Fall 2011

Here are a few recent pictures:

New lessons learned--specifically about baby sign language and colic

So Emma is a baby signing pro. She probably knows almost 50 signs and it is the cutest to have her do them for you. We do have them on video from a while back and I'll try to post a video sometime (that one or a newer one.) I just want to say that I am a HUGE fan of baby signing! Several words that come out of her mouth sound quite similar so if I ask her to sign it, I can understand what she is saying. I also recently learned that it helps me know if she is understanding me or something from the world around us. For example, we sing 'the wheels on the bus' these days and I know she is on the same page when we are talking about a bus because she makes the sign. She learned her signs from watching Signing Time (Thanks Aunt Katy for that baby gift!) and has also learned a couple with me from youtube.

I also learned more about breastfeeding and I always feel so frustrated that I get the information after wandering through the dark for a while, so here's my attempt to pass it on to others. Wish I would have known this with Emma..

I wouldn't have considered Lauren to be a colicky baby, but she has her moments and when I read the description on this webpage, it fit her perfectly. So there is some great information for all breastfeeding moms, especially regarding the first 3 months.

Hopefully we'll sleep better knowing this info.

Bring it on! A tribute to moms.

When I got a "real" job I used to comment that I missed being in school because you got so much time off and you had the choice if you went to class or not. That was the life..

Now, I miss the life of having a "real" job. I had my evenings free and my weekends off. I even had free time at work! Being a mom is literally a full-time job, working all day long with a few breaks due to a wonderful husband, wonderful parents, the blessed time called nap time and the occasional signing time movie. I never knew I'd have to work so hard for my free-time! On a typical day (while Jake is at work) I get one real break during nap time if I work really hard to coordinate my girls' sleeping schedules. Then, when successful, I'm left with the difficult decision of how to spend those sacred minutes. There is much to do with a toddler wreaking havoc around the house, a newborn constantly soiling her linens and clothing, regular living, etc. I feel that I've earned a break so am thus drawn to my favorite indulgences of blogging, spending time on the computer, watching part of a movie, reading, eating in peace, playing around with pictures or slideshows, etc. More importantly though is my constant need for sleep, having been woken multiple times in the night. I've gotten some good advice from 2 people this time around and one of them was some advice passed along from my mother-in-law by my sister-in-law. She just stressed the sleep while the babies sleep. There will always be dishes and laundry, but you have got to leave them and sleep. I've noticed this to be true for me. If I don't get my sleep I'm emotional, grumpy, quick to lose patience, and too tired for the tasks before me. So after a few minutes of indulgence in a simple pleasure, I'm off to lay down and cherish those few moments before I hear a cry.

I recognize that some who read this are not yet moms and I want to be sure to stress that it's all completely worth it and I couldn't enjoy any other work more than that of being a mom. Sometimes when I'm cuddling my new baby I think how worth it it is to lose a few moments of sleep for something this good. When I see Emma smile or hear her laugh, I couldn't be more pleased! I just want to give credit where it is due to my two moms, one who raised 8 children with the majority closer in age than my girls, and the other who had twins with 3 other energetic and needy kids. Both did a beautiful job with their children! I also want to give a shout out to single moms because I can't imagine what it would be like to do this without my husband who is so great to always step in and help or even take over with the kids or any other thing around the house.

I'll end this post with the other piece of advice (which wasn't even given as advice) from a good friend. She had two close together as well and said the older was fine about the baby because she made sure to always include him in the interactions and care of the baby. Emma has done great until recently, I think in part due to the extra attention dying down. She has been so mean to the baby and always tries to push her away when I'm trying to handle both. But the more I'm able to include her or give her something to do to help, the better she does. I haven't yet mastered the art of giving Emma a time-out for being mean to the baby while trying to console Lauren who has just been pinched or scratched or whatever. But I'm trying to just smile and think "bring it on" when I see one of these moments arrive.

Well, I guess I better go lay down for a few minutes.

Lauren's photo shoot

These were just taken with a regular camera, but I think they turned out great. Enjoy!

Lauren

We'd like to introduce you to Lauren Christine. (Pronounced LAH-ren!!) She was born Sunday, September 4th at 12:16 am, weighing 7 lbs 4 oz and 20.5 inches tall.

Mom only had about 3 hours of labor and arrived at the hospital completely dilated and ready to deliver a baby. We had to wait a few minutes for the doctor to arrive or she'd have been born on the 3rd! Labor began while at the storytelling festival down in Orem and we had to travel home and finish packing before we were on our way to the hospital. Quite a different story from the 12 hours of labor with Emma.



We're all adjusting well to the changes Lauren has brought. She's a doll. She sleeps great, eats great, and only cries when quite distressed. We've all fallen in love and Emma is doing great as a big sister.

Emma Singing

Emma has started singing the past couple of weeks and we think it's the cutest. Check out what I caught on video today!

Education Week

I was able to go to Education Week at BYU today!! I've never needed it more and the opportunity window couldn't have been better. If there was one thing I did for myself each year, this would be it. The perspective it gives me and the reminders I receive are incredibly beneficial for me and I'm sure make things go smoother in my life. Jake had the day off today and he had Emma all day long! BLESS HIM!

I've been going through a difficult time in my life lately and have had a hard time keeping perspective and doing the things I know will make me happy. I could probably say that my situation had led me to be bitter much more often than better. I've been able to remember that the Lord is there and wants to help, but too resentful to feel like going to Him.

True doctrine changes attitudes and behavior. -Elder Packer

The best thing I experienced today was the overwhelming feeling of the Spirit telling me that the Lord is mindful of me. He knows what I'm going through. He's in charge. He'll send the help I need. He'll strengthen me.

I remembered what it's like to live a life guided and directed by the Spirit. I heard amazing stories about the things people go through and how it has made them better. I was reminded for the second week in a row how quickly things can change and how I need to take advantage of each day. Make the most of each day with my little girl. Make the most of my marriage. Be who I want to be right now.

And I learned more about my Savior and Redeemer. Oh how I need Him in my life. What a blessing it is to know Him and to know of Him. What a pleasure to feel of His love and to look at how He has and does bless me.

Oh that I can remember and apply these things!