~KINDER LOVE~

Look who's sitting up!

2010-11-22T07:50:00.001-08:00

There are no words. This boy just melts my heart! He has been "kinda" sitting on his own for a few weeks, but as of a week ago he is on his own! He is also "scooting" backwards...which is very frustrating to him. He is so tall that everything he wears is either too big and long enough or fits just right and too short. But mommy just thinks he looks cute in anything!

Riviera Maya

2010-11-21T18:08:00.000-08:00

This was us, the entire trip. Bryan and Steven were determined to take the public transportaion. Lets just say I was NOT amuzed at first. But, looking back it was a great experience..crossing the highway to catch the bus "wherever"...Sitting super close to complete strangers, trying to understand the bus driver and holding on for dear life at times! We had our routine down, Taxi to Playa in the morning catch the bus to hotel at night. The gatekeepers thought we were complete morons lol. Emerge yourself, thats what I say!

We had an amazing time on our trip. We visited Play Del Carmen where we dove twice just off the coast, Akumal (where we went to snorkel), we toured the Ancient Ruins in Tulum and we dove in fresh water "Cenotes" (underwater caves). On the last day of our trip we caught the ferry to Cozumel where we did 2 final dives. We did six dives total and right now I am wishing I would have had a water proof underwater camera. But these pics give you an idea of what fun we had!

This place was absolutely GORGEOUS

DO you see it? We saw ALOT of them!

After our final dive in Cozumel at sunset...what a great way to top off a crazy 5 days!

Pre-school....already?

2010-10-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

There is a Pre-school in the blding that Livy goes to dance in. Every week it is a fight to leave because she see's all the kids going into the fun school room. This week Liv informed me that she just wasn't leaving and that she was going to stay "in there". After quilckly working it out with the teacher she said "seeya mom" and walked right in without looking back.....WHAT!! I was not prepared for this. She will be going for just one day a week after dance for two hours. Liam and I went to the store and I think we were both a bit lost without her but it will be nice to have the 2 hours to have together. I think Bryan is struggling a bit with the fact that she is old enough for pre-school.

Today when I told her "lets go to the park" she said, " no you stay here and I will go". I guess she is ready to have some time away from me lol. I said "don't you like me?" "Yes, like you mom but I like my blanky too.." WHAT?! They are growing up too fast!

I tease Bryan and tell him that I am already planning my move out for when she becomes a teenager. With the genes she has she will be a firecracker. Bryan thinks she will be an angel. Ok Bryan, good luck!

Tiny Dancer

2010-09-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

It was Liv's first day at dance class yesterday. She LOVED it! In fact, it took me 10 minutes after everyone had left the studio, to get her to leave. I think she is pretty dang adorable, but thats just me. It made my heart so happy, to see her dance away!

Goodbye Summer

2010-09-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

We have had such a great summer. This post will include highlights from April to September as I have not posted pictures for quite a while.

Market Street Brunch

4th of July Camping

Getting Ready for a haircut

Campfire and gathering wood

Happy

baby!

Family walk

Friends

Bird Park

Liams 1st trailer ride

Silly

BFFs

Picnic at Wheeler Farm

24th of July

Lovin the tramp

Yumm

Roar!

huh?

Dinosaur Museum

Twinners

Hi!

Getting Clean after a staycation in the backyard..

Grandma Ryan!

Pool Fun

1st Cereal

Fun at Raging Waters

Big Girl Bed & Princess Panties!!!

2010-08-17T06:35:00.000-07:00

Olivia is officially potty trained!! After 9 mos of going on the potty, she has gone 3 whole nights with no accidents and a whole week with panties during the day. After a relapse when baby Liam came home it has been a long almost 4 months of deciding wether she wants panties on or a diaper. It was day to day and some days she would refuse both. What fun that was! I am so happy that is behind us.

Livy has also graduated to her toddler bed. I have been putting it off until Liam was sleeping through the night bc I was worried she would be climbing into our bed BUT she stays in it all night! Although, naptime has come to an end she will still have a half hour of "quiet time" in her room. She is such a smart girl. I couldn't ask for better babies!

Liam and Liv have been sharing a room for about a month now. It is going fantastic. I think Olivia really likes this new arrangement...she wasn't to keen on him getting to sleep in our room every night.

Since we figured out that Liam needs Soy, he has been such a dream baby. HOWEVER, he hates the car and the carseat. He cried all the way home from Price on Sunday if we are in the car for longer than 4 minutes its a party....but atleast he doesn't cry all night long I say. I love my babies!

Two Months!

2010-06-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been two months already! I am so in love with this little man. He has started to coo and smile at me when I talk to him. At his appointment yesterday he weighed 10 lbs! He is such a good baby. He wakes up twice a night to eat and takes lots of little naps during the day. He loves loves to snuggle, and he like when Livy talks to him and kisses him (finally she does this rather than put the blanket over his head) I was worried there for a minute! But we are getting back on track slowly but surely.

I never knew how a little boy could just melt his mamas heart. I am just so in love with him! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

2010-06-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

Bryan is an amazing father. He is so patient with them, more patient than I could ever hope to be. I could not ask for a better father for my children. He spends every free second he has with them. He works long hours and continues to go to school so he can give us the best life possible. Thanks Bryan for being such a great dad. We love you!

Welcome to the World!

2010-05-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

Our healthy TINY precious little package is here! Ok, so he has been here almost two weeks but as my blogging goes...

Liam Bryan Kinder
6lbs 10 oz 20.5 inches

April 24, 2010

Everything went well! Labor took 12 hours, less than HALF the time it took for Livy to grace us..THANK GOODNESS! Other than lack of sleep, we are adjusting to our new life together. It took Olivia a few days to forgive me and she is still a bit posessive of daddy...but she is starting to warm up to baby Liam.

Birthday Party

2010-04-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

Grandma Ryan was so thoughtful in bringing the jumper for the party. The kiddos had a great time! Except for a little taste of a terrible 2 breakdown. I swear the instant she turned 2! Crazy. I got her "It's my Party and I'll cry if I want to" on video for future review. I had a seriously hard time getting Liv to smile at the camera. Thus most of the pics I caught are of the top or the side of her head. OH Bother.

