HELP!

As the nesting begins to set in and my body aches from head to toe, I have come to the realization that this child will be here sooner than later. Yes I'm aware I still have 3 long months left for my body to be uncomfortable, but I am also aware that life will change drastically in just 3 short months. My "to-do" list before baby comes is getting longer everyday. So I am asking for help with one of my "to-do list" items.

I need to change my blog name and address(trivial I know, but a necessity nonetheless). Is there any way to do this without recreating a whole new site? Also, I don't use the email address associated with logging into my account. How do I change that to my current email?

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated(especially if it's an easy fix...I'll send you a treat).

A Quite Christmas

Although it was just the three of us for Christmas, it was still something to remember. Camden let us sleep in until about 7:30, and then he was begging me to turn the tree lights on. Once I did that I couldn't help but turn on the Christmas music and start baking breakfast(sticky buns, of course).

I wasn't too sure how Camden would react this year to opening gifts, but it was with pure excitement! Every gift he opened whether church socks for Dad or a new baby for him(yes, I'm trying to get him used to the idea) he "oohed and awed". It was truly magical!

While the boys played with their toys, I took a small nap on the couch. But during my nap I had visions of Sonic drinks dancing in my head, I immediately arose and we took a little trip to Sonic.
Camden's corn dog must have sat well because he took a great 3 1/2 hour nap. While Dan played football(PS2 style), I walked around aimlessly trying to keep occupied. Dan had made sure the house was spic and span the day before, and with no errands to run, what was a girl to do? I was going stir crazy!

When Camden finally woke up we went for a little walk. Dan had the dog, and I pushed Camden on his new bike(thanks Ya Ya). It was rather weird being on a walk outside Christmas day and not freezing to death. But we enjoyed it nonetheless!

After dinner and watching "Elf", we decided to venture out and see the temple lights. I couldn't believe how many people were there doing the same thing. Feeling bad for myself, I thought we were the only ones not hanging out at Grandma's house. Boy was I wrong, I had never seen it so busy!

My heart has been extra soft this year when I think about the true meaning of Christmas. I have been drawn to Mary's feelings and what she must have gone through in order to bring the Savior to this earth. I'm so grateful for the birth of that precious child and the meaning it puts in my life. Although this Christmas was different than any other, it has truly been one to remember.

For He's a Jolly Good Fellow

I have tried hard not to let my emotions surface about not going "home" for Christmas. But I am well known for wearing my heart on my sleeve. I can't even tell you how hard it was to hold back my tears when Grandpa Tom thanked Dan, Camden, and I, "his adopted grand kids" for coming to his annual Christmas party!
He had this look of pure joy on his face the entire night! Doesn't it make you wanna squeeze him?

Now Camden on the other hand...doesn't have the same feelings for this jolly fellow as I do for Grandpa Tom!

Finally

I'm not one for hanging a bunch of "stuff" on my fridge. So why does this piece of artwork hanging make me so happy you ask?
Because it means Camden is finally in Nursery!!! I can't even tell you how liberating it feels to have two hours of church, kid free. Unfortunately Dan has to leave for work right after sacrament and it was far too difficult to teach my class with a hungry, tired, toddler. So bless our sweet nursery leaders hearts for taking him a month earlier than usual. The first Sunday we took him he was a bit confused but did rather well. The second Sunday he was not feeling good and cried, so I ended up staying with him for a bit. And ever since then he goes like a champ.

Now if only I could find a ward that takes the children for all three hours!

The Important Things

Today I'm overwhelmed and having a hard time focusing on what I've deemed "important", ya know, the things that "need to be done right now".

Seeing how I've hit road block after road block while trying to complete these important tasks, I figure I should set them aside for now and focus my energy elsewhere. Apparently blogging or venting is what I need right now. Far too often I talk/vent my husbands ear off and since he is not here, my blog gets to listen. So ignore my madness and bear with me while I unload.

I'm not one for living in the past or holding on to regrets, but I came across this poem that seemed fitting for my mood. It just seems to put the right perspective in place.

