tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21476274409789934672024-03-12T19:00:58.398-06:00pinky CAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14433986993685641382noreply@blogger.comBlogger566125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-61286088711841371552014-09-16T14:19:00.002-06:002014-09-16T14:19:57.309-06:00Zoey's Birth Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The very annoying predicament with Baby Clark started at
around 33 weeks – baby was still head up. The doctor was confident that the
baby would turn in time to have a vaginal birth. The weeks passed by and I knew
the baby just wasn’t going to move. It moved as in kicked and wiggled in there,
but as for moving head down? I didn’t see that happening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My 38 week appointment came and the baby was still head up
so we set a game plan. At 39 weeks, I was to check into the hospital, get an
epidural, and we would try a version. If that worked then they would induce me
and if not, then they would take me in for a c-section.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday April 2<sup>nd</sup> (39 weeks) came around and I
had an appointment at the hospital at 12:00. We left the house at 10:00 to drop
off the car (it needed to be fixed due to the wind blowing the door back) and
then take Mason to Jamie’s house. We were not even 10 minutes from home when my
doctor called and said they could get me in right then. We rearranged plans –
still dropped off the car, but then met my mom at Chik-fil-a in Midvale so she
could get him to Jamie’s. When we met up with my mom it was very stormy and
rainy. Cam got the car seat moved over and we worked on calming Mason down (who
was beside himself about leaving us). I had planned ahead and had a toy Mater
car and as soon as he had that he was beyond happy (luckily it was so easy).<o:p></o:p></div>
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With Mason taken care of, we headed to the hospital. The
rain storm turned to a snow storm (and quite an extreme one) on the way. Not
quite the way I expected to drive to the hospital in April. I wasn’t too
nervous but the weight of having a baby was setting in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We got to the hospital and got checked in. The nurses got us
settled in our room and we waited for them to check the baby’s position – still
breech. They worked on getting my IV going – which you would think was routine,
but my nurse tried twice and didn’t get it in right either time. She said I made it harder as I was "a little bit round" - note to nurse, don't tell a 9 month pregnant lady she is round. So she called
in another nurse who had to try twice as well. Finally, after 30 minutes, they
got my IV in and working. Idiots.</div>
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At this point the doctor stopped by expecting me to be IV’d
and already have the epidural. He ran me through our plan again (epidural –
version – induction if it worked/c-section if not). He said that he would know
right away if things would work or not and I just kept hoping that it would. My
doctor was so confident that it would. Bobby, the anesthesiologist, finally showed
up and got to work on the epidural. Apparently it was an off day at the
hospital. He numbed me and then took 10 minutes poking and prodding my back –
and it was quite uncomfortable. He finally pulled out a BENT needle!
Seriously?! He said that he couldn’t find the epidural space and was just
hitting bone. So he asked me to move and tried again – it still didn’t go
smoothly, but he finally got it in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As we waiting for the epidural to kick in they got stuff
ready for the version. The doctor, his aide, his medical student, 2 nurses, and
my mom and Cameron were all in the room. It all of a sudden felt like so many
people and I was starting to get nervous – not for things to happen, but of it
not working. I wasn’t sure if I was really prepared if I had to have a
c-section. I knew it was a possibility, but I just kept planning on things
working out that now that it was go time, I started to get nervous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My doctor started the version, he cupped the baby’s head,
scooted the bum out of my pelvis and started to turn. He got about 45 degrees
and stopped to check on the status of the baby to make sure it was responding
ok. By the time he checked on the ultrasound the baby had already turned back.
He started to try again and didn’t get very far as he couldn’t get the </div>
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bum out
of my pelvis and the baby had stretched its arms out making it nearly impossible. The
doctor just stepped back at that point and said “I tried my best.” And with
that my heart sank. I knew what was coming next and luckily people quickly
cleared the room – which I was grateful for as I was so overwhelmed. “Bobby”
came back and worked on the epidural to make it stronger for the c-section and
waited for it to kick in.</div>
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As I laid there my mom and Cameron were on either side of me
– both holding my hands. I was trying to so hard to keep it together, but the
tears were rolling down my face. My mom and Cameron worked on small talk, being
positive, and keeping things upbeat – but I could see in both of their faces
they knew how I felt and were sympathetic. Cameron took it on as his duty to
wipe all my tears with the washcloth they gave me, and I kept him busy. I was
still in shock about everything not working like I had planned on and that I
was really going to have a c-section. I could feel my body getting more and
more numb and my mind kind of started to slow down as well. The doctor came in
and it was go time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I was rolled out of the room I started to get very dizzy
so I closed my eyes and kept trying to think of being somewhere else. I could
sense the hospital lights going past and I opened my eyes just as we were
entering the operating room. The big bright nights, lots of people milling
about, and feeling like I wasn’t even in the room with everyone – it was all a
bit overwhelming. I was being talked about, moved, and prepped and it all felt
so foreign. It was somewhat an out of body experience. I was so drugged that it
was work to even keep my eyes open so I laid there on the brink of sleep,
trying to tune out what was going on, and freezing. I am sure I lost track of
time as it seemed to all happen so fast, but still take a while. Before things
got started and before Cameron got in the room, I was wishing I was anywhere
but there. Everything felt so wrong and not how the day was supposed to go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Before I knew it I felt a soft warm hand grab mine and
Cameron’s sweet voice in my ear asking me how I was doing. I could barely
squeak out an “ok” – partly because I was too upset to talk and partly because
I was too drugged to say much more. He sat there by my side holding my hand and
stroking my forehead and checked in on me every now and then. Every stroke of
his fingers on my face helped to calm me just a little more and I tried to
focus on that instead of what was happening. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I finally heard that doctor ask for the scalpel (very
fitting right?) and braced myself for feeling “some pressure” that people
always say they can feel with c-sections. I didn’t feel a thing and feel like I
may have fallen asleep because it seemed like not a minute later they said
“Dad, do you want to stand up and see?” Cameron stood up and said “a baby
girl.” It was the only moment of true clarity I had. Cameron leaned down and
kissed me and I couldn’t believe we had a GIRL! The nurse held her up on my
side of the curtain and I just couldn’t believe it. The next several minutes
were foggy, but Cameron eventually held her up to my face and her cute little
button nose was the first thing to catch my attention. I thought I saw some
Mason in her and still couldn’t believe it was a girl.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cameron left with her to the nursery as they finished up
with me. I was still freezing and they kept layering me with blankets. They
eventually moved me back to my bed and wheeled me into my room.</div>
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As I got back to my room – there was my mom. Her sweet face
depicting everything I felt. Disappointed but trying to be brave. I was still
very drugged and cold and laid there wanting to sleep the whole experience
away. Things were very calm in my room – the lights were dim, my mom and
eventually Cameron there with me, and finally my dad. The room was quiet and
quite peaceful. Even when they brought Zoey in the room – she was quiet and
alert. It was hard to talk or stay alert enough to really know what was going
on – but text, phone calls, and instagrams were being shared with all our
family. I felt just support from them even from afar. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Baby girl was hungry and ready to eat – the nurses joked
that she came out sucking. I don’t know
who gave her to me, but her little body was next to mine – skin to skin – and
she sure was ready to eat. All of a sudden here was this tiny, beautiful baby girl.
