Standing in Utah

Grace just needed a little motivation. The day after the Early Intervention people came she decided to try out her legs again. While in Utah she was very brave and stood unassisted several times. In the last photo I guess that she stood for nearly 2 minutes because she was so fascinated by her shadow on the dishwasher. She was mesmerized and just waved her hands in front of it for a while before she realized what she had done and sat down.

My Grace

As many of you may know, we've been worried about Grace's development lately. Today we had some people from Early Intervention come and evaluate her to see where she's at developmentally. She scored pretty high on a lot of their tests, but as suspected is only at an 11 month level with her gross motor skills. I am so thankful that there are programs like this so that moms like me don't have to worry so much. They are also going to help me with Grace's eating problems. She has improved a lot since my post two months ago, but we still have a long way to go. I am also thankful for the support group I have with my friends and family! You guys are awesome! We are lucky to have you!

UPDATE: I know it's only the next day and that we haven't done anything different sense yesterday, but I am proud to report that several times today Grace stood unsupported! Erik is afraid she will learn to walk while we are in Utah and he will miss it.

Grace talking to Mommy

it was bed time so she didn't want to say much more than
"bye bye"

time for another "Holy cow!" post

Grace is now 16 months (almost 17) and my how she's grown! at her 15 month appointment she weighed in at 23lbs and 32inches (ha, I just noticed that). when she was born she weighed in a 4lbs 7 oz and 17.5 inches. they say your kid is supposed to double their size by 1, and she's done it! Still not walking, but talking up a storm and loves to sing. recently she's started doing this weird crawl thing where she is on one knee and "walking" with her right leg. anyone else's kid do this? she favors her right leg heavily when walking so we've got an appointment with early intervention. guess we'll see what they say. Anyway, here are the most recent pictures of Grace.

I can do it all by myself

I should have posted these pictures a week ago, but now they are here for your viewing pleasure. Grace can feed herself.

with both hands.

One year ago today. . .

Grace was blessed! Today is also my favorite Aunt's birthday (the one who gave Grace her middle name). If I had the dress here in Massachusetts I'd show you all how much Grace has grown since that day. Enjoy the pictures anyway. The first is the dress I wore to be blessed, the second is the dress I made her. She was blessed in the first dress. Happy Birthday Auntie Shell!

the silliness that is Grace

I was just sitting on the couch one day, and when I looked over this is what I saw. It was so silly I thought I'd take a few pictures and to share with you. Note the look of accomplishment on her face. No she didn't get hurt, and she hasn't done it since.

it's a baby!!

yesterday was our first appointment, it went ok except we discovered that we have to change our insurance because it isn't covered in that office, blah. luckily, that wasn't too difficult. I was a little sad and relieved when the nurse said it was just one baby, so sorry to the one person who voted twins. and now for your viewing pleasure our 7 cm baby. if you can't tell, the little legs are crossed and "he" is covering "his" face with "his" arms.

random thoughts

Grace has basically stopped waking up in the middle of the night, which is wonderful! except for the fact that I still have to get up at least once because of my pregnancy bladder. This morning she woke up at 6, so I brought her into our bed to snuggle. she didn't go back to sleep until Erik got up. we took a nice long nap until we awoke to the sound of crows squaking and pecking at the roof. Grace woke startled and didn't know what to make of it. so I told her "silly birds, what are they doing to our roof?" after a few minutes I started to worry that they might actually break through our sky light. but then they stopped peeking in on us and flew away. in all the time we've lived here I've never seen/heard crows attack our roof before. I loved that they were playing peek-a-boo with us though.

Another thing that's been on my mind lately is the holiday season. this will be my first christmas away from home, and my first thanksgiving where I make the food. I am a little nervous, but I think we'll manage somehow. Things are going to be a lot different from now on, I can just feel it.

Now here are some unrelated pictures for you.

We're staying here

In case you're out of the loop I figured I'd post it here. We found out the two days before Erik's last day at the RCN Metro job. He is now working in Woonsocket RI for a company called Location Inc. If you're looking to buy or sell a house this is a great place to look. One downside to this job is that currently it is only temporary, but there is a chance it will go permanent if Erik does well. If not, we'll be moving in the dead of winter again.

