Nightime entertainment.

Adam has to be the most entertaining person to sleep with, two nights ago he shot up in bed and started violently swatting at himself and the bed. When he finally calmed down I asked him what was wrong. "Bugs." Who knew I was married to Indiana Jones.

The next morning I asked him if he had any bug bites. He looked at me with a guilty face and asked "why." When I told him what happened he said he was having a dream he was being attacked by bugs. Adam is always dreaming about fighting ninjas and dinosaurs. He always tells me he wishes he could dream about being asleep because he is never rested when he wakes up. He talks a TON in his sleep. Sometimes he laughs creepily. I can usually talk to him while he's asleep and get pretty good responses. The other day he was trying to coax Hannah across some lava Super Mario Brothers style. I could tell he was pretty nervous for her. We talked about it until suddenly he realized I was mocking him and he was asleep and then he said "shut up, it makes sense."

I love my husband.

A random post about Hannah

I am convinced Hannah is the sweetest thing on two legs.

As I type this, her little body is curled up next to me on the couch, peacefully sleeping. The only thing I can see is a few wisps of blond hair peaking from under a blanket and her little hand curled in a fist which occasionally opens and closes with her dreams.

I've been so blessed to have two years of Mommy and Hannah time. I look forward to an eternity more. Today, in one of my attempts to get her to take a nap we laid down in my bed and faced each other. I pretended to be asleep (snoring and all) so that she would fall asleep. She pretended also. After a few minutes of us "snoring" Hannah opened her eyes and said "haha Mommy and Hannah are silly together." She loves being together. Earlier today we were sharing a peach and she said "I wuv sharing with Hannah and Mommy."

This morning I went to get her out of bed and as soon as I opened the door I was greeted with a huge smile and a sweet little voice that said "I slept well Mommy." We went downstairs and shared my breakfast while Daddy installed the new car seat in the car. Hannah was so excited to see a new seat sitting next to her. She knew it was for "Baby Paige" and immediately lifted my shirt just to make sure Paige hadn't sneaked out while she wasn't looking.

She is incredibly brilliant. I know most parents think that about their children, but Hannah truly is above average. I wrote Hannah a letter and taped it next to our baby count down so that when there are no more rings left she can have a letter from Mommy in the hospital. When Hannah saw it she said "that's two H's, H is for Hannah." She can identify every letter and sound in the alphabet, she can count up to 30, and she's been doing this for months. She has memorized dozens of books and songs and can keep herself entertained reading to herself.

There is a scene from Toy Story 2 where Woody has a dream that Andy doesn't want him anymore...do you know what I'm talking about? Well Hannah decided to recreate that scene and she scattered some playing cards on the floor, got her Woody doll and said "I forgot. Broken. I don't want to play with you anymore." Then she lifts up her arm in slow motion and drops Woody onto the pile of cards. Just.like.the.movie. Then she proceeds to laugh heartily at herself. It's not the only Toy Story scene she has created. She likes to throw her "Buzzyear" from the top of the stairs and say "To infinity and beyond," and she likes to make Woody slide down the banister like Andy does.

She loves her Daddy. The first day of school was hard for her. She kept asking where Daddy was. We went to a park by his school and she kept going over into the field and waving at his classroom and blowing kisses. She even made sure we drove past and honked and I could hear her blowing kisses. When it came time to pick him up we started driving. I said "Ok Hannah, we can go to the park, or get Daddy from work." "GET DADDY!" I asked "What if I said we can go to Chuck E. Cheese or we can go get Daddy." "GET DADDY!" I gave her several ultimatums like eating candy, going to pump it up, going to McDonalds, but with each choice I gave her she insisted "GET DADDY!" She loves visiting his classroom and playing games with him.

