Random Thoughts of the New Mommy

The idea of thoughts swirling in your head, never making it to paper (keyboard)- I think THAT is the act of motherhood. Which is a shame, since loving on Levi has opened up an new part of my brain that taps into my heart like never before. And I'm also exhausted. Happily exhausted.


 - Poop schedules run this town. Especially post solid food. Has he recently? How much? Consistency? Did he seem uncomfortable? It has actually become dinnertime conversation, which is weird. And gross.


 - I have never wanted a smile from another human being so badly. I will do really embarrassing things for a smile.


 -Being a Momma is all about sacrifice. But the tender mercy is that it REALLY doesn't feel like sacrifice. In retrospect- yeah, probably. My body. Naps. A clean house. A haircut. None of it's happening. But snuggling at 4 am? It doesn't seem like I am giving up anything. It seems like exactly what I should be doing.

 -Car seats are really heavy. Have women really been lifting these things forever?? Whoa.


 - I drive like a maniac when I am rushing to get home to Levi. Like a bat outta hell.


 -I was so scared that I wouldn't really like Levi. I mean, I knew I'd love him. But I'm not really a "kid" person. I was so grateful that I would be going back to work part time. And then- he was here, and I haven't stopped smooching his round bald head, and telling him how perfect he is since. I spend my days at work wishing I were home.


I had other thoughts. 4am thoughts- eloquent and meaningful. They have escaped me. I guess it comes down to this. As a new Mommy, I am so grateful to have my son. I am grateful for his spirit, and for the tender moments we have together. The sweet prayers that I say over him as I rock him to sleep, conversations with our Heavenly Father. I am grateful, blessed, and loved.

Life 2.0

That's really what life with Levi feels like- Life 2.0. Way, way better than it ever was before. Humor me as I stroll via photos through what has been the fastest and best 6 months of my entire life.

One of the first days home. He was still all furry and yellow and loose skin and tiny and wonderful. He is still wonderful. Everything else- not so much.

He was yellow, so we did a bit of sun bathing. He would fall asleep immediately as soon as he was in the sun.

These are his "Elton John" jammies. Fluffy with big stars. Oh my word- he was snuggly in these.

I guess- I just really really love him.

The cutest outfit, compliments of my Aunt Ellen. She has impeccable taste.

One of his first smiles.

Hiking adventures with Dad. All of his adventure gear was a little big, so we improvised.

4th of July.

The cubbiest, baldest superhero ever. Super power? Melting hearts. (I know- I'm a square.)

OHMYGOSH!

His perfected smile.

Hanging out with Mom.

Hanging out with Dad.

Playing in the backyard.

Stud-freaking-muffin.

Post blowout.

I may not look put together every day- but Levi does!

The sweetest boy in the whole world.

Bear Lake, 2014. Nap time with Dad.

Swimming with Mom.

Love this little chunk.

Aunt Emma got the stuffed alligator for Levi. He loves stuffed animals!

BAby food!!

Fall with Momma.

What I walk into after nap time. Happy, playful Levi!

Post run sweaty selfie!

Levi was watching our neighbor Lucy- he loves our neighbor friends!

Up at Snowbird.

The reason that every day is TRULY- better than the last.

Baby Levi

It's been almost 6 months, but for the sake of journaling big life events- I'm going to keep record of it anyways. I'm sure my Grandma is proud. Either that or she is shaking her head at me... "Lisa, it's about time!"

Levi was due to be born on April 3. Which would have corresponded perfectly with us moving into our home, getting things settled, and maybe even having a day to spare. When I went to the dr for my 38 week appointment, I was seen by a different dr., as mine was on call at the hospital. Apparently this dr thought I was ready to get this show on the road, and took the liberty to strip my membranes without telling me- ouch! I started cramping right away from that, which segwayed into contractions at some point. By dinner time they were getting harder to ignore, so we went to dinner and ran a few errands to keep my mind off of it. As far as I was concerned, this baby was not coming for another week or so, and these contractions were nothing of significance. When we got home, I went to bed, and slept until about 1:30 am. At that point the contractions were strong enough to wake me up, and begin to time. They were only about 30 seconds long, so not even close to needing to go to the hospital.