If I Had My Life To Live Over
by Erma Bombeck
If I had my life to live over,

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ...But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.

Lately there just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish what I need. I'm positive others have, do, or will feel this very burden, but somehow still manage their way through life. I'm certain I live a life of luxury compared to some. But I am grateful to be intitled to feel overwhelmed and inadequate at times. And seeing how now is one of those times for me, I can honestly say it's humbling. No, there has not been any major crisis per say, but I have felt the many small as well as bigger things add up.

At this moment I feel the burden of working while trying to raise my son. The constant effort to finish the laundry, go grocery shopping, prepare dinner, clean tubs and toilets, nurture relationships, fulfill church callings, staying organized, and most importantly changing the world(lol). My list could go on for days, but I am also very aware of the good things in life that far out number my previous list. The huge box of children's books left anonymously on my doorstep, the thank you card in the mail, the phone call saying I'm needed, the generous Christmas gifts, the random hug. Letting me cut in line at target to purchase my basket full of items with a screaming child, taking my grocery cart once it was empty, free haircuts, and let us not forget my secret crush inviting me to his family party.

It's no wonder I feel so overwhelmed, life is full! Full of hard things and even more full with the good. I guess what this whole post comes down to, is me recognizing that I am truly blessed.

Now wish me luck while I attend to those important things that need to be done right now!

I Know The Suspense Is Killing You...

So it is true, Heavenly Father hears prayers! We are having another boy and we couldn't be more excited. Both of us were positive it was going to be a girl because that is not in the current budget. But imagine that, we were wrong!

Just so you all know, one of the reasons I love Dan so much is because he comes up with the craziest comments. When my doctor revealed we were having another boy Dan said, "Oh good, Camden needed a golfing partner. It's always more fun to golf in pairs".

So now comes the tricky part, we need to work on the following:

• a name
• a place for this one to sleep
• transitioning Camden into a real bed(I refuse to buy another crib)
• do we or do we not need a double stroller
• teaching Camden to be soft(we don't need them wrestling from the get go)
• stocking up on diapers

That Smell

Today I spent the morning making a diaper cake for a friend expecting twins. As I rolled all 100 diapers, the smell of these tiny things started to get to me. In a good way. It brought back memories of that newborn smell.
This pregnancy has been very different from the previous, in many ways. When I was pregnant before, it consumed my every thought. This time not so much. Up until last week whenever I thought about being pregnant, it was negative. I am grateful for this change. I want to be excited. I like feeling giddy. I can't wait for Camden to be a big brother! Yes, I am still very nervous for obvious reasons, but the excitement outweighs my fears.

I felt this baby move for the first time at 16 weeks. Then shortly after, I was getting nervous because that feeling stopped. It wasn't until this past week when I noticed movement again and now it never stops.

This time around I looked pregnant much sooner. I felt sick a little longer, but not as severe. I feel exhausted early on during the day. I crave sweetarts and salt. The thought of ground beef makes me nauseous. I am hungry enough to eat a cow everyday at 4 o'clock. I only change poopy diapers when Dan isn't home, they put me over the edge.

We are half way there, 20 weeks already! We find out what we're having in two days. I'm hopeful we'll have an easier time agreeing on a name, but I won't hold my breath.

Wish me luck!

I Knew The Day Would Come

It only took 1 year, 5 months, and 2 weeks until he got the best of these bad boys. And now it's official...

I'm a nerd with tape on my glasses. Sniff sniff

2 FOR 1

Today was the big day! After several doctor visits, a lot of pain, and sleepless nights...Camden finally got tubes put in his ears. I can't even begin tell you how big of a pain this has been. I am so glad we switched doctors when we did(we should have a lot sooner) to one that heard our concerns and got him seen right away.

We arrived bright and early at the hospital just for these cute matching bracelets. I hear they only give them to the first ten people in line. Aren't we cool?
Shortly after arriving, my two flirtatious boys made best friends with a little girl and her mom. When her anesthesiologist came back to explain how the "giggle mask" worked, she also brought one for Camden. He kept putting it up to his mouth, like the doctor did when she showed the girl, it was pretty funny!