I think we had another Toys R Us black out. I really shouldn't go in there! And the fact that I am feeling a bit worried about our new little addition coming soon didn't help matters. I think that she will just love him...but I feel a little guilty bc she is still my baby!! The thing that matters most is that she loves everything she got. ..and it was so fun to see her face light up with excitement. I was right about the shoes...she loves shoes! (Just like her dad) he could have no more clothes in his closet and he would still go buy a new pair of shoes....

This is Liv and her little friend Taytum. They were both very interested in the baby doll. It was soo cute!

Thanks to my great friend Tiff who made this cute little cupcake cake. It turned out so cute and it really saved me a whole lot of stress bc I'm not much of a baker. Not to mention that it was soooo YUMMY!! All in all it was a fun time. Thanks to all our family that came up...We love you all!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVIA!

2010-04-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Livy Bug turned 2 today!! This morning, when I went to get her out of her crib she said to me..."You did it! Good girl mom!" This comment came after I retreaved the correct stuffed animal that she wanted to bring down to breakfast with her. She is the light of my life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVEBUG!

Before I Complain...

2010-03-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

I just want to say that I have had a great pregnancy.

Okay, besides all the puking and nausea that went with the First Tri...I have felt really great and happy.

Well let me tell you people. All that happy pregnancy has caught up because Today I am so done.

Done with this "cute" extra fat, exzema all over my face (I am not quite that glowing miss pregnant girl they are always talking about in the mags) , false contractions, crazy bipolar appetite, no sleeping, peeing 10x a night, nesting in my head but being to tired to do it all. The more lists I make the more I just want to lay on the couch and sleep. And I just can't breathe anymore!

And no, sweet baby boy..my ribs are not going to move. (Hopefully, atleast bc everything else has). I am sorry you are running out of room. I love you! Please come soon so I can wonder what I was thinking having two babies only 2 years apart. I just can't promise that Liv will not still climb all over you like a latter.

Just an update

2010-03-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

I realize that I haven't blogged for over a month. There is something up with my laptop and it won't let me upload pictures or change my layout.....Bryan has been soooo busy at work so hopefully we will get this fixed before baby boy comes..

7 more weeks to go! I am feeling, and looking so pregnant. Looking forward to meeting our little guy soon! He has been moving a ton but I think he is running out of room now. Olivia will kiss my belly and say "baby" so I think she kinda gets it. She is growing so much. Saying the cutest things. I love her sooooo much! She really brings joy to my life. I woke up this morning to "I love you mommy" coming from her crib. It was the best wake up ever! Even though there are many days that I miss the adult world, I have the best job. She also says things like "I like it" and "whats that noise coming". She has had an obsession with Nemo the last month and tries to watch it everyday. However mommy is getting tired of that movie ahhh! She loves animals and she loved the zoo when we went a few weeks ago. I am hoping to post some pics soon. She also thinks she can boss me...which for some reason I don't think that will go away. "Now mommy" she says. Oh boy. I hope she likes the boy!

Potty Training is coming along. She went all day Sunday at home in big girl panties with only one accident. But potty training has been on her terms of course and everyday is different. Somedays she won't even look at the potty.

Well people, hopefully we can survive our new little adjustment coming soon! I am a bit worried to have two babies!! I guess I will find out what I am made of!

Thoughts about Valentines Day

2010-01-28T12:42:00.000-08:00

What a Holiday. First of all, I feel bad for men on this one. I mean, I am just being honest. I am sure it's a lot of pressure. Not that the girlfriend or wife does it on purpose, but it IS a holiday therefore an immediate expectation. An expectation that is present even when you (the woman) don't want it there..it's like it's forced. I realize this because when I think of Valentines Day my heart says "he doesn't need to get me anything" " just another day"....but my head then immediatly replys with "if he doesn't put any thought into that day at all I swear....(you can insert). But no matter what, even if you pretend not to care, a woman cares...right?

Looking back I can see those great Valentines Days, like ones spent on ski trips surrounded by friends, ones that have included pretty jewlery and maybe a nice dinner and a movie. There have been those depressing lonely ones, ones where significant other had to work late, or no significant other. Days made special by wonderful roomates (Tiff I love you) who make beautiful dinners for her single and recently broken up housemates. Years in elementary, middle, Jr. and Highschool where I was called to the office to receive pretty flowers or sweet treat sent by the best mom on the planet. So no matter how bad any of those days could have been, they really weren't bad at all were they?

So now that I think a bit more...... Could there ever be such a thing as a bad Valentines Day? When it comes to my honey forgetting or not getting just the right thing, maybe. But when it comes down to what that day really should be about I say no, because I know that I have beautiful people in my life that love me. And I love them. Unfortunately, in this world love is hard to come by...so I am going to try real hard to not let my head get in the way of my heart.

P.S. Dear Honey, a massage sounds nice for heart day ;) But if you forget it's ok, as long as you take out the garbage. After all, I am still a woman.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

Just few highlights from our New Years and Christmas!! As you can see by the look on Bryans face that we had a great time! Thanks to our great friends Tiff and Trev for inviting us to their fun family party! We had a blast hanging out, letting the kids run around and play and, EATING!

Livy loves to play with Tayter Bug!

I know, I look like I need SLEEP! I am used to going to bed at 9:30 k

Olivia loves the kitchen Grandma Ryan gave her! She made me some yummy soup just last night ;)

Grandpa David has taught Livy early that John Deer is the best! We can't wait to visit Grandma Ryan's so we can play with the fun barn!!

Liv is a well rounded gal, she loves her gloss and her purse, but she can still keep up with those trucks and trackters!!

Grocery Shopping Drama

2009-12-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

I was "that" mom today. You know, the one with the child screaming at the top of their lungs, in the middle of the store when you only have a gallon of milk and eggs in the cart and a mile long list left to go. Everyone was looking at me like what in the world am I doing to her to make her so unhappy and could I just make her stop???? No, I was not giving in. Not this time. She was going to sit and be happy in the cart.

