Happy Birthday, Forrest!

Today Forrest is 24 years old!

We've been together for his last three birthdays, and it just gets more and more fun. Let's revisit the past few years...

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I was telling Diana about this birthday the other night (we were discussing how I was always convinced Forrest was going to break up with me...but that's another story ;). I had spent the day preparing a fun evening for him, and cooking a dinner. About 10 minutes before he was supposed to come over, he texted me and said he was playing basketball (or some sport like that) and that he would be over in like an hour. I was so sad! Then he felt sick for a good portion of the night. Nonetheless, it was memorable. 

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It's funny, because we celebrated his birthday in almost the exact same apartment as the year before, only this year as a married couple. We invited a bunch of people over and dined on Carolina bbq sandwiches and a delicious cake (I thought it was, at least). We also went to Texas Roadhouse the night before (his bday was on Sunday).

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This year will be lowkey. I made a cake (more on that disaster later..), we are going to go out to eat, and then pack for our giant NC/Colorado trip that is coming up. Hopefully this is his best birthday yet (especially because it's 24. Which is my favorite show). It's crazy that from the first to the third birthday we've spent together we've gone from dating, to being married, to have a baby! Crazy how much can change in a matter of just a few years...all for the better though, of course :)

I am so lucky to have Forrest as my husband and the father to Jack. He really is the sweetest person. I could go on and on about all his wonderful qualities, but I'm wanting to get this posted before we leave in a few minutes (who knows when we'll get back)! But I just want him to know how much both Forrest and I love him, and are so proud of how hard he works. We love you Forrest/Daddy :)

Search Terms

Forrest and I love looking at the stats for our blog. It's fun to see where the biggest traffic sources come from. 

However, my personal favorite section is the keywords. I seriously get a kick out of the search terms. 

Just so you can get an idea of what Google brings to our blog...here are some of the most common search terms associated with it :)

"diana bronson" or "anne le strat" or "raymond avrillier" (are these old friends of yours, Diana? ;-)

hillbilly bridal shower

hillbilly baby showers

documentary pregnant mountain girl

hillbilly laundry soap

cold mountain hillbilly girls

utah bridal shower in the mountains

hillbilly family reunions

Just so anyone that comes to our blog lookign for information on anything hillbilly related...You are probably not going to find it here. Haha! 

Mother Dear, I love you so

I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood

--Elder Russell M. Ballard 

 This year, mother's day has an even more significant meaning to me, as this is the first one that I celebrate as a mother myself. I truly believe that one of the greatest callings one can have is that of a mother, and I try to express that gratitude every day that I am able to be a mother. Each and every day is full of more joy and laughter, and I can't imagine my life any differently now. I look at the current state of the world, where being a mother is often looked down on (and, as a certain political person recently said, not considered work at all), and I think it's so sad. Jack has brought so much joy into our home since he has been born; it's amazing what a strong spirit he has. I'm so grateful he is mine. I love this quote by Sister Sheri Dew:

Motherhood is not what was left over after our Father blessed His sons with priesthood ordination. It was the most ennobling endowment He could give his daughters, a sacred trust that gave women an unparalleled role in helping His children keep their second estate. 

However, I wouldn't be where I am today without my mother. There is a pretty popular quote by Abraham Lincoln that went "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." I really believe that mother's are angels on earth, and I sure was blessed with the most incredible one. I constantly think about how grateful I am to be her daughter. As I've grown up and moved away and become a mother myself, I always think about how I just hope I can be just like my mom someday. She works so hard, gives great advice, loves to be with her family, is so honest, has a rock-solid testimony of the Gospel, and most of all, has unconditional love for her children. I wish I could be with her on Mother's Day this year, but I hope she knows how much I love her. Not only is she the best mom, but an incredible Grandmother. She was here, physically,  for both Jack and I during that first week and half, but is still there whenever we need her. She treats Forrest like he's one of her own, and that means so much to me. Thank you for all you do Mom, I don't know if you'll ever know how much I appreciate you!

Most of all, today I want to thank my baby Jack. Without him, I wouldn't be a mother. Him coming to his family has allowed me to feel more complete. I don't think I have been so completely satisfied with my life before. We needed him in our family, and in our lives. The talks at church today were given by the youth. They were so sweet as the youth, especially the young men, gave such beautiful tributes to their mothers. I hope that Jack loves me as much as those kids love their moms. We were in a sealing a few weeks ago and the sealer talked about what a scary world it is to live in and raise children, and I just started crying. I know I can't protect Jack from everything, but I just pray everyday that we will know how to raise him. I know it is is so important for me to not waiver and to be strong. I love this quote by Brigham Young, and I know there is so much truth to it:

If you, mothers, will live your religion, then in the love and fear of God teach your children constantly and thoroughly in the way of life and salvation, training them up in the way they should go, when they are old they will not depart from it. I promise you this; it is as true as the shining sun; it is an eternal truth. 