Keep in mind- I have no pain tolerance at all. I was convinced that I would get to the hospital, and they would tell me that I was only at a 2, and they would send me home. So I waited until I really could not handle it anymore, and even then I was sure I would be turned away.

Around 2 am I woke up Christian so that I could have some company. We tried to watch a show, tried to walk around, use the exercise ball, eat some ice cream... All in an effort to distract me from the pain. Around 4 Christian called the dr on call to ask for advice- to go to the hospital or not. She told us to go to the hospital when we were ready for the epidural... All those years of medical school for that??!?

Soon after, my contractions started to really hurt. I took some Advil (as recommended- REALLY?! I am about to birth a baby, and I get 200 mg of Advil?!) I had one in particular that I remember not knowing if I was going to cry, throw up, or die. At that point I looked at Christian and told him that it was time to go to the hospital (4am). I didn't even have time to eat my bowl of ice cream! The drive seemed long and bumpy to me, each little bump seemed like it would kill me! I went from marveling that this was my life- this long, dark drive to the hospital to meet my baby, with my husband in the drivers seat, just like the movi.. HOLY CRAP THIS REALLY FREAKING HURTS!! GO SLOWER!! MORE SMOOTH!! WHY ARE YOU HITTING EVERY POTHOLE!! Then back to- Oh, how special! I really love him... High highs, low lows, people. When we got there, we got checked in and in the room, and much to my dismay- I was at a 7!! Holy crap, I remember looking at Christian in total panic. Mentally, we were both still thinking we had another week or so. I looked at Christian and told him- CALL MY MOM. He called her, and for some reason talking to her on the phone was the permission I needed to really really freak out. I was all tears and "I'm scared, Mom." And Hurry- really fast". And she was on the road by 5. I was checked in and and had the epidural all within 45 minutes of getting to the hospital. There were a few things that really scared me about the process of childbirth- and getting an epidural was one of them. Anyone sticking a needle in my spine, me needing to be perfectly still- it all freaked me out. I just stared at Christian with total panic, hoping that I Was doing it right. The epidural ended up being heaven sent, and allowed me to still feel a slight pressure of huge contraction, but took the pain out of it. We tried to watch tv- there is really nothing good on tv at 6am. Looking back on the experience in the hospital, there to have my babe- it all seems so surreal. Christian called his parents, we called my brother and sister in law, and settled in for a long while.

By late morning I hit 10cm. Levi was still pretty high, so my nurse had me switching from side to side in an effort to bring him down. Mentally, the hardest part was when my nurse checked me and said- "You're at 10cm."- but I still had to wait! I was at 10am for at least 4 hours... waiting for baby Levi to drop. The dr.- the same one who stripped my membranes the day before!!! was the dr on call. He came in around 2pm, and the nurses got the room ready. After only 4 or 5 pushes, little Levi was born- March 22, 2014, 7 lbs 2 oz, 18.25 inches long. Calm as a cucumber, only crying enough to let us know he was here, and ready to be heard. I am not sure who was crying more- baby Levi or Daddy. I snuggled my sweet babe for a bit, until he was whisked away for some cleaning and measuring, with Daddy hovering over him, marveling at his straight from heaven perfect-ness. Christian was such a support to me, and we are infatuated with our boy. He looks just like his daddy, and I wouldn't have it any other way. My mom got to the hospital within a few minutes of him being born, and was able to come in and meet him pretty quickly.

My temperature was slightly elevated after labor, so I was put on some meds to keep the fever away. Unfortunately, so was Levi. He had a sad little IV in his head, and it made nursing initially a little hard. But he's a trooper- and so am I. We figured it out, and I really love that special "Mommy time" as Christian likes to call it.

The rest of the time was a blur of snuggles, visitors, feeding, eating, snuggles, bathing, and more snuggles. Levi is the very best thing I have ever done- Christian and I could NOT be more in love.

We left the hospital on Monday, March 24th, and got the keys to our home not an hour later. More on that to come.

The Big One

Choosing your spouse is the most important decision you will ever make.

