Dance Machine

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. I dropped the ball and didn't take many pictures (I've been taking so many of other families that I forget to take some of my own, lol), but I got a few of Jackson having fun with his Aunts and Uncle. Brandon's sister, Caitlyn came in town from Utah for the week and his cousin Evan came down to visit too. Plus Grandparents, made 12 people for Thanksgiving dinner. I tried a new stuffing recipe (not so good) but I did make a killer cran-apple pie. We did all the usual Thanksgiving traditions including going to the car show, watching football, girls night out to see Twilight saga, and Caitlyn even cut Jackson's hair for me. It was a great time and I am in such a good mood for the holidays that I can't wait to get the tree up tomorrow.

Samantha and Susan

On Saturday I took some pictures of my friend Susan and her family. Her little girl Samantha is turning 2 this week and she was definitely showing her independence. She had a "I will smile when I want to smile," attitude which I personally think is hilarious. She really loved the "horsies" which helped. Although there were not many smiling pictures she is so beautiful it didn't matter. She gets that gorgeous face from her mother and the pictures are amazing, especially of the two of them together. I love mother daughter photos, it gets me really excited for when Lizzy is a little bigger and the bond that we will share.

More Family Shots

This last Sat I took some more family pictures at the Mesa Arts Center. This place is great for pictures because there is a lot of variety and great colors. Here are some of the shots that I got.

Esther and her family were incredible. I had never actually met her before so it was fun to talk with her and get to know her better. Her son was adorable and their whole family is very photogenic. I loved their connection with each other and how much love they shared.Another family that I took were the Taylor's. Kim and her daughter Kendall are part of a playgroup we belong to and they are so much fun. Kendall is the cutest little girl. She loves to run, swing, dance, jump. . .whatever she can do to get away from her mom, lol. They are the cutest little family, always looking fashionable, and smiling. I loved the fact that Kendall likes to lift her dress up like a princess curtsy, even though Kim hates it.The final family on my list are the Coger family who are also in our play group. Michella and her husband have two beautiful little girls. They looked so great in their red dresses and blond hair. The red photographed so well I didn't want to change any of them to black and white which I tend to like more than color. Michella was such a trooper too with a smile on her face even though she had bruised (or maybe even broken) a rib the night before. Maddison was so funny because every time I see her now she is wearing tap shoes, which was not good in this situation because the cement was really slippery, thankfully only 1 minor spill happened.

Happy Birthday Little Girl

Today I had the privilege of taking pictures of a sweet girl Gabriella and her family. She is turning 1 in December and was so cute in her little tutu and birthday shirt. Her family was so beautiful too. They wore all red for their family Christmas pictures which I love because it gets me into the holiday spirit. It was so much fun trying to get her attention and make her laugh, because she is very curious and observant of her surrounding. I had a great time and it was nice to spend time with Heather and talk with her about our babies. Heather is so beautiful it is no wonder she has such a gorgeous and photogenic little girl and so sweet she even brought me some hair clips for Lizzy that she made. Her website is: www.briebrieblooms.com and she has all kind of clips and bows for every occasion. Thanks Heather and family you were great today.

Happy Holiday Pictures

This weekend I had a great opportunity to take some holiday pictures of my friends and their families. All the families were so great and the pictures turned out fantastic. I loved seeing my friends with their loved ones. The weather was perfect overcast too, almost raining, but thankfully it stopped right in time for the pictures. Here are a few shots that I love.

Babies, They are a grown'

Yesterday I took both the kiddos to the doctor for their well-baby checks and shots. I was really nervous about having both of them there at the same time and both of them getting shots at the same time but they were both so brave I didn't need to worry. They both cried for about 2 seconds before I distracted them with treats (Jackson got a sucker and Lizzy got some mommy milk). It is funny because I actually love taking them to the doctor because I get to see how much they have grown and I like the relief that comes from knowing that they are healthy and progressing well, however I hate the shots not because of the pain so much (most of the time it is a quick prick and then its over) but because of the crying. Other than Elizabeth having a traumatic reaction later in the day it went fine.

