The Schaefermeyer Fam!

Ali

2012-02-06T20:38:00.002-07:00

2012-02-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

Festival of Trees and Zoo lights!

2012-01-23T09:53:00.003-07:00

I am so behind! The month of December we tried to play as much as we could. I took the kids to the Festival of Trees with their cousins and Grandma Cindy. We had lots of fun looking at the trees and playing in the kids corner. Ali got her first manicure by aunt Tammy. Mas painted a ginger bread ornament, fished for a treat, made reindeer antlers, got his face painted (which had mom know it was a temporary tattoo we would have skipped that! )and made a wallet. We of course visited Santa!

Later that evening we went to the Zoo lights with Grandma Schaefermeyer. Mas loved the lights and Ali just wanted to be held. Marc's poor arms. The kids loved the merry go round and the free cookies they were giving out to Zoo members! Love Zoo member premier night! It started snowing just as we went to leave. A great day!

2012-01-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

Life with a 3 year old..

2012-01-09T14:03:00.003-07:00

Mas has decided he was done trying to potty train and went back to diapers after a terrible sinus infection. I have tried and tried to encourage him to use the toilet but he always has an excuse why he can't use it. The last few days it's been..."I'm going to fall in mom, the potty is just too big and my little potty is too small." I hope I have resolved this issue when I ordered this gem....
It's a toilet seat with two rims, one for children and one for adults. I am praying this works! I am so tired of changing 5 poopy diapers in a day! Yes 5!! Ali does 3 to 4 herself, so one less would just be blissful....Everyone keep their fingers crossed! Every time Mas needs a diaper change I remind him his new potty is coming soon! :)

This morning I had already changed 1 stinky diaper from this boy and about an hour later I could tell he had done it again. I said "Mas come give me a hug!" Thinking I could check him without noticing, he gets mad . He said "Okay mom, but don't smell me! "

He just makes me laugh all the time. He is SO smart so it frustrates me to no end that he won't use the toilet!!

Our Family!

2011-11-26T15:30:00.003-07:00

Thanks Brandon for snapping an updated picture for our wall!

Photographing two kids with one parent.....

2011-11-23T10:43:00.003-07:00

is hard! Mas looks one way, Ali looks and smiles for the camera and so this goes back and forth. I kept telling myself "You only need one photo.". They are so funny.

Ali 9 months!

2011-11-22T19:56:00.006-07:00

Ali is 9 months old. She is a busy busy girl. She is trying so hard to keep up with her brother, which just means extra trouble for me! She is crawling at full speed and has begun pulling herself up to furniture and is cruising around that as well. I think she will be walking in a months time at the rate she is going. She even dares to let go and can stand for a good 15 secs before losing her balance.
She LOVES Mason. He crawls in her crib in the mornings and they just giggle and laugh. She loves to chase him down the halls and they play hide and seek together. She has figured out who Mama and Dada is and can say both of those. She loves Marc and as soon as she hears him come through the door at night she is off like a light to the gate to stand and shake it screaming "DADA, DADA". She loves to jump. She jumps anytime anyone is holding her on their lap.
She is such a different eater than Mas. She has already enjoyed a lot of table food and she doesn't gag and choke on it like Mason did. She enjoys drinking from our glasses and gets quite mad if you aren't fast enough to share with her. She can feed herself puffs, yogurt melts, and bits of bread. She knows exactly what she wants and won't stop until she gets it.

She has two teeth, and I think she it working on 4 on the top at once. She eats anywhere from 4 to 6 ounces every 3 to 4 hours. She mostly sleeps 12 hours each night. Mostly. :)

We love Ali so much. She brings so much light to our home and we can't image life any other way!

Ali Jo 9 months
28.5 inches 90%
20.10 lbs 80%

Mason's 3!

2011-11-22T18:49:00.004-07:00

Mas turned 3 September 9th. I am a little behind getting his photos done, but we finally found a day were the weather was good and we all felt good.

Mas is a spit fire! He has quite the personality for such a little boy. We have been trying and trying to potty train this child. After all the bribery in the world he still wouldn't do it, so I threw in the towel, only to have him start training himself a week later. Such a stinker. He is still working on the potty training, but it's progress, so I will take it!

Mas makes us laugh on a constant basis. He tells me all the time after he does something he is not suppose to "But Mom it's NOT my fault!".
A few weeks ago I was in the bathroom finishing my hair. I have been rather sick since I got my gallbladder out so we haven't left the house much. He came into the bathroom with an empty milk jug. (It had some milk in it after breakfast.)
Mason: "Mom! We are out of milk! Guess we need to go to the store." Shoulder shrug.
He had dumped the rest of the milk down the drain in hopes that we would actually leave the house. I told him we aren't suppose to do that because it wastes money. Now every time I dump anything down the drain I hear, "Mom! You're wasting my money!"

He still enjoys his grilled cheese sandwiches, and warm chocolate milk every morning and night. He has found a love for ice cream cones. He loves "cinna melts" aka cinnamon rolls and anything dessert. He loves pears, strawberries, grapes and bananas. Veggies all he will eat is peas.

Mas we love you! Thank you for all the laughs and for making me feel crazy most days, but that's what 3 year old's are suppose to do right?

Mason 3 years old
38.5 inches
34 lbs.

October!

2011-10-31T20:02:00.003-06:00

October has been a fun month. It started off with our first family home evening in October to make a count down chain for Halloween. Every morning Mas ran to the chain and took off one to proudly scream "It's getting closer!".
We went to the pumpkin patch up in Farmington this year. It was nice, first it was free you just had to pay for the pumpkins and they had a little hay maze to run through. The kiddos had a good time riding around in the wagon. Mas picked both his and Ali's pumpkin. He was so funny about it. "This one is little like Ali Mom." Such a thoughtful brother. Craving pumpkins was fun. Mas didn't gag nor Ali. Ali actually started chopping away at her pumpkin top. She thought it made a good teether. Ali was a cow this year and Mas Buzz Light Year! Marc was Handy Manny, I was myself (that's pretty scary!)
Mas wasn't super big on the trick or treating idea. He went half a block and wanted to come home. He was happy watching Halloween shows and passing out the candy to the kids who came here. Funny boy. Ali went to bed at normal 7 pm. We are such partiers!!
Hope you all had a fabulous holiday! Happy Halloween!

Life is BUSY!

2011-10-19T20:55:00.003-06:00

Life is BUSY! Ali is officially crawling now, she had been doing the worm for a month, but the last few days has finally figured out the true crawl...and she is already trying to stand. Gosh this girl needs to slow down! She started on solids at 6 months and has LOVED them. She prefers food over her bottle any day. Can't say I blame the girl.

Ali in her jumper will bring a smile to your face. She jumps, laughs and screams for joy. She is quite the funny girl.

We have SO much fun during the day our nights end like this. Man I have some cute kids! Love them!

Mason turns 3!

2011-10-10T09:45:00.004-06:00

Mason turned 3! On his birthday he woke up to a new scooter! He has been waiting and waiting for this day. His cousins both have one and he rode one way back in June and was certain this is what he wanted for his birthday. It was a long wait....for everyone involved!

For his party I asked him what he wanted and showed him some ideas online. He said right away he wanted a "Construction Party". I thought for sure he would change his mind once we got to the party store, but nope.

He got lots of fun things, new bulldozers, dump trucks, airplane, new clothes, and a bubble machine. He is one lucky boy to have so many people that love him!

Here is his cake. I wasn't sure what to do so I decided I would get him decoration for his cake he could actually play with. They are perfect church size. :)

Blowing his candles out!

All the kids got construction hats, Handy Mandy fruit snacks, a dump truck, a construction note pad, and some fun stickers!

And the biggest hit of the night was the bouncy house! The weather decided to get bad like 2 hours before the party. I had already decorated the back yard, well the rain and wind riped it all down :(. The party turned out to be a hit though! Happy Birthday to my now 3 year old!

6 Months

2011-08-30T08:26:00.003-06:00

Our Sweet Ali is 6 months old now. I can't believe how the times has flied. Somedays I thought we would never survive 6 months, but we have. :) Ali has mastered rolling both ways, can sit unassisted and is eating cereal with fruit 2 times a day. She is such a happy baby, especially since we have seemed to figure out her tummy issues. She smiles all time, although she is hard to get to smile for the camera. She loves her daddy, and has become such a daddy's girl. Last night she absolutely refused her last bottle from me, it HAD to be daddy. Bedtime is her only one on one time with daddy and she knows it, such a smart girl. She loves to jump in her jump-a-roo, be on the floor and just roll to new things. Mason is learning to keep toys out of her reach on the floor or it's in her mouth. No teeth yet, but we are just waiting for their arrival. She loves to blow spit bubble and pretend sneeze. She babbles all the time and sings along to the radio in the car. We all love Ali! Such a cute chubby baby girl. Yes...I said chubby not "fat". I hate when people tell me that. I want to tell them no...you're fat. :)

6 Months
Height 26.5 inches 95%
Weight 17.12 lbs 80 %
Head 25%

Gallbladderless

2011-07-24T22:40:00.003-06:00

Yup...Gallbladderless for me. It was not a fun week 2 weeks ago. I woke up at 4 am to feed Ali and had some abdominal pain, nothing horrific, but it was there. By morning I was very nauseous. Marc went to work only for me to call him 2 hours later begging him to come home because I really felt so miserable. I thought maybe I just had to the 24 hour flu that had been going around in our area. By night I was doing even worse so I called my boss (Dr. Todd) to have him call in some IV fluid orders to the ER and once we got the kids to bed my mom came down and off we went. When I got there I had a temperature 101.3 (weird) and low blood pressure, plus super high pulse. The ER doc was rather concerned so after a lot of tests, blood and some nice drugs. He could find nothing and sent me home. I did somewhat better the next day, but still hurt in my back and tummy plus the nausea. The ER doc that saw me the night before called to check on me, I explained I felt better, no fever for over 12 hours, but still had the pain and nausea. He told me he wanted me back in the ER that night to run some further tests. Lovely. So once again we got the kids to bed and I went back in. This time a gallbladder ultrasound and some other tests. All normal. I was sent home with an IV in my arm and instructed to come back in the morning for a Hida Scan. The next morning woke up went back to the hospital and had my 2 hour test done. I got the same pain and nausea with the CCK injection, but otherwise my gallbladder was functioning at 42%. Which working for surgeons I know they don't remove it unless it is under 35% and they don't like to just remove it if you have a painful CCK injection. After speaking with Dr. Todd we decided to wait the weekend to make sure I didn't have some kind of GI bug and see how I was Monday. It was a LONG weekend. By Monday I was done with it all. I was so tired of being in pain and feeling like throwing up so I just showed up at our office to talk with Dr. Todd. We decided it was time to just remove the darn thing. So back to the ER to get admitted and wait for an OR slot. I went in around 9:30 pm on monday the 11th. The next morning when Dr. Todd came to see me he said it looked inflamed, but we needed to wait for the pathology. Pathology came back with both Chronic Cholecystic and Cholelithasis. I had stones about the size of a piece of sand all in my gallbladder. Lovely huh. Regardless...I am feeling much better now. Glad I work for some great Docs. They all took great care of me.

