The times I live for!

Ever since I decided I wanted kids I have been stoked for the day I get to play with them.  I REALLY enjoyed being just an aunt but now that I'm a mom too, life is fantastic.  Everyone knows I'm not really a baby person.  I just wanted the kids to grow up, talk to me and play candyland or something.  Nothing is better than watching kids learn, play and grow.  They are fascinating and so much fun to be with (well... most of the time, ha ha).  Baby's just stare, poop and cry.  The cuddling is good but I love the interaction more than anything.

Anyway, Dad and I met Kelly at Wheeler Farm with Oliver on Sunday.  I knew Oliver would love the animals and learn so much.  I spent most of that morning reading him farm books and making animal noises or tried to :).  I kept saying, let's go see some animals.  I'd never done anything like this with him before.  He was so excited and really enjoys playing with Hudson, not so much Avery but that will change hopefully.  They are almost the same age so of course they compete a little.  I think Hudson is excited that O is growing up and old enough to play with him a little more.  So stinking cute! 

  

 

The company I work for is doing an Intermountain LiVe Campain and they asked for action shots of kids.  Baby actions shots are hard but I took a few.  Oliver loves to get out and play with the older kids. 

I did it again...

I underestimated the power of good parenting.  I kept going on and on about what a terd Oliver has been lately.  Life sucks, poor me, blah blah blah.  Well, I stood back and realized it's not his fault.  I'm the one who needs work.  What the HELL have I been doing???  I need to be a better mom!  Kelly and Jenn (the two most fabulous teachers in the world) gave me good advice and I need to take it.  Kids only remember the last word they hear so tell them what you want them to do and not what you don't want.  So not, "don't stand up" but say "sit down".  It sounds easy but I am such a dork.  Anyway, I have really been trying to be more understanding of his teething, growing pain and learning frustrations.  What do you know... he is being such an angel.  I freakin' love him soooo much I can't stand it.

I got to work yesterday and realized I had a chip in my shirt.  We were playing with them at Papa and Grandma's the other night and I didn't notice him stick it in.  Hilarious, he thinks my shirt is a pocket.  How could you ever get mad at such a cutie? :)

His first motorcycle ride with Ray.  Janet has been watching O a few days and week to help and it has been so nice.  He LOVES "Nanet", ha ha.  I sure love seeing Grayson more too.  He is getting so big and smiles constantly.

He loves to read with Grandma.

 His new bath toy from Daddy.

Kelly and Matt invited me to Discovery Gateway on Saturday and Oliver had a blast.  I need to take him out more.

 

Friends and Family

I love my friends and family.  I am so lucky to have such amazing people in my life.
THANK YOU!!

Oliver's First Birthday

I can't believe I forgot to post about his first birthday.  A neighbor of ours made the cake and it turned out amazing!!  We also decided that in memory of when I was pregnant to have Dunford Donuts.  When Vickie was working with me she surprised me with a donut one day.  Holy cow that was the best day of my pregnancy and Oliver LOVED it :)
The guest list and planning got a little out of hand.  I used to think a party for a one year old is silly but I quickly changed my mind.  I invited 45 people!  Murray Park handled it well though and it was sunny.

It was white cake with Twinkies for the feet and Oreos for dirt.

 By far his favorite gift.

Dan and Nel came in from Cali and Grandma Chris and Grandpa Doug came down from ID.  They even brought Ashton.

Life

Life is so funny.  I was reading this article last night (I know, I was actually reading if you can believe it) about parents.  It said that once someone has kids they are very likely to become more depressed.  I can't stop thinking about that.  It is so true, for me at least.  I have so much more to worry about and freak out all the time.  It is HARD work being a mom!!  Just last night Oliver fell and hit his head.  I about had a freaking heart attack and he was fine.  Every minute is, what can I do for my baby and take care of every need.  It went on to put testimonials about what makes it worth it.  The funniest stories, I was laughing so hard and crying at the same time.  He starting saying bye bye and ny nite and waving.  Also, we taught him a few signs that really take away some whining.  He knows: please, help, milk, more and loves to point out when things are hot.  Well, when he really wants something he signs please like crazy.  It is so cute I can't stand it.
Just seeing my booger face look up at me with those big eyes, I melt.  Everyone who knows him knows what I mean.  Here are some new pics.

As dirty as he could get camping!

Walking like a pro.

His first haircut.

With the neighbors bird.  He was so facinated and calm.

Emotional Evening

I went to put Oliver to bed as usual, he was deliriously tired.  Although… the second I laid him down he jumped up and started playing.  I just kissed him, whispered in his sweet little ear how much I love him and left the room.  I do this every night and usually he just passes out on his own.  I think he started this new ploy of throwing his bink out of the crib so we keep going in there to sooth him.  After going in there for the fourth it was getting frustrating.  I can’t wait till he doesn’t need that DAMN thing anymore.  Of course, for the life of me I could not find the bink.  Oliver thought this was hilarious.  I started laughing so hard I was crying and my stomach hurt.  I have never seen him that funny.  He was laughing and jumping around like crazy.  I finally had to turn the light on and call for reinforcement.  I spotted it behind the crib so Mike got on the floor and was reaching for it while I was guiding him from above.  Anyway, by then he was wide awake.  So I wrapped him up tight and cradled him for about 10 minutes.  He passed out hard and was snoring.  So stinking cute!  I put him down ever so slowly and thought it was going to work.  Well... it didn’t.  He popped up and started playing again.

By this time I was mad.  I left the room, shut the door hard and turned off the monitor.  After about 30 minutes I went in to check on him because I hadn’t heard crying or laughing.  I was calmed down, thank goodness.  How could I get mad when he was being so cute?  As I slowly peeked into his crib I could feel this warmth come up from my toes, my legs got weak, my stomach ached, held my breath and my heart practically stopped, then the tears started to roll.  I love him so much it hurts.  I found myself just staring at his beauty and perfection (I know he is a boy but he is beautiful).  I can’t believe I am finally a Mom and am so lucky to have such a wonderful love in my life.  Somebody must love me and I must have done something right.

I went to bed and couldn’t help but feel terrible about my bad attitude.  I hate that rush of anger when he is doing nothing wrong.  I am the one losing control.  I really need to work on my mother skills.  He is frustrating sometimes but only when he’s sick, extremely tired, hungry, I am ignoring him or upset myself.  I just have to tell myself it’s not his fault and it’s my job to help him and stay calm.  Motherhood is a big job.  I guess I thought it would come naturally.  I certainly don’t feel like it has for me.  I am SCARED and really hope I get better.

Holly's Wedding

Oliver is getting so big!  He looks like a 5 year old.  Stop growing my love ;)
Congrats to Mrs. Holly Payne!  She looked beautiful and I am excited for her.