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Olivia hates the cart. HATES it. For 45 minutes I made her sit in it today at Walmart without giving in. Fishy crackers, snacks, milk, gum? I tried hugging her, singing to her. It was quite the site I am sure. She wanted to get down. So, at the 45 minute mark, right before I burst into tears myself, I gave in, set her down on the floor and she stopped.

The rest of the trip I spent teaching her to stay right close to me, because she likes to run around. Along with trying to push my huge cart full of things and hold her at the same time. Then, when went to check out, I got an earful from the checker how letting her run around could be dangerous, someone could take her, she could trip or get lost or.....REALLY PEOPLE! ? I get it! So you aren't happy if I make her sit in the cart, and you aren't happy when she is running around.

I AM EXHAUSTED! I am NEVER shopping with that girl again. OK, not until next week when I am forced to go again. Hopefully she will be out of this stage soon. PLEASE LET IT BE SOON!

21 Weeks Pregnant and Potty Training begins

2009-12-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

Only 19 Weeks to go!! Woohoo! I am really enjoying my pregnancy now. I feel really great with only the occasional food aversion and tiredness BUT my sickness is long gone! Baby boy is moving and kicking and I love every minute!

About a two weeks ago Olivia started showing signs that she is ready to potty train! By the end of the week I was exhausted after trying to keep her clothes and diapers ON. She loves her birthday suit! She dropped her pants in the mall and at the movie, yes, I learned that onsies when we are out are key ;) I don't think that she is completely ready for full on training, however, she has gone on the potty 3 times now and sits on the potty variously throughout the day. I am praying that she will be all potty trained by April so I only have to change newborn diapers!! Cross your fingers for us!!

This is my baby girl on a typical day at our house. Sippie (with MILK) which she pronounces "nilk" in one hand, blankie in the other, and donning some kind of dressup like a tutu or mommies shoes.

A HUGE thanks to Grandma Vickie and Grandpa David for taking Liv so I can clean house, shop, and spend a few days with Bryan. I have gotten SO MUCH accomplished. We talked to he on the phone last night and she had gone to feed the cows with grandpa. She told us that cows moo, and she saw the piggies. She loves her grandparents!!

Winter Fun

2009-12-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

These two love to run through the house up and down the stairs. They sure keep eachother busy!!

She was mad that there was snow on her glove...

We got a ton of snow this week!

Liv refuses to sit in her highchair unless she sees Julien sit in it first. And since he is not here very often, this is the way Liv eats dinner now...

Such Cute Cousins, I am so glad they have eachother!! Yes, I told them to give kisses, it is so cute!

By the way, We are having a BOY!! We are so excited! Now Olivia will have two buddies to keep her safe ;)

Fun on the Horses

2009-12-11T13:08:00.001-08:00

The Day after Thanksgiving we went on a short and sweet horse ride in huntington. We wanted to see how long Livy would ride for and she went for a whole 45 minutes! She was torn about getting off, but when she realized that she was going to be able to take the short ride back in the truck without her carseat she was happy to be out of the cold. Connor is becoming quite the cowboy, expressed in his cowboy twang once he is around the horses lol.

Thanksgiving Confessionals

2009-11-20T12:16:00.001-08:00

I have been reflecting on the past year, and after looking in my blogging archives I have noticed that my blogging has gotten fewer and farther between. Well, you can only imagine how GUILTY this makes me feel because of the fact that it is really the only journaling that I do. I want Olivia to have something to reflect on when she is older and lets just say that I am NOT the scrapbooking type. I envy those people who record and print pictures and put them into books. I have tried and failed many times at this. I gave up on it a long time ago. Which leads me to my next guilty thought. Soon, I will have two, does this make me twice as quilty??!

Since we are talking about guilt, (and I know I am not the only mother that knows this word), here are a few (ok a lot) of other things I want to get of my chest.

1)I had planned to have Christmas bought by Thanksgiving, too bad I have only bought two gifts. The week before Christmas fits me much better, because after all, I am a procrastinator, which leads us to the next...

2)I have not taken Liv to get her pictures taken since she was 6 months old. I myself hate pictures, so the thought of this makes me so anxious. Besides, I have taken millions of pictures of her and have only printed a few. Why? Because they will just sit in a pile and get dusty thats why.

3) Gym? What gym? We got so busy in the summer that I quit going, one thing lead to the next and I have been twice since summer ended.

4) Our Living, dining, and kitchen are all one room area, so dinner time has turned into couch time, and I just put my foot down yesterday and we are finally using the dining room table we bought. Olivia, does not like this. AND ITS OUR FAULT so now on, dinner is at the table with the TV turned OFF.

5) I am not sending Christmas cards, not because I can't find a cute picture, but because I just don't want to go to the trouble of finding addresses. I am pregnant and not in the mood. I am sorry for this. Maybe in a few years I won't have an excuse anymore.

Well, I think that 5 is enough. I will spare you the rest.

I have FINALLY settled into the fact that I am a stay at home mom and I have quit feeling guilty for this. I love being able to spend my days with Livy and soon to be baby. I have realized that it is important, and these days go by so fast, that I am learning to cherish the moments.

I am so thankful that I have a hard working husband that supports me in my job to raise my children. I am thankful for my family.

Without them life really would be hard.

West Coast

2009-11-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

Ohhh I am so behind on this blogging!!

In September, we took a trip to Sunny O.C. to visit Aunt Trish, and ofcourse Ayla ;). We stayed on the beach a few nights and a few nights in Lake Forest at Aunt Trish's house. Ayla and Nate came down and we had so much fun visiting with them! We also took Livy to the San Diego Zoo, which she loved, but by the time we left she was already passed out!

It wasn't the most easy going trip for me because I was 8 weeks pregnant at this point and sooo so sick! All I can say is thank goodness the only empty seat on the plane ride home ended up being right between us so Liv could have her own seat. After our big trip back east with her on my lap the whole time, I was so glad to have this blessing! It was a bumpy ride home, and I almost threw up right in the middle of the airport. (funny the details we remember ;))

East Coast

2009-09-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

We have had a very busy last few months! I cannot believe I have missed Two months of blogging!! Well, In August, Olivia and I traveled to Vermont with my mom to attend her 40th class reunion. We stayed at my cousin Amy's little cabin on Lake Champlain and it was (as always) a most charming experience. If any of you have not been to VT picture white picket fences, dairy cows, beautiful farms, and amazing Lake homes!! Which by the way the one that I would like to buy is on sale for only 675,000. Hmmm that may have to stay a dream for a while.

