The Walkers

An update

2012-01-12T06:09:00.000-08:00

The past couple of months have been a whirlwind. Christmas came and went, and in true Walker fashion we enjoyed every last second.

Dan is in the trenches of interviewing for residencies right now. He's practically been gone for the past two months. We are living in limbo until match day on March 16th. Then we will find out what hospital program Dan will be working at and where we will be living for the next 4 years. We are anxious/excited to see where life is going to take us. It seems like just yesterday we were interviewing for medical school and deciding which school to choose. I have said this before, but we have loved living in Dallas. These past 4 years have been some of the best years of our lives. I have to admit that I am getting very sad to possibly be leaving Dallas in 4 months. I absolutely love it here.

Max is running around getting into everything. He still only has 4 bottom teeth and we are wondering when he will be getting more teeth in. He is the love of our lives!

Here are some pictures from Christmas in Utah.

max with his cousins watching Tangled.

my parents

sam (dan's brother) and max in matching sweaters.

lucy and i watching Tangled.

sam and max matching again. silly boys.

max helping dan pass out christmas presents.

get together with old high school friends.

my sweet grandparents.

Recent Family Pictures

2011-12-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

Now that we have an adorable baby, we try and have family pictures taken at least once or twice a year. We took these at the end of November. We love how they turned out! One day we will be able to afford a really nice camera and take them ourselves, but for now I am grateful we have so many talented friends to shoot them for us.

About 85% of mine and Dan's conversations these days are about how cute we think our kid is. Here is the proof....

Thank you Lauren! Want more info about love lulu photography click here.

Visiting Santa (sorta)

2011-11-29T10:02:00.000-08:00

Since Christmas is our favorite time of year, we try to get into the holiday spirit by participating in as many Christmas activities as we can together as a family. Last night, we took Max to see Santa Clause at the mall. Every mother dreams of their kid sitting on Santa's lap and getting that golden picture, it's a classic. $20 was the least expensive picture photo op with Santa... um... doesn't that seem a little much for 2 cheap looking 5x7 pictures!? We opted out and let Max play at the free kids play area in the mall instead. I am sure that was more fun for him anyway. Next week we are hitting up Bass Pro Shop which lets you sit on the jolly old man's lap for free and let's cheapos like me take all the pictures I want with my own camera.

Here are some pictures of Max from yesterday. He just gets cuter and cuter every day. It's next to impossible to get a good picture of Max because he is running around so much these days. He will not stand still for 2 seconds for me to snap a picture of him.

Do you see those adorable curls?

Max loves playing at the mall play area.

Max is turning one

2011-11-07T18:25:00.001-08:00

My baby is growing up. It's the cold hard facts and tears have been shed as his one year birthday rapidly approaches. It's been hard for me to accept that Max is growing up and will all too soon be resisting my kisses, going to high school and leaving for college... I think every mother feels a little heart broken when their children grow older. I am no exception. At the same time, it is amazing to see his personality emerging more every day, and to have a glimpse into who he will become one day.

As I reflect on this past year, I realize how much our lives have changed. We have never been happier, and I can honestly say it has been the best year of my life. Hands down. Although I know I am far from the perfect mother, I have done my best to love my son with all that I have.

He is the beat of my heart and the breath in my lungs. I live for this boy.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful firstborn.

**these adorable pictures of Max eating his birthday cake were shot by my friend Lauren Byers. For more info click HERE

Halloween

2011-11-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

Halloween this year was a complete success! We celebrated in Arizona with my sister and her kids. Even though Max is only eleven months old, he loved trick-or-treating. Like I've said before, one of the biggest perks of parenting are holidays.

Roasting mallows by the fire pit was one of the best parts of the night. Something about this yummy treat makes me feel nostalgic for my childhood.

Max and Eleri were trick-or-treating buddies. Although they didn't get any candy, the babies enjoyed the whole experience of knocking on the neighbors doors and seeing the other kids all dressed up.

Our family themed costumes were Harry Potter, Hermione, and Hedwig. Not the most original idea, but we were able to borrow the costumes, and free is always good when you're poor.

Max was Hedwig the white owl from Harry Potter. I threw together this costume, and it ended up turning out okay.

It was a good weekend of festivities and we can't wait for next year when Max will possily "get it" a little more.

Max is a true Walker

2011-10-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

Today is a very monumental day. Max took his first steps! 5 steps in a row to be exact. Then he decided to get up and walk around 4 more times, like he knew how to do it all along. It happened while I was on the phone with my sister. She got to witness the proud mommy shrieks, my sheer joy and tears. Around here, Max is a big deal. He has been getting close to walking for a couple of weeks now, and finally decided it was time. Let the baby chasing days begin.

Max just turned eleven months.

Here are some recent pictures of Max. We went with a group of friends to the Dallas Arboretum.

A very talented friend of mine was kind enough to take these beautiful pictures of Max while we were at the arboretum. Thank you Erin.

Despite his serious face in all the pictures, Max had a great time.

The Laundry

2011-10-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

I think it's about time to fold some laundry....

Please tell me that you have piles of clean laundry stacked up like this too??

Slip extenders- genius

2011-09-19T05:20:00.000-07:00

First a quick update on Max, cause what's a blog post without writing about my cute little man?

Max is very close to walking on his own. Any day now he will take off and be running around our house. I can't wait. He is a wiggly worm and doesn't like to sit still, unless he's tired and then he will snuggle on my lap, which is my favorite. He says, "cat, cat, cat" almost all day long. "Cat" was his first word. It cracks me up.

Look at him trying to escape, silly little boy.

"Put me down mama, there are cats to chase!"

Onto the slip extenders.

I have an addiction to dresses and skirts, and would wear them all the time if I could. Lately, it seems like the style is getting shorter and shorter, eliminating a lot of clothes that I could wear. So, I ordered a slip extender on etsy and absolutely love it. When I received the slip, I realized how easy they would be to make, so I sewed a few in different fabrics and colors. Just buy a slip, cut about three inches off the bottom of the slip (depending on how long you want the slip to be). Then sew on whatever fabric or lace you like to the bottom of the slip making the length longer and modest. This has opened up a whole new world for my wardrobe. I am sure Dan is ecstatic about that. Haha! Now I can wear whatever dress or skirt I want. Genius.

Crawling Max

2011-09-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

This video of Max is super cute. I know I am biased, but it's worth taking the 49 seconds out of your life to watch. It will put a smile on your face. Promise.

An update.

2011-09-12T19:38:00.000-07:00

Max is in such a fun stage right now and I want to document some of the things he is doing. He has finally started to get his two bottom teeth. It's about time, he's 10 months! He walks around the apartment using his walker or scaling the walls and furniture. He still won't crawl. He army scoots, slithers, and rolls around but refuses to crawl, silly little boy. He stands on his own several times a day for at least 30 seconds to a minute at a time. He is eating mostly solids now, but has developed a picky pallet. He is not a huge fan of baby food. When I feed Max, he excitedly talks to me like he is telling me all about his day and gets really loud and animated (in his baby talk of course). It's quite hilarious how much he chatters during his feedings.

If he likes someone, he tilts his head to the side and smiles at them. Such a little flirt. He loves going on walks and chasing the cats around the house while laughing and squealing. He hates having his diaper changed and being dressed. He takes two naps during the day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. He goes to bed around 8 p.m. and wakes up at 7:30 a.m. He has turned into such a good sleeper. I am hoping most of our sleep problems are behind us. Max can certainly be a little stinker every now and then, but he is still my perfect angel.

Could he be any cuter? I think not.

Date night.

Daddy reading Max a story. This picture melts my heart.

The head tilt means he likes you. Poor thing fell down and bumped his nose. Nevermind the dirty shirt, we are just keepin' it real.

"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living my baby you'll be." This little boy has his parents wrapped around his finger.

The newest Walker

2011-09-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

well, almost...

Do you like the newly painted white kitchen table?

(Also, don't mind me in the background in my swimsuit cover up.)

Picture Dump

2011-08-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a bunch of random pictures from the past couple of months. Max is such a blast right now. He is getting more of a personality every day. He is also learning to whine and throw fits...not so fun, but for the most part, he is a happy, silly boy. He still has no teeth, and I am wondering when they will make their debut. I remember back to the days when I was struggling with the decision of when to have children. I was so scared. Turns out, I really enjoy motherhood. It isn't always easy, and raising a child has many challenges, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Bring on the babies!

Max at the doctors office. He is 24 pounds- 95% and 85% for height. That saggy diaper on his cute chubby bum is fabulous. And don't even get me started on his fat rolls.

We have such great friends here in Texas. It will be sad when we have to move in 10 months. I wish we could stay here forever, but Dan is itching to move on to our next adventure in life.

I love this boy. He is my best little buddy. But what I am not loving right now is my hair. I have always had very thin, fine hair, but after I had Max, it came out in clumps. As if I had hair to lose. Sheesh. Now I have all these flyaways and one inch tufts of hair all over my head where it's growing back in. I really don't know what to do about it.....

My two favorite people.

Entryway table dilemma

2011-08-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

There are so many fun furniture styles, fabrics, and lamps that I am really loving right now.
Like all these beautiful ideas I found via pinterest. (Pinterest is just encouraging my love affair with all things amazing for home decorating.)

I could just die over these patterns and color combinations.

Ziggy rug I need you.

This light blue table is incredible. It makes my heart sing.

I always itch to re-do and change everything in our apartment, but since our budget is tight, I just have to make do with what we already have (sigh). To get a new look without spending money, I like to re-arrange decorations around the house. That's what I recently did with this entryway area. The space is okay, but could use some more pizzazz. I want to make it a little more edgier/colorful.

I have a dilemma and need your help. I am contemplating painting this entry way table and mirror an antique off-white color. I think the black works in this space, but I am trying to update our style in the apartment to a more light and fresh look to replace the dark colors we currently have. Do you think I should leave it black or paint it white??? Or maybe paint the table green and the mirror white? I just can't decide!!

Thanks for all your help with the really tough, serious decisions in life. ;)

I need a girl

2011-08-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

I decided we absolutely need to have a girl one day because when I sew things like this for my friends' baby girls my heart goes a flutter. I need a girl to sew and craft cute girly things for, among many other reasons.

car seat cover

burp cloth

diaper changing pad

bibs

But then I see this cute boy and my heart melts. I am so glad we have a little boy. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Utah Trip

2011-08-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

Max and I went to visit the fam in Utah. The airplane ride there was quite an adventure. Let's just say a 9 month old baby does not like to be confined to his mothers lap on a small airplane seat. However, he was a perfect angel on the way home.

I forced my sister, kicking and screaming, to go with me to our ten year high school reunion. At first I was apprehensive about going, but had a great time chatting with old friends and was glad we went. We had a birthday party for my dad and over 50 family members came! Cousins had fun playing together and Grandparents loved squeezing on the babies.

Dinner at Cafe Rio.

All the babies- Max, Eleri and Cade.

Little Ella Bella.

Max and his Aunt Wendy.

