Stokes Family

Belly Facts...

2012-01-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the details about this pregnancy:

- I am 13 weeks, baby's ETA is end of July

-I am beyond sick. Zofran has helped, but I am still visiting the loo at least 8 times a day (although once last week I only threw up 5 times...yay!)

-Because of that high frequency ^, I am TERRIFIED to leave the house alone with the kids. In fact, in the past 4 weeks, I have left my house 3 times. Pathetic, I know.

-Is it bad to say I am really, really, really hoping for a girl? Boys are fun, but I am craving all things pink!

-2 weeks ago, I had a cramping/spotting scare. Turned out to be nothing, but it REALLY helped me put the whole sick thing into perspective. I realized how much I want this baby (I am embarrassed to admit how easily I lose sight of that fact when I am so sick)!

-I am not really craving anything. I craved spicy cheetos for a few days, but you only have to throw those up a few times before that craving disappears...YEOWZA!

-Did I mention I want a girl? I kinda think it's a boy. Jared wants a boy. Kerrigan wants a sister. Tucker just wants a haircut so he doesn't look homeless anymore.

-My kids watch a lot of tv, and eat a lot of PP&J sandwiches and corndogs. We also have pj days about 4 days a week. Because we are awesome like that. I have to constantly remind myself K has been through this before, and she turned out ok.

-I have been amazed by the support we have received. My visiting teachers have been AMAZING, and the RS has been bringing us dinner 3 times a week. It's been a humbling experience to accept that much help, and we are incredibly grateful!

-Depending on the how the day goes, the baby bump fluctuates. Some days it seems huge. Then I have a really bad day and it disappears.

*I know you kinda want to, but please don't judge how dirty the mirror is. Clean mirrors...pretty low on the survival list of priorities.*

Adios 2011

2012-01-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

See ya later, 2011. We had a good time with you, but are really looking forward to what 2012 will bring us!

Enjoy our Collage O' 2011!

HINT: If you look very closely, you will see the *BIG* reason I am posting this 19 days into the new year.

Holiday Card

2011-12-29T08:37:00.000-08:00

I pulled a classic Lindsey move. No really, it's becoming an annual tradition.

I spend a ridiculous amount of time making a Christmas card (seriously, a long time-this year I even created the chevron background), only to never put the dang things in the mail!

At least this year I realized this was going to be the case AGAIN, before printing them out and having a stack of cards laying around, mocking my procrastination skills.

Oh well, maybe next year...until then- HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

1 Year Old Tuck in a Truck

2011-10-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Phew! I am posting Tucker's one year old pictures BEFORE he is 14 months old! That's not considered late, right. I mean, 2 months late would have been totally embarrassing. So glad I missed that deadline by a whopping 3 days : )

Whatever. I have been a horrible blogger. I would say I will do better, but that may not be true. Again, whatever.

When I found out we were going to be in Twin Falls close to Tuck's big day, I set my heart on taking his 1 year old pictures on my brother in law's old truck. Unfortunately, the only time we could do it was around noon, so the lighting was really harsh. But a girl wants what a girl wants, and we did them anyways. I think they turned out pretty sweet regardless of the intense sun!

Conflicted

2011-10-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

3 years and 7 months ago, I was 2 weeks post my 3rd IUI. It was pregnancy test day. I waited nervously, excitedly, anxiously and hopefully. When only 1 pink line showed up, I was devastated...crushed. I stumbled back into our room, laid next to Jared and just sobbed. I was only allowed to weep for a few minutes, before returning to the bathroom to finish getting ready for work.

I snatched up the test, ready to throw that awful thing in the garbage- and somehow through my tears saw the faintest 2nd pink line. So faint I still wasn't sure it was there even after holding it to the light, close to my eyes. I charged back into the room, threw on the light, chucked Jared's contacts at him and DEMANDED he take a look. He confirmed that it wasn't my imagination...there were 2 of the most beautiful pink lines either of us had ever seen.

For the past week, I have been exhibiting some signs that hinted towards pregnancy. Every time I would think of the possibility, I would have mixed emotions.

My mind would think about how we are not trying to have another baby right now. It would stress about finances, MORNING SICKNESS, 3 kids 3 yrs old and under, etc.

But my heart would flutter in excitement. It would focus on the newborn smell, the newborn snuggles, the newborn sounds. My heart craves a newborn!

So this morning, I took a test. I was almost certain it would be positive. And I was (mostly) ecstatic.

3 minutes later, I was staring at only 1 pink line.

My mind was immediate overflowing with relief. My baby is BARELY one. He still can't walk. He still doesn't say mama. He still needs me so, so much...not the incapacitated woman I become the first 6 months of pregnancy. Jared is still in the first year of owning a business. Taking care of it, our home, a sick me and 2 kids is more than any guy should have to deal with. This is a good thing.

Then there was my heart. It was broken. It wonders if baby #3 will take a long time to get here, like Kerrigan. It is terrified of having to go through what it went through 4 years ago. In my heart, I wanted to crumble into a ball and cry on the bathroom floor.

Luckily, in this case, my head has been in control most of the day. I know we are going to be fine. We are going to live by the motto "Come What May, and Love it".

However, for a few minutes this morning, I let my heart win, and I cried over that stupid, single pink line.

Birthday partaaaaaaySSSS!

2011-10-21T10:19:00.001-07:00

Lucky boy had 2 party's this year.

So I thought it would only be fitting that I posted about them 2 days before his 14 month-day....right?

And in order to make sure I got them posted before the 2 month late deadline (because, remember, in my book that is totally embarrassing : ), I didn't do anything fancy to the pictures.

There is some pretty wonky coloring going on in most of the pictures. Consider yourself warned.

Fiesta Numero Uno: BBQ at our casa, with the Clarks (my aunt and her family who live about a mile from us. A gift from heaven for our family. Methinks YES!) and Aunt "Cat" as K calls her. We will never again have a party without Cat ever again-she is that great!

Nothing too fancy, but I LOVED the banner I made with my Silhouette and the cake. We had a near disaster involving red frosting. Word to the wise: NEVER write Happy birthday in red gel frosting- looks a tad horror movie-esk.

Soooo, ummmmm, about this next picture. My proudest momma picture, probably not. She is proud enough of herself (for helping blow out the candles) for the both of us.

Does it make me pee my pants every time I look at it? Yes, it most definitely does. The look on her face is absolutely hysterical. I will probably be showing this to future suitors.

So not to steal Tuck's thunder, but check out my nose. I always thought of my nose as a German looking one. So where does it get off lookin' all long and pointy in this picture? And how did it take me almost 28 years to see this natural wonder?

Just something to think about.

How did I get Tucker to go to town with his cake, you ask? Well, do you remember Kerrigan's first birthday? She was a bit of a cake snob- way disappointing. This year I did my research, and I will let you in on a little secret, my friends. Behold the power of the Twinkie:

(as in I gave him a Twinkie a day for 2 weeks straight, except for the 2 days before his birthday. Lemme tell ya, the kid was jonesin' for some chocolate! 4 out of 5 dentists probably wouldn't recommend this method, but it works people!)

FIESTA NUMERO DOS: With the Stokes clan. Recycled decor. Pizza. Pop. Cupcakes.

My 2 favorite things about my 1 year old Tucker are:

1. He is ALL boy. He grunts. He farts. He is messy. He is stubbornly refusing to walk or talk. He is busy, busy, busy- and usually busy doing stuff he shouldn't be doing. His favorite "toy" these days: the toilet. Gross. 100% boy...and I love it!

#2. He is such a curious little guy. He is always getting into stuff and always on the go, but it is hard to get mad. He has this sense of wonder about him that I cannot get enough of. I hope he always possesses that quality. I hope he continues to explore the world around him with the same enthusiasm he has now- the world is his toilet...I mean, his oyster!

Princess Dress Tutu-orial

2011-10-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

It might be kinda lame that my first post in 1 1/2 months is a tutorial. However, I couldn't find any tutorials for the costume I wanted to make for K- so I decided to make my own.

That's right folks, you read that correctly. I, Lindsey Stokes, stepped into the realm of super Mormon mama-hood and MADE Kerrigan's costume for Halloween. Never thought I would ever say that sentence.

Ok, so my costume was a lot of trial and error. I am hoping to help YOU (if you choose to make one) avoid the error part. I also learned a few tricks that saved me a ton of time/frustration.

Also, I think you can tweak it to work for any princess dress. Considering it cost about $10 to make, we may or may not have already bought the supplies to make a few more princesses.

Materials:
Scissors
Elastic (I used 3/4")
9 yards of tulle (I did 4.5 yrds white, 3.5 yrds dark purple and 1 yrd light purple) I know you can buy tulle on a spool- but I don't know how much you would need, and I think it is more $
Coordinating ribbon
Hot glue gun
Yardstick/measuring tape
Needle and thread or sewing machine

Step 1: Lay your tulle out flat on the ground but still folded in half length-wise, like how it is on the bolt when you bought it. Measure the length from the child's armpit to however long you want the dress to hang. I had Kerrigan's hit her midcalf, so I had to cut a couple inches off the bottom (open end) of the tulle (NOT ON THE FOLDED SIDE).

Step 2: (Which I didn't take a picture, but HOLY TIME SAVER) Starting with the top (folded side) of the tulle, roll the tulle into a long tube. Make sure you are rolling evenly, and the sides of it stay lined up as best as they can. Obviously, the edges aren't perfect, but you want them to be as close as possible. So when I did this with the white, I had a 4.5 yrd long roll of tulle.

Then, line the roll up with a yardstick, and cut every 3 inches. You will have little mini rolls that look like this:

Seriously, this saved so much stinkin' time, and made my strip edges soooo much straighter than trying to cut it while it is laying flat.

Step 3: Cut the ends of the rolls so they are rounded at the bottom. Again, make sure you are never cutting on the folded side of the tulle.

Step 4: Measure around your child's chest close to their armpits. Then subtract AT LEAST an inch for the length of the elastic. I only subtracted a little less than an inch, thinking I didn't want it to be too tight, but these dresses are a little heavier than just a skirt, so the elastic needs to be a little tighter to hold it up.

Sew the ends of the elastic together and find something round to hold it in place. In my case, it was my leg. I would like to apologize that you have to look at my gross sweat pants for the next few pictures...but that is my go to craft apparel, so what can ya do?!?!

Step 5: Holding the folded end of the tulle, put a strip of white tulle either in or behind a strip of purple. I did mine inside so they kind of blended together, but either will work.

Step 6: Pull the 2 strips together under the elastic, so a few inches of the folded side are above the elastic. Use 2 fingers to go through the opening...

...grab the other end of the tulle....

...and pull it all the way through.

Step 7: Pull the loose end down to tighten the knot. One trick I figured out was stick one finger in the knot as you are tightening it to keep the elastic from bunching up. When the knot is tight on your finger, pull it out and give it an extra tug to make sure it is nice and snug.

Step 8: Continue all the way around the elastic. For the Rapunzel dress, I used the darker tulle around the back and sides, and the lighter purple for about 4-5 inches in the front.
Step 9: Not totally necessary- but tulle is ITCHY. I wrapped ribbon around the elastic and tulle to make it more comfy and I think it gives the dress a more finished look. For mine, I used a ribbon that had a little velvety detail in the middle. Don't. Next time I will just use plain 1'' silk ribbon. It will look better, promise!

10: Try it on your little model. Really really puffy, and a little low ridin'.
While she is trying it on, tie a ribbon around the waist. Not too tight that you can't get it on and off, but snug enough to keep the dress on.
11: Add sleeves and embellishments (I used hot glue on the x, and thread and needle for sleeves). This is what the original dress looked like. Cute, right? BUUUUUT, I had 2 problems. #1 I felt like there was too much pink going on up top. #2 I couldn't figure out how to get the ribbon sleeve to be loose enough to easily get the dress on, but tight enough not to fall off her shoulders. So I did a little tweaking. If you like the ribbon sleeves, and can figure out how to do it- go for it : )
For the new sleeves, I used tulle, because it is stretchy. I may switch it out for (or add) some stretchy lace or ribbon, but for now it works.
I attached one side the same way I attached the skirt to the elastic, and then tied a regular knot on the other side, then covered them both up with the ribbon.

Then hot glued on some smaller/less obvious pink ribbon for the x's.

TAAADAAAAA!!!

I think it turned out pretty darn cute- especially for having no freakin' idea what I was doing!

The only thing I would change (dang hindsight) is the colors of tulle. They had a much darker purple I wish I would have gone with. In person you can see the contrast a little better, but it isn't as obvious as I wanted. Other than that, I love it. So does Kerrigan.

Now we just have to figure out how to make her yarn wig, get Tucker to love (or at least tolerate) his Pascal costume and we are good to go!

Sorry if any of this was confusing...I am going to totally play the 'this is my first tutorial' card : ) Feel free to ask questions!

Ten Years Later

2011-09-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

I started this post with talking about where I was September 11, 2001, feelings I experienced and the reactions around me. After I finished, I realized not only was it long, but it was also probably not a whole lot different than others' experiences- so I started over.

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”
- Confucius

10 years ago, America collectively "fell"- physically, emotionally and spiritually. Many of us caught our first glimpse at real evil in our world!

Thankfully, in the same terrible event, we were able to see the good in mankind as well. We saw heroes risk everything to save people they never knew. I think their unbelievable acts of kindness started the healing process almost immediately.

As a country, we are now more resilient. We are more patriotic. We are more grateful for the freedoms that we have.

We fell hard, but we rose so much stronger!

"After all that has just passed, all the lives taken and all the possibilities and hopes that died with them, it is natural to wonder if America's future is one of fear.

... I know there are struggles ahead and dangers to face. But this country will define our times, not be defined by them.

As long as the United States of America is determined and strong, this will not be an age of terror. This will be an age of liberty here and across the world.

... We have suffered great loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment.

...Our nation, this generation, will lift the dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail.
Each of us will remember what happened that day and to whom it happened. We will remember the moment the news came, where we were and what we were doing.

...I will not forget the wound to our country and those who inflicted it. I will not yield, I will not rest, I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people. The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain. Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them."

George W. Bush

*photos taken in April 2007 at Ground Zero*

Rock Star, Skater or Goth?

2011-07-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

*please note Tucker sending the vibe in the middle picture*

I am starting realize how hard it is to dress boys. I feel like I am constantly needing to buy pants for the poor kid, and they are still always short (heaven help me when puberty hits!). Especially in the church pants department. As much as I hate to admit it, the boy has basically been sporting khaki capris for the past month. So when I spotted these black corduroys, I grabbed them without much examination.

Fast forward to the next Sunday. We are at the in-laws' house, doing our normal Sunday morning scramble. Jared is getting the kiddos dressed while I am running around shoving treats and books into my purse. As they come upstairs, I notice Jared is perspiring slightly. In response to my curious look, he demands to know the reason I bought HIS SON skinny jeans. Not only did he break a sweat trying to wrestle our chunky, ever moving kid into them, he thinks they make him look like a teenage skateboarding punk. Whhhhaaaaaa???

My sister in law later admitted she thought Tucker had taken a turn in the Gothic direction.

Upon first look, I will admit they did look silly. I didn't notice how tapered they were when I bought them. Since then, however, I have decided I love them. They are stinkin' hilarious! I prefer to call them his rock star pants. Not only do I like the way they look now, they restrict his leg movement. Anything that helps me catch him easier gets a gold star in my book!

Every time I put them on him, Jared objects. I innocently explain they are his only church pants that fit right now. I tend to leave out the fact that the desperate search for church pants has dramatically slowed...if not stopped for the time being : )

In other news, in exactly one month I will have a 1 year old. Cue baby hunger.......

Life Reset...

2011-07-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

So you know that feeling you get when you walk through the door of your own home after being gone for any extended period of time. I LOVE that feeling- the familiar sights, sounds, smells...just knowing I am in my own space gives me the warm fuzzies.