She was all mine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The c-section was a whole different experience than going
through labor with Mason. Granted my labor with Mason was a killer, but this
did seem easier and faster as it was all of 2:18 (less than 3 hours after
getting to the hospital) when she was born. Part of me felt like a bit of a
failure that I didn’t labor and push and get her here the hard way. I am
usually not one that feels like either way makes you more of a “mom” or “woman”
– but the part of me that wanted to have her vaginally was disappointed. I
wanted to know that it would have been easier with her than Mason and that I
was capable of doing this hard thing. I also didn’t want the recovery of a
c-section. With a busy 2 year old at home and life I wanted to get back to – I
felt like I had just had my legs cut off with all of the restrictions and
recovery.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The recovery, especially at the hospital, was so much better
than I expected. It is a very different kind of recovery and definitely a much
longer one. But many of the things I was so worried about and the horror
stories of c-section recoveries didn’t seem to either be as bad as I expected
or didn’t happen. I think there is a part of me that feels like I really didn’t
give birth. I was so absent from the whole thing that I feel like it happened
without me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Either way – my beautiful baby girl is here and healthy. She has
the most perfectly round little head, a tiny button nose, and is just
beautiful. </div>
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<o:p></o:p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14433986993685641382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-84127285989138722292013-06-18T07:28:00.000-06:002013-06-18T07:28:25.152-06:00Family Picutres<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With Mason just turning 1, I decided to work on getting family pictures done. </div>
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After working on outfits (which is a chore in and of itself), making an appointment, and gearing up - we were ready.</div>
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Shortly after we got to the studio Mason started to act different and by the end of the session had a burning fever and a runny nose - perfect time to get sick, right? So for being sick, I think we got some good pictures - but I wish he would have been more smiley. However, I feel that the purpose of family pictures is to document a moment in time and don't have to be 100% perfect. </div>
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Overall I'm very happy with them and I was so impressed with the studio.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14433986993685641382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-25417358397810208662013-05-30T15:07:00.001-06:002013-05-30T15:13:48.164-06:00Mr. Mason Turns One<div style="text-align: center;">
My baby is ONE!<br />
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Part of me is a little sad that Mason's baby days are over, but everyday I am more in love with this little bug and am amazed at how much he learns and grows. He is just moving on to bigger and better things and has no more time for this baby business. </div>
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All sad feelings aside, in true Jensen fashion - we made it an affair to remember.</div>
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We decorated to celebrate Mason and he LOVED it. </div>
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We used our party decorations twice: first for breakfast with our favorites Jess, Mayara, and Baby Camden. Mason loved having friends over so early as he gets lots of attention from them.</div>
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They even brought him bubbles and balloons - again, he LOVED it.</div>
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The next day was when we really celebrated with his birthday party.<br />
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We moved the party outside and made sure it was sufficiently decorated:</div>
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I was quite proud of the cake I made for Mason: </div>
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4 layers of cake + frosting + one bottle of sprinkles = this masterpiece.</div>
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The fun began when our families showed up. It happened to workout that ALL of the Jensen's were there - which only happens about every 6 months. It was awesome that we all had a chance to be together. Grandpa Clark came and represented the Clark family, and again, we had Mason's favorites the Hale's come. It was a party - and it was perfect weather to do it all outside. </div>
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People were so nice to bring presents and I think Mason enjoyed opening them. He would get distracted with the ribbons or paper but eventually got to what was inside. </div>
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And of course he had lots of help.</div>
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Then came the cake.</div>
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We sang to this little guy and it was the cutest thing I've ever seen. He was loving the attention and smiling from ear to ear, but then acted a little shy. It was so cute.</div>
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Then he got to dig in - and he was not timid about it.</div>
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He ate more than I expected and then had lots of help taking care of the rest of it. Mason is so lucky to have so many cousins and friends. </div>
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The rest of the evening was spent as any party should: sprinklers and socializing. </div>
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It was such a perfect birthday and he won't remember a thing. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14433986993685641382noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-35452655905195211302013-04-12T08:24:00.001-06:002013-04-12T08:24:35.704-06:0011 Months<div style="text-align: center;">
I say this all the time, but where does the time go?!? </div>
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Mason is now 11 months old and this comes with a whole flood of feelings - ones I didn't quite expect. I feel like I am now in the last month of having my little baby. I have always been a little sensitive to the fact that this is the only time I will have <i>one</i> baby and something about him being my first baby - so for this chapter to be coming to a close has me all sorts of emotional.</div>
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As I watch him play and learn and grow every day - I want to just scoop him up and keep him that way forever. I just love his little chubby baby hands with the dimples on his knuckles, his sweet chubby, round, kissable cheeks and the way they make his eyes disappear when he smiles, his soft chubby baby body, and his sweet little baby noises. My heart just aches thinking of how these things will all slowly disappear as he grows bigger. </div>
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I became a mom with Mason and have learned and grown and become a different person because of his addition. I fell in love with being a mom and having a sweet little baby who is so much a part of me. I never knew what being a mom would be like and it is so much more than I could have ever hoped for. Sure, it has it's rough times and days that I would be willing to sell Mason - but there is a depth of love I have for him that I have never experienced. It feels like quite a spiritual bond and one I could never live without now. </div>
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My moments of cuddling with Mason are few and far between - he often doesn't slow down enough to allow for any cuddling. So with my days of nursing numbered, I cherish our mornings in bed with him snuggled into the curves of my body - as if he fits perfectly next to me. His sweet, busy hands usually find their way to some piece of clothes, hair, or blanket to fiddle with as he eats. I stare in awe at the amazing miracle of life and am overwhelmed with the feeling of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to have created such a perfect body. </div>
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Putting Mason to bed is the only other time I get to be snuggled close to him. I wrap his blanket around him as he rests his head on my shoulder and sing him his song "You are my Sunshine" a couple times. These days, my singing often get interrupted when his puckered lips find mine for a kiss. It's then that my heart melts and my eyes well up with tears - this little babe is such a blessing. I finish by snuggling him tight and whispering in his ear how much I love him - which is sometimes answered back with some babbling.</div>
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So as all mom's before me have wished and failed to do, I wish I was the one who could learn to stop time. I know each new stage and age comes with their own excitement and wonder - but there is nothing quite like babyhood, and I'm just not ready to give that up yet.</div>
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So please stay small, Mr. Mason.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14433986993685641382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-54392872151170968822013-04-08T10:42:00.003-06:002013-04-08T10:58:10.317-06:00So I Married an Artist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cameron has some pretty amazing talents, one that I always am in awe of his is artistic abilities. I was never blessed in this area so anything and everything he does always impresses me. He can sit down and draw up anything and it looks fantastic.</div>
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So a few weeks ago he got an email from Jamie asking him to work on a family portrait for her. She sent him some links and away he went getting his creative wheels turning. He only needed to get an idea of what she was looking for and he turned it out like it was nothing (ok - nothing as in a few versions and revisions, but none of it seemed to be much of a challenge for him). </div>
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I always love watching his creative process and watch nothing become something. It's almost mesmerizing.</div>
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I loved how theirs turned out so much that I asked him to keep going and do our family. I loved it just as much and love our sweet little family. Admittedly, the no face thing is a little different but I kind of love it at the same time.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIPy9xCnthw/UWLwfvwBxqI/AAAAAAAAAIo/DHm3EYzQhRw/s1600/Our+Family+Outline+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIPy9xCnthw/UWLwfvwBxqI/AAAAAAAAAIo/DHm3EYzQhRw/s640/Our+Family+Outline+WM.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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It's now hanging on our wall and I love having something that Cam did that is so personal to us. I just love him.</div>