Grace is making some improvements towards walking. Yesterday I caught her standing unsupported twice as she watched a Signing Time video. When they got to the segment about babies she let go of her safety gate and started swinging her arms like she was rocking a baby. Of course, once she realized what she'd done she clung to the gate for dear life. The movie automatically started playing again, and sure enough when the baby segment came around again I could see the wheels turning in her head. Just when I was about to lose hope, she let go and just clasped her hands in front of her (like she was nervous) for just a moment before grabbing the gate again. I was so proud of her I had to give her a hug. She has the skills, she just lacks confidence. I guess I'll just have to be patient. We made friends with the neighbors and they are letting us borrow their walker since their daughter has been walking for a while. She is one month younger than Grace and about the same size. We're hoping Grace will teach Maddy to talk, and Maddy will teach Grace to walk. Here's for hoping!

As for me, I'm doing ok. Monday was a bad day for my stomach. But I enjoyed spending the day as a family. We went out to celebrate Erik's job, and I discovered Friday's has a great cherry limaide! no 7up! it actually tasted like cherry! I told Erik I would drink one of those every day if I could. Did I mention I love artificial cherry flavor?? In general I don't feel as sick as I did with Grace, but I think it's because I force myself to eat, I am not working, and I don't go to a school. Still taking online classes though, which leave me feeling very overwhelmed. I've got 3 papers due the 14th-17th and one is a 20 pager. yuck!! I don't even want to think about it, but the longer I wait the worse it will be.

it's been one of those days

I want to complain, but know I shouldn't. Compared to a lot of people I have easy pregnancies. My all day morning sickness is minimal most days, except the last couple of days I haven't been able to shake it off. Doesn't seem to matter what I eat or how often I still feel yucky. Not to the point of vomiting, but close. Grace has been a sweetheart, just watches her movies while I groan on the couch. She's been extra snuggly too because she knows I don't feel well. For the last couple of months my ears have been plugged and my joints stiff. Not sure if it's the cold weather sneaking in or the extra blood flowing, but it's really annoying.

On the plus side, we don't have to drive across the country at the end of the month. there is a chance we might have to move in February, but other than the icy roads that won't be as bad.

The one complaint I have with my pregnancies that I don't know if a lot of other people have is that from 6 weeks my stomach starts hurting and I get cramps. I also got this weird burning sensation in my belly, it's like heart burn but in the wrong place. I think this time I will start showing before 4 months. I haven't lost or gained anything yet, which is good. Last time I lost 10lbs the first couple of months.

My food preferences are a little different this time too. With Grace all I wanted was dry cereal and fruit, with this one I am craving a things like meat and peanut butter, can't stand the smell of cereal and fruit gives me a stomach ache. I hated chocolate with Grace, with this one I can eat chocolate but I'm not craving it. with both babies I want slushies and popsicles a lot. I guess that's my body's way of saying I need more fluid. water is nasty, milk leaves a bad taste in my mouth, so I've been drinking a lot of orange juice. It's good except for the indigestion. no heart burn yet, it came later with Grace.

According to "pregnancy week by week" my little squishy is the size of a tic tac right now, seems bigger! lol, I think it's in the center like Grace was, which is good because I was paranoid with all the pain I had in my side. speaking of Grace...here are some more pictures. Grace loves to comb her hair (and mine) but doesn't always like to get it styled.

What do 15 month olds eat?

I figured you could help me. Grace is 15 months and still eats baby food (which smells disgusting). She didn't get her first tooth until 12 months, but now has 4. She quit drinking formula on her own (just up and decided she didn't like it) so I want to feed her nutritious foods. It's down right disgusting how much baby food we go through! Ok, so here's what I've tried. the things she hates are more of a texture issue than taste issue.

she hates bread/muffins/cake, (we made a breakthrough! she ate a cupcake on the 26th!)
loves cookies/cereal/crackers,
hates apples (used to like them)
loves pickles/cucumbers,
won't even try cheese
chokes on things like peas/grapes but likes them(we occasionally use that mesh thing but it's not worth the mess)
gags on canned peaches
hates mashed potatoes (unless they're sweet/yams)
will eat squash if I add butter and brown sugar
sometimes will eat rice
won't eat pasta
haven't tried any meats
loves popsicles
loves milk/fruit milk shakes
not allergic to peanut butter
doesn't like her food warmed
won't try green beans

I know she can chew pretty well now, because she will shove a whole animal cracker in her mouth and generally doesn't choke on it. I don't want to feed her the same things all the time, but not sure how to help her get over this texture thing. Erik blames me because I have a problem with textures too (malto meal, tapioca, and slimy foods like cooked onions).