The kids and I have basically been gone for a month now, with the exception of a few days we spent at home in between trips. We just got home, opened the door (kids and luggage in tow) and took a (what should have been) deep, cleansing, relaxing breath of my home...only to be overwhelmed by an incredible stench- which appeared to be emanating from my pantry.

I feared something had literally crawled in there and died. Turns out I was half right. Something had indeed "died", but it was something I had put in there and forgotten about. A sack of potatoes to be exact.

I kind of feel like those nasty, juicy potatoes represent what I have allowed life to become for me. I need to take back control.

I need to organize. The wreck that destroyed so much happened over a year ago. No longer a valid excuse to have a hoarder's garage. We need to throw away broken belongings once and for all!

I need to exercise. My baby is almost a year old, those last 6-8 lbs have to go. The slight postpartum "issues" I have had need to be replaced with positive, esteem building thoughts.

I need to make my house a home. We have been in this beautiful house for 10 months...put some stinkin' pictures on the wall already, Lindsey!

I need to clean...no excuses!

And possibly most importantly, I need to make friends. I have used all of the aforementioned excuses as reasons for my complete lack of a social life. I need me time. Not a ton, but enough to keep me sane.

I am officially pushing the reset button on my life. Possibly pounding it. I am completely done with sitting on my rear waiting for things to change...when I am the one that needs to change them. I had a month to collect myself, regain perspective and now I am ready to give myself a life makeover.

And I am going to starting by scrubbing off the bottom shelf of my pantry- thank you juicy potatoes!

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day was perfection this year!

I got to celebrate the fact that I have these two cuties that call me mommy (ok, one calls me mommy, the other one is a work in progress)

I got to spend Mother's Day in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been (Salmon, ID),

with the people I love most!

We even experienced the delightfulness of this view for many, many miles. Like I said- PERFECTION!

Easter Ensembles...

2011-05-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

I am currently on strike, I refuse to take anymore indoor pictures. Take that, frigid, stubborn winter!

Sunday was finally warm enough (BARELY) to try to take pictures of the kiddos in their Easter attire, so we ventured out.

So this picture isn't the best of Tucker (he is kinda out of focus), but I found my new fave bench angle! Now I need to work on getting my camera to focus on the actual person : )

I was so kinda bummed when I noticed the placement of my boy on the bench resulted in him looking like he had ears sprouting out of the top of his head. Then I remembered they were Easter pictures, so decided to go with it : )

Hope everyone had a fabulous Easter!

8 months

2011-04-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Our buddy boy is 8 months old today, and getting so big I am starting to get newborn cravings. Haha, just kidding...kind of...

Tucker is soooo close to crawling. He is at the point where he gets up on all 4's and then LUNGES into a face plant. It kinda resembles a belly flop- without water or actually leaving the ground.

Immobility is getting frustrating for him, but he doesn't want anything handed to him. If he wants an object, and can't get to it his go-to rolling/sliding action, we have to place him on the floor at the precise right location. Really, it's become an art to get him just close enough that he can reach, but far enough that he has to stretch for it. I guess we should be grateful he doesn't want stuff just handed to him...it will really take him far in life.

He is still a squishy little guy. He is wearing size 4 diapers (compliments of the cursed Wilkins high bum crack).

The kid weighs 20 lbs (Kerrigan barely weighed that at a year!) and loves him some food. He will eat ANYTHING! He knows how to make his momma feel good about her cooking as he greets each bite with an enthusiastic, "MMMMMmmmmmmhhhhhh"- followed by wailing if the next bite is not readily available. Similar behaviors are exhibited while nursing, but lest there be men reading this, we won't go into that!

Speaking of food, his need to gum all of his food thoroughly will soon come to an end. The boy just sprouted his first tooth yesterday. The dang thing took its sweet (yet painful for all of us) time coming. 1 down, how many more to go?!?!?!

Tucker is the grabbiest child I have ever met. I don't know if grabbiest is a word, but let's go with it. How he reaches some stuff I will never know! If Inspector Gadget and Stretch Armstrong had a kid...well, that would just be weird, but I think you know where I was going with that. And if there is nothing around him to grab, he sits there and does this strange air grabby thing.

We are still trying to figure out his disposition. He is a sweet little guy who usually is cool with just hanging out. He generally has a 'whatever, dude, I'm just chilaxin' look on his face. He also has a smile and laugh that are contagious. But when the kid is mad, he is MAD!!! He knows what he wants, and will not be distracted by anything!

Luckily for us, this is what his face usually looks like (oh, sweet dimples- as Whitney Houston would say, "I will always loooooooove yoooooouuuuuuuu!)

Happy 8 monthday, Tuck!

THANK YOU!!!!!

2011-03-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes at the end of the day I think to myself, "Self, did you accomplish ANYTHING today?!?!"

Lots of times, the answer is -other than keeping my kids alive, happy and snotty nose free- a big, fat negatory.

Housekeeping, extensive personal grooming and me-time often get placed on the back burner to trying to be the best parent I can be.

So yeah, at the end of the day, when I see dirty dishes in the sink, loads of laundry needing to be done and my hair BEGGING for some attention, I do sometimes wonder what the heck I did all day.

Then I remember the potty training, endless nose wipings, feedings, multiple clothes and diaper changes, comfortings, time outs, messy art projects, positive reinforcements, story telling, etc.

If I manage to focus on all those things, instead of what I didn't get done, I can give myself a pat on the back for surviving another day as a stay at home mom!

My job is one of the most physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually demanding jobs...and I would not trade it for ANYTHING!

*Sidenote: I am not saying it is impossible to do all of the above. I know plenty of women who always look great, find time to be social, cook meals, have a clean house and incredibly loved kids. I am just not there yet : ) The good news is I can always improve- and that is something I am striving for! I just need to remember to be a little kinder to myself when I fall short...and this article reminded me of that!

6 months...

2011-03-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

Since Tucker turns 7 months in 6 days, I figured I ought to post his six month pictures and stats.

At six months Tucker is 27.5" (the 75th percentile) and weighs 17 lbs 14 oz (the 50th percentile). He is definitely thinning out, but we aren't suprised. He is such a wiggle worm and always on the go!
He is such a happy little guy, and is starting to enjoy Kerrigan's company (and vice versa). I LOVE LOVE LOVE watching them giggle and interact with each other.

He still has no teeth (I swear K had like 5 by the time she was his age), but he doesn't let that stop him from eating solids...he gums the heck out of little finger foods like its nobody's business!

He is obviously sitting on his own, and is trying so so hard to crawl. His efforts usually result in a backwards scoot, which frustrates the dickens out of him.

He is one chill little dude. Some call it a good nature, I personally think it is a survival instinct. The less attention he draws, the smaller the chances of getting pummelled by his sister.

While he is very good natured, he does have a temper that appears every once in awhile. It comes quick, and it comes hard. He can be way more spunky than Kerrigan was. Doesn't happen often, but he makes sure you hear him when he needs something!

Our buddy boy is still such a snuggle bug. I try to make sure at least 1 nap a day is in his crib, but 1 is also in our living room (usually being held by me). I want him to be flexible with sleep...either self soothing in his crib, or on the go wherever we are. So far it has worked for us. He sleeps good in his crib, but GREAT when he is cuddled up to mom.

I love buddy/mommy naptime. So much of my day is consumed by a suddenly very demanding 2 year old, so it is nice to be able to spend a few hours lovin' on my bubba!

I can't believe he is over half a year old! If only there was a slow motion button for life. Tucker, please stop growing so fast!!!!

*Sorry for the picture overload...these are probably some of my all time favorite pictures I have ever taken. It was hard to choose which ones to post, so you got a large majority of them : )

St. Patty's

2011-03-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile, the stars align to create a work of art such as this:

Although, in this case, the stars are 2 snotty noses, a tired 6 month old who thinks he needs to try to crawl everytime he is placed on his belly, a 2 year old with the A.D.D. she inherited from both parents and a strong, brisk wind.

Sometimes you just have to laugh and embrace the crazy that is life : )

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Five Years...

2011-03-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

It all started with this:

A cute boy asking me to marry him. Oh my, look how young we were- practically babies!

And a few months later we were here:

I was watching a show the other day, and someone mentioned the fact that everyone is nervous before getting married.

I must be a weirdo, because I never was. I never had any doubts that I had found my other (and much, much better) half...I was marrying the perfect guy for me.

Ok, enough mushy stuff!

Here we are -5 years, 2 kiddos, 9 apartments, 1 home, 4 new nieces, 1 new nephew, 1 new sister in law, 3 cars, 1 car accident, 1 cat (we still miss you Cricket), 7 jobs, 0 trips to Disney (hint, hint), 2 years of infertility, 1 miracle baby girl, 1 surprise pregnancy, hundreds of tears, MILLIONS of laughs and 1 very filling meal at Cheesecake Factory- later:

Happy Anniversary Jared! I love your buns (and the rest of you, too)!!!!

2 Years Old...

2011-03-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

...only 3 months late : )

I finally got around to taking Kerrigan's 2 year old pictures. She is such a goober these days, and refuses to look at the camera, so many of them looked like this:

She also has a new excited face. While I adore it in person, it doesn't make for the sweetest pictures (still cute, though):

And then there were some that I will treasure FOREVER!!!! I am so in love with my baby, I mean big, girl....

Good Ole' V-day...

2011-02-15T09:34:00.001-08:00

I hope your Valentine's Day was as beautiful, peaceful and romantic as it was at my house...

...or maybe I don't : )

But then again, yours probably didn't involve a 2 year old on a sugar induced emotional roller coaster, and an exhausted 5 month old who's naps keep getting interrupted by said 2 year old.

But then again, if my day didn't involve all of the aforementioned components, it wouldn't have looked like this, even for a few (very brief) moments:

All in all, I am one lucky lady!

5 Months...

2011-02-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

A little over a year ago I was surprised (read: astounded, humbled and overjoyed) to find out that I was 2 months pregnant. And now my little guy is over 5 months old.

Here are some of his accomplishments he made, in this his 5th month of life.

Tucker's love life got an early start with his first girlfriend, little Harper. I can already see sparks!

He is slowly...oh, so slowly...learning to keep himself entertained. Can I get a HALLELUJAH?!?!

He has developed cleavage. (Oops, sorry future Tucker reading this, I just had to say it : ) What I meant to say was my son has become quite the specimen of strength.

He has found alternative means to self soothing beyond the commonly used pacifier. (Ok, I am still trying to get him to use the bink, but I swear the minute I turn my back, this is what the little stink does)

Tucker has outgrown his swing. Farewell sweet friend, thank you for your countless hours of entertainment. We will both miss you tremendously!

Despite the odds, Tucker has grown enough hair to actually have bedhead. Who says he has to be bald like the baby daddy? The cycle ends here!

He is sitting pretty well unassisted. The only turfing occurs when he spots Kerrigan running at him at full speed. In an instinctual act of defense, he throws himself out of harms way...but unfortunately catching ones self with ones hands is a learned reaction- one that he still hasn't figured out quite yet.

I am pretty sure Tuck is teething, though there is no evidence along his gums. However, he always is chewing on something and the drool- oh, the drool is everywhere and in full grown St. Bernard amounts.

Tucker started eating solids this week. I was supposed to start almost a month ago- but being the stellar mother I am, I kept forgetting. However, the momma juice isn't cutting it anymore, so we FINALLY got around to it.

He acts ravenous when eating cereal. He grabs my hand to direct it into his mouth (thanks for the vote of confidence buddy- not sure if it would have made it there without ya), chows down, then whines while I get another spoonful. Pretty sure we will be back to the 97th percentile weight in no time!

He LOVES it. He thinks he is the bomb.com eating like a big fella.

Probably Tucker's biggest accomplishment is learning how to defend himself. A lot of the time, the poor kid's life looks like this:

We know she means well, but Kerrigan is always up in his grill. Just recently, he started getting feisty with her. She is still not sure what to think of it...

Throughout the day, I hear, "HELP, ME STUCK!!!!!" multiple times.

Considering he is only five months, and only 7 lbs lighter than his 2 year old sis, we are guessing her days of not being taken down completely by him are numbered.

Despite her intense "loving" on him, he has recently begun enjoying her. I would even go as far to say he adores her...and I am pretty sure the feeling is mutual!

Awards...

2011-01-26T09:58:00.000-08:00

Growing up, I was a nerd. Ok, I still am and will probably always be- but I used to be much, much worse! (I looked for photographic proof, but sadly I believe they are casualties of the great moving truck wreck of 2010)

My nerdiness peaked in middle school. I was scrawny with gangley limbs. I had the big, purple framed glasses. I had the gross, dry lips that kids get with braces. My hair was LITERALLY the color of dirty dish water. My favorite (and probably worn multiple times a week) pants were lime green plaid, that yes, I had made myself.

I was bad. We are talking the epitome of dorkiness, people.

Add to the already bleak equation a gorgeous, popular older sister who all the guys were in love with.

To say I craved attention would be the understatement of the century. In an attempt to get some attention, I did something unspeakable. I am pretty sure I have never actually admitted this to anyone.

The yearbook contest for the "bests" of the year was in full swing. We had a few days to sift through the masses of our grade, and determine whose eyes truly were the best, whose lips formed the best smile, etc. Which 2 people in 7th grade had the best sense of style. It was a tense time in Lansing Middle School!

I desperately wanted to win something, anything. I knew the chances were slim. I needed to take things into my own hands. Somehow, I managed to score a couple extra ballots and went to work. I put my name down for EVERYTHING! I even remember trying to change up my handwriting on each one, so no one knew it was me. Then I nonchalantly stuffed them into the ballot box.

I thought I had succeeded, and was sure I was a shoo in for at least one award. Imagine my surprise when a few days later, one of the popular girls on the year book staff pulls out a few of my ballots at the lunch table, sets them out for everyone to see and everyone looks at me for an explanation.

I freeze, terrified as I realize my blunder. I don't know why I thought the ballots would be a secret. Somehow, in all my sneaky ways, I didn't realize it would be my peers that would be counting the votes!

I believe I muttered something about having some sort of creepy stalker, which I am certain no one believed when they saw the shade of red that my face had turned.

So why am I admitting this now?

It is so my friend Haley knows how truly honored I feel that she awarded me the Stylish blogger award. Thanks Haley!

And so here are the rules:

- Thank the person who gave you the award

- Share 7 facts about yourself

- Award 7 new bloggers with the award (and comment/tweet them so they know they've won!)

1. I can't lie. It's not that I don't ever have the urge to lie, just the inability. My face turns red, I sweat, I stutter, I can't make eye contact. I guess in the long run it is a good thing, but boy, it would come in handy sometimes (refer to above story).

2. I can never get myself to look like I want. Does that make sense? When I am getting ready I have an image in my mind of what I want to look like, and the end result is always just a little off.

3. I have to drive with my hands at 10 and 2:00. Sometimes I can relax if I am in a small town, on a side road, with no other cars in sight. However, as soon as another car comes into view, its right back to 10 and 2. Jared says I look like I am going through drivers ed. The other week I threw out my shoulder driving in bad weather because I was so tense. THREW OUT MY SHOULDER...what am I, 82 years old?!?!?!

4. I struggle to wear heels. I hate it, because I love heels. I think they are cute, and make legs look amazing, but I look like I am walking on stilts if I wear them.

5. I don't know what I look like. Like I will see someone and ask Jared if she looks like me (because in my mind she does), and he looks at me like I am crazy. I don't know how it is possible, I see myself everyday...

6. I am positive I have ADD. No, really, I think I do. I have to focus really hard on listening to what people say to really hear them. I also start talking, then forget what I am saying, or go off on another tangent alot. It makes me an awkward conversationalist sometimes. Either I am too focused on what you are saying to think of a response, or I am just speaking jibberish and not making any sense. I wonder if you can take Ritalin while nursing?

