February

February is our busy month, and I of course was sick during the busiest part. Valentine's Day came first. We had a family craft night followed by heart shaped french toast. The next day was Casey's birthday. We had a big family gathering the Sunday before, so on his actual birthday we just had cake and dinner with our little family. Then came my 30th birthday. Casey made me dinner (plus dinner for an entire week) and also threw me a wonderful party with friends and family. We're thinking of adding one more holiday to our February extravaganza: Leap Year; 30 Rock style. We'll see.

The Dirty Thirty

I think this is a funny title for my post. Mostly because I think it's intended for those single, popular, partying people out there who have crazy birthday blowouts on their 30th party. My party: a bbq with lawn games; bring the family.
I have mixed feelings on turning 30. I don't feel old, but I do feel a bit of nostalgia and underachievement. I loved my high school years. I loved my college years. I loved my single years. I've been surrounded by wonderful people my entire life and I have so many fond memories with so many of them. Ditching school to go swim at the nasty "hole", playing softball in the perfect fall weather, making fun of all my roommates via homemade videos...loved it all.
But I never did accomplish any type of career goals. I feel like a complete failure in this area and often wonder if I could go back in time, change my major and career choice, but still end up with my current husband and family? The fact that I never got to enjoy the satisfaction of landing an awesome graphic design job before starting a family is my biggest regret. But I do hope to hop back on the schooling/job wagon when my kids start school.
So I'm 30, now what? I've been thinking about this the past few weeks, and just like the start of every new year, I know I have to step it up. I need to be more spiritually strong for my family. I need to realize that my body needs healthy foods and exercise. I need to read the news now and again to have an intelligent conversation with my husband. I need to wear makeup more than once a week. I feel like a full blown grown up and it's time to start playing the part. I also know that not all of this is going to be accomplished immediately and I need to cut myself some slack sometimes. So, instead of instantly hitting the couch when the kids fall asleep, I am going to do one self improving thing. Whether it's just checking a news website or deciding to drink a bottle of water rather than that delicious diet cherry Pepsi.
I'm excited for this new chapter where my life is focused on family and I get to enjoy the children I am so blessed to nurture and raise. I feel like Tim McGraw crooning his song, "The next 30 years will be the best years of my life, raise a little family and hang out with my (husband)." Amen Tim, amen.

A Good Day

Today was labeled a "no TV, no computer" day. With little William loving to be held all the time, it's been far too easy for me to let Maddie just watch some Blues Clues or play on the computer. She's become far too dependent on this for entertainment, so we decided to take a day's break. I think our decision created a bit of magic to fall onto William because today he napped two times in his crib! The first for an hour, then second for two hours! I felt like today was such a breath of fresh air. Maddie sat at the counter chatting with me while I did the mound of dishes from Casey's birthday dinner last night. I was able to get most of the laundry done while Maddie played at her Grandma's. We walked to the park, we played board games, William was hardly fussy when he wasn't being held. If I can have days like today, I think I can maintain a sanitary living condition for our family and keep our kids entertained without always relying on the tv or computer.

Lovely Winter

We enjoyed Christmas in St. Johns this year. We were lucky to get lots of snow to play in. Maddie loved her Minnie Mouse from Santa. I didn't get any Christmas pictures of William, but this photo was taken on Christmas Day so we'll count it.

William's Photo Shoot

I'm a bit behind in the blogging...Here are William's newborn photos taken by my good friend Jenna Jameson. They turned out so great; I couldn't put all the ones I loved on here because it takes too long! He is not even one week old in these. My how he has grown, by about 10 pounds!

2012...Here I Come!

Every year I make a list of goals. It's something I quite enjoy doing. Writing a list of all the things I want to someday become. But then everyday life steps in, and I quickly get sidetracked just trying to get the dishes done each day. Here's hoping I can better myself in at least one way this year.

1. Nightly family and personal prayer/scripture study.
2. Exercise at least 3 times a week. (I already broke this one, but am still trying!)
3. Drink more water (I'm the worst!)
4. Read one non-fiction book.
5. Monthly date nights and temple dates
6. Work on family videos, a photo book and a piece of art decor for the house.

William Updaate

Our Sweet William. Apparently Sweet William is a plant, who knew? Just a little update on our adorable little boy. He is almost 4 months! He is definitely a fast growing boy. 9pounds at birth, 12 pounds at his 1 month appointment, 15.2 pounds at his 2 month, and we are awaiting stats for his 4 month appointment. I predict a near 20 pound weigh-in.

He is laughing and smiling and trying to engage anyone he can in baby gurgling chatter. He LOVES his big sister and his eyes follow her all around the room.

He's quite fond of being held, and still doesn't nap during the day without that comfort. But, he does do pretty awesome at night and will sleep from 9 pm-ish to 7am-ish with only waking once to eat (usually).

We got a bit lazy in the bottle making/pumping department, and he now refuses a bottle. We were so adamant that this kid would most definitely take a bottle! Ugh, we failed miserably. I have hope that we can still make it happen. It must happen. Mother needs her time off too.

This kid can drool! Maddie wasn't a huge drooler, so this is new to me. I always try to dress him so cute for church, then have to throw on that tacky bib. Ruins the whole effect. His hair is hilarious. It looks like a come-over in the back. I'm still hoping some curls will emerge.

We love our Bubz.