Max's great grandparents.

I swoon over this boy.

Max's cousin Lucy turned two and had a birthday party (With Dan's sister, Autumn).

Lucy's mom, Lindsey (Dan's sister), was the mastermind behind the whole party.

The birthday girl was tired and a bit overwhelmed by the attention.

Lucy's birthday decorations were so adorable! Linds and Sue did a great job.

Miss sassy pants herself- Capri.

My Bff and twin sis Ash.

We had a great time, but loved coming home to see Dan after the trip.

Dan's family comes to visit

2011-07-31T12:38:00.000-07:00

Dan's family made the 20+ hour drive from Utah to Texas to visit us. We had all sorts of fun stuffing ourselves silly with good food, laughing at off colored jokes, cooling off in the swimming pool and shopping at 4 different Forever 21s. Max had his Grandma and Grandpa's undivided attention for a week straight. He was one happy little boy.

Tears were shed over the last Harry Potter movie.

We sent them off 5 pounds heavier, and with a true understanding of what hell must feel like, (it was melt your face off hot all week- well over 100 degrees every day.) We sure do miss you guys. Max doesn't know what to do with himself now that all the attention is gone. Thanks for making the trek here!

Grandma bought Max his first pair of Toms and he wore them to church today. I think Dan has been waiting for this day since he was born.

Watch out ladies, he's a heartbreaker.

Balloons and best friends

2011-07-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

These little guys are becoming the best of friends. They smile and giggle every morning when they see each other. Dan's birthday balloons have kept them entertained for days now.

Max is 8 months and Drew is 13 months. (Drew is the little boy I babysit during the week.)

This picture cracks me up! I was making funny noises and faces trying to get them to smile, and they both gave me this same look.

Happy Birthday Dan!

2011-07-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

Dan had a birthday on Wednesday. It's his last year in his 20's. Can't believe he is almost 30 years old. We are getting old, where does the time go? We did a little family celebration on Wed where Dan opened up presents and got some balloons. But the real party was tonight. We went to his favorite pizza place, Cane Rosso.

Max enjoys the birthday balloons. They have kept him entertained for 4 days now.

Dan helped me make him a homemade banana birthday cake.

I got him some chocolates from Dude, Sweet Chocolate. Stupid name, delicious chocolates.

After the festivities, we went outside our apartment and just hung out as a family on the grass. Max played with sticks and we took about 100 pictures of him doing the same thing. Dan and I looked at the pictures together after Max went to sleep, and oohed and awed over how cute we think our baby is.

Dan, we love you. We both thank our lucky stars that you are ours forever. Happy Birthday.

8 months

2011-07-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, where does the time go? I know all of us mothers are baffled by how fast our babies grow up. Our baby Max is 8 months old in 3 days.

Here are his stats:

He's still a total chunk, weighing in at 23 pounds 8 ounces- 97%, 28 1/2 inches long- 85% for height. He is healthy and developing right on schedule. I promised myself I wouldn't compare his development with other babies. I think it's easy to get caught up in comparing and wanting your kid to be advanced, i.e. walk and talk, etc. early. Max is slightly advanced in some areas, and taking his sweet time in other areas. Overall he's pretty average and that's ok with us!

It's amazing how strong his immune system is though, especially since I have been really sick 3 times since he was born. The kid has not been sick even once. Not even a sniffle.

I never realized how much I would love motherhood. Max has stolen my heart since the moment I laid eyes on him. He's such an easy going baby, and so fun to be around. We took him to see fireworks on the 4th of July, and were so worried he would be scared. We thought for sure he would cry. He laughed so hard every time they went off. It was the best surprise to hear giggles instead of cries. Holidays are the biggest perks to parenthood.

I truly understand the meaning of having joy in your posterity. Max brings sheer joy to our lives daily.

The lost wedding rings

2011-07-01T11:39:00.001-07:00

I wanted to write this very personal story down because it means a lot to me. That's the beauty of a blog, you can always record your thoughts and day to day life. A couple of months ago, when my mom came to visit, we went to an Etsy Bash. 50 or so Etsy vendors gathered together in Downtown Dallas to sell their creations. I was in heaven due to my current Etsy addiction. After a little bit of shopping, we had to make a bathroom stop.

As I was washing my hands, I noticed a beautiful, large, diamond wedding and engagement ring set sitting on the counter. I grabbed the rings and frantically started asking all the women in the bathroom if they were theirs. No one claimed them, and my heart sunk as I imagined the anguish the owner would feel when she realized she had lost one of her most cherished possessions.

The bathrooms were located far away from the main Etsy event, tucked all the way down a flight of stairs and down a long hallway. There were hundreds and hundreds of people crowding the area. It would be like finding a needle in a hay stack to locate the owner of the rings. We rushed out of the bathroom and headed up to where the vendors were. My plan was to walk around, and ask every women I saw if she had lost her wedding bands. I felt an incredible amount of pressure to find the girl and return her rings. As I put myself in her shoes, I started to become teary-eyed. I would be so heart broken if that had happened to me. I ran up the stairs and started scanning the crowd. There were hundreds of people walking around, and over half of them women.

I spotted a cute young girl with curly brown hair. I had a distinct and strong feeling to ask her if they were her rings. I walked straight up to her and asked. She looked down at her left hand and her eyes immediately filled with tears. She had the most panicked look on her face. Her alarm was so genuine that I felt confident they were hers. I handed them to her, she was so relieved and effortlessly slipped them onto her finger. She had set them on the counter to wash her hands, and had forgotten to replace them.

We both hugged, and cried. It was her one year wedding anniversary the next day. I have never felt closer to a complete stranger in my life. I was shocked that I found the owner of the rings so quickly! Isn't it crazy that out of hundreds of people the rings belonged to the very first person I walked up to!?!! Dan later asked me how I knew she was the true owner, and not just faking it to steal a nice pair of rings. I couldn't explain it, but I knew they were hers. I know it wasn't just good luck or coincidence. It was a very spiritual experience that I hope to never forget.

What we have been up to lately

2011-06-26T20:21:00.001-07:00

Here's what we've been up to lately....

This weekend we got a chance to get away for a few hours and see the Broadway musical Spamalot. I was pretty excited to get out of the house, dress up, and go on a date with my honey.

We went with a couple of our closest friends and had a great night!

Max and I go to a baby playgroup every Wed. Baby Max has a great time with all the other babies around his same age (he is a few months older than some of the babies pictured). He is obviously ginormous, and is the bully of the group without even meaning to be. He just touches one of the other babies and they fall over. We still can't go anywhere without being stopped at least several times for people to gasp and tell us how huge our baby is. I love his chub and am hoping those fat rolls are here to stay for awhile.

We celebrated Dan's first Father's Day. Max hit the daddy jackpot with Dan being his dad. I couldn't ask for a better partner in parenting. Dan is patient and always willing to help. He has changed just as many diapers, and gotten up at night with Max almost as much as I have. He loves his baby boy with all his heart, and I can already tell the feeling is mutual.

Last but not least, this little boy continues to rock my world. Especially when he does things like this....

We went to a baptism last weekend, and to keep Max entertained, I gave him the program (since ripping paper into shreds is one of Max's favorite past times. ) I looked down and he had the whole thing shoved in his mouth and was eating the paper! He is my baby boyfriend and I don't know what I would do with out my little buddy.

Photo shoot in 106 degree weather

2011-06-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have a very talented friend, (it seems I have a lot of those here in Texas), who is learning photography. Her name is Lauren, and she recently got a new camera. Lauren wanted some models to help her practice. We happily volunteered.

We went to a near by park, and it was literally 106 degrees outside. I was sweating, and baby Max was less than thrilled with the heat, (hence the no smiles out of him.) I am shocked these turned out so well, because I felt like my makeup was running down my face! (Thanks Lauren, we would love to be your models anytime. Remember us when you start getting booked out weeks in advance :) Double click to enlarge.

Lemons for dinner

2011-06-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Dan gives Max lemons to eat all the time. Yes, you read that right, he gives the boy straight up lemons. Dan thinks it's funny when Max sucks on them without making any "sour faces". The other night we were out to dinner and Max started to fuss a little. Dan suggested that we give him a lemon to make him happy.

Desperate to not disturb our neighbors at the restaurant, I gave Max a slice of lemon, and sure enough, he was in heaven! He ate 3 of them like they were candy, and did not make one single funny face. This kid will not turn down any food. (I am contemplating bringing lemons to church to help us all get through those 3 hours.)

Here's the proof- that yellow thing in his hand is a lemon and he sucked that thing dry.

Isn't he scrumptious? I just can't resist kissing those chubby cheeks.

Water Baby

2011-06-04T11:41:00.001-07:00

This summer, we are surviving the Texas heat by enjoying the pool. Max loves splashing around and kicking his chubby legs in the water. That's SPF 100 in his hand. When it comes to the sun, we don't play around. We generously lathered up with sunblock before heading outside. I don't want his perfect skin to get burned. His face looks greasy in these pictures because of the sunscreen, and my oh my he sure is looking like such a big boy these days.

Two babies!

2011-06-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

What's more fun than one baby? Two babies! I watch this little guy, Drew, full time now. He's almost 12 months and it's a non-stop party at our house. These two interacting together is nothing short of adorable. It makes me beyond excited to have our next baby. I wish said baby would hurry up and get here. You would think it's just a simple matter of the bird and the bees, and then voila, a baby! I am figuring out it's not always that easy. (I am very impatient.) Mothering my friends baby while she works all day will have to do for now.

Dinnertime for Mr. Chunks

2011-05-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist posting these pictures of Max, even though they all look pretty much the same. He is making the cutest faces in each picture. I had to refrain myself from posting about 10 more. Seriously, does this little boy not just melt your heart? He is so stinkin' cute.

Hand over the food and no one gets hurt

This little boy is happiest when he's eating. Can you tell?

A Beautiful Wedding

2011-05-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

Have you met Sue yet? She's my mother-in-law and she is the definition of amazing.

Mama Sue is many things, and talented is just one of them. She impresses me most with her ability to create. As people discover her talent, she is asked to decorate for their parties and activities. She goes all out for Christmas and Halloween. In December, her home is like visiting the North Pole. It's not Christmas yet until we've been to Sue's house. It makes us feel like giddy 8 year olds again and that's pretty magical. A few years ago, she astonished us all once again when she decorated my sister-in-laws wedding. It was unlike anything I have ever seen.

Recently, young women have been asking her to decorate their weddings. Who wouldn't want Sue and all her awesomeness? I watch wedding decoration shows on tv with some incredible parties costing $100,000 dollars or more. Dropping that kind of cash on a wedding is beyond me. Sue sent us these pictures of the wedding she decorated last weekend and my jaw dropped! She created this romantic, elegant wedding for a fraction of the cost of those weddings I drool over on tv. David Tutera better watch out 'cause Sue is taking over.

That's cute little Grammy swingin' on that swing. Do you see that fancy purple table cloth? Sue made that. I told you she is amazing.