7. I want lots of kids. Like tons of them. I don't want to be pregnant that much though. I am thinking about having quadruplets a couple of times, then calling it good. Great plan, right?

I will now pass the award on, I hope you appreciate it as much as I do (without an embarrassing story to back up your gratitude : )

1. Brooke M.

2. Ami M.

3. Adriane R.

4. Sheena R.

5. Jacquie B.

6. Lori F.

7. Cynda J.

(some of you I didn't do because you are doing a challenge where you have already done facts about yourself)

Good luck, friends!

Resolutions...

2011-01-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

A few days ago my friend Lizzie wrote a quote on her blog that I have been thinking about. "A goal not written is only a wish."

I have never been big on setting (much less writing down) New Years Resolutions. However, there is A LOT I need to work on.

I figured if I was going to do it, it needed to be something cute that I could hang up and it not be an eye sore. So this is what I came up with.

I have a few categories so it doesn't just seem like a huge list. Physical and mental is for stuff like losing baby weight, exercise and not rotting my brain via excess computering. Spiritual is the personal goals, like prayer and scriptures. Then there are goals I have for strengthening our family.

I believe potty training Kerrigan falls into all the categories...

Then I made a slightly more manly one for Jared. Notice the Zig Zigler quote...Jared is a huge Ziggy fan.

Anyways, I was going to try to make a link so you could download and print them off if you want (not that they are anything special, just thought I would offer), but I am a complete computer dufus...so if you want the file email me lindseywstokes@gmail.com and I can send it your way.

Happy New Years!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas with Jared's family in Idaho Falls. Since I had just got my new camera (Canon 50d...love it!), I took tons and tons of pictures. Not all of them are great since I was (am) still trying to figure out how to use the camera, but they will do : )

And since there are so many pictures, I will try to avoid lengthy explanations- hopefully that will help it not be a marathon length post!

We had lots of quality family time, which is always dangerous when Stokes are involved. Randomness occurs often, sometimes in the form of family wig night, which generally results in jam out sessions.

Christmas Eve was very busy. The kids made reindeer food (so the reindeer could find the house...duh!)

We had a special visitor show up:

Of course, the classic kids acting out the nativity was performed (don't you love how most of the kids are keeping a close watch on the "donkey"), followed by a touching rendition of Feliz Navidad and a cousin gift exchange:

Um, have you ever laid your eyes upon a cuter angel? The answer is no, no you have not! Were you not aware that all angels carry around Elmo?

Matching pj's were worn:

and Grandparents were snuggled:

Then Christmas morning came. Everyone was exhausted from the night before. I LOVE the middle picture on the top row. Preston is explaining to Kerrigan that we were about to go downstairs to see what Santa left everyone.

(sidestory: Christmas Eve, as we were putting K to bed, Jared explained to her that Santa was coming and in the morning we would open the presents he bought for us. Kerrigan paused, then looked right at Jared and said, " Santa is SO COOL!" She is a huge fan now, and tells us how cool Santa is at least once a day.)

My favorite part of Christmas was watching K open her Woody and Jessie dolls (from Grandparents and Tucker). She was so in awe that she was actually holding them....and has not put them down since!

Then, after more feasting and short naps, we hit the great outdoors for some sledding. Grandpa attached the sled to the back of the snowmobile and gave us all rides. Jared, Kerrigan, Tucker and I took a turn, but I don't have pictures of it.

Tucker's first tube ride. Yes, he is going down alone. No, the hill wasn't as quite steep as it looks. And yes, he did sleep the entire time...such a thrill seeker!

LOVE the look on Kerrigan's face.

My sinfully good looking husband and son. You can't really see it in this picture, but Jared's eyes with the blue beanie...YEEEOOOWWWZZZAAAA!!!!

So, our move to Idaho has been difficult...like really, really hard. However, looking through these pictures reminds me of why we did it. We want our kids to have these kinds of memories with family. Yes, we have had a rough 6 months since leaving CT, but we just have to remind ourselves that FAMILY IS EVERYTHING!

The End.

Pre-Merry Christmas

2010-12-27T09:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am behind again.

No, I probably won't catch up anytime soon.

Maybe someday I will post pictures of Kerrigan's birthday, Tucker's 3month pictures, Christmas and soooo much more.

Until then, this will have to do....

Happy Holidays from us to YOU!!!

A Little Behind...AGAIN!!!

2010-12-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to find the time to blog regularly, so here is a (partial) catch up post- a mere month late : )

HALLOWEEN:

Saturday (10/31) we explored a little fall paradise, known as the Farmstead. I had been begging Jared to take us for about a month, and we were finally able to go the day before it closed.

Oh.my.HECK. so much fun!

There was a "cow train" ride. Kerrigan was not so sure about it when we first plopped her in good ole' Max...but we are working on a little thing called INDEPENDENCE these days- so off she went.

It was a huge hit- for all of us. She loved riding it, and Jared and I got a kick out of watching her tiny head (the next youngest kid was probably 4) barely peeking above the side, bobbling around the whole time. Not sure if bobbling is a word, but I think it paints an accurate mental image.

Since we went to The Farmstead in place of a nap, we needed to give Kerrigan a slight boost. In the form of sugar, of course. Her first taste of cotton candy (no idea how it took this long with the parents she got stuck with) was an instant success.

By all means, Kerrigan, don't hold back!

Then the highlight of the day occurred when we stumbled upon these mini treasures.

We sat her on a tiny horse, thinking we would at least get a picture of her terrified face (I was serious when I said she is stuck with us). Lo and behold, she is a natural horse woman...horse rider...I am sure there is an actual name- and that's what she is.

The 2 cowgirls running the ride were in awe with her form. I see horse back riding classes in our future. And by ours, I mean hers. I will probably retain my fear of horses...

The Farmstead is basically good, (relatively) clean family fun! We had a blast exploring hay mazes, jumping on giant trampoliney things, watching pig races, hay riding through the pumpkin patch, etc.

We even got us a pumpkin- isn't she a beaut?!?! We totally bought a small one there, thinking we could get a better price at the grocery store. The joke was on us...Albertsons' pumpkins were expensive and ugly (it was the night before Halloween in their defence).

Live and Learn, my friends. Live and Learn!

The highlight for me was getting these pictures:

My toddler, who suddenly treats me like much hated paparazzi these days, actually LOOKING at the camera. We sat her down on the hay bale, gave her a chunky baby to love on...and voila!- she embraced her inner super model.

After the Farmstead, we went to our ward's Trunk or Treat. When we were rushing to get over there in time, Jared teased me that if I was in that much of a hurry on Sundays, we might actually make it on time every once in awhile. Right back at you, babe : )

Kerrigan chose her lovely Abby Cadabby ensemble. I had a momentary freak out when I started spraying her hair pink, thinking it may not wash out- and thanked my lucky stars later that night when it did.

Since the cotton candy's effects had started wearing off, we presented our next weapon : the sucker. Worked wonders, she was perky and energetic the rest of the evening.

One minor (or major, however you want to look at it) setback happened fairly early on. She was just starting to gain her "twick o tweet" confidence when we got to a particularly ghoulish trunk. The lady had a bowl with a hand in it, and asked (as she is placing the bowl within reach of a hyped up on sugar 2 year old) ,"Will this be too scary for her?", right as the motion sensored hand grabbed Kerrigan's unsuspecting, candy seeking hand.

DRAMA unfolded...much weeping, and wailing, possibly gnashing of teeth. And I got to carry her the rest of the time. Thank you, kind stranger, for forever traumatizing her : )

Oh, Tucker was a whoopie cushion...for obvious reasons to anyone who has been in a room with him for more than 2 seconds. The kid can rip 'em better than any gassy 92 year old man!

Actual Halloween was pretty low key. We made Halloween cookies, carved a Mickey Mouse pumpkin and filled the bags of many children with candy (all 4 of the trick or treaters we got).

So there you have it. Halloween weekend a la Stokes. Stay tuned for more updates.

Although, they probably won't get done until me and this little sicko stop playing stomach flu tag....

Two YEARS of Kerrigan

2010-12-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

Seriously, I have a 2 year old?!?!?!

My little Miss turned 2 on December 5th. I don't have the pictures of her actual birthday (ahem, week) since they are on the memory card from my old camera I will hopefully post those soon.

Here is the only picture I have of her opening a birthday present (the game Cootie from Matt and Suz's family-only fitting that this is what she was doing while opening it), and I only have it because we did it Christmas weekend. Isn't it a beaut?

The two words I would use to describe 2 year old Kerrigan are GOOFY:
(I realize this is blurry, still figuring out my camera, but shows my day to day Kerrigan to a T...looking a little wild, but happy as a clam)

...and MISCHIEVOUS.
(Also a blurry picture, but for a different reason. Mid-shot, Tucker started rolling off the couch. He was caught before plummeting downward, but she climbed out by the time my heart had slowed to a normal pace).

Literally on the stroke of midnight on her birthday, the terrible two's kicked in. Tantrums and messes ensued. At the time, Jared and I were completely caught off guard, but soon came up with a plan, which has for the most part worked on the tantrums. However, the mischief has only increased.

Part of me likes that she has become more adventurous, part of me misses the little baby who was content with playing with what was placed in front of her.

Either way, the girl can find her way into a sticky situation faster than anyone I have ever met. I took these pictures the other day. I had just cleaned the family room and left the room for a few minutes to throw in a load of laundry.

I returned to find this:

But where is the culprit? Oh, here she is, in the pantry trying to get at stuff she knows I won't give her.

I am still trying to figure out how she destroyed the family room, strip down to her diaper and get the goodies out of the pantry and the lids halfway off in a matter of minutes.

Now that the tantrums or more under control, she has returned to being a delightful toddler (I know, sounds like an oxymoron).

Growing up, my mom called me her joy child. That is exactly what Kerrigan is to me! She makes my day brighter just by being in it. She tests my patience sometimes, but is quick to forgive me when I fail to be the best I can be.

Baby K (we really need a new nickname, not so appropriate anymore) LOVES being around people. I love this picture. She has only seen Gail a few times, but warmed up to her very quickly this time. Gail said she was sitting on the couch and K came up and sat on her foot and asked for a ride...typical Kerrigan!
I love how this picture makes them look like old buddies!

She LovEs LOveS LOVES being a big sister. She is such a good helper these days. Sometimes she over loves on her "buddy", but is quick to inform me when Tucker is stinky or needs his Binky. Luckily for all of us, she has realized he is only 8 lbs smaller than her, so we haven't had any repeat incidents of her trying to carry him.

Her tender heart doesn't mix well with sleep training, so I often find her sneaking into his room when he is crying. I have a hard time being stern with her inability to let him cry.

Kerrigan has always been a chatterbox, but the things she says are starting to get more and more funny. Here are a few of our favorite Kerrigan-isms:

"I scewed" (everything is scary these days. She also labels things as scary, dat scewy dada, dat scewy gwanpa, etc.)

After every activity she does, she lets me know she enjoyed it with "Had fun nursery, had fun daddy, had fun bath," etc.

Every morning I wake up to, "Come in Mama, come GET ME!!!" in her sweet helium voice (which is just how she talks, cracks me- and everyone else- up)

Her prayers are awesome. She is thankful for the most random things, such as daddy's eyebrows, all the letters, the fans and brother's source of food (when I am nursing during prayer).

"It's ok sweet bruder boy!"

Her favorite foods are mackey cheese, cheesy crispies and canteen (or candy, as the general population refers to it)

She only speaks in sentences. Everything is "I hear..." or "I see...", instead of just the word.

My personal favorite, when looking at a picture of our wedding, "Its a BEEEEAUTIFUL mama!"

My sweet, sweet Kerrigan Rose,

It really seems like yesterday that we were waiting for you to come to us. When we found out you were finally on your way, I remember thinking how lucky we were that you had chosen us! And when you arrived, I realized you were worth every second of those years of prayers, tears and pleading. You are my joy child, and bring me such happiness every day.

I know you won't fully understand how much Daddy and I love you until you have a child of your own, but maybe then you will read this and know what we feel for you!

Thank you so much for being so patient with me as I learn what it means to be a good mother. Thank you for loving me even when I am not perfect.

Thank you for being you!

I can't wait to see what is in store for you in the next 2, 10, 20 and 50+ years!

Love,

Mama

Three Months of Tucker...

2010-12-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

(I am actually typing this a little over a month late, but am going to post date it in December, so when I print my blog book it show up in the right year.)

Tucker turned 3 months old on November 28th. Here are some Tuck facts, as well as his 3 month pictures.

The first few months of life "on the outs" (as we call it) were rough for our little guy. Adjusting to the outside world was difficult and he was a fairly fussy baby.

However, in his third month he really began to enjoy life. He has since become such a giggly, chubby, dimply little dude. He has mellowed out in the crying department...much to my (sanity's) relief!

At 3 months I have no idea how much he weighs. We will leave it at he is one solid kid.

He wears size 3 diapers and has been in 3-6 month clothes for a few weeks.

I hope his eyes don't change. I could not be more in love with their color. It is the second thing people always comment on (after they inform me how huge he is...really? I hadn't noticed : )

While Tucker started laughing (full on laughs, not the infant giggle sound) pretty early, he is still a fairly serious baby. His go to face is generally like the picture below...

...unil someone makes eye contact, then it turns to his toothless, gummy smile.

He started rolling back to stomach to back around 2 1/2 months, which is impressive considering the amount of weight he has to maneuver. He is such a tank!

He hates being on his stomach during his conscious hours, but he loves to sleep on his belly. And thanks to the wonderful discovery of breathing monitors, I am able to enjoy (read:sleep) during his 10 hour nighttime sleep stretches!

I am so grateful for my baby boy. When I found out I was pregnant, I was genuinely concerned that I would be able to love another baby as much as Kerrigan.

That worry left the very second I held him. It is so true what they say about the bond between mother and son. I can't (and wouldn't want to) imagine my life without my sweet son!

Appreciation...

2010-11-19T19:56:00.001-08:00

This morning I woke up with an "angry" eye.

It was (and still is) bright red, burning and as Kerrigan so gently pointed out, "dat scawy eye, mom!"

No, I will not be showing pictures.

Yes, I did go to the eye doctor.

Yes, Jared had to rearrange his entire day to play chauffeur to his one eyed wife (due to lost glasses and no way in heck was a contact going in that eye).

We decided, after being questioned by the nurse, that I am ocularly un-hygienic. The good doc told me I abuse my eyes via leaving in my contacts to long...a contact abuser, if you will.

In my defence, it is impossible to do midnight feedings/changings when I am almost literally blind as a bat, but without their sonar capabilities.

The only medication he could subscribe has been correlated with stunting the growth of breastfed babies.

Not sure if that would be terrible for Tucker, considering he is in the freaking 97th percentile for weight (yes, you read that correctly. Little different than his 10th percentile sis)!

However, Jared wants a basketball player- and being in the 75th percentile for height is not going to guarantee playing in the big leagues.

So I will endure the next week with measley artificial tears, a scary eye and no mascara, for this:

Hope someday he appreciates it!

Tucker's Blessing...

2010-11-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

We blessed Tucker on November 7,2010. It worked out really well for everyone. My parents and Orson were able to drive up, and the Stokes family already had tickets to the BSUvs. Hawaii game, so they were planning on being in Boise anyway.

On the 6th, Jared's family went to the game, and Jared and I hung out with my family. After the game, we took pictures in all our BSU gear.

Then Sunday Jared blessed Tucker. He did an amazing job on the prayer!
I am so lucky he is is my baby-daddy!
We feel so lucky to have friends and family that were willing to travel to come share this special day with us!

Tuck with my parents...

And Jared's...

