Thursday, December 31, 2009

Nap Time

Our little boy is such a great child. When nap time rolls around, all I have to do it lay him in his crib and he falls right to sleep.

Today, however, after about 3 minutes he just started screaming.

I went to investigate and this is what I found...














Of course I HAD to take a picture with my phone before I actually rescued him, because I'm just that good of a mom.

Christmas pictures still to come...

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Don't you hate when you check someones blog and they STILL haven't updated it?

I know I do.

But don't worry, in the next few days I'll write all about Christmas. I even took some pictures this time.

Love, Hanna

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Temple Square

Last night we went to go check out the lights at temple square. I haven't been since I was in high school, so I figured it was about time. Plus, when you have kids you just have to do stuff like that.

Like always, we forgot our camera.

We were accompanied by three of my all-time favorite people, Chad, Kim, and Kamryn.

The only reason I am posting about this is because when we got there we drove around FOREVER looking for parking. Then, like the smart people we are, we saw a church parking lot about 2 blocks away and thought FOR SURE there would be parking there, right? We must be the only smart ones in the place to come up with this genius plan.

Then, we pull in. It took us 30 minutes to loop the TINY parking lot, behind 8 million other cars, just to see that there were no spots. And, for those of you who really know any of us that went, we all have a slight case of road rage (I'm working on overcoming my anger), so it was not good.

After we finally got out, we decided to head to the conference center parking and just pay. As we drove in front of it, we saw an SUV pulling out...in the first stall, right next to the cross walk to go in to see the lights. Hallelujah.

So, Kim jumped out of the car and ran up next to the people leaving to make sure that no one would try to sneak in and take the spot, while we waited a patient and safe distance behind. It was amazing.

And, the people actually tried to hurry so that we could park. Unfortunately, in their rush to help us get into a spot, their trunk didn't fully shut and as soon as they pulled out, all their stuff fell onto the street. Luckily Kim was out there to help stop traffic and pick it all up.

Chad said the only reason we got such a great spot is because he never swore while we were waiting behind all the idiots in the church parking lot and god was blessing him. haha. I believe him, it took a lot of restraint (not that I am a regular swearer, the people were just lame).

All in all, it was a fun night that I will contemplate redoing next year.

Oh, and the lights were pretty good too.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

6 Things For Now

I've been meaning to write a little update, but I've just been busy with things that I think are more important...no offense to all of you bloggers and blog readers.

Here are a few things that have been going on:

1. The boy turned 6 months old. We celebrated his half birthday by giving him immunization shots, steroids for croup, and antibiotics for an ear infection. We really know how to party.

He is sitting up pretty good. I can actually leave him there for a few minutes (maybe just seconds) without being scared of him slamming his head against the ground. He is no where near crawling though. He refuses to even contemplate the idea. If he crawls, that means I hold him less and that is just NOT an option, yet.

He was in the 65% pretty much all around, height, weight, etc.

2. Cody finished this semester! Thank goodness. Now I don't have to hear him whine everyday...haha. He had some REALLY hard classes and is one semester away from a bachelor's degree in accounting. That smart boy.

3. We celebrated the previously mentioned semester end with a nice dinner, which is rare for us. We were joined by Jake and his lovely wife Melanie. It was a real treat.

4. I crocheted stockings for everyone in the house (minus Zoee, she gets an old one). They are ALMOST finished. Thank you Hayley for your help.

5. Cody and I started watching Lost, since all the seasons are on Hulu right now. We heard not to go past the 3rd season, but right now we're just starting #2 and I like it. I do think they give too many questions and not enough answers. Any suggestions from any of you?

6. There are more, but I need to go get my little stuffed up boy who is crying.

Sorry I don't have any pictures to post. Until next time.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Nelly

This morning as I felt the cold air and smelled a familiar aroma, I was brought back to a time not too long ago when I was living in Virginia as a missionary. Its weird and exciting when something triggers a great memory.

The one in particular that came to my head was Nelly. She was an older lady from, well I don't remember, and she was one of the meanest people I have ever met. She had become a member years earlier, even though she was a chain smoker, and now insisted that the church take care of her. So, every week my companion and I headed to the old folks home to clean her tiny apartment.

I was ALWAYS in charge of the bathroom, no matter how much I wanted to switch my companion for the bedroom. I don't think she trusted me, because she would stand with her front touching my back as I scrubbed the shower and diarrhea covered toilet, and she would scream "Scrub faster! Scrub harder!" at the top of her lungs. With every ounce of restraint I had, I kept my mouth shut and worked faster and harder than I knew my poor body could. I would usually leave soaking wet in sweat.