Any suggestions? I don't want to spend a lot of time mashing things up or cooking if I can help it (it's hard to stand for long periods of time with this morning sickness).

Grace's vocabulary

It's been a long time since I posted so I figured I would at least tell you what Grace has learned to say (still waiting for those first steps).
In no particular order, she likes to say:
hey, hi, bye (good bye), bug, ball, doll, yay, dad (daddy), baby, mom (mama), good girl, shoe, bear, duck, dog (arf arf), book, chewy, Mmm, more, bath, me me, and her new one today cracker. I think she's said pop pop for grandpa/ma, bottle, cat, and car a few times too.
on top of that, she says a bunch of gibberish I don't yet understand.

She also has picked up a little sign language: ball, milk, mama, dog, eat, baby, and her own made up sign for remote control.

She even started hugging and kissing her mom, dad, and toys (loves her dogs). She still enjoys dancing, and has started singing a little too. She has also become interested in hair, she likes to lift it then drop it (repeatedly). Yesterday she learned how to click her tongue.

Her new favorite song is Chewy Chewy, and she likes to sing along (sometimes she says tummy instead).

Ups and downs

A couple of weekends ago we went to NY to visit again. It wasn't bad, but our whole schedule was thrown off again. We got stuck in traffic for 2 hours on the way home so got to bed around 5am. Not to mention I was feeling a little carsick on the way up.

The first couple of days when Grace slept in I thought that was the reason, but then tuesday she got a fever. A lot of people told me that fevers come and go with teething so not to make a big deal out of it, which I tried.

But on wednesday when her fever hit 102 we went to the ER (because the doctor's office was already closed). After 6 hours, they concluded that there was nothing wrong with her but I should keep giving her tylenol, UGH! It hit 103 at the hospital.

Despite the drowsiness, Grace was very talkative but extra snuggly. I was so relieved when the fever was gone, but then I noticed she was getting a little rash.

My dad and I figured it was just heat rash until it got a little out of hand! We called the nurses hot line (not wanting to be in the hospital another 6 hours). They concluded is was Roseola/baby measles. Great! We had just taken Grace shopping and exposed her to who knows how many kids. Besides being a little grumpy and snuggly, the ailment didn't bother Grace much.

Now that she's feeling better she is talking up a storm! I can't even remember all the words she's been saying! She now has 3 teeth and is 14 months old. She also learned the sign for baby and started hugging and kissing her toys. Oh, and she stood unsupported for one whole second on sunday (but she doesn't believe she can do it so she won't do it again).

Of course, I am feeling a little under the weather now, but that's ok, it's probably just allergies ;)

Here are some pictures of Grace's poor little rashy body(a lot worse in person, all red), and a couple of other cute pictures. Her hair is getting so long!

can I just scream now?

This is another rant, sorry.
**UPDATES: Erik got us all a membership to the Y, except now that I'm pregnant I don't want to go...arg. He doesn't spend so much time away any more and spends most of his leisure time working on getting a new job. He recently quit playing Maffia because he realized he was wasting a lot of time on it.**

So recently Erik got a trial membership to a gym because he wants to lose weight. Needless to say, he spends more time outside than he spends at home. I don't know how to tell him I don't like him being gone so much (other than what I've already said). When I try to tell him how I feel he says, "would you rather I don't get in shape?" I guess I can't complain too much, because he is here sometimes.

It's just so frustrating because I NEED A BREAK! And there's no one to rescue me. As much as I love Grace, I feel trapped. It's partly my own fault for not making many friends here, but he needs to be more compassionate.

I told him I don't mind that he wants to go out every night, but I wish he wouldn't go alone. Meaning, he needs to find something for the whole family to do besides grocery shopping and church.

