives lots of kisses. Mostly to me (Yah!), some to daddy. He is pretty sneaky about these kisses. I will ask him for a kiss and without looking at me, he will lean forward and plant one on me. He has crazy peripheral vision.

The other day he started to pull up on the table. One minute he was just on the floor and the next a head pops up. He was so proud. It was like a jack in the box.

In other news, we are still getting moved in. I need an interior decorator though. Can't seem to figure out where everything goes, especially since I don't want our new home to look just like our old one did. Jim is so amazing. He is juggling about 4 huge things right now and still getting lots done. He keeps worrying that he is behind, but I am just floored by all he does. I keep thinking how amazing it is that he is handy. I have been thinking of what I can do to lighten his load and there is not much I can help with since I don't like power tools. Makes me grateful that his dad taught him how to work and fix things. Thanks Grandpa.

We have been having amazing weather, so I have went on a few walks with Ethan. He has cried while we were out. The second time out, I stopped and explained to him what we were doing and how we are in nature with trees and wind and birds. He was fine after that. I sometimes forget how new everything is to him. I am always amazed by how much he understands and how better life goes if I explain what is happening to him first. Sorry no pics, maybe next time.

What A Difference A Day Makes!

Well life is settling down a little bit. We moved into our new home on Feb 19th. I didn't think it could be done, but Jim got all of the painting and things (new roof, carpet, plumbing) done really quick so we were able to move in 12 days after closing. I am loving the extra space and laundry doesn't seem like a chore anymore since I don't have to lug it to the basement. I am still trying to figure out where to put all of the decorations and furniture. I will post some pics as soon as I get some more things up.

On to bigger news. ETHAN IS MOBILE! He started crawling a week ago Sunday. He is still not too fast, for which I am grateful. He is exploring a lot more and doesn't get stuck any longer. At his last doctor's visit 3 weeks ago he was 31 in long and 25lb 11oz. Hefty weight. He also has learned his pincer grasp, so he can now feed himself. He learned it on the same day as crawling.

Feeding Victory: I finally figured out how to get 3 meals in a day with an extra bottle and POOF! he sleeps through the night again. We have been loving the extra sleep. Now if we would only go to bed at a decent hour.

Ethan loves to roll still and will roll onto his side and just chill there. It makes me laugh because he looks like he is about to do a leg lift.

On his second day of crawling, he crawled through this tunnel which is about 18 inches long. We started clapping for him and he just looked at us like we were crazy. I thought everyone wants their own cheerleader.

Laundry time is a favorite. He zooms in on the laundry basket once he see it.

Up close and personal. I wanted to show a crawling pose, but then Ethan decided he wanted the camera.