There has never been a more devoted Daddy in the whole world. There has never been a man more in love with his family, a man more aware of the blessing of his son. When Levi was born, he didn't have to search at all to find his best friend- Christian and Levi have been best friends from Day 1. The picture above is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. When Levi was 1 week old, (through a series of unfortunate events) he had to be admitted to Primary Children's hospital due to high bilirubin levels. Whatever, he didn't need to be there, and we were extremely frustrated by the staff and care there. Worst night of my life. Moving on. Christian sat like this, perched over Levi, on the most uncomfortable stool- ALL.NIGHT.LONG. It broke my heart to watch, but made me infinitely grateful for the innately kind and loving man I married. His heart is quick to be kind, and slow to find fault. He has stepped into his role as Daddy so seamlessly

Levi and I are the most lucky Mommy and son to have Christian. We know how lucky we are.

Boy of My Dreams

I can't wait to meet my boy- the boy of my dreams. The dirt tracking, sound effect making (you know, when more spit comes out than sound), rain boot wearing, spitty open mouth kissing boy of my dreams.

I hope he loves to ski with his Daddy. In my dreams, he loves to ski. But he also loves to snuggle up with me, to watch Charlie Brown.

I hope he loves to play- especially with toys that don't have an on/off button. In my dreams he has a wild imagination- much like his cousin Michael. I hope he loves to play.

I hope he gets dirty. In my dreams I have an inner battle between loving his squeals of joy squeezing the mud through his fingers, and wanting to chase him around with a wet rag. I hope I do more watching, and less chasing.

I hope he reads- I hope he never stops loving to read. In my dreams, he has so many books- board books, hard cover books, boxcar children books, hardy boy books. I want him to know about all of the worlds he can escape to through books.

I hope my boy knows Jesus Christ. In my dreams, he knows Jesus is his brother. His knowledge makes him strong- a force to be reckoned with.

In my dreams, my boy loves to laugh. I hope he laughs his way through life, through success and failures alike.

I hope my boy is kind. I hope he takes after his Daddy that way- tender hearted to everyone he meets. I hope his kindness lights up a room.

Most of all- my boy is loved. Totally and completely, way too much, loved. In my dreams, and in real life, my boy is loved. I hope he is always greeted with smiles, warmth, and hugs. I hope he feels that love, all of the time. Even when he makes a mistake- my boy is completely loved by his Mom and Dad.

22 (24) Weeks

Technically, I am 24 weeks today. This picture is from Thanksgiving 2013- when I was 22 weeks. Some things about my boy:

o He is funny- really funny! I was out shopping one day, and walked my a mirror- MISTAKE! I noticed how huge I was, and tried to zip up my vest to cover it up. So, in addition to looking like a busted can of biscuits, I was uncomfortable. I unzipped my vest, and immediately, he kicked me. Like a big ol' kick! He sure showed me.
o I'm still sick. Not as bad as before, and I have a system that seems to be working for us. I'm just taking pleasure in the fact that he is in the right place, doing the right thing.
o He is getting really active! Especially at night, when I'm winding down for bed. Christian got to feel a few really good kicks, too.
o Little boy is getting showered with sweet gifts and presents. He/I will want for nothing. Lots of gear, clothes, diapers, and he got his first handmade blanket the other day from his great grandma. It really is the most fun thing to be able to see those that you love, love your baby.
o My parents/brothers were in town this past weekend for Christians graduation (YAY!!). My Mom got to feel a few good kicks, as well. Baby boy was spoiled even more, and so was Mommy (me).
o Baby boy and I had a little scare the other day- nothing major, and in retrospect, not that big of a deal. But anything out of the ordinary has potential to really freak me out, and this was no different. It was perfect timing, though- my Mom was here to stay up all night to monitor some stuff, and to filter internet info for me. As well as wake up super early the next morning to go into the lab. It was one of those moments where I would have though- I want my Mom! And she was here!!
o Christian sure loves his boy. He has been so sweet to us, and makes sure we are always comfortable. Oh, he loves his wife, too. :)

That's about where we stand. 24 weeks, and settling in for the long winter.

Remembering

I always remember her- every day. At times, it takes me by surprise- the enormity in which I ache for her love and attention, even still. It's pretty unfair, not knowing how much you love someone, how much they are a part of you, until they are gone. Then, there is no going back- it doesn't matter how often, or with how much force you scream into the universe to bring them back- their physical time with you is over.

My Grandma's early life was far from an ideal childhood. She thirsted for a "family"- and it was her dream to make one for herself. She met my Grandpa, married, and began her family.

