Totally Teething

*This is an old post that never got published.  I wrote it about a year ago and thought I would go ahead and publish it now.  Boy am I glad the teething is over but it's fun to look back at how much I suffered!

To be honest, the last two weeks of motherhood have been brutal.  J is getting all four top teeth at one time which means fussy days and sleepless nights.  Last night, for the second time this week, I had to drive around the neighborhood in the middle of the night to finally get him to sleep.  It is really working me over.  I don't think I've ever wanted a nap more in my entire life.  The problem is, I'm not getting a nap.  Once I finally get him to go to sleep, I have to pump (is that TMI?)  I could go on and on but you get the idea.  If this rant was a bit too negative, refer to the last post....it was about cupcakes.

The Real Deal

The Savior emphasized the importance of keeping records. And one of the most valuable records is the one you keep of your own life.- Spencer W. Kimball

I love this quote I found yesterday while preparing to teach a class on blogging. I know what you're thinking, "why are you teaching a class on blogging?"  It's a pretty short story, I was asked if I would do it and I said yes.  Although I'm far from an expert blogger I do understand the importance of documenting our lives in whichever medium we choose.  

So today I am documenting my real life.  Not a manicured or picture perfect one but the life I live every morning.  I keep hearing how fast kids grow up and before I know it the blocks that cover my floor will be carefully packed in an attic somewhere.  Before I forget how wonderfully messy life can be, I better document it.

Before

And....After

To the Dads.

It was two years ago today that we announced to our families that we were having a baby.  I remember my mom's very vocal hallelujah and my dads soft spoken way of expressing delight.  I think he may have even been fighting back some tears.

Two years later, I have the joy of watching Scott, in his role as a dad to James.  I see his own dad's influence as he teaches and plays with James.  Because of the wonderful father he is, James constantly seeks his approval and Scott lovingly gives it.

And there is nothing like watching James with my dad.  Grandpa N is responsible for teaching James where to find the cookie jar and more importantly, finding what's inside.  With fists full of ginger snaps, the two of them make their way outside for the ritual walk around the house.

There is no doubt that I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such great men.  They bless my life and the life of my son, who I hope one day will become a great man himself.  Happy Father's Day!

Del Mar Fair

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the Del Mar Fair.  Ever since I can remember it has been a summer tradition.  My dad taught me young what to eat, what to see and what to ride.  The Gingerbread cake is a must, with mini doughnuts to follow.  We walk the exhibits, even though we are not looking to buy a hot tub, spend some extra time with the barnyard animals, and end the night staring at rides we will never ride.
This year was J's first fair experience.  I don't know if fair appreciation is passed on genetically but if it is, James got the fair gene.  He loved every minute of it.  I couldn't have been more proud of my son as he gobbled up a fried cheese curd and demanded to ride the carrousel. Looks like he's his mother's son after all.

Fried Oreos, Fried Twinkie and Butter Beer!

Kiddy land rides are about my speed.

Look who thinks he's taking this guy home.

This goat is seconds away from nibbling James' finger and like a good mother, I'm taking a picture.

Watching the rides.

Some fair kisses to end the night.

The Hunt

I love Easter.  Everything about it.  I love that boys wear pastel shirts on Easter, that we search for eggs in plants, and that the best candy ever made, is made for Easter.  I also love what Easter stands for.  The Savior, his atoning sacrifice and that through him, I can be with my family forever.  The family that I completely demolished in the Easter egg hunt today.

Jackpot!

This guy is pretty dreamy.

Walks

This is one of my favorite pictures of all time.  Not only does it capture all three loves of my life (yes, my dog is one of the loves of my life) it also captures one of my favorite activities in the whole wide world, going for a walk.  It is an easy way to spend an afternoon, you simply put one foot in front of the other and you are on your way.  I think when I am at the other end of my life and looking back, these are the types of moments I will treasure the most.

2012 is sick!

2012 has been a whirlwind so far.  Most of our time has been spent with a sick baby.  The first year of J's life he was as healthy as a baby gets.  He must have been saving up all of his sick cards to cash them in a week after his first birthday.  A few days after his birthday party, he caught a virus and had high fevers for about eight days that led to an eye infection which put him in the hospital for three days!  Sheesh.  Here are some pictures from our hospital adventure.

Poor baby.  I didn't include the pictures of when his eye was really swollen because they are awful.  

We didn't get our best sleep in the hospital. And don't let this picture fool you, J slept most of the night with me in my "chair bed".

By the third day we were so ready to leave!  The doctors woke us up around 6:00am to check on J and told us we would be leaving in the morning.  We didn't end up leaving the hospital until 7:00 PM!  It was a loooong day.  Hooray for Harry Potter movies.

Since our bout in the hospital, J has had the stomach flu twice and a cold.  I swear it is something new every week.  I will say, Scott and I are becoming excellent at cleaning up throw up in the middle of the night.  I know how to quickly get it out of carpet, sheets, hair and yes...my mouth.  The joys of being a mother!  

There have been some healthy times in the past two months which we have taken full advantage of.  Luckily we live in a place with with 80 degree February's or Februaries....wrong but feels right.  J has discovered how much he loves walking on grass (he's easily entertained) and so we go to the park across the street as much a possible.  Here's some pics of our park goings.

The best way to go to the park is with a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.  Oh yeah, I like bringing J too.

We force J to wear this sailor hat which he hates.  Sometimes we compromise and flip the front flap up.  This however does not protect his face from the sun.  It's good logic.

Swing Fail.  J didn't really like the swings the first few times we tried.  These pictures are at least a month old and I'm happy to report that now J dominates the swings.

The good news is that we have had more park days than sick days as of late.  I think we might be in the clear for awhile.  I heard on the news that February is the sickest month of the year.  March, it's so good to see you.