I totally forgot to take pictures of just him in his blessing outfit that Grandma Wilkins bought for him, and he had outgrown it a few weeks later- such a chunky guy. He looked so handsome in his white outfit, with a vest and bow tie. It also came with a newsie hat (a look I LOVE to put on him), but it didn't fit him : (

This was my favorite picture of the weekend...me, my mama and favorite little guy!

One of Those Days...

2010-11-08T22:19:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those days where you just think, "Dang, my kids are CUTE!!!"? I had one of those a few Sundays ago.

In an effort to remember this feeling (on days when cute is not the word I would use to describe them...) I tried to take a few pictures.

Not so successful- really, at all.

Most of the pictures of Kerrigan looked like this:

I can't get the girl to hold still for more than .2 seconds.

This was the only one that showed her entire outfit. Feel free to embrace the cheetah print shoes, I know I do.

I don't know why her eyes look so green in this picture. I couldn't find any of her earrings that morning, so she was allowed to sport mom's pearls for the day. Unfortunately, I forgot to take them out for naptime, so the earrings met their doom later that day (someday we will figure out how to break her need to chew on EVERYTHING).

Tucker was exhausted from the grueling demands placed on a 2 month old at church... because sitting in your carseat for 3 hours is hard work!

And yet another Kerrigan habit we need to break soon, the thumb suck.

Despite it's flaws, I absolutely adore this picture. And not just because it reminds me of the fact that Kerrigan took a life-changingly long nap a few minutes after it was taken.

The end.

Oh, the Many Faces of Tuck

2010-10-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

Let's count these collages as 1 picture, so I don't break my "don't post a million pictures of my kid doing one thing" rule.

Tuck the Truck has become so expressive...I am so in love with this stage! Here is just a snippet of the wide variety of facial expressions he offers:

Another set of examples, which feature his many, many chins:

Eeeeshk, how in love with those baby blue eyes are you?!?!?!

And since I can't do a post of just Tucker, here is Kerrigan displaying her amazing multi-tasking skills. Few can focus so hard on the television and still get food into their mouth. I know, she is amazing! While not all the yogurt made it into her mouth, I think she feasted on a good portion without missing a second of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

I love how she is wearing her regular breakfast attire...diaper, bib and whatever hair pretty is laying around. The girl knows how to keep it classy even in her skivvies!

Let's end with the picture I have been trying to get since the day the stinker got here. HELLLOOOOO dimples!!!!

Couldn't you just kiss these chubby, dimpled cheeks all day!?!?!?! I know I could- and occassionally do!

Bigger Isn't Always Better!

2010-10-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here is the proof.

This is me 4 days before K was born:

And here is me 5 days before Tuck arrived:

And to think I felt huge before the first time around...AY CARAMBA I had no idea what huge was!

Sooooo, seeing as my belly was way more stretched out this time, I received some little prizes that I had managed to avoid in my previous pregnancy- aka stretch marks. Gag!

Has anyone found anything that helps with them? I am not a huge fan- if I can at least improve their appearance, that would be AWESOME!

Considering the Unthinkable...

2010-10-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

If this doesn't give you the heebie jeebies, I don't know what will...

Ok, its not that bad, but it kinda freaked my freak (any Ellen fans out there that caught that?)

So our stuff got in a wreck...old news, right? Well, a few weeks ago, a man called my parents house and left a message saying his stuff was in the wreck as well (the truck was carrying 3 families belongings). We weren't sure how he got my parents' # since the moving company has a privacy policy that prevented them from giving out our phone numbers.

A few days ago, Jared talked to the guy and found out how they got the info.

*edit: Jared pointed out that my previous explanation was a "roadmap" to how to cyber stalk someone. So let's just say my blog was involved in how they found us.*

That scares me. These people had good intentions, but what if someone with bad intentions had done the same thing....

So I am thinking about going private. I HATE private blogs!!!! HATE HATE HATE!!!! I never remember to check them. I hate having to sign in to look at them. I hate signing in just to see that there are no new posts. I just hate them in general.

But I want to be able to post the entire picture to show you my new house, not a cropped version of just us and the front porch (with information on the sign blocked out: )...

...and still feel safe. Not to mention, I have these 2 cuties to look out for:

I don't know. Does anyone know how to allow people to still find my blog even if it is private? Or how to alert people that I have actually posted (so they don't have to sign in for nothing, especially while life is crazy and blogs are sporatic at best)? Maybe how to export my posts to a new blog, and leave this one up to serve those purposes....

What a pickle!!!

Start sending your emails to lindseywstokes@gmail.com if you want to continue reading, just in case. Even if you wonder if I remember you...or if you think I would think you were really random for reading my blog. I blog stalk with the best of them, so don't be shy!

Labor and Delivery

2010-10-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Me 5 days before Tucker arrived!

I was scheduled to be induced on Monday morning, to ensure Jared would be there. I had been walking a few miles a day and continuously running up and down the stairs of my parents' house for about a week trying to get things going. I got my membranes stripped on Thursday, but nothing seemed to change so Friday night we went to dinner around 6.

While we were there, Jared teased me that I just needed a little blast from the past to get labor going (we were eating at Sizzler, where I worked for a couple years). About 10 minutes later, I had a tiny tiny contraction. I had 2 more before we left around 7. When we got home I started doing stairs again. I had a few contractions that were soooo mild I assumed they were nothing. A little after 9 I went to put Kerrigan down for bed, and had a slightly harder contraction. By 9:30 they were getting more frequent, but not very painful.

I had one goal for this time around. I looked HORRIBLE after having Kerrigan, so I wanted to shower, do my hair and makeup before going to the hospital this time. I hopped in the shower and Jared came in to see what he needed to do to get stuff ready to leave, and he realized my contractions were REALLY close together and told me we needed to get to the hospital. I said I needed to finish getting ready but we could go in a half hour. So he tattled on me...literally. My mom came in the bathroom, ordered me out of the shower and told me I was going to the hospital NOW!

We got to the hospital at 10:15 or 10:30. My contractions were every 2 minutes, but still not hurting. I talked to the staff and filled out some paperwork before they took me back. I was between a 5 and 6. I was so excited that I wasn't in pain, and asked for my epidural....thinking how sweet it would be to get it before it started hurting.

Around 11:15 the contractions started getting very painful. I asked where my epidural was, and the lady taking my blood said she needed to send it down to the lab and get the results before I could get it. I wasn't thrilled they waited so long to take the blood since I asked for the epidural an hour before, but what can you do?

By the time the guy came to give it, it was 11:45 I was between 7 and 8 and my contractions were right on top of another. That was the worst part. I get scared when getting the epidural, and I think that combined with all the stress of moving, the moving truck wreck and guilt I had for making Kerrigan a big sister when she is so young. I sat there hunched over, buried my head in the pillow and sobbed. Jared said he has never heard me cry like that, it really shook him up (I kind of think that helped with my winning the name "battle" : )

After the epidural kicked in, we just sat and joked around. I got put on oxygen since his heart rate dropped during the time the contractions were painful. Around midnight I felt pressure so they called the doctor. For some reason he didn't get there for a half hour, so I couldn't push.

As he walked in the door, my water broke and it was time to push. 3 pushes later he was here.

Waiting for my epidural. I was having a contraction during the picture....thanks Jared for snapping this so I remember how minor they were!

My cheerleaders...I love that they were able to be there.

And the beautiful end result:

ABOUT TIME!!!!

2010-10-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

Gross, I am now one of those people who has a baby, then doesn't blog forever! A pretty hypocritical move on my part, since I HATE when people do that.

After several threatening texts from a very angry Canadian (who will remain unnamed : ) who demanded pictures, I figured I had better fix the situation.

Don't you LOVE LOVE LOVE the cross eyed baby look (as long as they go back to normal, of course!).

Kerrigan is still in love with her brother, I was a little concerned it would disappear once his "newness" had worn off. The infatuation is still going strong, perhaps at times a little too strong (for instance, when she tries to pull him off the couch so she can soothe him when he is crying).

This is her version of holding him. Countless times a day she is begging, "hode im, hode im MOMMY pease!!!!".

Remember this picture, taken at 1 week old:

Well, here is the 1 month old version:

The kid's got some serious chunk going on! He is over 12 lbs already, and his 0-3 month clothes are getting snug (see how tight the NB onesie is on him!). It took K almost 4 months to accomplish what has taken him a mere 6 weeks.

I am basically obsessed with this picture. He gives people the stink eye all the time. It makes me giggle to have a 6 week old glare at me.

He is quite a bit fussier than Kerrigan was, especially in the evenings. Not sure if it is colic, but thank goodness it usually happens after Jared gets home so I have reinforcements (other than Kerrigan pulling him off the couch : )

Fussy or not, he is one sweet boy and I love kissing those ginormous cheeks all day! I haven't taken a picture that has captured one of my favorite features of his....DIMPLES!!! Be still my heart, I am a sucker for dimples!!!!

Let me introduce you to my good friend Ted...as in Phil and Ted's double stroller. I LOVE this and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a double. It is a jogging stroller. It is skinny/agile enough to maneuver in any shopping store aisle. It fits any variation of kids (newborn/toddler, infant/toddler, 2 toddlers, etc.). Basically, heaven on wheels.

Wait, Lindsey, where is Tucker? you may ask. Well, I am glad you did. He is here:

Tucked safely and comfortably under his big sis. Seriously, LOVE IT!!!

We have also been working on operation Independent Kerrigan, which includes potty training (no picture, sorry), drinking from a cup, eating at the table on her own (a new experience since we previously didn't have a table or dining room) and learning to play alone.

2 things to look at: Her first milk mustache and the mess behind her. We FINALLY got the dressers we ordered. With clothing getting put away, and random items finding their place it is finally starting to feel like home here.

The girl LOVES apples. She put this one down in about 5 minutes. Just sat there chomping away until it was gone. I think she even ate the stem.

This is how she colors when it is too cold outside for her liking. Notice the lack of grass. The poor girls outdoor experience is limited to a 10x10 slab of concrete. A problem we plan to address soon with some sod and POSSIBLY a swing set...still trying to convince the husband : )

Don't you feel better now that you are caught up on our lives, I know I do!

The First Week and a Half...

2010-09-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

Since I am trying to hurry and get this done while the kids are both asleep, here is our week in many pictures and few words.

As with all newborns, there has been a ton of sleeping...

...with a little bit of awake time during the day (not so much the case at night-but that is slowly improving : )

We have had guests, both planned...

...and SURPRISE!!!

There has been a lot of snuggling:

(Definitely brother and sister, check out their identical noses!)

Perhaps a little too much snuggling, but she LOVES her "baby bruder" so we roll with it:

(look how big she is compared to him, a real eye opener to the fact she is no longer a baby)
And, since we are at my parents' house for the next few weeks, there has been hiking, of course : ) This is the hike we took to celebrate my due date.

What a great 11 days it has been!!!

Tucker Wayne Stokes - August 28, 2010

2010-08-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Baby Tucker arrived at 12:43am (Arizona time) on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 in Flagstaff AZ. His first, but not his last, stats are 6 lbs 15 ounces and measured 20 1/2 inches long. Mother and baby are both doing well and Dad is enjoying the cafeteria food.

Lindsey was loopy as usual when she got her drugs and kept everyone in the room entertained throughout the process. Her first contraction happened at 6:30 pm and he was here a little over 6 hours later.

Thanks family and friends for all of your support as we go through all of these changes in our life!

Quick Update

2010-08-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of pictures...I will try to throw a few on here soon.

So far the move has gone well, with the exception of a few minor hiccups. For instance, the luggage rack of our car got ripped off when the truck driver misjudged the height of a tree branch.

There is also the fact that the driver of our moving van ran off the road in PA. We spent a week going through photos to ID our stuff, versus what belonged to the other 3 families who were being moved. Our belongings are scheduled to be in Boise tonight, and tomorrow Jared meets with the insurance adjuster to start the good ole' claims process. Like I said, a minor hiccup : )

We can't complain too much, though...other things have gone much better than anticipated. We are in the process of buying an AMAZING home (after discovering a mortgage would actually be cheaper than renting).

Sidenote to all CT friends: we will be paying less than 1/2 our CT rent for a 4 bed, 2 1/2 bath, 3 car garage home on .25 acres of land. Not bragging (ok, maybe a little), just trying to get you all out here, too : )

Jared's office is coming together nicely. He is currently doing interviews, and is pumped for his doors to open in a few months.

Kerrigan is loving spending time with family. She loves Grandma's attention, adores Orson (and has him wrapped around her finger), can't get enough of Nanee (Janalie) and is smitten with Grandpa.

I also reap the benefits of living with my family, in the form of frequent feet elevation (aka sitting on my big, pregnant tushy), mom's cooking and massages...ahhh, this is definitely the way to spend the last month of pregnancy.

Most importantly, our son will be here in 13 days or less. I can't wait to meet my little gymnast whose rump has been invading my lung space for the past 9 months.

As Nacho Libre would say, "My life is goooooooood!!!!"

32 Weeks

2010-07-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Week 32 was a tough one.

It was the week I realized what this move meant for my little family. It was spent taking care of the last minute details that were forgotten with all of the larger, more obvious plans.

It was spent alone, the 2nd week in a row of Jared being out of town. My time was consumed by a distressed, needy toddler who was missing her daddy (whom she had become used to seeing all day, everyday while he studied).

Sleep was rare (honestly, who sleeps well with a missing spouse) and patience was rarer (if that is even a word).

Then on Tuesday, at the peak of my self pity, I was on the receiving end of the look no woman wants to get from her OB. He explained I was measuring quite small...in fact I hadn't grown at all since my last appointment (2 1/2 weeks prior). He explained if the baby had stopped growing, they would need to do some testing and we would need to postpone moving until we knew what the problem was.

An ultrasound was scheduled for today and I was sent on my way. At that point, I knew I was not in a place where I could worry before knowing if something was actually wrong. I took Kerrigan to get her shots, and the rest of the day was normal.

On Wednesday, Kerrigan's new found neediness was increased by a fever and the never ending list of what still needed to be done was once again put on the back burner.

Last night I finally let doubts creep into my mind. What if something was wrong with the baby? What if he had stopped growing? Why was I having to do this on my own?

Trying to settle my whirling thoughts, I turned to the computer to try to find anything to distract me. I found this video on my cousin's blog:

Wow, hello perspective!!! Thank you for again returning to my life...I have missed you the past few weeks!

So today, I headed to my ultrasound KNOWING everything would be fine! Whatever was supposed to happen would- and I would be a better person because of it!

Farewell Week 32. I am not sad to see you go. You were difficult, but you also strengthened me.

I am excited to start Week 33 knowing my son is growing just fine (he is on track to being MUCH bigger than Kerrigan), and 1 week closer to meeting him. I am thrilled Kerrigan is back to her normal self- well, at least her pre-fever self. I am happily anticipating Jared's return home. I have a renewed confirmation that this move is EXACTLY what our family needs, and it will be amazing!

Terrified!

2010-07-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

Today I FINALLY realized we are moving (I know, about time Lindsey!)...and it hit me like a ton of bricks right in the face. The part that absolutely kills me is thinking about all the life changes that are about to strike one very unsuspecting 19 month old girl.

I have been so consumed with the finding a home, finding an OB, timing everything pregnancy-wise, etc. that I didn't really consider the fact that we are about to rock Kerrigan's world.

Feel free to blame it on pregnancy hormones, but today has been incredibly emotional as I have realized the implications of this move for her.

Just recently, she has started to develop her own friendships. If I say we are going to go play with her friends, she excitedly asks for, "Dew, Kate Kate, Ebeee?" I know she will make more friends in Boise, but she will be leaving the first friendships she ever formed behind.