I understand that he has to go out wednesdays for scouts, and I understand that he enjoys going bowling tuesdays, but come on! does he have to go out mondays, thursdays and fridays too?

On top of that, he wants to have another baby. My response, "start helping out more with this one."
His response, "I changed her diaper and fed her today." That's great but it shouldn't mean he's off the hook.

Sure, we've gone to scouts and bowling, but it's not worth keeping Grace up when he still can't even talk to us.

Don't even get me started on what he does when he is home! Ever hear of technology obsession? If it's not the computer than it's the Xbox. I HATE IT!

Why do his friends/mother come before his wife/child? WHY? I am so tempted to block that stupid Maffia game, because he is so obsessed he plays it at work and keeps me up until 1 am every night.

And if I try to tell him how I am feeling, "you worry too much" "you're exaggerating" "you're acting like your mom" and my personal favorite, "you should learn how to control your hormones/emotions so they don't control you."

MEN!!

**there's more, but I'll spare you the details**

I don't feel like a nice person today

WARNING: there are things that people may find offensive. that is not my intention. I am just trying to reach out and let you know how I feel.

So yesterday I was feeling very bummed. I don't know why, but I was. And when I got thinking about how lucky I am, and how I have nothing to complain about, I just felt worse. I got thinking about it though, and I think that the theory "we chose our trials in heaven" may have some truth to it.

Let me make an analogy for you to better understand what I mean. Let's say that there was a certain weight in trials everyone needed in order to fulfill their purpose in life. Some chose a few big trials where others chose a bunch of little trials (like myself). It's like the old riddle, "you have a ton of bricks and a ton of feathers, which weighs more?" They weigh the same, but there are a lot more feathers than bricks.

I think my life has represented the feather side of the riddle. Sure, I've had my trials, but when compared to someone else my life has been . . .well, feathers. I've got a friend who seems to be carrying a lot of bricks on her back and I ache for her, but I know that she can handle them (though at the time none of us feel like we can handle it). I look at her with respect, because I know I couldn't handle such big trials as well as she does.

Honestly, the worse thing that's ever happened to me is the loss of my grandpas. I don't want to sound like I am bragging, I am grateful. But I can't help but wonder if I am being too judgmental sometimes. You see, I look at these people with their pile of bricks and I say to myself, "what are you complaining about? my pile of feathers is so much bigger than your pile of bricks."

I came to this realization this morning when I had a dream that very blatantly showed me what a cruel and selfish person I am being. I won't bore you with all the details, but I will tell you what it was that hit me "like a ton of bricks."

First I will give you a little back ground. Recently, I seem to be surrounded by women who are having a hard time starting their family. I feel for them, but I don't know what to do or say, and I feel that I can't say anything because as far as I know I can get pregnant very easily. It wasn't until one of them sent me a link that said exactly how she was feeling that I realized what they are going through. It simply said this, "not being able to conceive is like having a loved one die every month." I never thought about it like that. I am glad she opened my eyes.

So anyway, in this dream a complete stranger came to me desperately seeking my help. Basically she was going to force me to be a surrogate mother for her. She was willing to do anything, which was obvious because she had broken into the house and intended on kidnapping me to get a baby. In this dream I was so cruel to her, I said some things that were so horrible I don't remember them. When I woke up I realized that I am being insensitive in real life, to women I am very close to. I feel horrible about it.

I have no idea what any of them are going through, and hope I never have to experience that pain.

So, to all of you out there that are having a hard time conceiving or have lost a baby I am so sorry that I have been so insensitive to you! In my heart I know you will be a great mom, and I sincerely pray that day comes for you very soon. I love you all and I want you to feel the joy that I feel every day when I am hugging my little "Squishy." It really is the best feeling in the world, and everyone who seeks after it truly deserves it.

Sitting on edge

Well the rocky road hasn't cleared yet. We've got a month left on Erik's contract then it's off to another job, maybe another city, maybe another state. Actually, most likely another state (even if it's just Rhode Island).

Got my first puppet order! for more on that go to my other blog. (http://dkpuppets2.blogspot.com)

The last couple of weeks were a little scary because I finally went to the doctor. My heart is normal, yay. I don't have arthritis or diabetes. But the doctor told me I need to take better care of myself. Those of you who know me well know I forget to eat sometimes. My blood sugar levels were scary low as well as my potassium and vit D. So now I am taking a vit D once a week and prescribed to go outside. I guess being a hermit isn't healthy? lol.