He kept himself busy with all the toys until about 7:30(30minutes after his "start time"), and that's when all hell broke loose. He was crying and demanding I get him food out of my bag. I felt so bad for the poor guy, and everyone else in the waiting room.

Once they finally took him back(yes I cried) we were only apart for about 1.5 hours. Both doctors came out and told us how well he did. The ENT said he should feel so much better now that all the infected fluid and pressure was gone.

I will leave the details of the second surgery out for now. If Camden feels inclined to share them with you, go for it! But we were glad to get them both done at the same time!

Once he arrived in recovery, Camden was not a happy camper at those nurses who poked and prodded him. When we got to go back and see him, he was furious! We gave him a sippy cup of juice and he calmed down pretty quickly, until he remembered the IV in his hand hurt. Once he saw that, his heart rate jumped up to about 185 and he was hysterical again. That's when he reached for his Daddy and let the nurses know they better take that darn thing out. He was so upset while they took the IV out, he barfed all over Dan, then made his way back to me. That's my boy!

Tag

This is an interesting tag. You are supposed to go to your photos on your computer and find the 4th file then pick the 4th photo. Yes Rebecca, I know you tagged me a month ago. I didn't forget, I'm just REALLY slow!

This picture was taken about 2 weeks after we were married. Notice my great actor of a husband with a pitiful frown on his face? That my friends is why I was so hesitant to take him to the hospital in the first place.

The story goes like this:

We bought a house in arizona, quit our jobs in Utah, got married, and went on an awesome cruise for our honeymoon. After coming home from that honeymoon late Saturday night we invited ourselves over for Sunday dinner at my parents. We had some sort of chicken dish and I remember Dan acting like a baby having a hard time cuttting his chicken. I was so nervous to ask him if he needed help because I didn't want my family to see me "waiting on my husband hand and foot". I ended up cutting his chicken and trying to make a joke of it, but was extremely embarrassed. That night Dan was walking slow, and acting low on energy...but being the compassionate wife I am, I tried to blow off his whimpiness. The next day we were invited to a BBQ with my friends to say goodbye before moving to Arizona. But that day Dan woke up and needed help getting out of bed, opening the milk, closing the toothpaste, and even walking. You name it, he couldn't do it. So I went to the store and got him gatorade and bananas. I told him he was low on potassium and electrolytes, and he needed to buck up and get ready for the BBQ. But when he practically fell over walking down the hallway to the bathroom, I told him I would go to the party alone and he should just rest. And that we did.

Once I got to the party my friends found it a little odd that my husband of two weeks didn't come with me. I told them he wasn't feeling well, but they insisted on more details(probably hoping for a juicy first fight story). So I told them what was going on and they insisted I take him in.

Little side note: We just quite our jobs and therefore had no health insurance. We were scheduled to move in a week and didn't have time to wait for a doctors appointment.

Needless to say, I gave into their peer pressure and took him to the ER that night. Boy was I grateful for those friends and the timing of making it to the hospital. It just so happened that a very good nuerologist was getting ready to leave the hospital as we arrived(11pm is not a normal time for a specialist to be hanging around). He came in, assessed Dan, and immediately identified the problem. He was diagnosed with Guillian Barre Syndrome . I felt so stupid for telling my husband he was fine and to snap out of it. They eneded up admitting him to the hospital and told us how lucky we were to catch this so early.

Sitting with him in the hospital for the next eight days as he became paralyzed, were exhausting. But the two of us learned a lot about each other, and we will never forget our very expensive second honeymoon.

A Long Overdue Visit

This past weekend Dan's brother Aaron and his adorable wife Denise were visiting. Even though it was just for a few days we had so much fun.