We also have friends out here that have been constants in her life since the day she was born. She adores our friends, and they absolutely love her. A month ago she began remembering names, and has started to get very excited when she knows they are coming over. I think the relationships she feels with our friends have recently grown from "I know you, I feel safe with you" to a deeper trust, love and the desire to spend time with them.

Essentially our friends out here have been our family while we have lived across the country from any relatives. It makes me sad for myself to think about leaving those friendships (only physically, of course), but breaks my heart that no matter how hard I try to explain moving, she won't understand why she won't see them anymore.

I have to repeat to myself over and over, "This has always been the plan. We were always going to move back west eventually. It is better to do now then when she is in school. I want her to know her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She WILL adjust. This is where we are supposed to go."

However, I still feel like I am tearing her away from every source of stability (except Jared and I) that she has ever known...her friends, her home, her "aunts and uncles".

Add a new sibling to the mix, and I am terrified of what these next few months are going to do to my baby girl!

Sorry for this blubbery post, I needed an outlet and possibly someone to tell me I am not going to ruin my child like I kind of feel like I am about to do!

NUmbers NUMBers NUMBERS!!!!

2010-07-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

My head is swimming with so many numbers, I can't seem to take the nap my tired body DESPERATELY needs. Here is a glimpse:

It has been...

...1095 days since we made Connecticut our home.
...63 days since we found out we would be moving.
...45 day since I have been able to breath/sleep comfortably.
...12 days since my wedding ring has fit my swollen fingers.

In...

...12 days the movers come to pack away our CT life into boxes.
...14 days we leave our CT life forever : ( and fly to Boise
....22 days we will hopefully have found a place to live and signed a lease, because in...
...23 days K and I will drive to Flagstaff and Jared will fly to Seattle for more training.
...37 days Jared will fly back to Boise.
...39 days Jared will help the movers unpack our stuff into a house we still have yet to secure.
...41 days Jared will drive down to Flagstaff.
...42 days operation "get baby boy here NOW" will commence. Hopefully he will arrive shortly thereafter because in...
...58 days I am due to give birth, but in...
...60 days Jared has to travel back to Seattle for another two weeks (see why he HAS to come a little early!).
...73 days Jared will come back from Seattle.
...74 days we will drive from Flagstaff to Boise, with a newborn and toddler in tow!

Is your head spinning yet?!?!?! I know mine is!

Let the countdownS begin!!!!

18 month pictures....

2010-07-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

...exactly 1 month late! I will be pulling the "big pregnant with not a ton of energy to chase a toddler around, preparing to move across the country a few weeks, babysitting a few days a week and trying to soak up as much CT as possible so pretty dang busy" card as my excuse for my tardiness.

I like to think these pictures are well worth the wait, though- isn't she a beaut?!?!?!

Like I said before, I don't have a ton of energy/agility to chase her around. Not to mention the fact I didn't take into account the humidity and heat we would be dealing with! The combination set the scene for way too many of the pictures of her back as she chased birds and bugs (don't you love her expression in the middle bottom picture...her first encounter with a bumble bee), eating grass, throwing mini tantrums and finally thumb sucking and sweating from sheer exhaustion.

Luckily we were able to get some gems that I absolutely ADORE!!!!

Baby K (or I guess Big Girl K is more appropriate) with Mommy and Daddy. Feel free to not look too closely at my face. And rest assured I made the mental note to take any pictures involving me PRIOR to chasing a toddler around for over an hour...I don't think there is a single drop of makeup left on my face- GROSS!!!!

As to not end this post with my face, here is probably my favorite. It captures the essence of my little girl- such a cheerful little bean! It is such a privilege to be her mom, there is not a day that goes by that I take for granted the blessing she is in my life!

18 month stats: 33" (90th percentile), 23 lbs (25th percentile), head circumference...don't remember, but the dr. said it was perfect- whatever that means : )

As far as other milestones, the pediatrician asked us a few times if she was really 3 years old. At one point she asked how many words Kerrigan knew, and I told her the other night I counted in my head while trying to fall asleep (as opposed to counting sheep). When I told her I got to 75ish before I fell asleep, the Dr. laughed and said they usually want them to have at least 4 words by 18 months.

Since then I typed out her words to count, and got to 105+. The little chatterbox picks up new words every day.

She also can count to 7 and identify 2,3,4,5,6,7,9 and the letters p and t. I have no idea where these skills come from, she has seriously picked them up on her own!

The only area we really need to work on is having her feed herself. Operation Kerrigan self feeding will go into full effect once we are in our new place that fits a dining room table (I won't have to lug her high chair out of hiding) and we can either lay a mat out to catch spilling food or have wood floors.

She is My Child!!!!

2010-06-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

One of my FAVORITE childhood memories was catching lightning bugs. Kerrigan finally got to experience the joys of the activity yesterday evening....

...and was a HUGE fan!

I did black and white for 2 reasons: 1. It kind of hid the poor quality of the pictures (to a certain extent). 2. I left the glow of the fireflies' bums in color so you could see them.

This is my favorite picture...she is "hugging" the bug. It looks like she has a glow in the dark earring on. Brooke and I used to (please don't report us to PETA) make lightning bug jewelry with their bums. Gross, I know, but this picture reminds me of that : )

Now there should be some videos below (hopefully, blogger was giving me some grief earlier trying to post them). They are short but HILARIOUS!

However, if you choose to not watch them all, please...for your own good...watch the last one. It makes me giggle every time. We like to call it Kerrigan's Alternative Source of Protein : )

18 months...

2010-06-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have yet to take K's 18 month pictures, but I figured I out to do at least an update before the girl turns 2! So here is Miss Kerrigan in all her 18 month glory...

Instead of typing out every little detail of what she does/says, we will do a "Kerrigan in a nutshell" sort of update. Here it goes:

- She has become a little chatterbox. It would be ridiculous to try to list everything she says. However, here are some favorites: Ohhh TOOOOOTLES (from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse), Hi Mama or Hi Dadda (said with a sweet voice, usually when she knows she is in trouble), fwim (aka swim), chiki (chicken), ya okay??? ya awite??? , dat is sooo cool!!!!, where he/she goe? and PEACE.

-She also sings some words to her favorite songs (Don't Stop and Defying Gravity) and says the f-word when she tries to say frog (which is surprisingly often?). The other night, I was singing Don't Stop to her, and I got to, "somewhere in the...." and she sticks 1 finger in the air and sings, "NIIIIIIGHT" in a falsetto voice.

- She loves ANY water. She is quite the little fish, despite the temperature, cleanliness, etc.

-She likes to lock Jared and I (or herself) in the closet, then says, "HEEEEEYYYYYY" and slam the door in our face if we try to come out.

- She has a unique palette...mainly anything others would think of as inedible. I am constantly digging crayons, sand, rocks, etc. out of her mouth. She generally doesn't swallow them, but it is a trait I could do without : )

- Her favorite number is 2 and her favorite letter is A. She points them out everywhere.

- She has remarkable hair, particularly after nap time. It never ceases to amaze me how out of control it is!

-She is really into making her own decisions. She has an opinion about what she wants. It is fun to see her discover on her own what she enjoys. She is into babies, Elmo (she names most of the characters on Sesame Street. For a while she was calling me Melmo, which I took as a compliment based on her obsession levels for Elmo), Mickey Mouse (or Hog gog as she calls him... from the Hot Dog dance they do on MM Clubhouse) and hair pretties (she picks out her hair thing now- doesn't always match, but oh well).

-Walking in her world doesn't exist, the only way to go anywhere is run!

- The girl LOVES to read. Her favorite books are Hippos Go Berserk, Potty Time and Goodnight Gorilla.

- She has started helping say prayers at night...such a proud parent moment! She also sleep talks. It may be genetics- sorry K!

- She is constantly increasing my faith in her big sister abilities. We have had lots of practice with watching Eve. She is going to ROCK at taking care of the little guy. Sure, his eyes might be occasionally poked, but he will never lack kisses and snuggles!

Whew, that was longer than I thought...aren't you glad I went for the condensed version : )

Big Girl!!!

2010-06-10T13:40:00.001-07:00

We have got a nursery attender on our hands these days....HOORAY!!!! I plan on enjoying every minute of my lone church time (all 2.5 months of it : )!

K LOVED nursery. When I went to pick her up afterwards, she saw me, walked up casually and said, "Hi Mama, bubbles..." then went back to playing with the bubbles with the rest of the kids.

I have been looking forward to this day soooo much, so thought I would document the momentous occasion. I tried a few on the stairs going up to nursery, but the lighting was wonky!

So we tried a few outside...

...but it was too bright (does this sound like Goldie locks to anyone?)

Mommy and big girl...see how relaxed/edified I look after being able to focus on the lesson!

She must have REALLY enjoyed herself, because when we got home this is what transpired (which almost never happens anymore- snuggling, not sleep). Don't you love the nametag on the back of her shirt...smart thinking nursery leaders!

I am so proud of my little social butterfly for being so independent!!!

Sidenote: Someday, when the weather AND Jared's schedule comply, we will take her 18 month pictures and have an 18 month update...someday!

Another sidenote: Has anyone else who uses photobucket to enlarge pictures had a problem with them. I made them the normal size, but had to manually adjust them because they were HUGE!!! Hopefully I was able to avoid the funhouse mirror effect!

Recipes?

2010-06-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

I always shy away from taking meals to people because I am not the best cook. However, the time has come where I need to man up and figure this out!

What is your favorite meal to take to someone? What is something I can make that is easy for them to heat up (if I need to take it earlier in the day) and POSSIBLY I can do in a dish they don't need to worry about returning (after I had Kerrigan, people didn't see their dishes for a few months, and it was stressful for me every time I saw the "borrowed" pans).

Tips, please...I know you gotta 'em!

Kerrigan's Big Announcement

2010-05-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Wait a minute, you already knew that one!

Here is the right picture:

Where, you might ask? K's outfit is a clue...

That is right, at some point this summer the Stokes clan is packing up and heading to Boise, ID!

Jared wasted no time in getting K the appropriate clothing...GO BRONCOS!!!!

Miss Independent...

2010-05-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Kerrigan has begun to realize the world is her oyster. Gone are the days were she wants to be carried. Trying to get her to hold my hand is a joke. Sitting in the stroller...not gonna happen!

She is constantly exploring the world around her, as well as the limits I attempt to set for her. She has become her own independent person.

Part of me is happy. Her discovery of her own autonomy is amazing to watch. She doesn't need me every second of every day. It is fun to watch her figure stuff out on her own.

Another part of me wants to cry. Where did my little baby go? Who is this little explorer who has replaced my timid and cautious infant?

And I know this is only the beginning- why didn't anyone warn me how hard it would be to watch her grow up?!?!?!?!

Boys and Girls Are Different...

2010-04-25T18:53:00.001-07:00

...in case you didn't know : )

I, for one, did not realize how early these differences start until I experienced pregnancies for both genders.

This pregnancy has been so different from Kerrigan's, and for those who are curious, I thought I would make a list.

-I felt this little guy move much earlier. I know you feel them sooner after the first, but COME ON, I felt him a full month before I felt K!

-I am still sick. I was sick for a long time with K-bug, but if you recall it was mainly due to the fact that our neighbors smoked like chimneys. The day we moved out of that apartment was the last day I threw up (minus when my dad had me try Noni Juice, BLACH!). Our air here is smoke free, yet the vomiting continues.

-I am hairier...that is all we will say about that!

-Size. Whoa, I am already soooo much bigger than I was at this stage last time. I was all belly last time, but this time I am rockin' the love handles. And we won't even discuss the skyrocketing weight gain. Again, I know it being the second pregnancy contributes to these, but WHOA!!!!

-I am carrying a lot lower. Seriously, he kicks my cervix all the time. Last time, my lungs were the victims of flailing fetus limbs...this time, they are getting a break.

-Emotions are out of control. Last time they were bad, this time is a whole new ball game. I cry so so much, for no no reason. Jared scolds me if I attempt to watch anything even remotely sad. Meltdowns are a daily occurance, and usually there are multiple. I cried watching Hannah Montana today, the show about a girl who has the best of both worlds!

-Cravings are more intense. I want spicy Cheetos every minute of every day. Out here they are hard to come by for some reason. Jared and I happened to find some in a random gas station the other day and I bought all 36 (yes, 36) bags they had in stock.

*Funny side story* I did get chastised by the lady standing behind us in line. I believe the direct quote was "that poor baby is not getting any nutrients". Yes, kind stranger, I eat only spicy Cheetos...no other nutrient enriched foods enter my body during this time that I am the sole protector of a child- I am THAT SELFISH! (said with a touch of sarcasm) I think I replied something about him coming out orange, so think of all the money we would save not having to pay for tanning.

Bless your heart if you read all of this. Previous to experiencing it, I always wondered what the differences were in boy and girl pregnancies, so thought I would share for anyone pondering the same question.

And the Countdown Begins...

2010-04-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

...for Kerrigan's introduction to nursery.

I only have 6 Sundays left until I am able to focus on the lesson instead of keeping her entertained and fed. Beautiful!

I will also have this freedom for a whopping 2 months before baby Boy gets here- and I plan to enjoy every moment!

However, surviving these next 6 weeks will not be easy. I need your help. I feel completely unprepared to handle a toddler at church.

The normal books, baby toys and stuffing fruit snacks in her mouth just doesn't cut it anymore. The poor girl needs some mental stimulation.

So what do you use to keep your kid entertained at church and where do I find said entertainment tool? I need suggestions people if I am going to survive the next 6 weeks!

Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime?

2010-04-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

(Sorry if this showed up 3 times on Google Reader...had some technical difficulties : )

Do you go to the Stamford Park, but its kinda scary so never after daaaaaark?

Do you stuff your face Easter Egg treats...

or enjoy the beach, while it's still open to the non-Greenwich Eliiiiiiiiiites?

Yes, that's what we dooooooooo, how about yooooooooouuuuuuuu?

I Don't Think You're Ready For This Jelly...

2010-04-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

..(as in shoes, of course!)

That's right, last week my daughter proudly displayed an awesome combination of mixed patterns, leg warmers and jelly shoes in public.

I think someone's mama is having a hard time letting go of 1984!

Easter Dress

2010-04-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

I made the mistake of taking Kerrigan's Easter pictures at a park by the beach...WAAAAY too distracting for 16 month old A.D.D.

Most of the pictures turned out like this:

Finally, with the help of Jared, I stuck her in a tree. At first, she wasn't too comfortable:

but after some rearranging we got some shots that I absolutely adore!

I love how her personality is finally coming through in pictures. She is just too much fun!

I am also starting to realize she is turning into a little person, which gives me so much more confidence with the whole idea of being a mom to 2.

I can't get enough of this face!!!

A Glimpse into our Future...

2010-04-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

We decided to shake things up and have a BOY!!!!

Jared could not be more excited for his little buddy to get here.

Kerrigan allegedly gave the technician a dirty look when she confirmed it was a boy...neither Jared or I saw it, but the lady SWEARS Kerrigan glared at her!

I am just happy there is really a baby in there, I am not just getting pudgy. Just kidding, I am pretty excited for this new adventure, I don't doubt it will be COMPLETELY different from raising a girl.

*18 weeks: Like the hair? I refer to it as my "Eagle Scout Hair"- always prepared for vomiting : ) Hopefully soon, the nausea will be under control and I will have pictures where my hair is actually fixed!*

Cooking...

2010-03-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

I have never been much of a cook. I don't really get the satisfaction from doing it that I hear others' talk about.

The first few months of marriage I cooked every night for Jared. It was probably terrible, but I tried!

However, after that, our schedules never really aligned to a point where we could eat dinner together. At one point when we were both going to school and didn't see a whole lot of each other, Jared came to the conclusion that it really wasn't worth me cooking an entire meal that we never got to share together.

I did not argue : )

I don't think he realized his declaration would have the long term effects it did. I have not regularly cooked since then.

