UGH!!!

Jared started a new job the day after we got home from the hospital with Kerrigan (I won't even go into the kind of emotional trauma that it caused me to be left alone with her so soon- that is not the point of the story).

It is down in New York City, really close to Grand Central. He is doing awesome and loving it. In fact, just last night he got an email from the head guy on one of his projects really praising him on a job well done. I couldn't be more proud of my hubby...HOWEVER, as I mentioned the job is in the city.

As of right now his commute goes as follows: bus to train station, train to Grand Central, walk to work....and then do it all again on the way home! He spends about 3 hrs commuting EVERY DAY!!!! So....

Once again we are moving (hence the UGH title), actually a couple of blocks away from our original CT apartment. We are excited about the new apartment, and with the shuttle that goes straight from our apartment to the station and correlates with the express train his commute time is cut almost in half! HOWEVER, I am in the process of packing up our belongings (once again) for our move tomorrow- DOUBLE UGH!!!

For those of you who have been keeping track, yes this is the 8th move in less than 3 yrs of marriage- TRIPLE UGH!!!! I really can't complain, because Jared has once again done most of the grunt work since I get to use the baby as an excuse- again (last time I was 7 months pregnant) : )

Here are some pictures of our moving process (please note the Idaho boxes, thank you Johnsons):

It's ok, sis, I hate packing too!

A side note, but very much worth mentioning: Cynda took K for a few hours to help me out today (THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH- I was able to get so much done). Seeing how Kerrigan blew out of her diaper in ALL 6 outfits I left unpacked for her (for 3 days-you would think that would be enough), this was the only spare outfit I had. It is the outfit Jared put into the diaper bag when I asked him to put a spare outfit for church. Lucky Cynda got to see the outfit up close and personal when Kerrigan blew out of yet another outfit while she was there.

In case you can't see, she is sporting a pale pink shirt with bright pink bows. As an accent, her pants are a pale pink with bright pink, brown and ORANGE stripes...doesn't she look LOVELY!!!

Love you Jared : ) And now I return to packing!!!!

Brooke...I hereby dedicate my header to YOU!!!!!

Chillin in the Bumbo

Her pediatrician told us this thing was worthless and we should return it...HA!!! Kerrigan loves it and thinks she is the coolest girl when she sits up on her own.

*Please note the line of drool on her chin...a recent, yet frequent, visitor in our home*

I am Officially a Believer...

...in jinxes! Over the past week, I have done a lot of bragging about Kerrigan. How well she is sleeping at night in her own crib in her own room, how well she is napping during the day, how well she is eating, etc. I am really proud of my little girl and have shared it with quite a few people.

However, not once during these bragging sessions did I take the time to knock on any wood...and now I am being humbled. Last night we spent 2 1/2 hrs trying to get her to go to sleep in her bed, before giving her up and (GULP) letting her sleep with us. My deep sleeper has been replaced by an impostor who wakes up at the slightest movement (i.e. lowering her into her bed). Today's nap schedule has been a joke. To add salt to the wound, she is doing this strange thing when she is eating where she grunts/snorts and buries her head in my armpit (not sure if that makes sense, but it is as weird to watch as it sounds).

OY, she is lucky she is so darn cute!!!!

Dont You Hate It When...

..you buy shoes the wrong size. I bought these cute shoes the other day & I LOVE THEM!!!! Unfortunately, they are a little too big and my heels slip out when I take steps (any suggestions?)

So I was trying to find a solution to this pickle I was in, and I googled something like "shoes too big solution". I found a couple of sites with tips, but found one really strange. All of the women who commented had unusually big feet, but had some good suggestions. I wondered how all of these big footed women had found each other, but didn't really think too much about it.

Well, this morning I got my answer as I got on my computer and noticed the URL: crossdresssers.com

That's right, I was seeking shoe advice from a bunch of men dressing like women....hmmmm!

Just Because...

...she is TOO cute....



...and who doesn't enjoy a good Glow worm picture!!!