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He also did this one of one of our engagements. This one I particularly love and can't wait to get printed!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0sZD4hn4YI/UWL2-wVvdbI/AAAAAAAAAJA/aSK7mvPwtWk/s1600/Jill+and+Cam+Outline+Final+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0sZD4hn4YI/UWL2-wVvdbI/AAAAAAAAAJA/aSK7mvPwtWk/s640/Jill+and+Cam+Outline+Final+WM.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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He is working on getting a bit of a side business that this is now my plug for him - if you are interested in anything (he doesn't do just portraits) you should check him out: </div>
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<a href="http://pixelcanvasdesign.blogspot.com/">http://pixelcanvasdesign.blogspot.com/</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14433986993685641382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-76961162577672010212013-04-03T10:24:00.000-06:002013-04-03T10:24:12.999-06:00Happy Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Apparently I only blog about holidays, but I guess that is ok with me as I feel they are probably the best days to document. </div>
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This year Easter was as low key as they come - the extent of all my Easter preparations was buying an Easter shirt for Mason and 12 eggs for the family egg hunt. Other than that, I didn't buy a single piece of candy, no fun Easter surprises for Cam, and not a thing for Mason. Sounds fun, right?</div>
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Actually, it was quite nice. Easter morning we woke up and I made a special breakfast, we watched "Music and the Spoken Word" and just relaxed. It seemed quite an appropriate way to spend Easter and while we may not have many more like this until our kids are grown, it was a nice way to spend the morning.</div>
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Later we went to Dodee's for the Annual Easter Party. This year it was different with Dodee gone, but I loved that so much of it felt exactly the same. Her presence was definitely missed, but she still seems to be a part of everything through her memories and traditions. We kept it pretty close to how we have always done it, and I loved that. I have the best memories of Easter at Dodee's - memories now that I am forever grateful for.</div>
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The weather couldn't have been better - right? It was just perfect to be outside and made for a comfortable evening of just being on the front lawn from the pinata, to the egg hunt, to just being together. I loved it.</div>
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We had the egg hunt and obviously Mason was less than aware of what was going on, but we gathered some eggs for him and he enjoyed exploring some new spoils (notice the adorable bunny my cousin made for him - it's super cute).</div>
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As as with any family get together, Mason got tons of love. He has started to kick up his "stranger danger," which I am less than trilled about, but he still loves his grandma.</div>
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We are working on the Grandpa thing... clearly it's a work in progress (and you should have seen how he reacted to Grandpa Clark two days earlier - you would have thought he was a monster the way Mason reacted. Obviously we have some work to do...)</div>
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And while he didn't warm up to Brooke initially (which she hates) she found a secret weapon and just bribed him into submission. (deep down I know he loves all these people, he is just going through a phase - or at least I tell myself it is just a phase - any suggestions on this front?)</div>
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This happens to be one of my favorite pictures from the whole day. I think there is something so sweet about my quiet grandpa that just seems to take in everything around him. I love this man and all that he has shown me about being a loving, devoted spouse as well as the goodness in being gentle and kind. I know that life marches on and one day we will all age and I hope to be able to have my family around like my grandparents have been able to. What a wonderful blessing to have a family and a good posterity. </div>
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It really was a perfect Easter. I loved being able to remember the sacrifice and gift of our Savior Jesus Christ. It's so special to have a day to celebrate the promise of eternal life - which means even more now with such a recent loss in our life. What a blessing to have the knowledge of the Gospel and to know it's teachings are true. So often every day life seems to wear down the poignancy of this that a day to remember and bring it back to focus is always needed. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14433986993685641382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-66986382977566419332013-03-09T09:42:00.000-07:002013-03-09T09:42:11.580-07:00Happy Love Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Valentine's Day has always been a holiday that I didn't care too much for. I have always <i>loved </i>the infusion of color it provides in stores/decorations/etc after such the dreary month of January. But celebrating/liking it was always just kind of - <i>eh. </i></div>
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But this year I have decided that I really enjoy the holiday. We have decided around our house - it is not a gift giving holiday but more just a day to do something thoughtful. I don't want it to be about things or become to much of a thing - just a day we can try to make things different.</div>
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My day started out with a surprise stash of treats in my bathroom - followed by hidden love notes I found throughout the day (I still have the one in the fridge). </div>
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I then got my little Valentine ready for the day and set out on finding him a special someone for the day - he had a lot of requests... such a ladies man. (Have I ever mentioned I just <i>love</i> this boy?!?!)</div>
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That night, Cam and I celebrated with take-out (our current favorite: Pei Wei) and a viewing of <i>Skyfall.</i> It was the perfect, low key way to spend the evening - with our little one tucked in bed by 7:00 and taken care of for the night - it really does beat going out most nights. </div>
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The next day Mason got his very first Valentine in the mail - I loved that it was even addressed to him. That Amy thinks of everything/everyone.</div>
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So from here on out - I have decided to be a fan of Love Day - why not take advantage of a day to actually focus of those you love and do something different? I think part of my change of heart is being a stay-at-home mom, I'll do almost anything to switch up my day-to-day routine. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14433986993685641382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-54370828309058690962013-03-02T10:58:00.001-07:002013-03-02T10:58:32.349-07:00Rub-A-Dub-Dub<div style="text-align: center;">
Bath time is a sacred time around here. Mason is <i>in love</i> with the bath and is so content to play for as long as I let him - which is what makes it so sacred. With him being contained and content for up to 45 minutes, even having to sit there, it is like a small break.</div>
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I also can't help but be so in love with his little naked body, watching him play with his toys, figuring out how best to move around in the water, and the surprise that comes after his kicks make a splash. I could watch him all day in the tub.</div>
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His chubby little hands (which are <i>to. die. for.) </i>reach for toys as they float away and when he does manage to grab one - he looks at it with such concentration and focus. He is a serious little boy, even when he is enjoying himself. I just love to watch him figure out this strange world all around him.</div>
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We both wish it was always bath time.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14433986993685641382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-47621544848946360912013-02-28T11:42:00.001-07:002013-02-28T11:42:21.246-07:00Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
This is kind of like Christmas in July - but it's Christmas in February (barely) as I have decided to ignore my blog for so long. But that is all going to change (hopefully).</div>
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Mason's first Christmas was not quite as exciting as I had hoped (not that I really expected much). I knew being young he wouldn't care about much of anything - I thought he might enjoy the lights or the tree or something, but he really didn't care for any of it.</div>
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Even if he didn't care - it was so much fun to have a different outlook on the holiday. </div>
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We spent many nights soaking in the Christmas feeling, complete with the tree, fire, and Christmas music. It is always my favorite way to enjoy the season.</div>
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It was during this time that Mason did get a bit more mobile and would make his way to the presents quite often. He loved to just gnaw on them.</div>
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The season was filled with parties and activities - which I happened to take zero pictures of. I guess Mason won't be able to look back and remember any of it.</div>
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Christmas Eve night we did do new jammies for Mason and Cam - I always think Mason is cute in everything - but these were his first pair of tight pajamas and he was killing me with how adorable he looked. </div>
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My Boys.</div>
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Christmas morning was different than anything I have experienced. We went through our regular routine of feeding, changing, etc (apparently Mason's excitement couldn't get him through his hunger pains like the rest of us). And still being so little - even opening presents was more for us than him.</div>
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He did love to study each and every piece of paper he ripped of and usually didn't care what was even inside. </div>
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But once he got the idea of them being toys or even interesting - he was then fully focused. I just love my little serious boy.</div>
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Next up Christmas day was Christmas at my parents. It is so nostalgic and something I just love! Filled with breakfast food, my favorite people, and gifting presents (something I have always loved with my siblings - the gifts are always so well planned and thoughtful and always more fun to give than to get). </div>