However- it seems her true happiness began when she became a Grandma. It doesn't matter how you got there- through blood, through marriage. I became hers through marriage. And if there ever was a little girl welcomed with the most open arms, it was me. I never felt "through marriage". I was always hers. I have always been hers.

I've been aching for her especially hard lately. I was so angry yesterday- she was taken from me too soon. I have so much to tell her. She needs to be here, so that she can ask me too many questions about my pregnancy, about my boy. So that she can get mad at me for not calling her often enough. How do I tell someone that they meant the world to me?

I will remember her, every day. Forever.

But what about my boy? Will he know her? Will he know if her passion for her family- him included?

Ramblings

Just a few random tidbits that have been swirling around in my brain lately-

o I can eat pretty much anything as long as it is covered drenched in ranch dressing. I'm serious- ANYTHING. My apologies if my breath can wilt a flower in no time flat.

o Christian suffered through a rigorous session of "Does this/should this still fit?" last night. While he wasn't a very captive audience (missed you, Mom!) he made it through and I said "Catch ya later!" to a whole heap of ridiculously cute clothes. And some unfortunate looking clothing, as well.

I only got to spend a limited amount of time with those clothes. Ya know, I got all kinds of chubby, lost the weight, wore them, got pregnant, cant wear them anymore. However, I WILL see those clothes again! Well, maybe not the unfortunate looking stuff. Anyways, you now know too much about my changing wardrobe.

o My Aunt and Uncle came to visit me and Christian this past weekend- it was the most fun. I was so glad to see them, and spend time with them here in Salt Lake.

16 Weeks

This is what 16 weeks is looking like for us, pre-dinner. Post-dinner looked MUCH different. But at that point, I was too sleepy to take a picture. (plus, it's my blog, so I can post what I want).

Baby and I have been coming out of the woods the past week. Still a little sick, but lots better than before. My energy is coming back, and I seem to be able to have more food options. I am still a compulsive worrier- being in the age of the internet is a curse and a blessing. Thankfully, I have a brilliant sister in law and brother who tell me when I should actually worry, and when I can let it go.

Christian is still sent straight from heaven- he's been amazing. He is always amazing, and I've always felt blessed to have him- he's just really stepped up his game. If there is one thing I know he will be beyond amazing at, it's being a Dad. I am so grateful for that.

I have really been loving each milestone- each week there is something new developing, growing, etc. I am loving this special time that I get with my child- it's such a neat time. I just have to remember than when I'm getting dressed each morning, and less and less clothes are fitting.

My Stone

Do you ever feel like you have been the worst version of yourself lately? Like you are allowing every bad habit and poor trait to appear all too often? Welcome to Lisa, end of September, 2013.

My parents raised me to be a good person. They taught me to be kind, to smile, and that if you have nothing nice to say- don't say anything at all. And above all else- fake it till you make it. And for the most part, I succeed. But there are these moments, where the filter between my head and mouth seems to be much shorter than on other days. And all of a sudden, I word vomit all over people. People who do not deserve snarky comments, people who think better of me. And I can't ever take it back. I can (and usually do) apologize, but what can be forgiven cannot be forgotten. And I H-A-T-E that about myself. I hate that I can be snarky, mean, and petty. I hate that I notice flaws, oddities. And then, I obsess over my poor behavior. I beat myself up over it- I scrutinize every action.

But that's what this life is all about, right? Learning, growing, asking for forgiveness, and valuing the lessons you learn. This is the hard part- the polishing of my stone. There was one more bump- rough surface- smoothed out. These growing pains are the pits. But I'm grateful for grace, and for love. And I am so grateful that I surround myself with wonderful people, who choose to see the best in me, and overlook the flaws- I guess I am grateful that the people around me are not like me.

And Then There Were 3...

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I can start to write on this blog again. I'll start with this.

Thoughts on the 1st Trimester of Pregnancy:

Morning sickness is no joke. I keep trying new things, hoping it will make the difference. So far, no luck.
Zofran is not the cure all. On it. Still puking.
Your boobs get TENDER- sleeping on your stomach is NOT worth it.
Food is no longer fun. Coming from the girl who could have been a professional eater before.
Emotions are pretty close to the surface. The good, the bad, the ugly. Some days, I feel like it would be better if I were committed. Make up is never worth it.
Seeing the ultrasound was ALL WORTH IT. x1000
My only pregnancy must have? My husband. He has been my one saving grace. Love that man. Oh, and slurpees.
Oh, and pregnancy hair ROCKS!