Next week I will be getting my gallbladder and kidneys checked. (everything was normal)

Enough about me, here are some cute pictures of Grace!

Get those creative juices flowing

Ever since I moved to Massachusetts and got out of that funk I was in, my creativity has rocketed! In the last couple of months I have made 4 puppets and assisted in the creation of 5 others. Not to mention the 3 elephants I made (from a pattern), the baby doll for Grace, the slippers I made, the book bag, and pacifier pods. Not only that, I started writing again! Not just scripts, but science fictional stuff (with my two buds of course). And once I'm done writing my scripts, I intend to record them (one in the process now). I am on fire!! I just hope that if we have to move that doesn't put me into another funk. I've got a million ideas shooting around in my head, so many that I barely finish one project before starting another. I feel like an ADHD kid in a toy store.

I need my puppets! They are all in Utah (except for the 4 I just made) along with all my supplies to make more puppets, and my stage. AAAAAAHHHHHH! Anyone want to chip in to help my family ship them to me? ha, just kidding. That's WAAAAAY too much money. It would almost be cheaper to drive there and get it myself. Anyone taking a road trip to Utah? Or from Utah?

So what's next??
Well, I've got to write these scripts! And record them So that when I am finally reunited with my beloved puppets I can take them the next day and put on a show. Of course, I will need to buy another part to my stage...I DIed that part. Hmm. Anyone want to help design a PVC pipe stage???

I still need to work out the measurements, but that shouldn't be too hard.

Anyone want to be a voice for one of my scripts?

Anyone have any great stories I can use as scripts?

Anyone want to make a soundtrack for my scripts?

Anyone want to help me make a music video for They Might Be Elders?

Anyone else hate this background?

See, ADHD.... maybe it was the potato chips. Or the Pizza.

I better quit before my brain explodes!

Teeth!

It's about time! About a week ago Grace was extra grouchy. Her bottom gums were swollen and a weird purplish clear color. I finally used the advice to push on them to help the teeth come out (I waited until she was asleep.) Her lips were pressed so tightly so it was hard for me to get my finger on her gums, but I rubbed and pushed for a bit. When she woke up from her nap, she was a different person. She seemed so happy. So I wanted to feel her gums again. This time I felt ridges. It was very exciting! I don't have any pictures yet (mainly because they are so small and she won't open her mouth) but I will soon!! Yay for Grace! She's chewing on everything in sight again, so I think she's working on getting the top two now (#3 broken through aug 26).