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The day was filled with lots of love for my little guy - he is so lucky to have so many family members who just love him. </div>
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And for some reason he always ends up with Uncle Ben - I think he has found a little bit of a buddy in him.</div>
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The cousins especially can't get enough of Mason - they are always so good to love on him and Mason drew quite the audience while opening his present. He was more interested in everyone looking at him than he was in opening the present. </div>
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We spent most of the day there and enjoyed the quiet that happened when naps happened and the crowd dwindled. It was so nice to just soak up the holiday afterglow.</div>
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The following weekend we had Christmas with the Clark's. They rented the church and we made it an Ugly Christmas Sweater party - it was a BLAST! We made calzones, the kids could run around, and presents of course!</div>
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Cameron is always up for going all out for things (remember Forest Gump for Ragnar?) and this was no exception. His outfit just kept getting crazier and crazier. I love this guy and his attitude towards things. </div>
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Oh boy... I have no words really. But those meggings. </div>
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The rest of the pictures of this event are being held hostage as I was told none of them turned out. Someday I hope to get them and show you just how fun the party was.</div>
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It really was a fabulous Christmas and I can't wait for many more with our little munchkin. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14433986993685641382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-54524159917922087992013-01-23T17:44:00.000-07:002013-01-23T17:44:27.688-07:008 Months and Counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It seems like I should have grasped the concept that once you have a baby time just flies by - but it just keeps surprising me. I blink and my baby grows or learns something new - I'm not quite sure I like him growing up so fast.</div>
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Mason is now just over 8 months old and is so full of life. He fills my world with so much happiness I don't know what to do with it all. I am greeted every morning with a smile and squeal of delight as I get him out of his crib - he is always so happy to be doing anything. I then get to cuddle with him in bed as he nurses and spends some extra time with me - I know these mornings are numbered and I try to soak them up while I can.</div>
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The rest of our days are filled with learning all sorts of new things - trying new foods, playing with toys and figuring them out just a little more, and laughing at nearly everything. This boy laughs at everything these days - he sure knows how to squeal and it drives him to laughter every time, look at him in any way and say "Mason" and he giggles, and if you pull out the big guns of "peek-a-boo" he just can't contain himself - he loves it.</div>
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He is still so content to play on his own and is very good at moving around by rolling and pivoting on his tummy - and I'm convinced he just isn't strong enough to get his chubby belly off the ground to crawl, but I'm OK with that for now. As content as he is, he LOVES getting attention. Just look at him and he rewards you with a big TOOTHY grin - yes, he has two of them now.</div>
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Baths are a highlight around here - he could play forever in the water and loves to kick as fast as he can to splash the water (let's be honest - he is really always kicking as he is always excited about something, but it is just so much more fun in the water). He has certain bath toys that have become a staple in and out of the tub - they must be the perfect amount of squishy that it feels good on his gums and is easy to hold. We make sure we have one nearly everywhere we go as it is my lifesaver when I need to entertain him.</div>
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I say it time and time again that he is such a good baby - but he really is. He is always happy, mild mannered, and spoiling me for any future baby that is even a little bit normal. He makes being a mom as easy as can be and so rewarding. </div>
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Who knew a little chubby boy could steal my heart and change my life forever? </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-52289412471947504812012-12-07T16:14:00.000-07:002012-12-07T16:14:24.657-07:00Us Days and Family Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It seems like day in and day out my routine is about the same: feed, play, nap, change diaper, repeat - and most of our days it is just the two of us.</div>
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We get to spend our days cuddling in bed:</div>
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and after a little playing this kids hair looks like this (and yes - his eyes are always a different color, it just depends on the light and even his mood).</div>
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We watch TV - this kid loves any chance he gets to be in front of the TV - I honestly don't let him watch that much, but when it's on, he is glued to it.</div>
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And then there are our family days - they are basically all our outings consist of.</div>
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We get cousin time - these two are destined to be good friends with only two weeks separating them in age.</div>
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Sadly, some of our family time was for Grandma Zweifel's funeral - it was a beautiful service full of memories and love - and so nice to be with all of the family.</div>
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We sneak in great-grandma time </div>
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(I can't tell you how much I love this picture - so much happiness and love).</div>
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We get to go to girl's lunches, </div>
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where Mason wants to share everything that everyone else has - and Brooke is happy to oblige. </div>
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We get days in Park City with Grandma.</div>
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With all the outing we sometimes have our off days. But even on these days, Mason's sadness turns to laughter in a matter of minutes (literally - he started smiling and laughing right after I took his sad picture).</div>
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I am so spoiled with this good nature'd baby - he practically entertains himself and is always ready with a smile. </div>
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So between our days in and our days out - my whole life is my baby and our simple routine brings me so much happiness.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-41617811165884562202012-11-19T11:33:00.003-07:002012-11-19T13:54:14.078-07:006 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My little guy is 6 months - <i>HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?!?!</i></div>
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When he was first born I thought he would be tiny forever - but it feels like I blinked and now he is this huge sitting, smiling, babbling, eating solids baby - no longer my little newborn.</div>
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At Mr Mason's 6 month check-up he was</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">19 lbs 6 oz - 80%</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">26 1/2 inches - 30%</span></div>
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He is our short and fat baby - our own little humpty-dumpty.</div>
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I feel like he has grown up so much in just the last month. He is sitting on his own, playing with toys (and really anything he can get his hands on), babbling up a storm, eating solids like a champ, and basically showing off that little personality that is just waiting to emerge.</div>
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I am loving every stage and I feel like I want to say that each stage is my favorite - which goes along with him being 6 months. It's just a perfect age. He sits contently and plays with his toys for what seems like hours, his squeals of excitement are so fun as he knows what is about to come next (whether it be walking to his crib to pick him up, walking into the bathroom for his bath, or hearing Daddy come home at the end of the day) - he huffs and puffs, kicks and punches, and basically needs to be reminded to breathe. It's so adorable. He is easily distracted so any major melt down is usually adverted with simply redirecting his attention.</div>
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He is still sleeping great at night and has even started to nap so much better during the day with 2-3 hour naps. I don't know how I lucked out, but he eats, sleeps, and plays contently. He is happy 99% of the time and I love it. He always has a smile ready for me (and usually for anyone else once he has given them the once over).</div>
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He is very serious and loves to take things in - he observes everything before he gives it the OK. I'm hoping it means he will only make good decisions in life (here's to hoping, right?). </div>
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I don't know what I ever did without this boy - he seems to make my life complete and brings so much purpose to my life. I never knew my heart could love so much - and to know a mother's love is truly an amazing thing. </div>
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I love you Mr. Mason!</div>
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Here is my photo dump of Mason at 6 Months:</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-47979797269152006332012-11-10T10:27:00.000-07:002012-11-10T10:27:17.984-07:00I'm a V.I.P.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I was in kindergarten - we had V.I.P's aka Very Important Person.</div>
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We were the special person for a week, got to make a poster all about us, and bring in a treat at the end of the week. It was usually the highlight for any kindergartner - who doesn't love to be the center of attention at that age?</div>
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I'm far from kindergarten now, but I received a phone call from Amy that Paige was the "Star of the Week" and got to have a special visitor - her request? Mason (and therefore me by default).</div>
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I was <i>so</i> flattered that she wanted him to come (that girl loves my Mason) and so excited to go.</div>
