Love

My Babies

From an embroidered saying my mom used to have on her wall:

"Cooking and cleaning can wait 'til tomorrow
For babies grow up, I've learned to my sorrow
So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep"

Things My Boys Are Saying:

Gabe: "Oh, I had no clue..." or when asked something "I have no clue."
Upon having something explained to him: "That makes sense." or "Good point."

He sounds so grow-up in the things he says and the ways in which he says them!

Dylan: "Mom, can I tell you something (but sounds like sum-peen)? (Big sigh) It's just that..." "Mom, can we talk? (Big sigh) It's just that..."

Dylan is so very taken with Avery! Every time she smiles at him, he says "Mom, I made her smile!" And I say "That because she loves you so much." And he smiles a big smile. Or when she smiles or laughs he says, "Isn't she just so adorable?!" And yes, they both are.

Avery Sono, The Prettiest Girl I Know

My baby girl is changing day by day - here are some of my favorite pictures of her:


One week old


My little bug, all swaddled up with Daddy on Christmas morning


Two weeks old and already taken with Daddy


One month

1 1/2 months - look at the difference two weeks makes!


2 1/2 months! Cooing as big brother Dylan sweet-talks her


She's smiling!

The Arrival of Avery Sono

On December 14, 2009, our family was blessed with the arrival of our long-awaited baby girl!



Labor started in the wee hours of the morning, so I did my best to sleep through as much as possible. I got up around 5:00 AM and made sure this was it! We had had a false alarm the week before and I was not in the mood for a repeat of that. After much timing of contractions (and much pleading with God, Avery and my uterus), I realized that it was for real this time and started to get ready. Aaron woke up and the preparations began. My mom came over to sit with the boys and we were on our way!

After having a very tough and painful labor with Dylan due to high amounts of stress (well, and my water breaking and back labor), I was determined to get it right this time. I relaxed with every contraction (a bit of an oxymoron, I know) and just tried to get out of the way and let my body do its thing. It must have been working well, because when I got to the front desk to check in, no one believed I was in heavy labor. I had three separate nurses, as well as the admissions lady, ask if this was my first baby. "Um, no - this is my third."

All was going very well and after about two hours the doctor broke my water. For months I had been having an internal debate about whether or not I would have an epidural this time. I went natural with Gabe and had an epidural with Dylan. This time, I felt fantastic, but after my water was broken, the contractions kicked way up and I got scared. Even though my inner voice told me I could do it and also told me to have them check me before I got the epidural, fear won out and I ignored it and got the shot anyway. About 15 minutes later, I finally listened to that little voice and had them check me: time to push! After another 15 minutes, my doc arrived and three contractions later, with Aaron holding my hand, our baby girl was born! Even though I was disappointed that I got the epidural needlessly, it didn't matter one bit, because lying across my chest was the perfect, healthy 6lb 10oz, 19" little girl I had been waiting for. Another case of true love began immediately...

Early December...

I haven't blogged in a while - I've had one or two things going on. Hee, hee!

Here is what happened the beginning of December:

Well, first of course, we decorated the tree! The boys were equally excited for Christmas and the baby. At least that's what I like to think!




I was able to visit with my dear, dear longtime friend, Erin and her family. She and her parents are among the best people I know.



My sister, Janie, drove down from Idaho to help me get ready and fill my freezer with lots of yummy food! And my Utah friends threw me a baby shower! They took pity on us, knowing we owned no baby girl stuff and they more than fixed that situation.


Dylan and Janie with Dylan's pretzel art and graham cracker house.


The big belly aka hidden basketball!


Some of my lovely friends and my equally lovely sis.


My Mom (who surprised me with blankets and burp cloths out of the fabric that was too expensive for me to buy - very thoughtful!)

It was all a wonderful way to start the month. And then...

Gabe is 8!

Last week on the 18th, my little Gabie turned 8-years-old! I can't believe it - the time has just flown by.

Here are some pictures from his party at the nickel arcade on Saturday:

34 weeks

8 1/2 months. *GULP* Don't get me wrong - that is a very excited gulp, but on the other side of that excitement is the reality of the situation! Labor, delivery and a newborn! Yowza! There is so much to done before that all happens, though, that I haven't had much time to worry about it. There are still new doors and trim to paint, clothes to buy, bedding to wash and a crib to assemble. Not to mention my neurotic need to scrub the house from top to bottom, clean the carpets and have the dog groomed! I won't even get into the fact that I really should finish Christmas shopping, as I am pretty sure I will be too busy next month...