Since she sent me these wedding pictures for my viewing pleasure, I will now add some for hers.

Because squishy baby fat rolls make everyone happy.

Family Pictures 2011

2011-05-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

3 weeks ago, we had our family pictures taken by my very talented and beautiful friend Elise. Dan and I were a little skeptical about how they would turn out because the only professional photos we have had taken of us were our wedding pictures. We did not like them at all, and were worried we're just not a very photogenic couple. How could I have doubted Elise and her mad photography skills? Both Dan and I got a little teary eyed when we saw the final product. I am being serious, we almost cried over pictures! They turned out better than we could have imagined.

Family picture day is always a little stressful. Something about finding coordinating outfits without being too matchy matchy, locating the right spot, and counting on the weather to be perfect wears me out. Dan and I had to re-assure Elise a few times that we are truly in love, despite a few 'discussions' we had in front of her. Yup, we're normal. However, I am so glad we went through the hassle. I am also grateful to have such a patient husband who is willing to go along with the cheesy poses.

Check out Sleeman Photography HERE. Elise is amazing!

6 months

2011-05-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

Per grandparents request, lots and lots of pictures.

This little boy just turned 6 months today, and I have to say it's my most favorite stage yet! Even though I didn't think it possible, every month just gets better and better. Mr. Max is a big boy. In fact, that's one of the first comments most people make when they see him. We get stopped in the grocery store, mall, and pretty much every where for people to tell us how huge our baby is, (and of course how cute he is too.) Partly, I think it's because I am so short, and it just looks kinda funny when I hold a 6 month old baby that is the size of a large one year old.

Max is in the 90% percentile for height and weight. He is weighing in at a whopping 20 pounds 10 oz. He is wearing his 12 month clothes, and eats 6-8 ounces every 4 to 5 hours. Max has been a complete dream, and is such a happy boy. We call him Bubbas, Wittle Wiggles (cheesy, I know,) and Mellow Max because he is a really chill baby. He has large, chocolate brown eyes, and the cutest pouty lips.

He loves his bouncer seat and would sit in it all day if we let him. He laughs at everyone and everything. He still isn't a huge fan of tummy time, but is getting better every day. The cry it out method has been a complete success, and he is now sleeping from about 8 p.m. to 6 or 7 a.m. It was rough to get through that first week, but so worth it.

Classic Max smile, big, wide open mouth!

Our cat, Neeko, loves Max. Cat and baby sleeping together is never, ever allowed unless we are there to supervise. Otherwise the cats are in a completely separate room then where our baby sleeps. Safety first!

Now slow down Max because I don't want the next 6 months to fly by as fast as the first did. I am not ready for a one year old yet.

On Motherhood

2011-05-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today a sweet friend left me a gift for Mother's Day on my porch with one of my favorite passages on motherhood.

Its says, " The biggest mistake I made as a parent is the one most of us make....I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of my 3 children sitting on the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less" Anna Quindelen.

I relish every second with my darling baby boy and know this phase in life will pass so quickly. I keep saying that, but it's such a harsh reality. My heart aches because I will miss being a mother to small children one day. There is a special bond between a mother and her first born. Like every mother, I think my baby Max is a perfect angel. The Lord sent us Max to teach and help him develop, but the truth is, he has taught me and helped me to grow just as much, if not more.

I will feel I have done my job successfully as a mother if I try to always use a calm voice in our home. I want my children to feel that their mother's voice is soft and comforting. I want to teach my children what is right. I know there will be times discipline is needed, but I want to show an increase of love before and after any sort of punishment or disciplining happens. I want to have charity and patience in even the most frustrating times with my children. Above all, I want to teach my children the gospel, and help them develop their own testimonies. By no means am I implying that I have mastered these traits. This will take a lifetime of work to attain these characteristics. I know I will make mistakes, probably on a daily basis, but these are my goals and aspirations for the next several years.

As Mother's Day approaches, I have realized how much I appreciate my own mother's, mother-in-law's, and sister's examples. They are wonderful women, and I am very lucky to have them in my life.

Big, slobbery kisses!

Mom Comes to Town

2011-05-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

My mom came to visited us recently, and we had a great time. It's always so much fun when she comes to stay. We went out to eat to some of the best restaurants in town, and enjoyed shopping, walking, watching movies and just being together. Of course Max thought she was the funniest person, and laughed at just about everything she did. We miss her already, and are going to start pestering her to come visit us again soon.

Brunch at Smoke

Dinner at The French Room

Dropping mom off at the airport :(

Naked Max because he pooped all over his clothes. a.k.a. Cutest baby in the world.

As we were getting ready to head to the airport, my mom suggested that we leave a little early in case we hit traffic/took longer at lunch than we planned/Max pooped all over the place and we had to clean it up. When she said that last bit, I was thinking, "Oh no, Max would never do that. He is a perfect angel and has never had a blow out before." Then what do you know, just as we were leaving lunch to go to the airport he has the biggest blow out, and pooped all over his clothes! Good thing we left early.

And this one, because I think it's my favorite picture of Max right now.

Best Weekend Eva

2011-04-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend was possibly one of the best weekends of my life. My sweetheart and I celebrated our 7th year wedding anniversary. We went out on a dinner date sans baby, laughed, held hands, and realized how very much in love we are. There have been good years and bad years. In fact, I would never want to re-do the first 3 years of our marriage. They were times of trial and testing. We are both very stubborn and sassy. Now, we have each other somewhat figured out. Everything isn't always perfect, but we are perfectly imperfect together.

On our anniversary, we went to Neighborhood Services for dinner, and the oddest/coolest thing happened. When we were finished, and ready to pay, the waitress said that someone had called ahead of time and anonymously taken care of our dinner. What the?!!? It was the best surprise! We still haven't figured out who it was. (If it was you, fess up so we can properly thank you.)

Saturday we went to cupcake camp. Several different cupcake vendors got together in the ballroom of a ritzy country club and served up over 50 different cupcake flavors. Are you drooling yet? It was every bit as amazing as it sounds. We got to try over 12 different cupcakes. My favorites were the chocolate chip cookie dough, and peanut butter and jelly ones. I am still a 10 year old at heart. :) Dan's palate is slightly more sophisticated than mine. His favorite was the jalapeno lime. Yuck.

Max was in cupcake heaven.

He couldn't stop looking at the cupcakes. Most of the pictures we got of him were of the back of his huge head.

Dan at the Yelp booth. He is an elite yelper. We don't go anywhere around here without yelping it first. Don't know what yelp is? Go HERE

Today is Easter Sunday, and I am completely disappointed that I am sitting at home sick again, missing church. Dan's on his pediatric rotation and brings home all the diseases from the hospital. Oh joy.

We can't forget that Jesus is the reason for the season. I am so grateful that he died for our sins so that we can return and live with our Heavenly Father again one day. I feel so thankful for my blessings. I am living the dream of being a wife and mommy.

Can you tell that we all look a little more rested than usual!? CIO method has been a complete success and I will update all about our progress next week.

Seven Years of Unbridled Love

2011-04-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, Dan here. Just making my annual appearance on the family blog to share a few words about my little Sweetie Pie. Today we celebrate our 7th anniversary! Seven years of love, passion, humor and joy. Seven years and still no itch! Not even a tickle. But with a woman like mine, how could something like that ever happen. I got myself a real steal when we wed 7 years ago. It was such a glorious day! How do I start even describing the wonderful journey we have been on together? The stories could fill volumes, but maybe I'll just share the Reader's Digest version.

Sparks first flew for the two of us many years ago, way back in 1998 (Geez, I'm getting old). One cold winter's morning, my friends and I were doing our regular Saturday routine, hitting up the slopes of Brighton for some snowboarding, when suddenly, I beheld what I thought was surely a snow angel descended to Earth. Surely, I thought, my eyes were playing tricks on me, some cruel effect of high altitude and snow blindness. For I laid eyes on the most lovely creature in the galaxy, bundled up in winter's clothes, gliding, nay! nearly floating, gently across the soft white powder on a pair of skis. Resisting the urge to faint on the spot and risk traumatic injury on my difficult triple black diamond ski run, I found myself able to strike up a conversation with her at the bottom of the hill. She was surrounded with friends, but they are all a blur in my mind, for to me there was only one. Slyly, I positioned myself correctly so that we could share a lift up the next hill. As we ascended the hill into the wild blue, my heart soared also. The chemical attraction between us, the perfect blend of personality, the seemingly seamless conversation, it was all magic. It was undeniable that love was blooming on that mountain. The future flashed before my eyes, a future with this wonderful woman in it...babies, houses, vacations, family dinners, even cats. It was all there. I knew that she must be mine for ever.

Luckily, it was basically smooth sailing from there on out. We both were equally helplessly in love from the beginning and before you know it we were married. (Somewhere along the way I seem to remember school, a mission, a few tiny break-ups, and an engagement, but those are all minor details)

Anywhooz, there you have it. We are just two star-crossed lovers. Fated to be together for all eternity. And eternity isn't nearly long enough. I could never imagine my life without my Pookie-head. She is my best friend, my biggest fan, my support, my confidant. She has given her life to me, and I feel like I can never do enough to repay her. To say she has made sacrifices to help me get where I am today is a gross understatement. She is my favorite dining companion in the world and is quietly patient with my restaurant obsession. She has endured countless nights of having to go to bed alone so that I can study late into the night. And she has given me my little man, Max. By far the greatest thing anyone has ever given me (including the Martin Guitar she gave me on our wedding day). She has made me a father, and that's something I'm forever grateful for.

Okay, now that you are all probably sobbing on your keyboards from all this heartfelt display of affection, I will conclude by saying simply, Lindsey, I love you. I always will. Happy Anniversary!

The Dreaded Cry It Out Method

2011-04-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

We have decided to try the dreaded cry it out method (CIO) with baby Max. I knew at some point we would have to start sleep training him, and the CIO method was our last option. Just the mere thought of making my sweet baby cry himself to sleep all alone in the dark causes me severe anxiety.

Over the past 5 and a half sleepless months, there have been many times when Dan and I have declared, "Enough! Tonight is the night we are going to start making him cry it out." But it was never very long before one of us caved in at 3 am to our little boys sobs.

After several family discussions, reading all the popular sleep help books, and seeking advice from different pediatricians about the issue, I was really confused on what was the right thing to do. I was getting conflicting messages. Some pediatricians, and articles I read would argue that making a baby cry it out may cause emotional damage. Others would say that it was the only way to get some babies to sleep through the night, and it's harder on the parents than on the baby.

Dan shared Max's sleep challenges with a few pediatric sleep experts at his medical school and they all agreed that it was perfectly fine and healthy for us to let baby Max cry it out. They said that he was in a habit of waking up every 2 to 3 hours and we were only perpetuating the bad behavior. It made complete sense that we were reinforcing his need for night time feedings by giving in to him so often.

We concluded once again that we HAD to make him cry it out for the sake of our marriage, our sanity, and our health. This may sound dramatic, but that's how we feel. Neither of us were functioning very well off of such little sleep, and we were beginning to see the effects on our life. Most nights one of us would sleep on the couch with the baby, while the other slept in the bed, not such a great idea for strengthening a marriage relationship.