The 4th of July!

2011-07-24T22:30:00.004-06:00

We went to the Kaysville Parade this year for the parade and then the water parade that follows. Mason just wanted to go swimming :) The parade was way too crowded and I had pretty much had in 10 minutes upon arriving and the parade starting. There was so many people and kids, it made getting any candy risk of life or limbs. I had scratches to prove it. Once the parade was over the fun really began. I have never laughed so hard in my life. My family is hilarious! All and all this made the day great! Next year I think we will just opt for our own water fight and BBQ at home. I told Marc I can drive by in the car and throw candy at the kids. :)

Summer Fun!

2011-06-29T13:19:00.003-06:00

Warmer weather finally got to us...although I rather enjoyed the longer spring, it gets too hot too fast every year! Here is what we have been up too.

Swimming in the backyard.

Hanging out pool side

We said goodbye to our other Barbeque grill of 7 years and got a nice new grill!

Made 4th of July "Santa Cookies" aka Sugar cookies. Mas loves to help me in the kitchen

Cute Ali in her swimsuit. Sadly I will need to get her another one, this one is already too small. I wish my rolls looked this adorable in a swim suit!

Mommy moments

2011-06-26T15:28:00.003-06:00

As a Mom, we all know we run a mile a minute and 9:00 am church gets me running! It's breakfast, get the kids dressed, pack the diaper bag with treats, book and what not, get showered dresses and don't forget the tithing check, then out the door.

This morning I was lazy...like I feed Ali and laid in bed with her until 8...yeah we have 9 am church. So I ate some breakfast...fast. Marc had already feed Mas luckily, got him and Ali dressed...put Ali in her swing while I packed the diaper bag. While Marc hurried to shower I laid my church clothes out. Mason was nice enough to get my brown heels I normally wear with this particular dress. I showered, got my dress on, and was doing my hair when Marc came in with both kids and said he would go get us a seat. I HATE walking into church late and especially by myself. So I was hurrying as fast and I could humanly get ready. Finished my hair and make up brushed my teeth, slipped on my shoes and ran over to the church.

Now Ali generally eats at 9:30ish so I had the sacrament and when they dismissed the young men I got up to go feed Ali. I sat in the mothers room listening to the talk, some small talk with the other 2 moms in there, changed Ali and went back into sacrament meeting just long enough for her to get fussy and nap time. It was so noisy today I had to get back up and go walk around with her in the halls. I got her to sleep and was just sitting down as the last hymn was finishing. Well, right as I sat down I crossed my left leg over my right and thought...hm...I could have swore I put on the brown heels Mas grabbed for me...as my left shoe was black...then I looked down. I had two different colored heels on!! :) Mas did such a good job picking my heels out. One black and one brown and I didn't even notice! My face went red and I felt like an idiot. I'm not sure who had even noticed and just spared me the embarrassment of not telling me, but wow, I feel like an idiot! All and all though, my family went to church today and my sweet husband was kind enough to run home and switch my left black shoe for my brown one.

Ali's 4 months!

2011-06-22T11:04:00.003-06:00

I feel like I just posted Ali's 2 month, time is going way too fast, but alas she is now 4 months old! I love this age! She is all smiles and coos. She is very social, but she has some stranger anxiety and doesn't like it when people do the annoying baby talk really loud to her face. It makes her cry. Which I agree....it is pretty annoying sometimes. :) She talks a lot, which consist of her cooing and jabbering at the top of her lungs. I have a video on my phone. I'll get Marc to post it. She is sleeping up to 9 hours at night and doing great most of the time. She has been sick lately, so sleep has been hit and miss, but she is on the mend, so hopefully soon she will be back to her normal routine of life. She is trying so hard to roll over, but can't figure out how to get the bottom end of her to move like the top. She is a total side sleeper and loves to cuddle her blanket at night. I still am too nervous to let her have it all night, so I take it away before I go to bed. She has been in her own room since 2 months and she seems to enjoy it. She hardly cries. She will get fussy, but crying doesn't happen too often. I have to say I think she is a Mama's girl. Marc tries so hard to snuggle and love her, but she generally wants mom. Although she was very good on Father's Day and napped with him a good portion of the morning. She thinks Mason is hilarious. No one can get her to smile like Mas can. The other night Mason was jumping up and down, Ali thought this was hysterical. She had Marc and I in tears because she was laughing so hard. We had never heard her laugh like this, it was so fun for Mason and he is so proud that she loves him so much.
She went to the doctor yesterday and as always she measured big. He always jokes about her being starved to death. Marc and I just make really chubby babies. Go figure huh? She cried her whole exam (note stranger anxiety) but as soon as I picked her up she loved the doctor and cooed and smiled at him. She got 4 shots and was not a fan. She settled down pretty quick but was pretty crabby all night, poor sore legs.
Here are her new pictures! Enjoy!

Ali Jo
4 months
25.5 inches long 95% (She grew 3 inches in 2 months!)
15.6 lbs 90%
Head 15.8 inches 25% (We think this is funny, Mas was always 90%)

Thanks!

2011-05-18T18:28:00.002-06:00

Thanks for the advice ladies (Becky, Katie and Holly). The cluster feeding has gone for now. She's been eating at 5 and then again at 7 after her bath and out for the night until 3:30am. Nursing is so different from bottle feeding, but I am sure enjoying it and you are right Becky it is quite a good feeling to know you are helping them grow! :) Now that she takes a bottle and I have some milk frozen I think it's time for a much needed date night! :)

Conversations with a 2 year old

2011-05-11T09:21:00.002-06:00

M: "Mom, I want to watch a ladder"
B :" Mason, what show is a ladder?"
M: " You know...a LADDER"
B: "um...do you mean Aladdin?"
M: "That is what I said..A LADDER!"
B: " oh..sorry my bad."
M: "It's okay mom."

Gotta love it!

Nursing Advise Needed

2011-05-09T08:37:00.002-06:00

I am in need of some advise. I'm not even sure if anyone reads my blog, but here I go anyways! I am nursing Ali ( I didn't nurse Mason ) and we are almost to the 3 month mark...Hooray! She has been a great eater and things have been otherwise smooth, although I'm wondering if this is normal. On a typical day Ali will eat every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. She only nurses for like 5 minutes each side..if that..she's a fast little sucker :) But around 6 o'clock lately, she has been demanding to be feed every hour until bed time! So 6..7...8..at first I didn't know what the heck she wanted. She has ALWAYS had this fussy time from 6 to 9ish but she was only eating at 6 and then not wanting anything again until 9, but now it's this every hour thing. I decided to just feed her even if I feel like there is not much there. She eats and stays awake....eats stays awake...eats crashes....I have to nurse her rocking or bouncing her because she is so stinkin' fussy and it's all that works. She finishes around 8 and then sleeps until 10. Nurses again and then crashes until 5 am. Now...I am in no way complaining about the sleep. It's fabulous, but is this cluster feeding thing normal? Or does my milk supply seem low? She seems to be having enough wet and poopy diapers....and her weight...well she's already doubled her birth weight. So is this just her new phase she is in? How long do I let it go on? Any advise would be great...I'm new to this nursing thing. I kinda figured she is trying to train my body to make more in the evenings before her bed time...but who knows right?!

Ali's 2 months

2011-05-04T11:35:00.003-06:00

Ali is 2 months and wow it has flown by! She is a good baby and will generally sleep a 6 to 7 hour stretch for me each night. Now if I would just go to bed when she does I would get the same...but alas..I still have to get the laundry and dishes done sometime! She is growing like a weed and such a little chatter box. She loves to coo and goo at anyone that will give her attention. She LOVES Mason. All he has to do is say "Hi Ali" and she is cooing and smiles. She started to smile at around 7 weeks and hasn't stopped since. She is a smiley little squirt and I love it! She loves to be held and rocked or bounced. She like to be wrapped tight for bed and loves her cuddle blanket that Mas gave her at the hospital. We are so happy to have Ali in our home. She definitely is a perfect fit into our little crazy life! These are some pictures I snapped of her today. She's going to be a heart breaker!

Ali Jo
2 months
12.4 lbs 90%- I love the chubbiness!
22.5 inches 75%

Ali's Blessing!

2011-05-04T07:51:00.004-06:00

We blessed Ali on May 1st. Despite snow a few days before we had a rather warm and sunny day. Marc gave her a beautiful blessing and we lots of family to share it with. My mom, Grandma Cindy made her the most amazing dress! Such a treasure for Ali. Enjoy the Pictures!