This baby has been wished for, prayed for, and dreamed of for a long time. I have been getting ready for this baby for a long time. Every step I've taken when running has been for this babe. Preparing myself, getting myself in tip top fighting shape. Doting all of my "i's", crossing all of my "t's".

I am just over 12 weeks, and more in love with the little lime sized love bug than ever. I hope it's getting some last minute face time with Heavenly Father, and that my Grandma is giving it all the love and kisses in the world. I hope he/she is getting to know her. That is my only heartbreak- that it won't get to know her. I'll make sure to take care of that.

Anyways, there is a whole lot of love happening around here. Love, tears, and barf. Mostly love.

You're It!

Jenn tagged me, so.... TMI from Lisa!


1. If you could have your dream job, what would it be?

I have no idea. I really love my job now- really. It's been the biggest blessing for us. But maybe not my forever job? Can I get paid for reading People magazine and eating Cafe Rio? Okay, maybe watching Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and playing Candy Crush?

2. Who is your style icon?

Anyone who wears maxi skirts and target t-shirts every day. Okay, or maxi dresses. So, basically anyone who can wear their pajama's all day and still look socially presentable. Or work out clothes? But, you know- with the comfy sports bras.


3. Any beauty secrets you're loving lately?

All of the "natural" hair and make up looks. Oh, wait- that isn't a trend? Well, look at me- such a trend setter. Zit's have never been more vogue!

4. What goals you want to accomplish this year?

Let's see- maintain my healthy lifestyle. That's a worthy goal. Read more, watch tv less. Oh, and help Christian get through his school. Graduation date- December 10! What's that? A light at the end of this tunnel???


5. What is one of your guilty pleasures?

Ah, let's narrow it down to the one's that are appropriate for internet. People magazine. Cafe Rio. Spending too much time with my mom (and all that comes with that- pedicures, eating out, shopping, staying up too late...). Naps.

6.What is one of your most embarrassing moments?

Oh, my life is a series of embarrassing moments. The time I was obsessed with Mike Bibby, and fell down a flight of stairs right in front of him. Apparently the fact that that is the worse one I can think of right now is my brain's way of coping.


Tag- anyone who reads this blog! Um... maybe the game will stop here then.

Losing my Mojo

There was a moment, not too long ago (although it's getting further and further in my hindsight), when I was a badass*. I trained for- and ran- a half marathon. I lost 40lbs. in the process. I surprised myself- who is this girl? I mean, I am a quitter. Soccer? Voice lessons? Roller-skating? Sewing? Quit 'em all. Somehow, this time, I managed to keep running.

And then- just like that- I stopped. Life has been stressful lately, for reasons that deserve their own post. I went back to all of those places that were warm and fuzzy to me- Café Rio, Chick-fil-a, Snow Shack, the list continues I remembered how much I love reality TV. I dug down really deep, and mustered all of the excuses I could come up with to NOT move. IT's hot. I'm sooo tired. I didn't have a very good lunch. I guess I didn't really dig too far.

It's been a while now, and it's starting to bother me. I liked that other girl. I enjoyed the energy, and the happiness that she brought. I liked being a badass*. And, I think I finally get it.

I've lost my mojo.

But when the inner me- the fat girl in me- the lazy quitter- when all she wants is to eat Oreos, watch Obese and Expecting on TV, and put that evening agenda on repeat, how do I beat her?

I'm not really looking for answers, just needing this space to be a venting corner for me. It's my own little corner of the vast internet space. And, I appreciate it so.

* I know, it's a bad word. But, it's my honest thought. And if I can't call myself a badass, then who can? I WAS A BADASS.

Happy Happy!!

Whatever happens this year will happen, its how I deal with it that matters. Bring it on, 2013!