A Little History Lesson

Diapers have been around since poop has been around, so forever. I did a little research of the disposible diaper...and found this:


Diaper Evolution Time Line
1887
Cloth diapers were first mass produced by Maria Allen.
1936
Paulistróm develops an absorbent insert made of tissue.
1942
First reference of a disposable diaper made by PauliStróm in Sweden.
1946
Marion Donovan patents "the boater", a waterproof cover with snaps.
1947
George M. Schroder invents the first diaper using nonwoven fabrics.
1947
Valerie Hunter Gordon develops a two piece disposable diaper in England.
1948
J&J introduces disposable diapers in the United States.
1949
Stanley Mason patented the first disposable and pin free diaper.

1950
Paulistróm introduces "roll diapers" made of cellulose wadding.

1956
P&G begins research work on disposable diapers.

1961
Pampers test marketed in Peoria, Illinois.
1962
Pampers test marketed in Sacramento, California.

1964
Pampers introduced in St. Louis.

1966
Billy Gene Harper and Carlyle Harmon filed the first patents for superabsorbent.

1971
Pampers introduces the tape system.

1975
Pampers improved newborns is introduced.

1984
Pampers changes to hourglass shape and single refastenable tapes.

1986
P&G and KC both introduce diapers with Super Absorbent in the U.S.

1987
Pampers and Huggies both introduce new tape systems (Frontal tape).

1993
Pampers Ultra Dry with "Curly Cellulose Fiber" is introduced.

2002
P&G introduces Pampers Baby Stages after launch in Europe.

2006
P&G introduces new Pampers Baby Dry with new reduced chassis and elastic ears.

2006
KC launches Huggies Supreme "Gente Care" and "Natural Fit" baby diapers.

2008
KC launches the new Snug & Dry: Stop Leaks diaper

So how is all of this relevant to my life? I have here 122 years of people who have dedicated their lives to research/discover ways to improve the diaper. I wonder how all these people would feel to know that thier efforts have been in vain when it comes to this little stinker's (literally) sweet little tushy! Poor Maria Allen would be devastated!

Kerrigan Rose can blow out of any diaper known to man...it doesn't matter if it is a super cheap no name brand diaper, or a super expensive pamper swaddler. To her, they are all the same. This is how we spend a majority of the day:


I am constantly changing her soiled clothes, and our bathroom sink is always full of said soiled clothes soaking in soapy water! I never know such a tiny being could produce so much waste. Please tell me it gets better when I introduce solids to her diet.

P.S. How angry will she be in 10 years when she reads this...I will probably never be nominated for Mother of the Year after this post! : )

2 months (plus some)

I have been slacking in posting this...my little girl is 2 1/2 MONTHS ! I seriously can' t believe how fast it has gone by.

First of all she had her 2 month checkup a week and a half ago. Lucky for us, Jared decided he could work from home and go with us, since both Kerrigan and I had a rough time with her first shots! She did awesome, though, and I only cried a little : )

She is now 23" tall, her head circumference is 15" and she weighed 10lbs 12 oz...can you believe she double her weight in 2 months!!!! She caught up in weight with her long distance buddy Carter (one of my BFF's who had her baby on the same day as me, but he was almost a pound bigger than K) and is now longer than him. I think most of her weight is in her thunder thighs:

She is also getting so strong...tummy time is paying off and she is getting much better at holding her head up.
She is now sleeping in 6-8 hrs stretches at night...IN HER OWN BED/ROOM!!! She did awesome with the transition. From the first night, she has never had a problem...I, on the other hand, cried every time I woke up and she wasn't next to me for the first few nights (so tough, I know).

She is also so observant and aware these days. She smiles at us constantly (but the camera freaks her out so smiling pictures are rare). Big K also loves her mobile. We can turn it on, and she lays there mesmerized for 10 minutes before getting bored and needing a change in scenery.


My all time favorite new development...she is now big enough to fit into her 0-3 month clothes and looks too cute for words, so I posted a bunch of pictures. This was her first time wearing jeans and I think she looks like a little person, instead of a new baby. I LOVE IT!!!!


I am trying to get better with photography, and I personally feel I ROCKED IT with this picture... at least for an amateur!

I can't believe how lucky I am! I must have done something very right to earn the privilege of waking up to this face everyday!!!