Last night was the first night we followed through with the CIO method. Poor little guy cried for 2 straight hours. I was in my bed, crying right along with him. I did go in to check on him every 15 to 20 minutes to pat his belly, and make sure he was okay. It was heartbreaking, and I had a few major panic attacks throughout the night. This was the longest night of my life.

Morning finally came, and we all survived. Life goes on. When I went into Max's room after hearing his morning calls, I was greeted with the biggest smile and happy kicks. I guess he still loves us after all!!

I am trusting my motherly instincts, and I know this is the right choice for our family. But it's still not easy. Our goal is to teach him to sleep from midnight to 6 a.m. without waking up, (which he has never done before), and then hopefully improve from there. It's time to kiss the dark circles under my eyes goodbye.

This is where I need your help and strength mommies. I need to stick this out. Give me your feedback, advice, success stories, and your experience with making your baby cry it out. How long did it take before they adjusted? Is two hours too long, or did your babies cry this long as well? Thanks for the encouragement!

This is the smile I get when Max wakes up. Makes me so happy to be his mama!

Dan's First column published!

2011-04-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

*** An update- it's official, Dan's first column was published today. Find it HERE on SideDish.

Dan was approached by D Magazine's editor to write a weekly column for their website SideDish. We were both beyond ecstatic! Sometimes I don't know why Dan bothers with medical school, honestly food and writing about food is his true passion. He has dreamed of being a food reviewer for many years.

The theme of his columns will be "Eat This Now". For his first review we both knew instantly it had to be The Place at Perry's brown bag apple pie. It is to die for. I am not an apple pie lover, but I seriously dream about this delicious dessert. I would choose it over chocolate any day, which is saying a lot because I am obsessed with anything chocolaty. I will post the actual website and his column when it is finally published.

Of course we had to let Max try a little bit.

Does this not look AH-MAZING?

Solids

2011-04-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

We fed Max solids for the first time the other day. He was exactly 5 months old. I know we are supposed to wait until he is 6 months, but a pediatrician at Dan's school suggested that feeding Max solids might help him sleep through the night. I am all for that idea!! So far, it has not helped one bit.

His eyes are red and watery because the poor little guy had a rough day and had been crying.

He didn't really pull any funny faces. He didn't love or hate it. It was actually quite uneventful. He can't possibly be a Walker. We are all food lovers. I thought for sure he would be gulping it down. Correction, we are lovers of good food. Garden vegetable baby food does not count as good food, so there still is hope for Max after all.

** Max said, "ma ma" for the first time today! He is 5 months and 3 days.

Happy Birthday Mom

2011-04-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write a quick little post dedicated to my wonderful Mom. Today is her birthday. We are sad to live so far apart and not able to celebrate with her. I won't tell you what birthday this is for her, but you would be shocked because she doesn't look a day over 35. This lady is pretty amazing. She's incredibly beautiful and she's a genius as well. It's not fair that she got the beauty and the brains.

Not only is she totally gorgeous and smart, but she is a fashionista, classy, has her MBA, speaks French, and is very talented. She can sing like a bird, cook yummy AND healthy food, and is a great listener. I call her, and talk her ear off for over an hour. When I think back to the conversation, I realize I have talked about myself the whole time, and she has said nothing about herself. I know she loves our talks because she wants to connect with me. She loves just listening, which is truly a gift.

She came to Texas for 3 weeks to help me with Max when he was born, and I will never forget her kindness and selfless service for our little family.

Mom with Max a week after he came home from the hospital.

Mom with my nephew Cade.

I love you so much. Happy Birthday Mom!

Spring Break Part 1

2011-03-31T17:58:00.001-07:00

Dan is off of school for two weeks for spring break. Let the good times roll. We are livin' it up Walker style, eating good food like crazy, and having all sorts of fun while school is out.

We went to Diggs tacos. Oh ya, I ate all 3 of these tacos by myself.

We also hit up Creme de la Cookies and I had plenty of treats to last me a month.

Then we went to one of my favorite places in all of Dallas, the canals by our house. I am seriously going to miss these when we move. I walk or run at these canals all the time. We love taking Max on walks here. It is so beautiful. In a couple weeks, we are having family pictures taken here by a talented photographer in our ward.

Max had a great time, and he loves having the daddy home more often. Tomorrow we are headed to the zoo. Over the next week, we have planned a trip to Fort Worth, movie nights, and a lot more yummy food.

Life is good.

Joy

2011-03-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

This little boy brings me so much joy. Last week was a hard week. We went through some trials, but I feel so blessed to have such a healthy, happy baby. Sometimes things happen and we may not know why, but that's where faith comes in. I read a talk in the Ensign about looking at circumstances with a "glass half full instead of half empty" attitude. I try really hard to find the positive in situations. My Max helps me to do this.

How can you not get the biggest smile on your face when you see those chubby cheeks and big brown eyes??

Look who found his toes!!

Another Baby Shower

2011-03-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

One of the perks of being in a young married ward are all the women having babies and all the fun baby showers. This weekend I was able to throw a shower for my friend Alise. She is so sweet and will be an amazing mother soon.

Handsome boys

2011-03-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

These two are my life and my heart! Love them so much. Dan has been working insane hours at the hospital. We don't get to see much of him these days. He's been leaving for his rotation at 5:30 a.m. every morning. This morning he set everything out for the baby, opened up my lesson manual and left it on the table for church, and put the babies bouncer in the bathroom for me. These small, simple acts of service are so thoughtful and make being apart a little easier.

My new hair colorist!

2011-03-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

If you haven't noticed by now, I love to change my hair. Dan dyed my hair last night. He did such a great job, and it saved us 50 bucks!

Yeah for new hair dos!

Success

2011-03-09T08:12:00.001-08:00

Aren't these the cutest p.j.'s? I am kind of obsessed with owls these days. And I am really obsessed with this little boy!

After 45 minutes of trying and 100 pictures later, I finally got a few shots of Max smiling! We really only have about 2 of them. I am sure this will be the story of my life, trying to get a decent, smiling picture of my son. Like I said, he is smiling all the time, but once he sees the camera, he gets so serious.

Thanks Grandma for the jammies, we love them!

Big Boy

2011-03-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

Max is growing up way too fast. He learned a couple new skills this weekend. I am amazed at how much these little ones develop and change in such a short amount of time. This weekend Max learned how to roll from front to back, and how to grab toys. Each milestone he reaches brings me sheer joy, but also makes me a little sad.

Max is 4 months tomorrow, and I have to say that so far this is my favorite stage! He loves it when we roughhouse with him, and he is laughing and smiling at almost everything. I beam with pride when I am told he is looking more like me lately.

Dan and I have been calling Max chubs, stinky, and stinker. We're feeling bad because this little boy gets called smelly and fat all day long. We are trying to think of more flattering nick names for him.

I love this picture of us. We were taking a walk and I was whispering into my babies ear.

Max loves being on daddy's shoulders!

Dan started a new blog. Guess what it's about. Food. Surprise, surprise. It's a pretty nifty blog. Check it out here.

Thank Heaven for Little Boys

2011-03-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

I always thought I wanted a baby girl first. Those cute flower bows and tights were just so enticing. After having my darling little boy, I am absolutely in love and couldn't imagine it any other way. In fact, I am hoping for another boy next. Max is on a pretty strict schedule of eat, play, sleep every 3 hours. But not too strict that we aren't flexible if we need to be. He takes his naps at 9 a.m., 12, and 3. He usually goes to bed around 7p.m. and wakes up for the day around 6 or 7 a.m. He is still waking up every 2 to 3 hours at night *yawn*.

He eats 4 to 6 ounces every 3 hours and weighs almost 18 pounds! My arm muscles are stronger than they have ever been. Lugging him around all day is such a workout. We are working on rolling over, tummy time, and grabbing toys. He is a pretty content and chill baby most of the time. He is so smiley, but whenever I whip out my camera he gives me this Mr. Serious face. He is just like his dad. I can't get him to smile for the camera for the life of me. No matter how big a fool I make of myself, he just stares at me like, " Mom, get that camera out of my face."

I have found my niche in being a mother. I always want a baby on my hip. My heart just aches for another sweet baby, and I am pining for #2. Dan is satisfied with Max right now, and thinks I am crazy for wanting another kid so soon. But I am no spring chick and if we want a big family we gotta get a move on it!

I had to add this picture to show off his adorable chub.

I just die over those chubby cheeks and double chin. He is delicious. (Imagine me behind the camera making all sorts of funny faces, jumping around, and singing. Yeah, he's not amused.)

Wanna see something SEXY for Valentine's Day?

2011-02-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

What is more sexy than a man scrubbing a toilette? Cue catcall. Tee-hee!

Valentine's Day usually consists of Dan surprising me with a yummy box of specialty chocolates and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Although these are sweet gestures, as I grow older, I recognize that my husbands love for me is expressed in many different ways. He shows his love by doing the dishes every day, by taking the baby 3 nights in a row so I can get some sleep, and countless other acts of service. He is patient and kind to his little family. Receiving a gift is nice, but I fall deeper in love with Dan when I see him interacting with our little boy. Due to our budget this year, no fancy presents will be exchanged, but I am one spoiled girl. Yes, indeed I am.

Inspired

2011-02-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

I really enjoy being inspired by the creativity and ideas of others. While browsing some of my favorite craft blogs, I stumbled across these beauties-

Found on houseofsmiths.blogspot.com

And isn't this banner so clever? I plan on doing my own version for a baby shower.

Also found on houseofsmiths.blogspot.com- I love love love this blog.

I already made a quick trip to Michaels to get the materials for these projects and plan on making them this weekend. All of these crafts are so budget friendly!

I also found my dream kitchen. One day I will have a white kitchen. I love how fresh and clean these colors look, and I am dying over how pretty the light green/grey backsplash is.

Discussion-Weight

2011-02-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

Isn't it funny how watching The Bachelor brings out the cattiness in us all? I noticed this in myself as Hubs and I curled up on the couch Monday night to watch this ridiculous, yet addicting reality show. (Come on, admit it, I know you watch it too!) I caught myself criticising these girls every move, even down to analyzing their appearances. Who am I to judge others? I feel awful about it. This brings me to my topic of discussion. I am a little hesitant to address this subject because it might be considered controversial. I want to discuss weight. Yes, I am going there. I hope I do not offend anyone.

Let me preface this by saying that I believe a women has much more to offer than just her looks. I am grateful that I have the health and physical well-being to do what I need to do throughout the day. Family, health, and happiness are more important to me than dress size.

When I was younger, I was a lot chubbier. I remember a hurtful experience that happened in 9th grade. A boy that had a crush on me pointed me out to his brother, who then exclaimed, "How can you like her? She has a huge butt!". When I started high school, I decided to stop feeling bad about my body and start doing something about it. I began to work out religiously and lost some weight. By the time I entered college, I had lost a significant amount of weight and I was much more comfortable in my skin. My weight loss journey helped me realize that my size is less about the numbers on the scale, and more about being healthy and feeling good about myself.

