Thursday, July 22, 2010

7 months!




Sitting up and eating her toes! Avery is a busy, busy girl!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Leapin' Lizards!



Monday, July 05, 2010

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Long Overdue




We are still pretty blissed out over Avery. She is a little ray of sunshine in our lives and she shares that with everyone she meets. Honestly, you can see peoples' faces light up when she smiles at them and their moods improve. But how could it be any different? Avery Sono is a joy.

Gabe and Dylan have actually gotten into fights over who gets to talk to her and make her smile. They never walk by her without a sweet word, kiss or their declaration of love! Dylan told me he "loves me to the moon and back ten times", but he "loves Avery to the moon and back twenty times." And that "I love her more than anything" "More than me?" "Yes." "Good. Always remember that and look out for her." Said with a smile and nod, "Okay, Mom." I think she is in good hands.



Summer is in full force! We have had lots of fun days and are looking forward to more, now that I can drive! One of the boys' new favorite things is to lay a blanket out on the grass in the backyard (something I did as a kid) and have a snack and read books or play games. We have also had "backwards day" where we ate dessert (brownies) and dinner (homemade Macaroni and cheese) for breakfast and breakfast (French toast) for dinner! Jammie day was a hit, too, although I could only handle it until about noon. We have quite a few more things planned. Lots of fun to post about soon!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

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
"

Sunday, March 21, 2010

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.

Friday, March 05, 2010

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!

Thursday, March 04, 2010

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...

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

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...

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

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:




Wednesday, November 11, 2009

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...

Friday, October 02, 2009

7 months - 3rd trimester!


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

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

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!

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Dylan Likes to "Organize"

Lucky, lucky me!



Thursday, September 03, 2009

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.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

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!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

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.

Sunday, July 05, 2009

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!