One night we were discussing "old times" and the guys were making fun of us girls for remembering things that happened while we were young. They couldn't believe we knew who our preschool teacher was, and what our kindergarten class pet was. And we too thought they were weird for not remembering those important details. Until finally...their memory slowly started returning...and we got some good stories out of them. We were all laughing and I think they secretly enjoyed it more than the girls did. Why is it guys have to act like they don't care about those sort of things? I don't get it.
Aaron and Denise hooked Camden up with a sweet Utah Jazz jersey. So of course we had to take pictures wearing matching outfits. Can you tell they are related? Look at both of them with their mouths wide open and tongue ready to fall out. I love it!

I get so nervous not living by family that Camden won't know who they are. I understand he is still young, but sometimes it breaks my heart(okay, all the time). So when they showed up and he wanted nothing to do with them, I felt like a failure. And that feeling was quickly taken away when he made quite a scene the night they left for Utah. He cried, and would have went with them had we let him. I'm not one who enjoys seeing my kid act like a baby and make a scene. But this time it was different. I would watch that over and over because it made me feel so good. Isn't it funny how even at a young age you can feel so comfortable around family.

Thanks for visiting A & D, we miss you already!

Happy Birthday!!!

Someone turned one year older today...

and he's feelin' it.

And The Truth Shall Set You Free!

Yes, I am putting on weight. No, I did not get a boob job. Yes, my uterus is the size of a cantaloupe. No, I cannot complete a sentence without crying. Yes, I feel as bad as I look. No, we did not plan this. Yes, we are having a baby!!!

This all started in August when I was feeling like death. I KNEW I either had cancer or was pregnant. At the time I was hoping for the first one, but luckily got the second. I went to the dollar store, bought a pregnancy test(cause I was not about to spend 15 bucks on a "good" one). Used the bathroom and got my answer. I was positive Dan wouldn't believe me, so I went back to the counter and bought another one. The cashier thought I was absolutely nuts, and I pretty much was, but I didn't care.

Rewind one week back...

Dan just accepted a new job and I just told my boss I was coming back to work full time. These were two huge, emotional decisions for both of us. Needless to say, we were at each others throats. We were on a roller coaster ride that was just beginning!

Okay, back to the story...

After coming home from the dollar store and stewing for a few hours; I decided to fill Dan in on my little secret. He was standing in the kitchen so I strategically placed myself at the opposite end with easy access to the back door:) I then asked him if he wanted to know something that would "really throw him for a loop"? Then I said, "Um...we are pregnant!" With which he responded after several minutes of agony, "How? When?"

I felt like an irresponsible teenager that just broke the news to her boyfriend. For the next few hours we didn't say much to one another as we were both in a serious state of shock.

The days and weeks went on and I finally decided it would be wise to call the doctor. I was dreading the conversation with the receptionist because I knew she would ask me how far along I was, and I would again feel like that same teenager. But I did it anyway, and she did ask. I laughed(careful to hide the tears), told her I had no idea and made the appointment.

At our first appointment we were both shocked to find out we were 12 weeks along. At our second appointment I was shocked to hear a heartbeat because I still didn't believe what was going on. Now today I am shocked that I am admitting this is real. I felt the baby move last week and it was all downhill from there. It is true. This is really happening. We will be a family of four in April.

Although the timing of this little one is not how or when we expected, it is still a miracle. I feel blessed with a body that can conceive and carry a child. I feel blessed that Camden will get to be a big brother. But that doesn't take away from my fears. I am scared out of my mind to have two rug rats. I am scared to be working full time again while being pregnant. I am worried about where this one will sleep. What about daycare? How will I manage a toddler and a newborn after having a c-section? Don't even get me started on coming up with a name! The list is endless.

But, one thing I do know...I feel so much better now that this is out in the open. I can let my belly hang out. I can enjoy my midnight snacking. And I can gain weight and not have to worry!

Headed Up North

This time of year always makes me homesick! Homesick for the change of season; the leaves falling, colors changing, and brisk morning air. You just don't see much of that in Arizona, at least where I live. But this past weekend that void was filled! I got to head up north with my Young Women for youth conference and we had a blast.