This weekend my parents and siblings were driving through and spent the night with us. They happened to buy Hannah a Jessie doll (from Toy Story) Hannah has loved her doll. If you didn't know, all the Toy Story toys have ANDY written on the bottom of one foot just like in the movie. Hannah kept looking at her foot saying "That's ANNY" Then she'd identify all the letters. After they left Hannah would look at the feet and say "That's ANNY" and then lift the other foot and say "That's for Gwama." We found out later that she'd asked my mom what it said (something like Made in China) and my mom said "From Grandma." Yesterday in Family Night I showed Hannah a picture of Thomas S. Monson. I asked who it was and she said "That's Pwesdent Mot Son." I was blown away since I've only told her a few times and over extended periods of time who the prophet was. Turns out, my mom had been talking to her about him the day before when they were at church and she'd remembered.

That's not the only example of her good memory. Last February Adam's mom was in town and playing with Hannah in the back yard. They were kicking a ball and Kris accidentally broke one of our lights in our yard. It is still broken in our back yard because we haven't been able to find a steak the right size to fix it. Several months later when it became a little warmer and we were spending every day outside Hannah started telling us "Nana bwoke a light." It is over a half a year later and she still tells us "Nana bwoke a light." Once she did something naughty (pulled all the books off our shelves and I asked if she did it. She said that Daddy did, but daddy was at work. Then she said baby Paige did it, but obviously it wasn't Paige. Then she said "Nana bwoke a light." So it has become a running joke in our family. Blame Nana!

She knows our different interests. Sometimes when she won't go to bed at night she'll try and trick me by saying "I go to bed not. I want to watch a Mommy show." If she ever wants to watch TV and I tell her it's not time she always says "But I want to watch a Mommy show." If I am watching a Mommy show she'll say "I want to watch a Hannah show." Today she was reading the Ensign and I asked what she was doing. "I'm reading a Mommy book," she said "Here Mommy, you read it."

She has colored my world. I love her so much and can't get enough of her. I'm so blessed and excited to welcome another child into our family. One with her own personality and zest for life. I'm excited to witness the dynamic of these two sisters. I can't wait to see what Heavenly Father has in store.

Just a few days to go...

Yesterday I had my LAST Dr. appointment! I'm super excited to announce that sometime this week I WILL be holding my baby in my arms and not my rib cage!

I talked to Dr. Harter before he "checked" me. He told me I could either make an appointment to come back Wednesday or Thursday to get a "balloon" inserted that will prep my body for induction. Yes I'm being induced. It's surprising to me how many people have such crazy opinions about being induced...like it is my first step toward being a horrible mother...

For me, I feel very comfortable being induced because my very experienced, very trusted doctor is comfortable with it. Part of the reason I'm being induced is because Adam contractually can not take off the first week of school, and personally doesn't want to TAKE the second week of school off because it is such a crucial time. Friday will be perfect because even though he has to take one day off, he gets to be with us until Tuesday morning for the Labor Day holiday (ironic, Labor Day weekend...). Another reason is that I have another child at home that needs to be cared for. I wanted to have the peace of mind that my mom could plan a day to come down and be here overnight taking care of Hannah who is about to go through a huge change in her life...but hey, why am I explaining myself? I'd never do anything that would be detrimental to my children (at least not intentionally lol) so those people who think induction is wrong can just keep opinions to themselves.

ANYWAY, So Dr. Harter is asking me if I want to come on Wednesday or Thursday to be prepped for induction, I told him Thursday would be best because that's when my mom is coming. Then he checked me.

"Wow, look at you!" He said. "Based on your progress, and the fact that this is your second baby I'd say we don't have to worry about prepping you for induction. In fact, I think I'll be seeing you before Friday."

This was very exciting news. I could tell because instead of being terrified I had a gigantic smile on my face. I guess that means I'm feeling ready? I asked a good friend of mine to be on alert in case I go into labor before my mom gets here. She is still planning on Thursday. I'm really really hoping that I make it to Thursday (I want a September baby badly) because then Adam will be able to make it through his first week of school and his stress level will be better. That means I need to make it through two and a half days. Wish me luck!

P.S. I'm getting a pedicure tonight with some friends so that I can have cute toes!