Our attempt of a 4 generation picture...Sister Schaefermeyer is in Jamaica!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T08:15:00.002-06:00

We had a great Easter! We spent it with each other and just played and had fun. The Easter bunny found us and brought some fun Spring things for the kids. These pictures are out of order...one of these days I will remember how they load. Anyways, Sunday we went and saw Great Grandma Duke. She would be great great to Mason and Ali. This was her first time meeting Ali, her first great great Granddaughter! Grandma is doing so well and still remembers us all and what we are up to. I can't even remember these things!

Kids in their Sunday Clothes!

Ali with her Basket

Mason with his basket!

Coming down the stairs to see his basket. The bunny had hid eggs all over the house so he was busy picking them up, but when he saw his basket he yelled "Oh my Gosh!! That's awesome!" I don't know where he got this oh my gosh thing...but he says it ALL the time lately. Drives me nuts!

At the City Easter egg hunt!

Maybe next year he will be a little more energetic about it! :)

Update

2011-03-30T17:13:00.002-06:00

Today I took Ali for her 3rd bilirubin recheck. When the doctor came in he looked her over and said her muscle tone looked great, she was very alert and she even gave him a killer smile! He told me that IF her levels have dropped again at least 2 to 3 points he felt comfortable enough to chalk her jaundice up to it being a very exaggerated case of Breastmilk Jaundice and there was no need to repeat it and that she was healthy and no further testing was needed. I prayed her levels had dropped! We left and they called me 2 hours later with the best news! 10.8!! YEAH!! Exactly two points! We are done checking her levels. He is very confident that they will continue slowly down and return to normal all by themselves! So no need for formula and supplemental feedings! Yippee!! Thank you for everyone that sent us kind words and for your thoughts and prayers! I really felt them and have had such a calming spirit everything was going to be just fine! Thanks again!

Breast Milk Jaundice

2011-03-28T08:15:00.006-06:00

Have you heard of such a thing? I know I hadn't. It all started when Ali was 4.5 weeks old. Right when she turned 4 weeks I noticed she was sounding a little congested. I chalked it up to the newborn congestion and started using saline and the suction bulp and she was doing just fine, well 3 days later when she woke up to eat at 4 am she was super congested and nothing I did was helping. She also had a dramatic drop in her appetite and was super sleepy. So, she has 3 signs of RSV. I called the doctor and made an appointment to see the on call that day. We drive up to the doctor, thinking all they are going to do it check her oxygen level, make sure her lungs are clear and that her ears are not infected. She gets looked over and the Doctor assures us she is in no distress to make sure she is still eating, even if it's a little and keep her nose as clear as we can. Just as I was ready to pick her up and get her dressed the doctor asked. "Has she always been this jaundice?" I sat there and thought...guess she has, I hadn't really noticed. I took her in for her at 5 days old and we never rechecked her level because she was such a low risk in the hospital and at her 2 week appointment our ped didn't even say the word jaundice so I had pushed that out on my mind since she was now 4 weeks old and that shouldn't be a concern anymore. Boy was I wrong. She sent us to the hospital to have labs done.

The next day I called first thing in the morning to make sure our doctor would look at those labs and then call me back before the end of the day. Generally they call you within a few hours, but the hours ticked by and I heard nothing. At 4 pm I picked up the phone to call them again and they actually called me. Her bilirubin level was high...it was a 12? What?! It was only 9 when we left the hospital. The doctor wanted to see her tomorrow. We took her up and the doctor told us the bilirubin is divided into two numbers. The direct and indirect level. Her indirect level was still unusually high for her age. What does this mean? He started with saying metabolic disorder.....then liver disease...then liver failure...or very rare breast milk jaundice. He said she was gaining weigh too fast and to active to have a metabolic disorder and so far the levels are not an indication of disease or liver failure, but we had to watch them because if they switched...we would be going to Primary Children's Hospital. Yikes. He told us that only 2% of infants are diagnosed with breast milk jaundice and essentially what happens is the mother has an extra protein in her milk that blocks the liver from breaking down the red blood cells...thus the Jaundice. It always resolves itself, but the baby can stay jaundice for up to 10 weeks of life. Lovely.

The plan. To recheck her jaundice levels every 48 hours until they start dropping or if there is a switch in the levels.

When we left I didn't know whether to cry, laugh...what? To those of you that don't know this I didn't breast feed Mason. Between being a new mom, going back to work and some other things it just wasn't working for us and I switched him to formula. I always have felt a small amount of guilt for not keeping at it. So when we found out we were pregnant again I mentally prepared myself for breast feeding. I was going to do it this time. Ali did so good right from the start and I was so proud that her and I had come so far with breast feeding and now to learn my milk could be making her Jaundice. If her levels didn't start dropping I would need to bottle fed her for 24 to 48 hours to flush the jaundice from her system. I just wanted to laugh...cry...I can't win.

First recheck of levels. It's gone higher 14.2 now. If they don't go down at the next recheck time to wash the bottles.

Second recheck it's gone down 12.0 He gave us a free pass until this coming Wednesday. At this appointment I expressed my concern that something was seriously wrong with her. He assured me he was almost certain it was the breast milk jaundice thing. She was otherwise healthy, just yellow. He said she has been gaining an ounce of weigh a day, which is awesome and not to worry until we actually had something to worry about. Easy for him to say.
So here we are....Monday...we go back to Wednesday. I am praying her levels continue to drop and we can chalk this all up to the breast milk, but seriously...what are the odds?! All I can say...just my luck.

On a good note other than being slightly yellow, Ali is great! She was 10.8 lbs at the last recheck. Which she has gone from the 25 % in weight at birth to the 75%. Gotta love our big babies. I use to stress that Mas was over eating because we were bottle feeding him, but Ali is showing the same growth pattern. Guess we just have some chunky kids on our hands and I wouldn't have it any other way!

The Hospital

2011-03-10T08:59:00.004-07:00

Here is the story. We had set an induction date of Feb 18th, as I could get all my work done and caught up to take a week off. Induction is the way to go I have decided! We went to bed at a normal time the night before got a full nights rest...woke up, ate breakfast, loaded the car and off to the Hospital we go! We checked in at 7 am did all the fun paper work, started IV. By 9:30 they started my pitocin. I was already having contractions on my own, but they just pumped them up a bit. By 10:15 I was ready for my epidural. Ali had found a nerve in my back and was just chilling on it. Needless to say even the epidural didn't get rid of that intense pain, but at least I wasn't feeling contractions plus that pain. 10:35 my doc stopped by to break my water. We started Music and Lyrics and just hung out. Around 12 I told Marc....um..I feel pressure..like I could push. He went and got my nurse and sure enough I was ready to push. However, my doc had decided 15 minutes earlier to go to Mckay Dee to do his rounds there. My nurse called him to hurry back and told me to hold her in! Even with an epidural..oh my gosh..the pressure was intense. I started to get really uncomfortable after 20 mins and told the nurse I couldn't wait any longer. She was just about to have his associate come in when in ran my doc. He got all suited up, 4 pushes Ali was here! She was so small and perfect! She didn't cry at first which made me so nervous because Mas screamed and screamed forever. She finally made a whimper as they were getting her weighed and measured. These pics are not in order and I am too lazy to fix it! Here is some of the hospital pics though!

Mas thought it was so cool I had a phone attached to my bed lol!

The second day he came to visit he fell asleep on the way up, so we got some snuggle time and both got a much needed nap!

Ali and I!

Ms. Ali Jo

So cute and new! I love this time when they are so awake!

6 lbs 10 oz. She was 1 pound smaller then Mas.

Waiting for my epidural to kick in!

Last pregnancy pic with Ali!

Ali is doing great! At her 2 week appointment she was up to 7 lbs 11 ounces. Her ped was rather impressed with that fast of a weight gain in 2 weeks. She's a rather content baby. She only cries when hungry or just wants to be loved. Her and Mas are getting along great. He calls her Ali Jo and I love how he says it!

She's Here!

2011-02-25T13:20:00.003-07:00

Ali Jo Schaefermeyer
February 18, 2011 at 12:51 pm
6 lbs 10 ounces 20 inches

Ali arrived to us last Friday. We had scheduled an induction and it worked out so nicely for us to do so! They started my pitocin at 9, broke my water at 10:30, by 12:00 I was ready to push but my doc was MIA, so waiting and waiting...he finally arrived, 4 pushes later Ali was here! This time around was much easier to recovery then from Mason. I came home just on Ibuprofen and have been doing great...I even went into work yesterday and took Mason to Target. I know I'm crazy! She has been a great baby so far and we are all enjoying her. Mason loves her..even though his first words to us upon meeting her were "Take her back Mom." Check back for more pictures, this was all I have on the computer right now!

Marc's 31st!

2011-01-18T09:08:00.005-07:00

On Dec 25th Marc turned 31!. We had the family over for dinner and did the whole cake and ice cream deal! I don't remember who I put in charge of pictures..but this is all I have. Lame I know! I don't even have one of Marc even looking at the camera! Happy Birthday Marc!

Kangaroo Zoo and Discovery Gateway!

2011-01-17T21:36:00.004-07:00

During the Christmas and New Year Holiday we went and played! Marc didn't have any time off as we are saving it for the baby, but we still found plenty of time to go out and play together as a family of 3! First Kangaroo Zoo! Mas really enjoyed this place! My brother Brett got us a family punch pass, it's awesome!

Discovery Gateway!

Baby Girls Room

2011-01-17T21:28:00.004-07:00

At 35 weeks her room is ready, just need to finish by cleaning the carpets and wiping down the blinds, that's Saturdays project! Here is her room! I painted it a light pink and Marc hung bead board for me, which I painted just white. I love how it came out!

The Nursery!

Her Bedding and her blankets I still need to wash!

The Crib

Changing Table and Shelves!

Closet!

We have diapers, clothes are washed and hung, her hospital bag is packed. We are on our way!

Christmas!

2011-01-17T21:15:00.003-07:00

Christmas was so much fun this year! It's always fun, but with a child that understands it's amazingly fun! Mason woke up at normal 7:30am time and we laid in bed and watched a Christmas show while he drank his normal morning chocolate milk then he remembered Santa came! So we raced to change his diaper and run downstairs to see what the nice old man left this boy!