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We met up with Amy at the school and walked to Paige's class (boy did it bring back memories of being in elementary school - those were the good ol' days).</div>
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Amy went over Paige's poster highlighting her likes, dislikes, and her family.</div>
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I then got to read a story to the kids - I never would have thought one day I would have been one of those cool moms/teachers who could hold the book just so that everyone can see it and they could still read it. </div>
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Cute little Paige sat there holding Mason and loving life - it was so cute.</div>
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Paige even got a special bonus as Cameron had the day off and came along - who knew asking for one little baby would bring such a group?</div>
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We loved getting to be Paige's special visitors and spotlighting this cute girl.</div>
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I've always heard people say how happy it makes them when people love their kids (I was always on the <i>other</i> side of that) - but now having Mason I know exactly what they mean. Those Jensen kids <i>LOVE </i>my little guy and it makes my heart happy (it also helps that I have a little sweet spot for those Jensen kids as they were my roommates for a good 3 years).</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-59963118197759523092012-10-31T22:00:00.000-06:002012-10-31T22:00:04.599-06:00Mister's First Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My little Mister was the cutest tiger around for Halloween - and he melted my heart every time I looked at him in that little costume.</div>
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We had a fabulous and busy Halloween - but the highlight for me was getting to visit all of my grandparents (4 of Mason's Great-Grandparents) the day before. They were all delighted to see my little guy and it was so good to get a chance to have each one of them to ourselves and chat for a bit. I also loved that Mason got a chance to bond a little with each of them as well. </div>
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It was a very special day for me - my grandparents are as good as they come and my childhood is filled with memories with them. I am so blessed to have them in my life.</div>
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Our actual Halloween was filled with a morning at my work, a visit to Grandma Lynette, a lunch date with Dad (always the highlight of any day when we get to see our main man during the day), and an evening at the Jensen's.</div>
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I'm too lazy to rehash all the details for you - so you can just follow our adventures through pictures.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-10720071671705092452012-09-13T22:09:00.000-06:002012-09-13T22:09:25.690-06:004 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know how it happened but my little Mister is already 4 months old. </div>
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Time just goes by too fast - it seems like just yesterday he was so tiny and new. </div>
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At his 4 month check up Mason was:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">16 lbs 11 oz - 80th%</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">24.5 inches - 30th%</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and a head in the 10th% </span></div>
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(yes, this Jensen birthed a small headed baby)</div>
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The doctor had all sorts of jokes about my little guys weight like how the next diaper size he needs will be depends, and I can probably hold off on starting solids (which I was actually happy to hear - I'm secretly hoping if he never starts solids he will never grow up...), and when I do start solids - most mom's mix the cereal with breast milk, but I could probably stand to use water.</div>
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So yep, this guy is a chunk - but I wouldn't have it any other way.</div>
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At 4 months - Mason is all smiles, from sun up to sun down. Literally, from the moment I walk in his room in the morning I am greeted with a beaming smile 'til the little smirk I can sometimes get as I put him to bed. </div>
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He is mild mannered, even tempered, and pretty content.</div>
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His eyes still haven't decided what color they want to be, but I have a feeling they are going to end up being green like mine - there are some pictures when they already look similar. Other than his Jensen nose - he is all Cameron to me. From the eyebrows up, I don't think you could tell them apart. Their brow bone, hairline and even their forehead wrinkles are all the same.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNde1tp3vP4/UFKlC1VkCrI/AAAAAAAAEKc/85T6i_dCSbM/s1600/DSC_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNde1tp3vP4/UFKlC1VkCrI/AAAAAAAAEKc/85T6i_dCSbM/s640/DSC_1932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Being his mom - I'm lucky enough to be the love of his life. There is nothing quite like the way this boy lights up when he sees me - melts my heart every time. I love that he is learning to recognize me and Cameron from other people - but he still hasn't hit the stranger danger stage. </div>
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His little personality is starting to shine through more and more. This kid is masterful when it comes to flirting - he'll look you in the eyes, give you a coy smile and then lower his head just a bit while remaining eye contact. CUTEST. THING. EVER. Along with flirting, he is definitely learning to use his face to express himself. He doesn't cry hardly at all - but his face will tell me exactly what he is thinking. </div>
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He is still a bit tense - his hands have barely started to come unclenched but only when we are at home. He seems to tense right back up when we are in new places. It's like he is a totally different person when we are away from home. He with chat and coo and smile and relax the whole time he is home, but if we walk out that door - this boy turns all sorts of somber. I'm sure most babies are just accustomed to their own surroundings - but coming from a dad that was mortified by the smallest ounce of attention, I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with a little shy guy.</div>
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One of my favorite new tricks is this boys little circle lips. I don't know how he manages to do it, but he will just pucker right up and his lips make a perfect circle. As you all know Mason's lips are his trademark - and for good reason - but it still surprises me just how scrumptious those things are.</div>
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Some other things worth noting:</div>
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Mason is still sleeping about 12 hours every night - it is such a dream!</div>
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He has rolled over a few times from his stomach to his back (but only when he gets mad enough)</div>
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He still isn't laughing much - but we have gotten a few little giggles out of him (oh my word - so cute)</div>
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He is <i>loving</i> his jumper and is happy in there up to 45 minutes (have I mentioned how content he can be?)</div>
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Basically I am madly in love with this boy - 4 months is SUCH a fun age. He is still immobile and will lay on the couch and babble with me, his little body is still figuring things out, his little chubby parts are still so baby-like, he is still willing to lay in my arms without trying to sit up - also, he reacts with smiles and squeals and kicks of delight - the perfect amount of response. </div>
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I just want to stop time and have him be this age forever.</div>
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(The Mister and I had a little photo shoot on one of Cameron's late nights - we gotta entertain ourselves somehow during the last hours of the day)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-44674382910657591192012-09-10T14:11:00.000-06:002012-09-10T14:11:14.227-06:00Summer Lovin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wow - where did summer go?</div>
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This was a big summer for us - Mason's first ever and my first summer as a mom. We were busy and had a blast. And now since I haven't blogged about any of it, here is the photo dump.</div>
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First off - </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PLAY DATES</b></span></div>
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I have joined the weekly play date club and I love it - getting to see my sisters every week is always the highlight. We did so many fun things from low key days at people's houses, hot days at the splashpads, picnics in the park, to days at my pool. </div>
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Then, of course, there were</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>LUNCH DATES</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvIHqffLehA/UE1eUmnGDAI/AAAAAAAAEFI/WCnGibo9Veo/s1600/the+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvIHqffLehA/UE1eUmnGDAI/AAAAAAAAEFI/WCnGibo9Veo/s640/the+girls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some of my favorite days</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">GRANDMA DATES</span></b></div>
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I always love the days I get with just my mom - I feel so spoiled that I get her all to myself. She's a gem. </div>
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Mason even scored a </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>GREAT-GRANDMA DATE</b></span></div>
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One of my favorite pictures ever - such a treasure. Too many good things to say about Maga - love her.</div>
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Naturally there were plenty of events at the fun house</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE JENSEN HOUSE</span></b></div>
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4th of July, birthday parties, BBQ's, and some cousin love.</div>
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We joined the Clark's in </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PARK CITY</span></b></div>
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This was our first overnight outing since having Mason - and boy is it hard to sleep in the same room as a snorting, sleeping baby. But we had a blast with games at the park, lots of food, and just getting a chance to all get together.</div>
