Pumpkin Patch

After spending most of October in the hospital, we were so excited to spend a Saturday outside with the pumpkins.   

 

Scott does the heavy lifting.

This picture looks extremely awkward, which is why I posted it.

The petting zoo is really for me.  I just use James as an excuse to get in.

Big Bear: Worst trip of our lives but I still took pictures.

So our annual trip to Big Bear was a total bust this year.  Not only was I not feeling well due to my first trimester of pregnancy but James was sick as well.  We ended up forfeiting the trip early and driving straight from the mountain to urgent care.  This marked the beginning of our two week hospital adventure with James, which is another post altogether.

I told Scott that I can never go to Big Bear again.  It's like when you eat something and then throw up, you can never eat that thing again.  That's how I feel about Big Bear.  This might have to do with the fact that I'm 12 weeks pregnant and in general I want to throw up all the time.  But enough talk about throw up.  Here are the pics we did take of our totally horrible worst vacation ever.

P.S. being dramatic is another side effect of pregnancy.

Big Bear Zoo

Now that I look at these photos, I realize it wasn't such a bad trip after all.  Okay, I'll go back to Big Bear.

Belly Laugh

 We took family photos back in May and after countless efforts at posing and trying to get James to look at the camera, the best photos of the day ended up being the ones we hadn't planned.  Our camera woman was Aunt Ani who had a less-than graceful moment when she slipped and hit the ground hard, landing on her back. The result, complete unbridled joy and a bonafide belly laugh.

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.