We are just so very excited to meet our little baby girl! As Dylan said yesterday "We are going to have the most wonderfulest baby sister ever and we are going to love her." Just a few weeks to go...

7 months - 3rd trimester!

So happy to be able to write that! We are in the home-stretch now.

Dylan sure is sweet!

The other day we were snuggling and watching a show, when he leaned over, kissed my arm and patted it and said "My cute, little pregnant mommy." How sweet is that?

A few days before that, I was making some lemonade and he said "Wow, a pregnant girl sure is good at squeezing lemons!"

That is sort of the new thing - to say "sure is" - "This dinner sure is tasty", "That sure is nice of you to pick me up from school", "Daddy sure is a nice daddy", "I sure am glad I am having a baby sister" and so on. I know this phase of adorability might be short-lived, so I am soaking it in as much as possible!

Dylan Likes to "Organize"

Lucky, lucky me!

24 weeks! 6 months! We're making progress here, people!

Not so different from the front...


but the side angle tells a different story!

End-of-Summer Fun!

What a blur this summer has been! July brought it's own share of special challenges, but August was really great. It started with lazy days with the boys and kicked it up a little mid-month with a wonderful visit with my sister, Janie, her daughter Cecelia and her darling, darling granddaughter (!) Esther.


Cc and Esther on our hammock

Although the three of them were only able to stay for a long weekend, it was so enjoyable and relaxing and very memorable. On Friday, I was able to spend lots of alone time with Cc and get to know her more as an adult, instead of just my niece. We perused Ikea, shared cheese fries and had a lovely time together. I couldn't get enough of her baby and was chomping on her and kissing her as much as possible. Such a gorgeous little girl! I adore Janie and while I know she is an amazing sister, I am pretty sure she is also the World's Best Aunt (just ask Dylan!). She baked with my boys, tickled and chased them and just generally made them feel loved. We tried the Farmer's Market at Pioneer Park on Saturday morning, only to get soaking wet in the rain. But we were able to warm up with coffee and tea at Salt Lake Roasting Co. - a favorite spot. My hubby shocked us all later that afternoon, by volunteering to watch baby Esther and the boys, while we saw a movie. I think he is excited to be the daddy of a little girl, because he later shared what a fun time he had! We finished the day with some potato pizza (my fave) and more visiting.


Dylan and Cc making pizza dough. Yum!

On Sunday, my other sister from Idaho, Amy and her family came to town! We had a big family party for my brother, Paul's birthday that evening and just had a wonderful time catching up with everyone. Sadly, Janie and Cecelia had to leave after that, but our week with Amy and her kids was just starting...

Tuesday we all went to the gardens at Thanksgiving Point...


Kaden, Brinley, Addie, Gabe and Dylan at the Noah's Ark fountain at the children's garden.


Gorgeous! In the distance you can see some pillars which Dylan called "The old God temple ruins."

Wednesday to the zoo! My mom, brother Dave and his kids Sophie and Ethan joined the zoo fun that afternoon, but Amy, her girls and I started that morning with a check-up with my OB and they were able to hear our baby girl's heartbeat! So exciting!


Gabe and Dylan on the the new Carousel.


Trying to decipher the map AND get out of walking!

That Friday, Aug. 21, was my birthday and Amy treated me to lunch and a fun afternoon of shopping. My hubby took me out that night for dinner and a movie and most importantly, alone time! I love him.

Amy's visit ended on Sunday, with all of us heading to Trolley Square for salt water taffy, chocolate treats and shopping. It was sad to see them go, but we made some great memories and what a wonderful way to end the summer and get ready for a new school year.

Half-Way There!

Today marked a very big day in my pregnancy. I am officially 20 weeks, which means, only 20 more to go!

It was also the first time that Gabe felt her move - very exciting!

Things the boys have said recently...

Dylan:
"Not quite" (As in, if I say something is good or funny he will say "Well, not quite funny...etc.)

"Mommy, you are getting fat!" "Dylan, that's not nice to say." "No, you are getting fat in a nice way!"

Every morning before Aaron leaves for work, he says goodbye to the kids and Gabe would always say "Wait Dad, hugs and kisses." So, now before he leaves Aaron just calls out "Gabe, Dylan - hugs and kisses", to which they come running. Last week, after Dylan had slept in two days in a row, he sad straight up in bed, looked around sleepily and said "Oh, man! I missed hugs and kisses again." And then he laid right back down. Too cute!