Back in my day I never enjoyed going to girls camp or youth conference, in fact I HATED it! So you can imagine the fear that struck when they called me to be YW President. I knew I was in some serious trouble and wouldn't be able to make up any more excuses! So as the days got closer for us to head up, the more I began to panic. But once we got up there, I quickly learned it wasn't too bad. I actually enjoyed myself and the rest of the company.
I have the sweetest girls and the most amazing leaders to work with. I learned so much during this past weekend and I will cherish it forever!

One of my favorite parts was the hike. There is just something about being outside(when it's not 110 degrees, chasing a toddler) to soak everything in.

Now lets just pray I don't panic nearly as much when the next overnighter rolls around!

Turtle Time

Much to Dan's dismay, Camden was a turtle for Halloween this year. Seeing how Camden can't put up a fight about what he wants to be, I get to have fun picking out his costume. And I think he looks pretty darn cute as a turtle.
Don't laugh at his candy bag! I didn't even think about him needing something to put his goodies in, so we used what we had lying around. Plus he needed a little something blue in there to make him feel more manly!

This picture seems all too familiar...he pooped out on us like this last year!

Remember being in elementary school and having a turtle for the class pet? Do you also remember turning the turtle upside-down on its shell and watching it squirm? No we didn't do that to him, this picture just looks incriminating!

BOO!!!

Can I tell you a story about a handsome little devil?

His name is Camden
and he melts my heart!

The End.

Life on the Farm

For the past few weeks Camden has been plagued with constant ear infections. In order to keep all of us somewhat sane, we have tried to get out of the house and do "fun" things. So last week we went to a farm/pumpkin patch to try and occupy a little bit of time for all of us. There were plenty of fun things for Camden to do but instead he spent most of the time wanting to be held.

And seeing how he has a strong Dad that is willing to do that, even out in the heat, it worked to his advantage.

The animals caught his attention for a little while but were just a bit too stinky for the "city girl" in me.

So along those same lines of trying to occupy his time I decided to stick with non stinky farm type activities for my benefit.

And seeing how I had a bunch of extremely ripe bananas about to be tossed. We decided to bake some banana bread. Camden sampled the bananas while I let him smash them all over himself as well as everything around him. Yes it was a lot more messy with his help but hey, I accomplished what I needed to get done as well has entertained the cranky(rightfully so) one.

Lollipop Kid

I bought this huge and super fun lollipop with the intentions of giving it to Camden on his first birthday. But with all the excitement from that day it managed to slip my mind. So here we are 16 months later when I finally busted it out for him.

I had visions of an incredible photo shoot while he was distracted with this colorful sugar on a stick. Much to my dismay, he did not cooperate with my oh so brilliant plan. But I did manage to get a few cute shots in.
Shortly after this picture was taken, he dropped the 10lb candy on the ground. Enjoyed the noise it made, he continued to do so until it shattered into several pieces.
We took what remained on the stick and decided to enjoy the rest in his highchair. I let him go at it for almost 40minutes until I rushed him off to the tub to scrub away the sticky mess.
He was kicking and screaming the entire way to the bath tub; which in my mind meant he thought I was the coolest mom ever for giving him that lollipop.

Conference

Every time I told Camden he needed to watch General Conference this is what he did!

I'm scared for the future!

VIOLATED

I feel totally violated. I noticed a "pay pal" debit was made from our bank account this morning that I thought to be a little weird. So I asked Dan about it and sure enough he promised me it wasn't him. So after some good investigation on Dan's part we were able to get in touch with some extremely helpful people. And much to our surprise it was indeed FRAUD. The lady we spoke to said she has seen this before and it usually doesn't stop with just one transaction. So I guess you could say we are lucky to have caught it early.

Some jerk got a hold of my debit card number and purchased something nice for themselves. Hopefully it is all being taken care of and nothing comes out of my pocket, but I can't even explain the creepy feeling this brings with it. I feel sick to my stomach. I have always been one of those people who was irritated by things like this but never thought it could happen to me. Well, newsflash, it can and it did. Some people disgust me!