Liv Did such a great job on the plane ride. We flew red eye so she slept almost the entire first flight to JFK. I was soooo happy! By the time we got into VT she was so sleepy, but only slept on the half hour drive to the lake. Ugh! We were all so tired!

We did lots of visiting and playing at the lake. Liv had a bit of a hard time adjusting to the humidity, but all in all it was a great time!

Thanks mom, for the fun trip. It was great to be able to spend the week with you at the lake. We can't wait to go back!

Swimming Fun!

2009-07-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

We have had such a great summer! The latest excitement is swimming lessons. Olivia loves the water! Her favorite thing to do is wade through the shallow water ON HER OWN. She does not want anything to do with me and is constantly batting me away. She can go under and blow bubbles but she does not like floating on her back. She will do other things like jump of the side of the pool on her own terms ofcourse. We have no idea how she got so stubborn..lol!

Bryan taught her how to wear her shades. When we are at the pool she does not take them off! I was astonished! Unfortunately, if she gets ahold of them inside, they break...these ones kicked the bucket last week.

The best thing about swim lessons is that we come home, take a bath, and then Liv will take the best nap ever!!! No, okay, not the best thing but it is a plus! She is doing so well! She books it for the diving boards and I have to tell her that they are for when she is a big girl!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Olivia loved the pretty daisies! I had a hard time getting her attention.

We had so much fun in Joes Valley celebrating the 4th! I wish I had more pics to share. By the end I was completely exhausted from chasing Liv around all weekend. Livy loves the outdoors and she was all over the place!

We have the hardest time getting Livy and Connor to cooperate in a picture. Livy didn't want Connor touching her.

A happy mom and me Pic ;)

Running from mom and the Camera as always.

Well, That is a special shot of Winslows behind. Winslow is our horse who has gotta be almost 20 years old. He is the official kids horse and Bryan is getting a horse shoeing lesson from my dad. Bryan has concluded that he does not want to shoe horses for a living. that would hurt my back!!

Hanging out with Winslow.

Please read from the bottom of the page up. Just do it.

2009-06-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

Livy and Beau had fun hanging out together!

The weather was starting to freak out. Not long after these pictures were taken it started to rain cats and dogs!

Yellowstone Trip

2009-06-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

We had fun hanging out at grandma's.

Oh so tired on a very long drive!

Yay! A buffalo! Previous to this snapshot it was swimming across the river but I was to slow...

continued

2009-06-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

If you hadn't noticed yet my posts are backwards. Owell. I'm not fixing it!

Bryan was pretty excited about this tiny fish. haha!

Livy liked it too!

Missy and Beau looking so cute!

Road Trip!

2009-06-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

We Took off Friday night to head up to St. Anthony Idaho to stay at Missy's grandma's house. She lives right on the Snake river and it was absolutely gorgeous! The guys had a good time riding their bikes.

The next morning these moose showed up in the yard. I was so excited! I think they were pretty annoyed with my enthusiasm.

By the way I used Picasa to upload these pictures and the fastest way to do this was to create 4 different posts. Apparently i have to post according to time. Thats why this first post was last.....Forget it!

Camping Fun

2009-06-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went camping with the Kinders. Our destination was in the Dixie National Forest at a place called Lower Bowns (i think thats the name). The drive was a bit long but it was a fun place. Unfortunately, we did not have the best weather. It was windy and a bit cold the whole time. Thank goodness the cousins had a fun tent to keep Liv occupied the first day. She loved climbing on everyones beds and some yarn and a bottle of rocks along with her cousins company kept her busy!!

Liv loves the 4-wheeler. It freaks me out a bit because I am a bit scared of them. This was the only way we could get her to nap the first day. She fell asleep on a ride with dad.

Sammy has the cutest ride~!

Gone Fishing! It was a headache trying to keep Livy from jumping in the water!

We took a ride through Hell's Backbone. It was quite impressive! The road was built to transport mail from Escalante to Boulder. I wouldn't want to take this long ride on a mule thats for sure....

Almost pooped out.

Memorial Weekend

2009-05-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

We went to Zions NP and stayed in a cute little cabin just outside the park. Wish we could have hiked with Liz and Connor but I will just say that we had a bit of a meltdown before getting on the shuttle. Owell. We hiked at Bryce Canyon and saw some beautiful places in Utah. No wonder we live here!! We did a fun hike up Calf Creek Falls by Boulder to a great Waterfall. Ofcourse I didn't have my camera so Liz will post those pictures. On our trip we saw lots of fish, Buffalo, elk and a Turkey! AND some Texas Longhorns. oh..can't forget the horny toad I saw! I always wish that I would have taken better pictures. It's the thought that counts!

Mothers Day

2009-05-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

This first pic is just a random...but it is so cute! We went to the Zoo for Mothers Day. It was so busy, but we got there before a lot of the crowd. Liv didn't really care to much about the animals, they were a bit hard to see. But she liked the monkeys alot! It was a good Mothers Day!

Life gets in the way!

2009-04-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

We have been quite busy lately. Ok. That is my excuse for not blogging any pictures. I have decided to take the time tonight to catch up on some of the pictures taken over the last few months. Although there are to many to post here are some highlights of the last month or two. (Sorry this took so long aunt Trish!)
Livy loved to snuggle with Aunt Trish when they came down from CA for Grandma Larae's 80th Birthday Party. It was so much fun!

Livy went on her first 4 wheeler ride with Grandma Vickie and Uncle Daniel.....

And, we got a dog. Her name is Honey and Yes that is her crate that Liv likes more than she does. We adopted her from the Humane Society and she is finally getting used to being at her new home. It was a rough few weeks for her but she is feeling much better. I have to say she has it pretty good here...