December

December came quickly and is going out with a fury. And, I'm not ungrateful for the speed in which it's passing. To be honest, 2012 hasn't been all sunshine and flowers for us- along with our victories have come sadness and heartbreak. At the beginning of this month, Christian was in full finals swing- which means I was counting down the minutes days until normal life would resume. Homeboy wrapped up his semester with excellent grades, glowing feedback, and a nice long nap. Fast forward a few days, and I (solo) travelled to CA to be at my cousins wedding. In the midst of all of that, my Grandma passed away, which came with a variety of emotion. Just in time to process those over the holidays.

These kids rock. Lets time travel again for a few days- back to UT for a mere 48 hours, and then hopped on a plane again- this time with some devilishly handsome extra cargo. We were able to be in CA for the holiday, giving me ample opportunity to spoil a certain niece and naphew as rotten as I possibly could. And to make sure they have enough skills to recite "Aunt Lisa is my favorite" at any moment in time.

Can we get a close up on this one?

Ah, much better. Little princess has both of us wrapped real tight around her perfect little finger.

This would be "quality time" in action. No emphasis needed on action.

And this was what it was all about. A Christmas miracle- a good picture of everyone. Although, I think full bellies had something to do with that.

We are about to get personal here. I was debating making this a private blog, for journaling purposes, but figured since I haven't posted in years (SERIOUSLY?!) it's as good as private anyways. So for any of the few lingerers around these parts, feast yourself upon my deepest thoughts. Ever feel like life happens so fast? It seems like the last 5 years of my life were spent wishing the time would go faster, waiting for the next thing that would take my life to the next level- waiting for my time to finally "make it". I would watch everyone else living their dreams, and wishing and hoping and waiting for it to be MY TURN ALREADY! Then, all of a sudden, I look around, and things are racing by. Only one more year of school-not only is my nephew a studly almost 5(!!) year old, sweetest Amy is 2 and a half(!!)-starting a family may not be such a distant dream forever- people I love are leaving this earth at an alarming rate, and I am being changed and molded because of it. I look around me, and all I want to do is stop for a moment, focus only on the water bottle in front of me, and pretend like the earth isn't really moving at such an alarming rate. I need to remember these times- these past 5 years- for the truth and honesty that they were. The trials, the blessings, the love, the heartbreak. It has all shaped me into an entirely different person than who I was before. The woman I am now loves deeply- deeper than most. However, with that ability to love comes real, true, honest heartbreak. I now know what it means to loose- and to have lost someone who made you into who you are, and whose absense will be felt for the rest of my time here on earth. And I have learned to be okay with that emptyness. In fact- it's a battle wound. Not everybody has that ability to feel so deeply- to be loved and to love so well. I have learned that I am a woman who cares abouth others- too much sometimes. I let down the walls (not even walls- its pretty much always open) of my heart quickly- too quickly. I have been hurt often because of that. However, with that hurt comes real relationships. Rerlationships that enrich my life, and enrich the lives of those around me. I often try to put up walls around me in the aftermath of the pain. I seem to punish muself for allowing people in who are not able to care for me in return in the way in which I deserve. I make a decision to STOP caring. To stop investing my heart into these relationships. But that isn't who I am, and that isn't who God made me to be. I must be true to muself, and my intended purpose. So, I will love, I will care, and I will live each of my days with my full heart, and awareness of the woman I am, and the woman I will become.

No pictures today, just this thought..

Why does it feel like you need a parent so much more when you're done being parented?

Is it just one of life's cruel little mysteries?

It's Been Awhile...

In my defense, summer has FINALLY hit the 801. Therefore, I have been spending way more time outdoors than indoors, so my blogging productivity have decreased. Love me anyways?

In an effort to play catch-up, here is some proof that we have the MOST stellar nephew and niece in the world. Try as you may, you won't find better kids anywhere. I fell even deeper in love with them while we were out there, to the point where my heart physically aches for them as I type this. Yep, I've always been this much of a drama queen. I hear it's one of my better qualities.



These guys went camping. I think this may have been the highlight of Christian's trip, if not his entire life. He lives for things like father-son camp outs. Especially with a kid as awesome as Michael. The played, got dirty, ate junk food, stayed up all night, and arose with the sun. Meanwhile, Hannah, Amy and I went shopping, out to dinner, and painted our toenails while watching Modern Family. Success? I'd say so.