SO excited!

He Brought his buzz light year he wanted!

A cars mat with new car toys!

New movies to watch, Shrek 3 and 4, and Toy Story 3!

The haul! He got Bullseye, new shoes, Elmo slippers, bath time markers, new sheets for his big boy bed, socks, a magnet doodle board, a Handy Manny Hat (Grandpa Carl and Grandma Cindy got him a Handy Manny tool set with flicker to go along with it ), and a Toy Story Magnet book! Phew!! He was such a good boy this year! :)

Christmas Eve!

2011-01-17T20:51:00.003-07:00

I am a little behind so lets get started! Christmas eve we stayed home all day! It was great! We just played around all day and then made sugar cookies for Santa. Mason LOVED..and I mean LOVED making cookies this year. He was very independent when it came to cut out the "shapes" and made a mess, but it was worth the smile that he had on his face the whole time! He still asks to make "sugar cookies for Santa" on a daily basis! We had my parents down for cheesy potato soup and breadsticks, then finished the night with decorating cookies and singing Christmas songs!

Flour everywhere, he refused help!

Decorating!

Opening his Christmas Eve jammies and books.

Leading us all in Jingle Bells!

Big Boy Bed!

2010-12-30T08:22:00.004-07:00

Mason got a big boy bed!! We tried to move him to a bed a few months ago and it just wasn't working. He would wake up at 3 or 4 am and would refuse to go back to bed until 6 and then would crash again. It was messing up our schedule and I just couldn't handle it lol. So back to the crib he went.
I have been talking to him about big boy beds since. He would ask sometimes "Go down stairs and get big boy bed?" My reply. "Not until you can stay in it all night long and wake up at normal wake up time." He would just say "okay mom." lol.
On Christmas morning we opened everything and Marc and I had given him a pair of big boy sheets that were Toy Story in hopes to get him excited about going to his bed soon. Well...all day I would say.."Mas what did Santa bring you?" Mason..."A big boy bed!" Um....he did?! We decided to give it a try. I had him help me put his new sheets in the wash, he got to dump the soap and push the start button. He had to take one last nap in his crib. I cried when I went in to check on him during nap time. He is getting way too big! After nap time, it was the first thing he asked about. We started taking the crib down and I asked him if sister could have his crib. He was very excited about that idea.
We got his bed all set up and he wanted to lay in it right away. He told us to leave and shut the door. He laid there for good 45 minutes before he came out with a big smile on his face.
He has done well in his bed this time around. The first night he woke up at 4, but I was able to walk him back to his bed and he went back to sleep with no argument. The next night he slept until 5, but went back to bed when asked. Yesterday he slept until 7:30. He came into our room and proudly announced "I stay in my bed all night!" Today I woke up at 7 to find him in the living room watching Monsters Inc. He had turned on the TV and started a movie. I'm pretty sure he must have woken up at 6:30 from the time played on the DVD player lol.
So I officially have a big boy. It makes me sad and happy and all the other emotions one can feel. He is talking up a storm and it's so fun to hear the things he can put together. I really have to watch what I say around him now. He tends to pick up on everything! :)

Part of my nesting was to finish rooms to the end! Which meant new organizers!

Hanging these letters I have had done forever!!

Making, hanging, and painting these shelves! (I have kept Marc busy..although I did all the painting )

The New Big Boy Bed!

Mason had to show off his bed!

Ready for nap time..yes he has to sleep with all these plush toys....Bullseye, Woody, Buzz, Rex, Handy Manny, and Elmo! Oh and don't forget his water! Love this kid!

Graduation!

2010-12-14T15:14:00.003-07:00

Marc graduated with his Bachelors in Computer Science/Software Engineering on December 10th from Weber State. We are so proud of him! Marc started going to school when we first got married and has been going part time and working full time. It's been a long long haul, but now that he is done I couldn't be more proud! He is such a great husband and exceptional daddy! I am so glad he is done and it's been nice that he is home by 5:30 and stays home..no rushing through dinner, or dinners alone, no more homework that pulls him away from Mas and I. What a relief and just in time for baby girl to be here in February! Congrats Marc! We love you!!

Urgh I am so pregnant! Cute boys though!

What Mas did through the ceremony. He was very good considering it was his nap time!

My cheesy boys! Love them!

Thanksgiving and everything else lately

2010-12-02T08:20:00.003-07:00

Thanksgiving was great! So great...I forgot to take pictures. We went to my parents house this year. It was the inlaws turn this year in my family, so my siblings went other places, but my mom was kind enough to host my family and I since Marc's parent our a little farther away this year. :) We had all the best food ever! Which tasted SO yummy!

This year I have LOTS to be thankful for. First and for most, my family! I am so grateful for Marc and all that he does for us! He has been going to school at nights and will be graduating this winter with his bachelors! I am so proud of him and his hardwork. He is the love on my life and I'm so glad we get time and eternity together. Next..the other man in my life, Mason. What a kid! He is such a sweet heart and melts me everyday with his kisses and hugs. He is my best pal and I love being with him all day! Love you Mason. I am grateful for this little girl growing in my belly. She may not have a name yet, but we love her just the same. She already knows he brothers voice and kicks like crazy whenever he talks around her. I'm sure they will be great friends. I'm grateful for my mom and dad. They do so much for Marc and I. Free babysitting..dinners, you name it. They are always the first ones to step in when I am feeling sick or just tired and I love them and appreciate them so much! I'm grateful for my job. Although I grumble and complain about working, I truly am grateful I can work mainly from home and be here with my little guy and still bring home some money for us. I have 2 great bosses and couldn't ask for anything better. I'm grateful for the gospel in my life, and for what our Savior has done for me. I'm grateful for my warm house, the food that is in my cabinets, and the clothes (although old and never in style ;) ) I have them to wear and keep me warm. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Update on Baby girl.

I went to the doctor yesterday and she looks "Perfect". His words, not mine...I just agree. :) She moves a lot which is fun to see her move on the ultrasounds and show Marc...see she doesn't sit still! He said she is already head down, but she could decide to flip, which I'm hoping she just stays down, makes things so much easier. She is really really low. I have been thinking this for awhile. I remember Mason already being in my ribs at this point and she is no where near them unless I am sitting. Which I am grateful for, by my back is already having some minor aches and pains. I started my every 2 week appointments, which makes it feel like she is right around the corner, which makes me nervous and excited all in one. So we are doing good! I am just looking like I could play the roll of Santa this year, but oh well, it's all for good measure right? We got her room done and painted. I will post pictures, once I get everything cleaned up!

My little Stinker and Smartie Pants!

2010-11-12T16:42:00.004-07:00

Our morning started out like this....Mason found my lip gloss in my purse while I was on the phone helping a patient......

Almost got it on his lips....

Then we moved onto coloring. He asked me for his "color crayons" and his "Grover book" (It's a sesame street coloring book with Grover riding a bike on the front.) He was coloring for a few moments when he got super excited and yelled "Mom, I drew circle!" I walked over to see and sure enough! There was a circle! He is so smart, even if he can't put on lip gloss...but as a boy..I'm not to worried about the lip gloss thing :)

Mason's 2!

2010-11-01T18:42:00.003-06:00

Mason turned 2 back in Sept, but I finally got around to do his pictures to mark the event. First of all this boy is my life! He is such a handsome little guy and has such an awesome personality. He is my little buddy and I love that I get to spend every day with him! He has grown so much since 18 months. I can't believe it. He talks sooo much and it's so fun to hear him put things together with the silly things he has learned to say. He is the most polite little thing. Always saying "Excuse me", "I'm sorry", or "Bless you" when you sneeze. He is so cute to tell me he loves me in the mornings and at night. His new thing is to tell me "I tired Mom." or "Lets go home." when we are out and about doing things. He knows all his basic shapes and colors. He can count to 8 and knows the ABC's to K without help! He loves cheese sandwiches (grilled cheese), fries with ketchup, and raspberry shakes. I could go on and on, but I'll just let you look at this adorable pictures I was able to get of him!

Mason 2 years
35.5 inches - 80%
27.6 pounds- 45%

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T16:57:00.002-06:00

From the Cutest Monster Ever!!
Big Shout out to Aunt Breann for making his very cute outfit! He loves it and the best, he can wear it all year long!

Carving Pumpkins!

2010-10-27T21:46:00.003-06:00

Mas and I carved pumpkins last night. Last year Mason gagged at the feel and smell of the pumpkins, so I was a little worried this year would be no different. However, he was really into it! He loved the "punks" as he calls them and helped me with his pumpkin the whole time! We are sad Daddy is in school all the time and misses these fun activities. I would have waited for the weekend, but alas...he has an over-nighter with the Scouts. I can never win! :)

The Pumpkin Patch!

2010-10-17T09:06:00.005-06:00

We decided to try a pumpkin patch this year! I have never been to one and wow! We had fun! Mason was very excited about getting to pick a "Punk" and ride the Tractor. So away we went to Black Island Farms in Syracuse!

Me with my perfect Pumpkin!

Mason with his "Punk". He raised his hand and everything when he was ready.

Our cute family on our way out to the Pumpkin Patch! Mason loved this part. He was so excited! Although this picture doesn't show that.

Mas on the Tractor

Mas running around while we waited for our hayride. He has a obsession with keys and what they will turn on. He always is carrying some keys. He asks me all the time "Mom...where's Mason's keys? " or "Mom, Got Mason's keys. Me drive."

Going down the slide!

Daddy and Mas in the corn maze. We let him tell us where to go...He did surprisingly well!

On the Cow Train! We were nervous he was going to get bored and stand up, but he stayed!

On the big slide with Dad.

Our very cute 2 year old!!