We went out to the Wedge on Easter Sunday for a nice horse ride. It was a beautiful day, and only a little windy. I finally had the chance to ride my horse that Bryan gave to me soon after we met. Her name is Aphrodite and we call her Ditee. Thanks to Bryans parents for taking such great care of her!!

Finally, we had Olivia's Birthday Party combined with her cousin Julien because they were born the same day last year. It was on Saturday the 18th. But on her Birthday on the 16th we gave her this chair, and she loves it. The dog thinks its hers.

And the birthday party. We had it at Murray Park and it was very windy. Olivia was sick so we didn't get many pictures. But she really like the cake!

Owell. I tried to get her to smile at the camera but she wasn't having it!

Happy Birthday to my Olivia

2009-04-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

My baby is 1! Even though I feel like it has been a long year, it is amazing to compare her first pictures with ones of her now. She has grown so much. She has taught me so much. It has gone fast in a slow kind of way (enter the long nights with little sleep). Olivia has taught me the most unselfish and unconditional kind of love. This year has been beautiful. Happy Birthday sweetie bug!

My water broke at 1am on April 15th. (Due date April 21st) Good thing I had just packed a bag just hours before! I instantly forgot 9 mo's of "What to Expect when your Expecting". I went blank and didn't know what to do. So I found the book and looked up what to do if your water breaks... what else? (I read that dang book for 9 mo's. Talk about test anxiety!) I woke Bryan up and we were on our way to the hospital. We thought we would be having a taxday baby...but she held out until 1:13Am on the 16th of April. It was a long long day full of anxiety and tears (and may i mention extreme hunger) but she finally came and I was pretty much in shock! All I know is that I told Bryan not to let her out of his sight, and he hasn't, voluntarily, ever since.

First Steps and big messes

2009-03-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

Livy took her first step today. She has been able to stand alone for a while but usually sits down once she realizes I am not holding on to her. Today when she realized that she was standing she started giggling and took her first step...and a half! So ofcourse I get the video camera out and once its rolling she just throws a fit and won't stand up at all. Owell. I did get a picture on my camera phone....

So another exciting thing happened while I was trying to make dinner last night. I realized that it had gotten very quiet in the room, so I looked around the corner and saw this...

Yes, yes. That is her eating the ashes out of our woodburning fireplace that Bryan is so excited to have. I asked him to clean it out days ago because I knew this would happen! Stupid me, thought I could put her saucer (which she hates to play with) in front of it and think I was safe. Owell. Bryan says the charcol is good for her, like an antioxidant. Ya know, because thats what they use to clean ppls stomachs and such. Oh how I love that he is trying to make me feel better for letting my daughter eat the fireplace crap. Or himself because it was his job to clean it out. And by the way, to make it more of an exciting day, she then proceeded to poop in the tub (for the second day in a row) while I was cleaning her up. AND NO there was not much notice. Thanks Al, for giving me the idea to throw her on the toilet next time that happens! And thanks Al again for coming to my rescue and eating dinner with me!! It must be such good birthcontrol to see my shining face and the end of a great fun filled day.

PS. To see the joy in Olivia's face as she takes her first step, makes this stay at home mom thing all worth it and then some. :)

Whew! Breathe and good!

2009-02-23T09:27:00.000-08:00

The past three weeks have been CRAZY! Liv was sick for basically three weeks. First week she had the stomach flu and wouldn't eat much for a week. Second week she had a horrible cold and didnt sleep much, and third week on came the ear infection along with cutting a top tooth!!! All the while we moved to our new home. I am finally getting it together now that Liv is feeling better and I CAN'T wait to get back to the gym. I honestly thought I was going crazy for a few days! But thanks to my sweet hubby for watching Liv for Bunko girls night on Friday and The Celine Dion concert on Sunday night I feel rejuvinated and ready for life! Thank you so much to those of you who helped us move!! You are the best! We would have been in a bigger mess without you! Bad news is is that I still cannot find the connector for the camera so I have no pics to show you...yet. I will find it somewhere in that garage! Yay! Atleast we can both park in there now, the first few days it was to full of junk! But we are getting there. Good news is is that our apartment rented! Thank goodness! Whew again!

P.S. Celine Dion was awesome! I have always loved her, and we finally got to her concert. I honestly almost cried when I saw her! Next time, and there will be a next, we are getting front row tickets Liz!! Thanks mom for the fun night out!

OH stress

2009-02-04T07:25:00.000-08:00

Ofcourse the week before we close on our new home the people who were going to take our lease bailed, without telling me! And ofcourse now they are "unavailable" Because they know they are immature jerks. Why can't people learn to be responsible!! They told me they brought their deposit in, so I removed the add for the apt and naturally thought our problem had been solved. Oh but I didnt realize that I should have assumed that they were idiots.

Some people should just not have children.

New Shades

2009-02-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

We were in the store and Bryan found these cute Roxy sunglasses and insisted that Liv needed a pair. Of course being practical I said she would just take them off and break them. Oh no, I was wrong. She LOVES to wear them and didn't even try to take them off our whole walk. She is so smart. Really I just can't believe how smart she is!

Winter Syndrome

2009-01-31T11:18:00.000-08:00

I totally have it. I have almost lost it this week. Bryan has been working non stop. He worked 6 12 hour days last week and 6 12 hour days this week. I am grateful that his work is so busy right now! We are so happy that the govenor reinstated all the road projects in Utah. (hello job security) but it really leaves not much of a break for me! I get one hour a day to myself at the gym and it is sooo nice. Livy is completely sick of her mom, yesterday she cried when Bryan left for work.

So the other day I decide to look for a part time job. While I am looking at the computer Livy climbs into the laundry basket and then tips over into the corner of the desk. Hello goose egg! There went looking for a job because I have felt so guilty for taking my eyes off of her and I am her mother! I just cant handle taking her to daycare yet! I am just going to have to wait until Bryan is here to watch her because by the time she is down for her nap it is time to clean, pick up toys, run to the mailbox and garbage, shower, try to look presentable and eat something before she wakes up. She is into EVERTHING!

It is such a nice day outside! I think we will go for a walk since the inversion isnt around today. Does anyone else ever feel unbalanced in their life and like they just can't pull it together???!

