Full Mobilization

After much crying and frustration (Alex, not me), at the age of 8 months and 5 days old, Alex finally crawled forward yesterday. Here is a video. I hope it works. I am so proud of my little guy. Baby gate here we come!

No it is NOT a Hickey

So Alex beat me up a little today. I know the picture isn't super clear but there are bite marks from his two little teeth on my arm. I have been worried about nursing so I'm glad he got my arm instead. Ouch!

Such a Big Boy!

Alex has changed so much the last week or two. He is growing up so fast. Shawn noticed how much he had changed when he was away from him for a week. He crawls really well backwards, rolls all over, pulls himself to stand up against things - like the dishwasher!, and just this evening - after much frustration - Alex finally crawled forward. He says "Hi" when someone walks in the room or says "Hi" to him. He also says Mama and Dada! What a smart little boy! We are so proud of him!

Happy Birthday to me!

So, as Grandma LaRille put it, I am a quarter of a century as of the 6th. I had a pretty good birthday. I had at first thought that my birthday would be really crappy since Shawn was going to be out of town on business. However, it turned out to be pretty good. It started when I called Shawn at 4am to make sure he got up on time and he answered the phone with a "Happy Birthday!" I was pretty impressed that at 4am he was coherent enough to remember. I don't know if I would have. I stayed at my parents house on Sunday night and my mom woke up early Monday morning and made me waffles for breakfast before she had to go to work. During breakfast I opened a card that my sweetie had left at my mom's knowing I would be there at some time on my B-day. He also gave me a gift card to my FAVORITE place - TaiPan Trading Company! Next I headed down to Lehi to have lunch with Grandma LaRille. We had a great time and Alex and I were spoiled rotten! Then I went back to my moms and got some birthday wishes and handmade cards from Lyndsie, Abby and Joslynn. My mom also made me dinner of chicken enchiladas. I got several phone calls during the day and when I got home I had several messages on my answering machine. I was able to talk to Shawn several times during the day. Shawn returned from his trip on Thursday night and was able to stay home on Friday to spend the day with me. We spent the day doing things I wanted to do. One thing we did was visit our friends Toshi and Justin and their new little daughter, Taija. She is so cute! Also, on Sunday before my birthday my mother-in-law insisted on giving me my present when I went over to watch a session of conference with Shawn's family. One thing I really love about my birthday is that is always falls near or on conference weekend. I loved conference (as usual) this year. We are going to read the talks again as a family when the Ensign comes out because Shawn didn't get to watch any conference with his work schedule in DC. Thanks to everyone that made the week Shawn was gone a good one. I don't know what I would have done without you all!

Stow Away

Daddy sometimes has to travel for work. This time Alex decided he was going to try to go with. It's too bad Mom can't fit in there too.

Little Taija

Toshi and I have been friends since 7th grade. Now, 12 years later, we both have little babies. Toshi had Taija on October 2nd by C-section. She was 8lbs 14oz and 21 1/2 inches long. Something that was neat is that Taija Ane was actually due on my birthday but was so big she had to come early. Taija has some beautiful Japanese features since her mom is half Japanese. I love her dark hair (my kids will probably never have) and she has the cutest lips and nose. I just wanted to celebrate with Toshi. Someday, after a sit down with Justin I am sure, Alex may be able to take this beautiful young lady on a date. Congrats you guys! You did great work.

This is a photo from 7th grade.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

You Are Mulan!

Strong and spirited. You're no one's girly girl; actually you are very determined person with a strong sense of self. Never let go of that! The only thing that equals your sense of self is your family, but the traditions of society can always be bent to protect something or someone you love.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

I guess I wasn't surprised by my results. This was fun.