Growing Belly

2010-10-15T14:20:00.003-06:00

Baby girl seems to be growing very nicely...my growing belly seems to prove that. We were a lot better about getting pictures done with Mason in my belly then this time around...already failing at the second child thing! We missed week 16, we were in Jamaica...I do have a picture of me in my swimsuit standing...but that's not for the blog! So here is a 20 weeks picture pregnant with Mason and pregnant with little girl...if you have names let me know...we are clueless thing time around.

Mason

Baby Girl....yes I was about to go to bed when Marc would not let me go to sleep until we did this picture. :)

So what do you think? Bigger? Smaller? I think it looks pretty darn even...Mas might have been a bit higher...but we will see!

Jamaica!

2010-09-28T08:54:00.004-06:00

Jamaica was a lot of fun! It was very relaxing and a vacation our whole family needed, just to do whatever and lay on the beach all day. Perfect right?!

These are called the Dunns River Falls. It's a nature River that has created these beautiful falls. You walked down the river bed to the bottom and then you climb up them. They wouldn't let me climb since I am pregnant so I walked along side and took pictures. It was beautiful.

At the Top. The guide told me to get in and pretend like I had climbed. The water was so cold!

On our big driving day we saw some very pretty scenery. This area is called Ferngully and I'm sure you can see why. Beautifully green and lots of Ferns! Then the camera died...sorry!

Mas with his new Guitar that Grandma and Grandpa Schaefermeyer bought him for his birthday! He LOVES guitars right now, so he was very excited!

Mas and I in the car on our 5 hour Sunday drive around the Island. Proud to say I didn't get car sick! :)

Grandpa Theron and Mas going down the slide at our resort! They had the greatest water park for people with kids. It was heaven for everyone!

Mason's first experience with sand, and he loved it! We got him a sandcastle building set and he would play and play.

First dip in the Ocean! I think his face says it all! He loves water!

We got Mas these little floaties before we left since we knew we were going to be around water all week long. By the second day he was floating all by himself and would just cry when it was time to eat or nap time as he had to get out of the pool. He would call it his "Shark". We were glad he enjoyed the water so much, because it was hot and humid!

Marc and Mas in the kid pool!

All and all it was a very successful trip! Mas was great on all flights, we got many compliments. He had a awesome birthday, not sure how we will top it next year, good thing he won't remember :). Thanks to Elder and Sister Schaefermeyer for hosting us, showing us around the Island and letting us see a little of your work! We enjoyed seeing you and miss you already!

Just when you think you know what you are doing...

2010-09-26T09:50:00.004-06:00

I've learned a lot being a parent...the greatest lesson...I have no idea what I am doing and no one else does either. We all just make it up as situations arise. When Mas was first born we had....a rough start to say the least. I have never been one that does well with little sleep. Ask anyone who really knows me. I was the kid that stayed home on the weekends to go to bed, and when Marc and I were dating our dates generally had to end at 10 so I could go home and sleep. I LOVE my sleep.

Now..when Mas came home he was great for 2 days...then all hell broke lose. I had this crying baby that wanted to eat ALL the time! It was terrible! Everything I tried just didn't work. I cried to his doctor, I cried to Marc, I cried to anyone who would listen to me. I was nursing all the time and quite literally could not leave my house. I felt like a caged animal. As Mas got to be a month, and for my sanity reasons I started giving him bottles for formula to just get myself through the days. I was a wreck. I even took myself to the doctor thinking I had postpartum depression, which he was very nice and kind to inform me I was just tired...and stressed and needed some much needed sleep.

When I finally reached out to another doctor about Mason, a little over his 2 month mark, I had gone completely to formula, as I was going back to work and with the all day marathon eating I wasn't able to pump to even come close to "saving up" for work days, it was just all too overwhelming. When I meet with this doctor I gave him a journal that I had started to keep of Mason's eating and behaviors. He would gag out of nowhere, spit up was rare when it happened and shortly after he would scream, cry, arch his back and nothing would console him until he was feed. This happened all day long every day every hour and a half, like clock work. The doctor asked me what I thought was going on. I said I really believe he has silent reflux. He looked at me and said..."I think you hit the nail on the head, why hasn't he been treated? " I literally cried. My first doctor wouldn't treat him unless he has an EGD and I thought Mason was way too young for that..honestly! This doctor gave me a prescription just to try and see how it worked out. 3 days later I had an awesome baby! He ate every 3 hours, and best of all the slept! I became a somewhat normal person after I got sleep back and could actually function like getting a shower and such during the day.

We have still had to learn other things as well. Mason had lots of ear infections. He had at have tubes at 7 months, but it became a science to me when he had one. I could tell down to the day he had one. Marc was and is always amazed at this ability. One of those parent things I guess. Teething...lets not get into that one. Mas has never done anything a parenting book has said. The reason they went in the trash can when he was a month old! :) Best thing I ever did!

As Mason has gotten older, it has gone a little easier in the fact with sickness and ears. He can tell me, "Mom ear hurt." "Mom mouth ouchie" so on a so forth. Now, the most resent thing in our life. We changed Mas to a bed. So exciting right...wrong. I loved Mas in his crib. He never climbed out, he went to bed fine and ALWAYS slept until 7-730am. Now...He he still goes to bed great but wakes up at 5! URGH! Yes, I am still getting sleep, but being pregnant this time around sleep has been a little harder to come by. I slept great pregnant with Mas, but this baby...not so much. Insomnia has taken over my body. Mason's 5 am wake up calls are so early and he refuses to go back to bed no matter what I try. So..back to square one. I know nothing about being a parent and just when I think I "get it", Mason kindly reminds me I will never get it down.

We will just see what the next little one brings....yikes.

Mason's 2!

2010-09-24T13:29:00.003-06:00

Mas turned 2 Sept 9th! He had a very fun birthday that started off by flying to Jamaica! He was such a good boy the 2 flights and was spoiled the whole way down with new toys for the plane! We did his party after we got back on the 19th with the family! Here are some pics of the party! I'll get our Jamaica trip one of these days! ;)

The CUTE sweatshirt Aunt Breann made him! It's a monster! He loves it!

A Buzz Lightyear to go with the Woody doll that Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Carl gave him on his birthday in Jamaica. The first thing he said to me when he opened Woody in Jamaica was."Where's Buzz Mom?". When he opened Buzz..."Where's Woody Mom?." He was so happy to have them together!

This is a Rockin' Elmo Mas loves!! It was a retired toy that my mom has and I about cried (yes I am hormonal ) when I saw it in Toys R Us as a retro toy! He loves it! Elmo plays the guitar and sings and Mas dances and dances and plays his guitar too. It went along great with the Elmo themed party too!

Me posing with my master piece of a cake! Okay it's not perfect, but Mas could tell who it was haha!

"Happy Birthday to you!" He still sings it to himself anytime he gets something resembling a piece of cake!
We Love this boy and we are so glad he is ours! He makes us laugh on a daily basis with the things he says and does! Happy Birthday Mason!!

It's a.........

2010-09-17T08:46:00.004-06:00

So far signs are showing Girl! We will confirm on Oct 6th, but for now we are super excited and I am holding off on the shopping until we get a good long look. This one needs to learn to hold still for a minute!

What does his shirt say?!

2010-08-10T19:58:00.004-06:00

That's right! Mason is going to be a BIG BROTHER!! We are excited to announce we will be adding a new little one to our home sometime around February 23, 2011. Doesn't that sound forever away?

So far things have been going rather well, I was very sick at first, I was sick with Mas, but it was just in the mornings, this one was ALL day! (Reason I have been MIA) It was miserable, but it only lasted until the 9th week and then just disappeared. I hope it stays away. I have already been feeling little pops and flutters from this baby, it moves a ton, which we saw today on the ultrasound. Everything looks to be growing and developing fine and as along as it stays that way we will find out what we are having Sept 7th, two days before Mas turns 2! Marc is certain it's a girl, I guess soon enough we will know :)

Mason and his Grandpa Carl!

2010-08-04T09:34:00.003-06:00

Mason is really into motorcycles right now, which means he LOVES Grandpa Carl's Harley! He always asks for Grandpa's motorcycle so when I came across a Fisher Price Harley on KSL that worked for $30.00....I couldn't pass it up! He loves it and it's been super fun to see him trying to figure out the whole riding an electronic toy.

Trying on the helmet

His cool new toy!

Grandpa Carl and Mason on their hogs! :)

My life lately.......

2010-07-26T19:14:00.001-06:00

Mason wants to watch this a million times everyday! He always brings me the remote to the DVR and is wearing his jungle hat like the guy in the video "Dungle Room, Please Mom!"

Jungle Room by Imagination Movers

Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T14:07:00.004-06:00

Today we spent the morning at the Zoo! Mas LOVED it! The last time we went was on his 1st b-day, so it's amazing the difference just a few months made. He knew most of the animals and the noises they make. He loved watching the monkeys and jumped up and down and yelled "Oh, Oh, AH, AH" It was a fun morning!

Can you tell he loved this?

This one was on his 1st Bday!

Now, almost 21 months, just 8.5 months later :)

We watched the Tiger enjoy his lunch

Mason watching the Giraffe's!

Watching the Elephants with Daddy!

All of us on the Train!!

Gosh, as I post this I realized I'm wearing the almost exact same outfit that I wore the last time I went to the Zoo...wow, that's sad! haha

Swim, Swim, Swim

2010-05-12T16:35:00.012-06:00

Mas and I did swim lessons at the Rec Center. It was super fun! Mas loved it, he got much more comfortable in the water and learned lots of new things. Here are some pictures of our last lesson that was today. Marc was kind enough to take the morning off of work to come and take pictures for us and also to get our new DISH NETWORK installed. Can you tell I am excited? Sad, I get so excited over cable, but hey I get bored being home all day and night! Anyways.....swim!

Swimming in the river.

Mason's favorite game, to throw the ball up the slide. He asks "Where'd it go?" and then laughs so hard when it comes back down!

Mason knows how to count to 3. 1-2-3!