Home Home

2009-01-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

So after only over a month of searching, we have found a perfect little home for us in Holladay. We are so excited for our move but it has been pretty stressful trying to find the perfect house for the location that we want! We are closing on Feb 10th and will be moving in on Valentines Day! For those of you who don't know Bryan has postponed engineering degree at the U because work is full of overtime right now that he really wants to be apart of. I support his decision 100% because the last few years of his schooling has been pretty lonely long days for me. I actually see my husband before 10 at night! We get to eat dinner together and everything!

I have been so busy that I haven't taken many pictures of my Liv. She is cruzing along just about to walk! She is finally calling me mama which is great to hear since she would go all day saying dada dada!! She claps when I tell her he is on the phone. Its cute.

So far this year

2009-01-05T06:25:00.001-08:00

Liv began crawling on Christmas Eve. Ever since then she has been achieving all kinds of new things. I usually give her cereal right in the morning but yesterday I put her in her highchair and she started crying "baba! baba! " Now, this is what I call her bottle when I ask her if she wants her baba. She hasn't been wanting to eat anything but her baba....I hope thats normal! I think she is going to be a picky eater like her dad. Who knows if she new what she was saying but it sounded right to me! She can now do the actions to patty cake while we sing it for her. The sad thing for me is that she is already trying to walk and stand on her own! When I was helping her stand yesterday with both hands she let go of one and started slapping my hand away! I was almost in tears. She will be walking before we know it! She pulls herself up on anything she can get her hands on. When I get her out of her crib she waves at me, at herself in the mirror, looks for daddy to wave to, and I think she waves at her basket of toys. She's my social butterfly!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-30T07:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so much fun! It was great to have two little ones this year. It really creates Christmas magic! Liv was soo into it! I have to be honest I thought she would just play with the paper, but to our surprise she was totally into her gifts. Good thing grandma spoiled her!

I don't think that Connor was exactly sure how to share his Christmas day, but he did pretty darn good. Oh ya except for when we tried to make him wait to go into the room until my dad got there, he totally lost interest. Lesson learned, you can't make a two year old wait to long. Liv didn't care she slept in!

We took Livy for a ride in the sled. It was hilarious. She first decided that she would take a rest...

And then she decided to peek over the side. This was what she looked like before her faceplant into the snow. She was like...what the heck just happened! But she got right back in the saddle, just to do it again!

Our sled trip only lasted about a block, but it was a riot!

At Grandma Vickie's there is no highchair so I put Liv on a blanket to give her a snack. Well I forgot there were dogs...Here she is sharing her snack with Toby the mooch. It was pretty cute. But Livy didn't get any of her snack. Owell. We had a great time, Thanks to everyone!

Reflecting

2008-12-22T07:26:00.000-08:00

As this month quickly passes I have been thinking about different events that have taken place over the last year. For starters I have been pregnant, given birth, been layed off along with the rest of my department, gained 48 lbs and lost 23. I have learned the love of a mother, realized a fathers love, looked through the world of new eyes, really learned what worry really feels like. I've watched the economy take a plunge along with gas prices, found out what a hospital stay costs, and learned to deal with a greedy insurance company. I have seen history take place with the election of an african american president and watch a love one start to heal the scars of war by achieving goals that he promised himself that he would achieve. I have learned that the happiness of my family contributes to my own happiness, which has helped me learn to be happy in this very moment because time passing, happy or not.

There are millions lessons we learn in our lifetime. This year has been no exception. The realization of being a mother has been most enlightening. My view of the world is changed as I move from being #1.

Graduation and Vegas

2008-12-16T06:37:00.000-08:00

Bryan graduated from ITT in Computer Drafting and Design. He was the Valedictorian of his class and he gave an amazing speech, I am so proud of him! You may be thinking oh good! Done with school! Think again. He is on his way to a Civil Engineering degree in Jan at the U. I figure..what the hell the Army is going to pay for it!

For his graduation present we left Liv with Grandma Ryan and Grandma Vickie. We left Thursday morning on an early flight and came back Sat night. It was really fun to get away! We stayed at Ceasars Palace and our room ended up being amazing because I asked for an upgrade. They put us in the brand new tower that overlooks the Belagio fountains and the Paris Eiffel Tower. I loved it! We wanted to go to Love by the Beatles, a Cirque but they were on Vacation. WE settled for a Cirque at the MGM called KA and it was pretty good. WE didn't gamble much but I won 9 dollars on the 5 cent slots in about 5 minutes! We had dinner at the Eiffel Tower the first night, it was a fun date. I missed my baby like crazy and I couldn't even sleep in the first day, come to find out she was happy as a lark with all the attention she was getting at home.

I didn't get Holiday cards sent, but maybe you will get a card on Valentines Day! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

Flying By!

2008-12-09T15:26:00.001-08:00

Liv is now clapping her hands and scooting across the floor.

She is cutting another bottom tooth, and the top ones are trying to appear!

She's razzing and laughing all day long, her jiberish just makes me laugh.

She can now copy me when I say momma and dadda, and she always wants both of our attention at the same time.

And boy has she found her lungs....seriously it hurts my ears. I can't believe that she is almost 9 months old! How fast this year has gone. At this rate I am going to be forty in a blink!

I have all kinds of cute hats and headbands for her and I am lucky if I can get a picture before she rips them off her sweet little head.

She knows EXACTLY how to wrap her daddy around his little finger... as I just sit back and think, can you really not see that she is playing you??? But he doesn't care, daddy get playtime. It's mom who has to pay for daddys spoiling at night.

Holiday Time!

2008-12-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

I know, it has been forever since I did a post. I was hoping to get some thanksgiving pics on here but my sister has them so it will probably not happen. Here are some cute ones I took of Liv today by the tree! She is ALMOST crawling. I figure the tree will be an incentive to start moving because she loves to play with it so much....don't know if I will be able to put the presents out!!