To top it off, she refused to listen to our churchy lessons. If we even attempted to talk to her about anything, she would yell. She told me she "knew it all already."

Then one day, determined to get some benefit out of cleaning Nelly's apartment, we decided that instead of trying to teach her, we would get through to her by singing. We chose "In Our Lovely Deseret" (because tobacco we despise...haha)

On our way to the appointment my companion and I strengthened our courage by making up our own silly, anti-Nelly words to the song (missionaries have to get cleaver when TV and radio are not an option).

When we got there, cleaned and sweat sufficiently, we told her about the song. She ok-ed the notion. As we began to sing, I lost it. I just thought of how crazy this lady was, about her yelling, about why we chose the song and its hidden but not so hidden message, and laughed so hard that tears rolled down my cheeks. I couldn't stop, and because I couldn't neither could my companion. We started up the song at least 5 times before we abandoned the idea completely. I just couldn't keep a straight face.

At first Nelly was surprised, then annoyed, and before I knew it she was laughing too. Although, she had no clue why. After that, she never yelled at us again, but she did always request that we sing.

Oh cold weather, thank you for that treasure of remembrance. It has made my day.

Friday, December 4, 2009

All Better

After 7 days of fever, sore throat, stuffy nose and no sleep, the boy is FINALLY starting to get better. Which is good for me because I don't think I could have handled another day of him screaming, not eating and being so uncomfortable. I was at my thresh hold (and I think so was he).

So, thank you Tylenol and Ibuprofin for keeping things a little more sane.


Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Two Years Ago Today

I haven't had time to worry about blogging, but while I was in between marketing for Tuscany and working on something for Utah Women in Business (after I FINALLY got the boy to take his medicine and a nap, went shopping with my mom for my sister's birthday present, cleaned the kitchen, crochet some of the stockings for Christmas, showered myself, gossiped about an upcoming family marriage...I could go on) I decided to just make a little note that...

two years ago today, sitting in my ghetto apartment, Cody proposed to me. After 3 failed attempts, due to me being unknowingly difficult, and a game of hangman that I almost didn't figure out, I said "Of Course (with a big cheesy grin on my face). Now where is my ring?" haha, classic.

I love Cody. I am so glad that he is with me. I couldn't have found someone more perfect for my imperfections. He is the best a girl could ever hope for.

The end.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Oh Glee

I have a secret and slightly embarrassing confession to make, I really like the show Glee. Tonight I watched "Ballad" on Hulu (we decided when we got married that we didn't want tv in the house, so we resort to the internet when the need to see something arrives) while Cody did his homework. Typical.

I love music. I love singing (although I am horrible at it). By the end of each song I find my mouth open in awe and a goofy grin on my face...yep, at the same time. I can't help it. Jenn, you know what I'm talking about.

Last weeks rendition of 'Defying Gravity' was amazing. Not nearly as good as seeing it live in San Francisco (thanks again for that Cody, and for not waiting until my birthday like you originally planned), but still amazing. This week I loved My Love, in all its awkwardness, and Stand By Me.

Anyway, there you have it. I am a dork, and I love every minute of it. Even when it makes me cry (twice).

Monday, November 16, 2009

The boy completed his 5th month of life today.

We are so proud of him.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Scouts

We were recently called into Scouts as Wolf den leaders. And I feel completely inadequate for the job. I have never, in all my 25 years, been involved in any way with the scouting program. I felt like a total numpty.

First of all, I had to wear this incredibly ugly, ginormous shirt on which I sewed the patches wrong (who knew there was a right and wrong way?). I debated with Cody prior to, and on the drive there, whether or not I REALLY had to wear it. Unbuttoning and rebuttoning it at least 4 or 5 times in the debate. He was right (as always), I did. And, apparently I was supposed to tuck it in too. But there is no way that was happening. With its hugeness I would look like I had an extra two belly fat rolls. The three I have already are quite enough.

Second, how was I supposed to know that I have to salute during the flag ceremony. What ever happened to the hand on the heart. And I still don't understand, do you use two fingers or three?

Third, they called us up to the front to give out badges and awards. What? We just started. Plus, I have no clue how the badges and awards work, and I even read the book. I think my know-nothingness clouded my reading comprehension. I stood in the front, partially hiding behind Cody, looking at the crowd like a deer in headlights. While he explained we had nothing to give away.