Playing wheels on the bus

Blowing bubbles

Floating on his back. We sing either the ABC's or Twinkle Twinkle little star. He knows most of both. ABC's goes like this..."A,B, C,D's.......R......now I know....A,B,C's...sing with me" So cute!

"Motor boat, Motor boat, Step on the Gas!"

Cutest little boy ever!

So proud of himself!

Driving for rings

He got 2! ha, ha, ha! Mason laughs after you say 2, like the Count from Sesame Street, it's hilarious! I'll get video someday!

What we have been up to....

2010-05-06T20:36:00.005-06:00

cleaning up Mason after he finds some white paint that I left on the table. He unscrewed the top and dumped it all over him and my carpet. Shout out to my handy hand held deep cleaner for getting paint out of my carpet.

Or this...... Mason found my bathroom door was open and got into my make-up.

I promise I do watch him. Don't call social services. :)

Happy Easter!

2010-04-06T12:36:00.004-06:00

Our Easter week wasn't the best. The Thursday before, Mason woke up with that horrible seal barking cough, aka croup, and by the mid afternoon was running a fever. I couldn't get over how I put him to bed fine and he woke up like this! It just got worst from there, so first thing Friday morning after a long night, sleeping in the lazy boy with the cold mist humidifier and cleaning up throw up, I called the doctor for him to be seen Friday after noon. When we got there, they had to give him a shot of steroids, and then they gave us a RX for 3 more days of this oral kind. This was no picnic, it tastes horrible, yes I tasted it to see what I was up against. Mason hated it!! He would gag and almost throw up and then on the 3rd day he did just that, so I took him back into the doctor because he wasn't doing much better, and still wasn't eating anything. Come to find out, he now has an ear infection along with the croup, lovely. So we started antibiotics yesterday, he fevered all night, but this morning seems to be doing much better, so I am praying he does. We had to cancel most of our plans that we had with family, as he was highly contagious and I wouldn't wish this upon anyone.
Sunday was my dad's birthday so Marc and I took turns going up to my parents, so we could at least see the family. We still dyed Easter eggs, made sugar cookies and the Easter bunny found us. We got to enjoy Conference in our jammies, and just sit with each other.

His cheeks go so red when he gets a fever

He tried to eat it!

Mason LOVES his blankets!

Mason's basket the Easter Bunny left!

First Nursery Day!

2010-03-28T16:20:00.002-06:00

March 21st was Mason's first time in nursery. He should have gone the week before, but we still were getting over some sniffles. We snapped some pictures before we went to Church. I was nervous he was going to be so upset, because I am home with him all day and he only goes to my mom's to be watched, but nope. He didn't even shed a tear, he happily waved goodbye and went to play with the toys. I was so proud of my little guy. I don't know what to do with myself in my meetings anymore. :)

He doesn't hold still very long!

My First Day of Nursery!!

2010-03-24T20:03:00.003-06:00

Never mind that I had just fed him lunch, I guess he didn't eat enough. I found Mason with the package of hot dog buns that he got off of the kitchen counter. I'm not even sure how he got them, but he had taken a bite out of every bun in the bag. Can you tell I have my hands full? :)

Yummy Girl Scout Cookies!

2010-03-21T09:14:00.002-06:00

Mas likes Tagalongs....Can you tell? Nothing better than chocolate and peanut butter!

18 months

2010-03-15T07:22:00.005-06:00

Mason is now 18 months old. He truly is so smart! He can says lots of word: puppy, piper, mommy, daddy, grandpa, brett, sky, bre, Michelle, cow, milk, juice, please, thank you, cracker, no, yucky, chips, cookie, baby, bread, yogurt, hello, hi, keys, binky, shoe, hat, sock, bed, blue, think, and night night. He can make these animal noises: dog, cat, duck, roaster, cow, elephant, monkey, sheep, lion, bear, and snake. He is running every where and has developed a love for climbing right now. He is eating mostly table food now, but one stage 3 baby food at dinner time. He loves his "chips". We have cut his binky time to naps and bed time, which he has done great with. I think I was more dependent on it then he was. He cut his bottom 2 molars, but we are still waiting on the tops. He has found a love for anything electronic and amazes Marc and I with the things he knows how to do, like change a movie out of the DVD player, or unlock Grandpa's ipod and start the ipod on it. He goes to work with me when I'm not at home and he always finds a stethoscope and puts it around his neck. Just like a true doctor. It's super cute. I'll have to take my camera and get a picture one day. He loves "Blue's Clues" and dances and sings along to the songs. He is looking more and more like his daddy, and growing so big every day! We love you Mason. Thank you for keeping us on our toes, and for the loves and smiles you give us everyday day!

Mason 18 months
34 inches
25.11 Lbs

95th % Height
50% Weight

Random Times with Mason

2010-03-14T10:19:00.005-06:00

Mason loves homemade Oreo cookies!

Outside on a warmer day.....I can't wait for Spring weather!

This is what happens if we leave our chairs out, he climbs on the table. This time he found a camera

Mason loves anything electronic (Marc's kid) His new love is my ipod, he knows how to unlock it and switch songs. He dances to the music, and tries to sing along. Too cute!

Mason's hair after a nap, it was getting too long and it was time to say good bye to his long hair. Grandma Cindy cut it last night for us. He looks so grown up! More to come when I post his 18 month update!

New Addition.......

2010-03-14T10:04:00.003-06:00

Now, don't get all excited it's not a baby but we got a puppy! Her name is Piper, she is a border collie blue heeler mix. She has been pretty good so far, lots of chewing, which she is a puppy, but she's having a hard time remember her toys she can chew and not my dinner room chairs, or our shoes. She loves to be outside on a warm sunny day and just lay in the sun. Mason has enjoyed her and every morning he wakes up to say "Piper". She already can, "sit", "lay down," and "shake" on command. I am trying to get her to walk on a leash, but she won't....not sure what that is all about. It hasn't been warm enough to work on it outside a lot, so we have been trying in the house. It's hilarious, she will be running and jumping around but as soon as you put that leash on..the breaks come on. Too funny. She will get it soon enough I am sure.

My new Shirt!

2010-02-21T15:32:00.004-07:00

Thanks Grandma Cindy for my cute new shirt!! It fits perfect!

My cute lunch date!

2010-02-16T12:11:00.002-07:00

This is my cute lunch date everyday! I love this time of the day, not much is said, but it's just time we get to sit, eat and look at each other. He is getting to be such a big boy. He is really in the PB & J's right now, and "chips" which are freeze dried apples or pears, the ones you get at Costco. I know they aren't chips, but he loves them and won't start eating unless he has his "juice", and "chips".

Happy 25th Birthday to Me!

2010-02-16T10:07:00.004-07:00

My birthday was on the 13th. I was just spoiled! To start if off my mom was awesome! She watched Mas for us the night of the 13th so Marc and I could go to a movie and then dinner! It was great to just have some alone time again, we need to do that more often. On the 14th, yes Valentine's Day my mom was once again awesome and had us and some family up for dinner and a small party with cake and ice cream! How come the food is so much better when you don't have to make it? haha! Marc and Mas gave me a Wii, they got my carpets cleaned, and a fun Lily to plant out side! My parents gave me an awesome new green leather purse which I love and the fun new sign pictured above. Marc's parents gave me a Wii fit to go with my new Wii. I played it last night, lets just say I'm sore and my Wii fit age is 28, crap, I'm out of shape! It was a great few days. Thanks to my wonderful family, for all the cards, the phone calls, and everything else. I wouldn't be who I was today if I didn't have my wonderful parents, and everyone else! Love you all!

Our Wednesdays!

2010-02-10T12:45:00.006-07:00

Wednesday's I have set aside as my cleaning day. It's the day Mason and I stay in our Pj's usually until after nap time while I clean the bathrooms, mop and vacuum the floors. I see no point in showering just to scrub toilets haha! Well, Mas is rather use to this day and knows that it's the day mom cleans and he just follows me around or plays in his room. We ate our lunch at normal 12:00 and then I went to go back to getting the vacuuming done before nap time, which usually is around 1. I stopped to come check on him before I started on the basement and found him laying on our bed like this watching TV.

I thought Oh that's cute I'll take a picture. I told him I would be back in 10 minutes for nap time. We always cuddle and watching Little Einsteins together which he usually falls asleep and then I just put him in his bed and go back to the things needing to get done. I came back after I had finished the basement and found Mas like this......

Sound asleep! Little Einsteins had started and apparently he was ready for his nap. Guess he knows the routine huh? Love this little dude!

Where has my chubby baby gone?

2010-02-07T09:05:00.005-07:00

I realized this morning just how much my little baby is becoming such a little guy! Not only is he running around all over but every morning he wakes up with a list of new words! He officially has ditched his bottles and now only wants his sippy cup. He is growing at such a rapid rate it brings tears to my eyes. I'm glad he still loves to cuddle with me and loves to give his Mama kisses. He is such a sweetie!

Reflection

2010-02-03T09:28:00.006-07:00

As I reflect on these past 3 weeks of my resolution it has gone very well. I have made dinner for 3 weeks in a row every night for my family. There truly is a different feeling in our home and it's nice to know we just get time together as our little family every night. Mason is learning how to use his utensils, and he loves to eat his food off his plate. He also now says "Amen" and the end of pray. It's been fun to see the changes in that. He also loves to help me set the table and it very good about getting in his seat when asked.
Marc and I have enjoyed the time to just talk about what the day brought for both of us and events that are upcoming and such.

I can't believe the savings we are having too when it comes to cooking at home all week. Not that I didn't cook and we ate out a lot before, but actually having a planned menu for a week and sticking too it, means no more multiple trips to the store where I bought more than what we actually needed and spent more money than was necessary. I have been able to stick to my budget for the week and have even come under it most weeks, but means it's money that can go to savings! Yeah!

I also have put myself on a schedule with housework and my work. Life is much easier to handle.
January's visiting teaching message was on becoming more self reliant. I hadn't read it when I set these goals, but when I read it a week later, I was happy to learn that I was doing just that. I am taking more time for myself to read the Ensign, read my lesson in RS, or have a girls night once a month with a friend.