2008-11-13T07:18:00.000-08:00

8 TV Shows I Watch
1. Greys Anatomy
2. Oprah
3. Travel Channel
4. Desperate Housewives
5. Brothers and Sisters
6. Dirty Sexy Money
7. History Channel
8. Today Show

8 Things That Happened Yesterday
1. Met Aubrey at the Gym
2. Changed diapers
3. Vacuumed, cleaned
4. Picked Bryans new skiis up from being set
5. Dropped a movie at Red Box
6. unloaded and reloaded dishwasher
7. Made the bed (is this really on my list???) what a life!
8. Visited with Cami and Brandon

8 Favorite Places to Eat
1. Jasmine
2. Orchid
3. Pei Wei
4. Subway
5. Market Street
6.At home
7.Tsunami
8. Cafe Sabor

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To
1. Our Vegas Trip with Mat and Jodi
2. Bryans Graduation
3. Liv's Nap (This is ongoing)
4. Seeing Ayla
5. Having our own house
6. Our trip to Greece
7. Getting a massage
8. Getting together with family for the holidays

8 Things on My Wish List
1. A house
2. An SUV
3. The perfect career
4. loose 25 more lbs
5. Contentment
6. Happiness for my mom
7. A husband for my sister
8. Another Brother or sister for Livy (someday, not now)

8 People I Tag
Anyone who wants to waste some time.

My Little Butterfly

2008-11-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

Liv was a Monarch Butterfly for her first Halloween.....If you think you might be seeinga sign of a tooth...your right! I can feel one coming through!

Willow Park

2008-10-29T15:25:00.001-07:00

My beautiful Girl!

Livy and Julien playing...

It was such a beautiful day!

Liv's Pumpkin

2008-10-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

Weather Man

2008-10-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder where they get there information from....mars? Im just warning you now that this is going to be a really stupid pointless post but I will post it anyways. Every year we take the motorcycle to Price and put it in Liz's garage for the winter (thanks Liz) ..But last week the weather said that it was going to snow ALL over the state through Eastern Utah and up. SO what did we do we left the motorcycle here and just drove to Price (leaving SL the sky looked like snow) and it was the most beautiful weather ever! I told Bryan to check the roads website but he of course said he didn't trust it and didn't want to get stuck in the canyon on a motorcycle in the snow. It didn't snow Eastern Utah up, it snowed Davis County up. I told you this would be stupid. So when they say that it is going to be in the 70's this weekend should I get my hopes up? I would like to remind you that I live in a little apt and I like to get outside as much as humanly possible or I go into crazy depressed mode which no one wants to see. Atleast I have the gym, which is I am loving. (Tangent) I'm going to a Kinesis class on Thurs..anyone ever heard of it? I had never seen it before but it looks awesome! BTW I lost 2 lbs this week! Yay!

Cold Smold.....

2008-10-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

I hate the cold. I love September. It's my favorite month. Not too hot, not too cold. Now, it's going to be too cold. Too cold to throw the baby in the stroller without turning her into a mummy. Too cold to throw on my flip flops. Too cold cold cold. I wish I could migrate for the winter. Really it's true. I love to ski. I really do. But I would say I am a fairweather skier. If its windy, you know where I will be. I will be down in the lodge with a hot toty in my had. But to think of it, I can actually ski this year! Which makes me feel a bit better since I haven't been for TWO YEARS and the last experience was not a good one because I thought I would try snowboarding with Bryan. MMMMK NO THANKS to that.. I was like GET MY SKIS AND GET THEM FAST! I am not a boarder, never have been never will be. I like my good ole trusty skis where I don't have to eat snow all day. I can't wait to take Liv. She will be a skier too. She will be the cutest little snow bunny that ever lived. But I still hate the cold.

Fall Days

2008-10-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

I decided to join Excel Fitness so I can take some pilates reformer classes. Has anyone heard of a body bug? They use them on the biggest loser I guess. They talked me into wearing one and I think that it is already helping me get back into shape. It is worn on the right arm and it measures all kinds of neat stuff like calories burned, consumed, calorie deficit, number of steps etc. I love it! It really keeps me focused on how much weight I need to loose. I am going to be meeting with a trainer starting tomorrow and I am so excited!

First Day at Daycare!

Speaking of that....it was Liv's first daycare experience at the gym last week and she did great! It was so nice to drop her off and have a break, but I did feel guilty. I think she liked it though there is alot for her to look at there. It is good for her to get used to being away from me for atleast an hour a day! She all of a sudden has a cold though...the joy of daycare I guess. I also have her just about weaned, I get my body back yay! 5 1/2 months of breastfeeding was quite the ordeal! I had the joy of getting mastitis on our Cali trip which sent me to the ER. Yup. thats when I decided to give myself credit for 5 months breastfeeding and move on to the bottle.

Look who can sit up! (falls over after a minute though)

Bryan is still busy busy. He will be getting an associates from ITT in a few months and then he wants to go back to the U for a Computer Science degree. I know. We will always be in school I think. But atleast ITT helped him get a great job at HNTB. He is in the running for Valedictorian, which I am very proud of. He has worked so hard and has surpassed many obsticles since leaving the army. We have come a long way!

We have been looking at houses lately and really have the bug to buy one. But we are very picky about location so it may have to be put off until I go back to work.

Sunday walk

Okay well that might sum things up. Usually I don't have much to say...I don't know what has gotten in to me today! I just want to talk! Time for a girls night I suppose. Anyone in? :) Al, I know you are! I know the layout of this post needs help, but Liv is up from her nap so I gotta go! Owell!

Girl Shopping!

2008-09-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

This last week I discovered that Liv is running out of season appropriate clothing. Because of two more than awesome babyshowers, I have not yet had to buy hardly anything for her to wear. So I decided to make a trip to Old Navy and the mall to visit Gymboree, Baby Gap and Childrens Place. OH MY GOODNESS.. cutest girl clothes EVER! AND, best of all, there were incredible sales! I almost have her entire wardrobe for next summer, and I also found some things she can wear this winter. The stuff was over 40 % off! You may be wondering why I am so excited. It's because I hate to shop. Hate to shop for myself that is. I have never liked buying clothes and trying things on especially now with this special post pregnancy body that I am dawning. Anyhow I may never buy myself anything again because it is so fun getting cute little outfits for her! Don't worry, when and if this extra momminess decides to stop being stubborn and come off, I will go on a shopping spree for me...