Valentine's Weekend Extravaganza!!!

So this year, we celebrated Valentines Day ALL WEEKEND!!! YAY!!!

We set the Valentines Day mood with a surprisingly expensive game of bowling with some of our closest pals (so long $1 bowling of Rexburg, ID). Nothing says romance like nasty used but SO stylish shoes, greasy bowling balls and bad music! Needless to say, it was a kickin good time! Thank you Kristin for holding Kerrigan the ENTIRE time so Jared and I could bowl.

Saturday morning the guys all played football, whilst us girls got our beauty rest. Then we met Mike and Kristen at Bull's Head Diner for brunch. Sadly, Ben and Cynda couldn't make it because they had to prepare their talks for Church (you guys did awesome by the way). We had a great time with the Jensens, and the food was 2 thumbs WAY UP!!

When we got home we did a little Valentine's Day photo shoot with the our most photogenic family member. Please note the cute little bum heart on the back of her pants!

I tried to get some pictures with Kerrigan lifting her head up, but apparently the flower was really weighing her down because most of the pictures looked like this:

That night Jared, Kerrigan and I utilized our Chili's gift certificate (thanks Doug and Lori). It was so good but talk about a FATTENING weekend. To all of you who expressed disgust at my weight loss, you should be pleased to know that I am again above my pre-pregnancy weight =BOO! Big K was a huge hit where ever we went, people loved the flower. Hopefully this will help show Jared that big flowers are ok, he usually doesn't let me put the huge ones in her hair.

I don't have pictures, but Sunday we went to the Jensens for a game night. While the more financial minded folks played an intense game of Acquire, Cynda Aubri (who is one of my new CTBGFs-Connecticut best girl friends) and I played Life. I am sure you are all trying to remember the last time you played that....well I am her to tell you it was SO MUCH FUN!!!! We were giggling the entire time. Though I think the highlight for me was when Cynda (an accounting major) had to help Aubri and I say how much money we had...since I said I had eleventy hundred thousand (aka 1,100,000) and Aubri had one million seventy two hundred dollars (aka 1,720,000).

Then we played a couples game, finding out how well you know your spouse. Ironically, the couple that has been married for 6 months won, 2nd was the couple married for a year, followed by the couple who just celebrated their 3rd anniversary then the STOKES...that's right, we lost :(

The best part of the whole weekend however, was Monday morning. I woke up at 8 and Jared was still sleeping, so I woke him up in a panic (he usually leaves for work around 7). He fumbled around the room and then left, and Kerrigan and I fell back asleep. A few minutes later, Jared comes back home with some Panera breakfasts sandwiches (yummy) and mocks me for not realizing it was a holiday & he doesn't have to work. What a terrific surprise!!!!

Tips please!

I have a few things I need help with...

1. For all my Connecticut friends- I have a few crafty projects I want to try (key word, TRY!!! Crafts are always a dangerous endeavor when it comes to me). Does anyone know where there are any scrapbooking and fabric stores around here. I know there is a Joanns in Milford and a huge Michaels in Port Chester. Other than those, any suggestions?

2. For anyone who has ever lived in a cold region- Our heating bill was ASTRONOMICAL this past month. Does anyone have any tips to keep that bad boy down? Aubri, I know you mentioned something at Applebees, but I don't remember. I think alot of cold air is getting thru the windows, so what is something we can do in an apartment that isn't going to ruin our chances of getting our deposit back?

3. For anyone who has carried a child in their belly- how does one demolish the excess belly flab? Any ab workout routines/video ideas are welcome. I am wearing my normal pants, but cant wear alot of my normal shirts because they show that cute little pouch hanging over the normal pants. And by cute I mean disgusting : )

4. For anyone who has braved the travel industry with a child- I am flying alone with Kerrigan in about a month. I just need any survival tips...I am REALLY nervous! Even if you think to yourself, "self, this is really obvious, and any idiot would think of this"- TELL ME, because I can guarantee I wont think of it! And yes, there is a layover...can I get a YEEHAW?!?!?!

There was another one, but in true Lindsey fashion I have forgotten what it was. I will get back to you.

DING DONG...