After pregnancy and gaining a lot of weight, (thank you French fries) I was determined to lose the weight healthily. I had done it before and that gave me the willpower to do it again. But I have been surprised by some of the comments people make. If offered a cookie, and I reply "No thank you, I am watching what I eat," Often I get eyes rolled and responses such as, "That is so ridiculous," or, "It doesn't matter if you eat that. You're too concerned!." Why is trying to be healthy considered too concerned? If I ate whatever I wanted, I could never reach or maintain my weight goals. I have also heard these same statements said to Dan over the past 4 years that he has been eating healthier. I understand that no harm is meant. I am not offended. I just find it an interesting comeback to healthy desires.

Don't get me wrong, I do occasionally indulge by having some of my favorite foods. What would life be without hamburgers or chocolate? Most skinny people do not starve themselves or eat salads all day. No normal person can do that for long.

Another comment that is far from the truth is, "You are so lucky, the weight has just fallen off!" For me, luck has nothing to do with it. I have worked my bum off (literally). I am not naturally skinny. There are surely some who are more genetically gifted to stay thin without having to bother with calorie counting and sweaty workouts. Unfortunately, I am not one of them.

Why do you think eyebrows are raised when one refuses sweets but nothing is said when one says no to broccoli? I really hope this isn't coming off the wrong way, it's just been on my mind lately. Let me know how you feel about this issue, even if you disagree. ;)

Our weekend

2011-02-07T09:41:00.000-08:00

This weekend we....

Hung out with my incredibly beautiful friends, and decorated for a baby shower.

Watched part of the Superbowl. Dan and I don't get too into sports, but my family are the biggest Steelers fans you will ever meet. I think we would be kicked out of the family if we didn't have at least some Steelers gear on for the big game.

Ventured out into the cold to get some BBQ.

Survived the ice and snow by mostly staying indoors. Once we got stir crazy, we bundled baby up and ran a few errands.

He is the definition of sweet.

Maternity Pictures

2011-01-31T07:18:00.000-08:00

When I was pregnant, one of my sweet friends, Jenna, took my photo's for a present. I posted some of the pictures back in September already, but I recently got all the pictures back. It's so weird looking at these, and seeing that bump again. It seems like it was such a long time ago that I was pregnant, but it was only 2 and a half months ago! Here is Jenna's website- jennacole.com. I love her work and was more than thrilled when she said she would take my pictures!

Update

2011-01-28T17:55:00.000-08:00

Max had to get his shots today. Boo. I really am a big baby when it comes to things like that. It's awful to see him in pain, but I know it's just a necessary evil. He made me a proud mom though, he was such a trooper. He cried for just a few minutes and then was back to his sweet, smiley self for the rest of the night.

Here are his stats at 12 weeks- his weight is 15 and a half pounds (90th percentile, he is such a big boy!), and his height is 24 inches (70th percentile). Max is completely healthy, hitting all of his developmental milestones, and especially excelling at making his momma smile!

This is a wonderful sight in our home. I didn't want to speak too soon, but Max has been doing much better at sleeping through the night (at least for now). He still wakes up once or twice, but that is a huge improvement from the 3 to 5 times he was waking up before. What a delight this darling little boy is!

"Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy,
Before you go to sleep, say a little prayer, Everyday in every way it's getting better,
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful beautiful boy."
~John Lennon

Phone call to Grandma

2011-01-25T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hey Grandma, How are you?

I miss you too!

That's so funny Grandma!

It was a nice chat, call again soon. Love you!

Max talked on the phone with his Grandma and LOVED it! (Well, obviously he didn't do any of the talking, but he loved listening to his Grandma's voice over the phone.) It was seriously the cutest thing. He is 2 and a half months old today and I feel like he is growing up too fast. I wish I could freeze time and have my cuddling little bundle this small forever. This is the best time of my life. I am there. You know, there, the time in your life you look most forward to and want to last forever.

Baby Max Pics

2011-01-20T09:18:00.000-08:00

My very talented friend, Erin Shaha, took these pictures of Max the other day. I wanted them to be simple and timeless, and I absolutely love them!

Max 9 weeks and 6 days old- pics taken on Monday January 17th 2011

Random Pics

2011-01-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

Since getting home from our vacation in Utah, we have settled back into our normal schedule and life is pretty great! Here are some random pictures from the last week.

We got Max into his coat for the first time in Texas, and he looked so dang cute.

Max loves bath time. He gets these wide eyes and looks all around the room.

He is such a smiley little boy. We get the most smiles first thing in the morning. It is my most favorite time of day.

We love hanging out with our friends. We all enjoy going out to eat and sharing bites from each other's plates. We sure do have some great friends here in Texas.

Max sleeping, Yeah! Although the no sleep thing is hard, I hope I never come across as complaining. We are so blessed to have a healthy, happy baby, and I cherish every day with him.

Christmas

2011-01-10T09:41:00.000-08:00

I know it is two weeks into January and I am just now posting about Christmas, but such is the life of a new mom. As usual we went to Utah for Christmas. Max was finally able to meet all of his family! Christmas is my favorite time of year, but I have to admit, this year I was having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. I think Dan and I were feeling a little bit overwhelmed and just plain tired. I will really be looking forward to Christmas next year because Max will be older and kids make holidays magical. Every time we take a trip to Utah, we want to do so much and see so many people. There never seems to be enough time to do it all. Sorry to everyone we didn't get to see this year.

Baby Max thought Christmas Rocked!!

My Mom, Grandma, Max, and I

This pic is from last year, but I love it! Emerson- my nephew, crawling under the tree to pull out more Christmas presents.

My niece and nephews waiting at the top of the stairs Christmas morning. Ashley and I used to do this as a kid.

Dan with his brother Sam and our niece Lucy.

We got to bless Max in Utah. Dan with his mom.

My mom and I at Max's blessing.

We had Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Here are some pictures of Max I took today. He is 2 months old now. He is the cutest, sweetest little guy! He looks like he might have red hair!

Yesterday

2011-01-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

yesterday was the most terrible day of my life. i am pretty sure i won the worst mother in the world award. yes, i know i am being dramatic, but you would be too if you dropped your 2 month old on the street in the middle of a store parking lot! i will spare you all the gory details, but i will say that this accident involved my precious baby boy face planting it onto the asphalt. his guardian angels must have been working over time because he did not have one single scratch, bruise or bump. thankfully Max has no serious injuries, but it was still a very traumatic day for us both.

while i was holding my baby boy sobbing in the parking lot, i realized that all the stupid things i worry about, and all my silly insecurities are so ridiculous. i started thinking about people i know with real problems, like chronically sick children, and even losing a child. no parent should ever have to lose a child, that would be the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone. i couldn't stop thinking about what really matters most in life- the gospel and family. i resolve to be kinder, have more patience, and to be more diligent in living the gospel.

last night when i got up with my Max several times, i did not look longingly at my bed even once. i held my baby a little longer, hugged him a little tighter, and kissed him a little bit more than usual, if that's even possible.

perfection

Sweet Dreams for the New Year (hopefully)

2011-01-04T15:49:00.001-08:00

Although I spent most of 2010 pregnant, it was a great year. Pregnancy wasn't that bad, and the labor and delivery was actually an enjoyable and quit spiritual experience for both Dan and I. I was so nervous about the pain, but it went perfectly, and I will be excited for that part again one day. My mom stayed with us for the first 3 weeks after Max was born . Having her help kind of prolonged the reality of taking care of a newborn. After she left that reality hit hard and fast. Our baby has been the best thing that has ever happened to me, but it hasn't come without a few challenges.

At first I felt like everyday was Christmas, and we were running off of adrenaline. Then after about a month, that wore off and I realized how sleep deprived we both were. Our baby does not sleep very well at night. We get up at least 3 to 5 times with him. I knew this would be the case before I had a baby, I just didn't know how difficult it would be. In my desperate attempt to get some sleep, I have read many books, and tried several different methods to help Max to sleep better, but with no real success. In one of the books I read, I came across this quote that has really changed my perspective about the whole situation.

It says, "....And when you don't put him down, hold him with your heart, too, and relish every gurgle, flutter, and little sighing breath. Trust me when I say, you will miss this. You will. Even the dark, exhausted nights will take on a certain romance in your memories, and they'll bubble to the surface when your "baby" drives off in his first car, graduates from school, gets married, has his own baby." So the best advice I have gotten is to just accept this stage of life.

Seriously, asking me to give up my sleep is one of the hardest things I could be asked to do. I LOVE my sleep. But when I see that cute little baby boy, I would give up a thousand nights of good rest for him. I just need to learn patience in this trial, and to enjoy each late night snuggle with my baby, because soon he will grow up and not want to snuggle with me any more.

Our family

What's a post without a picture of the cutest baby in the world?

And one more, cause there can never be too many pictures of Max

Max's blessing

2011-01-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

While we were in Utah, we were able to bless Max. It was especially special because we had a double blessing. Max was blessed with his cousin Eleri! It was fun to have the whole family together and show off our new babies. Ashley and I had a great time quoting, "the blessing" with the same tone the old grandpa says it in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Ya, we thought we were funny, I think we were the only ones though.

We learned our lesson about taking pictures in the church cultural hall. They turned out awful, as you can see. One of these days I am going to save up enough money to buy a really nice camera and take professional looking photos.

Eleri and Max- the two stars of the show

Dan with his Dad and brother Sam

The Walker family

My Grandparents- The Borens

My Aunt Wendy and Uncle John

My Grandparents- The Clarks

The Boren family- see what I mean by the awful pictures, they are so yellow!!

Update

2010-12-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

Dan holding Max at the hospital after he was born.

This past month has been a wonderful but crazy time. We have been adjusting to the new life of being parents and are loving every minute of it, (well, I could go without the 2 a.m. feedings...) We are both extremely happy, and extremely sleep deprived. When people say you get no sleep with a newborn they aren't kidding.

Our little Max is tall but very skinny, just like his dad. In fact, he is a clone of his father. Max looks like a shrunken Dan. The first thing everyone says when they see Max is how much they look alike. He is still in his newborn clothes, and they drown him, although he is starting to get too tall for some of them. He loves to stretch. Anytime I un-swaddle him, he stretches his arms and legs out, and makes all kinds of funny faces. It is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen.

When I feed him, he grunts and squeaks the whole time. He is such a loud eater, it's hilarious! That boy loves to eat and gets very grumpy when he is hungry. He loves to be held and bounced around. In his perfect world I would carry him around all day rocking and bouncing him. He has had a rough start sleeping on his own in his own bed. He is such a cuddle bug and doesn't like to be left alone, but we are working on it every day.

He smiled at me for the first time yesterday! It wasn't just gas pains, it was a real smile and it melted my heart. He is a very alert baby and has been since the day he was born. We just can't get enough of him, and are so blessed to be his parents. We can't wait for him to meet all his family and friends next week when we visit Utah for Christmas. Max hasn't met Dan's parents yet, and I am so excited for them to meet.