Up until now, it just hasn't made sense. Jared doesn't get home at a certain time, so we can't plan to eat at a certain time. We don't even have room for a kitchen table in our apartment! Even when Kerrigan came along, she just nursed and ate baby food and occasionally had a few bites of whatever I was eating.

However, the time has come when I need to make a big change. What better time could there be to improve my eating/cooking habits than when I have a toddler developing lifelong eating habits, and when I have a fetus relying on me to supply it with good nutrients.

I have no idea where to start, though!

What are your dinners like? Where do you find healthy recipes that interest toddlers? What is your families favorite meal?

I really do need help. Even if it just basic, and I should know it...odds are I DO NOT! Please help me get my family back (actually probably not back since we were never there) on the healthy, well balanced meal train!

Thanks.

If you have a recipe, feel free to email it to lindseywstokes@gmail.com

The joys of apartment living!

2010-03-30T11:23:00.001-07:00

Dear Neighbors,

I know we don't know each other very well. We have met only a few times, but you all seem very nice. I really can't complain. HOWEVER, I do feel the need to make a few suggestions.

Neighbors across the hall: I commend you (the wife) on making dinner every single night for your husband. I am sure he appreciates the love it shows. I think Jared would probably be a little (read: VERY) jealous of your dedication if the smell of your cooking did not bring tears to our eyes (and more recently, make me throw up). Might I suggest you explore spices other than curry? Possibly something that does not sting the nostrils? Also, remember, take out every once in awhile does not make you a bad wife...and it makes you a much more loved neighbor.

Also, I like your dog very much. He seems very friendly. Unfortunately, I think maybe a smaller breed would be more appropriate for your living arrangements. If you have to let your dog run rampant in the hallways of the complex a few times a day, it may be a sign he is a bit too big for small quarters. Sometimes I like to let my child walk to and from the elevator, and it would be nice not to have to scoop her up quickly as your huge dog runs full speed at us.

I also am not a fan of his constant barking. If he wakes my kid up from one more nap, drastic measures may need to be taken!

Neighbors next door: I haven't had the pleasure of meeting either of you. I understand one of you is a pretty recent addition to the apartment. I would appreciate if you guys could come up with a better system for locking your doors. Maybe you should remove the deadbolt so the other roommate doesn't have to pound on the door in the middle of the night to be let in. Please see me if you need any other suggestions...I come up with many creative solutions in the middle of the night when I am awakened by your banging on the door!

Thanks,
Lindsey

Saturday's Smorgasbord...

2010-03-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

...of random ramblings.

- I have a clean tub in the first time in waaaaaay too long. It is amazingly refreshing. K is enjoying the independence of taking baths, since we have been only showering so she wouldn't make contact with the dirty tub.

-I am excited for Easter. I am really excited for K's Easter dress that Grandma and Grandpa Stokes bought for her. At some point, I will show you pictures (after I get the motivation to take some : )

- I check our Relief Society's Yahoo group way too much some days, but sometimes forget to check it for a few days. Unfortunately, the days I forget to check it are always the days someone is trying to find a home for something I could use. So Kristin, I am officially appointing you as my Yahoo ambassador (since it goes to your gmail), if you see anything I need, let me know!

- I have had a clear elastic hairband on my finger for about 4 days now. I picked it up so K wouldn't choke on it, and keep forgetting to find a safe home for it. The only time I notice it is in the shower...where in the world would I put it in there?

- I am constantly amazed at the random connections I find via the internet. Yesterday, I found an interesting blog through a BYU-Idaho friends blog. Imagine my surprise when a few posts down she mentions Jami Haban...what the????

-Kerrigan's talking is really keeping us on our toes. We have started to really watch what we say around her. While driving in the car, her grandpa said something involving the word dang...K repeated the whole 3 word phrase including dang. We are also realizing how much we compliment her by saying, "Nice helping, or nice voice". Now everything she does she rewards herself with a big "Naaaawsh!" Jared really wants to teach her to say rad.

-We have been really working on not poking babies eyes, poor Eve is our guinea pig. K is getting really good at kisses instead of eye gouging, although sometimes the kisses are a little too intense...but an improvement, nonetheless. We are still working on Jared, he has a ways to go.

-Don't you hate when you like a name, only to realize a famous person has it? I LOVE the name Miley, but HELLO I don't want people to associate her with Hannah Montana. Same deal with the name Finn, HOW CUTE IS THAT...darn Glee!!! Along the same lines is when someone in the ward comes up with a really creative name that you love (like Penelope), but it is so unique there is no way it wouldn't be copying that person.

- We need a double jogging stroller and a toddler bed...any suggestions?

-I am carrying RIDICULOUSLY low this time around. I have also been feeling the baby move really early (a little before 15 weeks) and Jared felt it move last week. Is that really early to anyone else, I feel like I am carrying a half vampire baby!

-I am excited to no longer have an "it" in a little over a week...what do you think we are having?

4 Years 1 Week and 2 Days Ago...

2010-03-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

I made the best decision of my life:

March 17th 2006

Jared, in true Stokes form was early to the temple.

I, in true Lindsey form, was late.

He thought I wasn't going to show.

I did.

People always say, "It only seems like yesterday..." To me it seems like a lifetime has past since that day.

Together we have faced trials and triumphs, heartache and joy. We have grown closer and become better because of each.

So to some, 4 years 1 week and 2 days is just a tiny speck of time.

To me, 4 years 1 week and 2 days is EVERYTHING!!!

4 years 1 week and 2 days ago is when life really began for me, and it has been an amazing adventure I chose.

Baby Eve...

2010-03-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Megan let me take pictures of Eve this past week, which got me all geared up to do the newborn thing in 5 months. Is she not the cutest??? She made it so easy, just laid there and looked sweet.

Here are some of my favorites (minus bare bum- didn't want Braden to kill me : )

Look at those eyes, oh my heck!!!!

The matching bracelet and flower Megan made for her blessing day.

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL?!?!?!?!

Close call!

2010-03-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we were heading to our personal heaven on earth, aka IKEA. We didn't make it very far because the weather was terrible, traffic was slow and my stomach disagreed with the driving. So we turned around to come home.

Right as we were getting back on the highway towards home we got a call from Megan. She was stranded at home (while her husband was picking up his mom to the airport) with no car, no electricity, a 1 month old baby and it was starting to get dark. Did I mention winds of 60+ mph had been reported.

We told her we would be there soon to pick them up so they could at least be somewhere with heat and light.

When we got there, Jared pulled up to the curb to try to get as close to their door as possible... and then had the feeling to a few feet forward, which he did. He jumped out to go to get them, and I got out and grabbed some stuff to put in the trunk.

All of a sudden, there was a HUGE gust of wind and a loud cracking sound. I froze for a second, then ran to get back in the car. I heard the tree crash to the ground behind me about the same time something smacked my head. In my state of mind, the whole tree had just fallen on my head...reality : a branch hit my head and the roof of the car.

When Jared heard the crack of the tree trunk, he dove onto the porch. The tree landed right where he had been, missing him by inches.

It is amazing to me that had we arrived even a few seconds later or Jared didn't have the reflexes of a puma he would have been crushed by the tree.

I am so grateful that he followed the prompting that really didn't make much sense (to park further from their door). The bulk of the 60 foot tree landed where he initially parked and would have landed right on me and Kerrigan.

As it is, we managed to escape with a slightly dented car roof and a small bump on my melon. (We like to say it was my head that kept the tree from completely crushing their house : )

The Edwards...not so lucky. Half of the tree landed on their roof, and they have water damage in their bathroom and kitchen.

However, under the circumstances I would say both of our families are pretty dang lucky!

*A piece of the tree assailant*

Little sidenote: Jared kept mocking me that night, calling my branch a tiny twig. He has since recanted this statement after seeing the dent my "twig" left on the roof of the car. HA!

Little Insert:

2010-03-03T16:43:00.000-08:00

P.S. Did anyone notice the badger pelt in the background? That would be Jared's pride and joy that his family got tanned (I have NO IDEA if that is the right verb) for Christmas...thank you Stokes men : )

Wouldn't be so bad if we had a man cove to store it in, but alas, we do not!

What makes it worse, Kerrigan loves the dang thing! She carries it around, calls it her kitty and even snuggles it while sucking her thumb when tired.

EW!

Defying Gravity...

2010-03-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

I am so in love with this video (I hope it works, blogger has been tough on my videos). Like I said earlier, Kerrigan likes to watch Glee while she eats dinner- hence the messy face.

She has started singing along with the music. Which really just means she sings "BYE" to any word that sounds like bye.

It could just be me, but I think she has pretty good pitch for a 15 month old!

The Dirty Details (minus the dirty)...

2010-03-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

To answer a few questions:

Due Date: Sept. 3rd It was originally August 27th, but the doc pushed it back a week (BOO!)

How did we find out? Funny story! This baby is a 100% natural, homemade, no medical help needed surprise. Since I nursed Kerrigan until her 1st birthday, my ability to reproduce did not return until September.

Since I was still really irregular, we didn't really think anything of its 7 1/2 week absence, until I started feeling sick in the mornings. I finally decided to take a pregnancy test after being sick for a week.

So I took the test, only to realize I didn't have the directions anymore (it was an old test) to read the results...AWESOME : ) So I (literally) ran to Target and bought an easy to read test and low and behold:

(see how the first one could be misread. I didn't know if there was supposed to be a plus sign or just 2 lines...)

How am I feeling? Not so hot. Very sick actually.

For the first week, I was pumped because I was only sick in the mornings- so excited to finally experience just morning sickness.

However, a week later, the real deal hit. I can't seem to keep food down, which is fun : ) Yesterday I was so excited because I ONLY threw up 3 times...HOT DOG!!!

I feel awful for my poor family. Jared is really having to pick up my slack, which I appreciate so much. And Kerrigan...I can't really talk about it without crying. She is handling my sickness like a champ, but I am feeling like a terrible mother! Hopefully it won't last too long and she will get her mommy back!

Hope this isn't too much complaining...we are surviving, and that is what counts : )

My size? Despite the sickness weight loss, my stomach is growing at an astonishing rate! I had Jared take a picture last Saturday, and when we were looking at it, he asked why I was sticking my stomach out.

SERIOUSLY?!??!?!?!!? He has since learned those are never appropriate words to say to a pregnant woman.

In his defence, he really hasn't seen me in anything other than t-shirts for the past few weeks. Ooops!

What gender are we hoping for?

Part of us wants to fulfill Jared's lifelong dream of having a boy...the other part thinks it would be fun to have 2 girls so close in age (20 months apart).

Either way, we are so excited to have a new little one in our home!

14 (and 1/2) months...

2010-02-23T13:58:00.000-08:00

I forgot to do a 14 month update, and this little character develops new talents everyday so I need to document them.

At 14 (and 1/2) months, Kerrigan...

...has become quite the parrot. We have entered the stage where we really have to watch what we say. Nothing quite like hearing your 1 year old say, "crap" : )

...has started saying "OH COW!!!!" (which we think stems from the expression of Holy Cow)

...loves to take showers. She looks so cute standing there in the huge shower, looking all itty bitty!

...getting better at expanding her food variety. If she starts to fuss when eating, all we have to do is turn on Glee's Flying High or Don't Stop Believing episodes. She goes into a zone where nothing else matters but the show, and she will eat anything!

...sings Flying High. Actually, she only sings the bye of "kiss me good BYYYYYYYE" but she is always right on key. If I could get blogger to let me post videos, I would show you...but I can't.

...has added to her vocabulary: grandma (magaba), grandpa (paga), Bubba (nickname of her cousin), ow (overused frequently), grapes and bye (her way of saying love you : )

...will pretty much attempt to say anything you ask her to.

...is really into books (reads to herself) and baby dolls. Which is good considering this little cutie entered our lives a few weeks ago (couldn't you just eat her up, sweet Eve)...

...and in 6 months, she will start her new job as:

Valentine's Weekend...

2010-02-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

This past weekend my main squeeze treated us GOOOOOD!!!

K and I had a serious case of cabin fever going on, so Jared took us up to Mystic, CT for the weekend. It was a BLAST and a much needed trip.

Since it is usually more of a summer spot, we had to get a little creative with our adventures. We visited:

-The first nuclear submarine...unbelievable how tiny everything was! I will never again complain about the size of our apartment!

-Chucky Cheese. I love when Jared lets me relive some favorite childhood memories!

-Mystic Aquarium. K loved all the underwater viewing tanks. As she said many times, they were "cool cool"! We also got to attend a pretty sweet sea lion show (I tried uploading a video, but blogger isn't letting me...maybe later)

-Mohegan Sun Casino. We designated $10 each to try our luck at the slots : ) Jared lost his pretty quickly. I was able to double my $10, plus $6 so I let him try my machine- he quickly lost the $6. We called it quits when we broke even at $20, and neither of us got addicted...all in all a success I would say : )

Some favorite trip pics:

K loved the hotel room. Please note her new towel fashion statement. She loves strutting around with it around her neck. I love how her little bum is hanging out it the back, she looks like the Coppertone baby.

And my personal favorite:

This was at the penguin underwater exhibit. One penguin kept swimming up to Kerrigan and Jared and would hang out there and stare at them for awhile. It is such a neat thing to see how observant K has gotten recently. I love the expression on her face...I believe she was saying, "WOOOOOOOWWWW!!!!!!" when I took it.

Brrrrr...

2010-02-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

It is cold and snowing.

I want some stew.

I have no stew recipes.

Can you give me your favorite soup, stew, chili or crock pot meal recipe?

PLEASE?!?!?!?!

How Much Do You LOVE This Picture???

2010-02-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

(taken at her first official friend party...cute little Teagyn turned 1!!!)

I personally love everything about it! Her eyes, her expression, her shirt, her flower, her teeth, her hair...I could go on and on!

Eeeshk, I think I may have to keep her : )

Shlumpy...

2010-02-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

According to wiktionary.org, shlumpy means

Adjective: schlumpy (comparative schlumpier, superlative schlumpiest)

1.Looking like a schlump; slovenly or unbecoming

Today, I feel like a shlump. It is the only word to describe how I feel.

My own personal definition is this: the realization that it is Thursday and with the exception of a pediatric visit, you and your child have yet to get dressed beyond pj's, fix our hair or really leave the apartment all week.

Yep, today I realize how shlumpy I have been this week, and it's a little embarrassing.

Is this normal or am I alone? Do you ever have weeks like this? Or does this post just give you the urge to call Child Protective Services?

I wish this was better quality...

2010-02-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

While we were in Flagstaff for Christmas, Dad, Jan, Grandma, Orson and I went shopping in Downtown Flagstaff. For those who have not had the pleasure of doing so, it is full of little shops and boutiques. We wandered into this place and discovered the most amazing hats our eyes have ever beheld.

I really wish you could see them, they were a riot! Mine was a penguin with floofy hair, Orson sported a pink bunny, Grandma's head was adorned by a lobster, and Jan had on a... well, no one really knew what Janalie's was. It had big eyes, what we believe were huge blue lips and a white puffball on top.

Like I said AMAZING!!!!

You Know You are LAZY...

2010-02-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

...when your 14 month old is picking up your slack!

This morning I was in the middle of doing something, when an unpleasant aroma filled the air. The smell was clearly emanating from the diaper of my child (side note: wow, switching to whole milk has added a new, very disgusting element to her numero 2's).

Not wanting to get off task, I quickly changed her diaper and left the soiled one near my feet to be disposed of at a more convenient time. I must have been really focusing, because I didn't notice the activities of Kerrigan until I heard a squishy plop sound.

There is really only one thing that can cause that sound, it was a sound that terrified me to my very core. I quickly looked to where the diaper o' nastiness had previously been residing and saw, to my dismay, it was no longer there.