Cooking with alcohol

This was given to me last night, and I am glad they told me! I had no idea! Forward this to everyone you know who cooks with alcohol but doesn't drink it.

~~~
Contrary to belief, and that includes most professionals, when using beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages in recipes, a lot of alcohol is left over after cooking.

Facts from the agricultural research service of USDA (1989).

remaining after preparation:
100% immediate consumption
70% overnight storage
85% boiling liquid, removed from heat
75% flamed

remaining after baked or simmered:
40% 15 minutes
35% 30 minutes
25% 1 hour
20% 1 hour 30 minutes
10% 2 hours
5% 2 hours 30 minutes

Substitutions:
for white wine: apple/carrot juice, vegetable/chicken stock straight or with white wine vinegar, 1/2 c rice vinegar and 1 tbs white grape juice

red wine: 1/2 c grape juice and 2 tsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 c water and 2 tsp balsamic vinegar, beef/chicken stock straight or with a little red wine vinegar

champagne: ginger ale, sparkling grape juice

brandy: apple juice, peach juice, white grape juice, pear juice

marsala: orange juice, peach juice, pear juice

orange liqueur: frozen orange juice concentrate

beer: chicken broth, beef broth, ginger ale

Happy birthday Grace!

Born June 30th 2008
I am sure everyone is getting sick of me telling you how much she's grown, but I just can't believe it! She's 30in tall and weighs 21lbs. One year ago she was 17.5in tall and 4lbs 7oz.We celebrated a little early with Erik's sister Kirsten and her family. Grace didn't really get into the cake, but she loved splashing in the bath with her cousin afterwards.
For her real birthday I made her a jello and pudding pie with bananas and whip cream. She really loved digging in it and splashing pudding all over the kitchen.We are celebrating one more time with Erik's mom, but maybe this will just be a 4th of July celebration instead of birthday.

Grace is actively crawling around the house and constantly pulling up on anything she can reach. She can't walk unsupported yet, but she really wants to. Her other favorite activities include playing computer, talking to the cell phone, and singing. Her favorite songs are anything techno or 80s and piano music to fall asleep to. She also loves TMBE.She has learned how to clap, wave, do wheels on the bus and make a popping sound with her lips (among other things). She can say mama, dada, yeah, hi, and yay. All that and she still doesn't have a single tooth.

In honor of a great man

I was one of the lucky few who grew up with 2 grandpas, 2 grandmas and a great grandma. My surviving grandpa just passed away this week. I feel blessed to have known him and that I still have my 2 grandmas.

Leland Wesley Carlson 90, peacefully left us June 12, 2009 after a valiant battle with cancer. Leland was a kind and gentle man and always greeted everyone with a smile.
He was born December 14, 1918 in Elgin Nebraska to Carl Walter Carlson, and Esther Thompson.
He was raised and educated in Nebraska and Idaho. He served his country four years in the U.S. Army during World War two.
He married Elinor Carey June3, 1946 in Trinidad Colorado and was later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. They recently celebrated 63 years together.
He worked his life as a mechanic. Among his accomplishments was his love rebuilding Model T and Model A cars. He had a great appreciation for music and passed it along to his children and grand children. He will be remembered for his strong devotion to his family and friends.
He was proceeded in death by 1 son (Wesley Merle), 6 brothers, 2 sisters and three great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Elinor and five children. Carl Carlson (Sandy), Don Carlson (Janice), Lynn Carlson (Laurie), Calvin Carlson (Myra), Karen Mayne (Phillip). Also survived by 27 Grandchildren and 21 Great Grandchildren.
A special thank you to the Rexburg Hospital Hospice Team for their help and support and all of the special friends and members in the community for their support.
Funeral services will be held Monday June 15, at Parker Ward Chapel 11:00am with Bishop Doug Hanks officiating. Friends may call at Bidwell Funeral Home in St Anthony Idaho on Sunday from 6-7:30 p.m. and Monday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the Parker Church.
Internment in the Ashton Cemetery where military rites will be preformed by the Ashton V.F.W. and American legion.

Computer Viruses

I seem to be getting them a lot lately. Yesterday I got one that basically froze up my computer. I couldn't access anything, especially not the internet. After many frustrating hours and $50 we concluded that the program that "offered" to delete all the viruses on my computer (38 to be exact) was actually responsible for putting them there. It blocked everything on my computer and didn't go away even after I un-installed it.

Erik called our bank and told them to shut off our cards and send us new ones. Then he called the company to figure out a few things. First, why they are the ones who billed us when they have a totally different name than the software, and second to tell them off for ripping people off by sending this virus that disguises itself as anti virus software. They said there wasn't anything they could do for us, but that they would try to give us a refund. He also told them that according to an article he read, their company is being investigated for fraud. Do not go to chrpay.com

So now I did what a friend suggested, I cleared all my history and passwords on my computer. Now I have to try to remember them all, lol. I should probably change them.

So whatever you do, don't go browsing for pictures on Google, look out for a program called Secure Systems (or something like that, their logo is black and yellow) and don't ever buy anti virus software from a company with the word Duck in their name.