It was nerve wracking and I felt severely out of place. I think I might be the wrong gal for the job. I hope it only goes uphill from here.

I do, however, like the weekly activities. So far we made paper bag Halloween costumes, had a party, did the balloon olympics, and I think next week we might even learn to walk on stilts. Exciting, huh?

I think I just need to calm down. Take a breath. And move one step at a time. I can do this, right?

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Mommy Talk

A lot of things have changed since our son came into our lives. One of which is my vocabulary. Here are a few new additions:

bedie - crib
nappie - nap
go nigh nigh - go to sleep
foodies - food
diapie - diaper
bookie - book
toysies - toys
blankie - blanket
tubbie - bath
putty-put - fart (thanks to Chelsea for that one)
buga-buga-boo - this doesn't mean anything, we just say it and he just likes it

You get the gist.

I either add -ie to the end or I make words that shouldn't be plural, plural. For example, "How's my baby boys doing today?" And no, we don't have twins.

The best thing about this new vocabulary is the way I say it. I really don't like baby talk, but when I open my mouth the high pitched, soft sounding 'word vomit' (thank you Mean Girls for that term) just comes out. No matter how hard I try, I can't stop it. Plus, it makes him smile which automatically overrides my dislike.

Also, I love when I am out in public and start talking to the boy like I would at home. I get all kinds of weird stares and quickly realize how silly I sound. And honestly, how do you come back from that? I just keep on talking to him like the starers aren't there.

Oh baby boy, I love you.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Bryn

The cutest girl in the world came to visit Cody, Clarke, and me for dinner a few nights ago...along with her average looking father Travis ;)

I just had to post about it so that all of you readers out there can bask in her beauty.

We sure love this little girl (and are really excited for the second edition). I think she and the boy will grow up to be great buddies.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Furniture That Cody Built

I like Cody and he likes me. He also likes to build things. When his passion for me and his passion for building combine, this is what you get...

BEFORE...















(In this picture Cody told me to put on some clothes that I could paint in. So, I grabbed a hoodie I bought in Jr. High, some old Christmas pajamas, and my Mary Jane's that I hate with a passion. Thinking I was ready to go, I walked out to the garage and found him wearing this blue suit. I felt totally under dressed.)


AFTER...















He even put little stops on the shelves so the DVDs don't slide back. I LOVE it!

Halloween

I'm not sure if I said this already, but I LOVE Halloween. I start thinking about costumes around July. However, this year I wasn't my normal creative self (I am sorry if I disappointed any of you) and we dressed up in some pretty common get-ups.

The boy was Scooby Doo, and in true family fashion, Cody was Shaggy and I was Daphne. Can you tell we like to match? We even do it every Sunday too. haha.

ANYWAY, we went to Mimi's for a great party thrown by Jill. There were all sorts of delicious foods (my favorites were the nutter butters dipped in white chocolate...mmmm). Then we had a costume contest. All of the kids were so cute. Cody and I won best group costumes. Thank you, thank you.

Then we played games. I can't remember what the name of it was, but you read statements and everyone picks who they think the statement best represents. A few of the ones where people guessed my name were "The person who appears serious, but is really goofy" and "If you were going to do something sneaky, who would you call" (or something to that affect). Cody got voted for all the ones that had to do with being responsible. He is the good one and I am the sneaky one, go figure.

All and all it was a great night. What made it especially great was when Joe got the boy to stop screaming. He is an early to bed kind of guy and doesn't do well when people mess with his schedule.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Halloween Party #1

Tuesday was the first annual Losee Halloween party. Okay, I'm not sure if I named it right, or if it was their first. I am just hoping they make it a tradition so that I have yet another excuse to dress up :)

And, even though we had to drive through a blizzard to get there, the white chicken chili alone was worth it. Well, maybe Caleb and Hayley's homemade orange bowls cut out like a jack-o-lantern and filled with fruit salad, or Sarie's yummy cupcakes made it worth it too. Okay, maybe I just love food.

Anyway, the highlight of the night was when Cody and I won the no-hands apple eating contest. Alright, that's a lie, but we probably would have, however, the string broke twice on us. So, that ended it. Cody really did win third place in the costume contest though.

After that we played musical chairs, which I can prove by a huge bruise I have on my thigh from wrestling someone out of their chair. Mwha ha ha.