Check Up Time

Today we took Camden for his 15 month check up. We went a little late this time because we switched doctors(who we absolutely love by the way), but still got a clean bill of health. The doctor said, "he is tall and skinny just like his parents". I was grateful the doctor added me in that tall and skinniness with Dan, even if it isn't true bonus points to him for saying it. He weighed 23.8lbs(25%) and is 32(75%) inches tall. And just as I suspected he has a ginormous head which also measures in the 75th percentile.
And because Dan and I are suckers for this kid we took him to Jamba Juice after he did so well getting shots. What more can a boy want then hangin' out on the couch with a Jamba and his remote? Doesn't he look so grown up in this picture, I can hardly stand it?!
We love his little personality more everyday! As of lately he is obsessed with our dog. He follows her everywhere holding firmly to her tail. Luckily Chewie is really good to him and puts up with his pestering. He loves to blow kisses, we are working on teaching him how to hug. He follows commands really well and I love that he is learning the concept of cleaning up after himself. He still barks like a dog and will moo like a cow, but that is as far as we've got in the animal department.

Yesterday when I dropped him off at the babysitters house he was waving goodbye to me even before I left. He is a social butterfly but has his limits, he understands that not every face is a familiar one. He loves to be outside and explore. He is fascinated with furniture that is his size, I really need to get him a pottery barn chair. He climbs on everything, and loves to make a mess.

He will point to his hair, ears, nose(beep beep), eyes, teeth, toes(piggies), and belly button when he is in a performing mood. Anything he can get a hold of is a golf club. He loves to swing and hit the ball, or anything for that matter. He can throw like a champ. I've really got to work on his soccer skills, I can't let Dan get away with all the glory!

All in all he is a piece of work that we love to death. I still can't believe I have a 15 month old, how did this happen?

Note To Self...

Next time this handsome little devil has a red, itchy, viral rash covering his entire body...
Do NOT, I repeat, Do NOT give him any amount of Benadryl.
I thought I was making a wise and caring move when I gave Camden Benadryl to relieve some of his misery. Apparently it had an ill affect on him because he went bonkers. He was shaking in rage, biting(which up until today he hasn't started yet), and crying hysterically. I had to walk around outside with him in order to calm him down. Poor guy, hopefully the drugs won't linger in his system too long or we might have to commit him to the crazy house(oh wait, you might have to commit me)!

Letting It Out

Today I am feeling overwhelmed and just needed a place to put my thoughts for the night!

Even though Camden is just over one year old, going back to work has made me realize how much I took being a Mom for granted. I know, just because I went back to work doesn't mean I am any less of a mom, it just helped me realize what I love.

I love hearing Cam's first cry in the morning, wishing I could still be sleeping, but getting up to see him because I am a mom and that's what I do.

I love trying to sneak a kiss from him while he shakes his head "no" with a huge grin.

I love calling Dan to complain about the naughty things "his" son has done.

I love asking Camden if he is ready to go "nigh night" and he immediately blows kisses and heads for his room.

Today I was running an errand at work and on the way to my destination I saw a Dad trying to console his 16 month old and entertain his 5 year old. Recognizing the look of pure exhaustion on his face I made a pit stop and got them a box of crayons and a coloring book. The kids attention immediately turned to this new "gift" and Dad's to thank me. As stupid as it was, I couldn't hold back the tears when I walked away. It made me miss my boy. I may never say this again, but for that moment I missed wrestling with a tired toddler, I missed consoling an exhausted child, I missed being at home with Camden.

Tomorrow is his first day with his "real babysitter", I don't know what to feel. I feel scared they won't connect. I feel nervous he won't nap and will be super ornery. I feel bad waking him up earlier than normal to get dressed. I feel worried that he might be sad. I feel jealous that I might miss something funny he does. I feel mad because I can't be home with him.

But this is life for now, and it could be worse. So for now I will put my feelings here and leave them to worry about another day. Because after tomorrow and I am home with him for four straight days, and I just might be feeling otherwise.