Oh, and I ran my other anti virus software today (because I could now, it was updated yesterday) and it found 2 torjans and deleted them, ironically the little shield on my tool bar for the other software finally disappeared.

Well, she did it!

I knew she would as soon as I put away the camera, so I quickly grabbed my phone.

My fun idea

So the other day I decided to make a doll for Grace that is as big as she was when she was born. I don't know if all the measurements are 100% accurate, but it's pretty close. And no, the doll doesn't weight 4lb 7oz. but she really loves her new doll. I think I might do this for all of my kids. It's fun to see how much she's actually grown! Yes, it is unbelievable but true!

What's new?

Grace is very active and trying to learn everything, including standing on her own. She saw her two friends pull up on the furniture, and now thinks she needs to try it too. She hasn't been successful, but she is getting closer every time she tries and it's only been two days.

Erik is actively looking for a job, no guarantees yet but a lot of promising opportunities.

I am actively making puppets now. I recently had a home school mom ask me to help her two daughters make puppets, and they decided they wanted to make dogs. Oh boy, so I had to design a new pattern. I keep telling Erik it looks like a dinosaur, more specifically Barney. I hope I can change that. Grace also loves puppets, not sure if I mentioned that that's one of her new favorite toys.

We're still try to do the cloth diaper thing, but it is not as easy as everyone keeps telling me. I hate changing her every hour and a half, or changing her clothes 4 times a day. Whichever comes first.

We just found out last week my remaining grandpa only has a short time left before he joins my other grandpa in heaven. We're sad, but he's been through a lot and deserves to rest.

We're planning on visiting Erik's mom again for the fourth of July and see her family. Her brother its doing a lot better now, the cancer treatment seemed to have helped.

Erik's sister got accepted to a college in Colorado, and I believe she is going to be an elementary teacher.

My sister is going to CEU this fall, I think she decided to study video editing. I am very excited for her, and all the projects the future holds for us.

Not sure what everyone else is up to, but for the most part I think they are healthy and happy.

Also, I got a chance to visit the Boston Temple this week. It was very beautiful, and I got to spend a lot of time thinking about the things that are going on in our lives right now. I wanted to put everyone's name in the prayer box, but we had to hurry to get ready so I forgot to ask where it was. So, I just said a little prayer for you all when they mentioned it. Hope everyone is doing well! Thanks for reading.

diapers anyone?

So I tried the pattern again, and this time it was a success! the diaper fits great and works great! now all I need is a better way to keep it fastened. I am hoping to get more fleece so I will have more colors. If you want to make one too, here is the link

Grace learned to clap today

it's very cute! even though she is very cranky today.

just a little crawling

It's not great quality because it was taken with my phone, but it's still pretty cute! She gets better and better each day! She officially been scooting/crawling forward for a week!

new cute pictures

I finally decided to get the pictures off my phone. What a silly baby we have!
You can never start too early!
"I love pickles!"
Snuggling with Gus (before he was scary) in my cute outfit from Aunt Christy.
Daddy is fun to chew on.
Trying not to smile, so cute!

lack of sleep

I am sure a lot of people know what it's like to have a baby who doesn't sleep. But this is ridiculous! Grace used to be a great sleeper, and now for at least the last month she's been consistently waking up at 4 every night. Occasionally she'll give me a night where she won't wake up, getting my hopes up. But then, the next night we're up 3 times. I am wondering if it's partly because she's habituated herself to do this, or if it's just because those darn teeth refuse to come out. Maybe a little of both. I guess I just figured she would get better with age. See, for a 2-4 month old baby, she was considered a good sleeper because she only woke up once at night. Though, let me mention that she also started going to bed at 4. I guess I shouldn't complain. There are some people who have kids who just don't sleep at all. We had a week or two like that where she'd get up at 9am and stay awake until 4. What a grouch! Yes, she sleeps until 9, in that regard I am lucky. I am sure this will stop one day. I tried a sleeping schedule but that was just too stressful to try to maintain. So we let her sleep when she wants, and it seems to be ok. I don't know how people can put their kids to bed at 7 knowing that they will wake up at 4, at least that's how Grace is. Well, sort of. She usually wakes up at 2 if we put her to bed before 10. Though, lately she's decided she wants to stay up until 12. Nonetheless, I would much rather 12 than 4 (or 7 am in severe cases). For the most part she seems happy and well rested when she wakes up, so why don't I? I guess it's because she doesn't usually hear daddy get up.

Does this link work?

I have been having a hard time finding a site that will let me upload an mp3 for free, and have it still be there when I want to listen to it.

Click here for Link

Not crawling. . .

But she is working on it. Despite that fact, she gets around pretty well. Here are some fun pictures we took today. These are progressive pictures, I did not move anything but myself. Ok, I did move her when she got stuck in the shoes, but that was it.