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We stayed in some yurts - that was a first for me - and Mason met his cousin Grayson who is exactly 2 weeks younger than him. I have a feeling they are going to be great friends.</div>
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Next up for our little travelin' babe was</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">ST GEORGE</span></b></div>
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He got to tag along on our girls trip down south. It was a fabulous long weekend full of shopping, eating, relaxing, swimming, etc. It was just fantastic and I had so much help with Mason. He was a so good the whole time (except for the few moments he would get "really fussy").</div>
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Did I mention - ALL the girls in the Jensen Family made it? Fabulous.</div>
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Not quite "traveling" - but I feel like anything past the Point of the Mountain counts - we headed to Springville to cheer on all our favorite runners at the </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">HOBBLE CREEK HALF MARATHON</span></b></div>
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A huge shout out to all the runners, but especially our main man Cam (as you can imagine, Mason was thrilled to be cheering him on) and my awe-inspiring dad who ran his first half at age 60 and rocked it.</div>
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We hit up the local attractions such as</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">LAGOON</span></b></div>
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Every year Cam's work has a Lagoon day and we decided to take our little 6 week old (ya, who does that?)</div>
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The other attraction</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE ZOO</span></b></div>
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Both with the Clark's</div>
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and the Jensen's</div>
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Phew - that was so much easier than a post for each one.</div>
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We had an AMAZING summer and had such a blast getting to spend so much time with family. We are so lucky to be so close to so much of our family and it seems like not a week went by without at least one get together (but that was really the minimum - it wasn't unusual for several things to be planned in a week). </div>
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I really can't wait for all of the upcoming seasons and holidays - but I am mourning the passing of summer. It's always such a fun time of year - but I also love looking forward to next summer when Mason will be a bit older and able to enjoy all these fun things we do.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-16454099690359434132012-09-09T20:52:00.000-06:002012-09-09T20:52:48.788-06:00Mr.'s First Health Scare<div style="text-align: center;">
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Remember me?<br />
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It's been a while and now I have the daunting task of playing catch up on my blog.<br />
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I'll start with our first little health scare with Mr. Mason -<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: this is long, and probably overly detailed, but I am documenting it since I don't journal</i><br />
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It started out in the hospital when he was first born that the pediatrician heard a faint "swooshing" in Mason's heart. She wanted to see him 2 days after we left the hospital and she still heard it so she set up an appointment for us to go see the cardiologist at Primary Children's. The soonest appointment was about 2 weeks out - in which we saw our pediatrician again for Mason's 2 week check-up. At this checkup she felt like she really couldn't hear anything and any hole must have closed up.<br />
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Fast forward to his 2 month appointment - and she thought she heard it again - so it was back to the original plan of seeing someone up at Primary's.<br />
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The thought of having to go to the hospital with our little baby was more than a little frightening. I tried to not let it seem to serious in my mind, and hoped for the best case scenario.<br />
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So on we headed up to the hospital (which was back on July 17th - ya, I'm a little behind) and I was surprisingly calm - it helped that Cameron was able to come with me, and I just felt like things would work out.<br />
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We got checked in, waited for a while (although not too bad considering what you can wait at a hospital), and then got settled into a room. The nurse hooked up mason to about 900 wires for the EKG (or whatever medical acronym) - he looked like a little octopus or something.<br />
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Next she tried to get his blood pressure - they had the cutest little blood pressure cuff that was so tiny. Not surprisingly, my little man was too fidgety for her to get a good reading - it took her about 10 tries before she just gave up.</div>
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Then came the waiting. We had to wait for the cardiologists to look at whatever the nurse did before coming in. Once they came in (the cardiologist and the student doctor), they listened to his heart, talked amongst each other at what they heard (it was very Grey's Anatomy with the head doctor asking the intern to explain what he heard, how he would diagnose it, etc.). Then after they listened, they called in the head cardiologist to get his opinion as well.<br />
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They were optimistic with what they heard, were confident that it would close up within in the next year and I was starting to think that this was so much easier than I anticipated.<br />
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That's where I was wrong.<br />
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They wanted to confirm what they thought and do an ultrasound. They were backed up in the ultrasound room, so we had to wait some more.<br />
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Once we were up for the ultrasound we walked do a dark room and handed over our baby. The nice (albeit a little crazy) man took our baby and bundled him all up in blankets. Now this sounds nice, but he swaddled Mason's arms behind his back and then positioned his body with his legs a little in the air. I'm sure I was more upset with this than Mason, as he didn't seem to mind it.<br />
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We then sat there watching Sherlock Holmes as Mason had his chest looked over for about 30 minutes. About half way through he started to not like it so much, and as we were in a very "anti-pacifier" mode, failed to have anything on hand to calm him down - and apparently they need complete calmness while they do the ultrasound. So the guy told me to just let him suck on my finger while he finished up. Awesome.<br />
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He finished up, said he needed the doctors to look at it and he would be right back. But you know how "be right back" goes at a hospital and even when he did get back he needed to get more images.<br />
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Once we were done there, we were taken to a consult room to wait for the doctors to review the ultrasound and give us a final diagnoses.<br />
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So, after just a little more waiting, we were consulted and told that it was exactly as they thought. It was just a tiny hole on the lower-something-or-other (who understands medical speak anyways) of his heart and that they were so confident that it would close up that they don't even need to see Mason again.<br />
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All in all, I would have to say that is the best outcome.<br />
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Mason was such a champ through it all - I don't know how we got such a good baby.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-44118182353560357152012-08-12T15:49:00.002-06:002012-08-12T15:49:36.350-06:00My New Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To say my life has changed since having a baby seems a bit of an understatement. I feel like everything I thought life meant before has gone out the window and there is a whole new meaning to everything I do - and I love it.</div>
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I wasn't quite sure how the adjustment to motherhood would go, and admittedly the first few weeks I thought "what the heck were we thinking?!?"</div>
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But then Mason got to be 6 weeks old - magic happened. Our bond (you know, that one that most people feel when they <i>have </i>a baby) finally clicked, we had settled into a routine, and I seemed to be in a constant state of awe and amazement at this little bug. The rough weeks turned into rough days which then turned in to rough moments. I have wanted time to stop since he turned 6 weeks, but for some reason that just isn't happening.</div>
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Now my little guy is 3 months old, 3 MONTHS! How does this happen? He is funner than ever and fulfills every part of me. My days are filled with grunts, grins, and babbling. I relish the smile on his face when I first walk in to get him in the morning, the 20 minute chat I get to have with him as he talks my ear off while pumping after he eats (baby talk is just about the sweetest thing ever), the quiet moments I get while singing him a song before putting him down for a nap, the contentment he finds while laying on his changing table (he could be happy laying there all day), the way a bath can calm him at the peak of his freak outs (which luckily are rare), his little body that grows by the day and is now bursting at the seems of nearly every outfit he owns, and so many other things.</div>
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I'm trying to live in the moment and not wish away this sweet little babyhood. I find something so sad/precious that this is the only time I will only have this one child and I can spend all my time loving every little move he makes. I love that it is just me and him and I know that there will always be a corner of my heart that will ache for these days many years from now. </div>
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I'm happier than I can ever remember being. Being a mom seems to make me overly sappy (as you can tell by every blog post gushing about something), but I feel like this mother's love has changed me. The world has a whole new look - beautiful in every way and scarier than ever as I know it will soon leave it's mark on this innocent baby. Everyday seems to be profound and mundane all at the same time. Much of my life is still the same, but looking at things as a mom makes it all so different. I understand so much better why the role of motherhood has such divine connections - it softens you as nothing else could.</div>
