Ella's Birthday

She would have been two. Probably running around like crazy. Maybe even talking up a storm. Loving on her baby brother. Learning, growing, trying my patience.


We bought her new flowers. We gathered at her grave. They sung Happy Birthday (I couldn't bring myself to join in.)

They released balloons.

I hugged my boy.

Still a hard day, but a day filled with gratitude. And even some smiles.

I love my family!

Here's my dad tying a pink balloon to her gravestone.

Everyone came to show their support. I am so grateful for them.

(from left to right) Bret, his sister and mom, Little Bub and Me, my dad, and my nephews L and C. Little C brought his bubble blower to blow bubbles for Ella.

Isn't that the coolest thing?

Getting ready to release the balloons.

And off they fly!

Cute Little Bub and Grandpa.

 My mom holding Little Bub, Me photobombing the picture, and my sister holding her baby E.

Thanks for the pictures, Mom.

Little Bub and Rice Cereal

A few days after Christmas, we gave him his first taste of rice cereal, mixed with breastmilk. 

He did pretty good!

 "What's Mom doing and why is Dad taking a picture?"

"Um... okay. I guess this stuff ain't too bad."

"What? Do I have something on my face?"

 "P.S. I'm way too stinkin cute for words."

"CHOMP! Yum."

Oh those cheeks. Those cheeks!!

Our next attempt at solid food will be vegetables. But probably not for a few more weeks. Rice cereal's on the docket till then.

Updates.

Half a month since I last blogged. Busy? I suppose so. Unmotivated? You betcha.

Here's some stuff:

Our adorable, gigantic boy turned 5 months old!

 Is it just me or is the monkey getting smaller?

 Cannonball!

 Christmas was SO much fun! My favorite tradition is our Christmas Eve fajita feast and gift exchange. There was so much laughter, movie quoting, and photo-bombing.

See exhibit A:
My hilarious younger brother photo-bombing a sweet picture of my brand-new brother-in-law with one of our nieces.

Exhibit B:
My mom is just too cute.

Exhibit C:
The newlywed expresses her excitement for life in the middle of a rousing round of tortilla-cooking.

Sparklers! I smuggled a couple boxes from my sister's wedding reception. A fun activity for the kids, along with some s'mores. (Sparklers and s'mores... seriously, could this night get any better??)

Christmas Day! Little Bub's first Christmas. I can now say with much happiness that Christmas is most definitely more fun when you have kids. Even little ones.

Little Bub got a Thomas the Train toy in his stocking!

Being cute. He can now roll over and sit up with assistance.

My beautiful family, backdropped by the ASU Christmas tree. I'm wearing a "Remembering Ella" shirt. 

Little Bub taste-testing his present from Granny and Grandpa.

My SIL Brianne got a pose-able hand for artists. We got a few laughs out of this while she pretended to be "Judy" from the SNL skit of the Lawrence Whelk show. Seriously, look it up, you'll pee your pants. 

And we got my MIL a photobook of all her grandkids. I'm still patting myself on the back after this one. They both loved it. I think it will have to become a tradition.

We missed our girl especially on Christmas. But she was with us and we had a wonderful, fun day filled with great memories, laughing our heads of, and all our family.

Coming up next: Little Bub's first taste of rice cereal and Ella's birthday.

I am in shock.

Heartbroken for people whose lives are forever changed.

Angry that someone would use their agency to commit such a horrendous act of violence.

All that I know for sure is that God will take these innocent angels into his arms
    and He will judge the wicked.

For now, prayers will be offered for the families in Connecticut who have been affected by this atrocity.

You are in the thoughts and hearts of everyone in this country.

4 months

This kid, I tell you.

He is so much fun!
And SUCH a good kid. Holy cow.
We went to the doctor today. He had to get a shot. He cried for about ten seconds. Then he was fine and dandy.
Do all parents think their kids are just the amazingest?
Here are the stats:
Height: 26.75" 95th percentile
Weight: 16.2 lbs 59th percentile
Head Circ: 17" 86th percentile.
BIG boy!

And here's some cuteness:

My Thumb-sucker!

Hanging out with Dad. He was holding the bottle of water to his mouth and we thought it was cute but couldn't get a good picture of it.

Typelings post

My post on what I'm thankful for can be seen on the Typeling's blog:

http://typelingsaz.blogspot.com/2012/11/you-can-learn-lot-about-person-by.html

Head on over, hope you enjoy!

29 Reasons

why I love you

1. You took me to the temple to be married.
2. You're the father of my babies.
3. You're a fantastic father to our son on earth and to our daughter in heaven.
4. You ease my fears.
5. You make me laugh.
6. You're great at handling money
7. You've taught me how to be great (er, better than I was) at handling money too.
8. You're smart
9. You like old cars.
10. You work hard.
11. You're kind to people we come in contact with.
12. You fulfill your priesthood duties.
13. Sometimes you let me hold your hand.
14. You like movies.
15. You don't get annoyed when I quote movies.
16. You're supportive of my artistic whims.
17. You always say "thank you" for the meals I cook.
18. You take care of your possessions.
19. You put up with my emotional craziness.
20. You are good to your parents. And my parents.
21. You love the Lord.
22. You served a mission.
23. You like to plan and you're good at it.
24. You're honest.
25. You have a great bod.
26. You have a great smile.
27. You always encourage me to do the right thing.
28. You're patient.
29. You're mine.

This list wasn't hard to come up with. And I could go on and on.

Happy 29th Birthday, Bret.
It's a shame I can't ever call you "old man."