Seriously?? This kid is the bomb.com. He has the most spunky little 'tude, and is the best big brother Amy could ever ask for. And, smart as a whip, I tell you. Just ask the Angry Birds and Monkey games on your cell phone. Plus? He's pretty easy on the eyes.

This one?



She WILL melt your heart. You don't stand a chance. She is the prettiest little girl, with the most loving, sweet smile. And the best is when you get her up from a nap. It almost seems like her face will break, she smiles so big. And she gives you the biggest hug, as though she is saying "THANK YOU! You saved me! I am so happy it's you! I was hoping you would be the one to come and get me! You're my very favorite Auntie, ever. And the prettiest. I want to be just like you." Okay, maybe my imagination went off a bit with that last part. Minor details. Amy sleeps like a dream, is a crawling machine, eats like a rockstar, and we didn't hear her cry 1 one time while we were out there. Includes when she was tired, hungry, whatever.



I like to think she loves me, too.



Seriously? I wish there was a word more meaningful that Love. Because that's how I feel about them. I'm a little scared that when I have my own children, I won't love them like I love these 2 rug rats.



And these 2 became the best of friends. Christian was in heaven playing with Michael. He still cannot get over how much FUN he is!



They both had smiles this big. Christan brought out his slackline so that Michael could play, and play he did! I think every other phrase out of Michael's mouth was "Oh, Michael's turn!" or "My Turn!" All of my favorite people, playing outside, laughing our heads off, on a perfect summer night? I had to pinch myself, it was just so perfect.



The kid is all BOY!

Sadly, there aren't as many pictures with Amy. Reason being is that I was too busy cuddling her, kissing her, and smooching her little cheeks (yep, all 4 of them!) to worry about pictures. I had to soak up all of the precious Amy time I could get. Something about that girlie girl just makes you feel like you could hang the moon.

There you have it. The photo documentation of our favorite people. The trip was a dream. More NYC pics to come. I'll be honest, Eric, Hannah, Michael, and Amy were the highlight, though.

He's cute.



This is us on our Friday night date. The husb. asked me out for a picnic... sadly Utah-friggin-weather had other plans for us. So we went to eat at the most lovely of all dive diners, followed by a movie. Water for Elephants. My expert opinion? Don't go if you want a feel good movie. 2 hours of depressing, with the last 5 minutes being uplifting. So you leave happy, BUT you just spent 2 hours being depressed! The lovely gem above was post movie. Also post eyebrow wax, so don't judge.

My east-coast-happyplace trip is on the horizon. Meaning, that if I check the 10 day forecast, there is a better chance that the prediction is correct. Neat, huh!! I think about going out there alldaylong. Michael and His Goober-face, Amy and Her Cute-ness. Yep, that is their official titles. Don't be jealous. Only Aunt Lisa can give such honors.

I am oddly thrilled to be gone for so long, and come back to my google reader all filled up with blog posts to read. I usually check compulsively, never knowing which blog will be telling me what the summer-must-haves are. I have GOT to be up-to-date on these things. My eternal salvation is on the line. Heavenly Father won't be letting any ill dressed girlies in.

Dear Fococcia Bread,

You ruined my resolution to eat healthy today. I was really going to do it today, too. I Went to the store, bought healthy things, did so great this AM. I was all grapes and hydration. I brought steamed broccoli for lunch. Enter the office catering. Darn you, free fococcia bread. Darn you to heck. (I know, I'm such a rebel with my cursing and such).

In other news, the countdown to My Happiest Place On Earth is growing smaller. One week from tomorrow!!! EEEeeEEE! And, all you avid readers, (Hi Mom!) there is going to be an Alexander McQueen exhibit at the MET while we are there (I just had to change I to we. Still adjusting to married life, I see). Oh, and there is the ever expanding list of things I HAVE to buy while I'm (WE) out there. Maybe I'm taking an extra empty suitcase out there with me, for the sole purpose of bringing it back full. :) Expect full facebook play by plays.

I feel like this entire blog post is a waste, due to my lack of pictures. In my defense, the camera on my phone is lame. Apparently I don't have enough memory for pictures on my phone. Whatev. Is anyone still reading this? Oh, comments... please be there when I check back for you. Really, this is my only highlight until next week. Christian has been studying all week. I saw him yesterday for 45 min... that included driving time. Oh, finals. We have a love/hate relationship.