All and all, it was a really fun evening. Unfortunately we forgot our camera (surprise, surprise). So we are relying on the pictures we took when we got home, and the kindness of Caleb and Hayley to give us theirs.

Cody dressed up as House and I was Dr. Cameron (and yes, Cody made the flames on the cane all by himself, I was impressed).

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Idaho Visit

Last weekend we headed up to Idaho for a fun relaxing time with the Childers. We try to visit them every couple of months, and we were definitely due. Mainly because our child was losing touch with his Mima and she was feeling quite sad about it.

So, we rounded up the gang, dog and all, and made the drive in our white Honda. We had a quick detour in Logan for dinner with mom and dad at Iggy's hoping to catch the BYU game, unfortunately for Joe it wasn't on.

The weekend was spent riding the 4-wheeler (it was the boy's first time), taking short walks, movies, food (thanks for the chicken curry!), and best of all homemade chocolate chip cookies. No matter what I do, the cookies I make will never beat those found at that house in Idaho.

Monday morning, after our much needed rest and relaxation, we made the trek back home. Zoee tried to hide again and wouldn't get in the car. We understand though, sometimes its hard to leave that place.

(He and Mima made peace)

Friday, October 23, 2009

The Dad And His Boy

Cody doesn't get to see his son a lot. Some days he doesn't get to see him at all. So, when there is spare time, and the boy is available, this is what I find...
(and NO, this picture was NOT staged, they really are that cute)












(This was taken this morning just before Cody headed off to work)

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Our little boy reached 4 months.
At his appointment he was in the 85% for height and the 75% for weight. Cody blames my side of the family for his hugeness.

He has changed so much in the last little bit, he is finally turning into a real human.

My favorite things are his hugs and kisses. He LOVES to cuddle and spend time with mom. He has also mastered grabbing things and shoving them into his mouth as fast as he can. He is (almost) always smiley and happy...except when Hayley babysits him at our softball games. haha. He still thinks he should be able to do more than he can, and he loves his daddy.

He is the best little guy ever.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Payton Tea Nelson

Yesterday my incredibly good looking sister-in-law had her second baby girl. The 7 pound 2 ounce (okay I don't remember the ounces so I guessed), 19 1/2 inch little wonder is perfect in every way, and looks remarkably A LOT like her mother.

We are so excited she is here! We love her very much.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

This is how my day was today...















How was yours?

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Daily Pics

Since Cody spends most of his time at work and school, I send him daily pictures of our boy to keep him updated and involved.

Here are two of my recent favorites.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Eskimo Kiss

On our way to Strawberry Point we stopped at Wal Mart to kill some time and buy some treats.

We were followed inside by a rather strange woman who was trying to get my attention.

Holding the boy in my arms, I stopped to see what she wanted.

She walked right up to me, leaned forward, and began rubbing her nose against our child's. It was one of the most awkward Eskimo kisses I have ever witnessed. He just stared, wide-eyed.

I wasn't sure what to do. I wanted to yank him away, but instead I stood there in shock.

Weird.

I guess I can't really blame her. Who could resist this face?

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Strawberry Point

From Friday to Monday Cody, the boy, and I headed up to Strawberry Point to stay with Clarke, Sue, and Gordon (Cody's aunt and uncle) at their cabin. Oh, Zoee and Lulu came too. It was just east of Cedar City and incredibly beautiful.

















Just after we showed up on Friday a 4 point buck came right up to the cabin. It was incredible.

















The reason we were there was so Clarke and Cody (with a bunch of help from Gordon) could redo the porch. While they were sweating and working hard, I was reading the new Dan Brown novel, watching movies, and eating mini twix bars. It was a nice time, especially since our child was a little angel...at least during the day.















One night, however, Cody and I got to take the 4 wheelers up to the actual Strawberry Point and watch the sunset. The view was amazing. It was the best part of the weekend.

















By the time Monday rolled around I was sufficiently dirty, but well rested and ready to take on the world...and so was Cody considering that he didn't even get to come home, but went straight to class. Only one more semester after this and he is done...thank goodness...



(Isn't he cute?)

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Lake Powell

Every year we spend the last week in August at Lake Powell. We leave Saturday afternoon, board the houseboat Saturday night, and Sunday morning set sail for a week in our favorite destination, Last Chance Bay.

It is beautiful and quiet, with waters so calm that even people like me look okay on a wake board. I loved every minute of being there (minus the ones where our child was screaming...).