Pay Back Time

Tuesday was my first day back to work full time. It didn't seem too bad because Dan was home with Camden all day. When I came home from work that night I found Camden tucked away in pleasant dreams. I missed him that day so I had to sneak in and take a picture of how cute he was. Little did I know I would be spending plenty of time with him in the next few hours.
He decided he did not want to be asleep and woke us up at 1230(midnight). After letting him cry it out for a LONG WHILE(I won't disclose the amount of time because you will find it neglectful), we tried rocking, eating, singing, playing, changing diapers, and laying down with him. Nothing seemed to work. He was awake until we dropped him off at Tiffani's around 6am. Needless to say Dan and I went to work exhausted and feeling like crap! I don't know how you working moms do this, because I am not cut out for it.

I'm not really sure what has made his sleeping patterns change so much in the last little while. He is almost 15 months, you think he would be able to sleep through the night. I guess he tricked us when he started sleeping really well at just 2 months old, now it is pay back time!

I am in desperate need of all and any suggestions on what to do for him and for a better nights sleep.

CH-CH-CH-CHANGE

There are lots of changes happening around here! Dan just got offered another job and will be starting next week. Along with this change comes both excitement for all the new stuff that lies ahead as well as a little nervousness for the unknown. We are both thrilled that his drive time to work will be cut down tremendously. No more getting up at 230 in the morning to be at work or waiting for him to get home after 9pm.

Because I didn't want Dan receiving all the attention for a new job, I decided to go back to work full time. Not really, but the benefits my work offer are hard to beat. So I too will be going back three days a week(12hr shifts). Not the most exciting change, but change nonetheless.

And while these changes were going on my Dad decided he was going to accept a job offer in Idaho. Not to mention my sister just moved to New Hampshire. What the crap people? Didn't you know these changes were not in my plans! Just kidding I am excited for both of them. Maybe someday all of us will live in one state again.

(This picture has nothing to do with this post, just thought it would make this more interesting)

I'm not sure why I have always been a little resistant to change. For some reason change is hard for me to accept even when I willingly bring it on myself. So as you can imagine the stress level inside of me has reached boiling point and is probably driving everyone around me crazy, but what can you do? I sometimes feel like just when things are starting to become routine and normal, Heavenly Father throws a little curve ball to be sure you're awake. Instead of just accepting it and hitting the ball, I choose to take it in the gut. I guess this means I need more batting practice, dang it!

Star Wars vs Space Balls

Seeing how family time around our house is a rare thing to come by and is about to get even more crazy in the near future, we decided to have a family date night. Both Dan and I were home Saturday night and we still had several hours before Camden went to bed so we headed to the mall for dinner and to let Camden play in the water.
Once Camden was bored with the water we walked over to get dessert and saw a crowd of people and a bunch of commotion.
Yes my friends, the chaos was being caused by people dressed in Star Wars get up promoting the new cartoon. So of course we had to take a picture, and since Dan wouldn't be in it, you get to see yours truly and my funny smile because I was laughing so hard. Why was I laughing you ask. Because I know absolutely nothing about Star Wars, the closet thing I know to compare it to is Space Balls.
So to all you Star Wars fans out there(Aaron, Bonnie, Mike and Rebecca)...these pictures are for you!

14 Months

As much as this kid tries my patience, I just can't seem to get enough of him lately. His quirky little smile and LONG eyelashes melt my heart. I can't believe how fast he is growing up. Everyday I tell myself I need to blog about the fun things he is doing and I just never seem to get around to it. So here goes nothing!

Over the last week or so he has been growing out of a second nap. So today I decided to bite the bullet and try one nap. Normally he goes to sleep at 10am but I was able to keep him up until 1130am today and he is currently sleeping. I am crossing my fingers that he sleeps for a solid three hours and can hold up until bedtime. We shall see!