I know I had a hard time finding myself after having a child. I was just lost in taking care of Mason I forgot who I was. I've been trying so hard to find something to help me, and I think I finally have. I am so grateful for my sweet boys! I love them both with all my heart. They both spoil me to no end. Thanks Marc for your love and support, I'm so happy we have eternity together!

Behind yet again.

2010-02-03T08:26:00.005-07:00

Sorry for those who actually read this, which I'm sure are not many. Life has been a little busy. First I love Mason, but when this child cuts teeth, it a miserable experience for all party's involved. It takes forever!! We are officially going on 3 weeks of molar cutting and we will have a long ways to go with them. He has good and bad days and good and bad nights. Mostly the days have the rough part with constant whining, not eating well and sometimes nap are gone all together, so at the end of the day. I'm done and go to bed! haha I'm am truly grateful he will still sleep through the night . Good thing he is so cute!!

As for Dinners

I have two recipes for you. The first my family has done for a long time, it's a favorite.

Pineapple Chicken

Barbecue as many desired chicken breast

Pineapple Glaze

1- 9 oz can crush pineapple - you drain off extra juice into extra bowl
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp yellow mustard
Dash of Salt
2 Tbsp of reserved pineapple juice from bowl.
Mix

I use this on the last 5 minutes cooking time of our chicken. I usually double the recipe, because we love it so much and we use it on our baked potatoes too. Enjoy!

Fettuccine Alfredo

3/4 Lb uncooked Fettuccine noodles
6 tbsp of butter
2/3 whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
dash of pepper
Dash of Nutmeg

Boil water and add pasta, cooked according to directions or taste of pasta. Melt butter in saucepan. Add cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add Cheese, pepper, and nutmeg and stir until melted. ( I had to put mine back on low heat to get my cheese to melt all the way.) Toss with drained noodles. Serve Warm.

I got this recipe from my aunts ward cook book. A women by the name of Christine Heslop entered it. It's super easy and super yummy. I served ours with a green salad and garlic bread.

What Animals say....in case you didn't know!

2010-01-31T23:44:00.005-07:00

This is Mason at 16.5 months, he knows more, but this is all the animals I could think of at the time! haha!

Dinner tonight...well it was last night!

2010-01-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

The snow has gone off the back patio....nothing beats those January blues like firing up the Barbeque and throwing hamburgers on the grill! You just might want to try it!!

Sledding with Daddy!

2010-01-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

For dinner this week I thought you all might enjoy....

2010-01-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

Lasagna

Brown 1 lbs of hamburger - while cooking add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper to meat. I just eye ball it and then according to your taste.

Once meat has browned add Two 6 ounce tomato paste cans and 4 cans of water, bring to boil, then reduce to a simmer. Put a cracked lid over it so you don't get sauce all over while doing other steps.

Noodles. I just get whatever is the cheapest lasagna noodles. You will need about 12 noodles for 4 noodles per lay for 3 layers. Bring water to a boil add salt so your noodles don't stick and boil for 5-6 minutes, I don't boil them all the way because if you do it makes the lasagna too soupy, and the noodles cook the rest of the way in the oven. Drain off water and let pasta sit.

Cheese filling

I use about 4 good sized hand fulls of mozzarella cheese, and large container of cotton cheese and 2 palm fulls of parsley. (You can half the mozzarella and use some ricotta, but that cheese tends to run expensive )

Takes 9 X 13 dish, I have a glass one I use, spray with Pam and pour a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom and spread to reduce sticking.

Layers:
1. Noodles -I use 4 and over lap them a bit
2. Cheese filling
3. Meat Sauce
Make 3 layers
On top spread cheddar cheese and sprinkle Parmesan cheese

Bake in 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes, until cheese on top it melted and browned and sides are bubbling.You will want to let it sit for 10 minutes before you cut into it.

I serve with salad and garlic bread-

Too much fun at Grandma's house!

2010-01-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

Mas goes Grandma Cindy's house on Thursday while I got into work to get things done that can't be done at home. He always has LOTS of fun and has a hard time napping, due to all the fun he will miss out on. When I picked him up last week I could tell he would fall asleep on the way home. I didn't even get out of my parents circle and he was out. I brought him home, got him out of the car and he still was asleep, so I put him in the lazy boy and he took a 30 min cat nap before dinner. What a cutie! Love him so much!! Thanks, Mom for taking such good care of my boy on Thursdays, I know he sure enjoys it!!

1st time in the snow!

2010-01-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

Catalina Chicken

2010-01-13T21:00:00.001-07:00

Here is what was for dinner tonight. It's so yummy! My sister in law Michelle introduced us to this one. The recipe calls for 6 chicken breasts, but I only use as many as I need, which most of the time is 2! Enjoy!

Click on the link for the recipe!

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/catalina-chicken-breasts-89408.aspx

New Years Resolutions

2010-01-12T20:10:00.001-07:00

I will be the first to admit, I hate New Years resolutions. I never have made them due to the fact that if I never did it before I probably will most likely only do it for a week and then ditch the idea. I think we all can relate, however. I did set a goal to improve upon somethings and the one thing I thought would be fun to improve upon and share would be my dinner menu. If not, sorry don't read them! :)

Before we had Mas, I was very good at making a weekly menu, doing weekly shopping and sticking to this menu. We hardly ate out, which in turn Marc and I stayed healthier throughout the year. Since I have had a baby cooking as gone to the back burner, haha. I will cook here and there, but not every night like I use too. I miss it. I enjoy cooking, it's relaxing for me. So, this leads me to my improvement. To go back to what I use to do and make at least 5 home cooked dinners a week. ( I know I'm not perfect, plus I still work, so I can't promise EVERY day, I'm a realist)

I've already done it for a week, so we are off to a good start. I thought I would share what I've done on some recipes that we have really enjoyed throughout the week and maybe give a few of you ideas on new menu ideas for your family. I know I always enjoy something new to try.

So here we are week 2 of this adventure. I do the shopping on Monday and I make the menu according to the ads at the store I shop at. Yesterday we have Chicken Stuffing Casserole, super easy. Love it. Tonight....Pizza!!

Preheat Oven to 450 degrees

Sauce:

1 medium size can of tomatoes, I use the whole ones
1 tbsp of Italian seasoning
A good pinch of minced onion
1 can -6 ounces of tomato paste.

Combine in food processor. Put in small sauce pan on low heat until needed.

Crust:

3 cups flour
1 cup warm water
2 Tbsp veg oil
1 tsp salt

In small separate bowl dissolve 1 tbsp yeast, 1 tsp sugar, in 1/4 cup warm water when yeast is dissolved add to bigger mixing bowl and knead until elastic.

Now, this makes 2 pizzas for the pan sizes I have, so it may make more for you depending on your pans. Divide dough and press into non stick pans. (I usually add a little more flour to my dough after I have divided it so it's not to sticky to roll out) I press mine out pretty thin. We like it that way. Once pressed into pan, take a fork and poke holes so you don't get bubble in it when it cooks. Put crust into oven for 3-4 minutes, just enough to get it to start setting up, then take it out.

After I have cooked the crust for 3-4 minutes I then put my pizza stone into the oven to warm up while I top the pizzas. Of course sauce, then mozzarella cheese, and whatever topping your family likes. I then transfer the pizza from the pan onto the pizza stone and cook for 15 minutes. This makes a nice crispy crust!

This may sound like way too much work, but it's super easy. If you only eat the one pizza like we do, wrap the 2nd one in plastic and tin foil and freeze it. Then you have another meal for sometime later that month. Easy Easy!

Christmas Day!

2010-01-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

Mason must have been a very good boy because Santa sure brought lots of fun things for him. He gave Marc and I our Christmas present and slept until 8. What a good boy! We first gave him his morning milk and then headed down the stairs, he was SO excited when he saw all the presents!

Coming down the stairs, he is so good at this.

Showing off all the presents he got. He is holding a little pound puppy Santa put in his stocking.

He opened this first, a Curious George video, he was perfectly content with just that and stayed to run upstairs to watch it. He carried it around the rest of the morning. :)

Opening his Tricycle, I'm looking forward to Spring to see him out side on it!

I'd say it was a hit!

Opening his Tonka truck set, loves these too. He makes beeping noises when the trucks back up. How do kids know these things? haha

Marc and I were so busy taking pictures of Mas, we forgot about ourselves, but we had a good Christmas too. I got clothes, a new watch, a gravy boat (I don't have one) , and come coupons for some pedicures with a friend. Marc got the Bobby Flay indoor grill, The Simpson scene it game, some new shoes for work, and more clothes. We finished up the morning with some yummy bubble bread and then just hung out him out jammies until it was time to get to my families for lunch! It was a great day and a wonderful Christmas.
On a side note, my shoulder surgery went much better than anticipated as fas a recovery goes. I had full range of motion the 3rd days of surgery with very little pain or discomfort, which is unheard of according to my physical therapist, but it truley was a blessing as I had to be mom come day 4 post op. Marc went back to work and I was alone with Mason. Mason was a great boy and took good naps and didn't fight with me during diaper changes which was fabulous. As of now, I've been kicked out of physical therapy because I was doing so well and I started doing band exercises last week with no pains or discomfort. So I do them at home ususally at the end of the day. So thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, they were definately felt. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and are having a great New Year so far!

Christmas Jammies!

2009-12-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

I always loved getting Christmas Jammies!! Here is Mason's and Marc's. We are planning on giving our kids

( yes we plan to have more, just not right now ) a new book with their jammies. This year Mas was old enough to enjoy his books!

I got pink ones. You see I had wrapped everything in certain paper to make things easier on me since I had just had surgery. Well I told Marc what paper to use for my jammies, well....he didn't listen. So result...I didn't get my jammies until Christmas morning! haha

Marc's 30!!