Now would be a good time to explain that K is still at the age where a vast majority of objects in her hands eventually end up in her mouth. That coupled with her new found ability to unlatch Velcro...well, you can see where the queasiness in my stomach came from.

I jumped up and ran to the kitchen (the location of the plop) just as Kerrigan was meandering out, as if a crime had just not been committed. I tried to prepare myself for the open, dirty diaper mess I was sure I was about to encounter on the floor.

But it wasn't there-what the...?!?!?!?! As a last resort, I peered in the trash can (which had just been emptied and not yet re-bagged) and saw the still intact diaper at the bottom.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?! My tiny child just picked up a dirty diaper, walked over to the kitchen and threw it away!!!

Child prodigy...I think so!

It Has Been Almost a Month...

2010-01-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

And I still have nothing interesting to say! So I perused through my camera in hopes of finding something worth posting. This was the best I came up with- SORRY!

Kerrigan has discovered the joys of climbing. Unfortunately, I think it will take learning the woes of climbing (i.e. FALLING) before she realizes this probably isn't the best leisure activity!

This is her pink monkey Grandma and Grandpa Stokes got for her when she was a few months old. She loves to carry it around her neck. I am not sure why I think it is so funny, but it makes me giggle every time!

I don't know what she is holding toward the camera, but the little bag she is lugging around is her "purse". It is the bag that Orson used as a gift bag for her Christmas presents. She sticks little toys in it and carries it around with her.

Again, not sure why I get such a kick out of it. I think I just like the fact that she realizes she can carry more if it is in the bag- my little smarty pants!

I have been trying to let her feed herself. Don't let this picture fool you, it is not going great. While she does look dang cute doing it, not a whole lot actually getting into her mouth. That in addition to new found pickiness (remember a few weeks ago when I said she was starting to get picky...yep, it was just the tip of the ice burg my friends!) makes mealtimes a joy and a pleasure, beyond all measure.

At least she looks good while being a stinker!

Oh, we had her 12 month appointment (only 1 1/2 months late) yesterday. The rough eating habits have resulted in her being in the 50th percentile for height and 10th for weight. No front facing seating for this girl for awhile!

We are just getting over colds in our house (hence the complete lack of hairdo's and clothing in all the pictures). We thought she was doing well enough that maybe they would immunize her...and we got schooled.

Not only was she not well enough, they put her on breathing treatments because apparently (unbeknownst to Jared and I- A+ in parenting) she was wheezing...oops.

Also, have you noticed the terrible quality of all my pictures? The lighting in our house bites, so my ISO is always set on 800- which mean grainy city for all the pictures. Oh, well! Can't wait for summer which= sun which= nice pictures again!!!!

Well, that is about it for now. Sorry this post was so booooooring!

Haircut

2010-01-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

I remember when K looked like this:

Doesn't that just warm your spirits to see! Since the day she was born, people have always commented on her beautiful blond hair. When I look at pictures like this, I wonder what they were talking about. She looks bald! (I realize this picture doesn't fully illustrate what I am trying to say, it's just so stinking cute I had to use it)

I guess maybe I am just comparing her to now:

Seriously, could she look more raggedy (is that even a word?)?!?!?! Don't get me wrong, I love her hair...I just am not sure what to do to keep the hair out of her eyes and looking scraggly in the back!

What do you do during this in between stage with your little girls' hair?

New Years and other fun stuff...

2010-01-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

Remember how recently most of my pictures are really big. Yeah, not so much this glamour shot. We all look pretty rough, so I decided to leave this bad boy at a smaller size as to not offend your eyes.

This was taken at 12:30am January 1st.

What is our 1 year old still doing awake (and looking much perkier than her parents), you ask? Well, I will tell you.

We celebrated the last day of 2009 by going to Texas Roadhouse with the Edwards. We got home around 9:30. Kerrigan had not taken an afternoon nap this day.

It was then that we were faced with a dilemma. Should we put Kerrigan to bed and have a quiet celebration to ring in the new year alone, or go to the Francia's party?

For most responsible parents, this was probably a no brainer! However, we had to factor in that Colleen had made the promise that she was going to be wearing sequined leggings...how in the world are you supposed to turn that down?!?!?!

So, off we went to the party. We had fun, made new friends, were thoroughly shamed by Braden (thanks Astro:) and let our little party animal of a child socialize with some of her favorite people.

We got home around 12:30, and took that beauty of a picture to show our dedication to 2010!

January 1st:
A few weeks ago, when we were in Idaho, I was unable to coordinate a time to visit our friends Aubri and Thomas. So in an attempt to make this travesty up to them, we rooted for their team, the Oregon Ducks, in the Rose Bowl (sorry Kristin : ) It was the only logical thing to do!

We donned clothing of green, taught Kerrigan to say, "Quack quack" and cheered our little hearts out. We are hoping we were not the bad luck that caused the team to ultimately lose, but we gave it our all!

Then on the 2nd, we joined Los Jones on a little Rockefeller adventure. Eeeshk it was COLD!!!! Despite blizzard worthy bundling, Kerrigan was not in good spirits due to the wind chill factor, and did not handle Jackson's affections as well as one would hope! I guess he will just have to toughen her up : )

I kind of wish we had gone down earlier in the season- it is beautiful and I am pretty sure could get even the Bah Humbug-est Scrooge in the Christmas spirit! I loved the Snowflake light display on the Saks Fifth Avenue storefront that was synchronized with "The Carol of the Bells"...awesome!

Afterwards, we went to Five Guys Burgers and Fries (greasy Heaven as we call it) and then took the train home.

Thanks for putting up with us Jones family! Next year let's go in December when temperatures are not quite so frigid : )

I am really excited about what 2010 has to offer and excited to work on my goals...possibly more to come on the subject. For now, this is Lindsey signing off of today's blogging frenzy.

Did It Work?

2010-01-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

I just did a bunch of posts. However, to ensure that they all got printed in the 2009 blog book, I dated them as December 30th. Does it show up on Google Reader if I do that?

If not, feel free to go to my blog. I posted Kerrigan's 1 year pics, and they are to die for : )

1 Year Old Pictures...

2009-12-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

My uber-talented sister took these while we were in AZ. Amazing, right?

The really amazing thing to me is she created these using a Canon Rebel and none of the fancy editing programs...talk about raw talent!

Thanks Brookie Babe, I luf them!

Idaho and Arizona

2009-12-30T15:12:00.000-08:00

We were so lucky to be able to head home for the holidays despite the fact we were just out there a few months ago.

First we went to Idaho. I didn't take many pictures for some reason, but we did a ton while out there. Some of the un-photographed events were playing with cousins, attending Jared's brother's wedding (HOW DID I NOT TAKE ANY PICTURES OF THAT?!?!?!?), hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa, wedding preparation and meeting Santa.

I did manage the take pictures of a few things. The first day we were there Jared says he needs to shovel the driveway before church...what the heck?!?!?! I was baffled, the driveway is HUGE! I also wasn't sure why he felt the need to do manual labor before church...until I hear the 4 wheeler fire up. Ooooohhhhhh, there it is. This wasn't a case of work, Jared was in HEAVEN plowing the driveway and playing with the dogs.
Kerrigan watched the whole time through the window. We attempted to go outside, but the 2 energetic black labs were enough incentive to stay safely in the house!

Experiments on Kerrigan's hair were frequent...pigtails were spotted numerous times on her head. Also, we tried sponge curlers in K's hair. The first attempt went horribly awry (see the Who picture below), but we managed to save the day with some unreasonably cute pigtails.

She also got to open birthday presents from Jared's family.

Then we rented a car and drove to Flagstaff. Again, not many pictures were taken. I was lucky enough to capture this moment, though:
Poor Jan got played for a fool : ) jk Jared stuck his prize badger (complete with teeth and nasty claws) pelt on her bed while she was sleeping. When she woke up, she thought it was a skunk (apparently color blind in the a.m.) and fell to the floor in fetal position. Poor girl has zero fight or flight reflexes.
Kerrigan discovered her love for sports, and was frequently spotted carrying footballs and basketballs around. She also got to spend quality time with Grandma Great who was down taking care of my "recovering from surgery" mother.

Since our video camera was used more than our picture camera Christmas morning, I only have a few pictures from Christmas. Soooo, I paired those with the temple lights.

Can you believe we are wearing COATS in PHOENIX?!?!?! I realize it is December, but really, COATS!

Now all I need is a New Years post, and I will be all caught up...or mostly caught up : )

The Birthday...

2009-12-30T14:57:00.000-08:00

No, not mine- I believe I have sufficiently expressed my feelings on my own increasingly old self.

Kerrigan turned 1 on December 5th. The lucky girl was able to share her birthday with her BFF Kate (I assume they are BFF, it is kinda hard to tell at this age).

So many people showed up to support the birthday gals, and they both scored a lot of loot- thank you so much everyone!

First we opened gifts, I love that they are old enough to enjoy this:

Then cake was consumed. This was my first attempt at cake decorating, and I am fairly certain a profession in the cake decorating industry is NOT in my future (in case you were wondering, it is supposed to be a lady bug with flowers around it...not a red and black blob).

I think next time I will copy Tina and do scrapbooking decorations...isn't it too cute?!?!?!

Kate was a little more into the cake eating than Kerrigan, who acted surprisingly prissy when it came to getting a little dirty. I thought through our own examples we had taught her better : )

And finally, the birthday attire (no, they were not in their birthday suits). Check out these sweet threads. They looked cute in their coordinating tutus!

I can't believe these little ladies are so old!

While in AZ, my ultra talented sis took K's one year old pictures. Can't wait to show them off!

A Little Catch Up While K Sleeps...

2009-12-30T14:29:00.000-08:00

Let's rewind almost a month and a half ago and play a little catch up.

We will call this portion "The Eve of the Day of Thanks and The Actual Day of Thanks".

That is right folks, I am only now writing about Thanksgiving, HOW EMBARRASSING!!!!

We decided to go to see the floats for the Macy's Day Parade the night before the actual parade. We thought we were SO smart to avoid the crowds and stand in the cold for hours just to watch a parade.

Unfortunately, we did not take into account the thousands of people who experienced the same stroke of genius!

It was soooo crowded. We waited in the rain for a really long time to get onto the streets that contained the balloons (are they called balloons?). At one point, I swear they were herding us like cattle, which really bodes well with a child in a stroller.

The first street was so jam packed full of people, I nearly reached my claustrophobia limit. Luckily, the second street was much better, and had my 2 favorite floats...a smurf and the Pillsbury Dough Boy.

Afterwards, we partook of the goodness known as the Shake Shack. While there, Kerrigan and Ben perfected the fist pump, or the pound as we call it. She discovered if she held out her fist, Ben would pound it...a game she thinks is hilarious!

Thanksgiving Day: The menfolk played a game of football...the womenfolk huddled near cooking ovens to prepare food and keep warm. I had every intention of going to watch the game- that is, until I felt the frigid temperatures from my balcony...NO THANK YOU!!!!

Kristin did a beautiful job with the table settings. Kerrigan represented the Indians, while I guess the rest of us represented the Pilgrims. Gotta be politically correct (or incorrect, not sure)!
Good food, good friends, more good food...the end!

Boy I Have Some Catching Up to Do...

2009-12-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

...but this is all ya get until the suitcases are unpacked, sleep patterns are restored, my house resembles a home more than a tornado disaster area, groceries are bought, mountains of dirty clothes are laundered and put away and colds caught during travels are beaten:

Isn't returning back to real life soooo fun? It is DEFINITELY a multiple Dr. Pepper day!

26...

2009-12-22T22:16:00.000-08:00

I am officially closer to 30 than I am to 20....gross!

That's all.

My Little Revelation

2009-12-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

So earlier today I was complaining about my finicky eater (thanks for all the advice-keep it coming!), and tonight I hear the song, "It Won't be Like This Too Long" by Darius Rucker on the radio.

I had never heard it before but immediately fell in love with it. It talks about the little moments we have with our children that seem hard at the moment, but when they grow up they are the moments we will miss.

Yes, it is hard to take her to a restaurant when she is throwing food in all directions. Yes, my carpet is looking very sad/disgusting these days.

Yes, sometimes I get tired of saying, "Use your nice voice please" and the sound of whining.

Yes, I struggle sometimes doing chores while holding a child who refuses to be put down. Yes, I am never on time anywhere due to diaper blow outs and spit up.

Yes, sometimes being the mom of a one year old is HAAAARD!

But someday I am going to have to beg her to eat a meal with me. Someday it will be like pulling teeth to try to have a real conversation with her. Someday (it is already starting) I will wish she would snuggle up with me on the rocking chair. Someday she will be way more independent than I will want.

I don't know if I will miss the blowouts and spit up, but I will miss them as an excuse for my tardiness : )

My heart absolutely aches to think when I look down someday, I won't see this face staring back at me (please note the cute piggies, they made their first appearance today) :

This phase will not last forever, and I can guarantee I will miss it when it is gone!

Here are the lyrics, kinda long but worth the read!

He didn't have to wake up

He'd been up all night

Layin’ there in bed listenin’

To his new born baby cry

He makes a pot of coffee

He splashes water on his face

His wife gives him a kiss and says

It gonna be OK

It won’t be like this for long

One day soon we'll look back laughin’

At the week we brought her home

This phase is gonna fly by

So baby just hold on

‘Cause it won't be like this for long

Four years later ‘bout 4:30

She's crawling in their bed

And when he drops her off at preschool

She's clinging to his leg

The teacher peels her off of him

He says what can I do

She says now don't you worry

This’ll only last a week or two

It won’t be like this for long

One day soon you'll drop her off

And she won’t even know you're gone

This phase is gonna fly by

If you can just hold on

It won’t be like this for long

Some day soon she'll be a teenager

And at times he'll think she hates him

Then he'll walk her down the aisle

And he'll raise her veil

But right now she's up and cryin’

And the truth is that he don't mind

As he kisses her good night

And she says her prayers

He lays down there beside her

‘Til her eyes are finally closed

And just watchin’ her it breaks his heart

Cause he already knows

It won’t be like this for long

One day soon that little girl is gonna be

All grown up and gone

Yeah, this phase is gonna fly by

So, he's tryin’ to hold on

‘Cause it won’t be like this for long

It won’t be like this for long

My Plea for Help!!!

2009-12-16T12:31:00.001-08:00

As I mentioned in the previous post, Kerrigan has started becoming a picky eater...what the HECK?!?!?!

She used to eat and enjoy all foods. We started giving her nibbles of our food early in, with the hopes of avoiding this very problem. Jared gave her mashed potatoes 3 days after we brought her home, for heaven's sake!

Up until 3 weeks ago, we thought we had succeeded...boy were we wrong!

She either refuses to try stuff (waving her hands in front of her face, knocking food out of my hands) or if she does take a bite and doesn't like it, she just lets her mouth hang open until it falls out.

I can't seem to find the common factor in what she doesn't like.

She never has a problem with chicken nuggets, french fries, bread, tacos, burritos, (usually) quesadillas, cheeseburgers and baby food. She always eats her baby food, but I don't want to have to carry a jar around with me all the time!

I have tried baby spoons and forks, my spoon and fork, finger feeding, letting her feed herself, making it fun and cheering at obnoxious decibels when she does take a bite and swallow (which usually works for a few bites, if I can get it in her mouth).

I have tried different textures, flavors and temperatures.

WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?!??!?!?!

So, anyone who has dealt with this, I am in desperate need of advice! How did you get your picky eater to not only eat, but also eat a well balanced meal?

HELP!

2009-12-14T13:53:00.001-08:00

I forgot to mention she has 10 teeth...hence the weaning ; )

2009-12-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

I decided I needed to document some fun Kerrigan facts for posterity's sake.

At 12 months Kerrigan...

Is 21 lbs (front facing seat here we come) and wearing 12-18 month clothes, although occasionally I try to squeeze her into my favorite 6-12 month clothes : ) Her hair is finally long enough to sport pigtails, which she is debuting for the first time today!