He loves playing patty cake, especially the part when you help him clap his hands really fast while saying, "bake me a cake as fast as you can". He gets a kick out of his dad chasing him around the kitchen and jumping out around the corner to scare him. Both Camden and the dog have mastered playing tug-o-war with each other. He laughs hysterically when you grab his toes and say, "this little piggy...". He still loves to walk around the house whining, "mama mama". He can point to his "button" aka belly button, and loves to lift everyone else's shirt to find theirs. When you ask him what a cow says he says, "moo". When you ask him "where's your nose" he touches yours and waits for you to say, "beep beep".

Bam Bam is his new nickname. He always has a plastic golf club or bat in his hat and walks around hitting it on the floor, or couch, or the door, or himself, or us. He has a permanent bruise on his forehead from head butting everything. Instead of hearing him cry when he wakes up I will hear a pounding noise, as if someone were banging on the wall...but nope, its him pounding his head on the crib. He also loves to use our head or the back door for these same tension relieving methods. Speaking of tension, he won't stop grinding his teeth. It sounds like he has a rock in his mouth but nope, its just him grinding those eight pearly whites. Do you think my kid has anger issues?

He is becoming a little too independent for my liking. He loves to hold his own spoon to feed himself, only problem is he doesn't get much in his mouth that way. While walking if I try to hold his hand he will pull it away, as if to say "Mom, I don't need your help".

It is amazing how much he comprehends. When you ask him if he wants to go "night night" he blows you kisses and heads for his room, turns on the fan, and waits by the crib. I can ask him to go get something and he will(for the most part). He is one smart and stubborn little guy.

My Kid Will Never Do That

Once again I ate my "pre-child" words, "My kid will never do that" when I took Camden to play on the toys in the mall. I have justified this decision by saying they clean this playground daily(I watched them do it),as apposed to going to the park where the only thing cleaning those toys are the elements. And it is too dang hot to take my kid to the park, he would burn his rear going down the slide in this weather and I would melt sitting on the bench watching him.
So now that I have justified my actions I feel great about this new adventure and I'm sure we will be going back for more. Camden loved all the different toys and kids to run around with. Not to mention the fabulous nap he took after we got home.
On our way out of the mall we had to stop by the pet store to see the dogs. These two puppies were so playful and Camden would've sat there for hours watching them.
Thank you mall for being a getaway for both me and my child. I owe you, oh wait...you take all my money anyway, lets call it even!

We Love Company

This week has been packed with goodness! My sister as well as Dan's friend were both in town staying with us.We got a sitter one night and went to a Diamond Backs game. It was fun hanging out and acting like we were in Jr. High again.

The lighting in this picture is terrible, but the moment was hilarious(you had to be there). Dan and Tyson enjoyed hanging out with LeBron James during part of the Olympics.

Trying to get a picture with the two of them was like pulling teeth, they were never serious! I had to follow them out to the car and take this one through the windshield so they'd be close to each other. You know Dan is saying, "I'm sorry my wife is such a dork and has to have the camera on all the time". But I know he'll thank me later when he is old and gray, trying to convince our kids he once had friends.

We had so much fun lounging around, shopping, eating, taking naps, playing games, going to breakfast(and spilling my juice ALL OVER), and staying up too late. Thanks for visiting us you two, we had a blast!

Don't Be Jealous

Dan's good friend is in town visiting because he loves us, misses us, and wishes he lived closer to us.
So tonight we are hanging out eating watermelon and playing old school Nintendo games on the Wii. Okay mostly them, I am ready for bed, it is way past my bedtime!
What are you doing tonight? Don't be jealous if it's not as much fun as this!

Build A Bear

The other day Camden got a special package in the mail from Cynthia. She made him his very own "Tarzan" from Build A Bear. He absolutely loves this thing!!!
His new "trick" lately is giving kisses. Usually he will blow you a kiss but if he really likes you, you get an open mouth kiss. Looks like he really likes Tarzan.
The funny thing about Camden getting this stuffed animal with a BYU shirt on it, is that Dan has one with the same shirt on. One of these days I will get a picture of my boys and their bears!

Thanks Cynthia!