Unfortunately for you (or maybe its fortunate), most of our pictures were taken on our video camera and I have not yet figured out how to retrieve them. Maybe next year...



The boy out grew his 0-3 month clothes at 2 months, so his rash guard never quite made it over his belly.





The boy, his life jacket, and some sun block.







Our happy little family on the last day there.






Our happy big family on the last day there, with Moon Shadow in the background.






Sorry guys, that's all we have.
Until next year...

Thursday, September 17, 2009

For Mima Part 2

As of about 2 weeks ago our little guy learned this new trick...


Yesterday he made it to 3 months and has never been better.
-He can roll pretty efficiently from stomach to back.
-He thinks he is older and bigger than he really is, because he only wants to sit or stand. Laying down is just way too last month.
-He loves his walker, even though his feet can't touch the ground and his forehead bangs against the toy in front of him (thanks Amy for letting us borrow it).
-He HATES the swing.
-He loves noisy places, but not random loud noises.
-He is always happy in the mornings. You can get him to laugh for hours...until nap time, then the laughing comes to a dead halt.
-He loves his mommy and daddy. He always gets happy when I pick him up or when daddy comes home from work or school.
-He will only sleep on his side, probably because he has such bad acid reflux. Poor boy.

Baby boy, we sure love you.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Lake Powell

Lake Powell was AWESOME...












One day, when I'm feeling more adventurous, I'll prove it.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

I am exhausted from playing two softball games tonight. In the middle of the second game, one of our players went for a ball, hit the fence, and cut up his face pretty bad. He ended up heading to the ER to get stiches, along with his father. That left us two men short. Don't worry though, we still won (we hope everything is alright Jeff).

BUT, times will get better because Saturday morning we leave for Lake Powell. I cannot express my excitement.

Hope you're not jealous.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

THE DANCE

(you have to have Facebook to watch it)

Sunday, August 16, 2009

What Went On

Okay, here are some pictures of our recent events.

Our little guy was blessed August 2. There were a ton of people that came to support him and we thank you all for that. The downside to the day was that the second we got home he pooped all over his outfit--before we had a chance to take a picture of him in it. Whoops. I guess I'll just have to stage some pictures in the outfit later.

Either way, here we are on the day of...

















That same week Cody surprised me with a trip to San Francisco. We drove all day Thursday and met up with Melanie and Jake who had flown in a few days earlier. The next morning we headed down to the piers, unfortunately the camera died after the first 2 minutes.













It was awesome to see the street performers and the people. We ended the day at the Giants stadium. The game was awesome, even though they totally blew it in the last two innings.

Saturday was spent at Venice beach and the Orphium theatre. At the beach there were two dead sea lions, one with a missing head, and a sign saying that the area had the highest concentration of white sharks. Needless to say, I didn't spend too much time in the water; I'm a wimp. I did, however, give the boy his first dip. He didn't like the cold at all, but oh well.

















After getting cleaned up we headed to the theatre to see Wicked. I cried quite a few times during the production, it was just THAT awesome.













Last was Caleb's wedding. He and Hayley were married on the 11 in the Salt Lake temple. It was a great day for everyone. We sure love Hayley and are so glad to have her in the family. Their reception was in Lindon at a cute little place called Wadley Farms. We laughed and cried and watched the Hoppy boys do their traditional dance (when I get a copy I'll post it on here). It was a great day.

















Don't you just love our little guy's outfit? He looked like a little pimp.

Now we await our yearly trip to Lake Powell...

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

We have had a busy few weeks. I'll post pictures soon of our little guy's baby blessing, Caleb's wedding and our trip to San Francisco.

Right now I just want to relax.

But, here's a teaser to keep you coming back...












(nothing like Wicked and Burger King to start a night off right)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

For Mima

Our little guy just figured out how to laugh, and we luckily were there to catch it on camera.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Do you ever just sit and stare at your kids and think...

"Oh my gosh he (or she) is beautiful."

And you can't get yourself to look away?

I do.

Happy 5 weeks Donny boy.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner

Cody's softball team won the championship game last night. It was pretty intense, but they pulled it off with a 12-11 victory. I was sure proud of them...




















...and so was the baby boy (although he didn't like the sun in his eyes)

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Baby Pictures

I thought it was time for a few more baby pictures...

The boy with his daddy.














His first bath (minus the ones in the hospital)
















This one is from today. We took it after his shower.









Isn't he the cutest boy ever?