Jackson is evening out a bit compared to his previous growth spurts. He is now 34inches tall (80%) and 25 lbs (30%). He is talking a lot more now and can say at least 20 words which is actually on the higher end for his age. His motor development is where he really excels. He stacks blocks, is running everywhere, throws a ball pretty far, loves using a fork to eat, and is climbing on everything. I think he is really missing his dad these days because every day Brandon comes home from work and Jackson gives him a big leg hug and refuses to let go. He amazes me every day because he is learning so much and changing so much. I love that I can tell him to do something and he actually does it. He is a really good helper and loves to get the doggies food and unloading the dish washer.

Elizabeth is growing like a weed. She weights 9lbs 14oz (25%) and is 22 1/2inches tall (55%). She is still really skinny and little but her cheeks and tummy are starting to fill out so she is beginning to get that great baby chunk. She talks a lot, sleeps 7 hours a night, and loves looking around at all the lights. She also loves watching her mommy and brother dance in his room every morning. Her head is a little flat on one side so we have to do some neck strengthening and more tummy time (which she hates!). I love that she is so sweet, rarely crys, and is smiling a lot more now. I even heard a little giggle earlier this week.

It has been really fun to see the differences in the two of them. Here is a little comparison of the two.

Both are good sleepers
Elizabeth hates going out and running errands where Jackson hated staying home
Elizabeth is patient (to an extent) where Jackson wants what he wants now
Elizabeth is really wiggly always kicking her legs and arms
Jackson liked to sleep on his side and Lizzy likes her back
Both enjoy their swing from sleeping but nothing else
Both hate tummy time
Elizabeth is a cuddler where Jackson was Mr. Independent



Both kids are happy and healthy which makes me happy and gives me some assurance that I am doing at least a few things right in the mommy department

Update on Christmas Goal

I haven't posted on my weight goal recently so I thought I would give an update. I am down to 133 which means I am only 3lbs away from my pre-baby weight and only 13lbs away from my Christmas goal. I have been this weight for the past 2 weeks so I can tell that I am slowing down, but hopefully exercising more often now will help me get over the hump. Now I want to make it clear to everyone that I am not as much worried about the number on the scale as I am with being happy with the way I look and feel. Right now I am pretty happy, and I am feeling great. Plus I think half my weight is on top from the nursing. . .you moms can relate.

Golfing in Arizona

I know this might be a little inappropriate but I couldn't resist because it is just so dang cute. Brandon's parents just put a put-put golf area in their backyard and Jackson decided to take full advantage of the warm weather and privacy. First he ran through the sprinklers in his clothes with Uncle Cameron and then since he was soaked I took off all his clothes as he continued to run through the sprinklers and then decided to take in some golf on the new course. Only in AZ can you golf naked in November.

A name and a blessing

Last Sunday we blessed Lizzy in church. It was the most spiritual sacrament meeting I have been to in a long time. When you have small children church changes from a weekly spiritual nourishment to a "how do I keep my child entertained for an entire hour". However this past Sunday I really felt like Heavenly Father knew I needed a little more push to help me gain strength for the upcoming week. First Brandon gave a wonderful blessing where he spoke about Lizzy having strength during this trying time, how she will find guidance from her older brother and future siblings and how she will have continuing faith in her father in heaven. It was so moving and simple, which is sometimes the best because the blessing was very direct. Then Brandon bore his testimony and had tears in his eyes which made me cry of course. Finally I bore my testimony about how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family. All of my family was crying including my mother who had never been to church before. Elizabeth looked beautiful in her blessing dress that my mom made her earlier in the week. She looked like an angle or a little doll. The entire meeting was wonderful and I couldn't have asked for a better Sunday.

Halloween 2009

This year Halloween was awesome. Jackson is old enough to know what is going on somewhat, and I love how cute both the kids looked for all the activities. We went to a party for our mom's group and had a blast eating cupcakes and creating cool Halloween crafts. Then last night our ward had a huge Halloween party with games, food, and all the kids dressed up in their fun Halloween gear. Lizzy slept through the whole thing (what do you expect huh?) but Jackson had a great time. He ate baked beans, did a cupcake walk, got his face painted, and even won a toy in the fishing game. I think it was a little overwhelming for him though (over 200 people were there) because he started to get a little tired and worn out before we could do the trunk or treat; which is fine by me . . . less candy. I figure next year we will be able to do some actual trick or treating but my rule is if you can't say "trick or treat" then no candy for you. The best part was that my mom was hear the entire Halloween week and got to partake in all the fun activities.