So with that, happy mother's day to all. To my mom, my mother-in-law, my sisters, and sisters-in-law; you are all incredible examples to me of what it means to be a mother. I look to you all more than you realize.

Here are some other quotes that I really like about mothers:

Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels. -- The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us. -- Sister Sheri Dew

 There is no perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be "full-time moms," at least during the most formative years of their children's lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else. --Elder Russell M. Ballard 

And I love this video; it made me cry. Whether you are a new mom, or one with many years behind you, I think you will appreciate it :)

(I think I need to remember the one in here that says "Google doesn't have children." :)

Activity Gym

I mentioned in a previous post, how the activity gym we got for Jack was the best purchase ever. The other day when he was playing under it, I decided to take a video. I know I'm just a doting parent, but I felt so much joy as I saw him. He just looked so happy. And it made me so happy. I think I am starting to understand why parents seem to go to great lengths to make their children happy :)

I think the best part is at the end :)

That's all...just a little cuteness to get you through the day :)

Jack's 2 Month Appointment

Today was Jack's 2 month appointment! We've gone about two weeks without going to the doctor up to this point...I think that's a record. 

The appointment went very well. Despite not particularly loving the doctor at the beginning of Jack's life, I love him now. He really is a good doctor and takes the time to address all of our concerns at each appointment. 

Jack had been having a hard day, so I was a bit worried about the appointment. I had gotten him to sleep just before we went, so I knew he wouldn't be too happy when I had to take off his clothes for the weight check. 

Need proof? Check this picture out. 

And I was right. He was SO not happy. It took forever to get his oxygen level because he was screaming and moving around so much, and we had to wait awhile for his heart rate to get to a regular rate after he stopped crying. I was able to get him to stop crying once we put a blanket on him and I told him he was okay (I think he trusts my voice -- even though he has no idea what I'm saying. At least, that's what I'm told). 

He did calm down for the weight check (though the height check is another story). His stats?

9 pounds 6 ounces and 22.5 inches right. Remember my guesses on his two month post? I guessed 9 1/2 pounds and 22.5 inches. How smart am I? haha. He is in the 2.5% for weight, but he went up from the 12th for height to the 26th! Yeah! His head is in the 92 percentile though...but I guess it shouldn't be too surprising, considering his parents have slightly big heads (figuratively and physically..haha. I crack myself up). So he's still a tiny guy, but he's healthy and alert and meeting all milestones on time (or in some cases, ahead of schedule!). So that's what is important.

This is him getting the height check done. He was not happy. I love his angry face though. There's no mistaking his emotions!

He finally calmed down! 

Oh JK. He didn't want the doctor to look at him! So sad. 

 I think he was really tramautized. He just stayed like this, staring at Forrest, for about five minutes as we waited for the dreaded shots. 

I was dreading those shots. I knew that it would make me sad. His little cries and jerks were heartbreaking. Luckily, they didn't last long, and he was a happy, happy boy the rest of the day. Crazy right. Can I just say -- I wish that all shots were given in liquid form like one of them was. He loved that (just like he loves his acid reflux medicine). I didn't cry when he got them...but I came pretty close. He calmed down almost as soon as I picked him down. I'm sure it didn't feel very good though. 

The doctor upped his dose of acid reflux medicine, because he appears to have it pretty badly :( Poor little guy. He also has a mild form of torticolis (I don't think I spelled it right), so we just have to move his head a few times a day. I guess him and cousin Scarlett will have some things to talk about when they meet in a few weeks!

And here is Jack a few hours after his shots. He was smiling tons before this, but then he started getting sleepy. 

Finally out for the night. 

Overall, the appointment went well. We sure love little Jack. :)

Jack: Two months

Is he already two months? I can't believe it. My heart is divided; part of me just loves seeing his little personality  come out and his increasing smiles, but part of me wants him to just be so tiny forever! One things for sure -- we are absolutely crazy about our Jack!

Month two has brought lots of smiles, a few giggles, lots and lots of cooing, and just so much joy. Jack unfortunately has acid reflux, which sets him off into a few sad moments a day, but otherwise he is always flashing his sweet little smile (did I mention his adorable dimples, as well). He makes the cutest faces, and quite often looks exactly like Forrest (though I can see me every now and then, and quite often we think he looks like Daniel and Michael).