When Aaron and Gabe went out of town a couple of weeks ago, Aaron told Dylan he was now the man of the house and needed to look after things. So, for two whole days Dylan would ask how I was and then pat my arm and say "I'll take care of you, mommy."

He lifts my shirt a little and pats my tummy every day and says "Good baby."

But my favorite was yesterday on the way home from the ultrasound, he smiled and said with a sigh "I'm so happy I'm getting a sister!"

Gabe:
Well, Gabe is getting older and so more and more these days we run into his sarcasm rather than his cuteness! But he did say something last week that made me laugh and made me remember how young he still is. We were watching 'So You Think You Can Dance' and were discussing our favorite dancers. He told me his was a certain girl and I said "Oh, that's right - you think she's pretty." To which he said "Yeah. I think she's sexy." Me: almost passing out, "What did you say?!" Gabe, laughing: "You heard me." Me: more gasping for air. Gabe: "What does that mean, anyway?" Me: huge sigh of relief. And mental notes: no more TV and no more playing with older kids!

If he ever hears about something rude or dishonest or even criminal that someone does, he says "They sure aren't following the Golden Rule, are they?" I love that! And I need to remember to thank his teacher for that, because when he is being a pill I can say "Gabe, are you following the Golden Rule?" and it works!

Gabe may not have many fun little quotes I can pop in here, but he is a sweet, sweet boy. He is helpful and kind. He tries to be considerate (although, if it involves Dylan, not so much!) and is very conscientious. I am very proud of the little person he is turning out to be.

Happy Independence Day!

An early, early morning at the Murray parade; lots of candy and excitement; sweaty, content kids.





An evening of swimming and more swimming; BBQ-ing; fireworks, friends and family.

A perfect July 4th!

Proof That I Occasionaly Let My Kids Play in the Mud

In the spot where our hot tub used to be, there is now a patch of sandy dirt. Since we have gotten rid of the hot tub, it has served as a make-shift sand box and the boys have loved it. Well, last month inspiration struck and Gabe decided he was no longer content with just a sand pit, but felt the space would be better utilized as a swimming pool. He asked permission, amazingly enough, and he, Dylan and a neighbor girl started digging. Thankfully, the digging itself filled up more than an hour, but the soon time came where they either got tired or felt it was deep enough and that is when the real fun started. The hose was brought over and the space soon began to fill. And to my surprise (and maybe a little dismay) the water did not just drain into the ground, but stayed rather well and the hole filled up quickly. What I thought would be an inch or two of sandy water, had now become at least six inches of muddy, watery slime. Perfect! The kids all dove in with glee as I bit my tongue and let them splash and wallow to their heart's content!




The clean-up was another story altogether, and the water stayed in the pit for days and just kept bringing joy to my life, but the above pictures and the fun they had, make it all worth it.

Belated Yard Photos

These are pictures I took in May - right after we filled the boxes and planted the veggies. In the first one, you can see my little herb garden and the cinder block wall we are (still) in the process of taking down.




These were taken at the same time - the view of Mt. Olympus from my front yard and the front yard.




And lastly, here is a picture of my little pet project that I am probably disproportionately proud of! When we first moved in, the side of our house was barren and dry - kept that way by neighbors who were sick of the weeds and were constantly spraying it with Round-up. So, late last summer, I divided the very plentiful Iris and Red Hot Poker that we had in our yard, as well as some other flowers I have yet to discover the name of, and planted them on the side. Then I added Russian Sage (for my hubby, since this is a plant I abhor!), some ice plant and sedum. The whole thing took me hours, was exhausting and was also met by a bit of skepticism from my husband. Hence, the huge amounts of satisfaction and gratification I felt this Spring watching it all bloom and thrive and the reason I feel the need to show it to everyone!

Yay, Spring! Oh, wait, that means yard work...

After great lamenting, wailing and gnashing of teeth, it appears Spring is finally here! I have spent the past three days working in the yard and loving it. But, alas, I face again, the great dilemma of which project to start first. There are so very, very many to choose from. (From which to choose?)

I am going to do that which scares me and post pictures of my wreck of a yard, in the hopes that it will spur me to action! The sad thing is that we have made huge strides since we bought the house...


Here are a couple of before and in progress pictures of our vegetable garden:



My very handy husband and I put these boxes together over the weekend and as soon as the drip irrigation is in place, we will fill them with dirt and start planting! Lettuce, radishes, beets, beans, peas, zucchini and squash are on the agenda, as well as anything else I can fit in there! Watch for more pictures to follow and wish me luck!