Baby Einstein heaven sent!

2008-09-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

As part of our morning ritual Liv has started to watch Baby Einstein. Every parent has probably figured out that it was sent from heaven. 30 minutes. I had 30 whole minutes to myself while she sat in her highchair and just stared at the TV. She was smiling and laughing. It's truely amazing. It may sound odd but if you are a stay at home mom, and your with your kids 24/7, 30 minutes to do whatever you want is amazing. Especially if you haven't slept a full night in 5 months! Bryan now has school 4 nights a week. Which means he is gone from 7am to 10pm. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful I am able to stay home with her when she is so small, but lets face it, its not the most intellectual stimulating day with a 5 month old. I feel like my brain has been scrambled! So lets hurray for 30 minutes of me time! And, if you get what I'm saying, 30 minutes of you time!

2008-09-12T17:15:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Wedding

2008-09-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Alex said she wasn't going to cry but she was crying before she even came through the door. I am so happy to know that Alex married someone who I know will take great care of her and love her. Just look at the way he is looking at her!

Of Course we were there to celebrate! Ayla flew in from LA and we had such a blast at the reception. Livy got to spend some time with the bride in the brides room, it was very sweet.

Picture Day

2008-09-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

LIV AND JULS

On Labor Day we decided to take Liv and her cousin Julien in for some pitures together. We put them in matching zippies that Grandma Kinder gave them and they did so great! I was so glad that we were able to get some good ones before Livy fell apart. She was thouroughly enjoying all the attention that the photographer was giving her. Julien was so laid back he was just like "whatever" ! Its so amazing how different girls and boys can be!

All Liv wanted to do is suck on her hand because I am pretty sure that she is starting to teeth. They were both drooling drooling drooling...

This is her cute jogging outfit. Do you think I have her in enough pink already?

AND This is where she thinks she is being put down for a nap. Did she get her mothers temper? Hmmm. Don't answer that.

Sleep. How I miss a full night of SLEEP!

2008-08-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

Liv has slept in her crib since she was two months waking twice to eat at night. Now she is four months old she doesn't NEED to eat at night but still likes to wake up...alot. At grandmas last week she slept in the pack and play next to my bed so she got used to me putting her binky in to keep her quiet because I am not used to hearing her everytime she wakes up. Now that we are home she thinks that I live to wake up and put the binky in her mouth all night long. Well last night was the end of that little game, and she didn't take it very well. I am crossing my fingers that she will learn that... yes she can live without her binky and that yes, she can sleep through the night. But it looks like until Livy sleeps...no one sleeps!

Twilight Saga........

2008-08-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Shame Shame Shame on it. I cannot put it down. I cannot get anything done. Who new a book about Vampires and werewolves would be soooo addicting???? Well... a few more chapters in Breaking Dawn and I can get on with my life. Thanks to my sister Liz for getting me hooked.

some more cute pics

2008-08-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

She love the toy that gramdma ryan gave her...

This was a few weeks ago doin what she loves best

just playing in her chair

Highchair Time!

2008-08-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out that Olivia was getting bored with her bouncer and her swing. She doesn't want to be laying down...so I decided it was time to get a highchair! I have to put towels in on both sides of her though because she is still so small She seems to like it as long as I am paying attention to her....she still doesn't want to smile for the camera.

Growing Fast!

2008-08-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

Olivia is growing so fast! She now likes to skoot skoot skoot (sp?) right out of her boppy that she used to like to snuggle in. She's not very chubby but she has some long legs! I love to paint her toes..

She continues to refuse smiling at the camera even though she smiles all the time. She's like, WHAT is that thing? Can you say Elvis lip??!

On Sunday we went to the Park City Arts Festival. She is pretty good at staying in the stroller now as long as we put her in and leave her there. She barely has enough hair in front to stick a bow....so cute! Bryan is pretty cute as well :)

We went to our cousin Laura's wedding at Snow Basin on Saturday, ofcourse I forgot to take any other pics besides Olivia, but it was a beautiful wedding!

Eating her dress

Its getting late daddy!

Poor Bryan has to put up with a million Pics!

Swim Time!

2008-07-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

We took Livy to the pool this weekend. We just dipped her feet in but she seemed to really like it! She looked to cute in her sunhat (which is way to big) and her cute little sun dress.

3 Months Old!

2008-07-18T11:31:00.001-07:00

Olivia was three months old yesterday! She is getting to be so fun. She does plenty of ahgooing and smiling. She loves when we talk to her, her whole face just lights up! She is now going to bed at night around 830 and 9 and she sleeps most the night!! We bought her a crib mirror that lights up and plays music when you pull on the cords and touch the mirror and sure enough, at 6am she was setting off the music!!

Family Reunion

2008-07-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

Over the 4th of July we attended our Olsen Family Reunion in Joes Valley. It was Olivia's first camping experience and she did great! Of course she slept like a baby and I was a nervous wreck at night! Thank goodness for the camper!

Twin Cousins!

2008-06-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to show all of you a cute pic of Olivia and Julian. I guess I am not much of a blogger after looking at all or your blogs! I will get with it....hopefully! I need to figure this thing out, and every time i try the little queen bee needs something asap!

Cousin Julian's Blessing Day!

2008-06-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday Julian was blessed so we went to the brunch at Cara's parents house in Ogden. We took a few family pics. For those of you who don't know....Olivia and Julian were born the very same day!! Hopefully they will grow up to be great friends! I am also hoping that Julian will be her body guard. He's going to be a tuff boy so he can help her daddy keep the boys away!

Some Favorite Pics of Liv~She's almost two months old!

2008-06-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast the first two months has gone! Olivia is finally sleeping in her own in her crib! She has grown out of her newborn diapers and is starting to fit into her 0-3 month outfits. She loves to snuggle so it is hard for me to get much done during the day. I am taking advantage of being able to be home with her so I hold her any chance I get! We have had many outings to see the family is Price, but now that she is not sleeping quite as much she is disliking the carseat more and more! Bryan now has school on the weekends so it looks like we will be staying around more often.