My world

2010-12-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

This beautiful little boy has become my whole world. I can't believe how much he has me wrapped around his little finger. Life just couldn't get better! I knew parenting would be hard, and everything would change, but I didn't expect to be so happy, and enjoy being a mom as much as I do. I feel it's only a little bit challenging and a lot of fun!

Sometimes when he is sleeping I want to wake him up to cuddle him and play with him, but I can't because he looks so peaceful!

I love those little wrinkles on his forhead!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving. It was so fun to have family in town. My parents were here to celebrate with us. My mom has been in town for the past few weeks helping us with Max, and my dad just got in town on tuesday. Max was an angel boy and slept the whole time we were cooking, but woke up the second his mamma sat down to eat! I guess my days of eating a hot meal are over, but he is so worth it!

The beautiful Thanksgiving table

The grub

My parents and I

They change so fast!

2010-11-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

Little Max is 2 weeks old now and has already changed so much! When we took him to his 2 week dr. appointment he had grown 2 inches in 1 week. He is in the 50th percentile for height and the 25th percentile for weight. He is such a good baby, and we feel so blessed to have him as part of our family. Dan is an amazing father. It is so fun to see him take care of Max and love him so much. He has really impressed me with what a great father he has become. My main goal is to cherish every day and every moment, because babies grow up so fast. When I get some more time, I will have to update about the labor and delivery.

Our little boy

2010-11-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

We are so in love with our little guy! He is so cute. I can't believe I was so nervous to have a baby, it's the best thing I have ever done. Now I want 20 babies!! Ha ha.

Maxwell Noble Walker

2010-11-12T14:48:00.000-08:00

Maxwell Noble Walker was born on Tuesday, November 9th at 3:08 p.m, 7 lbs 10 oz 19 inches. He is perfect and we are soooo in love with him. I am absolutely smitten with him, and can't imagine life without my sweet baby boy. Life is pretty busy right now, but I will do an update again when I have a little break.

Minutes after birth. He was giving us the one eyed stink. It was pretty funny.

Tomorrow!!

2010-11-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

Our baby boy will be here tomorrow!! I can not believe that he is almost here. We go into the hospital at 6:30 a.m. to be induced. After being way past due, we are ready. Yippee!! Pictures of our sweet little Max will be here soon!

Update

2010-11-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Yup, I am still pregnant and bigger than ever! Surprisingly enough, I don't feel too awful yet. I am very uncomfortable, but I can do this a little longer. Last week was a big week. I was praying that Max wouldn't come early because we had a lot of church responsibilities. Last Tuesday, I got to decorate for the Relief Society meeting. Although I was huge and wobbling, it was still fun to set up all the centerpieces and create a beautiful room for the women to enjoy. Then on Friday we had our ward harvest party and trunk or treating. Since I am the activities committee director, this was a lot of work! I don't think Dan and I sat down even once the whole night. When I got home, my feet and legs were so swollen and sore. But again, it was so much fun and I love serving in my church callings. It's one of the things that brings me joy in life!

This week is all about relaxing. Since I am on maternity leave now, I can sit back, and kick up my feet all week. Errrrr, except for that long list of to do things before Max arrives. I still have some preparing and organizing to do, but I figured if I get one project done a day that's good enough.

I have a Dr.'s apt. on Wednesday to check my progress, and see if this little boy is ready to come. I think the biggest question is are we ready for him to come??? Yikes!!! I am so nervous! My mom is coming this Saturday, and is staying for 3 weeks to help us. My sister and dad are coming in 2 weeks, so we will have a full house. It will be great to have our families support and love. It means so much to me that they are making an effort to come help us, and love on the baby of course!

One things for sure, if Max hasn't come on his own, by this time next Tuesday, I will be in labor. We plan on having me induced next Tuesday. It's crazy to think that we will be a family of 3 next week. Life is about to change...for the better!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

Halloween is up at the Walker's house! I just love seasonal decor. Nothing puts me more in the mood for the holidays than setting up all my silly decorations. This year, I think Christmas is going to hit the Walker house a little bit sooner. I plan on setting everything up in November since we will be gone most of December visiting family. Happy Halloween everyone. Be sure to post pictures of all your kiddos in their Halloween costumes.

37 weeks

2010-10-16T14:58:00.001-07:00

I know I keep posting about this pregnancy and my growing belly, but that's what's happening around here. Pretty soon all the posts and pictures will be about a cute little baby boy. So until then, here are some of my last thoughts about this pregnancy since we only have a few more weeks to go. Luckily, I have still been able to sleep despite the endless trips to the bathroom and the uncomfy state I am in. I am still hungry all the time, and can eat anything and everything in sight. I thought once the baby got bigger I would have less room for food, but that's not the case, I can still fit a lot in there, ha ha! I am still working full time and am glad to have something to keep my mind off of the aches and pains. I feel like I have lost my mind lately, and have done and said some pretty silly things.

Most women at this point are just wanting the baby out, but I am actually okay with him staying put for the next 3 weeks. I just hope he doesn't suprise us and come early. I am not ready yet, and know he will be a lot more work out of the belly. I feel his movements and kicks more than ever before. He loves to put his foot and toes right in my ribs, which really hurts. I have been really good about keeping up my exercising and go about 4 to 5 times a week for at least an hour. My routine mostly consists of fast pace walking and a little bit of jogging. The weight gain has been one of the hardest parts of pregnancy for me, and I can not wait to start operation lose baby weight!!

This last month hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. Yes, I am very uncomfortable, and have completely forgotten what it is like to not be pregnant, but it really hasn't been too bad. Max has dropped and is in his proper birthing position, which is a huge relief because he was transverse until about a week ago. I only get contractions late at night, and I really haven't had too many. I have a lot of anxiety about the labor, delivery, and first 3 weeks of this little guys life. I have a few friends who just had their babies and they are really having a hard time. It is quite an adjustment. I feel so much love for Max, and want to hold and kiss him, so despite my anxieties, I am sure it will all be worth it in the end.

Want to see the cutest picture ever?

2010-10-14T09:28:00.001-07:00

Told ya! It's the cutest picture ever. My nieces and nephews look so cute in their Halloween costumes. I can't wait for Halloween next year to dress my baby Max up!!

Maternity Photo's

2010-09-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine, Jenna, offered to take maternity photo's of me for a present. She is an amazingly talented photographer, so I was beyond thrilled to have her take my pictures. She did such a great job, and I love all the colors. Here are just a few. Jenna will be sending some more, and I will post more once I get the rest of the photos. So, here I am in all my big, pregnancy glory!

These were taken when I was almost 31 weeks. (Double click to enlarge.)

Here is her link, check her out, she's amazing!
http://jennacole.com

Changes

2010-09-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

We are having a baby in 6 weeks, Holy Cow, are we ready for this? It's overwhelming to think about the changes that will be coming our way in November. It will no longer be just Dan and I. Our Saturday nights will no longer revolve around where we go out to dinner, or what movie to see. Our perfectly put together apartment will be cluttered up with toys, dirty diapers, and bottles. Dressing up and going out will be a thing of the past. But I can't help but think that even with all the endless nights of no sleep, we will never be happier or have more satisfaction than from being parents.

For many years, I struggled with the decision to become a mom. The thought of pregnancy and having a little baby was very intimidating for me. After working in the temple for several months, I couldn't stop the nagging feeling that it was time, and we needed to start thinking seriously about starting a family.

At first, I would push the thoughts out of my mind. Every Friday night would come, I would walk into the temple for my 5 hour shift, and the thoughts returned. It seemed to be what was on my mind most while working in the temple. It was amazing the changes that took place in my heart from working there. I went from being truly afraid of having a child, to realizing that having children and being a mom was one of the most important things I would do in this lifetime.

I never thought that I would experience such a strong desire to become a mother. Now that we are 6 weeks away from holding and loving our own little Max, I still have a lot of mixed feelings. Of course I am excited, but I am also very anxious to be a good mother.

I know we will make a lot of mistakes and it's easy to have all these dreams about what type of parents we want to be before having kids. I know the hardest parts are just ahead, and I will do many things I regret. But I am going to try harder at being a good mom than I have at anything else in my life. After that all I can do is just hope for really forgiving children that can easily forget everything I will do wrong.

P.S. Yeah yeah yeah for fall! It's the best time of year, and it just gets better with Christmas right around the corner too!

The People Around Us

2010-09-05T18:08:00.000-07:00

Pictured below are the people we spend the most time with. My co-workers, and Dan's group of med. school students in his rotation. We both feel very blessed to have such wonderful people around us. I absolutely love my co-workers. Many of them have become some of my closest friends. You would think with a group of women there would be a lot of drama, but I have never seen any problems or gossip going around the office. We are all like one big family.

I work with 4 women in the front of the dental office, and we call ourselves, "the nest." I work for 5 different doctors and I can honestly say it is an honor to work with them. They are all so appreciative towards their employees. If I have to leave Max to work part time, I am grateful I have awesome people to work with and respectful doctors to work for.

A fun weekend

2010-08-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

Lots of pictures below. Baby shower-

My besties who threw me a wonderful shower, Mandy, me and Angela, (minus Yissel).

Dinner at Stephan Pyles- the best meal Dan and I have ever eaten, hands down.

Dinner at Toulouse, also amazing!

This past weekend was so much fun. My mom came to visit and we had a great time. We went out to dinner, a lot, like usual. We watched Eat Pray Love, went shopping, swimming, and organized our apt to get ready for baby Max's arrival in 2 months. It was great to have my mom's help with organizing all the baby stuff. We have such a small apartment and this task was kind of overwhelming for me.

My good friends also threw me a baby shower this Saturday. Nothing means more to me than having support from family and friends in this crazy, life changing time for Dan and I. We are so grateful for the wonderful people that made this day so special.

Update

2010-08-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

This has been a busy, crazy summer. I will do a quick re-cap of the summer so far. Our good friends, the Shelly's, were in town for the month of July for an internship. It was fun to have them in town, and we enjoyed eating out a lot and just hanging out together.

I serve as the activities committee director in our ward, and for the 4th of July we did a pancake breakfast. It was fun and a lot of work.

Dan took the boards and got his board scores back in July. He did very well, and we are both very pleased with his score! I am so proud of him for all his hard work and it's great to have my husband back. Dan also was able to get a research paper published in the The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. He has been working on this for quit some time now, and it is a big accomplishment. July has been a big month for Dan.