He still is pretty tiny. Everywhere we go, people are always going "oh he is SO LITTLE!" to which I say...yes, yes I know. But then they go on about how he is the cutest baby ever, to which I whole heartedly agree. 

Month two also brought meeting more family members, gaining a little more weight, and lots of fun. He is still in all his newborn clothes (though a few are getting a little small), he should still be in newborn diapers, but I was sick of buying them and seeing the 560+ size ones I had stocked up on just sitting there, so I just decided to stick him in those, even though he looks like he is drowning in them. We will find out weight and height this next week on the 9th at his 2 month appointment, but I'm guessing about 22.5 inches and around 9.5 pounds.

His hair is as crazy as ever and we are constantly having people comment on it. It is blondish-red, which is so fun. His eyes are dark blue on the outside and light blue on the inside -- so pretty!

His favorites this month? Despite bath time being his least favorite last month, he has discovered how much he loves them! He just lays there with the sweetest face and loves to have water sprinkled on him. He still loves his binky, being swaddled, and his new activity gym. Seriously, that was the best purchase. He lays there and smiles and laughs at the little toys and lights. It makes my heart swell to see him so happy. He loves mommy and daddy. He loves to suck on anything we put near his mouth (our arms, his arms, chins, cheeks...doesn't matter. He has been known to give himself hicky's on occasion...). He loves his swing and bouncer, but especially being held. We have also given him little massages which we think he enjoys. The other night Forrest and I went on a run and took him in his stroller..he LOVED IT. Having his hair brushed.

He isn't a fan of being naked (besides being in the bath). He doesn't like having a messy diaper (who does?!)  He isn't the hugest fan of tummy time, though he will tolerate it for a few minutes. He hates when I try and brush his gums with a baby tooth brush.

Nicknames are: Baby Jack, Jacky Jack, Jack attack, sweetie baby, 

Jack sleeps for about 4-5 hours stretches at night, and then another 2-3 hours. Around 7, he doesn't want to be in his bed anymore, and loves for me to bring him into ours.

Milestones reached:

Lifting head
Rolling over (a few times! Mainly when he is on his tummy and he is upset about it)
Smiling when we smile at him, and spontaneous
Laughing
Moving himself in a circle (only a few times)
Grasping and swatting toys toys (when we give them to him; he doesn't grab them just yet)
Cooing

He is so, so sweet and we love him more and more every day! We like to take him on walks, and he has come with me to work a few times. I'm so grateful to be able to spend so much time with him. He loves for us to interact with him, and we can tell he gets sad if we aren't talking (or singing!) to him when he is awake. I think he is a little shy around lots of people, because he stops cooing and just looks around at everything, but he sure is a charmer.

We love you, baby Jack!

Blessings

Remember how a few months before Jack was born, I wrote a post about how I am absolutely determined to graduate?

Don't worry, I still am. But for awhile, I was wondering how possible that was going to be. You see, while my major is one of the shorter ones, it requires an internship. One that would require me to leave Jack for long periods of time during the first year of his life. Something I was not sure I would be able to do. 

Or so I thought. This internship is something that has been distressing me for awhile, and I just prayed and prayed for a solution that would allow me to stay with my sweet baby, but still accomplish my goal of graduating. In April, I felt like I should look at the BYU Communication's Department website for internships. I had stopped doing that, because I decided I would just put it off as long as possible (I know, probably not the smartest idea), but I figured I would see what opportunities were available. At that time, I noticed an internship that was could be done remotely...from home. I read the description, it sounded great, but I figured I wouldn't get it, so I decided to just forget about it. However, I kept thinking about it and decided I should try for it. Even then, I didn't think I would get it. 

But. I did. I was pretty surprised that I did, but what a blessing it is. Not only can I do it from home, but it is paid and is allowing me to quit my other job (even though that was very hard for me to do. I love working at the museum. Deciding to work there was one of the best decisions I made over the past year, and I was going to keep working because I could bring Jack...but it will be better for me to be able to stay home full time).

The internship is part-time and I will be writing blogs for healthcarescene.com. Last year, I decided to begin a medical transcription course (which, I am slowly, but surely, finishing), and I feel like because I had some experience with medical stuff, that helped a little bit with me getting the job. I will also write some blogs about the show, America's Got Talent. 

I am so excited though. It goes to show that things do work out and I feel like Heavenly Father is really blessing our family and me. Because I will be able to get the internship credit done, I will only have six classes left, three of which I will be taking online. So that means...I will be graduating in April of 2013..only a year late ;-) Forrest will be graduating then too :) This next year will be exciting!