...Loves to play games. Among her favorites are the thank you game (you hand stuff back and forth, saying thank you to each other), giving high fives and pounds (fist bump), Lego's (essentially the same as thank you, but with me stacking Lego's, then she takes them apart), playing tag around the ottoman and of course throwing stuff on the floor so I get to pick it up!

....Sleeps usually 11-13 hours a night. She also takes either 2 1.5 hr naps or 1 3 hr nap. BEAUTIFUL!!!

...Hates shopping (how did that happen), when I am on the computer and snuggling unless she is really tired- boo!

...Loves meeting new people. Also loves Dr. Pepper...please don't report me, it is always in small doses. Loves to be independent! Loves babies and pictures of babies. Also, loves playing with other kids, we still working on how to be soft with them. Loves animals, but is afraid of them at the same time. Has a crush on Braden, and often prefers Megan over me (some of our friends we spend alot of time with).

...Is officially walking all over the place. Yesterday she walked around her Grandma's kitchen for 15 minutes without falling down! She is also starting to run...well, more like a power walk, but very quick for such a beginner! You should see her face when she is walking, she thinks she is pretty hot stuff!

....Is talking NONSTOP!!! Her vocabulary includes hi (pronounced hiiiiiiiiiii), bum (I dunno where it came from), ohhhhhh, Bob (for Braden), mama, dada, cookie, ya (for yes), out, this and that, pretty (if prompted), go (when she is walking or someone says, "ready, set...") and di (drink). My favorite is when she is whining I say, "Can you ask me in a nice voice?" and she changes to a really high pitched "nice voice" babble...soooo funny!

Also, she says "day do" for thank you. Almost every time someone hands her something she says it. However, she struggles with the concept, and also uses thank you in place of please and here you go (when handing something to someone). BASICALLY she is a child prodigy : )

...Eating almost exclusively table foods. We are SLOWLY beginning the weaning process, and she still has Gerber fruits and veggies. Other than that, she basically eats what I eat. Just recently she has started to become a picky little eater, which I could live without. If she doesn't like something, she makes the goofiest face and either throws it across the room or spits it out, which is extra fun considering we have all carpet in our apartment! Foods she loves are pizza, chicken nuggets, Taco Bell chicken soft tacos and cookies (sometimes I trick her into eating something by calling it a cookie, is that bad?).

Basically, we adore her...who wouldn't?!?!?!?!

What a Year Can Do...

2009-12-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

One year ago (plus 3 days, I am running a little late : ), we received this blessing :

Now, just 368 short days later we have a rambunctious, ball of energy whose favorite past times include running and unrolling toilet paper in the bathroom.

How does a tiny 5 lb newborn grow so quickly? I am glad you asked!

I have put together a little visual presentation to demonstrate this phenomenon to you. I tried to include momentous firsts, such as eating solids, sitting, meeting Carter...you know, the important stuff!

(side note: I was not going to put this many pictures on. I had every intention of cutting out many of them. However, I uploaded them backwards, and it took me so long to fix- didn't want everyone to view K's life Benjamin Button style- I decided to leave them all on. I realize in doing so I am breaking my own blogging rule, and opening myself up to Jared's ridicule. I have accepted this, and so should you! : )

1 hr

2 days (look how tiny she is, now she barely fits in the dang thing!)

3 days (exactly a year ago today)

1 week

2 weeks

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months (you are 1/2 way there)

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

1 YEAR OLD!!!

Happy birthday, sweet girl! It has been the best year of my life, I can't wait to see what many many many more years bring!

I will have to post pictures of her actual birthday later, it is a CRAZY week. Just a little tidbit to leave you wanting more: I made coordinating tutus and shirts for the 2 birthday K's (Kate and Kerrigan) and they looked GOOOOOOD!

One year ago today...

2009-12-01T08:25:00.000-08:00

Exactly one year ago I wrote this post, demanding my unborn child make her debut to this world SOON!!!!

I still had 10 days left until my due date, but I was BEYOND ready to meet her!

My feet looked like this (had to include this picture because it cracks me up...unpainted toenails-yuck, purple- double yuck and so swollen even loose socks leave ridges- YUUUUCK!):

The rest of me looked like this:

Little did I know that in a mere 4 days, Kerrigan would perform her first act of obedience (to me) and defiance (to the Dr. who said I would go late) .

Little did I know that 3 days later, I be holding this in my arms.

Exactly one year ago, I had no idea how much my life was about to change!

*Sidenote: I am absolutely BAWLING looking at all her newborn pictures...ahhhh! *

While We Wait For Daddy to Come Home...

2009-11-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

...we find many ways to entertain ourselves.

We practice our facial expressions- some cute, others...interesting. Nonetheless, learning expressiveness : ) Someday my future son-in-law will thank me for this game when he realizes he has the ability to know what she is thinking by just looking at her face!

We invent new games. There is the stand and cheer game, test chunkiness of limbs by sticking them in random small places game, stick the clip on our noses game and (my personal favorite) the push buttons on the t.v. so Mom only gets to see 1/4 of her show game! Yay : )

I can tell what you are thinking, "does Lindsey EVER clothe her child?" Let me answer that question with a collage o' K.

Yes, I do dress her. However, as previously mentioned, spit up is still making a frequent appearance in our home. So instead of having to change her 4 or 5 times a day, if we are at home we go diaper for the first little bit after meals. Easier on the washing machine and my patience : ) Her happiest time is right after her nap and meal...so diaper pictures happen more than I would prefer.

She is so much fun- I love hanging out with my little bud!!!

SERIOUSLY?!?!?!

2009-11-21T20:07:00.000-08:00

Seriously, do I have a child old enough to do this? :

*only click on the video if you are willing to not hold our annoying "my kid is the greatest kid in the world" parent voices!!!!*

Or, possibly this? :

That is correct, we got us a walker. It is definitely a work in progress, but she is sooooo close! The first video is her first steps on Wednesday (well, not first...probably steps 5,6 and 7), and the second one is from tonight when I had some backup to help film the momentus event.

As you can tell by our embarrassing voices, we are not at all proud of our little peanut : )

She turns 1 in exactly two weeks...I am fairly certain I will not meet the occasion gracefully!

Where did the last year go...SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?!

Getting Old

2009-11-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I had a conversation with a friend about clothing choice, during which I was informed that the reason I didn't feel the need to dress more "adult" was because I was already old (those weren't the exact words, just the basic concept).

The initial response was shock and disbelief. I thought of all the people who have told me I look too young to be married, not to mention all the comments and looks I got while pregnant. Then I realized I really hadn't heard that in awhile...almost year to be more specific.

Since then I have looked at myself a little closer every time I pass a mirror. Have I really aged that much in the past year? What could have caused such an abrupt end to my youthful appearance?

I am starting to see now what I think my subconscious has been hiding from me, fearing I would be unable to deal with it.

My once carefully styled hair is now quickly thrown into a ponytail, and bits of food somehow get entangled in it, occasionally going undetected for hours at a time.

My wardrobe, which used to be a priority, has taken the backseat and is now looking fairly pathetic.

My rule of never leaving the house without makeup has been broken on numerous occasions.

Bags under my eyes have formed from the nights I lie awake in bed.

The places of my body that were once thin and tight have been replaced by bulges and literally fallen victim to gravity.

What is the cause of all this?

I believe it has a LITTLE something to do with this:

Motherhood is such a unique experience. My outer appearance has definitely changed as I have taken on this new role. I have most assuredly aged.

However, I see something everyone else may not see.

I see the messy haired, nude faced woman in a t-shirt and jeans who would rather help her child practice walking than spend that extra 30 minutes in front of the mirror.

The bags under my eyes remind me of the nights I lie awake thinking of ways to be a better mother and wife. I see the late nights I spend silently praying for peace as I think of raising my children in this world.

The joy I have discovered as I have found my true place in the world as a mother has translated into "smile" wrinkles around my mouth and eyes.

The new shape of my body links me to all women who have sacrificed tight buns and abs to become a mother.

So to the world, I may just look haggard. Luckily, while looking more closely at myself these past couple of weeks than I ever have, I have discovered a new sort of beauty.

I can honestly say I have never felt so beautiful.

Practice Makes Perfect...

2009-11-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

...or, in my case, practice makes incredibly gradual incremental improvement!

When I was pregnant, I decided that I needed to improve my photography skills (or, I guess more accurately, find some photography skills). It hasn't come as naturally as I would have hoped, but I have tried to stick with it and I feel like it is finally paying off.

For practice, I have been begging people to let me take their pictures. A few weekends ago, my pleadings paid off and I got to photograph some of my favorite people!

I have never seen a more perfect blend of 2 people than this family! Justin and Tina make them some CUTE babies! They were SOOO well behaved and followed directions so well! I feel like the pictures turned out really well.

As always, Megan and Braden made for a good time! Can you believe a child is coming out of her in like 3 months??? I can't wait for Phoebe to get here (fear not...that is not actually her name, it is what I call her while she is in fetus form). My favorite spot was on the bench, reminds me of the movie Notting Hill!

One of my favorite things about taking pictures is how much you learn each time you to it. I can look at these pictures and say to myself, "Looks great, but next time I need to be aware of where the branches are or this would be a more flattering body position!" It's so exciting to be able to constantly improve something.

I also learned that I am addicted to editing...probably a little too much! I love all the different things you can do with pictures, but I need to find a balance between manipulation overboard and fine tuning. I guess that will come with time as well.

Any input you have regarding these is much appreciated. Can't reach my full potential without feedback!

Finally, Braden snapped some shots of my family, and I am basically in love with them. How jealous are you of the East Coast fall colors? And this is even after most of the brightest colors had fallen off...INCREDIBLE!!!!

BEWARE Jones and Dillingham families...I have got my eye on you as my next victims!

Piggies and Playdates...

2009-11-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

Let me start with this disclaimer...I realize how silly these pigtails are! For those of you who have seen K, you know that the entirety of her long hair is on the top of her head- basically the opposite of male pattern baldness. I will, however, take it over mullet baby head ANY TIME, ANY DAY!!!!

So really, the ability to put pigtails on her has been present since day one. However, now that the rest of her hair is getting longer, it looks a little more socially acceptable. Ideally, her hair would be a little longer on the sides and back, but basically I am in love with them!

I had to include this picture because of her facial expression. She had just toppled over...an extremely common occurrence in our home. Whenever she falls or bonks her head, she makes the following face and says, "oooohhhhh bonk!" No tears...just ooohhhhhh bonk! We love it!

Last week, Kerrigan had her first bona fide play date. Miss Teagyn (HELLO, how cute is her name????) is the daughter of one of my friends who I used to work with. She was due 6 weeks after K, but K came early and T came late- so they are actually 8 weeks apart.

You wouldn't be able to tell by looking at them though. Teagyn is SOOOO advanced in her jabbering and mobility. She is too cute, and they had so much fun. Thanks for having us over guys!

I wish I had been able to get more pictures of them, but most of them turned out blurry, which I didn't realize until I put them on the computer.

Kerrigan's New Favorite Verb

2009-11-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

pil-fer (plfr)v. pil·fered, pil·fer·ing, pil·fers

v.tr.To steal (a small amount or item).

v.intr.

To steal or filch.

*AWESOME*

We are totally pumped about this new behavior...makes for an impeccably clean home, where items are NEVER taken from their spot and hidden in a new, less obvious place...ha!

A Very Merry Halloween to You! (and just a little late : )

2009-11-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

Halloween was awesome this year. It was crazy busy and so much fun!!! In the morning we went and took pictures (I will post later), then a Trunk or Treat at the church, followed by the Halloween party of the year hosted by the one and only Josh and Colleen...if you haven't been to any of their parties, you should definitely remedy that situation! They go all out, an attribute I aspire to have one day. We are talking fog machine, strobe lights and of course, chocolate fountains o' terror (which is really just a chocolate fountain, but mix in Halloween and the lbs I gained from consuming its liquid deliciousness...it becomes the fountain o' terror!)

Costumes were a must have at this party. The Jensons sported reindeer antlers whilst the other Jensens embodied the spirit of pimp and pimpette. Josh and Colleen captured the very essence of Summer Lovin' in their Danny and Sandy costumes...and yes, she even performed a cheer...and I unfortunately did not take a picture of Mary and Jake- who for one night were able to become Lucy and Ricky Ricardo (I have had "LUCY, you got some 'splaining to do!" stuck in my head since). Every time my eyes caught sight of Megan and Braden's dramatic interpretation of a shotgun wedding, I giggled in delight...and then of course took a picture. Jared and I discovered that as Sarah Palin and Joe Sixpack, we make very irresponsible parents...which resulted in us keeping Kerrigan out until almost 1 am. Good thing we are our normal responsible selves the other 364 days of the year- maybe that is a stretch, lets say 350 days to be safe!

And what was Kerrigan, you ask. Well, she was a Walgamott. What is a Walgamott? I am so glad you asked : )
Back in the days when my marriage was still fairly new, my in laws were always talking about Walgamotts. I must not have been listening very closely, because every time I heard that word, I pictured a small, furry creature. Imagine my embarrassment when I voiced what my idea of what it was, only to discover it was actually my sister in law's maiden name. Many a teasings in my direction have occurred due to this mistake.
So when I found this costume at Children's Place for $.99 last year, I decided that the child in my womb was destined to be a Walgamott for Halloween. I think it is actually a bear, but aren't you glad you asked what a Walgamott is?!?!

Now onward to Thanksgiving...I LOVE FALL!!!!!

Idaho/Arizona Trip 2009

2009-10-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky this month...we were able to go home for 15 DAYS!!! The joy we felt can be likened unto that of what one experiences when encountering an early Christmas present. Since it was 15 days full o' joy, laughter and jam packed with fun, I tried to condense it all into a few picture collages.

Kerrigan met her Stokes cousins for the first time (seriously, how sad is that-she is almost a year old and just barely meeting family). She absolutely LOVED every minute of it!

New toys were discovered. Four wheelers and entire rooms dedicated to TOYS...is this heaven? I submit it IS!!!!

We celebrated birthdays...please note Preston's screamingly awesome Buzz Lightyear suit- the wingspan and laser gun TOTALLY made me rethink my Christmas wish list.

My lucky daughter got to meet all of her living great-grandparents...we like to think the reason Kerrigan took so long to come down to earth was she was having way to much fun hanging out with other 3 up in heaven.

We spent ALOT of time driving. We wanted to make sure to see all the great grandparents, scattered Idahoan friends (including the 6-10am lovely voice personality of 102.something country station's ...Aubri Elzinga.) and then drove to Arizona. K was a trooper, though I am sure it would have gone even better if she hadn't had to crane her neck around to see us (1 more month and 1 more lb until it is front facing car seat all the way!).

The drives were long, but thankfully beautiful...as was Jared's excited "I am on my way to God's country, a pure slice of heaven on earth, Salmon Idaho" face!

We weren't in AZ for as long as we would have liked- but we made good use of our time. We had a picnic in the woods, ate Popsicles, hung out with the Moffitts and of course partook of Del Taco tacos (were you aware that Del Scorcho sauce has been replaced by Del Inferno sauce...a smart move on their part, incredibly tough sounding. Only the bravest of the brave are able to partake of DEL INFERNO!!!!).

Jared got to go golfing a few times...I, however, was not invited- therefore there is no photographic proof of these occurrences. Also not pictorially documented is the fact that a Janalie was spotted on this trip- we even got her to hang out with us old folk for awhile.

Oh, the bottom right picture...proof that I indeed was on the trip : )

The following pictures have no connection other than the fact that they all make my heart warm and fuzzy with fond memories...they are the ones that simply put a smile on my face (especially, but not limited to, my dad stuffing fried chicken in his face...priceless!)