I am still working full time and loving my job. Baby Max is getting big and I can feel him move all the time. He is a wiggly worm. I have had a few cravings through out this pregnancy. At first it was potatoes, or anything that had to do with them like potato chips, and french fries. Then it was any kind of fried foods- yeah, I tried not to indulge any of these cravings very often. Thank goodness now I only crave apples. I can eat several apples a day and never get sick of them. Apples are healthy, so I am fine with this craving!
Here I am at 27 weeks-

Better late than never

2010-07-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

How could I forget to post about the most special day we had last week? Dan's birthday! He turned 28 on Tuesday, July 13th. We had a great time celebrating. What would a celebration be without good food? And we all know Dan LOVES some good food. We went to Nick and Sam's for a delicious steak dinner, and then had cake and ice cream back at our home. I made him a cinnamon and sugar spice cake, and some banana cream pies. It was a fun day and I sure do love my sweety! I won't bore you to tears with another sentimental post, but I did just want to wish Dan a Happy Birthday, and let him know I am so glad he was born. Here is Dan with 3 of his favorite things in life, Harry Potter, eating and The Beatles.

Dan was like a little kid again, and he was loving the Harry Potter section at the FAO Schwarz toy store in New York City.

Eating donuts, one of his very favorite breakfasts.

At the John Lennon memorial in New York City.

(When Dan read this post he said, " But wait, you didn't include a picture of you. You are my most favorite thing.") Do you see why I love this man so much?!

Frugality

2010-07-10T07:01:00.001-07:00

For a long time, probably even longer than I have been thinking about having an actual child, I have been thinking about decorating a baby nursery! I know, I'm kind of obsessed with interior design. I have seen so many creative ideas my friends have done for their little one's rooms, and I have so many ideas.

But, we are still poor medical students, living in a tiny apartment, so this little guy gets to sleep in a pack-n-play, possibly even in our large walk in closet. NOT exactly the starry-eyed dream of a nursery I had always imagined, but it will have to do for now. Max won't even care at all. I'm actually quite proud of myself for the self discipline I've had for not buying or making one single decoration, lamp or even quilt for baby boy! Here are some inspirational nurseries I have looked at before, maybe I can use some of these ideas for our next baby.

Meet Max

2010-06-24T17:55:00.001-07:00

Here's our little guy's profile. We are going to name him Max. We haven't decided if he will be Maxwell or just Max.

(double click to enlarge)

Isn't he sooo cute?!

Oh what a difference 3 weeks have made

2010-06-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 19 weeks. I have really "popped" since 16 weeks! At 5'3, with a short torso, there is no where for baby to go but out. I am also really sticking my stomach out in this picture! I love my new belly and feel more and more pregnant each day.

I wanted to record some of my thoughts on this pregnancy. I have been lucky to not have to deal with many of the common symptoms that I know a lot of women struggle with. The first 3 months were a little difficult, but I very rarely had morning sickness. I was extremely tired and slept most of the time. I did get heart burn and indigestion really bad the first trimester, but this 2nd trimester has been a breeze! I have had lots of energy and not too many symptoms at all.

The first 3 month, I broke out really bad, especially on my chin. Which was not fun. I felt like a teenager again! Now it has gone away somewhat, but my skin has been more sensitive overall. My biggest daily battle since the beginning has been constant hunger. I am ALWAYS hungry! I could eat all day and night, easily, and never feel satisfied. This has been a struggle because I have never had to deal with being so starving all the time. Sometimes I feel like my days revolve around food, and I make plans around when I can eat next! I am trying to keep my eating under control, but it has not been easy. I try to eat as healthy as possible so as not to put on too many extra pregnancy pounds, (and for the baby of course), but it is a daily battle.

The weight gain is a whole other issue. Some days I do better than others. When I see the changes in my body, I am not going to lie, it has not been easy. But, I try to keep it all in perspective and stay positive. Two days ago, I took a trip to Destination Maternity and got some skinny jeans, a skirt, and some shorts. Before I was doing the old squeeze into my regular size pants and keeping them up with a rubber band trick. That got old and uncomfortable fast. I can fit into most of my pre-pregnancy tops, so I have been wearing some of those. However, I don't want to stretch them all out, so I did by some looser tops at the cheap teeny-bopper stores like Charlotte Russe and Forever 21.

I feel the baby kick and have since about 15 weeks now. He is an active little guy. He likes to kick most at night right before I fall asleep. Each little jab is a reminder of the special blessing growing inside of me. I sure do love him so much already.

Last night some friends invited me to see the Sleeping Beauty ballet. We had a great time!

IT'S A.....

2010-06-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

It's a BOY!!!!!! We are so excited and thrilled that a little baby boy will be joining our family this fall. I thought I would be disappointed, but I wasn't at all. I was so happy when the nurse said he was a boy. I cried and cried as we looked at our cute little baby on the ultrasound screen. He was wiggling around like crazy, and we know he will keep us on our toes! He was so cute! We saw him suck his thumb and his little profile is beautiful. The nurse said he is healthy, and she kept saying how BIG he is. She said he has long legs and arms, and large feet! He will be a big boy just like his daddy. I am already head over heels for this little man, and can't believe how much love I feel for him! Bring on the blue!

Gender Talk and The Bump

2010-05-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

June 2 is the magical day. That is the day we are going to find out what gender Peanut is. We can finally refer to our baby as a he or she, pick out a name, and buy some baby clothes! Knowing the sex will possibly help me feel more pregnant, and not just like I am getting fat. Everyone has been asking me if I have a preference, and I most certainly do. I feel like I shouldn't, but I do, and have for several years. Although I have a preference, when we do find out, truly, I won't be disappointed if pink and bows aren't going to be in our future for a while. We will be grateful that it is healthy, and we will love the baby no matter what! (So excited that in 10 days I will not have to call my baby "it" anymore.)

And here I am at 16 weeks. I look tired.....

Best Buds

2010-05-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

Two best buds just hanging out. Dan loves having a friend to be with while he studies for hours and hours a day.

We will all be happy once the boards are over.

A visit from Mom

2010-05-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend my mom came to visit and we had a great time. We went shopping, watched two movies, went walking, went to tea at the Adolphus hotel, went to dinner, and had a picnic. It was a wonderful weekend, and I am already missing my mom!

Us at the Ritz Carlton at Fearings restaurant. It was delicious!! Our camera's battery died, so we used my mom's camera. Her's was also low on battery so the pictures turned out terrible, but we still wanted a few even though they didn't really turn out.

Love Letter

2010-04-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

**Warning** this post is very very cheesy. (Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones, but lately I have gotten very sappy.)

Dear Dan,

Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary! Wow! 6 years already, the time sure does fly by. It seems like just yesterday we were both in high school playing the crazy dating game. A lot has happened since we first met in chemistry class my sophomore year at Lone Peak high school. We dated a few years after we first met, you went on a mission, I went to college, you came home and we were married 9 months later. It sounds so simple, but it was kind of a miracle we tied the knot on April 22, 2004. We were so different and young at that time. But I am eternally grateful everything worked out, and now we are expecting our first child together! You will be such a wonderful father.

6 years ago exactly today was the day before our wedding. I remember driving over to your house that night. We had both been busy packing all day, and finishing the last minute wedding details. I came in, and we both quickly became very pre-occupied with packing, and getting ready for the next day. All of the sudden you stopped, sat down, pulled me onto your lap and looked me in the eyes. You said, "All I want to do is make you happy. I am so glad you will be my wife tomorrow." You have patterned our marriage after this night. Life gets busy and hectic, but you never forget to wrap your arms around me, and tell me you love me and only wish for my happiness.

Thank you for adoring me. Thank you for telling me I am beautiful every day, and sometimes several times a day. You tell me I am pretty in the morning just after I have woken up, or at night after a long day when I look like a hot mess. The best part is, I totally believe you. I know you think I am beautiful, and love me for who I am. Thank you for loving me, even with all my flaws. You are my best friend, and I can't imagine life without you.

6 years ago, I was such a silly, immature girl. How did I make the most important decision of my life so wisely? Some would say good luck, but I know what is was. The man upstairs chose you for me, and now I know why. There is no way in my 21 years of age I would have been mature enough to choose such an amazing spouse. I am so glad Heavenly Father led me to you. I think you are perfect, and could go on and on with a list of things I love about you. Hopefully, I show you how much I love you enough.

Having "a song" sounds so trite, but every time I hear this song, In My Life by The Beatles, I think of you, because, in my life I have loved you more.

There are places I remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more

Love,
Your sweetie

This is how I feel everyday...

2010-04-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

Like sitting on my husbands homework.

A Good Week

2010-04-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

I wanted to note two awesome things that happened to me last week, so I can remember them forever. The first was, I opened up my first pay check from my new job, and my boss had given me a dollar raise. She highlighted the amount and wrote a note to me saying she was so glad they hired me, and I was doing a great job. What a great surprise! This was one the of nicest things a boss has ever done for me. Wow, This meant so much.

Secondly, I want to write about how the first ultrasound appointment went. Sorry if I write a lot about this pregnancy, but it's the new thing happening in our lives, and again, I want to remember everything. Wednesday morning I got up early because I was too excited to sleep. We headed over to the doctor's office and got there early, again because I couldn't wait! I filled out a bunch of paper work, and then we were called back by the assistant. I was weighed (yikes) and they took my blood pressure. Then I got to meet my doctor in his office. Dan and I both liked him a lot, he was very personable and easy to talk to. He asked me how the pregnancy was going, and I let him know I have had very little pregnancy symptoms. I was concerned because I heard morning sickness is a sign of a healthy pregnancy. The main thing I feel is extreme hunger all the time, which gets really annoying. He assured me that many women don't experience a whole lot of symptoms and everything is probably fine.

The assistant took us into a room with an ultrasound machine and my heart started to beat really fast. Of course, all the fears in the world started running through my mind...what if the baby is dead, what if it's twins, or what if something is wrong? The doctor came in, put jelly on my stomach, and started the ultrasound. Right away we saw our peanut! We also got to see the heart beat, it was so fast! Everything looked healthy and normal. We were so happy and relieved! It's amazing how these experiences with your spouse make you fall even more in love. It was a wonderful day.

The Monthly Ten

2010-04-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's general conference and Easter weekend. What a great combination! General Conference is my very favorite.

I got my hair done yesterday. I colored it all one color- a really dark brown. My hair has been growing like crazy, and it will be easier to keep up with than highlights. I love it!

I have been really good about working out the past couple months. Before, I would work out, but not very consistently. But, I am proud to say, I have been consistent about my workouts, and it has helped with all the lovely pregnancy symptoms. The best part is I am able to go outside because the weather has been so beautiful!

My new job started 2 weeks ago and I couldn't be happier with my decision to take this job. I love the girls I work with, and what I do every day. It has been such a blessing. Shorter hours, better pay, benefits, and more job responsibilities, (which I need to be satisfied at work.)

A couple days ago, I came home to flowers and a card. No special occasion, just my husband being very thoughtful and sweet. In the card, Dan wrote me the kindest letter, it meant the world to me.

I love Texas in the spring. It is so beautiful and green. Not too hot...yet. We are really able to enjoy the outdoors.

One more month until I get to see my family, niece, and nephews on our vacation to Las Vegas. Whahoo!

This month, I have really given a lot of thought to visiting teaching. I am so grateful for the girls who come to visit me every month. And I love the opportunity to get to know and serve the girls I visit every month.