...the weight is GONE!!!!
Recently a major source of frustration was my complete inability to lose the last 5 lbs of pregnancy weight. Ugh! It is a constant yo yo between the last 2-5lbs.
However, yesterday, at approximately 4:30 pm, the stars finally aligned. I gritted my teeth (fully prepared to once again be disappointed) and stepped on the scale.
*The story will be more effective if here you sing to yourself the chorus of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus*
The heavens opened, angels sang, and there on the scale was a very low number. A number .5 lbs LESS than my pre pregnancy weight.
*Now change the song in your mind to Miracles Happen from Princess Diaries*

I still have more work to do, I would like to lose at least 5-10 more lbs, but it was a huge milestone I overcame.

My next official goal, however, is to be able to entitle a post DING DONG the belly flab is gone!

Grateful Sunday

I had forgotten how much I LOVE this guy until my late night with the baby. Together we enjoyed my all time favorite Cosby Show episode. It is the one were Rudy has a sleepover, Bill is left in charge, the fat neighbor boy Peter sneaks into the party and Bill hurts his knee trying to give him a bucking bronco ride. I am grateful for Bill Cosby today!

The Many Faces of My Rose

Content after a delectable meal of leche...

Pensive...

Bored/ Getting sleepy

REALLY SLEEPY due to the tasking demands placed on an 8 week old girl ...

Big yawn mixed with a dash of fussiness

Oh wait, mom has the camera

Guess I better show everyone how cute I am

Maybe even throw in a laugh!

I can't believe she is 2 months old today! She is so full of personality, we have so much fun. This day she was making tons of faces, so I whipped the ole' camera out and just held the button down to take continuous "action shots". No 2 pictures were the same....gotta love that. The only faces she didn't make were her coy face
And a family favorite, what Jared and I refer to as the "Stink Face"...

WE LOVE YOU BABY K!!!!

Monday's Memory

So, in order to maintain my promise that not EVERY post will be about my baby...here is my weekly memory.

Don't you love when you smell something and it triggers something in your mind from the past. I get that all the time.

That is what happened this morning when I was putting on my makeup. I decided to splurge on mascara (I usually get the cheapest one)- which was silly, because I can't tell a difference in my lashes, but that is a different story.

So I was applying my mascara, and it smelled very familiar. I knew I hadn't ever used it before, so I sat there for a minute, and then the odor uncovered a memory I had managed to block.

It was a smell from a very difficult time in my life- geek wise. It reeked of a time when I wore huge rimmed glasses. I also was cursed with braces at the time. I played in the band- not in A band, I was a member of the MARCHING band. I had to use an inhaler- very chic!

I bet you are wondering what all this has to do with the smell of my mascara. Well, my friends, I am just painting a picture of my "condition" at the time this smell was a big part of my life. As if the dice weren't already stacked against me, I had to use NOSE SPRAY!!!! Could a person get more pathetic than a 4 eyed, metal mouth, band geek, asthmatic nose sprayer?????

That is right, my new posh mascara smells EXACTLY like my nose spray from that blessed era of my life. I am really looking forward to being reminded of that pitiful time of my life every morning! (jk, it was not as bad as it sounds....not great, but not AS bad)

Nothing is as PRECIOUS....

as your baby's first smile!

On January 19th, my sweet girl decided to grace us with a smile. Luckily, the camera was sitting right next to me, so I was able to capture her first smiles on camera! The lighting is horrible, the picture quality stinks, but these pictures melt my heart!

Blessing Day

We blessed Kerrigan 2 weeks ago. She looked BEAUTIFUL! Jared did a great job, his blessing was so sweet. I am so grateful to have a husband who is worthy to hold the priesthood. I know it will be such a blessing both to me and my children. He is a terrific dad who loves his baby girl SO MUCH!!!

Since we live so far away from family, we have really come to rely on friends. Here is daddy, Baby K, "Uncle Ben" and "Uncle Mike". Thanks for being a part of this special day!

Our little family

The guys (notice how Mud is the only brother with hair left...I hope Kerrigan gets my hairline : )

The ladies- believe it or not, that is Jared's mom on my right!!!
The Stokes Clan, thanks for coming up!