Emily Sews

Usually I don't enter these blog give aways because I'm not that interested in the product...however my friend Emily is an amazingly talented seamstress and I'm ALWAYS jealous of her aprons (I actually have one of her half aprons and love it! I really want matching mommy and me aprons from her someday for me, Hannah, and Paige). Go check out her Facebook page and BLOG for your own chance to win!

Hannah's first potato head

 

Yes his nose is an ear and his arm is where the ear goes...He is also wearing bunny slippers to a birthday party. 

Epic Right?

"Hey look, I'm Picaso"

"I don't get it..."

"You uncultured swine!"

Book Review: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

First of all. If you haven't read THIS ARTICLE in the Wall Street Journal entitled "Why Chinese Mothers are Superior" by Amy Chua you need to read it. Now. Go read it.

I read it back in January when it came out and caused a HUGE controversy here in America. Are Chinese mother's superior? Why do they raise such stereotypically successful children?

This article is basically an excerpt from Amy Chua's book "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother." It became so controversial because in the excerpt you read Chua's accusatory words, blasting "Western" parents for being too soft on their kids creating a "soft" generation and culture. For example, she says "Even when Western parents think they're being strict, they usually don't come close to being Chinese mothers. For example, my Western friends who consider themselves strict make their children practice their instruments 30 minutes every day. An hour at most. For a Chinese mother, the first hour is the easy part. It's hours two and three that get tough."

Some of the rules she outlined for her daughters (she has two) state that they can never:
• attend a sleepover
• have a playdate
• be in a school play
• complain about not being in a school play
• watch TV or play computer games
• choose their own extracurricular activities
• get any grade less than an A
• not be the No. 1 student in every subject except gym and drama
• play any instrument other than the piano or violin
• not play the piano or violin.

I wasn't particularly interested in reading a book, specifically one that was written by someone who believes they are a better parent than me and want to shove it in my face. This was the book they chose for book club however, in hopes that it would spark lots of discussion.

I have to say, I loved this book and I highly recommend it. The article in the WSJ caused a stir, but I think once you read the book you truly come to understand her, and her point of view. She is a very funny writer and you can tell she has a deep deep love for her daughers. Everything she does is for them, and even though she takes steps that I would never take (such as rejecting birthday cards that she didn't think were very artistic or meaningful, and calling her children names, telling them that she would burn their toys if they didn't perfect their musical talents...) she does it out of love.

As the book goes on, she realizes that while this model of parenting has worked with her first child Sophia, she realizes that if she were to continue with her second child Lulu she would lose the relationship she had. She humbles herself and gives into the "Western" parenting model. It is not a how to book, it is a parenting memoir. At times it is insulting, and shocking...but for the most part, it's a book about a mom trying to figure out how to do right by her two daughters.

There was a follow up article in the WSJ written by Sophia Chua, Amy's daughter. I found it very interesting.

Personally I believe it is all about balance. You teach, and you teach and you teach and you are strict when you need to be and you give tough love when you have to but you also show love and compassion to your children, which I think this book does for the most part. There is more emphasis on the strict than the compassion but if the kids know she loves them then who's to say she did it wrong.

Two Weeks Left...

Today on our way home from church Hannah pointed at me and said "That's a pretty dress, Mommy just like a princess."

Yeah...I don't feel like a princess and I certainly don't look like one but it makes me feel good that my two year old thinks so.

Potty training

Tragedy and Heartbreak

This is going to be a very personal blog post. I’m going to try to watch what is said to protect those involved, but I’ve had a lot of emotions and feelings that I need to share. 

Last Thursday we were talking to some neighbors who asked if we had any clue what had happened the night before down the street. There were ambulances and cop cars parked all night and lots of commotion. Adam had seen the ambulances at about 9:00 when he had come home from the gym. We had no idea what it could have been. 

Soon after, we learned that on Wednesday, there had been a tragic accident involving a gun in which a family member handling the firearm had accidently shot a thirteen year old girl in the head. We became aware of this, because this family is in our ward. Samantha, the girl who was shot, was in my primary class last year. 

