Conference Naps

I guess Austin was pretty tired during the Saturday afternoon session of Conference!

I moved him to the couch and this is how he ended up.

Zach wasn’t interested in napping in his crib but couldn’t hold out either.

The rest of us got our winks in too, but didn’t get caught on camera! 

Conference was great though and the messages were, as always, so timely, needed and inspiring.  I loved it.

My baby gained a pound in a matter of minutes.

We went to get something important yesterday.  Zach’s first set of braces.  They had taken the molds in September and we went to get them fitted and pick them up.  He also got a snazzy new pair of sneakers to wear with them.  They are made for braces, with more room inside.  When I picked him up after they were all on, he seemed much heavier. 

Okay, weighing everything later, it was only but  I think that I’m not used to much weight on his feet and it just feels different!

Here’s they are!

And the cute boy!

Spina Bifida Awareness Month

Breast Cancer is such a big thing that affects so many people and, having worked with screening for and helping women with breast cancer, I know that it is something that needs awareness and a cure needs to be found. So much media and attention is focused on Breast Cancer Awareness Month that most of us have (or had) any idea that this is also Spina Bifida Awareness Month. I never knew until last year.

I am copying this from another blog of a family with a baby with Spina Bifida. It's a good summary of what SB is. If you want more information, these are a couple of good sites:

http://www.cdc.gov/features/spinabifida/

http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/site/c.liKWL7PLLrF/b.2642323/k.8E10/Spina_Bifida.htm

You can also visit Zachary's Blog for more links, just look at the sidebar.

"An average of 8 babies every day are born with Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. There are over 60 million women in the U.S. who could become pregnant and each one is at risk of having a baby born with Spina Bifida."

"Spina bifida is a major birth defect of a baby's spine. It is one of the most common, permanently disabling birth defects in the United States. Spina bifida occurs within the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. It happens when the spine and back bones do not close all the way. When this happens, the spinal cord and back bones do not form as they should. A sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby's back. Much of the time, part of the spinal cord is in this sac and it is damaged.

Most children born with spina bifida live full lives, though they often have lifelong disabilities and need many surgeries. Some of the problems that a person born with spina bifida might face include:

• Not being able to move lower parts of their body. (Some might need to use crutches, braces, or wheelchairs to get around.)

• Loss of bowel and bladder control. (Some might wear protective clothing. Others learn new ways to empty their bladders and bowels.)

• Fluid building up and putting pressure on the brain (hydrocephalus), which needs to be fixed with an operation.

• Allergy to latex (a created material found in some rubber-type products such as balloons or hospital gloves).

All children born with spina bifida don't have the same needs. Some children have problems that are much more severe than others. Even so, with the right care, most of these children will grow up to lead full and productive lives.Learn what spina bifida is, how it can be prevented, and where to find resources for those affected."

Zach is doing great and we are so glad that he is part of our family. Here he is, Flying High!

Check these guys out!

These are from the day we put the grass in.  I went out to get some photos that evening and the boys came out.  Jaiden was only half dressed so I made him at least wrap his (now disappeared…..) blanket around him.

Strikin’ a pose

Halloween Preview and Other Ramblings

This may be a costume spoiler, but we found these at the dollar store yesterday (love it!) but the concept of waiting a month is completely foreign.  They got into them today and Jaiden keeps asking if it’s time for Trick or Treat yet.  I got pictures in case they don’t last until Halloween.  I’m mostly worried about the swords, which light up and make (slightly annoying) noises and the blade is foam.  Austin has already taken a small bite out of his tip.  They are hidden for now but I’ve got to figure out a better spot!

 

Yeah, I think I’ve got to do something to fix the helmet!                           

         No, really.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*There’s a highchair back there because I’d cut the boys hair in it (it’s the perfect height) and had cleaned it so it was drying out.  They look so much better than the orphaned ruffians they resembled yesterday.  I actually let them take the swords into Macey’s with us and they were pretty good with them.  As we were walking down one aisle though, Austin reached out, said iyah! and tapped a lady who was talking on her phone.  She started laughing and told the person on the other end that this “darling boy” just hit her with a sword.  Yes, my long-messy-haired-dirty-shirt-ice cream from Macey’s on the chin- darling boy!  They do look better with their hair cut!

Amy, I Did It!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And it was yuuuummy! 

I even referred to your blog post about baked apples!  Thanks!

A few other pics from Logan

I love Logan.  I loved it when I lived there and I love it every time I visit.  I like where we are now too, but Logan will always hold a special place in my heart. 

The colors in Sardine Canyon were just starting to change.  I’ve always thought it would be fun to stay at the Sherwood Hills Resort during peak fall colors. 

I even remember where all of the cops like to wait for speeders!

Ahh, Cache Valley.

   

I’ve always loved this house.

The Tabernacle.

The Temple.

   

More Temple.

It was a really quick trip, we just drove up and saw the baby, stopped by the temple, and came home.  We had a great time and I was really wanting to go on a road trip, so I guess that counts for one!

Baby Ava Elizabeth

Ryan and Jenna’s baby was born yesterday and we went to Logan to see her today.  She is in the NICU because she was in some distress when she was born and is needing help breathing.  So we could only see her through the window because they are being really strict about visitors with the start of flu season. 

She is so beautiful! 

The proud dad…

 

The beautiful family!

 

So cute!

 

 

She has hair!

 

Precious…

Congratulations Ryan and Jenna!

Ladies’ Retreat

We had a wonderful time and I’m ready to go back to the cabin.  Or Florida.  Or Kalamazoo.  Or Southfreaka.  Or wherever. 

We missed everyone that couldn’t make it. 

We went for a couple of really good walks.  Today some of us made it up to the water tower….

The view was gorgeous, especially with the leaves that were starting to change, like this lone redish tree.

The wildflowers were pretty.

Even the dead ones.

And the piles of firewood that were all over were really cool. 

Some logs were even hollowed out because they  have been there for a really long time.

     

Mom, Amy, Amber and I all went but we didn’t think to get a picture with all of us…

Thanks everyone for a great time!

Sleepin’ and Stuff

Sometimes the boys fall asleep in the same bed.  This happened last week and I went in to move Austin into his own bed but had to get a picture first.  And yes, Austin is in just his top and a diaper.  I couldn’t find the bottoms and didn’t want to fight them anymore….

The next morning, I left Zach in his room a little longer than normal because I was trying to do something and could hear him in there just talking and playing contentedly.  When Carlos went to get him, he told me to come and see.  This explains why he was so happy!

No, I don’t keep the box of wipes in his bed anymore….