On Wednesday, I have my first ultra sound, and we get to hear the heart beat for the first time. Dan and I feel like little kids waiting for Christmas to get here. Wednesday cannot get here fast enough.

Last, but not least, I have a little baby growing inside of me!!! I am going to be a mother. This realization is very exciting and so scary all at once. I want to be the best person I can be for this little one. I stress about it so much. I know mistakes will be made, but I also know the Lord is on our side.

Our first purchase for baby

2010-03-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

These are our first purchases for our little peanut! Dan and I picked out these onesies in New York, and I was so excited to be buying baby clothes. We don't plan on getting anything else until we find out the gender, (which we will definitely do the second we can...no waiting 'til baby is born to find out. I am way too impatient). I thought we could make these work for both a boy or girl. Dan had a big influence on the choices of these onesies....but I think I can add my touch to them ;)

They will both go great for a boy. For a little girl I am thinking a black skirt with black tights, and of course a black or red bow in the hair!

We have some news!!!

2010-03-14T16:22:00.001-07:00

We have some very exciting news to announce!! I am pregnant! We are expecting our first little baby in early November and I am 6 weeks along. We are absolutely thrilled! After struggling with the decision to start a family for many, many years, I am so glad to have finally calmed my fears. Now, we are over the moon with excitement to have another person join our family next fall. Every morning feels like Christmas when I wake up and remember that I am pregnant!!

Here I am at 6 weeks. I feel like I look a little more round in the middle, but not too different yet.

To Create

2010-03-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

I have been asked to decorate for the upcoming relief society meeting! We decided on a spring theme, and this is what comes to mind when I think of spring. Whenever I decorate, there is always a budget. How would it be to live in a budget free world? Sigh. I always look at the finished project and have so many things I want to add or do differently. But, here's what I got, budget and all. These are just the centerpieces for the tables, there will be more decorations on the buffet and display tables.

NYC

2010-03-08T09:29:00.001-08:00

We had a great time in New York. It was wonderful to be with family. We crammed a lot into our vacation! We took a carriage ride around Central park, went to the John Lennon memorial, saw 3 Broadway shows, went to the empire state building, rode the subway, went to the Brooklyn bridge, went to the natural history museum, shopping, went to Grand Central Station, ate, ate and ate, did LOTS of walking. Man, I am tired just thinking about it. We went non-stop for 4 days! It was so much fun and we made some great memories.

The Monthly Ten

2010-02-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

Since it's taking me a month to get around to list my top ten things I am grateful for again, I think I'll change the post title to the monthly ten.

A sister I work with on my Friday night shift at the temple gave me the most darling temple dress last night. It was so sweet and thoughtful of her. I sure do love the ladies I work with!

An amazing opportunity opened up for me yesterday. I can't say much about it yet, until next week, but it is definitely an answer to prayers especially when it comes to the whole health insurance thing. I realize this is a little vague, but I had to list it because it is going to be so great for our little family right now.

I am going to dinner tonight with a friend I want to get to know better.

I recently found out that one of my childhood friends is pregnant after years of trying. In fact, I have a couple friends who are pregnant after dealing with struggles of miscarriages and infertility. I couldn't be more happy for them to be finally blessed with their righteous desires!

New York in 4 days!!!!!

Just got my airline ticket for a trip to Las Vegas in May with my family, and niece and nephews.

Dan's boards (Medical licensing exam) will be over in T minus 3 months. Thank goodness it is almost here and we can put this stressful time behind us.

Spring is right around the corner! I love spring! Who doesn't? May is probably my favorite month, although there are a couple close contenders.

Dan and I discovered another delicious restaurant last night. It was sooo good. As you can tell, we are big into food.

Dan is going with me to a chick-flick today. Something he rarely does because he hates them so much. How did I get so lucky to have such a sweet sweetie?

Life is Good

2010-02-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, Dan and I were faced with the significant decision of where we should go to medical school. As I look back on my old blog posts, and read through that time in our lives, all those emotions come back to me like it was yesterday. I remember feeling anxiety, stress and excitement about our new adventures to come. The unknown was a little scary, and I was hoping we were making the right decision. Now that we have lived here for a while, we can honestly say that we made the best choice.

Last Saturday afternoon as Dan and I sat outside eating at a quaint Italian deli in downtown Dallas, we talked about how we know the Lord brought us here for several reasons. We feel we are exactly where we are intended to be right now. The experiences and friends we have made will be some of our sweetest memories, and cherished forever. It's reassuring to know that not only are we happy here, but that the Lord led us to where we are supposed to be.

It's crazy to think that in one year we will be going through this same process again of praying and pondering where we should go for residency, and what type of medicine Dan will specialize in. Making these life changing decisions doesn't seem as intimidating anymore because we have successfully done it before. It's comforting to know it will all work out in the end. I am glad I am finally learning how to find joy in the journey.

Home Sweet Home.

Date night

2010-02-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

I have never been one to make a big deal out of Valentines Day, but it is a nice excuse to get dressed up and go out on an extra romantic date! It's fun to celebrate a little bit. Dan definitely knows the way to my heart, he got me two of my favorite things in life, a steak dinner and a massage. But he does a great job showing his love for me every day, not just on a day designated to love. He is the best sweetie in the world!

We had a great time going to Bob's Steak and Chops. Dan got a gift card for Christmas from his parents (thanks:) and we had a great time over a great dinner.

My favorite thing to do...

2010-02-13T08:23:00.000-08:00

...is to decorate. But you already knew that. Here are some of my latest decoration projects. I love parties and decorating for parties. Just wish I had a bigger apartment to accommodate more people at once. I always come up with so many ideas, but being on a HUGE budget, I have to scale back big time. I look at the end result, and it looks so unfinished to me because I have so many more ideas to add in my mind. If that makes any sense! (Also, I am trying to figure out my camera so that I can take better quality pictures. Sometimes I feel like they come out with a yellowish tint, and not very in focus.)

Last week I was helping my friend decorate her house, and we went around to different rug stores. I bought a rug for a steal of a deal! I bargained with the owner, and got him to take $150 dollars off the original price. Much better priced than the Potter Barn rugs I have been lusting after for years.

Do You See The Resemblance?

2010-02-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

I think it's really cool that even though I am adopted, I get told all the time that I look just like my mom. Just another sign that it was meant to be.

The daily ONE

2010-01-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

Today, instead of listing the top ten reasons I am grateful, I wanted to recognize the one thing I am most grateful for. This one thing has come with a price. It's no wonder one values and appreciates what they work for the most. I am referring to my marriage with my sweet, eternal companion, Dan. Service and complete unselfishness have played a big role in cultivating this into my most cherished relationship. We have been married for almost 6 years now. Infatuation faded quickly, and we had to hold on, and build true love for one another. In the beginning, there were a lot of ups and downs. We felt whipped and lashed around every turn, trying to figure out how to live with another person. It wasn't easy, and mistakes were made along the way. We had to grow and stretch ourselves to become anxiously concerned for the others well being.

During our marriage, Dan and I have often turned to a talk by Elder F. Burton Howard that we have tried to pattern our life and relationship after. He taught that, "If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently....it becomes special because you have made it so."

After many years, and a LOT of hard work, I look at our marriage like this picture below. There still will be curves and bumps in the road, but we are allies, hand-in-hand, getting through life together as partners. Instead of working through problems with each other, we are working together to get through the challenges of mortal life. I can truly say that, "Our marriage has become special because we have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by."

I have added the talk Eternal Marriage by Elder F. Burton Howard. It's not too long and is well worth reading. (Sorry, I don't know how to make it into a link- just copy and paste it into your web browser. If anyone knows how to make it a link, let me know!)

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=b37fee9ba42fe010VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

The Daily Ten

2010-01-24T18:13:00.000-08:00

My friend, Jamie, has started to do what she calls, "the daily ten" on her blog. She basically lists ten things she is grateful for that has happened to her that day. I love the idea and thought I would give it a try. I have been trying to focus more on the positive, and this is a great reminder.

1.) Sacrament meeting was especially inspiring today.
2.) Dan and I are going to New York City in March! Hooray!
3.) Every month at work we order cookies for our patients, and this month we ordered cookies I do not like. I have lost a couple pounds from not inhaling about 3 Otis Spunkmeyer cookies a day....and Dan has noticed ;)
4.) I had 3 women at church today ask me to help them decorate their houses.
5.) Dan and I got called to be "Ma" and "Pa's" for the upcoming pioneer trek for our stake. We will be in charge of about 9 youth, helping them learn about the pioneers, and to feel the spirit as we reenact what they went through.
6.) Today I watched a few of my friends with their babies in church, and I truly felt a strong desire to start a family. Something I have been struggling with for a while.
7.) Dan cooked me dinner tonight, and spent the entire evening with me, which is very rare,(not the cooking dinner part, but the breaking away from homework to hang out with me part. He cooks dinner all the time:)
8.) There are fresh flowers on my dinning room table, and I see them every time I walk into the room. Fresh flowers are one of my favorite things in the world.
9.) I was actually ten minutes early for church this morning, something our bishopbric has asked us to do. I have yet to manage that one. I have been 5 min, even 8 min early but never ten!
10.) I was able to finish a couple crafts I have been wanting to work on.

Now you try it!

Craft Idea

2010-01-21T19:20:00.000-08:00

January is a boring month, so it's nice to fill the days with little projects to keep busy. I just finished a cute Valentine's Day wreath and wanted to share the idea. It was really easy to make. I got the idea from Little Birdie Secrets blog on my craft blog list.

Steps: Use fabric, I used two different, but very similar kinds of fabric. Cut the fabric in 2x2 squares. Put the fabric on the end of a pencil (be sure the fabric is in the center of the pencil), and then hot glue each piece of fabric on a heart shaped styrofoam wreath- which can be found at JoAnn's.

And voila! A darling, cheap v-day wreath to hang on your door!

Baby girl

2010-01-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

My twin sister is expecting her fourth child. She just found out yesterday it's going to be a girl! I am thrilled to be an aunt again, and am just as thrilled it's going to be a girl.

It has got me thinking. I want a little baby girl. I would name her Olivia, put big bows in her hair, teach her the gospel, teach her self confidence, and give her all the love my heart could hold. One day...

P.S. I would be just as happy and grateful for a boy one day as well.
P.S.S. Aren't those booties to die for?

Help!

2010-01-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

My cats are ruining our house!! I am seriously considering getting them declawed. People argue that declawing cats is very mean, but these naughty, little girls are destroying our stuff. Take a look at the curtains and leather bench, they have completely destroyed them. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my cats. Dan even tried to convince me not do another post about them. He said people will start to think I am a crazy cat lady. Oh well.

I have tried everything, clipping their nails, giving them a scratching post, nothing seems to help, and they don't take me seriously when I yell at them. Has any one declawed a cat, and is it really that mean?

(click on pictures to enlarge and see the full amount of damage.)

Do you see the half chewed mouse toy in the background?

Ahh, they are so cute, I guess I forgive them.