2009-12-30T17:32:00.001-07:00

Marc turned 30 this year! We celebrated his b-day with the family down at our house. We had cheesy potato soup and strawberry cheesecake per Marc's request! I think he had a great birthday he got great gifts and we had fun as a family.

I'm so lucky to have married such a handsome devil! Love ya babe!

Isn't he the cutest?

2009-12-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

I know he's mine, but really, he is the cutest thing ever! I love him so much! We did a bubble bath tonight and he loved it! So stinkin' cute!

Family Christmas Party!

2009-12-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is our annual Burningham Family Christmas party! It's always fun, with yummy food and great family! Santa always finds us with out fail and is always so good to remember our cute little ones with a little pre Christmas gift!

Here is Mason sitting on Santa's lap! He was screaming before I even let go of him, but it's amazing what putting an M & M in his mouth will do! He got a new coloring book and some crayons from Santa, and asked for a Curious George Video....he did I swear... ;)

Here are the people who started all of this! My wonderful Grandparents. They will be celebrating 50 years together this January! Congrats!

Mason stole Grandpa's iphone and hat. He is so smart, he knows how to slide Grandpa's iphone to unlock it, so he can get into the apps. Whatever!

This year we did a little nativity story. Good thing we have LOTS of boys, and only one girl! It was a great party! Merry Christmas!!

Called to serve......

2009-12-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Marc's parents on their call to the Kingston Jamaica Humanitarian Mission! They will leave March 1st and be gone 18 months. We are so proud of them and look forward to visiting!!

Sugar Cookies!

2009-12-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

We have always had the family tradition in my (Brittney) family to make Christmas sugar cookies for Santa Clause, this year I am having some shoulder surgery on the 16th so we are doing things a little early since I don't know how I will be feeling come Christmas Eve. We had alot of fun! Mason sure loved the frosting this year. He also would walk by the oven and look in and say "yum".

Some of the finished product!

15 months

2009-12-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

Mason is now 15 months old. He is doing great, and growing day by day. He seems to wake up with a new words or animal sound, it's so fun! The newest words he has are, please, cookie, binky, baa for a sheep. He is getting better at his walking, which now he has added a slow run to it. He still is at the top of the charts with his height in 90th % and just below the 75th % for his weight.
Marc and I can't believe how smart and sweet this little guy is! He really lights up our days. We are looking forward to Christmas this year as he will be able to ripe open presents, he has been practicing ;) Enjoy his 15 month photos!

Mason 15 months

25.11 lbs

32.5 inches

Ward Christmas Party

2009-12-05T20:30:00.001-07:00

Today was our Ward Christmas party. It was a breakfast with Santa and some other fun activities for the kids to do. Mas is still too little to appreciate glitter and glue and a story from a Shepard, so we just visited with Santa. Here is what it looked like.....

Me trying to convince him that Santa is a good guy!

Mason crying and wanting me to take him, he would NOT look at Marc! :)

Mom to the rescue. He stopped as soon as I got him, and he loved to suck on his candy cane. In all fairness Mas and I have been sick with sinus infections and his naps have been all over the place, it was only 9:30 am but he was ready for his crib. Poor kid, I made him stay up to see Santa!! :)

Ode to Nap Time

2009-11-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love this part of the day. I should be more productive by doing the wash, mopping the floors, cleaning a bathroom or doing my work. ( I work from home those who don't know this), but after chasing you and entertaining you for hours on end, I need a nap too. :)

14 months and Busy!

2009-11-18T15:33:00.001-07:00

It's official, I have a toddler. A very busy, busy toddler. I spend most of my days following him around saying, "No, don't touch that.", as he tries to pull the baby proofing of the outlets, "Don't put that in your mouth.", while attempting to bit on his shoes and so on and so forth. I thought he got into a lot when he crawled, but now that his hands are free with walking all bets are off! Mas is now 14 months and has cut 3 teeth in 3 weeks, he still is working on a 4th. Which will bring our total up to 8. He is saying words like "sna" for snack, "nigh, nigh" for night night, "tha u" which I have decided is thank you, he seems to say it after I give him a toy or a snack.

Good thing he is so cute, so I don't get mad for like climbing into the tubberware drawer!

Put one foot in front of the other.....

2009-11-01T20:04:00.003-07:00

And soon you'll be walking across the floor.

Mason has officially started walking. He has been taking a few steps here and there, but this morning I think it all finally clicked in his head and he had the confidence to do it alone! Oh man I love the little toddler waddle!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-01T08:20:00.003-07:00

Happy Halloween from Mason the Monkey!
Ooh Ooh Aah! as Mason would tell you what a monkey says :)

He didn't like the "guts" He would shiver and gagged when he touched them. :)

Marc and Mas

When it gets quiet....

2009-10-23T15:14:00.003-06:00

When it gets quiet you know that usually means a mess is on the other end of the quiet! I was in the other room folding laundry and Mas had crawled away. I heard him in the kitchen banging on the sliding door, then it got quiet too quiet. Well I walked in and this is what I found. Mason had found my reading glasses on the table, yes he is that tall, and thought he would try them out! Such a cutie!

"Say Cheese"

2009-10-18T11:34:00.003-06:00

Here is Mason saying "Cheese". Sorry about the zoom, my camera's zoom is so slow and Mas is so fast, but you get the idea. He is getting big so fast! He also knows how to blow kisses now too. I'm not sure where he learned this but he did it yesterday to my mom and now won't stop!

Morning Surprise!

2009-10-18T09:47:00.005-06:00

This morning I woke up to this yummy goodness. Marc and Mas made these this morning! So sweet huh? Nothing says love like Homemade Cinnamon Rolls!
Mason is cutting teeth and as a result he has been waking up an hour earlier then normal. Marc has always been so good to get up with Mason in the morning. I will start to get up when I hear him cry and Marc always stops me and says you sleep, you do all day, I can handle the morning. Mas enjoys the time with just Daddy, and I get a few more minutes of sleep.
I just want my hubby to know who much I love him! He is the greatest ever! Marc, you are a fantastic dad and I can't image life without you!! Love you!

St. George

2009-10-09T17:08:00.003-06:00

St. George! What a fun getaway weekend. We went to Tuacahn Friday and Saturday. Annie was the first night. It was fun and very good. Mason seemed to enjoy it and clapped when everyone else clapped. He was great until after intermission. I took him to the top where no one was and he just cuddled with me and fell asleep. He didn't wake up until the next morning, such a good boy. The next night was Aida. This was awesome, the music was fabulous! Mas didn't do as well as the night before and Marc spent most of the second part out in the main enterance with Mas. Thanks sweetheart for taking the boy so I could watch that night! It was a fun vacation with Marc's family!

No Trip to St. George would be complete without In and Out. Mas loved their fries!

The fun little waterpark on main street

This sweet little girl had her puppy Mas loved it!

Small Trip to Vegas

2009-10-09T16:59:00.002-06:00

We went to St. George a couple weekends ago. Marc and I decided since we were going to the plays Friday and Saturday we better get down there by Thursday night so Mas wouldn't have to sit still for such a long time. Well, we decided to drive to Vegas and go see the Petersen's!! Marc knows Adriana from his mission in Mexico. The last time we saw them was 5 years ago at their wedding! They have the cutest little boy Baron that is a few months older than Mason. It was fun to see them and spend the afternoon talking and getting to see their lovely home!! Thanks for having us!

We drove through downtown, we were going to get out, but Mas fell asleep so we decided to take advantage of the quiet and drive to St. George!

Sick Days

2009-09-30T11:41:00.005-06:00

Our house has gotten the naughty head cold / flu bug. So here is what part of a sick day at our house looks like. Don't mind me, I hadn't showered or put on makeup, remember I have been sick!

Say "cheese"

After his nose has been wiped, I know meanest mom ever!!

Lots of cuddling time and TV watching. I love that my little guy grabs his blanket and crawls onto my lap for a snuggle! I love this little boy!

Mason's 1st Birthday!!

2009-09-30T08:13:00.005-06:00

Mason turned one on September 9th, 09! Since his b-day landed on a Wednesday this year on the real day Marc, My mom and I went to the Zoo and had fun there. Then we did his Birthday Party on Saturday so everyone had time to come! It was lots of fun! We had hot dogs, yummy salads, and great company! Thank you to everyone that came and for all the fun gifts!!

Don't you just want to kiss those lips!!

Mas did very well eating his cake, I was so nervous about this, he seems to have texture issues and it's been quite the issue, but he did well!!

He loved everyone singing to him! He grinned the whole time.

He wasn't quite sure what to think of the presents, but he loves to play with all of them!

Grandpa and Grandma Schaefermeyer gave him this horse, he loves it and has to wear his hat when he rides it! So Dang cute!

Mas loves our piano so Marc and I got him his very first baby grand to play with!

2009-09-17T20:29:00.000-06:00

2009-09-17T20:28:00.000-06:00

2009-09-17T20:26:00.000-06:00

2009-09-17T20:25:00.000-06:00

My cute Boys!

2009-09-17T20:09:00.000-06:00

1 year checkup!

2009-09-11T16:23:00.005-06:00

Mas had his 1 year check up today. He is doing very well! He is back on the charts for his height at the 90th percentile, 75th for weight and 75th for head. He seems to be "catching down" on his growth which the doctor said he would except that from him for the next few visits. He got his finger poked for iron and lead levels, both were normal. I thought he would freak out but he just looked at the nurse like "why are you holding my finger?" He also got 3 shots and did well, cried for a bit but once I could turn him around to give him loves he was good to go! He is getting smarter every day! He says, Momma, Dadda, Ba Ba, Kitty, Puppy, Bye-bye, hello (He picks up anything and puts it to his ear and tilts his head like talking on a phone), ball and more , he signs that too. I am just amazed at how smart he is and what a fun little boy he is turning into!! He crawls around at lightening speed and cruises around everything and anything!

Mason
12 months
24.12 lbs
31.3 inches