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Here is a little glimpse into my new life - a summer evening on the lawn:</div>
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I know everyone think's their own kid is just the cutest - and I'm definitely one of them. But, I don't know how you could not fall in love with that chubby little body, big steel-gray eyes, and kissable lips.</div>
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I'm in love - in every possible way.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-54486658262087367922012-07-09T11:45:00.000-06:002012-07-09T11:45:13.792-06:00My Bug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Things in the Clark home are actually going pretty well these days - I think we have found our stride and life just keeps marching on.</div>
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It's strange how this little boy feels more a part of me now than when I was pregnant - he is always on my mind (which is good and bad) and always with me. I realize he was always with me while I was pregnant, but for some reason a baby carrier seems a little more obtrusive than a giant belly. It's also very different caring for a baby as opposed to a pregnant me - and I much prefer the baby over the pregnancy.</div>
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In these 2 short months of being a mom, I have found many of the things I heard before having a baby are based in a whole lot of truth. The most poignant of them all is the way a mom feels about her baby.</div>
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And for that, there are no words adequate.</div>
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Late last night after Mason's last feeding of the day, he was quietly sleeping on my chest before taking him into his crib. I sat there feeling the rise of his chest, the warmth of his breath on my skin, and his body relaxing into sleep. I was overcome with the love I have for this sweet baby. I wish I could just study every inch of his body, every facial expression, and remember it forever. </div>
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My heart swelled and kind of broke as I thought that these days of him being my baby and sleeping soundly in my arms are numbered. One day he will not be so tiny and just the thought of that brought a lump to my throat. I just wanted to freeze that moment forever - that he would be my tiny little baby boy and I his mom and all he thinks he needs. </div>
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Mason will always be my first baby, and with that I think comes a special place in a mom's heart. I don't think there will be any experience quite like being a mom the first time and the quiet moments with just this one little person to focus on. </div>
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It was a moment of extreme love wrapped up with such sadness. I whispered in his ear how much I loved him and how happy I was that he came to me. Tears filled my eyes as I soaked up this quite moment with <i>my</i> baby and realized that he would never quite know how much I love him.</div>
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I laid him down in his crib and watched him and marveled that this little spirit was a part of me and my life. I was so grateful for this quite moment and the reminder it was to live in the moment and be grateful for the now.</div>
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Again, there are no adequate words for the love I have for him, so you'll just have to take my word for it. </div>
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Oh how I love My Bug.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7gsxspxiXQ/T_sR0VGfL-I/AAAAAAAAD_Y/ddLQwRxUJeg/s1600/DSC_0935.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7gsxspxiXQ/T_sR0VGfL-I/AAAAAAAAD_Y/ddLQwRxUJeg/s640/DSC_0935.2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-90867070481089598112012-07-01T21:16:00.001-06:002012-07-01T21:16:38.398-06:00Blessing Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've come to the conclusion that there are few days that are better in life than a blessing day.</div>
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Today proved that.</div>
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We blessed Mason today, and it was an absolutely perfect day. It started off a little early with his 5:00 AM feeding, but on the rare occasion I was grateful for this early morning feeding. I think Heavenly Father blesses moms with special moments with their babies to remind us of just what a blessing these babies are. Watching my sweet little boy eat/sleep in my arms and marveling at all his tiny parts made me tear up with gratitude for this little spirit and the blessing of being a mom. I love that boy more than anything. It was a perfect start to this special day.</div>
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We are lucky enough to live near so much of our family, and they were all there to support us. It was so neat to see the men in our lives walk up and be in the circle surrounding my whole world - Mason. There was so much love in that circle and in that chapel, and that is one thing I think makes blessings so special.</div>
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Cameron offered a beautiful blessing and I couldn't help but fall in love with him a little more. Mason is truly blessed to have such a good dad and example in Cameron.</div>
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The next best part of the day is the gathering after. We took advantage of the beautiful weather (and open space) and went to the park. Again, it turned out perfect.</div>
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There were the essential ingredients for a blessing day:</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Food:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBDesD4DnAc/T_EJiu1kgoI/AAAAAAAAD74/sDZmgs5Ihvc/s1600/DSC_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBDesD4DnAc/T_EJiu1kgoI/AAAAAAAAD74/sDZmgs5Ihvc/s640/DSC_0594.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dh6v9FmkzY/T_EJj6Ba3JI/AAAAAAAAD8A/EOZ3hAGX_Hg/s1600/DSC_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dh6v9FmkzY/T_EJj6Ba3JI/AAAAAAAAD8A/EOZ3hAGX_Hg/s640/DSC_0595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We went with simple and did easy breakfast foods (I did manage to make some bagels and cinnamon rolls, which I guess weren't so "easy" - but totally worth it). Everyone was so nice to bring everything else that made this a breakfast fit for a king. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-seE1eT4mBJ0/T_EJnDlGUyI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/d-uQRWlg5Yw/s1600/DSC_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-seE1eT4mBJ0/T_EJnDlGUyI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/d-uQRWlg5Yw/s640/DSC_0608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDibXl7ZZjo/T_EJsK0dNEI/AAAAAAAAD8o/6yyimqxNol0/s1600/DSC_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDibXl7ZZjo/T_EJsK0dNEI/AAAAAAAAD8o/6yyimqxNol0/s640/DSC_0658.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The People:</b></span></div>
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Again, we are SO lucky to both have such amazing families. I love getting together, and if we can get both families at once, it's even better.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9zRcJnPkGc/T_EJlD0_O8I/AAAAAAAAD8I/-ryeeQKzfqY/s1600/DSC_06033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9zRcJnPkGc/T_EJlD0_O8I/AAAAAAAAD8I/-ryeeQKzfqY/s640/DSC_06033.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QnNrBKMOq7A/T_EJu7nprGI/AAAAAAAAD8w/UvhDWZ6ERIU/s1600/DSC_0663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QnNrBKMOq7A/T_EJu7nprGI/AAAAAAAAD8w/UvhDWZ6ERIU/s640/DSC_0663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjgB4qHhASM/T_EJy9ou3CI/AAAAAAAAD9E/iO4vgex3nNI/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjgB4qHhASM/T_EJy9ou3CI/AAAAAAAAD9E/iO4vgex3nNI/s640/DSC_0668.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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(these cute kids were patiently awaiting the splash pad to come on - as you can see, they were fully prepared)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tou3GxihMlw/T_EJv0S6IKI/AAAAAAAAD84/NCqZ6IiN2pg/s1600/DSC_06666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tou3GxihMlw/T_EJv0S6IKI/AAAAAAAAD84/NCqZ6IiN2pg/s640/DSC_06666.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What would a mom do without her own mom? This whole journey would be a whole different story if it weren't for my mom. I am lucky enough to be able to learn from the best. I can only hope to be half the mom she was, especially as I am now a mom and realize even more what an amazing mom she is. I am so blessed to have her as my mom, and Mason is so blessed to have her as a grandma.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jP96LJ4an4/T_EJ1OtQKnI/AAAAAAAAD9U/TLLIqxMPkDI/s1600/DSC_06833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jP96LJ4an4/T_EJ1OtQKnI/AAAAAAAAD9U/TLLIqxMPkDI/s640/DSC_06833.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Love these girls - what would I do without them? There are no words for the love I have for them.</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz0hD8Rw9J8/T_EJ4VBluWI/AAAAAAAAD9k/hOlfqeK10FI/s1600/The+Girls+-+Mason's+Blessing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz0hD8Rw9J8/T_EJ4VBluWI/AAAAAAAAD9k/hOlfqeK10FI/s640/The+Girls+-+Mason's+Blessing.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Star of the Show:</span></b></div>
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Mason</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zunb-YZQWog/T_EJrIZsuYI/AAAAAAAAD8g/FFNeQvKxu0g/s1600/DSC_06333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zunb-YZQWog/T_EJrIZsuYI/AAAAAAAAD8g/FFNeQvKxu0g/s640/DSC_06333.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTXr6Vy2v18/T_EJ3MYk8XI/AAAAAAAAD9c/6HapRyDdzcY/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTXr6Vy2v18/T_EJ3MYk8XI/AAAAAAAAD9c/6HapRyDdzcY/s640/IMG_6108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVh2JGPGIJE/T_EPIizFtAI/AAAAAAAAD-g/_NvQxSDbQKk/s1600/DSC_0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVh2JGPGIJE/T_EPIizFtAI/AAAAAAAAD-g/_NvQxSDbQKk/s640/DSC_0752.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Family:</span></b></div>
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<i>my</i> family</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOKkVW_qtxY/T_EJ0NBlcdI/AAAAAAAAD9M/Dzgacmdd4Qo/s1600/DSC_06777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOKkVW_qtxY/T_EJ0NBlcdI/AAAAAAAAD9M/Dzgacmdd4Qo/s640/DSC_06777.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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These two are my whole world. </div>
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We were able to finish out the day as our own little family and it was all perfect. I even broke from our normal routine and snuck in a little nap with my baby - cuddling up to that boy is heaven.</div>