This tragedy has affected our ward greatly. Many have reached out in love to the family who are dealing with this terrible accident. Samantha is in stable condition at this point, but if she is to survive, her quality of life will be seriously compromised as they had to do surgery and remove a large portion of her brain. In essence, she will never be the same girl. 

I’ve thought a lot about my last interaction with Sam. It was the Sunday or two before the accident. I was in the hall walking (chasing) Hannah to nursery. Sam wanted to give Hannah a hug and tell me about girl’s camp. She LOVED Hannah and was always taking care of her, as were all my primary girls. The thing I remember most about the interaction I had with her was that even though I was nice, I was in a hurry, I was distracted. I didn’t take the time to stop and look at her in the eyes and really find out how she was doing. I regret that. 

Her parents were in a family history class with Adam and I. It was a small class, about six of us. We never really interacted with her parents. I wish that I had so I could be more of a friend at this time. Yesterday our fantastic Relief Society president asked me if I could possibly drive Courtney, Samantha’s mo, to the hospital to visit Sam. I was really scared and didn’t know exactly how to act. She was pretty medicated, as was her husband but we had a good talk driving to the hospital. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever been asked to do and I cried most of the drive home. It strengthened my testimony of the ward family as I learned of the service that has been rendered to their family by many of those in our ward, in particular the Relief Society president and Bishop. 

Tomorrow it will be a week since the accident. I don’t know how to pray for this family, I only trust God that if I pray for them to be cared for and watched over, and make myself available to help them, then He will continue to watch over them, and to bless Samantha. I hope that I can remember my last interaction with Sam, and to remember to take the time to be sincere with each person I contact. I’m grateful to know that I did have a good relationship with Sam, and I’m grateful for the time I was given to share my testimony with her weekly.

5th Anniversary Fun

We really went all out for our big number five! We had such a great time I had to share.

First of all, like I mentioned before Adam bought me a pearl necklace. I ADORE pearls. I told him I wanted a pearl necklace long long ago and he really came through, saving up all his pennies and even selling his netbook to buy me the beautiful necklace. I told Adam it was something so classic I'll be wearing it to our 50th anniversary and most days in between!

I gave Adam some money that I have saved to get a couple suits. He's been asking for suits for a gift for about a year but I was always too chicken to buy them. Why? This man has about a hundred ties, 26 dress shirts, and two nice suits already. He is a clothes horse and seriously picky about what he wears. I was worried that he'd think I was coping out by not buying him something and just giving him cash but he actually thanked me for NOT picking out suits myself. He's had his eyes open and he's shopping around for the best deal right now.

Adam planned the whole thing which was great. I figured we wouldn't do much this year as I am a whale with no energy but Adam wanted to make it special. We dropped Hannah off at my friend Jen's house and we were off to a fancy dinner at Valentino at the Venician. After a delicious dinner Adam had one more surprise up his sleeve. Tickets to Phantom of the Opera! It was PHENOMENAL! Probably the best I've seen. I was so impressed with The Phantom and Raul. I cried of course! It was so much fun I was so grateful for the night away from Hannah, just me and my man. He loves me.

Hannah had fun too...Jen had some fish in a fish tank and she spent her evening hugging the fish tank and at one point trying to reach inside to "hold the fishies," because "fishies so cute."

4 Weeks Left!

I'm 35 weeks pregnant, I have three Sundays to go. Paige will be here for SURE by September 2nd as that is when I will be induced. Seeing how I started dialating at 32 weeks and I have to take it super slow/easy so I don't have contractions I'm guessing I won't make it to my scheduled induction. I feel super large/in charge. Today I was wearing this outfit minus the skirt...I tried on three different pants until I tried Adam's pants which did not fit but then I remembered this skirt and now I have something to wear every day for the next nearly 4 weeks. I can't can't can't wait!

Oh, notice the pearls? That was my 5 year anniversary gift. I told Adam to start saving at our 2 year mark for our 5 year because I wanted a strand of pearls. They are my new favorite thing ever. Especially since I can't wear my wedding ring.

5 Years

1 House

{Almost} 2 Daughters

3 College Degrees

4 Vehicles

5 Happy Years