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I wish there was a way to adequately write down how I felt about today, but I feel like trying to do so would not do it justice. With Mason constantly changing and growing, I am reminded of how fleeting life is and just how short the time is with Mason being my baby -I just want to make it slow down and remember every detail. So although I might not remember ever detail or feeling of today - I will remember that it was perfect.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-55729719149560871212012-06-28T14:29:00.000-06:002012-06-28T14:29:05.767-06:00Us?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Being "us" used to just include the two of us - we don't even know what that is like anymore.</div>
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I took this picture going into the hospital the day (before) we had Mason - our last picture being kid-less (I don't count the picture in the delivery room).</div>
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I don't think we knew what was about to hit us.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hY1mQiwJ848/T-y6Gs5FOfI/AAAAAAAAD6c/qf6fIyvJroQ/s1600/IMG_00044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hY1mQiwJ848/T-y6Gs5FOfI/AAAAAAAAD6c/qf6fIyvJroQ/s640/IMG_00044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We took this picture our first week home - I think mostly as proof that we were still sane and in existence as every other 8000 pictures were of just our bug.</div>
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(clearly a little tired/weary - but at least we are smiling)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XIs11ip7Rg/T-y6Jj-6I0I/AAAAAAAAD6s/DwSQilzh6YQ/s1600/DSC_00799+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XIs11ip7Rg/T-y6Jj-6I0I/AAAAAAAAD6s/DwSQilzh6YQ/s640/DSC_00799+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our time together used to be spent <i>actually</i> together - talking, cuddling, going out, running errands <i>together</i>, etc. </div>
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Now our time is filled with more of a divide and conquer - "you take Mason, I'll make dinner" or "you stay here while he sleeps, I'll run to the store" or "you hold down the fort, I'll get out of the house for the first time today and get a treat" or "you go running, why I stay here" Or my personal favorite:</div>
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"you do the laundry...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UeKvcjKJI0/T-y6NGu5LSI/AAAAAAAAD60/IgOXUgPosz0/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UeKvcjKJI0/T-y6NGu5LSI/AAAAAAAAD60/IgOXUgPosz0/s640/DSC_0045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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... while I zonk out"</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eE4Dl5jXXLA/T-y6Od4AyII/AAAAAAAAD68/oaxPdgaBNHI/s1600/DSC_0081+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eE4Dl5jXXLA/T-y6Od4AyII/AAAAAAAAD68/oaxPdgaBNHI/s640/DSC_0081+(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With all that said - we are surviving and absolutely loving being parents. Now, don't get me wrong, it took some getting used to, game planning, and adjustments - but is there anything better than taking care of the baby we <i>made?</i> I think not.</div>
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I couldn't do it without this boy and I'm so glad I don't have to. He's there to pick up where I fail to finish, he's there with open arms and a shoulder to cry on, he's just a phone call away to provide adult interaction in my day, and so much more.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTl0pIjNlg4/T-y6ICwEPbI/AAAAAAAAD6k/vTqVVgr7Zp8/s1600/IMG_00055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTl0pIjNlg4/T-y6ICwEPbI/AAAAAAAAD6k/vTqVVgr7Zp8/s640/IMG_00055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So although our "us" has changed a bit - I wouldn't change a thing.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-56663792617782166332012-06-25T09:39:00.000-06:002012-06-25T09:39:29.691-06:00Busy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My little guy has been busy - spent the weekend working on this:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJGFgX5DVis/T-iFw2lmXtI/AAAAAAAAD5k/29vL3SlGtAk/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+-+smiles2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJGFgX5DVis/T-iFw2lmXtI/AAAAAAAAD5k/29vL3SlGtAk/s640/PicMonkey+Collage+-+smiles2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(I'm so bummed they are a little blurry, but they are too cute not to share)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-3722634635038447662012-06-24T08:35:00.000-06:002012-06-24T08:35:00.818-06:00Swim Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mason discovered his new favorite thing (he told me so) - swimming.</div>
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We had a little get together at Grandma Lynette's and after watching people in the pool for a while - we decided to see if Mason would enjoy it. </div>
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Not planning on him swimming we didn't have a swim diaper or a swimsuit, but Lynette had a swim diaper on hand - and I'm pretty sure we could have cut arm holes in it and made it a full body diaper.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FB07Wr0zzFg/T-chSyh3hRI/AAAAAAAAD4s/Yryluuur0zg/s1600/IMG_13802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FB07Wr0zzFg/T-chSyh3hRI/AAAAAAAAD4s/Yryluuur0zg/s640/IMG_13802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(do you notice the<i> little</i> rolls my little guy is getting? - love them)</div>
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We got him in and he was as calm as a cucumber. He has always been calm and loved his baths - so I was hoping he would like it, but I was surprised by just how calm he was.</div>
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I think this is probably the moment Cameron has waited for the most in fatherhood. You see, since Cameron grew up with a pool swimming it a favorite activity. Even from the first summer I knew him - Cam talked about how fun it would be to have his own kid to swim with. I don't think this is exactly the stage he was talking about - but the closest he has been and so this was big.</div>
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There were naturally the many expressions of Mason (he seems to be pretty expressive when doing nearly anything)</div>
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(do you all notice my little red head? Seriously, where did this come from...)</div>
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Mason was happy for a good 30 minutes, so I would say this was a success. Which is a good thing, because swimming is kind of our thing. Our summer days are filled with pool days at any number of pools: our community pool, Grandma Lynette's pool, the swim club. And when we are lucky we even like to fill our winter days with pool days when we can get away to St. George at Grandma Teri's pool. </div>
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So ya, we kinda like to swim and I'm glad he is up for that.</div>
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I just <i>love</i> my boys.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-47664301567106548792012-06-21T22:04:00.001-06:002012-06-21T22:04:50.244-06:00Not Quite What I Planned...<div style="text-align: center;">
... and that's ok.</div>
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Something that I'm constantly reminded of is that things don't always go according to plan.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">One of the most unplanned consequences of having a baby is losing my mind (it's just gonzo) - case in point</span><span style="background-color: white;"> these two absentminded experiences:</span></div>
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1. After an hour of grocery shopping, a cart full of groceries and loading up the conveyor belt at the register I realized that I didn't have my wallet - so frustrating.</div>
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2. While attempting to get myself, my baby, and my stuff in the car on another outing I managed to get the car started and then lock myself out - leaving me and Mason stranded in a parking lot (luckily he wasn't in the car)</div>
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And then tonight while attempting to work on this adorable idea I had to document Mason's growth with his footprints, this is what we got:</div>
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I was so bummed as this was on the actual canvas and not something we can just re-do, it didn't quite go along with what I had envisioned of this perfect creation - but then Cameron said - "Oh well, that's just Mason."</div>
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I had to smile. That is just Mason - never quite cooperative but still adorable. </div>
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That's kind of the mindset I have to have as a mom, "Oh well, that's just...(insert whatever is going on)." The adjustment to this new life is not quite what I planned, but that's ok. Each new experience - the good, the bad, and the ugly - are all just part of this mom gig.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Luckily things tend to usually work out, even if in a different way than expected: the grocery store saved my cart so I could run home, Amy lives near by and was willing to come save her absentminded sister-in-law (THANK YOU), and I have an optimistic husband that helps me roll with things.</span></div>
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You never know quite what you are going to get with kids, or life with kids, and isn't that the beauty of it? I might not always see that in the moment, but they make for good stories and just depict real life - and I like that. </div>
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Real life with it's ups and downs is a far more interesting than any perfect fairy tale.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147627440978993467.post-41814949459664623112012-06-18T14:44:00.001-06:002012-06-18T14:44:22.813-06:00On The Move<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I first met Cameron and we had the usual conversations of childhood stories, it was brought up that he was walking at a mere 8 months - 8 <i>months!</i> Can you imagine? Oh how I wonder how Lynette dealt with that...</div>
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So as you can imagine, I have a small fear that our little Mason just might follow in Cameron's steps (no pun intended).</div>
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So far, it is looking like it just might go that way.</div>
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He has always had a pretty strong neck and has held his head up pretty well for a while now, he is <i>constantly</i> moving (kicking, squirming, etc), and has gotten pretty good at rolling over (which started when he was just about 3 weeks).</div>
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Today was probably my favorite advancement to watch. I propped Mason up on the boppy for tummy time and before I knew it he was on the move - he kicked himself up and over and then rolled over. </div>
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I guess he was pretty adamant that he did NOT want to do tummy time today.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2